bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of alcohol use in a military setting in Sri Lanka
Authors: Monaragala R. M. M. , Samage S. N. , Karunasena D. D. R. T.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Operational readiness is an integral aspect of all military organizations and hence all personnel should achieve and maintain optimal physical and mental health. However, unique stressors in the military milieu can give rise to a myriad of mental health problems and the alcohol-related issue [High-risk drinking (HRD) and binge drinking (BD)] is one out of many. This study aims to explore the extent of alcohol consumption and the existing risk factors for HRD, BD or both in the Sri Lanka army.Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, done among 147 officers (selected by systematic random sampling) and 3519 other ranks (ORs) (selected by multistage extension cluster sampling), in 2019 in the Army (Security Forces Head Quarters-East). A self-administered questionnaire was used, which included, questions on socio-demographic variables, WHO Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) for HRD and BD, 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for probable depression, PTSD Checklist Military Version (PCL- M) for PTSD, Chalder Fatigue Scale for fatigue, and questions ascertaining the degree of unit cohesion, aggression, cigarette smoking, cannabis use, family history of psychiatric disorders and exposure to childhood abuse. The psychosocial functioning was assessed by the tenth question of the PHQ-9.Results: The mean age was 31.7 years (SD±6.686 years), ranging from 19 years to 57 years. Among the respondents, 56.7% were not GCE /OL qualified, 66.1% were married and 50.4% were exposed to battle. Current alcohol consumption was 76.5% and among them, 43% were in HRD [i.e., 35.2% hazardous, 5.5% harmful, and 2.3% dependent drinkers] and 15.5 % (95% CI 14.1 %- 16.7%) were in BD category. Among the correlates of HRD and BD were younger age, being single, employment in the Infantry and Elite, probable depression, fatigue, PTSD, smoking, cannabis use, exposure to childhood abuse, aggression, and psychosocial dysfunction.Conclusions: Compared to the community, alcohol consumption was higher in the Army, which may be due to the unique military subculture and the role model effect. While younger age, being single, and exposure to childhood abuse were risk factors, probable depression, fatigue, lack of cohesion, smoking, and cannabis use were either risk factors or outcomes of HRD, BD, or both in the Army. Further, psychosocial dysfunction was observed as an outcome.
Identification of Intestinal Lamina Propria Plasma Cells by Surface Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Expression
Authors: Pecha Bingjie , Martinez Stephanie , Milburn Luke J , Rojas Olga L , Koch Meghan A
Published: January 2024

Plasma cells secrete an abundance of Abs and are a crucial component of our immune system. The intestinal lamina propria harbors the largest population of plasma cells, most of which produce IgA. These Abs can bind to beneficial gut bacteria to reinforce intestinal homeostasis and provide protection against enteric pathogens. Plasma cells downregulate many cell-surface proteins commonly used to identify B cells. In mice, expression of the surface marker CD138 has been widely used to identify plasma cells in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen. Intestinal plasma cells require liberation via extensive tissue processing involving treatment with collagenase. We report that detection of CD138 surface expression is reduced following collagenase treatment. Using a mouse in which yellow fluorescent protein expression is controlled by the plasma cell requisite transcription factor Blimp-1, we show that surface detection of transmembrane activator and CAML interactor captures a significant proportion of Ab-secreting plasma cells in the intestinal lamina propria and gut-draining mesenteric lymph nodes. Additionally, we describe a flow cytometry panel based on the detection of surface markers to identify murine B cell subsets in the intestinal lamina propria and, as a proof of concept, combine it with a cutting-edge fate-tracking system to characterize the fate of germinal center B cells activated in early life. By identifying plasma cells and other key intestinal B subsets in a manner compatible with several downstream applications, including sorting and culturing and in vitro manipulations, this efficient and powerful approach can enhance studies of mucosal immunity.
TDO2-overexpressed Dendritic Cells Possess Tolerogenicity and Ameliorate Collagen-induced Arthritis by Modulating the Th17/Regulatory T Cell Balance
Authors: Jia Chengyan , Wang Yueye , Wang Yi , Cheng Meng , Dong Weibo , Wei Wei , Zhao Yingjie , Chang Yan
Published: January 2024

Tolerogenic dendritic cells are promising for restoring immune homeostasis and may be an alternative therapy for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The kynurenine pathway is a vital mechanism that induces tolerance in dendritic cells (DCs). Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2) is an important rate-limiting enzyme in the kynurenine pathway and participates in immune regulation. However, the role of TDO2 in shaping the tolerogenic phenotypes of DCs remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of TDO2-overexpressed DCs in regulating the T cell balance both in vivo and in vitro. TDO2-overexpressed DC2.4 and TDO2−/− mouse bone marrow–derived DCs (BMDCs) were generated to verify the role of TDO2 in DC maturation and functionality. TDO2 overexpression in BMDCs via PGE2 treatment exhibited an immature phenotype and tolerogenic state, whereas TDO2−/− BMDCs exhibited a mature phenotype and a proinflammatory state. Furthermore, transplant of TDO2-overexpressed BMDCs alleviated collagen-induced arthritis severity in mice, which was correlated with a reduction in Th17 populations and an increase in regulatory T cells. Collectively, these results indicate that TDO2 plays an important role in the tolerogenic phenotype and may be a promising target for the generation tolerogenic DCs for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Liver-restricted Type I IFN Signature Precedes Liver Damage in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Stopping Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Chua Conan , Mahamed Deeqa , Nkongolo Shirin , Sanchez Vasquez Juan Diego , Mehrotra Aman , Wong David K H , Chung Raymond T , Feld Jordan J , Janssen Harry L A , Gehring Adam J
Published: January 2024

