bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomolecular and cellular effects in skin wound healing: the association between ascorbic acid and hypoxia-induced factor
Authors: Ghahremani-Nasab Maryam , Del Bakhshayesh Azizeh Rahmani , Akbari-Gharalari Naeimeh , Mehdipour Ahmad
Published: October 2023

The skin serves as a barrier to protect the body from environmental microorganisms and is the largest tissue of the body and any damage must be quickly and effectively repaired. The fundamental purpose of dermal fibroblasts is to produce and secrete extracellular matrix, which is crucial for healing wounds. The production of collagen by dermal fibroblasts requires the cofactor ascorbic acid, a free radical scavenger. In skin wounds, the presence of Ascorbic acid (AA) decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and increases the expression of wound-healing factors. In addition, AA plays an important role in all three phases of wound healing, including inflammation, proliferation, and regeneration. On the other hand, growing evidence indicates that hypoxia improves the wound healing performance of mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium compared to the normoxic-conditioned medium. In a hypoxic-conditioned medium, the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes (important cells in accelerating skin wound healing) increase. In this review, the role of AA, hypoxia, and their interactions on wound healing will be discussed and summarized by the in vitro and in vivo studies conducted to date.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of wound pH on the antibacterial properties of Medical Grade Honey when applied to bacterial isolates present in common foot and ankle wounds. An in vitro study
Authors: McArdle Carla , Coyle Shirley , Santos Derek
Published: October 2023

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and post‐surgical wound infections are amongst the most troublesome complications of diabetes and following foot and ankle surgery (FAS) respectively. Both have significant psychosocial and financial burden for both patients and the healthcare system. FAS has been reported to have higher than average post‐surgical infections when compared to other orthopaedic subspecialties. Evidence also indicates that patients with diabetes and other co morbidities undergoing FAS are at a much greater risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs). With the growing challenges of antibiotic resistance and the increasingly high numbers of resilient bacteria to said antibiotics, the need for alternative antimicrobial therapies has become critical.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of medical grade honey (MGH) when altered to environments typically present in foot and ankle wounds including DFUs and post‐surgical wounds (pH6‐8).

Methods

MGH (Activon) was altered to pH 6, 7 and 8 and experimental inoculums of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCTC10782), Escherichia coli, (NCTC10418), Staphylococcus aureus (NCTC10655) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (NCTC 5955) were transferred into each pH adjusted MGH and TSB solution and the positive and negative controls.

Results

MGH adjusted to various pH values had the ability to reduce bacteria cell survival in all pH variations for all bacteria tested, with the most bacterial reduction/elimination noted for Staphylococcus epidermidis. No correlations were noted among the pH environments investigated and the colony counts, for which there were small amounts of bacteria survived.

Conclusion

This research would indicate that the antibacterial properties of honey remains the same regardless of the pH environment. MGH could therefore potentially be considered for use on non‐infected foot and ankle wounds to reduce the bacterial bioburden, the risk of infections and ultimately to improve healing outcomes.
Predictors of extubation failure in newborns: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Maoling , Hu Zhenjing , Yu Genzhen , Luo Ying , Xiong Xiaoju , Yang Qiaoyue , Song Wenshuai , Yu Yaqi , Yang Ting
Published: October 2023

Extubation failure (EF) is a significant concern in mechanically ventilated newborns, and predicting its occurrence is an ongoing area of research. To investigate the predictors of EF in newborns undergoing planned extubation, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published in English from the inception of each database to March 2023. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in all phases of this systematic review. The Risk of Bias Assessment for Nonrandomized Studies tool was used to assess methodological quality. Thirty-four studies were included, 10 of which were overall low risk of bias, 15 of moderate risk of bias, and 9 of high risk of bias. The studies reported 43 possible predictors in six broad categories (intrinsic factors; maternal factors; diseases and adverse conditions of the newborn; treatment of the newborn; characteristics before and after extubation; and clinical scores and composite indicators). Through a qualitative synthesis of 43 predictors and a quantitative meta-analysis of 19 factors, we identified five definite factors, eight possible factors, and 22 unclear factors related to EF. Definite factors included gestational age, sepsis, pre-extubation pH, pre-extubation FiO2, and respiratory severity score. Possible factors included age at extubation, anemia, inotropic use, mean airway pressure, pre-extubation PCO2, mechanical ventilation duration, Apgar score, and spontaneous breathing trial. With only a few high-quality studies currently available, well-designed and more extensive prospective studies investigating the predictors affecting EF are still needed. In the future, it will be important to explore the possibility of combining multiple predictors or assessment tools to enhance the accuracy of predicting extubation outcomes in clinical practice.
Frequency of screening and SBT Technique Trial—North American Weaning Collaboration (FAST-NAWC): an update to the protocol and statistical analysis plan
Authors: Burns Karen E. A. , Lafrienier-Roula Myriam , Hill Nicholas S. , Cook Deborah J. , Seely Andrew J. E. , Rochwerg Bram , Mayette Michael , D’Aragon Frederick , Devlin John W. , Dodek Peter , Tanios Maged , Gouskos Audrey , Turgeon Alexis F. , Aslanian Pierre , Sia Ying Tung , Beitler Jeremy R. , Hyzy Robert , Criner Gerard J. , Kassis Elias Baedorf , Tsang Jennifer L. Y. , Meade Maureen O. , Liebler Janice M. , Wong Jessica T. Y. , Thorpe Kevin E. ,   For the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: October 2023

