bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Mohs Paste Treatment for a Subcutaneous Sarcoma and a Skin Ulcer to Prevent Intraoperative Bleeding
Authors: Sakamoto Akio , Noguchi Takashi , Yamanaka Hiroki , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Mohs paste has a zinc chloride component and the ability to coagulate tissue. Mohs chemosurgery or surgery is a method by which coagulated tissue is removed and can be repeated until the tumor disappears. The palliative purpose of Mohs chemosurgery or surgery is to control bleeding or exudate from a malignancy with a skin ulcer. In the current report, a single application of Mohs paste as a pre-operative treatment for a superficial sarcoma with a skin ulcer prevented intra-operative bleeding. Case Report: Two metastatic sarcomas are described: one in the scalp originating from a rectoperineal dedifferentiated liposarcoma and one in the elbow originating from a humeral telangiectatic osteosarcoma. Mohs paste treatment was performed the day before surgical resection. The Mohs paste procedure successfully prevented intra-operative bleeding from the tumor, leading to easy removal of the tumors with appropriate tumor-free margins. Conclusion: Preoperative Mohs paste treatment is a simple and reliable method. Intra-operative neoplastic bleeding may contaminate the tumor cells within the surgical field; thus the prevention of bleeding with Mohs paste treatment may lead to a decrease in the tumor recurrence rate. Keywords: Mohs surgery, metastasis, sarcomas, skin ulcer, preoperative.
Recurrent Abdominal Aggressive Fibromatosis with Incapacitating Hip Contracture – A Case Report
Authors: Mohan Vipin , Ramu Janarthanan , Babu Balu C , Shaji Druvan P , Chandrababu K K , Iyer Subramaniya
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Aggressive fibromatosis (AF) is a fibroblastic locally aggressive neoplasm arising from the musculoaponeurotic stroma and has no metastatic potential. The high tendency of recurrence despite complete surgical resections makes the management of the condition onerous. It can result in significant morbidity with major functional loss due to the destruction of adjacent vital structures and organs. AF with hip flexion contracture is a very rare occurrence. Case Report: A 20-year-old male presented with recurrent abdominal AF with severe hip flexion contracture and an unresectable tumor. He underwent deformity correction and he maintains the full correction achieved along with very good functional improvement at the end of 4 years. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that in a case of AF with an unresectable tumor, good functional outcome can be obtained; it can be maintained over the short term following contracture release with soft-tissue coverage surgery along with chemotherapy with sorafenib. Keywords: Aggressive fibromatosis, severe hip flexion deformity, Deformity correction
Interferometric metrology probe for highly sloped freeform optics
Authors: Wisniewski Hayden J. , Stalcup Thomas E. , Smythe Robert A. , Olszak Artur G.
Published: October 2023

A wide variety of systems are employed to measure the surface profile
of aspheric and freeform optical surfaces. Freeform metrology systems
must accurately characterize the full surface under test, which can be
difficult with steep surface slopes. Here we present an
interferometric surface metrology probe for highly sloped aspheric and
freeform optical surfaces. The optical design of this probe allows the
measurement of surface slopes up to 50 deg without tilting the
probe, which simplifies stage design and increases the accuracy of the
system. A spectrally controlled light source is used to create a
virtual ball in front of the probe tip to measure the surface distance
and angle. This system produces a cloud of points, to which Zernike
polynomials are fit and used to reconstruct the surface. We will show
sensitivity tests and accuracy results.
Automated pipeline for breast cancer diagnosis using US assisted diffuse optical tomography
Authors: Xue Minghao , Zhang Menghao , Li Shuying , Zou Yun , Zhu Quing
Published: October 2023

Ultrasound (US)-guided diffuse optical tomography (DOT) is a portable and non-invasive imaging modality for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment response monitoring. However, DOT data pre-processing and imaging reconstruction often require labor intensive manual processing which hampers real-time diagnosis. In this study, we aim at providing an automated US-assisted DOT pre-processing, imaging and diagnosis pipeline to achieve near real-time diagnosis. We have developed an automated DOT pre-processing method including motion detection, mismatch classification using deep-learning approach, and outlier removal. US-lesion information needed for DOT reconstruction was extracted by a semi-automated lesion segmentation approach combined with a US reading algorithm. A deep learning model was used to evaluate the quality of the reconstructed DOT images and a two-step deep-learning model developed earlier is implemented to provide final diagnosis based on US imaging features and DOT measurements and imaging results. The presented US-assisted DOT pipeline accurately processed the DOT measurements and reconstruction and reduced the procedure time to 2 to 3 minutes while maintained a comparable classification result with manually processed dataset.
Al0.1Ga0.9N p-i-n ultraviolet avalanche photodiodes with suppressed surface leakage current and uniform avalanche breakdown
Authors: You Haifan , Wang Haiping , Luo Weike , Wang YiWang , Liu Xinghua , Shao Zhenguang , Chen Dunjun , Lu Hai , Zhang Rong , Zheng Youdou
Published: October 2023