Immune-mediated liver damage is the driver of disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Liver damage is an Ag-independent process caused by bystander activation of CD8 T cells and NK cells. How bystander lymphocyte activation is initiated in chronic hepatitis B patients remains unclear. Periods of liver damage, called hepatic flares, occur unpredictably, making early events difficult to capture. To address this obstacle, we longitudinally sampled the liver of chronic hepatitis B patients stopping antiviral therapy and analyzed immune composition and activation using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. At 4 wk after stopping therapy, HBV replication rebounded but no liver damage was detectable. There were no changes in cell frequencies at viral rebound. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) and proinflammatory cytokine migration inhibitory factor (MIF) at viral rebound in patients that go on to develop hepatic flares 6–18 wk after stopping therapy. The type I IFN signature was only detectable within the liver, and neither IFN-α/β or ISG induction could be detected in the peripheral blood. In vitro experiments confirmed the type I IFN-dependent ISG profile whereas MIF was induced primarily by IL-12. MIF exposure further amplified inflammatory cytokine production by myeloid cells. Our data show that innate immune activation is detectable in the liver before clinically significant liver damage is evident. The combination of type I IFN and enhanced cytokine production upon MIF exposure represent the earliest immunological triggers of lymphocyte bystander activation observed in hepatic flares associated with chronic HBV infection.
A Roadmap for Sustainable Community-Engaged Partnerships in Athletic Training and Using a Traveling Athletic Training Camp as an Implementation Strategy
Authors: Wallace Jessica , Williamson Mary Margaret , Delfin Danae , Gray Haleigh , Zemke Jeri , Pierce Shaketha , Jones Emily , Harriell Kysha
Published: January 2024

Improving access to athletic trainers and increasing diversity in the profession have been major goals of the Strategic Alliance, with a particular interest in the secondary school setting. Within many marginalized communities, individuals are often faced with a lack of resources, high rates of poverty, and limited access to health care. This social and economic climate often extends to inequitable athletic training services and patterns of disparate health. Widely used and recognized strategies to cultivate diversity and address health inequities include community-engaged partnerships; however, these approaches are not well implemented across the athletic training discipline. Successful community-engaged partnerships link communities and universities, and they are rooted in intentionality to address intermediate and long-term health equity outcomes. Athletic training professionals and scholars frequently encounter gaps in resources and process-oriented methods to participate in community-engaged efforts that could include a roadmap or pathway to follow. To bridge this gap, our aims were 2-fold: (1) to disseminate a roadmap for building sustainable community-engaged partnerships in athletic training with the intent of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice across athletic training education, research, and professional service and (2) to demonstrate how the roadmap can be implemented using a community-based athletic training education camp as an example. Implementation of the athletic training camp using the roadmap took place at secondary schools where community-engaged partnerships have been established throughout a geographic region known as the Alabama Black Belt, a region burdened with poor health outcomes, limited athletic trainer presence, and lower quality of life, exacerbated by racial and socioeconomic inequalities. Implementing this roadmap as a strategy to build sustainable community-engaged partnerships offers an innovative, interactive, and effective approach to addressing community needs by exposing secondary school students to the athletic training profession, advancing equitable athletic training research practices, and upholding and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in athletic training education.
A Randomized Comparative Study of the Use of Individual Modality and Combination of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Digital Single-Operator Cholangioscopy (DSOC) for Diagnosis of Indeterminate Biliary Strictures
Authors: Kumar Dheeraj , Dayal Vishwa M. , Jha Sanjeev K. , Jha Ashish K. , Kumar Ravi K.
Published: January 2024

Background:

To determine the superiority of the combination of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) in the same sitting over the individual modality alone in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized study enrolled 60 adult patients with biliary strictures who were randomized into two groups: ERCP + DSOC and ERCP/DSOC. Histopathologic or cytologic assessment was performed in terms of benign, indeterminate, or malignant nature of the strictures. Procedural adverse events were documented. Accuracy in terms of sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and predictive value [positive (PPV) and negative (NPV)] were noted.

