bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conservation Genetics and Modeling Potential Geographic Distribution of Corybas taliensis, a Small ‘Sky Island’ Orchid Species in China
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Wang Huichun , Yang Jing , Dao Zhiling , Sun Weibang
Published: June 2023

Background
Corybas taliensis is an endemic species of sky islands in the Pan-Tibetan Plateau region of China. Its habitat is fragile and volatile, and it is likely that the species is threatened. However, it is difficult to determine the conservation priority or unit without knowing the genetic background and the distribution of this species. In this study, we used double digest restriction-site associated DNA-sequencing (ddRAD-seq) to investigate the conservation genomics of C. taliensis. At the same time, we modeled the present and future (2030 and 2090) suitable habitats for C. taliensis using the maximum-entropy (MaxEnt) model.
Results
The results suggested that the related C. fanjingshanensis belongs to C. taliensis and should not be considered a separate species. All the sampling locations were divided into three genetic groups: Sichuan & Guizhou population (SG population), Hengduan Mountains population (HD population) and Himalaya population (HM population), and there was complex gene flow between the sampling locations of HD population. MT was distinct genetically from other sampling locations due to the special environment in Motuo. The genetic diversity (π, He) of C. taliensis was relatively high, but its contemporary effective population size (Ne) was small. C. taliensis might be currently affected by inbreeding depression, while its large population density may be able to reduce the effect. The areas of suitable habitats in higher mountains are not predicted to change significantly in the future, and these suitable habitats is predicted to spread to other higher mountains under future climate change. However, suitable habitats in relatively low altitude mountains may disappear in the future. Which indicated that C. taliensis will be caught in a ‘summit trap’ in low altitude areas. On the contrary, the high altitude of Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains regions play as ‘biological refuges’ for C. taliensis.
Conclusions
These results not only provide a new understanding of the genetic background and potential resource distribution of C. taliensis, but also lay the foundation for its conservation and management.
SETD5 regulates the OGT-catalyzed O-GlcNAcylation of RNA polymerase II, which is involved in the stemness of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Cho Hye In , Jo Sora , Kim Min Seong , Kim Han Byeol , Liu Xingzhe , Xuan Yanhua , Cho Jin Won , Jang Yeun Kyu
Published: June 2023

The dosage-dependent recruitment of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) at the promoters of genes related to neurodevelopment and stem cell maintenance is required for transcription by the fine-tuned expression of SET-domain-containing protein 5 (SETD5). Pol IIO-GlcNAcylation byO-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is critical for preinitiation complex formation and transcription cycling. SETD5 dysregulation has been linked to stem cell-like properties in some cancer types; however, the role of SETD5 in cancer cell stemness has not yet been determined. We here show that aberrant SETD5 overexpression induces stemness in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. SETD5 overexpression causes the upregulation of PI3K-AKT pathway-related genes and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers such as CD133, Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), and estrogen-related receptor beta (ESRRB), leading to the gain of stem cell-like phenotypes. Our findings also revealed a functional relationship between SETD5, OGT, and Pol II. OGT-catalyzed Pol II glycosylation depends on SETD5, and the SETD5-Pol II interaction weakens inOGT-depleted cells, suggesting a SETD5-OGT-Pol II interdependence.SETD5deficiency reduces Pol II occupancy at PI3K-AKT pathway-related genes and CD133 promoters, suggesting a role for SETD5-mediated Pol II recruitment in gene regulation. Moreover, theSETD5depletion nullified the SETD5-induced stemness of CRC cells and Pol IIO-GlcNAcylation. These findings support the hypothesis that SETD5 mediates OGT-catalyzedO-GlcNAcylation of RNA Pol II, which is involved in cancer cell stemness gain via CSC marker gene upregulation.
Unilateral and bilateral radioactive stent insertion in patients diagnosed with inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a comparative analysis
Authors: Jin Jin-Long , Zhang Yun-Qin , Wu Zhi-Xian , Feng An-Qiang , Li Hao
Published: June 2023

Background:While hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) patients commonly undergo radioactive stent (RS) insertion treatment, the relative benefits of unilateral versus bilateral RS insertion procedures remain to be established. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the relative safety and efficacy of percutaneous bilateral and unilateral RS insertion for patients with HCCA.Materials and Methods:In total, 126 HCCA patients that underwent unilateral (n=64) or bilateral (n=62) RS insertion from January 2017 - December 2021 were included in this analysis. Treatment efficacy and long-term outcomes were compared between groups.Results:The respective technical success rates in the unilateral and bilateral groups were 90.6% (58/64) and 93.5% (58/62) (P = 0.782). Both groups exhibited comparable medial postoperative bilirubin levels (100 vs. 99 μmol/L; P = 0.501), and restenosis occurred in 12 (20.7%) and 15 (25.9%) patients over the follow-up interval (P = 0.510). The median stent patency in the unilateral and bilateral groups was 189 and 210 days, respectively (P = 0.796), while the median overall survival interval was 222 and 229 days, respectively (P = 0.969). Comparable cholangitis (17.2% vs. 22.4%, P = 0.485) and cholecystitis (3.4% vs. 3.4%, P = 1.000) rates were also detected in these two groups.Conclusions:In summary, HCCA patients exhibit comparable efficacy when undergoing unilateral and bilateral radioactive stenting, suggesting that unilateral RS can be routinely performed owing to the simpler nature of this procedure.
Alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata treated non-small cell lung cancer by regulating glycolysis via the PI3K/AKT-mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: ZHANG Wen , Cai Shuhui , Qin Lihong , Ding Menglei , Luo Zichen , Shan Jinjun , Di Liuqing
Published: June 2023

