bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grouting Technique - Combining Transvenous Onyx and Coils for the Embolization of Complex Non-cavernous Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Chen Ching-Chang , Chen Chun-Ting , Wu Yi-Ming , Yeap Mun-Chun , Chen Yao-Liang , Wong Ho-Fai
Published: March 2024

Background
Incomplete occlusion of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) may lead to fistula recurrence and rebleeding, which may necessitate several embolizations and lead to worse clinical outcomes. Herein, we describe an grouting technique for endovascular embolization and its outcomes in a series of patients with complex intracranial DAVF.
Methods
A total of 20 consecutive patients with high-grade or symptomatic intracranial non-cavernous DAVF underwent endovascular transvenous embolization combining detachable coils and Onyx. Two microcatheters were positioned either in the distal segment of the involved sinus or near the draining veins. To achieve tight occlusion of the involved sinus, coils were carefully delivered through the first microcatheter, starting from the distal segment and then to the proximal segment. Next, Onyx was injected through the second microcatheter to fill the interspace of coil mass and gradually refluxed to the mural channels and para-sinus cortical veins until the fistula was completely occluded.
Results
Successful embolization was achieved in all 20 patients. The initial angiographic results revealed the achievement of complete occlusion in 19 patients (95%). At the postembolization follow-up, complete obliteration of the fistula was achieved in all patients (100%). No symptom or angiographic recurrence was observed at the 2- to 5-year follow-ups. No patient required additional embolization or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Conclusion
The proposed grouting technique combining detachable coils and Onyx appears to be promising for the elimination of complex intracranial non-cavernous DAVFs.
Colonization of beet by rhizosphere bacteria takes place in discreet phases regardless of bioinculation with wild sea beet root community
Authors: Gołębiewski Marcin , Sikora Marcin , Mazur Justyna , Szymańska Sonia , Tyburski Jarosław , Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna , Ulrich Werner
Published: March 2024

Background: Bioinoculation can increase crop yields under environmental stress. Inoculants consisting of microbial communities instead of single strains may be of broader use than the latter ones, as different plants might recruit specific organisms from a large pool. Inoculation influences rhizosphere and endophytic community structure modifying community assembly process, which is driven by selection due to the host and by microbe-microbe interactions. Plant colonization by microbes is an instance of succession, with its distinct phases differing in community structure and diversity. This process needs to be studied to determine the optimal timing for bioinoculation and studying its effects. We wanted to learn if, and if so, when stable bacterial communities form during axenic beet plants colonization by bacteria from soil, either inoculated with wild beet bacterial community or non-inoculated and if this process depends on beet genotype and soil.
Results: Here we show that regardless of bioinoculation, soil type and plant genotype bacteria colonize axenic beets rhizosphere and tissues in two phases differing in bacterial load, degree of nestedness, community structure, diversity as well as assembly mechanisms and aligned with taproot development. Both rhizosphere and endosphere communities remain stable after five weeks of growth in soil. Alpha-diversity was higher and bacterial load was lower in late samples than in early ones. Communities were more similar at the level of predicted functional potential than at the level of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Time, soil type and genotype determined community structure but not alpha-diversity, bacterial load, nestedness or assembly mechanisms both in rhizosphere and in endosphere. Inoculation slightly but significantly changed community structure both in rhizosphere as well as in roots and leaves. Pseudomonadota (formerly Proteobacteria) and Bacillota (formerly Firmicutes) of low abundance coming from the inoculant were found to be recruited by beets.
Conclusions: Axenic beets colonization runs through phases similar to those in other instances of microbial succession and bacteria are recruited mostly randomly. Transition from the early to late phase involves drop of bacterial load in plant tissues, which may be linked to plant growth and bacterial cells division arrest. Therefore, early inoculation seems to be the right choice. Five weeks of growth in soil enable formation of stable bacterial communities both in rhizosphere and endosphere. Inoculation influence seems to be mostly indirect, probably due to microbe-microbe interactions.
Investigating the impact of anhedonia on academic performance: A case report
Authors: Najati Ghena , Al_Assaf Hiba , AL-Tomma Elaf , Darkal Raghad , Najati Ghena
Published: March 2024

- This case report represents a case of anhedonia in a university student (Laila) (a sixth-year medical school student at Al-Sham Private University, currently 23 years old, born in 2000). - Laila suffered from a significant loss of interest and pleasure in various aspects of her life, which led to academic, emotional, and social difficulties. - This study explores the impact of anhedonia on Laila's academic performance using the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale, where symptoms of anhedonia were evaluated along with semi-regulated interviews conducted every two weeks, and to monitor her academic performance we relied on her GPA and class attendance rate. - The initial interview focused on the onset of anhedonia and its academic consequences, while the follow-up interview aimed to track progress and evaluate Laila's social relationships. Our results indicated a significant decrease in Laila’s ability to experience pleasure, accompanied by a noticeable decrease in her academic performance. Intervention procedures included counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions, and behavioral activation techniques that were implemented by a specialized therapist, Dr. Ghina Najati. Laila's symptoms gradually improved, leading to positive changes in her engagement, thinking patterns, motivations, and overall well-being. - The results highlight the usefulness of the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale in providing an accurate understanding of the impact of anhedonia and guiding interventions specifically designed to support affected students.
A High-Resolution and Rapid HPLC Method for Etamsylate Estimation from Human Plasma Escorted by The Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Ghaith Mohamed E. , Elabd Asmaa I.
Published: March 2024

