Research Institute Research Articles

A storyline approach: integrating comprehensive, interdisciplinary research results to create narratives – in the context of the net-zero target in Germany

With the amendment to the German Climate Change Act in 2021, the Federal Government of Germany has set the target to become greenhouse gas neutral by 2045. Reaching this ambitious target requires multisectoral efforts, which in turn calls for interdisciplinary collaboration: the Net-Zero-2050 project of the Helmholtz Climate Initiative serves as an example of successful, interdisciplinary collaboration with the aim of producing valuable recommendations for action to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions in Germany. To this end, we applied an interdisciplinary approach to combining comprehensive research results from ten German national research centers in the context of carbon neutrality in Germany. In this paper, we present our approach and the method behind the interdisciplinary storylines development, which enabled us to create a common framework between different carbon dioxide removal and avoidance methods and the bigger carbon neutrality context. Thus, the research findings are aggregated into narratives: the two complementary storylines focus on technologies for net-zero CO2 emissions and on different framing conditions for implementing net-zero CO2 measures. Moreover, we outline the Net-Zero-2050 results emerging from the two storylines by presenting the resulting narratives in the context of carbon neutrality in Germany. Aiming at creating insights into how complementary and related expertise can be combined in teams across disciplines, we conclude with the project’s lessons learned. This paper sheds light on how to facilitate cooperation between different science disciplines with the purpose of preparing joint research results that can be communicated to a specific audience. Additionally, it provides further evidence that interdisciplinary and diverse research teams are an essential factor for defining solution spaces for complex, interdisciplinary problems.

Exploring the Motives Behind the Adoption of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies among Farmers in the Czech Republic

AbstractClimate change threatens agriculture in the EU and is a primary issue discussed in the European Green Deal within the Common Agricultural Policy. Central and Eastern European countries are particularly prone to climate change effects, such as droughts and extreme weather. Therefore, agriculture in Central and Eastern Europe is expected to be increasingly affected by shifting climatic patterns. This study examines the motivation for adopting adaptation strategies derived from climate-smart agriculture among farmers in the Czech Republic. We drew particular attention to analyzing the influence of farm-level and information source variables on the adaptation behavior of Czech farmers. The dataset comprises 358 respondents who were asked about climate change adaptation through a quantitative survey. We analyzed the collected data via descriptive statistics and binary logit regression models. The analysis results reveal a high degree of awareness and a diversified usage of climate change adaptation strategies among the respondents. The close linkage between perceived profitability and the willingness to adapt to climate change requires policymakers to communicate economic benefits within this context further. Information sources, such as topic-specific journals, research institutions, and field training, positively influenced the adaptation rates among the sample. Therefore, we recommend focusing on these media channels to communicate targets set within the European Green Deal.

Supporting diversity in clinical trials: the equitable breakthroughs in medicine site maturity model.

Among the most powerful barriers to broader inclusion of diverse participants in clinical trials are social determinants of health, trustworthiness of health care providers and research institutions, and competing pressures on potential participants. Nevertheless, current tools to assess organizational capabilities for clinical trial diversity focus primarily on trial infrastructure, rely solely on quantitative self-reported data, and lack meaningful assessment of capabilities related to community engagement. The Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine (EQBMED) initiative developed a holistic, collaborative, site-driven formative model and accompanyingassessment to catalog sites' current capabilities and identify opportunities for growth in both conducting industry-sponsored clinical trials and enriching diversity of those trials. The model builds upon prior work and reflects unification of two historically distinct components-research operations and community engagement-since sustainable clinical trial diversity efforts must overcome these silos. Here we present the methodology we used to develop the model and accompanyingassessment, describe how findings can support clinical trial diversity efforts, and report findings from early field testing at three U.S. sites. The first three sites were diverse in size (e.g., < 250-1K beds), with varying levels of clinical trial capabilities and community engagement. The maturity assessment laid the foundation for sites to identify and prioritize key areas to advance clinical trial diversity capabilities, and each has made tangible progress. In parallel to completing the assessment with these early sites to understand their maturity and set actionable goals, we also collected their feedback on content validity (e.g., clarity, comprehensiveness, terminology) and feasibility (e.g., ability to collect needed information and data, time required). We describe refinements made to improve the assessment and streamline the process. The EQBMED program will deploy the assessment across various site types (e.g., FQHCs, safety net hospitals) and make further refinements as warranted. Strategic investment in clinical trial diversity requires structured assessment of site maturity as a starting point for collaborative action. We propose the EQBMED maturity model as a first step toward informing efforts to increase representation of diverse populations in clinical research.

