bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement method of virtual image distance for a head-mounted display based on a variable-focus liquid lens
Authors: Huang Shuangjiang , Wang Lihui , Huang Yutao , He Yuan , Bai Shi
Published: April 2024

The distance from the virtual image to the human eye is an important factor in measuring the comfort of a head-mounted display (HMD). However, accurately measuring their distance is challenging due to the dynamic changes in virtual presence and distance. In this paper, we proposed a virtual image distance measurement prototype based on a variable-focus liquid lens and derived a virtual image distance calculation model. We built a variable-focus liquid lens experimental platform to verify the method’s correctness. In addition, we proposed an improved optimization algorithm that can efficiently and accurately search for the optimal focal length corresponding to the maximum sharpness moment of the virtual image within the focal length value space. Verified in an experimental scene of 0.5 m to 3.5 m, we observed that the error between the object image distance and the virtual image distance at the same focal length is about 5 cm. The proposed virtual image distance measurement method can accurately measure the distance value of the virtual image in the HMD. This method can be widely used in virtual and augmented reality, especially in the task of constructing realistic scenes.
Hybrid mode for absorption enhancement in the Ga2O3 nanocavity photodetector with grating electrodes
Authors: Yang Jiayong , Fang Cizhe , Li Tongzhou , Wang Yibo , Li Xiaoxi , Zeng Xiangyu , Liu Yan , Hao Yue , Han Genquan
Published: April 2024

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) photodetectors have drawn increased interest for their widespread applications ranging from military to civil. Due to the inherent oxygen vacancy defects, they seriously suffer from trade-offs that make them incompetent for high-responsivity, quick-response detection. Herein, a Ga2O3 nanocavity photodetector assisted with grating electrodes is designed to break the constraint. The proposed structure supports both the plasmonic mode and the Fabry–Perot (F-P) mode. Numerical calculations show that the absorption of 99.8% is realized for ultra-thin Ga2O3 (30 nm), corresponding to a responsivity of 12.35 A/W. Benefiting from optical mechanisms, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) reaches 6040%, which is 466 times higher than that of bare Ga2O3 film. Furthermore, the proposed photodetector achieves a polarization-dependent dichroism ratio of 9.1, enabling polarization photodetection. The grating electrodes also effectively reduce the transit time of the photo-generated carriers. Our work provides a sophisticated platform for developing high-performance Ga2O3 photodetectors with the advantages of simplified fabrication processes and multidimensional detection.
Effects of BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine on vascular function
Authors: Yamaji Takayuki , Harada Takahiro , Hashimoto Yu , Nakano Yukiko , Kajikawa Masato , Yoshimura Kenichi , Goto Chikara , Han Yiming , Mizobuchi Aya , Yusoff Farina Mohamad , Kishimoto Shinji , Maruhashi Tatsuya , Nakashima Ayumu , Higashi Yukihito
Published: April 2024

The effects of Covid-19 vaccines on vascular function are still controversial. We evaluated the effects of BNT162b2 vaccine (BioNTech and Pfizer) on endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and vascular smooth muscle function assessed by nitroglycerine-induced vasodilation (NID). This study was a prospective observational study. A total of 23 medical staff at Hiroshima University Hospital were enrolled in this study. FMD and NID were measured before vaccination and two weeks and six months after the 2nd dose of vaccination. FMD was significantly smaller two weeks after the 2nd dose of vaccination than before vaccination (6.5±2.4% and 8.2±2.6%, p = 0.03). FMD was significantly larger at six months than at two weeks after the 2nd dose of vaccination (8.2±3.0% and 6.5±2.4%, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference between FMD before vaccination and that at six months after the 2nd dose of vaccination (8.2±2.6% to 8.2±3.0%, p = 0.96). NID values were similar before vaccination and at two weeks, and six months after vaccination (p = 0.89). The BNT162b2 Covid-19 vaccine temporally impaired endothelial function but not vascular smooth muscle function, and the impaired endothelial function returned to the baseline level within six months after vaccination.
Describing the development and implementation of a novel collaborative multidisciplinary approach to deliver foot health supports for individuals experiencing homelessness and its outcomes
Authors: Ogrin Rajna , Rushford Mary-Anne , Fallon Joseph , Mannix Rebecca , Quinn Ben , Lewis Anthony
Published: April 2024

