bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and Environmental Effects on the Early Motor Development as a Function of Parental Educational Attainment
Authors: Zi Yahua , van Beijsterveldt Catharina E. M. , Bartels Meike , de Geus Eco J. C.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The contribution of genetic and environmental factors to individual differences in early motor development are still largely uncharted. This large-scale twin study establishes the genetic and environmental influences on the timing of motor milestones achievement, it further tests whether the influences are moderated by parental education.

Methods

The twins came from families registered in the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR) from 1986 to 2016. In 22148 complete twin pairs, mother-reported ages at which each twin was able to first-time roll from back to belly, sit unassisted, hands-and-knees crawl, stand up unaided, and walk independently were used to extract an early motor development factor (MD-FS). Parental education was dichotomized (“both parents with low/average education” versus “at least one parent with high education” with university degree as a threshold).

Results

Additive genetics explained 52% of the variance in motor development, the remaining 39% and 9% were explained by shared and non-shared environment separately. Mean age of achieving motor milestones tended to be higher in infants with high-educated parents, and a moderation of parental education on the genetic and environmental variance in motor development was seen in female twins with larger heritability in the high-educated parents group (64% versus 43%) paired to a lower shared environmental influence (28% versus 48%). Only 7-8% of the variance was accounted for non-shared environmental factors, including measurement error. The pattern of results did not change when the degree of urbanicity, a correlate of parental education, was additionally considered.

Conclusions

Genetic factors explain most of the individual differences in the timing of motor milestone achievement, but factors related to the shared home environment also play an important role in early motor development.
Identification of vulnerable carotid plaque with histologically validated CT-derived plaque maps
Authors: Obaid Daniel Rhys , Okonji Ike , Cheng Suk F , Giannopoulos Argyrios A , Kamalathevan Pragash , Halcox Julian , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Richards Toby
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Ruptured carotid plaque causes stroke, but differentiating rupture-prone necrotic core from fibrous tissue with CT is limited by overlap of X-ray attenuation. We investigated the ability of CT-derived plaque maps created from ratios of plaque/contrast attenuation to identify histologically proven vulnerable plaques.

Methods:

Seventy patients underwent carotid CT angiography and carotid endarterectomy. A derivation cohort of 20 patients had CT images matched with histology and carotid plaque components attenuation defined. In a validation cohort of 50 patients, CT-derived plaque maps were compared in 43 symptomatic vs 40 asymptomatic carotid plaques and accuracy detecting vulnerable plaques calculated.

Results:

In 250 plaque areas co-registered with histology, the median attenuation (HU) of necrotic core 43(26-63), fibrous plaque 127(110-162) and calcified plaque 964 (816–1207) created significantly different ratios of plaque/contrast attenuation. CT-derived plaque maps revealed symptomatic plaques had larger necrotic core than asymptomatic (13.5%(5.9–33.3) vs 7.4%(2.3–14.3), p = 0.004) with large necrotic core predicting symptoms (area under ROC curve 0.68, p = 0.004). Twenty-four of 47 carotid plaques were histologically classified as most vulnerable (Starry-Type VI). Plaque maps revealed Type VI plaques had a greater necrotic core volume than Type IV/V plaques and a necrotic core/fibrous plaque ratio >0.5 distinguished Type VI plaques with sensitivity 75.0% (55.1–88.0) and specificity of 39.1% (22.2–59.2).

Conclusions:

Carotid plaque components can be differentiated by CT using a ratio of plaque/contrast attenuation. CT-derived plaque map volumes of necrotic core help distinguished the most vulnerable plaques.

Advances in knowledge:

CT-derived plaque maps based on plaque/contrast attenuation may provide new markers of carotid plaque vulnerability.
Occurrence and classification of T-shaped interactions between nucleobases in RNA structures
Authors: Ali Zakir , Kukhta Teagan , Jhunjhunwala Ayush , Trant John F. , Sharma Purshotam
Published: May 2023

Understanding the frequency and structural context of discrete noncovalent interactions between nucleotides is of pivotal significance in establishing the rules that govern RNA structure and dynamics. Although T-shaped contacts (i.e., perpendicular stacking contacts) between aromatic amino acids and nucleobases at the nucleic acid–protein interface have recently garnered attention, the analogous contacts within the nucleic acid structures have not been discussed. In this work, we have developed an automated method for identifying and unambiguously classifying T-shaped interactions between nucleobases. Using this method, we identified a total of 3261 instances of T-shaped (perpendicular stacking) contacts between two nucleobases in an array of RNA structures from an up-to-date data set of ≤3.5 Å resolution crystal structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank.
Ground deformation monitoring in the UAE
Authors: Λιώσης Νικόλαος
Published: May 2023