Background: Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) is widely used in the clinical treatment of tumors. Numerous researches demonstrated that Fuzi had significant anti-tumor effects, while the active components of Fuzi and corresponding mechanisms are still unclear.
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the active fractions and underlying mechanisms of Fuzi in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods: Firstly, alkaloids (FZA) and polysaccharides (FZP) from Fuzi were extracted and purified. Then the anti-tumor active fraction of Fuzi was identified by the NSCLC subcutaneous xenograft mice model. The chemical composition of the active fraction was analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). After that, differentially expressed proteins of tumor tissues from the xenograft mice were determined by tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomics techniques. The levels of metabolites in serum were assessed by non-targeted metabolomics technology. The target and mechanism of FZA against NSCLC were predicted by network pharmacology. Lastly, the mechanism was verified by assay kits, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and western blotting.
Result: The volume, weight, and inhibitory rate of tumor tissues showed that FZA inhibited tumor growth of NSCLC xenograft mice significantly, while FZP manifested a weak effect. MTT assays showed that FZA significantly inhibited cancer cell viability. A total of 53 alkaloids were identified in FZA, including diester-, monoester and alkylamine-diterpenoid alkaloids. Proteomics experiment found that 238 differentially expressed proteins regulated by FZA were involved in amino acid anabolism, pyrimidine metabolism and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Metabolomics analyses identified a total of 32 significant differential metabolites in serum between the model and FZA-treated mice. Among these, the metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and other pathways. By using multi-omics research combined with network pharmacological prediction, it was found that FZA might regulate tumor energy metabolism through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to treat NSCLC. Furthermore, assay kits and GC-MS analyses showed that FZA effectively decreased the glucose consumption and lactate production, meanwhile increasing the content of intermediates related to the TCA cycle in NSCLC cells. Western blotting assay verified that FZA reduced the protein expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR.
Conclusion: The current study showed that FZA treated NSCLC by regulating glycolysis via the PI3K/AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, which would lay a foundation for the anti-tumor investigation of Fuzi and provide a scientific basis for its clinical application.
The Deflection and Heat Transfer Analysis of Injection Mold Cavity with SLA Cooling Channel Insert
Authors: Aladesiun Olumide Temidayo , Lee Kyehwan , Song Yooseob , Park Younggil
Published: June 2023

Rapid and efficient cooling in injection molding leads to quality products and increased
productivity. Conformal cooling, utilizing additive manufacturing technology, is considered the
most efficient and effective cooling channel design. However, its utilization is limited due to
various factors such as complexity, cost, and lack of knowledge. While selective laser melting is
commonly used to produce cavity inserts with conformal cooling, an alternative, cost-effective
method is stereolithography. A study was conducted to investigate a hybrid design using metal
cavity inserts and stereolithography cooling channels for deflection and heat transfer analysis. A
cup-like geometry was chosen due to its heat dissipation challenges during the cooling process.
Autodesk Moldflow was employed for flow analysis to determine the injection molding
conditions, considering different cup thicknesses and material properties (PP and PC) with
varying melt flow indexes (5, 10, and 15 g/min). Finite element analysis using Solidworks
Simulation was conducted for stress analysis on selected core thicknesses (5mm, 7.5mm, and
10mm) and compared to fatigue strength. Results showed that a 5mm core thickness failed, while
the 7.5mm core thickness made of P20 tool steel was able to accommodate injection pressures
ranging from 0 to 27 MPa, averaging 461 mm³/sec. The 10mm core thickness of P20 tool steel
accommodated pressures from 0 to 45MPa, averaging 421 mm³/sec. These results were obtained
for selected PP and PC materials at melt temperatures of 230℃and 300℃, respectively,
considering cup thicknesses of 1.5mm, 2mm, and 2.5mm. A heat transfer experiment was
conducted, varying the flow rate (laminar, transitional, and turbulent) and temperature (60℃,
70℃, and 80℃) while considering two levels of diameter and pitch for the cooling channels and
core thickness. The findings revealed that higher flow rates, smaller cooling diameters, and
smaller pitch values resulted in higher thermal efficiency. The highest heat removal of 1.59 KJ
was achieved with a 7.5mm core thickness, 8mm cooling diameter, and 12mm pitch. The
analysis confirmed the suitability of stereolithography (SLA) for conformal cooling in injection
molding, highlighting the cost savings associated with adopting a hybrid design
A posterior mitral valve leaflet blood cyst treated with total endoscopic resection: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Masroor Matiullah , Yang Dayan , Lin Shengxiong , Dong Nianguo , Liu Fujin , Wu Long , Xie Ting
Published: June 2023

