bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Digital Financial Inclusion Matter for Agricultural Jobs Generation in the Post-Pandemic Era in SSA Countries?
Authors: Akpa Armand Fréjuis
Published: April 2024

Job generation remains a main challenge for African countries that face an increase in the labour force population. The agriculture sector remains the major provider of employment in Africa. This sector is faced with several problems such as access to credit, which is limited due to the population's low financial inclusion. The recent COVID 19 pandemic had consequences not only on financial services but also on jobs. The rapid development of information communication and technology (ICT) constitutes a way to include underserved people in financial services through digital platforms to increase their access to credit and in turn generate jobs. This paper was undertaken in this context to assess the digital financial inclusion (DFI) influence on agricultural job generation in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nations. Using a sample of 26 SSA nations over the period 2014-2021 and the general method of moments in the system (SGMM) on panel data, the estimation results show that digital access and digital use promote employment in agriculture. Similarly, the DFI improves employment in agriculture, allowing us to confirm that DFI is a factor that promotes employment in agriculture in SSA nations. However, the study suggests that to reduce unemployment in SSA nations, governments and policymakers must take action to include individuals in financial services through the development and use of digital platforms.
JEL Codes: G20 – O16 – O30 – J21
EPYC promotes laryngeal cancer carcinogenesis and angiogenesis via theWnt-Axin-β-catenin/VEGFR1 pathway
Authors: Zhou Dongmei , Liu Fan , Li Xiaoqi , Lv Fei
Published: April 2024

Background
EPYC is a member of a small family of leucine-rich repetitive proteoglycans (SLRPs) and contributes to the carcinogenesis of different cancers. However, the role of EPYC in laryngeal cancer (LC) is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the biological significance of EPYC in LC.
Methods
In public databases, EPYC was identified by screening as a hub angiogenesis-related differentially expressed gene (Ar-DEG), and this finding was validated in LC tissues. The biological role of EPYC as an LC promoter was verified by knocking down EPYC with small interfering RNA (siRNA) in LC cell lines. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of EPYC-related genes and verification experiments were subsequently conducted. The proangiogenic effect of EPYC and its specific mechanism were explored using a coculture model of HUVECs and LC cells.
Results
We found that EPYC was significantly upregulated in LC tissues vs. normal tissues, both in public databases and in in-house LC tissue samples, and was closely correlated with patient prognosis. EPYC knockdown in LC cells attenuated laryngeal carcinogenesis and angiogenesis, while the addition of rhEPYC partially restored tumor growth and neovascularization. GSEA revealed that genes upregulated in samples with high EPYC expression were enriched in the cell cycle. Mechanistically, EPYC may suppress the expression of Axin, a β-catenin degradation complex protein that activates Wnt/β-catenin, or promote the degradation of VEGFR1 and reduce its ability to act as a decoy of VEGF to increase VEGF secretion and promote angiogenesis.
Conclusion
We showed that EPYC is overexpressed in LC and promotes LC carcinogenesis and angiogenesis via the Wnt-Axin-β-catenin/VEGFR1-VEGF pathway, suggesting EPYC as a novel therapeutic target for LC.
Study on the correlation between serum levels of oxidative stress regulatory factors and CaOx kidney stones
Authors: Aihemaitijiang Baihetiyaer , Azhati Julaiti , Tailaiti Alimu , Ma Bin , Liu Ruotian , Chen Ce , Maihemuti Maiwulajiang , Mahemuti Mulati
Published: April 2024

Background
This study revealed the role of serum oxidative stress regulators such as sKL, Nrf2 and GSK3β, in the formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones.
Methods
Clinical data and blood samples were collected from 148 patients with CaOx kidney stones and 151 healthy persons.The levels of sKL, Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1 and GSK3β in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The independent sample t test and rank sum test were used to compare the two sets of data.Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between serum sKL and levels of Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1 and GSK3β in patients with CaOx kidney stones.Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors affecting the occurrence of CaOx kidney stones. ROC curve was used to evaluate the value of oxidative stress markers in the diagnosis of CaOx kidney stones.
Results
There were statistically significant differences in age, BMI, serum levels of sKL, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, GSK3β, potassium, sodium and magnesium between healthy group and CaOx group (P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that serum sKL level was positively correlated with NQO-1 (r = 0.207, P = 0.011) and serum Ca2+ (r = 0.17, P = 0.13), and negatively correlated with GSK3β (r=-0.206, P = 0.012).Logistic regression showed that increased serum HO-1 and NQO-1 levels were protective factors for the occurrence of CaOx kidney stones (P<0.05), and increased BMI and serum GSK3β levels were risk factors for the occurrence of CaOx kidney stones(P<0.05).The combined ROC curve analysis of the three indexes showed that the combined sensitivity (0.85), specificity (0.70) and AUC (0.84) of serum HO-1 + NQO-1 + GSK3β were significantly higher than the combined detection of single or two indexes, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion
The serum levels of sKL, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1 are decreased in patients with CaOx kidney stones, and the serum levels of GSK3β are increased.Serum sKL level was positively correlated with NQO-1 and negatively correlated with GSK3β.The elevated levels of serum HO-1 and NQO-1 are protective factors and GSK3β and BMI are risk factors for the development of CaOx kidney stones.Serum HO-1 + NQO-1 + GSK3β is a suitable combination for the serologic diagnosis of CaOx kidney stones.
Prediction of equilibrium moisture content and swelling of Thermally modified hardwoods by artificial neural networks
Authors: Masoumi Abasali , Bond Brian
Published: April 2024

