bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host genetic variants associated with susceptibility and severity of pneumococcal pneumonia in adult patients
Authors: Boix-Palop Lucía , Arranz María J. , Sangil Anna , Dietl Beatriz , Xercavins Mariona , Pérez Josefa , Calbo Esther
Published: December 2023

Background

Pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (P-CAP) is a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization. Several host genetics factors influencing risk of pneumococcal disease have been identified, with less information about its association with P-CAP. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within key genes involved in the innate immune response on the susceptibility to P-CAP and to study whether these polymorphic variants were associated with the severity and outcome of the episodes in a cohort of adult Caucasian patients.

Methods

Seventeen SNPs from 7 genes (IL-R1, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12B, NFKBIA, NFKBIE, NFKBIZ) were analyzed. For susceptibility, a case-control study including a cohort of 57 adult with P-CAP, and 280 ethnically matched controls was performed. Genetic influence on clinical severity and outcome was evaluated in a prospective observational study including all consecutive adult P-CAP patients from November 2015 to May 2017.

Results

The NFKBIA polymorphism rs696 and a haplotype combination were associated with susceptibility to P-CAP (OR = 0.62, p = 0.005 and OR = 0.63, p = 0.008, respectively). The SNP IL4 rs2227284 was associated with severe P-CAP (OR = 2.17, p = 0.04). IL-R1 (rs3917267) and IL-10 (rs3024509) variants were related with respiratory failure (OR = 3.31, p = 0.001 and OR = 0.18, p = 0.003, respectively) as well as several haplotype combinations in NFKBIA, NFKBIZ, IL-R1 and IL-10 (p = 0,02, p = 0,01, p = 0,001, p = 0,03, respectively). CURB-65 values were associated with the IL-10 rs3024509 variant (beta = − 0.4, p = 0.04), and with haplotype combinations of NFKBIZ and IL-10 (p = 0.05, p = 0.04, respectively). Genetic variants in IL-10 (rs3024509) and in IL-12B (rs730691) were associated with PSI values (beta = − 0.54, p = 0.01, and beta = − 0.28, p = 0.04, respectively), as were allelic combinations in IL-R1 (p = 0.02) and IL-10 (p = 0.01). Finally, several polymorphisms in the IL-R1 gene (rs13020778, rs2160227, & rs3917267) were associated with the time elapsed until clinical stability (beta = − 0.83, p = 0.03; beta = − 1, p = 0.02 and beta = 1.07, p = 0.008, respectively).

Conclusions

A genetic variant in NFKBIA was associated with susceptibility to P-CAP in adult Caucasian patients and genetic variants from key cytokines of the innate immune response (Il-4, IL-10, IL-R1 and IL-12B) and NF-κB inhibitors were associated with different phenotypes of severe P-CAP. If validated, these SNPs may help to identify people at risk of P-CAP or severe P-CAP on which preventive measures could be applied.
Synthesizing the risk of morbidities and lifestyle factors on insomnia symptoms among middle-aged and older adult persons in India
Authors: Saha Subhadeep , Das Priya , Das Tanu , Das Partha , Roy Tamal Basu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Most of the time increasing age and improper lifestyle enhance the burgeoning health challenge for middle-aged and older adult persons. In this way, the present study seeks to know the association of morbidity, lifestyle parameters, and background characteristics with insomnia symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in India.

Methods

The study utilizes a sample of 46,462 older individuals aged 45 years and above from LASI wave-1. Multivariate binary logistic models were applied to acquire the results.

Result

Insomnia symptom was closely linked with hypertension [AOR: 1.33; 1.27–1.39], heart diseases [AOR: 1.37; 1.23–1.53], the neurological problem [AOR: 1.67; 1.46–1.91], as compared to older adults who did not suffer from any morbidity. The likelihood of insomnia symptoms was also higher among older individuals who reported following an accustomed lifestyle i.e., no reading habit [AOR: 1.35; 1.26–1.45], never going to the park for relaxing leisure hours [AOR: 1.38; 1.01–1.73]. Moreover, insomnia increases with age, and among elder women.

Conclusion

The encouragement of remedies for morbidity and improper lifestyle practices could be considered as part of a plan to decrease insomnia symptoms. As well as the detection of early stages of insomnia by health professionals and intervention of public health services is necessary.
Peripheral Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), a cogent clinical adjunct for Ki-67 in breast cancer
Authors: Arora Radhika , Alam Feroz , Zaka-ur-Rab Atia , Maheshwari Veena , Alam Kiran , Hasan Mahboob
Published: December 2023

Background

Clinical utility of Ki-67 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in breast cancer (BC) is mainly limited to decide for the use of chemotherapy and estimate prognosis in patients with either Ki-67 index < 5% or > 30%; however, lacunae still exists pertaining to its analytical validity. Neutrophilia is common in cancer with accompanying lymphocytopenia. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) captures the intricate balance between pro-tumor neutrophilia and anti-tumor lymphocyte immunity. This study aimed to correlate cellular proliferation in breast cancer with NLR.

