bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, antioxidant enzyme activities and some physiological properties of lemon balm (Mellissa officinallis L.) in response to arsenic and cadmium stress
Authors: Mohammadi Effat Fakhr , Heidari Mostafa , Firoozabadi Mehdi Baradaran , Babaian Mehdi
Published: May 2023

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are nonessential elements, toxicants and inhibit various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of four concentrations of sodium arsenate (NaH2As4O. 7H2O): As1 = 0, As2 = 10, As3 = 20, and As4 = 30 mg As kg− 1 soil and cadmium sulfate (CdSO4): Cd1 = 0, Cd2 = 10, Cd3 = 20 and Cd4 = 30 mg Cd kg− 1 in soil on root and shoot growth, nutrient uptake and activity of some antioxidant enzymes in lemon balm plant. By increasing Cd and As concentration from 0 to 30 mg kg− 1 in soil, the dry weight of aerial part 50.7% decreased. This reduction for dry weight of roots in Cd treatment was 18.5%, and in As treatment was 32.01%. Cd and As decreased the concentration of chlorophyll “a” and carotenoid and increased the concentration of anthocyanin (77.6%) in the leaves. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT): 49.4% and superoxide dismutase (SOD): 49.6% increased. Cd and As also decreased the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in leaves of lemon balm plant. The concentration of Cd in the root reaches from 2.72 to 53.3 µg g dry weight) an increase of about 19.5 times). And in the aerial part it was an increase of about 1.5 times. The concentration of As in the root reached from 1.52 to 27.3 µg g dry weight (an increase of 17.9 times) and in the aerial part it was 15.1 times. Due to the transfer a large amount of As compared to Cd to the aerial part, It can be concluded that the effect of As on this plant was greater than that of Cd.
Twitter-based journal club as a global medical education tool - Insights from the IPNA Journal Club (#IPNAJC)
Authors: Qader Md. Abdul , Chaturvedi Swasti , Pinsk Maury , Loachamin Franklin , Shah Shweta S. , Malina Michal M. , South Andrew M. , Batisky Donald , Kupferman Juan Claudio , Mannemuddhu Sai Sudha
Published: May 2023

Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) is successfully utilized by medical professionals worldwide to improve educational equity and networking opportunities. One such novel FOAMed tool is a Twitter-based journal club, #IPNAJC. The summary and infographics of selected pediatric nephrology article(s) are published on the IPNAJC website and emailed to members. Two separate, live, one-hour sessions are conducted in major international time zones in English and Spanish. Authors and experts are invited to the discussion. After #IPNAJC, a wrap-up is distributed across the IPNAJC membership via an email¸ for access on demand. An online, anonymous 11-question survey was distributed to IPNA members by email between Nov–Dec 2021. The response rate was 3.5 % (n=67). Most responses were from Asia (33%) and physicians (72%). Participants learned about #IPNAJC via email (69%), social media (17%), and colleagues (14%). Approximately 42% participated live; the remaining interacted with the materials asynchronously. The median (IQR) overall quality was 4 (3–5), the quality of summaries was 4 (4–5), VA usefulness was 5 (5), and ease of participation in the discussion was 5 (3–5). Analysis of Twitter chat revealed that 24 people participated in the live #IPNAJC, generating 424 tweets and 1.048 million impressions (median (IQR)). Most respondents perceived that the #IPNAJC and its FOAMed resources were of good quality. This survey study reinforces that FOAMed resources have a broad geographical reach, are accessed by users at all career stages, and can be utilized during and after a social media event.
Polymeric Based Mucoadhesive Film for CannabidiolControl Release
Authors: Laoasoke Wacharakul , Choipang Chasuda , Chaiarwut Sonthaya , Suwantong Orawan , Chuysinuan สถาบันวิจัยจุฬาภรณ์ อาคารวิจัยเคมี , Techasakul Supanna , Sangsanoh Pakakrong , Supaphol Pitt
Published: May 2023

Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid isolated from the cannabis plant. Instead of intoxicating effects, Cannabidiol is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety effects. Being antagonist to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, Cannabidiol binds to CB receptors through negative allosteric modulation; reduce binding affinity of endocannabinoids to corresponding receptors decreasing activities without adverse agonist effects. Cannabidiol could be administered via several routes, for example, oral, sublingual, nebulizing, and transdermal. However, due to its low water solubility and first-pass metabolism, Cannabidiol showed low bioavailability in several administrations, including the most common, oral delivery. Mucoadhesive drug delivery is one solution to increase drug retention time at oral absorption sites, buccal and sublingual, in which the drug could be absorbed directly into the bloodstream without passing through the digestive tract and its first-pass metabolism. Among several biocompatible mucoadhesive polymers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was found to be a suitable matrix that could be formulated into a thin film with up to 20% cannabidiol content. To prolong the retention and disintegration time, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added as a backing layer due to its softness and flexibility. The bilayer film showed excellent mechanical properties with tensile strength of 8.54 N/mm2 and elongation of 30 %. The addition of a PVA backing layer not only improves mechanical properties but also prolongs up to 90 minutes of film disintegration time. HPMC-PVA film shows the controlled release of cannabidiol over a 6-hour period. The results indicate that HPMC-PVA bilayer is a suitable polymer matrix for cannabidiol delivery because it provides mucoadhesive properties in oral administration and controls release for higher cannabidiol absorption.
Initial clinical experience with using a 1.5 Tesla MR-Linac for stereotactic body radiotherapy for cancer of the upper abdomen
Authors: Zhao Mengyu , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Yun , Song Yajun , Li Zhenjiang , Yue Jinbo
Published: May 2023

