bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of microwave drying on physical and sensory properties of instant mung bean vermicelli
Authors: Nguyen Tien Phung , Songsermpong Sirichai
Published: November 2023

Mung bean vermicelli is manufactured from mung bean starch by mixing, extruding, boiling, cooling, freezing, defrosting and sun drying. However, the end product requires a long rehydration time. Hence, this study investigated microwave drying technology to reduce the rehydration time. Instant mung bean vermicelli was dried in a continuous microwave dryer at 50 Hz, 60 Hz, and 70 Hz with different numbers of rounds. The dried mung bean vermicelli was analyzed for its physical and sensory properties. The experimental design involved 3 treatments (50 Hz, 60 Hz, 70 Hz) with 3 replications of each treatment (3x3). The results indicated that drying at 70 Hz for 16 rounds produced instant vermicelli that had a very good porous structure and good cooking quality. The vermicelli dried at 70 Hz, 60 Hz, and 50 Hz rehydrated within 2.79, 2.81 and 3.05 min, respectively. Compared to a commercial product, the color of the microwaved vermicelli was greater in lightness (L*), greenness (a*), and blueness (b*). There were no significant differences in tensile strength among the 60Hz and 70Hz treatments and the commercial product; however, the elasticity of the microwaved vermicelli samples was lower than for the commercial product. Notably, the overall acceptability scores for the microwaved dried vermicelli at 70 Hz and for the commercial product were the same (7.03 score based on a 9-point hedonic scale). In conclusion, continuous microwave drying technology at 70 Hz was recommended for instant mung bean vermicelli production due to its short drying (18.88 min) and rehydration (2.76 min) times and its good quality with a high level of acceptability
The use of telemedicine after outpatient surgical treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities
Authors: Davydenko V. V. , Galileeva A. N. , Genzik O. V. , Monaenkova O. S. , Khartakhoyeva G. L.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Telemedicine is a new form of communication between a doctor and a patient. Of interest is the expediency of its use in the postoperative observation of patients. Aim. To analyze the possibility of optimizing the postoperative management of patients who underwent outpatient surgical treatment of VVLE using telemedicine. Materials and methods. The study was performed in two stages on patients with VVLE. At the first stage, a comparative prospective, randomized study of the main and comparison groups (50 patients C2 according to CEAP) in the early postoperative period was conducted. In the main group, telemedicine was used, in the comparison group – face-to-face examinations in the polyclinic. The frequency of complications associated with surgery, the frequency of acute respiratory infections and the time spent on a follow-up examination were compared. At the second stage, in 876 cases of telemedicine use in the postoperative period, the frequency and structure of complications requiring conversion to face-to-face examination were studied. Results. Significant differences between the compared groups were revealed by the frequency of acute respiratory infections and the time spent by the patient on a follow-up examination. The reasons for conversion from telemedicine to face-to-face examination: copious wetting of the bandage with blood, swelling and severe pain of the operated limb, hyperthermia are rare. Discussion. Most of the complications and side effects associated with surgical intervention registered in the study have characteristic specific manifestations: complaints and appearance, which allows them to be diagnosed through telemedicine. Conclusion. The use of telemedicine optimizes the postoperative period in patients with VVLE: the risk of infection with acute respiratory infections is reduced, the time of the doctor and the patient is saved, while there is no negative effect on the frequency associated with surgery.
Clinical case of successful surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformation of the thumb finger
Authors: Rakhimov A. R. , Romanov D. V. , Karev M. A.
Published: November 2023

