bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing intensity-duration-frequency equations and spatialization techniques across the Grande River Basin in the state of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Alan de Gois , Souza Neto Izaias Rodrigues de , Costa Veber Afonso Figueiredo , Mendes Ludmilson Abritta
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT Understanding the probabilistic behavior of extreme rainfall on a fine temporal and spatial scales is crucial for design and risk assessment of hydraulic structures. However, information at appropriate resolutions is frequently limited or unavailable at the locations of interest, thereby requiring the estimation of Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves at the regional scale. In this paper, we resort to simplified approaches for rainfall disaggregation and spatialization for deriving a regional IDF equation for the Grande River catchment, in the Brazilian state of Bahia. Our results suggest that, at the daily time scale, the maximum rainfall amounts can be reasonably described by the light-tailed Gumbel distribution in the study region. The spatialization procedures indicated that, whereas both the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and the ordinary kriging techniques could capture the spatial variability of rainfall quantiles, for several durations of practical interest, only the former was able to model the spatial variability of the IDF parameters. Finally, despite the simplifying assumptions, we were able to derive smooth spatial surfaces for the aforementioned quantities, which might be useful for the design of hydraulic structures at ungauged sites.
Adherence to preprints’ publication in Dentistry by Brazilian researchers
Authors: Cenci Jaisson , Cruz Daiane Silva Santos Da , Leite Pedro Dentice Da Silva , Montagner Anelise Fernandes , Cenci Maximiliano Sérgio
Published: December 2022

Aim: The publication in preprint format is an interesting open science practice that allows fast outreach to the society of new scientific findings. However, no previous study has investigated how much this practice has been adopted by dental scientists. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the adherence to the preprint publication format by a sample of Brazilian researchers.

Methods: Searches were carried out, in September 2021, on the MedArxiv, OSF, and SciELO preprints platforms, looking for publications in preprint format by all Brazilian researchers of graduate programs in dentistry (n=211) who were productivity fellows in 2021 (PQ). Searches were performed by typing the authors’ full names and the possible variations, as indicated by each author's curriculum, openly available on the Lattes website platform. The data were analyzed through the Friedman test, with the Durbin-Conover post-hoc (α=0.05) in order to compare the three platforms. Spearman's correlation test (α=0.05) was performed to assess the possible correlations between the number of preprints and age, career stage, and the researcher’s scholarship level variables.

Results: From the 211 researchers searched, 22 (10.4%) published 1 (one) preprint on at least one platform. A total of 39 published preprints were found at MedArxiv (n=19, 48.7%), SciELO preprints (n=18, 46.2%), and OSF platforms (n=2, 5.1%). There was no difference between the adherence to MedArxiv and SciELO preprints (p = 0.731). However, the OSF platform presented the lowest adherence, statistically differing from MedArxiv (p=0.008) and SciELO preprints platforms (p=0.003). In addition, no correlation was found between the publication of preprints and the researcher's age (p=0.128), career stage (p=0.248), or the researcher's scholarship level (p=0.661).

Conclusion: It was possible to observe a low adherence to the preprints publications by Brazilian researchers’ productivity fellows of graduate programs in dentistry.
Reference Values for Isometric Ankle Strength: A Scoping Literature Review and Comparison with Novel Data from 683 Athletes
Authors: Kejžar Luka , Kozinc Žiga , Smajla Darjan , Šarabon Nejc
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was to obtain body-ass-normalized reference values of isometric ankle strength through a thorough literature review and consequent meta-analysis of the acquired data. One hundred thirty-three studies with a total of 3,755 participants were included in the final analysis. The results were sorted by the angle in the knee joint (extended, partially flexed, flexed) while the ankle joint was always in a neutral position. For easier comparison, the results were normalized to body mass (Nm/kg). The adult population (18-65 years) reached higher values than the older adult population (65+ years). In the adult and athlete populations, the plantarflexion strength was highest when the knee was extended. Conversely, the strength values of plantarflexion were highest when the knee was flexed in the elderly population. Dorsiflexion strength was the highest when the knee was partially flexed in all populations. Our results appear to be similar to the results of previous studies using similar measurements on smaller sample sizes. We managed to obtain only a limited range of values for athletes. Consequently, we included an additional analysis of our existing database for ankle strength (683 athletes from 10 different sports). The athletes reached higher values than the general adult population, and there were noticeable differences in strength between individual sports. With the obtained normalized reference values, kinesiologists, trainers, physiotherapists and other experts in the field will be able to better interpret the values they obtain from their own measurements.
Bir devlet üniversitesi öğrencilerinde internet bağımlılığı ve ilişkili faktörler
Authors: KURT Aydın , ÇİLKAYA Bilal , ERŞAN Etem Erdal
Published: December 2022