The high polarity of Etamsylate hardens the estimation of Etamsylate-related substances by the liquid-phase detection method So, an accurate and sensitive High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was created to provide a rapid analysis and high recovery percent of the Etamsylate from volunteers’ plasma. The method relied on protein precipitation by using 100% (wt/v) TCA (Tri-chloroacetic acid). Separation of Etamsylate was achieved by using a Fortis C18 column (150 x 4.6 mm, 5μm) and the mobile phase consisted of orthophosphoric acid 0.8% and acetonitrile with a ratio of 98:2 v/v and delivered to the system at a flow rate 1ml/min with injection volume 100μl. The wavelength was fixed at 302 nm. Paracetamol was used as the internal standard. A linear calibration curve of Etamsylate in plasma was obtained with a correlation coefficient r² < 0.999 while using a wide range of concentrations (0.6 - 40μg/ml). Retention times for both Etamsylate and Paracetamol were identified at 2.80 and 4.55 minutes respectively. The method is conducted on healthy Egyptian volunteers and proved to be precise. Many pharmacokinetic parameters were determined such as t1/2, tmax, Cmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, and 90% CI.
Recognition of Maize Seedling under Weed Disturbance using Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Tang boyi , Zhou Jingping , Pan Yuchun , Qu Xuzhou , Cui Yanglin , Liu Chang , Li Xuguang , Zhao Chunjiang , Gu Xiaohe
Published: March 2024

Using UAV-based RGB images to recognize maize seedlings is of great significant for precise weed control, efficient water and fertilizer management. However, the presence of weeds with morphological resemblances at the maize seedling stage affects the recognition of maize seedlings. This research employs UAV RGB images and deep learning algorithms to achieve accurate recognition of maize seedlings under weed disturbance. Firstly, the adaptive anchor frame algorithm is employed to intelligently select optimal anchor frame sizes suited for the maize seedling from UAV images. This strategic selection minimizes time and computational demands associated with multiple anchor frame sampling. Subsequently, the Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) is introduced, bolstering feature extraction capabilities. A range of deep learning models, including YOLOv3 and YOLOv5, are applied for maize seedling recognition, culminating in the identification of an optimal model. To account for real-world scenarios, we investigate the influences of UAV flight altitude and weed disturbance on maize seedling recognition. The results indicate a multi-class Average Precision (mAP) of 94.5% and 88.2% for detecting maize seedlings at flight altitudes of 15m and 30m, respectively, with an average detection speed of 0.025s per single image. This emphasizes the efficacy of the improved YOLOv5 deep learning model in recognizing maize seedlings under weed disturbance using UAV RGB images.
Structural fine-tuning analogues of quinabactin revealed the differences of their binding microenvironment with ABA receptors and their influence on plant phenotypes
Authors: Li Xiaobin , Che Chuanliang , Lu Huizhe , Xu Yong , Tang Xianjun , Xu Yanjun , Zhang Xueqin , Xiao Yumei , Li Jia-Qi , Qin Zhaohai
Published: March 2024

Quinabactin (QB, 3) is an important ABA functional analogue without ABA-like structure and has great application potential in agriculture. In order to address the key factors affecting the binding mode of quinabactin to ABA receptors and plant phenotypes, several QB analogues with fine-tuned lactam ring and sulfonamide group were designed and synthesized. Their effects on plant phenotypes, such as seed germination, seedling growth, stomatal movement and drought tolerance, were screened. Meanwhile, their binding affinity to ABA receptors, inhibitory activities on HAB1 phosphatase and ABA-response gene regulation abilities were evaluated. The results showed that their affinities to ABA receptors displayed subtle differences and were highly consistent with their influence on plant phenotypes. DHQB increased the inhibitory activity of QB on rice leaf growth by nearly one fold, showed that the weak activity of QB on monocots could be improved by its structure optimization. The change of sulfonamide orientation had the greatest influence on receptor binding and apparent bioactivities, whereas the poor activity of TFTQB (25) reflected the binding boundary between these analogues and ABA receptors. The change of a single factor on lactam ring had little effect on all activities, although activities were all slightly decreased. These effects were obviously due to the differences in their binding to ABA receptors, which had been reasonably explained by the molecular docking model. This study provided constructive insights for the development of novel quinabactin analogues.
Optimal placement of automated protection switches to enhance resiliency of Power Distribution Networks under climate change conditions
Authors: Zeinalzadeh Arash , Teimoortashloo Mazdak , Samadi Hamidreza
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the occurrence of natural disasters has significantly increased due to climate change and global warming. These disasters include very hot and prolonged summers, extremely cold winters with severe frosts, sudden and destructive floods, high-speed and devastating storms, and widespread catastrophic gusts. The effects of these weather conditions and resulting crises are rapidly escalating. These events are typically referred to as low probability and high impact events. One of the current focal points for electrical distribution companies (DISCOs) is the resilience of the power distribution network (PDN) against such events. In addition to handling typical events, the PDN needs to be able to recover as quickly as possible with minimal outage and minimum energy supply disruptions during disaster events, specifically the increasing growth of electrical load and the expansion of the network have made the control and monitoring of energy distribution more challenging. This article proposes a model for optimizing the planning of automated protection switch (APS), taking into account both the improvement of resilience of the PDN against natural disasters and network reliability at the operational, planning, and control levels. To solve this optimization problem, including the costs of energy not supplied regarding to both resiliency and reliability and protection switch costs, a binary imperial competitive algorithm (BICA) is employed. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed optimal planning method have been demonstrated through numerical studies conducted on IEEE standard 33 bus feeders.
Chassis concept of the individually steerable five-link suspension: a novel approach to maximize the road wheel angle to improve vehicle agility
Authors: Schmitz Thomas
Published: March 2024

