bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Dry Eye Disease for Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kawahara Atsushi
Published: June 2024

Cataracts are characterized by the crystalline lens of the eye becoming cloudy, and dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease in which the homeostasis of the tear film is lost. As the prevalence of both diseases increases with age, there is a high prevalence of DED among patients who are candidates for cataract surgery. In recent years, cataract surgery has evolved from vision restoration surgery to refractive surgery. To achieve good surgical outcomes, it is necessary to minimize postoperative refractive error in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, which requires accurate preoperative keratometry measurements. A stable tear film is important for the accuracy and reproducibility of keratometry measurements, and DED may have a deleterious effect. In this study, original articles that focused primarily on findings related to this topic were evaluated. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Although appropriate DED diagnoses were not presented in the articles evaluated in this review, it was confirmed that the clinical signs of DED, particularly the shortening of the tear film break-up time (TBUT), negatively impact IOL power calculations. Improvement in these clinical signs might mitigate the negative effects on these calculations.
Spectrofluorimetric Analysis of Riboflavin Content during Kombucha Fermentation
Authors: Čakić Semenčić Mojca , Biedrzycka Adrianna , Kiczor Anna , Beluhan Sunčica , Šupljika Filip
Published: June 2024

Kombucha is a traditional beverage obtained by the microbial fermentation of tea using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. In addition to several documented functional properties, such as anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity, kombucha is often credited with high levels of vitamins, including riboflavin. To our knowledge, the vitamin B2 content in traditionally prepared kombucha has been determined in only two studies, in which the concentration measured by the HPLC technique ranged from 2.2 × 10−7 to 2.1 × 10−4 mol dm−3. These unexplained differences of three orders of magnitude in the vitamin B2 content prompted us to determine its concentration during the cultivation of kombucha under very similar conditions by spectrofluorimetry. The B2 concentrations during the 10-day fermentation of black tea ranged from 7.6 × 10−8 to 3.3 × 10−7 mol dm−3.
Correlation Study of Commercial Street Morphology and Pedestrian Activity in Cold Region Summers under Thermal Comfort Guidance: A Case Study of Sanlitun, Beijing
Authors: Bai Mei , Hu Ranran , Lian Haitao , Zhou Wenyu
Published: June 2024

Pedestrian vitality in commercial streets is influenced by various factors, among which the spatial form of the street and the resulting thermal environment have a significant impact. This study, from the perspective of thermal comfort, combines thermal comfort simulation with pedestrian simulation to establish an optimization model based on pedestrian vitality. The model aims to analyze and quantify the impact of street spatial form on thermal comfort and pedestrian vitality, providing a comprehensive evaluation of optimization schemes for commercial street spaces. Firstly, the study identifies the levels of spatial design parameters for commercial streets and generates optimized design scenarios for commercial street spaces. Using the simulation platforms Rhino 7 Grasshopper and MATLAB R2023a, a pedestrian simulation model guided by thermal comfort is constructed and validated against empirical data. Next, the influence of commercial street spatial design parameters on store visitations is assessed, identifying the most critical design parameters. Finally, design strategies for commercial streets are proposed based on vitality-oriented layouts. The results indicate that the spatial form of the street significantly affects store visitations, with the street width-to-height ratio being the most influential factor, followed by street orientation and interface form. NW-SE-oriented streets show a 47.2% higher Total Store Visitations (TSV) value compared to E-W-oriented streets, while E-W streets exhibit a Differential Store Visitation (DSV) value 4.47 times that of NW-SE streets. Streets with a W/H ratio of 0.25 have a 54.9% higher Total Store Visitations value than those with a W/H ratio of 0.9, and streets with a W/H ratio of 0.65 exhibit a Differential Store Visitations value 1.21 times that of streets with a W/H ratio of 0.25. Considering overall street vitality, the study recommends NW-SE- and NE-SW-oriented streets, with a width-to-height ratio between 0.25 and 0.4. The study also proposes strategies for the modification and expansion of streets in different orientations, providing the scientific basis and optimization recommendations for the planning and renovation of commercial streets in cold regions during summer.
Multi Omics Applications in Biological Systems
Authors: Gutierrez Reyes Cristian D. , Alejo-Jacuinde Gerardo , Perez Sanchez Benjamin , Chavez Reyes Jesus , Onigbinde Sherifdeen , Mogut Damir , Hernández-Jasso Irma , Calderón-Vallejo Denisse , Quintanar J. Luis , Mechref Yehia
Published: June 2024

Traditional methodologies often fall short in addressing the complexity of biological systems. In this regard, system biology omics have brought invaluable tools for conducting comprehensive analysis. Current sequencing capabilities have revolutionized genetics and genomics studies, as well as the characterization of transcriptional profiling and dynamics of several species and sample types. Biological systems experience complex biochemical processes involving thousands of molecules. These processes occur at different levels that can be studied using mass spectrometry-based (MS-based) analysis, enabling high-throughput proteomics, glycoproteomics, glycomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics analysis. Here, we present the most up-to-date techniques utilized in the completion of omics analysis. Additionally, we include some interesting examples of the applicability of multi omics to a variety of biological systems.
Iterative Learning Formation Control via Input Sharing for Fractional-Order Singular Multi-Agent Systems with Local Lipschitz Nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Guangxu , Wang Rui , Yi Danhu , Zhou Xingyu , Zhang Shuyu
Published: June 2024

