bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Hydrothermal Parameters on Potato Irrigation Regime
Authors: Vedeneeva V.A. , Potashkina Y.N.
Published: August 2023

Background: The article presents the results of studies that allow us to calculate and predict the water consumption of cultivated vegetable crops depending on the moisture availability of the growing season. Hydrothermal indicators of the territory during the entire growing season have a significant impact on the irrigation regime and water consumption of cultivated crops. Methods: In the present study, the assessment of natural moisture during the growing season was determined by the hydrothermal coefficient (GTC) according to the criterion of T.G. Selyaninov. The irrigation rate was calculated according to the modified formula of A.N. Kostyakov. Biological productivity was taken into account by the method of meter sites in three-fold repetition. Result: The value of the irrigation norm varies depending on the intensity of atmospheric droughts when growing potatoes in the conditions of the dry-steppe zone of the Lower Volga region. To maintain a given pre-irrigation threshold of soil moisture, it is necessary to take into account the hydrothermal indicators of the territory during the entire growing season. The use of modern resource-saving irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation, makes it possible to ensure an uninterrupted supply of moisture to plants and, as a result, to obtain high-quality crop yields. Thus, in order to obtain high and stable yields of potatoes grown on drip irrigation, depending on the heat and moisture availability of the growing season, it took from 2,250 to 3,040 m3/ha of irrigation water.
Calidad de vida y productividad en trabajadores présbitas no corregidos: revisión sistemática
Authors: León Maldonado Laura Natalia , Carrasco Romero Natalia Andrea , Núñez Carranza Karoll Lindhey , Molina Montoya Nancy Piedad
Published: August 2023

La presbicia es un proceso degenerativo normal asociado a la edad, que afecta al sistema visual dificultando enfocar con nitidez las imágenes en visión próxima, aspecto que puede generar la disminución de la productividad de los trabajadores que precisan realizar tareas de cerca y consecuentemente afectar su calidad de vida. La presente investigación tiene por objetivo sintetizar la evidencia científica sobre cómo la presbicia no corregida disminuye la productividad y la calidad de vida del trabajador mayor de 40 años. La metodología utilizada se basó en una búsqueda bibliográfica y el reporte se realizó cumpliendo los criterios de la declaración prisma 2020; luego se evaluaron los documentos con las herramientas de Newcastle Ottawa y RoB 2. Resultados: el 94 % de los casos de presbicia no han sido corregidos a nivel mundial y se prevé que la presbicia aumentará hasta alcanzar un aproximado de 2100 millones en el 2030. La prevalencia de presbicia más alta informada fue mayor del 70 %, lo cual varió entre regiones y grupos de edad en participantes mayores de 35 años. Conclusiones: la presbicia genera cambios fisiológicos, dificultad en la capacidad de realizar actividades como leer y escribir, y afecta la calidad de vida, al representar un riesgo psicosocial para las personas. La pérdida de productividad estimada debido a la presbicia no corregida se estima en 25 000 millones de dólares al año. La población afectada por este problema es principalmente el sexo femenino de entornos rurales.
The Method of Coexistences in the University-Territory Interface
Authors: Saquet Marcos Aurelio
Published: August 2023

With the objective of summarizing some of the experiences we gathered over the course of 25 years on action-research conducted through historical (phased) and simultaneous approaches, we reflect on two major theoretical-methodological and political questions that we consider fundamental in our territorial research. We begin by debating coloniality versus decoloniality and hegemony versus counter-hegemony. We address this in the first section of the text to guide our reflection on what we call the method of coexistences. This approach has been essential in participatory-action-research processes because it promotes integration between the university and the territory toward a fairer and more ecological society.
Zakat, Non-State Welfare Provision and Redistribution in Times of Crisis: Evidence from the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gallien Max , Javed Umair , van den Boogaard Vanessa
Published: August 2023

The funding of social protection initiatives is especially complex in times of crisis. While social protection is critical as a means of redistributing income, delivering relief to those in particular need, and building economic resilience, crises severely limit states’ abilities to fund these efforts. Immediate pandemic relief efforts have prompted renewed attention to this dynamic. While state-driven social protection efforts around the pandemic have been studied extensively, little attention has been paid to non-state welfare provision in a context of crisis. There has been particularly little analysis of the role and implications of what is likely the world’s largest system of non-state welfare provision – zakat. Summary of Working Paper 163.
Practical Guides for Participatory methods: Disability Inclusive Research
Authors: Wickenden Mary
Published: August 2023

In the past, people with disabilities have been left out of many aspects of life including research. They have not usually been included in ‘mainstream’ studies about key topics such as health, education, WASH, gender empowerment, social and political participation, while other groups in populations are more routinely asked for their views and their qualitative data is collected. It is often perceived to be too difficult or expensive to include disabled people. This is discriminatory and leads to continued lack of understanding about their lives. We need to collect disability inclusive data to understand disabled people’s situations and needs, alongside others’ views. Additionally, disability-specific research has been rare and poorly funded. Now, partly in response to the game-changing UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD, 2007), the rights of disabled people to participate in all aspects of life are recognised, and research priorities are changing to include disability data and disabled people’s perspectives on many topics.
Advances in understanding contamination of fresh produce by Salmonella
Authors:   University of Maryland, USA, Micallef Shirley A.
Published: August 2023

