bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological heterogeneity of intratumoral macrophages in prostate tumors
Authors: Danilko K. V. , Enikeeva K. I. , Kabirov I. R. , Maksimova S. Y. , Vishnyakov D. S. , Kzhyshkowska J. G. , Pavlov V. N. 
Published: January 2023

Background. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common human cancer worldwide. In the progression of prostate cancer, the total number of macrophages in the tumor tissue is associated with poor prognosis and increased risk of metastasis. However, the heterogeneity of intratumoral macrophages at various stages of PCa development, and the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been insuffciently investigated.The aim of the study was to analyze the morphological features, size and number of TAMs in PCa tissue samples, and to reveal their correlation with clinical data of patients.Material and Methods. Immunohistochemical analysis of 36 paraffn blocks of patients with PCa (pT2a–3bN0–1M0) was performed using antibodies to the scavenger receptor CD68.Results. Foamy CD68+ macrophages were found in the tumor tissue. The indicator “number of macrophages per total number of felds of view with macrophages” was the lowest in patients with a Gleason score of 6 (5.8) (11.0 – in patients with a Gleason score ≥ 8). Macrophages formed larger clusters in patients with severe PCa. Small but not large macrophages were signifcantly more common in patients with lymph node metastases (48 vs 24 in the N0 group; p=0.14). The number of small macrophages (smaller than 100 µm2) increased in a series of patients with Gleason scores of 6, 7 and ≥ 8 (24, 47.5, 72, respectively, p=0.052).Conclusion. As the tumor process progressed and the risk of biochemical recurrence increased, there was a trend towards an increase in the total area of large, foamy TAMs, presumably rich in lipids, as well as wider distribution of small macrophages with a tendency to form clusters. We hypothesize that foamy macrophages are involved in the further recruitment of small TAMs, subsequently leading to metastasis and tumor progression.
Desempenho das operadoras de planos de saúde: antes e durante a pandemia
Authors: Marques Tâmara  Ribeiro Rosa , Oliveira Elis Regina de , Santos Geovane Camilo , Neto Brasilino José Ferreira , Ferreira Ronivaldo Alcebíades 
Published: January 2023

Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho econômico-financeiro e operacional das Operadoras de Planos de Saúde (OPS), antes (3T2018-4T2019) e durante a pandemia (1T2020-2T2021) à luz da teoria do isomorfismo institucional.
Metodologia: Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva documental, com o uso de técnicas estatísticas de comparação de medianas (Wilcoxon e Kruskal-Wallis) e correlação (Spearman), entre os indicadores de desempenho e socioeconômicos, considerando as cinco Operadoras de Plano de Saúde (OPS) com maior número de beneficiários.
Resultados: Observou-se redução estatisticamente significativa, após início da pandemia, para os indicadores de rentabilidade, de despesas, variação de custo e de resultado financeiro. Por outro lado, ocorreu crescimento de liquidez corrente e aumento de prazos médios de recebimento de contraprestações (PMRC) e de pagamento de eventos (PMPE). A comparação de desempenho indica que na pandemia a rentabilidade e o PMPE deixaram de apresentar diferenças significativas. Quanto à associação entre as variáveis, a taxa de desocupação apresenta maior número de relação com os índices de desempenhos.
Contribuições do estudo: Evidencia o desempenho das cinco maiores OPS, considerando o período de pandemia Sars-Cov-2, tendo em vista que essas empresas podem ser afetadas diretamente pelo aumento potencial da demanda por assistência à saúde de seus beneficiários. Pelo prisma teórico do isomorfismo institucional essas empresas são referências para o setor.
Performance of health plan operators: before and during the pandemic
Authors: Marques Tâmara Ribeiro Rosa , Oliveira Elis Regina de , Santos Geovane Camilo dos , Ferreira Neto Brasilino José , Ferreira Ronivaldo Alcebíades 
Published: January 2023