Basic foot care is a real need of people experiencing homelessness. To improve access to foot health for this group, three services structured to provide healthcare support for people experiencing homelessness collaborated in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia: an established nurse-led Homeless Persons Program (HPP), a specialty community health podiatry clinic servicing people experiencing homelessness, and a charity supporting disadvantaged communities providing free socks, foot first aid kits and second-hand footwear for distribution by nurses and podiatrists of participating services. This paper outlines the implementation and evaluation of this collaboration. A four stage implementation approach was used, addressing: 1. Who needs to do what differently? 2. What are the barriers and enablers that need to be addressed? 3. Which intervention components could overcome the modifiable barriers and enhance the enablers? 4. How can the changes be measured? The evaluation prospectively collected information about how HPP nurses referred adults to podiatry, and whether the referred individuals accessed the podiatry clinic, the outcomes of the podiatry visit, and how many received footwear, socks and foot first aid kits provided by the non-profit organisation. Over 1st June 2019 and 31st December 2020, 52 individuals were identified as adults who could potentially benefit from podiatry by the HPP nurses, of which 33 accessed podiatry. Those who did not visit the podiatry clinic were more likely to be born outside of Australia, live in more precarious housing (crisis accommodation and rough sleeping), have slightly more predisposing factors for homelessness, but have fewer medical, psychological and cognitive conditions. A structured approach including processes, education, regular, outreach to youth refuges and formal outcome monitoring enabled foot health care access in people experiencing homelessness. Further research is needed to ascertain how to support participants at risk of foot problems to access podiatry before their foot health issue reaches crisis point.
Work participation, social roles, and empowerment of Q-fever fatigue syndrome patients ≥10 years after infection
Authors: Brus I. M. , Teng A. S. J. , Heemskerk S. C. M. , Polinder S. , Tieleman P. , Hartman E. , Dollekens B. , Haagsma J. A. , Spronk I.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To determine work participation, social roles, and empowerment of QFS patients ≥10-year after infection.

Methods

QFS patients ≥10-year after acute infection, who were of working age, participated in a cross-sectional survey study. Work participation, fulfilment of social roles, and empowerment outcomes were studied for the total population, as well as for subgroups based on employment type and current work status. Associations between empowerment, work and social roles were examined.

Results

291 participants were included. Of the 250 participants who had paid work before Q-fever, 80.4% stopped working or worked less hours due to QFS. For each social role, more than half of the participants (56.6–87.8%) spent less time on the role compared to before Q-fever. The median empowerment score was 41.0 (IQR: 37.0–44.0) out of 60. A higher empowerment score was significantly associated with lower odds of performing all social roles less due to QFS (OR = 0.871–0.933; p<0.001–0.026), except for parenting and informal care provision (p = 0.070–0.460). No associations were found between empowerment and current work status.

Conclusion

Work participation and fulfilment of social roles is generally low in QFS patients. Many of the participants stopped working or are working less hours due to QFS, and most spent less time on social roles compared to before Q-fever. Minor variation was seen in total empowerment scores of participants; however, these slight differences were associated with the fulfilment of social roles, but not work participation. This new insight should be further explored in future studies.
Pregnancy outcomes before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Asumadu Obed Duah Kwaku , Boah Michael , Chirawurah Dennis , Ndago Joyce Aputere , Yakong Vida Nyagre , Kanligi David Abatanie , Adokiya Martin Nyaaba
Published: April 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic affected expectant mothers seeking maternal health services in most developing countries. Access and utilization of maternal health services including antenatal care (ANC) attendance and skilled delivery declined drastically resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study assessed pregnancy outcomes before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana.

Methods/Design

A retrospective cohort study design was employed. A random sampling technique was used to select 450 women who delivered before or during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. The respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaire at their homes. In this study, the data collected were socio-demographics characteristics, ANC attendance, before or during pandemic delivery, place of delivery and birth outcomes. Chi-square test and bivariate logistic regression analyses were performed under significant level of 0.05 to determine factors associated with the outcome variables.

Result

Of the 450 respondents, 51.8% were between 26 and 30 years of age. More than half (52.2%) of the respondents had no formal education and 93.3% were married. The majority (60.4%) of the respondents described their residence as urban setting. About 31.6% of the women delivered before the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced place of delivery. The proportion of women who attended at least one ANC visit (84.5% before vs 70.5% during), and delivered at a hospital (76.8% before vs 72.4% during) were higher before the pandemic. More women were likely to deliver at home during COVID-19 (OR: 2.38, 95%CI: 1.52–3.74, p<0.001). Similarly, there was statistically significance difference between before and during COVID-19 delivery on at least one ANC attendance (OR: 2.72, 95%CI: 1.58–1.67, p<0.001). Women who delivered during COVID-19 were about twice more likely to develop complications (OR: 1.72, 95%CI: 1.03–2.87, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

ANC attendance and health facility delivery decreased while pregnancy complications increased during COVID-19. During disease outbreaks, outreach engagement strategies should be devised to increase access and utilization of maternal health services for marginalized and underserved populations. The capacity of health workers should be strengthened through skills training to manage adverse birth outcomes.
Effectiveness of trans-nasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange compared with standard facemask oxygenation for pre- and apneic oxygenation during anesthesia induction: A meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zheng Delai , Yao Yi , Luo Chuan , Yang Yanhui , Chen Bogang , Li Nana , Wang Yi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To further identify the effectiveness of trans-nasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) for pre- and apneic oxygenation during the anesthesia induction by comparison to facemask ventilation (FMV) based on current available evidence.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CNKI databases were searched from inception to December 22, 2023 for available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcomes were PaO2 and PaCO2 after intubation and safe apnoea time. Secondary outcomes included the O2 desaturation, end expiratory carbon dioxide (EtCO2) and complications. The effect measures for continuous and categorical outcomes were separately the mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval.