Background
Traditional radiation therapy for upper abdominal tumors requires relatively large margins around the tumor to account for respiratory motion, which limits the dose that can be safely delivered to the tumor. Magnetic resonance (MR) -guided radiotherapy provides optimal visualization of soft tissues, which can be improved still further by use of contrast-enhancing agents. We describe our preliminary experience with using a 1.5 T MR-linear accelerator (MR-LINAC) device in combination with liver-specific contrast agents for treating patients with upper abdominal tumors.
Methods
Nine patients with upper abdominal tumors were selected for treatment with stereotactic body radiotherapy under MR guidance; all patients were given a contrast-enhancer before radiotherapy. We also used the same treatment planning system (Monaco, Elekta version 5.40.02) to provide parallel plans for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for each patient, and all treatment plans were reviewed by two experienced radiation oncologists.
Results
The 9 patients (8 men, 1 woman; median age 64 years) had multiple types of upper abdominal tumors. The radiation dose (e.g., 40 Gy in 5 fractions, 50 Gy in 10 fractions) depended on the tumor location and clinical characteristics. MR imaging provided excellent soft tissue contrast, which was improved further by the injection of enhancing agent, which led to a contrast-to-noise ratio of 19.28 with vs 5.165 without (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
MR-LINAC-based radiotherapy combined with contrast agents allowed abdominal tumors to be located precisely, potentially allowing the use of narrow treatment margins and hence less potential irradiation of normal tissues around the target area.
Comparative Evaluation of Chemical, Organic and Integrated Disease Management Modules for Effective Management of Maydis Leaf Blight of Maize
Authors: Aggarwal Sumit Kumar , Hooda K S , Kaur Harleen , Gogoi Robin , Chauhan Prashant , Bagaria P K , Kumar Pardeep , Choudhary Mukesh , Tiwari Rahul Kumar , Lal Milan Kumar
Published: May 2023

Maydis leaf blight (MLB) is a prevalent disease affecting maize worldwide, caused by the necrotrophic plant pathogen Bipolaris maydis (Nisikado and Miyake). Depending on environmental conditions, MLB can lead to yield losses of up to 40% or more. To combat this disease, various chemical and biocontrol/botanical agents have been developed and proven effective. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of different combinations of disease management components as an alternative approach. The effectiveness of three modules, namely organic, chemical, and IDM, was tested in hot spot locations, namely Ludhiana, Karnal, and Delhi, during 2019 and 2020. Results indicated that the chemical module demonstrated superior disease control, achieving percentages of 54.16 and 52.92 at Ludhiana and Karnal, respectively. The IDM module also showed promising results, with disease control percentages of 45.87 and 44.69 at Ludhiana and Karnal, respectively. Conversely, the organic module exhibited the least effectiveness. Notably, at the Delhi location, the standard control (Foliar spray with Mancozeb 75 WP @ 2.5 g / l water) proved most effective, achieving a disease control percentage of 64.29, followed by the IDM module at 50.00. The chemical module exhibited the highest percent increase in yield (PIY), with figures of 86.47 and 52.92 at Ludhiana and Karnal, respectively, compared to other treatments. This study highlights the superior efficacy of the chemical and IDM modules in comparison to the positive control (check). Consequently, these modules present alternative strategies for effectively managing MLB.
Significance of VP/VS ratio in locating earthquakes of a long-duration swarm in the western coast of India
Authors: Paul Himangshu , Sunilkumar T. C. , Gahalaut Vineet K. , Srina D. , Shekar M.
Published: May 2023

The ongoing earthquake swarm in Palghar, western India, since late 2018, is a natural laboratory to understand long-duration seismogenesis. However, to understand the seismogenesis mechanism, accurate estimation of the key parameters like precise earthquake locations and velocity model of the region is important. In 2020, two separate studies undertaken by two organisations in India, viz., CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) and National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported significantly differing results from the 8–12 months of earthquake monitoring in Palghar. CSIR-NGRI reported the depth of earthquakes in the range of 4–15 km, whereas NCS reported a much shallower depth down to 7 km only. We investigated the reason for this depth discrepancy using datasets from the networks of both these organisations. We found that for the available velocity models of the region, the earthquake locations using the two datasets are different. The selection criteria for velocity models, viz., travel-time residuals and location errors did not work for these velocity models. The network geometry and source-station separation are found to be some of the important factors for the observed inconsistency. However, the main reason is the inaccuracy of the velocity models in correctly locating the earthquakes. We estimated a velocity model by grid-searching VPand VP/VSratio to minimise the location difference between the two datasets. It consists of a VPlying between 5.55–5.85 km/s and a VP/VSratio between 1.77–1.81 of the shallow crust. For this velocity model, about 80% of the earthquakes of the CSIR-NGRI network were located within ~ 7 km depth. There is a greater overlap of the two seismicities such that the earlier depth discrepancy is resolved. We found strong correspondence between rainfall and seismicity. In the absence of other sources like the reservoir, volcanism, tectonics, fluid injection or other anthropogenic activity, we infer that the high VP/VSratio is caused by the rainfall saturation of cracks in the Palghar seismicity zone.
Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Corchorus aestuans leaf extract and their photocatalytic, antimicrobial and anti- proliferation against MCF-7 cell lines
Authors: Deivanathan Saravana Kumar , Prakash J. Thomas Joseph
Published: May 2023

