bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GHOISS as A Predictor for Amputation in Gustilo Type III A and B Tibia fractures in Uganda: A prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Okuku Maxwel Dancan , Kabuye Umaru , Khadolwa Stephen Angira , Aweis Abubakar Mohamed , Xaviour Okedi Francis , Abraha Demoz , Quealee Charles , OLASINDE Anthony Ayotunde , Usman Ibe Michael
Published: February 2024

Background
Despite advances in antibiotic therapy and microsurgery, the management of Gustilo and Andersen type IIIA and B open tibia fractures continues to pose a considerable challenge in developing countries. This has evolved from historical immediate amputation to modern approaches that prioritize both aesthetics and functional outcomes. Nonetheless, a consensus on limb salvage versus amputation remains elusive, prompting the development of prognostic limb scoring systems. Our study assessed the predictive accuracy of the Ganga Hospital Open Injury Severity Score (GHOISS) for determining the need for amputation in patients with Gustilo type IIIA and B tibia injuries.
Methods
In this prospective cohort study, patients with Gustilo type III A and B tibia fractures were consecutively recruited from two Ugandan tertiary hospitals after initial resuscitation. The severity of injury for each Gustilo type III A and b tibia fracture was determined using the GHOISS, and limb salvage decisions were made irrespective of the GHOISS. Follow-up was extended for up to fourteen days to assess the necessity of secondary amputation in salvaged limbs.
Results
Among 53 Gustilo type IIIA and B tibia fractures, 47 were successfully salvaged, while 6 necessitated amputation (4 primary, 2 secondary). A GHOISS of 13 demonstrated maximum specificity (91.5%) and sensitivity (83.3%) in predicting amputation, with an AUC of 0.927, indicating strong discriminatory accuracy.
Conclusion
The GHOISS reliably predicted outcomes in patients with Gustilo type IIIA and B tibia fractures, with a score of 13 demonstrating optimal sensitivity and specificity for anticipating amputation requirements.
Improved Dynamic Reconfiguration Strategy for Power Maximization of TCT Interconnected PV Arrays under Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Loukriz Abdelouadoud , Kichene Moadh , Bendib Ahmed , Drif Mahmoud , Saigaa Djamel , Ahmed Hafiz
Published: February 2024

In photovoltaic (PV) systems, partial shading is a major issue that may cause power losses, hot spots, and PV modules damage. Thus, PV array dynamic reconfiguration approaches based on irradiance equalization (IEq) between rows have been proposed to alleviate the shading effect thereby improving PV power production. However, the existing IEq-based reconfiguration techniques focus only on the minimization of row current error, without taking into consideration the voltage effect, which in turn, may result in power losses. In this regard, an improved reconfiguration strategy is proposed in the present paper to maximize the power production of a TCT interconnected PV array operating under partial shading conditions (PSCs). The proposed strategy aims to achieve a PV array reconfiguration that mitigates the droop voltage issue by considering irradiance levels in both rows and columns. An in-depth investigation of a typical PV module and TCT module is provided, demonstrating that there are cases where the partial shading does not affect the PV module current but the operating voltage. In addition, an analysis highlighting the limitations of the IEq technique regarding the droop voltage issue is presented. Furthermore, mathematical development is established for deriving the objective function of the proposed strategy. The efficiency of the proposed reconfiguration strategy is assessed through experimental tests carried out on a 20 MWp PV station in Ain El-Melh, Algeria. The obtained results reveal that the proposed method overcomes the weaknesses of the existing IEq strategy and ensures power production higher than the TCT and IEq configurations by 17.25% and 19.34%, respectively.
Comparative Analysis of Parameters of Pulsars With Breaking Indices n>0 and n<0
Authors: Onuchukwu Chika , Leghara E
Published: February 2024

We analyzed the timing parameters (the rotational frequency \(\nu\), the first \(\left(\dot{\nu }\right)\)and second \(\left(\ddot{\nu }\right)\) time-derivative of frequency) and the derived parameters of a sample of pulsars that have their values of \(\ddot{\nu }\) (470 pulsars) recorded in the Australian Telescope National Facility (ATNF) pulsar catalogue. We formed various subsamples, those with breaking index \(n<0\) and \(n>0\), glitching and non-glitching pulsars. Our statistical analyses of the timing and derived parameters indicated some level of differences and similarities in the parameters analyzed. Glitching pulsars appear to have higher rotational frequency of pulsars than non-glitching pulsars, and pulsars with \(n>0\) appear to rotate faster than those with \(n<0\). Our results also suggest that glitching pulsars have lower values of \(\left|n\right|\) (where \(\left|n\right|\) is the absolute value of breaking index), and is it lower for subsample with \(n>0\) than for subsample with \(n<0\).
Imbalanced Data Challenges and Their Resolution to Improve Fraud Detection in Credit Card Transactions
Authors: Manda Vishwa Teja , Kondapalli Dheeraj , Malla Anand sai , M Jyothi N , Charan Y
Published: February 2024