Amaç: İnternet bağımlılığı (İB), internet kullanımına sınırlama getirememe, sosyal veya akademik zararlarına rağmen kullanıma devam etme ve internete ulaşımın kısıtlandığı durumlarda anksiyete ve gerginlik duyma gibi belirtilerle kendini gösteren bir teknoloji bağımlılığı türüdür. Bu çalışmanın amacı, bir devlet üniversitesi öğrencilerinde İB oranını ve ilişkili olabilecek faktörleri tespit etmekti.
Yöntem ve gereçler: Üniversite kampüsünde gerçekleştirilen çalışmaya 18 yaşını doldurmuş, üniversiteye öğrenci olarak kayıtlı olan ve katılmayı kabul eden 3545 öğrenci dahil edildi. Katılımcıların demografik, sosyo-ekonomik ve internet kullanımıyla ilişkili faktörlerin toplanması için bilgi formu kullanıldı. Katılanlarda İB’yi değerlendirmek için Young İnternet Bağımlılığı Testi Kısa Formu (YİBT-KF) kullanıldı. Verilerin istatistiksel analizi SPSS vers. 23.0 programı ile yapıldı.
Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılan öğrencilerin yaş ortalaması 21.08 +/- 2.29’du ve 2081’i (%58.7) kadındı. Çalışma sonucunda öğrencilerde İB oranı %23 çıktı. Erkek cinsiyet, tek çocuk olmak, bölünmüş ailede yetişmek ve erken yaşta akıllı telefon sahibi olmayla internet bağımlılığı arasında ilişki olduğu gösterildi. İB olanlarda daha fazla psikiyatrik hastalık görüldüğü ve akademik başarısının daha düşük olduğu tespit edildi.
Sonuç: İnternet kullanımının giderek arttığı bir ortamda ülkemizde üniversite öğrencilerde ciddi seviyede İB olduğu gösterilmiştir. İB’ in tanınması, tedavisi, özellikle çocuk ve ergenlerde görülen olumsuz sonuçlarıyla mücadele edilebilmesi için ortak tanı kriterlerinin belirlenmesi ve bu konuyla ilgili sistematik ve geniş katılımlı çalışmaların yapılması gereklidir.
Effect of Vitamin D Levels on Asthma Control in Adults
Authors: ÇİFTÇİ KÜSBECİ Tuba , ARGUN BARIŞ Serap , YILDIZ Füsun , BAŞYİĞİT İlknur , BOYACI Haşim , ILGAZLI Ahmet Hamdi
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of serum vitamin D level on asthma control and pulmonary functions in asthmatic patients. 35 healthy controls and 60 asthma patients were included. Demographic characteristics, ACT and PFT were recorded and laboratory tests were measured. 53 asthmatic patients and 32 controls with decreased vitamin D levels were referred to the Endocrinology Department for vitamin D replacement therapy. In asthmatic patients, ACT and PFT were repeated at third month of therapy. In terms of age, sex, sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, daily sun exposure, calcium-containing diet, and menopausal status, there was no significant difference between asthmatics and controls, and laboratory test findings were similar. Vitamin D levels were low in about 90%. While 71,7% of asthmatic patients were uncontrolled at initial admission, the rate of uncontrolled patients decreased to 13,2% after the post-replacement evaluation. There was a significant increase of ACT with vitamin D replacement. There was also significant increase in FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC after replacement therapy. The mean BMI were high in both groups (≥30 kg/m²). The mean ACT score was lower in obese asthmatics than in non-obese patients, but the difference was not significant. Presence of controlled or uncontrolled disease was similar between the obese and non-obese. According to our findings, vitamin D replacement therapy has a positive effect on asthma control and pulmonary function.
The intrinsic meaning and role of fandom participation as serious leisure among middle-aged women: Focused on the Young-Woong Lim’s fandom, ‘Hero Generation’
Authors:   The Tourism Sciences Society Of Korea, Lee Han-Ah-Reum , Sung Eun-Hye , Bae So Young
Published: December 2022