Results:

As per final diagnosis, in ERCP/DSOC group, there were 12 (40%) benign cases and 18 (60%) malignant cases, and in group ERCP + DSOC, there were 8 (26.67%) benign cases and 22 (73.33%) malignant cases. ERCP/DSOC labeled 16 (53.33%) patients as benign, 8 (26.67%) as malignant, and 6 (20%) as indeterminate, while ERCP + DSOC labeled 8 (26.67%) as benign, 17 (56.67%) as malignant, and 5 (16.67%) as indeterminate. The Sn, Sp, PPV, and NPV of ERCP/DSOC were 44.4%, 75%, 100%, and 56.25%, and for ERCP + DSOC was 77.27%, 62.50%, 100%, and 62.5%, respectively (P = 0.033). Side effects were statistically similar in both the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

To conclude, the combination of ERCP with DSOC is safe and effective with higher diagnostic sensitivity (77.27%) in comparison to standard ERCP or DSOC alone (44.4%) for the diagnosis of biliary strictures.
Comparative Evaluation of Direct Laryngoscopy Versus GlideScope for the Purpose of Laryngoscopy Management and Intubation in Candidates of Cesarean Delivery with General Anesthesia
Authors: Honarmand Azim , Ebrahim Babaei Mahtab , Jafari Mohammad , Safavi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2024

Background:

The present study aimed at comparing the hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and initiation of intubation with either direct or video-assisted laryngoscopy.

Materials and Methods:

This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 90 pregnant women candidates for cesarean section under general anesthesia. The participants were divided into two groups. In the first group, intubation was performed using direct Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL group). The second group underwent intubation using the GlideScope video laryngoscope (GSL group). Then, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), the percentage of the saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), the time-to-intubation (TTI), and the number of intubation attempts were recorded.

Results:

SBP, DBP, and MAP in the MCL group were significantly higher than GSL group 1, 3, and 5 min after laryngoscopy (P < 0.05). HR in the MCL group with the mean of 118.44 ± 15.53 bpm was significantly higher than that the GSL group with the mean of 110.11 ± 16.68 bpm only 3 min after laryngoscopy (P = 0.016). The TTI in the MCL group was significantly longer than that of the GSL group (12.80 ± 1.86 vs. 10.15 ± 2.61; P = 0.001). The frequency of the first intubation attempt in the GSL group with 91.1% was significantly higher than that the MCL group with 84.4% (P = 0.003).

Conclusion:

It seems that the GSL technique is a better choice to conduct laryngoscopy with more success in intubation and a higher stability of the patients’ hemodynamic status.
Preoperative predictive factors of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Saad Mohamed R. , Kabbash Mansour , Yassen Alaa , Suleiman Khaled A. T. , Elzayat Ibrahim
Published: January 2024

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a routine start-up procedure for any surgeon interested in the field of laparoscopy. However, one may encounter complex cases that may increase the risk of perioperative complications. It is crucial to identify these cases preoperatively for better surgical planning. Herein, we studied preoperative risk factors for difficult cholecystectomy procedures in our Egyptian tertiary care center.

Methodology

One hundred patients were enrolled in our study, and their cholecystectomy procedures were classified as easy, difficult, or very difficult based on two parameters; preoperative scoring system and intraoperative findings.

Results

There was a significant agreement between preoperative difficulty prediction score and intraoperative findings (k=0.858, P<0.001). Procedure difficulty was associated with patient hospitalization (P<0.001), previous supraumbilical surgeries (P=0.004), previous acute cholecystitis (P<0.001), previous jaundice (P=0.049), previous endoscopic biliary clearance (P=0.022), increased gallbladder wall thickness (P=0.001), and pericholecystic fluid collection (P=0.014). Conversion to the open approach was needed in 6 cases (6%). Age, sex, BMI, and impacted stone did not significantly impact procedure difficulty (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Multiple preoperative parameters have been significantly associated with the increased difficulty of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. Properly identifying these parameters and their inclusion into a scoring system would be greatly helpful in determining difficult cases during the preoperative period.
Comparative study of low-pressure versus standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Abdallah Hassan A. , Kabbash Mansour M. , Saad Mohamed Rabie
Published: January 2024

Background

A pressure range of 12–14 mmHg is used in standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Utilizing low-pressure pneumoperitoneum, which ranges between 7 and 10 mmHg, has become widespread as a way to reduce the effects of pneumoperitoneum on human physiology while still allowing for sufficient working space.

Aim

This study’s objective is to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum against standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum.

Patients and methods

The study comprised 80 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and for symptomatic gallstone disease. The participants were divided into two groups of 40. During the procedure, 40 patients underwent standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum, while another 40 patients underwent low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. Operative time, intraoperative injuries or mortality, conversion to open surgery, alterations in blood pressure and heart rate during operation, incidence of postoperative shoulder tip pain, need for additional analgesia postoperatively, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were all recorded as outcome parameters.

Results

The mean time of operation in patients with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum was 65±10.6 min and with standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum was 61±9.7 min. Neither blood pressure nor heart rate changed in a way that was statistically significant when lower pressure pneumoperitoneum was used. Compared to the standard-pressure laparoscopic cholecystectomy group, the low-pressure group experienced statistically less postoperative shoulder pain (P<0.05). Nothing significantly different was seen in nausea and vomiting between the two groups (P=0.767).

