bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the value of curation: A survey of researcher perspectives of data curation services from six US institutions
Authors: Marsolek Wanda , Wright Sarah J. , Luong Hoa , Braxton Susan M. , Carlson Jake , Lafferty-Hess Sophia
Published: November 2023

Data curation encompasses a range of actions undertaken to ensure that research data are fit for purpose and available for discovery and reuse, and can help to improve the likelihood that data is more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). The Data Curation Network (DCN) has taken a collaborative approach to data curation, sharing curation expertise across a network of partner institutions and data repositories, and enabling those member institutions to provide expert curation for a wide variety of data types and discipline-specific datasets. This study sought to assess the satisfaction of researchers who had received data curation services, and to learn more about what curation actions were most valued by researchers. By surveying researchers who had deposited data into one of six academic generalist data repositories between 2019–2021, this study set out to collect feedback on the value of curation from the researchers themselves. A total of 568 researchers were surveyed; 42% (238) responded. Respondents were positive in their evaluation of the importance and value of curation, indicating that the participants not only value curation services, but are largely satisfied with the services provided. An overwhelming majority 97% of researchers agreed that data curation adds value to the data sharing process, 96% agreed it was worth the effort, and 90% felt more confident sharing their data due to the curation process. We share these results to provide insights into researchers’ perceptions and experience of data curation, and to contribute evidence of the positive impact of curation on repository depositors. From the perspective of researchers we surveyed, curation is worth the effort, increases their comfort with data sharing, and makes data more findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.
In vitro formation and extended culture of highly metabolically active and contractile tissues
Authors: Bagdasarian Isabella A. , Tonmoy Thamidul Islam , Park B. Hyle , Morgan Joshua T.
Published: November 2023

3D cell culture models have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to animal and 2D cell culture models for pharmaceutical testing and disease modeling. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a cost-effective and accessible molding material for 3D cultures; however, routine PDMS molding may not be appropriate for extended culture of contractile and metabolically active tissues. Failures can include loss of culture adhesion to the PDMS mold and limited culture surfaces for nutrient and waste diffusion. In this study, we evaluated PDMS molding materials and surface treatments for highly contractile and metabolically active 3D cell cultures. PDMS functionalized with polydopamine allowed for extended culture duration (14.8 ± 3.97 days) when compared to polyethylamine/glutaraldehyde functionalization (6.94 ± 2.74 days); Additionally, porous PDMS extended culture duration (16.7 ± 3.51 days) compared to smooth PDMS (6.33 ± 2.05 days) after treatment with TGF-β2 to increase culture contraction. Porous PDMS additionally allowed for large (13 mm tall × 8 mm diameter) constructs to be fed by diffusion through the mold, resulting in increased cell density (0.0210 ± 0.0049 mean nuclear fraction) compared to controls (0.0045 ± 0.0016 mean nuclear fraction). As a practical demonstration of the flexibility of porous PDMS, we engineered a vascular bioartificial muscle model (VBAM) and demonstrated extended culture of VBAMs anchored with porous PDMS posts. Using this model, we assessed the effect of feeding frequency on VBAM cellularity. Feeding 3×/week significantly increased nuclear fraction at multiple tissue depths relative to 2×/day. VBAM maturation was similarly improved in 3×/week feeding as measured by nuclear alignment (23.49° ± 3.644) and nuclear aspect ratio (2.274 ± 0.0643) relative to 2x/day (35.93° ± 2.942) and (1.371 ± 0.1127), respectively. The described techniques are designed to be simple and easy to implement with minimal training or expense, improving access to dense and/or metabolically active 3D cell culture models.
Effect of safranal or candesartan on 3-nitropropionicacid-induced biochemical, behavioral and histological alterations in a rat model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Shehata Nagwa Ibrahim , Abd EL-Salam Dina Mohamed , Hussein Roqaya Mahmoud , Rizk Sherine Maher
Published: November 2023

3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) is a potent mitochondrial inhibitor mycotoxin. Systemic administration of 3-NP can induce Huntington’s disease (HD)-like symptoms in experimental animals. Safranal (Safr) that is found in saffron essential oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions. Candesartan (Cands) is an angiotensin receptor blocker that has the potential to prevent cognitive deficits. The present study aims to investigate the potential neuroprotective efficacy of Safr or Cands in 3-NP-induced rat model of HD. The experiments continued for nine consecutive days. Rats were randomly assigned into seven groups. The first group (Safr-control) was daily intraperitoneally injected with paraffin oil. The second group (Cands- and 3-NP-control) daily received an oral dose of 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline. The third and fourth groups received a single daily dose of 50 mg/kg Safr (intraperitoneal) and 1 mg/kg Cands (oral), respectively. The sixth group was daily treated with 50 mg Safr kg/day (intraperitoneal) and was intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg 3-NP/ kg, from the 3rd till the 9th day. The seventh group was daily treated with 1 mg Cands /kg/day (oral) and was intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg 3-NP/ kg, from the 3rd till the 9th day. The present results revealed that 3-NP injection induced a considerable body weight loss, impaired memory and locomotor activity, reduced striatal monoamine levels. Furthermore, 3-NP administration remarkably increased striatal malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, whereas markedly decreased the total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, 3-NP significantly upregulated the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase and caspase-3 as well as the Fas ligand, in striatum. On the contrary, Safr and Cands remarkably alleviated the above-mentioned 3-NP-induced alterations. In conclusion, Safr and Cands may prevent or delay the progression of HD and its associated impairments through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuromodulator effects.
Lactancia materna con perspectiva de género
Authors: Fraile Isart Ana , Cao Torija María José
Published: November 2023