Salmonella is a frequent etiologic agent for foodborne illnesses acquired via consumption of plant-based foods. This may be attributed to the adaptability of this pathogen to various environments and hosts, including plants. Salmonella has a broad capacity to associate with fresh produce crops from a multitude of plant families, colonizing various anatomical structures of plants at all developmental stages, from root to leaf, from sprout to fruit. Salmonella identifies microsites on the plant surface with adequate water and nutrients and can enter plant tissues through natural plant openings such as stomata and lenticels. Its ability to persist on or penetrate plant tissues may also be facilitated by agricultural practices or post-harvest preparation of fruit and vegetables. This chapter discusses the various plant traits and agricultural practices that aid Salmonella association with fruit and vegetable crops, as well as the genetic strategies that Salmonella employs to compete in the plant niche.
Developments in rapid detection/high throughput screening techniques for identifying pathogens in food
Authors:   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, Arunachalam Kannappan , Shi Chunlei ,   Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
Published: August 2023

For reasons of food safety and quality assurance, rapid identification of pathogens causing spoilage and infections in food matrices is essential. Conventional approaches include enrichment of microbial pathogens in a range of non-selective and pathogen-specific selective media, followed by biochemical and phenotypic identification. In conventional culturing techniques, time-dependent detection is a major obstacle when it comes to delicate foods such as fish, dairy products and fresh produce. To overcome the limits of conventional approaches, numerous detection technologies such as molecular-, spectroscopy- and spectrometry-based methods, as well as optical phenotyping and biosensor methods are now available. This chapter provides an overview of the principles, mechanisms and applications of new and emerging technologies for microbial identification in food systems. It also provides researchers in the field of food safety and quality assurance with the known advantages and limitations of available rapid detection techniques for identifying pathogens in foods.
Improving safe consumer handling of fresh produce
Authors:   Drexel University, USA, Quinlan Jennifer , Kavanaugh Melissa ,   Drexel University, USA
Published: August 2023

This chapter focuses on improving safe confumser handling of fresh produce. It begins by first discussing consumer produce consumption, drawing specific attention to the consumption of high risk produce items. The chapter then moves on to review pathogens isolated from produce samples, which is followed by an analysis of outbreaks and illnesses caused by produce. A section on organic produce is also provided, focusing specifically on microbial quality of conventionally grown versus organic produce and foodborne outbreaks associated with organic foods. The chapter also provides an overview of farmers markets, comparing the quality of produce items from these markets to traditional retail and also identifies the foodborne illnesses that can occur due to farmers markets. Consumer knowledge and behaviours around safe produce handling and consumption is also discussed, followed by an overview of produce safety and vulnerable and immunocompromised consumers. The chapter includes an overview of fresh produce safety handling recommendations and resources, as well as a discussion on the need to include behaviour theories and formative research in the development of new and targeted education materials around produce safety.
Features of migration processes of the Komi Republic in 1990-2020
Authors: Zhuravlev N.
Published: August 2023

The northern regions of our country are characterized by a significant migration decline. The Komi Republic stands out among them with the highest values of indicators of migration outflow of the population. Operating with statistical data, the article analyzes the migration processes of the Komi Republic for the period from 1990 to 2020. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of migration in the region, depending on its direction and period. The article presents the results of the analysis of migration turnover, the specifics of migration flows of internal and interregional migration, as well as the dynamics of migration exchange between urban and rural territories. According to the re¬sults, it was found that internal migration flows are directed to the capital of the region, acting as a socio-economic and educational center. The largest outflow of population is char¬acteristic of cities whose economic specialization has now lost relevance. Migration within the region is characterized by an influx of population from rural areas to the city, and the share of the village in interregional migration is significantly inferior to the city. Despite the continuing migration decline of the population, the intensity of migration is decreasing by 2020, due to a decrease in the number of both departures and arrivals, the difference between migration from the city and from the countryside is decreasing.
Use of the budgetary potential in the Far North regions: evaluation and efficiency improvement possibilities
Authors: Barasheva T.
Published: August 2023

The article analyzes the use of the budgetary potential and identifies the factors influencing the management of this process. For the Far North regions, we have calculated the aggregate integral index for 2016–2020 that further helped in dividing the northern subjects of the Russian Federation into groups by use of the budgetary potential. The authors have identified the trends determining the specificity of the budgetary potential use and evaluated its efficiency in the Far North. Depending on the use of the budgetary potential in the northern regions, we have developed the possibilities for the regions’ further development which, in turn, will allow for increasing and efficient using of the budgetary potential.
Economics, organization and management of enterprises, industries, and complexes
Authors: Mal'ceva I.
Published: August 2023

