bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Environmental Toxins in Mixed Matrices of Tap Water, Soil, Food Waste, Serum and Milk using Hememics Biosensor
Authors: Aithal Srivatsa , Gupta Sujasha , Duong Khanh , Kumar Ankit , Ho Nathan , Liu Dong Dong , Warden John , Ho David Huy
Published: June 2023

Exposure to toxins can lead to a wide range of adverse health effects, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders, cancer, and reproductive issues. Toxins can come from various sources, such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and household chemicals. Therefore, detecting and monitoring toxins in the environment is crucial for protecting human health and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Hememics biosensor system in detecting environmental toxins such as Ricin and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in mixed matrixes. When Ricin and SEB are spiked into soil, chopped lettuce, tap water, milk and serum, the biosensor was able to detect these toxins, without sample processing, at a level of detection comparable to lab testing with high sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, Hememics biosensor system is designed to be network-enabled, which means that results can be transmitted to relevant agencies for quick decisions. This feature is crucial in cases where quick action is needed to prevent further contamination or exposure to harmful toxins.
Using eye movement sequences and hidden Markov model to explore strategy blending in metadata-supported image search
Authors: Lin Yi-Ling , Chan Yao-Cheng
Published: June 2023

This study explores users’ search strategies associated with different information aids in an image search context. We investigate "strategy blending", i.e., the mixture of different strategies (tag-based and header-based) in a display with both possibilities. Using eye-movement-recordings, supported by Hidden Markov Model (HMM) modeling, we attempt to reveal strategies and tactics as well as the blending of different strategies. The findings make theoretical contributions to the literature on strategy blending and information seeking behavior and provide practitioners with guidelines on metadata support for website design to enhance the user experience and meet user needs. In our understanding of this domain, we are the first to bridge strategies in decision making to search strategies with actual users instead of using mere simulation. Strategy blending can be explained by investigating user search behavior in an image search context. HMMs can be used to discover latent search tactics, and user eye movement sequences reveal different types of strategy blending. For practical design in the context of image search, metadata is indeed useful to assist image search as a navigation support, and represents a better chance to fulfill the information needs of users. Responding to the emerging digital environment and the new paradigm of people’s search behavior with various devices, these results can be generalized to other research fields, such as mobile system design or user modeling, to satisfy various users with different needs.
Encephalartos villosus associated bacterial communities and extracellular enzymes improve soil nutrition in rhizosphere soils in forest ecosystem soils
Authors: Motsomane Nqobile , Suinyuy Terence N. , Magadlela Anathi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Cycads are the only known gymnosperms associated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria housed in coralloid roots. Plant-associated bacteria, soil bacteria, and extracellular enzymes play a significant role in nutrient cycling. This study isolated and identified culturable bacteria in Encephalartos villosus coralloid roots, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere soils and investigated the role of soil bacteria and associated enzyme activities on soil nutrition in forest ecosystem soils in Rhebu and Oceanview, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Methods

Encephalartos villosus coralloid roots were collected from mature cycad individuals for bacterial extraction and identification. Soil samples from E. villosus rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were collected for bacterial identification, extracellular enzyme activity analysis, and soil characteristics (nutrient concentrations, pH, total cation, and exchange acidity).

Results

The bacteria isolated from the coralloid roots of E. villosus growing in Rhebu and Oceanview belonged to the Bacillus, Enterobacter, Peribacillus, Lysinibacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Rhizobium, and Paenibacillus genera. The Pseudomonas, Paraburkholderia, Burkholderia, Variovorax, Caballeronia, Stenotrophomonas, Novosphingobium, Caulobacter, Olivibacter, Cupriavidus, Arthrobacter, Gottfrieder, Dyella, Lysobacter, Xanthomonas, Neobacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Enisfer, Chitinophaga, Paenarthrobacter, and Paenibacillus genera were isolated from rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in Rhebu and Ocean View farm. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of soil macronutrients (N, P, K), alkaline and acid phosphatase, glucosaminidase, and nitrate reductase activity of E. villosus rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in both localities, this may be attributed to dung and urine deposited by grazing cattle.