In this study artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed for predicting the effects of wood species, density, modifying time and temperature on the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and swelling of six different thermally modified hardwood species. Lumber of Yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera); red oak (Quercus borealis); white ash (Fraxinus americana), red maple (Acer rubrum); hickory (Carya glabra), and black cherry (Prunus serotina) were selected. Using Keras and Pytorch libraries in Python, different feed forward and back propagation multilayer ANN models were created and tested. The best prediction models, determined based on the errors in training iterations, were selected and used for testing. Based on the performance analysis, the prediction ANN models are accurate, reliable and effective tools in terms of time and cost-effectiveness, for predicting the EMC and swelling characteristics of thermally modified wood. The multiple-input model was more accurate than the single-input model and it provided a prediction with R2 of 0.9975, 0.92 and MAPE of 1.36, 7.77 for EMC and swelling.
3D Printing for Preoperative Planning in Pancreatic Resection for Rare Metastasis from Ovarian Cancer: a case report
Authors: Arsenkov Stefan , Antovic Svetozar , Plavevski Ognen , Arsenkov Emilija , Spirov Goran , Nikodinovska Violeta Vasilevska , Petrusevska Gordana , Stavridis Gjorgji
Published: April 2024

Background
Secondary pancreatic malignancies are a rarely reported entity, limited to sporadic case reports in the medical literature. Most oftenly these secondary malignancies are of renal origin, followed by gastrointestinal tumors and lung cancer as the primary tumor sites. Metastatic tumors from ovarian origin are few and far between. In our understanding this is the first time 3D printing has been used in the preoperative planning of one such case.
Case presentation
We present the case of a 63 year old patient with a history for bilateral ovariectomy for ovarian tumor 5 years prior, with a 3D printed model of the patient’s anatomy used for preoperative planning as a novel approach. During regular check-ups, an elevated CA19-9 level prompted a CT scan showing a distal pancreatic mass entering the splenic hilum, and a PET scan showed FDG avid lesion considered malignant and no other lesions were detected. The location of the metastasis warranted a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. To aid in the preoperative planning a 1:1 replica of the patient’s anatomy was constructed based on the CT scan, and it was manufactured using 3D printing. After extirpation of the tumor, the histological analysis showed a pancreatic pseudocyst with an intraluminal neoplastic proliferation, and further immunohistochemistry analysis determined the immunophenotype suitable of an ovarian cystadenocarcinoma metastasizing to the pancreas.
Conclusions
The surgical team was unanimous in the impression that the 3D printed model facilitated a swift surgery without any complications. Not only the model helped the planning phase, it is useful as a tool for patient education and further education of students and residents.
Adjustment of mutant vector elements in the differential evolution method for solving the problem of power shortage minimization in electric power systems
Authors: Iakubovskii D. V. , Krupenev D. S. , Boyarkin D. A.
Published: March 2024

The article is aimed at increasing the effectiveness of numerical optimization methods in calculations of problems concerning power shortage minimization in electric power systems, specifically the differential evolution (DE) method and its variations–aDE and jDE. Experimental studies and testing of the proposed adjustments were carried out on complex electric power systems of different order. These systems are represented and realized by means of mathematical models of power shortage minimization with the possibility of their analysis using the developed software package as part of adequacy assessment. The performed analysis of the DE method elements and the existing variants of the mutation process revealed that the existing approaches can be further modified. This can subsequently increase the speed of problem-solving. It is shown that the main changes include an additional check that the mutant vectors meet the upper and lower bounds, and if they fail to do so, three adjustment options are considered. Existing approaches propose to generate new vector elements beyond the bounds by applying random numbers within the bounds. The present authors propose to use the “projections” of the found vector elements, i.e., to use the values of upper or lower bounds when they are exceeded for a particular element as mutant vector values. The implemented method involving the adjustment of mutant vector elements is shown to offer an advantage of a 47% reduction in problem-solving time over existing adjustment methods while maintaining the same accuracy. It is noted that aDE and jDE are the most effective variations for solving stated problems. The obtained results of experimental studies confirm the effectiveness and advantages of applying the proposed adjustment method in mutation process of in the form of “projections”, as well as using aDE and jDE variations of the DE method to solve the problems of power shortage minimization in electric power systems.
A technology for gold extraction from tailings resulting from polymetallic ore beneficiation
Authors: Vasilkova A. O. , Byvaltsev A. V. , Khmelnitskaya O. D. , Voiloshnikov G. I.
Published: March 2024

