bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measures of neck muscle strength and their measurement properties in adults with chronic neck pain—a systematic review
Authors: Abichandani Deepa , Ting Jonathan Tong Yuk , Cancino Edith Elgueta , Althobaiti Shouq , Falla Deborah
Published: January 2023

Background

Measurement of neck muscle strength is common during the assessment of people with chronic neck pain (CNP). This systematic review evaluates the measurement properties (reliability, validity, and responsiveness) of neck muscle strength measures in people with CNP.

Databases and data treatment

This systematic review followed a PROSPERO registered protocol (CRD42021233290). Electronic databases MEDLINE (OVID interface), CINAHL, SPORTDiscuss via (EBSCO interface), EMBASE (OVID interface), and Web of Science were searched from inception to 21 June 2021. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment (Consensus-based Standards for the selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist) were conducted independently by two reviewers. The overall strength of evidence was evaluated using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results

From 794 records, nine articles were included in this review which concerned six different neck strength outcome measures. All studies evaluated reliability and one evaluated construct validity. The reliability of neck strength measures ranged from good to excellent. However, the risk of bias was rated as doubtful/inadequate for all except one study and the overall certainty of evidence was rated low/very low for all measures except for the measurement error of a handheld dynamometer.

Conclusion

A multitude of measures are used to evaluate neck muscle strength in people with CNP, but their measurement properties have not been fully established. Further methodologically rigorous research is required to increase the overall quality of evidence.
My collaboration with Jean Ginibre
Authors: Velo Giorgio
Published: January 2023

The history of the long-standing scientific collaboration between Jean Ginibre and Giorgio Velo is presented. The most important results obtained for a number of nonlinear dispersive partial differential equations of interest in pure mathematics and applied physics are described.
Effect of crevice density on biological soil crust development on rock cut slope in mountainous regions, Sichuan, China
Authors: Zhao Maoqiang , Pu Wanqiu , Du Jie , Liu Wenhu , Zhang Qian , Liu Yanmei , Xiao Li , Ai Yingwei , Huang Chengmin
Published: January 2023

Background

The rock cut slope (RCS) could cause damage to regional ecological functions and landscapes and requires recovery. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are pioneer and dominant colonizers during the initial recovery stage. To accelerate the natural recovery of RCS, the development process and influencing agents of BSC should be revealed. Thus, the area index of crevices (IR), BSC coverage (COV) and biomass (BM), soil weight (SW), and major soil nutrients [organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP)] content, collected from 164 quadrats on 13 RCSs in the mountainous area of west Sichuan Province, China, were measured, to explore the effect of crevice of RCS on BSC development.

Results

Soil OC, TN and TP on RCSs ranged from 18.61 to 123.03 g kg−1, 0.96 to 6.02 g kg−1 and 0.52 to 2.46 g kg−1, respectively, and were approximately to or higher than those on natural slopes. The OC, TN and TP contents in soils elevated unsystematically with recovery time of RCSs. BSCs on RCS distributed along crevices generally and firstly. During the first 13 years of natural recovery, COV, BM and SW ranged from 6.5 to 28.2%, 14.43 to 67.25 g m−2, and 127.69 to 1277.74 g m−2, respectively. COV, BM and SW increased linearly with IR on RCSs. The positive correlation between COV and BM and IR was insignificantly impacted by bedrock, slope aspect and altitude within the recovery time less than 13 years. COV and BM on RCSs increased significantly when the recovery time is more than 27 years.

Conclusions

Crevice on RCSs could be a major environmental factor which is conducive to BSC development and soil accumulation through creating a space for water and soil particle. Furthermore, with the increase of recovery time of RCSs, BSCs may grow and reach a stable state with the promotion of soil nutrients, plant growth and microbial activity. These results provide a development process of BSC that from inside to outside the crevices on RCSs. In the areas with stable rock strata and a low risk of geological disasters, purposeful improvement in crevice density on RCS may effectively accelerate BSC development.
Disruptive business value models in the digital era
Authors: Sewpersadh Navitha Singh
Published: January 2023