Introduction:
cardiac blood cyst is a very rare benign tumor of the heart in adults. Though it is very common in the first half year of life, it regresses with time and its occurrence is very rare in children older than six months and in adults. Until now less than 100 valvular blood cysts have been reported in the literature.
Case presentation:
We present a case of 66 years old male presented with right leg weakness for two weeks. He was diagnosed with a cardiac mass two months ago in another hospital. The physical examination was unremarkable. Abdominal ultrasound showed a cyst in the liver and left kidney. Echocardiography showed a mass-occupying lesion of a cystic nature in the mitral valve with mild mitral regurgitation. Based on echo findings and abdominal ultrasound report the preliminary diagnosis of mitral valve blood cyst was made. The patient underwent total endoscopic resection of the cyst. The posterior mitral cusp was repaired and a mitral annuloplasty ring was placed. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. The histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac blood cyst. The patient was followed up for six months without any complications. This case is presented here to enrich the already available medical literature of the cardiac blood cyst.
Conclusion:
The possibility of cardiac blood cyst increases with concomitant cyst present elsewhere in the body. Though cardiac blood cyst is a rare entity in adults, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac tumors. Because the natural history and hemodynamic effect are very diverse, large symptomatic cardiac cysts, especially in the left heart should be resected to avoid complications.
Surgical outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for eyes with nasolacrimal duct obstruction via tear meniscus height evaluation
Authors: Hosoda Yoshikatsu , Matsuyama Hiroko , Akimoto Masayuki , Miyazaki Chika
Published: June 2023

Purpose
To evaluate clinical outcomes of patients who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) and investigate prognostic factors.
Methods
We recruited 304 patients from two institutes. The tear meniscus height (TMH) was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography before surgery. All patients underwent endoscopic DCR with lacrimal intubation stent insertion. The lacrimal stent was removed 2 months after surgery. The TMH was measured 2 months and 12 months after surgery. Improvements in epiphora were assessed using a visual analogue scale (range, 0–2). Recurrence was determined based on lacrimal irrigation and endoscopic evaluation results.
Results
All patients experienced improvements in subjective symptoms 2 months after surgery. The mean TMH also decreased significantly compared with that before surgery. During the follow-up period, four patients experienced recurrence. The mean TMH 12 months after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery. The rate of change in the TMH was significantly associated with the use of a dacryoendoscope during sheath-guided lacrimal stent intubation at all time points. Of the 251 patients who were followed up at 12 months after surgery, three reported recurrences, and 17 reported mild improvement of epiphora. The rate of change in the TMH was significantly associated with epiphora improvement. Height was also associated with epiphora improvement.
Conclusions
Endoscopic DCR is an acceptable surgical procedure for managing nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Sheath-guided lacrimal stent intubation using a dacryoendoscope decreases postoperative TMH more than blind insertion, which may lead to favourable clinical outcomes.
Towards Interactive Explanation-based Nutrition Virtual Coaching Systems
Authors: Buzcu Berk , Tessa Melissa , Tchappi Igor , Najjar Amro , Hulstijn Joris , Calvaresi Davide , Aydoğan Reyhan
Published: June 2023

The awareness about healthy lifestyles is increasing, opening to personalized intelligent health coaching applications. A demand for more than mere suggestions and mechanistic interactions has driven attention to nutrition virtual coaching systems (NVC) as a bridge between human-machine interaction and recommender, informative, persuasive, and argumentation systems. NVC can rely on data-driven opaque mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial to enable NVC to explain their doing (i.e., engaging the user in discussions (via arguments) about dietary solutions/alternatives). By doing so, transparency, user acceptance, and engagement are expected to be boosted. This study focuses on NVC agents generating personalized food recommendations based on user-specific factors such as allergies, eating habits, lifestyles, and ingredient preferences. In particular, we propose a user-agent negotiation process entailing run-time feedback mechanisms to react to both recommendations and related explanations. Lastly, the study presents the findings obtained by the experiments conducted with multi-background participants to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of the proposed system. The results indicate that most participants value the opportunity to provide feedback and receive explanations for recommendations. Additionally, the users are fond of receiving information tailored to their needs. Furthermore, our interactive recommendation system performed better than the corresponding traditional recommendation system in terms of effectiveness regarding the number of agreements and rounds.
Automated Prediction of Radiotherapy Sensitivity Using Hybrid Model-Based MRI Radiomics in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yang Hua , Xu Yinan , Dong Mohan , Zhang Ying , Gong Jie , Huang Dong , Wei Lichun , Gou Shuiping , Zhao Lina
Published: June 2023

