bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability and Its Impact on Buying Behavior: The Emerging Trends and Opportunities for Companies
Authors:   Academy of Economic Education of Moldova, Paduraru Tatiana , Turcanu Gheorghe ,   Academy of Economic Education of Moldova
Published: November 2023

In contemporary society, concerns about sustainability and environmental impact are becoming increasingly relevant, amid climate change and ecosystem degradation. In a global context of significant environmental transformations and increased awareness of the need for collective action, the conceptions of sustainability and ecological responsibility are becoming central to individual decision-making, especially in purchasing behavior. Sustainable development and sustainability have gained significant importance in recent decades, reflecting awareness of human impact on the environment and the need for a viable future for future generations. However, the precise definition of these terms is often ambiguous, due to the complexity and interconnections between the economic, social, and ecological aspects of human development. In this context, the paper aims to analyze the two concepts, clarifying the differences between them. Also, the work aims to analyze the behavior of consumers regarding sustainability and ecological products, as well as underlines the opportunities that companies could capitalize on in this regard for the development of more sustainable businesses, according to market requirements. The methodology is based on the survey method, methods of analysis and synthesis, data interpretation, and relevant comparisons. The research results highlight the increased interest of consumers in the sustainability and ethics of companies, highlighting changes in purchasing behavior oriented towards ecological products and responsible practices in environmental protection. For companies, these results represent various opportunities to adapt their strategies and communicate their commitment to sustainability more effectively to meet consumer demand and differentiate themselves in the market.
The Methodological Content of the Functioning of the «Perfect Storm» in the Global Dimension
Authors:   State University of Trade and Economics / Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics, Duginets Ganna V. , Generalov Oleksander V. ,   State University of Trade and Economics / Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the study of methodological features of the functioning of the «perfect storm» in the global dimension. The authors of the article define the «perfect storm» as a complex phenomenon characterized by the interaction of many factors of the structural crisis. The most important factors that influenced the emergence of the «perfect storm» are the global recession, greening of the economy, technological changes, the COVID-19 pandemic, global politics, and russia’s full-scale armed aggression in Ukraine. Making use of theoretical generalization, comparative analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, the article sets that the «perfect storm» in the global dimension has the following methodological features: it is a multidisciplinary phenomenon that requires an integrated approach to research; it is a dynamic phenomenon that is constantly evolving and transforming; it is an unpredictable phenomenon that is difficult to forecast. The authors also substantiate the need to form a new paradigm of catastrophic collapse in order to understand and overcome the consequences of the «perfect storm». The main objective of the article is to study the methodological features of the functioning of the «perfect storm» in the global dimension. The article presents a relevant study that contributes to the understanding of the methodological features of the functioning of the «perfect storm» in the global dimension. The results of the study can be used to develop policies and measures aimed at overcoming the consequences of the «perfect storm» in the global dimension. The article is original one, as it conducts a comprehensive study of the methodological features of the functioning of the «perfect storm» in the global dimension. For further research in this area, the authors of the article will focus on the following directions: development of methodological tools for forecasting and assessing the consequences of the «perfect storm»; study of the impact of the «perfect storm» on various spheres of human activity; development of policies and measures aimed at mitigating the consequences of the «perfect storm».
Problems of Asset Valuation in the Process of Bank Liquidation
Authors:   Kyiv National Economic University named after V. Hetman, Krasnova Iryna V. , Prymostka Liudmyla O. ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after V. Hetman, Stepanets Viktoria S. ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after V. Hetman, Chepizhko Oksana V. ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after V. Hetman
Published: November 2023

