bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interest in using patient portals among adolescents in mental health care - a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nielsen Martine Stecher , Steinsbekk Aslak , Nøst Torunn Hatlen
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Adolescents in mental healthcare may benefit from using patient portals to access personalized information about their health and treatment. While no studies consider the interest in using patient portals among adolescents in mental health care, some factors have been found to be associated with interest in and use of patient portals in other patient groups. The aim was therefore to explore the associations between interest in using patient portals and patient activation, self-reported health, depressive symptoms, diagnosis, healthcare utilization and eHealth literacy among adolescents in mental health care.Methods A cross-sectional study among adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age receiving or having received treatment at four different specialist child and adolescent mental healthcare services across Norway. The adolescents´ answers to the questionnaire were linked to data on their healthcare utilization and ICD-10 diagnoses from the Norwegian Patient Registry. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and bivariate tests.Results The 53 adolescents who participated, had a mean age of 15 years and 68% of them identified as female. Two out of three (64%) were interested in using patient portals. Most of the factors were not associated with interest in using patient portals, but adolescents with mental and behavioural disorders (F diagnoses, 75% interested) were more interested in using patient portals than those with symptoms and signs involving cognition, perception, emotional state, and behaviour (R diagnoses, 31% interested).Conclusion Except for diagnosis, this study did not identify any specific factor that is likely to have an impact on patient portal interest among adolescents in specialist mental health care.
Sox17 Protects Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells from AngII-induced Injury by Regulating Autophagy and Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Fang Marong , Ren Qiannan , Qi Wei , Bai Xinli , Amin Nashwa , Zhang Xiangjian , Li Zhenzhong , Zhang Lihong
Published: May 2023

Intracranial aneurysm (IA), is a localized dilation of the intracranial arteries, the rupture of which is catastrophic. Hypertension is major IA risk factor that mediates endothelial cell damage. Sox17 is highly expressed in intracranial vascular endothelial cells, and GWAS studies indicate that its genetic alteration is one of the major genetic risk factors for IA. Vascular endothelial cell injury plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of IA. The genetic ablation of Sox17 plus hypertension induced by AngII can lead to an increased incidence of intracranial aneurysms had tested in the Previous animal experiments. In order to study the underlying molecular mechanisms, we established stable Sox17-overexpressing and knockdown cell lines in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) first. Then flow cytometry, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were employed. We found that the knockdown of Sox17 could worsen the apoptosis and autophagy of HBMECs caused by AngII, while overexpression of Sox17 had the opposite effect. Transmission electron microscopy displayed increased autophagosomes after the knockdown of Sox17 in HBMECs. The RNA sequencing analysis shown that dysregulation of the Sox17 gene was closely associated with the autophagy-related pathways. Our study suggests that Sox17 could protect HBMECs from AngII-induced injury by regulating autophagy and apoptosis.
Pain Control and Opioid Consumption Following Laparoscopic Appendectomy with the Use of Quadratus Lumborum Regional Anesthesia
Authors: Pace Devon , Mack Shale J. , Sadacharam Kesavan , Lang Robert S. , Burke Brian , Fishlock Keith , Berman Loren
Published: May 2023

Purpose
This study analyzes the implementation of the routine use of quadratus lumborum blocks (QLBs) on postoperative pain and opioid consumption among children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy compared to those not receiving regional anesthesia.
Methods
Children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy within a multi-hospital children’s healthcare system were retrospectively reviewed from 2017 through 2021. Patients were stratified by appendicitis type (uncomplicated vs. complicated). Pain scores and opioid consumption in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and within the first 24 hours postoperatively were compared by block status (no block [NB] vs. QLB) and appendicitis type.
Results
2033 patients were reviewed, and 610 received a QLB. The frequency of rescue opioid use was reduced in the PACU (uncomplicated: QLB 46.6% vs. NB 54.6%, p = 0.005; complicated: QLB 28.5% vs. NB 39.9%, p = 0.01) and postoperatively (complicated: QLB 33.7% vs. NB 52.9%, p < 0.001) for those who received a QLB. This resulted in reduced opioid consumption as measured by morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram postoperatively.
Conclusion
QLBs can be safely administered in children and provide improvements in opioid consumption postoperatively. QLBs should remain a strongly favored regional anesthetic technique because of their wide applicability for abdominal surgeries in order to minimize rescue opioid analgesic use.
Level of Evidence: Level III
Death of a palaeochannel: slow abandonment of an avulsed channel on the Riverine Plains, SE Australia
Authors: Kemp Justine , Pietsch Timothy
Published: May 2023