We propose a technology for processing of copper-zinc ore flotation tailings with the purpose of extracting gold using ultra-low (10–30 mg/dm3 ) concentrations of NaCN. The material composition of the starting materials was examined using the methods of inductively coupled plasma, gold assay atomic absorption and X-ray diffraction analysis. The NaCN concentration in solution was determined by titrimetric and photometric methods; pH levels were determined by potentiometric analysis. The laboratory studies established optimal conditions for cyanidation of tailings resulting from flotation beneficiation of copper-zinc ores, which underwent preliminary lime treatment: mass fraction of the 0.071-mm mesh minus – 70.5%; duration – 8 h; NaCN consumption – 0.3 kg/t (at a concentration of 30 mg/dm3 ); L:S =1:1. Under these conditions, the gold extraction rate amounted to 32.0–33.6%. Pre-grinding of flotation tailings to the size of 90% of the 30 mm mesh minus led to an increase in gold extraction of up to 41.5–44.7% at an NaCN consumption of 0.6 kg/t of the same concentration and L:S =1.5:1. The results obtained served as the basis for experimental cyanidation of waste tailings according to two schemes, i.e., using tailings of initial coarseness and pre-ground tailings. A good agreement was achieved between the laboratory and experimental results. At present, the use of pre-ground tailings seems unreasonable economically, due to high costs of NaCN (0.6 kg/t vs 0.3 kg/t) and active chlorine (5.6 kg/t vs 1.2 kg/t). According to pilot tests on a flotation tailing sample weighing 67 t (with an Au content of 1.35 g/t), the gold extraction level was 31.9% at an NaCN consumption rate of 0.135 kg/t. As a result, we propose a technology of gold extraction from flotation tailings of copper-zinc ore based on the application of ultra-low concentrations of NaCN. The expected profit can amount to 1276.74 mln RUB per year, with the economic efficiency of 88% and the payback period of 1.4 years).
Analysis of the magnetohydrodynamic parameters of S-8BM (S-8B) electrolyzers in the modernization of aluminum smelters
Authors: Pinaev A. A. , Radionov E. Yu. , Orlov I. A. , Nemchinova N. V.
Published: March 2024

The article aims to determine the magnetohydrodynamic parameters of an aluminum electrolyzer in order to compare different types of bus arrangements used in baths with a Soderberg anode. The electrical parameters of the electrolyzer (current distribution across blooms and anode studs) and magnetic field parameters were computed using the Blums V5.07 program (Polyfem, Russia). Data on circulation rates and skew of the metal in the electrolyzer were obtained using the MHD-Valdis program (developed by V. Boyarevich, University of Greenwich, UK). In the course of the studies, mathematical models of the C-8BM (C-8B) electrolyzer with various bus arrangements were built. Three bus arrangements were selected for testing the installation of a bridge designed to close the current distribution in the anode bus arrangement of the electrolyzer. These types of bus arrangements were realized in two variants: with and without a bridge. The obtained circulation rates and skew of the metal were used to evaluate the possibility of modernizing baths with a Soderberg anode without significant capital costs. When using the first type of bus arrangement, the best current distribution was achieved for the blooms with limits of ~757 A (for the variant without a bridge) and ~656 A (for the modernized variant with closed series), as well as for the anode studs having limits of ~1754 A and ~1609 A, respectively. With the use of the third bus arrangement variant, the current distribution was shown to slightly decrease following the installation of a bridge between the anode bus bars. The obtained results suggest that in the modernization of a C-8BM (C-8B) electrolyzer with different types of bus arrangements, current distribution across blooms and anode studs, magnetic field characteristics (By and Bz components), as well as circulation rates and skew of the metal, have no significant impact on the efficiency of this electrolyzer, which contributes to a faster transition to EcoSoderberg bath electrolysis without significant economic costs.
Design of daily load profiles in environmentally friendly commercial and industrial microgrids
Authors: Glazunova A. M. , Sieemshchikov S. E.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the study is to solve the problem of design of daily load profiles for optimal control of an environmentally friendly commercial and industrial microgrid (CIM) (power is generated only by renewable energy sources) connected to the power system by a power transmission line. This goal is achieved by adjusting the planned daily load profiles of consumers located on the territory of the CIM. The adjustment means shifting power consumption to another time of the day in question (power consumption is delayed). The problem of the delayed power allocation is represented as an optimization multiple knapsack problem that adapts to the problem-solving process. The proposed algorithm was tested on a 6-node system according to the scenario that involved adjustment of the load profile in the CIM to ensure that the power flow from the power system remains within specified limits. Compliance with the limits guarantees uninterrupted power supply from the power system, which is a fundamental requirement when developing load profiles. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the delivery of uninterrupted power supply to CIM consumers depending on the initial data. The findings indicate that the disruptions in power supply to CIM consumers are completely eliminated if the load can be divided to shift it to other hours of the day and when the load of 0.151 MW is disconnected in operating state 7. The total load should be divided into at least three parts. Disconnection of 0.151 MW is performed to prevent disconnection of the commercial and industrial microgrid from the power system, which would result in a power deficit of 4.652 MW.
Impact of anthropogenic changes and rainfall variability on river discharge in tropical Central Africa
Authors: Ebodé Valentin Brice
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of rainfall variability and anthropogenic changes on river discharge in the Benoue and the Logone river basins over the last seven decades (1950–2018). To achieve this goal, hydrometeorological data from these basins were analyzed using the Pettitt and Mann–Kendall tests. Our results show that negative rupture was observed in the hydrometeorological time series of these basins at the annual time step in 1970–1971. The deficits associated with this rupture are estimated at −7% for rainfall and −28% for river flows. The wet season shows similar developments. However, from the 1990s onward, there has been a significant increase in the mean annual flows of the Benoue River, which coincides with that of the rainfall during the same decade. This increase over the recent decades could also be expected in response to an increase in impervious surface area in the catchment area, which could compensate for the deficit generated by the post-1990s rainfall deficit through an increase in runoff. Since the filling of the Lagdo Dam in 1983, an increase in all ranges of minimum flow, as well as an increase in the variability of extreme flows, has been detected.
Results of 2023 for Regional Budgets. Is the Restructuring of the Economy Visible?
Authors: Lykova L. N.
Published: March 2024