The aim of the article is to identify problematic issues of valuation of property (assets) of banks that are in the process of liquidation, and substantiate proposals for the desired solution, taking into account the need to protect the rights of bank creditors. Although the bankruptcy of banks causes significant economic and moral losses, the processes of removing insolvent banks from the market, their reorganization or liquidation are constantly taking place. Therefore, regulators and banks that have been declared insolvent face many questions, including the adequate valuation of banking assets and the determination of the liquidation estate. The article discusses approaches to asset valuation and features of their application in Ukrainian practice, as well as peculiarities of the sale of assets of banks in liquidation according to the Dutch auction model. It is noted that the imperfection of management of banks’ assets in the process of their functioning leads to discrepancies in the valuation of these low-quality assets in the liquidation procedure. It is determined that the ratio between the estimated value of assets and their book value for banks declared insolvent is on average 26.2 %, and the median value is 22.3 % This leads to a number of problems, including the inability of the Deposit Guarantee Fund (DGF) to ensure the repayment of part of the bank’s liabilities, which could be repaid in case of timely acceptance of tender offers at market value. It is noted that the most liquid assets, which are real estate and property, occupy an insignificant share in the structure of the liquidation mass – about 5 %, and the conversion rate in the sale of real estate quite often reaches 200 %. It is proposed, in accordance with European practice, to empower the Fund to monitor the assets of banks in the process of their functioning. The expediency of valuating assets not from the position of doing business «as usual» but from the point of view of the objective need to sell assets, focusing on the quick sale of assets at a market price, is emphasized. In order to improve the process of valuating the assets of an insolvent bank and focusing on the quick and transparent sale of the bank’s assets, it is proposed to implement the international experience of using loss-sharing agreements into domestic practice.
The Role of International Lending and the Activities of International Financial Organizations in the World and in Ukraine
Authors:   Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Savchenko Maryna V. , Kuzmynskyi Yevhenii D. ,   Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Yanishevskyi Bohdan S. ,   Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University
Published: November 2023

The theoretical and methodological basis of the research is the work of domestic and foreign scientists. The results were obtained due to the application of a system of methods: the method of logical analysis made it possible to develop the logic of the research; generalization and synthesis - to form a chronology of IMF cooperation with the domestic national economy; methods of structural and economic-statistical analysis were used to assess the current state of cooperation between the countries of the world and international financial organizations. The graphic method made it possible to visualize the obtained research results. The article is devoted to a detailed study of the role of international lending and the activities of international financial organizations in the countries of the world and Ukraine. An overview of the existing IMF lending mechanisms was carried out and the dynamics of the lending structure of the world's countries under these mechanisms was studied. It has been proven that the most used lending mechanism is the "Stand-by" loan mechanism (SBA), which is designed to help solve short-term balance of payment problems. An analytical review of the largest IMF borrowers of the geographic structure of the fund's financial support to the countries of the world was carried out. An in-depth analysis of financial flows to low- and middle-income countries in 2018-2022 led to the conclusion that the net inflow of debt for 2018-2022 grew by 9% annually, which increases the dependence of these countries on international financial organizations. Within the framework of Ukraine's cooperation with international financial organizations, the country's interaction with the IMF, the World Bank, and the EBRD was investigated. The authors created a chronology of the development of cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF. The assessment of the current state of cooperation between Ukraine and the IMF confirmed the intensity of these relations recently, both in terms of the number of loans granted and their volume. As a result of almost thirty years of cooperation, Ukraine received loans in the amount of 35 billion dollars. The result of Ukraine's cooperation with another largest creditor - the World Bank - was studied. During 28 years of cooperation, the World Bank offered Ukraine funds totaling more than 7.94 billion dollars. The purpose of granting loans by the World Bank and the EBRD is the sustainable and comprehensive recovery of the economy of Ukraine as a whole, and of certain industries in particular. The issue of cooperation with international financial organizations is especially relevant today in view of the limited financial resources and the gradual entry of our country into the stage of peak payments for foreign debt.
The Ecosystem of Human Resources of Organizations as a Conceptology and an Applied Platform for Human-Centeredness
Authors:   Kyiv National Economic University named after V. Hetman, Kolot Anatolii M. , Herasymenko Oksana O. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Shevchenko Anna S. ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after V. Hetman, Babii Yuliia M. ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after V. Hetman
Published: November 2023

The article provides argumentation regarding the the essence, composition and structure of the ecosystem of human resources of organizations in the contour of human-centeredness. The factors of paradigm changes in the management of human resources of organizations in the third decade of the XXI century are disclosed. Factual data of asymmetries and contradictions in the current state of the social and labor sphere in the global dimension, that become a threat to national security, are presented. The main drivers of the global economy have been allocated as evidence of the unattainability of social quality standards. The relevance of the ecosystem of human resources of organizations as the main focus of economic activity is substantiated. The understanding of the theoretical construct is revealed and the fundamental foundations of the conceptology of the ecosystem of human resources in the context of human-centeredness are outlined. Within the framework of the genesis, the components and semantic characteristics of the concept of «ecosystem» are highlighted. A comparative parallel is drawn between the ecosystem of human resources of organizations and traditional HR management. The innovations in social and labor relations, also in the in social and labor interaction of economic agents in the ecosystem are defined. The mental model of the ecosystem of human resources as one of the local components of the socioeconomic system and the «product» of economic convergence is disclosed. The actualization of new, non-standard, hybrid forms of relationships and interactions between socioeconomic agents is underlined. Emphasis is placed on the post-industrial type of social and labor convergence. A comprehensive map has been proposed, which clearly reflects the authors? own vision of the structure and component saturation of the ecosystem of human resources of organizations. The primacy and dominance of social policy in a human-oriented society are substantiated. The complex dimension of the human-centeredness model is emphasized and the components of this model are allocated. The authors? assessments of the future of man in the era of digitalization against the background of pessimistic forecasts of the gurus of modern economic thought are presented. The authors express the conviction of the need to establish a new worldview and human-oriented thinking for the sake of a balanced and agnostic perspective of sustainable socioeconomic, including socio-labor, development.
An Econometric Analysis of the Impact of Digitalization on the Business Sector of the National Economy of Ukraine
Authors:   East-Ukrainian National University named after V. Dahl, Shvets Nataliia V. , Kramchaninova Maiia D. ,   East-Ukrainian National University named after V. Dahl
Published: November 2023