For a class of fractional-order singular multi-agent systems (FOSMASs) with local Lipschitz nonlinearity, this paper proposes a closed-loop Dα-type iterative learning formation control law via input sharing to achieve the stable formation of FOSMASs in a finite time. Firstly, the formation control issue of FOSMASs with local Lipschitz nonlinearity under the fixed communication topology (FCT) is transformed into the consensus tracking control scenario. Secondly, by virtue of utilizing the characteristics of fractional calculus and the generalized Gronwall inequality, sufficient conditions for the convergence of formation error are given. Then, drawing upon the FCT, the iteration-varying switching communication topology is considered and examined. Ultimately, the validity of the Dα-type learning method is showcased through two numerical cases.
Stability of Micro-Milling Tool Considering Tool Breakage
Authors: Ren Yuan-Yuan , Jia Bao-Guo , Wan Min , Tian Hui
Published: June 2024

Micro-milling, widely employed across various fields, faces significant challenges due to the small diameter and limited stiffness of its tools, making the process highly susceptible to cutting chatter and premature tool breakage. Ensuring stable and safe cutting processes necessitates the prediction of chatter by considering the tool breakage. Crucially, the modal parameters of the spindle–holder–tool system are important prerequisites for such stability prediction. In this paper, the frequency response functions (FRFs) of the micro-milling tool are calculated by direct FRFs of the micro-milling cutter and cross FRFs between a point on the shank and one on the tool tip. Additionally, by utilizing a cutting force model specific to micro-milling, the bending stress experienced by the tool is computed, and the tool breakage curve is subsequently determined based on the material’s permissible maximum allowable stress. The FRFs of the micro-milling tool, alongside the tool breakage curve, are then integrated to generate the final stability lobe diagrams (SLDs). The effectiveness and reliability of the proposed methodology are confirmed through a comprehensive series of numerical and experimental validations.
Do Internal Corporate Governance Practices Influence Stock Price Volatility? Evidence from Egyptian Non-Financial Firms
Authors: Sherif Mohamed , El-Diftar Doaa , Shahwan Tamer
Published: June 2024

The objective of this research paper is to investigate the association between internal Corporate Governance (CG) mechanisms and stock price volatility in Egypt as an emerging market. The paper investigates the impact of ownership structure and board structure as internal CG mechanisms on stock price volatility. Data are analyzed using a two-way fixed effects model, a one-step dynamic panel data model, and a panel weighted least squares model. The study concluded that ownership concentration has a negative influence on volatility. Interestingly, an inverted U-shaped relationship between the percentage of ownership by the greatest shareholder and volatility is evidenced. Managerial ownership also showed a negative influence on volatility. As for board structure mechanisms, the findings show that both board size and frequency of board meetings negatively influence volatility, whereas board independence has a positive impact.
Follow the Leader: How Culture Gives Rise to a Behavioral Bias That Leads to Higher Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Zhao Le , Vafai Nima , Velazquez Marcos , Amin Abu
Published: June 2024

This research investigates the influence of national culture, particularly power distance, on firms’ carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Drawing on a large international dataset spanning over a decade, we examine how power distance, agency conflict, and socioeconomic stability interact to shape firms’ emission decisions. Our analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between power distance and firms’ CO2 emissions, indicating that firms located in countries characterized by higher power distance tend to emit more greenhouse gases (GHGs). Furthermore, we find that agency conflict moderates this relationship, with firms experiencing high levels of debt or paying substantial dividends exhibiting lower emissions in high power distance environments. Additionally, socioeconomic stability attenuates the positive association between power distance and emissions, suggesting that the effectiveness of cultural influences on emission decisions is contingent upon the stability of the societal context. These findings underscore the importance of considering cultural dimensions, agency dynamics, and socioeconomic conditions in understanding corporate environmental behavior. Our research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the nuanced interplay between national culture, agency conflict, and socioeconomic stability in shaping firms’ emission decisions. Policymakers and practitioners can use these insights to develop more targeted environmental policies and strategies aimed at promoting sustainable development globally.
A Model for the Temperature Distribution in a Rolled Joint in a CANDU Reactor Exploiting the Decomposition of the β-Zr Phase
Authors: McRae Glenn A. , Griffiths Malcolm , Coleman Christopher E.
Published: June 2024