The management of arteriovenous malformations of the hand is one of the most difficult problems in vascular surgery. It’s primarily related to the number of vessels and nerves involved in the pathological process on a very limited anatomical area. Commonly the required steps of the diagnostic process are the following: clinical examination, Doppler colour flow mapping, MRI with intravenous contrast, angiography and thermography. There are various methods ofsurgical treatment of patients with arteriovenous malformation of the hand. Generally, they might be classified as endovascular and open-surgical ones. Endovascular methods, such as embolization and sclerotherapy, are associated with the risk of severe complications such as soft tissue necrosis, distal vascular bed-specific thrombosis, along with both sensory and motor connectivity of the hand. However minimally invasive procedures do not always contribute to an appropriate clinical result. This article presents an example of successful surgical treatment of a patient with arterio-venous malformation of the thumb finger with severe pain syndrome and recurrent bleeding ulcers. A radical removal of the malformation-bearing tissue with preservation of the arterial blood supply was performed under an arterial tourniquet. At the one-year post-surgery follow-up examination, the patient noted the absence of pain syndrome and ulcers, restoration of mobility in the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. Thus, the treatment of arteriovenous malformation of the hand should be based on the latest research findings and the most advanced testing technologies. This clinical case demonstrates that open surgery can be considered as an effective and sustainable clinical approach with a good medium-term outcome for the patients with arteriovenous malformation of the hand.
Comparative analysis of the use of endovenous laser coagulation and radiofrequency vein obliteration in patients who have previously undergone sclerobliteration
Authors: Chernookov A. I. , Kuznetsov M. R. , Kandyba S. I. , Atayan A. A. , Sinyavin G. V. , Belykh E. N. , Nikolaev A. M. , Shadyzheva T. I. , Pshmakhova A. Z.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Sclerobliteration of varicose veins of the lower extremities is one of the most common methods of treating patients with varicose veins. However, the main disadvantage of echosclerobedation of the trunks of the great and small saphenous veins is the possibility of recanalization of sclerosed veins. In this regard, it is of interest to compare the results of using radiofrequency vein obliteration and endovenous laser coagulation in these patients. Aim. To study the effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages of the use of radiofrequency vein obliteration and endovenous laser photocoagulation of recanalized varicose veins in patients undergoing sclerobliteration. Materials and methods. 44 patients aged 18 to 62 years underwent radiofrequency obliteration and endovenous laser coagulation of varicose veins after previous sclerobliteration. A comparative assessment of the duration of the operation, technical success, intensity of the pain syndrome, the level of postoperative complications and relapses of the disease after the use of these methods of recanalized saphenous veins after previous sclerotherapy was made. Results and discussion. The technical success of endovenous laser coagulation of reknalizirovanny varicose veins was 100%, radiofrequency obliteration of veins – 90.9%. The intensity of postoperative pain on the 7th day from the moment of radio wave exposure was 12.1% lower than after the use of endovenous laser coagulation, the average duration of laser thermolysis was 32 ± 0.6 minutes, radio wave – 39 ± 0.7 minutes. Conclusion. Laser coagulation compared to radiofrequency is a more reliable and feasible operation, but is accompanied by a higher level of postoperative pain and side effects.
Desarterization of hemorrhoidal arteries in outpatient treatment of chronic hemorrhoids
Authors: Matveev I. A. , Matveev A. I. , Dgebuadze V. T. , Povarnin N. N. , Zobov S. N. , Morozova L. A. , Kurakina K. E.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Desarterization of hemorrhoidal arteries with mucopexia, a pathogenetically caused minimally invasive operation, is more often performed in stationary conditions under regional or general anesthesia. Aim. To study the results of desarterization of hemorrhoidal arteries in patients with hemorrhoids operated on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.Materials and methods. 459 patients with chronic hemorrhoids of stage 2–4 with varying degrees of node prolapse under local infiltration anesthesia with Ultracaine were operated on by one surgeon. The duration of the intervention, the intensity of the pain syndrome, and the complications of treatment were studied. Results. The median duration of the operation is 25 minutes, the intensity of pain during the operation on a 10-point scale is 2 points, on the 3rd day of the postoperative period-2 points. Complications occurred in 6 (1.3%) people, in the 1st urinary retention, paraproctitis, and in the 4th – bleeding. Discussion. The obtained results of a longer procedure in patients with stage II hemorrhoids are associated with the training period. The intensity of pain during the HAL-RAR procedure performed under local anesthesia, including in patients of stage III-IV and IV, was acceptable and was tolerated by patients satisfactorily. The structure of the complications that have arisen is limited by a narrow range of pathology: bleeding, acute urinary retention, paraproctitis. Conclusion. Hemorrhoidal artery desarterization is an effective method of treating patients with chronic hemorrhoids on an outpatient basis: low duration ofsurgery, low frequency of complications. Local anesthesia during the ligation of hemorrhoidal arteries with mucopexia provides adequate anesthesia, patients tolerate the procedure and pain in the postoperative period, regardless of the stage of the disease, therefore, this method of treatment is advisable to use in outpatient practice.
Biodigestor familiar como estratégia para o saneamento rural: Uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Salzer Elisiane , Bertolini Geysler Rogis Flor
Published: November 2023

O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as características levantadas pelos estudos frente à utilização do biodigestor familiar como estratégia para o saneamento rural em pequenas propriedades familiares. Para esse fim, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória, bibliográfica com a revisão sistemática e análise dos dados de forma qualitativa e quantitativa. O software Ucinet® foi utilizado como suporte nas análises. A coleta dos dados foi por meio de artigos selecionados nas bases Web of Science, SCOPUS e SciElo. As variáveis nos estudos destacam a relação do saneamento rural com o impacto na saúde, o biogás para cocção e com a qualidade de vida, demonstrando a importância da implantação de biodigestores, e as políticas públicas as quais contribuem para disseminação na instalação. Os resultados mostram que apesar do resultado parcial do desenvolvimento sustentável frente às questões econômicas, a instalação pode ser compensada por ações governamentais que corroboram financeiramente para a disseminação dos biodigestores, visto os valiosos benefícios sociais e ambientais. Os estudos encontrados não corroboram com a utilização do biodigestor para o saneamento rural, sendo necessários estudos para demonstrar a eficiência do biodigestor para tratamento do esgoto e utilização dos subprodutos, biogás e biofertilizante, para melhora na qualidade de vida.
The preparation of samples for studying neutrophils without their isolation
Authors: Fedorova Natalia , Sokolov Alexey , Trashkov Alexander , Varfolomeeva Elena
Published: November 2023

