bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of non-climatic stress factors on coastal agriculture along nellore coast, andhra pradesh using remote sensing and gis
Authors: Sambandan Rajakumari , Sethu Sundari , Manickam Meenambikai , Jayadevan Sarunjith Kaladevi
Published: May 2023

Coastal areas provide fertile soil and suitable climatic condition for agriculture. Coastal agriculture renders significant contribution to the livelihood and economy of the local communities and also to the nation’s food production. Recent years witness visible loss in the coastal agricultural areas due to increasing climatic and non-climatic factors. Besides climatic stress, non-climatic factors such as growing population, land conversions and other economic activities induce dramatic changes in the extent of agricultural lands especially along the coast. This study attempted to assess the impact of the non-climatic factors on coastal agricultural areas of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. The period of assessment is from 1990 to 2020 using temporal satellite images. The study indicated a loss of about 28% of arable lands within the assessed period. Using the past trends, the status of the agricultural lands in 2030 is predicted for the area which indicated a further21% loss in the arable lands. Village wise impacts of agriculture loss with appropriate scientific approach to sustain coastal agricultural lands are indicated in the study. Remote Sensing, GIS and spatial modeling techniques are used for the assessment.
Prediction of total soil nitrogen variations using three machine learning approaches and remote sensing data
Authors: Felegari Shilan , Moravej Kamran , Sharifi Alireza , Golchin Ahmad , Karami Parviz
Published: May 2023

The fluctuation of total soil nitrogen (TSN) levels, whether it be an excessive increase or decrease, can result in microbial contamination, decreased vegetation coverage, and reduced agricultural product yield. However, analyzing nitrogen levels in a laboratory setting can be a costly and time-consuming process when done on a large scale. As a solution, remote sensing technology can be utilized to address this issue. In this research, the data capabilities of Landsat-9 and Sentinel-1 satellites and their integration along, with the use of support vector machine (SVM), boosted regression tree (BRT), and random forest (RF) algorithms, were evaluated in the zoning of TSN values in the soil of paddy fields in northern Iran. Several variables were used that had the potential to predict TSN values. TSN estimation accuracy was not achieved with the SVM algorithm. However, the BRT and RF algorithms were able to monitor TSN changes, with the BRT performing better by accurately capturing 58% of changes due to its higher R2 value (0.58) and lower RMSE (0.25) and MAE (0.19) values. LULC maps and BC-3 band data variables play a key role in producing the TSN map. Hence, utilizing SAR data in conjunction with machine learning algorithms is a viable recommendation for monitoring soil nitrogen levels, particularly in regions with high rainfall where the sky is frequently overcast with clouds and fog. SAR data, with the biggest share (31%), was the most important variable in the BRT algorithm.
Willingness toward post-mortem body donation to science at a Mexican university: an exploratory survey
Authors: Meester Irene , Guajardo Miriam Polino , Ramos Alyra del Carmen Treviño , Solís-Soto Juan Manuel , Rojas-Martínez Augusto
Published: May 2023

Background
. Voluntary post-mortem donation to science (PDS) is the most appropriate source for body dissection to medical education and training, and highly useful for biomedical research. In Mexico, unclaimed bodies are no longer a legal source, but PDS is legally possible, though scarcely facilitated, and mostly ignored by the general population. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the attitude and willingness for PDS and to identify a sociodemographic profile of people with willingness towards PDS.
Methods
. A validated on-line survey was distributed by the convenience method via the social networks of a Catholicism-inspired, private university in northern Mexico. Frequency analyses of all variables and coded free comments were complemented with association studies.
Results
. Although the responder cohort (n = 143) was too small and biased to be representative for the university community (n = 13,500), willingness to post-mortem organ donation was 90.7% and to PDS 70.7%. In this cohort, PDS willingness had the strongest association with mature age (> 40 years old; P, 0.0008). Among young adults, willingness to PDS was the lowest among volunteers from technical and business schools and the highest among those from the social sciences (P, 0.009). Respondents from the social sciences were also the most consistent between attitude and behavior with respect to organ donation. A free comment option revealed respondents were interested in the unusual taboo topic.
Conclusions
. A small, but sufficiently large proportion expressed willingness towards DPS. Therefore, the authors invite Mexican medical schools and biomedical research institutes to organize PDS programs in favor of medical teaching and biomedical research.
Assessing Mental Health Differences in Medical Students Between Traditional vs. PBL Curriculums
Authors: Jestin Maxim , Sharma Shelly , Jhaveri Deval , Mitchell Brittany , Micciche Dean , Venkataraman Venkat , Lambert Kathryn
Published: May 2023