Conclusion

While reduced intensity postoperative shoulder pain is a benefit of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum for the patient, it has no positive impact on intraoperative hemodynamics, operative time, intraoperative injuries, or mortality.
Impact of posterior wall gastrojejunostomy versus anterior wall gastrojejunostomy in pancreaticoduodenectomy on delayed gastric emptying and enhanced recovery: a prospective study
Authors: Sabry Ahmed M. , Naga Mohamed A. , Saber Hatem S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple operation) is considered the main surgical management for duodenal, pancreatic head, and lower end common bile duct neoplasm. Gastrojejunostomy orientation has a direct impact on enteral feeding and delayed gastric emptying (DGE).

Aim

The primary outcomes were reviewing the effect of changing the orientation of gastrojejunostomy either anterior wall vertical gastrojejunostomy versus posterior wall vertical gastrojejunostomy on DGE, early enteral feeding, leakage, and overall enhanced recovery with early start of chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

A prospective randomized trial 55 patients total number of patients after substraction of lost follow up was 50 patients and were divided into two group; group A: 27 patients underwent posterior wall gastrojejunostomy and group B: 23 patients underwent anterior wall gastrojejunostomy both techniques done in antecolic vertical manner.

Results

Operative time, postoperative bleeding, and leakage was not significantly different between the two groups. The total incidence of DGE was significantly lower in group A (posterior wall vertical) than group B (anterior wall vertical), regarding grades of DGE grade a was significantly lower in group A while the incidence in grades B and C was not significantly different regarding the number of patients. Ryle removal and starting oral intake was earlier and statistically significant in posterior wall vertical gastrojejunostomy when compared to anterior wall vertical gastrojejunostomy. Readmission, the actual use of prokinetics and need for nutritional support was higher in group B (anterior wall vertical gastrojejunostomy) than group A (posterior wall vertical gastrojejunostomy) but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Posterior wall vertical gastrojejunostomy has a better overall significant better outcome regarding early enteral feeding and DGE over anterior wall vertical gastrojejunostomy group also has better enhanced recovery and earlier time of starting chemotherapy. This topic should be evaluated in depth in a large-volume studies.
Noise-induced Hearing Loss: Continuous versus Impact/impulse Noise
Authors: Davari Mohammad Hossein , Jalalian Mohammad Taghi , Mirmohammadi Seyyed Jalil , Shojaoddiny-Ardekani Ahmad , Ardakani Mojgan Piri , Mehrparvar Amir Houshang
Published: January 2024

Background:

Impact/impulse and continuous noise are two main causes of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in workplaces. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of impulse/impact noise and continuous noise on hearing status.

Methods:

In this study, 259 workers referred to the occupational medicine clinic of Shahid Rahnemoun hospital, Yazd, Iran, entered the study and were divided into two groups: with exposure to impact/impulse noise and with exposure to continuous noise. Hearing thresholds were measured and compared between the two groups by pure-tone audiometry (PTA). The frequency of hearing loss and audiometric notch according to the results of PTA was compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS (ver. 16) using Student’s t-test, Chi-square test, and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:

Hearing thresholds were significantly higher at all frequencies in the impact noise group. The hearing threshold at 6000 Hz was higher than other frequencies in both groups. The frequency of hearing loss at high frequencies was higher in the impact group. The frequency of audiometric notch was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The results of this study showed that hearing loss after exposure to impact/impulse noise is probably more frequent and more severe than exposure to continuous noise, but the pattern of hearing loss is similar in both types of noise exposure.
Designing a Hybrid Method of Artificial Neural Network and Particle Swarm Optimization to Diagnosis Polyps from Colorectal CT Images
Authors: Harchegani Hossein Beigi , Moghaddasi Hamid
Published: January 2024

Background:

Since colorectal cancer is one of the most important types of cancer in the world that often leads to death, computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems are a promising solution for early diagnosis of this disease with fewer side effects than conventional colonoscopy. Therefore, the aim of this research is to design a CAD system for processing colorectal Computerized Tomography (CT) images using a combination of an artificial neural network and a particle swarm optimizer.

Method:

First, the data set of the research was created from the colorectal CT images of the patients of Loghman-e Hakim Hospitals in Tehran and Al-Zahra Hospitals in Isfahan who underwent colorectal CT imaging and had conventional colonoscopy done within a maximum period of one month after that. Then the steps of model implementation, including electronic cleansing of images, segmentation, labeling of samples, extraction of features, and training and optimization of the artificial neural network (ANN) with a particle swarm optimizer, were performed. A binomial statistical test and confusion matrix calculation were used to evaluate the model.

Results:

The values of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model with a P value = 0.000 as a result of the McNemar test were 0.9354, 0.9298, and 0.9889, respectively. Also, the result of the P value of the binomial test of the ratio of diagnosis of the model and the radiologist from Loqman Hakim and Al-Zahra Hospitals was 0.044 and 0.021, respectively.