Methods

An observational study was carried out including 73 cases of BC; pre-treatment NLR and Ki-67 grading were performed. NLR < 3 was considered low, while ≥ 3 was high. The Ki-67 expression was graded as low ≤ 5%, intermediate 6–29%, or high ≥ 30%. Various clinico-pathological variables were studied, and the association of categorical variables was analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test, and a p-value of < 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results

Ki-67 correlated significantly with modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) grade (p < 0.01), and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (p < 0.001). Correlation of NLR was not significant with SBR grade (p > 0.05) and molecular subtype (p > 0.05); however, NLR was found to be significantly correlated with TNM stage (p < 0.001) and Ki-67 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

NLR is fast emerging as a personalized theranostic marker in breast cancer. Instead of determining a generalized cut-off value, individual baseline NLR and its dynamics with disease progression will help manage patients better, obviating some of the drawbacks associated with Ki-67.
Artificial intelligence in political management: trends and prospects
Authors: Davydova Yu. , Matyukhin A. , Anan'evskaya E.
Published: December 2023

The article discusses the main directions of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the political life of society. It is noted that the level and quality of life of the population depends on the pace of AI implementation in various spheres of public life. The analysis of the conducted research in the format of an expert interview allows us to identify the key trends, advantages and challenges faced by the Russian political system in the implementation of AI. The results of the expert survey provide valuable practical recommendations and a basis for discussing possible directions for the development of AI in political management in Russia. The article notes the insufficient elaboration of the problems of artificial intelligence in the Russian scientific, in particular, political science discourse, which, in turn, is seen as promising in increasing research opportunities. The aim of the work is to identify the main trends in the use of artificial intelligence in political management and the prospects for its development in the political sphere of society. The consideration of the problem was based on the results of an initiative political and sociological study in the format of an expert interview (N=7). The following general scientific methods were used to analyze the results obtained: description, analysis, synthesis, classification. The study also used SWOT analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of using AI in the field of domestic state policy and electoral systems, as well as to show the opportunities and threats of its use. The analysis of the results of the expert survey showed that artificial intelligence is most in demand in such areas as analytics, decision-making, scenario forecasting, political communications, improving the efficiency of political institutions, especially the electoral system, monitoring voter sentiment, and in the field of security. Highlighting the shortcomings in the use of AI, experts noted the possible subjectivity and bias in decision-making, the problem of transparency and protection of personal data. As solutions to this problem, the development of appropriate regulations protecting the human right to confidentiality and privacy, "transparent" algorithms, and careful selection of data on the basis of which AI makes decisions were proposed. The prospect of further research lies in the development of ethical standards that can ensure transparency and security in the implementation of AI in political systems. An important conclusion of the article is the conclusion that there is an objective need to develop a regulatory framework and conduct regular inspections of AI systems to maintain trust and effective use of digital technologies in politics.
The image of the digital future as a constituent model of reality: scenarios of formation and representation
Authors: Volodenkov Sergey , Zotov V. , Konson G.
Published: December 2023

This article is devoted to the development of scenarios for the formation and representation of images of the digital future in mass consciousness. In this study, the authors understand the image of the future as a subjective formative model of reality, on the basis of which not only the formation of ideas and assumptions about the future occurs, but also the corresponding models of mass behavior are formed. The methodological basis of this study is discourse analysis, critical analysis, case study, and scenario techniques. Identifying the key actors in shaping the images of the digital future in the public space and their subsequent representation in mass consciousness, the authors single out spontaneous, mosaic, sovereign, impulsive, transnational, and artificial scenarios. Based on the results of the study, the authors conclude that in order to ensure consistent, consolidated, and harmonious development of the modern state and society in the context of current digital transformations, the greatest potential has a pro-social image of the digital future, built on the basis of the traditional value system of a particular society and considering the interests between individuals, the state, and society. A key factor for success in addressing this task is digital sovereignty of the state, striving to defend its national interests in the present and project them into the future. Additionally, it relies on national elites capable of formulating these goals and interests in a way that maintains a balance among the vital interests of individuals, society, and the state.
Phytochemical Constituents and Potential of Different Extracts from Eleutherine bulbosa on Skin Infectious Treatment : Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Raksamat Wannisa , Kimkong Ingorn ,   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand,   Center for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, National Research University – Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Published: December 2023