Conclusion

Our results show that soil bacterial communities with nutrient cycling and fixing functions may be linked to nutrient bioavailability contributing to nutrient enrichments in E. villosus rhizosphere soils.
Cross-Country Validation of the Arabic version of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index in non- clinical young adults from six Arab countries
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Cherif Wissal , Alhuwailah Amthal , Fawaz Mirna , Shuwiekh Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed , Helmy Mai , Hassan Ibrahim Hassan Mohammed , Naser Abdallah Y , Zarrouq Btissame , Chebly Marianne , El-Frenn Yara , Yazbeck Gabriella , Salameh Gaelle , Hamdan-Mansour Ayman , Radwan Eqbal , Hakiri Abir , Obeid Sahar , Cheour Majda , Hallit Souheil
Published: June 2023

Background:Subjective well-being (SWB) is a culturally-dependent and context-driven concept; It thus varies widely across- and within cultures. Therefore, cross-cultural validation studies are crucial to prove that the well-being measure covers transcultural components of the construct subjective, and can be used for cross-cultural comparison purposes in international multicenter research. In this regard, we aimed to perform a cross-country validation of the Arabic version of the WHO 5-item Well-Being Index (WHO-5) in terms of factor structure, composite reliability, cross-gender measurement invariance, and concurrent validity by calculating Pearson correlation coefficients between the WHO-5 and measures of depression, anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation and insomnia.Method:We carried-out a cross-sectional, web-based study among a total of 3247 young adults (aged 18-35 years) fromsix Arab countries (i.e., Tunisia, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Kuwait).Results:We found that WHO-5 mean scores varied significantly across countries, ranging from 32.2 ± 22.72 in Egypt to 44.2 ± 26.84 in Morocco. Confirmatory Factor Analyses showed that the fit of a one-factor model to the data proved to be acceptable in all six countries. In addition, the Arabic WHO-5 yielded high reliability coefficients in samples from each of the six countries (McDonald’s ω = 0.92-0.96) and both genders. Results from multi-group analyses demonstrated that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across gender in the total sample and by country. As for concurrent validity, WHO-5 scores showed a strong significant inverse correlation with depression scores. Negative correlations have also been demonstrated between WHO-5 scores and different symptoms of mental health problems (anxiety, stress, suicidal ideation, insomnia) in our sample.Conclusion:By verifying the cross-country validity of the Arabic WHO-5, our study opens its wider application to epidemiologically explore SWB among Arabic-speaking community young adults from broad geographic areas.
Health literacy as mediator between perception of illness and self-medication behaviour among outpatients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Implication to Primary Healthcare Nursing
Authors: Pasay-an Eddieson , Saguban Reynita , Cabansag Dolores , Alkubati Sameer
Published: June 2023

IntroductionPerception of illness (PI) and self-medication (SM) have been thoroughly explored in the existing literature. However, there is a lack of understanding about the mediating effect of health literacy on PI and SM in a non-homogenous population like Saudi Arabia. As such, primary healthcare nurses who have constant interaction with the outpatients have difficulty addressing self-medication. This study aimed to investigate health literacy as mediator between PI and SM among outpatients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional approach and was conducted at 10 major primary healthcare (PHC) clinics serving 30 million individuals in 13 different regions of KSA. The 424 outpatients who participated in this study were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection started in November 2022 and concluded in February 2023.ResultsThe mean of the BRIEF (health literacy), self-medication scale (SMS), and PI scores were 13.01 ± 3.32, 27.46 ± 7.01, and 45.56 ± 7.69, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the age and BRIEF scores (p = 0.039), and the level of education was significantly related to all variables, as were nationality and BRIEF scores (p = 0.001). Finally, occupation was significantly related to BRIEF and SMS scores (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Completing college and being non-Saudi had positively significant effects on health literacy (p < 0.01). The structural equation model (SEM) found no effect of PI on health literacy or SM behaviour (p = 0.263 and 0.84, respectively), but health literacy did have an effect on SM behaviour (p˂0.001).ConclusionOne of the most effective ways to decrease the prevalence of SM and the associated risks is for primary healthcare nurses to promote public health literacy alongside the control of other conditions.
The effect of COVID-19: To what extent does food delivery substitute eating out trips in Yogyakarta, Indonesia?
Authors: Muchlisin Muchlis , Ettema Dick
Published: June 2023

In Indonesia, food delivery services are dominated by ride-hailing companies that has evolved into a super-app, called ride-hailing food delivery (RHFD). Food delivery has gained increased attention during the pandemic, particularly as an alternative to eating out. The study aims to assess the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on travel and out-of-home activity by analyzing primary data collected from ride-hailing app users in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. The data was analyzed using a random effect ordered logistic panel model. The results indicate a complementary relationship between food delivery and eating out. Individuals who frequently use food delivery services are more likely to also engage in eating out activities, and vice versa. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on these behaviors. Eating out experienced a substantial decrease during the pandemic, while food delivery remained stable. The findings highlight that food delivery cannot easily replace the experience of eating out, even under lockdown conditions. Overall, this study provides insights into the dynamics between food delivery and eating out, emphasizing the complexities and limitations of substituting one with the other.
Rate dependent tack behavior of silicone-based pressure sensitive adhesives for transdermal therapeutic systems
Authors: Meurer Michael , Fogain Gatien Kamsu , Dorp Esther Ramakers van , Dresbach Christian , Möginger Bernhard , Hausnerova Berenika
Published: June 2023

Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) represent an up-to-day medication applied to human skin, which consists of a drug-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and a flexible backing layer. The development of a reliable TTS requires precise knowledge of the viscoelastic tack behavior of PSA in terms of adhesion and detaching. Tailoring of a PSA can be achieved by altering the resin content or modifying the chemical properties of the macromolecules. In this study, three different resin content of two silicone-based PSA – non-amine compatible, and less tack, amine-compatible – were investigated with the help of recently developed RheoTack method to characterize the retraction speed dependent tack behavior for various geometries of the testing rods. The obtained force-retraction displacement-curves clearly depict the effect of the chemical structure as well as the resin content. Decreasing the resin content shifts the start of fibril fracture to larger deformations states and significantly enhances the stretchability of the fibrils. To compare various rod geometries precisely, the force-retraction displacement curves were normalized to account for effective contact areas. The flat and spherical rods led to completely different failure and tack behaviors. Furthermore, the adhesion formation between TTS with flexible backing layers and rods during the dwell phase happens in a different manner compared to rigid plates, in particular for flat rods, where maximum compression stresses occur at the edges and not uniformly over the cross-section. Thus, the approach to follow ASTM D2949 has to be reconsidered for tests of these materials.
Application of Portable X-ray fluorescence in the in-situ Testing of Heavy Metals in Historic Lead-Zinc Smelting Area in Yungui Plateau of China
Authors: PU Wanqing , LI Bo , WANG Bao , REHMAN Zia , ZHANG Jiansheng , ZHAO Jixia , XIA Yunsheng , CHEN Wen , YIN Shidan
Published: June 2023

Purpose Which kind of elements could be determined by the portable X-ray Fluorescence (PXRF) analyzer in field conditions? How about the accuracy of the results? It is necessary to conduct some researches in order to well understand the application of PXRF which is regarded as a new kind of in-situ measurement method.
Methods A set of 221 farmland soil samples were collected within a basin once it has been a lead-zinc smelting base. PXRF was used for field detection at all sample sites, then the soil samples were brought back to the laboratory to be analyzed again by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), paired T test and linear regression were conducted to analyze the difference and correlation between the result of PXRF and AAS methods.
Results There was little difference and high correlation between PXRF and AAS methods, indicating that in field conditions PXRF can effectively predict the concentrations of Pb and Zn in soil. Although there were some differences in the determinationresults of Cu, the pollution level of Cu in this study area still could be predicted. Unfortunately, PXRF method had large errors in the determination of Cd and Cr, so it was not suitable for the in-situ determination of Cd and Cr in this study area.
Conclusion The concentrations of Pb and Zn in the soil of lead-zinc smelting area can be accurately monitored by PXRF, while concentrations of Cu in soil can also be predicted by PXRF in the less accuracy level, Cd and Cr should not be monitored by PXRF.
Association of critical hypoperfusion biomarkers on CT with futile recanalization and poor outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Fu Meng , Yang Jun , Dong Xiaonan , Huang Changren , Yuan Zhengzhou , Jiang Li , Meng Renliang , Xie Yang , Li Jinglun
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose
We aimed to investigate the association between critical perfusion delay and poor outcome among recanalized stroke patients with anterior large-vessel occlusion, and to use pretreatment hypoperfusion biomarkers on CT to predict futile recanalization even after successful thrombectomy.
Methods
An ischemic region with time-to-maximum (Tmax) > 12s or 10s was defined as critical hypoperfusion, Tmax > 8s as moderate hypoperfusion, and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR, volumetric ratio of Tmax > 10s / Tmax > 6s) represented for severity of critical hypoperfusion and rCBF < 30% for ischemic core. The associations between these CT perfusion characteristics and favorable or unfavorable outcome (mRS 0–2 versus 3–6) were analyzed in univariable regression, and a multivariable model was then used to predict futile recanalization.
Results
Seventy-nine stroke patients were included and had good grades of instant recanalization. Forty-two patients (53%) had poor outcomes, and they had a significantly larger volume of critical hypoperfusion as seen with Tmax > 10s and > 12s (P = 0.032 and 0.008, respectively), a larger volume of ischemic core (P = 0.011) and a higher HIR (P = 0.002) than those patients achieving good outcomes. In the univariable analysis, a lower HIR (OR, 0.008; 95%CI, 0.001–0.254, P = 0.006) was associated with favorable outcome. The volume size of Tmax > 12s was significantly and positively correlated with the size of ischemic core. A HIR value higher than 0.491 might predict a futile recanalization and poor outcome (AUC = 0.696).
Conclusions
The critical hypoperfusion biomarkers on CTP could be useful in triaging endovascular treatment and identifying stroke patients at risk of futile recanalization.
Tumor Volume of Onset and MYCN Amplification Predict Poor Prognosis in Patients with Neuroblastoma
Authors: Ji Fengming , Zhu Jianjun , ZhangHuang Chenghao , Hang Yu , Tang Haoyu , Li Li , Yan Bing
Published: June 2023