Background To develop a model that could automatically predict radiotherapy sensitivity for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) based on T2-weighted MR images and clinical parameters. Methods: A total of 138 patients were enrolled, T2-weighted MR images and clinical information of the patients before treatment were collected. Clinical information includes age, stage, pathological type, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) level, and lymph node status. A hybrid model extracted the domain specific features from computational radiomics system, the abstract features from deep learning network and the clinical parameters, and employed an ensemble learning classifier weighted by logistic regression (LR) classifier, support vector machine (SVM) classifier, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier and Bayesian classifier to predict pathologic complete response (pCR).The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), accuracy (ACC), true positive rate (TPR), true negative rate (TNR) and precision were used as evaluation metrics. Results: Among 138 LACC patients, 74 were in the pCR group and 64 were in the non-pCR group. There was no significant difference between the two cohorts in terms of tumor diameter, lymph node and stage before radiotherapy, p = 0.787, 0.068, 0.846, respectively. The 109-dimension domain features and 1472-dimension abstract features from MRI image were selected to use for forming hybrid model. The average AUC, ACC, TPR, TNR and precision of the proposed hybrid model was about 0.80, 0.71, 0.75, 0.66 and 0.71, while The AUC values of using clinical parameters, domain specific features, abstract features alone were 0.61, 0.67 and 0.76, respectively. The AUC value of model without ensemble learning classifier was 0.76. Conclusions: The proposed hybrid model could predict well radiotherapy sensitivity of patients with LACC, which might help radiation oncologist to make personalized treatment plans for patients.
Why is there a gap in self-rated health among people with hypertension? A decomposition of determinants and rural‒urban differences
Authors: Mweemba Chris , Mutale Wilbroad , Masiye Felix , Hangoma Peter
Published: June 2023

Background
Hypertension affects over one billion people globally and is one of the leading causes of premature death. The low- and middle-income countries, especially the sub-Saharan Africa region, bear a disproportionately higher share of hypertension globally. Recent evidence shows a steady shift in the burden of hypertension from the more affluent and urban population towards the poorer and rural communities. Our study examined inequalities in self-rated health among people with hypertension and whether there is a rural‒urban gap in the health of these patients. We then quantified factors driving the health gap. We also examined how much HIV accounts for differences in self-rated health among hypertension patients due to the relationship between HIV, hypertension and health in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
We utilized the Zambia Household Health Expenditure and Utilization Survey for the data on SRH and other demographic and socioeconomic controls. District HIV prevalence information was from a previous study. The linear probability model provided a preliminary assessment of the association between self-rated health and independent variables. We then used the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition to identify self-rated health inequality between urban and rural patients and determine determinants of the health gap between the two groups.
Results
Advanced age, lower education and low district HIV prevalence were significantly associated with poor health rating among hypertension patients. The decomposition analysis indicated that 45.5% of urban patients and 36.9% of rural patients reported good self-rated health, representing a statistically significant health gap of 8.6%. Most of the identified health gap can be attributed to endowment effects, with education (62%), district HIV prevalence (26%) and household expenditure (12%) being the most important determinants that explain the health gap.
Conclusions
Urban hypertension patients have better SRH than rural patients in Zambia. Educational interventions, financial protection schemes and strengthening hypertension health services in rural areas can significantly reduce the health gap between the two regions.
Influence of geogrid arrangement on the bearing capacity of a granular soil on physical models and its comparison to theoretical equations
Authors: Albuja-Sánchez Jorge , Cóndor Lino , Oñate Karen , Ruiz Shirley , Lal Dharmesh
Published: June 2023

This study presents an analysis of the influence of geogrid distribution on the bearing capacity of granular soils. For this purpose, the bearing capacity is compared based on 3 arrangements, uniform, trapezoidal, and inverted trapezoidal, with 2 types of geogrids, biaxial and multiaxial, under the application of an axial load. The tests performed were analyzed in three forms in which the trapezoidal distribution was the best arrangement for biaxial and multiaxial geogrids. The first analysis considers the peaks for each stress-strain curve, the trapezoidal distribution increases the bearing capacity by 36% and 33% for biaxial and multiaxial geogrids, respectively. The second analysis considers an s/B ratio of 10%, which had an average increment of 30.5% for the two types of geogrids. The third analysis considers a 20% of s/B ratio, which showed a 56% and 81% of BCR increase for biaxial and multiaxial geogrids respectively. From an economical and environmental analysis, the trapezoidal distribution saves 7% of material compared to the traditional uniform distribution. The comparison between physical and numerical models with theoretical equations is presented.
A Robust approach based on fractional variable-order Total Variation and anisotropic diffusion for Poisson image restoration
Authors: Ben-loghfyry Anouar , Yazidi Youness El
Published: June 2023