Neutrophils are the primary cells of the innate immune system. They destroy pathogenic microorganisms carrying out the oxidative stress mechanism through phagocytosis and extracellular traps (NETs). There is no doubt about the need to study neutrophils’ functional activity, but there are some methodological problems with the nativity of conditions in such experiments. The aim of this work is to propose a method of preparing a sample of peripheral blood neutrophils for study by spectral-optical methods (such as confocal microscopy) providing an increased level of the nativity of the conditions.
formação do estado democrático de direito e as deformações a partir das fake news
Authors: Ygor Café Paes Lira Pedro , Henrique Barros Melo Diego , Ricardo Silva Lima Paulo , Lydia Vasco de Albuquerque Peixoto Ana , Tancredo P. da Silva Antônio , de Alencar Menezes Anderson , Gomes da Silva Vitor
Published: November 2023

A evolução dos meios de comunicação propiciou um massivo fluxo informacional, trazendo consigo alguns entraves. O fenômeno das fake news é produto dessa mudança na sociedade, afetando de diversas formas a vida das pessoas e inclusive a possibilidade de uma escolha plena e livre de influências, sua liberdade de expressão, pensamento e informação. Nesse contexto, este evento se torna gravoso para o nosso Estado Democrático, na medida que influencia o comportamento, as escolhas políticas, a conduta social e a solidez da própria democracia. Diante do exposto, o objetivo do presente trabalho é refletir como as fake news interferem no Estado Democrático de Direito no Brasil e o deformam. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica, documental e qualitativa. Propõe-se, por meio desse estudo, explicitar o que é esse fenômeno tão complexo das fake news e compreender as diversas formas de como ele pode afetar nosso sistema democrático, baseando-se nas ideias discursivas de Habermas.
Breve reflexão sobre o conceito de modernidade e as premissas para um projeto emancipatório de futuro
Authors: Loureiro Eugênia Vitória Camera
Published: November 2023

Sem pretender esgotar o tema, este trabalho visa refletir sobre o conceito de Modernidade aqui entendida como a construção de uma perspectiva ou projeto de futuro. O ponto de partida são as reflexões teóricas de Jurgen Habermas e nesse sentido pretende ser uma contribuição para a elaboração de uma noção emancipatória de Modernidade podendo também servir como contribuição para o debate entorno dos rumos de uma reconstrução do país também emancipadora.
The Role of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network and its
Potential Biomarker Function in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fu Xutang , Chen Pengpeng , Wang Hao
Published: November 2023

Background:

Revealing the process and mechanism of colorectal cancer will facilitate
the discovery of new biomarkers and contribute to the development of targeted drugs.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the potentially functional circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network
in colorectal cancer (CRC), and further explore its mechanism.

Methods:

Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs and
mRNAs. Gene set enrichment analysis and KEGG pathways analysis were used to screen out the
differentially expressed genes and observe crucial pathways that might have a strong association
with CRC. Then, a network targeting circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA has been built by using the
Cytoscape software. In addition, the expression of circRNA_0001573, miR-382-5p, and FZD3 was
detected by qRT-PCR in CRC tissues and cells (SW480, HCT116, and HT29).

Results:

Abnormal expressions of circRNAs and mRNAs were obtained by bioinformatics analysis
and visualized by Volcano plot and Heatmap. A series of highly correlated pathways were enriched
by KEGG analysis. The interaction network of circRNA_0001573/miR-382-5p/FZD3 axis was
predicted. The expressions of circRNA_0001573 and FZD3 were highly upregulated and the miR-
382-5p expression level was decreased in CRC tissues and cell lines (SW480, HCT116, and HT29).

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that circRNA_0001573 and circRNA_0001573/miR-382-5p/FZD3
regulatory networks might provide a potential diagnosis for colorectal cancer.
Reconciling the Gap between Medications and their Potential Leads: The Role of Marine Metabolites in the Discovery of New Anticancer Drugs: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Thaman Janvee , Saxena Pal Rashmi , Chaitanya Motamarri Venkata Naga Lalitha , Yanadaiah Palakurthi , Thangavelu Prabha , Sharma Sarika , Amoateng Patrick , Arora Smriti , Sivasankaran Ponnusankar , Pandey Pratibha , Mazumder Avijit
Published: November 2023