Results

Twelve RCTs with 403 patients in the THRIVE group and 401 patients in th FMV group were included. Pooled results demonstrated that the PaO2 after intubation was significantly higher (MD = 82.90mmHg, 95% CI: 12.25~153.54mmHg, P = 0.02) and safe apnoea time (MD = 103.81s, 95% CI: 42.07~165.56s, P = 0.001) was longer in the THRIVE group. Besides, the incidence rate of O2 desaturation (RR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12–0.66, P = 0.004) and gastric insufflation (RR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13–0.49, P<0.001) was significantly lower in the THRIVE group.

Conclusion

Based on current evidence, THRIVE manifested better effectiveness representing as improved oxygenation, prolonged safe apnoea time and decreased risk of complications compared to standard FMV in surgical patients. Therefore, THRIVE could be served as a novel and valuable oxygenation technology for patients during anesthesia induction.
Wildlife activity patterns and encroaching woody vegetation response to bush thinning on farmlands in north-central Namibia
Authors:   University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, School of Forest Sciences, Nghikembua Matti Tweshiningilwa
Published: April 2024

The Namibian savannah ecosystem has experienced considerable anthropogenic pressures, which have resulted in the disruption of key ecological processes, and consequently, the proliferation of a dense vegetation structure, commonly known as bush encroachment. Approximately 45 million hectares of land have been affected, which has caused a significant decline in the grazing capacity, poor economic returns for the farmers, and loss of suitable wildlife habitat. Restoration thinning, a method that involves the selective removal of excess trees/shrubs, has been applied to counteract the negative effects associated with this phenomenon. This thesis aimed to assess the effect of thinning on (a) the activity patterns of local ungulates and predators, (b) the encroaching woody vegetation in terms of (i) regeneration, and (ii) structure, abundance, and habitat sighting lines, in a savannah habitat in the north-central region. Generalised linear mixed-effects models (GLMM) and linear mixed-effects models (LME) were used for statistical analysis. Results showed that thinned areas had overall greater wildlife activity. Thinned areas also had reduced tree/shrub abundance, which was significant for the mature height classes. Natural regeneration was rapid in thinned areas, where the abundance of young cohorts was 34% greater than non-thinned areas. In the thinned areas, red umbrella thorn (Vachellia reficiens) was significantly reduced but umbrella thorn (Vachellia tortilis) numbers increased. Tree/shrub densities in the thinned areas fell within the commonly accepted range for a 400 mm rainfall area (600–750 tree equivalents (TE) ha–1). Thinning significantly modified the dense thornbush to an open vegetation structure with a low woody canopy cover that favours grass growth and provides greater sighting lines for open savannah wildlife. This thesis demonstrated that thinning was effective in controlling bush encroachment and could be used as a method to restore other affected areas. However, periodic post-thinning management is recommended to control the established samplings.
Ignition probability and fuel consumption of boreal ground vegetation fuels – an experimental study in Finland
Authors:   Häme University of Applied Sciences, School of Bioeconomy, Visamäentie 35 A, P.O. Box 230, FI-13100 Hämeenlinna, Finland, Lindberg Henrik , Aakala Tuomas , Vanha-Majamaa Ilkka
Published: April 2024

In boreal forests fires often ignite and spread within the dominant moss and lichen cover of the ground layer vegetation, which thus greatly influences fire hazard. We used an experimental set-up in greenhouse conditions to study the differences in how (1) fuel moisture and (2) wind velocity influence the ignition probability and fuel consumption among four common circumboreal ground vegetation fuels, Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt., Hylocomium splendens Schimp., Dicranum spp. and Cladonia rangiferina (L.) F. H. Wigg. Our results show that the reindeer lichen C. rangiferina was clearly the most flammable species, with high ignition probability even at high moisture contents and low wind velocities. Of the mosses, Dicranum was the least flammable, with low ignition probability and mass loss at low wind velocities regardless of moisture content. P. schreberi and H. splendens behaved somewhat similarly with wind velocities quickly increasing the initially low ignition probability and mass loss observed in the absence of wind. However, especially for mass loss, among-species differences tended to disappear with stronger winds. The observed differences can be explained by the different structures and growth forms of the studied species and open a potential avenue for improving forest fire risk predictions.
Synthesis, Molecular Modeling and Cytotoxicity Study of New 3-Phenyl Coumarin Derivatives against in vitro Cell Lines
Authors: Chabukswar Anuruddha , Adsule Prajakta V. , Jagdale Swati , Purandare Dishank V. , Raut Kunal , Kale Yash
Published: April 2024