In this work, we propose a novel approach for Poisson image denoising based on a fractional variable-order total variation functional combined with an anisotropic diffusion operator. Poisson noise is particularly challenging to remove since it depends heavily on the image intensity. Due to the region geometry in images, efficient regularization terms capable of preserving piecewise smoothness in details and features such as Total Variation technique are necessary. The proposed model is discretized, and the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers algorithm is used to split our optimization variables. We conduct various numerical experiments to demonstrate the superiority of our proposed approach over state-of-the-art methods in Poisson image denoising.
Analysis of 4-bromophenols degradation mechanism, kinetics and isotherms by Pichia kluyveri FM012: Experimental and modeling philosophy
Authors: Isia Ismallianto , Sukmono Yudi , Hadibarata Tony , Yilmaz Murat
Published: June 2023

The use of toxic and persistent pesticides in agriculture results in serious and lasting environmental impacts. Although traditional methods such as physical and chemical reclamation give the best results, treating these contaminants requires high cost and expertise. Therefore, this study focuses on bioremediation recovery, which is more efficient, economical, and safer to remove. In this case, the newly isolated potential of Pichia kluyveri FM012 in degrading 4-bromophenol was investigated. The selected strain was isolated from the tropical rainforest in Selangor, Malaysia. The impact of optimized parameters such as agitation, pH, nitrogen and carbon source were also studied. After extensive testing, the best optimal degradation was at pH 5 with 150 rpm stirrer speed. Glucose and yeast performed best compared to other carbon and nitrogen sources. The maximum biosorption capacity (qm = 38.46 mg/g biomass) was predicted by the Langmuir model, but the Freundlich model adsorption gave a better value of R2 = 0.999. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fits the study of biosorption kinetics. The FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of asymmetric and symmetric vibration of the aromatic ring and was assigned C=C or C=O, and fungi showed biosorption ability in broad functional groups. These results provided interesting information about the ability of Pichia kluyveri FM012 and potential applications to remediate the resistant pesticide.
Bifurcation and stability of uniformly rotating homogeneous ellipsoids surrounded by a massive thin ring
Authors: Yoshida Shin'ichirou
Published: June 2023

We examine the effects of a massive concentric ring around a spheroid or an ellipsoid with uniform density and uniform rotation. Equilibrium sequences of axisymmetric Maclaurin-like spheroid and triaxial Jacobi-like ellipsoids are obtained. Due to the gravitational field of the ring, Maclaurin-like spheroid does not have a spherical limit when the object's angular frequency vanishes. At a critical value of the eccentricity of the spheroid's meridional section, a triaxial Jacobi-like ellipsoid bifurcates. When a parameter characterizing the gravitational field of the ring is smaller than a threshold, the bifurcation points of Maclaurin-like and Jacobi-like ellipsoids exist and the critical eccentricity is slightly larger than that of the classical Maclaurin-to-Jacobi bifurcation. When the parameter exceeds the threshold, the Maclaurin-like spheroid does not have the bifurcation point and the Jacobi-like ellipsoid appears at the lower eccentricity than the Maclaurin-like spheroid. By comparisons of the energy of the ellipsoids with the same angular momentum, it is shown that the critical point of bifurcation does not correspond to the onset of the secular instability of Maclaurin-like spheroid. It is concluded that the gravitational field of a massive ring surrounding a uniformly rotating spheroid stabilizes it against a bar-shaped deformation due to viscous dissipations.
Urban Parks for Conservation of Butterflies: A case study of Butterfly Diversity of Urban Parks in Kozhikode urban agglomeration, Kerala
Authors: Alex Naveen Prasad
Published: June 2023

In Southeast Asia, urbanisation and biodiversity loss have accelerated due to rapid economic development. However, the conservation value of urban parks in India remains understudied. In the Kozhikode Urban Agglomeration, we examined the diversity and richness of butterflies and its relation with area of the park and distance of park from city centre. At each park, butterfly surveys were carried out across various microhabitat types: Groves, hedges, flowerbeds, and unmanaged areas make up the first four categories. The vegetation use and behaviour of butterflies were also studied. The conservation interest and endemicty of the butterflies were also noted. We recorded 74 species of butterflies from 6 families, some having some sort of endemicty and conservation interest. The area of the park was moderately positively correlated with the diversity and richness whereas the vice versa was seen for distance from city centre. Regarding microhabitats the highest species richness and diversity was observed for unmanaged and groves microhabitats. The results revealed that even though there are limitations with proper planning and implementation, urban parks can serve as a good conservation effort.
Clinical evaluation of bacterial plaque retentive factors
Authors: Robo Ilma , Kapaj Kers , Cafaj Migerta , Heta Saimir
Published: June 2023