We report high-performance Al0.1Ga0.9N p-i-n ultraviolet (UV) avalanche photodiodes (APDs) based on sapphire substrates with stable breakdown voltages (VBR) around 113.4 V, low dark current densities (JBR) below 9 × 10−4 A/cm2 and a high avalanche gain over 2 × 106. A two-step deposition method was employed to reduce passivation-induced plasma damage while maintaining high dielectric film quality. Consistent JBR for various mesa sizes at the VBR are demonstrated, which reveals the suppression of the surface leakage current. Uniform electroluminescence (EL) distributions during the avalanche multiplication processes are displayed, which confirms the elimination of edge breakdown. Pure bulk leakage current distributions and uniform body avalanche breakdown behaviors are observed for the first time in AlGaN APDs. The emission spectra of the EL at various current levels are also presented.
Storage and retrieval of electromagnetic waves in a metasurface based on bound states in the continuum by conductivity modulation
Authors: Nakanishi Toshihiro
Published: October 2023

In this study, we develop a time-varying metasurface based on the bound states in the continuum (BIC) with variable conductors, to store electromagnetic waves. The storage and retrieval of electromagnetic waves are demonstrated numerically through dynamic switching between quasi-BIC and BIC states by modulating the variable conductors. The storage efficiency exhibits oscillatory behaviors with respect to the timing of storage and retrieval. These behaviors can be attributed to the interference of a resonant mode and a static mode that is formed by direct current. In addition, the storage efficiency of a single-layer metasurface can reach 35% under ideal conditions.
Three-dimensional nanoscale vortex line visualization and chiral nanostructure fabrication of tightly focused multi-vortex beams via direct laser writing
Authors: Luo Mengdi , Wen Jisen , Ma Pengcheng , Sun Qiuyuan , Xia Xianmeng , Zhan Gangyao , Yang Zhenyao , Xu Liang , Zhu Dazhao , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: October 2023

Optical singularity is pivotal in nature and has attracted wide interest from many disciplines nowadays, including optical communication, quantum optics, and biomedical imaging. Visualizing vortex lines formed by phase singularities and fabricating chiral nanostructures using the evolution of vortex lines are of great significance. In this paper, we introduce a promising method based on two-photon polymerization direct laser writing (2PP-DLW) to record the morphology of vortex lines generated by tightly focused multi-vortex beams (MVBs) at the nanoscale. Due to Gouy phase, the singularities of the MVBs rotate around the optical axis and move towards each other when approaching the focal plane. The propagation dynamics of vortex lines are recorded by 2PP-DLW, which explicitly exhibits the evolution of the phase singularities. Additionally, the MVBs are employed to fabricate stable three-dimensional chiral nanostructures due to the spiral-forward property of the vortex line. Because of the obvious chiral features of the manufactured nanostructures, a strong vortical dichroism is observed when excited by the light carrying orbital angular momentum. A number of applications can be envisioned with these chiral nanostructures, such as optical sensing, chiral separation, and information storage.
Can mobile-health applications contribute to long-term increase in physical activity after medical rehabilitation?–A pilot-study
Authors: Borst Fabian , Reuss-Borst Monika , Boschmann Johannes , Schwarz Peter
Published: October 2023

Due to the positive effects of rehabilitation declining over time, the aim of this study was to investigate the long-term physical activity level (PAL) following inpatient rehabilitation in relation to the use of a smartphone-based after-care program. 202 patients (mean Body Mass Index (BMI): 30,8 kg/m2; 61% female) with chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic low back pain, depression) were recruited between 08/2020 and 08/2021 in this single-arm observational study. All patients underwent a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation program. PAL (in total activity minutes/week) was measured with a validated (online) questionnaire (Freiburger Questionnaire on PA) after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. App usage (online time, completion of a course) was recorded automatically and used to evaluate the app user behavior (adherence). A variety of socio-economic factors (age, sex, education level, income etc.) were collected to identify possible barriers of app use. Except for sex, no significant difference was observed for socio-economic factors regarding app usage behavior. Median PAL significantly increased after rehabilitation in the total cohort from 360 min/week (before rehabilitation) to 460 min/week 6 months after rehabilitation, then declined to 420 min/week 9 months after rehabilitation before falling below baseline level after 12 months. There was no significant difference in PAL between app users (45%, 91/202) and non-users (55%, 111/202), although app users tended to retain higher activity levels after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Overall, our study emphasizes the effectiveness of a 3-week rehabilitation program on PAL and the acceptance and usability of a smartphone-based after-care program in this patient group. The adherence to this 3-months after-care app program was acceptable (30%), with modest evidence supporting the effectiveness of app use to sustain PAL in the short term.
Poor reporting quality of randomized controlled trials comparing treatments of COVID-19–A retrospective cross-sectional study on the first year of publications
Authors: Grüßer Linda , Eißing Charlotte , Kowark Ana , Keszei András P. , Wallqvist Julia , Rossaint Rolf , Ziemann Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Transparent and complete reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is essential for critical scientific appraisal of the results. It has been argued whether publications during the COVID-19 pandemic have met reporting standards. In this study, we assessed reporting adherence of RCTs on treatment interventions in COVID-19 patients to the CONSORT checklist and discuss which lessons can be learned to improve reporting in the future.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study performed at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany. We conducted a pragmatic systematic literature search in the PubMed database to identify RCTs on treatment interventions in COVID-19 patients in the first year of publications on the topic (March 2020-February 2021). We investigated the adherence of each publication to the CONSORT checklist and assessed the association between specific predictors and percentage adherence in an exploratory multivariable regression model.