In pursuit of more effective cancer treatments, researchers embarked on a study to enhance the coumarin derivative’s therapeutic potential. These compounds, known for their anticancer properties, have faced challenges such as increased toxicity and drug resistance. The research aimed to design, synthesize and assess new 3-phenyl coumarin derivatives specifically for breast and lung cancer treatment. Utilizing 3-oxoacyl-reductase (1T8I), a series of compounds were synthesized from aromatic aldehydes and phenylacetic acid. Among the synthesized 11 compounds that were examined, compounds C01, C04, C05 and C08 had significant cytotoxic effects on both MCF-7 and MRC-5 cell lines. Particularly, compound C08, featuring ethoxy and nitrate substitution, exhibited remarkable potential against both cancer cell lines, emphasizing its promise for further exploration in cancer therapy.
The approximate mineral and phytochemical content of the leaves, stem bark, and roots of Pterocarpus erinaceus in India
Authors: Alagbe John Olujimi , Shittu Muritala Daniel , Adesina Aduragbemi Yetunde , Grace Chesa Jummai , Cincinsoko Kadiri Mercy , Oluwafemi Bamigboye Samson , Erikanobong Effiong
Published: April 2024

Proximate analysis of dried Pterocarpus erinaceus leaves (DPE), stem bark (DSB) and root (DSR) contained moisture (9.11%, 7.61%, 7.02%), crude protein (7.60%, 5.11%, 4.33%), crude fibre (12.2%, 25.6%, 18.5%), ether extracts (0.58%, 0.42%, 0.30%), ash (12.6%, 10.5%, 10.2%) and carbohydrates (45.4%, 38.0%, 37.2%) respectively. Mineral composition of DPE revealed the presence of calcium (108.6 mg/100 g), phosphorus (60.38 mg/100 g), potassium (39.7 mg/100 g), magnesium (12.51 mg/100 g), zinc (10.44 mg/100 g), manganese (8.55 mg/100 g), cobalt (1.16 mg/100 g), copper (4.58 mg/100 g), sodium (25.2 mg/100 g) and iron (16.13 mg/100 g) while those of DSB and DSR contained calcium (90.60, 91.55 mg/100 g), phosphorus (40.11, 43.80 mg/100 g), potassium (30.2, 30.0 mg/100 g), magnesium (9.93, 8.90 mg/100 g), zinc (7.55, 7.00 mg/100 g), manganese (5.20, 4.88 mg/100 g), cobalt (1.11, 1.00 mg/100 g), copper (2.40, 2.21 mg/100 g), iron (19.6, 18.4 mg/100 g) and iron (11.0, 10.67 mg/100 g). The phytochemical analysis of DPE, DSB, and DSR revealed that it contains high levels of flavonoids (11.20, 7.51, 7.20 mg/g), tannins (8.81, 4.91, 4.10 mg/g), steroids (1.61, 1.14, 1.02 mg/g), glycosides (4.42, 1.20, 6.19 mg/g), phenols (41.5, 30.4, 31.2 mg/g), saponins (28.6, 15.1, 14.0 mg/g), alkaloids (19.6, 15.8, 25.3 mg/g), flavonoids (11.20, 7.51, 7.20 mg/g), tannins (8.81, 4.91, 4.10 mg/g), and terpenoids (1.40, 0.65, 0.55 mg/g), respectively. According to the findings, DPE, DSB, and DSR are rich in minerals and phytochemicals, and they can be utilized as a natural substitute for antibiotics in animal production.
Grüne Oasen der Solidarität?
Authors: Preidel Christian
Published: April 2024

Christian Preidel widmet sich in diesem Beitrag der Frage, inwiefern sich städtische Gesellschaften mit Migrant*innen solidarisieren. Dazu wird zunächst die nachbarschaftliche Gemeinschaftsbildung im Raum der (Vor-)Stadt thematisiert. Der Begriff der Community spielt dabei eine wichtige Rolle. Anhand eines konkreten Ortes wird dann erprobt, wie auf kleinem Raum Solidarität entstehen kann. Dabei dient der Garten sowohl als gegenwärtiges Beispiel einer sich zum Grünen transformierenden Stadt als auch als Metaphernfeld für neue Formen von Solidarität und Identitätsbildung.
An evolving approach to unconferencing: Reflections from piloting the HELTASAFEST22 scholarly festival
Authors: Krull Greig , Bobo Benita , Titus Simone
Published: April 2024

This article offers insight into the planning and facilitation of a scholarly learning and teaching festival which aims to negotiate the tensions between traditional and creative scholarly engagements in the Southern African higher education context. The aim of this case study is to critically reflect on planning and facilitating a scholarly learning and teaching festival as part of an (un)conferencing approach for HELTASA. The case study adopts a critical reflective methodology, where we reflect on our experiences and perceptions of planning and facilitating/participating in the festival. The article outlines the structure and methodologies of the festival and reflects on the contextual considerations for planning the festival and the positives and challenges associated with facilitating the festival. A major tension that had to be managed as part of the festival was the questions of academic rigour and the choice of a festival by some prospective participants.
Time Piece
Authors:   Rhodes University, Garman Anthea
Published: April 2024

I’ve never believed in setting the alarm clock early and then snoozing it, and snoozing it, and snoozing it. I calculate to the minute the time I need to get ready at full speed and then set the alarm to the very last second before. I like to be surrounded by time: a clock in every room and one for each veranda. I like to forget time: don’t wear a watch on the weekends, put the cell phone aside. I need the calendar alerts to tell me what to do next. I hate the calendar alerts telling me what to do. I set them faithfully; I grumble at them when they buzz.
Archivist
Authors: Gcwadi Madoda
Published: April 2024