From the perspective of serious leisure, this study investigates the intrinsic meaning and role of middle-aged women's trot fandom participation. An empirical phenomenological study based on in-depth interviews with 14 members of Young-Woong Lim's fandom, 'Hero Generation,' was conducted to better understand the new cultural phenomenon. According to the findings of the phenomenological research methods and thematic analysis, study participants gained multiple positive experiences based on the six characteristics of serious leisure experienced through fandom participation: perseverance, significant personal effort, leisure career, durable benefit, unique ethos, and identification. As a serious leisure activity, fandom participation provided a sense of pride and empowered middle-aged women to speak out in society. Participants also had someone to whom they could express their passion and love, and they happily reclaimed their identity as mothers. Finally, the trot fandom has played an important role as an alternative social community among middle-aged women, allowing them to fully understand and share their affection for stars while also providing a strong sense of belonging. Through the lens of leisure, this study provides a timely understanding of the emerging fandom culture. It also justifies the importance of the trot fandom in the travel and pop culture industries.
An audit on the accuracy of freehand acetabular cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty with the direct lateral approach at a tertiary institution over seven years
Authors: Erasmus R , Fourie P , Janse van Rensburg C , Jacobs H
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: The direct lateral approach for total hip replacement has been traditionally reserved and described for neck of femur fractures. Advantages of this approach include technically easy access to the acetabulum and femur and low incidence of hip dislocation. Imperfect positioning of the acetabular component leads to increased risk for dislocations, accelerated wear, reduced range of motion and increased revision rate. Freehand technique has been the gold standard for many decades, but newer technologies like computer navigation and robotic-assisted surgery have shown to improve the accuracy of cup placement. This study reports on the accuracy of freehand cup positioning via the direct lateral approach with mention of the dislocation rate METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 253 patients who had total hip replacements done via the direct lateral approach. The patients' files were evaluated for patient parameters, demographic details, aetiology of hip pathology, confirmation of approach used, comorbidities and history of previous relevant surgery. The postoperative radiographs were analysed for acetabular component position inclination and anteversion. Dislocation rates were calculated as a secondary objective RESULTS: The radiographic analysis was performed using the Liaw method based on trigonometry of the eclipse generated. This showed a mean cup inclination of 42.3° (95% CI: 41.3-43.3°) and anteversion of 12.7° (95% CI: 12.0-13.7°). A total of 57% of the acetabular cups were within the safe zones described by Lewinnek. Of them, 78% were in the 30-50° range for inclination and 73% in the 5-25° range for anteversion. There were ten dislocations within one year from the index procedure: a dislocation rate of 4.0% (95% CI: 2.8-8.5% CONCLUSION: The freehand technique using the direct lateral approach for acetabular cup placement produces a poor overall accuracy of only 57%. Although our study only commented on ten dislocations, the rate (4%) is significantly worse compared to the 0.43% reported in literature for the direct lateral approach. The radiographic results for inclination and anteversion are comparable to other freehand techniques, regardless of the approach used, but significantly worse than results achieved with navigation and robotics Level of evidence: Level 4
Retrospective audit of serum vitamin D levels in patients who underwent Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability
Authors: Rachuene A , Dey R , de Villiers S , Berry K , Mulder M , du Plessis J , Roche S
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to review vitamin D levels in patients who underwent Latarjet procedures at a tertiary teaching hospital and a private clinic. METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical and radiological records was performed for 22 patients who underwent Latarjet procedure between November 2017 and June 2019. Postoperative vitamin D levels were retrieved and classified into sufficient (> 75 nmol/L), insufficient (25-75 nmol/L), and deficient (< 25 nmol/L) groups. Two observers assessed radiographic images of the patients at six weeks and three months after surgery. Any bone resorption, fracture and nonunion were reported, and interobserver reliability was analysed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The median age was 20.5 years and was predominantly male. A little more than two-thirds (68.1%) of the patients were found to have insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D. One patient from the insufficient group had postoperative bone resorption. Good interobserver reliability was observed with the ICC value being 0.86. CONCLUSION: This study found a prevalence of insufficient/deficient vitamin D levels in young patients undergoing a Latarjet procedure. This study serves as a reminder to orthopaedic surgeons that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among patients undergoing Latarjet Level of evidence: Level 4.
Overview of Foodborne viruses: Important viruses, outbreaks, health concerns, food Handling and fresh produce
Authors: Sahar Abd Al-Daim
Published: December 2022

Foodborne viruses can transmit through food in lots of ways including consuming items of animal origin containing zoonotic viruses, consuming contaminated food handled by infected food workers, and consuming contaminated food produced by humans. Viral foodborne illnesses are now a major contributor to all foodborne illness reports in recent years and are seen as a rising issue to the public health of humans and animals. Noroviruses and hepatitis A viruses were shown to be predominantly linked to the food-handler transmission and sewage-contaminated foods, according to microbiological research. In order to facilitate source attribution and identify risk preventive measures, routine, standard surveillance of viral outbreaks, and surveillance of virus occurrence in food products, combined with systematic strain typing, food and clinical microbiologists, would be advocated.
Review on the prevalence and economic importance of camel tuberculosis in Ethiopia
Authors: Merga Firdisa Duguma
Published: December 2022

Camel tuberculosis is a chronic disease, which is portrayed by the development of granulomas, essentially in the respiratory tract and related lymph nodes, from which the mycobacteria are discharged and contaminate other susceptible animals. Camel tuberculosis has public health implications, especially in pastoral areas of Ethiopia due to the communities having the habit of consuming raw milk and its products and those who do have consistent or day-to-day contact with their camels. In the pastoral areas of Ethiopia, the camel is the spine of their everyday life and extraordinarily adjusted to cruel conditions camels are for the most part raised in Afar, Somali, and Oromia (Borena, Kereyu and Guji). Camels have a high contribution to the economic development of the country. The pastoral community utilized camel products, such as milk and meat, and used camels for various purposes for example, for transportation, drafting, ploughing land, festivity and rivalry as in dashing. In most parts of Ethiopia, camel milk is accepted as a treatment for gastritis, asthmatics, stomach inconvenience, HIV, Hamot (kar), tuberculosis, fever, urinary issues and hepatitis. Among significant illnesses, tuberculosis is one of the principles, which influence camel’s Health and has a zoonotic impact. In addition to this, the etiological agents are transmitted to humans through an aerogenous route from those animals with active cases in the herd. The infection has been reported from several parts of pastoral areas of the country essentially dependent on tuberculin tests and abattoir inspections. Therefore, attention should be given to the control of tuberculosis in livestock; public health education on the zoonotic importance of the disease or awareness creation and the national tuberculosis control needs to consider the one health approach and further epidemiological studies should be undertaken.
Preparing_Duckweed-Bacteria_Cultures v1
Authors: Acosta Kenneth
Published: December 2022

Protocol to generate duckweed-bacteria cultures to study duckweed-bacteria interactions.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer incidence and cancer care in patients with prostate cancer in the Siberian Federal District
Authors: Zhuikova L. D. , Ananina O. A. , Pikalova L. V. , Kononova G. A.
Published: December 2022

Background. Prostate cancer incidence rates continue to increase every year, therefore, the study of the quality indicators for cancer care, especially during a pandemic, is of great importance.