A competing-rates model is presented to account for operational changes in the metastable β-Zr phase of the Zr-2.5Nb alloy used to make CANDU reactor pressure tubes and is used to predict temperature gradients at the outlet rolled joints using the decomposition of the β-Zr phase as a proxy for temperature. High temperatures decompose the β phase by enhancing the formation of small particles of ω and α phases. Fast neutron flux causes the ω and α phases to shrink. This process is assumed to depend on the total volume of the particles, because they are comparable to, or smaller than, the size of the neutron displacement cascades. The barrier energy for thermal growth was determined to be 2.43 eV, when an Arrhenius A factor of 1013/s was assumed. The cross section for (ω+α)-phase shrinkage is 24.5 barns for Zr-2.5Nb irradiated in CANDU reactors. Assuming that the shrinkage is dominated by the migration of self-interstitial point defects, a defect production efficiency of 1.4% was found.
Cosmetic Products with Potential Photoprotective Effects Based on Natural Compounds Extracted from Waste of the Winemaking Industry
Authors: Draghici-Popa Ana-Maria , Buliga Diana-Ioana , Popa Ioana , Tomas Stefan Theodor , Stan Raluca , Boscornea Aurelian Cristian
Published: June 2024

Grape marc is a by-product resulting from the winemaking industry that still contains beneficial compounds that can be valorized. Thus, we report here the possibility of using polyphenolic extracts of grape marc origin to obtain sun protection creams. The extractions were performed in ethanol and acetone solutions using pomace from different grape varieties (Merlot, Bläufrankisch, Fetească Neagră, Isabella) as a raw material. The obtained extracts were analyzed in order to determine the total phenolic content, the antioxidant activity, and the sun protection factor (SPF) via Mansur spectrophotometric assay. The best results were achieved using 70% ethanol in water as a solvent. The extracts with the highest potential photoprotective effects are from the Merlot variety (SPFspectrophotometric = 7.83 ± 0.76). The sunscreens were prepared using the 70% ethanolic extract of the Merlot variety evaporated to dryness, redissolved in either distilled water or ethanol. The SPF estimated in vitro via the COLIPA method showed values of 14.07 ± 1.50 and 11.46 ± 1.32 for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively, when working with a cream to polyphenolic extract a ratio of 1/1 (w/w). At the same time, the use of aqueous polyphenolic extracts ensures the better stability of creams compared with the ethanolic ones.
Molybdenum-Modified Titanium Dioxide Nanotube Arrays as an Efficient Electrode for the Electroreduction of Nitrate to Ammonia
Authors: Chen Huixi , Hu Wenqi , Ma Tingting , Pu Yixuan , Wang Senhao , Wang Yuan , Yuan Shaojun
Published: June 2024

Electrochemical nitrate reduction (NO3−RR) has been recognized as a promising strategy for sustainable ammonia (NH3) production due to its environmental friendliness and economical nature. However, the NO3−RR reaction involves an eight-electron coupled proton transfer process with many by-products and low Faraday efficiency. In this work, a molybdenum oxide (MoOx)-decorated titanium dioxide nanotube on Ti foil (Mo/TiO2) was prepared by means of an electrodeposition and calcination process. The structure of MoOx can be controlled by regulating the concentration of molybdate during the electrodeposition process, which can further influence the electron transfer from Ti to Mo atoms, and enhance the binding energy of intermediate species in NO3−RR. The optimized Mo/TiO2-M with more Mo(IV) sites exhibited a better activity for NO3−RR. The Mo/TiO2-M electrode delivered a NH3 yield of 5.18 mg h−1 cm−2 at −1.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl, and exhibited a Faraday efficiency of 88.05% at −1.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl. In addition, the cycling test demonstrated that the Mo/TiO2-M electrode possessed a good stability. This work not only provides an attractive electrode material, but also offers new insights into the rational design of catalysts for NO3−RR.
Isotherm, Kinetics, and Adsorption Mechanism Studies of Coal Gasification Coarse Slag as Highly Efficient Phosphate Adsorbents
Authors: Shi Xuzhi , Yang Baoguo , Qian Dayi , Cui Dong , Li Hongbin , Wang Chao , Zhu Yuhao , Yu Tao
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of a novel low-cost phosphate adsorbent, denoted as SH-CGCS, derived from coal gasification coarse slag (CGCS) via an alkali activation method. SH-CGCS is a mesoporous material with a specific surface area (64 m2/g) approximately six times larger than CGCS (11 m2/g), which enhances its adsorption capacity compared with CGCS. Furthermore, SH-CGCS achieves a phosphate adsorption capacity of 38.5 mg/g in strongly acidic water (pH 3) and demonstrates robust acid resistance, which makes it particularly effective for phosphate removal from acidic wastewater. Results from coexisting anion experiments affirm the good adsorption selectivity of SH-CGCS for phosphate. Moreover, SH-CGCS exhibits proficiency in treating water containing low phosphate concentrations under flowing conditions. The maximum phosphate adsorption capacity of SH-CGCS calculated using the Langmuir model is 23.92 mg/g, surpassing that of other reported adsorbents. Importantly, saturated SH-CGCS can be regenerated and reused, which contributes to its practical applicability. The adsorption mechanisms of SH-CGCS for phosphate involve ligand exchange, inner-sphere complexation, surface precipitation, and electrostatic adsorption. Thus, this study not only enhances the overall utility of CGCS but also presents a simple and efficient method for removing phosphate. Our findings indicate that SH-CGCS holds considerable potential as a phosphate adsorbent, offering a promising solution for wastewater treatment.
Estimating Shear Strength of Marine Soft Clay Sediment: Experimental Research and Hybrid Ensemble Artificial Intelligence Modeling
Authors: Hu Shuyu , Li Zhikang , Wang Haoyu , Xue Zhibo , Tan Peng , Tan Kun , Wu Yao , Feng Xianhui
Published: June 2024