With trembling legs, I descended the stairs. Hoping to hide a sudden weakness I navigated by clinging to the banister for stability. But my legs betrayed me. I collapsed onto the cement stairs. Something was terribly wrong—my heart raced, and fear mingled with a sense of emptiness and confusion. At 13:05 on September 24, 2021, a creepy silence settled over Zisukhanyo High in Samora Machel township. In the days leading up to the incident, I had noticed occasional crunching sensations and a growing weakness in my knees, but couldn't pinpoint the exact cause. Was it due to my continued participation in soccer at the age of 53? I recalled a specific moment after a soccer match when my knees suddenly weakened, making it impossible for me to stand up. Was being a vegetarian contributing to this? A lack of certain nutrients? My genetics? Pulling myself up on the banister, I stumbled and leaned against the wall, then made my way down the quiet corridor toward the administration block swaying my body in an effort to propel my legs forward. Upon reaching the hall where the Grade 12 learners were engrossed in their September trial examination, I mustered a smile and clung to the edge of the nearest desk. Nomtha, a cheerful learner, giggled at my exaggerated movements, while the other learners shook their heads, assuming my Creative Arts subject had taken its toll.
Notes on Contributors
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Williams Quentin
Published: April 2024

Duncan Brown is Professor of English in the Centre for Multilingualism and Diversities Research at the University of the Western Cape. He has published widely in the field of South African literary and cultural studies. His recent books include Wilder Lives: Humans and Our Environments (2019), and Finding My Way: Reflections on South African Literature (2020). He is Principal Investigator on the Andrew W. Mellon funded project on “Rethinking South African Literature(s)” (2019-2024), and Co-ordinator on the South African section of the University of Oslo funded project on “Global Trout: Investigating Environmental Change through More-than-Human World Systems” (2019-2024). Michael Chapman is a researcher-in-residence at the Durban University of Technology in South Africa. His creative nonfictional work Green in Black-and-White Times appeared in 2016. On Literary Attachment in South Africa: Tough Love (2022) seeks to embody in a single language of response two categories that are usually thought to be apart, criticism (conceptual) and art (creative). Andries du Toit is the director of the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies at the University of the Western Cape, where he has spent most of the last thirteen years answering emails and navigating the university's labyrinthine procurement and HR system. In his spare time he does research, focusing on the politics of landlessness, poverty, and inequality in South Africa.
Life Goes on: Hard Bread and Lyricism on the Island of the Sponge Divers
Authors:   University of the Western Cape, Martin Julia
Published: April 2024

On the Aegean island of Kalymnos they make hard bread. The koulouria baked each morning on Symi are rings of white dough coated with sesame seeds, crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and stale by midday. But the distinctive bread of Kalymnos, krithini kouloura or paximadia, is a rusk made of tough barley flour fermented with anise and mastic, and slow- baked to an unrelenting hardness to last six months at sea. The people too have a reputation for being tough, divers especially. Much of the mountainous island is rock, and in the Kalymnian stories of sponge diving, there’s a special pride in qualities of extreme endurance. Since the divers had always been champions whose manhood was intimately linked to acts of daring, once the deep-sea diving suit they called the skafandro, the man-boat, became available in the mid-1860s, the modern dangers of the new diving tech were easily assimilated into an old code of heroism. Or at least this was how it seemed to the cultural anthropologist H. Russell Bernard when he studied the Kalymnian sponge fishing industry in the 1960s.
Secondary Metabolite Profile in Mature and Old Leaves of Four Piper Species: Forest Betel (Piper aduncum L.), Red Betel (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.), Javanese Chili Betel (Piper retrofractum Vahl.), and Green Betel (Piper betle L.)
Authors: Hartini Yustina Sri , Utaminingsih  , Julianus Jeffry , Patramurti Christine , Nugroho Laurentius Hartanto
Published: April 2024