Aim. To analyze prostate cancer incidence rates and quality indicators of cancer care in the Siberian Federal District.

Materials and methods. For the calculation of cancer incidence rates, population-bases cancer registry data were used. Quality indicators were calculated according to the methodological recommendations of P.A. Hertzen Moscow Oncology Research Institute – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Center.

Results. The implementation of restrictive measures and the suspension of cancer screening programs in 2020 negatively affected the cancer care. The prostate cancer incidence rate decreased from 52.8 per 100 000 population in 2019 to 43.1 per 100 000 population in 2020, especially in the territories of the Republic of Tyva and the Omsk Region. Morphological verification in 2020 decreased compared to 2019 (97.0 % versus 97.8 %), with the exception of the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Republic of Altai. Early prostate cancer detection increased from 62.9 to 64.0 %, and cancer detection at late stages decreased from 36.3 to 35.0 %. One-year mortality in the region decreased from 8.0 % (2019) to 7,3 % (2020), however, it increased significantly in the Republic of Tyva (from 3.2 to 40.0 %) and the Altai Republic (from 3.7 to 10.7 %). The number of patients who have been followed-up for 5 years or more increased from 40.7 to 42.3 %, except for Republic of Altai (from 32.8 to 25.0 %).

Conclusion. Delay in the diagnosis of prostate cancer is associated with advanced stage, poor survival and high cost treatment.
Transperitoneal laparoscopic and robot-assisted resection of anterior and posterior kidney tumors
Authors: Guliev B. G. , Komyakov B. K. , Yakubov Kh. Kh.
Published: December 2022

Background. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted resection of the posterior kidney tumors can be performed through retroperitoneal and transperitoneal accesses. Supporters of retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy point to better results for neoplasms in this location. However, most surgeons use transperitoneal access.

Aim. To perform comparative analysis of the results of laparoscopic and robot-assisted partial resection of anterior and posterior renal neoplasms.

Materials and methods. The results of transperitoneal minimally invasive partial nephrectomy in 156 patients (86 (55.1 %) men and 70 (44.9 %) women) were analyzed. Anterior tumors (1st group) were diagnosed in 96 (61.5 %), posterior (2nd group) in 60 (38.5 %) patients. In the 1st group, mean tumor size was 3.4 ± 1.6 cm; in the 2nd group, 3.2 ± 1.4 cm. In the 1st group, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed in 70 (72.9 %), robot-assisted in 26 (27.1 %) patients; in the 2nd group in 40 (66.7 %) and 20 (33.3 %) patients, respectively. Comparative analysis of operating time, warm ischemia time, complications and glomerular filtration rate was performed.

Results. No conversions into nephrectomy or open interventions were performed. Time of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in the 1st group was shorter than in the 2nd: 108.6 min versus 120.5 min (р >0.05). In robot-assisted partial nephrectomy it was 90.5 and 112.6 min (р >0.05), respectively. For laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, mean warm ischemia time in the 1st group was 15.0 min, in the 2nd group it was 17.5 min (р >0.05); in robot-assisted operation it was 13.2 and 16.0 min (р >0.05), respectively. Blood loss volume was lower in the 1st group compared to the 2nd: 125 ml versus 230 ml (р <0.05). In all patients, renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed; Т1а tumors were predominant (in the 1st and 2nd group, 87.5 and 88.3 %, respectively; р >0.05). Postoperative complications in transperitoneal resection of anterior tumors were observed less frequently: 16.7 % versus 20.0 % (р >0.05). Grade I complications per the Clavien classification in the 1st and 2nd group were observed in 8 (8.3 %) and 6 (10.0 %) patients, grade II in 6 (6.3 %) and 5 (8.3 %) patients, grade III in 2 (2.1 %) and 1 (1.7 %) patients. After resection, urinary leakage through the drain was observed in 2 (2.1 %) patients of the 1st group and 1 (1.7 %) patient of the 2nd group; they underwent drainage of the upper urinary tract using a stent. Blood transfusion in the postoperative period was performed in 2 patients from each group (2.1 and 3.3 %, respectively). In the 1st group, glomerular filtration rate before and after surgery was 68 and 56 ml/min/1.73 m2, in the 2nd group 70.2 and 58.2 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively; no significant difference was observed (р >0.05).

Conclusion. Transperitoneal access allows to safely perform minimally invasive resection of the anterior and posterior kidney tumors with results comparable to the perioperative results of retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy.
New lenvatinib and pembrolizumab combination for metastatic renal cell carcinoma in 1st line drug treatment: comparative effectiveness and safety
Authors: Alekseev B. Ya. , Shevchuk I. M.
Published: December 2022

Currently, combination immunotarget therapy is the treatment standard for patients with disseminated carcinoma of the renal parenchyma. Simultaneous inhibition of immune checkpoints of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 and VEGF/VEGFR signal transduction showed synergistic antitumor effect both in preclinical models and clinical practice.

