bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning in a real-world PFO study: analysis of data from multi-centers in China
Authors: Luo Dongling , Yang Ziyang , Zhang Gangcheng , Shen Qunshan , Zhang Hongwei , Lai Junxing , Hu Hui , He Jianxin , Wu Shulin , Zhang Caojin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The association of patent foreman ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic stroke has been studied for years. Although device closure overall decreases the risk for recurrent stroke, treatment effects varied across different studies. In this study, we aimed to detect sub-clusters in post-closure PFO patients and identify potential predictors for adverse outcomes.

Methods

We analyzed patients with embolic stroke of undetermined sources and PFO from 7 centers in China. Machine learning and Cox regression analysis were used.

Results

Using unsupervised hierarchical clustering on principal components, two main clusters were identified and a total of 196 patients were included. The average age was 42.7 (12.37) years and 64.80% (127/196) were female. During a median follow-up of 739 days, 12 (6.9%) adverse events happened, including 6 (3.45%) recurrent stroke, 5 (2.87%) transient ischemic attack (TIA) and one death (0.6%). Compared to cluster 1 (n = 77, 39.20%), patients in cluster 2 (n = 119, 60.71%) were more likely to be male, had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher body mass index, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased proportion of presence of atrial septal aneurysm. Using random forest survival (RFS) analysis, eight top ranking features were selected and used for prediction model construction. As a result, the RFS model outperformed the traditional Cox regression model (C-index: 0.87 vs. 0.54).

Conclusions

There were 2 main clusters in post-closure PFO patients. Traditional cardiovascular profiles remain top ranking predictors for future recurrence of stroke or TIA. However, whether maximizing the management of these factors would provide extra benefits warrants further investigations.
Comparison of classification algorithms for predicting autistic spectrum disorder using WEKA modeler
Authors: Mohd Radzi Siti Fairuz , Hassan Mohd Sayuti , Mohd Radzi Muhammad Abdul Hadi
Published: November 2022

Background

In healthcare area, big data, if integrated with machine learning, enables health practitioners to predict the result of a disorder or disease more accurately. In Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is important to screen the patients to enable them to undergo proper treatments as early as possible. However, difficulties may arise in predicting ASD occurrences accurately, mainly caused by human errors. Data mining, if embedded into health screening practice, can help to overcome the difficulties. This study attempts to evaluate the performance of six best classifiers, taken from existing works, at analysing ASD screening training dataset.

Result

We tested Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, KNN, J48, Random Forest, SVM, and Deep Neural Network algorithms to ASD screening dataset and compared the classifiers’ based on significant parameters; sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, receiver operating characteristic, area under the curve, and runtime, in predicting ASD occurrences. We also found that most of previous studies focused on classifying health-related dataset while ignoring the missing values which may contribute to significant impacts to the classification result which in turn may impact the life of the patients. Thus, we addressed the missing values by implementing imputation method where they are replaced with the mean of the available records found in the dataset.

Conclusion

We found that J48 produced promising results as compared to other classifiers when tested in both circumstances, with and without missing values. Our findings also suggested that SVM does not necessarily perform well for small and simple datasets. The outcome is hoped to assist health practitioners in making accurate diagnosis of ASD occurrences in patients.
The novel inflammatory biomarker GlycA and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins are associated with the presence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Puig-Jové Carlos , Julve Josep , Castelblanco Esmeralda , Julián M Teresa , Amigó Núria , Andersen Henrik U , Ahluwalia Tarunveer S , Rossing Peter , Mauricio Dídac , Jensen Magnus T , Alonso Núria
Published: November 2022

Background

Subjects with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have an increased incidence of heart failure (HF). Several pathophysiological mechanisms have been involved in its development. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential contribution of the advanced lipoprotein profile and plasma glycosylation (GlycA) to the presence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in subjects with T1DM.

Methods

We included subjects from a Danish cohort of T1DM subjects (Thousand & 1 study) with either diastolic and/or systolic subclinical myocardial dysfunction, and a control group without myocardial dysfunction, matched by age, sex and HbA1c. All underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram and an advanced lipoprotein profile obtained by using the NMR-based Liposcale® test. GlycA NMR signal was also analyzed. Systolic dysfunction was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 45% and diastolic dysfunction was considered as E/e′≥12 or E/e′ 8–12 + volume of the left atrium > 34 ml/m2. To identify a metabolic profile associated with the presence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction, a multivariate supervised model of classification based on least squares regression (PLS-DA regression) was performed.

Results

One-hundred forty-six subjects had diastolic dysfunction and 18 systolic dysfunction. Compared to the control group, patients with myocardial dysfunction had longer duration of diabetes (p = 0.005), and higher BMI (p = 0.013), serum NTproBNP concentration (p = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), albuminuria (p < 0.001), and incidence of advanced retinopathy (p < 0.001). The supervised classification model identified a specific pattern associated with myocardial dysfunction, with a capacity to discriminate patients with myocardial dysfunction from controls. PLS-DA showed that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs), such as VLDL (total VLDL particles, large VLDL subclass and VLDL-TG content) and IDL (IDL cholesterol content), as well as the plasma concentration of GlycA, were associated with the presence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction.