Avulsion of rivers can be a gradual process that is associated with a metamorphosis of channel pattern or changed channel characteristics. The processes controlling avulsion, and hence anastomosis, often operate too slowly to study by measuring active river systems, and hence well preserved Late Quaternary rivers offer one of the best ways to study the long-term development of avulsive systems. The modern and ancient channels of the Murrumbidgee River provide a classic example of long-lived, semi-static anastomosis, operating on timescales that include stadial and interstadial climate cycles. Over the last glacial cycle, regional avulsions have occurred every ~ 12 ka while maintaining an anastomosing pattern through the slow infill of abandoned channels. The Yanco Creek Palaeochannel System emerged from a period of high discharge linked to snowmelt in the terminal Pleistocene. Here, geomorphological mapping of the Yanco System was conducted together with single-grain, optically stimulated luminescence dating of sediments in the channel belt. Since the main phase of channel construction during the Last Glacial Maximum, the Yanco system has functioned as a flood conduit and minor anabranch of the Murrumbidgee River, with reworking of ancient channel sediments by an underfit stream that is ongoing to the present day. Our new ages of ~ 13–14 ka are interpreted as channel sedimentation during an underfit phase following avulsion. The prevalence of full and partial avulsion in this environment may be complicating palaeohydrological interpretations of ages for channel activity, and reworking has gone unrecognised. We contend that some previous interpretations of the significance of ages for sediments collected from Riverine Plain palaeochannels may need revision.
Predicting effects of non-point source Pollution emission control schemes Prediction Based on VMD-BiLSTM and MIKE21
Authors: Zhang Xianqi , Qi Yu , Liu Fang , LI Haiyang , Sun Shifeng
Published: May 2023

Controlling non-point source (NPS) pollution is crucial for implementing water environment management, and simulating the water quality response to NPS pollution emission control schemes is of great importance. Variational mode decomposition (VMD) can overcome endpoint effects and modal aliasing issues, effectively separating intrinsic mode components. Bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) can fully mine the information contained in time series and has good predictive performance. MIKE21, when coupled with the Ecolab module, can well simulate the diffusion process of NPS pollution. The Weihe River water environment prediction model was constructed using VMD-BiLSTM and MIKE21, with ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total phosphorus (TP), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) as pollution indicators, showing the water quality response of the Weihe River within a few years after the implementation of agricultural and urban NPS pollution emission control schemes. Among them, the COD concentration decreased by up to 71.3%, the NH3-N concentration decreased by up to 31.4%, and the TP concentration decreased by up to 43.1%. The results show that the water quality of the Weihe River can be significantly improved by controlling NPS pollution emission, and reducing agricultural NPS pollution emission is key to decreasing ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations and improving water quality.
Identification a unique disulfidptosis classification regarding prognosis and immune landscapes in thyroid carcinoma and providing therapeutic strategies
Authors: Feng Zhanrong , Zhao Qian , Ding Ying , Xu Yue , Sun Xiaoxiao , Chen Qiang , Zhang Yang , Miao Juan , Zhu jingjing
Published: May 2023

Background Thyroid carcinoma (THCA) is a common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence has been increasing in recent years. Disulfidoptosis, a recently defined form of metabolic-related regulated cell death (RCD), has been shown to play a sophisticated role in antitumor immunity. However, its mechanisms and functions are still poorly understood and the association between disulfidoptosis and the prognosis of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma remains to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the connection between disulfidoptosis and the prognosis of thyroid cancer, while also developing a prognostic index based on disulfidoptosis genes.Materials and methods We utilized 24 genes associated with disulfidoptosis to create the classification and model. To gather data, we sourced gene expression profiles, somatic mutation information, copy number variation data, and corresponding clinical data from the TCGA database for patients with thyroid cancer. Additionally, we obtained single-cell transcriptome data GSE184362 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for further analysis.Results In this study, we utilized 24 genes associated with disulfidoptosis to identify two distinct groups with different biological processes using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). Our findings showed that Cluster 1 is associated with chemokines, interleukins, interferons, checkpoint genes, and other important components of the immune microenvironment. Moreover, cluster 1 patients with high IPS scores may be more sensitive to immunotherapy. We also provide drug therapeutic strategies for each cluster patients based on the IC50 of each drug. The Enet model was chosen as the optimal model with the highest C-index and showed that patients with high risk had a worse prognosis and weak cell-to-cell interactions in THCA. Finally, we established a nomogram model based on multivariable cox and logistic regression analyses to predict the overall survival of THCA patients.Conclusion This research provides new insight into the impact of disulfidoptosis on THCA. Through a thorough examination of disulfidoptosis, a new classification system has been developed that can effectively predict the clinical prognosis and drug sensitivity of THCA patients.
Domain analysis and site-directed mutagenesis of a thermophilic pullulanase from Thermotoga maritima MSB8
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Liu Yang , Fu Qiao , Zhou Ying , Qin Rui , Xiong Hairong , Wang Yawei
Published: May 2023

