bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastric carcinoma leading to metastatic spinal cord compression
Authors: Daterdiwala Nida Fatima , Memon Hina Fatima , Erum Asra , Asif Husain Osmani
Published: December 2024

Gastric cancer is described as a malignancy occurring in the region between the gastroesophageal junction and the pylorus. According to the histology, majority of gastric cancers are classified as adenocarcinomas. The prevalence of bone metastasis in the general population is 2-3%. Here, an unusual case of a 73-year-old male is discussed who presented on September 10, 2023, with symptoms of lower back pain and bowel and urinary incontinence. His MRI results showed mild indentation along with nerve impingement and hypertrophied ligamentum flavum at the level of L5/S1. Within D11 and D12 vertebral bodies, diffuse abnormal signals were appreciated predominantly along posterior corners. CT scan of the abdomen showed sessile hypodense area along the mucosa of the posterior wall of the gastric antrum. Histopathology further confirmed the diagnosis with the appearance of signet ring cells. He was managed with supportive care and palliative radiotherapy. The patient expired on the 28th day of being discharged.
Keywords: Stomach Neoplasm, Metastasis, Spinal Cord Compressions, Tumour.
Functional outcomes of lower limb reconstruction using vascularised fibula following oncological resection
Authors: Amna Kifayatullah  , Mamoon Rashid  , Sohail Hafeez  , Saad Ur Rehman
Published: December 2024

Objectives: To assess the functional outcomes of patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction with vascularised fibula following tumour resection in a tertiary care setting.
Method: The single-centre, retrospective, observational study was conducted at the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised data from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022, of patients who underwent lower limb reconstruction with vascularised fibula following oncological resection. Functional outcome was assessed using Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.
Results: Of the 31 patients with mean age 18.2+9.9 years, 18(58%) were females and 13(42%) were males. Mean follow-up time was 3.8+3.4 years. Mean length of bony defect was 15.3+5.1cm. Mean length of fibular graft harvested was 20.0+5.9cm. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 26.7+2.8. Mean score was higher in foot defects recreated with single barrel fibula 29.3+1.0 compared to tibial defects 27.2+3.3. Minor wound-related complications were encountered in 5(16.1%) patients.
Conclusion: Vascularised fibula was found to be an ideal option for the reconstruction of post-oncological treatment defects in the lower limb.
Key Words: Lower extremity, Fibula, Free tissue flaps, Limb salvage, Autografts.
Atypical initial presentations of Sjogren’s syndrome: a case series
Authors: Faiza Naeem  , Imami Salman Khurshid , Saira Elaine Anwer Khan  , Shabnam Batool  , Muhammad Akmal  , Yasir Mushtaq
Published: December 2024

Primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) typically presents with Sicca symptoms xerostomia and xeropthalmia. This study highlights atypical presentations of Primary Sjogren's syndrome posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Four female patients (median age 30 years, IQR = 15.5) with atypical pSS features, confirmed by positive Anti-Ro antibodies and negative lupus or rheumatoid arthritis tests, were treated between February and August 2023. PSS presented as erythema nodosum, soft tissue swelling with medium-vessel vasculitis, palpable purpura, and severe thrombocytopenia in these cases prior to Sicca symptoms. Initial treatment included steroids and hydroxychloroquine. Azathioprine, Methotrexate, and Cyclophosphamide were added as steroid-sparing agents. Three patients achieved remission. One patient with co-existing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) died. Atypical features can occur in SS, requiring vigilance for diagnosis and individualised treatment.
Our series demonstrates the diverse atypical clinical features of Sjogren's syndrome, encompassing radiologic, histopathologic, laboratory abnormalities, and treatment guidelines, expanding the known spectrum of disease presentation and management.
Keywords: Primary Sjogren’s syndrome, Takayasu arteritis, Medium vessel vasculitis, Palpable purpura, Thrombocytopenia.
Administration of aspirin and risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Abbasi Arooba Noor , Athar Fatimah Bismah , Lakho Arooba
Published: December 2024