In the design of offshore engineering foundations, a critical consideration involves determining the peak shear strength of marine soft clay sediment. To enhance the accuracy of estimating this value, a database containing 729 direct shear tests on marine soft clay sediment was established. Employing a machine learning approach, the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO) was integrated with the Adaptive Boosting Algorithm (ADA) and Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network (BPANN). This novel methodology represents the initial effort to employ such a model for predicting the peak shear strength of the soil. To validate the proposed approach, four conventional machine learning algorithms were also developed as references, including PSO-optimized BPANN, Support Vector Machine (SVM), BPANN, and ADA-BPANN. The study results show that the PSO-BPANN model, which has undergone optimization via Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), has prediction accuracy and efficiency in determining the peak shear performance of marine soft clay sediments that surpass that offered by traditional machine learning models. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis conducted with this innovative model highlights the notable impact of factors such as normal stress, initial soil density, the number of drying–wetting cycles, and average soil particle size on the peak shear strength of this type of sediment, while the impact of initial soil moisture content and temperature is comparatively minor. Finally, an analytical formula derived from the novel algorithm allows for precise estimation of the peak shear strength of marine soft clay sediment, catering to individuals lacking a background in machine learning.
Market for light industry products: current changes and development trends
Authors:   FSBEI HE Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Ivanova D. F. , Fukina O. V. ,   FSBEI HE Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow
Published: June 2024

This article analyzes the current state of the light industry products market, its promising directions and development trends. Key market indicators, characterized by a decrease in demand in 2022, but an increase in the «average purchase amount» indicator, were identified. In addition, the role of the main trends (changes in the legislative framework and the transition to sustainable fashion) in facilitating the entry of new companies into the market is noted.
La citación al demandado por la prensa: reglas de la Jurisprudencia Constitucional
Authors: Aguilar Licón Yeandra , Campuzano Juan Briones , Martinez Pérez Odette
Published: June 2024

En el ámbito del derecho procesal, la citación del demandado constituye un acto fundamental para garantizar el debido proceso y el derecho a la defensa. El objetivo de la investigación es interpretar la citación al demandado por la prensa: reglas de la Jurisprudencia Constitucional. Es de enfoque cualitativo, bajo el paradigma interpretativo, el método fue la hermenéutica y el diseño documental, técnica revisón bibliográfica. La muestra cualitativa está constituida por los documentos legales COGEP. Los resultados revelan que para que la citación sea un mecanismo eficaz que garantice la defensa del demandado, se debe considerar su situación personal. En conclusión, el artículo 56 del COGEP presenta un desafío particular en cuanto a la citación del demandado cuando su individualidad, domicilio o residencia resulta imposible de determinar. Es imperativo revisar y clarificar la normativa vigente, particularmente en el Código Orgánico General de Procesos (COGEP), en lo concerniente a la citación del demandado por la prensa
Ptolemy's table of chords: Implications considered and discussed
Authors: Schrausser Dietmar Gerald
Published: June 2024

Ptolemy's table of chord lengths from the Almagest converted into decimal values and recalculated. Presentation and discussion of Ptolemy's method of calculation and sexagesimal values in comparison to calculations by trigonometric functions with regard to several editors. A significant relationship between the difference values of the two methods and angle number was found: The higher the expansion angle, the greater the overestimation of chord lengths. Implications for early scientific astronomy in context with the development of mathematical methodology are discussed.
POSTPRINT of Ritsema Van Eck, Marianne P. ‘Crusade Campaigning by Friars of the Observant Franciscan Establishment in the Holy Land,’ in The Defence of the Faith: Crusading on the Frontiers of Latin Christendom in the Late Middle Ages, edited by Paul Srodecki and Norbert Kersken (Turnhout: Brepols, 2024), 81-93.
Authors: Ritsema van Eck Marianne Petra
Published: June 2024