The structure of Thermotoga maritima MSB8 pullulanase (PulA) was modified for checking the relationship of domain and site-directed mutagenesis with enzymatic properties. PulA was roughly linked by five domains as CBM41-X-CBM48-catalytic domain-C domain from N-terminal to C-terminal. The deleted certain domains mutants as PulA1 (deleted CBM41) and PulA2 (deleted CBM41-X) were survived with different properties, whereas the PulA3 (deleted CBM41-X-CBM48) and PulA4 (deleted C domain) lose their enzyme activities. The apparent melting temperatures (Tmapp) measured by differential scanning fluorimetry of PulA, PulA1 and PulA2 were 76.5 oC, 78.8 oC and 66.6 oC, respectively. The thermal stability of PulA1 was increased slightly but PulA2 was reduced significantly, which shows that the existence of X domain may play a positive role for stability of PulA. To investigate the interaction of CBM48 with X domain, a few site-directed mutants as M1 (E172G), M2 (E172G/R190G), M3 (E172G/D198G), M4 (E172G/R190G/D198G) on the surface of X domain were constructed to reduce the hydrogen bond between X domain with CBM48. The optimum temperature of those four mutants and PulA were 90 oC. The Tmapp values of M1, M2, M3, and M4 were 77.4 oC, 71.7 oC, 73.2 oC and 71.9 oC, respectively. The specific activity of M1 and M2 were increased slightly, while the pH stability of M3 and M4 were significantly improved at low pH. This study provides the information of the structure-function relationship of pullulanase.
Do slow slip earthquakes inhibit catastrophes? Geologic evidence from the Guerrero segment, Mexican subduction zone
Authors: Ramírez-Herrera María-Teresa , Cerny Jan , Corona Nestor , Gaidzik Krzysztof , Sugawara Daisuke , Forman Steven L. , Machain-Castillo M. Luisa , Gogichaishvili Avto
Published: May 2023

Globally, the largest tsunamigenic earthquakes have occurred along subduction zones. The Mw>9 devasting events in Chile, Sumatra, and Japan struck in areas where no instrumental records reported similar events. The one-thousand kilometer-long Mexican subduction zone (MSZ), where the Rivera-Cocos plates subduct under the North American plate, has no records of events of such magnitude. Historical and geologic evidence suggests the occurrence of a Mw8.6 tsunamigenic earthquake in the MSZ. However, the Guerrero segment (GS) has not experienced a large event in over 100 years. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this, e.g., slow slip events (SSEs) and the rheology of this segment favoring slow slip over rapid slip. However, none of these hypotheses have been confirmed with evidence. Here, we show geologic evidence that reveals a ca. 2000-year history of large tsunamigenic earthquakes and demonstrate that a Mw>8 event occurred ca. AD 1300 in this segment of the MSZ, indicating a long and variable earthquake recurrence (> 700 years). This evidence prompts the assessment of earthquake and tsunami potential using long-term evidence combined with instrumental observations along the MSZ and other subduction zones.
Development of an approach to the creation of an intellectual system of national security management
Authors: Shyshatskyi Andrii , Sova Oleg , Zhuravskyi Yurii , Zaitsev Mykola , Andriishena Halyna
Published: May 2023

The object of the research is intelligent systems for collecting, processing and analyzing information about the state of national security.

Investigated problem: The problem that is solved in the research is the problem of building intelligent systems for collecting, processing and analyzing information about the state of national security with limitations on the available computing resources, reliability and given speed of processing of various types of data circulating in it. The main scientific results obtained during the study by the authors are:

proposed approach to the development of intelligent systems for the collection, processing and analysis of information on the state of the state's national security. The proposed approach takes into account the security of the system, available forces and means, purpose, system effect, method of formation, resource composition, structure, management, the process of functioning according to the purpose, resource consumption and the specified efficiency criterion. This will allow to justify the requirements for software and hardware of intelligent systems for collecting, processing and analyzing information about the state of the state's national security.

proposed architecture of intelligent systems for collecting, processing and analyzing information about the state of national security of the state. Its approximate composition, functional purpose and structure of the database management system are substantiated.

The area of practical use of the research results: It is advisable to use the proposed scientific results when conducting research and development works on the creation of intelligent systems for collecting, processing and analyzing information about the state of national security of the state, and developing requirements for hardware and software of this type of systems.

Field of application: software, information systems, decision support systems.
Yuchuanite-(Y), Y2(CO3)3·H2O, a new hydrous yttrium carbonate mineral from the Yushui Cu deposit, South China
Authors: Yao Wei , Liu Peng , Li Guowu , Sun Ningyue , Yang Wenqiang , Jiang Chengyao , Du Wei , Zhang Chao , Song Wenlei , Cook Nigel J. , Mao Jingwen
Published: May 2023

A new mineral species, yuchuanite-(Y), ideally Y2(CO3)3·H2O, has been discovered and characterized in the Yushui Cu deposit in South China. The mineral occurs in bedded/massive ore and is associated with bornite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, bastnäsite-(Y), xenotime-(Y), anhydrite, and quartz. Individual crystals range in size from 30 to 300 μm. No twinning is observed. The mineral is colorless and transparent with a vitreous luster. The calculated density is 3.62 g/cm3. An electron microprobe analysis yields the empirical formula (based on 10 O apfu), (Y1.61Yb0.11Er0.11Dy0.08Ho0.03 Gd0.02Tm0.02)Σ1.99(CO3)3·H2O.

