bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentration-Dependent Investigation of the Inhibition of Bromelain Mediated Protein Hydrolysis on Egg Albumen through Coffea arabica
Authors: Leybourne Chani-Brynn
Published: January 2024

The implications of caffeinated beverages on human health has been widely debated. In a population that consumes an average of 250 mg of caffeine daily, investigation of health concerns is of high importance. Analysis of five variations of Coffea arabica concentration was conducted on the hydrolysis of egg albumen by the proteolytic enzyme bromelain, over 15 minutes. The results suggest a statistically significant difference (p < < 0.05) in the rate of hydrolysis as a product of the concentration of Coffea arabica in the experimental solution. Findings of this exploration on the sensitivity of protein hydrolysis to C. arabica suggest greater comprehension of the inhibitory nature of Coffea arabica on enzymatic digestion, which may play an important role in medical advancements to support absorption of amino acids into the bloodstream, extending to promoting healthy lifestyles. The research under exploration discusses how variations in the concentration of instant coffee affect the rate of protein digestion of egg albumin using bromelain.
Gender differences in attention bias in ADHD children’s cancellation testing: An eye movement tracking study
Authors: Bao Mengyi , Ying Yingchao , Ye Jia , Hu Yiting , Yao Lin , Li Wenyu , Jiang Kewen
Published: January 2024

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, with many gender differences, including attention dimensions. However, the gender differences in eye movements of different attention dimensions and the affecting factors in children with ADHD are still elusive. We enrolled 311 ADHD children who were initially diagnosed and used the combination of computer cancellation test and eye tracking (ET) to examined the eye movement patterns in different attention dimensions and its correlating factors and gender differences in ADHD children. We found that male ADHD children have more severe attention arousal deficits, and careless explorations of the target than females. There are significant gender differences in eye movement in children with ADHD, which are corelated to factors of attention dimensions and the executive function. Moreover, the integration of ET with attention cancellation tests produced a high AUC (1.000) value for identifying ADHD, and a high AUC (0.899) value for identifying ADHD genders. The results indicate that ET during cancellation tests can improve the identification of ADHD, and can effectively identify ADHD genders, which will help improve the clinical diagnosis and intervention of ADHD in different genders.
External validation of a prognostic model for one-year survival after fragility hip fracture: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Hairui , Li Feixiong , Wei Fangfang , Qu Weihan , Wu Dou , Liang Bin , Zhang Xuan , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2024

Purpose
To scientifically manage fragility hip fracture patients, we have developed a survival prediction model for predicting 1-year survival after fragility hip fracture (SFHF). This study aims to validate the model.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the orthopaedics department at a regional medical centre in central China. Fragility hip fracture patients who were consecutively admitted to the orthopaedics department from January 2016 to October 31, 2021. We evaluated the performance of an SFHF model (including the full model and the simplified model) from the following three aspects: (1) Discrimination. We presented the concordance (c) index of the model, including Harrell's c-index and Uno's c-value. Overall performance was measured using Nagelkerke R2 values. (2) Calibration. The calibration plot method was used to evaluate the calibration of the model. (3) Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to judge whether the model had clinical value in the validation population.
Results
A total of 877 (≥ 50 years) (out of 1132) eligible fragility hip fracture patients were included in this study. Among them, 47 patients were lost to follow-up. Among the patients who were successfully followed up, 87 died within 1 year of the fracture. After applying simple imputation to deal with missing values, the final effective sample size was 93 cases. The 1-year mortality rate after fracture was 10.6%. The Harrell’s c-index values of the full and simple SFHF models were 0.764 (standard error, 0.024) and 0.763 (0.024), respectively. Uno’s c-values were 0.765 (0.024) and 0.763 (0.024), respectively. The Nagelkerke R2 values were 0.144 and 0.144, respectively. The calibration plot showed that the model had good calibration between predicted and actual values. DCA showed that the model was clinically useful within a threshold range of risk of death of 0.03–0.38.
Conclusion
Our study preliminarily confirmed that the SFHF model has good accuracy and generalizability in predicting the one-year survival rate of fragility hip fracture patients, and that it has good clinical value. This predictive model may be considered for clinical practice.
Rapid assessment of flood inundation due to tropical cyclones in part of Sundarbans in Google Earth Engine environment
Authors: Biswas Biplab , Remesan Renji , Tiwari Manoj K. , Ghosh Surajit
Published: January 2024

Coastal West Bengal (especially Sundarbans) has been facing frequent tropical cyclones in recent years, causing enormous losses in agriculture and other resources. Amphan (20 May 2020) and Yaas (26 May 2021) are the two most significant cyclonic events in recent years. In the present study, we analyzed flooding conditions due to Amphan and Yaas in South 24 Parganas - a significant part of Indian Sundarbans. Sentinel-1 (S1) data along with other earth observation datasets and products, were integrated into the Google Earth Engine (GEE) environment to monitor the flooding conditions of the two cyclonic events. Cloud penetration capability and high spatial resolution of S1 data provide ample opportunity to detect flooding during cloudy conditions. The most inundation occurred in agricultural lands (92.7% for Amphan and 96.04% for Yaas), followed by other Land Use Land Cover (LULC) types in both cases. Block-level (smallest administrative unit) flood statistics have been generated for both events. Gosaba, Pathar Pratima, and Namkhana were most affected by these two cyclones.
Driving Factors of Citizen Science Change in Japan during COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Linying , Kang Jiefeng , Takahiro Kubo
Published: January 2024