Piper species is a potential medicinal plant, empirically known for its effectiveness in curing various diseases, particularly in Indonesia. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the similarities and differences in the profile of secondary metabolite compounds in mature and old leaves of four Piper species using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The analysis was also carried out to identify the specific compounds found in each species at different leaf development stages. Samples used were mature and old leaves from four species of Piper, namely forest betel (Piper aduncum L.) (PA), red betel (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.) (PC), Javanese chili betel (Piper retrofractum Vahl.) (PR), and green betel (Piper betle L.) (PB). Subsequently, samples were extracted using ethanol solvent and secondary metabolite profile was detected through GC-MS. A total of 40 secondary metabolite compounds were found in mature and old leaves of four species. The results showed that alkaloid content contributed 25% of the total compounds detected, while fatty acids yielded the largest portion (27.5%). Based on PCA score plot analysis, a significant grouping of secondary metabolite compounds was observed in all species, where PC was categorized separately on the right, and the other species were on the left. Several specific compounds were also found only in one species and not in others. Similar to mature and old leaves, some compounds were discovered in one of the developmental phases. Dillapiole and hexadecane were only found in PA, both in mature and old leaves; germacrene A, eugenol, and chavicol were found in mature and old leaves of PB, but beta-selinene, delta-guaiene, and linolelaidic acid were only found in mature leaves. In PC, there were specific compounds namely benzofuran, myrcene, and 1,6,10-dodecatrien that were found in mature and old leaves. Besides that, trans-ocimene and alpha-bisabolol were only found in old leaves of PC. In PR, only tetracosane was found in mature leaves, while piperidine, octanodecanoic acid, and benzylmalonic acid were found in old leaves.
The peculiarities of changes in myocardial electrical activity and heart rate variability in patients with coronary artery disease depending on the stage of concomitant iron deficiency
Authors: Konovalova M. O. , Mikhailovska N.S.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study: to assess changes in myocardial electrical activity and heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) depending on the stage of iron deficiency (ID) and identify their relationship with ferrokinetic parameters.
Materials and methods. In total, 90 patients with CAD, stable angina II–III FC were examined (men – 35, women – 55, age – 69 (61; 72) years). The patients were divided into 4 groups: the 1st group (n = 16) consisted of patients with concomitant ID anemia (IDA) of mild and moderate severity, the 2nd (n = 15) – with latent ID, the 3rd (n = 14) – with functional ID, the 4th (n = 45) – patients with CAD without iron metabolism disorders. The HRV features during 24 hours, daytime and nighttime as well as their relationships with ferrokinetic and hematological parameters were analyzed. The data analysis was performed using Statistica 13.0.
Results. CAD patients with concomitant IDA demonstrated a tendency to have a higher average daytime heart rate value (U = 14.0; p ≈ 0.08), a longer duration of tachycardia (U = 20.0; p ≈ 0.06), and a significantly greater number (2.4 times) of ventricular extrasystoles (VE) (U = 7.0; p < 0.05) compared to patients without iron metabolism disorders. There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate, episodes of tachycardia, and the number of arrhythmic events in CAD patients with different stages of ID. During the temporal analysis of HRV indicators, patients with different stages of concomitant ID demonstrated a decrease in overall HRV due to SDNN-index, rMSSD (%) and HRVT triangular index both in active and passive periods as compared to patients without iron metabolism disorders. Spectral analysis of HRV has revealed reduced parasympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system due to HF indicator in patients of the 1st–3rd groups. The presence of concomitant IDA was characterized by maximum changes in HRV indicators and the predominance of central mechanisms of HRV regulation over autonomic ones, which was confirmed by a significant increase in the centralization index (IC) and stress index (SI). For CAD patients with concomitant IDA and latent ID, a number of relationships between ferrokinetic and HRV parameters was found. There were no statistically significant correlations between indicators of iron metabolism and HRV in patients with CAD and functional ID.
Conclusions. The decrease in iron stores in the body due to its tissue and transport reserves is accompanied by changes in the myocardial electrical activity, a progressive reduction in heart rate variability, autonomic dysfunction towards a suppression of the parasympathetic domain activity, confirming the relevant correlations with the ferrokinetic parameters.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor induces the migration of non-resident cells to intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Kuraieva A. V. , Savosko S. I. , Grabovoy O. M. , Makarenko O. M.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rHuG-CSF) on the migration of non-resident cells into the region of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which can potentially be considered as mesenchymal stem cells.
Materials and methods. In the experiment, unilateral ICH was simulated in rats by injection of autologous blood into the right hemisphere. Immunohistochemical method was used to study perihematomal area on day 1, 3, 10, 30, and 60 after ICH modeling. The appearance of cells expressing CD44, CD68, and CD146 markers was evaluated on a 3-point scale after penetrating trauma (PT) of the brain, ICH, and ICH with the growth factor injection (ICH/rHuG-CSF).
Results. In contrast to PT, ICH intensified the infiltration of CD44+ cells in the perihematomal area of the brain and caused the appearance of CD68+ and CD146+ cells in hemorrhage. The specific density of CD44+ cells was decreased on day 60 after ICH, and the effect of rHuG-CSF consisted in reducing the density of CD44+ cells on days 30 and 60. The appearance of CD68+ and CD146+ cells in the perihematomal area was seen after 10 days and further their detection was rare, while after the rHuG-CSF injection, the infiltration by cells with a similar immunophenotype was detected on day 3 ICH with a tendency to accumulate.
Conclusions. Infiltration by cells expressing CD44, CD68, and CD146 into the perihematomal area of the rat brain was heterogeneous as to the time after brain injury. The appearance of cells with specified immunophenotype could be associated with hematoma elimination, angiogenesis processes, and other mechanisms of the perihematomal brain region remodeling, in which mesenchymal stem cells were involved. rHuG-CSF modulated the migration of CD68+ and CD146+ cells, which consisted in their earlier and more intense migration to the damaged area of the brain after ICH.
Prediction of perioperative complications and mortality in patients with complicated forms of colon cancer
Authors: Kubrak M. A. , Zavhorodnii S. M. , Danyliuk M. B.
Published: April 2024