Objective: To analyze the economic-financial and operational performance of Health Plan Operators (HPO), before (3Q2018-4Q2019) and during the pandemic (1Q2020-2Q2021) under the theory of institutional isomorphism.
Method: This is descriptive documentary research that uses statistical techniques to compare medians (Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis) and correlation (Spearman) between performance and socioeconomic indicators, considering the five Health Plan Operators (HPO) with the largest number of beneficiaries.
Results: A statistically significant reduction was observed, after the beginning of the pandemic, for the indicators of profitability, expenses, cost variation, and financial result. On the other hand, there was a growth in current liquidity and an increase in the mean receipt timeframe of payments (CRPM) and event payment (APTE). The performance comparison shows that in the pandemic, profitability and APTE were no longer significantly different. As for the association between the variables, the unemployment rate shows the highest number of relationships with the performance levels.
Theoretical/methodological contributions: Highlights the performance of the five largest OPS, considering the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic period, considering that these companies can be directly affected by the potential increase in demand for health care by their beneficiaries. By the theoretical prism of institutional isomorphism, these companies are references for the sector.
The effects of CPC 47 on earnings management in companies listed in B3
Authors: Dias André Lamblet , Anjos Ludmilla Gomes da Silva dos , Costa Thiago de Abreu , Marques José Augusto Veiga da Costa 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of adopting CPC 47 on the level of the earnings management of companies listed in the Brazilian capital market.
Methodology: The sample used in this study is composed of 207companies listed in B3 in the observation period 2012-2021 totaling 2070 observations. The approach is quantitative, using multiple linear regression with balanced panel data. Dechow, Hutton, Kim and Sloan (2012) and Kothari, Leone and Wasley (2005) models were used to improve the discretionary accruals and an earnings management model with control and interest variables.
Results: The results did not confirm the hypothesis that the adoption of CPC 47 affected the level of results management in the analyzed period but showed that indebtedness and operating cash flow explain discretionary accruals, regardless of the adoption of the pattern of revenue recognition. This evidence about earnings management increased with the adoption of CPC 47 was contrary to Baldissera, Gomes, Zanchet and Fiirst (2018), however, according to the findings of Grecco (2013), Jewel and Nakao (2014) and Braga (2020) in relation to the effects of accounting standards. The results indicate that companies with higher operating cash flow can generate accounting information with better quality regardless of the effects of the adoption of CPC 47. The period of the coronavirus pandemic did not significantly affect earnings management levels.
Contributions of the Study: As a contribution, the study expands the theoretical knowledge about the effects of CPC 47 on earnings management. Additionally, in a practical way, it collaborates with regulatory organs, auditors, executives, stakeholders, and the financial market in general.
The difficult construction of public accountability before the Brazilian courts of accounts
Authors: Silva Letícia , Nascimento Roberto Sérgio do , França Edson da Silva , Viotto Ricardo 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To analyze whether there is consistent evidence that Brazilian audit courts are using information and communication technologies (CITs) as instruments to improve transparency, accountability and citizen participation of actions related to the control of public finances.
Methodology: A quantitative research was conducted based on secondary data obtained from the electronic government pages of all 32 (thirty-two) Brazilian state and municipal courts of accounts. Cluster analysis was performed to establish the tc's ranking on 3 (three) perspectives examined in the study (accountability, transparency, and citizen participation).
Results: The evidence points to different levels in the dimensions accountability (38.4%), transparency (83.71%) and citizen participation (64.89%). The examination of the attribute accountability, paradoxically, proved to be worrisome due to the destonating behavior of the courts of accounts – including among brazilian regions – given the requirement that they make this attribute with their jurisdictions, but when analyzed, do not promote it in the same intensity.
Contributions of the Study: The results found in this research may support new evaluations in representative samples, incorporate studies on this theme and assist decision makers.
Management practices in retail trade companies in the east region of the city of Porto Alegre (RS)
Authors: Ribeiro George Wellington Ladvig , Bianchi Márcia , Venturini Lauren Dal Ben 
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To identify the managerial accounting practices used in retail organizations in the Eastern Region of the city of Porto Alegre (RS). Moreover, study the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the importance attributed to financial reports and management instruments and data analysis systems for taking decisions. In a complementary way, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and the importance attributed to financial reports and management instruments and data analysis systems for decision making are investigated.
Methodology: Descriptive research with a quantitative approach, it performed a data collection through a questionnaire with the owners/partners, administrators and employees of retail organizations in the region object of the study, totaling a non-probabilistic and accessibility sample of 26 companies. The questionnaire contemplated the profile of the respondents; management data; importance and use of management instruments and financial reports; and open questions to collect additional information.
Results: Companies are on average micro-companies, with centralized decisions, with a few use of managerial instruments and they comprise accounting as a support for the tax area. The least used management tools are the Balanced Scorecard and product life cycle, and some companies do not even use basic operational and financial controls, such as inventories, accounts payable and receivable, and strategic plan. Also, they attach greater importance to managerial instruments than they use them.
Contributions of the Study: Based on the perception of importance of financial reports and management tools, low level of training of managers, a few knowledge and use of management practices, therefore that more complexity of management tools, less importance attributed by managers to them.
The most relevant intangible assets in generating value in creative economy companies
Authors: Valença Paulo Henrique Leite , Lima Adilson Celestino de 
Published: January 2023