Eleutherine bulbosa is a plant commonly employed in traditional medicine across various tropical regions, including Thailand. The aim of this study was to identify the phytochemical constituents of E. bulbosa, evaluate the inhibitory effects on skin fungal and bacterial pathogens, and examine the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of extracts obtained from E. bulbosa bulbs through n-Hexane, EtOAc, and EtOH extraction methods. Agar diffusion, MIC, and MBC assays were employed to determine the fungistatic, bacteriostatic, and bactericidal activities. The EtOAc extract of E. bulbosa bulbs demonstrated the highest inhibition against fungal and bacterial strains when compared to other solvents. The results revealed that the EtOAc extract exhibited a potent anti-fungal effect on T. rubrum (the zones of inhibition = 35.00 ± 0.00 mm) comparable to Ketoconazole (the zones of inhibition = 34.33 ± 1.16 mm). The highest antibacterial activity against S. pyogenes was observed, with a zone diameter of 23.00 ± 1.00 mm, while the lowest MIC and MBC values were recorded at 19.53 and 78.12 μg/ml, respectively. Additionally, we demonstrated significant inhibitory properties of E. bulbosa bulbs extracted with n-Hexane on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells compared to other solvent extracts. This occurred without affecting cell viability across a concentration range of 6.25 to 25 μg/ml. Moreover, the less affected viability of fibroblasts suggests that the extract may be useful in preventing inflammatory diseases mediated by excessive production of NO with low toxicity to normal cells. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of various compounds with biological activities including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins in all different solvent extracts. These findings suggest that E. bulbosa bulb extracts possess beneficial effects and hold potential for further development as a new natural source of multifunctional therapeutic agents, which are safe and effective for a broad spectrum of skin infectious microorganisms and also potentially reduce inflammation that is associated with an infection caused by microorganisms.
Effect of Platoon Formation Policy and Platoon Size for Connected Autonomous Vehicles on Mixed Traffic Capacity
Authors:   Department of Information and Communications Engineering, Dong-eui University, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea, Lee Yutae
Published: December 2023

Recent technological development allows a queue of vehicles to be driven safely close to each other, which increases road utilization and reduces air drag, thus, resulting in significant energy savings. The queue of vehicles that follow one another in close succession is called a vehicle platoon. In the early stages of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) platooning, CAVs are expected to form platoons at their departure point according to an appropriate platoon formation policy. However, the effect of platoon formation policy on traffic capacity is rarely considered. This paper analyzes the effect of platoon formation policy and platoon size on the capacity of mixed traffic flow with CAVs, autonomous vehicles, and human-driven vehicles. First, given platoon size distribution, we derive the probability mass function for the position of an arbitrary CAV within a platoon and obtain mixed traffic capacity as a function of CAV penetration rate and average platoon size. The platoon size is heavily influenced by platoon formation policies. So, the platoon size distributions are derived for several platoon formation policies and are applied to obtain the mixed traffic capacities under the platoon formation policies. Some numerical examples are also provided to demonstrate how the key parameters of platoon formation policies affect the mixed traffic capacity.
Assessment of Solar-Biomass Using MCDM Technique: Case Study of Ranchi, India
Authors: Mumtaz Naiyer , Ahmed Md Irfan , Bakhsh Farhad Ilahi
Published: December 2023

In India, the adoption of sustainable and efficient renewable energy systems has become imperative for achieving sustainable development. Nowadays in India about 60% of the population has access to grid power, but due to the unreliable nature of electricity users, it is still necessary to rely on biofuels such as solar and animal waste for everyday activities like heating and cooking. With over 370 million tons of biomass produced annually in India, there is a significant market opportunity for biomass boilers in the country. This research paper proposes a hybrid system comprising of solar, and biomass from an end-user perspective. The proposed hybrid system has been modelled and analyzed using multisim software. Furthermore, the study assesses the feasibility of the proposed low-cost hybrid power system blueprint for the outlying regions of Baheya village, Ranchi, India, by utilizing the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique. It has been observed that the total per unit cost of a hybrid system, which is Rs. 1.76, is lower compared to the individual per unit costs of solar and biomass plants, which are Rs. 1.628 and Rs. 0.433, respectively. The analysis shows that the proposed hybrid system is a reliable solution for providing electricity in the Baheya village.
Analysis and Prediction of Factors Influencing Carbon Emissions of Energy Consumption Under Climate Change
Authors: Zhang Kunyue , Tao Mingru , Hao Jinmin
Published: December 2023

Climate change is one of the major challenges currently facing the world. The factors influencing the carbon emission of energy consumption and the future trend are important guidance for proposing scientific carbon reduction strategies to mitigate climate change. In this paper, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model and stochastic impacts by regression population, affluence and technology (STIRPAT) model are established to analyze and predict the carbon emission of energy consumption. The LMDI model is used to factorize the CO2 changes generated by residential domestic energy consumption, and to decompose and analyze the carbon emission factors of residential domestic energy consumption in terms of energy carbon emission intensity, energy consumption structure, energy consumption intensity, economic development, and population to determine the driving factors leading to carbon emission changes; based on the above study, we set up nine different development scenarios and applied the scalable stochastic environmental impact assessment model to project energy carbon emissions in 2035; based on carbon emission prediction and analysis, the CO2 emissions of total energy consumption, total electricity consumption, industrial energy consumption and terminal energy consumption were selected, and the correlation coefficients with relevant climate indicators such as temperature change and humidity change were analyzed, and the stress model of energy consumption on climate change was constructed. The results show that: the correlation coefficients of energy consumption indicators and temperature change indicators all pass the significance test at P = 0.01 level, among which the correlation coefficients with temperature difference are the highest, all of them are greater than 0.9 and pass the significance test at P = 0.001 level; among the indicators of energy consumption, the correlation coefficient between total industrial energy consumption and temperature difference was slightly higher than that of total energy consumption and electricity consumption; the stress relationship between the increase of energy consumption and the temperature difference is consistent with the growth of the third polynomial curve.
Study on the Effectiveness of Constructed Wetlands in Purifying Polluted Water from Rivers and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Zhu Likang , Sun Zhiping , Zhang Shixia , Ma Chenglong , Wang Denghong , Hong Qiankun
Published: December 2023