The article presents the results of phase III CLEAR (NCT02811861) trial.

In the phase III CLEAR (NCT02811861) trial, 1069 patients with renal cell carcinoma with clear-cell component who previously did not receive systemic antitumor therapy were randomized 1:1:1 in groups of lenvatinib (20 mg/day per os) + pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously once in 21 days), combination lenvatinib (18 mg/day per os) + everolimus (5 mg/day per os), and sunitinib (50 mg/day per os for 4 weeks with 2-week interval). The groups included 355, 357, and 357 patients respectively. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) controlled by expertise of an independent central committee per the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v.1.1). Additionally, patient overall survival (OS) and drug therapy tolerability were evaluated.

Median PFS for lenvatinib with pembrolizumab was significantly higher than for sunitinib (23.9 months vs. 9.2 months; progression hazard ratio (HR) 0.39; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.32–0.49; p <0.001). Similar advantage in PFS was observed for lenvatinib with everolimus compared to sunitinib (median PFS 14.7 months vs. 9.2 months; HR 0.65; 95 % CI 0.53–0.8; p <0.001). OS also was higher for lenvatinib and pembrolizumab combination compared to sunitinib (death HR 0.66; 95 % CI 0.49–0.88; p = 0.005). No advantages in OS of lenvatinib and everolimus compared to sunitinib were detected (death HR 1.15; 95 % CI 0.88–1.5; p = 0.3). Frequency of grade III and higher adverse events among patients receiving lenvatinib + pembrolizumab, lenvatinib + everolimus, and sunitinib were 82.4, 83.1, and 71.8 %, respectively.

Pembrolizumab + lenvatinib combination showed high effectiveness in 1st line treatment of renal cell carcinoma compared to sunitinib per PFS and OS values.
Nomograms for predicting local recurrence in prostate cancer patients with a positive resection margin
Authors: Nyushko K. M. , Perepukhov V. M. , Alekseev B. Ya.
Published: December 2022

Background. Prostate cancer patients with a positive resection margin after radical prostatectomy are at risk of developing local recurrence. This risk should be carefully estimated in order to choose an optimal management strategy.

Aim. To develop a nomogram to predict the risk of local recurrence in patients with a positive resection margin using the data on patients who have undergone surgery.

Materials and methods. Routine pathomorphological examination of surgical specimens from 2255 patients with clinically significant local and locally advanced prostate cancer revealed 364 cases of positive resection margin. Statistical analysis allowed us to identify the most significant prognostic factors. Using selected preoperative factors and a mathematical model, we created a nomogram to predict local recurrence in patients with a positive resection margin.

Results. Our nomogram had an accuracy of 93% (area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.9392; p <0.005), sensitivity of 0.99438, and specificity of 0.94545. The most significant prognostic factors included proportion of positive biopsy specimens, Gleason score (International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade estimated at routine pathomorphological examination), and presence and length of positive resection margin.

Conclusion. Our mathematical model and the nomogram based on it are highly accurate for predicting local recurrence and can therefore be used for choosing an optimal management strategy.
Prostate-specific antigen density as a predictor of recurrence-free survival following combined hormonal-radiation therapy of localized prostate cancer
Authors: Kneev A. Yu. , Shkolnik M. I. , Bogomolov O. A. , Verdiev N. D. , Zharinov G. M.
Published: December 2022

Background. Prostate cancer is amongst one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide. Combined hormonal-radiation therapy has become a standard of care for localized prostate cancer definitive treatment. As many as 30 % of men are at risk for disease progression within 10 years following radical treatment.

Aim. To assess the significance of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density as a predictor of recurrence-free survival following combined hormonal-radiation therapy in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Materials and methods. We conducted a retrospective study of 272 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treatment results who received combined hormonal-radiation therapy between January 1996 and December 2016.

Results. On the basis of our study, we confirmed high prognostic value of PSA density among patients with localized prostate cancer who received combined hormonal-radiation treatment. We utilized ROC-analysis in order to determine the threshold value of the PSA density index – 0.376 ng/ml/cm3, exceeding of which was associated with statistically significant reduction in the recurrence-free survival rate. The area under the curve was 0.711 (95 % confidence interval 0.653–0.764; p <0.0001). The risk of recurrence increased with rising of PSA density.

Conclusion. PSA density has proven to be a reliable tool for assessing the risk of prostate cancer recurrence among patients with localized prostate cancer who have undergone combined hormonal-radiation therapy.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Karyakin O. B. , Vorobyov N. V. , Zaborskiy I. N. , Muradyan A. G. , Safiullin K. N. , Taraki I. A. , Demyashkin G. A. , Ivanov S. A. , Kaprin A. D.
Published: December 2022

Background. Bladder cancer is the ninth most common malignant neoplasm worldwide. Hidden metastases at the time of diagnosis are the main reason muscle-invasive bladder cancer has poor prognosis. Even after radical cystectomy, muscleinvasive bladder cancer mostly progresses within 2 years with a recurrence rate of over 50 %. At stages II–IV of the disease, drug treatment is indicated before radical cystectomy. The main goal of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to affect micrometastases, which may be present at the beginning of disease development. The response to ongoing chemotherapy can serve as a predictor of long-term survival.