Σε αυτή τη διατριβή μελετήθηκαν οι παρελθούσες και οι παρούσες εδαφικές παραμορφώσεις στο ανατολικό τμήμα του Εμιράτου του Αμπου Νταμπι και στην πόλη του Αμπου Νταμπι. Η πρώτη περιοχή είναι κυρίως αγροτική όπου η εξάρτηση της από τα υπόγεια ύδατα είναι καταγεγραμμένη, ενώ η επέκταση της πόλης του Αμπου Νταμπι προς το εσωτερικό των Ηνωμένων Αραβικών Εμιράτων αντιμετώπισε πρόσφατα αρκετά προβλήματα μηχανικής λόγω υπεδάφιων κενών. Γι’ αυτό το σκοπό, τα σχετιζόμενα με υπόγεια νερά φαινόμενα μετατοπίσεων καθώς κι εκείνα που προκλήθηκαν από καρστικά χαρακτηριστικά αξιολογήθηκαν και παρακολουθήθηκαν μέσω συμβολομετρίας SAR και πολύ-χρονικών συμβολομετρικών τεχνικών, όπως SBAS και PSI, ώστε να περιοριστούν οι ατμοσφαιρικές επιδράσεις. Παρά τη χαμηλή συνάφεια του αμμώδους υποβάθρου που καλύπτει το μεγαλύτερο τμήμα των περιοχών μελέτης και την σποραδικότητα γνωστών σταθερών σημείων που θα μπορούσαν να χρησιμοποιηθούν ως σημεία αναφοράς, η χρήση δεδομένων από ENVISAT, ALOS και Sentinel-1 αποκάλυψε την ύπαρξη αρκετών υποδειγμάτων καθίζησης και ανύψωσης στις αγροτικές περιοχές που δεν ήταν προηγουμένως γνωστές, ενώ εξετάστηκε επίσης και η σχέση τους με τις διαφοροποιήσεις των υπόγειων υδάτων. Οι ρυθμοί καθίζησης εμφανίστηκαν να φτάνουν τα 18 χιλιοστά το χρόνο στην περιοχή του Al Wagan, αλλά οι τάσεις εμφανίζονται επιβραδυνόμενες σε πολλές περιπτώσεις. Τα αποτελέσματα επαληθεύτηκαν επίσης με μετρήσεις GPS. Η μελέτη του υδρογεωλογικού καθεστώτος της περιοχής του Al Ain υπέδειξε την ύπαρξη μια ζώνης χαμηλής αγωγιμότητας κατά μήκος της κατεύθυνσης ροής των υπόγειων υδάτων, η οποία υποδηλώνει ότι μια από τις αιτίες των εδαφικών παραμορφώσεων, εκτός από τις υψηλές απαιτήσεις σε υπόγεια νερά, είναι η χαμηλή πλευρική επαναφόρτιση στις αγροτικές περιοχές. Για να καθοριστούν περαιτέρω οι συνέπειες των διαφοροποιήσεων του υπογείου υδροφόρου ορίζοντα, οι αλλαγές στην κάλυψη βλάστησης και η τάσεις τους χαρτογραφήθηκαν με τη χρήση οπτικών αισθητήρων, όπως Landsat και MODIS. Βρέθηκε ότι οι τάσεις του Κανονικοποιημένου Διαφοροποιημένου Δείκτη Βλάστησης (NDVI) και οι αλλαγές στις χρήσεις γης επέδειξαν επισης δυνατη σχεση με τα υπογεια νερα. Οι τεχνικες PSI και SBAS ηταν επισης ικανες να ανιχνεύσουν τοπικές καθιζήσεις που σχετίζονται με υπεδάφια κενά στην πόλη του Αμπου Νταμπι με δεδομένα Sentinel-1, οι οποίες επαληθευτήκαν με τοπογραφήσεις και αξιολογήσεις ζημιών σε κτίρια και άλλες υποδομές.
Comparative evaluation of serum interleukin 6 with neutrophil - lymphocyte and platelet -lymphocyte ratio in pre and post-surgery oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Authors: Bhargava Pragati , Bhowate Rahul
Published: May 2023

Background:Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma is a major health burden in Asian countries necessitating the need for active research in terms of diagnosis and management. Various pro-inflammatory markers such as Interleukins, TNF Alpha, Interferon gamma and inflammatory mediators such as Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and mast cells are known to be involved in the tumor associated inflammatory status.Aim:To explore the role of Interleukin - 6, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio and Platelet to lymphocyte ratio in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in both pre and post operative conditions. Materials and Methods: Forty subjects who were Clinically and Histo-pathologically diagnosed, graded and staged based on TNM staging of OSCC included in the study. Pre and Post operative assessment of serum Interleukin-6, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio was carried out.Results:On evaluation significant difference was evident on comparison between the preoperative IL-6 levels and post operative levels. On evaluation of NLR, there was also a significant difference in preoperative NLR based on the staging of the tumor, the mean preoperative NLR higher in stage Iva than in stage III. On evaluation of PLR, the mean preoperative PLR differed significantly between stage III and stage IV a OSCC. However, no evaluative difference was noted in pre and post operative PLR based on the histopathological type of OSCC. But, there was a significant difference noted in the PLR levels between the pre and the post operative status.