Several Franciscan brethren played a substantial role in late medieval crusade propagation. Well-known examples include Friar Fidenzio da Padova’s recovery treatise and the preaching of the Observant Giovanni da Capestrano. This paper seeks to highlight a strand of Observant Franciscan crusade campaigning which has remained more marginalised: the efforts of the Franciscan custody of Mount Sion to incite a crusade to the Holy Land from the fifteenth century onward. Even though this Franciscan establishment had its headquarters in Jerusalem, it can arguably be described as geographically peripheral when compared to the main arenas of crusading action at the time: East-Central Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. From their marginalised, yet ideologically charged, position at the fines christianitatis, the friars of Mount Sion called for a crusade which differed from the Spanish Reconquista and the anti-Ottoman campaigns. While their activities were related to — and sometimes in contact with — these more eye-catching contemporary crusading movements, the campaigning of the custody of Mount Sion emerges as distinct, both in terms of its goals and its methods. Operating first under Mamluk and then later under Ottoman rule, the friars of this custody were compelled to voice their sentiments in different, often more subtle ways. In order to characterise the crusading interests and efforts of the Franciscan Observants at this religious frontier, this paper brings together various ideological, diplomatic, liturgical, textual, cartographical, and sermonical exponents. The combined picture will be placed in the context of, and differentiated from, the wider currents of crusading at the time, including — for example — Observant Franciscan crusade preaching and rapprochements with prominent crusade-minded monarchs and popes. In order to accommodate a full appreciation of the above, I will first offer a short sketch of the foundation of this Franciscan establishment and its main modus operandi from the later Middle Ages onward.
Análise quanto à viabilidade de criação de uma unidade especializada em policiamento rural no âmbito da Polícia Militar do Paraná
Authors: Azevedo Eleandro
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo apresenta uma abordagem relacionada à viabilidade de criação de uma Unidade especializada em policiamento rural no âmbito da Polícia Militar do Paraná (PMPR). Ao longo do estudo foi demonstrado que a Corporação, cumprindo sua missão constitucional de polícia ostensiva e de preservação de ordem pública, realiza o policiamento rural em todo o Estado do Paraná através de suas Unidades de Área (Batalhões não especializados), especialmente por intermédio das equipes de patrulha rural comunitária. Também se mostrou que, inovando em termos da gestão operacional e administrativa no que se refere ao policiamento rural, Instituições Policiais Militares do Brasil, a exemplo da Polícia Militar do Distrito Federal (PMDF) e da Polícia Militar do Estado de Goiás (PMGO), criaram em suas estruturas Unidades especializadas de policiamento rural, os denominados Batalhões Rurais. O que se concluiu é que o modelo de vinculação das equipes de patrulha rural às Unidades de área tem sido satisfatório na PMPR, todavia, o exemplo seguido pela PMDF e PMGO, no sentido de terem criado uma Unidade especializada com responsabilidade exclusiva pelo policiamento rural, pode referenciar análises futuras por parte da PMPR em relação à criação de um Batalhão Rural no âmbito da Corporação.
The Mental Health Literacy Status of Pregnant Women in Eastern Iran Regarding Postpartum Depression and its Associated Factors
Authors: Khani Maryam , Salehiniya Hamid , Miri Mohammad Reza , Norozi Ensiyeh
Published: June 2024

Background and aims: Reducing the burden of mental health disorders can be achieved by increasing mental health literacy. The purpose of the current study was to investigate mental health literacy regarding postpartum depression among pregnant women in eastern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 277 pregnant women referred to health centers of Sarayan City (eastern Iran) in 2022. A standard health literacy questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 19.0 using independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and regression analysis. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 20.28±1.5 years. In total, 96% had a diploma or a lower education level, and 59.6% had an average monthly income of less than 5 million Tomans. The mean total mental health literacy score regarding postpartum depression was 110.96±20.28 (score range: 31-155). The highest score was related to the attitude towards postpartum depression (3.73±0.91), and the lowest was related to the field of awareness of health services (3.09±1.36). The regression analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between mental health literacy (P<0.0001) and income (B=0.4) and education (B=0.3). Conclusion: The findings showed that the pregnant women participating in the research had an average level of mental health literacy. Since low health literacy prevents the correct understanding of health messages, it is recommended that mental health literacy should be increased and pregnant women should be empowered through education, especially mothers with lower income and educational levels.
Survivability Prediction of Breast Cancer Patients Using Three Data Mining Methods: A Comparative Study
Authors: Jalali Maryam , Ghasemi Navid Reza , Nematolahi Samane , Zare Najaf
Published: June 2024