The generally favorable situation with the implementation of the consolidated budgets of the subjects of the Russian Federation in 2023 is a result of the positive dynamics of key macroeconomic  indicators,  expressed  in  an  increase  in  tax  revenues  of  budgets.  In  the context of generally high growth rates of tax revenues, the federal transfers showed a slight nominal increase. In most regions, there has been a reduction in federal transfer recеipts, which may indirectly indicate an emerging revision of the existing model of inter-budgetary relations. There is a certain dependence of the dynamics of transfers on the dynamics of tax revenues and the availability of funds (last year’s surpluses) in the budget accounts of the subjects of the Russian Federation. The structure of tax revenues by type of economic activity has not yet shown significant changes. There is a pronounced decrease in the share of wholesale and retail trade, against the background of an increase in the share of the financial sector and extractive activities. Expenditures of regional budgets in 2 023 grew more actively than revenues, which led to the formation of a deficit in the consolidated budgets of the subjects of the Russian Federation. The differing growth rates of budget expenditures have the consequence of the continued concentration of regional-level expenditures in a relatively narrow group of the most powerful regions in terms of economic potential. The increase in the volume of accumulated state subfederal debt occurs in conditions of active substitution of market forms of debt obligations with loans from the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation.
Bankruptcy of Companies in the Russian Federation in the Covid and Post-Covid Periods
Authors: Lopatina P. A.
Published: March 2024

The market economy is subject to cyclical changes, which significantly affects the financial condition of companies. Periods of growth are followed by periods of economic crises and stagnation. These periods are accompanied by both an increase in the number of companies and their financial stability, and their sharp decline, including the loss of financial solvency. In order to analyze the dynamics and industry specifics of the number of bankruptcies, the article examines the statistics of company bankruptcies in the Russian Federation from 2017 to 2023. This time period includes the pre-pandemic, pandemic (COVID-19) and post-pandemic periods, in each of which factors characteristic of each period affecting economic turbulence have been identified. The author analyzes not only the quantitative dynamics of company bankruptcies, but also the regional and industry specifics of company bankruptcies in the analyzed period.
Political and Economic Discourses of Centralization and Decentralization: Education and Science in Russia
Authors: Orekhovsky P. А. , Kapoguzov E. A.
Published: March 2024

Incidents  are  increasingly  occurring  in  schools,  for  which  municipalities  are  being  held responsible in Russia. Business makes complaints about the level of training of university graduates, which is a problem of coordinating the activities of the leadership of the constituent entities of the Federation with classical and technical universities. According to the authors, this is a consequence of the functioning of informal institutions that have developed in post-Soviet Russia in the field of education and science. Differences are determined by the different informal institutions that develop in these organizations. Such institutions are identified by insiders – employees and consumers of services (parents of pupils and students, students themselves), distinguishing between types of schools and universities. But their knowledge remains tacit and is not included in public discussion. From the point of view of officials responsible for the functioning of secondary and higher schools, some types of organizations highlighted in the work do not exist. Scientific activity began to be assessed on the basis of bibliometric indicators. But there is an international legal cartel operating in this area, which allows large publishing houses to maximize their income. Russian scientists spent about $ 10 million in 2020 to pay for the services of the publishing houses. The current system meets the needs of representatives of elite universities and schools, which is common for peripheral capitalism. At the same time, municipalities and Subjects of the Federation are very interested in changing the situation – minimizing the scope of “negative” informal institutions in schools, developing advanced scientific and educational centers in the regions.
Systematic Approach to the Construction of a Law-Making Strategy (Using the Example of Strategic Planning of Spatial Development in Russia)
Authors: Kiskin E. V.
Published: March 2024