Yuchuanite-(Y) is triclinic, with space group P1 (#2), Z = 6, and unit-cell parameters a = 6.2134(3) Å, b = 8.9697(3) Å, c = 19.9045(7) Å, α = 91.062(3)°, β = 90.398(3)°, γ = 91.832(3)°, and V = 1108.54(8) Å3. The structure is constructed from (110) sheets of eight-coordinated Y polyhedra and C trigonal planar groups. All Y polyhedra are linked by shared edges. The Y atoms occupy six independent crystallographic sites of two different coordination types: [YO7(H2O)] and [YO8].

The chemical composition of yuchuanite-(Y) is similar to tengerite-(Y), Y2(CO3)3·2–3H2O, but is distinct in the crystal structure, such as crystal system, space group, and unit cell, from that of tengerite-(Y). The Y polyhedra of tengerite-(Y) are nine-coordinated, while those of yuchuanite-(Y) are eight-coordinated. Moreover, their structures could be both described as sheet structures built up from Y polyhedra and CO3 trigonal planar groups but link together in significantly different ways. Thus, yuchuanite-(Y) is not a polytype of tengerite-(Y) but is an independent mineral species.
The technology of forming a backfill mass with the specified geotechnical characteristics
Authors: Borovikov1 Evgenii , Mazhitov Artur
Published: May 2023

Introduction. To reduce ore loss and impoverishment, high-value non-ferrous metal reserves are commonly developed by the mining methods with worked-out area backfilling. Regardless of the type and methods of backfill mass formation, worked-out area backfilling, being a way to control the rock state, is highly labor intensive and incurs additional costs, therefore increasing the cost of stoping. During field exploitation, mining and geological conditions tend to constantly deteriorate, and complex mining conditions form, which is accompanied by decreased content of the commercial component. The more complex the mining conditions are, the higher goaf maintenance costs is and the lower the mining intensity is. So, as mining develops, production cost constantly grows while the commercial component content decreases, which negatively affects total production performance indicators. Therefore, searching for ways to solve the problem of backfill cost reduction remains an urgent practical task of mining. It is possible to optimize backfill costs under changing and constantly deteriorating mining and geological conditions without reducing mining productivity by means of the underground geotechnology with artificial industrially-modified mass formation with the required geotechnical characteristics. The technology is presented in this work and is aimed at the effective development of the field reserves. Research objective is to develop and substantiate the parameters of underground geotechnology with worked-out area backfilling, which controls geotechnical characteristics of an artificial industrially-modified mass during the stoping. Methods of research. A room-and-pillar mining method was designed and its parameters were substantiated, taking into account natural mining and geological conditions and mining technical conditions formed in the course of stoping. The research was based on theoretical calculations and geomechanical modeling. Results. A variant of a room-and-pillar mining method has been developed with worked-out area backfilling with dry rock and further consolidation with a hardening mixture and compaction by breaking reserves in a compressive medium. The results obtained showed the mining method’s effectiveness. The study substantiates the rational values of the mining method structural element parameters. In particular, the size of the chamber wall is determined, located at an angle of 80°, with the reinforced layer up to 5 m thick and 1.5 MPa strong. Conclusions. A variant of the mining method can be used when mining inclined and steeply pitching ore bodies in difficult mining and geological conditions.
Villainess Protagonists’ Performative Acts as the Representation of Modern Femininity
Authors: Chertian Vivian Graciela
Published: May 2023

The research discussed a different representations of femininity through the villainesses and heroines in two Korean webtoons (web cartoons). Traditionally, villainesses were depicted as undesirable antagonists as they did not fit into the frame of traditional femininity or were merely viewed as sexually attractive. However, the traditional aspects of femininity were now contested by the villainess protagonists. Utilizing Butler’s theory of gender performativity along with Kress and van Leeuwen’s visual analysis, the protagonists’ and antagonists’ thoughts, actions, and appearance were analyzed. A descriptive qualitative analysis was conducted on two webtoons, The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass, and It Looks Like I’ve Fallen into the World of a Reverse Harem Game. The studied data are selected from chapters 1-45 in each webtoon. The results show that the villainess protagonists are depicted as more independent, have more power, and occasionally dress in a masculine way, while the heroines-turned-antagonists are illustrated as a dependent, lack power, and always dressed femininely. In this case, the heroines-turned-antagonists’ traits represent Korea’s traditional notion of femininity. Meanwhile, the villainess protagonists possess traits opposing the heroines’ traits. Positioning the villainesses as protagonists and heroines as antagonists show a clash of modern vs. traditional notion of femininity, and putting the ‘villainesses’ as the desirable protagonists imply how their representation of femininity is considered more favorable in the modern context.
The Use of Code-Switching and Code-Mixing in English Learning for Children:
Authors: Sihombing Lambok Hermanto , Rani Susvita Dwi
Published: May 2023