The Institute of Vehicle Systems Engineering at Ulm University of Applied Sciences is currently developing the autonomous concept vehicle Nimbulus-e in the strategic field "Intelligent Commercial Vehicles" with the aim of maneuvering as agilely as possible in confined spaces. To achieve high agility under the conditions mentioned, large road wheel steering angles are necessary. As part of the basic vehicle concept, the first step is to select a suitable chassis for this purpose. Conventional suspensions cannot be applied due to the mechanical connection of the tie rod to the steering knuckle limiting the road wheel angles. Therefore, the approaches published so far for individual chassis concepts with large steering angles are analyzed and evaluated for use. In this paper, the concept of a novel individually steerable five-link suspension is described. The concept includes a vehicle body mounted steering actuator connected to the chassis via a self-locking worm gear. Due to the body mounted connection of the steering actuator, it does not contribute to the unsprung mass. An analysis of the kinematic and elastokinematic properties and the achievable road wheel steering angle is presented. In the Nimbulus-e concept vehicle, the individually steerable corner module is used on both the front and the rear axle. The system is driven by four wheel hub motors. This means that eight control variables are available for the vehicle.
Miniaturized on-chip spectrometer enabled by electrochromic modulation
Authors: Wang Fan , Tian Menghan , Liu Baolei , Lu Zelin , Wang Yao , Zheng Ze , Song Jiaqi , Zhong Xiaolan
Published: March 2024

Miniaturized on-chip spectrometers with small footprints, lightweight, and low cost are in great demand for portable optical sensing, lab-on-chip systems, and so on. Such miniaturized spectrometers are usually based on engineered spectral response units and then reconstruct unknown spectra with algorithms. However, due to the limited footprints of computational on-chip spectrometers, the recovered spectral resolution is limited by the number of integrated spectral response units/filters. Thus, it is challenging to improve the spectral resolution without increasing the number of used filters. Here we present a computational on-chip spectrometer using electrochromic filters that can be electrochemically modulated to increase the efficient sampling number for higher spectral resolution. These filters are directly integrated on top of the photodetector pixels, and the spectral modulation of the filters results from redox reactions during the dual injection of ions and electrons into the electrochromic material. We experimentally demonstrate that the spectral resolution of the proposed spectrometer can be effectively improved as the number of applied voltages increases. The average difference of the peak wavelengths between the reconstructed and the reference spectra decreases from 14.48 nm to 2.57 nm. We also demonstrate the proposed spectrometer can be worked with only four or two filter units, assisted by electrochromic modulation. This strategy suggests a new way to enhance the performance of miniaturized spectrometers with tunable spectral filters for high resolution, low-cost, and portable spectral sensing, and would also inspire the exploration of other stimulus responses such as photochromic and force-chromic, etc, on computational spectrometers.
Blowing in the Wind: A Time Series Analysis of Mean UK Summer Temperature
Authors: Johnson Keith
Published: March 2024