Research on the path of technological innovation and resource allocation optimization of state-owned enterprises from the perspective of ecological environment and biomechanics

In the evolving global landscape, competition among nations has increasingly centered on the allocation of innovation resources, which are crucial for enterprises to implement development strategies under supply-side reforms. The efficiency and rationality of resource allocation directly affect the innovation capacity and operational performance of enterprises. This paper examines the relationship between technological innovation and resource allocation in state-owned enterprises through the lens of the ecological environment, employing data from multiple sources and utilizing the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to assess resource allocation efficiency. The study reveals that the proportion of R&amp;D personnel invested in enterprises in China increased significantly from 46.35% to 73.38%, while the proportion in research institutions and universities declined to 11.48% and 11.36%, respectively. These shifts underscore the growing dominance of state-owned enterprises in driving technological innovation. The findings highlight that aligning technological innovation mechanisms with ecological sustainability not only enhances innovation capabilities and competitiveness but also accelerates industrial development and contributes to the sustainable growth of the national economy.

Epi-off riboflavin with vitamin E TPGS (Ribocross®) cross-linking: one-year outcome.

To assess the short and mid-term outcomes of epithelium-off (epi-off) corneal collagen cross-linking using Riboflavin with Vitamin E TPGS (Epi-off Ribocross® CXL) for progressive keratoconus (KC). Retrospective, single-center non-comparative interventional study. Patients with progressive keratoconus who underwent CXL using (Epi-off Ribocross® CXL) from May 2021 to May 2022 who completed at least 12months of follow-up in Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy. Corrected distance visual acuity with spectable (CDVA), tomographic parameters (Belin ABCD) and topographic parameters were evaluated at baseline and at last follow up. Twenty eyes of twenty patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. CDVA remained stable at last follow up (0.88 ± 0.19 from 0.83 ± 0.21, p = 0.45) with a significant reduction in cylinder (1.97 ± 1.69 from 2.78 ± 2.19, p = 0.03). Kmax significantly improved from 53.18D ± 6.32 to 50.96 ± 5.3D (p = 0.005). At the last follow up, no case of progression was noted. Epi-off Ribocross® CXL proved to be a safe treatment for progressive KC, with a stabilization of all cases at the one year follow up. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term stability.

The Role of Cinematic Elements in Creating Sympathy for the Hero in Palestinian Narrative Films “Paradise Now Film” as a Model: Analytical Study

Objectives: The study aimed to explain the role of cinematic elements in creating sympathy among the audience with the hero in Palestinian feature films by studying the film “Paradise Now” as a model. Methods: Employing an analytical approach, the research utilized content analysis—a form of scientific research—to describe the explicit content of the media material being analyzed. Results: Cinematic elements significantly contributed to crafting a realistic cinematic illusion, incorporating plot, image, sound, and landscape design to complete the realistic picture and create a sense of sympathy for the audience with the martyr hero. The study identified eight issues in "Paradise Now," comprising six social and two political issues related to Palestinian rights and resistance to occupation. The film employed conflict, human concerns, and values frameworks to present these issues. The role of cinematic elements in generating sympathy for the hero was underscored, emphasizing cinematic language as a tool to convey the message.. Conclusion: The studies concluded that cinematic elements play a major role in creating and simulating the cinematic illusion of reality. The study called on research centers and researchers interested in the Arab-Israeli conflict to conduct more media studies that present the details of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in an impartial manner, and realistically document the violations and oppression practiced by Israel in the Palestinian territories against the Palestinians.