Aim. To increase effectiveness of bladder cancer treatment.

Materials and methods. A total of 231 patients with bladder cancer were included in the study. The main contingent consisted of men over 60 years old with locally advanced tumors at stage Т2–Т4. Drug therapy was carried out in neoadjuvant mode before surgical treatment. Standard regimens were used: cisplatin + gemcitabine and MVAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, cisplatin). After four courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the results were evaluated. With complete normalization of a patient’s condition, the issue of surgical treatment – radical cystectomy with one of the types of urinary diversion – was decided.

Results and conclusion. The follow-up period for patients after treatment was 62 months. In patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the median overall survival was 44.9 months, in patients without neoadjuvant treatment – 36.8 months with improvement in recurrence-free survival from 32.5 to 39.8 months (p = 0.08). Overall survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved by 8.1 months (p = 0.09).
Technological aspects of creating neopeptide vaccines
Authors: Dmitrieva M. V. , Baryshnikovа M. A. , Orlova O. L. , Kosorukov V. S.
Published: December 2022

Personalized neoantigen vaccines are a group of individually designed cancer vaccines that enhance patients’ own antigen-specific immune responses. These include vaccines based on dendritic cells, DNA, mRNA and synthetic peptides. An analysis of 98 clinical trials of neoantigenic vaccines from the ClinicalTrials.gov database found that peptide vaccines are one of the most popular cancer vaccines, accounting for about 50 % of clinical trials. They usually consist of a mixture of long or short peptides, dissolved depending on their properties in an appropriate solvent, and an adjuvant that stabilizes and increases their effectiveness. The most used immunoadjuvants in the formulation of neopeptide vaccines are Toll-like receptor agonists (poly-ICLC) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. The development of neoantigenic vaccines presents a number of distinctive challenges compared to other types of vaccines. The process should cover and validate the various steps in the development, production and administration processes in order to maximize the efficacy and safety of vaccines. In the technology for the production of peptide vaccines, 3 main stages can be distinguished: 1) screening and identification of neoepitopes using the approaches of computer prediction, co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry and cytotoxic experiments; 2) synthesis of peptides by methods of standard solid-phase synthetic peptide chemistry; 3) actually obtaining a vaccine preparation suitable for storage, transportation and administration to the patient. Taking into account the specificity of the drug, the manufacturing process must be carried out strictly according to the Good Manufacturing Practice standard with mandatory quality control of intermediate and finished products
White Ignorance in Global Education
Authors: MENASHY FRANCINE , ZAKHARIA ZEENA
Published: December 2022

In this qualitative research essay, Francine Menashy and Zeena Zakharia advance Charles Mills’s concept of White ignorance for understanding racial power hierarchies in global education governance. They reveal how global education organizations “sanitize racial inequities and silence conversations on race” and how in global education racism has been largely considered a US-based problem, which denies the fact that White supremacy is a global system. The authors argue that White ignorance has inhibited structural change in global education policies and practices. And while the Black Lives Matter movement has called for a global reckoning with entrenched racism and White supremacy, limited attention has been paid to racial inequities in global education circles.
RISK ASSESSMENT OF LONGWALL MINING DUE TO COAL FACE FAILURE
Authors: Arasteh Hossein , Saeedi Gholamreza , Farsangi Mohammad Ali Ebrahimi
Published: December 2022

Face failure is a typical phenomenon in longwall coal mines that can have a wide range of consequences. Face failure, which includes wall spall and roof collapse occurrences, is a hazardous virus that, if not managed, spreads fast across all stages of coal mining and has the potential to disable the mine. Based on this research, face failure may have a detrimental influence on technical, environmental, community, safety, and economic concerns, and its negative effects will leave an unfavourable legacy for the future. As a result, these impacts can be mitigated by effective management and risk management approaches. The quantitative and qualitative face failure risk model provided in this study has a considerable potential as a suitable tool for decision makers to analyse failure risk. Face failure-related high-risk variables can be discovered using this approach, which also makes comparing various mines easier from a face failure aspect. For validation, the model was evaluated in the Parvadeh, Negin and Pabedana coal mines. The study’s findings revealed that Parvadeh’s face failure risk factor was 5058, indicating a high risk in this mine due to mechanized mining. Furthermore, the scores of the Negin and Pabedana mines were computed as 3019 and 3165, respectively, indicating that they were in the moderate risk category owing to traditional mining.
INFLUENCE OF SWELLING ON SHEAR STRENGTH OF SHALE-LIMESTONE INTERFACE
Authors: El-Latif Mohamed Y. Abd , Awad Tahia , Aly Rasha
Published: December 2022