Conclusion:NLR and PLR are useful markers representing the stage of the tumor as higher values of NLR and PLR are associated with high stages of tumor. Pre and Post operative IL-6 and PLR can also be useful in post operative and post treatment inflammatory status in individuals affected with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
The ELIXIR Biodiversity Community: Understanding short- and long-term changes in biodiversity
Authors: Waterhouse Robert M. , Adam-Blondon Anne-Françoise , Balech Bachir , Barta Endre , Heil Katharina F. , Hughes Graham M. , Jermiin Lars S. , Kalaš Matúš , Lanfear Jerry , Pafilis Evangelos , Papageorgiou Aristotelis C. , Psomopoulos Fotis , Raes Niels , Burgin Josephine , Gabaldón Toni
Published: May 2023

Biodiversity loss is now recognised as one of the major challenges for humankind to address over the next few decades. Unless major actions are taken, the sixth mass extinction will lead to catastrophic effects on the Earth’s biosphere and human health and well-being. ELIXIR can help address the technical challenges of biodiversity science, through leveraging its suite of services and expertise to enable data management and analysis activities that enhance our understanding of life on Earth and facilitate biodiversity preservation and restoration. This white paper, prepared by the ELIXIR Biodiversity Community, summarises the current status and responses, and presents a set of plans, both technical and community-oriented, that should both enhance how ELIXIR Services are applied in the biodiversity field and how ELIXIR builds connections across the many other infrastructures active in this area. We discuss the areas of highest priority, how they can be implemented in cooperation with the ELIXIR Platforms, and their connections to existing ELIXIR Communities and international consortia. The article provides a preliminary blueprint for a Biodiversity Community in ELIXIR and is an appeal to identify and involve new stakeholders.
Hypertension and COVID-19 fractional derivative model with double dose vaccination
Authors: Okyere Samuel , Ackora-Prah Joseph , Bonyah Ebenezer , Barnes Bennedict , Boateng Maxwell Akwasi , Takyi Ishmael , Adarkwa Samuel Akwasi
Published: May 2023

The prevalence of at least one underlying medical condition, which increases the likelihood of developing the severe COVID-19 disease, is found in 22 of the world's population. The primary underlying medical condition that contributes to COVID-19 problems in Ghana is hypertension. This work investigate COVID-19 in a population with hypertension taking into account double dose vaccination of susceptible individuals. The study modifies a previous model proposed in the literature to include double dose vaccination and Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo fractional derivatives is used to solve the model. We give few definitions of the ABC operator and determine the existence and uniqueness of the solution. Using COVID-19 data for the period February 21, 2021 to July, 24 2021, the model is tested. The dynamics of the disease in the community were shown to be influenced by fractional-order derivatives. Contrary to the previous model proposed in the literature, the vulnerable group saw a significant reduction in the number, which may be attributed to the double dose vaccination. We recommend a cost-effective optimal control analysis in future work.
Predictive factors of large liver cell carcinoma tumor response after first conventional transarterial chemoembolization in Indonesia according to the modified response evaluation in solid tumors criteria: a preliminary study
Authors: Matondang Sahat Basana Romanti Ezer , Lios Liem Arinuryanto , Hilmy Ibrahim Abubakar , Hasan Irsan , Prihartono Joedo
Published: May 2023

Background: Various factors affect the response of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and the high demand for TACE procedures highlights the need for information and methods on the criteria for patient selection.

Methods: Thirty-six HCC patients who were treated with conventional TACE between January 2014 and January 2020 and had pre- and postoperative imaging data were included in the analysis. The patients were categorized as tumor responders (complete or partial response) or nonresponders (stable or progressive disease) according to the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST). Eight predictive factors (Tumor diameter, Tumor amount, tumor vascularity, portal vein invasion, tumor location, presence of tumor capsule, Child–Pugh class, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level) of tumor response were evaluated using multivariate analysis with logistic regression.

Results: Only 42% of patients fell into the category of responders after conventional TACE. None of the Child–Pugh class B patients showed a tumor response. A multivariate analysis of the Child–Pugh class A patient group showed that a lesion diameter of 5–10 cm (OR: 8.78, 95% CI: 1.73–44.55; P = 0.009) are an independent predictor of tumor response after the first TACE procedure.

Conclusions: A tumor diameter of 5–10 cm could be use as a predictor of tumor response after the first conventional TACE in Child–Pugh A patients, further researches are needed to confirm this finding.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Greek version of the Kerlan-Jobe orthopaedic clinic shoulder and elbow score in Greek overhead athletes
Authors: Paraskevopoulos Eleftherios , Plakoutsis George , Papandreou Maria
Published: May 2023

Background: Overhead athletes frequently perform rapid and powerful throwing overhead strokes in positions at the extreme range of motion, increasing the risk of upper limb injury. The Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Score has shown to be a valid and reliable questionnaire that can be used for the assessment of the functional status of the upper limb of patients involved in highly demanding overhead sports. The KJOC has been translated into several other languages however, a Greek version of the KJOC is not available yet.

Methods: The KJOC will be cross-culturally adapted into Greek following international guidelines. At least 100 overhead athletes with or without shoulder or elbow complaints will be recruited and asked to fill in the Greek version of the KJOC twice and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) once. The internal consistency and the test-retest reliability will be examined using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimum detectable change (MDC) will be calculated and possible ground or ceiling effects will be also examined. Convergent validity will be evaluated with the Greek DASH using Pearson’s correlation.

Results: The results of this study will be presented in an article to be published later.