Results

We analyzed 127 RCTs and found that the median percentage adherence to the CONSORT checklist was 54.3% [IQR 38.9 to 65.7]. In the exploratory multivariable regression model, the impact factor (highest tertile of impact factor compared to lowest tertile ß = 21.77, 95% CI 13.89 to 29.66, p<0.001; middle tertile compared lowest tertile ß = 11.79, 95% CI 5.74 to 17.84, p<0.001)) and authors’ referral to the CONSORT statement (ß = 9.29, 95% CI 2.98 to 15.60, p = 0.004) were associated with a higher percentage adherence to the CONSORT checklist.

Conclusion

The reporting quality of RCTs on treatment interventions in COVID-19 patients during the first year of publications was poor. Measures to improve reporting quality are urgently needed.
Distancias e hilos sisales: las maternidades en disputa en Distancia de rescate (2014) de Samanta Schweblin
Authors: Romano Alejandra
Published: October 2023

En este artículo analizo la configuración de dos tipos de maternidades presentes en la novela Distancia de rescate (2014) de la escritora argentina Samanta Schweblin desde una lectura eco-feminista sobre las prácticas tanto institucionales-productivistas como subversivas de cuidado en un mundo contemporáneo caracterizado por el biocapitalismo salvaje (Heffes 2021). Este viene determinado por la maternidad agrotóxica, por un lado, y la maternidad comunitaria, por el otro. Si en la primera se lee una polarización de las figuras maternas que demuestran su fracaso individual en un sistema patriarcal asociado a la “lógica del rescate” incondicional, la segunda deja entrever una apuesta literaria y ecofeminista por prefigurar otro orden simbólico posible desde los márgenes narrativos. De este modo, postulo que es posible reconocer otros modos críticos de reinvención materna dentro de la narración misma que, lejos de ser funcional al sistema extractivista, plantea el cuidado comunitario de un “hilo sisal” que interconecta prácticas y saberes al interior de un ecosistema en constante amenaza.
BABI, ANJING, DAN DARAH: Konstruksi Kebudayaan Kuliner Non-Halal
Authors: Koeswinarno Koeswinarno , Zakiyah Zakiyah
Published: October 2023

The existence of non halal food in Javanese society especially in Surakarta regency was a phenonema that needs to be studied. This is because the number of consumtion rate on this non halal food namely pork, dog and blood, was relatively high in this area. In addition, the tradition of consuming those non halal food is closely related with the “culture” and the surrounded social construction. Even, recently the non halal food becomes a trending topic in the social media. This article was written based on the qualitative research condudted in Surakarta. Data were collected using interview, observation and documentary study, then those collected data were analysed using a framework offered by Spreadly, as it said that culture on the retieved knowledge, then it was used to interprete such experience and created social behaviour. Findings of this research depicts that those non halal food have not fully accepted by the community in Surakarta, in which the majority of them are Moslem. However, those three kinds of food are available on several resaturants with the symbolic name such as B1 and B2. Furthermore, those three types of food have different position in the society; for instance, dog has long history and it is always nurtured by the society. Besides, pork is always sold by non-Moslem seller, in contrast dog and blood are sold by non-Moslem and Moslem seller, although Moslem seller did not consume them. Moreover, the existence on non halal food become a debate in the society and on the social media like Youtube.
Muslim Students, Philanthropic Movements and Political Practice: Narrative Study of The Ikatan Pelajar Al-Washliyah (IPA) in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra
Authors: Prayogo Agung , Harahap Elly Warnisyah , Hidayat Muhammad
Published: October 2023

This article discusses Muslim student movement is represented of Ikatan Pelajar Al-Washliyah (The Al-Washliyah Student Association) in Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra. IPA focuses not only on aspects of cadre development and ideological reinforcement in society but is also actively involved in all societal developments, including politics. The narrative study raises the question of how the political movement played of IPA. The research findings explain in political activity starts from the philanthropic movement based in the community, i.e. raising funds and distributionto help the welfare of the society. Then, the new direction of IPA activities has been towards the political practice, whether done openly or privately with provide open support and call for the election of a particular regional head candidate.
AGENSI PEREMPUAN DALAM POLEMIK PRAKTIK PEMOTONGAN DAN PERLUKAAN PADA GENITAL PEREMPUAN (P2GP)
Authors: Hikmalisa
Published: October 2023