Time series analysis is applied to the mean UK summer temperatures provided by the UK MET Office. First, the statistical significance of the data is determined by comparing with the mean and standard deviation of the whole time series and using the Wald Wolfowitz Runs Test. On this basis, only the rising trend in the last decade or so (> 2009) is possibly significant.
This trend is then compared with various potential causes: atmospheric CO2, global carbon emissions, China carbon emissions etc. By detrending, using first differences, and computing the cross-correlation function, or CCF, only offshore wind generating capacity gives a significant level of cross-correlation in the CCF. The cross-correlation persists when a different method of detrending is used and autocorrelation is taken into account using the Cochrane-Orcutt procedure. Hence, if the rising trend is significant, the hypothesis that it is associated with offshore wind generating capacity cannot be rejected.
It follows from a consideration of wind turbine wake dynamics using Bernouilli’s principle that extracting large amounts of energy must lead to low pressure down wind of the turbines. With prevailing westerly winds and largely offshore wind farms, this means the creation of a low pressure region in the North Sea. Perhaps this low pressure region, sucking hot air from Africa, provides a mechanism for the increase in the mean UK summer temperature? It might also account for the Cerberus heat wave in 2023 and Sahara dust. Hence our attempts at mitigating anthropogenic climate change might be causing deleterious changes in weather patterns.
Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices in the Indian Ocean: Impacts, Management, and Policy Implications
Authors: Heile Abdirahim Sheik , Dyer Emilia , Bealey Roy , Bailey Megan
Published: March 2024

The Indian Ocean has seen a significant increase in drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) used in purse seine fisheries, resulting in an exponential rise in tropical tuna catches. However, the negative impacts such as catches of juvenile tunas, increase in catches of non-targeted species, ghost fishing, and abandoned and lost fishing gear remain a significant concern of developing coastal States. The study examines the abundance and ecosystem consequences of abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) dFADs in the Indian Ocean, focusing on their impact on the marine ecosystem, risks to marine ecosystems and the legality of these unauthorized ALDFG dFADs posing IUU fishing on the Somali coast. The study also critically evaluates the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks and governance mechanisms in addressing these issues. Investigating the prevalence of ALDFG dFADs in Somalia's waters, the paper underscores the failure of current Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) dFAD management and governance frameworks to mitigate these impacts effectively. Over a six-month period, 63 dFADs were opportunistically recovered along the sample coastline, projecting an annual influx of approximately 160 dFADs, not one was fully compliant with IOTC regulations. The research further calculated a proportional number of dFADs per km per annum over the entire Somali shelf, estimating a total of approximately 1,439 dFADs recovered annually. The study's findings reveal explicit non-compliance with existing regulations, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced monitoring, regulatory measures, and international cooperation to address the challenges posed by dFADs to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Electrolytic Mineralization of CO2
Authors: Berlinguette Curtis , Jiang Gaopeng , Pimlott Douglas , Weiss Samuel , Ma Siwei , Waizenegger Christopher , Kim Yongwook , Yang Yumeng , Ji Tengxiao , Ren Shaoxuan
Published: March 2024

Natural rock weathering has the potential to store approximately 105 gigatons of CO2 as solid carbonates.1,2 However, the conversion of silicates and CO2 into carbonates is slow, resulting in the mineralization of merely 0.13 gigatons of CO2 each year.1 Here, we demonstrate a continuous flow electrochemical reactor capable of capturing and permanently storing CO2 in the form of inert carbonate minerals. This “weathering electrolyzer” accelerates rock weathering by up to 3 orders of magnitude by electrolytically generating H+ and OH– in chambers separated by a Ca2+-selective membrane. The H+ decomposes silicates into reactive Ca2+ species in a chemical chamber, while the OH– reacts with CO2 and Ca2+ to form CaCO3 mineral in an adjacent cathode compartment. We show that the weathering electrolyzer is capable of mineralizing CO2 derived from both flue gas and air, while avoiding the need to isolate CO2 from conventional capture units.
Assessment of germination and seedling development of tomato genotypes under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced drought
Authors: Yadav Pankaj Kumar , Bhujel Prabina , Bhandari Nirajan , Sharma Shaurav
Published: March 2024

Food security is one of the major global challenges of the twenty-first century. Crop yield is estimated to decline by 5 to 30% from 2050 onwards compared to 1990. Climate change has a major impact on crop production. Drought stress is a significant environmental factor affecting plant growth and crop productivity, and understanding its impact on tomato production is crucial for the development of drought-tolerant varieties. The experiment was carried out to find the drought tolerant genotypes. The study was conducted in two factorial completely randomized designs with three replications, subjecting tomato seeds of five different genotypes to three different polyethylene glycol 6000 induced drought stress. The observation revealed that Monoprecas showed increase in root length, shoot length, canopy spread, root spread lengthwise, root spread breadthwise, root weight, shoot weight, total biomass, root-shoot ratio, vigor index, and vigor test index with increase in PEG concentration 3% (-0.18Mpa), and then decreases with higher concentration 6% (-0.36Mpa). NGRCO9569, NGRCO9571, and Khumal 2 showed continuous increase in most of the observations with an increase in PEG concentration 3% (-0.18Mpa) and 6% (-0.36Mpa). Unlike these genotypes, Srijana showed drastic reduction in all the observations and unexpectedly increased in days of first germination and days to fifty percent germination as compared to control. Results showed these varieties were more tolerant even up to higher drought conditions up to -0.36 Mpa but Srijana were susceptible even to lower drought conditions (-0.18 Mpa). The five tomato varieties were grouped into two clusters, Srijana and NGRCO9571 genotypes in one and NGRCO9569, Monoprecas, and Khumal 2 under another based on the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean. The promising genotypes NGRCO9569, Khumal 2, and Monoprecas were identified as more drought tolerant and be utilized in breeding programs aimed at developing drought tolerant tomato varieties or can be recommended at areas with lower irrigation facilities. The findings highlight the vulnerability of tomato genotypes, especially the commercial and hybrid to drought stress during the early stages of growth. The variation observed among different tomato genotypes indicates the presence of genetic variability for drought tolerance, suggesting the potential for breeding drought-tolerant tomato varieties. Further research and breeding efforts should focus on identifying and utilizing drought-tolerant genetic traits in tolerant varieties NGRCO9569, Khumal 2, and Monoprecasto enhance the resilience of tomato plants to drought stress. Furthermore, breeding programs should be initiated to develop new tomato varieties with enhanced drought tolerance, incorporating the identified drought-tolerant genetic traits and genes.
Development of efficient models of artificial intelligence for autonomous decision making in dynamic information systems
Authors: Čajić Elvir , Rešić Sead , Elezaj Rame
Published: March 2024