Conclusions: This report describes the process of translation and cross cultural adaptation of the Greek version of the KJOC. We believe a study protocol will assist researchers in the field to improve the reporting of similar studies and as a result improve the quality of their studies.
The signifying culture: An intercultural and qualitative analysis of Tiv and Yoruba folktales for moral instruction and character determination in children
Authors: Olugbemi-Gabriel Olumide , Ukpi Mbasughun
Published: May 2023

Background: In the study of African communities, folktales have remained a constant element. With their origin in the culture of oral storytelling, folktales have often been used by older age groups to guide and mould behavioural patterns in children. In ancient and traditional African societies, children were gathered at the end of the day by older members of the community for tales by moonlight sessions aimed at guiding their moral decisions. With globalisation and its consequent effects such as migration, dislocation and disindigenisation, the culture of communal folktale sessions is experiencing a quick death. This paper engages with the relevance of folktales as moral guides for children in African societies and as a renewed path to increased societal stability facilitated by morally set individuals. 

Methods: The folktales were randomly selected from a pool of Tiv and Yoruba folktales in Nigeria. Two animal-based folktales which are part of shared folk culture were picked from the Tiv society and one from the Yoruba society.  The study follows a narrative and content analysis approach where the selected folktales are corroborated by four key informants, two males and two females within the ages of 50-65.  

Results: With particular focus on the benefits of promoting and re-introducing the folktale culture to encourage positive behavioural traits amongst individuals in the society, the study primarily highlights folktales as reflective of human life. In identifying this similarity, the character of children is largely influenced by the moral values inherent in these folktales.  

Conclusions: There needs to be an increased use of media and audio-visual tools to expand the knowledge and accessibility of indigenous African folktales in order to preserve ethnic, national and social identity as well as to provide a moral compass for children.
Teaching without boundaries: interviews exploring the adaptation of collaborative inquiry to the American context
Authors: Carr Olivia G. , Cravens Xiu
Published: May 2023

Purpose: This study qualitatively examines the efforts of implementing teacher-led collaborative inquiry in American public schools to improve instruction. We focus on a model called Teacher Peer Excellence Group (TPEG), designed to capture the essence of Japanese lesson study and Chinese teaching-study groups that involve lesson planning, peer observations, feedback, and revision.

Methods: We conduct qualitative case studies in three pilot schools using a constructivist research paradigm.

Findings: We identify action steps essential to introducing and sustaining the TPEG model and pathways to local adaptation.

Implications for research and practice: The study contributes to the body of research that seeks to understand the role of instructional leadership and teacher decision-making in successful school-level initiatives.
Co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among 40-year and above aged community members in three regions of Myanmar
Authors: Mon Aye Sandar , Win Hla Hla , Sandar Win Pa , Walton Poppy , Swe Khin Hnin , Vervoort Johanna P. M. , Landsman Jeanet A. , Rusnak Martin , Koot Jaap A. R.
Published: May 2023

Background: Risky behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables are known contributing factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which account for 74% of global mortality. Such behavioural risk factors co-occur frequently resulting in synergistic action for developing NCD related morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the existence of multiple risk behaviours and determine the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with co-occurrence of behavioural risks among Myanmar adult population.  

Method: Data were collected, in the context of the SUNI-SEA project (Scaling Up NCD interventions in Southeast Asia), from 660 community members aged 40 years and above of both sexes, residing in selected urban and rural areas from Ayeyawaddy, Yangon and Mandalay regions of Myanmar. The co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors was presented as percentage with 95% CI and its determinants were identified by multinomial logistic regression.  

Results: The co-occurrence of two risk behaviours and three or four risk behaviours were found in 40% (95% CI: 36.2%, 43.9%) and 10.8% (95% CI: 8.5%, 13.4%) respectively. Urban residents, men, participants without formal schooling and unemployed persons were more likely to exhibit co-occurrence of two risk behaviors and three or four risk behaviours.  

Conclusion: The current study shows high prevalence of co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors among Myanmar adults in the study area. NCD prevention and control programs emphasizing management of behavioural risks should be intensively promoted, particularly directed towards multiple behavioural risk factors, and not focused on individual factors only.
The genome sequence of the White-backed Marble, Hedya salicella (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Goate Zoe ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: May 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Hedya salicella (the White-backed Marble; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae). The genome sequence is 742.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 25 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,961 protein coding genes.
METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR BUILDING AN INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF A MANAGEMENT COMPANY IN A MARKET ECONOMY
Authors: Gajkova Luybov V. , Izotov Oleg E.
Published: May 2023

Рассматривается управление жилой недвижимостью и прилегающей территории на основе системы управления инцидентами управляющей компании, как одного из способов регулирования функций эксплуатации, технического и санитарного содержания многоквартирных домов в условиях рыночной экономики.

The management of residential real estate and adjacent territory on the basis of the incident management system of the management company as one of the ways to regulate the functions of operation, technical and sanitary maintenance of apartment buildings in a market economy is considered.

Purpose: to identify the problems that determine the process of working with consumer appeals to the management company, in order to work out the methodological foundations for building an incident management system in the management company.Methodology: the dialectical method is used as a general scientific method of cognition; techniques and tools of system, comparative analysis and generalization.

Results: analyzed the business process, identified business problems relating to the current process of working with customer complaints to the management company, built a strategic map of the management company.