Introducción: Tradicionalmente se ha abordado la lactancia desde una perspectiva biológica, pero en los últimos años se ha convertido en un fenómeno social y cultural. La lactancia materna está indisolublemente unida a la identidad femenina y, por tanto, influida por aspectos de género. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo la reflexión acerca de cómo influyen aspectos de género en la práctica de la lactancia materna.
Material y métodos: Para alcanzar el objetivo de este trabajo se realizó una revisión narrativa sobre el tema.
Resultados: La lactancia materna puede ser considerada como sumisión o insumisión de las mujeres. Se caracteriza, entre otras cosas, por exigir disponibilidad de tiempo prácticamente absoluta, con menoscabo de la vida personal y laboral, gozar de beneficios para la salud de madre e hijo, aumentar la autoestima y ser considerada un derecho.
Conclusiones: La lactancia debe ser una decisión libre de la mujer y gozar de la relevancia y el prestigio sociales que le corresponden.
NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY ON WEST AFRICAN DWARF BUCKS FED MANGO AND GMELINA LEAVES IN FICUS BASED DIETS
Authors: IMENGER HOSSANA MLUMUN
Published: November 2023

A research was conducted in a completely randomized design to evaluate nutrient digestibility of west African dwarf bucks fed mango leaves and Gmelina leaves in ficus based diets. Twelve (12) west African dwarf bucks with average weight of 10kg were used for the experiment for a duration of 42-days.. The animals were randomly allocated to three experimental diets; T1, control (100% ficus), T2 (60% ficus+40% mango leaves) and T3(60% ficus+40% Gmelina leaves).The result revealed that the values of dry matter, organic matter and crude fibre were not significantly (P>0.05) among the treatments means. While parameters like digestible ether extract, ash, crude protein, nitrogen free extract were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. Hence it was recommended that replacing ficus at the rate of 40% with 60% Gmelina arborea in a diet can be used in goat feeding for optimum production.

Key Words: Ruminant, Ficus, Mango, Gmelina, Crude Fibre, Crude Protein, Ash, Ether Extract.
Soil carbon farming has the potential to bridge the global emissions gap
Authors: McGlade Jacqueline , Morris Kevin
Published: November 2023

There is growing interest globally in soil health and the role that enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC) can play in climate change mitigation, resilience, and food security. Different initiatives for SOC sequestration (SCS), such as Project Drawdown, ‘4p1000’ and RECSOIL have been proposed yet SCS commitments and targets are missing from the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the 2015 Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC Global Stocktake. This paper asks whether a single, locally relevant target could be developed for SCS that would encourage widespread adoption of soil carbon removals practices by farmers and land managers globally? We used 210,00 local soils profiles from the World Soil Information System to assess the SOC potential of 2,352 million ha of agricultural land, identified with the Landsat Global Land Cover classification. Based on the local characteristics of the carbon sequestration capacity of soils, we found that a one percent average increase in SOC storage in croplands, pasture and irrigated fields would have the potential to sequester 84.9 GtC or 311 311 GtCO
2-e [range 159 – 447 GtCO
2-e]. This represents more than a decade of the emission reductions needed to have a chance of remaining on a 2°C or 1.5°C or Net Zero pathway. We argue that a one per cent target is easy to communicate and understand, especially as most farmers and land managers who regularly test their soils are familiar with the soil carbon percentages of their land.
Prevention, Diagnosis and Eradication of Mycoplasma Contamination in Cell Culture
Authors: Huang Xuefeng , Yu Minghang , Wang Bingbing , Zhang Yanlong , Xue Junjing , Fu Yu , Wang Xi
Published: November 2023

Mycoplasmas, which are the smallest and simplest prokaryotes, lack a cell wall but possess the ability to undergo self-replication. Mycoplasma contamination is a common problem for laboratories engaging in cell culture. Due to their small size, Mycoplasmas can easily permeate filters designed to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination in cell culture. Although Mycoplasma contamination usually does not result in cell death, it can significantly affect cell proliferation, metabolism, and cause chromosomal aberrations. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and eliminate Mycoplasma contamination in cell culture. This step-by-step protocol presents a comprehensive approach to prevent Mycoplasma contamination in cell culture, as well as to detect and eradicate Mycoplasma to ensure accurate experimental and sequencing results.
The Role of Midazolam on Status Epilepticus: Systematic Review
Authors: Firdha Azizah Amimathul , Puspamaniar Vania Ayu , Machin Abduloh
Published: November 2023