Background
The prevalence of mental health struggles among students in medical school is widely reported however, little is known about how it is impacted by medical school curriculum. This study aimed to evaluate differences in anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion in medical students based on gender, class year, and curriculum.
Methods
An anonymous online survey consisting of questions from established, validated questionnaires about demographics, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and personal health behaviors was sent to 817 medical students who attended Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine during the Spring of 2021.
Results
The survey was completed by 222 students. Females experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion than males. Students in the problem-based curriculum (PBL) had lower levels of emotional exhaustion than their peers in the lecture-based curriculum (LBL). Increase in emotional exhaustion was most pronounced between 1st and 2nd year students. Emotional exhaustion was inversely correlated with sleep and exercise.
Conclusions
On average, students who were either male or in the PBL curriculum experienced less mental distress in the form of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion than their peers. While gender continues to be an established factor in how mental distress is experienced, the reduced levels of emotional exhaustion in PBL students is a novel finding that can potentially shed light on how to better optimize medical education. Despite the lower number of PBL students, to our knowledge, this is the first study comparing two different curricula within a single institution. This finding along with a focus on good sleep and exercise habits may provide a path for improving mental health in medical students.
Genetic composition of high-quality winter wheat varieties ‘Xinmai 26’ and ‘Xinmai 45’
Authors: Yang Li-Juan , Ma Jian , Zhang Da-Le , Yang Hai-Feng , Dong Yan-Qi , Qi Zeng-Jun , Li Meng-Jiao , Jiang Zhi-Kai , Ma Hua-Ping
Published: May 2023

High quality is an important goal of wheat breeding. Several super-strong gluten wheat varieties, e.g. ‘Xinmai 26’ and ‘Xinmai 45’, have been bred to meet the needs of the consumer market. However, the genetic composition, transmission frequency and genetic contribution of these varieties and their progeny are not clear, which is. To analyze the genetic composition of the high-quality strong gluten wheat varieties ‘Xinmai 26’ and ‘Xinmai 45’, the genetic contribution rates of male and female parents to the varieties were determined using 6056 SNP markers detected by a widely used high-throughput wheat array (15K chip). Additionally, the chromosome polymorphisms of five related wheat varieties were determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using four oligonucleotide probe sets. The results showed that the genetic contribution rate of ‘Jinan 17’ against ‘Xinmai 26’ was 55.97%, much higher than the 15.81% of ‘Xinmai 18’. ‘Jimai 20’ showed a genetic contribution rate of 57.53% against ‘Xinmai 45’, slightly higher than that of ‘Xinmai 26’ at 40.21%. The specific fragment differences from male and female parents were identified in both breeding varieties, and ‘Xinmai 26’ had more specific fragments that differed from male and female parents than ‘Xinmai 45’. The chromosomes of group A and group B of the five varieties were significantly polymorphic, but no chromosomal translocations or inversions were found. These promising results will allow exploration of the genetic pattern of high-quality varieties, promote breeding efficiency, and facilitate utilization of the superior traits of backbone parents for wheat quality improvement.
Trend, geographical distribution, and determinants of modern contraceptive utilization among married reproductive-age women, Based on 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Demis Teshome , Bekele Zinabu , Eshete Eyob , Wake Fikadu
Published: May 2023

Background
The most common family planning method is modern contraception. It is a cost-effective way to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and enable women to make informed choices about their reproductive and sexual health. The trend of modern contraceptive utilization has shown drastic change in Ethiopia, and identifying the major factors contributing to such a drastic change is vital to improving plans and strategies for family planning programs. Therefore, this study analyzed the trend, geographical distribution, and determinants of modern contraceptive use among married reproductive-age women in Ethiopia.
Method
A population-based cross-sectional study design was conducted using secondary data analysis from the 2000–2016 EDHS among married reproductive-age women (15–49 years of age). The trend in modern contraceptive use was analyzed using descriptive analyses, which were examined in three phases: 2000–2005, 2005–2011, and 2011–2016. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify determinant factors. Finally, a P-value of 0.05 and an adjusted OR with the correspondence 95% confidence interval were used to declare the significant variables. Analysis was conducted using STATA.14 and R. Spatial analysis was done using ArcGIS version 10.8 and SatScan™ version 9.6.
Result
A weighted total of 33,478 women are included in the study, with a mean age of 31.4 years (8.6 SD). There was a significant increase in the trend of modern contraceptive use among married women over the study period, from 2000 to 2016, from 7.2% in 2000 to 15.7% in 2005, to 30% in 2011, and to 39.5% in 2016. The maximum increase was seen in the second phase (2005–2011), with a 14.3% increase. Factors like age of respondents, educational status, religion, residence, region, wealth index, number of living children, husbands' desire to have more children, and media exposure were found to be predictors for modern contraceptive utilization.
Conclusion
Although modern contraceptive use among young married women has shown an increase over the last 15 years in Ethiopia, we need to work hard since the contraceptive prevalence is below 50%. There is evidence of wide geographical variation in modern contraceptive use in Ethiopia.
Linear cosmological perturbations in $f(Q)$ -gravity model using the $1 + 3$ covariant formalism
Authors: Sahlu Shambel , Tsegaye Endalkachew , Abebe Amare
Published: May 2023