The article studies the concepts of sustainable agriculture and the factors of internal and external systems influencing its formation. Having surveyed the principles of sustainable agriculture, the author clarified that the agricultural sustainability largely depends on the efficient management of natural systems and resources. The work presents a conceptual model for sustainable agriculture and rural areas defined as a socio-economic-natural complex system that includes three subsystems as agrarian-economic, rural-ecologic, and rural-social subsystems. The purpose of the integrated system is to coordinate the interaction and interconnection between the rural subsystems and their components to achieve harmony between agricultural production, the rural environment, and the well-being of peasants and rural residents. The modern methods of sustainable agriculture, and therefore sustainable resource management, mean the resource-saving, organic, biodynamic, climatically optimized, regenerative agriculture, relate to sustainable intensification and resource-saving agriculture. To form the agricultural sustainability in the northern region, the author proposes new approaches to its development such as the integrated farming system, agroforestry, site specific crop farming, integrated nutrient management and integrated pest management.
Masculinidades, elitização e resistência
Authors: Gums Elyson , Hansen Fábio
Published: August 2023

Este artigo analisa os deslizamentos de sentido no discurso “contra o futebol moderno” na fanpage Cenas Lamentáveis do Facebook. Por meio de análise de discurso pecheutiana, investiga-se a hipótese de rompimento de ordem hegemônica no que diz respeito a esporte e gênero. Observa-se que, apesar de o discurso de Cenas lamentáveis tentar romper com algumas regiões de sentido sobre o futebol da atualidade, o faz de forma insuficiente para classificar-se como resistência. Reproduz algumas relações assimétricas de poder entre gêneros, materializadas em expressões de masculinidades dominantes no espaço do futebol. Tais expressões estão relacionadas com a força, a coragem e a virilidade, e com o afastamento de atributos normativamente considerados femininos, como a passividade e a sensibilidade.
Análisis de las TIC en la enseñanza-aprendizaje en una LE (inglés)
Authors: Hernández Cruz Jesús Alejandro , Rojas León Perla del Rocío , Eslava Gómez Hilda Ofelia
Published: August 2023

RESUMEN
La globalización, el desarrollo tecnológico y la innovación pedagógica son los puntos principales de los cuales los profesores y estudiantes están sujetos para el aprendizaje y enseñanza de una segunda lengua (L2), en este caso inglés. Por ello, las TIC (Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación) son un apoyo de innovación tanto de la enseñanza para el docente como del aprendizaje en el alumno, donde las clases se pueden hacer interesantes y entretenidas con estos elementos. El idioma inglés se encuentra en una posición privilegiada en el mundo, puesto que es inherente a la evolución tecnológica global, lo que conlleva que su aprendizaje sea una herramienta para el éxito laboral, académico y económico. Es así que en el presente artículo se aborda un análisis documental acerca de los procesos y manejos de las TIC en la enseñanza-aprendizaje de una L2, resaltando las ventajas y desventajas de su aplicación en el aula. Se concluye que las TIC son una herramienta complementaria, tal y como refiere Cruz (citado en Peralta, 2008), que, si bien no necesariamente sustituyen una clase presencial, pueden enriquecer los métodos de enseñanza, adaptándose a la contemporaneidad y asimismo a los estudiantes, siempre y cuando existan los elementos necesarios para su implementación.
La excecración de la crisálida
Authors: Silva Guadarrama Pablo Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Poema de largo aliento
Covid- 19 Salgın Sürecinin Ebeveyn-Çocuk İlişkisi Üzerindeki Etkilerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: TOKMAK Ahmet , KARA İlyas
Published: August 2023

Araştırmada Covid-19 salgın sürecinin öğretmen anne-babalar üzerinde oluşturduğu etki ebeveyn çocuk ilişkisi ve bu sürecin öğretmen anne-babaların mesleklerine ilişkin sonuçları açısından incelenmiştir. Araştırma karma yöntem ilkeleri doğrultusunda gerçekleştirilmiş çalışmanın deseni açıklayıcı desen olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırma nicel ve nitel boyut olmak üzere yürütülmüş, nicel verilerin toplanmasında Ebeveyn çocuk ilişkisi ölçeği kullanılmış, nitel boyutta ise odak grup görüşmeleri ile veriler toplanmıştır. Çalışma grubu toplam 22 öğretmen anne-babadan oluşmaktadır. Araştırmanın nicel boyutuna 22 öğretmen anne-baba dahil edilmiş, nitel boyutta ise 8 öğretmen anne-baba ile 4'er kişilik gruplar halinde odak grup görüşmeleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonunda Covid-19 salgın sürecinin öğretmen anne-babalarının çocukları ile olan ilişkilerine olumsuz yönde etki ettiği, öğretmen anne-babaların çocukları ile olan olumlu ilişkilerinin zayıfladığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca öğretmenlik mesleğinin getirdiği sorumlulukla birlikte öğretmen anne-babaların bu süreçte çocukların derslerine ilişkin kontrolcü tavırlarının ise aile içi rol karmaşasının yaşanmasına neden olduğu belirlenmiştir. Öğretmen anne-babaların mesleklerine ilişkin algılarının ise bu süreçten olumsuz etkilendiği, salgın ile başlayan uzaktan eğitim sürecinin öğretmen anne-babaların iş yüklerini arttırdığı, aile düzeninin ve dinamiklerinin zarar gördüğü, mesleklerine ilişkin motivasyon kaybına uğradıkları ve mesleki tatminden uzaklaştıkları sonuçlarına ulaşılmıştır. Öğretmenlerin bu süreç sonunda kendilerine ilişkin robot, programlanmış robot, yarış atı, Süpermen, su, mum, sahnesi yıkılmış tiyatrocu gibi metaforlar ürettikleri belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen bulgu ve sonuçlar doğrultusunda; gelecekte yaşanabilecek olası salgın vb. durumlar ile ilgili olarak eğitim-öğretimin işleyişine ilişkin gerekli önlemlerin alınması, eğitimin en önemli paydaşlarından biri olan öğretmenlerin iş yükü ve mesai durumlarının dikkate alınarak planlamalar yapılması ve ebeveyn çocuk ilişkisinin sağlıklı bir şekilde sürdürülebilmesi için gerekli psikososyal destek reflekslerinin oluşturulması ile ilgili önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
NRF2, a Superstar in Ferroptosis
Authors: Yan Ruihan , Lin Bingyi , Jin Wenwei , Tang Ling , Hu Shuming , Cai Rong
Published: August 2023