Background

This update summarizes key changes made to the protocol for the Frequency of Screening and Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) Technique Trial—North American Weaning Collaborative (FAST-NAWC) trial since the publication of the original protocol. This multicenter, factorial design randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, will compare the effect of both screening frequency (once vs. at least twice daily) to identify candidates to undergo a SBT and SBT technique [pressure support + positive end-expiratory pressure vs. T-piece] on the time to successful extubation (primary outcome) in 760 critically ill adults who are invasively ventilated for at least 24 h in 20 North American intensive care units.

Methods/design

Protocols for the pilot, factorial design trial and the full trial were previously published in J Clin Trials (https://doi.org/10.4172/2167-0870.1000284) and Trials (https://doi: 10.1186/s13063-019–3641-8). As planned, participants enrolled in the FAST pilot trial will be included in the report of the full FAST-NAWC trial. In response to the onset of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic when approximately two thirds of enrollment was complete, we revised the protocol and consent form to include critically ill invasively ventilated patients with COVID-19. We also refined the statistical analysis plan (SAP) to reflect inclusion and reporting of participants with and without COVID-19. This update summarizes the changes made and their rationale and provides a refined SAP for the FAST-NAWC trial. These changes have been finalized before completion of trial follow-up and the commencement of data analysis.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov NCT02399267.
A self-managed exercise therapy program for wrist osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Larsson Sara L. , Ekstrand Elisabeth , Dahlin Lars B. , Björkman Anders , Brogren Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

Background

Post-traumatic wrist osteoarthritis (OA) can eventually lead to pain, muscular weakness, and stiffness of the wrist, which can affect the function of the entire upper limb and reduce the quality of life. Although there is strong evidence that all patients with OA should be offered adequate education and exercises as a first-line treatment, an effective self-management program, including structured education and therapeutic exercises, has not yet been introduced for individuals with wrist OA. This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise therapy program with joint protective strategies to improve neuromuscular control (intervention group) compared to a training program with range of motion exercises (control group).

Methods

This is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two treatment arms in patients with symptomatic and radiographically confirmed wrist OA. The trial will be conducted at a hand surgery department. The participants will be randomly assigned either to a neuromuscular exercise therapy program or to a training program with range of motion exercises only. Participants in both groups will receive a wrist orthosis and structured education on wrist anatomy, pathophysiology, and joint protective self-management strategies. The programs consist of home exercises that will be performed twice a day for 12 weeks. The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) is the primary outcome measure of pain and function. Wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, the Numeric Pain Rating scale (NPRS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Global Rating of Change (GROC), and conversion to surgery are the secondary measures of outcome. Assessments will be performed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after baseline by a blinded assessor.

Discussion

The upcoming results from this trial may add new knowledge about the effectiveness of a self-managed exercise therapy program on pain and function for individuals with wrist OA. If the present self-management program proves to be effective, it can redefine current treatment strategies and may be implemented in wrist OA treatment protocols.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05367817. Retrospectively registered on 27 April 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov.
EggCountAI: a convolutional neural network-based software for counting of Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs
Authors: Javed Nouman , López-Denman Adam J. , Paradkar Prasad N. , Bhatti Asim
Published: October 2023

Background

Mosquito-borne diseases exert a huge impact on both animal and human populations, posing substantial health risks. The behavioural and fitness traits of mosquitoes, such as locomotion and fecundity, are crucial factors that influence the spread of diseases. In existing egg-counting tools, each image requires separate processing with adjustments to various parameters such as intensity threshold and egg area size. Furthermore, accuracy decreases significantly when dealing with clustered or overlapping eggs. To overcome these issues, we have developed EggCountAI, a Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (RCNN)-based free automatic egg-counting tool for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Methods

The study design involves developing EggCountAI for counting mosquito eggs and comparing its performance with two commonly employed tools—ICount and MECVision—using 10 microscopic and 10 macroscopic images of eggs laid by females on a paper strip. The results were validated through manual egg counting on the strips using ImageJ software. Two different models were trained on macroscopic and microscopic images to enhance egg detection accuracy, achieving mean average precision, mean average recall, and F1-scores of 0.92, 0.90, and 0.91 for the microscopic model, and 0.91, 0.90, and 0.90 for the macroscopic model, respectively. EggCountAI automatically counts eggs in a folder containing egg strip images, offering adaptable filtration for handling impurities of varying sizes.