Female genital mutilation (FGM), widely criticized from various circles such as WHO and UN, remains prevalent until today. A village in Kampar regency, an area with a Muslim Majority, is one of the largest areas that implements circumcision in the provence of Riau. Women are conventionally seen as passive and uncritical actors in the perpetuation of this practice. This research attempts to reveal women’s agency in the practice of FGM. Based on more than a month of field research in the village in Kampar regency, this paper employs a descriptive-qualitative approach. Data were obtained using involved observations, interviews, and a review of local histories and customary law. Using Bourdieu’s structural genetic theory, this paper explains the ways in which different socially-located women use their agency to critically ingage with FGM practices within their specific arena. I argue that women—women as mothers, women as children, and women as medical personnel—are active and critical agents vis-a-vis FGM practices. Using the capital they have within the arena in which they live, women exercise their agencies in the different ways to achieve certain goals. Women with high capital in certain arenas, especially in the family, will have more ability to resist FGM. On the other hand, women with low capital can also negotiate to perform symbolic circumcision, even if the habitus associated with circumcision does not change. As medical professionals, midwives also exercise agency by refusing to perform FGM on girls, but if forced to do so , they will usually perform minor circumcisions to fulfill the habitus of the practice in a symbolic way.
TIONGHOA MUSLIM DI MADURA: Asimilasi Budaya dan Interaksi Sosial
Authors: Akhmad Siddiq  , Mutamakkin Billa
Published: October 2023

Assimilation is a process of dynamic communication and mutual influence between two cultures, which grow together and adapt to each other. In the Madurese context, social interaction and cultural assimilation between the Chinese community and Madurese society develops in a complex and diverse social space, depending on the historical and sociological context. One example of cultural assimilation in Madura is the attachment of cultural adaptation by Chinese Muslims on the one hand and the attachment of Chinese art and architecture to Madurese cultural works on the other. This study intends to explain the existence of Chinese Muslims in Madura, both from historical and sociological perspective, as well as their struggles amid the flow of Madurese culture which is perceived as Islamic culture. It is hoped that this research topic can contribute to the discourse on social identity, religion and ethnicity. In addition, this qualitative research, that is based on observation and in-depth interviews, is expected to elucidate a piece of social interaction and cultural assimilation among Chinese Muslims in Madura.
INTERNALIZATION OF RELIGION IN THE DALAIL KHAIRAT FASTING TRADITION AT JEKULO ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL, KUDUS
Authors: Abror Indal , Muhammad Rizky Romdonny
Published: October 2023

Dalail Khairat fasting is a type of fasting that is practiced at the Darul Falah Jekulo Islamic Boarding School, Kudus. This fast is carried out for 3 consecutive years. In its implementation, the participants went through several stages of fasting. This paper attempts to discuss how the practice of fasting is carried out, the chain of fasting practice, namely the transmission of knowledge and the foundation of authoritative texts, as well as the subject's reception in the implementation of fasting. This research is a field research. Technical data analysis was carried out qualitatively-descriptively. Using an analysis of historical methods, the author concludes that the genealogical roots of Dalail Khairat's fasting go back to the first mujiz, namelySayyid al-Imam Muhammad bin Sulaiman al-Jazuli. In addition, the Dalail's fasting riyadah has an influence on the mental and psychological state of the practitioner. This shows that the Darul Falah Islamic Boarding School is able to maintain this fasting tradition in a sustainable manner.
Synthesis of Carbon Dot Nanoparticles (C-Dot) from Seeds and Seedpods of Kesumba Keling (Bixa orellana) using Hydrothermal and Solvothermal Methods
Authors: Rosyada Amrina , Sugiarti Sri , Suparto Irma Herawati
Published: October 2023

C-dot is a 0-dimensional nanoparticle with photoluminescence properties and can be synthesized from plants, such as the Kesumba Keling plant. Kesumba Keling contains a red pigment sourced from the bixin and norbixin dyes containing functional groups like ‒COOH and ‒COO‒. These functional groups are anticipated to enhance the luminescence intensity produced by C-dot. This research focuses on synthesizing C-dots from Kesumba Keling seeds and seedpods using hydrothermal and solvothermal methods. It also involves an analysis of how different solvents and passivation agents affect the luminescence of C-dots, along with a comparison of the resulting fluorescent colors. The highest yield, at 73.26%, was achieved when using Kesumba Keling seedpods and ethanol as the solvent without adding urea. Furthermore, C-dots synthesized using ethanol as the solvent display a stronger luminescent glow compared to those produced using double-distilled water as the solvent. Additionally, all C-dots synthesized in this study emit a blue luminescence. Characterizing C-dots using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer reveals absorption peaks at two different wavelengths: 260‒280 nm and 320‒340 nm. These absorption peak results align with C-dot characteristics, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry. When comparing the intensity of C-dots, those derived from Kesumba Keling peel using the double-distilled water solvent with the addition of urea exhibit a higher intensity (measuring at 0.99) than C-dots obtained from Kesumba Keling peel using ethanol as a solvent with added urea. The solvothermal method is deemed the most effective for C-dot synthesis, as it yields the highest luminescence intensity, accompanied by an emission wavelength shift to 491.65 nm.
Isolation, Structure Determination, and Cytotoxic Activity of Steroid Compound from The Stem Bark of Aglaia cucullata (Meliaceae)
Authors: Farabi Kindi , Harneti Desi , Nurlelasari Nurlelasari , Mayanti Tri , Maharani Rani , Supratman Unang
Published: October 2023