This research paper focuses on the development of efficient artificial intelligence models for autonomous decision-making in dynamic information systems. Using innovative approaches in data analysis and algorithm optimization, we explore ways to improve model performance in dynamic environments. The results of this research can provide a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence can operate effectively in real time, thus opening up new perspectives for application in different industries. The research includes the implementation of advanced machine learning techniques, as well as the analysis of adaptive models that can adapt to changes in the environment. Key attention is devoted to the optimization of resources in order to ensure quick and precise decision-making in dynamic situations. In addition, the work addresses the integration of the model with high-performance sensors to improve the system's ability to gather relevant information for decision-making. Through this interdisciplinary analysis, we aim to contribute to the development of intelligent systems that can autonomously react to changes and unforeseen situations in real time.
Safety and Efficacy of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and Monopolar Radiofrequency Combination Therapy for Skin Tightening: A Retrospective Study in Malaysia
Authors:   Klinik Gayana, Selangor, Malaysia, Khong Sarah-Jane Mey Leong , Ismail Adibah Hanim ,   Klinik Dr. Adibah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Sujani Suhaila ,   Zeyls Clinic, Johor, Malaysia, Devindaran Nithiyaa ,   Klinik Medveon, Selangor, Malaysia, Abdul Rashid Muhammad Farhan ,   USMARI Research and Innovation Centre, Selangor, Malaysia, Mohd Zaman Ungku Mohd Shahrin ,   USMARI Research and Innovation Centre, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: March 2024

Background: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) are common treatment modalities that have shown significant results in skin tightening. Nevertheless, the novel combination of these two treatments is new to the Malaysian landscape. Thus, this study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of this novel combination treatment for the Malaysian population. Methods: This retrospective study included data on HIFU and MRF combination therapy for skin tightening collected from an aesthetic clinic in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from June 2018 to May 2021. Efficacy was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and Glogau classification, while the safety of the treatment was analysed using pain scores and adverse events (AEs). Results: A total of 56 patients with a mean age of 47.7 years old (SD 10.00) were included in this study. The majority of the patients had Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. Most of the patients were Chinese, followed by Malay, Indian and others. Most patients (96.4%) showed clinically significant improvement in skin tightening after treatment, with 15 patients scoring 1 (very much improved) and 39 scoring 2 (improved). All patients reported transient mild erythema, with no serious AEs, such as burn, swelling, numbness or muscle weakness. Among the patients, 80% reported a pain score of 5, while 10% reported pain scores of 4 and 6. Conclusion: Combining HIFU with MRF therapy improved GAIS scores by 96.4%, indicating a secure and efficient skin-tightening method. Transient erythema was shown to be the most common side effect of this combination.
Russia’s approach to the new Development Strategy of the EAEU until 2045
Authors: Smirnov Vadim A.
Published: March 2024

The official position of Russia in relation to the development of a new Strategy for the development of the Eurasian Economic Union until 2045 is analyzed. Coincidences and discrepancies in the approaches of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan are revealed, where the main goal of Russia is to create a full-fledged macro-region capable of resource, infrastructure and technological self-sufficiency. Five priorities of the Russian vision of integration within the EAEU are substantiated: 1) food and energy security, provision of key resources necessary for the development of human and industrial potential within the Union; 2) industrial cooperation within the Union, which is aimed at creating “responsibility zones” taking into account the already established industrial landscape to reduce internal competition in the EAEU and preventing the creation of duplicate productions; 3) shifting the emphasis in the development of transport and logistics infrastructure to the eastern and southern directions, which is dictated by the reorientation of trade flows in the face of sanctions pressure on Russia and Belarus; 4) self-sufficient financial architecture to replace the previous system built on transactions in dollars and euros, as well as Western financial technologies; 5) gradual transition in the EAEU to common principles and standards in the fields of education, healthcare, public administration through joint projects in the fields of science, culture, sports, tourism, so that citizens can directly feel the benefits of Eurasian integration. The author substantiates the preference of the Russian view of the future of the EAEU, considering the Russian approach more ambitious and in demand in modern conditions, suggesting considering the prospects for the development of the Union in the context of the formation of The Greater Eurasian Partnership.
Edad y crecimiento de Mytilus edulis platensis D'ORBIGNY, 1846, en el Golfo de San José , Argentina.
Authors: Bala Luis Oscar
Published: March 2024