This project addresses the critical issue of fraud detection in credit card transactions, an imperative conand cern for both financial institutions and cardholders. With the increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities, accurate identification and prevention of fraudulent transactions have become paramount. The study focuses on a dataset comprising credit card transactions conducted by European cardholders in September 2013. Notably, the dataset exhibits a severe class imbalance, with fraudulent transactions accounting for a mere 0.172% of the total. The primary objective of this research is to develop a robust machine-learning model capable of effectively discerning between legitimate and fraudulent transactions. The project commences with an extensive exploration of the dataset, encompassing checks for data imbalance, feature visualization, and analysis of feature interrelationships. Subsequently, four predictive models, including Random Forest, AdaBoost, Cat Boost, and XG Boost, were employed and evaluated. The dataset was partitioned into three subsets: a training set, a validation set, and a test set. Initial results showcased promising performance, with the Random Forest model yielding an Area Under the Curve (AUC) the core of 0.85 on the test set. The AdaBoost model achieved a slightly lower AUC score of 0.83, while the Cat Boost model, following 500 iterations, attained an AUC score of 0.86. The XG Boost model demonstrated exceptional promise, achieving a validation score of 0.984, and subsequently producing an AUC score of 0.974 on the test set. Further, the project introduced a Light GBM model, leveraging both train-validation split and cross-validation methods. The former yielded AUC scores of approximately 0.974 on the validation set and 0.946 on the test set. Cross-validation exhibited a similar effectiveness, culminating in an AUC score of 0.93 on the test predictions. This study not only underscores the efficacy of employing advanced machine learning techniques in fraud detection but also emphasizes the importance of model selection and evaluation in the context of imbalanced data. The findings provide valuable insights for financial institutions seeking to bolster their fraud detection capabilities, ultimately enhancing the security and trust of credit card transactions.
Three months’ recurrence rate of non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma based on surgeon experience as a single variant
Authors: Kassem Ayman , Assem Ahmed , Sharway Ahmed , Deen Mohammed Ezz El , Emran Ashraf
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by intravesical instillation therapy (based on risk stratification) is the standard treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). One of the factors that may affect the risk of recurrence after TURBT is the quality of surgery that may vary between individual surgeons. Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the three months’ recurrence rate of NMIBC based on surgeon experience. Methodology: The study is a double blinded prospective randomized study conducted on 50 patients with NMIBC who underwent TURBT. All Treatment-naive patients with suspected NMIBC candidate for TURBT were included, with exclusion of patients with previous history of TURBT, previous open bladder surgery, patients with urethral stricture and patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. Patients were divided into two groups; Group A included 25 patients who underwent TURBT by a senior surgeon (more than 5 years’ experience), and Group B included 25 patients underwent TURBT by a qualified junior surgeon (less than 5 years’ experience). All patients underwent follow up cystoscopy by another senior surgeon (who was blinded to the name of the first surgeon) at three months. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between both groups regarding the incidence of urethral injury, bladder perforation, ureteric injury, obturator reflex, and bleeding. Group B showed a statistically significant longer operative time, postoperative irrigation time, more hemoglobin loss, longer hospital stay, and higher 3 months’ recurrence rates. Moreover, senior surgeons’ specimens were more likely to include detrusor muscles. Conclusion: A surgeon’s experience may have a significant impact on the quality of TURBT and risk of recurrence after TURBT for NMIBC.
Analyzing Tropospheric Ozone Dynamics: A Longitudinal Study of Trends in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Schales Ethan
Published: February 2024