Conclusions:

The results of statistical tests and research variables show the efficiency of the CTC-CAD system created based on the hybrid of the ANN and particle swarm optimization compared to the opinion of radiologists in diagnosing colorectal polyps from CTC images.
Effect of long-term cochlear implant use on education and occupation: A systematic review
Authors: Kumar Nethra R , Chinnaraj Geetha
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Cochlear implant (CI) technology has improved significantly positively impacting the quality-of-life of the users. Over the past few decades. Nevertheless, the results of the studies on the academic performance of CI users are contradictory in the literature.

Aim and objective:

The current study aimed to systematically review the articles published in the past 10 years (2011–2021) on the effect of the long-term use of CIs on education and occupational outcomes.

Method:

The reviewers selected 10 articles from 11,037 in various databases in this systematic review.

Results:

The review showed mixed results from the selected studies. Some research found that CIs users did worse than their typical peers. In contrast, a few other studies found that CI recipients performed equal to or better than their typical peers or the general population. CI recipients have considerably lower occupational levels than the general population. Many factors could influence educational and occupational outcomes in long-term CI users.

Conclusion:

Even though there are varied results regarding educational outcomes in long-term CI users, some studies showed good academic performance in CI recipients. However, there is a need for more studies to understand better the factors that affect the educational and occupational abilities of long-term CI users.
Development and standardization of phonological awareness test for Hindi-speaking 3 to 6 year old kindergarten children (PATH-KG)
Authors: Rawat Neha , Kiran Uraimindi Venkata
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

Development of phonological awareness skills plays an important role in acquiring early literacy skills. This study aimed to develop a psychometrically sound tool to measure phonological awareness skills of 3–6 years old native Hindi-speaking children aged of 3–6 years.

Materials and Methods:

Tasks were extracted at different linguistic levels. The test items were selected and sent for a familiarity check with teachers. The development and standardization of the test followed a systematic procedure, including randomized sample selection, expert judgment to evaluate items, face and content validity analysis, determination of I-CVI and kappa, reexamining the items after two rounds of judgment by experts, pilot study, analysis of the descriptive measures including the t test, and calculation of Cronbach α and SEm. The test–retest reliability was also measured. The test was developed and standardized for Hindi-speaking 3–6-year-old children (N = 270).

Results:

The Cronbach α was computed as 0.81, indicating high internal consistency. The standard error of the measurement indicating the reliability of the test was found to be 0.70. Pearson’s r for the test–retest correlation for the three age groups was found to be ≥0.78. Descriptive statistical measures were computed and data were analyzed for comparison across age and gender.

Conclusions:

With adequate content validity, good internal consistency and test-retest reliability, the developed test represents a standardized assessment tool for native Hindi-speaking 3–6-year-old children. With this test, children with deficient phonological awareness skills and at risk of reading difficulties can be identified early for timely intervention.
Ranking list for scientists
Authors: Rammohan A , Rela M
Published: January 2024

Citations and validation of work play a crucial and integral role in a researcher's career. Ranking systems of scientists, on the other hand, potentially scratch and expose the fallible egoistic human face of science, leading to an unhealthy milieu of competition rather than the uplifting one of motivation. We have attempted to highlight and bring to fore these factors in our brief viewpoint. We critically analyze the reasons why ranking systems of scientists, especially in the field of medicine, will shift the focus from advancement of science to advancement of “self.”
How often is coarctation of aorta correctly diagnosed antemortem in children with fatal illnesses? A retrospective review of medical and autopsy records
Authors: Karande S , Kumar S , Vaideeswar P
Published: January 2024

This retrospective study analyzed the level of concordance between clinical and autopsy diagnosis of coarctation of aorta over 10 years. Utilizing the Goldmann classification, the concordance rate was found to be 16%. Major discrepancies (Class I and II) were found in 56% cases and minor discrepancies (Class III and IV) in 28% cases.
Cold Chain Low-carbon Logistics Path Optimisation Method Based on Improved Hummingbird Optimisation Algorithm
Authors: Long Xuan
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:The research of scientific and reasonable logistics and distribution programme time the pursuit of each logistics enterprise, not only can improve customer satisfaction and corporate image, but also help to reduce distribution costs.
OBJECTIVES: For the current cold chain low-carbon logistics distribution path optimisation methods there are problems such as easy to fall into the local optimum, optimisation time-consuming.
METHODS: This paper proposes a cold chain low-carbon logistics distribution path optimisation method based on the improved Hummingbird optimisation algorithm. Firstly, by analyzing the characteristics of the cold chain low-carbon logistics distribution path optimization problem, designing the cold chain low-carbon logistics path optimization objective function and constraints, and constructing a cold chain low-carbon logistics distribution path optimization model based on a soft time window; then, the hummingbird optimization algorithm is improved by using the initialization strategy of the set of good points and the cardinality leap strategy, to overcome the defects of the hummingbird optimization algorithm; secondly, a method based on intelligent optimization algorithm is proposed by designing the double-layer array coding and the adaptive function, combined with the improved hummingbird optimization algorithm. A cold chain low-carbon logistics path optimization method based on intelligent optimization algorithm is proposed; finally, the superiority and robustness of the proposed method are verified by simulation experimental analysis.
RESULTS: The results show that the proposed method not only improves the optimisation time, but also increases the optimisation fitness value.
CONCLUSION: This paper solves the problem that the optimisation of the green low-carbon logistics path optimisation problem is time-consuming and prone to falling into local optimum.
О реализации линейных булевых функций самокорректирующимися схемами из ненадежных функциональных элементов
Authors: Popkov Kirill Andreevich
Published: January 2024