Aim: To analysis the prognosis of neuroblastoma (NB) in children.
Method: Clinical and pathological data of NB patients who were diagnosed and treated in Kunming Children's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospective analyzed. The prognostic factors and independent prognostic factors of NB were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox risk ratio model.
Result: According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, a total of 100 children were included in this study. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 98.9%, 65.7% and 59.7%, respectively. The prognostic factors of OS were age, metastasis, stage of International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS), risk stratification, MYCN, ferritin (Fer), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neuron specific enolase (NSE), tumor volume of onset (TVO), image-defined risk factors (IDRFs), preoperative chemotherapy and recurrence. The independent prognostic factors were TVO and MYCN amplification.
Conclusion: TVO and N-myc amplification and MYCN amplification are the independent prognostic factors have predictive value for NB OS prognosis. Patients with TVO ≥751.25 or MYCN amplification have poor prognosis.
Plant-based diet index among male footballers and their non-athlete controls. Is it associated with oxidative stress biomarkers?
Authors: Zare Mahsa , Nouri Mehran , Zare Sahar , Leilami Kimia , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Eftekhari Mohammad Hasan , Gargari Bahram Pourghassem
Published: June 2023

Background
Since well-chosen nutrition exerts a vital role in modulating oxidative status, in addition plant-based diets represent a growing trend among athletes, our purpose was to determine plant-based diet index (PDI) score among male footballers and their non-athlete controls, as well as its association with oxidative biomarkers assessed by urinary excretions of F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).
Methods
A footballer group and a healthy non-athlete group were recruited comprising N = 45 participants each. The two groups were matched individually based on body mass index (BMI) and age. Anthropometric indices and body composition were evaluated, and fasted urine samples were collected to measure oxidative biomarkers. A validated semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate -overall PDI, healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used for all data analysis.
Results
Compared to the non-athlete group, the PDI score was significantly greater in the footballer group (β = 9.8; P < 0.001), while, the differences between the two groups in uPDI and hPDI scores were not significant. Overall, the consumption of plant-based foods was higher in footballers. On the association of mentioned dietary indices and oxidative biomarkers, only a significant and negative association was shown between PDI scores and F2a-IP levels in all participants (β= -1.33; P = 0.02).
Conclusions
Based on the results, football athletes were more adherent to plant-based diet compared to the non-athletes. Furthermore, it is likely that higher PDI may be useful in lowering oxidative stress with decreased urinary F2a-IP levels.
Rapid in-solution preparation of somatic and meiotic plant cell nuclei for high-quality 3D immunoFISH and immunoFISH-GISH
Authors: Makai Diána , Mihók Edit , Polgári Dávid , Cseh András , Lenykó-Thegze Andrea , Sepsi Adél , Sági László
Published: June 2023

Background Though multicolour labelling methods allow the routine detection of a wide range of fluorescent (immuno)probe types in molecular cytogenetics, combined applications for the simultaneous in situdetection of proteins and nucleic acids are still sporadic in plant cell biology. A major bottleneck has been the availability of high-quality plant nuclei with a balance between preservation of 3D ultrastructure and maintaining immunoreactivity.
The aim of this study was to develop a quick and reliable procedure to prepare plant nuclei suitable for various combinations of immunolabelling and fluorescence in situ hybridisation methods (immunoFISH-GISH).
Results The mechanical removal of the cell wall and cytoplasm, instead of enzymatic degradation, resulted in a gentle, yet effective, cell permeabilisation. Rather than manually releasing the nuclei from the fixed tissues, the procedure involves in-solution cell handling throughout the fixation and the preparation steps as ended with pipetting the pure nuclei suspension onto microscope slides. The optimisation of several critical steps is described in detail. Finally, the procedure is shown to be compatible with immunolabelling, FISH and GISH as well as their simultaneous combinations.
Conclusion A simple plant cell nuclei preparation procedure was developed for combined immunolabelling-in situ hybridisation methods. The main and critical elements of the procedure are: a short period of fixation, incorporation of detergents to facilitate the fixation of tissues and the penetration of probes, tissue grinding to eliminate unwanted cell components, and an optimal buffer to handle nuclei. The procedure is time efficient and is easily transferable without prior expertise.
Diclofenac Sodium Nanomedicine Results in Pain-relief and Differential Expression of the RNA Transcriptome in the Spinal Cord of Spared Nerve Injury Rats
Authors: Zhang Yan , YANG DONG , Shuai Bo , Ding Hui , Yang Jinghan , Wang Jia , TANG LI , Yao Shanglong , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2023