Tropospheric ozone is identified as a pollutant and a major greenhouse gas. It has known negative effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as damaging numerous ecosystems. As humans have moved more towards urban areas and have industrialized, air pollutant levels, such as tropospheric ozone, have gone up significantly. Within the last few decades, there have been significant efforts to reduce air pollution. The main goal of this study was to examine trends in tropospheric ozone in various places of the world and determine if recent measures to reduce air pollution are effective. This data for this study ranges from 2000 to 2022 and was collected using the IAGOS website. The data was organized and analyzed using Python programs. By removing the seasonal trend and using a quantile regression function, tropospheric ozone trends were organized and plotted. The results demonstrate that tropospheric ozone has increased in most regions since 2000, however in the last ten years, some areas have shown some improvement.
Experiences of Older Adult Filipino-Americans Surrounding Eye Surgery and Factors in Health Decision-Making: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jiro Marycon C. , Sigua Michael , Dio Migel , Hennein Lauren , Cocohoba Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Background
The greater San Francisco metropolitan bay area is home to 270,000 Filipino immigrants and the second largest Filipino-American population in the United States. Despite this, Filipino-Americans are aggregated with the general “Asian-American” category, making it a challenge to obtain accurate population health data on social determinants of health. One area that is concerning is the lack of research on Filipino-American eye health experiences. The Filipino-American population is an older community with a median age of 48 years old that experiences a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. Preserving sight in high risk patients against age-related eye disease depends on routine eye examinations and timely treatment. Therefore, it is important to explore older adult Filipino-American eye surgery experiences and factors in eye health decision-making.
Methods
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with thirteen Filipino-American adults residing in the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties who had a history of eye surgery (cataract, glaucoma, or retinal). Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis was performed informed by critical race theory and PEN3 cultural model. Standard methods of coding followed by determination of themes were conducted and consensus was reached among the three coders.
Results
The mean participant age was 73.3 years old (95% CI 69.7–76.9). All participants were born in the Philippines, and 85% identified as female. Four themes emerged: the value of social networks and self-efficacy in decision-making; the importance of informed communication; the integral role of trust and the physician-patient relationship; and the impact of cultural humility, beliefs, and concordance on ocular care. Communication with trusted peers, clinicians and clinical staff prior to surgery was a key factor in alleviating worries and misconceptions, yet interpreter services were inconsistently offered. Many saw clinicians as experts, which dampened their agency in asking questions or elicited shame in obtaining a professional second opinion.
Conclusions
How clinicians convey information is crucial. Filipino-Americans patients can interpret eye surgery expectations through a cultural lens, which may result in lasting impressions about the surgical experience and outcomes. Expanding cultural humility training and improved incorporating interpreter services can help patients feel supported.
Comparison of Visual Efficacy and Patient’s Satisfaction between Two Toric IOLs, Enhanced for Intermediate Vision and Monofocal
Authors: Hwang Ho Sik , An Dohyeon , Kim Hyun Seung , Kim Eun Chul
Published: February 2024

Background: To compare the visual efficacy and patient’s satisfaction between two toric IOLs (TIOL), enhanced for intermediate vision and monofocal.
Methods: A retrospective chart review. A total of 100 eyes from 68 astigmatic patients who underwent cataract surgery with implantation of a TECNIS Eyhance Toric II IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision, Irvine, CA, USA) (Group 1, 50 eyes) or TECNIS TIOL (Group 2, 50 eyes). The uncorrected distant (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA), and near (UNVA) visual acuities, residual refractive astigmatism, defocus curve, and IOL axis rotation were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months postoperatively.
Results: The postoperative UDVA and UNVA refractive astigmatisms of the two groups were better than the preoperative data, respectively (P<0.05). But there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The postoperative UIVA of group 1 (0.18 ± 0.15 logMAR) was significantly better than that of group 2 (0.30 ± 0.25) (P<0.05). And the mean postoperative IOL rotation of group 1 (2.51 ± 0.79 o) is lower than that of group 2 (3.02 ± 0.84 o) (P<0.05). Overall satisfaction of group 1 (1.27 ± 0.47) was better than that of group 2 (2.02 ± 0.53) (P<0.05).
Conclusions: TECNIS Eyhance Toric II IOL demonstrated a low magnitude of postoperative IOL rotation and excellent uncorrected intermediate vision compared with TECNIS TIOL. The patient's near vision and overall satisfaction with the TECNIS Eyhance Toric II IOL were also higher than those with the TECNIS TIOL.
Modeling Information Warfare in Scale-Free Networks: Analysis of Propagation and Counter-Propagation Dynamics
Authors: pandey rashmikiran , Pandey Mrinal , Nazarov Alexey
Published: February 2024

In an era where information's rapid dissemination profoundly impacts society, this study introduces a comprehensive model examining information warfare dynamics within a scale-free network. Emphasizing the propagation and counter-propagation processes, our model intricately captures interactions among network nodes and their attributed statuses. Constructing a scale-free network via the Barabasi-Albert model, we simulate an information dissemination environment, attributing nodes as Informed or Unversed to mirror the diversity within the network. The transmission probability, contingent on node attributes, governs the information propagation process, while a reinforcement mechanism factors in the higher susceptibility of Unversed nodes to reinfection. Introducing a counter-propagation process to recover infected nodes, recovery probabilities are tailored based on node literacy status, potentially enhancing intervention effectiveness. Extensive simulations scrutinize the dynamics of information warfare, investigating parameters like transmission and recovery probabilities, and network topology's influence on information spread and counter-propagation success. This study evaluates defender and attacker accuracy, unveiling varied strategy effectiveness. The accuracy of the defender, which measures the rate at which nodes recover and align with their actual literacy attributes, was found to be 66.7% in defender dominant state and accuracy of attacker was 81.9% in attacker dominant state. Our findings illuminate the intricate dynamics of information warfare, underscoring the pivotal role of literacy status and proposing strategies to bolster defender accuracy.
Quantum Insights Into Decision Theory: From Duality Games to Two Lotuses for Utility Estimation
Authors: Phuong-Nam Phuong-Nam
Published: February 2024