The article discloses the results of a study of the response of the business sector of Ukraine to digital transformation on the basis of a comprehensive review of the available literature and an econometric analysis of enterprise data on the introduction of information and communication technologies for the period of 2011–2020. The current methodology and the existing database of statistical observations of the process of digitalization are studied. It is noted that statistical monitoring of digital transformations remains underdeveloped and requires the accumulation of information according to the new metrics. In the future, this will significantly improve the ability to track the economic results of digital transformations. According to the results of the correlation and regression analysis of the data available at present, it is found that such manifestations of digitalization as Internet transactions with banks and public authorities, obtaining information about goods, services by enterprises and data exchange via e-mail, have a strong correlation with the real volume of sales per capita. A carried out regression modeling verified the statistical significance of the direct correlation between the number of enterprises that receive information about goods, services, via the Internet, use e-mail correspondence, and the real volume of sales. It is concluded that the hypothesis that digitalization contributes to business growth in Ukraine is justified, a particularly strong impact can be traced in the aspect of information exchange. In general, the results of the study emphasize the importance of supporting the business sector in the further process of digital transformation and growth of the IT industry and constitute an analytical basis for the development of effective policy decisions to identify strategically important priorities that can ensure the post-war recovery of the national economy of Ukraine and its further development.
Development of Scientific Research in the Sphere of Startups: The Bibliometric and Content Analyses
Authors:   Research Centre for Industrial Problems of Development of NAS of Ukraine, Khaustov Mykyta M.
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the determination of the main trends in the development of scientific research in the sphere of startups using the methods of bibliometric and content analyses. In accordance with the set goal, the dynamics of publication activity and the structure of publications in the direction of «startup» in the scientometric databases Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed; the sectoral structure of publication activity on the startup topics is studied; the TOP-5 of scientific publications by the number of citations in the scientometric databases Scopus and Web of Science have been formed; the geographical structure of affiliations of scientists with high publication activity on the startups issues, including individual institutions, is analyzed. In order to identify trends and key areas of research in the sphere of startups, a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications presented in the Scopus and Web of Science was carried out using VOSviewer software, and the main clusters of research were identified, along with the dynamics of their development. According to the results of the study, the author determined the following: 1 – the number of publications on startup topics has been gaining increasing popularity since the 90s of the twentieth century; 2 – the startup topics are of interdisciplinary nature; 3 – 9 clusters of key areas of the startup research (innovation, lean startups, productivity, management, innovative business model, knowledge, growth, ecosystem, business incubator) are identified; 4 – the leaders in the number of publications in this area are the USA, China, Germany; 5 – in 2017–2018 the vast majority of publications were aimed at modeling startups, while in 2018-2020 – innovation and entrepreneurship, and recently there have been studies that are mainly related to the startup ecosystem; 6 – the close relationship between the keywords «Startup» and «Ecosystem» is substantiated, which can be considered a promising direction for the development of scientific research in this area.
On Joint Changes in GDP by Purchasing Power Parity per Capita of Ukraine and the Republic of Azerbaijan
Authors:   Baku State University, Alizade Arzu Rafik
Published: November 2023