A recent study by Sanat et al. (2023) investigated Aspirin’s potential protective effects against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), leveraging its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties1. This case-control study included 470 PDAC patients and 526 matched controls from Shariati Hospital in Tehran. PDAC, originating in the pancreatic duct cells, is known for its severe prognosis due to limited treatment options and late-stage diagnosis. It accounts for about 90% of pancreatic cancer cases and is characterized by rapid progression and early metastasis2. Risk factors include tobacco use, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, and genetic mutations1. A GLOBOCAN 2020 survey reported 495,773 new PDAC cases and identified it as the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with 466,003 fatalities annually3.
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Aspirin, a member of the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) family, inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Pancreatic lesions often exhibit high COX-2 levels, making aspirin a candidate for PDAC prevention. However, Sanat et al.'s study found no significant protective effect of low-dose aspirin (80mg). The study’s adjusted odds ratios for aspirin users were close to 1 (1.01), with no significant difference across durations of use (1, 5, or 10 years), all with p-values > 0.05 [1]. This thorough investigation used accurate diagnostic procedures, including bio-sample collection and fine-needle aspiration for suspected cases. The control group had gastrointestinal disorders but no other cancers or pancreatic abnormalities. Notably, increased PDAC rates were observed in rural patients and those with a history of smoking or opium use. The study employed a valid questionnaire and statistical analyses, highlighting the careful approach taken [1].
While Aspirin shows major benefits in other contexts, its role in PDAC risk reduction appears limited. Recent research highlights aspirin’s potential risks, such as increased bleeding in anticoagulated patients, particularly those undergoing invasive surgeries. A meta-analysis emphasized that low-dose aspirin’s cardiovascular benefits are counterbalanced by serious bleeding risks, including major, intracranial, and gastrointestinal bleeding [4]. Therefore, clinicians must weigh these risks, especially for PDAC patients with additional conditions like cardiovascular disease. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of different aspirin doses and interactions with other drugs, such as atorvastatin, which may affect its efficacy in cancer prevention [5]. Additionally, high-risk populations exposed to carcinogens should be studied to assess aspirin’s potential in preventing PDAC. Overall, while aspirin has known benefits, its use for reducing PDAC risk is not supported by current evidence and requires further investigation.
Overlooked consequences of undiagnosed Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Pakistani women
Authors: Hania Waseem  , Myra Sohail  , Shanzay Rab
Published: December 2024

Madam,
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a depressive disorder which comprises psychological and somatic symptoms brought on by sensitivity to fluctuations in the levels of female sex hormones throughout the menstrual cycle.1 Symptoms of PMDD present at the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and usually resolve at the end of menstruation.1 These include but are not limited to affective lability and an increase in anxiety, anger and depressive episodes. Women with PMDD may also experience certain physical symptoms that deviate from normal physiological mechanisms such as lethargy, hypersomnia or insomnia and changes in appetite.1
Women worldwide struggle with self-harm and suicidal ideation; however, new studies suggest a possible correlation between these mental health issues and the prevalence of menstrual disorders like PMDD. A 2021 meta-analysis conducted by Divya Prasad et al. indicated that PMDD increases the likelihood of suicide attempt by almost sevenfold and of ideation by fourfold.2 The findings of this study raise grave concerns in countries such as Pakistan where discussions and studies related to both menstrual disorders and mental health are limited.
A study on PMDD incidence in Pakistan's general population found no research on the topic. However, a cross-sectional study in three Karachi universities revealed that only 19% of female students were aware of PMDD, highlighting the country's lack of awareness and the taboo associated with menstruation in Pakistan's conservative society.3 Cultural perspectives often overlook PMDD symptoms due to the belief that women experience moodiness and sensitivity during menstruation. This generalization disregards hormonal pathology and views PMDD as a natural physiological phenomenon. This issue affects Pakistani women and physicians, as women may be influenced by this ideology, not considering their symptoms significant enough to warrant treatment.
The Pakistani community can benefit from investigating the prevalence of PMDD in rural and urban areas to identify differential factors affecting symptoms and exacerbation. Studies have shown that higher perceived stress is linked to increased perimenstrual symptoms in women with PMDD.4 Future studies should measure the knowledge gap in physicians regarding PMDD's diagnostic criteria to prevent misdiagnosis. Recent findings highlight a single gene polymorphism in the ESR1 gene and contradictory neurobiological effects of Allopregnanolone on GABA-A receptors in women experiencing PMDD.5 This validates the symptoms experienced by women, protecting them from biased dismissals and societal stereotypes. These advancements could reduce healthcare gender disparity and foster confidence in seeking suitable treatment.
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HER2-low breast cancer: A new clinical entity
Authors: Abdul Rashid Yasmin , Khan Samra , Khan Shagufta
Published: December 2024