Results

The results obtained from EggCountAI highlight its remarkable performance, achieving overall accuracy of 98.88% for micro images and 96.06% for macro images. EggCountAI significantly outperformed ICount and MECVision, with ICount achieving 81.71% accuracy for micro images and 82.22% for macro images, while MECVision achieved 68.01% accuracy for micro images and 51.71% for macro images. EggCountAI also excelled in other statistical parameters, with mean absolute error of 1.90 eggs for micro, 74.30 eggs for macro, and a strong correlation and R-squared value (0.99) for both micro and macro. The superior performance of EggCountAI was most evident when handling overlapping or clustered eggs.

Conclusion

Accurate detection and counting of mosquito eggs enables the identification of preferred egg-laying sites and facilitates optimal placement of oviposition traps, enhancing targeted vector control efforts and disease transmission prevention. In future research, the tool holds the potential to extend its application to monitor mosquito feeding preferences.

Graphical Abstract
Accuracy of plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, and p-tau181 to detect CSF Alzheimer’s pathological changes in cognitively unimpaired subjects using the Lumipulse automated platform
Authors: Martínez-Dubarbie Francisco , Guerra-Ruiz Armando , López-García Sara , Lage Carmen , Fernández-Matarrubia Marta , Infante Jon , Pozueta-Cantudo Ana , García-Martínez María , Corrales-Pardo Andrea , Bravo María , López-Hoyos Marcos , Irure-Ventura Juan , Sánchez-Juan Pascual , García-Unzueta María Teresa , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Eloy
Published: October 2023

Background

The arrival of new disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) requires the identification of subjects at risk in a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive way. With tools allowing an adequate screening, it would be possible to optimize the use of these treatments. Plasma markers of AD are very promising, but it is necessary to prove that alterations in their levels are related to alterations in gold standard markers such as cerebrospinal fluid or PET imaging. With this research, we want to evaluate the performance of plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, and p-tau181 to detect the pathological changes in CSF using the automated Lumipulse platform.

Methods

Both plasma and CSF Aβ40, Aβ42, and p-tau181 have been evaluated in a group of 208 cognitively unimpaired subjects with a 30.3% of ApoE4 carriers. We have correlated plasma and CSF values of each biomarker. Then, we have also assessed the differences in plasma marker values according to amyloid status (A − / +), AD status (considering AD + subjects to those A + plus Tau +), and ATN group defined by CSF. Finally, ROC curves have been performed, and the area under the curve has been measured using amyloid status and AD status as an outcome and different combinations of plasma markers as predictors.

Results

Aβ42, amyloid ratio, p-tau181, and p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio correlated significantly between plasma and CSF. For these markers, the levels were significantly different in the A + / − , AD + / − , and ATN groups. Amyloid ratio predicts amyloid and AD pathology in CSF with an AUC of 0.89.

Conclusions

Plasma biomarkers of AD using the automated Lumipulse platform show good diagnostic performance in detecting Alzheimer’s pathology in cognitively unimpaired subjects.
Radiomics in the evaluation of ovarian masses — a systematic review
Authors: Adusumilli Pratik , Ravikumar Nishant , Hall Geoff , Swift Sarah , Orsi Nicolas , Scarsbrook Andrew
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The study aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature reporting the application of radiomics to imaging techniques in patients with ovarian lesions.

Methods

MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Ovid and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant articles. Using PRISMA criteria, data were extracted from short-listed studies. Validity and bias were assessed independently by 2 researchers in consensus using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Radiomic Quality Score (RQS) was utilised to assess radiomic methodology.

Results

After duplicate removal, 63 articles were identified, of which 33 were eligible. Fifteen assessed lesion classifications, 10 treatment outcomes, 5 outcome predictions, 2 metastatic disease predictions and 1 classification/outcome prediction. The sample size ranged from 28 to 501 patients. Twelve studies investigated CT, 11 MRI, 4 ultrasound and 1 FDG PET-CT. Twenty-three studies (70%) incorporated 3D segmentation. Various modelling methods were used, most commonly LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) (10/33). Five studies (15%) compared radiomic models to radiologist interpretation, all demonstrating superior performance. Only 6 studies (18%) included external validation. Five studies (15%) had a low overall risk of bias, 9 (27%) moderate, and 19 (58%) high risk of bias. The highest RQS achieved was 61.1%, and the lowest was − 16.7%.

Conclusion

Radiomics has the potential as a clinical diagnostic tool in patients with ovarian masses and may allow better lesion stratification, guiding more personalised patient care in the future. Standardisation of the feature extraction methodology, larger and more diverse patient cohorts and real-world evaluation is required before clinical translation.

Clinical relevance statement

Radiomics shows promising results in improving lesion stratification, treatment selection and outcome prediction. Modelling with larger cohorts and real-world evaluation is required before clinical translation.

Key points

• Radiomics is emerging as a tool for enhancing clinical decisions in patients with ovarian masses.

• Radiomics shows promising results in improving lesion stratification, treatment selection and outcome prediction.

• Modelling with larger cohorts and real-world evaluation is required before clinical translation.