Neuropathic pain is chronic pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. Neuropathic pain, with high incidence and complex pathogenesis, is one of the hot spots in clinical medicine and basic research. Currently, prescribed treatments are still unsatisfactory or have limited effectiveness. A medicinal preparation is required that relieves the neuropathic pain and prolongs action time, which has not been discovered. In this study, MIL-101 (Fe) was used to prepare as a drug carrier to control the release of diclofenac sodium, thus achieving the effect of analgesic and sustained release. The release curves revealed that diclofenac sodium could be consecutively released from MIL-101 (Fe) for more than 48 hours. There was no toxicity in vitro and in vivo, and the safety of MIL-101 (Fe) is confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and ELISA tests in vivo. The results of behavioral testing, pharmacokinetics, and RNA sequencing analysis showed that MIL-101 (Fe) loaded with diclofenac sodium could improve the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and cold allodynia induced by SNI, extending the work time for three days. The results indicated that MIL-101 (Fe) possessed good biocompatibility, and the MIL-101 (Fe)-DS takes on analgesic and controlled-release effects, which provides a scientific basis for the clinical treatment of neuropathic pain and the preparation of a new formulation.
Application of ID3 Algorithm in Fault Diagnosis of Continuously Variable Transmission
Authors: huang he , ouyang lifang
Published: June 2023

The technical performance of modern cars is becoming better and better, and the automobile gearbox plays an important role in which. For instance, the use of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), an automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios, makes the driving more comfortable and consistent. But it is also disadvantageous in that the transmission belt of the CVT is easily damaged. In order to diagnose CVT faults in time and effectively, data mining technology is introduced in. Decision tree classifier is a kind of classification algorithm based on examples, which is widely used all over the world. This paper is based on the data set of the fault diagnosis of CVT, and the ID3 algorithm is used to build the decision tree. Then the rules are extracted to help judge the fault diagnosis, so as to ensure the normal operation of CVT.
A Novel Approach to Perform Linear Discriminant Analyses for a 4-way Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis Based on an Integration of Pearson’s Correlation Coefficients and Empirical Cumulative Distribution Function
Authors: Mabrouk Besma , Hamida Ahmed Ben , Mabrouki Noura , Bouzidi Nouha , Mhiri Chokri
Published: June 2023

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in his prodromal stage is a major topic. About 50% of the well-known Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) cohort are estimated to develop AD, and the reasons for conversion or not are still unknown. An efficient diagnosis of the earlier (EMCI) and later (LMCI) cohorts among normal control subjects (CN) is still a big research challenge. Encouraged by the available data provided by the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database, we aim to develop a 4-way framework for multi-class diagnosis. One of the standard methods for supervised classification is Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). In contrast to the traditional method based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) followed by LDA, the current paper proposes a novel approach where optimal LDA subspace is integrated with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC) method to overcome the singularity problem resulting in the case of an underdetermined dataset. We choose, for innovation, to operate the brain connectivity reconstructed from diffusion-weighted imaging modality. First, Diffusion Tensor and Magnetic Resonance brain images of 229 subjects have been preprocessed, their correspondent brain connectivity maps have been required, and connections inside and between hemispheres have been extracted. Second, correlation coefficients between features and classes have been determined, and empirical cumulative distribution functions have been reconstructed (ECDF). Features concerned by the transformation into the LDA space are those exhibiting a cumulative frequency above a determined percentile of the ECDF, in condition to guarantee the non-singularity of the within-class variance matrix. Finally, different machine learning algorithms have been performed and evaluated thanks to the repeated five-fold Cross-Validation procedure. Compared to other methods, the originality of this work is that an accuracy of 100% has been achieved for the LMCI class diagnosis. Furthermore, the connectivity between hemispheres has been identified as a biomarker for disease diagnosis.
Short-term outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients over 90 years old: a Japanese multicenter study
Authors: Yamashita Mariko , Tominaga Tetsuro , Nonaka Takashi , Hisanaga Makoto , Takeshita Hiroaki , Fukuoka Hidetoshi , To Kazuo , Tanaka Kenji , Sawai Terumitsu , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: June 2023