In order to investigate the effect of different substrates of constructed wetlands on the purification of polluted water in rivers and their greenhouse gas emissions, this study designed three small-scale constructed wetland experimental systems with traditional gravel (CW-G), volcanic rock (CW-V) and biomass carbon (CW-B) as filler substrates to investigate the effect of different constructed wetland systems on the removal of COD and nitrogen pollutants and to further analyse their effect on greenhouse gas emissions. The results showed that the removal rates of organic matter in all three groups of constructed wetlands reached over 90%. and 49.29% to 58.71%, respectively, with CW-V and CW-B significantly improving the removal of NH4 + -N and NO3− -N compared to CW-G (P < 0.05). A comparison of greenhouse gas emissions reveals that although CW-B resulted in the highest N2O emissions due to its better removal of NO3− -N, its share in nitrogen removal was still the smallest. In addition, the rapid consumption of organic matter in the influent water and the oxidation of some CH4 to CO2 resulted in no detectable CH4 in any of the three groups of constructed wetlands. The results of this study show that the differences in treatment effects and greenhouse gas emissions between the three types of substrate constructed wetlands are significant, and this study can provide some scientific reference for the construction and operation of wetlands for the purification of polluted water bodies in rivers.
Study on the Annual Runoff Forecast Model of the Main Stream of Nanxi River Based on PSO-ANFIS
Authors: Guo Huifang , Meng Jian , Huang Hairong , Zhang Shixia , Wang Denghong
Published: December 2023

In 2021, Wenzhou adopted measures to restrict the use of electricity, and the shortage of electricity became an important factor affecting the production and life of Wenzhou. Nanxi River is one of the main rivers in Wenzhou City, and its water resources are very rich. According to the statistics of the water conservancy planning of the Nanxi River basin, there are 96 hydropower stations in the Nanxi River basin, with a total installed capacity of 152100 kW, accounting for 57% of the installed capacity. The development and utilization of the Nanxi River water resources can alleviate the power shortage in Wenzhou power grid to a certain extent. The development and utilization of hydropower are closely related to the runoff of the basin. The river runoff is mainly determined by rainfall, underlying surface and upstream inflow. River runoff is affected by many factors in the process of formation, so it is difficult to improve its prediction accuracy. In order to improve the prediction accuracy of the runoff of the main stream of the Nanxi River, this paper introduces the runoff prediction model of particle swarm optimization adaptive fuzzy inference system (PSO-ANFIS). ANFIS model has the advantages of applying fuzzy rules and the nonlinear approximation ability of neural network, but the antecedent parameters of ANFIS model are prone to fall into local optimization. In order to improve the generalization ability of the antecedent parameters of ANFIS model, the PSO algorithm of global optimization is introduced to optimize the antecedent parameters of ANFIS. Through the application of the example, it is found that the decision coefficient of PSO-ANFIS model in the simulation stage is 0.987, and the decision coefficient in the prediction stage is 0.856. This model can be applied in the annual runoff forecast. Through comparison with ANFIS model, it is found that PSO-ANFIS model has better prediction effect.
Mineral Resource Complex of the Russian Far East: Factors and Trends in 2023
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Lomakina Natalia
Published: December 2023