Steroids are one of the secondary metabolite groups that are abundant in many organisms. In plants, this type of compound is called phytosterols. Phytosterols have been widely known to show many potential bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, induced apoptosis, cytotoxic, anti-diabetic, angiogenic, and antioxidant. One of the sources of phytosterol compounds is the genus Aglaia. As the largest genus in the Meliaceae family, the genus Aglaia contains many bioactive compounds, including steroids. This research reported the isolation, structural determination, and cytotoxic activity of steroid compounds from the stem bark of Aglaia cucullata, one of the members of the Aglaia genus. Pure isolated steroid was obtained after maceration of dried stem bark with ethanol and partitioned based on difference polarity, continued by column chromatography. Spectroscopic methods, including HRMS, FTIR, 1D and 2D NMR, were used for structural determination. The compound structure identified as stigmast-5-en-3β-ol-3β-oleate was first isolated from this species. MCF-7 breast cancer cell, B16-F10 melanoma cell, and CV-1 normal fibroblast kidney cell were used to evaluate its cytotoxicity. Stigmast-5-en-3β-ol-3β-oleate displayed low cytotoxicity against those two cancer cells and a normal cell.
Isolation, Identification, and Antibacterial Testing of Essential Oil from Green Betel Leaf (Piper Betle L.) Using Well Diffusion Method
Authors: Fachriyah Enny , Fadillah Hafizdah , Sarjono Purbowatiningrum Ria , Ismiyarto Ismiyarto
Published: October 2023

Green betel leaves have been traditionally employed within communities for various medicinal purposes, owing to their rich composition. These leaves are endowed with secondary metabolites encompassing flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and essential oils. Notably, the essential oils within green betel leaves possess a spectrum of biological properties, including antioxidant, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-Alzheimer's, and anti-carcinogenic activities. In this study, the essential oil from green betel leaf collected from Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia, was isolated using water-steam distillation. The components of this isolate were identified using GC-MS analysis. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 (S. epidermidis) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) using the well-diffusion method at various concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 100%). Chloramphenicol served as the positive control, while a solution of Tween 20 in distilled water used as the negative control. The essential oil derived from green betel leaves exhibited a brownish-yellow color, possessed a distinctive betel aroma, and had a concentration of 0.21% v/w, a refractive index of 1.5001, and a specific gravity of 0.961 g/mL. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 44 components, with the five most abundant constituents being acetyl chavicol (20.65%), germacrene- D (11.55%), eugenol (8.94%), trans-caryophyllene (7.92%), and chavicol (5.74%). Regarding antibacterial activity, the isolate demonstrated strong activity against S. epidermidis ATCC 12228 at a concentration of 75%, yielding an inhibition zone diameter of 12.33 mm. Similarly, it exhibited strong activity against E. coli at a concentration of 90%, resulting in an inhibition zone diameter of 12.67 mm.
The Relationships between Physical and Emotional Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Huriani Emil , Mailani Fitri
Published: October 2023

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for myocardial infarction patients has been shown to provide outstanding results, yet research has shown that patient quality of life varies. However, few studies have been done on the physical and emotional symptoms that impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients who have undergone PCI.Purpose: This study aimed to identify physical (fatigue, angina, dyspnea) and emotional (stress, anxiety, depression) symptoms related to HRQoL of myocardial infarction patients after PCI.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional approach. A total of 154 patients, who were recruited using a purposive sampling method, participated in this study. The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), the Seattle Angina Questionnaire-7 (SAQ-7), the Dyspnea scale (modified MRC score), the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), and the MacNew Quality of Life Questionnaire were all used to collect the data. Linear regressions were used to analyze the data.Results: The mean of the global HRQoL score was 5.11(0.90). Results on physical symptoms showed that a total of 49.4% of participants reported fatigue; the mean angina score was 69.6(12.06), and the mean score of dyspnea level was 0.63(0.92). Emotional symptoms reported that stress was at an average level (83.1%), anxiety was at a moderate level (63%), and depression was at a standard level (72.7%). The multiple linear regression analyses revealed fatigue (β=-0.22), angina (β=0.30), and anxiety (β=-0.32) as the factors related to HRQoL.Conclusion: Despite having a PCI after an acute myocardial infarction, the patients’ HRQoL was above the middle score. It was discovered that anxiety, angina, and fatigue predicted HRQOL in patients with myocardial infarction after PCI.
Contextual Factors, Health History, and Daily Living Activities for Ovarian Cancer Risks: A Case-Control Study in Indonesia
Authors: Widiasih Restuning , Natasha Windy , Popoola Tosin , Nelson Katherine
Published: October 2023