Background and aims: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of mortality among women. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. This study applied suitable data mining methods that provide rules and present influential prognostic factors on the survival time of BC patients. Methods: The dataset consisted of 1574 women diagnosed between January 2002 and December 2012 at the Cancer Registry Center of Nemazi hospital in Fars Province, Iran. Patients were classified based on prognostic factors using three popular data mining methods, including decision tree (J48), Naïve Bayes (NB), and nominal logistic regression (NLR). The Weka software was considered to compare these methods using sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy metrics. The outcome of the study was the median survival time, which was categorized into three classes. Results: In total, 212 women (13.5%) died of BC, whose mean age was 49.74 years old. Overall survival rates at 2, 3, 5, and 10 years were 0.98, 0.94, 0.87, and 0.76, respectively. The mean and median survival times were 4.81 and 4.27 years. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for J48 and NB were 0.480, 0.570, and 0.572, as well as 0.483, 0.610, and 0.584, respectively. In addition, the corresponding values were 0.488, 0.584, and 0.579 for NLR, respectively. Further, J48 showed that the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) was the most influential prognostic factor. Conclusion: This paper sought to improve the accuracy of BC classification using data mining methods. Comparing multiple prediction models gave us an insight into the relative prediction abilities of different data mining methods. The results suggested NB as the best classifier due to its higher accuracy and specificity. Finally, J48 identified the NPI as the most effective prognostic factor.
Ultrasonography Findings in Post-Methotrexate Treatment of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: Eghbali Elham , Karbasi Mahsa , Sodabi Maryam , Farhadi Esmaeil , Nikoukhesal Ali , Ghanini Nima , Omara Shahestan Alireza , Abbasalizadeh Fatemeh , Razmifard Farzad
Published: June 2024

Background: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) can cause life-threatening complications for pregnant women, so early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the prevention of maternal mortality. Transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography, along with serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level follow-up, can be a noninvasive and proper method for the post-treatment follow-up of a CSP. The present study investigated the Doppler resistance index (RI) changes in CSPs after medical management with methotrexate (MTX), evaluated by sac diameter and serum β-hCG level measurement. Methods: Overall, 28 patients with CSP and a history of previous cesarean delivery, a gestational age of less than 9 completed weeks at ultrasonography, the decision to medical management by the gynecologist, and having a β-hCG level before treatment were enrolled and initially examined by ultrasound and Doppler studies. The RI of the closest myometrial artery to the CSP mass and its diameter underwent measurement. After 72 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks of medical therapy with MTX, the mentioned variables were measured again and compared with the values of the pretreatment time point. Results: RI values were significantly higher at all the follow-up time points compared with the pre-treatment time points, while serum β-hCG levels were significantly lower. Moreover, sac diameter values increased 72 hours post-treatment and then represented a decline. Conclusion: Serial Doppler ultrasound examination can be a useful method to evaluate the success or failure of the medical management of CSPs, as the increase in RI values occurs rapidly after medical treatment and correlates well with serum β-hCG levels.
Evaluation of Different Techniques in Laboratory Diagnosis of Intestinal Amoebiasis
Authors: Jannati Raha , Tavakoli Pasand Simin , Garedaghi Yagoob
Published: June 2024

Entamoeba histolytica is an intestinal protozoan disease that causes amoebiasis, which is a health problem in several developing countries that can lead to 100000 deaths annually. This parasite is the third cause of death in tropical regions with poor sanitary conditions. An essential part of the treatment of patients is the detection of the pathogenic E. histolytica and its differentiation from non-pathogenic Entamoeba spp. Because microscopy and antigen detection techniques are inexpensive and readily available, these techniques are commonly used to diagnose amoebiasis. Rapid tests and different ELISAs for antigen detection are some of the more modern and sensitive methods, and some diagnostic methods are not able to distinguish different species of Entamoeba. Techniques for molecular detection are highly specific and sensitive. However, utilizing molecular methods as the usual diagnostic method becomes difficult due to their high cost in most endemic areas. For the diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis, there is still a need for highly sensitive and specific tests that are quick and affordable to use, especially in developing countries where this disease is common.
Review on Epidemiology and Economic Impact of Tsetse Transmitted Bovine Trypanosomiasis in Ethiopia
Authors: Rebuma Tesfaye , Regassa Motuma , Tariku Firaol , Girma Wondesen
Published: June 2024

Most vector-borne human diseases worldwide are spread by arthropod disease vectors, including mosquitoes, ticks, tsetse flies, and sandflies, which are greatly impacted by environmental factors. The tsetse-transmitted animal Trypanosomiasis severely hampers animal production and agricultural development in Ethiopia. The southern portion of the Rift Valley, the southwest corner of the nation, the western lowlands and escarpments, and the Blue Nile are the only areas in Ethiopia where tsetse flies are found. These areas are limited to longitudes 33° and 38° E and latitudes 5° and 12° N. The three Trypanosoma species that have the most impact on cattle in Ethiopia are Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma vivax, and Trypanosoma congolense. Particularly in the "tsetse belt," which includes the Omo, Borena, and Metekel zones of the Benishangul Gumuz region, the illness is extensively spread throughout the western and southwest regions of the nation. Ethiopia’s main river systems, including the Abay/Didessa, Omo/Gibe, Baro/Akobo, and southern Rift Valley, are linked to the prevalence of tsetse fly infestations and the Trypanosomiasis they cause. Mixed livestock and crop production is the major farming style in Ethiopia’s highlands and plays a crucial role in agricultural activity. The bioclimatic threshold for tsetse flies in Ethiopia has not been met. Since it has long been typical for the peasantry in general and livestock owners, in particular, to avoid tsetse-infested areas to reduce their chance of contracting Trypanosomiasis, the impact of tsetse-borne Trypanosomiasis on development efforts in rural Ethiopia is becoming increasingly significant. This review examines the economic impact and epidemiology of tsetse-transmitted bovine trypanosomiasis in Ethiopia.
Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction via Flow-Mediated Dilation in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Referred to Medical Centers in Kerman
Authors: Enhesari Ahmad , Ahmadi Bizhan , Heidari Zahra , Raji-Amirhasani Alireza , Zaherara Motahareh
Published: June 2024