In this manuscript, the evolution of scalar perturbations in f(Q) gravity mode using the 1 + 3 covariant formalism is studied. After reviewing f(Q) cosmology, the first-order evolution equations are derived, and the scalar and harmonic decomposition techniques are applied. We then solve the system of equations to find the density fluctuations through redshift and then apply the quasi-static approximation. The numerical results of density fluctuations are presented in dust and radiation-dominated epochs of the universe, and both wavelength modes: long- and short-wavelength modes are considered for the case of radiation dominated universe. From the results of density fluctuations, we clearly observe the contribution of nonmetricity gravity to the formation of large-scale structures. We use the power-law nonmetricity gravity model which is f(Q) = Q + αQn for numerical analysis.
Solving Matrix games with Trapezoidal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Payoff using Score Function
Authors: Thasneem S. A. Sahathana , Sasikala G.
Published: May 2023

In this paper the score function is used to solve Matrix game with Trapezoidal Intuitionistic Fuzzy(TrIF) payoff. The proposed method is applied to defuzzify the payoff matrix then the matrix is solved by mixed strategy method. The technique is illustrated by a numerical example.
MSC: 91-05
Theoretical insight into the mechanism and selectivity of the [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of N-methyl-1-phenylmethanimine Oxide and Bicyclopropylidene with a MEDT Perspective
Authors: Mohammad-Salim Haydar , de Julián-Ortiz Jesus Vicente
Published: May 2023

The mechanism and regioselectivity of [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of N-methyl-1-phenylmethanimine oxide nitrone1and bicyclopropylidene2are analyzed using molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. A study of the electron localisation function (ELF) predicts thezwitter-ionicnature of the nitrone, allowing its participation inzw-type32CA reactions with a high energy barrier that must be surmounted by suitable electrophilic–nucleophilic interactions. The global electronic flux from the strong nucleophilic bicyclopropylidene2to the electrophilic nitrone1is predicted by an analysis of the CDFT indices. In this 32CA reaction, no new covalent bonds are generated at the TSs, and the mechanism is one-step and kinetically controlled with low asynchronous bond production. The Gibbs free energy of this 32CA reaction in the gas phase is -9.88 and -15.01 kcal.mol-1forexoandendopath, respectively. The increased thermodynamic stability of the cycloadducts4favors theendoregiochemical route. The ELF topological examination at the transition stages is in agreement with the predictions of bonding evolution theory (BET) for theendoandexoroutes, which point to a one-step process including early transition states.
Bilaterally Paralel Elliptic Flap Versus Karydakis Flap in Pilonidal Sinus Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: TURAN Umut Fırat , COBAN Serdar , AKIN Tezcan , BERKEM Huseyin , YUKSEL Bulent Cavit , ER Sadettin
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Pilonidal sinus disease is a disease that especially affects the young population and causes loss of workforce. Although many treatment methods have been defined, there is still no ‘gold standard’ treatment method. Our objective was to evaluate the postoperative results of bilateral parallel elliptical flap and karydakis flap in the surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus.
Methods
This study was conducted at the Colorectal Surgery Department of Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital. It designed a prospective randomized controlled study. Patients that underwent surgery due to pilonidal sinus were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Surgery was performed with the bilateral parallel elliptical flap (BPEF) technique in one group and the karydakis flap (KF) technique in the other group. Postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, wound complications, time taken to return to work/school, and recurrence incidence were evaluated.
Results
A total of 102 patients were included in the study, 49 in the BPEF group and 53 in the KF group. The length of hospital stay was similar in the BPEF and KF groups (1.41 ± 0.81 and 1.45 ± 0.84, respectively; p > 0.05). There was less postoperative pain in the BPEF group (2.47 ± 1.02 vs 3.57 ± 1.10, p < 0.05). Wound complications were observed in nine patients in the BPEF group (18.2%) and 14 patients in the KF group (26.2%). The time to return to work/school was shorter in the BPEF group (21.06 ± 6.37 vs 27.04 ± 7.45; p < 0.05). Recurrence developed in two (4%) patients in the BPEF group and three (5.6%) patients in the KF group (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
The patients who underwent surgery with the bilateral parallel elliptical flap technique had less pain and a shorter time to return to work/school after the operation. The postoperative complication and recurrence rates were similar in both groups.
Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05851690. (5/11/2023) (retrospectively registered)
Effects of Pentazocine on perioperative myocardial injury of elderly hypertensive patients
Authors: Tang Na , Li Chen
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUNDː To observe the effect of Pentazocine on elderly hypertensive patients with preoperative and postoperative cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration and the occurring rate of cardiovascular events;Analysis whether Pentazocine can reduce the perioperative myocardial injury of patients with non-cardiac surgery and play a role in myocardial protection. METHODSːSelective the hip replacement under spinal anesthesia of elderly hypertensive patients of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from Nov. 2020 to June. 2021. 79 cases were randomly divided into two group :Pentazocine group (P group, n = 39), Control group (C group, n = 40);Monitor and record the blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), electrocardiogram (ECG) and intraoperative adverse cardiovascular events.With the use of ELISA to determinate the preoperative and 24h-postoperative cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations. RESULTSː1. When compared with the moment entering the operating room, in both group, the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) have significant statistical difference (P < 0.05)with the time after the surgury; the MAP, HR, SpO2 have no difference between the two groups in both of the time (P > 0.05). 2. The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in P group was 10.3%(4/39), it was significantly lower than that of C group27.5%(11/40),which has significant statistical difference (P < 0.05).3. the concentrations of cTnI were not different before surgery (P > 0.05) between the two groups,the cTnI concentrations in the two groups after 24h of the surgery were both higher than those before the surgery, and the increasing range of P group was significantly lower than that in C group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONSː 1. The hip joint replacement have significant hemodynamic changes on elderly patients with hypertension and may cause different degrees of myocardial injury;2. Pentazocine can significantly reduce the impact of the damage on patients's myocardium;The myocardial protective effect may exist.
Optical solitons of a perturbed Biswas-Milovic equation with parabolic-law nonlinearity and spatio-temporal dispersion
Authors: Cinar Melih
Published: May 2023