Background: Women are encouraged to aware for risk factors that may aid in the early detection of ovarian cancer before symptoms and sign appear. However, limited studies evaluated the broad aspects of the risk factors for ovarian cancer, particularly in Indonesia. For a more thorough analysis of ovarian cancer risk factors, more variables and a research approach that can make it easier to uncover risk factors of ovarian cancer are necessary. Detecting factors associated with ovarian cancer could serve as the foundation for developing an early warning model.Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze contextual factors, reproductive health history, and Activity Daily Living (ADLs) associated with ovarian cancer risks.Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 408 women with a 1:1 balanced composition: 204 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 204 without. The study was conducted at the Cancer Referral Hospital in West Java Province, Indonesia, from April to November 2020. The instrument was developed based on previous studies and hospital medical/nursing records. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and the logistic regression test. The sensitivity and specificity were examined using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC).Results: The variables significantly associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer were advanced age (≥ 45 years) with an odds ratio (OR) of 19.76, low education (OR: 225.00), obesity (OR: 6.04), prior surgery (OR: 51.06), parity (OR: 110.38), and poor sleep quality (OR: 15.75). These factors were found to have the strongest associations with ovarian cancer development.Conclusion: The present study has identified risk factors that have a statistically significant association with the occurrence of ovarian cancer. Healthcare practitioners have the potential to employ this information as foundational data for future research in the development of a self-detection tool for assessing the risk of ovarian cancer.
Mají zvířata, rostliny či věci svou tvář? Lévinas, Diehm a eko-fenomenologie
Authors: Prášek Petr
Published: October 2023

Eco-phenomenology is a young branch of contemporary phenomenology and environmental ethics that attempts to put aside all preconceptions burdening the relationship between humans and nature, to describe it purely on the basis of how it appears phenomenologically, and to draw ethical implications that could contribute to solving the ecological crisis. Authors inspired by Levinas’ ethics play an important role in this project, asking whether it could be extended to non-human beings. The article addresses two of them in particular: it shows how Ch. Diehm – who sees the core of Levinas’ ethics in sensitivity to the suffering of the vulnerable body – succeeded in comparison to his predecessor S. Benso and her ethics of things, but also marks the limits of his attempt, thus indicating what remains a challenge for Levinas-inspired eco-phenomenology in the future.
Přírodní neštěstí
Authors: Diehm Christian
Published: October 2023

Translation of Christian Diehm’s Natural Disasters
O loutkovém divadle
Authors: von Kleist Heinrich
Published: October 2023

Translation of Kleist’s Short Story On the Marionette Theatre
Česká filosofie, Wittgenstein a umělá inteligence
Authors: Rozen David , Mácha Jakub
Published: October 2023

Interview of David Rozen with Jakub Mácha
Prawne regulacje funkcjonowania samorządu terytorialnego w aspekcie efektywności nadzoru oraz kontroli sądowoadministracyjnej
Authors: Nogieć-Karwot Edyta
Published: October 2023

The article presents an analysis of legal regulations concerning supervisory institutions as a key element in how local government functions. The effectiveness of supervision institutions is analyzed on the basis of legal regulations concerning bodies supervising the activities of local government. Exercising legal supervision contributes to restoring the state of affairs consistent with law, if it has been violated, thus presenting statutory supervisory measures at the disposal of supervisory authorities. Ongoing supervision of voivodes and regional accounting chambers, as a matter of principle, is related to examining the legality of the legislative activity of the decision-making bodies of local government units, therefore the article discusses the process of supervisory proceedings related to the issuance of a supervisory decision by the supervisory authority. In order to exercise supervision more effectively, in addition to appropriate legislative changes and the elimination of existing legal loopholes, in the author’s opinion, it is necessary to deﬁne the principles of cooperation between supervisory authorities and other entities, including developing and agreeing on procedures for the mutual exchange of information. In addition, the actions taken by prosecutors, who, using their statutory powers, ﬁle numerous complaints to administrative courts against resolutions of local government units are also indicated. However, there is a complete lack of knowledge on the part of the supervisory authorities in this regard. The text recapitulates the results of the audit carried out by the Supreme Audit Office which concerned the supervision of voivodes over lawmaking by local government units in 2017–2019. The analysis of the subject of legal regulations relating to the exercise of supervision provides the basis for the author to formulate de lege ferenda postulates and to present the proposed directions of changes.
Odpowiedzialność świadka składającego fałszywe zeznania w obawie przed grożącą mu odpowiedzialnością karną – glosa do uchwały Sądu Najwyższego z dnia 9 listopada 2021 r., sygn. akt I KZP 5/21
Authors: Dołęgowski Mikołaj
Published: October 2023