Conclusion

Proatherogenic TGRLs and the proinflammatory biomarker Glyc A are strongly associated to myocardial dysfunction in T1DM. These findings suggest a pivotal role of TGRLs and systemic inflammation in the development of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in T1DM.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing contributes to the diagnosis of mixed pulmonary infection: a case report
Authors: Qin Ziqian , Zou Yiwu , Huang Zehe , Yu Ning , Deng Zhenfeng , Chen Zhencheng , Wang Yuanli
Published: November 2022

Background

Pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) and mixed pulmonary infection are difficult to be diagnosed due to the non-specificity and their overlapping clinical manifestations. In terms of the clinical diagnosis of PC and mixed pulmonary infection, conventional tests have limitations such as a long detection period, a limited range of pathogens, and low sensitivity. Metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a nascent and powerful method that can detect pathogens without culture, to diagnose known and unexplained infections in reduced time.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old female was admitted to the hospital after suffering from a cough for one month. At the time of admission, a contrast-enhanced chest CT revealed multiple nodules and plaques in her right lung, as well as the formation of cavities. The blood routine assays showed evidently increased white blood cell count (mainly neutrophils), CRP, and ESR, which suggested she was in the infection phase. The serum CrAg-LFA test showed a positive result. Initially, she was diagnosed with an unexplained pulmonary infection. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected for microbial culture, immunological tests and the mNGS. Microbial culture and immunological tests were all negative, while mNGS detected Corynebacterium striatum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The diagnosis was revised to PC and bacterial pneumonia. Lung infection lesions were healed after she received targeted anti-infection therapy with mezlocillin and fluconazole. In a follow-up after 2 months, the patient’s symptoms vanished.

Conclusions

Here, we demonstrated that mNGS was capable of accurately distinguishing Cryptococcus from M. tuberculosis in pulmonary infection, and notably mNGS was capable of swiftly and precisely detecting pathogens in mixed bacterial and fungal pulmonary infection. Furthermore, the results of mNGS also have the potential to adjust anti-infective therapies.
The imported infections among foreign travelers in China: an observational study
Authors: Xu Qiang , Li Zhi-Wei , Zhang Xiao-Ai , Liu Meng-Yang , Wang Jin-Long , Zhang Hai-Yang , Wang Li-Ping , Guo Xiu-Hua , Fang Li-Qun , Liu Wei
Published: November 2022

Background

In the past few decades, globalization has rendered more frequent and intensive population movement between countries, which has changed the original disease spectrum and brought a huge health impact on the global population including China. This study aims to describe the spectrum and epidemiological characteristics of imported infections among foreign travelers travelling to China.

Methods

The data on imported infections among foreign travelers were obtained from Custom Inbound Screening System (CISS) and the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System (NNIDRS). All the infections were classified into respiratory, gastrointestinal, vector-borne, blood/sex-transmitted and mucocutaneous diseases, of which case numbers and incidences were calculated and the proportions were compared among subgroups.

Results

In total, 17,189 travelers diagnosed with 58 imported infectious diseases were reported from 2014 to 2018, with an overall incidence of 122.59 per million. Respiratory infection (7,351 cases, mainly influenza) and blood/sex-transmitted diseases (6,114 cases mainly Hepatitis B and HIV infection) were the most frequently diagnosed diseases, followed by vector-borne infections (3,128 cases, mainly dengue fever and malaria). The highest case number was from Asia and Europe, while the highest incidence rate was from Africa (296.00 per million). When specific diagnosis was compared, both the highest absolute case number and incidence were observed for influenza. An obvious seasonal pattern was observed for vector-borne diseases, with the annual epidemic spanning from July to November. The origin–destination matrices disclosed the movement of imported infection followed specific routes.

Conclusions

Our study provided a profile of infectious diseases among foreign travelers travelling to China and pinpointed the target regions, seasons and populations for prevention and control, to attain an informed control of imported infections in China.
The Area Prostriata may play a role in technical reasoning
Authors: Federico Giovanni , Cavaliere Carlo , Reynaud Emanuelle , Salvatore Marco , Brandimonte Maria Antonella , Osiurak François
Published: November 2022

Most recent research indicated how technical reasoning (TR), namely, a specific form of causal reasoning aimed at understanding the physical world, may support the development of tools and technologies of increasing complexity. We have recently identified the Area PF of the left inferior parietal lobe (PF) as a critical structural correlate of TR, as assessed by using two ad-hoc psycho-technical tests evaluating the two main aspects of TR, i.e., physical world’s understanding and visuospatial imagery. Here, we extended our findings by implementing new ad-hoc analyses of our previous data by using a whole-brain approach. Results showed that the cortical thickness (CT) of the left Area Prostriata of the visual cortex, alongside the left Area PF CT, predicts TR performance.
Utility and optimal cut-off point of the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 for central sensitization syndrome among outpatients with somatic symptoms and related disorders
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuaki , Takeuchi Takeaki , Hiiragi Miki , Koyama Akiko , Nakamura Yuzo , Hashizume Masahiro
Published: November 2022

Background

Central sensitization syndrome (CSS) involves severe functional symptoms due to central sensitization. for patients with severe somatic symptoms and related disorders (SSRDs), central sensitization may be responsible for their functional symptoms. We hypothesized that screening for CSS in patients with SSRDs would identify those with severe disease. The Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8) is a simple tool to assess medical conditions related to SSRDs, but the cut-off point to identify severe cases of comorbid CSS is unknown. This study aimed to determine the optimal cut-off point of SSS-8 for screening the CSS of patients with severe SSRDs.