Rootstock effect on growth, branch morphology and flowering precocity of young monoaxis and biaxis trees of ‘Scilate’ and ‘Fuji supreme’ apple cultivars

ABSTRACT The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research has developed three semi-dwarfing apple rootstocks: PFR2, 4 and 5 with pest and disease resistance/tolerance. Nursery performance and flowering of ‘Scilate' and ‘Fuji Supreme' grafted onto PFR rootstocks and grown as monoaxis or biaxis trees were evaluated in comparison with ‘Malling 9' (dwarf) and ‘G.202' (semi-dwarf) at Hawkes' Bay research centre. For monoaxis ‘Scilate' trees, PFR rootstocks promoted primary, axillary and total shoot length/scion by (11–15%), (54–76%) and (22–37%), respectively compared with ‘M.9', but the same were lower by (4–11%), (25–62%) and (17–42%) compared with ‘G.202'. On PFR2 and PFR5, ‘Scilate' produced 6 axillary shoots/tree, compared with ‘M.9' (4) and ‘G.202' (7). ‘Scilate' on PFR2, 4 and 5 produced 74%, 62% and 93% of axillary shoots with moderate (30°–45°) crotch angle compared with ‘M.9' (30%) and ‘G.202' (79%). On biaxis trees, the total shoot length was higher on PFR2, 4 and 5 compared with ‘M.9', but not different from ‘G.202'. Flowering precocity was not affected by rootstocks. Overall, PFR2, 4, 5 and ‘G.202’ produced high-grade young trees expressing greater potential for early canopy development.

Maximizing research impact: strategies for securing competitive funding in research and development centers

PurposeThis study analyzes the effectiveness of research and development (R&amp;D) organizations’ strategies for obtaining competitive international funding and the role of research management offices (RMOs) in this process. It examines the internal factors that influence the proactivity and effectiveness of R&amp;D centers and provides a theoretical model for improving the fundraising capacity and, ultimately, the competitiveness and sustainability of these institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample comprised Spanish public R&amp;D centers in the health and biomedical sectors. Partial least squares were used in the analyses to ensure the robustness of the results.FindingsSeveral independent variables showed a significant impact on the proactivity and effectiveness of R&amp;D centers. The dispersed priorities of R&amp;D managers reduce proactivity and fundraising effectiveness. Incentives and RMO workload increase proactivity, but workload alone also improves effectiveness.Originality/valueThis study focuses on the management of health and biomedical R&amp;D centers. It examines the influence of internal factors, such as managerial priorities, RMO incentives and RMO workload, on competitive international funding. These findings have significant theoretical and practical implications for the development of internationally applicable management strategies to enhance the effectiveness of research funding acquisition.

AAC Planet field pea

AAC Planet is a semi-leafless and powdery mildew (caused by Erysiphe pisi Syd.) resistant field pea ( Pisum sativum L.) variety developed at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada. It has high yielding potential, late maturity, tall plant height with good lodging resistance, medium seed size, round seed shape, and low seed coat breakage. It has maturity of 100 days, and thousand-seed weight of 221 g with seed protein content of 24.6%. AAC Planet has a lodging score of 3.2 on the scale of 1–9. It is moderately susceptible to mycosphaerella blight (caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes) and fusarium root rot (caused by Fusarium avenaceum and F. solani).

Invisible Archives: Makedonka – Organ of the WAF (1944- 1952), Historical Experiences and Cultural Memory

Review of the collective volume “Invisible Archives: Makedonka – Organ of the WAF (1944–1952), historical experiences and cultural memory”, published by the Centre for Research of Nationalism and Culture (CINIK), Skopie, Republic of North Macedonia, 2022. ISBN 978-608-66464-7-9.