Complicated forms of colon cancer occupy a significant share of emergency operations in general surgical departments with high rates of mortality and complications. Assessment of possible complications and mortality before surgery is an important aspect in choosing treatment tactics for this group of patients.
The aim of the study. To analyze the risks of complications and mortality in the perioperative period in patients with complicated forms of colorectal cancer using the prognostic CR-POSSUM scoring system and to determine the critical levels of the CR-POSSUM score using ROC analysis.
Materials and methods. The data of 71 (100 %) patients who were treated for complicated forms of colorectal cancer were analyzed. The studied group included 36 (50.71 %) men and 35 (49.29 %) women aged 67.97 ± 12.71 years. In the postoperative period, complications were found in 32 (45.07 %) patients, there were 8 (11.27 %) deaths.
Results. The mortality risk at the time of hospitalization was 6.40 (3.50; 19.10) %. The actual mortality rate in the studied group was 8 (11.27 %) patients, which corresponded to the CR-POSSUM theoretically calculated mortality risk, U = 234.0, p = 0.739.
Conclusions. Increased level of complications was noted at the critical score ˃20 points, AUC = 0.744, p ˂ 0.001 (sensitivity – 71.0 %, specificity – 67.5 %) and the critical score of increasing the mortality rate was ˃22 points, AUC = 0.781, p = 0.005 (sensitivity – 75.0 %, specificity – 74.6 %) as defined by CR-POSSUM. According to the ROC analysis, the increase in mortality in the studied group did not depend on the character and complexity of surgical interventions (p = 0.159), but on the general patient condition at the time of hospital admission (р ˂ 0.001). At the same time, the increased level of complications in the group depended on both the character and complexity of the surgical intervention (p = 0.028) and on the general patient health at the time of hospitalization to the general surgical department (р ˂ 0.001).
The current state of the problem of diagnosis and therapy of depressive disorders (a literature review)
Authors: Pidlubnyi V. L. , Khomitskyi M. Ye.
Published: April 2024

The article presents the results of an analytical review of current literature data on the problem of diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders. The issues of a high incidence and polymorphism of the clinical presentation of these disorders are considered.
The tendency towards formalization and objectification in the process of diagnosing depressive disorders in modern psychiatric discourse is covered, in particular, through the use of neuroimaging, neurophysiological and biochemical methods with the involvement of machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies. The classic method of a structured or semi-structured interview, as a tool for diagnosing clinical depression, currently remains one of the most common, but it has certain limitations and disadvantages, the most significant of which are a considerable degree of the method subjectivity and its dependence on the perception by specialists conducting the diagnosis, that causes low sensitivity and specificity of this method.
The significant role of a general practitioner as a key link in the identification and treatment of the described phenomena, which automatically presents to these specialists a number of professional, qualification and personal requirements, such as knowing pathogenesis of depressive disorders, the features of their pharmacotherapy, skills to build compliant relationships with patients, is highlighted apart. The article also emphasizes the lack of information in available sources about measures to assess the risk of depressive episode recurrence, as well as insufficient attention to the methods of neurophysiological examination and their narrow arsenal.
Thus, based on the results of the review, it has been found that a promising direction to improve diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic measure effectiveness, as a part of follow-up among patients with depression, in addition to classical psychodiagnostic tools, is the development and implementation of ethological and neurophysiological methods of examination for objectifying evaluation of patients’ condition and elimination of subjective factors associated with specialists’ perception of patients, as well as symptoms of anosognosia or aggravation.
The state of antioxidant system and emotional status in rats with mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury
Authors: Kozlova Yu. V. , Maslak H. S. , Netronina O. V. , Abraimova O. Ye. , Kozlov S. V.
Published: April 2024