The commentary pertains to the problem of witnesses giving false testimony in fear of criminal responsibility, which was the subject of the Supreme Court resolution pronounced by 7 Supreme Court judges on 9.11.2021, bearing the signature I KZP 5/21. Due to the fact that it is given the force of a legal principle, the resolution will be of utmost importance for both defense attorneys and prosecutors. The Supreme Court issued the aforementioned resolution in order to normalize its case law regarding Article 233 § 1a of the Polish Penal Code and in doing so the Supreme Courts supports verdict I KZP 19/10. Side notes on the commentary contain a discussion on false testimony, false explanation and the right to defense and the scope of these, in addition to a review of the legal doctrine in this scope. In the commentary, the author attempts to clarify and interpret Article 233 § 1a of Polish Penal Code, due to this point having been omitted in the resolution. The commentary approves the Supreme Court’s stance, mainly because of convincing arguments and conclusions drawn from interpreting the aforementioned article, especially the fact that the article does not extend the range of subjects expressed in Article 233 § 1 of the Polish Penal Code. The resolution in question contradicts the interpretation of the aforementioned provisions as advocated by the National Prosecutor’s Office, yet giving it the force of a legal principle should clarify the interpretative doubts of Article 233 § 1a of the Criminal Code.
Numerical investigation of the effects of dry gas model and wet steam model in solar-driven refrigeration ejector system
Authors: Cong Honglun , Zhang Jiao
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, the use of equipment with little pollution is essential due to the increase in the planet’s temperature. Ejectors are considered one of the equipment with no pollution, and their failure rate is low due to the lack of moving parts. Also, scholars have recently focused on improving the efficiency of industrial equipment. The use of accurate modeling is required to improve steam ejector performance. In a steam ejector, non-equilibrium condensation creates a two-phase flow situation. The wet steam model, used in this study, characterizes this two-phase flow. The study’s objective was to compare this wet steam model with the dry gas model. In the wet steam model, the liquid mass fraction is 0.25, and its calculated entrainment ratio is lower than the dry gas model, closely matching experimental observations. The dry gas model reaches a maximum Mach number of about 5, while the wet steam model approximates 4. A significant temperature difference exists between the two models, with the dry gas model indicating lower temperatures compared to the wet steam model. Diagonal shocks and expansion waves are evident in the mixing chamber, fixed cross-section, and diffuser. These phenomena occur with greater intensity and a slight delay in the wet steam model compared to the dry gas model.
A numerical study on thermal bonding with preheating technique for polypropylene microfluidic device
Authors: Almezgagi Esam Abdulrahman , Fu Zhihong , Huang Gongjian , Zhang Xianyue
Published: October 2023

This study presents a method for producing microfluidic chips from polypropylene using a pre-heated bonding area and thermal bonding technology. ANSYS was utilized to investigate the effects of bonding parameters and microchannel deformation and predict the bonding strength. Results show that careful control of these parameters is critical to achieve a strong and durable bond between the microfluidic chip layers. Higher bonding temperatures were found to lead to greater microchannel deformation, with deformation increasing significantly, as the temperature approached the material’s melting point. Increased bonding pressure after 1 MPa and a time of 300 s also led to greater microchannel deformation. The study’s analysis of stresses revealed that the maximum principle compressive stress on the edges of the bonding area increased significantly with pressure. Tensile testing showed that bonding strength was near failure at a tensile force of 5,500 N, indicating a bonding strength close to 1.5 MPa.
The black swan: a case of central nervous system graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Butera Sara , Tavarozzi Rita , Brunello Lucia , Rivela Paolo , Sofia Antonella , Viero Lorenzo , Salvio Michela , Ladetto Marco , Zallio Francesco
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of central nervous system is an atypical and rare manifestation of chronic GVHD, presenting with a heterogeneous spectrum of signs and symptoms. Diagnosis of neurological manifestations of GVHD can be highly challenging and remain associated with dismal prognosis, significant morbidity, and reduced quality of life.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe a 39-year-old woman developing neurological signs and symptoms 8 months after allogeneic HSCT magnetic resonance imaging showed multifocal hyperintense lesions involving the periventricular region and frontal subcortical white matter. There was no laboratory evidence of infective or malignant etiology, and the case was diagnosed as CNS-GVHD. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy and the clinical conditions gradually improved. After few months, patient symptoms progressed despite the addition of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin, tacrolimus, and a new course of high dose steroids. To engage targeted therapy, the patient underwent brain biopsy that revealed a loss of myelin fibers, perivascular and diffuse infiltration of T cells, and macrophages associated with reactive gliosis, representing a demyelinating disease. We intensified treatment with cyclophosphamide and subsequently introduced ibrutinib as salvage strategy. Despite a magnetic resonance imaging showing great regression of the demyelinating lesions, patient’s conditions deteriorated and she died 16 months after HSCT.

Conclusions

CNS-GVHD is a rare complication of HSCT that is difficult to diagnose. Based on our experience, brain biopsy may represent a useful diagnostic tool when the clinical features of neurological symptoms are ambiguous or in patients without evidence of preceding chronic GVHD.
WTAP affects intracranial aneurysm progression by regulating m6A methylation modification
Authors: Yuan Xuesong , Bao Qing , Lu Bin , Xiang Chong , Hou Xiaoshan , Wei Wenfeng
Published: October 2023