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent and lipid peroxidation-driven cell death cascade, occurring when there is an imbalance of redox homeostasis in the cell. Nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (NFE2L2, also known as NRF2) is key for cellular antioxidant responses, which promotes downstream gene transcription by binding to their antioxidant response elements (AREs). Numerous studies suggest that NRF2 assumes an extremely important role in the regulation of ferroptosis, for its various functions on iron, lipid and amino acid metabolism and so on. Many pathological states are relevant to ferroptosis. In cancer cells, ferroptosis is frequently found abnormal suppression. While during tissue damages, ferroptosis is recurrently promoted, resulting in a large number of cell deaths and ultimately loss of the functions of the corresponding organs. Therefore, targeting NRF2-related signaling pathways, to induce or inhibit ferroptosis, has become a great potential therapy for combating cancers, as well as preventing neurodegenerative and ischemic diseases. In this review, a brief overview of the research process of ferroptosis over the past decade will be presented. In particular, the mechanisms of ferroptosis and a focus on the regulation of ferroptosis by NRF2 will be discussed. Finally, the review will briefly list some clinical applications of targeting the NRF2 signaling pathway in the treatment of diseases.
Dissociation and Subsequent Stable Malrotation of Femoral Stem Within Sleeve After Sivash-Range of Motion Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Pathak Neil , McDonald Erik , Radford Zachary J. , Gibson David H.
Published: August 2023

Case:

A 78 year-old man fell 6 months after Sivash-range of motion (S-ROM) total hip arthroplasty (THA), after which he developed hip pain and external rotation deformity. Imaging showed stem malrotation in relative retroversion. Revision THA was delayed because of medical issues, occurring 1.5 years after the fall. No corrosion was observed intraoperatively at the stem-sleeve interface. His symptoms resolved after revision THA.

Conclusion:

We present a rare complication of S-ROM THA—dissociation of the femoral stem from the proximal sleeve, with subsequent re-engagement in static malrotation. No corrosion was observed, suggesting that the stem had stably reseated within the sleeve.
Femoral Magnetic Lengthening After Distal Femur Endoprosthetic Reconstruction in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Tran Tina H. , Hanna Sarah M. , Gundle Kenneth R. , Yang Scott
Published: August 2023

Case:

A 10-year-old boy with osteosarcoma of the left distal femur underwent resection with compressive osseointegration endoprosthetic reconstruction, gradually resulting in a 4.5-cm leg-length difference with significant predicted progression. Two years after resection, he underwent right distal femur and proximal tibia epiphysiodesis and placement of a left femoral magnetic lengthening nail. At 2 years after lengthening and skeletal maturity, the patient has symmetric limb lengths, no pain, and returned to sports.

Conclusion:

A magnetic lengthening nail with contralateral epiphysiodesis is a viable option for correcting limb-length discrepancy after distal femur endoprosthetic reconstruction in a pediatric patient.
Posterior Wall Acetabular Fracture After Low-Energy Trauma Masquerading as Infection
Authors: Compton Tyler , Credille Kevin , Loeffler Taylor , Graf Alexander , Van Valin Scott
Published: August 2023

Case:

A 12-year-old adolescent boy presented after a low-energy fall with groin pain, inability to bear weight, painful passive range of motion, fever, elevated inflammatory markers, and upper respiratory symptoms. Initial radiographs did not demonstrate any abnormality, and magnetic resonance imaging suggested infection. Posterior wall acetabular fracture was not diagnosed until a computed tomography–guided biopsy was performed.

Conclusion:

Pediatric acetabular fractures are exceedingly rare. They can be difficult to diagnose after low-energy trauma as symptoms mimic infectious hip pathologies. Children presenting with infectious hip symptomology and a history of trauma may benefit from more extensive trauma imaging before costly and invasive infectious diagnostic procedures.
Damping Identification From Subsea Logger Axial Riser Response Data
Authors: Lim HyeongUk , McNeill Scot , Kluk Daniel , Stahl Matthew , Puskarskij Konstantin , Hansen Kristian
Published: August 2023

For decades, it has been known that, as drilling riser deployment depths increase, the potential for excessive hookload response will also increase. Using data collected from a drilling riser deployed to a record-setting water depth, nearly 12,000 ft, this paper provides insight that significantly reduces uncertainty about the severity of this resonant response.