This paper deals with a new variant of the Biswas-Milovic equation, referred to as the perturbed Biswas-Milovic equation with parabolic-law nonlinearity in spatio-temporal dispersion. To our best knowledge, the considered equation which models the pulse propagation in optical fiber is studied for the first time, and the abundant optical solitons are successfully obtained utilizing the auxiliary equation method. Furthermore, we also investigate the impact of the parameters such as the spatio-temporal dispersion and the parabolic nonlinearity on the behavior of the soliton. The auxiliary equation method was employed due to its effectiveness in extracting abundant and diverse kinds of soliton solutions, including bright, kink, and singular. It has been tested and verified using Mathematica that all solutions obtained satisfy the main equation. 3D, 2D, and contour graphs of the solution functions are plotted and interpreted to understand the physical behavior of the model. The new model and findings may contribute to the understanding and characterization of the nonlinear behavior of pulse propagation in optical fibers, which is crucial for the development of optical communication systems.
The effect of preoperative endoscopic tattooing on lymph node retrieval in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nawras Mohamad , Chawla Karan , DeRiso Armelle , Dubchuk Christina , Beran Azizullah , Aziz Muhammad , Pannell Stephanie
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The effect of preoperative endoscopic tattooing (ET) on accurate colorectal cancer localization and resection has been well established. However, its effect on lymph node (LN) retrieval remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically compare LN retrieval between patients with colorectal cancer who underwent preoperative ET and those who did not.
Methods
A systematic search for relevant studies was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies that compared LN retrieval in patients with colorectal cancer with and without preoperative ET were included. Weighted pooled odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all outcomes using the random-effects model were calculated.
Results
10 studies, including 2231 patients with colorectal cancer were included. Six studies reported total LN yield and showed significantly higher LN yield in the tattooed group (MD:2.61; 95% CI:1.01–4.21, P = 0.001). Seven studies reported the number of patients with adequate LN retrieval and showed a significantly higher number of patients with adequate LN retrieval in the tattooed group (OR:1.89, 95% CI:1.08–3.32, P = 0.03). However, subgroup analysis revealed that both outcomes were only statistically significant in patients with rectal cancer, and not in patients with colon cancer.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that preoperative ET is associated with increased LN retrieval in patients with rectal cancer, but not in colon cancer. Further large-scale randomized control trials are necessary to validate our findings.
Research on deep gas geological laws and gas prediction: A case study of the Lvjiatuo coal mine
Authors: Li Wu , Cui Minrui , Hu Changqing
Published: May 2023

With the increasing demand for gas, the problem of local anomalies in deep gas urgently needs to be addressed. This study takes the Lvjiatuo coal mine as the research area, analyzes the main influencing factors of coal seam gas accumulation law in the research area, and predicts the deep gas content in the research area based on a neural network model optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO-BP). The research results indicate that the development of folds and fault structures only plays a certain degree of control over the accumulation and distribution of gas content in the coal seams of Lvjiatuo coal mine, and the burial depth of the coal seams is the dominant factor affecting the deep gas accumulation in the research area; The mud content of coal seam roof has a significant impact on gas accumulation, and under similar geological factors, the higher the mud content of coal seam roof, the more gas content there is; The PSO-BP neural network model based on the data of coal seam burial depth, structural complexity index, roof mud content, and coal seam thickness in the research area can accurately predict the deep gas content in the area, and the predicted values are accurately fitted with the measured values; The research results have important theoretical and practical significance for studying the law of deep gas accumulation and predicting deep gas content.
Delineation of Groundwater Potential zone using geospatial tools and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in the State of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Singh Atar , Kumar Rajesh , Kumar Ramesh , Pippal Prity Singh , Sharma Payal , Tanuja . , Sharma Abhilasha
Published: May 2023