Methods

In total, 143 patients with SSRDs attending outpatient clinics of a university hospital in Japan were included in the study. The participants were evaluated using the SSS-8 for somatic symptoms, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for anxiety and depressive symptoms, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) for catastrophic thoughts, and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-A, B) for CSS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed using the propensity score. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using a propensity score considering PCS, age, sex, HADS, and CSI-B as confounders of SSS-8 and CSS to evaluate differences in diagnostic accuracy between patients with and without SSS-8. The sensitivity and specificity of the ROC analysis were then used to determine the cut-off point for discriminating severe cases of SSS-8.

Results

Of the 143 participants, 126 responded (51 CSS group and 75 non-CSS group), with a valid response rate of 88.1 percent. In the ROC analysis, the propensity score including SSS-8 was statistically more accurate. The optimal cut-off point was 13, with an AUC of 0.88, sensitivity of 84.3 percent, and specificity of 77.3 percent.

Conclusions

The SSS-8 is a useful tool for discriminating severe cases of SSRDs comorbid with CSS.
Efficacy of oral ferric citrate hydrate treatment for anemia caused by niraparib: a case report
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Yamada Yuki
Published: November 2022

Background

Maintenance therapy using poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose)polymerase inhibitors may have adverse events, including hematological toxicity, and may limit therapeutic potential in patients with cancer. Niraparib-induced anemia negatively impacts one’s quality of life. Its amelioration by ferrous iron (for example, sodium ferrous citrate), folic acid, or vitamin B12 has not been supported. Oral ferric citrate hydrate increases circulating levels of iron and hepatic iron accumulation, improving renal anemia in patients with kidney failure receiving hemodialysis. The uptake of ferric iron is considered to be much higher than that of ferrous iron.

Case presentation

The admitted patient was a 57-year-old Japanese woman with stage IIIB ovarian cancer who underwent primary debulking surgery and standard carboplatin–paclitaxel chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab, followed by niraparib (200 mg/day) maintenance therapy. The patient started oral SFC (100 mg/day) to treat niraparib-related anemia. However, she required two units of packed red blood cell transfusions three times within 3 months after starting niraparib treatment. The patient was diagnosed with niraparib-related anemia. The blood test results after 1 month from the start of niraparib treatment were as follows: red blood cells, 211 × 104/μL; hemoglobin, 7.0 g/dL; hematocrit, 20.8%; reticulocyte, 0.2%; platelet count, 18.0 × 104/μL. She was switched to oral ferric citrate hydrate with a dose of 500 mg per day and resumed niraparib treatment. She did not experience grade 3 niraparib-related hematological toxicity and achieved blood transfusion independence.

Conclusions

Ferric citrate hydrate may be a safe, effective, and well-tolerated oral drug for treating patients with niraparib-related anemia.
Comparing the demographics and laboratory biomarkers of the COVID-19 Omicron wave and the Alpha wave in a predominantly Afro-Caribbean patient population in New York City
Authors: Shin Hye Won , James Alecia , Feng Theresa , Chow Lillian , Foronjy Robert
Published: November 2022

Background

There is a knowledge gap of specific characteristics linked to disease severity of the different COVID-19 waves, especially in underserved populations. We compared the demographic and clinical factors associated with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) during the Omicron and Alpha waves.

Methods

An observational study comparing two COVID-19 waves was conducted in Brooklyn, NY. Twenty-seven ICU admitted patients with a positive COVID-19 test result during the period of November 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022, (“Omicron wave”) were compared to 271 COVID-19 patients who received ICU consults during the Alpha wave, the period from March 28, 2020, to April 30, 2020.

Results

The Omicron wave had a 55.6% mortality rate compared to a 67.2% mortality rate in the Alpha wave. For the non-survivors, there were more females (66.7%) in the Omicron wave, while the trend was reversed in the Alpha wave (38.5%). Most of the patients seen were Black (> 85%) in both waves. A bivariate comparison of the two waves found that patients in the Omicron wave had overall significantly lower ALT levels (p = 0.03) and higher monocyte % (p = 0.005) compared to the patients in the Alpha wave. In the multivariate analysis, adjusting for age and sex, increasing levels of HCO3- were significantly associated with reduced mortality in the Omicron wave (OR: 0.698; 95% CI: 0.516 – 0.945; p = 0.02). Also, multivariable analyses using both waves combined found that neutrophil % was significantly associated with increased mortality (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02 – 1.09; p = 0.006) while lymphocyte % was significantly associated with reduced mortality (OR: 0.946; 95% CI: 0.904 – 0.990; p = 0.018).