Scope of results: heads of management companies when addressing issues of determining the optimal relationship with consumers to reduce the risk of poor-quality work.
DIGITAL ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT FORECAST USING A DECISION TREE MACHINE LEARNING MODEL
Authors: Lomakin Nikolay I. , Solomakhina Lyudmila Ya. , Pokidova Victoria V. , Ulanova Irina A. , Kurasov Alexander N. , Kachanov Yury A.
Published: May 2023

Theoretical foundations for the development of environmental protection measures in Russia and the world, the issues of investing in environmental protection are studied. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that based on the use of a variational series of the studied parameters, a machine learning model “Decision Tree” was developed, with the help of which a predictive value of the amount of investment in environmental protection measures was formed. The relevance lies in the fact that to determine the volume of investment in environmental measures in the country, an artificial intelligence system was used – machine learning “Decision tree” (ML “Decision tree”), which made it possible to successfully solve a complex problem due to the influence of many factors on the parameter under study. The use of the proposed approach is especially relevant in the light of the May Decrees of the President of the Russian Federation. In 2018, in the Decrees of the President, strategic principles for the development of the country were formulated, aimed at the formation of a “digital economy”, designed to ensure further movement in accordance with the “Strategy for Scientific and Technical Development of Russia” in the main direction, according to which, as a foundation for the implementation of innovative changes in the state will use digital technologies. With the help of the artificial intelligence system, a forecast was formed for such a parameter as the volume of investment in the country in environmental measures for the next year, namely 6.2221 million rubles.
PROBLEMS AND WAYS OF USING CRYPTOCURRENCIES IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Verdikhanov Feitulla N. , Morozevich Milaslava I. , Tagirova Aset V.
Published: May 2023

В данной статье рассмотрена проблема восприятия нового вида электронных денег – криптовалют, а также неправильная трактовка цифровых финансовых активов, изучаются основные проблемы и возможность использования нового вида финансового актива. Цель работы заключается в изучении основных проблем и способов использования криптовалюты в национальной экономике. Рассмотрены виды криптовалют, отличительные особенности и структура популярных криптовалют. Рассмотрена проблема восприятия нового вида электронных денег, изучаются основные проблемы и возможность использования нового вида финансового актива. Подробно описаны способы использования криптовалют. Сопоставлены централизованные и децентрализованные формы электронных цифровых активов. Представлен опыт компаний, которые начали внедрять в свои бизнес-процессы блокчейн и криптовалюты, а также активный переход к цифровым финансовым активам.

Цель: изучить основные проблемы и способы использования криптовалюты в национальной экономике и сформулировать рекомендации по их перспективному применению.

Метод исследования: метод анализа и синтеза, метод обобщения, табличный метод.

Результаты: в работе описано современное состояние использование криптовалют и иных крипотинструментов в мировой и российской экономике и дан обзор основных проблем, с которыми связано их применение. Описаны причины возникновения этих проблем.

Область применения результатов: полученные результаты могут быть использованы для дальнейшего теоретического обоснования природы криптовалют как инновационного экономического инструмента. Кроме того, они могут быть полезны для государств, бизнеса и частных лиц с точки зрения выбора оптимальной модели использования криптовалют в хозяйственной деятельности.
RANDOM FOREST MODEL ON BIG DATA FOR FORECASTING THE STABILITY OF THE BANKING SYSTEM OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Lomakin Nikolay I. , Yurova Olga V. , Kosobokova Ekaterina V. , Minaeva Oksana A. , Trunina Valentina F. , Kachanov Yury A.
Published: May 2023

The article analyzes current trends in the use of artificial intelligence, cognitive technologies, Big Data and other innovations in order to predict the stability of the Russian banking system. The current trends in the development of banking innovations in the context of digitalization of the economy are summarized. Among the research methods used, the Random Forest artificial intelligence system, formed in the Google Collab cloud service in Python, should be noted. A neural network model for predicting the dynamics of bank profits based on the use of the Random Forest (RF – random forest) machine learning model is proposed. The results of the study indicate that, with the average value of the profit of banks for the period 2010-2021. 1126.0416 billion rubles, the mean absolute error (Mean Absolute Error) amounted to 129.96666 billion rubles, or 11.5%, which can be regarded as a good result in conditions of market uncertainty. The analysis showed that current trends are global in nature and lead to qualitative changes in the flow of business processes between consumers of banking services and credit institutions.

Purpose: is to form a model that predicts the value of the target variable – the profit of the banking system using the Random Forest deep learning model, which is an ensemble of “decision trees”. The scientific novelty is to put forward and prove the hypothesis that with the help of the formed artificial intelligence system “Random Forest”, a profit forecast for commercial banks of the Russian Federation can be obtained.

Method or methodology of the work. The work used such research methods as: monographic, analytical, artificial intelligence system – “Random Forest”, as well as comparative analysis. Calculations were performed in XL tables, Google Collab cloud service in Python.

Results. The developed AI-system “Random Forest”, designed to predict the profits of banks, is presented. It is of practical importance to use the results of the Random Forest neural network to predict the development of credit institutions, which makes it possible to solve a major national economic problem - ensuring the stability of the banking system of the Russian Federation. A neural network model for predicting the dynamics of bank profits based on the use of the Random Forest (RF) machine learning model is proposed, which is a machine learning algorithm that consists in using an ensemble (set) of decision trees.