The typical drilling riser and blowout preventer (BOP) stack, disconnected from the wellhead, has its first axial resonant period at approximately 1 second for every 2,000 ft of deployed length, thus 5 seconds for 10,000 ft, 6 seconds for 12,000 ft, and so on. Therefore, vessel heave response can incite a significant, adverse axial resonant condition in very deep water. Damping reduces resonant response. Historically, the true amount of damping has been uncertain, and damping has been applied in the form of hydrodynamic drag. This typically produces a predicted response with total damping that is well under 1% of critical. This can lead to the prediction of a large dynamic hookload that can produce significant restrictions on riser configuration (running weight) and seastate for BOP stack deployment as well as storm hang-off of the riser and lower marine riser package (LMRP).

A recent drilling riser deployment to the record-setting water depth of 11,903 ft produced a unique opportunity to collect high-quality data that reduces damping uncertainty. This paper describes damping ratio and natural frequency identification for the first few axial riser modes for this deployment. The data were collected during deployment and retrieval using subsea vibration data loggers (SVDLs) installed on the BOP stack, drillship, and riser. These measurements reveal damping that is between 2% and 3% of critical. This result can be used to provide more accurate predictions of dynamic hookload response.
Role of Reservoir Brine and Rock in Modulating Asphaltene Stability: Insights from Experimental Analysis
Authors: Punase Abhishek Dinesh , Hascakir Berna
Published: August 2023

The stability of asphaltenes in crude oil is influenced by various factors, including interactions with reservoir components such as brine and rock formations. While previous research has focused on pressure and temperature effects, a comprehensive understanding of the combined impact of brine and reservoir rock on asphaltene stability is lacking. This study investigates the individual and combined influences of brine and rock formations on asphaltene stability.

First, 11 crude oil samples from diverse locations were characterized using API gravity, viscosity, and saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) fraction analysis. The elemental composition of the crude oils, including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and various metals, was determined. The surface properties of asphaltenes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The interaction between asphaltenes and deionized water was examined through zeta potential, particle size, conductivity, and pH measurements. The behavior of asphaltenes in an 8,000 ppm NaCl solution was also investigated.

The SEM analysis revealed the presence of inorganic content on the surfaces of asphaltenes, indicating interactions between asphaltenes and reservoir rock. A strong correlation between the zeta potential and sulfur content of asphaltenes was observed, highlighting the influence of sulfur compounds on surface charge and stability in heavy crudes. Additionally, the correlation between total dissolved solids (TDS) content and alkaline Earth metals and alkali metals in asphaltenes confirmed interactions between asphaltenes and reservoir brine. This interaction is likely influenced by the composition and properties of both the brine and reservoir rock. The presence of electrical charges on the asphaltene surfaces, as determined by zeta potential measurements, further supports the role of electrostatic interactions in asphaltene stability. The low precipitation tendency observed for most asphaltene samples, coupled with the abundance of negatively charged particles, underscores the importance of electrical charges in controlling stability.

This study provides novel insights into asphaltene stability, highlighting the significance of surface charge and elemental composition. The results demonstrate the substantial impact of both reservoir brine and rock formations on asphaltene stability in crude oil. Further research is needed to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying these interactions and their implications in diverse reservoir environments.
The organizational dimension in rare diseases care management: an application of RarERN Path© methodology in the rare neurological diseases Ataxia, Dystonia and Phenylketonuria
Authors: Cannizzo Sara , Quoidbach Vinciane , Benson Monika , Federico Antonio , Filla Alessandro , Gilroy Bernadette Sheehan , Giunti Paola , Graeßner Holm , Greenfield Julie , Hagedorn Tobias , Hermida Alvaro , Hunt Barry , McDonald Anita , Morgante Francesca , Oertel Wolfgang , Pastores Gregory , Pauly Martje , Reinhard Carola , Relja Maja , Treacy Eileen , Spronsen Francjan Van , Vallortigara Julie , Turchetti Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

Background. The organization of care has a deep impact on the variability in the quality of care provided to patients and on the equity of care access. The lack of coordination of care, the lack of communication among health care providers, healthcare professionals and patients, the duplication of many services that are provided to the patients, represent some paradigmatic examples of organizational barriers and crucial issues to manage in the achievement of delivering high quality patient-centered care and the promotion of equitable access to healthcare services everywhere in Europe independently from the place where the patients live. This work represents the first application of the RarERN Path©methodology for the re(design) of Patient Care Pathways (PCP) outside the rare and complex connective tissue and musculoskeletal diseases (rCTDs) covered by ERN ReCONNET where the methodology was developed, through a productive collaboration between the group of Health Economics of the Institute of Management of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and the Value of Treatment (VOT) for Rare Brain Disorders (Ataxia, Dystonia and Phenylketonuria) research project undertaken in 2019-2022 by the European Brain Council (EBC).
Results. Ataxia, Dystonia and Phenylketonuria (PKU) all share similar challenges: delayed diagnosis, barriers to access specialized care and treatment options, psychological burden, transition from pediatric care to adult care. The application of some of the phases of RarERN Path methodology enabled the translation of the good practices already in place in the centres of expertise into a common optimized PCP, one for each or the three rare neurological diseases, integrating the expertise of some reference centers of excellence members of ERN RND and MetabERN with the patients’ perspectives, and principally focusing on the organization of care for Ataxia, Dystonia and PKU.
Conclusions. The PCPs proposed for Ataxia, Dystonia and PKU are the results of a co-designed optimized process integrating a) the good practices of the centers of excellence and expertise in Ataxia, Dystonia and PKU, also belonging to two of the 24 European Reference Networks for rare diseases (ERN RND and MetabERN), with b) the perspectives of the patients’ representatives. This integrated approach allowed to re-design and to optimize the organizational dimensions of the patients care pathways.
Anticancer analysis of CD44 targeted Cyclosporine loaded thiolated chitosan nanoformulations for sustained release in triple-negative breast cancer.
Authors: Abduh Maisa Siddiq
Published: August 2023