Graphical Abstract
Intermittent theta-burst stimulation combined with transcranial direct current stimulation once weekly for treatment-resistant depression: a case report
Authors: Wivatvongvana Pakorn , Soonthornthum Chutimon , Kitisak Kittipong
Published: October 2023

Background

Single-time non-invasive brain stimulation was carried out using the two-technique approach on a patient suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Five treatment sessions given at weekly intervals resulted in a significant improvement in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score for up to 6 weeks. The findings of this study could pave the way for a more efficient less resource-intensive time- and budget-saving technique of employing non-invasive brain stimulation for patients with treatment-resistant depression by minimizing the number of stimulation sessions.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old married non-Latino white American woman suffering from treatment-resistant depression received intermittent theta-burst stimulation in combination with transcranial direct current stimulation weekly for 5 consecutive weeks. Diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation showed an observable electrophysiological change. The patient reported a drastic improvement in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score up until 6-week follow-up and expressed satisfaction with the treatment.

Conclusions

This case study suggests that a streamlined protocol for using non-invasive brain stimulation could prove more effective for patients and healthcare providers in terms of safety in comparison to the present guidelines.
Novel role of immune-related non-coding RNAs as potential biomarkers regulating tumour immunoresponse via MICA/NKG2D pathway
Authors: Zhang Jing , Luo Qizhi , Li Xin , Guo Junshuang , Zhu Quan , Lu Xiaofang , Wei Leiyan , Xiang Zhiqing , Peng Manqing , Ou Chunlin , Zou Yizhou
Published: October 2023

Major histocompatibility complex class I related chain A (MICA) is an important and stress-induced ligand of the natural killer group 2 member D receptor (NKG2D) that is expressed in various tumour cells. Given that the MICA/NKG2D signalling system is critically embedded in the innate and adaptive immune responses, it is particularly involved in the surveillance of cancer and viral infections. Emerging evidence has revealed the important roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in different cancer types. We searched for all relevant publications in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science database using the keywords ncRNA, MICA, NKG2D, cancer, and miRNAs. All relevant studies published from 2008 to the 2023 were retrieved and collated. Notably, we found that miRNAs can target to NKG2D mRNA and MICA mRNA 3’-untranslated regions (3’-UTR), leading to translation inhibition of NKG2D and MICA degradation. Several immune-related MICA/NKG2D pathways may be dysregulated in cancer with aberrant miRNA expressions. At the same time, the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis holds that circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs induce an abnormal MICA expression by directly targeting downstream miRNAs to mediate mRNA suppression in cancer. This review summarizes the novel mechanism of immune escape in the ncRNA-related MICA/NKG2D pathway mediated by NK cells and cancer cells. Moreover, we identified the miRNA-NKG2D, miRNA-MICA and circRNA/lncRNA/mRNA-miRNA-mRNA/MICA axis. Thus, we were particularly concerned with the regulation of mediated immune escape in the MICA/NKG2D pathway by ncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers of immunity and cancer.
Deriving the Shannon Index from the soil molecular Humeome serves as a descriptor of soil organic matter stability under different cropping systems
Authors: Drosos Marios , Orlando Michele , Cozzolino Vincenza , Scopa Antonio , Piccolo Alessandro
Published: October 2023

Soil organic matter (SOM) is essential in maintaining soil structure, nutrient content, water retention, and biodiversity. It also represents an important C pool that, if efficiently stabilized, may play a role in the mitigation of global climate changes. However, knowledge is still limited on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) molecular composition occurring with changes in land use and management practices. We calculated the Shannon diversity index (SH) for the soil molecular characteristics as obtained by the humeomic sequential fractionation applied on two different soil systems including uncultivated control: (1) Soils under a short-term cultivation of maize for 1 and 3 years; (2) Soils under a 20-year long-term cultivation of either continuous maize (MAIZE) or maize-bean rotation (MIX). The SH values were derived for each of the nine molecular classes in which the soil humeomic results were grouped. When single class SH were summed, we found that the resulting total Shannon heterogeneity (SHtot) and its value weighted for the relative OC percent, were inversely proportional to a Stability Soil Organic Matter Ratio (SOMR) equation, that, in turn, was directly proportional to the normalized Chemical Protection Ratio (nCPR) equation, based on the quantity of highly hydrophobic (organosoluble) compounds present in soils. The physical–chemical stability of SOM, expressed as SOMR and nCPR, increased with the decrease of the heterogeneity of the total molecular system (SHtot) for both short- and long-term soil systems. In fact, in the short-term soil system the molecular humeome was least heterogeneous under uncropped conditions, while SH showed increased heterogeneity with Maize cultivation for 1 and 3 years, in the order. The greatest SH homogeneity was again shown by the uncultivated control soil for the 20-year long-term system, and SH heterogeneity increased passing from the soil under Maize-Broad bean rotation, to that under Maize monocultivation. The SH values of single molecular classes revealed that nitrogenated or oxygenated aromatic compounds determined the stability of soil humus, being the nitrogenated heterocyclic compounds responsible for the residual molecular stability of SOM in both soil systems. This work indicated that the molecular complexity of a soil humeome can be represented by a Shannon descriptor that provides a handy and direct information on the dynamics of humus in soils.