Conclusions

The COVID-19-positive ICU patients in the Omicron wave experienced less severe outcomes than those of the Alpha wave. In contrast to the Alpha variant, the Omicron variant exhibited enhanced infectivity and disease severity in females.
TRH and NPY Interact to Regulate Dynamic Changes in Energy Balance in the Male Zebra Finch
Authors: Singh Omprakash , Singh Devraj , Mitra Saptarsi , Kumar Anal , Lechan Ronald M , Singru Praful S
Published: November 2022

In contrast to mammals, birds have a higher basal metabolic rate and undertake wide range of energy-demanding activities. As a consequence, food deprivation for birds, even for a short period, poses major energy challenge. The energy-regulating hypothalamic homeostatic mechanisms, although extensively studied in mammals, are far from clear in the case of birds. We focus on the interplay between neuropeptide Y (NPY) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), 2 of the most important hypothalamic signaling agents, in modulating the energy balance in a bird model, the zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata. TRH neurons were confined to a few nuclei in the preoptic area and hypothalamus, and fibers widely distributed. The majority of TRH neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) whose axons terminate in median eminence were contacted by NPY-containing axons. Compared to fed animals, fasting significantly reduced body weight, PVN pro-TRH messenger RNA (mRNA) and TRH immunoreactivity, but increased NPY mRNA and NPY immunoreactivity in the infundibular nucleus (IN, avian homologue of mammalian arcuate nucleus) and PVN. Refeeding for a short duration restored PVN pro-TRH and IN NPY mRNA, and PVN NPY innervation to fed levels. Compared to control tissues, treatment of the hypothalamic superfused slices with NPY or an NPY-Y1 receptor agonist significantly reduced TRH immunoreactivity, a response blocked by treatment with a Y1-receptor antagonist. We describe a detailed neuroanatomical map of TRH-equipped elements, identify new TRH-producing neuronal groups in the avian brain, and demonstrate rapid restoration of the fasting-induced suppression of PVN TRH following refeeding. We further show that NPY via Y1 receptors may regulate PVN TRH neurons to control energy balance in T. guttata.
Behaviour and muscle activity across the aquatic–terrestrial transition in Polypterus senegalus
Authors: Lutek Keegan , Foster Kathleen L. , Standen Emily M.
Published: November 2022

Amphibious fishes moving from water to land experience continuous changes in environmental forces. How these subtle changes impact behavioural transitions cannot be resolved by comparisons of aquatic and terrestrial locomotion. For example, aquatic and terrestrial locomotion appear distinct in the actinopterygian fish Polypterus senegalus; however, it is unclear how gradual water level changes influence the transition between these locomotor behaviours. We tested the hypothesis in P. senegalus that swimming and walking are part of an incremental continuum of behaviour and muscle activity across the environmental transition from water to land rather than two discrete behaviours, as proposed by previous literature. We exposed P. senegalus to discrete environments from fully aquatic to fully terrestrial while recording body and pectoral fin kinematics and muscle activity. Anterior axial red muscle effort increases as water depth decreases; however, a typical swimming-like anterior-to-posterior wave of axial red muscle activity is always present, even during terrestrial locomotion, indicating gradual motor control changes. Thus, walking appears to be based on swimming-like axial muscle activity whereas kinematic differences between swimming and walking appear to be due to mechanical constraints. A discrete change in left–right pectoral fin coordination from in-phase to out-of-phase at 0.7 body depths relies on adductor muscle activity with a similar duty factor and adductor muscle effort that increases gradually as water depth decreases. Thus, despite distinct changes in kinematic timing, neuromuscular patterning is similar across the water depth continuum. As the observed, gradual increases in axial muscle effort reflect muscle activity changes between aquatic and terrestrial environments observed in other elongate fishes, a modified, swimming-like axial muscle activity pattern for terrestrial locomotion may be common among elongate amphibious fishes.
PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY (LITERATURE REVIEW)
Authors: Guseynov Arif , Guseynov T.
Published: November 2022

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is the most common method for long-term enteral nutrition in patients with organic and functional diseases of the esophagus, with severe neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia as a result of acute cerebral circulatory disorders, oropharyngeal cancer, severe facial injuries, etc.

The advantages of endoscopic surgery are the minimally invasive nature and speed of the intervention, an insignificant percentage of postoperative complications.

The review article analyzes data on the relevance of the problem, indications and contraindications, technique of execution, complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

Measures aimed at minimizing risks during this operation, including correction of the general condition and concomitant somatic diseases in patients, a thorough assessment of the risk of surgery, which have the greatest impact on the immediate results of the operation, are identified.
The use of injectable collagen in osteoarthritis in multimorbid patients
Authors: Belyaeva Elena , Fatenko A. , Kuznetsova Sof'ya
Published: November 2022