Cyclosporine (CsA), a potent immunosuppressive chemotherapeutic medication, treats numerous cancers, particularly malignant carcinoma, acute leukemia, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). A specified polymeric nanoformulation (N.F.) based drug delivery technique with ligand alteration at the surface was developed to improve active moiety delivery at the intended area and boost the efficacy of prolonged treatment. We produced and characterized N.F. of encapsulated Cyclosporine in thiolated chitosan (T.C.) with the outermost coating of hyaluronic acid (H.A.). Research in-silico verified that H.A. binds to the receptor CD44 at docking locations A and B in triple-negative breast cancer cells. When a pharmaceutical substance interacts with a polymeric compound, zeta examination reveals a particle size of 192nm, a PDI of 0.433, and zeta potential of 38.9 mV. FTIR and Raman's investigations also support the existence of hydrophobic groups, porous surfaces, and clumping characteristics. While XRD verified its crystallographic nature, which renders N.F. particularly helpful in localized drug delivery systems (DDS), SEM and TEM revealed circular nanoparticles with sleek exteriors. DSC demonstrated that N.F. was stable at high temperature. The NF showed 85% drug encapsulation, and a kinetics investigation of drug release revealed that the N.F. obeyed the Higuchi model for dispersion at low pH. In contrast to typical CsA's immediate release in under 12 hours, the in-vitro investigation demonstrated prolonged continuous dissolution at pH 7.4 and 6.8 for a maximum of 72 hours. When compared to raw Cyclosporine, the in-vitro tumor prevention properties of the ThC-HA encapsulated with Cyclosporine were tested using an MTT test on normal breast epithelial cells and triple-negative breast cancer cells. It showed the synthesized N.F.'s robust cytotoxic potential at reduced concentrations and its effectiveness for normal cells. These characteristics improve the long-term viability, effectiveness, and active targeting of prepared novel N.F.s as an effective pharmaceutical component and potent therapeutic moiety against cancer.
Proteins of Pycnoporus sanguineus have nematicide activity and induce resistance to Meloidogyne spp. in Micro-Tom tomato plants
Authors: BRITO OLIVIA DIULEN COSTA , Schons Bruna Caroline , Cecatto Roberto , DALEVEDOVE DIEGO BORGES , Fujimoto JULIANA Habitzreuter , Stangarlin José Renato
Published: August 2023

The aim of this research was to get protein-fractions from the aqueous extract of P. sanguineus through gel filtration chromatography (GFC) to induce resistance to Meloidogyne spp. in Micro-Tom tomato plants. Precipitation of protein from the aqueous extract (AE) of basidiocarps was performed based on increasing ethanol gradients 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 95%, which were individually centrifuged. Each ethanol-protein precipitate (EPP) was fractionated by using GFC, and isolated proteins (IP) were identified based on molecular mass. Each EPP and IP were tested in vitro for nematicide and nematostatic activity against M. incognita and M. javanica, through motility and mortality evaluation. Regarding resistance induction assays, root samples were also collected for the analysis of defense enzymes peroxidase (POX), polyphenoloxidase (POL) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (FAL). Six IP (named as I, II, III, IV, V and VI) were obtained through GFC, which molecular weights were 4.81, 47.98, 0.17, 25.78, 4.25 and 4 KDa, respectively. P. sanguineus basidiocarps contain proteins with no nematicide/nematostatic effects but capable of reducing M. javanica infection in Micro-Tom tomato plants, which can occur by resistance induction involving peroxidase activity.
WITHDRAWN: Fabrication of a novel hydrophilic ion-imprinted polymer based on silica-modified magnetic graphene oxide as a sensitive sorbent for the fast separation of silver ions from aqueous media
Authors: Taghizadeh Majid , Shafizadeh Fatemeh
Published: August 2023

This paper aimed to evaluate the co-precipitation preparation of a novel magnetic graphene oxide ion-imprinted polymer for the recognition and separation of silver ions in aqueous solutions. The synthesis of this adsorbent was established by thermal copolymerization of 4-vinyl pyridine (4-VP) as a functional monomer, salen as a ligand, silver ions as a template ion, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the crosslinking agent, acetonitrile and chloroform as the solvents, 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator by coating on the surface of magnetic graphene oxide as a magnetic core. The prepared polymer was morphologically characterized by the use of several characterization techniques. A batch-wise adsorption investigation was carried out to determine favorable conditions for proper adsorption, likewise selectivity and reusability. The kinetics of the adsorption process was pseudo-second order and followed the Langmuir isothermal model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 77.6 mg g− 1 at a pH of 4. The involvement of other competing ions revealed that the adsorbent benefits from the selective property of the imprinted cavities.
Dynamic Evolution Mechanism of Dual-Channel Supply Chain for Green New Products Based on Equilibrium Price
Authors: Zhao Hua , Feng Yu , Li Ping , Wu Zhuoran
Published: August 2023