The coronavirus pandemic illustrated how rapidly the global environment could be disrupted on many levels but also drive an acceleration in others. Business leaders are grappling with dysfunctional business models that are ill-equipped to manage the disruptive environment of growing artificial intelligence. Hence, this study examined the discontinuous shift in the scope and culture of business models by exploring interdisciplinary streams of literature. An integrative review methodology was used in this study to develop theoretical constructs relating to business model innovation in the services sector. Key propositions were an innovation continuum, a responsive business innovation model and value architecture, which inculcates a sustainable value creation proposition and market advantage. Businesses must continuously evolve on the high end of the innovation continuum to reduce the risk of innovation apathy and strategic myopia. A key contribution of this study was the interdependencies in value networks that allow for collaborative working and co-creation of resources, such as crowdsourcing, crowdworking and social media platforms. This study also showed the growing importance of a centre of excellence to function at the forefront of disruptive technologies. A key finding was the need for governance structures to recognise and manage the trade-offs between value drivers, which sometimes may conflict with societal benefits. The integrative review revealed that customer relationship management, global business services and artificial intelligence had not been unified in the extant literature, which makes this paper novel in its contribution to businesses struggling with or opposed to the digital revolution.
Increasing cure rates of solid tumors by immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Ma Weijie , Xue Ruobing , Zhu Zheng , Farrukh Hizra , Song Wenru , Li Tianhong , Zheng Lei , Pan Chong-xian
Published: January 2023

Immunotherapy has become the central pillar of cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a major category of tumor immunotherapy, reactivate preexisting anticancer immunity. Initially, ICIs were approved only for advanced and metastatic cancers in the salvage setting after or concurrent with chemotherapy at a response rate of around 20–30% with a few exceptions. With significant progress over the decade, advances in immunotherapy have led to numerous clinical trials investigating ICIs as neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapies for resectable solid tumors. The promising results of these trials have led to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of ICIs as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies for non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, triple-negative breast cancer, and bladder cancer, and the list continues to grow. This therapy represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, as many early-stage cancer patients could be cured with the introduction of immunotherapy in the early stages of cancer. Therefore, this topic became one of the main themes at the 2021 China Cancer Immunotherapy Workshop co-organized by the Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, the China National Medical Products Administration and the Tsinghua University School of Medicine. This review article summarizes the current landscape of ICI-based immunotherapy, emphasizing the new clinical developments of ICIs as curative neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies for early-stage disease.
Acutely enhancing affective state and social connection following an online dance intervention during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis
Authors: Humphries Ashlee , Tasnim Noor , Rugh Rachel , Patrick Morgan , Basso Julia C.
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many throughout the world to isolate themselves from their respective communities to stop the spread of disease. Although this form of distancing can prevent the contraction of a virus, it results in social isolation and physical inactivity. Consequently, our communities have become heavily reliant on digital solutions to foster social connection and increase physical activity when forced to isolate. Dance is a multidimensional form of physical activity that includes sensory, motor, cognitive, rhythmic, creative, and social elements. Long-term, interventional studies in dance have shown positive effects on both mental and social health; however, little has been done to examine the acute effects and no studies to date have explored the relationship between the affective state and social outcomes of dance. We examined the hypothesis that online dance is associated with improvements in affective state and social connection during a time of social isolation, namely, the COVID-19 crisis. Healthy adults (age ≥ 18; n = 47) engaged in a single session of 60 min of self-selected online dance, completing a series of validated self-reported questionnaires before and after class. We found that online dance was associated with improvements in affective state as measured by increased positive affect and self-esteem and decreased negative affect and depressive symptoms. Additionally, online dance was associated with improvements in social and community connectedness. Further, we found that those who experienced the largest increases in self-esteem and decreases in negative affect demonstrated the largest gains in social connectivity. Although in-person dance classes may be optimal for formalized dance training, online dance instruction offers an accessible platform that can provide mental and social health benefits during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis. We conclude that through online dance, individuals can experience a connection between the body, mind, and community.
Clinico-pathological and epigenetic heterogeneity of diffuse gliomas with FGFR3::TACC3 fusion
Authors: Métais Alice , Tauziède-Espariat Arnault , Garcia Jeremy , Appay Romain , Uro-Coste Emmanuelle , Meyronet David , Maurage Claude-Alain , Vandenbos Fanny , Rigau Valérie , Chiforeanu Dan Christian , Pallud Johan , Senova Suhan , Saffroy Raphaël , Colin Carole , Edjlali Myriam , Varlet Pascale , Figarella-Branger Dominique ,   The Biopathology RENOCLIP-LOC network, Rousseau A. , Godfraind C. , Gauchotte G. , Mokhtari K. , Bielle F. , Escande F. , Fina F.
Published: January 2023

Background

Gliomas with FGFR3::TACC3 fusion mainly occur in adults, display pathological features of glioblastomas (GB) and are usually classified as glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype. However, cases demonstrating pathological features of low-grade glioma (LGG) lead to difficulties in classification and clinical management. We report a series of 8 GB and 14 LGG with FGFR3:TACC3 fusion in order to better characterize them.

Methods

Centralized pathological examination, search for TERT promoter mutation and DNA-methylation profiling were performed in all cases. Search for prognostic factors was done by the Kaplan–Meir method.