Доказано, что никакую булеву функцию, существенно зависящую по крайней мере от двух переменных, нельзя реализовать схемой из ненадежных функциональных элементов, каждый из которых имеет не более двух входов, самокорректирующейся относительно хотя бы каких-нибудь неисправностей произвольного числа элементов. С учетом ранее полученных результатов достаточно установить аналогичный факт для линейных функций.
Библиография: 26 названий.
О линейной форме от ординат нулей дзета-функции Римана
Authors: Iudelevich Elizaveta Dmitrievna
Published: January 2024

В работе получена асимптотическая формула для суммы
$$
H=\sum_{0<\gamma_k\leqslant T, 1\leqslant k\leqslant 4}h(\gamma_1+\gamma_2-\gamma_3-\gamma_4),
$$
где $\gamma_k$ пробегают мнимые части нетривиальных нулей дзета-функции Римана
с учетом кратности, а функция $h$ принадлежит некоторому специальному классу
функций из $L^1(\mathbb R)$.
Библиография: 7 названий.
Treatment of benign rectal stricture caused by repeated anal insertion by endoscopy and balloon dilation: A case report
Authors: Liu Shih-Hung , Kang Jung-Cheng , Hu Je-Ming , Chen Chao-Yang , Lin Kuan-Hsun , Pu Ta-Wei
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Benign rectal strictures can be categorized as primary (disease-related) and secondary (surgical anastomosis-related). Secondary strictures arise from surgical complications, whereas primary strictures have diverse etiologies, including various inflammatory conditions. Benign strictures are usually managed by surgery and endoscopy. We present an unusual etiology of benign rectal stricture caused by the repeated insertion of foreign objects into the rectum for sexual purposes, resulting in rectal injury and subsequent chronic inflammation.

CASE SUMMARY

A 53-year-old man presented to the outpatient clinic of the Colorectal Surgery Department with symptoms of chronic constipation and bloody stools. The patient previously experienced rectal injury due to foreign object insertion for sexual purposes. Colonoscopy revealed benign circumferential narrowing of the rectum. He underwent treatment by endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and balloon dilation and follow-up as an outpatient for 4 months. A colonoscopy at the end of the follow-up period revealed no evidence of rectal stricture relapse.

CONCLUSION

A history of rectal injury, followed by chronic inflammation, should be considered in patients with benign rectal strictures. Management with endoscopic argon plasma coagulation and balloon dilation can prevent the need for surgical resection of benign rectal strictures.
Prevailing Themes Across Corequisite Mathematics Courses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Howell Tracey , Ortiz Heather , Mawhinney Katherine , Palmer Katrina , Redd Thomas , Barger Renee , Solér Michelle
Published: January 2024

Adopting corequisite mathematics models to accelerate students’ completion of their introductory college-level mathematics course in their first year of college is prevalent across higher education institutions. This systematic review demonstrates the known research, evidence, and diversity of implemented corequisite mathematics models for prevailing themes across peer-reviewed articles.
The Significance of the 5 May 2020 Judgment of the Constitutional Court of the Federal Republic of Germany (Weiss II) for the Process of Integration of the European Union Financial Market
Authors: Knepka Tomasz
Published: January 2024

Since the financial crisis of 2007/2008, we have been dealing - at the level of the European Union - with a special "dialogue" between the European and German courts. The subject of this "dialogue" is the decisions of the European Central Bank on the program for the purchase of public sector assets on secondary markets. The ECB's activity, as well as the involvement of the national central banks of the Eurosystem in the implementation of these decisions, has been met with dissatisfaction by German politicians, culminating in the title judgment of the Constitutional Court of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the paper, the author analyzed the judgments, particularly from the perspective of the process of integration of the European Union financial market and the importance of the judgments for this process taking into account the key principles of EU law: proportionality and supremacy of EU law.
"... im Trunk der Augen": Gottfried Benn - Arzt und Dichter in der Pathologie Westend
Authors: Kraas Ernst
Published: January 2024