The article examines the relationships between the key components of the levels of socioeconomic development of Ukraine and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The aim of the study is to build a model of intercountry regression of per capita economic growth of both Ukraine and the Republic of Azerbaijan and to perform a comparative cross-country analysis of the key component of inclusive growth of the two countries under the strong influence of financial and socioeconomic crisis processes and the ongoing war. The study is aimed at an empirical study of the joint movement of both indicators, the identification of cause-and-effect relationships and cointegration dependence, the determination of a long-term integration relationship, allowing to take the necessary steps and measures for the positive mutual impact of trade and economic relations between the two countries on the national socioeconomic development. As the level of economic development, GDP per capita was used, taking into account purchasing power parity (PPP). The analysis of the dynamic relationship of indicators is carried out on the basis of data from January 1990 to December 2022. The study uses econometric methodology, including the extended Dickey–Fuller test for the presence of a single root, the Granger test for causality, the Engle–Johansen tests for cointegration, the vector model of error correction, and standard diagnostic tests. Tests for stationarity, causality, and cointegration were performed at the 10% significance level in the entire sample. The cointegration of the integrated 1st order of non-stationary initial series is revealed, where the preferred variant is the one with a trend, in which the marginal rate of restoration of equilibrium between GDP per capita at PPP of the two countries in the current year after the shock of the independent variable in the previous year is noted. The result, showing that GDP per capita at the PPP of Ukraine is in a slight positive dependence on GDP per capita at the PPP of Azerbaijan, is obtained. The empirical model explains 95% of the variation in the initial levels, and the equation of the vector error correction system 51% explains the differences. Recommendations are provided to ensure a long-term equilibrium of the joint movement of GDP at the PPP of both countries and to reduce the imbalance
Adaptation to Climate Change: The Experience of the European Union
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Shevchenko Oleksandr V.
Published: November 2023

The article examines the theoretical and legal framework for the formation of public administration instruments in the field of climate change at the EU level. The author identifies the main directions of the European Union’s climate policy and sets out the tasks envisaged to be implemented by 2030. The article analyzes the main groups of instruments and measures used within the framework of European governance aimed at combating climate change. The world is currently experiencing significant and dynamic changes. Climate change has become an important challenge for the whole world, and the EU countries recognize its potentially negative impact on the environment and society. Climate change is recognized as one of the greatest challenges of our time, and the EU is actively engaged in developing and implementing measures to ensure the resilience of its territory and citizens to these challenges. The study analyzes the approaches and strategies used by the EU to adapt to climate change at various levels. The article analyzes the general context of climate change and the main challenges posed by climate change, and examines the EU policies and initiatives on adaptation, including the development of national strategies, funding programs, and mechanisms for cooperation between the EU Member States. One of the most important and urgent issues of the European Union is the protection of the natural environment and ecological security of the continent in the context of climate change. In this regard, current trends in European development force us to think about complex theoretical issues, such as the quality of life of Europeans. In this context, the role of climate change policy is becoming increasingly important in shaping new areas of political science, which encompasses and interacts with the fields of economics, law, sociology, and ecology. The article substantiates the challenges faced by the EU in the issue of climate change adaptation and provides recommendations for the further development of strategies and policies in this sphere. The study aims to contribute to a better understanding and utilization of the EU’s experience in climate change adaptation both in Europe and in other parts of the world.
DETERMINANTS OF WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI) AMONG MUTURU CATTLE FARMERS IN IPOKIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: OYEKALE T.O. , ODERINWALE O.A. , OLALERE O.J. , WHETO M. , TOVIESI D.P. , OLUWATOSIN B.O.
Published: November 2023