Results

TERT promoter mutation was recorded in all GB and 6/14 LGG. Among the 7 cases with a methylation score > 0.9 in the classifier (v12.5), 2 were classified as glioblastoma, 4 as ganglioglioma (GG) and 1 as dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET). t-SNE analysis showed that the 22 cases clustered into three groups: one included 12 cases close to glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype methylation class (MC), 5 cases each clustered with GG or DNET MC but none with PLNTY MC. Unsupervised clustering analysis revealed four groups, two of them being clearly distinct: 5 cases shared age (< 40), pathological features of LGG, lack of TERT promoter mutation, FGFR3(Exon 17)::TACC3(Exon 10) fusion type and LGG MC. In contrast, 4 cases shared age (> 40), pathological features of glioblastoma, and were TERT-mutated. Relevant factors associated with a better prognosis were age < 40 and lack of TERT promoter mutation.

Conclusion

Among gliomas with FGFR3::TACC3 fusion, age, TERT promoter mutation, pathological features, DNA-methylation profiling and fusion subtype are of interest to determine patients’ risk.
Pre-eruption magmatic processes and magma plumbing system at Hachijo-Nishiyama volcano, Izu–Bonin arc, Japan
Authors: Oiwa Kazuki , Kuritani Takeshi , Nakagawa Mitsuhiro , Yoshimura Shumpei
Published: January 2023

Nishiyama volcano on Hachijojima Island is an active basaltic volcano located in the Izu–Bonin arc. In this study, petrological and geochemical analyses were conducted on mafic lavas and pyroclastics to understand the magma plumbing system and pre-eruption magmatic processes. Whole-rock major element compositions show significant variations (49.4–54.9 wt.% SiO2), and the samples contain variable amounts of plagioclase phenocrysts (1–40 vol.%). The whole-rock Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions of samples from the youngest volcanic stage (< 0.7 ka) are homogeneous, whereas some samples from the older stage (3–1 ka) have relatively low Pb isotopic ratios. This observation suggests that the younger magmas were derived from a single parental magma, but another parental magma with distinct geochemical features was involved in the magmatic system before 1 ka. The temporal variation in the FeO*/MgO ratios of the volcanic products is complex and is considered to reflect the intermittent injection of primitive magmas into the main magma chamber in which fractional crystallization occurred. Two-pyroxene geobarometry suggests that the main magma chamber was located at a depth of 9–12 km. The core region of some plagioclase phenocrysts consists of a glass inclusion-free inner core and an inclusion-rich outer mantle, suggesting that some plagioclase crystallized in the main magma chamber, which was followed by overgrowth during magma ascent because of increasing liquidus temperatures due to decompression-induced water exsolution from the melt. The whole-rock compositions of some eruption units with different Al2O3/MgO ratios exhibit distinct plagioclase-controlled trends, which negates the possibility that plagioclase accumulation occurred in a stable magma chamber. In addition, the density of plagioclase was higher than that of the melt during the magma ascent to the surface. From these observations, it is suggested that the accumulation of plagioclase phenocrysts occurred in ascending magmas as the plagioclase settled relative to the surrounding melt. The estimated depth of 9–12 km for the main magma chamber coincides with the depth range over which earthquake swarms occurred in 2002, suggesting that the magma chamber is still active, and that the earthquake swarms may reflect the injection of primitive magma into the magma chamber.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of efficacy of needle-free injection versus injection by needle for iron supplementation of piglets: a double blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tobias T. J. , Vernooij J. C. M. , van Nes A.
Published: January 2023

Background

In pig husbandry, most piglets receive an intramuscular injection with iron around three days of age for the prevention of hypochromic, microcytic anaemia. In recent years an increased interest is noted for needle-free injections, because of efficiency and safety for man and animal. This study aims to support the evidence on efficacy to extent the registration of a commercial iron supplement with a needle-free administration application. To this aim the study has two objectives: 1) to determine the effect of needle-free injection of the iron supplement on the mean blood Haemoglobin level at weaning, as primary outcome, and mean Haematocrit and mean Body weight of pigs at weaning as secondary outcome compared to no treatment, as main determinant of iron deficiency anaemia in piglets at time of weaning; 2) to compare the effects of needle-free administration of the iron supplement with regular injection by needle, with regard to the course over time of Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, piglet growth and the differentiated haematological and serum iron parameters.