Analysis of the Current Situation of Scientific and Technological Achievements Transformation and Suggestions for Countermeasures

Taking Huizhou City as an example, this study discusses in depth the status quo, existing problems and improvement countermeasures of scientific and technological achievements transformation. This study adopts the literature research method and comparative analysis method, combines the official data and literature released by Huizhou Municipal Government, based on the importance of transformation of scientific and technological achievements to the high-quality development of the economy, analyses the role of transformation of scientific and technological achievements in Huizhou City on the enhancement of the economic development and the regional innovation capacity, identifies and solves the key problems in the process of transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and puts forward optimization countermeasures. The results of the study show that although Huizhou City has made progress in the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, there are still problems such as insufficient long-term cooperation mechanisms and low levels of cooperation. The conclusion points out that Huizhou needs to establish a long-term cooperation mechanism, upgrade the level of cooperation, strengthen the participation of local universities and research institutes, and improve the service system for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements in order to promote the effective transformation and industrialisation of scientific and technological achievements.

Emerging trends and hotspots in intestinal microbiota research in sepsis: bibliometric analysis

BackgroundThe association between the gut microbiota and sepsis has garnered attention in the field of intestinal research in sepsis. This study utilizes bibliometric methods to visualize and analyze the literature on gut microbiota research in sepsis from 2011 to 2024, providing a scientific foundation for research directions and key issues in this domain.MethodsOriginal articles and reviews of gut microbiota research in sepsis, which published in English between 2011 and 2024, were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection on June 21, 2024. Python, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software were used for the visual analysis of the retrieved data.ResultsA total of 1,031 articles were analyzed, originating from 72 countries or regions, 1,614 research institutions, and 6,541 authors. The articles were published in 434 different journals, covering 89 different research fields. The number of publications and citations in this research area showed a significant growth trend from 2011 to 2024, with China, the United States, and the United Kingdom being the main research forces. Asada Leelahavanichkul from Thailand was identified as the most prolific author, making him the most authoritative expert in this field. “Nutrients” had the highest number of publications, while “Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology,” “Frontiers in Immunology” and “the International Journal of Molecular Sciences” have shown increasing attention to this field in the past 2 years. Author keywords appearing more than 100 times included “gut microbiota (GM),” “sepsis” and “microbiota.” Finally, this study identified “lipopolysaccharides (LPS),” “short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs),” “probiotics,” “fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)” and “gut-liver axis” as the research hotspots and potential frontier directions in this field.ConclusionThis bibliometric study summarizes current important perspectives and offers comprehensive guidance between sepsis and intestinal microbiota, which may help researchers choose the most appropriate research directions.

Nasal Fiber-optic Intubation Training for Nurse Anesthesia Students Incorporating Deliberate Practice and Summative Assessment

Introduction Managing difficult airways and adverse respiratory events is critical for anesthesia providers. Fiber-optic intubation (FOI) is a strategic management approach in difficult airway situations. Clinical exposure to FOI can be limited, posing challenges for skill development. Simulation-based medical education offers a safe alternative for training. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation-based FOI training program for student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) in an educational context. Methods A repeated measure study was conducted during the Pediatric Anesthesia Simulation for Student Nurse Anesthetists course at the Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation, Education, and Research. One hundred twenty-three SRNAs participated in the FOI simulation program. For the analysis, students were stratified into 2 groups based on their performance in the summative testing of nasal FOI time. Baseline characteristics and the students' performance during the simulation were analyzed. Results Among the participants, 58 were categorized as “above median time” (AMT) and 65 as “below median time” (BMT) for FOI testing. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics. The AMT group exhibited longer mean times for summative testing FOI (50 vs. 26 seconds), first FOI attempt (97 vs. 78 seconds), and subsequent sets (third: 374 vs. 325 seconds, fourth: 323 vs. 268 seconds). Both groups showed performance improvement across training sets with reduced variability. Conclusions The simulation-based FOI training program effectively enhanced SRNA skill, with performance improvement during the training period. This study underscores the importance of simulation in anesthesia education, offering a safe and structured environment for skill development in FOI.