Background
Bacterial plaque with diverse content of different types of bacteria, has a well-organized structure and functions as the main pathogen of periodontal pathologies, based on this regular structure. Despite the specific bacterial content, which is individually variable, the plaque has the possibility of causing periodontal pathology that in some clinical specifics, may not even cause periodontal pathology; all this depending on the immunity of the individual or the patient.
Main text
The etiological factors of bacterial plaque in the literature are also classified as retentive factors, or factors that help in the creation or maturation of bacterial plaque. The basic principle of these factors is the creation of rough surfaces on which the bacterial plaque is created according to the stages of initial colonization, adhesion, secondary colonization and maturation. This study aims to present these factors according to clinical cases, and to numerically evaluate the data collected from the evaluated patients.
Conclusions
Prophylaxis against periodontal diseases must first include the patient's understanding of the pathogenic role of bacterial plaque and how to prevent its adhesion and maturation.
Zur Verschränkung von Intersektionalität und literarischem Erzählen : Bernardine Evaristos Roman "Girl, Woman, Other" als intersektionale Intervention
Authors: Assmann Corinna
Published: June 2023

Das Konzept der Intersektionalität hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten in den Geistes-, Sozial- und Lebenswissenschaften als überaus einflussreich erwiesen. Auch in der Literaturwissenschaft gewinnen Intersektionalitätstheorien zunehmend an Bedeutung. Der Beitrag geht von dieser Entwicklung aus und fragt zunächst allgemein danach, wie sich das Konzept für literaturwissenschaftliche Methoden und Fragestellungen fruchtbar machen lässt, in denen die Beschäftigung mit Intersektionalität über ein Verständnis dieser als reine Identitätstheorie hinausgeht. Die Analyse von Bernardine Evaristos preisgekröntem Roman "Girl, Woman, Other" (2019) führt anschließend vor, wie Identitätsfragen aus intersektionaler Perspektive nicht nur Interdependenzen der Ungleichheiten zwischen Figuren in den Blick nehmen, sondern auch die systemischen Grundlagen dieser Ungleichheiten sowie deren Einbindung in eine hegemoniale Kulturindustrie. Mit seiner Thematisierung von Intersektionalität als Thema auf mehreren Ebenen dient der Roman als Beispiel, wie das Konzept als Theorie und Methode die Literaturanalyse bereichern kann, und umgekehrt, welche Impulse sich aus der Beschäftigung mit Literatur und narratologischen Analysekategorien wie Perspektive und Perspektivenstruktur auch für die Intersektionalitätsforschung gewinnen lassen.
Clinical and morphological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy in a patient with locally advanced gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Skoropad V. Yu. , Mironova D. Yu. , Kolobaev I. V. , Agababyan T. A. , Zhavoronkova E. S. , Grinevich V. N. , Ivanov S. A. , Kaprin A. D.
Published: June 2023

Background. Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers with the highest incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Gastrectomy/distal subtotal resection with D2 lymphadenectomy and perioperative chemotherapy with FLOT is the standard treatment for locally advanced gastric cancer. Currently, the role of chemoradiation therapy in the treatment of gastric cancer has not been well determined. From 2019 to 2021, a prospective phase 2 clinical trial was undertaken at A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre (MRRC) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy: induction chemotherapy with FLOT (2 cycles) and chemoradiotherapy (total dose of 46 Gy with the concurrent chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin) followed by surgery. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer with a favorable pathological response, downstaging and more than 2.5-year disease-free survival. Case description. A 48 year-old male patient was admitted to the MRRC with complain of epigastric pains for 2 months. Gastroscopic biopsy revealed gastric cancer. The comprehensive examination revealed proximal gastric cancer involving the abdominal segment of the esophagus (cT3N3aM0, stage III). The patient was invited to participate in the clinical trial. The patient accepted to participate voluntarily and signed an informed consent. He received 2 cycles of FLOT chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy and surgery (gastrectomy with resection of the abdominal segment of the esophagus and D2 lymph node dissection). Histological examination of the surgical specimen revealed grade 1b pathological response (Becker criteria). Histological examination of lymph nodes revealed pathological complete response. The patient is alive after 33 months of gollow-up without the evidence of disease progression. Conclusion. Neoadjuvant induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy resulted in a favorable pathological response, downstaging and 2.5-year disease-free survival.
Endogenous and exogenous risk factors affecting the incidence of breast cancer in the population of Yakutia
Authors: Tikhonov D. G. , Molokov A. Yu. , Belyavskaya V. A. , Ananina O. A. , Gervas P. A.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of the study: to analyze the breast cancer incidence and breast cancer risk factors for the population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 2011-2020. Material and Methods. The incidence of breast cancer in the population of Yakutia was analyzed using the data collected from population-based cancer registries of the Russian cancer statistics covering the period 2011-2020. The analysis of breast cancer risk factors was carried out using the data from systematic reviews published over the past 5 years (2018-2022). Results. The age-standardized incidence rates of breast cancer among the indigenous population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) were lower than those in other Siberian ethnic groups and the Slavic population, amounting to 12.7 per 100,000 population. The rise in the breast cancer incidence rates in the region for 2011-2020 was associated with the aging of the population, since the trend in the population growth was not observed in the analysis of age-standardized rates. Conclusion. The breast cancer incidence rates among the indigenous population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) are significantly lower compared to those observed in other ethnic groups living in Siberia. The rise in the breast cancer incidence rates in Yakutia is related to the aging of the population. The low age-standardized breast cancer incidence rates may be explained by a low consumption of hormonal agents and natural reproductive behavior. The search for ethno-specific mutations associated with breast cancer in the Yakut population as endogenous risk factors is of great importance. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of North-adaptive genetic mutations in the development of breast cancer. The assessment of the role of natural polyphenolic compounds, the content of which is high in wild berries (historically, a significant proportion of the food consumed by indigenous people), as a protective factor, is promising.
Ultrasound elastometry of the brachial plexus after combined modality treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Khudiakov P. A. , Potapov A. L. , Ivanov S. A. , Kaprin A. D.
Published: June 2023