The intersection of Quantum Computing and Quantum Machine Intelligence has prompted a reevalu- ation of decision theory and decision-making processes, particularly in the context of utility functions. Despite the advancements, their utility estimation and decision theory application still need to be explored. Utility functions are pivotal in economics, representing preferences through assigning numerical values to different combinations of goods and services. They find applications in diverse economic analyses, including consumer choice, demand analysis, production decisions, supply and demand equilibrium, welfare economics, game theory, and investment decisions. In this context, pre- viously introduced in research, the duality game emerges as a promising avenue for utility estimation. This research paper extends the conceptual foundation of the duality model by introducing the Two Lotuses Game, a novel game-theoretic model addressing scenarios involving distinct species with different phenotypes. The goal is to determine the optimal phenotype trait within the descendant generation, considering shared inheritance. The Two Lotuses Game identifies two crucial quantities: the most expected phenotype and the most stable phenotype. Numerical results showcase the practical applications of both the Duality Game and the Two Lotuses Game in four case studies related to actuarial science, including utility function approximation, expected utility maximization, premium pricing, and risk-sharing evaluations. The versatility of these models suggests potential adoption in various financial or biological contexts beyond actuarial science.
Role of Green Factors and Peace Factors Towards Environmental Footprint in Saudi Arabia: Multi Estimations Approach
Authors: Aziz Ghazala , Sarwar Suleman , Waheed Rida , Li Zaijun
Published: February 2024

The sustainable economic growth of a country leads to energy consumption which causes environmental issues. The study examines the financial sector's investment in renewable energy sources and utilizing eco-friendly technology to solve environmental issues. This study also examines the role of military spending through our peace model, as a secure setting might make initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and development possible. We conclude that peace makes it easier to accommodate environmental concerns and the various circumstances under which a nation attains and maintains sustainability. Additionally, this study makes policy recommendations from the standpoint of a sustainable environment through declining military spending, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and the effective use of environmental technology.
Advancing realistic estimations of behaviour interventions: A large-scale real-world experiment on electricity consumption reduction in Europe
Authors: Klöckner Christian , Asgarabad Mojtaba Habibi , Biresselioglu Mehmet Efe , Caffaro Federica , Carrus Giuseppe , Demir Muhittin Hakan , Kirchler Benjamin , Kollmann Andrea , Massullo Chiara , Tiberio Lorenza , Vesely Stepan
Published: February 2024

Decarbonization initiatives rely heavily on shifts in citizen’s behaviour. This study presents findings from a large-scale, controlled field experiment (N=2,554) conducted across six European countries, assessing the effectiveness of intervention campaigns aimed at reducing electricity consumption under real-world conditions. Our findings offer a nuanced perspective: only a modest proportion of invited participants actively engaged, but they achieved significant reductions in electricity consumption. We found no significant differences in the effectiveness of different intervention strategies, ranging from information to social norms or competition, suggesting the type of intervention may not be as important as previously thought. A critical finding of our research is that, although psychological factors were predictive of self-reported saving behaviour, they did not correlate with actual consumption data. Our results underscore the complexity of influencing energy consumption behaviour and suggest that future policies and interventions should take into account the multifaceted interplay between structural conditions and individual behaviour.
An Effective Method for Studying the β5 Subunit Activity of the Immunoproteasome In Vitro
Authors: Guo Jinxing , Dan Fu
Published: February 2024

The immunoproteasome has been found to cause multiple diseases, such as multiple myeloma and autoimmune disorders, and there is an urgent need to develop these antagonists of immunoproteasomes into drugs to relieve patients’ suffering. We developed a novel approach to detect immunoproteasomes’ cellular activity in vitro. After making the cell lysate and adding an equal volume of the substrate solution, we incubated it for 10 minutes at 37°C, measuring the fluorescent signaling. The results showed that the published IC50 of ONX-0914 and bortezomib are repeatable with our assay in different cell lines, and the IC50 is acceptable and stable enough to be verified by many tests. It is worth noting that the combination of digitonin and a lower concentration of NP-40 will maintain higher immunoproteasome activity and completely lyse the cell membrane. The assay’s maximum sensitivity is reached in 30 minutes, and the IC50 of ONX-0914 and bortezomib matches that of published data. In contrast to the β5c assay, the β5i commercial kit is limited to being selected. We prefer to make a highly efficient kit for the β5i assay to meet the academic or clinical needs of researchers.
Assessment on the Environmental Concern Level and Driving Mechanism of Beach Recreationists Based on the New Ecological Paradigm Scale
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Zhong Chongqing , Chen Han , Zou Xinqing
Published: February 2024

This study uses the New Ecological Paradigm Scale (NEP) to measure the level of environmental concern among beach recreationists, innovatively constructs a model based on the measurement results to depict a group portrait, and analyzes the driving mechanism of beach recreation pro-environmental behavior. The level of environmental concern of beach tourists is 66.2%, slightly higher than the average level of Chinese urban residents, and is significantly correlated with age, occupation, education level, and income level. The newly constructed environmental behavior group portrait index indicates that the group that actively participates in recreational environmental behavior at Haichow Bay Beach includes college students, primary and secondary school students, retirees and surrounding residents. Key factors in the generation of environmentally friendly behavior for beach enthusiasts include individual self-control constraints, regional ecological environment management, the improvement of environmental literacy, overcoming individualism, external environmental impacts, and environmental education.
Determination of the Quantity of Particles Emitted to the Environment as a Result of Wearing Car Brake Pads
Authors: Ismailov Kubaymurat , Shermukhamedov Abdulaziz , Alimova Zebo , Rakhmatov Utkirjon
Published: February 2024