The research aimed to determine the types of communication applied in an intercultural family. They had diverse nationalities, customs, values, and beliefs. The researchers viewed communication as the main issue that could occur in an intercultural family. One of the examples of an intercultural family was Aprillia, a Makassarese woman married to Shawn Mullins, a U.S Military. They caused code-switching and code-mixing, types of code-switching and code-mixing applied in the family, children’s communication process, and strategies to solve communication problems in the intercultural family. The research’s finding was gathered from April’s family using an in-depth interview. By applying a qualitative approach, the researchers found the type of code-switching, code-mixing, and communication processes applied in April’s family. Furthermore, the researchers discover that techniques for resolving communication problems and linguistic barriers include avoiding ethnocentrism, challenging prejudices, recognizing differences, adjusting communication, equality, and a balanced split. Consequently, the most effective technique for resolving communication issues within an intercultural family is to remember that every individual has a distinct perspective. To avoid miscommunication during a conversation, individuals must learn to adapt to the capacity of the person with whom they are communicating.
Potential Words in Indonesian Language:
Authors: Sirulhaq Ahmad , Sukri Sukri , Jafar Syamsinas , Burhanuddin Burhanuddin
Published: May 2023

The research aimed to identify potential words in the Indonesian language and sought to explain why these words were not included in Indonesian vocabulary lists or were difficult to realize in natural conversations. In order to achieve these goals, data were collected using introspection, documentation, and interview methods. Furthermore, the collected data were analyzed using a generative morphology approach, mainly related to concepts of potential words. According to the approach, each language has (1) a List of Morphemes (LM), (2) Word Formation Rules (WFR), and (3) a Filter (F). WFR stated that every language was capable of producing new potential words, yet not all those potential words could easily pass through the filter to enter the lexicon of actual words used in real life. The potential words discussed in the research were restricted to those showing morpho-syntactic interconnection among Indonesian affixes. The results indicate that numerous potential words in the Indonesian language are constructed out of such affixal interconnection. However, the potential words do not surface in the lexicon for two reasons: first, because the words fail to compete with others that compensate for their absence; second, because the words are difficult to manifest due to their low frequency in everyday speech.
Domestic Credit and Stock Market Impact on Economic Growth: A New Evidence in Five ASEAN Countries
Authors: Asmarani Tuti Eka , Ningsih Endah Ayu
Published: May 2023

Capital accumulation and technological innovation had been the two channels through which the financial sector plays a vital role in the growth of economy. However, there are some different results between banking and stock market. The  research tested the Solow-Swan growth model augmented with financial markets to show that domestic credit markets  and equity from stock markets are two long run determinants of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) per capita in five ASEAN countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines. The research used data from 2000 to 2019 tested with panel regression. The result shows that all determinant variables have a positive impact on economic growth. The domestic credit also has a higher impact on the growth of economy than the stock market. In addition, domestic credit and stock market has statistically significant positif impact to economic growth across five ASEAN countries. The researchalso finds that although population in five ASEAN countries give positive effect to economic growth, it is statistically not convincing. It is suggested that people in ASEAN have already used technology, so population augmented encourages economic growth.
Controladoria no terceiro setor:
Authors: Melo Marcelle , Augusto Orsi Araujo Juliano
Published: May 2023

O objetivo do estudo é diagnosticar os elementos operacionais e financeiros que podem ser solucionados pela controladoria no terceiro setor. Para tanto, optou-se por um estudo empírico-analítico, sendo utilizado o método qualitativo para explicar o fenômeno estudado, classificada como descritiva e de campo, tratando-se de uma pesquisa documental, bibliográfica e entrevistas com questões semiestruturadas. O estudo foi desenvolvido na Associação Mãos Que Se Ajudam, estabelecida em Lucena-PB. Os resultados apontam situações que tendem a colocar em risco o empreendedorismo social da cocada na kenga, tais como: orçamento com risco de insolvência, ambiente não informatizado para as operações de rotina e o prazo de validade insuficiente de 15 dias para o fluxo da produção até o consumidor final. Contribui com a literatura de empreendedorismo social e associativismo como uma importante ferramenta de auxílio na gestão destes empreendimentos, a controladoria. Demonstra que é possível o emprego de técnicas de controladoria em empreendimentos ainda que seminais. Os elementos do orçamento e dos componentes do sistema de informação podem ser solucionados com o uso da controladoria para harmonizar as diversas áreas da empresa e otimizar o capital. Quanto ao elemento prazo de validade de 15 dias, percebeu-se o problema da troca das cocadas como empecilho para o aumento da produtividade, ou seja, a efetivação da permuta das cocadas vencidas por outros frescos e dentro da validade. Tal constatação, permite a pesquisa fomentar como solução dos elementos indicadores a aplicabilidade do Manual de Boas Práticas da Controladoria para o Terceiro Setor.
Modeling of the City’s Transport Network Using Game-Theoretic Methods on the Example of Petrozavodsk
Authors:   Institute of Applied Mathematical Research of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ermolin Nikolay A. , Khitraya Vitalia A. ,   Institute of Applied Mathematical Research of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Khitryi Andrey V. ,   Institute of Applied Mathematical Research of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Mazalov Vladimir V. ,   Institute of Applied Mathematical Research of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Nikitina Natalia N. ,   Institute of Applied Mathematical Research of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2023