One-third of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, making it the second leading cause of death globally each year after cardiovascular disease. The complex anticancer molecular mechanisms have been understood clearly with the advent of improved genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatics. Our understanding of the complex interplay between numerous genes and regulatory genetic components within cells explaining how this might lead to malignant phenotypes has greatly expanded. It was discovered that epigenetic resistance and a lack of multitargeting drugs were highlighted as major barriers to cancer treatment, spurring the search for innovative anticancer treatments. It was discovered that epigenetic resistance and a lack of multitargeting drugs were highlighted as major barriers to cancer treatment, spurring the search for innovative anticancer treatments. Many popular anticancer drugs, including irinotecan, vincristine, etoposide, and paclitaxel, have botanical origins. Actinomycin D and mitomycin C come from bacteria, while bleomycin and curacin come from marine creatures. However, there is a lack of research evaluating the potential of algae-based anticancer treatments, especially in terms of their molecular mechanisms. Despite increasing interest in the former, and the promise of the compounds to treat tumours that have been resistant to existing treatment, pharmaceutical development of these compounds has lagged. Thus, the current review focuses on the key algal sources that have been exploited as anticancer therapeutic leads, including their biological origins, phytochemistry, and the challenges involved in converting such leads into effective anticancer drugs.
Current Perspectives of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi , Lei Xiaoyong , Huang Sheng , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: November 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth most common tumor and the third leading cause
of cancer death worldwide. It ranks fourth in the spectrum of malignant tumor incidence and second
in the order of death from major malignant tumors in China. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a
complex ecosystem containing non-tumor cells (mainly immune-related cells), and its immunotherapy
can stimulate the recognition of specific tumor antigens, inhibit the proliferation of cancer
cells, and produce over-memory lymphocytes, which can prevent recurrence. So, immunotherapy
of hepatocellular carcinoma is increasingly becoming a research hotspot in liver cancer
treatment. With the intensive research in recent years, great progress has been made in immunotherapy
for hepatocellular carcinoma, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, pericyte therapy,
vaccination, and antiviral therapy. In addition, the study found that the therapeutic effect of combination
therapy was enhanced compared to monotherapy. This review summarizes the most
prominent immunotherapies currently available for the clinical treatment of patients with HCC
and the main opportunities and challenges facing HCC research.
Kenaf Seed Cysteine Protease (KSCP) Inhibits the Intrinsic Pathway of
the Blood Coagulation Cascade and Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Hanumegowda Sujatha M. , Srinivasa Chandramma , Shivaiah Ashwini , Venkatappa Manjula M. , Shankar Rohith L. , Lakshmaiah Ramesh K. , Gonchigar Sathisha J. , Sannaningaiah Devaraja
Published: November 2023

Background:

Thrombosis is the key event that obstructs the flow of blood throughout
the circulatory system, leading to stroke, myocardial infarction and severe cardiovascular complications.
Currently, available antithrombotic drugs trigger several life-threatening side effects.

Introduction:

Antithrombotic agents from natural sources devoid of adverse effects are grabbing
high attention. In our previous study, we reported the antioxidant, anticoagulant and antiplatelet
properties of kenaf seed protein extract. Therefore, in the current study, purification and characterization
of cysteine protease from kenaf seed protein extract responsible for potential antithrombotic
activity was undertaken.

Methods:

Purification of KSCP (Kenaf Seed Cysteine Protease) was carried out using gel permeation
and ion exchange column chromatography. The purity of the enzyme was evaluated by SDS
PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl-Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis). RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption
Ionization Time-Of-Flight) and CD (Circular Dichroism techniques) were employed for its characterization.
Proteolytic, fibrinolytic and kinetic study was done using spectroscopy. Plasma recalcification
time, Prothrombin Time (PT), Thrombin clotting time (TCT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin
Time (APTT), bleeding time and platelet aggregation studies were carried out for antithrombotic
activity of KSCP.

Result:

A single sharp band of KSCP was observed under both reduced and non-reduced conditions,
having a molecular mass of 24.1667kDa. KSCP was found to contain 30.3 % helix turns
and 69.7 % random coils without a beta-pleated sheet. KSCP digested casein and fibrin, and its activity
was inhibited by iodoacetic acid (IAA). KSCP was optimally active at pH 6.0 at the temperature
of 40°C. KSCP exhibited anticoagulant properties by interfering in the intrinsic pathway of
the blood coagulation cascade. Furthermore, KSCP dissolved both whole blood and plasma clots
and platelet aggregation.

Conclusion:

KSCP purified from kenaf seed extract showed antithrombotic potential. Hence, it
could be a better candidate for the management of thrombotic complications.
Naringenin-induced Oral Cancer Cell Apoptosis Via ROS-mediated Bid
and Bcl-xl Signaling Pathway
Authors: Du YuYe , Lai Jia , Su Jingyao , Li Jiali , Li Chuqing , Zhu Bing , Li Yinghua
Published: November 2023

Background:

Oral cancer is a malignant tumor with a high impact and poor prognosis.
Naringenin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
offer potential therapeutic benefits. However, limited studies have been conducted on the impact
of naringenin on human tongue carcinoma CAL-27 cells. This study aims to elucidate the correlation
between naringenin and tongue cancer, thereby identifying a potential therapeutic candidate
for drug intervention against tongue cancer.

Methods:

The effect of naringenin on the apoptosis of CAL-27 cells and its mechanism were
studied by cell counting kit-8, mitochondrial membrane potential assay with JC-1, Annexin V--
FITC apoptosis detection, cell cycle, and apoptosis analysis, Reactive Oxygen Species assay and
Western blot.