Citizen science had been severely affected by COVID-19. However, changes of citizen science due to the pandemic in Asia and the driving factors underlying the changes have not been fully investigated. Based on a citizen science observation dataset for 8 cities of Japan from 2016 to 2021, we categorized the users into long-term and short-term users. The long-term users have higher observation number due to their persistent higher activity frequency. Then the changes of observation number were decomposed into user population effect, user structure effect, activity frequency effect, and observation intensity effect using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model for each city resepectively. The user population effect is the largest contributor to observation number changes in the cities for most years, with positive impacts before the pandemic and negative after the pandemic. The following effects are the observation intensity effect, activity frequency effect, and user structure effect. The findings suggest that, to recover citizen science from pandemic, the policymakers, practitioners, and researchers should consider the reasons underlying the changes in more detail.
Expectations and needs of people with illicit substance use disorders in general practice: a qualitative study in Belgium
Authors: Richelle Lou , Kacenelenbogen Nadine , Kornreich Charles , Aron Margaux
Published: January 2024

Background: People who use illicit drugs cumulate medical and psychosocial vulnerabilities which justify a rounded health approach. Both caregivers and patients can form barriers to accessing care which can lead to inadequate care. We tried with this study to identify the needs and expectations of these patients in general practice.
Methods: Qualitative research using semi-structured interviews was conducted on 23 people with illicit substance use disorder in Brussels in 2020. A multicentric recruitment was performed to obtain a heterogeneous mix of socio-demographic profiles and care trajectories. A thematic analysis was performed using RQDA package software.
Results: Several vulnerabilities were highlighted by the participants. These include the presence of significant self-stigmatization and guilt, sometimes to the extent of self-dehumanization even after years of care; overdoses masking suicide attempts and early memory disorders. Multiple substance use, smoking in almost all participants and significant misuse of benzodiazepines were also noted. The majority of participants expressed the need for an open-minded, non-stigmatizing and empathic GP with a holistic approach who could guide them throughout their life course. The competences of GPs in the field of addiction seemed secondary for the participants. Knowledge and good collaboration with the mental health network was an asset.
Conclusion: The participants expressed the need for GPs with good interpersonal skills including a non-stigmatizing attitude. The care coordinator role of the GP was highlighted as a key element, as was a holistic approach focusing on global health (including the social determinants of health) and not only on the substance use disorder.
tRF-Pro-CGG suppresses cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhu Jikuan , Zhang Xudong , Luo Tianping , Xue Cailin , Chao Jiadeng , Li Jun , Zhu Bei , Jin Lei , Zhu Chunfu , Qin Xihu
Published: January 2024

tRNA-derived RNA fragments (tRFS) are 14-38nt long non-coding single-stranded RNAs that play an important role in gene regulation. In this study, we investigated the expression of tRF-Pro-CGG in human pancreatic cancer (PC) and its role in the proliferation, cloning, metastasis, invasion and apoptosis of PC cell lines. We will investigate the expression levels of tRF-Pro-CGG in PC tissues and cells. In PC tissue, tRF-Pro-CGG RNA levels were lower than in normal tissue, and in PC cell lines, tRF-Pro-CGG RNA levels were lower. In PC cells, promotion of tRF-Pro-CGG inhibits cell proliferation, replication, migration, and invasion, and promotes apoptosis. CSF1 was also inhibited by tRF-Pro-CGG. tRF-Pro-CGG may be involved in the regulation of CSF1 and may become a new diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for PC.
Interpreting the main effects on the efficiency and morphology for establishing a procedure of electrodepositing Zn from purified chloride SPL solutions
Authors: Zakiyya Hanna , Illés István B. , Kékesi Tamás
Published: January 2024