As public awareness of green environments grows and environmental protection regulations strengthen, the production and sales of environmentally friendly products have become crucial for traditional manufacturers. In this paper, we examine the pricing problem and coordination strategy between a manufacturer and a traditional retailer in a dual-channel supply chain of green products. The manufacturer sells both traditional and new green products through respective offline and online channels. Using a dynamic model to analyze the price game of the dual-channel supply chain, we investigate the effects of delay time lag, price adjustment speed, and green input level on the equilibrium price of the new green product. We obtain the Nash equilibrium point and stability region through the eigenvalue method and conduct numerical simulations. Our study shows that the trajectory of the product price evolution depends on system parameters, and that an optimal level of green input exists to maximize the manufacturer's profit. Our research emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies and coordination between manufacturers and retailers in the dual-channel supply chain of new green products. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights for traditional manufacturers seeking to leverage the growing demand for environmentally friendly products.
“Cold turkey meds again”: Access to community HIV/AIDS services during public health emergencies
Authors: Whittaker Darby , Monette Erynn , Bisung Elijah
Published: August 2023

Background
This paper works to explore the experiences of people living with HIV (PLWH) in relation to the closure of AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) in Ontario, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers reflections on how to ensure a continuum of care for PLWH during public health emergencies like COVID-19.
Methods
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with PLWH (n = 8) and ASO service providers (n = 8). Participants discussed their experiences with HIV services throughout the pandemic.
Results
Of the PLWH interviewed, individuals shared experiences of worsening mental health outcomes, difficulties accessing resources, disruption in medical care, and increased feelings of isolation. ASO service providers identified changes in their functions, increased barriers in service provision, and staff fatigue as challenges to their work.
Conclusion
The results from this study demonstrate the need for reimagining HIV/AIDS and other service provision during pandemics to ensure that resources remain accessible for PLWH and other marginalized populations. Essential ASO services to maintain a continuum of care during pandemic circumstances include prioritizing mental health supports, regular access to nutritious food, clothing, and financial support, and consistent check-ins between clients and service providers.
Comparison of two-dimensional and three-dimensional preoperative planning measurements for high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Bai Haohao , Sun Yadi , Ma Jianxiong , Wang Ying , Wang Yan , Lu Bin , Sun Lei , Jin Hongzhen , Zhao Xingwen , Ma Xinlong
Published: August 2023

Background
Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis(KOA). Notably, two-dimensional (2D) preoperative planning for HTO relies on radiographs, possibly disregarding the individual two-dimensional (3D) anatomical differences, whereas 3D; on the other hand, 3D orthopaedic planning uses individualised 3D models and considers the shape of the bones; however, further research is needed to verify its effectiveness. Nevertheless, HTO remains an effective means for KOA treatment, and 2D and 3D preoperative planning is expected to play an important role in the future. However, research on the accuracy of 2D and 3D preoperative planning for HTO is limited. Consequently, this study aimed to compare the differences in 2D and 3D preoperative planning measurements for HTO.
Methods
Patients with unicompartmental medial KOA and deviation of the mechanical axis of the lower limbs who underwent OWHTO between January 2021 and August 2022 were retrospectively examined. The 3D and 2D preoperative planning of OWHTO was performed by setting the percentage of the weight-bearing line (%WBL) at 62.5% as an optimal alignment. Differences in the correction angle and distraction distance between the two surgical plans were statistically compared.
Results
Overall, 102 patients were included in the study. The mean correction angle of 2D planning was significantly higher than that of 3D planning (P < 0.001), and the mean difference between the two was 1.49 ± 1.70°. The difference between the two methods in the medial opening gaps for OWHTO was 2.1 ± 2.06mm.
Conclusions
In conclusion, 2D preoperative planning of OWHTO needs more angle and a larger medial opening gap than 3D planning when aiming at the same WBL. Therefore, surgeons should carefully consider the differences between 2D and 3D preoperative planning and estimate the possible correction error during surgery when planning an OWHTO.
Evaluation of optical coherence tomography biomarkers to differentiate favourable and unfavourable responders to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in retinopathy of prematurity.
Authors: Jalali Subhadra , Belenje Akash , Reddy Rakasi , Parameswarappa Deepika , Padhy Tapas , Subbarao Bala
Published: August 2023