Background: Status epilepticus is a condition that results either in the failure of the mechanisms responsible for stopping seizures or in initiating mechanisms that cause seizures to be abnormally prolonged. Benzodiazepine is the first-line therapy for status epilepticus. The three usually used Benzodiazepines are Lorazepam, diazepam, and midazolam. Objective: This systematic review was undertaken to determine midazolam's role in managing patients with status epilepticus. Methods: A systematic search from PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane was conducted with predetermined keywords. Studies in randomized controlled trials assessing the impact of midazolam on epileptic status were included in the inclusion criteria. Articles are published in English, and the full text is accessible. The authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias for each included study. Results: Of 6410 studies obtained from the search results, 13 studies were found that were relevant and matched the inclusion criteria. Benzodiazepines are the first line of SE therapy in an emergency. This group works by inhibiting GABA receptors and has a rapid effect in stopping seizures. Midazolam can be given intravenously, intramuscularly, or transmucosal (nasal, buccal, or rectal). Intravenous midazolam may be a good choice because of its short onset of action and, therefore, can effectively stop seizures. Conclusion: Effective and safe results have been seen with each Midazolam administration method. This suggests that Midazolam may be an excellent therapeutic option for SE. However, the type of Midazolam administration can be adjusted according to the guidelines and drug availability in each country.
Correlation Between Duration of Screen Time and Method of Handling Smartphone Towards The Incidence of De Quervain’s Syndrome among The Medical Students of Diponegoro University.
Authors: Hidayat Indra , Setiawati Erna , Kesoema Tanti Ajoe , Putri Rahmi Isma Asmara
Published: November 2023

Background: Smartphone with all of its benefits make the majority of its users become too attached with the device that can fulfil their various needs. Due to its accessibility, an increase of daily screen time has also been observed which may have negative impacts on health, one of them being De Quervain’s Syndrome. De Quervain’s Syndrome is a type of Repetitive Strain Injury, affecting the thumb and wrist caused by a repetitious activity that puts burden or trauma to the aforementioned body parts. Objective: To assess the correlation between duration of screen time and method of handling smartphone towards the incidence of De Quervain’s Syndrome among the medical students of Diponegoro University. Methods: This research used an analytical-observational approach with a cross-sectional design. The subjects were 113 students from the Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University that were obtained using consecutive sampling method. The correlation between duration of screen time and method of handling smartphone with the incidence of De Quervain’s Syndrome were performed using Spearman’s test. Results: A weak significant correlation was observed between the average duration of screen time towards the incidence of DQS pain on the right hand based on the DQST results (p=0.11), but no significant correlation was found between the same variables on the left hand (p=0,082). There is no significant correlation between the method of handling smartphones with the incidence DQS pain based on the DQST results, both on the right (p=0.93) and left (p=0.167) hands. Conclusion: Average duration of screen time was weakly correlated with the incidence DQS pain in the right hand, but no correlation was found in the left hand, based on DQST results, among the students from the Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University. No correlation was observed between the method of handling smartphones and the incidence of DQS among the students from the Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University.
A review on semi-crystalline polymer bead foams from stirring autoclave: Processing and properties
Authors: Brütting Christian , Standau Tobias , Meuchelböck Johannes , Schreier Peter , Ruckdäschel Holger
Published: November 2023

Bead foams have been widely used for more than 70 years, with expandable polystyrene and expanded polypropylene (EPP) being the main materials. There are different processes for producing bead foams, depending heavily on the material used (e.g., their thermal behavior). EPP is usually produced by a discontinuous stirring autoclave process, which is the main subject of this study. In this process, thermal treatment during the saturation phase leads to the formation of a second melt peak, which is considered an important prerequisite for the subsequent welding process, in which the individual foamed beads are welded into complex shaped parts by applying saturated steam to the beads in a cavity (so-called steam chest molding). To date, EPP is one of the main bead foams used industrially, but other materials such as polylactide and thermoplastic polyurethane can also be processed using the same technique. This review focuses on the important thermal and physical mechanisms during saturation and expansion and the parameters (material and process) that affect them. The process itself provides multiple possibilities to influence thermal behavior (i.e., crystallization) and expansion. Typical properties of resulting bead foams, which are found in many applications, are also considered.
Bounds on Choquet risk measures in finite product spaces with ambiguous marginals
Authors: Ghossoub Mario , Saunders David , Zhang Kelvin Shuangjian
Published: November 2023

We investigate the problem of finding upper and lower bounds for a Choquet risk measure of a nonlinear function of two risk factors, when the marginal distributions of the risk factors are ambiguous and represented by nonadditive measures on the marginal spaces and the joint nonadditive distribution on the product space is unknown.
We treat this problem as a generalization of the optimal transport problem to the setting of nonadditive measures.
We provide explicit characterizations of the optimal solutions for finite marginal spaces, and we investigate some of their properties.
We further discuss the connections with linear programming, showing that the optimal transport problems for capacities are linear programs, and we also characterize their duals explicitly.
Finally, we investigate a series of numerical examples, including a comparison with the classical optimal transport problem, and applications to counterparty credit risk.
Effizienz und soziale Ungleichheit in strikt leistungsdifferenzierenden Bildungssystemen. Eine kritische Betrachtung des Model of Ability Tracking (MoAbiT)
Authors: Lorenz Georg , Lenz Sarah , Rjosk Camilla
Published: November 2023