Graphical Abstract
Fires in the South American Chaco, from dry forests to wetlands: response to climate depends on land cover
Authors: San Martín Rodrigo , Ottlé Catherine , Sörensson Anna
Published: October 2023

Background

Wildfires represent an important element in the bio-geophysical cycles of various ecosystems across the globe and are particularly related to land transformation in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we analyzed the links between fires, land use (LU), and meteorological variables in the South American Chaco (1.1 million km2), a global deforestation hotspot and fire-exposed region that has recently attracted greater attention as the largest and one of the last tropical dry forests in the world.

Results

We found that the Dry Chaco (73% of the total area of Chaco) exhibits a unimodal fire seasonality (winter-spring), and the Wet Chaco (the remaining 23%) displays a bimodal seasonality (summer-autumn and winter-spring). While most of the burnt area (BA) was found in the Wet Chaco (113,859 km2; 55% of the entire BA), the Dry Chaco showed the largest fraction of forest loss (93,261 km2; 88% of the entire forest loss). Between 2001 and 2019, 26% of the entire Chaco’s forest loss occurred in areas with BA detections, and this percentage varies regionally and across countries, revealing potential connections to LU and policy. Argentina lost 51,409 km2 of its Chaco tree cover, surpassing the forest losses of Paraguay and Bolivia, and 40% of this loss was related to fire detections. The effect of meteorological fluctuations on fuel production and flammability varies with land cover (LC), which emerged as the principal factor behind BA. While wet areas covered with herbaceous vegetation showed negative correlations between BA and precipitation, some dry regions below 800 mm/year, and mostly covered by shrublands, showed positive correlations. These results reveal the two different roles of precipitation in (a) moisture content and flammability and (b) production of biomass fuel.

Conclusions

As fires and deforestation keep expanding in the South American Chaco, our study represents a step forward to understanding their drivers and effects. BA is dependent on LC types, which explains the discrepancies in fire frequency and seasonality between the Wet and Dry Chaco subregions. The links between fires and deforestation also vary between regions and between countries, exposing the role of anthropic forcing, land management, and policy. To better understand the interactions between these drivers, further studies at regional scale combining environmental sciences with social sciences are needed. Such research should help policy makers take action to preserve and protect the remaining forests and wetlands of the Chaco.
Immunotherapeutic strategy in the management of gastric cancer: molecular profiles, current practice, and ongoing trials
Authors: Lu Mengxiao , Wu Yingjie , Zhang Yixin , Yu Yu , Wang ShengJie , Su Xiaobao
Published: October 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is the one of the most commonly solid cancer worldwide. Although under the aggressive treatment, the poor clinical outcomes of patients with GCs have not been improved. Current studies emphasized that targeting therapies or immune response-based therapeutic strategy may be a potential approach to improve the clinical outcomes. Moreover, accumulative evidence has reported the increasing expression of PD-L1 expression in GC cells and highlighted its role in the tumor progression. Currently, great development has been established in the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and further changed the clinical practice of GC treatment and prognosis. In addition, the combination therapies with targeting therapy or traditional therapies are expected to push the development of immunotherapies. In our present review, we predominantly focus on the biomarkers and molecular profiles for immunotherapies in GCs and highlight the role and administration of ICIs-based immunotherapeutic strategies against the GCs.
The application of graph theory to optimize the design of onshore 2D seismic surveys
Authors: Dean Tim
Published: October 2023

Despite ongoing innovations in the design of 3D seismic surveys, the design of 2D seismic surveys has changed relatively little since their introduction. Two-dimensional and 3D surveys face similar challenges. One challenge is how to plan survey lines to minimize health, safety, and environmental (HSE) exposure and cost. In this paper, I show how graph theory can be used to automatically design optimized 2D survey lines. The paper includes examples that address minimizing the impact of new line clearing, maximizing the use of existing clearing, and reducing HSE risk.
Development of an Image-based Method for Tablet Microstructure Description and Its Correlation with API Release Rate
Authors: Römerová Simona , Dammer Ondřej , Zámostný Petr
Published: October 2023

The performance of a pharmaceutical formulation, such as the drug (API) release rate, is significantly influenced by the properties of the materials used, the composition of the final product and the tablet compression process parameters. However, in some cases, the knowledge of these input parameters does not necessarily provide a reliable description or prediction of tablet performance. Therefore, the knowledge of tablet microstructure is desirable to understand such formulations. Commonly used analytical techniques, such as X-ray tomography and intrusion mercury porosimetry, are not widely used in pharmaceutical companies due to their price and/or toxicity, and therefore, efforts are made to develop a tool for fast and easy microstructure description. In this work, we have developed an image-based method for microstructure description and applied it to a model system consisting of ibuprofen and CaHPO4∙2H2O (API and excipient with different deformability). The obtained parameter, the quadratic mean of the equivalent diameter of the non-deformable, brittle excipient CaHPO4∙2H2O, was correlated with tablet composition, compression pressure and API release rate. The obtained results demonstrate the possibility of describing the tablet dissolution performance in the presented model system based on the microstructural parameter, providing a possible model system for compressed solid dosage forms in which a plastic component is present and specific API release is required.