The adaptation trends of 2023 are shown, which determined the logic of development of the mineral resource complex of the Russian Federation. Based on expert, analytical, statistical information, the structural and dynamic characteristics and results of development of key sub-sectors of the mineral resource complex of the Far Eastern Federal District (gold mining, iron ore, tin mining, polymetallic) in 2023 are examined in comparison with the previous five-year period. It is shown that the basic dynamics in the mineral resource complex of the Far Eastern Federal District were determined mainly by the fundamental factors of its development (production structure, investment activity, reproduction of the mineral resource base). Due to situational factors during crisis periods, production dynamics in the key sub-sectors of the mineral resource complex of the Far Eastern Federal District changed only for short periods during the year. Investment activity in the mineral resource complex of the Far Eastern Federal District is analyzed, resource-technological, design and institutional opportunities for changing its structure towards diversification are shown
The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on Economic Activity in Russia
Authors:   Institute of Economics UB RAS, Vasilyeva Rogneda , Rozhina Ekaterina ,   Institute of Economics UB RAS, Voytenkov Valentin ,   HSE University
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the research is to empirically assess the impact of geopolitical risks and economic policy uncertainty on economic activity in Russia. We implement business and consumer confidence index, shares of foreign trade with BRICS countries and western economies and economic growth rates to describe the domestic activity. We use monthly data ranged January 2010 till December 2021 for econometric modelling. The empirical strategy exploits vector error correction model to estimate the impact of external shocks on Russian economic activity. The results demonstrate that the enhancement of economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks do not decrease the Russian producers’ confidence in the short run. However, the consumer expectations are found rather negative in the short and long term. The foreign trade of Russia with western countries significantly decreased over the investigated period, while trade turnover with BRICS countries enhanced. Meanwhile, the dynamics of trade with BRICS partners responds less to the changes in economic policy. Coincidently, geopolitical risks enhanced the trade flows between Russia and BRICS, which in turn promoted the Russian economic growth. The trade dynamics with European Union and United States shows a negative trend affected by external factors. However, it has minor effect on Russian economy in the long run. In this respect, we find evidence that economic activity in Russia is subject to external shocks. At the same time, the economy of Russian Federation can adopt to economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks, therefore their negative influence in the short run smooth in the long-term perspective
Russia and RCEP: Dynamics of Trade and Economic Rapprochement
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Izotov Dmitry
Published: December 2023

The article assesses the long-term dynamics of trade and economic barriers in Russia’s interaction with the countries of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as well as other important factors affecting Russian foreign trade. The analysis showed that RCEP countries accounted for more than a quarter of Russia’s foreign trade in 2022, mainly due to increased trade with China and a reduction in mutual tariff barriers. The estimates of the border effect obtained within the framework of the gravity model showed that trade barriers of the Russian economy with the RCEP countries had a long-term downward trend in the conditions of active geographical diversification of foreign economic relations of Russian business. Based on the discovered long-term trend of reducing barriers between countries, the author argues that, other things being equal, the isolation of the Russian economy in the Asia-Pacific region is unlikely. It is shown that restrictions on entering the Russian market for imports remain noticeable, while large-scale sanctions against Russia by Western countries limit the possibilities of intensifying Russian foreign trade by reducing bilateral barriers. In accordance with the estimates obtained, geopolitical factors restrained Russia’s trade with foreign countries, which was to some extent offset by the geographic diversification of foreign trade relations of Russian business in favor of «friendly» countries. It is shown that, despite significant progress in increasing Russia’s trade with the RCEP, the orientation of the Russian economy towards this group of countries is characterized by certain limitations: Russia does not have a significant positive trade balance with this group of countries; restrictions related to the possibility of expanding economic sanctions, including secondary ones, create significant obstacles to trade and economic interactions with the Russian market for most RCEP countries; the orientation of foreign trade towards China creates risks of negative effects from monopsony for Russia
Demographic Aspects of the Development of Border Municipalities of Russia and China in the Context of Their Border Policies
Authors:   FEFU Institute of Oriental Studies – School of Regional and International Studies, Kireev Anton
Published: December 2023

The adoption in 2015 of the Concept for the Development of Border Territories in the Far Eastern Federal District was the milestone in the process of identifying Russian border municipalities as a special object of state policy. The purpose of the article is to assess some intermediate results of the implementation of this Concept in the demographic sphere. Based on a comparative analysis of municipal and regional statistics, the author examines the current spatial distribution of the population in the border areas of Russia and China, its dynamics in 2012–2021, as well as the impact of the border policies of the two countries. The study leads to the conclusion that measures to optimize border infrastructure and establish preferential regimes, taken in the Russian Far East since the mid-2010s, could not change the negative trends in the demographic development of border municipalities
Surgical treatment of a mine blast wound of the T11 vertebra with anatomical disruption of the spinal cord: a rare clinical case and a brief review of the current literature
Authors: Manukovskiy V. A. , Movsisyan A. B. , Timonin S. Yu.
Published: December 2023

The experience of treating a patient with a mine blast wound of the T11 vertebra with an anatomical disruption of the spinal cord, bilateral hemo- and pneumothorax is presented. As a result of the injury, the patient suffered massive destruction of soft tissues with the formation of a full-thickness defect up to the vertebral bodies. The tactics of staged surgical treatment of the patient are described: elimination of fracture dislocation, fixation of the spine and plastic surgery of the soft tissues of the wound defect using the VAC system.

A review of current publications devoted to the epidemiology and tactics of treatment of combat injuries of the spine and spinal cord is presented.
The problem of double thoracic idiopathic scoliosis: a non-systematic literature review
Authors: Dolotin D. N. , Lukinov V. L. , Mikhaylovskiy M. V.
Published: December 2023

Objective. To analyze the current situation in the community of spine surgeons regarding the determination of the zone of posterior spinal fusion for double thoracic idiopathic scoliosis.