Detailed potentiodynamic and galvanostatic methods have been used to investigate the electrodeposition of Zn and to develop a reliable recovery method from a purified and concentrated spent pickling liquor (SPL) of hot dip galvanization. Applying various combinations of Zn concentration, pH, agitation, apparent current density (c.d.) and additional NaCl concentration, a uniform initial deposit could be observed at the cathode, however the subsequent dendrite formation and the development of protrusion at the edges were targeted for a deeper investigation. The potentiodynamic experiments, showed the importance of H2 evolution influenced by the electrolyte properties and the cathodic polarization. The cathodic current was dominated by Zn reduction in the pH > 2 range during the fast potentiodynamic runs of the 30 – 150 g/dm3 Zn concentration range in the stationary electrolyte. Increasing the Zn concentration could considerably improve the deposit morphology. In the long-term galvanostatic experiments the current efficiency increased with the increase of pH in the examined wide Zn concentration range but the c.d. needs optimization. A current efficiency (c.e.) of ~99% can be reached with an electrolyte of pH ~5, Zn concentration ~50 g/dm3 applying a c.d. in the 300 – 600 A/m2 range. At low (~10 g/dm3) Zn concentrations the rate of hydrogen evolution increases dramatically. The addition of NaCl can practically improve the c.e. if the Zn concentration is at least around 50 g/dm3. In contrast, this improvement is largely off-set by the negative effects of strong H2 evolution at as low Zn concentrations as e.g. 10 g/dm3. Higher NaCl additions or too high Cl- ion concentrations, however inhibit the cathodic reaction of the electroactive species by stronger chloro-complex formation. In this case the intensive H+ reduction causes hydroxide precipitation.
Integrated multi-spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the interaction mechanism of polyphenols and sea bass myofibrillar protein
Authors: Zhu Yujie , Li Mingyu , Zhong Rongbin , Shi Feifei , Yang Qian , Liang Peng
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to explore the interaction mechanism between five different polyphenols (caffeic acid (CFA), gallic acid (GA), chlorogenic acid (CHA), resveratrol (RES), and catechin (CAT)) with sea bass myofibrillar protein (MP). The multi-spectroscopy results showed that all five polyphenols could spontaneously form new complexes with MP, with a binding molar ratio of 1:1. The interaction between CFA and MP is predominantly electrostatic, while the interaction between GA and MP is mainly hydrophobic. The rest of polyphenols and MP are mediated by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. And molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicated that CHA-myosin had the strongest structural stability, while CFA-myosin had the tightest binding. In addition, the amino acid Lys-179 was the key residue for the interaction between five polyphenols and myosin. This study contributes to better understanding the interaction between polyphenols and sea bass MP, which could develop the processing of aquatic food products.
Modeling and analysis of fractional order calcium distribution model with Amyloid beta and Orai channel
Authors: Vora Hardagna Vatsal , Jha Brajesh Kumar , Singh Tajinder Pal
Published: January 2024

Calcium is a ubiquitous signaling component of neuronal functions. Calcium regulation is a complex phenomenon that is controlled by cellular organelles. Abnormality created by amyloid plaques is a crucial phenomenon in which the [Ca2+] flux enters through the plasma membrane. Entry of such flux is managed by intracellular homeostasis. In the neuronal calcium homeostasis, any alteration could lead to neurodegener-ation. In this paper, the effect of various parameters like SERCA, IPR, Leak, VGCC, etc. has been investigated. A mathematical model has been developed by considering a time-fractional differential approach to investigate the non-local impact on cytosolic [Ca2+]. An analytic solution was obtained by applying the Laplace transform, Fourier cosine transform, and Green’s function. The significant implication of amyloid beta, endoplas-mic reticulum flux, and plasma membrane flux on calcium signaling was observed. It is also observed that Amyloid beta created pores are toxic to the neuron. The effect of S100B, EGTA, and BAPTA with diffusion coefficient observed neuroprotective properties for calcium signaling. From all this simulation therapeutic insight from different buffers and amyloid plaques can be observed which is a better fit as per realistic physiology.
Development and validation of a clinical prediction model to aid radiologists optimize thyroid C-TIRADS classification
Authors: liang yu , zou yuan , zou zhou , ren bo , zhang jing , chen qin , He Peng
Published: January 2024

Aims To develop and validate a clinical prediction model to aid radiologist optimize the diagnostic classification of Chinese thyroid imaging reporting and data system (C-TIRADS) .
Materials and methods A total of 1,659 patients from two hospitals participated in the study. The derivation set comprised 909 patients for model development and internal validation, while the external validation set included 750 patients. Multinomial logistics regression was used to establish the prediction model. In the derivation set, the ROC curve assessed model performance, and a line chart provided an intuitive visualization. For external validation, ROC and calibration curves were plotted to evaluate discrimination and calibration.
Results The data revealed that C-TIRADS classification, abnormal sonogram of cervical lymph nodes, and changes in thyroid nodule size were the most significant predictors of C-TIRADS optimization. The predictive performance of the C-TIRADS optimized nomogram was 0.730 (95%CI 0.697-0.762), with a sensitivity of 63.2%, specificity of 74.9%, and accuracy of 67.7%. A risk threshold of 60% or higher effectively defines C-TIRADS optimization, while a threshold below 30% indicates inefficiency. The calibration curve indicates good consistency, and the clinical decision-making and impact curve demonstrate a favorable net benefit. Moreover, external validation confirms excellent discrimination in predicting C-TIRADS optimization (C index: 0.865, 95%CI 0.839-0.891).
Conclusions
We established an optimized C-TIRADS model that combines the imaging features of thyroid nodules with clinical risk factors. It may help radiologists to improve the diagnostic efficiency of TIRADS classification.
Discovery of mmu-lncRNA129814/hsa-lncRNA582795 as a potential biomarker and intervention target for ischemia reperfusion injury-induced AKI
Authors: Yang Liu , Xu Yan , Pan Jian , Li Renjie , Lan Chao , Zhang Dongshan
Published: January 2024