Graphical Abstract
Prevalence and factors associated with adolescent pregnancy among sexually active adolescent girls in Peru: Evidence from Demographic and Family Health Survey, 2015-2019
Authors: Caira-Chuquineyra Brenda , Fernandez-Guzman Daniel , Meza-Gómez Adria , Luque-Mamani Beatriz Milagros , Medina-Carpio Shawny Luz , Mamani-García Carlos S. , Romani-Peña Marilia , Díaz-Vélez Cristian
Published: October 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy among sexually active adolescents, and identify the factors associated with this problem.

Methods: A population-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using pooled data from the Demographic and Family Health Surveys of Peru, 2015-2019. A total sample of 8850 adolescent girls aged 12 to 19 years who reported a history of sexual intercourse were included. To identify factors related to adolescent pregnancy, the study employed adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The aPR were obtained from a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results: The prevalence of adolescent pregnancy among sexually active adolescents in Peru was 30.9% (95%CI: 29.4–32.4%). In the multivariable analysis; being 17-19 years (aPR: 1.48; 95%CI :1.33–1.64), being married or cohabitant (aPR: 4.01; 95%CI: 3.48–4.61) and belonging to the Quechua ethnicity group (aPR: 1.16; 95%CI: 1.07–1.25), were associated with a higher prevalence. Conversely, the following factors were associated with a lower prevalence of pregnancy: being employed (aPR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.76–0.86), being currently studying (aPR: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.38–0.49), belonging to the second (aPR: 0.91; 95%CI: 0.85–0.97), third (aPR: 0.81; 95%CI: 0.74–0.89), fourth (aPR: 0.79; 95%CI: 0.69–0.91) and fifth (aPR: 0.59; 95%CI: 0.47–0.75) wealth quintile, initiating sexual relations in middle adolescente (aPR: 0.76; 95%CI: 0.69–0.83) or  late adolescence (aPR: 0.40; 95%CI: 0.35–0.46), perceiving a future pregnancy as a problem (aPR: 0.77; 95%CI: 0.72–0.83) and having knowledge of the moment in the cycle when pregnancy can occur (aPR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.77–0.92)

Conclusions: Approximately three out of ten adolescents who initiated a sexual life had at least one pregnancy. Age, marital status, employment, education, wealth, ethnicity, age at first intercourse, knowledge of when in the cycle she may become pregnant, and perception of future pregnancy were associated with adolescent pregnancy
ASSESSMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX OF RUSSIA AND MEASURES TO STIMULATE ITS INVESTMENT ACTIVITY
Authors: Evstaf'eva Alsu , Borovskikh Olga
Published: October 2023

The agro-industrial complex, producing products vital for society, is one of the most important components of the economy of the Russian Federation. The study was conducted to assess the development of the agro-industrial complex and measures to stimulate its investment activity. The largest area of the agro-industrial complex is agriculture, the sustainable development of which is a priority for the state to ensure the country’s food security. Thanks to state support, the agro-industrial complex is demonstrating steady growth. However, problems remain in the industry, the solution of which will strengthen the role and quality of the main directions of the state agrarian policy of the country. Creating a favorable investment climate in the agro-industrial complex is an effective way to develop the industries included in its structure. Measures to stimulate investment activity include: modernization and replacement of production facilities; provision of preferential terms for lending and leasing for participants in the agro-industrial complex; tax incentives; grant support for agricultural producers, agricultural consumer cooperatives, peasants, farms, individual entrepreneurs producing agricultural products; creation of agro-industrial parks. The practice of applying the unified agricultural tax for 2011-2021 in Russia, including in the context of federal districts, showed that, despite the reduction in the number of those applying this taxation regime, there is an increase in the amount of tax calculated. For the development of the agro-industrial complex, it is necessary to introduce non-financial instruments of state support.
PREDICTION OF SPRING WHEAT YIELD BY AGROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN TETYUSHSKIY DISTRICT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Lukmanov Anas , Perevedentsev Yuriy , Mustafina Aisylu , Zaripov Daynis
Published: October 2023

A sample for half a century from 1970 to 2022 was considered, consisting of 7 components, in which the yield of spring wheat (Uf) performs the desired function, with the content of mobile phosphorus (R2O5), exchangeable potassium (K2O), and the proportion of acidic soils in the soil acting as arguments. arable layer (Dkp), the saturation of the arable layer with mineral (min.) and organic (org.) fertilizers and their sum (NPK) in kg/ha per dry matter within one municipal area. A statistically significant relationship was established between agrochemical properties (K2O, Dkp) and Uf with correlation coefficients (r) -0.48 and 0.39 at α = 0.05. Taking into account the pairwise correlation, a multiple correlation was calculated. For the entire sample (6 factors), r was 0.55, and for 2 factors - 0.53. Based on the parameters of correlation and regression analysis, an equation was developed to predict the yield of spring wheat based on agrochemical properties. This equation can be used to increase the efficiency of fertilizers, prevent soil degradation, optimize land use and increase profits in agriculture.With the maximum values of the actual yield of spring wheat - 0.86-4.59 t / ha, the estimated yield (urash) ranges from 1.44 (1990) to 2.77 (2017) t / ha. The absolute difference between the actual and projected (estimated) yield ranges from 0.02 to 1.97 t/ha. The relative deviation in % ranges from 1.03 (1985) to 161.6% (2010) with average values of 25.5%. Deviations of more than 50% occurred in 1981, 1988, 1998, 1999 and 2010, which were due to the influence of extreme dry years, which indicates the need to expand the sample by agro-climatic factors.
EVALUATION OF PRODUCTIVITY AND ADAPTABILITY PARAMETERS OF PROMISING POTATO HYBRIDS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE KOMI REPUBLIC
Authors: Tulinov Aleksey
Published: October 2023