Background: By examining flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) as an index for indirect assessment of arterial endothelial function, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and early atherosclerosis. Methods: This study was performed on 75 patients with ulcerative colitis, 15 patients with Crohn’s disease, and 75 healthy individuals as the control group. Vascular endothelial function was assessed by FMD and Doppler ultrasonography of the right brachial artery. Results: The mean FMD in IBD patients (12.04±3.8) was lower than that of the persons in the control group (16.68±2.2). Besides, the mean FMD in Crohn’s patients was 12.02±3.5 and the corresponding value in the patients with ulcerative colitis was 12.07±4.2, showing no significant difference (P=0.78). There was a significant opposite relationship between age and FMD in the control group, meaning that as age increased, FMD decreased (r=0.6, P=0.01). However, there was no association between age and FMD among IBD patients. Conclusion: Given that this study focused on people without known risk factors for atherosclerosis, the results pointed to endothelial dysfunction in IBD patients, and IBD can be considered an independent factor in the development of atherosclerosis.
Modulation of IKK/NF-κB Signaling: A Therapeutic Mechanism of Shilajit in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kordestani Zeinab , Melki Elham , Vahidi Reza , Shideh Reza , Ghorbani Niloofar , Yazdi Rouholamini Seyede Elmeira , Saberi Arezoo
Published: June 2024

Background: Shilajit is a natural pale-brown to blackish-brown phytocomplex that exudes from mountain rocks in various parts of the world. In recent years, numerous pharmacological effects of shilajit have been explored through extensive experiments. Shilajit is known as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway could be an important player in inflammation-driven tumor progression. Therefore, the current study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of shilajit on a breast cancer cell line (MCF7). Methods: In this experimental study, the MCF7 cell line was treated with shilajit, and an MTT assay was applied to analyze the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) after 72 hours of treatment. Following this, the apoptotic rate was assessed using flow cytometry, and p50, RelB, and IKKα/β gene expression were evaluated using real-time PCR assay. Results: Shilajit had potent cytotoxic activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an IC50 of 280 μg/mL. Based on the Annexin-PI analysis, the IC50 concentration of this compound induced significant apoptosis in the cells, possibly through suppression of NF-κB (p50, RelB, and IKKα/β)-regulated genes. The real-time PCR results indicated that treating MCF7 cells at the IC50 dose of shilajit for 72 hours could reduce the mRNA expression levels of p50, RelB, and IKKα/β in the cells. Conclusion: The findings of the present experiment showed that shilajit may have promising anti-breast-tumor and anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, shilajit can help treat breast cancer in combination with other standard treatments.
Risk Factors Associated with Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Case Study from Southeast Iran
Authors: Mohtashami Ahmad , Ahmadi Gohari Milad , Bahrampour Abbas , Mehrolhassani Mohammad Hossein , Jahani Yunes
Published: June 2024

Background: This study aimed to identify mortality risk factors among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in southeast Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the COVID-19 patients admitted to Afzalipour teaching hospital in Kerman, Iran, from February 2020 to September 2021. The demographic and clinical data of 6,057 patients were analyzed using Bayesian network and logistic regression models. Results: Out of 6,057 patients, 333 (5.5%) died. The most important risk factors for COVID-19 mortality were age, gender, fever, headache, decreased level of consciousness (LoC), chronic liver disease, blood oxygen level (BOL), admission season, and length of stay (LoS). Fever, headache, and longer LoS were protective and mortality-reducing variables. Conclusion: Following model estimation results, it is recommended that older male patients with low oxygen levels and a lower LoC, as well as patients with chronic liver disease, receive additional medical care and not be discharged prematurely. Early medical interventions for high-risk patients may reduce COVID-19 mortality risk.
The relationship between job burnout and quality of work life in pre-hospital emergency staff: Descriptive-correlation study
Authors: Nabi-Amjad Reza , Kaviyani Shahram , Sadeghi-Gandomani Hamidreza
Published: June 2024