Acute kidney injury(AKI) has higher perioperative mortality and morbidity as well as high medical expense. Ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) is one of the most common causes of AKI.The molecular mechanism underlying I/R induced AKI is still unclarified, and there is a lack of early diagnosis markers. Herein, we demonstrated that mmu-lncRNA129814 was triggered by ischemic AKI in BUMPT cells and C57BL/6J mice. The knockdown of mmu-lncRNA129814 attenuated I/R-stimulated BUMPT cell death, and its overexpression had an opposite effect. Mechanistically, mmu-lncRNA129814 could sponge miRNA-494-5p and upregulated IL-1α expression to promote cell apoptosis. Furthermore, knockdown of mmu-lncRNA129814 ameliorated the I/R-induced progression of AKI via targeting miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α pathways. Interestingly, hsa-lncRNA582795, a homology with mmu-lncRNA129814, also promoted I/R-stimulated HK-2 cell apoptosis and AKI progression by regulating the miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α axis. Finally, we found that I/R-induced AKI patients exhibited remarkably elevated plasma and urinary levels of hsa-lncRNA582795 compared to those after Ischemia-reperfusion without AKI. Spearman’s test demonstrated a significant correlation between serum creatinine and plasma hsa-lncRNA582795 in I/R patients (r = 0.824),while urinary hsa-lncRNA582795 and urinary [TIMP2]*[IGFBP7]( r = 0.789). The AUC values of plasma and urinary hsa-lncRNA582795 were 0.889 and 0.804, respectively. The plasma hsa-lncRNA 582795 had a low specificity (86.7%) and high sensitivity (76.7%) compared to urinary hsa-lncRNA 582795 (93.3% and 63.3%, respectively). Collectively, the mmu-lncRNA129814/hsa-lncRNA582795/miRNA-494-5p/IL-1α axis was found to modulate the progression of ischemic AKI, and hsa-lncRNA582795 could act as a diagnosis biomarker and potential therapy target of I/R induced AKI.
Standard Medical Therapy With vs. Without Nebulised Magnesium for Children with Asthma Decompensation
Authors: Cunha Luisa , Mora Meritxell Roca , Afzal Farhan , Cesar Giulia M. , Guimarães Catharina Ribeiro , Pontes Julia Pereira Muniz , Alves Gabriel Grando , Silveira Antonio Carlos Fonseca
Published: January 2024

Background: Pediatric asthma is a common condition, and its exacerbations can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The role of nebulised magnesium as adjunct therapy for children with asthma exacerbation is still unclear.
Objective: To compare nebulised magnesium with standard medical therapy (SMT) vs. SMT alone for children with decompensated asthma.
Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing the use of SMT with vs. without nebulised magnesium. The outcomes were respiratory rate, heart rate, % predicted peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), % predicted forced expiratory volume (FEV1), peripheral O2 saturation, asthma severity scores, and need for intravenous (IV) bronchodilator use.
Results: Twelve RCTs and 2484 children were included. Mean age was 5.6 (range 2-17) years old, mean baseline % predicted FEV1 was 69.6%, and 28.7% patients were male. Children treated with magnesium had a significantly higher % predicted PEFR (mean difference [MD] 5.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.75 to 5.90%; p<0.01). Respiratory rate was significantly lower in the magnesium group (MD -0.70 respirations per minute; 95% CI -1.24 to -0.15; p<0.01). Need for IV bronchodilators, % predicted FEV1, heart rate, asthma severity scores, and O2 saturation were not significantly different between groups.
Conclusion: In children with asthma exacerbation, treatment with nebulised magnesium and SMT improved % predicted PEFR and led to a marginal improvement in respiratory rate as compared with SMT alone.
Experimental and computational study of the thermal insulation properties of hollow glass microsphere
Authors: Wang Yuyang
Published: January 2024

Hollow Glass Microsphere (HGM) is expected to be used in cryogenic liquid storage tanks as an insulating material with better insulation performance and lower maintenance cost instead of perlite. Obtaining the effective thermal conductivity of HGM can help to improve the insulation performance of cryogenic tanks. In this paper, a test system based on the transient plane source (TPS) method was designed and constructed, and the effective thermal conductivity of six models of HGMs from four suppliers at 200-300 K was measured. The results show that the effective thermal conductivity of HGMs at atmospheric pressure 200 K environment is only 25.87-35.84 w/(m·K). The effective thermal conductivity in the atmosphere and room temperature, as well as in low pressure and low temperature was calculated by the derived system of equations, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The integrated thermal conductivity is still dominant in low pressure and low temperature, and the reduction of the true density contributes to the improvement of the HGM insulation performance.
Optical nonlocal meta-grating computing spatiotemporal differentiation
Authors: Ruan Zhichao , Huang Junyi , Zhao Dong , Shi Jixuan , Wang Hengyi , Zhang Hongliang , Sun Fang-Wen , Zhan Qiwen , Huang Kun
Published: January 2024