This article presents methods for determining the amount of particles released into the environment as a result of the wear of brake linings during car braking, taking into account the adhesion coefficient of the wheel with the road. Considering that the resource period of the brake pads of cars changes depending on the adhesion coefficient of the wheel with the road, the amount of particles emitted into the atmosphere was calculated theoretically. The analysis of the distribution of the concentration of metals in the particles formed from wearing brake linings during the braking process of cars is widely covered. It was found that the samples taken during the braking of a car contained high amounts of metal elements such as iron, copper, zinc, chromium, tin and antimony. Currently, there is information about the negative impact of the particles that form during the braking of cars on the environment. A comparative analysis of the theoretical and experimental results of the wear rate of brake linings depending on the road adhesion coefficient is presented. According to the comparative analysis of the theoretical calculation results of the average wear speed of car brake pads depending on the road adhesion coefficient, the change in the wear speed depending on the adhesion coefficient has been confirmed.
Pyramid Urethral Mobilization Hypospadias Repair In Distal Variant
Authors: Andriescu Mircea , Stanciu Olivia , Stoicescu Iulia , Enache Tudor , Balanescu Laura
Published: February 2024

Purpose. Choosing the appropriate surgical approach for distal hypospadias is challenging due to the numerous techniques currently used. Urethral mobilization is an adjunctive surgical technique that aims to improve the position of the urethral meatus. We present our experience with a technique of urethral advancement in 69 cases of distal hypospadias.
Methods. Technique description: Dissection and mobilization of the native urethra along with the corpus spongiosum from the penile shaft - the dissection is performed in a pyramidal manner, addressing all planes of the native urethra along with the attached corpus spongiosum after transection of the lateral attachments of the "V-shaped" spongiosum from the base of the glans; mobilization of the urethra and corpus spongiosum "en bloc" along the corpus cavernosum thus exposing the inter-cavernosum groove. Next, a longitudinal, median incision is made in the avascular plane between the two corpus cavernosum in which the urethra-spongiosum complex is inserted and advanced distally.
Results. During a period of 2 years, we performed distal hypospadias repair according to the described technique in 69 patients (7 redo cases). The median follow-up was 12 months during which only 4 patients experienced complications such as retraction and stenosis.
Conclusion. Urethral advancement by pyramid repair is a valid option for distal hypospadias and redo cases but precise case selection is mandatory when considering this procedure.
Public Perceptions of Climate Change: A Socio-Political Approach
Authors: Çetin Reha Atakan
Published: February 2024

The past few years have been a challenging period not only because of the COVID-19 pandemic but also because of the incidents related to global climate change. Similar to the impacts of the pandemic, the environmental risks are also expected to last for decades. Although scientifically accepted within the broader fields of academia (Lorenzoni 2006), public consensus proves significant variation between various geographies (Zhang et al. 2018). Such a variation is likely to affect the European countries’ policy contexts substantially. The attitudes towards climate change give a certain direction to the decision-making, policy design, and implication processes in the age of severe environmental challenges. Considering this background, this study examines the major socio-political determinants that influence people’s perceptions about climate change in the context of Europe. Based on the data from the 2015 Eurobarometer Survey of “Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Discrimination of Minority Groups”, and using the methodology of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis, it tests the following hypotheses: Firstly, men are less likely to be concerned about climate change than women. However, this effect will be partially mediated by the extent of pro-environmental values and norms. Secondly, self-identified liberals are more likely to be concerned about climate change. However, this effect will be partially mediated by the extent of pro-environmental values and norms. Thirdly, the effect of being male will be moderated by marital status, referring to “wives’ effect.” As a result of the regression analysis, first two hypotheses are confirmed while there is found no support for the third one on marital status. Limitations, and implications of the findings, as well as the directions for future research about the public perceptions on climate change are discussed.
Evaluation of hepatic resection in adolescent and young adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ueda Junji
Published: February 2024