The research was carried out in order to identify and select high-yielding, resistant to a complex of fungal and bacterial phytopathogens, promising potato hybrids adapted to abiotic stresses and conditions of the Far North. The work was carried out in the conditions of the Republic of Komi in 2018–2020 on five hybrids: 1992-14 (Udacha×Elmundo), 2000-60 (Kolette×FZ 1867), 2118-57 (2688-8×Gala), 2139-5 (Kurazh×Avrora), 2142-1 (Dina×Kholmogorskiy). The released varieties of two ripeness groups Udacha - early ripening, Nevskiy - medium early served as standards. The soil of the experimental plots is soddy-podzolic, medium loamy in terms of granulometric composition, with an average content of humus. The studies were carried out in breeding nurseries of the competitive test of the 1st-3rd years (hybrids of the sixth, seventh and eighth tuber generations), planting scheme 70×30 cm. The calculation and analysis of the parameters of ecological plasticity and adaptability made it possible to identify three hybrids that received first places most of the indicators under consideration (average yield, genetic flexibility, breeding value, indicator of the level of stability of the variety itself and in comparison with the standards, stress resistance, etc.). Hybrids 1992-14, 2000-60 and 2139-5 according to the results of ranking received 35...39 points, outstripping the standard varieties by 24...33 points. The selected hybrids have a fairly good resistance to phytopathogens on tops and tubers: to common scab and late blight - 7...9 points, to rhizoctoniosis - 9 points. For further breeding work in the conditions of Komi Republic, according to the sum of ranks and the assessment of field resistance to phytopathogens, hybrids 1992-14, 2000-60 and 2139-5 were selected with an average yield of 23.6 ... 31.2 t/ha.
Factors and Components of the Viability of Chinese Adolescents and Its Impact on Psychological Health: Experience of an Empirical Study
Authors: Zhou Chen
Published: October 2023

Adolescent mental health problems are one of the most serious diseases of the modern generation. In addition to the extremely high rates of youth suicide, numerous depressive and anxiety disorders, this is indirectly indicated by the fact that young people are included in the global health agenda as a target group for targeted intervention. Through many years of observation by psychologists, it was revealed that one of the factors that can stabilize the psychological state of a person and prevent the development of a serious mental crisis is an indicator of viability, or intrapersonal stability. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the results of an empirical study that was aimed at identifying the role of vitality in ensuring the psychological health of modern adolescents from the PRC. The results obtained led to the conclusion that individual (personal skills, peer support, social skills), family (physical care and psychological care) and typological features (spirituality, education, culture) of vitality have a direct impact on the psychological health indicators of modern adolescents (attention, impulsivity/activity; oppositional/cooperative behavior; separation anxiety; anxiety management; ability to manage mood).
The Formation of Stress Resistance Among Pupils-Sportsmen Within the Framework of Additional Education for Children
Authors: Popov A. , Yulina Galina
Published: October 2023

Modern conditions of the development of professional competences of pupils in the field of sports are characterized by the presence of stressful situations arising both in the training and competition process. The urgent issues related to children's sports are to minimize emotional experiences and to develop stress tolerance of school sportsmen, because the state of stress deprives the young athlete of the ability to think, act and react instantly, which is very important in sports. Experiencing stress can lead not only to the qualities of a weak sportsmen, but also to various

psychosomatic conditions. The proposed article deals with the issues of stress tolerance of school sportsmen in the framework of additional education for children, in order to identify and reduce the factors of extreme emotional stress, constantly present in the sphere of sports. Various works of famous psychologists and educators in the key of psychological and pedagogical support of the child's activity in sports are highlighted. An experiment on revealing

the level of emotional tension of school sportsmen according to the method of Yu.Ya. Kiselev was carried out and

statistical data of the research result are presented. The aim of the pedagogical experiment was to develop a method of adaptation to stressful situations and its application in practice for the formation of stress resistance of young sportsmen. The results of the experiment showed a high level of stress resistance among pupils-sportsmen studying in institutions of additional education for children- sportsmen in the city of Moscow, which indicates the purposeful work of the discussed organizations aimed at improving the professional psychological and pedagogical competence

of coaches; to ensure a differentiated approach to the formation of sports skills of schoolchildren; on the development of appropriate pedagogical and psychological methods for the formation of pupils-sportsmen' stress resistance. The conducted research emphasizes the importance of creating and developing conditions in additional educational institutions for revealing the potential of the personality of pupils-sportsmen, for the formation of a healthy lifestyle among the growing generation, value orientations, sustainable emotional stability and, finally, increasing the stress

resistance of pupils-sportsmen.
Repensar la ciudad desde el ecofeminismo
Authors: Muxí Zaida , Montaner Josep María
Published: October 2023