Objective: This work seeks to identify which variables best explain the generation of value in creative economy companies that have high investment in intangible assets. The study focused on the creative economy sector of Porto Digital in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Methodology: The methodology used was exploratory research. For the examination of the variables, the multivariate analysis was used with the application of exploratory factor analysis, and for confirmation, the Spearman correlation model. For data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire prepared in Google Forms was sent to the companies in the second half of July 2021. The responses were validated using Cronbach's Alpha, and the suitability for using factor analysis was measured using the KMO and Bartlett tests. All results were found and demonstrated using the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software.
Results: The variables highlighted by the results were grouped into three groups and presented in an accounting statement model using the Resource-Based Theory definitions. Finally, the CEO of two of the most prominent Creative Economy companies in Pernambuco gave his opinion on these variables. These comments were placed in the financial statement explanatory note format. The results showed that 13 variables were classified into structural, relational, and human capital.
Study contributions: Creative economy companies essentially work using the ability to manage all their intangible resources. This article is the first to provide empirical evidence on the perceptions of managers of creative economy companies in Porto Digital do Recife about the importance and contributions of intangible assets to generate value in their businesses, as well as assess the organizational resilience of these companies in the context of the covid-19 pandemic.
Biosensors - A Miraculous Detecting Tool in Combating the War against
COVID-19
Authors: Deshmukh Rohitas , Mishra Sakshi , Singh Rajesh 
Published: January 2023

Abstract:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), commonly known
as COVID-19, created rack and ruin and erupted as a global epidemic. Nearly 482.3 million cases
and approximately 6.1 million deaths have been reported. The World Health Organization (WHO)
designated it an international medical emergency on January 30, 2020; shortly in March 2020, it
was declared a pandemic. To address this situation, governments and scientists around the globe
were urged to combat and prevent its spread, mainly when no treatment was available. Presently,
quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most widely utilized technique
for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2. But this method is cumbersome, tedious, and might not be quickly
accessible in isolated areas with a circumscribed budget. Therefore, there is a quest for novel diagnostic
techniques which can diagnose the disease in a lesser time in an economical way. This paper
outlines the potential of biosensors in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. This review highlights the
current state of presently available detection techniques, expected potential limits, and the benefits
of biosensor-implicated tests against SARS-Cov-2 diagnosis. CRISPR-Cas9 implanted paper strip,
field-effect transistor (FET) implanted sensor, nucleic-acid centric, aptamers-implanted biosensor,
antigen-Au/Ag nanoparticles-based electrochemical biosensor, surface-enhanced Raman scattering
(SERS)-based biosensor, Surface Plasmon Resonance, potential electrochemical biosensor, optical
biosensor, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) are some of the novel biosensing devices that are
being utilized in the prognosis of coronaviruses.
The Role of LncRNA XIST in Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Farzaneh Maryam , Jafari Razieh Mohammad , Tahan Ali , Askari Mohammad Amin , Roshandel Hasti , Gharizadeh Seyed Mohammad Ali 
Published: January 2023