Background
The effect of laparoscopic surgery on short-term outcomes in colorectal cancer patients over 90 years old were still unknown.
Methods
We reviewed 87 colorectal cancer patients aged over 90 years who underwent surgery between 2016 and 2022. Patients were divided into an OP group (n = 22) that underwent open surgery and a LAP group (n = 65) that underwent laparoscopic surgery. Clinicopathological features were compared between groups.
Results
Seventy-eight patients (89.7%) had comorbidities. Frequency of advanced T stage was lower with laparoscopic surgery (p = 0.021). Operation time was longer (OP 146 min vs. LAP 203 min; p = 0.002) and blood loss was less (105 mL vs. 20 mL, p < 0.001) with laparoscopic surgery. Length of hospitalization was longer with open surgery (22 days vs. 18 days; p = 0.007). Frequency of infectious complications was lower with laparoscopic surgery (18.5%) than with open surgery (45.5%; p = 0.021). Multivariate analysis revealed open surgery (P = 0.026; odds ratio, 3.535; 95% confidence interval, 1.159–10.781) as an independent predictor of postoperative infectious complications.
Conclusions
Laparoscopic colorectal resection for patients over 90 years old is useful procedure that reduces postoperative infectious complications.
Carotid Endarterectomy using Regional Anesthesia: Technique and Considerations.
Authors: Padmanaban Varun , Caldwell Catherine , Milne Indigo , Hazard Sprague W. , Harbaugh Robert E. , Church Ephraim W.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is one of the most effective neurosurgical operations in minimizing stroke risk in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with carotid stenosis. Awake CEA with regional anesthesia may decrease both perioperative complications and length of hospital stay. The awake carotid operation is not often described in published literature.
OBJECTIVE
To describe our experience with carotid endarterectomy using regional anesthesia with a focus on patient selection, anatomic variations, and surgical technique including cervical regional block. We particularly focus on nuances of the awake approach.
METHODS
Carotid endarterectomy using regional anesthesia is described in detail.
RESULTS
Successful use of regional anesthesia during carotid endarterectomy without complication.
CONCLUSION
Regional anesthesia for CEA is an advantageous approach for cervical plaque removal in appropriate patients. Thoughtful patient selection, as well as understanding of anatomy and its variants, is required. Potential advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Proving Linearizability Using Linearizations of Delete Operations
Authors: Wen Tangliu , Peng Jie , Song Lan
Published: June 2023

Linearizability is a commonly accepted correctness criterion for concurrent data structures. Concurrent queues and stacks are among themost fundamental concurrent data structures. In this paper, we presentnecessary and sufficient conditions for proving linearizability of concurrent queues and stacks, which make use of linearizations of dequeueand pop operations. The verification conditions intuitively express the FIFO/LIFO semantics of concurrent queues/stacks and can be verified just by reasoning about the happened-before order of operations. Wehave successfully applied the proof technique to prove 9 challenging concurrent queues and stacks and optimize the TS queue. We believe thatour proof technique can be extended to the concurrent data structureswhich have the ordering requirements when their elements are removed.
A Critical Evaluation of Pictogram-Based Patient Information Leaflet on Hypothyroidism Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Visual Approach to Enhance Health Literacy
Authors: Shaji Bipin , Joel Juno Jerold , Sharma Raghava , Shetty Shraddha , Shastry C. S. , Mateti UdayVenkat
Published: June 2023

Hypothyroidism is a condition with an underactive thyroid gland. Since thyroid hormones play a major role in metabolism, hypothyroidism is often associated with metabolic syndrome.Thus, the patient’s awareness regarding metabolic syndrome is crucial.Considering this background, we intended to develop a Pictogram-based Patient Information Leaflet (P-PIL) for hypothyroidism with metabolic syndrome to provide concise patient education. The developed leaflet was evaluated for its accuracy and reliability. This is a quasi-experimental study without a control group. The leaflet's FleschReading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) scores were 62.0 and 7.1 respectively. The Baker Able Leaflet Design (BALD) index of English, Kannada, and Malayalam versions of the P-PIL were 28, 27, and 27 respectively. The user testing of the P-PIL was assessed in 72 patients. The overall mean knowledge assessment scores showed a significant improvement from 52.92 ± 6.90 to 77.92 ± 9.31.The majority of the patients, specifically 84.72%, had an opinion that the design and layout of the P-PIL is good.The evaluation results strongly suggest that this P-PIL can be an effective educational tool for hypothyroidism patients with metabolic syndrome.
Do not mention Russia: A theoretical framework for bank penalties due to economic sanction violations and policy implications
Authors: Brož Václav , Pace Domenico , Gahir Bruce , Draper Thomas , Cavagnetto Stefano
Published: June 2023

In this paper, penalties to banks violating economic sanctions have been investigated and discussed. This topic has sparked renewed interest and attention following the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine due to the Russian aggression in February 2022 and the ongoing general deterioration in the global economic climate. Thus, based on the experience with penalties to banks for violations of economic sanctions from 2007, a theoretical model has been proposed. It is proposed that this model may be informative in devising the optimal level of penalties based on behavioral characteristics of banks and regulators. The model is based on the economic examination of the motives and incentives for bank misconduct, by drawing on the Shapiro-Stiglitz model addressing typical consequences of asymmetric information in principal-agent models. From a policy perspective, the proposed model also has the potential to provide opportunities for standardization of restrictions posed on banks as a result of bank misconduct. Relevant policy implications concerning penalties are put forward that may be implemented for future considerations, particularly in cases related to violations of economic sanctions.
Kaalamo and Velimyaki paleoroterozoic gabbroid massifs of the Northern Ladoga area: thermodynamic modeling of crystallization and evolution trends of igneous rocks
Authors:   Institute of Precambrian Geology and Geochronology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Anisimov Roman L. , Petrakova Marina E. ,   Institute of Precambrian Geology and Geochronology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Baltybaev Shauket K. ,   Institute of Precambrian Geology and Geochronology of the Russian Academy of Sciences,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: June 2023