Results:

The results showed that naringenin significantly induced apoptosis in CAL-27 cells in a
dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, naringenin-induced apoptosis was mediated through the
upregulation of Bid and downregulation of Bcl-xl, which led to increased generation of ROS.

Conclusion:

The findings suggested that naringenin may represent a promising candidate for the
treatment of oral cancer by inducing apoptotic cell death via modulation of the Bid and Bcl-xl signaling
pathways.
Recent Trends in Computer-aided Drug Design for Anti-cancer Drug
Discovery
Authors: Tur Razia Iashia , Kanwal Ayesha , Riaz Hafiza Fatima , Malik Abbeha , Ahsan Muhammad , Saleem Khan Muhammad , Raza Ali , Sabir Sumera , Sajid Zureesha , Fardeen Khan Muhammad , Tahir Rana Adnan , Arslan Sehgal Sheikh
Published: November 2023

Cancer is considered one of the deadliest diseases globally, and continuous research is
being carried out to find novel potential therapies for myriad cancer types that affect the human
body. Researchers are hunting for innovative remedies to minimize the toxic effects of conventional
therapies being driven by cancer, which is emerging as pivotal causes of mortality worldwide.
Cancer progression steers the formation of heterogeneous behavior, including self-sustaining proliferation,
malignancy, and evasion of apoptosis, tissue invasion, and metastasis of cells inside the
tumor with distinct molecular features. The complexity of cancer therapeutics demands advanced
approaches to comprehend the underlying mechanisms and potential therapies. Precision medicine
and cancer therapies both rely on drug discovery. In vitro drug screening and in vivo animal trials
are the mainstays of traditional approaches for drug development; however, both techniques are laborious
and expensive. Omics data explosion in the last decade has made it possible to discover efficient
anti-cancer drugs via computational drug discovery approaches. Computational techniques
such as computer-aided drug design have become an essential drug discovery tool and a keystone
for novel drug development methods. In this review, we seek to provide an overview of computational
drug discovery procedures comprising the target sites prediction, drug discovery based on
structure and ligand-based design, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), molecular
docking calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations with a focus on cancer therapeutics.
The applications of artificial intelligence, databases, and computational tools in drug discovery
procedures, as well as successfully computationally designed drugs, have been discussed to highlight
the significance and recent trends in drug discovery against cancer. The current review describes
the advanced computer-aided drug design methods that would be helpful in the designing
of novel cancer therapies.
Combination of Multiple MRI Parameters Related to Signal Intensity and
Volume for Predicting Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy by
Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Tan Zhengwu , Xie Lingling , Cheng Lan , Lin Zhenyu , Zhang Lan , Han Ping , Li Xin
Published: November 2023

Background::

MRI of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) can predict the pathological complete response (pCR) to preoperative chemoradiation
therapy (CRT). Our purpose was to use MRI results to evaluate the diagnostic value of combined changes in signal intensity (SI) and volume (V)
of patients with LARC for predicting pCR to CRT.

Methods::

This retrospective study on 100 patients with LARC analyzed clinical and imaging data that were collected from March, 2018, to March, 2020.
Before and after CRT, T2-weighted (T2W), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (ceT1W) data were
analyzed. Percent changes of V (%ΔV) and relative SI ratio (%ΔSIR) on different sequences were calculated. After CRT, patients had pathological
confirmation as pCR or non-pCR. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results::

There were 34 pCR and 66 non-pCR patients. Except for ADC-%ΔSIR, the combined parameters and single parameters had a greater decrease in
the pCR group. The combination of ADC-%ΔV and T2W-%ΔSIR had the greatest diagnostic value (AUC=0.85,cutoff=0.23%) and the
combination of ADC-%ΔV% and ΔSIR had the best accuracy (89%, cutoff=44.11%). Except for T2W-%ΔV and T2W-%ΔSIR, the different
sequences had moderate differences in diagnostic performance. The diagnostic performance of combined parameters or single parameters on ADC
and T2W was significantly better than those on ceT1W (p<0.01).

Conclusion::

All sequences except ADC-%ΔSIR provided reliable predictions of pCR, although ceT1W data had limited usefulness.
The Significance of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in the Application of
Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis
Authors: Xiahou Yu , Yuan Xinchun , Zhu Jia , Hu Weihong , Zhang Lili
Published: November 2023

Background::

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) surgery is an effective treatment for lymphedema. Accurate evaluation and localization of the superficial
lymphatic vessels before the operation is crucial for the success of the operation. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new ultrasound
technology, and its clinical application value in LVA surgery has not been established.

Objective::

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of CEUS in LVA surgery and provide a novel approach for the clinical assessment and localization of
superficial lymphatic vessels.