Der Dichter als Mediziner: vorgestellt werden von Gottfried Benn handgeschriebene Sektions-Protokolle. Gottfried Benn arbeitete 1912/13 in der Pathologie des damals Städtischen Krankenhauses Westend in Berlin. Die Erfahrungen, die er beim Sezieren der Leichen und in der Konfrontation mit dem Tod und dem sozialen Elend der städtischen Bevölkerung Charlottenburgs machte, verarbeitete er in seinen frühen Gedichten. Die drastisch direkte und symbolisch aufgeladene Sprache dieser Dichtung bildet ein Gegengewicht zu der kühlen und anonymen medizinischen Fachsprache pathologischer Berichte.
Schlüsselkonzepte des Heroischen
Authors: Feitscher Georg
Published: January 2024

Essenzielle Konzepte für ein kultur- und sozialwissenschaftliches Verständnis heroischer Phänomene. Helden sind nicht einfach Individuen mit einzigartigen Eigenschaften und besonderen Fähigkeiten. Sie sind komplexe Figuren, die von Gemeinschaften geschaffen, angeeignet und stetig (um-)gedeutet werden. Sie sind Projektionsflächen für kollektive Bedürfnisse und Wertvorstellungen. Sie können zur Identifikation einladen und Orientierung bieten, zugleich aber auch irritieren und polarisieren. Helden sind daher nur in ihrer historischen Verortung und vor dem Hintergrund gesellschaftlicher und kultureller Prozesse zu verstehen. Georg Feitscher stellt eine Auswahl essenzieller Konzepte vor, mit denen der Freiburger Sonderforschungsbereich »Helden – Heroisierungen – Heroismen« die Phänomene des Heroischen beschreibt, theoretisiert und analysiert. Diese Schlüsselkonzepte geben Einsicht in die soziokulturellen Grundlagen der Heroisierungsprozesse, in denen Gemeinschaften Heldenfiguren konstruieren, verehren, bewundern und erinnern. Und sie bieten Ansätze zur Beschreibung der Taten, Eigenschaften, Vorstellungen, Erzählungen und Darstellungen, die mit Helden in bestimmten historischen Situationen verbunden werden.
Prediction and Control of the MUSLE Method Results: Geo-Statistical Model
Authors: Hara Fatima , Qarbous Abdelmounim , Ouzzaouit Lalla , Jabar Abderrahim
Published: January 2024

Soil erosion and sediment transport by runoff are among the largest environmental problems threatening agricultural lands in the world. Their often irreversible degradation is a major source of socio-economic imbalance in vulnerable areas. The management and control of soil loss in these areas are essentially based on erosion rate modeling generally using two methods: Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation and Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation. The Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation method results often present outliers' values compared to the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation method. This paper aims to predict and control the MUSLE method values in watersheds based on a database of Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation method values in more than 70 watersheds around the world. For this purpose, Geo-statistical analysis (Simple Linear Regression method) was used to allow the development of a model with a coefficient of determination R2= 0.96 (validity of 96%) and thus the estimation of the tolerable uncertainties of the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation method by the equation: Y (V Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation LE) = 0.76 X (V_RUSLE) + 1.7.
Comprehensive Evaluation of some Heavy Metals in Dust Deposited on Eucalyptus Tree Leaves and their Health Effects in Erbil City, Northern Iraq
Authors: Al-Dulaimi Thuraya , Al-Mallah Aahed
Published: January 2024

In Erbil City, Northern Iraq, an evaluation was conducted to determine the pollution level and health effects caused by heavy metals found in dust collected from tree leaves. Throughout June and July 2022, thirty samples of dust were taken from eucalyptus leaves. These samples were collected from various locations including industrial areas, streets, parks (green areas), and residential sites. The concentration of heavy metals including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). To assess the contamination level of the dust with heavy metals, various indices and models were utilized; these included the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI). In addition, the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) and health risk assessment model were evaluated using the Hakanson and USEPA methods, respectively. The findings revealed that the metals' concentrations followed a descending order of Mn> Zn> Ni> Cr> Cu> V> Pb> Co> As> and Cd. The Igeo data showed that the dust in the area of study was clear of As, Co, Cr, Mn, Pb, and V pollution, unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cd, Cu, while moderately polluted with Ni, and Zn. The CF results indicated that the degree of dust pollution was low for V, moderate for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Pb, and considerable for Ni and Zn. According to the EF calculation results, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and V all have deficiencies or very minimal enrichments, but Ni has a moderate enrichment and Zn has a moderate to significant enrichment. The Er values exhibited that the Er was classified as low potential risk for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn except Cd which indicate moderate potential ecological risk. The RI value is classified as low ecological risk for heavy metals in all sampling sites. The results of the health risk assessment revealed that the examined heavy metals pose no non-carcinogenic danger to children and adults, while Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb do not represent a carcinogenic danger to children or adults. The risk of As and Cr on human being is within acceptable limits.
Petrophysical Properties of the Upper Qamchuqa Formation in the Jambur Oil Field
Authors: Amin Nazaneen , Al-haleem Ayad
Published: January 2024