Building Thermal Insulation Performance and economic benefits

Three different insulating scenarios were investigated using Energy-plus software, to study the effect of using expanded polystyrene boards on building energy consumption at the Libyan Center for Solar Energy Research and Studies. The three insulation scenarios with different polystyrene insulation thicknesses and densities were investigated. Polystyrene total cost, Payback period, total and net money saving using insulation, as well as the percentage gain were calculated for each case in the three investigated scenarios for 50 years. The most money saving scenarios after 50 years is by insulating the building roof and external walls with an average insulation thickness of 7 cm, reaching about 78000 L.D and a tariff of 0.9261 L.D /kWh. While the least money saving is the roof scenario with an insulation thickness of 2.5 cm, reaching more than 29000 L.D and the same tariff. The highest percentage gain values are 76 %, 103 % and1090 % at the roof scenario, 2.5 cm insulation thickness and energy tariffs of 0.15 L.D /kWh, 0.1732 L.D/kWh and 0.9261 L.D/kWh, respectively. While the lowest percentage gain values are about 17.5 %, 35.7 % and 725 % at the wall scenario 10 cm insulation thickness and energy tariffs of 0.15 L.D/kWh, 0.1732 L.D/kWh and 0.9261 L.D/kWh, respectively. the payback period of total insulation cost is significantly dependent on insulation thickness and energy tariff. These results show that low energy tariff (current energy tariff) values economically are not cost effective regarding the payback period. Consequently, prices do not motivate residents to save energy with the use of thermal insulation unless actual energy prices are considered.

Possibility of enteral tube feeding in severe surgical pathology

Objective. To study the possibility of using new GASTROAXILIUM mixtures in complex therapy of patients with severe surgical abdominal pathology. Materials and methods. The study of characteristics of the developed mixtures was carried out by standard and non-standard methods in an accredited laboratory. Clinical studies were conducted in accordance with the Procedure for conducting studies of the effectiveness of specialized dietary therapeutic and dietary preventive food products. Statistical processing was carried out using analysis of variance. Results. GASTROAXILIUM, specialized food product for tube feeding developed by the specialists of the Research and Production Center for Healthy Nutrition Technologies of Saratov State Medical University named after V.I. Razumovsky, differs from foreign ones in its technological solutions. In the main group a statistically significant reduction in the duration of postoperative intestinal paresis was noted, both in planned and emergency surgeries, in contrast to the comparison group. Conclusions. We consider that the results of the use of daily nutritional complex of oligomeric dry mixtures for enteral nutrition GASTROAXILIUM are in agreement with the literature data, they will successfully complement the scientific data on the necessity for nutritional support and will play an important role in improving the quality of treatment of patients with severe postoperative abdominal pathologies.

Abstract B011: Circulating tumor DNA profiling in colorectal cancer to detect guideline-based targeted mutations at a Quebec health care center

Abstract Liquid biopsy is an emerging tool in oncology, providing minimally invasive detection of tumor- specific DNA in body fluids, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Colorectal cancer (CRC) has shown a high rate of shedding of ctDNA, making it a promising prognostic and possibly predictive biomarker in the personalized management of patients with CRC. Therefore, the half-life of ctDNA in circulation is estimated to be between 16 minutes and several hours, indicating a need for rapid processing. This study aimed to explore the concordance between the mutational profiles in tumor tissue and ctDNA from plasma obtained using EDTA tubes as well as the correlation between ctDNA and disease stage, to evaluate the potential of implementing liquid biopsy testing in CRC cases, following biobank standards. In this retrospective cohort, 58 patients with CRC stage T1 to T4 were enrolled at the Research Institute McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC). Tumor tissue was obtained through surgical resection or biopsies of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, and blood samples were drawn pre-surgery using EDTA tubes. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was extracted from 1-2mL plasma samples using QIAamp Circulating Nucleic Acids. Next-Generation Sequencing using a 52-gene (AmpliSeq for Illumina Focus Panel) was performed to identify the tumor mutations and subsequently droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was performed to identify the plasma mutations. Among the 58 patients, the mean age was 62 years (range 29-86), and 29 were women. Forty- one patients had left-sided tumor. At least 1 tumor-specific mutation was detected in all tissue tumor samples. Overall, the most frequently identified mutations in this cohort were: BRAF V600E (22.4%), KRAS G12D (12.1%), KRAS G12V and KRAS G13D (8.6%). Cell-free DNA was obtained from 32 patients and showed a mean concentration of 975 ng/mL (range 400- 1,995) for stage T1, 584 ng/mL (range 228-1,300) for stage T2, 1,127 ng/mL (range 249-4,160) for stage T3 and 2,083 ng/mL (range 860-3,680) for stage T4. ddPCR revealed mutation concordance between ctDNA and matched tumor tissue of 28.1%. When tumors were stratified by stage, the concordance was 0% (n=0/3) in patients with T1 tumors, 16.7% (n=1/6) in patients with T2 tumors, 25% (n=5/20) in patients with T3 tumors and 100% (3/3) in patients with T4 tumors. This study showed that ctDNA detection of mutations has excellent concordance in stage T4 tumors, highlighting the potential of ctDNA in advanced stage disease. However, in T1-3 tumor stages the concordance was low, showing the importance of preanalytical steps such as the use of cell-free DNA preservative tubes for sensitive and accurate detection of ctDNA in patients with earlier stage disease. Citation Format: Monyse de Nobrega, Kyle Dickinson, Saba Alsaddah, Alexandra Bartolomucci, Tadhg Ferrier, Anne Mahalia Olivier Mahalia Olivier, Mina Farag, Gertuda Evaristo, Sophie Camilleri-Broet, Andrea Gomez, Thupten Tsering, Lawrence Lee, Pierre Olivier Fiset, Julia V. Burnier. Circulating tumor DNA profiling in colorectal cancer to detect guideline-based targeted mutations at a Quebec health care center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr B011.