Optical analog computation could accelerate massively parallel operation without costly analog-to-digital conversion and promise more energy efficiency than their electronic counterparts. Although many novel optical computation features in spatial domain have been discovered across nanophotonic structures, more appealing and challenging spatiotemporal computation is seldom reported to optically process single-shot spatiotemporal wavepacket and characterize space-time dynamics in various ultrafast phenomena, because direct analog computation with extremely short time of picoseconds or femtoseconds is currently beyond the capability of state-of-the-art electronic instruments. Here, we demonstrate optical spatiotemporal differentiation computation for single-shot ultrafast wavepacket through space-time coupling between spatial and temporal differentiations. Realized by a mirror-symmetry-breaking nonlocal meta-grating, our spatiotemporal differentiator possesses a transfer function with linear dependence on spatial wavevector and temporal frequency, leading to first-order differentiations differentiation with experimental resolutions of ~14 μm (space) and ~260 fs (time). Because both orthogonal differentiations are correlated with an out-of-phase delay, this differentiator can manipulate space-time-related physical quantities, e.g., creating spatiotemporal phase singularities with transverse orbital angular momentum of light and detecting extremely high transverse velocities (at the level of the speed of light) of shifting intensity centroids in tilted-font pulses, which endow emerging space-time optics with fundamental computation blocks.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Communities to Climate Change-Induced Water Scarcity and Health Risks
Authors: Deresse Teshome
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to assess the vulnerability of communities in the Gelana District to climate change-induced water scarcity and health risks. Climate change has been identified as a significant driver of water scarcity, posing challenges to communities that rely on limited water resources for various purposes, including drinking, sanitation, and agriculture. The research design involved a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collection and analysis with qualitative methods. Based on primary and secondary evidence, communities vulnerable to climate change-induced water scarcity and health risks were divided into three categories: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capability. Deforestation and degradation 86 (43.2%), changes in land use and land cover 45 (21.6%), insufficient management of water resources 34 (17.1%), low soil fertility, and the absence of a sustainable farming system 12 (6%) were found to be significant contributors to the research area's climate change-induced water scarcity and health risks. The effects of climate change-related water scarcity on the chosen kebeles resulted in 117 (58.8%) water stress, 88 (44.2%) limited capacity for adaptation, and 98 (49.2%) high exposure. Due to the effects of climate change, such as flash floods, unpredictable river floods, and drought at specific kebeles in the Gelana area, the incidence of diseases such as malaria/fever (81.9%), cough (18.6%), diarrhea (11.6%), measles (1.5%), and other (4%) diseases has increased. The primary effective adaptation options for the water scarcity and health concerns caused by climate change were groundwater utilization (19.6%) and rainwater gathering. The results of this study can aid in building community capacity in the face of climate change, improving the ability of vulnerable groups to adapt, and increasing community awareness of how to employ contemporary water and health technologies.
Effects of an Informal Place-based Educational Program on Knowledge and Perceptions of Invasive Species Management
Authors: McClendon Ariane E. , Waliczek Tina M. , Serenari Christopher , Williamson Paula S.
Published: January 2024

Invasive species can generate negative impacts environmentally, socially, and economically. The interplay between human and natural systems renders management a complex problem that must be addressed by decision-makers. Perceptions of invasive species issues varies depending on an individual’s access to information. Although invasive species and their management are often discussed in formal higher education, not all members of the population have access to a formal educational setting. Informal educational experiences may be a mechanism to reach out to community members in a more accessible and perhaps engaging way than traditional higher education classroom experiences. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an informal, place-based educational program on perceptions and knowledge of invasive species and their management within the community. Place-based education is a pedagogy connection local places with intimate knowledge of the systems, processes, and outcomes that give it meaning to human and non-human species. First, we organized and administered short walks in two central Texas, USA, parks with conversational lessons and hands-on learning experiences. Second, we administered a follow-up retrospective-reflective survey to measure participants’ knowledge and perceptions of invasive species management and postwalk/lesson changes in them. We also compared between the treatment group of participants versus a control group within the community who did not participate in the informal lessons. Fifty-two people participated in both the educational program walks and testing over the course of 1 year, and 63 people were included in the follow-up retrospective-reflective survey control group. Results indicate a statistically significant positive change in knowledge and perception categories within the treatment group. Post hoc results indicate a positive change in knowledge and perceptions in our sample as a function of treatment group members’ age and income, respectively. The methodology used in this study was simple and inexpensive. Hence, our approach could be easily replicated in other areas to educate community members.
Association of integrin expression in tumor tissue with hematogenic metastasis of breast cancer
Authors: Zavyalova M. V. , Kuznetsov G. A. , Grigoryeva E. S. , Tashireva L. A. , Pismenny D. S. , Perelmuter V. M.
Published: January 2024

Background. Distant hematogenous metastasis is the leading cause of tumor-related death from breast cancer. To prevent metastasis, prognostic markers for predicting the risk and location of hematogenous metastases are required. In this regard, it is of great importance to study the expression of integrins involved in the most important processes that determine the progression of cancer.