The researchers are working hard to discover eco-friendly alternatives to chemically synthesized metal nanoparticles. The current study usedCorchorus aestuansto evaluate bio-synthesis, physiochemical characterization and antimicrobial activities against human pathogenic bacteria and also the anti-cancer activity. The bio-synthesizedCorchorus aestuanssilver nanoparticles (CA-AgNPs) were characterized by UV, FT-IR, powder XRD, FE-SEM, EDAX, HR-TEM, DLS and Zeta potential. UV- Visible spectrum of the aqueous solution showed a peak at 426 nm confirming the presence of silver nanoparticles. FT-IR spectrum analysis shows the presence of functional groups. XRD spectrum shows that the bio-synthesized CA-AgNPs were crystalline in nature with a face-centered cubic structure (FCC). The TEM studies revealed that the size of the synthesized CA-AgNPs was about 13 nm. The zeta potential value of -17.9 mV exhibits those bio-synthesized nanoparticles has the excellent stability. The MTT assay also demonstrated improved cytotoxicity against bosom malignant breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines with IC50value of 56.47 µg/mL. The CA-AgNPs were also found to be anti-microbial effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, after 48 h of interaction, the bio-synthesized CA-AgNPs successfully degraded the Methylene blue (MB) dye nearly 91.19%.
Enterobius infection of the appendix: Is pre-operative distinction from true appendicitis possible?
Authors: Bain Andrew P. , Scrushy Marinda G. , Gee Kristin M. , Jones R. Ellen , Beres Alana L. , Diesen Diana L.
Published: May 2023

Background:
Enterobius vermicularis infection of the appendix can mimic appendicitis. Limited studies exist on preoperative evaluation of pinworm positive patients. We predict pediatric patients with post-operative appendiceal pathology showing Enterobius infection are distinguishable from typical acute appendicitis using clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings.
Materials and Methods:
Single center retrospective review of appendectomy patients was performed. Patients with surgical pathology positive for pinworms were matched with case controls, examining symptoms, pediatric appendicitis score, physical exam, laboratory values, imaging findings and post-operative pathology.
Results:
Of 1153 patients, 13 had pinworms on final pathology. Compared to controls, Enterobiasis patients were more likely to present with fever (p < .005) and less likely to have RLQ rebound tenderness (p < .005). These patients more often required multiple radiologic studies (p < 0.05) with smaller appendiceal diameter (8.1 vs 9.6 mm, p < 0.05). Pathologically, Enterobiasis patients more often had inflammation limited to the mucosa (p < .005).
Conclusion:
Our data aligns with other studies demonstrating limited appendiceal inflammation caused by pinworm infection. These patients presented with less impressive physical exam findings, a smaller appendix on US, and US that were equivocal for appendicitis when compared to controls. These patients could possibly avoid appendectomy via anti-helminth treatment.
Enhanced electrochemical performance of Co3O4:M [M=Ni] nanoparticles for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Mariappan R. , Karthikeyan A.
Published: May 2023

We present a comprehensive study on the utilization of Ni-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles for energy storage applications, particularly in supercapacitors. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the structural integrity and phase purity of the samples, exhibiting the characteristic peaks of the cubic spinel structure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the presence of Co, Ni, and O elements, with different valence states observed. Scanning electron microscope images reveal irregular nano-flakes with increased particle size and reduced porosity as Ni doping concentration rises. Electrochemical analysis, including cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, demonstrates promising performance. Specifically, the 3 wt% Ni-doped Co3O4 sample exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 299 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. The GCD profile of all the three Ni doped Co3O4 Nps were carried out. All of them revealed quasi triangular charge-discharge curve that are due to both pseudo capacitive and electric double layer process. Moreover, the 3% Ni-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles demonstrate a maximum specific capacitance of 347 F/g at a scan rate of 1.5 A/g. Additionally, the 5% Ni-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles exhibit an impressive capacity retention of 92.87% even after 1500 cycles. Our findings indicate that appropriate Ni doping on Co3O4 nanoparticles enhances their electrochemical performance, great potential for supercapacitor applications.
Methyl-11C-L-methionine positron emission tomography for radiotherapy planning for recurrent malignant glioma
Authors: Niitsu Hikaru , Fukumitsu Nobuyoshi , Tanaka Keiichi , Mizumoto Masashi , Nakai Kei , Matsuda Masahide , Ishikawa Eiichi , Hatano Kentaro , Hashimoto Tsuyoshi , Kamizawa Satoshi , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: May 2023