Inwieweit Leistungsdifferenzierung (bzw. ability tracking) Bildungsungleichheit beeinflusst, wird kontrovers diskutiert. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, wie die Stringenz von Leistungsdifferenzierung (z. B. erzeugt durch verbindliche Übergangsempfehlungen) mit der Effizienz von Lernprozessen und sozialer Ungleichheit in der Sekundarstufe zusammenhängt. Den theoretischen Ausgangspunkt bildet eine kritische Betrachtung des „Model of Ability Tracking“ (MoAbiT) von Hartmut Esser. Empirische Analysen von Daten aus zwei IQB-Bildungstrendstudien stellen folgende Hauptannahmen des MoAbiT in Frage: Erstens, dass Sekundarschulklassen bei strikter Leistungsdifferenzierung kognitiv homogener zusammengesetzt sind und zweitens, dass kognitive Homogenität mit höheren schulischen Kompetenzen assoziiert ist. In Bezug auf die Auswirkungen von Leistungsdifferenzierung auf soziale Disparitäten zeichnet die vorliegende Arbeit ein gemischtes Bild. Ob strikte Leistungsdifferenzierung – wie im MoAbiT postuliert – Lernprozesse erleichtert und Bildungsungleichheit reduziert, bleibt angesichts der Befunde fraglich.
La descomposición de la hojarasca de Ochroma pyramidale (Malvaceae)
Authors: Morón Ríos Alejandro , Levy Tacher Samuel
Published: November 2023

The tree Ochroma pyramidale is used to recover jungle areas that have been cultivated.  This native species generates a thick layer of leaf litter that remains for several years. The objectives of this study were: 1) to know how much leaf litter is produced, 2) to estimate how long it persists in the soil, and 3) to identify the role of soil fauna in its decomposition. Leaf litter production was estimated at 11 Mg/ha/year, while over the course of 13 years the biomass and depth of the leaf litter layer measured in three sites previously planted with Ochroma showed a decrease of over 60%. In a leaf litter decomposition experiment, 37% of biomass was lost in 180 days. Soil mesofauna reduced the concentration of cellulose in leaf litter, while lignin decreased due to the time of permanence of the leaf litter in the soil. The high C:N proportion of the leaves, together with high lignin concentrations, could explain the low levels of loss and accumulation of biomass.
Determinantes de la oferta de carne de pollo en México de 1994 a 2021: importancia del desarrollo tecnológico y el precio de los granos forrajeros
Authors: Nochebuena-Molina Álvaro , García-Salazar José Alberto , González-Estrada Elizabeth , López-Reyna Ma. del Carmen
Published: November 2023

La generación de valor y empleos en la producción de carne de pollo en México hace importante conocer los factores que determinan su oferta. El objetivo fue analizar la oferta de esta carne para identificar las variables que han determinado su crecimiento en los últimos años. Se usaron series de 1994 a 2021 para estimar un modelo de regresión de la oferta de carne de pollo. Los resultados indican que el progreso tecnológico explica un 104.9% del crecimiento observado en la producción de carne en el periodo de análisis. La disminución en el precio de los granos forrajeros favoreció el crecimiento de la producción en 1.79%; sin embargo, esto podría revertirse en un futuro, pues la dependencia alimentaria del país en granos determina que los cambios internacionales puedan provocar aumentos en los precios. Debido al probable aumento en el precio de los granos, es recomendable buscar el crecimiento con progreso tecnológico.
Slow Disasters and Adaptive Archiving
Authors: de Peralta Kathleen Kole , Rhodes Marissa C.
Published: November 2023

The Journal of the Plague Year: A COVID-19 Archive (JOTPY) is a digital, crowdsourced archive collecting pandemic stories from around the globe. It encourages students and the public to submit stories of personal experiences during the pandemic. The project builds on the rich work of rapid-response archives in museum studies, oral history, anthropology, and disaster studies. JOTPY reconceptualizes the COVID-19 pandemic as a “slow disaster”: not a singular crisis, but an ongoing calamity provoked by deep historical, sociopolitical, and cultural processes that COVID-19 both reflects and highlights. In order to address the challenges of documenting a slow disaster, we propose employing the rolling-response archive model. We argue that the current pandemic has changed our understanding of crises and of how to document them ethically and equitably.
Busy Being Born
Authors: Anthony Trevor F.
Published: November 2023