Se estudió la edad y el crecimiento del mejillón Mytilus edulis platensis D'Orbigny, 1846, en el golfo San José, Argentina (64° 36'S, 42° 24'W) utilizando el método de Petersen, el de animales marcados y el de lectura de anillos de crecimiento, ajustándose los valores a un modelo de Von Bertalanffy (Ricker, 1975). Comprobaron buenas correlaciones entre los métodos, observándose las limitaciones del método de Petersen cuando la discriminación de grupos monocohortes es dificultosa. Se discute la variabilidad observada en este estudio con respecto a trabajos anteriores.
Las pesquerías de condrictios en Chile: primer análisis.
Authors: Pequeño R. Germán , Lamilla G. Julio
Published: March 2024

Se hace un análisis de las cifras de desembarques de conduchos en Chile, cuyos primeros registros estadísticos datan de 1959. Las especies consideradas son: Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre, 1788); Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1809; Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus, 1758); Mustelus mento Cope, 1877; Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758); Raja spp. y Callorhynchus callorhynchus (Linnaeus, 1758). Se analizan los desembarques por especie, por año y por regiones. Además, se discute el problema de la determinación taxonómica de los ejemplares que son desembarcados y su asignación en las estadísticas.
Parasitismo en Caballa Scomber japonicus HOUTTUYN, 1782 y Jurel Trachurus Ssymmetricus MURPHYI NICHOLS, 1920 frente a Chile Central.
Authors: Rodríguez Luís , Balboa Luis , George-Nascimiento Mario
Published: March 2024

Se comparan las poblaciones e infracomunidades de parásitos metazoos de dos especies simpátridas de peces pelágicos frente a Chile central, para evaluar qué tanto se parecen. Ellos son la caballa Scomber japonicus y el jurel Trachurus symmetricus murphyi. Las muestras fueron tomadas durante el invierno de 1997. Se encontró un total de 13 taxa parasitarios en ambas especies de hospedadores, de los cuales 6 eran compartidos. De éstos, la abundancia y prevalencia de Anisakis tipo I y Nybelinia sp. eran mayores en la caballa, en tanto que Rhadinorhynchus trachuri lo era en jurel. En las infracomunidades, la riqueza y la abundanciatotal de parásitos eran mayores en la caballa, y aumentaban con la longitud total, pero no en el jurel. Los ejemplares de esta última especie eran de menor edad que los de caballa. Se discute la importancia de considerar la edad de los hospedadores al momento de comparar las características comunitarias de las fauna parasitaria de hospedadores simpátricos.
Comparación de la actividad de las transaminasas GOT y GPT en Ameghinomya antiqua (MOLLUSCA: VENERIDAE) en dos sectores de la Región del Bïo-Bío
Authors: Constanzo A. José , Narváez C. Carmen G.
Published: March 2024

El estudio de las transaminasas glutámico pirúvica (GPT) y glutámico oxalacética (GOT) en moluscos, se alteración antrópica y otra como zona control. Los resultados obtenidos muestran diferencias significativas (p< 0,05), en lo que respecta a la actividad especifica de GOT y GPT en hemolinfa de A. antigua, siendo mayor en B.Concepción (14,3 pmolL'g'y 32,55 pmolL'g'), respecto a B.Coliumo (6,85 pmolL 'g 'y 2,27(polL'g '). Los valores de proteínas totales también muestran diferencias significativas (p< 0,05)en la hemolinfa de Antigua para los dos sectores, siendo en este caso mayor en B.Coliumo (24,85 gL1) que en B.Concepción (16,9 gL1). Probablemente el aumento de la actividad de las transaminasas GOT y GPT en la hemolinfa de A.antigua de B. Concepción, se deba a la pérdida en la integridad celular del hepatopáncreas, posiblemente inducida por contaminantes, pero se sugiere estudios posteriores para confirmar este supuesto o validar con ensayos en laboratorio.
Challenges and Opportunities of Gene Therapy in Cancer
Authors: Mittal Milky , Kumari Annu , Paul Bhashkar , Varshney Adya , . Bhavya , Saini Ashok , Verma Chaitenya , Mani Indra
Published: March 2024