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a type of cerebrovascular disease that mainly occurs in the circle of Willis. Abnormalities in RNA methylation at the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) site have been associated with numerous types of human diseases. WTAP recruits the m6A methyltransferase complexes to the mRNA targets, and its expression is positively correlated with m6A methylation levels. This research aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of m6A methylation in IA. A selective arterial ligation method was used to establish an IA rat model; thereafter, the m6A methylation level and m6A methylation-related genes were determined in blood and circle of Willis samples using a commercial kit and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Subsequently, rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMVECs) were treated with TNF-α, and the expression of m6A methylation-related genes within the cells were assessed. Lastly, the effects of WTAP on TNF-α-induced rBMVECs were further investigated through in vitro experiments. In result, the m6A RNA methylation level evidently declined in the blood and circle of Willis’ samples of the IA rats, as compared to the corresponding samples from the control rats (P < 0.05). Compared to the results in the control rats/cells, WTAP expression was significantly downregulated, whereas ALKBH1 expression was evidently upregulated in the blood and circle of Willis samples of the TNF-α-induced rBMVECs of IA rats. Consequently, TNF-α-induced rBMVECs and rBMVECs with WTAP overexpression were successfully established. TNF-α inhibited the viability of the rBMVECs, promoted apoptosis, and significantly upregulated cleaved-caspase3 and downregulated WTAP expression. In contrast, WTAP overexpression significantly reversed these changes caused by TNF-α (P < 0.05). In conclusion, WTAP overexpression may modulate the growth of TNF-α-induced rBMVECs by enhancing WTAP expression and its m6A methylation.
Preparation and properties of ABS/BNNS composites with high thermal conductivity for FDM
Authors: Chen Caifeng , Zhong Wuwen , Guo Junhao , Liu Kai , Wang Andong
Published: October 2023

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin is a widely used engineering plastic at present. Due to its excellent mechanical properties and high fluidity, it is utilized in fused deposition molding (FDM) technology. In this paper, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) were prepared by hydrothermal exfoliation and used as nano-fillers for ABS resin, and ABS/BNNS composite wires for FDM printing were prepared by melt blending method. The results showed that BNNS with fewer layers were obtained; the addition of BNNS to the ABS resin matrix could effectively enhance the thermal conductivity of the composites. When the addition amount of BNNS was 15 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the composite increased to 0.369 W/(m K), which was 120.06 % higher than that of pure ABS (0.174 W/(m K)). In addition, BNNS also improves the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and melt flow rate of the composites, thus making ABS composite wires more suitable for FDM printing.
Hungary in the European Union – Cooperation, Peacock Dance and Autocracy
Authors: Éltető Andrea , Szemlér Tamás
Published: October 2023

Hungary had been one of the frontrunners in the political and economic transition process in Central and Eastern Europe in the 1990s, and in 2004 it joined the European Union. Since 2010, Hungary has gradually become an autocratic regime, a process that has been facilitated by the political benefits of EU integration and money transfers. While the support of the Hungarian people for EU membership has remained high, tensions have increased between the Hungarian government and EU institutions. This article evaluates how the external shock of Russia’s war against Ukraine has shaken Hungary’s so far developed authoritarian equilibrium within the EU. The authors show how embedded the Hungarian autocracy has become and argue that although there have been some effects to the pillars of the authoritarian equilibrium, it has remained stable, and most probably will continue to do so, as long as the illiberal regime stays in power.
CST3 alleviates bilirubin-induced neurocytes’ damage by promoting autophagy
Authors: Li Zhenkun , Du Yating
Published: October 2023

High concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) have toxic effects. The aim of our study was to find a way to elevate UCB tolerance or inhibit its toxicity in neurocytes. It has been reported that cystatin C (CST3) concentrations have a significant positive correlation with total bilirubin (TB) levels and a negative correlation with albumin levels. In addition, CST3 can directly bind UCB, decrease human umbilical vein endothelial cells’ permeability, improve blood–brain barrier integrity after ischemic brain injury in mice, and induce autophagy. We hypothesized that CST3 could increase the solubility of UCB, decrease permeability of neurocytes, induce autophagy of neurocytes, and alleviate bilirubin-induced damage. To verify our hypothesis, we measured TB and conjugated bilirubin levels, and the permeability and autophagy of neurocytes treated with UCB and CST3. Our findings suggest that CST3 can protect against UCB-induced damage in neurocytes and that autophagy played an important role in this process.
ePortfolio to support professional development during experiential learning placements: Guided by students-as-partners theory, enabled through students-as-partners practice
Authors: Roche Cicely , Abria Laine , Farrell Orna , Johnston Jonathan , Penny Light Tracy , McKibben Alexandra , Reast Aisling , Yancey Kathleen Blake
Published: October 2023

This case study applies a students-as-partners focus to the use of ePortfolio concepts during experiential learning placements. In describing our project and as evident here, in referring to ePortfolio in the singular, we cite it as an abstract concept, while the plural reference marks practice, in this study taking the form of student-generated instances of ePortfolio use, in particular as detailed in the ePortfolios experiences of two final-year students on experiential placement in a pharmacy programme. These two students used their ePortfolio to document and reflect critically on their experiential placements, showcasing their own student-generated ePortfolios at a symposium co-hosted by student partners, their placement preceptor, and other mentors. This student co-developed case study summarises key findings, including how the use of ePortfolio can support learner agency, and outlines recommendations for further incorporating ePortfolio use in experiential learning contexts. While grounded in the context of an undergraduate pharmacy programme, much of the study will resonate with colleagues based in other disciplines aligned with competency frameworks. The staff-student collaborative approach explored in this case study is likely of interest to students, educators, preceptors, tutors, mentors, and others developing curricula with an ePortfolio component.