Methods

A double blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 72 piglets, 8 piglets per litter from 9 litters. At three days of age pigs were selected, based on body weight, and random allocated to three study groups: a) control non-treated group (2 pigs per litter, 18 in total), b) a group with regular iron injection by needle injection (3 pigs per litter, 27 in total), c) a group that received iron by needle-free injection (3 pigs per litter, 27 in total). At four points in time (day 3, 14, 26 and 40) piglets were weighed and bled to analyse the dynamics of red blood counts and haematological parameters as well as serum iron parameters. The primary outcome parameter was the Haemoglobin (Hb) level on day 26. Of secondary importance were Haematocrit (Ht) and body weight (BW) at weaning and parameters with tertiary importance were the course of Hb, Ht and differentiated red blood cell parameters, serum iron, iron binding capacity and iron saturation. In the statistical analyses, linear mixed effect regression modelling was used to account for repeated measures within litters and pigs.

Results

The analyses showed that needle-free administration was as efficacious to prevent iron deficiency anaemia at day 26 as administration using regular needle injection, compared to the control group. The mean level of Hb and Ht of pigs in the needle and needle-free group did not differ significantly. No side effects were observed.

Conclusion

It is concluded that needle-free iron administration of the tested product is as efficacious as regular administration by needle injection.
Data envelopment analysis for scale elasticity measurement in the stochastic case: with an application to Indian banking
Authors: Amirteimoori Alireza , Sahoo Biresh K. , Mehdizadeh Saber
Published: January 2023

In the nonparametric data envelopment analysis literature, scale elasticity is evaluated in two alternative ways: using either the technical efficiency model or the cost efficiency model. This evaluation becomes problematic in several situations, for example (a) when input proportions change in the long run, (b) when inputs are heterogeneous, and (c) when firms face ex-ante price uncertainty in making their production decisions. To address these situations, a scale elasticity evaluation was performed using a value-based cost efficiency model. However, this alternative value-based scale elasticity evaluation is sensitive to the uncertainty and variability underlying input and output data. Therefore, in this study, we introduce a stochastic cost-efficiency model based on chance-constrained programming to develop a value-based measure of the scale elasticity of firms facing data uncertainty. An illustrative empirical application to the Indian banking industry comprising 71 banks for eight years (1998–2005) was made to compare inferences about their efficiency and scale properties. The key findings are as follows: First, both the deterministic model and our proposed stochastic model yield distinctly different results concerning the efficiency and scale elasticity scores at various tolerance levels of chance constraints. However, both models yield the same results at a tolerance level of 0.5, implying that the deterministic model is a special case of the stochastic model in that it reveals the same efficiency and returns to scale characterizations of banks. Second, the stochastic model generates higher efficiency scores for inefficient banks than its deterministic counterpart. Third, public banks exhibit higher efficiency than private and foreign banks. Finally, public and old private banks mostly exhibit either decreasing or constant returns to scale, whereas foreign and new private banks experience either increasing or decreasing returns to scale. Although the application of our proposed stochastic model is illustrative, it can be potentially applied to all firms in the information and distribution-intensive industry with high fixed costs, which have ample potential for reaping scale and scope benefits.
The method of residual-based bootstrap averaging of the forecast ensemble
Authors: Ivanyuk Vera
Published: January 2023

This paper presents an optimization approach—residual-based bootstrap averaging (RBBA)—for different types of forecast ensembles. Unlike traditional residual-mean-square-error-based ensemble forecast averaging approaches, the RBBA method attempts to find optimal forecast weights in an ensemble and allows for their combination into the most effective additive forecast. In the RBBA method, all the different types of forecasts obtain the optimal weights for ensemble residuals that are statistically optimal in terms of the fitness function of the residuals. Empirical studies have been conducted to demonstrate why and how the RBBA method works. The experimental results based on the real-world time series of contemporary stock exchanges show that the RBBA method can produce ensemble forecasts with good generalization ability.
Fatigue assessment and its predictors in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease stages III to V
Authors: Ramadan Yasmin , Elkoofy Nehal , Sabry Samar , Mansour Ghada , El-Anwar Noha
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic fatigue is an intense subjective feeling of mental or physical exhaustion. It influences patients’ daily functioning and quality of life, delays recovery, and increases mortality, especially in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The aim of this study is to assess and determine predictors of chronic fatigue in children with ESRD, dialysis, and pre-dialysis stages that can affect the patients’ quality of life (QOL).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 114 patients diagnosed with CKD stages III to V, following at the nephrology outpatient clinic and hemodialysis (HD) unit of Cairo University Children’s Hospital during the period September 2020 till April 2021. Demographic and laboratory data of patients were gathered, and dialytic analysis in the form of frequency, duration of dialysis sessions, and adequacy of hemodialysis was calculated. The fatigue severity score (FSS) questionnaire was used to assess fatigue’s effects on daily functions, querying its relationship to motivation, physical activity, work, family, and social life.