Kaalamo and Velimyaki gabbroid massifs are located in the south-eastern part of the Raahe-Ladoga suture zone of the Karelian craton and the Sveсofennian mobile belt. These massifs were formed almost simultaneously 1.89 Ga ago, occupy the same tectonic position and are located in a single unit of the Early Proterozoic metamorphosed rocks: the intrusions are contained by the Early Proterozoic supracrustal stratas: garnet-biotite gneisses and micaceous shales of the Ladoga series, as well as amphibolites of the Sortavala series. Despite this, the gabbroids of the compared massifs differ sharply in their material composition, especially the content of alkalis in a differentiated series of rocks. The results of thermodynamic modeling of magmatic crystallization (Magma Chamber Simulator, MELTS packages) showed that a differentiated sub-alkaline series of rocks of the Velimyaki massif cannot be obtained from magma of the Kaalamo massif by slightly changing such parameters as pressure, water content in the melt, and oxygen fugacity. The assumption of a significant difference in these parameters for magmas of the Kaalamo and Velimyaki massifs is not confirmed at the mineralogical-petrographic level and other characteristics of the rocks of the compared ones. The effect of contamination at the level of the magma chamber also does not significantly shift the trend of rock compositions from the calc-alkaline region to the sub-alkaline region. Analysis of the results of thermodynamic modeling of magmatic mineral formation in the two massifs allows us to make it possible to conclude that the Kaalamo and Velimyaki massifs were formed either from various parent melts, or their initial melt was one, but the magma of the Velimyaki massif underwent contamination with enrichment with alkalis along the migration route of magma until the level of the upper crust was reached.
Identification of factors for assessing credit rating of non-financial companies
Authors:   Faculty of Economic Sciences, HSE University, Pomortsev Gennadii S. , Astakhova Alyona А. ,   Joint Department with the Bank of Russia, HSE University
Published: June 2023

Goal: an improvement of the quality and accuracy of credit rating estimation, to add non-financial companies’ characteristics to the assessment, and to compare the importance of factors for different industries and countries. Methodology: the use of exploratory factor analysis and ordered logistic regression models. The study is based on publicly available data on non-financial companies from different industries and countries for the period from 2007 to 2021. Findings: a group of financial variables is the most significant in credit risk assessment for companies from developed countries, for emerging markets, macroeconomic variables mostly determine credit ratings instead. The nonfinancial variables have diverse effects, but as a group increase the accuracy of the credit rating assessment. Originality and contribution of the authors: there is limited research on the topic of credit rating assessment of non-financial companies with the inclusion of non-financial factors. In addition, the presented research contributes to the search for new relevant indicators that can be introduced instead of the qualitative variables used by international rating agencies and requiring expert assessment.
Information theory of economic organizations management factors
Authors:   Department of System Analysis in Economics, Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kleiner George B. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: June 2023

A new direction in the modeling of economic systems based on the analogy between the production and management activities of economic systems has been developed in the article. The division of managerial information into historical and geographical ones, reflecting, respectively, the movement of the system in time and space, has been substantiated. The role of these types of information in the management of economic organizations, including enterprises, has been revealed. Goal: determination of interaction mechanisms of basic subsystems of the economic system (object, process, project and environment subsystems) during the functioning of the system. Methodology: application of methods of spatio-temporal system analysis and the theory of tetrads for determining the routes of movement of historical and geographical information in order to manage the functioning of an economic organization. Findings: the mechanisms of generation, storage, use and dissemination of historical and geographical information between the components of the tetrad as a structural and functional model of the economic system have been identified. The results of the analysis have been formulated in the form of requirements for the system management of industrial enterprises. Originality and contribution of the author: the novelty of the approach is due to the originality of the system typology of types of management information. This typology makes it possible to harmonize the functional structure of subsystems with the aggregated information structure of system management.
The idea of a «Belarusian Saint» in the 19th – early 20th centuries: Alternatives and contradictions
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Koronevskii Viktor Iliich
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to the problem of the origin and formation of the idea of the patron saint of the Belarusian territories and the Belarusian people in the period up to 1914. First of all, the history of the «Belarusian» component of the cult of St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk is analyzed. For the first time in the Belarusian context, she appears as early as 1663 in the poems of Simeon of Polotsk, however, in the future, the corresponding idea of the «patron saint of Belarus» was actualized only in the 1830s and then in the early 1870s. Until the 1890s it is mentioned only situationally: in periods that are especially important for local Orthodoxy, individual representatives of the Orthodox clergy of Polotsk and Vitebsk position the saint as the patroness of not only the Polotsk, but also the Belarusian region. However, at the turn of the XIX–XX centuries the idea of the «Belarusian Euphrosyne» is becoming more popular, and not only the Belarusian region, but also the Belarusian people are increasingly being called the object of the patronage of St. Euphrosyne. The idea reached its peak in 1910, when it was loudly declared that Euphrosyne of Polotsk was the patroness of the Belarusian branch of the «triune Russian people». In addition, the existence of the idea of a «Belarusian saint» among the leaders of the Belarusian national movement at the beginning of the 20th century is considered. It is established that as such they positioned the traditionally revered in the region Polish Catholic saints, and, first of all, St. Andrew Bobola, while the image of St. Euphrosyne did not play a prominent role in their narrative. The common and special features in the processes of origin and development of two «projects» of Belarusian saints, their correlation with each other are singled out.
Notes on Job 3
Authors:   Harvard University, Russell James R.
Published: June 2023