The objective of the study was to investigate the association of integrin expression in tumor tissue with hematogenous metastasis of patients with breast cancer.

Material and Methods. The study included 72 patients (average age – 51 ± 12 years) with stage T1–4N0–3M0–1 unspecifed invasive ductal breast carcinoma, with all molecular biological subtypes (luminal A, luminal B, HER2-positive and triple negative). The biopsy material was examined before the start of antitumor treatment. Expression of integrins in tumor cells was assessed by immunohistochemical methods. Antibodies CD61 (integrin β3, Invitrogen, USA), CD104 (integrin β4, Invitrogen, USA), CD51 (integrin αV, Invitrogen, USA) were used.

Results. In patients with hematogenous metastases, cytoplasmic rather than cytoplasmic/membrane colocalization, CD61 expression was more often detected (p=0.036). Cytoplasmic and membrane colocalization of CD104 was more frequently detected in brain metastases compared to lung (p=0.026) and bone (p=0.036) metastases. Expression of CD51 integrin was more often associated with lung metastases than with bone metastases (p=0.045).

Conclusion. The frequency and localization of hematogenous metastases in breast cancer patients are associated with the presence and localization of CD61, CD104 and CD51 expression in the tumor cell.
The use of xenogenic testicular antigens for induction of antitumor reactions
Authors: Seledtsova G. V. , Dorzhieva A. B. , Ivanova I. P. , Seledtsov V. I.
Published: January 2024

Testicular antigens (TAGs) are normally expressed only by cells of testicular and placental tissues. Human immune system is tolerant to TAG, but if the integrity of the testicular membranes is disrupted, these antigens, entering the bloodstream, induce autoimmune reactions for eliminating them from the body. In malignancy, TAGs begin to be expressed by tumor cells of the liver, breast, pancreas, intestine, and lung. Immunological recognition of these AGs leads to autoimmune reactions against these AGs, i.e. antitumor reactions in the body. We used xenogenic TAGs derived from ram testis to increase TAG immunogenicity. The use of ram TAGs is justified by the fact that TAGs are evolutionarily conserved molecules and there is a high degree of homology between human and animal TAGs.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice and parameters of cellular immunity in various options for immunizing mice with ram TAGs.

Material and Methods. C57BL/6 mice were used. The efficacy of therapeutic or prophylactic vaccination with xenogenic TAGs was studied by changing lifespan of B16 and LLC tumor-bearing mice. Formation of immune responses was evaluated by proliferative ability of splenocytes to respond to vaccination and control AGs and by their production of IFN-gamma and IL-10.

Results. In the LLC carcinoma model with a preventive vaccination option, the lifespan of mice with syngeneic vaccination did not differ from the tumor control; the lifespan of mice with xenogeneic vaccination increased by 60%. In therapeutic vaccination option, no significant differences in lifespan of vaccinated mice were found. A significant increase in the proliferative activity of splenocytes in response to tumor AGs was found in both LLC- and B16 tumor-bearing mice previously vaccinated with xenogenic TAGs. The increased IFN-gamma production by splenocytes was observed in B16 and LLC tumorbearing mice with xenogeneic vaccination. The IFN-gamma production by splenocytes in tumor-bearing mice with syngeneic vaccination was not increased. A significant decrease in IL-10 production was noted in mice with xenogeneic vaccination.
Virtual surgical planning in soft tissue reconstruction for oral cancer
Authors: Amiraliyev K. N. , Rahimov Ch. R. , Amiraliyev N. M. , Farzaliyev I. M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Reconstruction of soft tissue defects after radical surgeries in cancer patients is important for early surgical rehabilitation and improving quality of life. Our study presents technologies for virtual surgical planning (VSP) of soft tissue defect reconstruction in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Case presentation. We described VSP in a report of a 54-year-old patient with locally advanced buccal mucosa cancer after extensive radical resection and reported the results. VSP was used to construct a 3D model from CT images, which was used to accurately assess the margin of radical surgical resection, as well as to develop individually based reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Next, we reported a series of cases of patients with oral cancer of various locations, who, after radical surgery, underwent reconstruction with using of VSP (n=7) or conventional reconstruction (n=10). A comparative analysis of intra and postoperative results was carried out.

Results. In a patient with locally advanced left buccal mucosa cancer, reconstruction of the postoperative defect was successful without local complications after reconstruction. Good functional and aesthetic results were obtained. The patient was observed for 2 years without signs of disease. A comparative assessment of the results of the main and control groups showed that patients in the VSP group had a shorter operation time and postoperative hospital stay, as well as fewer and milder postoperative local complications in comparison with the control group.