Material and Methods. The content of 16 publications containing the results of surgical correction of double thoracic scoliotic deformities was analyzed. The number of studied clinical cohorts was 25, of which in 13 groups only the right-sided main thoracic (MT) curve (MT group) was blocked, and in 12 – both MT and left-sided proximal upper thoracic (PT) curve (MT + PT group). Four parameters were analyzed in both groups: preoperative Cobb angle, preoperative curve mobility, deformity correction, and postoperative deformity progression.

Results. Significant differences were found in the MT and MT + PT groups only in two cases: for the initial Cobb angle of the PT curve and the magnitude of its correction (Cobb angle before surgery minus Cobb angle immediately after the intervention). When choosing the extent of the instrumental fusion zone, the authors of the publications included in the review were guided, first of all, by the initial magnitude of the Cobb angle of the proximal thoracic curve. In the MT + PT group, it averaged 37–40° and was 11–13° more than in the MT group. At the same time, PT curve mobility in both groups is not statistically different. The achieved correction was statistically significantly greater in the МT + РT group, despite a more severe proximal curvature as compared to the MT group. Postoperative dynamics of kyphosis (both T2–T5 and T5–T12) is insignificant. The length of the instrumental spinal fusion zone has virtually no effect on the parameters of the sagittal contour of the thoracic spine. A fairly high frequency of the adding-on phenomenon development (20.6 %) indicates the presence of a connection between this complication and the dynamics of PT curve, but the available data are not enough to formulate a final conclusion. Literature data regarding patients’ self-assessment of quality of life after surgical treatment of Lenke types 1 and 2 scoliosis are scarce, although the majority of those operated on assess the result of treatment as positive.

Conclusion. The problem of determining the extent of the instrumental fusion zone for double thoracic scoliosis remains unresolved. Most surgeons focus not so much on the mobility of the proximal curve, but on its magnitude. There is no consensus in predicting the development of the adding-on phenomenon; there is little information about changes in the quality of life of patients after surgery. New research is needed.
Políticas de masacre: una revisión crítica del fracaso constitucional en Myanmar e India durante la crisis de los Rohingya
Authors: Ghose Anuttama , Bharadwaj Sanjana , Ali S. M. Aamir
Published: December 2023

Los Rohingya son una minoría musulmana en Myanmar que han sido objeto de discriminación y violencia generalizada y se han visto obligados a escapar por la frontera hacia Bangladesh y la India. Están desnutridos y apátridas; por lo tanto, tienen que vivir en campamentos improvisados. Los recientes enfrentamientos étnicos en el estado de Rakhine (Arakan) de Myanmar entre los Rakhines budistas y los Rohingya musulmanes han captado la atención internacional. Parece como si se hubiera corrido una cortina para exponer una cicatriz horrible. Los musulmanes de Rohingya nunca fueron incluidos en la lista de 137 etnias reconocidas por el Gobierno de Myanmar, lo que provocó su falta de reconocimiento como ciudadanos de Myanmar y la incidencia de tortura y discriminación contra ellos por motivos étnicos y religiosos. El pueblo Rohingya ha sido perseguido durante décadas y ya es hora de que su causa reciba la atención que merece. Sin una investigación más profunda sobre los orígenes de la crisis de los Rohingya, el futuro de esta comunidad de minoría étnica parece sombrío. Debe haber consecuencias para aquellos que perpetran, permiten, ayudan e instigan tales crímenes. La comunidad internacional debe tomar medidas para salvaguardar a los Rohingya, abordar los cargos de crímenes de lesa humanidad y garantizar que las atrocidades y la impunidad no queden sin control durante otra generación. A la luz de la agitación política y las rupturas constitucionales en Myanmar, este artículo intenta arrojar luz sobre las causas de estos atroces abusos contra los Rohingyas. El documento también hace un esfuerzo por investigar la situación de los refugiados Rohingya al observar los principios de no devolución y otras normas consuetudinarias del derecho internacional en países vecinos como India. El artículo continúa discutiendo la posición adoptada por el gobierno indio sobre la definición de la nacionalidad de estos refugiados y ofrece recomendaciones para hacerlo.
¿Una nueva constitución en Venezuela? La asamblea nacional constituyente 2017-2020 y la ley anti-bloqueo
Authors: Bolívar Méndez Estefanía , Pérez Perdomo Rogelio
Published: December 2023

En este estudio nos ocuparemos de analizar las circunstancias políticas que llevaron al presidente Maduro a convocar la Asamblea Nacional Constituyente en Venezuela y formularemos conjeturas sobre por qué no produjo el proyecto de constitución que podía esperarse de ella. En cambio, emitió la Ley Constitucional Antibloqueo para el desarrollo nacional y la garantía de los derechos humanos, que examinaremos en su contendido y relación con la Constitución de 1999, bajo la cual se convocó la Asamblea Constituyente. En la sección conclusiva discutiremos si se trata de una reforma de la Constitución, de una nueva Constitución o si se limita a suspender la Constitución de 1999 temporalmente, sin sustituir su normativa.
Los mínimos argumentales como criterios racionales para evaluar decisiones judiciales.
Authors: Guette Hernandez David Modesto , Isaza Gutiérrez Juan Pablo
Published: December 2023