Background
In Japan, primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops against a background of chronic hepatitis, such as persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Patients with HCC are commonly in their 50s or 60s. It is extremely rare to find HCC patients in their 40s or younger. In Japan, such cases are reported to constitute only 0.23% of all cases. The adolescent and young adult (AYA) population refers to people aged 15–39 years. Patients with cancer in the AYA population may present special clinical features and biologic characteristics. In this study, we evaluated hepatic resection of AYA hepatocellular carcinoma at our facility.
Materials and Methods
We analyzed 978 patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institute between 1994 and 2022. We categorized the patients into two groups: the AYA group and the non-AYA group. Patient demographics, operative details, perioperative outcomes, pathologic details, clinicopathological findings, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared.
Results
Eight patients—five males and three females—were less than 40 years old. The incidence of AYA hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.8%. Six patients had a history of hepatitis B. Four patients had a history of liver cirrhosis. Two patients experienced recurrent HCC. One patient died a year and a half after surgery. The percentage of HBV-positive patients was significantly greater in the AYA group than in the non-AYA group, and the tumor diameter was significantly greater in the AYA group. There were no significant differences in tumor marker levels, vascular invasion, differentiation, overall survival rate, or recurrence-free survival rate between the AYA group and the non-AYA group.
Conclusion
The outcome of resection for AYA HCC is good. Detection of AYA HCC in the early stage and hepatectomy are recommended.
Dipole symmetries from the topology of the phase space and the constraints on the low-energy spectrum
Authors: Brauner Tomáš , Yamamoto Naoki , Yokokura Ryo
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate the general existence of a local dipole conservation law in bosonic field theory. The scalar charge density arises from the symplectic form of the system, whereas the tensor current descends from its stress tensor. The algebra of spatial translations becomes centrally extended in presence of field configurations with a finite nonzero charge. Furthermore, when the symplectic form is closed but not exact, the system may, surprisingly, lack a well-defined momentum density. This leads to a theorem for the presence of additional light modes in the system whenever the short-distance physics is governed by a translationally invariant local field theory. We also illustrate this mechanism for axion electrodynamics as an example of a system with Nambu-Goldstone modes of higher-form symmetries.
Introduction to dynamical mean-field theory of randomly connected neural networks with bidirectionally correlated couplings
Authors: Zou Wenxuan , Huang Haiping
Published: February 2024

Dynamical mean-field theory is a powerful physics tool used to analyze the typical behavior of neural networks, where neurons can be recurrently connected, or multiple layers of neurons can be stacked. However, it is not easy for beginners to access the essence of this tool and the underlying physics. Here, we give a pedagogical introduction of this method in a particular example of random neural networks, where neurons are randomly and fully connected by correlated synapses and therefore the network exhibits rich emergent collective dynamics. We also review related past and recent important works applying this tool. In addition, a physically transparent and alternative method, namely the dynamical cavity method, is also introduced to derive exactly the same results. The numerical implementation of solving the integro-differential mean-field equations is also detailed, with an illustration of exploring the fluctuation dissipation theorem.
O percurso discursivo da BNC-Formação pelas Instâncias governamentais: A profissionalidade docente em disputa
Authors: Jesus Juliana Teixeira , Maria Testa Braz da Silva Alcina
Published: February 2024

A aprovação de resoluções separadas para Formação Inicial e Continuada resultaram de um processo discursivo ocorrido entre instâncias governamentais e outros atores, contudo, as transformações ocorridas nos sumários dos documentos oficiais dão pistas sobre as características de uma profissionalidade docente proposta, analisada discursivamente com contribuições de Maingueneau, Ball, Laval, Contreras, Tardif e Lessard.  As presenças, manutenção, apagamento (definitivo ou temporário) ou ausências de temáticas nos sumários nos dão alguns indícios identificados como: a adesão aos discursos de organizações transnacionais, como a OCDE e a Unesco, incorporados pelas instâncias nacionais (MEC e CNE). Foram identificadas ainda: a presença da pedagogia das competências, que aproximam a dinâmica escolar da noção de gestão e do lema long life learning. E ainda, fortes indícios de desregulação e a ausência completa de quaisquer menções às políticas de valorização docente ou da carreira.
Advanced Targeted Drug Delivery of Bioactive Nanomaterials in the Management of Cancer
Authors: Basu Biswajit , Garala Kevin Kumar , Patel Rajeshri , Dutta Ayon , Ash Dipanjana , Prajapati Bhupendra , Singh Sudarshan , Jha Sajal Kumar
Published: February 2024

Cancer is defined as the unchecked expansion of aberrant cells. Radiation,
chemotherapy, and surgery are currently used in combination to treat cancer. Traditional
drug delivery techniques kill healthy proliferating cells when used over prolonged periods
of time in cancer chemotherapy. Due to the fact that the majority of tumor cells do
not infiltrate right away, this is particularly true when treating solid tumors. A targeted
drug delivery system (TDDS) is a tool that distributes medication to a selected bioactive
location in a controlled manner. Nanotechnology-based delivery techniques are having a
substantial impact on cancer treatment, and polymers are essential for making nanoparticulate
carriers for cancer therapy. The advantages of nanotherapeutic drug delivery systems
(NDDS) in terms of technology include longer half-life, improved biodistribution,
longer drug circulation time, regulated and sustained drug release, flexibility in drug administration
method, higher drug intercellular concentration, and others. The benefits
and drawbacks of cancer nanomedicines, such as polymer-drug conjugates, micelles,
dendrimers, immunoconjugates, liposomes, and nanoparticles, are discussed in this
work, along with the most recent findings on polymer-based anticancer drugs.
Ocular Drug Delivery of Nanoparticles for Glaucoma
Authors: Dangwal Aastha , Bhatt Vikas , Gupta Shiv Kumar
Published: February 2024