Gene therapy involves either the direct introduction of genetic material (DNA or RNA) into the host cell (or organ), known as in vivo gene therapy, the re-introduction of the modified target cells taken out of the host, or ex vivo gene therapy. Cancer is mainly caused by the non-functioning of genes required for normal cell proliferation, and it has emerged as the leading cause of death globally due to the absence of efficient and safe therapies as well as early diagnostic modalities. Therapeutic trials using gene therapy have shown that they considerably increase the survival rate and life expectancy of patients with cancer. There are many potential strategies for the treatment of cancer using gene therapy currently being used, including (a) expressing a gene to induce apoptosis or increase tumor sensitivity to conventional drug/radiation therapy; (b) inserting a wild-type tumor suppressor gene to compensate for its loss/deregulation; (c) blocking the expression of an oncogene using an antisense (RNA/DNA) approach; and (d) enhancing tumor immunogenicity to stimulate immune cell reactivity. Gene therapy can employ many different genes, including anti-angiogenesis, any suicidal gene, immunotherapeutic gene, siRNA gene, pro-apoptotic gene, oncolytic gene, and gene-directed enzyme prodrug. Moreover, with advancements in gene transfer technologies, various kinds of new treatment strategies have been developed that complement conventional therapies used to treat cancer that are used to modify the DNA directly, such as zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), etc. Even though there has been a lot of progress in pre-clinical research in both better targeting and expression in a tumor-selective way, there are still a lot of problems that need to be fixed before it can be used in humans. These problems include non-specific expression, low-efficiency delivery, and biosafety. This review will highlight gene therapy's current challenges and future opportunities in cancer treatment.
Getting to Know Your Patient: Content Analysis of Patients’ Answers to a Questionnaire for Promoting Person-Centered Care (Preprint)
Authors: Bergers Juno HK , Wessels-Wynia Hester , Seute Tatjana , Janssens Astrid , van Delden Johannes JM
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Person-centered care (PCC) encourages patients to actively participate in health care, thus facilitating care that fits the life of the patient. Therefore, health care professionals (HCPs) need to know the patient. As part of a broad policy for improving PCC, a digital questionnaire (“We would like to know you”) consisting of 5 questions has previously been developed to help HCPs to get to know the patient with the help of patient and staff involvement.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the content and aims of the questionnaire to understand its potential and usability.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative, retrospective content analysis of patients’ answers using NVivo Pro (QSR International). The questionnaire was used in the outpatient neuro-oncology department of a Dutch academic hospital.

RESULTS

Of 374 invited patients, 78 (20.9%) completed the questionnaire. We selected a sample of 42 (54%) of the 78 patients. Patients used a median of 16 (IQR 7-27) words per question, and most answers were easily interpretable. When asked about important activities, social activities, sports, or maintaining a normal life were most frequently mentioned. Patients wrote about fear of the disease, its possible influence on life, or fear of the future in general. Patients wanted HCPs to know about their care and communication preferences or shared personal information. They formulated expectations about effective treatment, communication, and the care process.

CONCLUSIONS

The questionnaire seems usable because patients provide interpretable answers that take little time to read, which HCPs can use to personalize care. Our study shows the potential of the questionnaire to help deliver PCC.
A Content Analysis of Indoor Tanning Twitter Chatter During COVID-19 Shutdowns: Cross-Sectional Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Groshon Laurie , Waring Molly E , Blashill Aaron J , Dean Kristen , Bankwalla Sanaya , Palmer Lindsay , Pagoto Sherry
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Indoor tanning is a preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Statewide shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in temporary closures of tanning businesses. Little is known about how tanners reacted to losing access to tanning businesses.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze Twitter (subsequently rebranded as X) chatter about indoor tanning during the statewide pandemic shutdowns.

METHODS

We collected tweets from March 15 to April 30, 2020, and performed a directed content analysis of a random sample of 20% (1165/5811) of tweets from each week. The 2 coders independently rated themes (κ=0.67-1.0; 94%-100% agreement).

RESULTS

About half (589/1165, 50.6%) of tweets were by people unlikely to indoor tan, and most of these mocked tanners or the act of tanning (562/589, 94.9%). A total of 34% (402/1165) of tweets were posted by users likely to indoor tan, and most of these (260/402, 64.7%) mentioned missing tanning beds, often citing appearance- or mood-related reasons or withdrawal. Some tweets by tanners expressed a desire to purchase or use home tanning beds (90/402, 22%), while only 3.9% (16/402) mentioned tanning alternatives (eg, self-tanner). Very few tweets (29/1165, 2.5%) were public health messages about the dangers of indoor tanning.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings revealed that during statewide shutdowns, half of the tweets about indoor tanning were mocking tanning bed users and the tanned look, while about one-third were indoor tanners reacting to their inability to access tanning beds. Future work is needed to understand emerging trends in tanning post pandemic.
Use of Digital Tools in Arbovirus Surveillance: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Melo Carolina Lopes , Mageste Larissa Rangel , Guaraldo Lusiele , Paula Daniela Polessa , Wakimoto Mayumi Duarte
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The development of technology and information systems has led to important changes in public health surveillance.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to assess the available evidence and gather information about the use of digital tools for arbovirus (dengue virus [DENV], zika virus [ZIKV], and chikungunya virus [CHIKV]) surveillance.