El presente es un artículo resultado de investigación que tiene como objetivo principal justificar que esposible la evaluación de una decisión judicial con base en criterios de razonabilidad denominados mínimosargumentales. El trabajo se centra en justificar que los mínimos argumentales son criterios evaluativos quese sostienen en la idea de la decisión racional. Se trata de una investigación básica, desarrollada a partirde análisis y síntesis de doctrina y jurisprudencia, que muestra como conclusión esencial un catálogo demínimos argumentales que debe contener una decisión para considerarse razonable.
La construcción social del enemigo en el imaginario penal
Authors: González Monguí Pablo Elías , Carvajal Martínez Jorge Enrique
Published: December 2023

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar la construcción y configuración del concepto de enemigo en diferentes épocas de las sociedades, desde el absolutismo hasta la actualidad, para el análisis del presente en materia penal. Aunque en las diferentes legislaciones penales contemporáneas no aparece el término enemigo para referirse al actor del conflicto interno o de delitos graves, en el imaginario de los gobernantes se identifica a determinados transgresores de la ley penal como enemigos para definir sus conductas yaplicarles las penas con mayor rigor. Existe una continuidad en la representación del enemigo, con diferentes denominaciones según la época, hasta llegar a denominarlo como tal en el derecho penal del enemigo, para plantear una política penal diferenciada y más drástica con la disminución de algunas garantías procesales.
Effect of non-thermal plasma treatment and resin cements on the bond strength of zirconia ceramics with different yttria concentrations
Authors: Ozturk Deniz , Sen Nazmiye , Isler Sabire
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effect of different surface treatments and resin cements on the shear bond strength of zirconia ceramics with different yttria concentrations.

Methods

Zirconia blocks characterized by different yttria concentrations [Vita YZ HT (HT), Vita YZ ST (ST) and Vita YZ XT (XT)] were used to prepare disc-shaped specimens (n=252). Specimens prepared to investigate shear bond strength (SBS), water contact angle and surface roughness (Ra) were divided into four subgroups; control (C), sandblasting (S), sandblasting + nonthermal plasma treatment (SNTP) and nonthermal plasma treatment (NTP). For SBS testing, specimens were further divided into two groups (n=108) according to the luting cement used [Panavia F2.0 (P) and Rely X U200 (R)]. The water contact angles were determined by sessile drop technique and Ra was analyzed with optical profilometer. SBS tests were performed in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The data sets were statistically analyzed with two and three-way ANOVAs followed by post-hoc comparisons (α=0.05).

Results

The water contact angle and Ra data were significantly affected by surface treatments. The mean Ra values of ST and XT were significantly lower than HT for the surface treatment groups of C and NTP. The SBS values were significantly different among the groups subjected to different surface treatments. The mean SBS values of surface treatment groups (S, SNTP and NTP) when cemented with R were significantly higher than the groups of C (p<0.05).

Conclusions

For the tested zirconia ceramics with different yttria concentrations, non-thermal plasma activation helps to improve SBS and is a promising tool in practical use.
Synthesis, characterization, and biological target prediction of novel 1,3-dithiolo[4,5-b]quinoxaline and thiazolo[4,5-b]quinoxaline derivatives
Authors: El-Gaby Mohamed S. A. , Ammar Yousry A. , Ismail Mostafa A. , Ragab Ahmed , Abusaif Moustafa S.
Published: December 2023

Quinoxalines are a family of nitrogen-based heterocyclic compounds that have garnered much interest because of their wide range of applications. 2,3-Dichloroquinoxaline is an aromatic molecule that frequently serves as a synthetic intermediate in materials science, pharmaceuticals, and organic chemistry. 1,3-Dithiolo[4,5-b]quinoxaline derivatives 8a–c and thiazolo[4,5-b]quinoxaline derivatives 11a,b were synthesized by the reaction of 2,3-dichloro-6-sulfonyl quinoxaline derivative 5 with 1,3-binucleophiles. Moreover, 1,3-dithiolo[4,5-b]quinoxalin2-ylidene derivatives 8a–c were obtained by treating 2,3-dichloro-6-sulfonyl quinoxaline derivative 5 with potassium salts of hydrazonodithioates 7a–c at room temperature. Additionally, 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline derivative 5 was reacted with thioureas 9a,b in 1,4-dioxane to yield 6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl sulfonyl)thiazolo[4,5-b]quinoxalin-2(3H)-imines 11a,b rather than thiazolo[5,4-b]quinoxaline 10. Elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy were used to confirm the structures of the newly synthesized compounds. Finally, we used artificial intelligence to perform biological evaluation via predicting the possible molecular targets and antimicrobial activity of the designed derivative. The results showed good bacterial activity, weak fungal potency, and potential biological targets.
Clarifying the Analysis of Deadweight Loss from Taxation
Authors: Fegley Tate , Hansen Kristoffer Mousten , Israel Karl-Friedrich
Published: December 2023