Groundwater plays a vital role in global climate change and substantial human needs. However, the groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) delineation is essential for fulfilling livelihood needs. In recent years, studies based on geographic information systems (GIS) have acquired much attention in groundwater exploration. Therefore, in this study, we use a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) based analytical hierarchy process (AHP) model, with overlay weighted linear combination method, to identify the groundwater potential zone in the state of Uttarakhand. Remote sensing (RS) images and conventional data for a geographic information system (GIS) were used to generate nine thematic layers, geomorphology, geology, LULC, drainage density, slope, Rainfall, soil, TWI, and curvature for groundwater potential zone demarcation. In addition, the AHP technique was used to identify the weight of the parameters and GIS tools for the overlay analysis. To determine the groundwater potential zone, a thematic map was given ratings of 'very poor', 'poor', 'moderate', 'good', 'very good' and 'excellent'. The results reveal that the area covered in the 'very poor' categories is 187.43 km2 (0.16%), 'poor' 2109.66 km2 (3.99%), 'moderate' 29024.06 km2 (54.78%), 'good' 15151.13 km2 (28.67%), 'very good' 6537.19 km2 (12.37%), and 'excellent' 814.84 km2 (1.55%) accordingly. The 'very poor' and 'moderate' groundwater potential zones were observed at 0.16% and 54.78%, respectively, and the possibility for GPZ gradually increased from the northeast to the southwest. The findings of this study have implications for future research on sustainable groundwater use, basin management, agriculture, and the link between groundwater and climate change.
Systematization, symbolization and microbicidal activeness of 3-amino 5,6-dimethoxyl-2-methyl derivatives Via 4H–benzo[d] [1,3]–oxazine–4–one and quinazolin-4-(3H)-one
Authors: Osarumwense P. O , Edwma M. O , USIFOH C. O , ERHUNSE M
Published: May 2023

The concentration of 2-amino-methyl-4, 5-dimethoxybenzoate with acetic anhydride yielded the cyclic compound 2-methyl-4, 5-disubstituted-1, 3-benzo-oxazine-4-one which further produce a novel 2,3-disubstituted quinazolin-4 ones via the reaction with hydrazine hydrate. The compounds synthesized were unequivocally confirmed by means of Infrared, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H and 13C), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer and Elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were screened against various strains of microorganism; Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Serratia marcescens, and candida albicans. Compounds 1 and 2 showed significant activity against Staphylococcus aureusand Serratia marcescenswith MIC ranging from 6 – 12 mg/mL.
Effect of Fe3O4 coated bacterial consortium IQMJ-5 on the desulfurization of the organosulfur portion of Pakistani coal and its chemical characteristics
Authors: Khan Javed , Ali Muhammad Ishtiaq , Achakzai Jahangir Khan , Jamal Asif , Uddin Siraj , Liaquat Rabia
Published: May 2023

Coal is an abundant and inexpensive source of energy with immense application in different industrial sectors. However, its extensive utilization has resulted in several kinds of sulfur-related environmental issues. To tackle such issues, indigenously isolated Fe3O4-coated bacterial consortium IQMJ-5 cells were applied for the desulfurization of a Pakistani coal. The coated cells were allowed to desulfurize the coal in a shake flask experiment. To assess the desulfurization capabilities, both the pre- and post-desulfurized coal were characterized by different chemical and analytical techniques. The total sulfur content identified in the coal sample was about 4.50%. The results of the analysis showed that after treatment an increase in the carbon content and heating value of the coal sample was detected. Moreover, an amount of about 54.46% and 66.6% of organic and total sulfur, respectively were removed after biodesulfurization. The obtained results clearly suggest that the consortium can be a potential candidate for reducing sulfur-related environmental pollutants of fossil fuels at a more advanced commercial scale.
Propensity-matched analysis of robotic versus sternotomy approaches for mitral valve replacement
Authors: Yan Wenlong , Wang Yangyang , Wang Wei , Wang Qingjiang , Zheng Xin , Yang Sumin
Published: May 2023

Background
To compare early and medium-term outcomes between robotic and sternotomy approaches for mitral valve replacement (MVR).
Methods
Clinical data of 1393 cases who underwent MVR between January 2014 and January 2023 were collected and stratified into robotic MVR (n = 186) and conventional sternotomy MVR (n = 1207) groups. The baseline data of the two groups of patients were corrected by the propensity score matching (PSM) method.
Results
After matching, the baseline characteristics were not significant different between the two groups (standardized mean difference < 10%). Moreover, the rates of operative mortality (P = 0.663), permanent stroke (P = 0.914), renal failure (P = 0.758), pneumonia (P = 0.722), and reoperation (P = 0.509) were not significantly different. Operation, CPB and cross-clamp time were shorter in the sternotomy group. On the other hand, ICU stay time, post-operative LOS, intraoperative transfusion, and intraoperative blood loss were shorter or less in the robot group. Operation, CPB, and cross-clamp time in robot group were all remarkably improved with experience. Finally, all-cause mortality (P = 0.633), redo mitral valve surgery (P = 0.739), and valve-related complications (P = 0.866) in 5 years of follow-up were not different between the two groups.
Conclusions
Robotic MVR is safe, feasible, and reproducible for carefully selected patients with good operative outcomes and medium-term clinical outcomes.
Appendiceal actinomycosis: a case series with clinical, radiologic and histopathologic correlation
Authors: Montero Javier Arredondo , Vega Elena Carracedo , Villegas Irene Amat
Published: May 2023