The paper presents the results of modeling of the city's transport network. The effectiveness of the game-theoretic method for estimating the centrality of graph vertices using the Myerson value is demonstrated on the transport graph. Correspondences in the given graph are found with gravitational and entropy approaches, using the information about citizens and companies distributed by vertices in the graph. The results of computer calculations are represented on the transport network of the city of Petrozavodsk.
Securing drinking water supply in smart cities: an early warning system based on online sensor network and machine learning
Authors: Lu Haiyan , Ding Ao , Zheng Yi , Jiang Jiping , Zhang Jingjie , Zhang Zhidong , Xu Peng , Zhao Xue , Quan Feng , Gao Chuanzi , Jiang Shijie , Xiong Rui , Men Yunlei , Shi Liangsheng
Published: May 2023

To enhance the quality of life and ensure sustainability in crowded cities, safe management of drinking water using cutting-edge technologies is a priority. This study developed an intelligent early warning system (EWS) for alarming and controlling risks from bacteria and disinfection byproducts in a drinking water distribution system (DWDS), named BARCS (Bacterial Risk Controlling System). BARCS adopts an artificial intelligence (AI) approach to data-driven prediction and considers total chlorine (TCl) concentration as the pivot indicator for risk identification and control. First, the machine learning-based AI model in BARCS can provide a reliable prediction of TCl concentration in a DWDS, with an average R2 of 0.64 for the validation set, while offering great flexibility for BARCS to adapt to various conditions. Second, TCl concentration was proven to be a good indicator of bacterial risk in a DWDS, as well as a cost-effective surrogate variable to assess disinfection byproduct risk. Third, the robustness analysis demonstrates that with state-of-the-art water quality monitoring technologies, online implementation of BARCS in real-world settings is feasible. Overall, BARCS represents a promising solution to the safe management of drinking water in future smart cities.
Role of Fibrinogen in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus with Diabetic Neuropathy
and its Preliminary Mechanism
Authors: Wei Li , Gu Wei-Li , Li Zhen-Hong , Zhang Si-Qin , Ao Pian , Zhu Xiao-Bei , Zhao Xin , Zhang Xin-Yue , Zhang Deng-Feng , Huang Xiao-Juan , Jiang Yu
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DN) is the most common complication of
type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the role of fibrinogen (FIB) in T2DM neuropathy and its
preliminary mechanism.

Methods:

Ten male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a normal control group (NC group) and a
T2DM neuropathy model group (DN group). The DN group was given a high-energy diet and
streptozotocin, while the NC group was given a normal diet and a citric acid buffer. The expression
levels of related proteins were analysed.

Results:

Electrophysiology: Compared with the NC group, the conduction latency of the
somatosensory-evoked potential and nerve conduction velocity was prolonged in the DN group, while
the motor nerve action potential was decreased. As seen under a light microscope, the peripheral
nerve fibres in the DN group were swollen, and the nerve fibres in the posterior funiculus of the
spinal cord were loose or missing. Moreover, as seen under an electron microscope, the peripheral
nerve demyelination of the DN group was severe, with microvascular blood coagulation, luminal
stenosis, and collapse. Compared with the NC group, in the DN group, the expression of FIB was
positively correlated with the expression of both ionised calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 and
glial fibrillary acidic protein. Compared with the NC group, in the DN group, the expression of
platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and B-cell lymphoma 2 was negatively correlated.

Conclusion:

The increased concentration of FIB may be the cause of neuropathy, and its mechanism
may be related to its promotion of inflammatory response, blood coagulation, and vascular stenosis.
Attack Site Density of a Highly-efficient PET Hydrolases
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Wenhong , Jing Nannan , Li Qingqing , Yang Kang , Wang Xia , Yao Jianzhuang
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most abundant polyester
materials used in daily life and it is also one of the main culprits of environmental pollution. ICCG
(F243I/D238C/S283C/Y127G) is an enzyme that performs four modifications on the leaf branch
compost keratase (LCC). It shows excellent performance in the hydrolysis of PET and has a great
potential in further applications.

Methods:

Here, we used ICCG to degrade PET particles of various sizes and use the density of attack
sites (Γattack) and kinetic parameters to evaluate the effect of particle size on enzyme degradation
efficiency. We are surprised to observe that there is a certain relationship between Km and Γattack. In
order to further confirm the relationship, we obtained three different enzymes (Y95K, M166S and
H218S) by site-directed mutagenesis on the basis of ICCG.