Objective: Evaluation of optical coherence tomography biomarkers in predicting treatment response to intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) Bevacizumab, in aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (A-ROP).
Methods: Non-contact ultra-widefield (NC-UWF) fundus imaging with integrated UWF guided swept source Optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was performed prospectively in preterm babies before and after intravitreal anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) monotherapy. OCT biomarkers were analysed in eyes that reached complete vascularization versus others.
Results: Eyes with retinal vessels reaching near ora serrata were labelled as regressed ROP and vascularised retina (Group1). Eyes with reactivation of ROP needing laser or vitreoretinal surgery or eyes with peripheral avascular retina (PAR) at 16th week post-injection were considered as Group 2. Pre-injection baseline OCT showed a hyperreflectivity of inner retinal layers in 12 out of 46 eyes in Group 1 versus 30 out of 34 eyes in Group 2 (p value 0.002). None of the eyes in Group 1 showed choroidal thinning at posterior pole as compared to 14 out of 34 eyes in Group 2 (p value 0.001). Intraretinal hypo reflective Cystic changes at fovea were seen in 16 out of 46 eyes in Group 1 and 2 out of 34 eyes in Group 2 (p value 0.012).
Conclusion:
Pre-injection swept source OCT biomarkers could predict the treatment outcomes of anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) monotherapy in A-ROP eyes. Hyperreflectivity of inner retinal layers and choroidal thinning had poorer and unpredictable response to anti-VEGF injection whereas, cystic changes at fovea predicted favourable response.
Alcohol Consumption Modifies Susceptibility to HIV-1 Entry in Cervical Mucosa-Derived CD4+ T cells of Women Resident in a Fishing Community of Lake Victoria, Uganda
Authors: Bagaya Bernard Ssentalo , Driciru Emmanuella , Fahad Muwanda , Nantongo Mary , Namuleme Marion , Kitandwe Paul Kato , Ssekayita Enoch Muyanja , Galiwango Ronald , Mirembe Violet , Muwenda Barbarah Kawoozo , Muwanga Moses , Kayongo Alex , Lutwama Fredrick
Published: August 2023

Background: A significant overlap exists in the burden of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) and the HIV epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over 60% of HIV infections occur in women, mostly through the cervical mucosa. Absorption and systemic circulation of alcohol induces global physiological and immune effects, including at the genital mucosa. Alcohol alters expression of cell surface receptors, mucosal barrier permeability, inflammatory responses, and lymphocyte trafficking and homing. However, a substantial knowledge gap exists on whether these cellular and or immunological effects of alcohol modify the consumers’ CD4+ T cell susceptibility to HIV-1 entry at the cervical mucosa. HIV seronegative women, aged 18-49 years were recruited from Kasenyi and Kigungu fish landing sites of Lake Victoria. They were categorized as Alcohol Consumers (n=27) or non-Alcohol Consumers (n=26) based on the World Health Organization Alcohol-Use-Disorder-Test (WHO-AUDIT) at a cut-off score of >=8/40 and <8/40, respectively. Cytobrush-collected Cervical Mononuclear Cells [CMCs] and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells [PBMCs] from heparinized whole-blood were surface stained for CD4+ T cell immunophenotyping. To measure susceptibility to HIV entry, CMCs and PBMCs were co-cultured overnight with equal amount of GFP-tagged HIV-1 pseudo-virus particles. Both immunophenotyping and HIV entry were measured on a BD LSR II flow cytometer.
Results: There was no significant difference in the frequency of CD4+ T cells in blood (p=0.451) or mucosa (p=0.838) compartments across study groups. However, we observed a combined four-fold higher HIV entry (p=0.0001) into cervical versus blood-derived CD4+ T cells regardless of alcohol consumption status. More so, cervical-derived CD4+ T cells of alcohol-consumers showed a two-fold increase in susceptibility to HIV entry (P=0.0185) compared to the non-alcohol consumer group. Double positive α4β7+CD4+T cells of alcohol consumers exhibited a higher HIV entry compared to those from alcohol non-consumers(p=0.0069).
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cervical CD4+ T cells are more susceptible to HIV entry than those from blood. Also, cervical CD4+ T cells of alcohol consumers are more susceptible than those of non- consumers. Differences in frequencies of α4β7+ CD4+ T between alcohol consumers and non-consumers’ cells may account for the increased susceptibility to HIV entry.
Convalescent Adaptive Immunity is Highly Heterogenous after SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Marty Paige K. , Pathakumari Balaji , Shah Maleeha , Keulen Virginia P. , Erskine Courtney L. , Block Matthew S. , Arias-Sanchez Pedro , Escalante Patricio , Peikert Tobias
Published: August 2023

Optimal detection strategies for effective convalescent immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination remain unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize convalescent immunity targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using a multiparametric approach. At the beginning of the pandemic, between April 23, 2020, to May 11, 2020, we recruited 30 COVID-19 unvaccinated convalescent donors and 7 unexposed asymptomatic donors. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from leukapheresis cones. The humoral immune response was assessed by measuring serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit IgG semiquantitative ELISA and T cell immunity against S1 and S2 subunits were studied by IFN-γ Enzyme-Linked Immune absorbent Spot (ELISpot), flow cytometric (FC) activation-induced marker (AIM) assays and the assessment of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell function (in the subset of HLA-A2 positive patients). No single immunoassay was sufficient in identifying anti-spike convalescent immunity among all patients. There was no consistent correlation between adaptive humoral and cellular anti-spike responses. Our data indicate that the magnitude of anti-spike convalescent humoral and cellular immunity is highly heterogeneous and highlights the need for using multiple assays to comprehensively measure SARS-CoV-2 convalescent immunity. These observations might have implications for COVID-19 surveillance, and optimal vaccination strategies for emerging variants. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal assessment of adaptive humoral and cellular immunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in the context of emerging variants and unclear vaccination schedules.