This study examines the factors influencing willingness to pay (WTP) for artificial insemination (AI) in the Ipokia local government area. A two-stage sampling process was used to select 67 herders in Muturu. Descriptive statistics and logit regression models were used to analyze socioeconomic characteristics, willingness to pay, and related determinants. The results show that muturu cattle raising is mainly male farmers who are married and have relatively large families. The average size of a household is 8 people. The average age of muturu herders is 51 years old and their number of years of experience rearing muturu cattle is 14 years. More than half (56.7%) of farmers bought their own cattle. Only 58.2% participate in the semi-intensive production system. The average herd size is 5 Muturu. Most (77.6%) Muturu farmers have formal education and 70.1% of Muturu farmers are willing to pay for AI. The local name of the muturu in Ipokia is Oni. The factors that determine the willingness of muturu farmers to pay for AI are the muturu herds owned by them, their many years of experience with muturu cattle rearing, their husbandry methods, and their perceptions about the ease of handling muturu cattle. Farmers in Muturu should improve their production system and production scale. It is recommended to organize AI training for muturu cattle breeders because they are willing to pay for AI.
Evaluating the Sensitivity of Different Molecular Techniques for Detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Patients with Pulmonary Infection
Authors: Hemeg Hassan A. , Albulushi Hamzah O. , Ozbak Hani A. , Ali Hamza M. , Alahmadi Emad K. , Almutawif Yahya A. , Alhuofie Sari T. , Alaeq Rana A. , Alhazmi Areej A. , Najim Mustafa A. , Hanafy Ahmed M.
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of detecting drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)-specific DNA in sputum specimens from 48 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The presence of MTBC DNA in the specimens was validated using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF system and compared with a specific PCR assay targeting the IS6110 and the mtp40 gene sequence fragments. Additionally, the results obtained by multiplex PCR assays to detect the most frequently encountered rifampin, isoniazid, and ethambutol resistance-conferring mutations were matched with those obtained by GeneXpert and phenotypic culture-based drug susceptibility tests. Of the 48 sputum samples, 25 were positive for MTBC using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF test. Nevertheless, the IS6110 and mtp40 single-step PCR revealed the IS6110 in 27 of the 48 sputum samples, while the mtp40 gene fragment was found in only 17 of them. Furthermore, multiplex PCR assays detected drug-resistant conferring mutations in 21 (77.8%) of the 27 samples with confirmed MTBC DNA, 10 of which contained single drug-resistant conferring mutations towards ethambutol and two towards rifampin, and the remaining nine contained double-resistant mutations for ethambutol and rifampin. In contrast, only five sputum specimens (18.5%) contained drug-resistant MTBC isolates, and two contained mono-drug-resistant MTBC species toward ethambutol and rifampin, respectively, and the remaining three were designated as multi-drug resistant toward both drugs using GeneXpert and phenotypic culture-based drug susceptibility tests. Such discrepancies in the results emphasize the need to develop novel molecular tests that associate with phenotypic non-DNA-based assays to improve the detection of drug-resistant isolates in clinical specimens in future studies.
Characterization of genetic variants in the EGLN1/PHD2 gene identified in a European collection of patients with erythrocytosis
Authors: Delamare Marine , Le Roy Amandine , Pacault Mathilde , Schmitt Loïc , Garrec Céline , Maaziz Nada , Myllykoski Matti , Rimbert Antoine , Karaghiannis Valéna , Aral Bernard , Catherwood Mark , Airaud Fabrice , Mansour-Hendili Lamisse , Hoogewijs David , Peroni Edoardo , Idriss Salam , Lesieur Valentine , Caillaud Amandine , Si-Tayeb Karim , Chariau Caroline , Gaignerie Anne , Rab Minke , Haferlach Torsten , Meggendorfer Manja , Bézieau Stéphane , Benetti Andrea , Casadevall Nicole , Hirsch Pierre , Rose Christian , Wemeau Mathieu , Galacteros Frédéric , Cassinat Bruno , Bellosillo Beatriz , Bento Celeste , Van Wijk Richard , Petrides Petro E. , Randi Maria Luigia , McMullin Mary Frances , Koivunen Peppi , Girodon François , Gardie Betty , Consortium ECYT
Published: November 2023

Hereditary erythrocytosis is a rare hematologic disorder characterized by an excess of red blood cell production. Here we describe a European collaborative study involving a collection of 2,160 patients with erythrocytosis sequenced in ten different laboratories. We focused our study on the EGLN1 gene and identified 39 germline missense variants including one gene deletion in 47 probands. EGLN1 encodes the PHD2 prolyl 4-hydroxylase, a major inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor. We performed a comprehensive study to evaluate the causal role of the identified PHD2 variants: (i) in silico studies of localization, conservation, and deleterious effects; (ii) analysis of hematologic parameters of carriers identified in the UK Biobank; (iii) functional studies of the protein activity and stability; and (iv) a comprehensive study of PHD2 splicing. Altogether, these studies allowed the classification of 16 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutants in a total of 48 patients and relatives. The in silico studies extended to the variants described in the literature showed that a minority of PHD2 variants can be classified as pathogenic (36/96), without any differences from the variants of unknown significance regarding the severity of the developed disease (hematologic parameters and complications). Here, we demonstrated the great value of federating laboratories working on such rare disorders in order to implement the criteria required for genetic classification, a strategy that should be extended to all hereditary hematologic diseases.
Egungun Festival as a Tourist Attraction to Foreigners and Its Impact on the Oke Ayedun People
Authors: Folorunso Paul Olorunsola  , Olayinka Olabimpe Ojo  , Adedolapo Adenike Adewuyi
Published: November 2023