In a reading of Job’s opening complaint in the third chapter of the Biblical book that avoids unnecessary emendation of the Hebrew text, it is suggested that the author attributes to Job the fatalistic belief that days are ordained to be good or evil and supernatural beings preside over such divisions of time. Accordingly, Job asserts that the sea monster Leviathan is destined to rise at the apocalyptic end of days and there are sorcerers whose spells are to raise him from the deeps. Along the same lines, the text introduces the striking image of edifices doomed even before their erection to become ruins. It is argued further that Job should be read as a satirical encounter with the Psalter in particular and with other, earlier texts of Scripture. Job is an eloquent, even witty tragic hero; his three friends, with their timid, conventional morality, resemble a Greek chorus: with introductions that look very like stage directions for characters, the book of Job displays a dramatic character, and can be compared in that respect to the classical Athenian theater. Passages from the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus are also cited in the discussion. At several points, lyrics of English and American Romantic poets are adduced that resonate with the imagination of the author of the oration.
Teaching and professors of canon law in the first years of the existence of the Leningrad Theological Academy: On the question of succession
Authors:   St Petersburg Theological Academy, Tarnakin Nikolai A.
Published: June 2023

The article discusses the continuity of the educational and scientific model of prerevolutionary academies and seminaries in the Leningrad Theological Academy in relation to the teaching of canon (ecclesiastic) law. Leonid Grinchenko, Archpriest John Kozlov and Pavel Ignatov taught canon law at the Leningrad Theological Academy in 1946–1966. The article examines the details of biographies and the lecture courses of Grinchenko and Ignatov found in the library of St. Petersburg Theological Academy. We conclude that Grinchenko and Ignatov were experts in the field of canon law; Archpriest John Kozlov was a “random” person in this chair. The lecture courses of Grinchenko and Ignatov seriously differed in their approach: former is interested in the Roman and Protestant Churches, course latter’s is close in content and structure to pre-revolutionary and modern ones. Continuity in the teaching of canon law at the Leningrad Theological Academy can be characterized as nonlinear. We think that the subject of a separate study will be the study of the question of how the texts of the lectures of Leonid Grinchenko and Pavel Ignatov reflected their very different educations and scientific schools.
Applications of CRISPR Cas-9 in Ovarian Cancer Research
Authors: Sherazi Syed Aoun Mehmood , Rafique Fareena , Haris Muhammad , Arshad Abida , Qaiser Hammad , Uzair Mohammad , Arshad Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Ovarian cancer is a highly prevalent malignancy among women and affects a significant
population worldwide. Different forms of hormonal treatments or chemotherapies are used to treat
ovarian cancer, but the possible side effects, including menopausal symptoms, can be severe, forcing
some patients to prematurely stop the treatment. The emerging genome editing technology, known as
clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-caspase 9 (Cas9), has the potential
to treat ovarian cancer via gene editing strategies. Studies have reported CRISPR knockouts of several
oncogenes that are involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, such as BMI1, CXCR2, MTF1,
miR-21, and BIRC5, and demonstrate the potential of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique to
effectively treat ovarian cancer. However, there are limitations that restrict the biomedical applications
of CRISPR-Cas9 and limit the implementation of Gene therapy for ovarian cancer. These include offtarget
DNA cleavage and the effects of CRISPR-Cas9 in non-target, normal cells. This article aims to
review the current state of ovarian cancer research, highlight the significance of CRISPR-Cas9 in
ovarian cancer treatment, and establish the groundwork for potential clinical research.