Conclusion. Our results showed the effectiveness of using 3D technology in reconstructive surgery of soft tissue defects after radical surgery for oral SCC. This technology has significantly reduced operative time, hospital stay, and improved flap utilization. This method has great potential for wider application and provides greater benefits with further improvement of technology.
Personalized adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II–III non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Rodionov E. O. , Miller S. V. , Tsyganov M. M. , Zhuikova L. D. , Pikalova L. V. , Pankova O. V. , Perelmuter V. M. , Podolko D. V. , Mokh A. A. , Ananina O. A. , Pismenny D. S. , Markovich V. A. , Loos D. M. , Litvyakov N. V.
Published: January 2024

Surgery is the standard of care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The overall survival rates especially in patients with locally advanced lung cancer are low. The resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs reduces the efficacy of treatment. Special attention is paid to the feasibility of assessing the tumor sensitivity to certain chemotherapy drugs. Currently, the most studied predictors are monoresistance and multidrug resistance genes, such as ABCC5, RRM1, ERCC1, BRCA1, TOP1, TOP2a, TUBB3 and TYMS.

The aim of the study was to analyze the outcomes of combined modality treatment using radical surgery and personalized adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II–III NSCLC.

Material and Methods. The study included 120 patients with stage II–III NSCLC, who underwent radical lung resection with mediastinal ipsilateral lymph node dissection. The patients were then divided into two groups. The main group consisted of 60 patients who received personalized platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy based on the expression levels of the genes, such as ABCC5, RRM1, ERCC1, BRCA1, TOP1, TOP2a, TUBB3 and TYMS. The control group consisted of 60 patients who received postoperative chemotherapy empirically.

Results. In the main group, disease progression occurred in 14 out of 60 patients, three-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 76.7 % (the median was not reached). In the control group, DFS was 53.3 % (28 out of 60 patients), the median was 31.0 (4–36 months); the differences were statistically significant: Logrank test χ2 =4.382 p=0.036. The overall three–year survival rate was 90.0 % in the main group (6/60 patients died) and 61.7 % in the control group (23/60 patients died), the differences were statistically signifcant: Logrank test χ2 =6.915, p=0.009.

Conclusion. The personalized adjuvant chemotherapy resulted in the improved three-year relapse-free and overall survival rates in NSCLC patients.
The phenomenon of political trust in virtual communities (based on the materials of Chinese social networks during the Covid-19 pandemic)
Authors: Li Y.
Published: January 2024

Political trust is a barometer of the effectiveness of national governance, a link in the relationship between the people and the Government, and plays the role of a political stabilizer. The relevance of this topic conditioned by the fact that in the Internet era, 1 when everyone ‘holds a microphone’ on the network media in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, communication in the network virtual spaces such as Weibo and forums is capable of dissipating and restoring trust in governments in the form of questions, doubts and criticism, which has an impact on political media ecology as a whole. The paper is based on the media monitoring of the network communities in China. The author analyses the forms of manifestation of the confrontational (conflict-prone) discourse of virtual communities in the context of the pandemic of the New Corona virus and the following ‘infodemic’, and considers the ways of restoring the political trust of network virtual communities within this context, whereas: (1) the government should include the network virtual space in the sphere of national governance in order to open bidirectional channels for good communication with the masses; (2) the quality of discourse in the network space of the virtual community should be improved; (3) the network media should fulfill their social responsibilities, while ensuring the quality of the content.
Comprehensive analysis of the perception of commemoration sites by St. Petersburg residents
Authors: Popov D. G. , Kholod A. V.
Published: January 2024

The paper represents the author’s model of comprehensive analysis of perception, as well as the experience of using it to diagnose the perception of the commemoration sites by the residents of St. Petersburg and to identify the features of perception os such places by “generation Z” representatives. Perception in the work is considered as a complex phenomenon, whereas the subject of perception records the formal, meaningful and dynamic parameters of object, forms, and then represents (returns) its image. To assess the characteristics of the perception process, the author use the approach based on three types of analysis: phenomenological, structural, dynamic. Commemoration sites are considered as objects typical of the natural, psychosocial and social environment. The field study is based on the survey of residents of St. Petersburg of four generations are presented (from “generation Z” to “generation raised in the USSR”). Such stratification allows us to consider the space of memory of St. Petersburg through the prism of the transfer of social capital. The study used locations identified by respondents as commemoration sites. Based on the results of the analysis of the respondents’ answers, the authors obtained the results showing the reproduction of commemoration sites as social, historical and cultural objects of perception, noted the evolution of the semantic load on individual locations, and confirmed the hypothesis about the preservation of the basic model of perception in all generations.
Discourse on family values in public policy (content-analysis of the statements of Giorgia Meloni)
Authors: Bikkinina D. D.
Published: January 2024