This paper delves into the captivating world of the Egungun festival as celebrated in the vibrant town of Oke Ayedun, Ekiti. The Egungun festival holds immense cultural significance, intertwining the realms of the living and the departed through intricate rituals, vibrant performances, and ancestral homage. The article provides an overview of the proposed research, highlighting the festival’s historical context, its role in community identity, the symbolism of masquerades, and the transformative experiences it offers to participants and observers.
Effect of the combination of ethinyl oestradiol and chlormadinon acetate on sexuality
Authors: Karakhalis L. Yu. , Khalafyan A. A. , Penzhoyan G. A.
Published: November 2023

From the variety of modern methods of hormonal contraception available in the arsenal of the obstetrician-gynecologist, preference is given to those that include gestagen, which not only reduces the clinical manifestations of androgenous dermopathy, but also increases sexual function, at least not affecting it negatively. Such combined oral contraceptives include Belara, containing chlormadinone acetate 2mg, and ethinyl oestradiol 0.03mg. The choice of this drug is justified by previous studies, which evaluated its safety and ability to stop androgenous dermopathy. At the same time, the impact on sexual function was not taken into account in these studies. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of combined oral contraceptive containing chlormadinone acetate 2mg, and ethinyl oestradiol 0.03mg on sexual function.Material and methods. There were examined 68 patients who were prescribed a combined oral contraceptive containing chlormadinone acetate 2mg, and ethinyl oestradiol 0.03mg (Belara) – one tablet for 21 days daily, followed by a seven-day break. The female sexual function index (FSFI) was investigated in dynamics. Statistical data processing was carried out by STATISTICA 13.3 (Tibco, USA).Results. There were registered the positive effects on sexual health, which consisted in improving all indicators of female sexual function index.Conclusion. The combined oral contraceptive containing chlormadinone acetate 2mg, and ethinyl oestradiol 0.03mg may be recommended to patients with reduced sexual function as a drug of choice, as well as when reducing sexual function on the taking other contraceptives.
Assessment of the angle of articular inclination in patients with different skeletal classes according to axiography
Authors: Soykher M. G. , Soykher M. I. , Saleeva G. T. , Soykher S. M. , Kharke M. A.
Published: November 2023

The morphology of the articular tubercle of the temporal bone varies in the population and is being formed during the growth and development of the patient. When planning and implementing comprehensive dental treatment, it is necessary to take into account the individual parameters of the articular tubercle inclination in order to achieve a predictable result.

The aim of the research was to study the values of the articular inclination angle depending on the subjects’ skeletal class.

Materials and methods  A clinical cross-sectional retrospective simple centric study in which 265 patients participated: 80 men and 185 women.Clinical studies included filling in the dental formula, intraoral photographs of dentition, palpation of the masticatory muscles and the TMJ area, analysis of the jaws plaster models. Each subject underwent electronic axiography with registration of the lower jaw hinge axis movements. The assessment of the angle of articular inclination (SCI) during translational movements was carried out: protrusion-retrusion, right media intrusion, left media intrusion. The skeletal class was evaluated on the basis of cephalometry data by analyzing teleroentgenograms (TRG) in a lateral projection with markers of the hinge-suborbital axis.

Result. In the course of the study, the average values of the articular inclination angle were obtained for protrusion-retrusion, right-hand media intrusion, left-hand media intrusion according to the «Skeletal class» criterion. Differences were found between skeletal classes in terms of SCI.During protrusion – retrusion, the SCI values were significantly higher in the subjects with skeletal class II than in the subjects with skeletal class III. It should be noted that the subjects with II skeletal class with protrusion – retrusion had the highest values of SCI than the subjects with I and III skeletal classes, but no significant differences were found.

Conclusions

The values of the sagittal condular inclination depend on the skeletal class of jaw relationship.

A decrease in the values of sagittal condular inclination is a risk factor for the maxillofacial dysfunction development.

The lowest values of sagittal condular inclination were observed in subjects with the III skeletal class which requires special attention when diagnosing and treating this risk group.

The value of the sagittal condular inclination should be taken into account when modeling the anatomy of orthopedic structures during prosthetic treatment.
Clinical observation of patient with moya-moya syndrome complicated by transient ischemic attack followed by development of hemorrhagic stroke. Features of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Tsibirova O. I. , Privalova M. A. , Sokolova M. G. , Ulitin A. Yu. , Privalova S. А. , Tsibirov A. A. , Belikova M. Ya.
Published: November 2023