HER2-positive breast cancers (BC) account for ~15-20% of total BC cases with a poor prognosis. The outlook for these patients has improved drastically with the advent of anti-HER2 targeted treatments.1 According to American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO-CAP) 2018 guidelines, HER2 is considered positive when it is overexpressed on immunohistochemical (IHC) assay with a score of 3+ or 2+ with gene amplification on in-situ hybridization (ISH) assay while negative when IHC staining is 0, 1+, or 2+ with no gene amplification on ISH.2
This dichotomous classification was recently upended when patients with HER2 2+ unamplified and HER2 1+ tumours were identified as promising targets for new anti-HER2 therapies specifically antibody-drug conjugates (trastuzumab deruxtecan or T-DXd).3,4 Thus, a new classification term “HER2-low” was introduced for these patients.3 This was a major leap in treating patients whose disease is chemo-refractive and HER2-driven. However, the emergence of the HER2-low subgroup poses many challenges regarding its pathological classification and biology in early-stage disease.
One of the main concerns in classifying HER2-low tumours is the choice of techniques employed i.e. IHC and ISH. These techniques have only been employed to quantify HER2 overexpression in BC, without distinguishing between low levels and no HER2 expression. This makes it imperative to first develop and validate more sensitive and reliable techniques for classifying HER2-low tumours in clinical settings. Until these new methods are developed, the risk of treating new patients and patients already on anti-HER2 therapies poses a significant challenge to clinicians.
Latest GLOBOCAN statistics highlight the critical need to improve BC management practices in countries like Pakistan, where disease burden is high, with more than 30,000 BC cases reported in 2022 alone.5 We reviewed the total number of patients who attended our Breast Oncology clinics in 2022 and re-analysed their HER2 status following the new classification. Based on the available results of 528 patients, 117 (22%) early-stage BC patients now fit the criteria of the HER2-low subgroup with either HR+ or HR- status. This emphasizes the importance of properly monitoring such patients and investigating their disease biology and response to existing therapies.
It is currently debatable if HER2-low status in BC constitutes a distinct entity in the early stage and whether it has prognostic value. Treatment strategies for individuals with advanced BC have undergone a significant shift because of the introduction of the unique targetable subgroup of HER2-low BC.
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Beyond pain relief: the unseen consequences of NSAIDs misuse in pregnancy
Authors: Shahid Sufyan
Published: December 2024

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drug with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. Their primary mechanism of action is the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme and a consequent reduction in prostaglandin levels. There is a high global prevalence of NSAIDs used by pregnant females for pain management because of the abundance and ease of access to these compounds. In Pakistan, the most commonly used OTC analgesic medications during pregnancy include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin.1 A study by Bohio et al discovered that 77.4% of women taking these medications have no knowledge about their dosage and potential adverse effects.2
A recent systematic review by Ambrosio et al. established that the use of NSAIDs during pregnancy can cause oligohydramnios by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for normal foetal renal perfusion.3 Oligohydramnios is a serious condition characterised by abnormally low volume (< 500 ml) of amniotic fluid between the 32nd and 36th weeks of pregnancy.4 It is associated with unfavourable maternal and foetal health outcomes, including a 5-fold increase in stillbirths and a 3-fold increase in deaths among neonates.5 The weight of babies from pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios is, on average, 162 g less than those without oligohydramnios.5
It is a cause of concern since Pakistan has the highest incidence of oligohydramnios during the third trimester of pregnancy among low-middle-income countries.5 One of the reasons is the self-administration of NSAIDs by pregnant females due to a lack of proper medical supervision. Hence, a multifaceted approach involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, and general population is required to address this issue of NSAIDs misuse in Pakistan.
This includes education of pregnant women regarding the safe and appropriate management of pain, existing alternate treatment options and consequences of non-prescribed OTC analgesic use during pregnancy. Secondly, the use of NSAIDs should be limited to lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and only in situations where maternal benefits outweigh the potential foetal risk. Lastly, ultrasound monitoring of amniotic fluid should be considered beyond 48 h of NSAIDs treatment and if a decline Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) is present, therapy should be discontinued.
Furthermore, government authorities and community stakeholders should implement regulatory policies to restrict the sale of NSAIDs without a prescription and conduct public awareness campaigns regarding their potential adverse effects.
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The need for a mortality database in Pakistan: now or never
Authors: Qureshi Sidra Waqar , Erum Anwar
Published: December 2024

Respected editor,
With a staggering figure of 241.5 million inhabitants, Pakistan is considered the fifth most populous country in the world, with a growth rate of 2.55% per annum. (1) The crude mortality rate as per Pakistan Demographic Survey 2020, was 6.7 per 1000 persons (2), however, data regarding causes of death is doubtful, since a good number of diseases are never truly diagnosed, especially those occurring at homes or in rural areas, while many remain unregistered.
Worldwide, mortality statistics serve as an essential indicator of the health and well-being of a population. Maintenance of up-to-date records is considered an important component of health-care policy making, public health research, and future resource allocation, as they help in assessing community health status, and subsequently aid in modifying factors that can ensure better lives. The CDC WONDER database, for example, contains mortality statistics of the U.S. population, collected from the millions of death certificates, from over the past two decades, and is available online. (3)
However, in Pakistan, no such reliable mortality database exists at the national level, which could serve a similar purpose. Although the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system for Pakistan has been in existence for long, its online record lacks statistics regarding causes of death. (4)
It is a dilemma, that a significant number of deaths, 40% according to WHO (5), remain unregistered, while those that are registered do not contain an accurate diagnosis of diseases that ultimately lead to loss of lives.
It is only reasonable that an accurate and timely updated mortality database be maintained on a nationwide level, based off of death certificates issued by healthcare facilities. A standardized death certificate introduced throughout the country, can not only help recognize the leading causes of death, but could also aid in overcoming inadequacies when it comes to maintaining accurate health records. Such measures can prospectively allow researchers to document long-term survival statistics for clinical research, to identify potential risk factors for certain conditions and recognize high-risk populations so that early preventative care and interventions can be undertaken.
Cultivating research interest among undergraduate students: Becoming a career physician-scientist
Authors: Jin Shigeki , Takeuchi Akiko , Murakami Manabu
Published: December 2024