The nasolacrimal channels drain the medication from the pre-corneal area, causing the
majority of the ophthalmic medication to be quickly removed following topical instillation. Over the
past thirty years, newer medical techniques, such as in situ gel, nanoparticle, liposome, nanosuspension,
microemulsion, iontophoresis, and occuserts have been created in an effort to overcome these
challenges. These methods gradually and deliberately boost the drug's bioavailability. This article
discusses ocular drug delivery for ophthalmics and its ideal characteristics, and also provides an insight
on the use of nanotechnology in the form of nanoparticles used for the treatment of glaucoma
in the eyes, employing HPH, ultrasonication/HSH, SE, SED technique, SFM, ME technique, SD
method, DE method, PM, FUD, and other techniques to offer continuous and controlled IOP inside
the eye chamber, make drug more ocularly bioavailable, and address a few pharmacological difficulties
in ophthalmology. The creation of new drug delivery methods is currently gaining popularity,
and this can facilitate the development of medicines for diseases that endanger eyesight.
Microbial Dynamics within Rhizosphere: An Aspect to Agricultural Sustainability
Authors: Khanna Kanika , Sharma Nandni , Kour Jaspreet , Dev Singh Arun , Dhiman Shalini , Bhardwaj Tamanna , Devi Kamini , Sharma Neerja , Kour Sandeep , Ohri Puja , Bhardwaj Renu
Published: February 2024

Numerous anthropogenic activities, such as novel agricultural practices, coal
mining, industrial pollution, etc., pose a negative impact on the environment. Such
factors cause the accumulation of different pollutants within the ecosystem, ultimately
hampering the plants as well as animals. However, plants possess a series of
physiological as well as molecular mechanisms for defense and resistance. The global
population has posed a significant food challenge, therefore, to ensure food security,
soil nutrition, agricultural productivity as well as fertility, different sustainable aspects
should be kept in mind. Chemical fertilizers dilapidate the ecological balance along
with human health, henceforth the microflora present in the rhizosphere acts as
quintessential elements. Microbes such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and
mycorrhizae have been formulated as biofertilizers in agriculture that enhance their
nutrient uptake as well as yield, along with providing resistance against different
stressors. Biofertilizers have been shown to provide a positive outcome for plants,
therefore, an array of microbial strains have been selected and formulated to be used in
the agricultural sector. These are based on rhizobacterial species, endophytes, and
mycorrhizae. Regardless of the challenges observed in the production, usage, and
application, these have been proven to be the exclusive alternatives for chemical-based
fertilizers. Therefore, their elaborate understanding will offer new approaches to
sustainable agriculture. Biofertilizers not only boost crop yield and soil fertility but also
interact with plants to trigger their immune systems, physiological processes, growth,
and development. They also enable solubilization of essential nutrients such as
nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc, potassium, and silica that promote plant growth. Most
importantly, they are cost-effective, toxin-free, eco-friendly, and serve as the best
alternative for chemical fertilizers. In this chapter, we have highlighted the microbial dynamics within the rhizospheric zone and its significance in agriculture by its usage as
biofertilizers for sustainable crop production.
The Role of Terpenoids in Plant Development and Stress Tolerance
Authors: El Amerany Fatima
Published: February 2024

Plant terpenoids and their precursors, terpenes, are among the most
important classes of plant secondary metabolites that have provoked increased interest
regarding their application in the medical field to treat different health issues.
Additionally, terpenoids are known to play a crucial role in many different plant
processes, such as photosynthesis, root growth, flower production, fruit set, and plant
interaction with the environment. A plant can produce different kinds of terpenoids
with diverse structures and functions. These compounds are usually liberated in the
atmosphere in the form of flavors or fragrance compounds or stored in plant organs,
such as glandular trichomes. Due to increased water scarcity, salt stress, mineral
deficit, temperature level, and pathogens resistance, it has become difficult to provide
natural conditions for the development of some plant species, which has led to a
shortage in levels of some naturally occurring compounds, such as terpenoids. So, to
reduce the alteration of terpenoid production, some strategies have been recently
applied, like metabolic engineering and applying biofertilizers. Thus, this chapter will
define the different classes of terpenoids produced by plants, their metabolic pathways,
and their roles in plant development and physiology, nodule formation, mycorrhizal
symbiosis, wounding healing, and plant defense as well as recent advances regarding
the increase in the accumulation of terpenoids through metabolic engineering and
exogenous application of natural substances.
Phytoremediation Potential of Medicinal Plants to Relieve Pollutant Stress
Authors: Chakraborty Swarnavo , Roychoudhury Aryadeep
Published: February 2024