Moya-moya syndrome is a chronic cerebrovascular disease associated with narrowing of the arteries of the brain, manifested by headache, epileptic seizures, transient ischemic attack, leading to the development of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. To date, the main pathogenetic mechanisms of moya-moya syndrome have not yet been fully identified, but some studies have shown that an important component of the development of moya-moya is a genetic factor. However, if the issue of diagnosis of this syndrome can be considered solved – it is the use of neuroimaging methods (MRI, CT) with contrast of cerebral vessels, then the issue of treatment remains relevant. The article presents a clinical case of a patient with moya-moya syndrome with the transformation of an ischemic stroke into a hemorrhagic type.
Influence of infectious diseases on detection of antibodies to treponema pallidum
Authors: Kuznetsova V. S. , Kiseleva N. N. , Voshchinkina D. A. , Mudrov V. P.
Published: November 2023

The problem of the spread of syphilis is becoming acute due to the rapid increase in the number of initially detected cases of the disease. When analyzing and interpreting the obtained laboratory data, there is always the possibility of obtaining contradictory results, both false positive and false negative, which do not coincide with the clinical picture of the patient. Since in practice false positive results of serological tests for syphilis are detected more often than false negative ones, special importance is attached to the identification and study of the causes of their occurrence. At the analysis stage, the cause may be the cross-reactivity of the test system with various ‘particles’ in the analyzed samples, due to the peculiarities of its design and antigenic composition. For this work, sets of reagents Abbott GmbH (CMIA), Mindray (CLIA), as well as reagents produced by Vector-Best (ELISA) were used. During the study, it was found that one of the possible ‘particles’ leading to cross-reactivity of test systems may be IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus.
A mini-review of the pathophysiology of task-specific tremor: insights from electrophysiological and neuroimaging findings
Authors: Kuo Yih-Chih Jacinta , Chen Kai-Hsiang Stanley
Published: November 2023

Task-specific tremor (TST) is a specific type of tremor that occurs when performing or attempting to perform a specific task, such as writing or playing a musical instrument. The clinical entity of TST remains heterogeneous. Some TSTs can only be induced by conducting a specific task, while others can be elicited when adopting a particular position simulating a task. The pathophysiology of TST is controversial. Whether TST is an isolated tremor syndrome, a spectrum of dystonic tremor syndrome (DTS), or essential tremor (ET) is not yet clear. Evidence from electrophysiological studies suggests that TST patients have normal reciprocal inhibition responses but abnormal motor cortical excitability, especially relating to the maladaptive long-interval intracortical inhibitory circuitry. The blink recovery study and eyeblink classical conditioning studies demonstrated possible hyperexcitability of the brainstem circuits and cerebellar dysfunction in patients with TST. Functional MRI studies have further shown that patients with TST have reduced functional connectivity in the cerebellum, similar to patients with DTS and ET. Due to variable methodologies and the sparsity of functional MRI studies in TST, it remains uncertain if patients with TST share the connectivity abnormalities between the cortical or subcortical areas that have been demonstrated in patients with DTS. Comprehensive electrophysiological and functional neuroimaging studies may help to elucidate the pathophysiology of TST.
Living with food allergies: the experiences of adult patients and caregivers
Authors: Santos Alexandra F. , Worm Margitta , Kurita Shoko , Wong Tania , Contato Davide , Pirillo Elia , Esteban A. Esther , Tassinari Paolo , Perna Flavia , Chinthrajah R. Sharon
Published: November 2023

Background

Few studies have addressed how food allergy may impact differently on the daily lives of adults with food allergies and caregivers for food-allergic dependents.

Objective

To explore similarities and differences in life experiences and unmet needs between individuals caring for a child with food allergy and adults with food allergy world-wide.

Methods

Two multinational, virtual, interactive, moderated discussions of specific questions between respectively people with food allergies and caregivers for people with food allergies, with experienced clinicians participating.

Results

Sixteen individuals living with food allergies and nine caregivers took part in the two roundtables. Food avoidance and antihistamines were the most common treatments for food-allergic reactions in both groups. Caregivers reported greater burden of disease on affected individuals and families than did adult patients. Adult panelists considered autoinjectors easy to use but caregivers reported additional emotional stress thinking about autoinjector use. Caregivers described an ever-present fear of inattention and of overlooking a risk factor for a severe reaction, whereas adult panelists showed a determination not to let their food allergies interfere with living their lives. Both groups had safety-conscious attitudes to treatments, but adult patients emphasized convenience while caregivers prioritized reduced severity of reactions and eliminated fear. Both groups confirmed the need for improved, trusted sources of information, and for resources and training programs for any new therapies.