Rock slope stability is almost controlled by the behaviour of the interface between rock layers. The presence of shale layers between limestone layers complicates this behaviour. As the shale layer undergoes swelling with moisture, it causes the shear interface properties to change with a specific behaviour different from the dry state. The behaviour will depend on the shale’s degree of saturation, swelling percentage, and stress level over shale. An experimental program was carried out to determine the shear interface behaviour parameters of shale-limestone during swelling phenomena to guide stability checks. The interface cohesion and friction angle results are reported along the swelling process and compared with the dry state condition. These results help engineers assign adequate and accurate values for joint shear and normal stiffness in jointed rock slopes, including swelling layers.
Neurotrophic Keratitis: A Review
Authors: Duncan Nicole Weber ,   Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,   University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA, Houser Kourtney H ,   Duke University, Durham, NC, USA, Khandelwal Sumitra S ,   Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
Published: December 2022

Impairment in trigeminal nerve function causes a loss of corneal sensation and can lead to neurotrophic keratitis (NK). This gradual deterioration in the surface integrity of the cornea predisposes to the development of ulcers and may even progress to perforation, posing a risk for profound vision loss. Many common ophthalmic and systemic conditions, such as herpetic infections, ocular surgeries, neurosurgical procedures, multiple sclerosis and diabetes, can elicit NK by injuring the trigeminal nerve. Disease progression can occur rapidly and without symptoms, therefore, detecting NK early is critical. Management aims to halt continuing corneal damage and promote epithelial cell healing and nerve fibre regeneration. Novel treatment options show promise in restoring corneal sensitivity by re-establishing innervation, targeting the fundamental source of NK.
An Update on Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Authors: Tian James ,   Duke University Department of Ophthalmology, Durham, NC, USA, Peralta Esteban ,   Duke University Department of Ophthalmology, Durham, NC, USA, Houser Kourtney ,   Duke University Department of Ophthalmology, Durham, NC, USA
Published: December 2022

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a potentially devastating infection of the ocular surface caused by amoebas of the genus Acanthamoeba. Although the organism is classically known for being difficult to detect and treat, recent advances in the field have greatly improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. In this update, we review the current body of knowledge about AK epidemiology and pathogenesis, discuss the advances in diagnosis with confocal microscopy and polymerase chain reaction, and explore potential novel treatments such as voriconazole, miltefosine, topical steroids, phototherapeutic keratectomy, cross-linking and photodynamic therapy.
Germination and Growth Parameters in Sorghum Cultivars (Sorghum bicolor L.) Effected by Boron Application under Salinity Stress
Authors: GÖKKAYA Tuğba Hasibe , ARSLAN Mehmet
Published: December 2022

The aim of this research is investigating the effects of boron on the germination and growth of three sorghum cultivars at different salinity stress levels. The experiment was arranged as four replications according to the factorial experimental design in completely random blocks The three sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) cultivars (Erdurmuş, Uzun and Gözde 80) selected for the genetic material. NaCl compound was utilized as salt source and solutions were prepared at concentrations of 0-75-150 mM. Boron was applied as H3BO3 at 0-5-10-15 mM. In general regarding growth parameters, the values obtained in Gözde 80 cultivar were determined as the highest averages. Whereas the salinity levels effect was examined in this study, a decrease was determined in the parameters measured as the level of the stress factor increased. Salinity had a high adverse effect at the 150 mM level, and as expected the highest averages were obtained in the control treatments. Low-dose boron applications have possitive effects on germination and growth parameters in this experiment. Therewithal under salinity stress conditions, low-dose boron applications showed affirmative efficacy compared to the control of each condition. In this experiment, determined that boron applications reduce this effect under salinity stress conditions that sorghum seeds may encounter during the germination period, but the boron dose level to be applied should be properly controlled.
La internacionalización de la constitución económica nacional: La problemática recepción del Tratado de Estabilidad, Coordinación y Gobernanza
Authors: Moreno González Gabriel
Published: December 2022

Este estudio pretende analizar la excesiva utilización del derecho internacional con la finalidad de afectar y mutar la constitución económica del Estado social. Para ello se tomará como referencia tanto la insuficiencia de la cláusula de apertura ordinamental del art. 93 de la Constitución como el Tratado de Estabilidad, Coordinación y Gobernanza, el cual ha afianzado el principio de estabilidad presupuestaria. Acto seguido, se analizará el refuerzo internacional de este principio y su convergencia en el modelo económico de la Unión Europea para dilucidar el verdadero alcance de la mutación acaecida en la apertura de la constitución económica nacional.
Más allá de la ley orgánica de financiación de las comunidades autónomas: Implicaciones constitucionales en el diseño del sistema de financiación subcentral
Authors: Guerrero Vázquez Pablo
Published: December 2022

El presente trabajo persigue aportar una perspectiva constitucional al debate sobre la reforma del sistema de financiación autonómica, clarificando el marco conceptual dentro del cual deberá concretarse. Ello nos llevará a estudiar, en primer lugar, cómo los valores superiores del ordenamiento jurídico (libertad e igualdad), y los dos principios que vertebran territorialmente a España (unidad y autonomía) quedan plasmados en los posibles sistemas de financiación subcentral existentes en un plano teórico. También se analiza la relación que se da entre el sistema de financiación escogido —vertiente de los ingresos del sistema— y el diseño del sistema de distribución de competencias —vertiente de los gastos—. Para finalizar, el trabajo desciende de las musas al teatro, y se detiene en el estudio de los rasgos que caracterizan al sistema español de financiación subcentral y, también, en la repercusión que su posible reforma podría tener para los valores y principios reconocidos por el constituyente en 1978.
Identifying Coach and Institutional Characteristics That Facilitate the Development of NCAA Wheelchair Basketball Programs
Authors: Rutland Emily A. , Suttirattana Sakinah C. , Huang Patrick , Ona Ayala Kimberly E. , McGinniss Kevin T. , Tuakli-Wosornu Yetsa A.
Published: December 2022