Background: Actinomycosis is an infrequent chronic infection caused by Actinomyces israeli. Appendiceal actinomycosis is a highly uncommon pathology, with isolated reports in the literature to date.
Case report: We report 3 patients diagnosed of appendiceal actinomycosis. Two of our patients were male and one was female. The age range was 29-73 years. One patient presented as a complicated acute appendicitis (AA), other as a non-complicated AA and the last one followed a subacute course. Two of the patients received antibiotherapy for less than 2 weeks while one patient was treated for 12 months. All patients evolved favorably and did not present recurrences. AA was confirmed in two cases. Actinomyces colonies were identified and confirmed by different targeted stains in all cases.
Conclusions: Appendiceal actinomycosis is an infrequent pathology whose clinical presentation can be very variable. Future studies that characterize this entity in diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic terms are required.
The ALKBH5/USP36 complex in glioblastoma is unstable and could be disrupted to facilitate temozolomide therapy
Authors: Lehrer Steven , Rheinstein Peter
Published: May 2023

Background: Alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase-5 (ALKBH5), a de-ubiquinating enzyme, is abnormally activated and plays important functions in glioblastoma formation. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 36 (USP36) is crucial for maintaining ALKBH5 stability and controlling ALKBH5-mediated gene expression in glioblastoma stem cells. Reduced cell proliferation, worsened self-renewal, and increased sensitivity to temozolomide (TMZ) therapy were all effects of USP36 depletion. Elucidation of the ALKBH5/USP36 complex structure may therefore facilitate the development of drugs that can block complex formation.
Methods: We have used the ClusPro web server for protein-protein docking to visualize and analyze the complex and GROMACS to perform molecular dynamics simulation.
Results: ClusPro protein docking analysis demonstrates the loose peripheral position of ALKBH5 in the ALKBH5/USP36 complex. Molecular dynamics simulation of ALKBH5 docked to USP36 suggests that ALKBH5/USP36 is not a stable structure.
Conclusion: The results of protein-protein docking and molecular dynamics simulation imply that the ALKBH5/USP36 complex is not stable and might be disrupted by a therapeutic molecule or molecules, improving the prognosis of glioblastoma. Knowledge of the ALKBH5/USP36 complex structure may facilitate the development of drugs that can block or disrupt complex formation.
Cost-effectiveness of prehabilitation prior to elective surgery: A systematic review of economic evaluations
Authors: Rombey Tanja , Eckhardt Helene , Kiselev Jörn , Silzle Julia , Mathes Tim , Quentin Wilm
Published: May 2023

Background

Prehabilitation aims at enhancing patients’ functional capacity and overall health status to enable them to withstand a forthcoming stressor like surgery. Our aim was to synthesise the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of prehabilitation for patients awaiting elective surgery compared with usual preoperative care.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the CRD database, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO ICTRP and the dissertation databases OADT and DART. Studies comparing prehabilitation for patients with elective surgery to usual preoperative care were included if they reported cost outcomes. All types of economic evaluations (EEs) were included regardless of design, analysis type and completion status. The primary outcome of the review was cost-effectiveness based on cost-utility analyses (CUAs).
The risk of bias of trial-based EEs was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and the ROBINS-I tool, and the credibility of model-based EEs with the ISPOR checklist. Methodological quality of full EEs was assessed using the CHEC checklist. The EEs’ results were synthesised narratively using vote counting based on direction of effect.

Results

We included 45 unique studies: 25 completed EEs and 20 ongoing studies. Among the completed EEs, there were 22 trial-based EEs, and three model-based EEs, corresponding to four CUAs, three cost-effectiveness analyses, two cost-benefit analyses, 12 cost-consequence analyses and four cost-minimization analyses. Three of the four trial-based CUAs (75%) found prehabilitation cost-effective. Overall, 16/25 (64.0%) EEs found prehabilitation cost-effective based on direction of effects. When excluding studies of insufficient credibility/critical risk of bias, this number reduced to 14/23 (60.9%). In 8/25 (32.0%) cost-effectiveness was unclear, and in one EE prehabilitation was not cost-effective.

Discussion

We found some evidence that prehabilitation for patients awaiting elective surgery is cost-effective compared to usual preoperative care. However, we suspect a relevant risk of publication bias, and most EEs were of high risk of bias and/or low methodological quality. Furthermore, there was relevant heterogeneity depending on the population, intervention, and methods. Future EEs should be performed over a longer time horizon and apply a more comprehensive perspective.

Funding information and systematic review registration

Funding: Innovationsausschuss of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) (01NVF18024).
Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020182813.
Impact of Special Economic Zones on Export Diversification in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: SUKADI Emmanuel SUKADI A
Published: May 2023

Export diversification is a major concern for policymakers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Over the past 30 years, many countries of the region have adopted special economic zone (SEZ) programs with the aim of fostering industrial development and export-led growth. By offering various pro-investment incentives, SEZs are expected to contribute to the improvement of the business climate and attract firms from traditional and new sectors. This study analyses the impact of SEZ adoption on overall export diversification and on extensive and intensive margins in the SSA region. For that purpose, a difference-in-differences approach has been implemented on a panel of 32 SSA countries covering the period 1970–2014. It appears that SEZ adoption has contributed to balancing export shares more equally among traditional sectors, resulting in greater export diversification in these countries. However, this policy tool has appeared to be less effective in fostering the creation of new activity sectors.
A quantum theory of the nearly frozen charge glass
Authors: Fratini Simone , Driscoll Katherine , Ciuchi Sergio , Ralko Arnaud
Published: May 2023