Conclusion

The interactive exchange provided insights into differences between adult patients and caregivers, notably in fear and confidence in daily life, severity of disease impact, and unmet needs for treatments.
Biomechanical evaluation of three implants for treating unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures: finite element analysis in axial, bending and torsion loads
Authors: Bai HuanAn , Liu Lu , Duan Ning , Xue HanZhong , Sun Liang , Li Ming , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Wang Qian , Huang Qiang
Published: November 2023

Purpose: How to effectively enhance the mechanical stability of intramedullary implants for unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures (UFIFs) is challenging. The authors developed a new implant for managing such patients. Our aim was to enhance the whole mechanical stability of internal devices through increasing antirotation and medial support. We expected to reduce stress concentration in implants. Each implant was compared to proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) via finite element method.

Methods: Adult AO/OTA 31-A2.3 fracture models were constructed, and then the new intramedullary system (NIS), PFNA, InterTan nail models were assembled. We simulated three different kinds of load cases, including axial, bending, and torsion loads. For further comparison of PFNA and the NIS, finite element analysis (FEA) was repeated for five times under axial loads of 2100 N. Two types of displacement and stress distribution were assessed.

Results: Findings showed that the NIS had the best mechanical stability under axial, bending, and torsion load conditions compared to PFNA and InterTan. It could be seen that the NIS displayed the best properties with respect to maximal displacement while PFNA showed the worst properties for the same parameter in axial loads of 2100 N. In terms of maximal stress, also the NIS exhibited the best properties while PFNA showed the worst properties in axial loads of 2100 N. For bending and torsion load cases, it displayed a similar trend with that of axial loads. Moreover, under axial loads of 2100 N, the difference between the PFNA group and the NIS group was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The new intramedullary system exhibited more uniform stress distribution and better biomechanical properties compared to the PFNA and InterTan. This might provide a new and efficacious device for managing unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures.
Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and its potential for improving the performance of titanium implants in biomedical applications
Authors: Wen Xueying , Liu Yan , Xi Fangquan , Zhang Xingwan , Kang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2023

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have good biocompatibility, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, making them attractive for biomedical applications. However, their biological inertness and lack of antimicrobial properties may compromise the success of implants. In this review, the potential of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology to create bioactive coatings on Ti implants is discussed. The review covers the following aspects: 1) different factors, such as electrolyte, voltage and current, affect the properties of MAO coatings; 2) MAO coatings affect biocompatibility, including cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, angiogenic activity, corrosion resistance, osteogenic activity and osseointegration; 3) antibacterial properties can be achieved by adding copper (Cu), silver (Ag), zinc (Zn) and other elements to achieve antimicrobial properties; and 4) MAO can be combined with other physical and chemical techniques to enhance the performance of MAO coatings. It is concluded that MAO coatings offer new opportunities for improving the use of Ti and its alloys in biomedical applications, and some suggestions for future research are provided.
Enhancing isoprenol production by systematically tuning metabolic pathways using CRISPR interference in E. coli
Authors: Kim Jinho , Lee Taek Soon
Published: November 2023

Regulation of metabolic gene expression is crucial for maximizing bioproduction titers. Recent engineering tools including CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR interference (CRISPRi), and CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) have enabled effective knock-out, knock-down, and overexpression of endogenous pathway genes, respectively, for advanced strain engineering. CRISPRi in particular has emerged as a powerful tool for gene repression through the use of a deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) protein and target guide RNA (gRNA). By constructing gRNA arrays, CRISPRi has the capacity for multiplexed gene downregulation across multiple orthogonal pathways for enhanced bioproduction titers. In this study, we harnessed CRISPRi to downregulate 32 essential and non-essential genes in E. coli strains heterologously expressing either the original mevalonate pathway or isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) bypass pathway for isoprenol biosynthesis. Isoprenol remains a candidate bioproduct both as a drop-in blend additive and as a precursor for the high-performance sustainable aviation fuel, 1,4-dimethylcyclooctane (DMCO). Of the 32 gRNAs targeting genes associated with isoprenol biosynthesis, a subset was found to vastly improve product titers. Construction of a multiplexed gRNA library based on single guide RNA (sgRNA) performance enabled simultaneous gene repression, yielding a 3 to 4.5-fold increase in isoprenol titer (1.82 ± 0.19 g/L) on M9-MOPS minimal medium. We then scaled the best performing CRISPRi strain to 2-L fed-batch cultivation and demonstrated translatable titer improvements, ultimately obtaining 12.4 ± 1.3 g/L isoprenol. Our strategy further establishes CRISPRi as a powerful tool for tuning metabolic flux in production hosts and that titer improvements are readily scalable with potential for applications in industrial bioproduction.