Result:

The results confirmed that there was a negative correlation between Km and Γattack. In
addition, we also found that increasing the affinity between the enzyme and the substrate does not
necessarily lead to the increase of degradation rate.

Conclusion:

These findings show that the granulation of PET and the selection of appropriate
particle size are helpful to improve its industrial application value. At the same time, additional
protein engineering to increase ICCG performance is realistic, but it can’t be limited to enhance the
affinity between enzyme and substrate.
Blood-based microRNAs as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for
Melanoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Aalami AmirHossein , Abdeahad Hossein , Mokhtari Ali , Aalami Farnoosh , Amirabadi Amir , Aliabadi Ehsan Kargar , Pirzade Omid , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as noninvasive diagnostic
markers in many cancers. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of circulating
microRNAs for melanoma.

Material and Methods:

The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative
likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and ROC curve were evaluated using the Meta-Disc
V.1.4 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V.3.3 software packages. To investigate the heterogeneity,
the I2 and Chi-square tests were used. The publishing bias was evaluated using Begg’s
rank correlation and Egger regression asymmetry tests.

Results:

A total of 9 articles covering 13 studies (more than 50 miRs individually and in combination)
were included, containing 1,355 participants (878 cases and 477 controls). The overall
pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic
odds ratio (DOR), and AUC were 0.78 (95% CI: 0.76-0.81), 0.80 (95% CI: 0.77-0.83),
4.32 (95% CI: 3.21-5.82), 0.17 (95% CI: 0.09-0.32), 28.0 (95% CI: 15.34-51.09), and 0.91, respectively.
According to Begg's and Egger's tests, there was no publication bias (Begg's p =
0.160 and Egger's p = 0.289).

Conclusion:

Circulating miRNAs can serve as fair and non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers
for melanoma. Additionally, specific miRNAs still need to be discovered for diagnosing melanoma.
Different Types of Naturally based Drug Delivery Carriers: An Explanation
and Expression of Some Anti-cancer Effects
Authors: Masoomzadeh Salar , Gholikhani Tooba , Barfar Ashkan , Asnaashari Solmaz , Javadzadeh Yousef
Published: May 2023

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a major impediment to increasing
life expectancy. However, survival rates with average standard cancer treatment strategies have not significantly
improved in recent decades, with tumor metastasis, adverse drug reactions, and drug resistance still posing
major challenges. Replacement therapies are essential for treating this terrible disease. Recently, there has been
a dramatic increase in the use of phytochemical-derived conjugated chemotherapeutic agents due to their biocompatibility,
low cytotoxicity, low resistance, and dynamic physiochemical properties that distinguish normal
cells in treating various types of cancer. The use of plant-based carriers has many advantages, such as the availability
of raw materials, lower cost, lower toxicity in most cases, and greater compatibility with the body's structure
compared to chemical and mineral types of carriers. Unfortunately, several challenges complicate the efficient
administration of herbal medicines, including physicochemical disadvantages such as poor solubility and
instability, and pharmacokinetic challenges such as poor absorption and low bioavailability that can cause
problems in clinical trials. Novel delivery systems such as liposomes, phytosomes, nanoparticles, and nanocapsules
are more suitable as delivery systems for phytomedicinal components compared to conventional systems.
The use of these delivery systems can improve bioavailability, pharmacological activity, prolonged delivery,
and provide physical and chemical stability that increases half-life. This article discusses different types of phytocompounds
used in cancer treatment.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Therapies and Their Delivery
Authors: Ponnusamy Chandrasekar , Ayarivan Puratchikody , Selvamuthu Preethi , Natesan Subramanian
Published: May 2023

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a degenerative ocular disease that is the most
important cause of irreversible vision loss in old-aged people in developed countries. Around fifty percent
of vision impairments in developed countries are due to ARMD. It is a multifaceted disease that is
associated with both genetic and environmental risk factors. The most important treatments option for
ARMD includes laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), Anti-VEGF Injections, and
combination therapies. In this review, we also propose that topical ocular drug delivery with nanocarriers
has more attention for the treatment of ARMD. The nanocarriers were specially designed for enhanced
corneal residential time, prolonged drug release and action, and minimizing the frequency of
administrations. Different types of nanocarriers were developed for the topical ocular delivery system,
such as nanomicelles, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles. These
topical ocular nanocarriers were administered topically, and they can fix the hydrophobic substances,
increase solubility and improve the bioavailability of an administered drug. Hence the topical ocular
delivery systems with nanocarriers provide a safe and effective therapeutic strategy and promising tool
for the treatment of posterior segment ocular diseases ARMD.
Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds with Potential Anti-inflammatory and Antidiabetic Activities: A Review
Authors: Bouknana Saliha , Rherabi Amal El , Abdnim Rhizlan , Berraaouan Ali , Bnouham Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Background:

Inflammation is a complex process. Persistent and uncontrolled inflammation
may act as an etiologic factor for many chronic disorders like diabetes.