Results

The mean age in the current study was (8.8 ± 1.8) years, with 62% being males. The median FSS score was 5.8, with a higher FSS score in stage V CKD patients. High e-GFR, serum sodium, folic acid, and L-carnitine supplementation all reduced the intensity of fatigue, while prolonged HD duration, acidosis, hypertension, and non-compliance to vitamin D replacement increased tiredness severity.

Conclusion

Routine fatigue assessment and measures to reduce it is a fundamental issue in pediatric CKD patients for better QOL.
Enclosing contour tracking of highway construction equipment based on orientation-aware bounding box using UAV
Authors: Guo Yapeng , Xu Yang , Li Zhonglong , Li Hui , Li Shunlong
Published: January 2023

Construction equipment tracking of highway construction site can obtain the spatiotemporal location in real time and provide data basis for construction risk control. The complete 2D moving of construction equipment in surveillance videos could be spatially represented by the translation, rotation and size change of corresponding images. To describe the temporal relationships of these variables, this study proposes a construction equipment enclosing contour tracking method based on orientation-aware bounding box (OABB), where UAV surveillance videos are employed to alleviate the occlusion problem. The method balances the rotation insensitivity of horizontal bounding box and the complexity of pixel-level segmented contour, which has three modules. The first module integrates OABB into a deep learning detector to provide detected contours. The second module updates OABBs with Kalman prediction to output tracked contours. The third module manages IDs of multiple tracked contours for construction equipment motions. Five in-situ UAV videos including 4325 frames were employed as the evaluation dataset. The tracking performance achieved 2.657 degrees in angle error, 97.523% in MOTA and 83.243% in MOTP.
COVID-19 pandemic: perception, attitude, and practices of university students from health sector faculties
Authors: Osman Basma Mohamed , Abdelrheem Shaimaa S. , El Sabaa Ramy M. , Yousef Farida Kamel , Hussein Aliae A. R. Mohamed , Abuelkassem Nermen M. , Atlam Salwa A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Adherence to preventive control measures is influenced by perception, attitudes, and practices toward the disease prevention.

Aim

To assess the perceptions, attitude, and practices of university students in three health sector faculties (Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy) from six Egyptian universities towards COVID-19 pandemic prevention.

Methods

An electronic online survey was distributed to students of 3 faculties (Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing) in six Egyptian universities from March to July 2021. The questionnaire consists of the following parts: socio-demographic data of participants, student perception and attitude towards the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, as well as practices of preventive measures in the community.

Results

The study included 1990 participants. Most respondents perceived the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic (88.2%). The rates of practicing precautionary measures were mostly high (approximately 90% or above). Significantly high attitude scores toward the pandemic were detected in people with quite-to-extremely concerned, very good/excellent status, aware of infection risk, willing to report positive cases and avoiding contact with them, and seeking medical advice regarding infection. The attitude to protective measures followed a similar pattern along with average health status, female students, and avoidance of contact when experiencing flu symptoms. Significantly higher practice scores were observed in those with bad health status, rural areas, perceiving the risk of infection, willing to report positive cases, and avoiding contact with positive cases.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of precautionary measures should be stressed to promote positive student practices.
The impact of the density delay on the traffic evolution process in lattice hydrodynamic model under lane change on two lanes
Authors: Li Xiaoqin , Jin Can , Peng Guanghan
Published: January 2023

With the increase of the number of vehicles on the road, the traffic density increases gradually. Consequently, the density variation will have an important impact on the traffic dynamic behaviors. Hence, a new lattice hydrodynamic model is constructed by considering the density delay effect concerning the difference between the delayed density and the current density about the leading site on two lanes. The linear stable condition involving the density delay effect is inferred via theory analysis for two-lane traffic flow, which reveals that the density delay effect broadens the stable region in a two-lane system. Moreover, numerical simulation demonstrates that the density delay effect smooths traffic congestion and improves the stability of traffic flow under lane change on two lanes according to the density waves and the hysteresis loops.
Developing Future Biologists: developmental biology for undergraduates from underserved communities
Authors: Graniel Jacqueline V. , Teitel Jessica , Glineburg M. Rebecca , Cohen Erez , Buttitta Laura A. , Barolo Scott , Allen Benjamin L.
Published: January 2023

Developing Future Biologists (DFB) is an inclusive, trainee-run organization that strives to excite and engage the next generation of biologists, regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status, in the field of developmental biology. DFB offers a week-long course consisting of active lectures, hands-on laboratory sessions, and professional development opportunities through interactions with scientists from a variety of backgrounds and careers. A major goal of DFB is to propel undergraduate students from underserved communities to pursue biomedical research opportunities and advanced degrees in science. To achieve this goal, we provide DFB participants with continuing access to a diverse network of scientists that students can utilize to secure opportunities and foster success throughout multiple stages of their research careers. Here, we describe the flourishing DFB program at the University of Michigan to encourage other institutions to create their own DFB programs.
Accelerated atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Raj Rhea , Thomas Sneha , Gorantla Vasavi
Published: January 2023