Objective To investigate differences in uptake regions between methyl-11C-L-methionine positron emission tomography (11C-MET PET) and gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRI, and to examine the effects on dose distribution of changing the threshold value for definition of tumor boundaries.Methods Twenty consecutive patients with grade 3 or 4 glioma who had recurrence after postoperative RT between April 2016 and October 2017 were examined in the study. This study is simulation study assuming all patients received RT. Clinical target volume (CTV) was contoured using the Gd-enhanced region (CTV-Gd), T2-high region (CTV-T2), tumor/normal tissue (T/N) ratios of 11C-MET PET of 1.3 and 2.0 (CTV (T/N 1.3), CTV (T/N 2.0)), and the PET-edge method (CTV(P-E)) for stereotactic radiotherapy planning for recurrent malignant glioma after radiotherapy. Differences among CTVs were evaluated and the dose distribution for the normal brain was simulated for each CTV.Results The Jaccard index (JI) for concordance of CTV (Gd) with CTVs using 11C-MET PET was highest for CTV (T/N 2.0), with a value of 0.7. In a comparison of pixel values of MRI and PET, the correlation coefficient for cases with higher JI was significantly greater than that for lower JI cases (0.37 vs. 0.20, P = 0.007). D50% and D33% of the brain in radiotherapy planning using each CTV differed significantly (P = 0.03, P = 0.02) and those using CTV (T/N 1.3) were higher than with use of CTV (Gd). V90% and V95% for each CTV differed in a simulation study for actual treatment using CTV (Gd) (P = 1.0×10− 7, P = 3.0×10− 9) and those using CTV (T/N 1.3) and CTV (P-E) were lower than with CTV (Gd). Comparing with CTV (T2), the JI showed no significant difference with any CTV using PET. D50% and D33% of the brain were significantly higher than any CTV using PET.Conclusions The region of 11C-MET accumulation is not necessarily similar to the Gd-enhanced or T2 high region. A change of the tumor boundary using 11C-MET PET can cause significant changes in doses to the brain and the CTV.
Do poor institutions cause public investment to crowd out private investment in Africa?
Authors: EZZAHID Elhadj , Rafik Hamid
Published: May 2023

Private investment is an important catalyst of long-term growth. In addition to its direct effect on output, it incorporates technical progress which is of paramount importance to the growth of total factor productivity. This work investigates empirically the effect of public investment along with measures of the quality of institutions on private investment share in GDP using system GMM estimators for the case of African countries. Besides, it studies the interaction between different measures of the quality of institutions with the level of public investment. The main results show that improvements in the share of public investment, in most specifications, are associated with lower levels of private investment. That is to say, public investment crowds out private investment. However, the interaction of institutional quality and public investment has a positive impact on private investment. In other words, higher institutional quality causes public investment to crowd in private investment.
Immune-related genes construct and validate a risk model for aneurysm rupture leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Jin Ji , Li Ren , Chen Yang , Li Ziao , Wu Yongqiang , Guo Geng , Zheng Jianzhong
Published: May 2023

Background.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is an acute cerebrovascular illness with a pronounced rate of disability and fatality. Assessing the risk of rupture in unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) can guide early clinical intervention to avoid subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Current methods to assess the occurrence of aSAH at the molecular level are inadequate. Numerous studies have shown that immunity and inflammation are the initiating factors of UIAs rupture, which provides a potential theoretical support for constructing a risk model for aSAH occurrence based on immune-related genes.
Methods.
GSE36791 containing 61 samples was used as the training set, and GSE73378 containing 226 samples was used as the validation set, and the above data sets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. All samples were gene expression profiling from peripheral blood cells. Using R software to identify differential genes and key gene modules and explore the underlying biological processes of differential genes. Immune-related analyses were based on ssGSEA and CIBERSORT algorithms. Using Cox regression to fit the risk model for aSAH occurrence with 3 randomly selected immune-related genes, and validating the model in the test set.
Result.
A total of 22 hub genes were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis and gene differential expression analysis. Functional enrichment analysis showed that hub genes were mainly enriched in immune and inflammation-related pathways. The results showed that neutrophils and monocytes made up the largest proportion of the samples. CD6, SLP and SLC2A11 were randomly selected to construct risk model for aSAH occurrence. Our analysis resulted in an AUC value of 0.859 for the training set and 0.627 for the validation set, indicating that the model has some accuracy and potential clinical application.
Conclusion.
We identified 22 key genes associated with immunity and randomly selected 3 genes to construct and validate a risk model for the development of SAH due to aneurysm rupture. We determined the likelihood of intracranial aneurysm rupture based on the model score. It is possible to quickly and conveniently guide whether early intervention is needed for unruptured aneurysms at the molecular level to prevent the formation of SAH and related complications. In addition, pivotal gene-mediated inflammation provides a new perspective for future studies on the mechanisms of aSAH initiation and subsequent neurological deterioration.
Shortfalls and Challenges in Groundwater Regime Monitoring
Authors: Reddy A G S
Published: May 2023