Chronicling the development of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s museal initiatives through the institution now known as the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), this article explores the following questions: What happened when this philanthropist of great ambition and means sought to inspire others through the medium of the museum? What might the history of MoPOP tell us about contemporary issues in the museum? How does the saga of MoPOP challenge historical considerations of popular culture? I describe the kind of negotiations and challenges that faced an institution intentionally setting out to blaze new trails. The narrative shows an evolution in the values of the contemporary museum; while the lofty gestures toward a “museum of the future” or “post-museum” failed to survive, the founder’s vision of popular culture as a viable subject for the medium unequivocally triumphed. New values have now moved to the fore, including inclusivity and relevance. Moreover, the story of the museum elevates the power of the personal and the nostalgic in producing the collective phenomenon that we call history.
Assessment of the performance of Cromarty's equation to predict seed equilibrium moisture content during drying
Authors: Rezaei Shabnam , Buitink Julia , Hay Fiona R.
Published: November 2023

For conventional seed (gene)banking of orthodox seeds, it is essential to effectively dry the seeds and maintain a low moisture content (MC). Cromarty's equation describes the MC and relative humidity (RH) relationship of drying seeds, based on their oil content, and can be used to
predict the MC seeds would reach when dried to equilibrium in a controlled environment (RH, temperature). However, the equilibrium MC-RH relationship ('isotherm') varies not only between seeds of different species and depending on temperature, but also on whether seeds are losing (desorbing)
or gaining (adsorbing) moisture. The reliability of Cromarty's equation in predicting the equilibrium MC for drying different seed species was examined and compared with the Guggenheim-Anderson-De Boer (GAB) equation, to model both desorption and adsorption data. Cromarty's equation provided
a good fit to the desorption data for oilseed rape and barley (R 2 = 0.98). For yellow mustard, seed MC was overestimated and for lupin, wheat, buckwheat and pea, the MC equilibria predicted by Cromarty's equation were closer to the adsorption data. Overall, the GAB equation provided
a better fit of the data. While Cromarty's equation is a useful tool for estimating the MC of seeds under a given environment, it should be used with caution in critical situations.
Pseudoaneurysmal Rupture Associated with Pancreatitis Treated with Transarterial Embolization: A Case Series
Authors: Seo Bo Ram , Lee Hyun Tak , Lee Jeong Hwan , Lee Ah Young , Park Sang Jong , Park Ju Sang , Seo Jun-young
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic pseudoaneurysm is a potentially life-threatening complication often associated with pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery. As the rupture of pancreatic pseudoaneurysms can lead to catastrophic bleeding and is associated with high mortality rates, clinical suspicion and early diagnosis are essential to improve patient outcomes. In the management of pseudoaneurysms, transarterial embolization (TAE) could be effective; however, there have been limited local studies on the outcomes of TAE for patients with pseudoaneurysm rupture associated with pancreatitis. Here, we describe patients who were diagnosed with pseudoaneruysm rupture associated with pancreatitis and treated with TAE.
Adhesions in the setting of hip arthroscopy
Authors: Ruzbarsky Joseph J , Soares Rui W , Comfort Spencer M , Arner Justin W , Philippon Marc J
Published: November 2023

With the growing number of primary arthroscopies performed, patients requiring revision hip arthroscopies for various issues is high including postoperative adhesion formation, a source of pain, mechanical symptoms, range of motion limitation, stiffness, and microinstability.

Adhesions are a consequence of biological pathways that have been stimulated by injury or surgical interventions leading to an increased healing response.

Preventative efforts have included surgical adjuncts during/after primary hip arthroscopy, biologic augmentation, and postoperative rehabilitation.

Treatment options for adhesion formation includes surgical lysis of adhesions with or without placement of biologic membranes aimed at inhibiting adhesion reformation as well as systemic medications to further reduce the risk.

Postoperative rehabilitation exercises have also been demonstrated to prevent adhesions as a result of hip arthroscopy. Ongoing clinical trials are further investigating pathways and prevention of adhesion formation.
Distal biceps tendon rupture: a comprehensive overview
Authors: Jaschke Markus , Rekawek Krzysztof , Sokolowski Sebastian , Kolodziej Lukasz
Published: November 2023

Distal biceps tendon (DBT) is a relatively rare injury mainly occurring in middle-aged men while in eccentric biceps muscle contraction.

Clinical appearance with proximal avulsion of the muscle and specific clinical tests are most of the time sufficient for diagnosing DBT, but if needed ultrasonography and MRI, most often in FABS view, can be used to ensure diagnosis of DBT and partial DBT.

Surgical anatomical reinsertion has shown to be a successful method of treatment, although conservative treatment can be initiated in older patients.

Two different approaches are described in literature: single- and double-incision techniques with different fixation methods proving to have similarly good results.

Major complications of surgical intervention are posterior interosseous nerve palsy and symptomatic heterotropic ossification.

Overall outcome of surgical intervention has shown high subjective satisfaction with slight weakness in flexion and supination but mostly without loss in range of motion.
Primary total knee arthroplasty in hemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Beckers Gautier , Massé Vincent , Vendittoli Pascal-André , Morcos Mina W
Published: November 2023

Advanced hemophilic knee arthropathy is a frequent and devastating manifestation of severe hemophilia with significant implications for activities of daily living.

Hemophilic arthropathy is caused by repeated bleeding, resulting in joint degeneration, pain, deformity and disability.

In patients with hemophilia and advanced disease, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has proven to be the most successful intervention, improves physical function and reduces knee pain.