It has been established that osteoarthritis (OA) refers to diseases with high comorbidity. According to available data, OA is most often combined with arterial hypertension (AH) and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The combination of OA and CVD causes certain difficulties when choosing drug therapy. Traditionally, with pain syndrome, the choice falls on NSAIDs, since this allows in most cases to get a quick response to treatment. However, the use of NSAIDs may be accompanied by an increase in average blood pressure by 5 mm Hg or more in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and significantly reduces the antihypertensive effectiveness of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. Symptomatic effect of the use of symptom-modifying drugs of delayed action (SYSADOA - Symptomatic slow acting drugs for osteoarthritis) develops approximately 8-12 weeks after the start of administration. Limitations in the use of NSAIDs in patients with OA and CVD due to increased cardiovascular risk and a long waiting period for the onset of the effect when using drugs of the SYSADOA group dictate the need to search for new approaches in the treatment of OA, on the one hand, with rapid effectiveness, and on the other - meeting all the requirements of cardiovascular safety. It is known that local injection therapy with the use of different groups of drugs has high efficiency in OA: glucocorticosteroids (GCS), hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, etc. Currently, microinduction collagen preparations with a high safety profile have joined them. Special attention in OA deserves the drug Plexatron, which has in its composition a type 1 tropocollagen with a molecular weight of 300 kD and calcium phosphate 1 mcg, and is intended for intra-articular and periarticular administration. Injectable collagen preparations are capable of inducing the regeneration of damaged collagen fibers by stimulating the migration of fibroblasts to the sites of damage, the release of growth factors and the activation of a key enzyme for the induction of endogenous collagen synthesis - lysine hydroxylase
Interferon alpha (IFN-α) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Moqbil Sara , Mikos Eryk , Dmochowska Joanna , Wójcik Aleksandra , Leziak Milena
Published: November 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. An important role in the pathogenesis of SLE has been attributed to interferon alpha (IFN-α), which stimulates the expression of numerous genes, resulting in an increased autoinflammatory response. Recent studies have demonstrated  increased levels of this cytokine in patients with SLE, as well as in relatives, indicating that IFN- α is an inherited risk factor for lupus. Cases of induction of SLE/lupus-like syndrome after IFN- α therapy also point to the involvement of interferon in the pathogenesis of the disease. Interferon being a probable initiator of the disease, as well as a marker to examine its exacerbations, is a potential research target to better understand the etiology and pathogenesis of lupus. More research is needed to determine the feasibility of using INF-blocking agents for new therapies in SLE.
Parallel processing of radiation measurements and radiation video optimization
Authors: Xu Shoulong , Dong Hanfeng , Qin Zhiwei , Han Yongchao , Gong Dawei , Zou Shuliang , Wei Cuiyue , Zhao Fang
Published: November 2022

In this study, we propose a parallel processing method for analyzing video-image radiation-response signals and suppressing radiation noise. We studied the linear-representation law of various image-information components on the radiation dose rate. Subsequently, the simulation images were used to examine the response-signal extract and radiation-noise suppression. The results indicate that the majority of response signals in the global image comprise forward superposition. The peak signal-to-noise ratio of the red channel was significantly improved when the noise signal-substitution algorithm and median filter were applied successively. Real-time radiation dose-rate measurements and clear images under irradiation can be obtained simultaneously.
Nanoscale morphology and thermal properties of low insertion loss fiber Bragg gratings produced using the phase mask technique and a single femtosecond laser pulse
Authors: Hnatovsky Cyril , Silva Kasthuri De , Abdukerim Nurmemet , Walker Robert B. , Ding Huimin , Mihailov Stephen J.
Published: November 2022

Fiber Bragg gratings with a very low insertion loss are inscribed using the phase mask technique and a single infrared (800 nm) femtosecond laser pulse. The morphology of the resultant light-induced structural changes in the Ge-doped silica fiber (SMF-28) is analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The electron microscopy images reveal that each Bragg grating period incorporates an elongated micropore embedded in a region of homogeneous material modification. The Bragg wavelength drift and reflectivity of fiber Bragg gratings produced with single pulses having the same energy but different duration (80 fs and 350 fs) are monitored for 1000 hours in the course of isothermal annealing at 1000°C. The annealing data demonstrate that both the isothermal Bragg wavelength drift and the decrease in the reflectivity of the fiber Bragg gratings under test are statistically slower for the 350 fs inscription pulses.
Efecto del consumo de tabaco en las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales: metaanálisis
Authors: Díez Cira , Fernández-Gómez María José , Martín-Vallejo Javier
Published: November 2022

La colitis ulcerosa y la enfermedad de Crohn son los dos principales tipos de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y afectan de manera crónica e inmunomediada al tubo digestivo. Surgen por la interacción del sistema inmune y la microbiota intestinal con factores genéticos y ambientales, siendo el tabaco uno de los más influyentes. Debido a una confusión en la bibliografía, se evalúa si existe un efecto real del tabaquismo en estas enfermedades mediante un metaanálisis. Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed y Google Académico y se calculó un OR combinado, partiendo del modelo de efectos fijos, de los estudios que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión marcados. Nuestros resultados confirman que el tabaco es un factor protector para la colitis ulcerosa con OR combinados significativos estadísticamente y similares a los de otros metaanálisis realizados anteriormente. Sin embargo, la asociación del tabaco como factor de riesgo para la enfermedad de Crohn no está tan clara, debido a que los OR combinados obtenidos son no significativos o están cerca de la no significación y son más pequeños que en otros metaanálisis, aunque sí se detectó que debería ser analizada en estudios futuros.
Sodium-Carboxymethylcellulose/Polyphenol-Gossypol-Carboxymethylcellulose Copolymer
Films for Ocular Drug Delivery: Preparation and Physico-Chemical Properties
Authors: Ergashovich Yunusov Khaydar , Abdukhalilovich Sarymsakov Abdushkur , Ibodullo O`g`li Shukurov Akobirkhon , Nasiriddinovich Todjiyev Jamoliddin , Abdupatto Ugli Atakhanov Abdumutalib , Jiang Guohua , Solomevich Sergey O.
Published: November 2022