Abstract:
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides
that act by targeting translational and post-translational modifications, epigenetic regulators, and
chromatin remodeling complexes. There has been increasing evidence that the lncRNA X-inactive
specific transcript (lncRNA Xist) via targeting miRNAs and transcription factors plays a critical role
in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. This lncRNA also has an important role in the progression
of tumors and other human diseases by acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA).
Accumulating evidence revealed that lncRNA Xist by targeting several signaling pathways is involved
in the pathogenesis of gynecologic cancers. In this review, we focused on the recent functions
of lncRNA Xist in breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers.
The Effects of Lamiaceae Plants on Sex Hormone Levels and Clinical
Signs in Women with Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nourani Nasim , Sanaie Sarvin , Azami-Aghdash Saber , Shayanfar Ali , Hamedeyazdan Sanaz 
Published: January 2023

Introduction:
The purpose of this systematic review was to reach a general conclusion regarding
the effects of Lamiaceae plants on hirsutism by performing a meta-analysis of the clinical
trials.

Method:
PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched and selected from the results of clinical studies to evaluate the effect of Lamiaceae plants on hirsutism.

Result:
Three clinical studies were selected for meta-analysis. In the performed meta-analysis,
changes in androgenic hormones levels were non-significant for total testosterone (TT) (SMD = -0.03;
95% CI [-0.68, 0.08]; P= 0.12) and significant for free testosterone (FT) (SMD = -0.85; 95% CI [-
1.45, -0.25]; P= 0.005). On the other hand, FSH level did not reduce (SMD = -0.39; 95% CI [-1.83,
1.06]; P= 0.60), while LH showed a marginally significant increase (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI [-0.007,
0.75]; P= 0.055). Ferriman – Gallway score did not show a remarkable change based on the metaanalysis
of two studies (SMD = 0.89; 95% CI [-0.73, 2.51]; P= 0.28).

Conclusion:
The results showed that the Lamiaceae family can reduce serum levels of some hormones
and signs of hirsutism. However, they do not change signs of hirsutism.
Persistent Sciatic Artery with Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Cardona Ortegón José David , Yepes María Mónica , Rivero Rapalino Oscar Mauricio , Torres Cortes David Fernando , Montaño Rozo Gonzalo Andres , Muñoz Quiroga Luisa Maria 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a congenital malformation due to incomplete
involution during the embryonic period. Its etiology is unknown, with an estimated incidence of 0.02 -
0.04% in the whole population and a mean age of 60-65 years. Its presentation can be bilateral. It is
asymptomatic in most cases and is usually detected accidentally; however, some symptoms may appear,
such as claudication, sciatic neuralgia, and pain in the affected limb. It can also manifest as an
aneurysmal dilatation or thrombosis that can generate distal embolism with ischemia.

Case Report:
In this case study, a patient in her 90s with a suspected peripheral arterial disease, which
required an angiotomography of the lower limb, showing a superficial femoral artery running to the
middle and distal third of the thigh and a vascular structure running in the sciatic neurovascular bundle
corresponding to a persistent sciatic artery presenting atherosclerotic changes and extensive occlusion,
was presented. The patient's treatment was clinical with dual antiplatelet therapy and prophylactic anticoagulation.
This was due to comorbidities and age. Moreover, the PSA occlusion was not critical and
did not significantly impact the patient's quality of life.