The scope of the results: the financial sector, the banking sector, forecasting and ensuring the sustainable activity of credit institutions in the Russian Federation.
Dental and oral manifestations of coeliac disease - a literature review
Authors: Jakubowska Eliza , Łazicka Patrycja , Tuczyńska Magdalena , Karolak Aleksandra , Jasińska Joanna
Published: May 2023

Introduction

 Coeliac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease of the digestive system. It is caused by permanent intolerance to gluten (a protein contained in wheat, rye, barley), which results in the atrophy of the intestinal villi in the small intestine and deficiency of nutrients in the body. It can also manifest itself with various pathologies within the teeth and oral mucosa. 

Aim of the study 

The purpose of the study is to present the symptoms of coeliac disease in oral cavity. 

Materials and methods

PubMed and Google Scholar medical databases were analyzed, operating with the following keywords: coeliac disease, oral cavity, manifestations, lesions, symptoms, oral health in as many configurations as needed. Twenty-eight related articles published during the last five years (2018-2023) were selected. 

Results

 In addition to the classic intestinal symptomatology, coeliac disease can also manifest itself in the oral cavity in the form of delayed tooth eruption, enamel defects, MIH, recurrent aphthous stomatitis or xerostomia. The etiology of the changes is still not clear, but studies show that they most likely arise as a result of impaired absorption of vitamins and minerals in the small intestine. 

Conclusion

The variety of symptoms of celiac disease makes it a significant diagnostic challenge. It is important to raise awareness among dentists about the symptoms of the disease because a quick diagnosis can prevent many complications.
El canto como una práctica de cohesión humana, rapsodias de recuperación en clave pos-covid
Authors: Garzón Díaz Karim del Rocio , Moncayo Barbosa Patricia , Lucena Ramírez Julio César , Palacios Espinosa Ximena , Vera Márquez Ángela Victoria , Villamil Duarte Angy Carolina
Published: May 2023

Este artículo presenta a manera de balance una intención pedagógica e interprofesional que fue materializada a través de un proyecto que buscó co-construir un programa basado en el canto, orientado a la formación de agentes de cambio para favorecer encuentros con personas sobrevivientes a estados críticos producidos por el virus sars-CoV-2 (covid-19) en proceso de recuperación en sus hogares, como una estrategia de promoción de la salud cardiopulmonar y emocional. La impronta del proyecto estuvo mediada por el interés de confluencia entre las ciencias y las artes, así como de hacer parte a estudiantes rosaristas.
Are we smart enough for smart technology?
Authors: Heer Sareena , Alghamdi Samiah , Furnell Steven
Published: May 2023

It's common to find any number of ‘smart’ devices in the modern home, with the most common being so-called smart speakers. Despite their huge popularity, people often view these devices with at least some degree of suspicion, with concerns about security and privacy. With this in mind, this article presents the details of a study conducted among current smart speaker users to examine their awareness and understanding of the security and privacy aspects of the devices that they are already using.
Vascular damage control at the thoracic outlet
Authors: McMonagle MP , Sarani B , Jenoff J , Schwab CW
Published: May 2023

Penetrating injuries to the subclavian artery carry a high mortality rate, especially when the patient presents in shock. Rapid and effective haemorrhage control is challenging due to the anatomical location at the thoracic outlet. Historically, vessel ligation has been used to control bleeding, but this is often performed late, when metabolic exhaustion is established, and is associated with upper-limb ischaemia and limb loss. Rapid proximal control through the chest with temporary intravascular shunting is the damage control technique of choice to temporise blood loss and restore perfusion until the patient is physiologically optimised for a delayed definitive vascular repair. We describe a case of vascular damage control in a patient after gunshot wound.
Delayed transrectal mesh erosion after sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Rengifo C , Ali B
Published: May 2023

Synthetic mesh is often utilised for reinforcement in pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Mesh erosion to surrounding structures is a recognised complication following sacrocolpopexy, but translocation to the vagina is more common. We report an unusual case of delayed asymptomatic erosion of the mesh into the rectum 12 years after sacrocolpopexy.
Routine postoperative laboratory tests are not required in patients undergoing elective total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Assaf A , Hermena S , Hadjikyriacou E , Donaldson OW
Published: May 2023

Background

Routine blood tests following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) cost the British national health system over £65,000 in 2018 without definite evidence of their impact on patients’ outcomes. This study aimed to ascertain whether routine laboratory tests are necessary after elective TSA.

Methods

A retrospective review of electronic records was completed for 274 patients that underwent TSA in the past six years. In total, 216 patients were eligible for analysis. The primary outcome was intervention rate for abnormal postoperative blood tests. Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS), and readmissions at 30 and 90 days.

Results

In total, 193 patients underwent 216 TSAs; 72% were female, and the mean cohort age was 78 ± 7.2 years. Overall, 136 patients (63%) had an abnormal postoperative blood test, however; only 8 (3.7%) required intervention. The average postoperative drop in haemoglobin (Hb) was 19g/l. In four patients (1.8%) Hb levels dropped to < 80g/l; however, only two (0.9%) were symptomatic and received a red blood cell transfusion. Six patients (2.8%) developed acute kidney injury and did not require haemofiltration. The mean LOS was 3.2 ± 2.9 days. Five patients (2.3%) were readmitted within 30 days and six patients (2.8%) within 90 days. Univariate analysis only showed association between patients with abnormal creatinine and LOS (p < 0.05), and all of these patients had raised preoperative creatinine levels.