The standard microeconomic analysis of taxation suggests that excise taxes on goods with a price-inelastic demand are more efficient in that they lead to a lower deadweight loss than taxes on goods with price-elastic demand. This argument ignores secondary effects on the rest of the economy. By narrowly focusing on the primary effects on the market where the tax is raised, the overall deadweight loss is underestimated when demand is price-inelastic. Moreover, it is overestimated when demand is price-elastic. This puts into question the validity of the standard textbook argument. In this paper we address this issue by considering how taxes affect consumer behavior in other markets. From this we can clearly see how the impact of an excise tax is not limited to one market in isolation, but is spread over all markets and affects the demand for cash balances. We suggest a simple way to incorporate this important insight into a standard textbook exposition.
The mediating role of ethical climate in the relationship between abusive supervision and unethical behaviour
Authors: Nar Yasin , Elçi Meral , Murat Eminoğlu Gülay
Published: December 2023

This research aims to contribute to the literature on unethical behaviour by exploring the effect of abusive supervision on employees’ unethical behaviour. Also, the mediating role of ethical climate in this relationship is investigated. For this purpose, data was collected through a survey of 440 people working in information technology (IT) companies in Istanbul and Kocaeli cities, Turkey. First, validity and reliability tests were applied to the collected data. After determining that validity and reliability were appropriate, hypothesis tests were carried out using regression analysis.Additionally, Hayes' PROCESS Macro model was used to test the mediating role of ethical climate. SPSS version 23 package program was used to analyze the data. According to the results obtained, it is found that i-) abusive supervision is positively related to unethical behaviour, ii-) ethical climate is negatively related to unethical behaviour, iii-) abusive supervision is negatively related to ethical climate, and  iv-) ethical climate partially mediates the relationship between abusive supervision and unethical behaviours.
Hematological and biochemical effect of subcutaneous administration of robenacoxib in different goat breeds
Authors: Ozdemir Kutahya Zeynep , Piner Benli Petek
Published: December 2023

Aim:This study aimedto investigate the effect of robenacoxibonhematological and biochemical parameters in healthy Alpine and Saanen goats 24 hours after subcutaneous administration. Materials and Methods: 12 healthy Alpine (n=6) and Saanen (n=6) breed goats were used. Robenacoxib was administered to Alpine and Saanen goats at a dose of 4 mg/kg once subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected before drug administration (0 hour) and then 24-hours. Hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed using a hematology analyzer and biochemistry auto analyzer, respectively. Results: No change was observed in the clinical examination findings of both goat breeds. Statistical differences in hematological and biochemical parameters were determined within physiological limits in both goat breeds. The white blood cell, red blood cell and lymphocyte values were found to be low, and the monocyte% value was found to be high in Alpine goats. Decreases in red blood cell, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and increases in the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin values were observed at 24-hours in Saanen goats. Robenacoxib increases blood urea nitrogen value in both goat breeds, it decreases creatinine value in Saanen goats. Conclusion: There were no significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters after robenacoxib administrations to Alpine and Saanen goats. Consequently, further studies are needed to investigate the effects of robenacoxib in high-dose and repeated administrations, liver and kidney dysfunctions, different age, breed, and physiological conditions. It was evaluated that robenacoxib could be used as an alternative NSAID to prevent pain and inflammation in goats, since no adverse effect was observed in the blood profile.
A case of plasmacytoma with widespread metastasis in a dog
Authors: Dagar Osman , Tural Aysenur , Celik Zeynep , Ozturk Fatih Mehmet , Tuzcu Mehmet , Gulcicek Erhan
Published: December 2023

In this study, a case of plasmacytoma with widespread metastasis in a nine-year-old male Rottweiler dog was described by histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Macroscopic examination revealed multifocal white or pink-red colored masses ranging in size from 0,5 to 3 cm in the lung, liver, mediastinal and mesenterial lymph nodes, spleen, heart, pancreas, intestine and kidneys. In microscopic examination, tumor foci consisting mostly of atypical plasma cells were observed in the lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes, intestine, and kidneys. Tumor-type giant cells were observed in tumor foci in the lung, mitotic figures in tumor foci in other organs, including the lung, and abundant tumor cells in capillary vessels. In Methyl Green Pyronin staining of lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, mediastinal and mesenterial lymph nodes, intestine and kidney sections, the cytoplasm of plasma cells was observed to be stained pink. Congo Red staining applied to liver and spleen sections showed amyloid deposits stained in brick red color. In addition, in the immunohistochemical staining of lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, mediastinal and mesenterial lymph nodes, intestine and kidney sections with Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) antibody, severe immunoreactivity was detected in tumor cells. As a result, due to the presence of rarely reported widespread metastases in the lung, liver, spleen, pancreas, mediastinal and mesenterial lymph nodes, intestine and kidneys of the diagnosed plasmacytoma case, it was deemed appropriate to publish the case in order to contribute to the literature by attracting the attention of veterinarians.