Objective:

This review aims to classify the anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic medicinal plants, their
traditional uses, and their active compounds that have been tested for their anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic
effects.

Methods:

We checked scientific publications in various electronic databases from 1981 to 2021. All the
molecular structures were provided in ADC/ChemSketch.

Results:

We reviewed 58 species, belonging to 39 families. These species have long been used in traditional
medicine to cure a variety of ailments, including, dysentery, typhoid fever, anemia, digestive and
cardiac disorders, as well as diabetes and inflammation. Asteraceae represents the dominant family. The
most potent anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic active compounds were reviewed including myricetin,
quercetin, hesperetin, rutin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, benzoic acid,
cinnamic acid, gentisic acid, camphor, 1,8-cineol, p-cymene, limonene, linalool, thymoquinone, carvacrol,
aromadendrine, α-pinene, lycopene, phytol, imperatorin, chalepin, hexadecanoic acid, linoleic
acid, tellimagrandin I, and trigalloyl glucose.

Conclusion:

This review indicates that medicinal plants have many therapeutic dynamics against inflammation
and diabetes that could be exploited for the discovery of therapeutic preparation or agent for treating
the two illnesses at the same time.
E. hirae Causing Biliary Tract Infection in a Patient with
Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Sharad Neha , Srivastava Smriti , Ningombam Aparna , Malhotra Rajesh , Mathur Purva
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

E. faecium and E. faecalis are the common species of Enterococcus responsible
for the majority of infections. Earlier, species other than the common ones were usually unidentified
and reported as Enterococcus species. However, modern equipment, like MALDI-TOF and
VITEK2, have been utilitarian, helping us to identify the previously unidentified species. E. hirae is an
organism seldom reported to cause human infections. Here, we report a case of a biliary tract infection
in a female patient with cholangiocarcinoma caused by E. hirae.

Case:

A 56-year-old female presented with fever and abdominal pain. Bile aspirated during the ERCP
was received in our laboratory. The gram stain of the bile sample revealed abundant polymorphonuclear
leucocytes along with gram-positive diplococci. The organism failed to grow on MacConkey agar.
On blood agar, non-hemolytic colonies grew. The organism was identified as E. hirae by MALDI-TOF
MS. The antibiotic susceptibility performed using VITEK2 revealed it to be resistant to high-level
gentamicin and susceptible to all remaining drugs. She was successfully treated with oral ciprofloxacin
for the infection.

Discussion:

Bile is colonized with bacteria due to obstruction in the biliary tree, leading to cholangitis.
This causes bacterial proliferation and translocation of bacteria into the systemic circulation. Our case
was resistant to high-level gentamicin, while all previously reported cases were susceptible. The resistant
isolates of E. hirae being isolated from cattle and their surroundings amidst the rampant use of
antibiotics in livestock can pose a difficult situation for humans. Thus, there should be regulations on
antibiotic usage in livestock. Cases like these should be reported and recognized for their potential to
cause outbreaks if they remain unreported.

Conclusion:

Thus, E. hirae, when encountered, should not be ignored but considered a pathogen and
reported. The presence of drug-resistant organisms in cattle and their surroundings, their zoonotic potential
to cause infections in humans, and the uncontrolled usage of antibiotics in livestock are causes
for concern. Thus, we need to be more vigilant regarding it in the future.
Untangling Intimate Care Experiences for Patients Admitted to Public Hospitals in South Africa
Authors: Shakwane Simangele
Published: May 2023

Background:

Hospital admission can be a traumatic and humiliating experience for patients due to the institutionalised attire they must wear. Intimate care may trigger experiences of helplessness and disrespect due to exposure to their body parts and having to be touched by nurses.

Objective:

This research aimed to explore and describe patients’ perceptions of their bodies and their experiences of intimate care execution during their hospital stay.

Methods:

A qualitative explorative-descriptive design and Trauma-informed care framework were used to explore and describe the participants’ perceptions and experiences of intimate care execution during admission to the two sampled hospitals. Twenty participants admitted to medical and surgical units were purposively recruited. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to give meaning to the data.

Results:

Three overarching themes emerged from the data: the sacredness of the human body; Patients want their dignity to be respected during intimate care and touch; and creating the nurse-patient intimate care relationship. Patients wish the nurses to maintain their dignity and privacy. Intimate care and touch should be initiated in a safe environment where patients can make informed decisions.

Implications for Nursing:

Declothing of personal attire during admission violates patients’ dignity and privacy and is dehumanising. During intimate care and touch, nurses should create a cultural, religious and gender safe environment, allowing inpatients to make informed decisions regarding the care provided to their bodies.

Conclusion:

Patients’ beliefs system should be incorporated into autonomy and informed decisions about the care to be provided to naked bodies. Hospitalisation should not reinforce physical and psychological trauma. Respect and dignity are paramount when caring for the patient’s body.