Although the importance of scientific research is self-evident, there need to be more physician-scientists1. There is a concern regarding how research interest can be cultivated among undergraduate students. Ahmed et al.2 examined the factors that hinder students from pursuing undergraduate research and the proposed solutions. The authors’ latest research findings (not yet published) may enhance the generalizability of this study, considering data triangulation, with regard to increasing research-oriented physicians.
In the aforementioned research, the authors interviewed 19 first-year students studying liberal arts and basic medicine and 12 third-year students studying clinical medicine. The interviews lasted 60 minutes per participant, and the recordings were transcribed, coded, and grouped for similarity in content. The interviews focused on factors that prevent students from pursuing a career as physician-scientists and how to address these factors. The following four factors were extracted: 1) Lack of recognition of the researcher’s image due to students’ inexperience; 2) Negative image of researchers (long, monotonous work, negative research results, and lack of work-life balance); 3) Intense research competition and employment instability; 4) Economic anxiety over low salaries and livelihood security. Notably, despite the different locations, methods, and persons being studied, these four factors are consistent with and explain the tree figure (main themes, along with subthemes) created by Ahmed et al.2 The students in the authors’ study also suggested countermeasures to improve these factors (See Table 1).
Research on career guidance for physician-scientists has recently increased worldwide, and programs have been developed to support students aiming for research careers3. However, in many cases, these attempts do not succeed because of low motivation among students and concerns for their careers. Increasing students’ motivation to conduct research at an earlier stage has attracted attention as an effective method. Future studies must confirm whether sensitizing students toward research at an early stage is effective. If we fail to nurture and retain students with research-oriented mindsets, there is a risk of “brain drain,”4 which could have severe implications for future research productivity.
Taking cues from a previous study that attempted to quantitatively examine the intrinsic or extrinsic motivation to increase the number of physician-scientists5, the authors attempted to qualitatively explore these factors in Japan, extending a similar study by Ahmed et al.2 in Pakistan. Effective measures for increasing the number of physician-scientists worldwide must be reported by future studies.
Iranian Scholar Haly Abbas Contributes to Europe’s First Modern Medical School
Authors: Farrokh Habibzadeh
Published: December 2024

Medical education has not always taken place in medicalschools. Until the tenth century, medicine was taught toapprentices, or passed down from father to son. Foundedin the ninth century in Salerno, Italy, the Schola Medica Salernitanawas the first modern medical school and the mostimportant source of medical knowledge in Western Europeat the time.1 The city of Salerno was an ideal place to founda medical school: all trade routes passed through the city.Being like a melting pot of numerous cultures andethnicities, with Normans from the west, Sicilians from thesouth, Greeks, Benedictine monks, Jewish physicians, andArabs, the city was really an ideal spot to share andexchange ideas and establish a teaching center.Furthermore, the school was located near a monastery,Monte Cassino, where the sick people went to be curedwith the help of magic herbs and the miracles of the saints.
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From Pixels to Prognosis: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Models in Brain Tumour Mutation Prediction
Authors: Quratulain Tariq  , Eisha Abid Ali  , Saad bin Anis  , Irfan Yousaf  , Ahmer Nasir Baig  , Muhammad Shahzad Shamim
Published: December 2024

Brain tumours are a leading cause of death and disability,impacting individuals across all ages, genders, andethnicities. They are primarily diagnosed using MRI but aprecise diagnosis is dependent on the molecular biologyof the tumour studied on the pathological specimen.Artificial intelligence and machine learning are forgingnew paths through diagnostic obstacles, offering theintriguing benefits of non-invasive diagnosis, patternrecognition, and outcome prediction from imaging data.Here, we present a literature review on the role ofmachine learning in tumour mutations using imagingalone.Keywords: brain tumor, artificial intelligence, machinelearning, tumor mutation.
Anaesthetic management of liver transplantation in patients with fulminant hepatic failure
Authors: Naved Saad Ahmed , Sadiq Shoukat Ali Parpia
Published: December 2024

Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is associated with rapidly progressive multiorgan failure and may even lead to death. Although liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as the only viable treatment option, there are many challenges associated with LT. The literature available from developed countries mainly focuses on the prognosis of ALF with limited focus on the anaesthetic management of LT. In the developing world particularly, the facility and experience of LT is relatively new.  This case report presents the first case from Pakistan regarding the anaesthesia management of ALF. It discusses the management of a 46-year-old female who underwent emergency LT which includes initiation of Total Intravenous Anaesthesia, steps to reduce intra-cranial pressure, continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, and correction of coagulopathy using thromboelastography. To conclude, a holistic understanding of pre, intra, and post-operative anaesthetic management of liver transplantation requires a multi-disciplinary team management and can significantly improve the survival rates.
Keywords: Liver Transplant, Anaesthesia, Liver Failure.
Estado da arte sobre a educação das relações étnico-raciais no ensino de química:
Authors: Melo José Orlando Melo de , Pereira da Silva Lucicléia
Published: December 2024

A Lei 10.639/2003 tornou obrigatório o ensino de história e cultura africana e afro-brasileira na educação básica, subsidiando a Educação das Relações Étnico-Raciais (ERER). Desse modo, o trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a produção científica em periódicos nacionais que considerem processos de ensino-aprendizagem na Educação Básica a partir da associação entre a ERER e o Ensino de Química. Assim, desenvolveu-se um estado da arte, a partir de periódicos conceituados sobre Ensino de Química e/ou de química com artigos publicados na seção educação, classificados entre os estratos A1 a B2 (Qualis CAPES 2017-2020). Ademais, utilizou-se o software IRAMUTEQ para o processamento dos dados e a análise de conteúdo para interpretá-los. Nesse sentido, observou-se um baixo quantitativo de publicações/periódico/ano, com raras exceções. Quanto à interpretação dos dados, gerou-se 4 categorias: CF1 – Contexto de desenvolvimento das pesquisas em ERER; CF2 – Estratégias educativas em ERER e a valorização da história e cultura africana, afro-brasileira e indígena; CF3 – Aspectos metodológicos das pesquisas em ERER; CF4 – Contribuições de povos africanos e afrodiaspóricos ao conhecimento químico. Destarte, tais categorias sintetizam o que tem sido produzido a respeito da ERER no Ensino de Química, no percurso da educação básica, a nível nacional.
Compostagem como ferramenta sustentável de ensino para Educação Socioambiental
Authors: Helem Dias de Vilhena Ruth
Published: December 2024

Este artigo é resultado da dissertação de mestrado do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação e Ensino de Ciências na Amazônia da universidade do Estado do Pará. Em busca de novas soluções para os problemas socioambientais nas escolas do município de Moju, foram desenvolvidas estratégias para implementar práticas socioambientais em uma escola pública local. Assim, iniciou-se o projeto "Compostagem na Escola: Um Caminho para a Sustentabilidade na Amazônia", com o objetivo de promover a reutilização de resíduos sólidos orgânicos através da construção de uma composteira escolar e reduzir a quantidade de resíduos produzidos diariamente na comunidade escolar. Este tipo de trabalho é de extrema importância, pois apresenta um caráter interdisciplinar, fomenta discussões socioambientais e incentiva a formação de alunos como protagonistas no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em cinco etapas, resultando na melhoria ambiental com a redução do acúmulo de lixo orgânico, na criação de uma horta para a merenda escolar e no aumento da autoestima dos alunos, que foram protagonistas deste processo. Dessa forma, foi possível discutir conceitos, valores e alternativas sobre a preservação do meio ambiente e agir de forma cidadã.
Ensino de ciências da natureza na educação do campo:
Authors: Ferreira Moraes Danrley , Da Silva Martins Júnior Alcindo , Venturieri Bianca
Published: December 2024

O ensino de ciências da natureza na educação do campo, tem possibilitado novas discussões com relação à contextualização dos conteúdos atrelados a realidade dos estudantes camponeses. Algumas dessas discussões estão vinculadas a pesquisas em programas de pós-graduação, sendo estes, um novo espaço para a divulgação dessa temática. Neste sentido, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo geral realizar uma revisão de literatura de produções de mestrado profissional na área de ensino com a temática em educação do campo e ensino de ciências nas universidades públicas do estado do Pará. A pesquisa apresenta-se como descritiva a partir dos objetivos propostos, possuindo uma abordagem qualiquantitativa. Como procedimento de pesquisa foi selecionada a revisão bibliográfica e pesquisa em bases online de cinco universidades públicas. Em síntese, foram encontradas apenas seis publicações com a temática abordada. O mestrado profissional por ser um importante espaço acadêmico para a produção e disseminação dos estudos sobre educação do campo e ensino de ciências, está a caminho de se consolidar como mais um espaço de reflexão e discussão deste contexto educacional no Pará. As produções encontradas devem servir de motivação para que as discussões se propaguem, principalmente com propostas estratégicas e formativas.
Environmental Crimes in The Perspective of Criminal Law and Ecosystem Protection in Indonesia
Authors: Rudolf Silaban
Published: December 2024

Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management is the legal basis that regulates various forms of environmental violations, ranging from pollution to destruction of natural resources. The aim is to analyze how criminal law is applied to deal with environmental crimes in Indonesia and create existing conditions and enforcement laws. The research method commonly used in studying environmental crimes in Indonesia is a qualitative approach, which involves interviews with key stakeholders such as government officials, environmental activists, and local communities. The results of this study show that environmental protection is very important and should be a priority for all parties. So that the criminal law that regulates environmental crimes can encourage the awareness and responsibility of the same person and the same person in preserving the environment. The implementation of strict criminal law against environmental crimes is expected to have a deterrent effect on perpetrators who damage the environment.
Russian epidemiological monitoring for nutrition in the adult population
Authors: Tutelyan Victor A. , Smirnova Elena A. , Keshabyants Evelina E. , Denisova Natalia N. , Sorokina Elena Yu. , Korotkova Tatyana N. , Baturin Aleksander K. , Nikityuk Dmitry B.
Published: December 2024

Nutrition and provision of physiological needs for energy, food, and biologically active substances is the most important factor determining human health, physical development, and active longevity. Micronutrient deficiencies in nutrition, the increasing prevalence of overweight, obesity, and other risk factors for non-communicable diseases are very relevant for Russia. To ensure an increase in life expectancy and improve the quality of life in the population, a draft Russian epidemiological monitoring for adult nutrition has been prepared.
The purpose of the study is to obtain reliable statistical information including socio-economic and behavioural factors affecting the provision of a healthy diet for the adult population, level of individual food consumption, energy, and nutritional value of the diet, features of the formation and composition of the food basket, individual nutritional status and physical development of the surveyed category of persons, the prevalence of overweight and obesity, alimentary risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD), the relationship of the nature of nutrition and lifestyle with individual indices of health status.
In each subject of the Russian Federation participating in the study, Regional Centers (RC) for monitoring and optimizing nutrition in the population are being created, which can be created on the basis of medical, scientific or educational institutions. The Federal Research Centre of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety provides the scientific and methodological support for the implementation of the study.
Conclusion. During the study, there will be obtained data on the actual nutrition and nutritional status in the adult working-age population, which will identify the main risk factors for the development of alimentary-dependent CNCD associated with disorders of the nutritional structure of the population in the region; determine priorities for CNCD prevention measures, adjust regional policy in the field of healthy nutrition, taking into account the identified features; to substantiate the directions of development of the regional agro-industrial complex, providing for the production of specialized and enriched with essential nutrients of food products with maximum use of local bioresources and infrastructure; to substantiate and develop food rations for organized teams of various population groups, taking into account the identified regional characteristics; to develop and implement a system of multi-level targeted educational programs in the field of healthy nutrition for specialists and various groups of the region’s population as the most effective and low-cost way of health saving.
Role of chemical plant protection products in worldwide food security (literature review)
Authors: Masaltsev Gleb V. , Veshchemova Tatiana E. , Rakitskii Valerii N. , Kuz’min Sergey V.
Published: December 2024