Groundwater is exploited un-relentlessly worldwide, leading to severe resource shortages, reflected through a sharp decline in water levels and deterioration of water quality. Groundwater, a dynamic and renewable resource, needs continuous monitoring for its effective utilization and to meet the ever-increasing demand for water. Many non-government and government agencies have measured groundwater levels and their chemical quality over the past five decades. However, a cursory scan of the data, reports, and publications reveals that many countries still follow primitive practices of groundwater monitoring. Scant research publications and little R&D efforts are noticed in this domain. Lack of modernization in monitoring mechanism led to a paucity of real-time and accurate data. There is an urgent need to draw the attention of monitoring agencies toward updating monitoring strategies using the latest technology. System analysis is required for process standardization and the design of protocols to revitalize groundwater regime surveillance. Efforts are made to identify the areas of weakness which need immediate attention and explore the possibilities of engaging new techniques by adopting an out-of-box approach in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating the information on quantitative and qualitative indicators of groundwater to the end users in actionable form.
Perspectives of healthcare providers and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on improving glycaemic control in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a qualitative study
Authors: Lubaki Jean-Pierre Fina , Francis Joel Msafiri , Omole Olufemi Babatunde
Published: May 2023

Background
Despite advances in the therapeutic management of type 2 diabetes, glycaemic control remains suboptimal in sub-Saharan Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Defining interventions to improve glycaemic control requires a clear knowledge of local factors related to poor glycaemic control including the views and perspectives of key stakeholders such as healthcare providers and patients. Qualitative studies exploring these are lacking in the DRC. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of patients with type 2 diabetes and healthcare providers on ways to improve glycaemic control in the DRC.
Methods
This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews conducted on 26 purposefully sampled participants − 10 patients with type 2 diabetes and 16 healthcare providers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study used phenomenology approach, and inductive, constructionist, and thematic analysis. Themes were organized and integrated using the Innovative Care for Chronic Diseases Framework.
Results
Three themes were identified regarding improving glycaemic control: strengthening the healthcare system, supporting patients and population, and adopting supportive health policies. The improvement of glycaemic control involves actions from the patients and families, the healthcare organisations and the community, and policy environment. The patients should be empowered for self-management through a patient-provider relationship that is patient-centred. The care offered to patients with diabetes should be evidence-based and provided by multidisciplinary healthcare teams in well-equipped healthcare facilities. At the community level, efforts should focus on improving people’s knowledge of diabetes and provide more support to patients. At the policy level, primary prevention of diabetes and effective healthcare financing should be assured.
Conclusion
This study found that the improvement of glycaemic control for patients with type 2 diabetes in Kinshasa, DRC requires multidimensional strategies that include patient, family and community level interventions; structural and processes of care interventions in the health system; and health policy level interventions. To be efficient, these interventions need to be integrated into existing platforms of healthcare services delivery, particularly the chronic diseases management framework.
Effect of extrusion parameters on physical, microstructural and functional quality of lentil-quinoa extruded snack enriched with pumpkin by stepwise response surface methodology
Authors: eftekhariyazdi Minoo , Zenoozian Masoud Shafafi , Milani Elnaz , Rad Amir Hossein Elhami , Armin Mohammad
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to develop lentil-quinoa-pumpkin extruded snacks by investigating the effects of extrusion conditions (pumpkin flour ratio (A: 25–75%); barrel screw speed (B: 120–180 rpm) and feed moisture content (C: 14–22%) on water-activity (aw), Water Absorption Index (WAI: g.g-1), Water Solubility Index (WSI%), Oil Absorption Index (OAI: mL.g-1); expansion ratio (ER), Bulk-density (BD: g.cm-3), porosity (%) and hardness (N). Box-Behnken experimental design and Stepwise-response surface method were applied to analysis and model the properties of the extruded snacks. The pumpkin-flour ratio had a significant positive correlation with BD, OAI and WSI. Whereas the correlation between this parameter and hardness, porosity, ER and WAI was negative (P < 0.05). The feed moisture content was positively affected theawand WAI and negatively affected the harness of samples (P < 0.05). The screw speed had a positive effect on ER, porosity and WSI, whereas it was negatively influenced the hardness, BD andaw. By increasing the pumpkin-flour ratio in the feed composition, both air cell size and wall thickness of samples had been decreased. The results showed that 44.2% pumpkin flour, 22% feed moisture, and 172.1 rpm screw speed gave an optimized product. There was no significant difference between predicted and experimental values (except for ER) and the variation between the values was lower than 10%. The optimized snack was a good source of fiber (around 15%), protein (17.3%), and antioxidants (TPC = 15.28 mg GAE.g-1and antiradical scavenging activity (DPPH) = 33.66%). The caloric value of optimized snack was 362.6 cal.100g-1
The Disagreement Problem in Explainable Machine Learning: A Practitioner's Perspective
Authors: Krishna Satyapriya , Han Tessa , Gu Alex , Jabbari Shahin , Wu Zhiwei Steven , Lakkaraju Himabindu
Published: May 2023