The paper represents a content analysis of statements by the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, about family and family values. Interest in this topic is conditioned by the growing opposition of arguments manifested in the political field, expressed by opponents and supporters of G. Meloni and the Brothers of Italy party. The conceptual reflection of the idea of a “traditional” family in the these public statements conflicts with the European left-liberal ideal of gender neutrality. Within the analysis the author study the semantics of: (1) Giorgia Meloni’s political statements regarding family values; (2) assessments of Giorgia Meloni’s political rhetoric in the media and in the modern political discourse of the European Union. The study is based on publicly available media materials. Methods used: content and sentiment analysis. The results of the study have shown a large-scale value split starting from the level of Italian society up to the level of communities within the EU. Thus, in the discourse of family policy, opposing positions are indicated. The emotionality of the arguments used in the political struggle regarding the discussion of family policy indicates the urgency of the research questions arising in connection with the practical steps and consequences of the implementation of the “new” Italian policy.
Manipulative techniques in shaping the political agenda (on the example of Euronews channel)
Authors: Khubezhova Z. A.
Published: January 2024

Under the influence of modern geopolitical processes the media are increasingly resorting to manipulative techniques and techniques. The article examines the information activities of the Euronews channel and the its role in shaping the political agenda. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing media confrontation between European countries and Russia in light of the crisis in Ukraine in 2022 – 2023. The purpose of the study is to identify methods for generating content and managing information flow. The study us based on the content analysis of the materials retrieved from the official Euronews website (in English) from the point of view of the phenomenon of linear communication “source – communication channel – recipient”. The author shows the general approaches to the design of the news agenda of the Euronews and the types of manipulative influence on the audience used in the materials. The study showed that (a) the content is formed on the principle of filtering the information flow and broadcasting selective information; (b) the most commonly used key messages include exploitation of intimidating themes, shock content and asymmetrical argumentation.
Monitoring the promotion of cultural and educational projects in digital environment
Authors: Glushchenko O. A. , Naumov T. A.
Published: January 2024

The article raises the problem of using digital marketing tools to assess the effectiveness of promoting a cultural and educational project. The manuscript was prepared on the basis of “Profile Shifts” project, which is implemented by the state organization of additional education for children “Academy of Talents” with the aim of identifying and supporting gifted and talented youth in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. The project is part of the regional project “The Success of Every Child”, implemented within the framework of the national project “Education”. Based on the study of the specific project the authors describe the process and results of information and communication monitoring, identify the gaps in project popularization, and provide the recommendations. The results of monitoring the promotion of cultural and educational project are considered in the aspect of reputation audit.
ANALYSIS OF AUDIENCE RECEPTION ON YOUTUBE TOWARDS ANTI CYBERBULLYING VIDEO CAMPAIGN IN THE CYBER BULLY BY CAMEOPROJECT
Authors: Haryanti Astrid , Ratna Sari Siti Dewi Sri
Published: January 2024

Youtube is one of the leading sites to share videos. It also facilitates the video viewers to give comments. The research explores the video campaign entitled Cyber Bully (2016) produced by CameoProject and the authentic responses from the viewers in Youtube. The argument that the anti-cyberbullying video campaign generally creates only from victim’s perspective and how the society should encourage them. As an attempt to give a new perspective, this research shows that the victim of cyberbullying should also change himself in a positive way to contribute and socialize well in the society. Applying the concept of encoding – decoding by Stuart Hall (1993), the three categories such as dominant, negotiated and oppositional representatives can be seen from the responses of the interviewees in negotiated position. The research uses qualitative descriptive methodology; reception analysis and critical discourse analysis to determine the results by using in-depth interview with the selected representatives of three categories from encoding-decoding concept by Stuart Hall. The interviewers were compared by three categories in audience research; structural, behavioural and cultural based on primary data, aims and method. Results indicates the three viewers have the same perception of objective at the end which are to have courageous to being tough and responsible for ourselves and not being intimidated by unfairness or dominant power. All of them agreed that the Cameo Project video has delivered well the message of cyberbullying’s danger to the victims. To conclude, this phenomenon contributes to the cyber cultures in which Youtube is seen as a functional media in order to make meaning of a digital text and negotiate with the constructed cyber bullying by giving responses.
Biological production of nanoparticles and their application in photocatalysis
Authors: Uddandarao Priyanka , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: January 2024

With the advancement in science and technology, the demand for nanotechnology has increased significantly in terms of research and developing strategies for their manufacturing. Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field of science where the size of the material is designed such that at least one of its dimensions is in this nanometer (nm) range. It combines various disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics and material science. The exceptional size-dependent fluorescence and quantum confinement properties of nanomaterials have allured their utility in diverse sectors. They are potential tools for various photocatalytic devices. Photocatalysis is an advanced oxidation process driven by a light source and is a promising technology for degradation of hazardous chemical compounds in water. The vast literature indicates that the methods followed for synthesis of nanoparticles are mostly chemically based approaches and the produced nanoparticles properties depend on the reaction conditions. On the other hand, use of microbial sources for biosynthesis of nanoparticles is an ecofriendly and cost-effective strategy for nanomaterials. In this perspective, this chapter presents an overview of synthesis of nanomaterials by plants, bacteria, fungi and algal sources and their role in photocatalysis. Furthermore, some of the latest advances in these technologies are highlighted and an outlook at the major challenges for further developments is provided.