Hemophilic patients carry additional risks for complications and required specific pre/postoperative considerations. Expert treatment center should be used to improve patient outcome.

Hemophilic patients present significant surgical challenges such as joint destruction, bone loss, severe ankylosis and oligoarticular involvement. The surgeon performing the arthroplasty must be experienced to manage such problems.
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Chou Ralph , Bryant Jill
Published: November 2023

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The Inevitable Challenge of Ethical Dilemmas in Optometry, Part 2: Professional Relationships and Practices in the Spotlight
Authors: Faucher Caroline , Verni Ariana , Rezk Marina
Published: November 2023

Health care professionals sometimes have to choose between options that are each less than optimal, and thereby risk compromising an ethical principle. Despite the impact they can have on these professionals and the population they serve, ethical dilemmas have never been studied in optometry. Objective. This article is the second in a series of three reporting the results of a study that aimed to identify and describe the ethical dilemmas faced by optometrists. Method. A total of 240 optometrists completed an online questionnaire concerning ethical dilemmas encountered during their career. Results. A major source of ethical dilemmas for optometrists is conflicts with other optometrists, as well as with opticians and ophthalmologists. Other situations, such as being confronted with cases at the limit of one’s competency and the disclosure of personal information, are also important ethical issues. Conclusion. Optometrists experience ethical questioning that is likely to cause them stress and compromise the well-being of the public. The next and final article in this series will reveal ethical dilemmas concerning the optometrist/patient relationship and offer suggestions for optometrists to be better prepared for dealing with the various ethical issues related to the practice of their profession.
The Inevitable Challenge of Ethical Dilemmas in Optometry, Part 3
Authors: Faucher Caroline , Rezk Marina , Verni Ariana
Published: November 2023

Some situations place healthcare professionals in a dilemma where two ethical principles are in conflict and none of the choices are optimal. Despite the potential consequences of this quandary, no previous study has examined ethical dilemmas in optometry. Objective. This article concludes a series of three articles reporting the results of a study that sought to identify the ethical dilemmas experienced by optometrists and to describe some typical scenarios. Method. Two hundred forty optometrists completed an online survey. Results. A breach of trust can present an optometrist with a dilemma as to whether or not to maintain their relationship with the patient. The most common dilemma involves the billing of professional fees on top of the basic exam. Several other ethical dilemmas were worrisome, including those involving sexual or seductive advances by patients. Conclusion. Many ethical issues have been identified and described. These results will be useful for academic and professional bodies in helping them prepare optometrists for ethical decisions that can sometimes be difficult.
Low Vision Service Reimbursement Plan for Each Canadian Province
Authors: Hong Yejun , Swift Andrew , Luong Micah
Published: November 2023

The increasing low vision patients in the world encounter several barriers that prevent them seeking treatment. In Canada, such barriers stem from patients’ circumstances, stigma in the community or from factors that discourage eye care professionals from providing low vision services. Remuneration plans for low vision services are inconsistent and insufficient between provinces or territories. One method for our health care systems to enhance accessibility and equity of low vision services would be by providing adequate reimbursements to eye care professionals who spend extra time and care to conduct such crucial service.
Use of hemp waste for the development of mycelium-grown matrix biocomposites: A concise bibliographic review
Authors: Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Murugesan Thulasi Mani , Palaniappan Murugesan , Santulli Carlo , Ayrilmis Nadir
Published: November 2023

Mycelium from fungi can serve as the matrix or as a self-grown binder in a biocomposite. The reinforcing component may consist of various combinations of agro-based waste in short fiber or powder form. The complexity of their development is linked not only to the selection of the substrate, but also to the growth conditions of the mycelial material and its consolidation in a final form by the temperature increase that takes place. These materials have initially been proposed as a replacement for polystyrene foams, and the characterization is concentrated on compression performance and acoustic and thermal insulation properties. The present review concentrates on substrates that originated from the large productive system based on hemp (shives or hurds, waste fibers, and mats). Attention is paid to the performance obtained and to the amount of waste that is possibly employed to serve as the substrate.
Соціологічний вимір соціального портрету ветерана бойових дій
Authors: Павлова Олена
Published: November 2023

Військовослужбовці є однією з найбільш постраждалих від «гарячої стадії» російсько-української війни. Вони беручи на себе основний тягар бойових дій отримуючи поранення, контузії, психічні травми та в деяких випадках навіть втрачають життя, щоб захистити українську державність. Тому українські ветерани потребують соціальної адаптації та реабілітації для повноцінного функціонування в рамках сучасного українського суспільства.

Мета статті. З’ясувати особливості соціального портрета українського ветерана в сучасному українському суспільстві крізь вимір соціології.

Результати. Проаналізовано особливості відображення образа українського ветерана війни в громадській думці українців, що виражається крізь призму емпіричних соціологічних досліджень загальнонаціонального рівня, зокрема «Українського центру економічних і політичних досліджень імені Олександра Разумкова» та соціологічної групи «Рейтинг». В роботі запропоновано шляхи покращення образу українського ветерана в громадській думці через впровадження відповідної інформаційної політики та технологій соціальної адаптації і реабілітації ветеранів повномасштабної російсько-української війни до умов функціонування сучасного українського суспільства.