Background: Despite national and institutional policies, American colleges do not currently provide student-athletes with disabilities equal access to sports opportunities. Disabled youth who wish to pursue their academic and athletic dreams in college thus have prohibitively limited options, even with popular American sports such as basketball.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics and factors that may facilitate the development and perpetuation of collegiate wheelchair basketball programs in the United States.
Methods: Five qualitative interviews were conducted with coaches and/or program administrators of established college wheelchair basketball programs. Interviews were coded and analyzed to explore common themes.
Results: Thematic data analysis uncovered five common themes important to the development and maintenance of these programs: a) coach characteristics, b) actions to recognize and address equity, c) boosters, d) institutional barriers, and e) network effects.
Conclusion: These common factors are important in the development, sustainability, and longevity of college wheelchair basketball programs and should be considered by those interested in starting similar programs.
Spectral analysis of cough sounds of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Budnevsky A. V. , Avdeev S. N. , Ovsyannikov E. S. , Feygelman S. N. , Choporov O. N. , Maximov A. V. , Pertsev A. V.
Published: December 2022

Cough is a frequent manifestation  of COVID-19  (COronaVIrus Disease 2019), therefore,  it has an important  diagnostic value. There is little information  about the characteristics  of cough of COVID-19  patients in the literature.  To perform a spectral analysis of cough sounds in COVID-19 patients in comparison  with induced cough of healthy individuals. Methods. The main group consisted of 218 COVID-19  patients (48.56% – men, 51.44% – women, average age 40.2 (32.4; 50.1) years). The comparison group consisted of 60 healthy individuals (50.0% men, 50.0% women, average age 41.7 (31.2; 53.0) years) who were induced to cough. Each subject had a cough sound recorded,  followed by digital processing using a fast Fourier transform algorithm. The temporal-frequency parameters of cough sounds were evaluated: duration (ms), the ratio of the energy of low and medium frequencies (60 – 600 Hz) to the energy of high frequencies (600 – 6 000 Hz), the frequency of the maximum sound energy (Hz). These parameters  were determined  in relation  to both the entire cough and individual phases of the cough sound. Results. Significant differences were found between some cough parameters  in the main group and in the comparison  group. The total duration  of the coughing act was significantly shorter in patients with COVID-19, in contrast to the induced cough of healthy individuals (T = 342.5 (277.0; 394.0) – in the main group; T (c) = 400.5 (359.0; 457.0) – in the comparison  group; p = 0.0000). In addition,  it was found that the cough sounds of COVID-19  patients are dominated by the energy of higher frequencies as compared  to the healthy controls (Q = 0.3095 (0.223; 0.454) – in the main group; Q (c) = 0.4535 (0.3725; 0.619) – in the comparison  group; p = 0.0000). The maximum frequency of cough sound energy in the main group was significantly higher than in the comparison  group (Fmax = 463.0 (274.0; 761.0) – in the main group; Fmax = 347 (253.0; 488.0) – in the comparison  group; p = 0.0013). At the same time, there were no differences between the frequencies of the maximum energy of cough sound of the individual phases of cough act and the duration of the first phase. Conclusion. The cough of patients with COVID-19 is characterized  by a shorter duration and a predominance of high-frequency energy compared to the induced cough of healthy individuals.
The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio versus neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in prediction of COVID-19 outcome
Authors: Suliman L. , Elwasefy M. , Farrag N. S. , Tawab H. A. , Abdelwahab H. W.
Published: December 2022

Clinical presentation is an undependable prognostic indicator of COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019). So, a more objective predictor is needed to precisely evaluate and classify the prognosis. Immune dysregulation to lymphocytes, mainly T-lymphocytes, have been noticed between COVID-19 patients. The aim. This study was planned to determine the role of platelet-to-lymphocyte count ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in assessment of COVID-19 prognosis. Methods. 70 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 were included in this study. All included patients underwent a consistent clinical, radiological and blood examination. Laboratory analysis was made by means of a commercially accessible kit. Blood cells ratios were computed by dividing their absolute counts. Results. Non-significant association was found between laboratory data and COVID-19 clinical severity. A significant association between CT classification and platelet-to-lymphocyte count ratio (higher value in L type; p = 0.001) was detected. Platelet-to-lymphocyte count ratio was significantly higher among intubated cases. However, Non-significant association was found between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and need of endotracheal intubation. Conclusion. Routine blood values are abnormal in patients with COVID-19. Platelet-to-lymphocyte count ratio ratios could be used as more meaningful biomarker than other values in predicting the prognosis of COVID-19. LMR helpful in COVID-19 severity.