The contribution of pesticides to food security from the 1960s and up to 2100, when the Earth’s population, according to United Nations forecasts, will reach a sustainable value of 10.2 billion people, is considered. There are presented international estimates of the effectiveness of pesticides for crop preservation, the economic feasibility of their use. Side effects of pesticide use, such as the development of resistance and non-target drift, are discussed. A brief description of the system developed in the Soviet Union for substantiating hygienic standards for maximum permissible levels of pesticide residues in food products of plant origin, carried out in accordance with the principle of integrated hygienic standardization, which consists in the fact that the possible intake of a drug into the human body with food products, water, and atmospheric air should not exceed the permissible daily dose for an average-sized person is provided. This approach, applied today in the post-Soviet space, is unique in world practice, since in other member countries of the World Health Organization, when establishing maximum permissible levels (MPLs), the potential intake of the active substance from the environment (water, air) is not taken into account. It is concluded that the use of chemical plant protection products will remain the basis for ensuring food security in the foreseeable future since it is not only cost-effective, but also necessary in the context of population growth and the impossibility of proportionally increasing the area of ​​agricultural land.
The material for this review was mainly data from foreign literature because such analyses have not been published in the domestic press before. One of the reasons for this is the methodological complexity in collecting and evaluating the necessary data for the Russian Federation. When searching for information, the SpringerLink, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, RINTS and CyberLeninka databases were used.
Methods for complex population health evaluation in relation to environmental factors based on use of integral indices. Descriptive review (Report 1)
Authors: Onishchenko Gennadiy G. , Zaitseva Nina V. , Kleyn Svetlana V. , Glukhikh Maxim V.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Structural changes detected in indices of population health and risks created by changes in priority environmental factors resulted in natural necessity to create integral valuations of population health that can be predicted under various circumstances.
The purpose of the study was the descriptionof the population health indices used in its complex evaluations.
Materials and methods. This paper is a narrative review of available research literature. Relevant literature sources were sought in reference databases (SCOPUS, WoS), and PubMed search system without any limitations as regards time of publication. Two groups of indices were analyzed: one-dimensional ones and those based on mortality tables.
Results. Advantages and drawbacks typical for each measure types were established as regards a possibility to perform intergroup or inter-population evaluations; taking into account complexity and interrelations between various factors; use of contemporary concepts of health taking into account the expressed social orientations. Despite many available methodological developments in the sphere, integral population health indices are still being developed, among other things, due to interdisciplinary approaches, use of the complex systems theory, and up-to-date opportunities provided by computational systems.
Limitations include the lack of any strictly determined search strategy. The research results are considered qualitative (descriptive) with some elements of comparison and do not provide any quantitative estimations.
Conclusions. The results obtained by analysis of the accomplished literature allowed establishing the most relevant integral measures of population health among one-dimensional ones and those based on LEB assessment techniques and estimating whether their structural components were well-grounded. A conclusion was also made that any health evaluations, life expectancy, and life quality have certain social orientation and their multidimensional components should be taken into account in all their complexity. It is necessary to determine whether resources are allocated justly given the established burden of disease in specific population groups.
Reserves and limitations of the gain in life expectancy at birth for people in an industrially developed region associated with losses due to circulatory diseases
Authors: Zaitseva Nina V. , Kostarev Vitalij G. , Kleyn Svetlana V. , Glukhikh Maxim V. , Kiryanov Dmitry A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. The current project activity of the state aimed to improve the medical and demographic situation in the country involves complex changes in many spheres of society activities including living conditions of working age population.
The purpose of study. Identification of the working environment and labour process priority factors against the background of environmental factors system, according to the measure of their influence on age-specific mortality due to circulatory system diseases and estimation potential for increasing of life expectancy at birth for the industrialized region population.
Materials and methods. Data were taken from state statistical reports issued in 2010–2019. They covered 206 indices, including factors related to workplace setting and work processes (20 items). Using a FA-ANN (factor analysis — artificial neural network) model as by 5-year age groups.
Results. We established certain influence produced on LEB in total and working age population on the example of the Perm Krai by changes in environmental according to scenario forecasts, 75.87 and 67.81 years by 2030. Influence exerted on age-specific mortality rates due to circulatory diseases and LEB by changes in some specific groups of factors was assessed using retrospective data (between (–)48.6 days and 284.5 days), in particular, positive changes in workplace settings and work processes (between 11.1 and 30.3 days within different scenarios). According to our forecast, by 2030 the maximum effect of LEB growth for the population (total and working age) is expected to be associated with changes in sociodemographic indices (435.5 days), lifestyle indices (172.2 days), sanitary-epidemiologic welfare (105.1 days).
Research limitations. The analyzed dataset, limitations of the applied model, approaches to setting scenario conditions for changes in analyzed indices.
Conclusion. Priority factors have been identified on the example of an industrially developed region (the Perm Krai). Changes in them can help use the potential of LEB growth due to targeted interdepartmental project activities including improvement of workplace settings and work processes.
Polymorphisms 836A>G of the MMP9 gene and -174G/C of the IL-6 gene associated with a high risk of allergic pathology in children
Authors: Starkova Ksenia G. , Dolgikh Oleg V. , Legostaeva Tatyana A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. The high level of allergic diseases among the child population requires for research to develop modern approaches to the diagnosis and prevention of atopic processes with the detection of specific highly sensitive biomarkers of immunoregulation, including genetic ones, with a detailed analysis of individual etiopathogenetic links in the development of the disease.
Materials and methods. The children’s population of secondary school age in the Perm region was examined: 65 children with allergic pathology and 55 relatively healthy children. Markers of hypersensitivity were studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SNP genotyping was performed using real-time PCR.
Results. Children with manifestations of allergy showed an increase in the allergization index by 1.4 times, in blood eosinophils –
by 2.3 times, and total IgE concentration by 12.6 times relative to the group of healthy children (p < 0.001). Significant associations with the development of allergic diseases of candidate genes polymorphisms 836G*MMP9 (OR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.10–3.99) and -174G*IL-6 (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.20–4.25) was revealed. A comparative analysis of the combination of alleles of candidate immunoregulatory genes 836G*MMP9/-174G*IL-6 with alternative allelic combinations showed its significant association with an increased risk of developing allergic pathology (RR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.27–3.41), activation of allergic inflammation markers: total IgE and blood eosinophils (on average 4.5 and 1.8 times) for children with allergic pathology (p = 0.003–0.014).
Research limitations. The study is limited by the size of the sample examined.
Conclusion. The data obtained indicates to the risk of developing allergic pathology in children for the combination of candidate gene alleles 836G*MMP9/-174G*IL-6 (RR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.27–3.41), so it should be recommended as a promising marker for early diagnosis, prevention and correction of atopic diseases in children.
Workplace wellness programs as a basis for protection workforce and prolongation of work life expectancy (literature review)
Authors: Ustinova Olga Yu. , Vorobyeva Alena A. , Leshkova Irina V. , Gorbushina Olga Yu.
Published: December 2024