We study long-range interacting electrons on the triangular lattice using mixed quantum/classical simulations going beyond the usual classical descriptions of the lattice Coulomb fluid. Our results in the strong interaction limit indicate that the proliferation of quantum defects governs the low-temperature dynamics of this strongly frustrated system. The present theoretical findings explain the phenomenology observed in the \thetaθ-ET_22X materials as they fall out of equilibrium, including glassiness, resistive switching and a strong sensitivity to the electronic structure anisotropy. The method devised here can be easily generalized to address other systems and devices where itinerant and correlation-localized degrees of freedom are intertwined on short lengthscales.
Improved Hilbert space exploration algorithms for finite temperature calculations
Authors: de Klerk Albertus J. J. M. , Caux Jean-Sébastien
Published: May 2023

Computing correlation functions in strongly-interacting quantum systems is one of the most important challenges of modern condensed matter theory, due to their importance in the description of many physical observables. Simultaneously, this challenge is one of the most difficult to address, due to the inapplicability of traditional perturbative methods or the few-body limitations of numerical approaches. For special cases, where the model is integrable, methods based on the Bethe Ansatz have succeeded in computing the spectrum and given us analytical expressions for the matrix elements of physically important operators. However, leveraging these results to compute correlation functions generally requires the numerical evaluation of summations over eigenstates. To perform these summations efficiently, Hilbert space exploration algorithms have been developed which has resulted most notably in the ABACUS library. While this performs quite well for correlations on ground states or low-entropy states, the case of high entropy states (most importantly at finite temperatures or after a quantum quench) is more difficult, and leaves room for improvement. In this work, we develop a new Hilbert space exploration algorithm for the Lieb-Liniger model, specially tailored to optimize the computational order on finite-entropy states for correlations of density-related operators.
METAVERSE VE SANAL GERÇEKLİK ORTAMLARI KARŞISINDA CEZA HUKUKU
Authors: BACAKSIZ Pınar
Published: May 2023

Teknolojinin sağladığı kolaylık, iletişim ve yaşam biçiminde önemli değişikliklere de neden olmuştur. Önceden yüz yüze yapılan pek çok faaliyet artık bilgisayar ortamında gerçekleşmektedir. Sanal gerçeklik ortamları teknolojinin bu alanda insanlığa sağladığı imkânlardan en yenisidir. Bu ortamlarda bireyler eğitim almakta, sosyalleşmekte bazen de hoşça vakit geçirmektedir. Öte yandan bu ortamların sağladığı anonimlik ve dünyanın farklı yerlerinden pek çok kişiye kolayca ulaşma imkânı karşısında bu ortamlar suç işlemek isteyen kişilerin de hedefi haline gelmiştir. Klasik ceza hukuku normları bu alanı düzenlemek konusunda belli bir işlevi yerine getirecektir; ancak ilerleyen zamanda yeni suç tiplerine ihtiyaç duyulması ceza soruşturmasında yeni yöntem ve uluslararası işbirliği arayışlarının ortaya çıkması muhtemeldir. Sanal gerçeklik ortamının cezaların infazı açısından da önemli bir işlevi olması mümkündür. Özellikle koşullu salıverme ve topluma yeniden kazandırma bakımından sanal gerçeklik ortamı hem infaz sistemine hem de hükümlülere destek sağlayacaktır. Hükümlülerin koşullu salıvermeden yararlanıp yararlanamayacaklarının belirlenmesinde sanal gerçeklik ortamındaki davranışlarının gözlemlenmesinden yararlanılabileceği gibi, koşullu salıvermeden yararlanmaya hak kazanan hükümlülerin dış dünyadaki hayatlarına hazırlanmaları için de sanal gerçeklik ortamları kullanılmaktadır.
Current principles of symptomatic treatment of lymphovenous insufficiency
Authors: Dunaevskaya S. S.
Published: May 2023

This article provides a review of the current literature on the current principles of symptomatic treatment of lymphovenous insufficiency. Lymphovenous insufficiency is an urgent problem of modern phlebology, the prevalence of this pathology reaches 50% among the world population. Underlying the pathogenesis is venous hypertension, which is caused by venous valve insufficiency, venous outflow obstruction, or combined causes. The use of compression knitwear and symptomatic therapy for lymphovenous insufficiency is an important component of the treatment at the initial stages of the disease — pharmacotherapy based on the use of venoactive drugs. The most promising to date are preparations of the micronized purified flavonide fraction (MPFF) group, which consist of micronized diosmin and flavonides. The use of МОФФ drugs reduces venous hypertension by increasing venous tone, reducing venous capacity, and extensibility of the vessel wall. MPFF also improves lymph conversion by increasing the contractility of the lymphatic capillaries and has an effect on the microcirculation of the vessels of the lower extremities, having an effect on the resistance and permeability of the capillaries. Thus, the use of preparations of the micronized purified fraction of flavonides has a more pronounced effect on the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease, thereby increasing the clinical effect and leading to a more effective result in the treatment of lymphovenous insufficiency. And as presented in this review, drugs containing micronized purified flavonoid fraction are an excellent candidate to be further studied as therapeutic agents for the treatment of lymphovenous insufficiency, because the mechanism of action of the micronized purified flavonoid fraction is directly connected with its pathophysiology and high clinical efficacy.
Cyanoacrylate adhesive closure in the European and American 2022 clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Shirinbek O.
Published: May 2023