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly prevalent, chronic inflammatory condition of the synovial joints that affects approximately 1% of the global population. The pathogenesis of RA is predominantly inflammatory in nature, thereby accelerating the co-occurrence of other immunoinflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis. Apart from traditional cardiovascular risk factors, RA patients possess a multitude of other factors that predispose them to early atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the prevalence of premature atherosclerosis in RA patients and elucidate the role that proinflammatory cytokines, RA-related autoantibodies, and endothelial dysfunction play in the pathophysiology of RA-mediated atherosclerosis. We also discussed novel biomarkers that can be used to predict early atherosclerosis in RA and current guidelines used to treat RA.

Methods: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines to select and analyze relevant articles. A literature search for articles was performed on February 25, 2022, through three research databases including PubMed, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect. The query used to identify relevant publications was “Rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis” and the search duration was set from 2012-2022. Relevant articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Our initial search generated 21,235 articles. We narrowed our search according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After assessing eligibility based on the full content of the articles, 73 articles were ultimately chosen for this review.

Conclusion: There is an increased prevalence of accelerated atherosclerosis among RA patients. We found evidence to explain the role of proinflammatory cytokines, RA-related autoantibodies, and endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology RA-mediated atherosclerosis. Therapies targeting either the inflammatory load or traditional CV risk-factors seem to improve vascular outcomes in RA patients. Novel markers of atherosclerosis in RA may be useful in predicting premature atherosclerosis and serve as new targets for therapeutic intervention.
Application of Fuzzy Deep Neural Networks for Covid 19 diagnosis through chest Radiographs
Authors: Yadlapalli Priyanka , D Bhavana
Published: January 2023

Background: The increasing number of COVID-19 patients around the world and the limited number of detection kits pose a challenge in determining the presence of the disease. Imaging modalities such as X-rays are commonly used because they are readily available and cost-effective. Deep learning has proved to be an excellent tool because of the abundance of online medical images in various medical modalities, such as X-Ray, computerized tomography (CT) Scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A large number of medical research projects have been proposed and launched since early 2020 due to the overwhelming use of deep learning techniques in medical imaging.

Methods: We have used fuzzy logic and deep learning to determine if chest X-ray images belong to people who have pneumonia related to COVID-19 and people who have interstitial pneumonias that aren't related to COVID-19.

Results: In comparison to the current literature, the proposed transfer learning approach is more successful. It is possible to classify covid, viral, and bacterial pneumonia or a healthy patient using ResNet 18 Architecture's four-class classifiers. The proposed method achieved a 97% classification accuracy, 96% precision, and 98% recall in the case of COVID-19 detection using chest X-ray images, which demonstrates the importance of deep learning in medical image diagnosis.  Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the proposed technique has the maximum sensitivity rate, with 97.1% ratio. Finally, with a 97.47% F1-score rate, the proposed strategy yields the highest value when compared to the others.

Conclusions: DeepLearning techniques and fuzzy features resulted in an improved classification ability, with an accuracy rate of up to 97.7% using ResNet 18, which is a better value when compared to the remaining techniques. Classification of COVID-19 scans and other pneumonia cases have been done successfully by demonstrating the potential for applying such deep learning techniques in the near future.
Identification of the SIRT1 gene's most harmful non-synonymous SNPs and their effects on functional and structural features-an in silico analysis
Authors: Thayyil Menambath Desy , Adiga Usha , Rai Tirthal , Adiga Sachidananda , Shetty Vijith
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The sirtuin (Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog)1(SIRT1) protein plays a vital role in many disorders such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, inflammation, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this in silico analysis of SIRT1's functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was to gain valuable insight into the harmful effects of non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) on the protein. The objective of the study was to use bioinformatics methods to investigate the genetic variations and modifications that may have an impact on the SIRT1 gene's expression and function.

Methods: nsSNPs of SIRT1 protein were collected from the dbSNP site, from its three (3) different protein accession IDs. These were then fed to various bioinformatic tools such as SIFT, Provean, and I- Mutant to find the most deleterious ones. Functional and structural effects were examined using the HOPE server and I-Tasser. Gene interactions were predicted by STRING software. The SIFT, Provean, and I-Mutant tools detected the most deleterious three nsSNPs (rs769519031, rs778184510, and rs199983221).