Methods::

Retrospective analysis of imaging and surgical data was performed on 20 LVA patients. Among them, 10 cases underwent evaluation and
localization using indocyanine green (ICG) lymphatic imaging (Group A), while 10 cases were evaluated and localized using CEUS (Group B).
The differences in surgical data between the two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results::

All 20 patients were female (mean age, 57.7 years ± 6.3 [SD]). CEUS demonstrated superior visualization and localization of superficial lymphatic
vessels. The average diameter of lymphatic vessels identified in the CEUS group was significantly greater than that in the ICG group (0.78±0.06
vs. 0.52±0.05mm; P<0.001). The duration of operation in group B was significantly shorter than that in group A (4.47±0.37 vs. 6.70±0.45mm;
P<.001). The number of anastomosed lymphatic vessels in group B was less than that in group A [5.0(4.0, 6.0) vs. 9.5 (9.0, 11.3); P<0.001].

Conclusion::

CEUS can serve as a viable alternative to ICG lymphatic imaging, facilitating improved lymphatic venous anastomosis surgery
Chronic Inorganic Nitrate Administration Increases the Expression
of Genes Involved in the Browning of Gonadal Adipose Tissue in
Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Yousefzadeh Nasibeh , Jeddi Sajad , Ghasemi Asghar
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective::

Nitrate, as nitric oxide (NO) donor, has been suggested
as a nutrition-based treatment for decreasing the risk of menopause-related obesity. This study
aimed to specify the effects of chronic inorganic nitrate administration on uncoupling protein-1
(UCP-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated-receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and
PPAR-γ expression in gonadal adipose tissue (GAT) of ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods::

Female rats were assigned to 3 groups: Control, OVX, and OVX+nitrate (n=7/group),
which consumed water containing inorganic nitrate (100 mg/L) for 9 months. At month 9, GAT
was used for the measurement of NO metabolites (NOx), mRNA levels of NO synthases (endothelial
(eNOS), inducible (iNOS), neuronal (nNOS)), and mRNA and protein levels of UCP-1,
PGC-1α, and PPAR-γ.

Result::

OVX rats had lower NOx concentration (45%) and eNOS (38%) and nNOS (30%) expression
in GAT that was restored to normal values following nitrate administration. OVX rats
had significantly lower mRNA and protein levels of UCP-1 (83% and 30%), PGC-1α (65% and
39%), and PPAR-γ (66% and 34.5%) in GAT. Chronic inorganic nitrate administration in OVXrats
increased mRNA and protein levels of UCP-1 (128% and 34%), PGC-1α (115% and 43%),
and PPAR-γ (236% and 38%), respectively.

Conclusion::

In OVX rats, chronic nitrate administration increased gene and protein levels of
UCP-1, PGC-1α, and PPAR-γ in GAT, indicating the anti-obesity effects of nitrate are partially
mediated by the white adipose tissue (WAT) browning. Moreover, the stimulatory effect of inorganic
nitrate on the WAT browning in OVX rats was associated with blunting the OVXinduced
NO deficiency in GAT.
Design, Fabrication and Performance Test of an Effective Body Armor
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Ashiqur , Tawsif Ur Rauf  , Ibrahim Md. Sikander
Published: November 2023

Aims:

This original research paper targets an easy but efficient design and fabrication of
a safe body armor. A test bed with weapons was another key aim. Therefore, it is essential to verify
the vest’s capability to withstand rigorous stab tests as prescribed by the standard.

Background:

The most widely used armor piece is the torso-protecting overt (worn over the uniform
or clothing) one. The main concern of this work was to design and develop such a stabresistant
soft body armor made from readily available materials to protect against threats such as
knives, blades, and sharp-tipped objects.

Objectives:

From the Mechanical Engineering point of view, the present research goals for such an
armor vest were: low cost, moderately lightweight, comfortable, made from easily available materials,
simple forward design, easy to fabricate, and the ability to adjust the level of protection without
altering the primary design structure. The effectiveness of the vest needed to be verified through
rigorous testing following relevant standards.

Methods:

The prototype of the stab-resistant armor was fabricated with two different configurations
and their performance was rigorously tested in accordance with the NIJ Standard-0115.00 to
determine its level of protection. Nylon-based panel elements covered with rubber and cotton-based
panels were compared in terms of their ability to stop stab threats. Taking into account the key
point of strike energy levels during the stabbing, test beds were created in the laboratory to rigorously
conduct the required tests. Blades of two types were made, attached with fixtures, and
dropped on the armors (upon backing material) in the test bed.

Results:

The ‘Complete Armor’ showed excellent performance against stab attacks. The tests revealed
that the nylon-based panel elements covered with rubber were more successful in stopping
stab threats compared to cotton-based panels.

Conclusion:

The designed and fabricated prototype of the stab-resistant soft body armor achieved
the desired level of protection against stab threats. The armor is also cost-effective, it can be fabricated
using locally available materials, at a cost of only 10 USD compared to 300 USD for commercially
available armor.