The aim was to evaluate the markers of emotional status and the antioxidant system activity in rats with blast-induced traumatic brain injury.
Materials and methods. The study carried out on 85 sexually mature male Wistar rats in compliance with the current legislation on humane treatment of animals. The selected rats were randomly divided into three groups: I – study in the Barnes maze; II – study in the Open Field test; and III – study of glutathione reductase activity in a solution of rat erythrocyte’s hemolysate. In each of these groups, three groups were formed: Experimental – exposed to a shock wave with an overpressure of 26.4 ± 3.6 kPa; the Sham – subjected only to halothane and fixation; and the Intact group.
Results. Showed a disturbance in the emotional status and the oxidative stress development in rats with blast-induced trauma. The time of experimental rats freezing in the Barnes maze increased by 69 % (p < 0.01) on 28th day compared to 1st day, indicating the development of fear and negative emotionality. Changes in the defecation acts number indicate the development of anxiety in the acute period (1–3 days), followed by a depression-like state. The glutathione reductase activity in experimental rats was significantly higher compared to sham and intact rats, but gradually decreased inside in the experimental group. The results of the correlation analysis indicate the presence of weak relationships between the freezing time and the glutathione reductase activity. The positive relationship of a strong degree was found between the number of defecation acts and glutathione reductase on 1st day and a negative relationship of a strong degree was found on 7th day.
Conclusions. We suppose that oxidative stress is a link, but not the leading one, in the pathogenesis of emotional disturbance in rats with blast-induced brain injury.
Certain aspects of the systemic etiopathogenesis of dystrophic-inflammatory periodontal diseases (a literature review)
Authors: Nemesh O. M. , Honta Z. M. , Shylivskyi I. V. , Moroz K. A. , Myhal O. O.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To study the main pathogenetic mechanisms in the development of dystrophic-inflammatory periodontal diseases by analyzing scientific research results covered in current specialized literature.
Material and methods. Searching, systematization, processing and analysis of scientific sources, which present modern theories of pathogenesis and development of dystrophic-inflammatory periodontal diseases.
Results. The conducted data analysis from modern literary sources proves that the progression of dystrophic-inflammatory periodontal diseases depends not only on the development of local inflammation in the periodontal tissues caused by the dental plaque microflora, but also it is a reaction to the influence of systemic factors. They lead to profound changes in the body internal environment and, as a result, to structural damage of the periodontal tissues. At the same time, the results obtained do not allow the authors to clearly assess the nature of these relationships and require further in-depth studies.
Conclusions. Understanding the pathogenetic mechanism of periodontal diseases allow developing optimal measures for their diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Comparison between intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with closure of fascial defect (IPOM plus) and intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair (IPOM) for ventral hernias
Authors: Havrylov H. O. , Shulyarenko O. V. , Yosypenko M. O.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To evaluate the intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with closure of fascial defect (IPOM plus) versus intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) for ventral hernias (VHs).
Materials and methods. A total of 89 patients with VHs with a defect between 3–12 cm who underwent a surgery from 2018 to 2023 years were enrolled in this study. All of them were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 included 45 patients after intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair with closure of fascial defect (IPOM plus), Group 2 – 44 patients after intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM). The distribution of patients by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hernia type (primary VH, incisional hernia), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was studied.
Results. The differences in sex, mean age, patient distribution based on hernia type, BMI, ASA score and hernia orifice size were not statistically significant between the two groups. Therefore, both groups were comparable. The operative time in minutes was 73.17 ± 7.43 in Group 1 and 70.93 ± 8.84 in Group 2 (not statistically significant). The pain score 12 hours after surgery was 5.24 ± 0.60 in Group 1 comparing to 5.02 ± 0.45 in Group 2 (not statistically significant). The pain score 8 days after surgery was 2.88 ± 0.31 in Group 1 comparing to 2.75 ± 0.43 in Group 2 (not statistically significant).
There was no significant difference concerning the incidence of early complications between the two groups. 41 (91.11 %) patients of Group 1 and 40 (90.9 %) patients of Group 2 were examined during a 22-month follow-up period. No complications were noted.
Conclusions. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair provides satisfactory results in terms of safety and efficacy. Thus, IPOM plus repair is safe, feasible and offers possible advantages over the standard IPOM technique as reported in the literature. Poor outcomes described in the literature are probably related to independent variables such as mesh and suture types as well as closure technique.
Why do we age? The main signs of aging
Authors: Kletnieks Ugis , Butkevichius Audrius , Hladyshev V. V. , Sokolovskyi S. S.
Published: April 2024

Aging is a gradual and irreversible pathophysiological process. This is manifested in the decline of tissue and cell functions and a significant variety of pathologies associated with aging, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, increased risk of diseases of the skeleton and the immune system. Although modern medical advances have made a certain contribution to human health and greatly extended life expectancy, along with the aging of society, various chronic diseases are gradually emerging, which are the most important causes of disability and death of the elderly.
Aim. The aim of the work is to analyze modern ideas in the field of causes and manifestations of aging processes for the possibility of developing a strategy to slow down its course. At the molecular and cellular level, aging is a complex biological process involving the gradual deterioration of various cellular and molecular processes in the body over time.
The length of a person’s life is closely related to the decrease in the possibilities of repair and regeneration of tissues and organs. In response to stress at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental regulatory factors cause a decrease in the body’s physiological capabilities. They use complex molecular mechanisms that together contribute to aging. Molecular mechanisms (such as telomere shortening, accumulation of DNA damage, metabolic changes, and excessive free radical generation) strongly link various factors to the rate of aging. Collectively, these mechanisms inhibit cell proliferation, alter metabolism and gene expression, and induce high levels of free radicals, maintaining a senescent cell phenotype. Although the number of early senescent cells is low, they can limit the regenerative capacity of tissue stem cells and lead to the accumulation of cellular damage, thereby contributing to age-related diseases.
Conclusions. Current advances in high-throughput genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics enable the characterization and quantification of thousands of epigenetic markers, transcripts, proteins, metabolites, and can reveal general changes that occur with age in complex organisms at the molecular level. Thus, the integration of these molecular markers and related molecular mechanisms into a comprehensive assessment of biological age to prevent age-related functional decline and morbidity is becoming an increasingly pressing issue in medical science and should be implemented in practice as soon as possible.