Conclusion:
Most patients with this anatomical variant are asymptomatic all their lives, but some of
them may present symptoms with serious consequences. It is important to suspect it by clinical presentation
and perform diagnostic confirmation by angiotomography. Treatment has yielded excellent results
with endovascular techniques. Certain patients only require conservative treatment with anticoagulants
and antiplatelet agents.
Flaxseed can Prevent Adverse Effects of Toluene on Human Ovarian Cell
Functions
Authors: Fabová Zuzana , Tarko Adam , Mlynček Miloš , Kotwica Jan , Sirotkin Alexander Vladimirovič 
Published: January 2023

Background:
The aim of our study was to investigate the mechanisms of oil-related
product toluene and functional food flaxseed Linum usitatissimum L. on ovaries in humans and the
potential protective effect of flaxseed against adverse toluene action. We examined 1) the action of
toluene (at doses 0, 10, and 100 ng/ml), 2) flaxseed extract (10 μg/ml), and their combination on
cultured human ovarian granulosa cells.

Methods:
Viability, markers of proliferation (accumulation of PCNA) and apoptosis (accumulation
of bax), the release of steroid hormones, IGF-I, oxytocin, and prostaglandin F were analyzed by
Trypan blue exclusion test, quantitative immunocytochemistry, and EIA/ELISA.

Results:
Toluene suppressed all analyzed ovarian parameters. Flaxseed stimulated proliferation,
progesterone and IGF-I and reduced prostaglandin F output. The presence of flaxseed supported
toluene action on cell viability and apoptosis and inverted its effect on proliferation, progesterone,
testosterone, and IGF-I release.

Conclusion:
These observations a) confirm direct inhibitory/toxic action of toluene on ovarian
cells, b) demonstrate the ability of flaxseed to affect ovarian cell functions, c) show the ability of
flaxseed to prevent some toxic effect of toluene, and d) indicate the that flaxseed could be a biostimulator
of human reproduction and protector against the adverse influence of toluene on female
reproduction.
Essential Non-coding Genes: A New Playground of Bioinformatics
Authors: Du Pu-Feng , Zhang Ying-Ying 
Published: January 2023

Abstract:
The essentiality of a gene can be defined at different levels and is context-dependent. Essential
protein-coding genes have been well studied. However, the essentiality of non-coding genes
is not well characterized. Although experimental technologies, like CRISPR-Cas9, can provide insights
into the essentiality of non-coding regions of the genome, scoring the essentiality of noncoding
genes in different contexts is still challenging. With machine learning algorithms, the essentiality
of protein-coding genes can be estimated well. But the development of these algorithms for
non-coding genes was very early. Based on several recent studies, we believe the essentiality of noncoding
genes will be a new and fertile ground in bioinformatics. We pointed out some possible research
topics in this perspective article.
Development and Experimental Investigation of Composite Structure
Heat Pipe
Authors: Parikh Hiral , Jadav Rivaan , Mehta Aashay , Bhatt Soham 
Published: January 2023

Aim:
This study aimed at developing a composite structure heat pipe.

Background:
Conventionally, the heat pipe enclosure is made out of a single
continuous conductive material corresponding to minor heat losses to the surrounding
through the middle section, which ideally needs to be adiabatic in nature. The
insulating nature of the carbon fiber reduces the axial heat losses and improves the
latent heat of vaporization.

Objective:
The objective of this study is to develop a carbon fiber-reinforced
composite heat pipe and a test rig to check the performance of the heat pipe.

Methods:
The hand lay-up technique is used to develop a composite structure heat
pipe with a carbon fiber adiabatic section. A test rig is developed to check the
performance of the heat pipe. Moreover, the weight comparison is made for a
conventional and composite structure heat pipe.

Results:
The test results reveal that the composite structure heat pipe gives weight
reduction in the range of 25 to 30 percent than the conventional heat pipe for identical
dimensions and also shows a faster heat absorption rate.

Conclusion:
Conventional heat pipe may be replaced with the lightweight composite
structure heat pipe.