In present work, the formation of nanostructured antiviral biosoluble ophthalmic drug films composed
of sodium carboxymethylcellulose/polyphenol-gossypol-carboxymethylcellulose copolymer is
described. The biorelease time and physico-chemical parameters of the ophthalmic drug films were
regulated by changes in the degree of substitution and polymerization of sodium carboxymethylcellulose
and the pH value of its aqueous solutions. The morphology and size of the antiviral agent embedded in
sodium carboxymethylcellulose films were determined by using atomic force microscopy and dynamic
light scattering. The UV spectroscopy was used to observe drug release from the polymeric matrix
and it was determined that the maximum drug release occurred after 24 h. By regulating the
concentration of polyphenol-gossypol-carboxymethylcellulose copolymer antiviral substance in the
polymer, the spherical nanoparticles with sizes of 5-24 nm and cubic nanoparticles with sizes of 46-95
nm were formed.
Determination of Concentration of Various Phases in Activated and
Dye Treated Sewage Sludge Samples using Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction
Authors: Shrivastava Priyanka , Malviya Vibha , Yadav Anjali , Jain Payal , Malviya Ruchika , Dwivedi M.K. , Sinha A.K.
Published: November 2022

Sludge sample collected from sewage treatment plant was used to develop an effective adsorbent for
the removal of various dyes from wastewater. A quantitative estimation of major compounds in without
activated (as collected), activated and various dyes treated sludge samples using synchrotron XRD
technique is reported. Sewage sludge sample activated at 900 ºC for 30 min was found to have maximum
adsorption efficiency (~ 95%) for the removal of different dyes (e.g. brilliant green, crystal violet and
malachite green) from aqueous solution. The result shows that the adsorption using activated sewage
sludge is the simplest and effective method for the removal of dyes from wastewater. As expected, the
major compound in all the samples is SiO2 (~ 50 mol%). However, SiO2 was found in three different
space groups. On activation at 900 ºC, a part of monoclinic SiO2 phase changes to the hexagonal phase.
On the other hand, on various dyes adsorption such as brilliant green, crystal violet and malachite
green, the monoclinic phase changes to the tetragonal phase.
Preliminary Screening for Potential Compounds in Inhibiting Enzyme Tyrosinase from 11 Herbal Extracts
Authors: Le Xuan-Tien , Le Khai-Vinh , Tran-Thi Tuyet-Anh , Huynh Kieu-Trang
Published: November 2022

Considering the emerging trends of using natural ingredients in the cosmetic industry, this study was undertaken to confirm the efficiency of some traditional skin-whitening plants in Vietnam. In this study, 11 popular Vietnamese herbal extracts were investigated in suppressing mushroom tyrosinase activity. The most potent material was then analyzed for phytochemicals profiles and the extraction process was optimized by single-factor experiments. It was found that Morus alba leaves extract using ethanol had superior mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity. The extract under optimal conditions (extract 2 cycles with ethanol 70%, temperature: 50 ºC, time: 40 min and solid/liquid ratio = 1:10) contained polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins and tannins and its biological properties included: antityrosinase IC50 = 99.4 μg/mL, antioxidation IC50 (DPPH assay) = 85.7 μg/mL and total phenolic content TPC (GAE) = 128.6 mg/g extract.
Dielectric, AC Conductance of Chalcone Moiety, Metal Oxide
Nanocomposite Doped Thin Polymer Film: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Ayyanar B. , Suresh J. , Thangaraj V. , Karthikeyan S. , Arun A. , Kayalvizhi M.
Published: November 2022

For conducting use, an organic molecule chalcone (1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-prop-
2-en-1-one (DCHP) and metal oxide nanocomposite (MONC) doped polymer thin films were prepared.
In addition, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) was utilized as a host polymer. The features of
successfully prepared thin polymer films were characterized. The XRD analysis revealed the nano-sized
(40-150 nm), crystalline phases and semi-crystalline behaviour of polymer films. The XPS and EDX
confirmed the elements of PVA, CS, DCHP, MONC4 and MONC5, as well as the oxidation states of
MONC4 and MONC5 sample films. The morphology of the prepared polymer film revealed an even
distribution, a smooth surface and a blossoming flower-like structure from the SEM results. The TGA
study revealed the multi-stage decomposition upon heating, but no complete decomposition for the
produced film containing MONC4 and MONC5 thin films. The bonding between doped materials and
the host polymer in the film was confirmed by FT-IR studies. The produced thin polymer composite
film containing metal oxide nanocomposites and DCHP exhibited a high dielectric property and high
AC conductance of 1.12 × 10-6 S cm-1 at room temperature.
Occurrence, Spatial Distribution and Ecological Impact of Heavy
Metals in Rivers, Lakes and Marine Environments of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Ganesan Chinnaperamanoor Madhu , Chinnaraju Chinnasamy , Lavanya A.R. , Prabakar Kandasamy
Published: November 2022