Conclusions

Routine postoperative blood tests are not required as they did not change the clinical outcome in this cohort or the readmission rate, causing unnecessary costs. It is recommended to request postoperative blood tests for patients with raised preoperative creatinine levels.
Ileal rhabdomyosarcoma in a patient with a history of squamous cell lung cancer
Authors: Yavuz B , Aba M , Aydın İ , Eray İC , Erdoğan KE
Published: May 2023

Rhabdomyosarcoma is an infrequent muscular cancer seen in adults. We present a case of ileal intussusception due to pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma in a patient diagnosed previously with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL). The patient was a 68-year-old man with a history of SCCL. He was admitted to the emergency department for nausea, emesis and obstipation. Surgical investigation of the abdomen revealed an intussusception caused by a tumour located 160cm distal of the ligament of Treitz. Pathological examination showed that tumour was a primary rhabdomyosarcoma of the ileum. This case contributes to the literature by defining an infrequent presentation of rhabdomyosarcoma causing ileal intussusception in an adult patient.
The deceiving encounter of a spontaneously ruptured urinary bladder
Authors: Salleh H , Azli S , Khairul-Asri MG , Jagwani A
Published: May 2023

Spontaneous urinary bladder rupture is a rare condition. Radiotherapy treatment for malignancy of a pelvic organ such as cervix or prostate is one cause of this condition. We report a case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with this illness 30 years after radiotherapy treatment.
Paediatric post-COVID-19 hyperinflammatory syndrome mimicking appendicitis: a case series
Authors: Coles V , Yardley I , Hameed S , Brennan K
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A novel hyperinflammatory syndrome has emerged in the paediatric population: paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome – temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS). Up to 50% of patients develop shock with cardiac dysfunction but presentation with acute abdominal pain is common and difficult to distinguish from appendicitis.

Method

Prospective case series of PIMS-TS patients presenting to a single UK tertiary paediatric centre.

Results

As of 16 September 2020, 89 patients have presented with PIMS-TS to our institution; 19 (21.3%) were referred for surgical review. Pyrexia and acute abdominal pain were seen in all 19 patients. Diarrhoea was reported in 14 (73%) and vomiting in 12 (63%). On examination, eight (42%) had right abdominal tenderness, of which five had right iliac fossa (RIF) peritonism. C-reactive protein (CRP) was universally raised: median 176 (15–463)mg/l. Abdominal imaging was performed in 17 (89%), with 11 undergoing abdominal ultrasonography (65%) and 8 abdominal computed tomography (47%); two required both. Findings included nonspecific features of inflammation in the RIF. Eight patients (42%) had an abnormal echocardiogram at admission. Two (10%) patients, with classical signs and symptoms of appendicitis, underwent appendicectomy without radiological imaging and were subsequently diagnosed with PIMS-TS. During the same period, 18 patients underwent appendicectomy for histologically confirmed appendicitis. Serum CRP and ferritin levels were significantly higher in the PIMS-TS cohort compared with children with appendicitis.

Conclusions

PIMS-TS is a novel paediatric condition that may mimic appendicitis. It should be considered in patients presenting with abdominal pain to avoid unnecessary surgery in children at risk of cardiovascular instability.
Multidisciplinary management of a complex case of renal cell carcinoma arising in a pelvic kidney
Authors: Kumar S , Singh S , Parmar K , Chaudhary K
Published: May 2023

The incidence of ectopic kidney is 1 in 2100–3000 autopsies. Renal cell cancer (RCC) in pelvic kidney is a rare entity with limited case reports available in the literature. Symptoms can vary from abdominal pain to haematuria, or RCC can be detected incidentally. Contrast imaging with computed tomography (CT) angiography is recommended to determine the location of the renal mass and the anatomy of surrounding organs and major vessels feeding it. Treatment of choice is radical nephrectomy. We report a case of RCC in ectopic pelvic kidney managed with radical nephrectomy that was deemed unresectable on CT imaging.
Assessing the impact of a gynaecomastia assessment and treatment infographic in primary care in Greater Manchester
Authors: Bromley HL , Preston M , Walter L , Dave R , Lord N , Wright P , Rowland M , Gandhi A
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Men with gynaecomastia are routinely referred to breast clinics, yet most do not require breast surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a novel point-of-care gynaecomastia decision infographic in primary care on the assessment, management and referral practices to tertiary breast surgical services.

Methods

A study was carried out of male patient referrals from primary care in Greater Manchester to a tertiary breast centre between January and March in 2018–2020. Referral patterns were compared before and after the infographic went live in general practices in Greater Manchester in January 2020. Data were collected for gynaecomastia referrals, including aetiology, investigation and management.

Results

In total, 394 men were referred to a tertiary breast centre from 163 general practices, of which 271 (68.8%) had a diagnosis of gynaecomastia. Use of the decision infographic by primary healthcare providers was associated with a decrease in male breast referrals with gynaecomastia (79.6% to 62.0%). Fewer gynaecomastia patients were referred with a benign physiological or drug-related cause after implementation of the infographic (52.2% vs 41.8%). Only 10 (3.7%) patients with gynaecomastia underwent breast surgery during the study period.