La propuesta realizada en el llamado de este número de Astrágalo se basa en la siguiente premisa: el urbanismo, proyectado y materializado esencialmente desde una visión patriarcal, capitalista y piramidal, ha dado total prioridad al empleo, asignado a los hombres, en tanto que género masculino; por lo tanto, debe ser repensado desde una óptica ecologista y feminista. Este urbanismo patriarcal ha tenido en cuenta solamente la esfera productiva. En cambio, las tres esferas restantes de la vida humana han sido marginadas e invisibilizadas: la esfera de la reproducción y los cuidados; la de la vida comunitaria, la interrelación y la actividad social y política; y la del desarrollo personal. Por ello, se puede hablar de urbanismo feminista, cuyo objetivo previo consiste en el reconocimiento crítico de la realidad desde las experiencias de las mujeres, en los contextos urbanos y rurales, para entender qué del espacio construido afecta en la desigualdad sistémica entre mujeres y hombres. En los estudios y análisis de áreas urbanas, la premisa de trabajo de los grupos feministas han sido la realidad y las experiencias directas. Para ello se realizan los recorridos urbanos de reconocimiento, inspirados en la deriva situacionista, que preceden tanto a las marchas exploratorias como a los recorridos cotidianos, en los que las mujeres del barrio lo recorren en grupo, compartiendo sus historias y experiencias, y explicando las razones y significados de cada enclave y las percepciones de cada espacio urbano concreto. Tomar la calle es un acto de rebeldía y de acción política.
Hacia un Urbanismo más Diverso e Inclusivo: La ‘Ciudadela de la libertad’ de Lina Bo Bardi.
Authors: Meninato Pablo
Published: October 2023

Este artículo explora la contribución de la arquitecta ítalo-brasileña Lina Bo Bardi para crear un urbanismo más equitativo, inclusivo y sostenible. Tras ofrecer una breve reseña biográfica, el ensayo examina algunos de los temas que influenciaron en la trayectoria de Bo Bardi, como sus provocativas reflexiones sobre el feminismo y su interés y fascinación por el “Brasil profundo” a partir de su estancia en la ciudad de Bahía. El argumento central del trabajo es que, adoptando el Centro de Ocio Fábrica SESC Pompéia como caso de estudio, Bo Bardi desarrolló una concepción distinta y original del proyecto urbano. Distanciándose de los postulados del urbanismo moderno, el pensamiento y el diseño de Bo Bardi se centraron en la activación del espacio público a través de actividades y eventos destinados a fortalecer los lazos comunitarios. Bajo este nuevo paradigma, la noción de “calle” se reinterpreta y cambia continuamente. De manera alternativa o simultánea, las calles del SESC Pompéia pueden funcionar como espacios exteriores e interiores, pasarelas a nivel de suelo y elevadas, terrazas solárium y escenarios para performances. Bo Bardi concibió el SESC Pompéia como una “ciudadela de la libertad,” promoviendo la posibilidad de una experiencia urbana más inclusiva, equitativa, multifuncional e innovadora para todos
Ecoproductoras Invisibles. Espacios de la agricultura familiar gallega para el autoconsumo de proximidad.
Authors: Botana Iglesias Cristina , Novas Ferradás María
Published: October 2023

En el primer cuarto del siglo XXI nos enfrentamos a los efectos del profundo impacto de la sobreexplotación de la Tierra y consolidación de un capitalismo globalizado con profundas raíces coloniales y patriarcales. En este punto crucial convergen dos desafíos importantes: la crisis climática y la creciente desigualdad social. Desde los estudios urbanos y territoriales, tendemos a producir análisis centrados en las ciudades que soslayan la huella ecológica sobre los espacios –y cuerpos– que las sostienen, a menudo referidos como territorios vaciados. No obstante, en Galicia persisten prácticas territoriales que, a pesar de haber sido históricamente desvalorizadas, han sobrevivido hasta la actualidad. Entre ellas, la agricultura familiar para el autoconsumo de proximidad. Los espacios de la agricultura familiar gallega nos permiten imaginar formas alternativas de habitar el territorio que van más allá de la dicotomía rural y urbano. Muchas mujeres mayores gallegas continúan apostando por este sistema de producción y reproducción de la tierra, trazando redes esenciales de cooperación e interdependencia. El presente artículo de investigación documenta los espacios de trabajo de tres de estas productoras agroecológicas de ascendencia labrega que han desempeñado, y desempeñan, un papel determinante en la soberanía alimentaria de numerosas familias gallegas, respetando el medio ambiente y cuidando la biodiversidad. Palabras clave: ecofeminismos, consumo propio, agricultura familiar, Galicia, territorios de subsist