The importance of a clean environment is recognized as a “pillar” of sustainable development. There
is, however, a serious public health threat associated with heavy metal releases into the environment.
Aquatic environments in Tamil Nadu state of India lack heavy metals monitoring data. From year
2008 to 2022, research articles were assessed that focused at heavy metal concentrations in freshwater
and marine ecosystems. It has been shown that elevated levels of heavy metals in sediments of aquatic
ecosystems contribute to an increase in their abundance, which may further enter the food chain through
bioaccumulation. In addition, intensifying human exploitation of the South East Coastal region (SEC)
in Tamil Nadu state of India through industries, tourism, aquaculture and recreation further complicates
the situation by providing ever-changing sources of contamination. As a result of analyzing all heavy
metals, the levels of Cd in biota collected from ocean environments were higher. Rivers and lakes have
shown increased levels of heavy metals such as Zn, Cu and Pb as a result of localized anthropogenic
activities. In accordance with sediment guidelines and human health risk assessments, most of the
heavy metals concentrations in sediments and aquatic biota exceeded the permissible limits. It is
highly recommended that more monitoring studies are conducted to monitor the levels of heavy metals
in organisms and in urban rivers, lakes and marine environments in the future, with extreme importance
both for environmental health and economics. By identifying the sources of pollutants and implementing
strict policies to abate pollution, local governments can implement better control measures to decrease
pollution levels.
Design, Synthesis and Molecular Docking of Thiophene
Derived Benzodiazepines as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Bhat K. Ishwar , Cyriac Chinchumol , Vijaybhasker K.V.
Published: November 2022

A new series of 1,4-benzodiazepines were synthesized based on the results of molecular docking. The
designed compounds were docked in the groove of binding sites present in human estrogen receptor
2IOK and EGFR receptor 4WKQ. The physico-chemical properties, Lipinski’s Rule of 5 and ADMET
properties were calculated for the compounds by using the Qikprop application in Schrödinger software
and on the basis of molecular docking fifteen compounds were designed. Because of poor yield in
some cases, only ten compounds have been synthesized. All the newly synthesized compounds were
established based on IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral data. The new compounds were screened for in
vitro anticancer activity. Among all the compounds, compound BZ4 had the highest binding energies
and showed the potential cytotoxicity when screened for anticancer activity by MTT assay.
Magnetically Recoverable Fe0.02Zn0.95-xCr0.05O Iron doped Catalyst for
Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidones, Thiones and their Derivatives
Authors: Gurav M.M. , Tigote R.M. , Suryawanshi A.W.
Published: November 2022

A new technique for the impregnation of magnetic based catalyst component onto the organic molecules
are widely discussed. Due to its benefits of high surface area, separation simplicity, recyclability and
limited leaching of catalytic active ingredients from the catalyst, in the present work, iron-doped
Fe0.02Zn0.95-xCr0.05O heterogeneous catalyst was applied in the synthesis of dihydropyrimidones, thiones
and their derivatives. The synthesized compounds were elucidated by their IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR
and LC-MS analysis.
N.M. Yadrintsev's Journalism in 1874-1875: Evolution of Views and Effectiveness
Authors: Golovinov A.V. , Головинова Юлия Владимировна
Published: November 2022

Within the limits of the presented article the publicistic creativity of Nikolay Mikhailovich Yadrintsev, one of ideologists of the Siberian regionalism, during his stay in Petersburg in 1874-1875, is characterized. Having been pardoned at the end of 1873, N.M. Yad-rintsev began a lively writing activity in the northern capital. The chronological frame is not chosen by chance, as two years spent by the Siberian intellectual in the capital society proved to be fruitful from the point of view of his publishing activity. N.M. Yadrintsev's cooperation with the central periodicals turned out to be productive for the development of regionalist ideology: "Golos", "'Nedelya", "Vestnik Evropy", "Peterburgskie Vedomosti", and others. Also shown that increased interaction with metropolitan newspapers and magazines contributed to public discussion of the pressing problems of the fatherland and attracting the attention of the general public to the fate of the eastern outskirts of the Russian Empire. It is established that the main vector of evolution of world outlook guidelines of the Siberian regionalist came to more and more concretization of "Siberian questions". At the same time Nikolay Mikhailovich's publicism of the investigated period testifies to the growing courage and his unquestioning loyalty to regionalist ideology.
Settlement of Militiae Equestres in the Period of the Principate
Authors: Телепень Сергей Валерьевич
Published: November 2022