As various post hoc explanation methods are increasingly being leveraged to explain complex models in high-stakes settings, it becomes critical to develop a deeper understanding of if and when the explanations output by these methods disagree with each other, and how such disagreements are resolved in practice. However, there is little to no research that provides answers to these critical questions. In this work, we introduce and study the disagreement problem in explainable machine learning. More specifically, we formalize the notion of disagreement between explanations, analyze how often such disagreements occur in practice, and how do practitioners resolve these disagreements. To this end, we first conduct interviews with data scientists to understand what constitutes disagreement between explanations generated by different methods for the same model prediction, and introduce a novel quantitative framework to formalize this understanding. We then leverage this framework to carry out a rigorous empirical analysis with four real-world datasets, six state-of-the-art post hoc explanation methods, and eight different predictive models, to measure the extent of disagreement between the explanations generated by various popular explanation methods. In addition, we carry out an online user study with data scientists to understand how they resolve the aforementioned disagreements. Our results indicate that (1) state-of-the-art explanation methods often disagree in terms of the explanations they output, and (2) machine learning practitioners often employ ad hoc heuristics when resolving such disagreements. These findings suggest that practitioners may be relying on misleading explanations when making consequential decisions. They also underscore the importance of developing principled frameworks for effectively evaluating and comparing explanations output by various state-of-the-art methods.
A Deep Dive into the Delta Wave: Forecasting SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic Dynamic in Poland with the pDyn Agent-Based Model
Authors: Niedzielewski Karol , Bartczuk Rafał P. , Bielczyk Natalia , Bogucki Dominik , Dreger Filip , Dudziuk Grzegorz , Górski Łukasz , Gruziel-Słomka Magdalena , Haman Jędrzej , Kaczorek Artur , Kisielewski Jan , Krupa Bartosz , Moszyński Antoni , Nowosielski Jędrzej M. , Radwan Maciej , Semeniuk Marcin , Tymoszuk Urszula , Zieliński Jakub , Rakowski Franciszek
Published: May 2023

In this work, we describe and forecast the fourth wave of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, driven by the Delta variant, using pDyn — a detailed epidemiological agent-based model. It is designed to explain the spatiotemporal dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 spread across Polish society, predicting the number and locations of disease-related states for agents living in the virtual society in response to varying properties of the pathogen and the social structure and behavior. We evaluate the validity of the dynamics generated by the model, including the succession of pathogen variants, immunization dynamics, and the ratio of vaccinated individuals among confirmed cases. Additionally, we assess the model’s predictive power in estimating pandemic dynamics (peak timing, peak value, and wave length) of disease-related states (number of confirmed cases, hospitalizations, ICU hospitalizations, and deaths) both at the national level and in the highest administrative units in Poland (voivodships).
When testing the model’s validity, we compared real-world data (excluding data used for calibration) to our model estimates to evaluate whether pDyn accurately reproduced the epidemic dynamics up to the simulation time (October 28, 2021). To assess the accuracy of pDyn’s predictions, we retrospectively compared simulation results with real-world data acquired after the simulation date, evaluating pDyn as a tool for predicting future epidemic spread.
Our results indicate that pDyn accurately predicts and can help us better understand the mechanisms underlying the SARS-CoV-2 dynamics.
Iatrogenic damage to the vascular-nerve bundle and lymphatic collectors of the femoral triangle during phlebectomy
Authors: Boldin B. V. , Bogachev V. Yu. , Golosnitskiy P. Yu. , Turkin P. Yu. , Varich G. A. , Dizengof I. M.
Published: May 2023

The rapid development of innovative medical technologies, the expansion of indications for surgical treatment, a significant increase in the number of operations performed for varicose veins entails a steady increase in the frequency of iatrogenic damage to the vascular-nerve bundle and lymphatic collectors of the lower limb. This can lead to severe complications requiring surgery, social and economic consequences associated with the need forlong-term outpatient and inpatient treatment, social security costs and a marked decrease in quality oflife. Reports on the occurrence of this pathology in the medical literature are few and, as a rule, describe extremely rare clinical cases. Timely diagnosis of complications, tactics of surgical treatment of patients with iatrogenic injuries in the surgical treatment of varicose veins and possible options for correcting emerging complications continue to cause discussion and remain one of the discussed problems of modern angiosurgery. The article provides a review of the literature devoted to the analysis of possible causes of iatrogenesis in varicose vein surgery: damage to the neurovascular bundle and lymphatic vessels of the femoral triangle, femoral vein, great saphenous vein, femoral artery, concomitant damage to the artery and vein, lymph nodes and basins, saphenous nerve during phlebectomy. The issues of diagnosis and options for correcting the complications that have arisen. The problem of mistakes and complications in the vein surgery should be resolved through comprehensive training of phlebologists, including compulsory teaching of vascular surgery skills, as well as supplying special equipment and instruments to the clinics.
Efficacy of compression and phlebotropic therapy varicose veins in pregnant women
Authors: Khryshchanovich V. Ya. , Rogovoy N. A. , Skobeleva N. Ya. , Krasko O. V.
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Pregnancy is the leading cause of varicose veins(VVs) in women. Therapeutic measures during pregnancy include the wearing of compression hosiery and the phlebotropic therapy.