Over the last decade non-thermal non-tumescent (NTNT) methods of truncal reflux elimination in chronic venous disease (CVD) are becoming increasingly popular. The main NTNT modalities are mechanochemical ablation and cyanoacrylate adhesive closure (CAC). The advantages of non-thermal ablation are avoidance of tumescent anesthesia, low periprocedural pain and bruising, high patient comfort and satisfaction rates. CAC method has an additional benefit of avoiding the postprocedural compression. CAC is one of promising non-thermal ablation procedures, that leads to truncal vein occlusion and reflux elimination via endovenous delivery of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. This review is aimed at assessment of the updated European and American clinical practice guidelines on CVD management, particularly the role of CAC. Current evidence shows high efficacy and safety of the CAC, its advantages regarding the periprocedural pain and ecchymoses, risk of adverse events, closure rates in the long-term, procedure and recovery time and patients’ quality of life. Therefore, along the current gold standard of varicose vein treatment – thermal ablation, the updated 2022 European and American clinical practice guidelines have significantly emphasized the role of NTNT modalities in general and CAC in particular. Specifically, the European Society for Vascular Surgeons guidelines recommend CAC for patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence when the NTNT technique is preferred. American guidelines recommend both thermal and non-thermal ablation for the patients with symptomatic axial reflux of the GSV, depending on the available expertise of the treating physician and the preference of the patient.
Use of a combined topical preparation in the complex treatment of thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities
Authors: Melnikov M. A. , Katorkin S. E. , Kushnarchuk M. Yu. , Kravtsov P. F.
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Treatment of thrombophlebitis should be complex and, along with mandatory compression, include both systemic and local use of drugs.

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the standardized use of the combined drug gel containing heparin sodium, aescin and essential phospholipids in real clinical practice in the treatment of superficial vein thrombophlebitis.

Materials and methods. The study included 68 patients with varicose veins complicated by superficial vein thrombophlebitis. In group 1 patients (n = 33), topical drugs were not used. In group 2 patients (n = 35), combined gel was used daily. The drug was applied to the skin of the lower extremities three times a day, 1 g of gel. Its total daily amount did not exceed 4 g of gel. The observation period was 10 days. A dynamic scoring of clinical symptoms was performed using alinear analog scale and thermometry of the skin of the lower extremities.

Results. On day 10, patients of the main group showed a statistically significant decrease in thermographic parameters in the area of thrombophlebitis: Tmin 33.23 ± 0.12 °C, Tmax 39.86 ± 0.24 °C, Tmean 40.01 ± 0.16 °С (p ≤ 0.05). When assessing the symptoms of thrombophlebitis using alinear analog scale after 10 days of treatment, there was a general decrease in the number of points in the control group to 16.4 ± 0.12 and in the main group to 12.3 ± 0.16 points (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion. A combined gel is an effective and safe drug for the treatment of patients with thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities.
Combined operations in outpatient laser treatment of chronic hemorrhoids of stage 2–3
Authors: Matveev I. A. , Borodin N. A. , Dgebuadze V. T. , Morozova L. A. , Povarnin N. N.
Published: May 2023

Introduction. When performing laser coagulation of hemorrhoids, there is a demand for the elimination of simultaneous diseases, but their laser treatment is under study and implementation in the practice of coloproctologists.

Aim. To study the features of transmucous laser thermal ablation of chronic hemorrhoids of stage 2–3 with simultaneous elimination of other anal canal diseases in outpatient settings.

Materials and methods. Transmucous ablation of hemorrhoids of 2–3 degrees was performed in 104 (27.5%) people in combination with laser removal of chronic anal fissures in 82 (75%) patients, intra-sphincter fistulas in 10 (9.6%) and other anal canal pathology in 18 (17.4%) patients. The median age of patients was 43 years, 48 men (46.2%), 56 women (53.8%).

Results. Surgical tactics of laser treatment of simultaneous and underlying pathology allowed one-step elimination of both diseases in all 100% of patients. The duration of combined operations was 20.0 min. (15; 20) the pain intensity was 2.5 points (2; 3). Intraoperative blood loss was minimal. Pain in the postoperative period persisted for 5 days. After surgery, bleeding occurred in 2 (1.9%) patients. During the year, a recurrence of hemorrhoids occurred in 2 (1.9%), anal fissure in 10 (12.2%), condyloma in 2 out of 3 operated.

Discussion. The obtained characteristics of combined operations showed that all their signs corresponded to minimally invasive interventions, both operations, the main and combined, were low-traumatic, performed under local anesthesia and had one access and a common operating field.

Conclusion. Combined pathology of the anorectal region is observed in a quarter of patients with chronic hemorrhoids. In 100%, it was eliminated by simultaneous operations that were minimally invasive, which allowed them to be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.