The article is devoted to the problem of formalizing the military career of Roman equites during the period of the Principate. On the basis of written sources, including epigraphic ones, changes in the nature of the military service of the equites, stages in the development of the imperial policy regarding militiae equestres, specific innovations in the system of the military career of representatives of the equestrian ordo, which took place mainly in the 1st-2nd centuries BC, are traced. The conditionality of the process of stage-by-stage formation of an equestrian military career is argued by the tasks of strengthening the imperial power, which had a tendency to bureaucratization already at the stage of the Principate. The article analyzes the content-contradictory measures of the imperial power to involve equites in state affairs, in particular, in the performance of command duties and, as a continuation of the latter, in the administration of administrative functions. It is concluded that the trend consisted in the gradual formalization of the military stage of the Equite career, which was associated with the task of providing the state with trained managerial personnel.
BRANQUITUDE E PRIVILÉGIOS
Authors: Santos da Silva Monteiro de Camargo Janete , Rose Maio Eliane , Kazuko Teruya Teresa
Published: November 2022

A presente investigação surgiu a partir da inquietação provocada pela disciplina Educação Escolar e Diversidade, ofertada pelo Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação, da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (PPE/UEM), após discutirmos sobre o tema da redação do vestibular da UEM, realizado no ano de 2021, com o título: “O racismo em questão no Brasil: privilégios brancos em discussões atuais”. Assim, esta análise pretende discutir o conceito de branquitude e os tipos de privilégios que é possível obter em razão disso. Para alçar o objetivo proposto, nos utilizamos da pesquisa bibliográfica. Verificamos a complexidade do conceito de branquitude e o quanto é possível adquirir privilégios por esse motivo. Também evidenciamos a relevância da disciplina cursada por promover debate acerca de uma educação inclusiva, que respeita e valoriza a diversidade.
Synodality: The Church that Still Listens and Learns
Authors: Mikulášek Josef
Published: November 2022

This article addresses one specific aspect of the synodal vision of the Church which is currently discussed in the Catholic Church. This aspect consists of the vision of a Church that is still a Church learning who to be and how to be. Using the construct of a community of practice, adopted from the field of the sociology of learning (Etienne Wenger), I analyse how the synodal Church, preferring the theology of the local Church, is open to new learning. As I demonstrate in the article, such an understanding contains within it a rich heuristic for our understanding of Revelation of God, including implications for an understanding of continuing revelation, as well as a revision of the Church’s concept of the Magisterium (sg.) in favour of the Magisteria (pl.). The article, therefore, shows a surprising point of view: How basic ecclesiological themes help us illuminate the Christian understanding of divine Revelation as an ongoing Revelation in human history.
John Henry Newman’s Understanding of the Sensus Fidelium and the Current Challenges of Synodality
Authors: Hrabovecký Pavol
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study is to offer Newman’s original intuitions about the concept of the sensus fidelium, which is of great importance to the Synod for the Synodal Church. The study presents the context and ideas of Newman’s article ‘On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine’ from the Rambler (1859). Then, it offers some of the primary challenges of the current synodal process in dioceses with questions to which Newman may offer the proper angle. In this way, the need for proper discernment of the sensus fidelium is to be pointed out so that both pastors and laity may live in the Church as in a true family.
Martin Maďar, The Chuch of God and Its Human Face: The Contribution of Joseph A. Komonchak to Ecclesiology
Authors: Mikulášek Josef
Published: November 2022

Book review on Martin Maďar, The Chuch of God and Its Human Face: The Contribution of Joseph A. Komonchak to Ecclesiology, Eugene: Pickwick Publications, 2019, 199 stran, ISBN: 9781532657467.
Exploring Consumers Satisfaction and General Public Image to the Tanzania Bureau of Standard (TBS): Expert Survey
Authors: Oreku George S.
Published: November 2022

We investigated  the level of consumers  satisfaction to TBS service through the lens of research by undertaking survey on 9 pre-selected regions in Tanzania  . The theoretical insights on comparing the overall service delivery with other rival organizations while identify area of focus to improve on TBS service delivery were identified. Mixed perception was observed among consumers which have led to negativity among the public and potential SMEs, as they view any interactions with the organization (TBS) as potential threat to their livelihood even though overall perception was satisfying. Further, the customers were made aware in understanding what TBS is all about in supporting and promoting their products to reach higher markets and international  markets as standard goods. We compared the public opinions with our investigation approach using our tools of where contented consumers unintentionally participated and ultimately suggested and proposed ideal  way forward.
A Study on the Impact of Management Accounting Application on the Management Efficiency of Public Hospitals in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
Authors: DANG Lan Anh , HONG Le Thi , LE Thi Minh Hue
Published: November 2022

Based on the actual situation of Public Hospitals in Thanh Hoa Province and the role of Management Accountants in performing the management function of managers, the authors conduct a study on the relationship between accounting application management to management efficiency in Public Hospitals in Thanh Hoa Province to find out the relationship between the application of management accounting to the operation management of the hospital, thereby making necessary recommendations for the application of Management Accounting. Management accounting in hospitals is reasonable and appropriate, bringing a positive impact on management in Public Hospitals in the current context of Financial Autonomy.
λ-q-Sheffer sequence and its applications
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Kim Hye Kyung
Published: November 2022

Recently, Kim-Kim [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 493 (2021), no. 1] introduced the degenerate Sheffer sequence and λ-Sheffer sequence. The purpose of this article is to study λ-q-Sheffer sequence and the degenerate q-Sheffer sequence, which are derived from the view point of degenerate umbral calculus and investigate some properties related to those sequences. In addition, we give some new identities associated with q-special polynomials arising from our investigation.