Shear wave elastometry is important for improving the quality of treatment of patients with postmastectomy edema of the upper limb. Objective: to assess the density of brachial plexus tissues measured by shear wave sonoelastometry in breast cancer patients who received combined modality treatment. Material and Methods. We examined 30 breast cancer patients with postmastectomy edema of the upper limb, who underwent shear wave elastometry of the brachial plexus in the interscalene region. The side where radiation therapy (RT) was delivered was compared with the contralateral (healthy) side in one patient. Results. The median values of tissue stiffness measured by shear wave elastometry were 30.4 (26.2-35.8) and 16.2 (15-19) kPa on the affected and unaffected side, respectively (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in tissue stiffness associated with the age of the patients, right/left side and body mass index. Conclusion. Shear wave elastometry is an alternative method for examining the brachial plexus in radiotherapy for breast cancer. On the RT side, the perineural tissues of the brachial plexus were denser than those on the healthy side. In clinical practice, elastometry can be used to monitor the dynamics of radiation damage and their consequences.
Are cryptocurrencies a threat to financial stability and economic growth of India? Evidence from the cointegration approach
Authors: Panigrahi Shrikant
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the cryptocurrency market affects the financial stability and economic growth of India. The study used time series quarterly data on bitcoin, financial stability, inflation rate, real GDP, economic volatility uncertainty, exchange rate, and market volatility index for the period 2015Q1–2022Q4. The robustness of the findings was confirmed by the fully modified OLS (FMOLS) and canonical cointegration regression (CCR). The study results demonstrated that an increase in cryptocurrency investments will affect the financial stability of India significantly. Each 1% increase in the cryptocurrency would reduce the financial stability by 5% approximately. However, there was a marginal effect of cryptocurrency on economic growth. The results also found that exchange rate volatility and inflationary pressure would also deteriorate the financial stability of the country. Furthermore, the results also identified positive and significant cointegration between economic growth and financial stability. Due to most transactions in the economy being done through the financial system, it is paramount for economic growth. Going forward, aggressive monetary policy tightening, volatility in capital flows and exchange rates, de-anchoring of inflation expectations, faltering in the economic recovery, disruptions due to global supply chains and climate change will be the major risks to the financial stability and economic growth of India.
Vietnam’s participation in the global value chains: An empirical study on the automotive industry
Authors: Nguyen Thi Phuong Linh , Vu Hai Anh
Published: June 2023

The automotive industry plays a crucial role in national and global economic development. Vietnam and the ASEAN-5 countries are commented to be active in the automotive international production network but mainly participate in the low-value-added segments of the global value chains (GVC). This study aims to identify Vietnam’s position and level of participation in the global automotive value chain and compare them to the other ASEAN-5 nations. The paper uses the orthodox and modern trade-related GVC indicators built by Koopman et al. (2010) to accomplish the research objective. The results show that Vietnam and the ASEAN-5 countries located downstream of the global automotive value chain often have less potential to gain more value-added than the upstream position, despite their high level of participation. Compared to ASEAN-5 countries, Vietnam still needs to catch up. Although Vietnam’s auto industry has made many positive changes, it still mainly produces simple products and currently participates in the least added value segment in the global automotive value chain. The underdeveloped support industry in Vietnam is the main cause of this situation. The study makes several practical policy recommendations for Vietnam based on the research findings to improve its position in the production network for the automotive sector in the following years.
AcknowledgmentThe authors would like to thank the VNU University of Economics and Business, Hanoi, for financing the Research Project, number BBQT.04.2022.
Effect of Pre-Analytical Errors in Laboratory Testing Facilities: The Way Forward
Authors: Cordelia Enyanwu Ofaka
Published: June 2023