METHODS

The databases used were MEDLINE, SCIELO, LILACS, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE. The inclusion criterion was defined as studies that described the use of digital tools in arbovirus surveillance. The exclusion criteria were defined as follows: letters, editorials, reviews, case reports, series of cases, descriptive epidemiological studies, laboratory and vaccine studies, economic evaluation studies, and studies that did not clearly describe the use of digital tools in surveillance. Results were evaluated in the following steps: monitoring of outbreaks or epidemics, tracking of cases, identification of rumors, decision-making by health agencies, communication (cases and bulletins), and dissemination of information to society).

RESULTS

Of the 2227 studies retrieved based on screening by title, abstract, and full-text reading, 68 (3%) studies were included. The most frequent digital tools used in arbovirus surveillance were apps (n=24, 35%) and Twitter, currently called X (n=22, 32%). These were mostly used to support the traditional surveillance system, strengthening aspects such as information timeliness, acceptability, flexibility, monitoring of outbreaks or epidemics, detection and tracking of cases, and simplicity. The use of apps to disseminate information to society (P=.02), communicate (cases and bulletins; P=.01), and simplicity (P=.03) and the use of Twitter to identify rumors (P=.008) were statistically relevant in evaluating scores. This scoping review had some limitations related to the choice of DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV as arboviruses, due to their clinical and epidemiological importance.

CONCLUSIONS

In the contemporary scenario, it is no longer possible to ignore the use of web data or social media as a complementary strategy to health surveillance. However, it is important that efforts be combined to develop new methods that can ensure the quality of information and the adoption of systematic measures to maintain the integrity and reliability of digital tools’ data, considering ethical aspects.
Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of a novel early mobilization program following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (Preprint)
Authors: Corovic Marija , Mosleh Karen , Karia Esha , Chan Sachi , Puglisi Olivia , Crawshaw Jacob , Asif Tasmiya , Sheth Tej , Velianou James , Magloire Patrick , Schwalm JD , Natarajan Madhu
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are typically discharged from hospital the next day, leaving little time to support mobilization needs. The JUMPSTART program was developed as a self-directed, tailored virtual exercise program to improve post-TAVR patients’ mobilization.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot evaluation assessed the acceptability and feasibility of the preliminary exercise module developed for the program.

METHODS

The evaluation was conducted at a regional cardiac centre in Southwestern Ontario. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were contacted via telephone post-discharge and provided with an electronic link to the JUMPSTART exercise module. A second call was made, 14 days post-discharge, to gather feedback regarding module acceptability and feasibility, and to discuss barriers to participation, via a structured survey.

RESULTS

Of the 216 patients who met inclusion criteria, 112 (52%) completed the survey. Sixty-eight respondents (61%) had done the recommended exercises; they were satisfied with the module (mean = 5.92; 1= very dissatisfied and 7= very satisfied) and most rated the exercises as being the ‘right level of difficulty’ (56%). For the 44/112 (39%) who did not try the exercises, key barriers were being busy (n=13), not feeling well (n = 10), and believing the module was unnecessary (n=8).

CONCLUSIONS

A major barrier to participating in the evaluation was the technological requirement. The preliminary module was determined to be acceptable and feasible by TAVR patients who attempted the exercises. Findings refined the implementation of the JUMPSTART program, which has been expanded to include additional modules, and is undergoing an assessment of its impact on quality of life.
Artificial Intelligence Interventions in Chronic Pain Management: A Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Abiodun Adesola , Das Shravrantika , Taylor Alan
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Background
There are indicators that artificial intelligence may have the potential to improve chronic pain care globally. However, research in this field is still evolving. Hence, it is necessary to synthesize the available evidence and evaluate its current scope.

OBJECTIVE

Objective
This scoping review presents a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence, highlighting the types and delivery of biopsychosocial AI-based interventions, the chronic pain conditions managed, the population characteristics, and the context of care delivery.

METHODS

Methods
The literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase via Ovid, and AMED (until July 25, 2023) in line with the PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies were appraised using the relevant JBI checklist for each study type. The results were synthesized and reported through a narrative review. The review included English-language studies of any research design that reported a form of AI-based intervention for chronic pain management.

RESULTS

Results
32 RCTs and non-RCTs identifying 23 AI-based interventions were included. The results showed that many interventions targeted the management of one or more of the biopsychosocial components of chronic low back pain. These interventions were delivered through mobile apps, chatbots (text messages), computer-based or equipment-based algorithms, and robots. The interventions focused on exercises, CBT, and feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions
The use of artificial intelligence in delivering chronic pain interventions is developing rapidly. However, most interventions were not delivered by an interdisciplinary care team as recommended by the IASP. Furthermore, the report of many systems, without sufficient evidence to support effectiveness, may limit translation to practice. Thus, a joint effort of a team of expert pain clinicians and researchers is required to facilitate the uptake of AI-based interventions for chronic pain management.