Currently in Russia, lawmaking is carried out according to the model of tactical (ad hoc) response to changing situations, i.e. by introducing many local changes to legislation (for example,  in  2023,  685  federal  and  9  federal  constitutional  laws  were  adopted).  At  the same time, the speed and depth of transformations taking place in the world, as well as the increasing complexity of social relationships, require a transition to a strategic approach, i.e. to the purposeful construction of the future by legal means. The law-making strategy allows us to reduce the variability in the development of legal regulation, so its study is a matter of current interest. The article attempts to study the law-making strategy from the perspective of systemic methodology. This approach allows us to consider the strategy comprehensively, characterize its properties, functions, composition and structure, as well as relationships with the external environment. The theoretical conclusions are illustrated using the example of the formation of a spatial development strategy for Russia. This area of strategic planning is now especially relevant, since it is necessary to respond to new external (sanctions, reorientation of economic relations) and internal (increasing the number of subjects of the Federation, redistribution of logistics flows, the need to ensure technological sovereignty) challenges.  In conclusion, the author draws conclusions about the need to institutionalize the law-making strategy and to ensure a systematic approach in its formation.
The Impact of Wage Levels on the Quality of Employment and Economic Sustainability of Households
Authors: Bobkov V. N. , Odintsova E. V.
Published: March 2024

The problem of compliance of the wage level of employees with social standards of living standards, having undoubted regional features, is relevant for all subjects of the Russian Federation.  When  determining  the  wage  of  organizations  funded  from  regional  budgets, we believe they should proceed from the general methodological basis for determining its size. In the article is analyzed the situation with the wage level of employees in the sector of organizations, which is the main segment of Russian employment. It has been revealed that the level of wages most strongly affects its quality and is one of the main indicators of precarious employment. The peculiarities of the distribution of employees by wage level are revealed, depending on the level of qualification of employees and their working conditions, taking  into  account  the  forms  of  ownership  and  the  size  of  organizations.  Based  on  the author’s  tools,  the  analysis  of  the  impact  of  wage  levels  on  the  economic  sustainability of households due to (not) achieving socially acceptable and higher standards of living is carried out. It is shown that for more than 80% of employees, the wage level currently does not allow to ensure such standards. A radical increase in the wage level is proposed based on the development of industry-specific social wage standards. This will improve the quality of employment: reduce the scale of precarious employment, link the level of wages with the qualifications of employees and their working conditions, taking into account the characteristics  of  sectors  of  the  Russian  economy,  as  well  as  significantly  increase  the economic sustainability of households.
Molecular Mechanisms of Medicinal Plant Securinega suffruticosa-derived
Compound Securinine against Spinal Muscular Atrophy based on Network
Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Authors: Zhang Yinhong , He Jing , Xiang Lifeng , Tang Xinhua , Wang Shiyu , Li Aoyu , Wang Chaoyan , Li Li , Zhu Baosheng
Published: April 2024

Background:

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe motor neuronal disorder with high morbidity
and mortality. Securinine has shown the potential to treat SMA; however, its anti-SMA role remains unclear.

Objective:

This study aims to reveal the anti-SMA mechanisms of securinine.

Methods:

Securinine-associated targets were acquired from Herbal Ingredients' Targets (HIT), Similarity
Ensemble Approach (SEA), and SuperPred. SMA-associated targets were obtained from GeneCards and Dis-
GeNET. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using GeneMANIA, and hug targets were
screened using cytoHubba. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)
analyses were performed using ClusterProfifiler. Molecular docking was conducted using Pymol and Auto-
Dock. In vitro assays were used to verify the anti-SMA effects of securinine.

Results:

Twenty-six intersection targets of securinine and SMA were obtained. HDAC1, HDAC2, TOP2A,
PIK3R1, PRMT5, JAK2, HSP90AB1, TERT, PTGS2, and PAX8 were the core targets in PPI network. GO
analysis demonstrated that the intersecting targets were implicated in the regulation of proteins, steroid hormones,
histone deacetylases, and DNA transcription. KEGG analysis, pathway-pathway, and hub target-pathway
networks revealed that securinine might treat SMA through TNF, JAK-STAT, Ras, and PI3K-Akt pathways.
Securinine had a favorable binding affinity with HDAC1, HSP90AB, JAK2, PRMT5, PTGS2, and
TERT. Securinine rescued viability suppression, mitochondria damage, and SMN loss in the SMA cell model.
Furthermore, securinine increased HDAC1 and PRMT5 expression, decreased PTGS2 expression, suppressed
the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, and promoted the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Conclusion:

Securinine might alleviate SMA by elevating HDAC1 and PRMT5 expression and reducing PTGS2
via JAK2-STAT3 suppression and PI3K-Akt activation.
Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity, and Molecular Docking Study of
Newer Chalcone-based Triazolo Pyrimidine Compounds
Authors: Gohil Monik , Das Siva Prasad , Boruah Jeena Jyoti
Published: April 2024