Висновки. Соціальне згуртування українських ветеранів розглядається як технологія профілактики та подолання соціальної ізольованості українських ветеранів. В роботі досліджено необхідність подальшої розбудови ветеранського руху в країні з орієнтацією на кращі закордонні практики з метою трансформації ветеранського руху сформованого за радянських часів після радянсько-афганського військового конфлікту з переорієнтації ветеранських організацій з політичної діяльності на максимальну допомогу українським ветеранам в сфері інтеграції до умов мирного життя через залучення до соціальних практик в рамках різноманітних соціальних інституцій.
Молодіжна політика: сутність та основні моделі реалізації
Authors: Єрмоленко Ірина
Published: November 2023

Метою дослідження є з’язування сутності молодіжної політики та визначити основні моделі її реалізації. Оскільки, саме молодь є важливим ресурсом будь-якої демократичної країни.

Актуальність полягає у тому, що враховуючи ті трансформаційні процеси, що сьогодні відбуваються у всьому світі стає очевидною потреба у формуванні обґрунтованої та ефективної молодіжної політики, що здатна реагувати на проблеми та потреби молодого покоління у кожній країні.

 У статті автор досліджує сутність молодіжної політики, а також, чому важливо розуміти, з яких структурних елементів складається дане явище. Встановлено, що за останній час було напрацьовано багато літератури з цієї тематики та отримано неабиякий досвід. Протягом тривалого періоду країни світу пройшли довгий та складний шлях і досягнули успіху у напрямку формування дієвої молодіжної політики. Молодіжна політика має великий вплив на життя молодого покоління, бо саме в її рамках може втілюватися велика кількість програм у різних областях: захист та безпека; участь у громадському житті; освіта та здоров’я; мобільність; кар’єрні перспективи тощо.

Охарактеризовано сучасну молодіжну політику як динамічну систему, яка може змінюватися під впливом різноманітних внутрішніх та зовнішніх чинників. Це, безумовно, має впливати на характер вироблення молодіжної політики та особливості її реалізації.

         Висновки. Молодіжна політика – це сфера, що потребує постійної та системної діяльності не лише органів державної влади, але й інститутів громадянського суспільства. З’ясовано, що процеси формування якісної та ефективної молодіжної політики в Україні та інших країнах стрімко набирають обертів, оскільки молоде покоління висуває свої вимоги і стає все більш активним, що створює необхідність постійної актуалізації даних.
Characteristics and spatial identification of Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus Sirenia: Trichechidae) strandings in Guatemala
Authors: Machuca-Coronado Oscar , Quintana-Rizzo Ester , Sandoval Tannia , Corona-Figueroa M. Fabiola , Garcia Heidy Amely
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Marine mammal strandings can be used to determine the impacts of anthropogenic activity on the species survival, population health, and levels of environmental pollution in ecosystems. In addition, these data can help design conservation and management strategies as well as identify priority areas for the species. The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is listed as endangered throughout its range. In Guatemala, it is distributed along the Caribbean coast. Anthropogenic activities appear to be having a direct pressure on the species, affecting the status of the population.

Objective: The general purpose of this study was to analyze the 30 years of documented manatee stranding reports available for Guatemala. Two specific objectives were defined to: 1) conduct a spatial analysis of manatee strandings to identify the areas of high stranding concentration, and 2) determine whether there were sex differences in the number of strandings.

Methods: Characteristics and areas of concentration of manatee strandings were described along the Caribbean coast between 1992 to 2022. Sites with the highest probable density of strandings were identified using a Kernel density analysis. We compared the number of stranding events that occurred in each protected area that included manatees in their management plans and each municipality of Izabal. We determined whether there were sex differences in the number of stranded manatees. We use the potential biological removal to estimate the maximum number of manatees that can be removed from the population due to anthropogenic causes without negatively impacting species survival.

Results: Forty-three manatee stranding events were recorded throughout the species’ range in Guatemala (48 total individuals). The sites with the highest predicted density of strandings were Santo Tomás de Castilla bay, followed by Lake Izabal (including the limits of the Refugio de Vida Silvestre Bocas del Polochic) and Parque Nacional Río Dulce. The majority of the cases were registered in protected areas (60 %). Estimates of potential biological removal were equivalent to less than one manatee per year, which was exceeded by the annual average of stranded manatees recorded (three manatees).

Conclusions: Anthropogenic activities cause mortality of manatees in this region, despite the implementation of protected areas. Poaching was identified as the main cause of manatee mortality in Guatemala. The implementation of management strategies focused on minimizing threats to the species, based on the application of environmental legislation and environmental awareness, is essential. The creation and implementation of a protocol for the stranding of marine mammals on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala is necessary, in order to obtain standardized records of these events and conduct rescue efforts and releases when possible.
Killer whales, Orcinus orca (Artiodactyla: Delphinidae) in Guatemala: sighting records, photographic match, and interaction with Bryde’s whales, Balaenoptera edeni (Artiodactyla: Balaenoptera)
Authors: Ortiz-Wolford Jenniffer , Romero Julio C. , Cabrera Andrea A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Killer whales (Orcinus orca) have a global distribution, but many low-latitude populations such as the Eastern Tropical Pacific are not well studied.