Pre-analytical errors contribute a significant proportion of errors of all major sources of mistakes made in laboratory testing processes and are responsible for several patient safety risks. It contributes to wrong therapeutic interventions, irrelevant follow up laboratory investigations and diagnostic delays, which impact negatively on the economy and laboratory effectiveness of health services. Pre-analytical phase is directly related to the procedure of specimen collection and is mostly out of the direct control of the laboratory; further, most pre-analytical errors are related to human factors. The aim of the study is to determine the nature and the occurrence of pre-analytical errors and recommendations on possible measures to reduce these errors. A total of 300 specimens were randomly sampled from a study population of 600 patients and analyzed for pre-analytical errors. One hundred and eighty-four (184) samples were found unsuitable for further processing accounting for 1.9% of all samples analyzed for pre-analytical errors and sample rejection. Rejections were due to following reasons: hemolysis 21.7 % (40) wrong tubes 19 % (35); clotted blood 17% (32); inappropriate timing of collection 15.7% (29); mislabeled specimens 15.2% (28); insufficient specimen quantity 6.5 % (12) and lipemic specimens 4.3% (8). The overall percentage of rejection was 1.9% and the substantial numbers of the rejected specimens were re-tested. Efforts aimed to reduce the rates of rejected samples can improve the quality of laboratory-based health care response. Keywords: Error, Laboratory, Pre-analytical, Rejection, Specimen.
Critical Assessment of Orthodox Vaccine against Local Herbal Lipid Mixture (JOHVIR) in the Treatment of Covid-19 Infection: A Comparative and Pilot Study Approach within FCT, Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Ajobiewe H.F.
Published: June 2023

This study examined the effectiveness of Orthodox vaccine and Local remedy (JOHVIR) administration against Covid-19 Disease- A comparative study approach within FCT Abuja metropolis, Nigeria. 121 volunteers participated in this study, Chi-square calculated was higher than chi-square tabulated, when the lipids mixture was administered- indicating high level of significance (P< 0.05) as very effective anti-corona 2 remedy. Chi-square (χ2 Cal = 38.38; χ2 tab = 5.99) and (χ2 Cal = 30.86; χ2 tab = 5.99), the values were significant at 0.05% level, unisex. Those study subjects on orthodox vaccine therapy had a lot of life-threatening side effects and in some cases fatal consequences while in others there were reinfection with corona virus 2. after taking over booster doses of the vaccine: none of those on local herbal lipid remedy ever had any life-threatening side effects apart from mild headaches in some cases, we strongly suggest that cold viruses such as corona virus 2 that mutate a lot may not be effectively combated and handled by orthodox vaccine. Efforts must be geared towards the mass production and development of simple antivirals such as the lipids mixture used in this study termed “Joseleen herbal lipids mixture (JOHVIR)”. As it was significantly sensitive as Covid-19 antiviral agent. Alternate simple measures such as the herbal lipids mixture could be the solution to the Covid-19 Pandemic as it prevents and neutralizes the coronavirus 2 before it penetrates the cell. Keywords: Vaccine, Herbal lipids mixture, Joseleen, Covid-19, Chi-square (χ2).
The Demographic and Clinical History as Predictors Contributing to the Prevalence of Caesarean Sections in Ghana: A Facility-Based Study
Authors: Kondor Vincentia Dzigbordi
Published: June 2023

Caesarean section is an essential clinical obstetric intervention used to reduce maternal and foetal death. Several indications contribute to the decision-making to use CS as a delivery in the clinical environment. This study sought to determine the prevalence of CS at LEKMA Hospital in Ghana and the demographic and clinical history of mothers as predictors for the prevalence. Using a retrospective study design, data for all mothers who had previously given birth at the hospital’s obstetric and gynaecological department was used. Multiple logistic regression was applied and a p-value<0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for results using IBM-SPSS version 25. From the study, the prevalence of CS was 40.6% and the average age for SVD and CS were 28.3±5.94years and CS 29.6±5.50years respectively. The likelihood of those aged 36 years and above undergoing CS was notably higher (AOR; 2.84, 95%CI 1.41-5.3, p-value <0.0001) compared to those aged 26-30 (AOR; 2.45, 95%CI 1.49-4.00, p-value: 0.004) years and 31-35 (AOR; 1.65, 95% CI 0.94-2.90, p-value: 0.080) years. The results further indicated that the risk of undergoing CS was greater among mothers with parity of 1-2 (AOR: 1.56, 95%CI 1.02-2.41, p-value: 0.040). The prevalence of CS in the study is greater than the recommended prevalence per 100 births by the World Health Organization. The sociodemographic and clinical history of a pregnant woman influenced the mode of delivery such that the increase in gestational age and parity decreased the risk of CS. Whiles the educational status and age of the mothers at the time of birth increased the risk of CS delivery. Keywords: Caesarean section, Prevalence, Maternal, Indications.
Dental Concerns of Patients with Mental Disabilities- A Review
Authors: Najmuddin Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Oral health plays an important role in patients suffering with mental disorders. It is important to focus on a multidisciplinary approach including psychiatrists, general practitioners, dental practitioners, psychologists and nutritionists. The most common dental diseases encountered in patients with mental disorders are dental caries and periodontal diseases. Thus, it is required to bridge the professional gap for maintaining adequate oral health and for diagnosing the mental health issues In the present review article, we emphasize an overview on providing the basic information about the dental concerns of patients with mental disability. The electronic database included Pub Med, Medline, Science Direct, Goggle Scholar using terms mental disability and Down syndrome etc. Relevant articles published in English on reference lists were identified and retrieved from electronic and print journals. Keywords: Dental practice, Mental disabilities; Oral health.