In this work, we present the synthesis of a newer series of 15 chalcone-based
pyrimidine compounds 4a-o. All the compounds were characterized by elemental analysis,
melting point determination, mass, FTIR, and NMR analysis. We have evaluated the antimicrobial
activity of these compounds. The compounds showed good inhibition activity
towards different bacterial and fungal species such as S. aureus, S. pneumonia, E. coli, P.
aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternata. Compounds 4c,
4h, 4k, and 4g showed comparable activities to those of commercially available drugs. Molecular
docking study showed good interaction between each of the compounds and DNA
gyrase enzyme. The docking score of the compounds ranges between -8.0 to -8.9 kcal/mol.
Further, the ADMET analysis indicated the potential of the compounds as a drug candidate.
Analysis of the Relationship between Recent Small Subcortical Infarcts
and Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction
Authors: Yuan Wenxin , An Lu , Wang Yunchao , Zong Ce , Yang Yinghao , Jin Hua , Gao Yuan , Wang Limei , Li Yusheng , Xu Yuming , Ji Yan
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) dysfunction may be involved in the
pathogenesis of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD). The study aimed to explore the relationship
between Recent Small Subcortical Infarct (RSSI) and Blood Pressure Variability (BPV),
and Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

Methods:

A total of 588 patients from the CSVD registration research database of Henan Province
were included in this study, and were divided into two groups according to the presence of
RSSI. Clinical data, including demographic characteristics, disease history, laboratory indexes,
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and electrocardiogram indicators, and imaging markers of
CSVD, were collected. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used to study the
relationship between RSSI and indicators of laboratory, HRV and BPV in the CSVD population.

Results:

Multivariate analysis showed that higher 24-hour mean Diastolic Blood Pressure
(DBP)[Odds Ratios (OR)=1.083,95% Confidence Intervals (CI)=(1.038,1.129), p < 0.001],
Standard Deviation (SD) of 24-hour DBP [OR=1.059,95%CI=(1.000,1.121), p = 0.049], nocturnal
mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) [OR=1.020,95%CI=(1.004,1.035), p = 0.012], nocturnal
mean DBP [OR=1.025,95%CI=(1.009,1.040), p = 0.002] were independent risk factors for
RSSI. In contrast, the decrease of the standard deviation of N–N intervals (SDNN)
[OR=0.994,95%CI=(0.989,1.000), p = 0.035] was beneficial to the occurrence of RSSI. In addition,
neutrophil counts [OR=1.138,95%CI=(1.030,1.258), p = 0.011], total cholesterol (TC)
[OR=1.203,95%CI=(1.008,1.437), p = 0.041] and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) [OR=0.391,
95%CI=(0.195,0.786), p = 0.008] were also independently associated with the occurrence of
RSSI. After adjusting for confounding factors, except for TC, the other factors remained associated
with the occurrence of RSSI.

Conclusion:

Increased 24-hour mean DBP, nocturnal mean SBP and DBP, SD of 24-hour DBP
and decreased SDNN were independently correlated with RSSI occurrence, suggesting that
sympathetic overactivity plays a role in the pathogenesis of RSSI.
Approaches Towards Better Immunosuppressive Agents
Authors: Walczak Juliusz , Iwaszkiewicz-Grześ Dorota , Cholewiński Grzegorz
Published: April 2024

Several classes of compounds are applied in clinics due to their immunosuppressive properties in transplantology and the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Derivatives of mycophe-nolic acid, corticosteroids and chemotherapeutics bearing heterocyclic moieties like methotrexate, azathioprine, mizoribine, and ruxolitinib are active substances with investigated mechanisms of action. However, improved synthetic approaches of known drugs and novel derivatives are still being reported to attempt better accessibility and therapeutic properties. In this review article, we present the synthesis of the designed chemical structures based on recent literature reports con-cerning novel compounds as promising immunosuppressive drugs. Moreover, some of the dis-cussed derivers revealed also other types of activities with prospective medicinal potential.
Designing a Novel Multi-epitope Peptide as a Potential Serodiagnosis
Marker for the Diagnosis of Acinetobacter baumannii: An In silico
Approach
Authors: Rezaee Maryam , Mohammadi Mohsen , Savardashtaki Amir , Rahbar Mohammad Reza , Nezafat Navid
Published: April 2024

Background:

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that causes many
infections, including nosocomial infections; this bacterium has a high mortality rate among other
bacteria. A. baumannii has an elastic genome that changes rapidly when exposed to harsh environmental
conditions, leading to widespread bacterial resistance to various disinfectants and antibiotics.
The high ability of bacteria to bind to all surfaces and survive in different conditions has
caused the spread of bacteria in various environments. Rapid detection is very important in preventing
the spread and even treatment of the infection.

Methods:

Currently, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method is the only effective method
used for diagnosis, which has some pros and cons.