Other:

However, it should be noted that stab resistance does not necessarily imply ballistic resistance,
and no armor can provide invincibility against all types of threats.
Neurological Examination
Authors: Ghaly Yousif Nasser , Hadi Najah R. , Alamran Fadhil G.
Published: November 2023

A neurological exam, also called a neuro exam, is an evaluation of a person's
nervous system that can be done in the physcians. It may be done with instruments,
such as lights and reflex hammers. It usually does not cause any pain to the patient. The
nervous system consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves from these areas.
There are many aspects of this exam, including an assessment of motor and sensory
skills, balance and coordination, mental status (the patient's level of awareness and
interaction with the environment), reflexes, and functioning of the nerves. The extent of
the exam depends on many factors, including the initial problem that the patient is
experiencing, the age of the patient, and the condition of the patient. 
From Russia with Love: A Historical Analysis of Russia Foreign Policy toward North Korea
Authors:   Brawijaya University, Fahadayna Adhi Cahya
Published: November 2023

The collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of communism has changed the policy of Russia toward North Korea. However, North Korea has been associated as the closest ally of Russia, even after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This article will explain the transformation of the Russian and Soviet Union relationship using a zero-sum approach. This article shows that Russia prefers to maintain a close relationship with North Korea, with extensive opportunities to improve its economic and security interests within the region of East Asia. Russia will avoid high-risk conflict because it focuses on economic stability. As the closest and critical ally of Russia, North Korea tends to depend on Russia as the sole partner in economic and security. This research will employ a historical approach to unpack the foreign policy dynamics of Russia toward North Korea. The historical analysis is critical to explaining significant factors toward stable relations between two countries.
Uncovering Language Disparity of ChatGPT on Retinal Vascular Disease Classification: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Xiaocong , Wu Jiageng , Shao An , Shen Wenyue , Ye Panpan , Wang Yao , Ye Juan , Jin Kai , Yang Jie
Published: November 2023

Background

Benefiting from rich knowledge and the exceptional ability to understand text, large language models like ChatGPT have shown great potential in English clinical environments. However, the performance of ChatGPT in non-English clinical settings, as well as its reasoning, have not been explored in depth.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate ChatGPT’s diagnostic performance and inference abilities for retinal vascular diseases in a non-English clinical environment.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we collected 1226 fundus fluorescein angiography reports and corresponding diagnoses written in Chinese and tested ChatGPT with 4 prompting strategies (direct diagnosis or diagnosis with a step-by-step reasoning process and in Chinese or English).

Results

Compared with ChatGPT using Chinese prompts for direct diagnosis that achieved an F1-score of 70.47%, ChatGPT using English prompts for direct diagnosis achieved the best diagnostic performance (80.05%), which was inferior to ophthalmologists (89.35%) but close to ophthalmologist interns (82.69%). As for its inference abilities, although ChatGPT can derive a reasoning process with a low error rate (0.4 per report) for both Chinese and English prompts, ophthalmologists identified that the latter brought more reasoning steps with less incompleteness (44.31%), misinformation (1.96%), and hallucinations (0.59%) (all P<.001). Also, analysis of the robustness of ChatGPT with different language prompts indicated significant differences in the recall (P=.03) and F1-score (P=.04) between Chinese and English prompts. In short, when prompted in English, ChatGPT exhibited enhanced diagnostic and inference capabilities for retinal vascular disease classification based on Chinese fundus fluorescein angiography reports.

Conclusions

ChatGPT can serve as a helpful medical assistant to provide diagnosis in non-English clinical environments, but there are still performance gaps, language disparities, and errors compared to professionals, which demonstrate the potential limitations and the need to continually explore more robust large language models in ophthalmology practice.
mHealth Technology Experiences of Middle-Aged and Older Individuals With Visual Impairments: Cross-Sectional Interview Study
Authors: Choi Soyoung , Sajib Md Refat Uz Zaman , Manzano Jenna , Chlebek Christian Joseph
Published: November 2023

Background

Current mobile health (mHealth) technology is predominantly designed with a visual orientation, often resulting in user interfaces that are inaccessible to visually impaired users. While mHealth technology offers potential for facilitating chronic illness management and enhancing health behaviors among visually impaired older populations, understanding its usage remains limited.

Objective

This qualitative research aimed to explore the mHealth technology experiences of middle-aged and older individuals with visual impairments including the accessibility and usability issues they faced.

Methods

The qualitative exploration was structured using the mHealth for Older Users framework. Cross-sectional interviews were conducted via Zoom between June 1 and July 31, 2023, using an interview protocol for data collection. A thematic analysis approach was employed to analyze the transcribed interview scripts.

Results

Of the 7 participants who took part in the Zoom interviews, 3 were men and 4 were women, with ages ranging from 53 to 70 years. Most participants adopted mHealth apps and wearable devices for promoting health. They exhibited 3 distinct adoption patterns. Seven themes were emerged from the perceived challenges in using mHealth technologies: (1) a scarcity of accessible user manuals, (2) user interfaces that are not visually impaired-friendly, (3) health data visualizations that are not accessible, (4) unintuitive arrangement of app content, (5) health information that is challenging to comprehend, (6) cognitive overload caused by an excess of audible information, and (7) skepticism regarding the accuracy of health records. mHealth technologies seem to positively affect the health and health management of participants.