With the rise in rampant anthropogenic activities, the contamination of the
environment due to heavy metals is increasing at an alarming rate. This poses a serious
threat to both the plant and animal world, including poor human health and disturbed
crop physiology and yield. Heavy metal pollution commonly leads to oxidative stress
in sensitive plants, thereby altering the entire homeostasis within the plant system.
Therefore, plants have evolved certain regulatory circuits for combating the resulting
stress ensuing from the excess concentration of heavy metals in the soil. Certain plants
have the immense potential to accumulate such heavy metals, followed by their
detoxification via a range of mechanisms, inherent to the plant system. This process is
commonly referred to as phytoremediation, which is an efficient, cost-effective and
sustainable approach for the rejuvenation of contaminated soil. In present times,
medicinal plants are not only exploited as a source of different traditionally available
medicines, but have also displayed the immense capacity of cleaning up heavy metalcontaminated soil and serve as sinks for the toxic effects of heavy metals to clean up
the environment. The present chapter, therefore, focuses on medicinal plants as
potential phytoremediation agents.
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR): A Credible Tool for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Bhardwaj Tamanna , Khanna Kanika , Sharma Pooja , Dhiman Shalini , Ibrahim Mohd , Arora Upma , Sharma Priyanka , Sharma Indu , Arora Priya , Sharma Ashutosh , Kaur Rupinder , Ahmad Mir Bilal , Ohri Puja , Bhardwaj Renu
Published: February 2024

Modern agricultural practices rely on the excessive use of chemical
fertilizers to increase crop yields to meet the growing population's demand. It has
exploited the inherent biological potential of soil and plant systems. Sustainable
agricultural practices focus on equal attention to soil and plant health. Plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) serve the plants by combating abiotic and biotic
stressors in the environment. These microorganisms aid plants in multiple ways by
colonizing the plant roots. They work effectively as biofertilizers and as biocontrol
agents and help in fostering plant growth through either direct (potassium and
phosphorous solubilization, siderophore production, nitrogen fixation) or indirect
(production of VOCs, antibiotics, lytic enzymes) mechanisms. To upgrade their
application to agro-ecosystems, modern technologies are being worked out. These aim
at improving the efficacy of PGPR and uplifting agricultural sustainability. Therefore,
in this book chapter, the role and mechanism of PGPR as soil health boosters and plant
growth enhancers were discussed. Further, it sheds light on recent developments made
to strongly present PGPR as a potent candidate for green agriculture.
ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters in Plant Development and Defense
Authors: Naaz Sheeba , Ahmad Nadeem , Qureshi M. Irfan
Published: February 2024

ABC transporters (ATP-binding cassette transporters) are dynamic proteins
found in both types of organisms, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They play pivotal roles
in the transportation of various substances along cellular membranes by utilizing ATPs.
ABC transporters consist of four domains: two NBDs with highly conserved motifs and
two TMDs. They have a large diverse family, which is grouped into 8 subfamilies (A,
B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I), though the H subfamily is not found in plants. ABC transporters
are well-defined for transporting xenobiotic compounds, secondary metabolites,
phytohormones, toxic heavy metal ions, chlorophyll catabolites, lipids, and drugs
across cellular membranes. Importantly, several kinds of ABC transporters
investigation discovered their functions in plant growth, development, and defense.
Commonly localized on plasma membranes, they are also found on the membranes of
vacuoles and various cellular organelles. Under stress, these are known to contribute to
various physiological, developmental, and metabolic processes by helping plants adapt.
Initially, they were recognized as tonoplast intrinsic transporters, but now they are
well-known in cellular detoxification mechanisms which protect plants and maintain
homeostasis. This chapter presents a comprehensive account of the roles of ABC
transporters with insights into molecular and physiological leading to stress tolerance.
Biotization of Medicinal Plant Cultures by Endophytes: A Promising Approach to Enrich Therapeutics
Authors: T. Srinivasan , Lakshmi Y.V. Rajya , Anand P. Shanmukha , P. Sunitha , Lakshmi K. Aruna
Published: February 2024

 Overexploitation, climate change, and pressure from invasive species are
threatening the diversity of medicinal plants; a few of them are extinct or in the
endangered category. The mass multiplication of some medicinal plants outside their
natural habitat affected the biochemical diversity of the plants, thereby decreasing their
medicinal value. Hence, micropropagation of high-yielding, elite genotypes was
preferred over time to conserve the species and meet the pharmaceutical needs.
Although micropropagation was promising, the diversity and quantity of bioactive
compounds of the in vitro plants were not comparable to those of their counterparts in
nature. The in vitro plants, challenged with a plethora of biotic and abiotic stresses,
were poorly acclimatized, with abject survival. During the last few decades, the role of
endophytes with their mechanisms in enhancing growth, development, and stress
tolerance has been proven among field-grown plants. In consequence, the role of
endophytes in micropropagation is gaining prominence to address the vulnerability,
acclimatization, and enhanced bioactive compounds of tissue culture plants. This
approach of the use of competent endophytes is known as biotization. This chapter
brings together the current status, possibilities, and limitations of the most promising
biotization of medicinal plants. Biotization of endophytes in micropropagation is a
potential tool for the production of medicinal plants with enriched bioactive
compounds with improved therapeutic effects.