Results and Conclusion:

This study aimed to design a new recombinant multi-epitope protein
from Acinetobacter baumannii that can be used in ELISA for rapid diagnosis. The unique feature
of this study from others is the use of patient serum for antibody monitoring.
Ethnobotanical Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Clerodendrum colebrookianium (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Teli Aniya , Jena Diptimayee , Saikia Lunasmrita , Mondal Nur Shaid , Sen Saikat , Mishra Kirtimaya , Gautam Manish Kumar
Published: April 2024

:

Clerodendrum colebrookianium (CC) is a small shrub belonging to the genus Clerondendrum
and the family Lamiaceae that is widely distributed in southeast Asian countries like India
and China. The plant generally grows in the wet and arid regions of the globe. It has four angled
branches that bear flowers along with heart-shaped leaves. This review aims to provide vast
knowledge about the pharmacological activities, ethnobotany uses, and the phytochemicals present
in the plant. Additionally, it will advance our understanding of the plant's therapeutic potential
in the years to come. Much available literature regarding the pharmacological properties, ethnobotany
uses, and phytochemistry of C .colebrookianium was collected from a series of scientific
resources including PubMed and Google Scholar. Many Asian countries have a long history of using
plants from the Clerodendrum genus for various medicinal purposes. Different extracts of CC
have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological effects, including those that are antihypertensive,
hepatoprotective, analgesic, antidiabetic and many more. Phytoconstituents like Steroidsdaucosterol,
beta-sitosterol, colebrin-A, colebrin-B, colebrin-C, colebrin-D, colebrin-D and Glycoside-
clerosterol 3 beta-O-[beta-D-glucoside], Clerosterol (24S/3) (poriferasta-5,25(26)-dien-
3-ol, sitosterol and octacosanol were reported to be present in this plant. This article offers a
summary of the most recent research on the pharmacological, traditional uses and some of the phytochemicals
of C. colebrookianium walp. Even though it offers a wide range of medical benefits,
many of its traditional uses for health have not been well researched. The entire therapeutic potential
of these plants for treating a variety of other disorders could be discovered with the aid of in-
-depth research and studies on the phytoconstituents of the plant and their active principles.
Modeling Pressure Effect of Circular Tourniquet Based on Digital Arm
Authors: Qin Yuping , Zhang Man , Kuang Jiangming , Zhang Shuang
Published: April 2024

Background:

This study aims to investigate displacement deformation of human tissue
in the force region subjected to annular pressure.

Methods:

In this patent, 727 images of a Chinese digital human arm, captured from shoulder to fingertip,
were used as the reconstruction data. The geometric entities of tissue structure were obtained
after tissue segmentation, three-dimensional modeling, and reverse engineering to establish the
working mechanism model of the tourniquet of the human forearm in the finite element simulation
software (COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5). By setting different parameter models (tourniquet pressure
and width models), we analyzed the force conduction mechanism and the displacement deformation
mechanism of the viscoelastic and rigid tissues of the forearm when subjected to annular pressure.

Results:

Modeling analysis showed that when a pressure of 800 kPa was applied on a width of 40
mm, the annular pressure on the viscoelastic tissues was converted into displacement deformation,
thus changing the tissue structure in the body and realizing the hemostatic effect of the tourniquet.
In the case of fixed tourniquet width but variable tourniquet pressure, with the gradual increase of
the pressure, displacement deformation showed an increasing trend. When the externally applied
pressure was fixed and the tourniquet width was different, with the gradual increase of the tourniquet
width, the displacement deformation showed a decreasing trend.

Conclusion:

This patent study demonstrates that both the amount of externally applied pressure and
the width of the tourniquet affect the hemostatic effect of the tourniquet. The hemostatic effect on
the damaged body will be more obvious under a small tourniquet width and large pressure.
Cultural competence in health care practice
Authors: Aishammari Yousef Fehaid Hawas , Alharbi Mudi Naif , Alanazi Huda Fawaz , Aldhahawi Bandar Khulaif , Alshammari Fahad Mohammed , Alsuwaydan Rawaf Hussain , Alenezi Saad Ghanem , Alshammari Bandar Awad , Alshammari Rikan Mashan , Alshammari Brahim Madhour , Jabal Afnan Mohammed Bin
Published: March 2024

Cultural competence in health practice is essential for providing quality healthcare in diverse and multicultural societies, This research explores the significance of cultural competence in nursing practice, education, and policy. It examines the challenges faced by nurses in delivering culturally competent care and identifies strategies to enhance cultural competence within the nursing profession. Additionally, the research investigates the impact of cultural competence on patient outcomes, satisfaction, and healthcare disparities. By synthesizing existing literature and empirical evidence, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of cultural competence training and implementation in nursing practice, ultimately improving healthcare delivery for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Investigation of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia in Children According to the Current Sidney System: Single Centre Experience
Authors: Gümüş Meltem , Yorulmaz Alaaddin , Gümüştekin Reyhan , Ergani Anna Carina , Uğraş Serdar , Emiroğlu Halil Haldun
Published: March 2024