Conclusion

Implementation of a gynaecomastia infographic in primary care in Manchester was associated with a reduction in gynaecomastia referrals to secondary care. We hypothesise that implementation of the infographic into primary care nationally may potentially translate to hundreds of patients receiving more specialty-appropriate referrals, improving overall management of gynaecomastia. Further study is warranted to test this hypothesis.
Advanced squamous cell carcinoma arising in a laparostomy site
Authors: Han J , Gangalam V , Wilson P
Published: May 2023

Chronic wounds occur as a result of a disordered healing process. They can be associated with complications such as chronic pain and infection, but also rarely lead to malignant transformation. There have been few cases of squamous cell carcinomas arising in a surgical wound. We present the case of a 67-year-old patient who developed an advanced invasive squamous cell carcinoma seven years post laparostomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. Surgical resection was not possible due to the advanced stage of the malignancy. This case highlights the importance of good wound care, suspecting malignant development in a non-healing chronic surgical wound site, and the importance of using histological analysis to inform surgery when involving a chronic wound.
Does the publication of NICE guidelines for venous thromboembolism chemical prophylaxis influence the prescribing patterns of UK hip and knee surgeons?
Authors: Matharu GS , Blom AW , Board T , Whitehouse MR ,   VTE Research Collaborative, Manning William A , Cuthbert Rory , Tsang Bonita , Lennox-Warburton Hannah C , Ingoe Helen MA , McKigney Niamh A , Mostafa Ahmed MEE , Middleton Rory G , Aziz Sheweidin , Brock Timothy M , Barkley Sarah , Lotfi Naeil , Dong Huan , Elmajee Mohammed , Chauhan Govind S , Sur Hartej , Khalefa Mohammed A , Tailor Puneet , Nandra Rajpal S , Jenner Edward , Smith Adam , Vipulendran Karuniyan V , Jenner Lydia J , Khan Mohsin , Pearce Oliver , Fowler Timothy J , Carpenter Charlotte VE , Chan Matthew JYK , Brennan Adrian , Neal-Smith Gregory , Sinclair Pierre , Goh En Lin , Colvin Holly V , Fernquest Scott J , Luney Catriona R , Aboelmagd Tariq , Watts Daniel T
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We assessed the practice of surgeons regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemical prophylaxis for total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR), before and after issuing of updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance in 2018.

Methods

A survey, circulated through the British Hip Society and regional trainee networks/collaboratives, was completed by 306 UK surgeons at 187 units. VTE chemical prophylaxis prescribing patterns for surgeons carrying out primary THR (n=258) and TKR (n=253) in low-risk patients was assessed after publication of 2018 NICE recommendations. Prescribing patterns before and after the NICE publication were subsequently explored.

Results

Following the new guidance, 34% (n=87) used low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) alone, 33% (n=85) aspirin (commonly preceded by LMWH) and 31% (n=81) direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs: with/without preceding LMWH) for THR. For TKR, 42% (n=105) used aspirin (usually monotherapy), 31% (n=78) LMWH alone and 27% (n=68) DOAC (with/without preceding LMWH). NICE guidance changed the practice of 34% of hip surgeons and 41% of knee surgeons, with significantly increased use of aspirin preceded by LMWH for THR (before=25% vs after=73%; p<0.001), and aspirin for TKR (before=18% vs after=84%; p<0.001). Significantly more regimens were NICE guidance compliant after the 2018 update for THR (before=85.7% vs after=92.6%; p=0.011) and TKR (before=87.0% vs after=98.8%; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Over one-third of surveyed surgeons changed their VTE chemical prophylaxis in response to 2018 NICE recommendations, with more THR and TKR surgeons now compliant with latest NICE guidance. The major change in practice was an increased use of aspirin for VTE chemical prophylaxis.
Establishing the shadowline: the border between legally acceptable and unacceptable standards of surgical practice
Authors: Ricketts D , O’Brien Aidan , Patterson M , Phadnis J
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Our study investigated how the standard of surgical care is assessed within the English and Welsh litigation process. The ‘shadowline’ represents the dividing line between acceptable and unacceptable standards of care. Our hypothesis was that different assessors risk adopting materially different interpretations regarding the acceptable standard of care. Any variation in the interpretation of where the shadowline falls will create uncertainty and unfairness to surgeons and patients alike.

Methods

We summarised the legal literature and suggested the factors affecting the assessment of surgical standards. We illustrated our findings on distribution curves.

Results

There was a risk that the shape of the curve and the location of the shadowline may vary according to the assessor. Importantly, a gap may have developed between the legal and clinical shadowlines in respect of the consenting process.

Discussion and conclusion

We suggested how a gap between the surgical and legal shadow lines could be narrowed. Clinical governance, balanced literature and realistic expert assessments were all part of the solution.
The future of surgery and disrupting anti-Black racism in healthcare
Authors: Dryden OH
Published: May 2023

Our Culture columnist addresses the importance of tackling anti-Black racism in healthcare, and the significant effect it has on our colleagues and patients.