Development of the labour potential is a most important component of the economic growth in the Russian Federation. Structural modernization of the country economy in the existing critical demographical situation has made issues related to workforce protection especially acute. Studies with their focus on etiological factors that cause incidence and mortality of working age people give evidence of a close correlation between chronic non-communicable diseases and occupational activities. Employers’ losses caused by temporary disability to work, lower labour productivity, occupational injuries, and persistent disability of workers can reach 28–35%. Implementation of workplace wellness programs seems a promising trend in mitigating adverse effects produced by occupational factors on workers’ health. Workplace wellness programs are reliable investments into labour resources as well as creating a company’s positive image and increasing its competitiveness. Implementation of corporate initiatives into business activities helps to reduce overall incidence among workers; it ensures shorter period of temporary disability and decreases incidence and costs of healthcare services provided for workers by 16–48%. The review analyzes experience gained by foreign and Russian companies in developing and implementing workplace wellness programs and describes relevant principles of creating the best of them. Special attention is paid to drawbacks of workplace wellness programs and outlining future prospects in their development. Among the latter, a significant place belongs to an information-intellectual risk-based system for analysis, prediction, and prevention of occupational and work-related diseases as a solid basis for developing target activities that ensure workforce protection and prolong work life expectancy. Literature sources were searched for in relevant databases including Scopus, Web of Science, CyberLeninka, RSCI and statistical data collections over 2019–2024.
Assessment of cognitive impairments in mining machine operators with different work experience at a potash fertilizer plant
Authors: Savinkov Maksim A. , Nosov Aleksandr E. , Kostarev Vitaliy G. , Shcherbakov Aleksandr A. , Ustinova Olga Yu.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. The central nervous system in workers engaged in harmful production is subject to significant changes, manifested by impaired cognitive functions.
Purpose was to assess the relationship between changes in the cognitive functions in employees of a potash fertilizer plant and the duration of their work in harmful working conditions.
Materials and methods. There were examined thirty six machinists of mining machines employed at the enterprise for the production of potash fertilizers with harmful working conditions of class 3.3 (harmful factors — silvinite, dihydrosulfide, industrial noise, general and local vibration, microclimate, severity of the labour process). The comparison group consists of 32 employees with acceptable working conditions. Psychodiagnostics were performed using the Stroop test, tests for the level of attention and adequacy of classification and analysis operations, and measurement of the speed of motor responses.
Results. Employees with long-term work experience under conditions of exposure to production factors exceeding hygienic standards have lower cognitive function indices than people with normal working conditions. Thus, for workers with work experience of 8 years or more, the index of flexibility — rigidity of cognitive control was significantly lower by 1.2 times, indices of functional mobility and efficiency of nervous processes were lower by 1.2 to 1.4 times than for workers who worked in acceptable working conditions. At the same time, the indices in workers with up to 8 years of work experience employed in harmful and acceptable working conditions were close in value and had no significant differences. Conducting regular psychophysiological diagnostics can allow diagnosing the onset of cognitive dysfunction by minimal manifestations and timely carry out preventive measures.
Limitations. the impossibility of conducting test tests if the subjects do not have the skills to work with peripheral devices of a personal computer (computer keyboard, mouse).
Conclusions. Working in conditions exceeding hygienic standards can lead to the appearance of mild (pre-dement) cognitive impairments, the severity of which depends on the duration of work associated with exposure to harmful industrial factors.
The use of artificial intelligence in developing students' footwork in badminton was raised
Authors: Muhannad Nazar Kzar
Published: December 2024

The paper explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on developing students' footwork in the sport of badminton. It emphasizes the potential of AI in improving motor skills required for badminton and discusses the role of AI in deducing and updating knowledge and skills. The study employs an experimental approach with third-year students at a physical education college in Iraq, focusing on the use of AI techniques and devices to enhance footwork training. The paper highlights positive effects of AI-based training programs, such as promoting healthier muscle strength, improving swing technique, and enhancing communication and cooperation among students. Additionally, it discusses the potential benefits of integrating technology, such as AI, to enhance the effectiveness of footwork training in badminton. The findings indicate a high average use and reliance on AI technologies for improving athletes' performance and suggest the need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of these techniques and determine the most effective ways to apply them in badminton. Overall, the paper suggests that AI has the potential to significantly impact the development of footwork in badminton and improve athletes' performance, calling for continued exploration and application of AI in sports training.