Aim: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the occurrence of intestinal metaplasia in pediatric patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and its clinical implications. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on the endoscopy and pathology reports of 1280 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy for various indications at the Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic of XX University Faculty of Medicine Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022. The study included 66 cases that were diagnosed with intestinal metaplasia based on the histopathological examination of biopsy samples.
Results: Among the patients, 37 (56.1%) were female and 29 (43.9%) were male. The mean age for females was 12.92±4.297 years (ranging from 1 to 17 years), while for males it was 12.07±4.765 years (ranging from 2 to 17 years). The average number of endoscopies performed was 1.66 times (ranging from 1 to 5 times). The top three indications for endoscopy included abdominal pain, growth retardation, and suspicion of celiac disease. Detection of H. Pilori positivity was observed in 67.1% of cases.
Conclusion: While Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia is uncommon in childhood, it should not be disregarded due to its associated risk. It is important to remember that endoscopic biopsies may not provide sufficient diagnostic information in cases involving patchy involvement or diseases affecting the submucosa or deeper layers.
The Relationship Between Newly Derived Inflammatory Biomarkers from Hemogram and Serum Vitamin D Concentration in Pediatric Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Yılmaz Resul , Maqsudov Javidan , Akyürek Fikret , Çimen Sinem , Bayram Mehmet Talha
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Besides classical disorders of bone metabolism, vitamin D may explain the pathogenesis of many diseases associated with inflammation and vitamin D deficiency. While numerous studies support vitamin D's relationship with inflammation, some studies do not confirm this relationship. Novel Hemogram-Derived Inflammatory Biomarkers are new and inexpensive markers of inflammation that can be tested in all centers. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and new inflammatory markers and inflammation.

Material and methods: This study was conducted prospectively and data from 77 patients treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit were included. Simultaneous 25(OH)D3, calcium, phosphorus and complete blood count results were recorded. Novel hemogram-derived inflammatory biomarkers, systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), were calculated.

Results: There was no significant difference in hemogram-derived new inflammatory biomarkers between groups with and without vitamin D deficiency (p>0.05 for all).
Conclusions: Our study did not reveal a statistical association between these inexpensive and universally available biomarkers and vitamin D levels and inflammation. The validity of the findings should be confirmed with a larger number of subjects.
CLINICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS OF CHILDREN
Authors: Bağrul İlknur , Alioglu Bulent , Adiloğlu Ali Kudret , Dallar Bilge Yıldız
Published: March 2024

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine the etiology of lower respiratory tract infection in patients aged 1 month to 5 years with a clinical, radiological, and epidemiological study.
Materials and method: We investigated 150 patients between 1 month to 5 years of age who required hospitalization and those who were admitted to pediatrics clinics and pediatric emergency services of Ankara Training and Research Hospital who had the clinical diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection and 50 patients who had no pathological physical examination findings. Blood samples for acute phase reactants and nasopharyngeal swap samples for detection of bacterial etiologies were taken. Initial posteroanterior chest X-rays of all patients were checked.
Results: The most common pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae in 77 (51.3%) and Haemophilus influenzae in 71 (% 47.3) patients. Three groups of patients compared with C-reactive protein values; patients with alveolar pneumonia were statistically higher than those with normal radiography and interstitial infiltrates (P= 0.012, P= 0.008). Erythrocyte sedimentation rates in patients with alveolar pneumonia were statistically significantly higher than the patients with interstitial infiltrates and normal radiology (P = 0.015, P= 0.016).
Conclusion: In patients suspected of lower respiratory tract infection, the beginning of appropriate antibiotic treatment should be supported with clinical, radiological, and laboratory tests. We think laboratory tests of acute phase reactants should be used with multiplex PCR to detect viral and bacterial agents. Still, to deal with this issue, advanced studies are needed.
Conditional Beta Approximation: Two Applications
Authors: Habibi Reza
Published: March 2024

Suppose that X,Y are two independent positive continuous random variables. Let P=\frac{X}{X+Y} and Z=X+Y. If X, Y have gamma distributions with the same scale parameter, then P distribution will be beta and P,\ Z are independent.  In the case that the distributions of these two variables are not gamma, the P distribution is well approximated by the beta distribution. However, P,\ Z are dependent. According to matching moment method, it is necessary to compute the moments of conditional distribution for beta fitting. In this paper, some new methods for computing moments of conditional distribution of P given Z are proposed. First of all, it is suggested to consider the regression method. Then Monte Carlo simulation is advised. The Bayesian posterior distribution of P is suggested. Applications of differential equations are also reviewed. These results are applied in two applications namely variance change point detection and winning percentage of gambling game are proposed. The probability of change in variance in a sequence of variables, as a leading indicator of possible change, is proposed. Similarly, the probability of winning in a sequential gambling framework is proposed. The optimal time to exit of gambling game is proposed. A game theoretic approach to problem of optimal exit time is proposed. In all cases, beta approximations are proposed. Finally, a conclusion section is also given.