Background and aims: Pre-hospital emergency staff are often faced with highly stressful situations, leading most often to occupational burnout. One of the crucial factors affecting job burnout is the quality of work life. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between job burnout and quality of work life (QWL) among pre-hospital emergency staff in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in 2021. Methods: The descriptive-correlation study was conducted on 295 pre-hospital emergency staff in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces in 2021. The instruments used in this study to collect data were Richard Walton’s Quality of Work Life Questionnaire and Maslach’s Burnout Inventory. The data were analyzed with SPSS-16 statistical software using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: There was a significant inverse relationship between work-life quality and job burnout among pre-hospital emergency staff (P<0.001, r=-0.553). The study’s findings showed that the average score of the QWL and job burnout among study participants was 64.73±11.58 and 81.53±10.35, respectively. Conclusion: Identifying the dimensions of job burnout and the quality of work-life among pre-hospital emergency staff can provide vital information to policymakers in the health field, especially pre-hospital emergencies. Thus, decision-makers and administrators with effective management can develop appropriate policies to reduce job burnout, improve the QWL, increase job productivity, and ultimately satisfy the demands of patients.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference for the Detection of Acute Malnutrition Among Children Aged 6–60 Months: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Jasani Krishna M. , Gosalia Vibha V. , Misra Shobha V.
Published: June 2024

Background: Timely and accurate screening of malnutrition at the community level is essential to identifying malnourished children. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines classify non-oedematous acute malnutrition among children using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) or weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ). Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: This study was conducted among children aged 6‒60 months. After necessary exclusions, 433 participants were selected using a multi-stage simple random sampling method. Using WHO guidelines for global acute malnutrition (GAM) [WHZ<-2, MUAC<12.5 cm], the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), predictive values, likelihood ratios, Youden index, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated for MUAC using WHZ as the criterion. Results: Out of 433 participants, 30% were diagnosed with GAM using WHZ, while 17.6% were found malnourished using MUAC measurements. As per WHO cut-offs, the Se, Sp, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Youden index, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of MUAC were 48%, 96%, 83%, 81%, 0.44, 12, and 0.54, respectively. The ROC curve displayed an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% confidence interval=0.83, 0.90) for MUAC<12.5 cm. Bivariate Pearson correlation also demonstrated a positive linear relationship (R2=0.302) between the WHZ and MUAC variables. Conclusion: Based on the findings, 48% of the children were correctly identified by the MUAC with an 83% probability of GAM (PPV=0.83). Moreover, there was 96% Sp in non-malnourished children, with only 4% false positives. Therefore, personnel at the grassroots level can use MUAC for timely and accurate screening of children in Anganwadi centers (AWCs) due to its ease of use and simplicity.
Identification of Risk Factors for Relapse in Childhood Leukemia Using Penalized Semi-parametric Mixture Cure Competing Risks Model
Authors: Mehrbakhsh Zahra , Tapak Leili , Behnampour Nasser , Roshanaei Ghodratollah
Published: June 2024

Background: Leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy. Identifying prognostic factors of patient survival and relapse using more reliable statistical models instead of traditional variable selection methods such as stepwise regression is of great importance. The present study aimed to apply a penalized semi-parametric mixture cure model to identify the prognostic factors affecting short-term and long-term survival of childhood leukemia in the presence of competing risks. The outcome of interest in this study was time to relapse. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: A total of 178 patients (0‒15 years old) with leukemia participated in this study (September 1997 to September 2016, followed up to June 2021) at Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and then a penalized semi-parametric mixture cure competing risk model with smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularizations was used to analyze the data. Results: Important prognostic factors of relapse patients selected by the SCAD regularization method were platelets (150000‒400000 vs.>400000; odds ratio=0.31) in the cure part and type of leukemia (ALL vs. AML, hazard ratio (HR)=0.08), mediastinal tumor (yes vs. no, HR=16.28), splenomegaly (yes vs. no; HR=2.94), in the latency part. In addition, significant prognostic factors of death identified by the SCAD regularization method included white blood cells (<4000 vs.>11000, HR=0.25) and rheumatoid arthritis signs (yes vs. no, HR=5.75) in the latency part. Conclusion: Several laboratory factors and clinical side effects were associated with relapse and death, which can be beneficial in treating the disease and predicting relapse and death time.
The mechanism of Fleury test for morphine
Authors: Sánchez-Viesca Francisco , Gómez Reina
Published: June 2024

The test under study is due to M. Fleury. He used morphine dissolved, at room temperature, in 1/20 N sulphuric acid; added some lead superoxide (lead dioxide), stirred for 8 min., let stand 4 min; the water-clear liquid was separated, and a drop of ammonia was added. A brown colour occurs immediately. These experimental data indicate not a fast reaction, but a rather complex mechanism. In this communication a reaction mechanism is provided for the first time. Protonated lead dioxide is the reactive species which on interaction with the phenol group in morphine forms a mixed ortho-plumbate. Protonation of this ester does not favor further reaction. However, reaction with a second reactive species is favourable for a push-pull seven-member reaction mechanism. Enolization of the dienone formed restores aromaticity. Protonation of the Pb=O double bond in the obtained intermediate promotes a 7-atom concerted mechanism. 2,3-Dioxomorphine is formed along with an oxide hydrate that yields water and two molecules of plumbous oxide.