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of graduated elastic compression and phlebotropic therapy in pregnant women with VVs.

Materials and methods. A total of 88 pregnant women were included, 30 of whom used compression stockings (group 1), 28 women received phlebotonics together with compression (group 2) and 30 were controls. VVs severity was determined using the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS). Quality of life (QoL) was calculated using the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20). The calf circumference was measured with a measuring tape in an orthostatic position.

Results and discussion. At the end of the study there was a decrease in VCSS (p < 0.001 and p < 0.008) in both treatment groups, whereas the control group showed an increase in VCSS severity (p < 0.001). At the end of follow-up the QOL score in the treatment groups showed a tendency to improve while the control group showed a decrease in QOL. A bilateral decrease in tibial circumference (p < 0.001) was seen in groups 1 and 2 and the adjuvant phlebotropic treatment was found to be superior in controlling the oedema.

Conclusions. The combined use of elastic compression and phlebotonics is more effective in eliminating venous oedema in pregnant women with VVs.
Epidemiology and acute management of high tension electrical burns in a rural-based medical college
Authors: Jain S. , Singla Ch. , Toor S. , Bhatti D. J. , Gupta P.
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Electrical burns are one of the most common causes of burns besides flame burns and scalds. High tension electrical burns lead to greater morbidity and mortality. Active management strategies are required to manage high tension electrical burns. Common epidemiological features and surgical management of wounds are described. Role of high ligation in high tension electrical burns has been described.

Purpose. To describe the epidemiology, main features of the presentation and acute management of high tension electrical burns.

Materials and methods. This study was done for the duration of 2 months. All patients who were admitted with high tension electrical burns were included in the study. Patients’ demographics, mode of injury, % age of burn areas involved, entry-exit wounds were recorded on the day of admission. Emergency fasciotomy was done in cases of impending gangrenous changes inlimbs to prevent compartment syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. Reconstructive surgeries were done depending on thelocation and depth of burns. Results. 64% patients were below 30 years. The majority of the patients who sustained electric burns were males (82.3%). All the patients were from low and middle socioeconomic status according to the modified kuppuswamy scale. The majority of patients sustained electric contact burns (55.8%). The majority of the patients were unskilled workers working in the fields (94.2%). Surgical treatment of all patients includes fasciotomies in 15 patients, debridement/ amputation in 32 patients, reconstructive surgeries in 42 patients.

Conclusion. High tension electrical burns are one of the most common causes of burns, especially in rural areas. Public awareness and compliance with safety standards as well as respect for the potentially deleterious effects of electricity are of utmost essential for avoiding these deadly injuries.
The use of sodium thiosulfate in the treatment of hemorrhoids
Authors: Belous S. S. , Abritsova M. V. , Torchua N. R. , Bogdanova E. M.
Published: May 2023

Hemorrhoidal disease is one ofthe most common pathologies ofthe anorectal region, its specific weight in the structure of diseases ofthe colon is about 40%. Hemorrhoids are a socially significant disease, most often found in the able-bodied population. The reason for the development of hemorrhoids, on the one hand, is a violation of blood circulation in the cavernous corpuscles, due to which they increase and nodes form, and on the other hand, dystrophic changes in the ligamentous apparatus of hemorrhoids, in connection with which they gradually shift down and begin to fall out of the anal canal. One of the factors provoking the development of hemorrhoidal disease may be the presence of dissinergia of the pelvic floor muscles, which, in accordance with the Roman criteria IV, is part of the functional constipation syndrome. Not only dissinergia, but also high basal pressure in the anal canal (increased tone of the internal anal sphincter) can lead to stool retention. High rates of basal anal pressure can occur as a result of damage to the mucous membrane of the anal canal during straining, which leads to reflex spasm of the anal sphincter (anal continuity reflex). Thus, a vicious circle can form and thereby exacerbate constipation and the course of hemorrhoidal disease. Also, the relationship between dysenergic defecation and hemorrhoidal disease can be justified by the fact that physiotherapy aimed at correcting the work of the pelvic floor muscles contributes to better control over the manifestations of hemorrhoidal disease in complex therapy. The return of symptoms or, in other words, the recurrence of the disease in patients after surgery for hemorrhoids more often occurs with concomitant constipation. In accordance with clinical recommendations for the treatment of hemorrhoids, the use of an adequate amount of fluid and the intake of dietary fiber (fiber preparations) is indicated to normalize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate constipation as part of complex therapy. If it is impossible to take dietary fiber, laxatives come to the fore of constipation therapy. This article presents clinical examples of the efficacy and safety of using sodium picosulfate.
The role of laser technologies in coloproctology
Authors: Torchua N. R. , Abritsova M. V. , Matinyan A. V.
Published: May 2023