Results: Out of 252 nsSNPs, SIFT analysis showed that 94 were deleterious, Provean listed 76 dangerous, and I-Mutant found 66 nsSNPs resulting in lowered stability of proteins. HOPE modelling of rs199983221 and rs769519031 suggested reduced hydrophobicity due to Ile 4Thr and Ile223Ser resulting in decreased hydrophobic interactions. In contrast, on modelling rs778184510, the mutant protein had a higher hydrophobicity than the wild type.

Conclusions: Our study reports that three nsSNPs (D357A, I223S, I4T) are the most damaging mutations of the SIRT1 gene. Mutations may result in altered protein structure and functions. Such altered protein may be the basis for various disorders.  Our findings may be a crucial guide in establishing the pathogenesis of various disorders.
Polymorphism studies and candidate genes associated with litter size traits in Indonesian goats. a systematic review
Authors: Abuzahra Mutasem , Abu Eid Loay , Effendi Mustofa Helmi , Mustofa Imam , Lamid Mirni , Rehman Saifur
Published: January 2023

Background: Litter size (LS) is a significant, challenging, and economical aspect of the goat industry in Indonesia. It is influenced by several different factors and genes; consequently, identifying potential genes and loci associated with litter size has become a genetic problem. Several genetic indicators have been found to be associated with litter size in goats. This has prompted the need to discuss candidate genes associated with litter size in goats in Indonesia.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using critical databases including ResearchGate, Google Scholar, PubMed, Google search engine and Science direct. There were any exclusion criteria, they were as follows: articles published in languages other than English, Conference papers, short communication papers and papers not related to animals. After reviewing the abstracts of 42 publications, the remaining 17 investigations were chosen for full paper evaluation. A further eight studies were removed after a comprehensive evaluation of the publications because they did not match our inclusion criteria.

Results: These markers include growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IB (BMPR1B), and kisspeptin (KISS1). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes contribute to the development of novel genetic markers that helps in the selection of goats with the most favorable genotypes for litter size. This type of genetic selection is more successful than the traditional way of selecting animals for reproductive traits, particularly litter size.

Conclusions: As a result, this study summarizes the genetic impacts of polymorphisms in candidate genes associated with litter size features in Indonesian goats.
Chronic kidney disease to osteoporosis: histopathological analysis on animal model with unilateral ureteral obstruction method
Authors: Ermawan Rieva , Soetrisno Soetrisno , Purwanto Bambang , Wasita Brian , Helmi Zairin Noor
Published: January 2023

Background: One of the most frequent complications due to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the occurrence of disturbances in mineral metabolism.. Increased bone remodeling results in osteopenia, which can progressively lead to osteoporosis. Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) are one of the most well-known and easy-to-obtain laboratory test animals. Data regarding the duration of bone pathological progression in CKD-induced Wistar strain rats by the unilateral ureteral obstruction method are limited.

Methods: This was a descriptive observational study, with a prospective cohort approach. The aim was to determine the histopathological onset of osteoporosis in Wistar rats with the CKD model. We used 13 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The CKD rat models were randomized and put into four containers, each containing three rats. Each group was treated in the same way for predetermined durations, which were the 7th day, 14th day, 21st day, and 28th day after CKD modeling, before being sacrificed for femoral bone histopathological collection.

Results: On the 7th day after CKD modeling, we discovered thickening of the periosteal fibrous tissue. On the 14th and 21st days, there was an increase in the thickness of the periosteal fibrous tissue in the metaphyseal and diaphyseal areas. This thickening progression was in line with the length of treatment time. On the 21st day, we began to see the increasing gap between the trabecular tissues. On the 28th day, the histopathological analysis of femoral bone tissue showed thinning of the bone trabecular tissue and the most distant inter-trabecular spaces, suggesting the appearance of osteoporosis.

Conclusion: The histopathological picture of osteoporosis in the Wistar strain rat model of CKD appeared most clearly and worst on the 28th day after CKD. It was marked by the thinning of the trabecular bone tissue and the most distant spaces between the trabeculae.
Suicide and attempted suicide by insulin: A systematic review
Authors: Assad Majd A. , Alawami Fatimah A. , Al Khatem Raihanah S. , Al Daif Zahra Y. , Alrumaih Zainb A. , Menezes Ritesh G.
Published: January 2023

Background: Intentional insulin overdose either in people with diabetes or without can be used to attempt suicide. Massive insulin administration may result in coma and unexplained hypoglycemia. In this study, we aim at reviewing the demographic data of suicidal cases, the relation of psychiatric illness to dying by suicide and attempting suicide using insulin, route of insulin administration and outcome, post-mortem findings in suicide by insulin and collaborative evidence, initial presentation, blood glucose level and complications in attempting suicide cases.

Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched on October 4, 2021, using a comprehensive strategy review. The following search terms were applied: (Insulin) AND (toxicity OR overdose OR toxicology OR poisoning OR intoxication) AND (Suicide OR attempted suicide OR Self-harm OR Self harm). The search strategy was set based on PRISMA guideline; 11 papers were eligible for inclusion and additional 23 studies were added from the citation search. All English articles related to suicide and attempted suicide using insulin were included and no specific timeline or filter was used. Any non-English article and accidental or homicidal cases were excluded from the review.

Results: The analysis included 179 victims, aged between 13 to 76 years with male predominance and people with diabetes, especially T1DM, having higher prevalence, with subcutaneous injection being the most common route of administration. In addition, psychiatric illnesses and multiple suicide attempts were identified in many cases besides the use of insulin in a combination with other medications.

Conclusions: Dying by suicide using insulin is uncommon, however, as diabetes mellitus prevalence increases worldwide, it is expected that intentional insulin overdose will also increase. Furthermore, psychiatric illnesses and easy access to insulin are important factors that should be put into consideration.
Pre-service primary educators´ alternative conceptions of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19: a study of Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ecuador
Authors: Guerra-Reyes Frank , Naranjo-Toro Miguel , Basantes-Andrade Andrea , Guerra-Dávila Eric
Published: January 2023

Background: Almost at the end of 2022, the world is experiencing a relative calm after the rigors imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing the ideas, feelings and procedures used by people in this type of unexpected events, which exceeded all established standards of educational and health actions, can help us be prepared for the possible occurrence of similar events. This study aims to determine the main alternative conceptions that pre-service teachers hold about the pandemic and the post-pandemic within the framework of the four basic pillars of Education.

Methods: A case study was conducted using an ethnographic approach. The unit of analysis was made up of 227 students from the major of Primary Education at Universidad Técnica del Norte. Two research instruments were used to collect the data: a test for verbal associations where participants can express themselves freely with hierarchical, substitution and connotative evocations; and Specialized Analytical Summary sheets to revise and organize specialized scientific texts. The data was analyzed using the IRaMuTeQ software.

Results: At first glance, what was expressed in the two contexts, both in the pandemic and in the post-pandemic, show a similar structure; however, a deeper analysis reveals different perspectives.

Conclusions: In the end, the alternative conceptions moved from expressing fear to tranquility.
Beyond vicarious storytelling: How level telling fields help create a fair narrative on migration
Authors: Gebauer Carolin , Sommer Roy
Published: January 2023

Life stories play a crucial role in migration discourses: they serve as testimony in journalistic work, form the core of ambassadorial storytelling by NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and inspire collaborative projects initiated by writers seeking to express their solidarity. However, this article argues, drawing on migrants’ experiences for such purposes also creates an ethical dilemma: speaking about–or even for–rather than with migrants assigns them a passive role and tends to recycle existing narrative patterns and templates. Starting with a generic distinction between what we call stories of migration (various forms of self-expression granting migrants full authority and control over their narrative) and narratives on migration (external perspectives, e.g. academic, economic, political, and legal approaches, where lived experience doesn’t matter), we explore the extensive middle ground of hybrid forms between these two extremes–i.e. different kinds of vicarious storytelling–before discussing their ethical implications. We further show how the idea of the level playing field, a key concept in economics, can be used in transdisciplinary research projects to establish level telling fields (LTFs), i.e., communicative spaces characterized by a fair dialogue on an equal footing for all participants.
The China-Russia strategic relationship: Efforts to limit the United States' influence in Central Asia
Authors: Zaheer Dr. Muhammad Akram , Ikram Dr. Muhammad , Rashid Dr. Sawaira , Majeed Dr. Gulshan
Published: January 2023

During the post-cold war era, China and Russia have recognized the considerable influence of each other and are making attempts for the protection of their own national interests and manipulated strategic partnership. The Chinese and Russian Strategic partnership is comprehensive because both the states have enhanced coordination in regional and international topical issues. Their joint statements for the bilateral, regional, and international issues and joint military exercises are a signal of increasing geopolitical and security cooperation. This Beijing and Moscow coordination scenario provoked Washington D.C. and her political, economic and security interests in Central Asia. The substance of this China-Russia policy is rooted against United States (US) influence and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) policies in the region. The multifaceted ties between both countries have the potential to limit the US influence in Eurasia. The study evaluates how the China-Russia strategic partnership is fit to key tenets of them and to develop the multi-polarization to counter US hegemonic influence in Central Asia. This paper follows critical look at the open discussion and comparison of both the countries scholars, journalists and experts. The study elucidates that both the Chinese and Russian partnership has certain features and trajectory of their foreseeable future in the region.