The Qamchaq Formation makes up the upper Cretaceous reservoir of the Jambur oil field and is responsible for most of the hydrocarbon production in this complicated carbonate reservoir. The petrophysical characteristics of the rocks and fluids differ in various sections of the region. The first step in constructing an acceptable geological model is to identify reservoir characteristics, geological features, lithological characteristics, and hydrocarbon zones to accurately forecast future reservoir performance during the development phase. The goal of this paper is to describe the petrophysical properties and composition of the upper Qamachq formation based on an analysis of a set of conventional well log data using Techlog 2018 software to make assessment integration easier by offering a variety of functions for processing data and showing results. According to the study, the lithofacies vary from northwest to southeast. The lithology in the northwest is limestone to dolomite; basinal Balambo facies replace it in the southeast of the structure. More parameter estimates include 9% matrix porosity, 51% water saturation, and a net-to-gross ratio of 20%, indicating beneficial petrophysical characteristics in the northwest of the structure that contribute significantly to production, as opposed to the southwest region, which has poor physical characteristics. The permeability derived from log data was inaccurate since the Wyllie-Rose formula's permeability coefficient was designed for sandstone and would not be acceptable for carbonate rock; furthermore, the Coates formula has underestimated the permeability because the permeability coefficient needs to be improved by matching it to the core information for each well.
Structural and Stratigraphic Evolution of Mishrif and Ratawi Formations in Safawi Oil Field, Southern Iraq
Authors: Alwahab Ahmed , Mustafa Ban
Published: January 2024

The current study intends to track and choose geological locations with prospective hydrocarbons at the Ratawi and Mishrif formation levels, in addition to looking for the possibility of showing stratigraphic trapping and assessing probable hydrocarbon resources. The research area is located in southwestern Iraq, within the administrative borders of the Najaf Governorate, in the Western Desert region. Several two-dimensional seismic survey programs Takhaded, Safawi, Qurnain, Glissan first stage and their lines TI, QN, and 1GN were employed, as well as various Glissan-Fourth stage survey lines 4GN. Two systems of faults have been identified within the study area. By performing the Instantaneous phase attribute, also there are two stratigraphic phenomena have been delineated within the Mishrif and Ratawi formations.
Determination of Content Marketing and Store Atmosphere on Café Consumer Responses
Authors: Kuraesin Ecin , Nugrahanigsih Hartanti , Agung Syahrum , Dwi Tresnawati Evita , Hikmat Maulana Lucky
Published: January 2024

The development of the culinary business is increasingly rapid, marked by the emergence of many cafes which are increasingly common in Indonesia. Many cafes run culinary businesses that take advantage of practicality in consuming food and drinks. This research aims to determine consumer responses and the influence of content marketing and store atmosphere factors on consumer responses to café visitors simultaneously or partially. The population and sample are 120 consumers taken by nonprobability sampling technique. The analytical method used in this research is descriptive and verification. The instrument test was carried out with validity and reliability. Research data analysis includes multiple linear regression analysis, multiple correlation analysis, and hypothesis testing. The research results show that content marketing and store atmosphere are considered good. Simultaneously and partially, content marketing and store atmosphere factors have a positive and significant effect on consumer responses.
The Influence Of Brand Ambassador And Sales Promotion On Online Repurchase Intention (Case Study On Tokopedia E-Commerce)
Authors: Singgih Mohamad , Agustin Rachmaningrum Ratih , Pantja Putra Suatmo , Wunga Febriani
Published: January 2024

The use of brand ambassadors and sales promotions in online shopping applications also has an influence on repeat purchase interest. This becomes interesting to study in the E-Commerce era. The aim of the research is to analyze the influence of brand ambassadors and sales promotions on online repurchase intention. Research respondents are customers who have made purchases through the Tokopedia e-commerce application. This research uses a sample of 100 respondents using data collection techniques through questionnaires. The analysis technique uses multiple linear regression analysis with the SPSS program. Based on the results of the analysis, it shows that the brand ambassador and Sales Promotion variables positive influenced and significant on the online repurchase intention variable of e-commerce application users. The research findings also show that the sales promotion variable has a dominant influence on online repurchase intention variable.
The Effect of Work Motivation, Work Discipline, Work Environment and Job Training on Employee Performance at The Brantas Abipraya Employee Cooperative (KKBA)
Authors: Novita Sari Minda Dian , Krisnandi Herry , Digdowiseiso Kumba , Aishah Awi Nur
Published: January 2024

This study aims to assess the impact of Work Motivation, Work Discipline, Work Environment, and Job Training on Employee Performance at the Brantas Abipraya Employee Cooperative (KKBA). The primary data source for this research consists of questionnaires distributed to 94 respondents affiliated with the Brantas Abipraya Employee Cooperative (KKBA). The sampling technique employed is non-probability sampling, specifically axial sampling, where data is collected from encountered sampling units. Data analysis involves multiple linear regression and hypothesis testing using t-statistics, with the results processed in SPSS 23 to examine regression coefficients. The partial findings of this research indicate that Work Motivation, Work Discipline, Work Environment, and Job Training each exhibit a positive and significant influence on Employee Performance at the Brantas Abipraya Employee Cooperative (KKBA).