Laser (Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is a technical device that emits electromagnetic radiation focused in the form of a beam in the range from infrared to ultraviolet, with high energy and biological effect. In the first quarter of the 20th century, A. Einstein laid the foundation for its creation, believing that when atoms are excited from an external radiation source, a multiple increase in the released photons occurs, and the result of this process is recorded as light energy. Back in the late twentieth century, lasers in coloproctology were used as a scalpel, in fact, they performed traditional surgical interventions, but using energy tools, however, this did not deprive patients of extensive wounds and, as a result, pronounced pain sensations. The modern use of laser in proctology is really minimally invasive. An optical fiber is carried through small punctures on the skin or fistula, through which the laser energy flows directly to the target and acts aiming. In coloproctology, lasers are used to treat hemorrhoidal disease, rectal fistulas and pilonidal sinus this isrecorded in clinical guidelines. The use of laser treatment with these nosologies can reduce the severity of pain after surgery, significantly reduce the healing time of wounds, shorten the period of disability, without reducing the quality of life of patients. At the same time, these interventions are almost as effective as classical operations, in some cases even superior. But despite these encouraging data, it is necessary to conduct further research in order to develop clear technical regulations for the use of laser techniques and tracking long-term results.
Phlebotonics for conservative treatment of haemorrhoids: when, to whom, how?
Authors: Shlyk D. D. , Tulina I. A. , Tsarkov P. V.
Published: May 2023

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a pathological enlargement of the external and/or internal hemorrhoidal piles, which may be accompanied by the bleeding and prolapse of haemorrhoids outside the anal canal. The incidence of HD among the population of the Russian Federation is 130–145 patients per 1000 people, occurring mainly in patients 45–65 years old. Among all coloproctological diseases in Russia, haemorrhoids became the reason for visiting a coloproctologist in 35–41.9% of cases. In outpatient department, the disease occurs with a frequency of 694 per 100,000 population. The treatment of hemorrhoids often begins at the coloproctologist’s office during outpatient visits. Typical clinical presentations of hemorrhoids include a complex of symptoms: periodic rectal bleeding during defecation, prolapsed hemorrhoids requiring manual reduction. Pain and itching are much less common symptoms. The treatment of hemorrhoidal disease consists of a complex of conservative measures, minimally invasive and surgical treatments, or a combination of above methods. Systemic phlebotropic drugs that affect various pathogenesis links of hemorrhoidal disease hold one of the first rightful places at the very core of modern conservative therapy regimens. Phlebotropic drugs are a large group of biologically active substances that are products of chemical synthesis or plant processing. The venotonic drugs containing flavonoids diosmin and hesperidin are the most studied ones. Various effects of diosmin and hesperidin from anti-ulcerogenic and antitumor to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ones have been studied in clinical and experimental studies. Its venotonic and angioprotective effects are the most important actions for the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. This review of literature is aimed determining the place of phlebotonics in outpatient practice for the treatment of haemorrhoidal disease.
O AMBIENTE ESTUARINO E A VARIAÇÃO DE pH: LIMITES NATURAIS E OBSERVAÇÃO EXPERIMENTAL DO EFEITO DA ACIDIFICAÇÃO SOBRE A BIODISPONIBILIDADE DE FÓSFORO
Authors: Braga Elisabete , Lucena Luanny , Almeida Antonio , Pires Maria , do Nascimento José , Sutti Bruno , Berbel Glaucia , Chiozzini Vitor
Published: May 2023

THE ESTUARINE ENVIRONMENT AND pH VARIATION: NATURAL LIMTS AND EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATION OF THE ACIDIFICATION EFFECT ON PHOSPHORUS BIOAVAILABILITY. This study shows the variation of pH in the Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-Lagoon Complex (CIELC). Data from 3 years (2019, 2021, 2022) were obtained in 17 points presenting the following ranges: temperature (14.88-27.05 ºC), pH (7.16-8.40) and DIP (0.20-11.28 µmol L-1) along a saline gradient (0.05-32.09) under different hydrodynamics, biogeochemical processes and anthropogenic influence. The pH buffering capacity due to the presence of weak acid salts in saline water (S ≥ 30) was associated to the lowest DIP, decreasing with low salinity values, confirming the direct correlation among salinity and pH. The highest temperatures in the winter of 2021, corroborated with the abnormal climate event in that year. An in vitro experiment showed results of the interaction of PID and sediments with different textures, with and without the presence of the benthic microbiota under a considerable decreasing of the pH (acidification) in relation to the natural condition of this environment. The P sediment flux characterized Iguape sector as a P sink with or without biota, Ararapira sector as a P source with biota and Cananéia, as P source without biota. The salt water buffered the pH and sediment buffered DIP both associated to the biogeochemical and hydrodynamic processes contribute to the homeostasis in the system.