Objective: Provide a review of killer whale sightings in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Pacific of Guatemala, for which there has previously been little information.

Methods: We reviewed national and regional publications, as well as anecdotal records of killer whale sightings in Guatemala.

Results: We document five sightings spanning three decades (1990-2020). Four sightings were recorded between 2010 and 2020 and occurred within the San José Canyon or over the continental shelf. Group size varied from 1-15 individuals (x: 6 ± 4.3). We report a photographic match of three killer whale individuals from a single pod previously sighted in Cabo Corrientes, México, 11 years and 1 778 km apart. We also describe an interaction between a killer whale pod and two adult Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni), in which the Bryde’s whales followed a female killer whale and its calf.

Conclusions: This study represents a contribution to the knowledge of killer whales in the region. It highlights the importance of data collection from both scientific and anecdotal records and supports the need of establishing national and regional monitoring and conservation programs for cetaceans.
A single-center experience involving the first 50 patients of minimally invasive cardiac surgery of coronary artery bypass grafting: at district level
Authors: Solanki Parth B. , Vadodaria Nivedita , Kanzaria Hitendra , Solanki Bharat
Published: November 2023

Aim. To examine the learning curve and results of the first 50 instances of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) that were done at our facility using minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS).

Material and methods. A total of 50 patients received CABG using the left anterior thoracotomy technique between January 2021 and November 2022. We examined the MICS CABG patients' operating hours to assess our learning curve. In addition, we reviewed postoperative outcomes and compared them with those of patients who underwent sternotomy.

Results. The median age was 49.5 years (the range was 27-72). Males made up 38 of the group, while females — 12. Ejection fraction (EF) before surgery averaged 40±5%. After exclusion criteria were met, all of these patients underwent CABG by left-sided thoracotomy. The radial artery and saphenous vein were the next alternate conduits, and all patients got left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending (LAD) artery as a conventional transplant. The average incision length was 7.08±0.5 cm. On the pump, only 1 case was completed. Per patient, there were 2.53±0.82 grafts on average. On average, the operation took 130.43±9.78 minutes. The median intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay was 2.82±0.74 days, while the median ventilation time was 5.79±1.80 hours. In our study, there were no conversions and no deaths. After the first 20 cases, we noticed a considerable decrease in operating time, which was our learning curve.

Conclusion. Once the learning curve has been overcome, MICS CABG can be performed for multivessel disease with the same comfort for the operator as for a singleor double-vessel disease. Only during the learning curve, and not subsequently, there were greater operating time for MICS CABG observed as a significant difference from the sternotomy technique. While there was no difference in postoperative adverse events, there were notable advantages of MICS vs sternotomy in the parameters of immediate postoperative time such as ventilation time, mean drainage, postoperative discomfort, length of stay in ICU and hospital.
Fortified foods with methylated forms of B vitamin for the prevention of hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Balashova M. S. , Mutallibzoda Sh. , Velina D. A. , Shvabskaya O. B. , Gorbachev V. V. , Nikitin I. A.
Published: November 2023

Aim.To study the relationship between blood homocysteine levels and genetic and epigenetic factors and assess the possibility of correcting homocysteine levels using products enriched with methylated forms of B vitamin.

Material and methods.The study included 20 people (6 men and 14 women) aged 24-67 years (mean age — 41,5 years). Muscleto-fat ratio was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The plasma concentration of homocysteine was measured using an immunochemistry analyser. Polymorphism analysis of folate cycle genes was performed using polymerase chain reaction. Statistical processing of the material, training and data prediction was performed using artificial neural networks (ANNs). Homocysteine levels before a 3-month consumption of fortified products are presented as Hc1, after — Hc2.

Results.The blood level of homocysteine before taking fortified fruitberry bars varied from 6,5 to 24,2 µmol/l, averaging 12,45±2,9 µmol/l. After 3 months of use, the blood homocysteine level decreased to the range of 7,1-18 µmol/l and, on average, amounted to 10,87±2,6 µmol/l (p=0,028). Hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in two women (19,7 and 24,2 µmol/l) and one man (17,1 µmol/l). After consuming fruitberry bars, a significant decrease in blood homocysteine levels was observed from 19,7 to 14,3 µmol/l, from 24,2 to 14,1 µmol/l and from 17,1 to 15,5 µmol/l, respectively. A significant average correlation was revealed between Hc1 and Hc2 (r=0,579; p<1×10-5). Correlations were noted between blood homocysteine levels and body mass index, as well as responses about elevated blood glucose levels and the frequency of desire to reduce body weight (p<6,74×10-5).

Conclusion.The results demonstrate a significant decrease in blood homocysteine in all participants when taking food products fortified with methylated forms of B vitamin (p=0,028). Individuals adhering to dietary restrictions showed a more pronounced decrease in homocysteine levels (p<6,74×10-5).