Conclusions

Design considerations for mHealth technologies should consider individuals’ disabilities and chronic conditions and should emphasize the importance of providing accessible manuals and training opportunities when introducing new mHealth solutions.
Using COVID-19 Vaccine Attitudes Found in Tweets to Predict Vaccine Perceptions in Traditional Surveys: Infodemiology Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sigalo Nekabari , Frias-Martinez Vanessa
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, surveys are conducted to answer questions related to public health but can be costly to execute. However, the information that researchers aim to extract from surveys could potentially be retrieved from social media, which possesses data that are highly accessible and lower in cost to collect.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate whether attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines collected from the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) could be predicted using attitudes extracted from Twitter (subsequently rebranded X). Ultimately, this study aimed to determine whether Twitter can provide us with similar information to that observed in traditional surveys or whether saving money comes at the cost of losing rich data.

METHODS

COVID-19 vaccine attitudes were extracted from the HPS conducted between January 6 and May 25, 2021. Twitter’s streaming application programming interface was used to collect COVID-19 vaccine tweets during the same period. A sentiment and emotion analysis of tweets was conducted to examine attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine on Twitter. Generalized linear models and generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate the ability of COVID-19 vaccine attitudes on Twitter to predict vaccine attitudes in the HPS.

RESULTS

The results revealed that vaccine perceptions expressed on Twitter performed well in predicting vaccine perceptions in the survey.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the information researchers aim to extract from surveys could potentially also be retrieved from a more accessible data source, such as Twitter. Leveraging Twitter data alongside traditional surveys can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of COVID-19 vaccine perceptions, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and tailored public health strategies.
Patient and caregiver perceptions of electronic health records interoperability in the NHS and its impact on care quality: A focus group study (Preprint)
Authors: Li Edmond , Lounsbury Olivia , Clarke Jonathan , Ashrafian Hutan , Darzi Ara , Neves Ana Luisa
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The proliferation of electronic health records (EHR) in health systems of many high-income countries has ushered in profound changes to how clinical information is used, stored, and disseminated. For patients, being able to easily access and share their health information electronically through interoperable EHRs can often impact safety and their experience when seeking care across healthcare providers. While extensive research exists examining how EHRs affected workflow and technical challenges such as limited interoperability, much of it was done from the viewpoint of healthcare staff rather than from patients themselves. This leaves a critical knowledge gap in our evidence base to inform better implementation of health information technologies which must be addressed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore how patients with chronic conditions or polypharmacy and their caregivers perceive the current state of electronic health records (EHR) interoperability, identify instances where it was associated with negative health outcomes, and elucidate patient-driven recommendations to address concerns raised.

METHODS

A total of 18 patients and caregivers participated in 5 online focus groups between May-July 2022. Thematic analysis was performed to generate codes and derive higher-order themes.

RESULTS

At present, EHR interoperability in the NHS does not meet patient needs and expectations. While patients’ understanding of the concept of EHR interoperability was mixed, most were able to describe how the inability to seamlessly share health information within EHR has negatively impacted care. Limited interoperability contributed to inaccurate medical records, perpetuated existing incorrect information, impaired clinical decision-making, and often required patients to resort to using workarounds. Patients also voiced ideas for potential solutions for consideration. These included a move towards a one-centralised system approach, strengthening data security measures to augment other efforts to increase interoperability, prioritising HIT training for NHS staff, and involving more allied health professionals and patients themselves in the EHR data curation process.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study contributes to the existing body of literature by providing the perspectives of patients and carers most likely to encounter interoperability challenges and therefore those most ideally positioned to propose potential solutions. As highlighted by patients, researchers and policymakers should consider social, educational, and organisational solutions, in addition to technical solutions.
Pengolahan koleksi di Taman Baca Masyarakat Karya Mulya Kota Palembang dalam upaya meningkatkan temu kembali informasi
Authors: Yoanda Sely , Gunaidi Aang
Published: November 2023

Introduction. The number of collections at the Karya Mulya Community Reading Center or Taman Bacaan Masyarakat (TBM) Palembang City continue to increase. It is necessary to evaluate the collection the efficient collection management that will influence information retrieval and increase public interest in reading.

Data Collection Methods. This study used a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach.

Data Analysis. The data analysis was conducted descriptively through several stages including data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion/data verification.

Results and Discussion. TBM Karya Mulya Palembang City has not carried out a systematic collection processing. The current stages of collection processing at TBM Karya Mulya Palembang City consist of inventorying, classifying children, adolescents and adults reading books, stamping collections, and shelving. This evaluation in a collection processing model at TBM Karya Mulya Palembang City lead to the better collection management based on library collection processing standards.

Conclusion. The TBM collection processing model of Karya Mulya Palembang City can be a reference in collection processing to facilitate information retrieval.