Effect of tillage methods and nitrogen management practices on soil mineral nitrogen and grain protein, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum)in rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat system

The field experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of tillage methods and nitrogen management practices on soil mineral nitrogen and grain protein and yield of wheat in rice- wheat system. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design (SPD), where the main plots included 4 different crop establishment methods, and the sub-plots tested 4 nitrogen management strategies that were replicated thrice. The results showed that, residue retention in zero tillage recorded significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher soil mineral nitrogen, protein content in grain (12.6%) and grain yield (4.99 t/ha) over other treatments. Similar results also recorded under different nitrogen management practices, where leaf colour chart (LCC)-guided N application has significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher soil mineral nitrogen, grain protein content (12.9%) and grain yield (5.39 t/ha) over remaining treatments. The LCC-guided N application in residue retained (3 t/ha) ZT practices can be recommended in wheat under rice- wheat system for higher soil mineral nitrogen availability, improving grain protein content and productivity.

Effect of micronutrients on growth and bulb production of LA hybrid lilium (Lilium longiflorum) cv. pavia

The experiment was conducted during the 2021–22 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to determine the effect of micronutrients on the growth and bulb production of LA hybrid lilium cv. pavia. The experiment's findings showed that applying micronutrients topically in combination was more beneficial than doing so topically alone. In contrast, a combination of ZnSO4 + MnSO4 @6 g/litre each sprayed at 40 and 60 days after planting performed better in terms of growth attributes, such as net assimilation rate (4.07 g/m2 leaf area/day), relative growth rate (9.46 mg/g/day), and specific leaf area (46.68 m2/kg). Bulb attributes included number of bulblets/plant (4.60), bulb circumference (14.97 cm), bulblets circumference (3.77 cm), weight of bulb (30.44 g), and bulblets (2.64 g) in LA hybrid lilium cv. pavia, whereas the control group showed the lowest interaction effect levels. This demonstrates that the growth of bulbous ornamental crops such as lilium benefits more from the combined administration of micronutrients. It results from the application of the ideal concentration of micronutrients at regular intervals, which increases photosynthetic rate. These micronutrients help plants accumulate biosynthates through a variety of activities and control metabolic processes that occur in plants. Additionally, they activate enzymes that enhance development and better distribute carbohydrates to various regions of the plant, such as carbonic dehydrogenase, peroxidase, tryptophan synthase, and catalase. Micronutrients are essential for all cellular and metabolic processes, and their optimal utilization enhances the quality of the crop.

Perforated gastroduodenal ulcers: perioperative prognosis and prevention of complications

Objective. To improve the effectiveness of treatment for patients with perforated gastroduodenal ulcers (PGDU) by developing criteria for predicting postoperative complications and mortality. Materials and methods. The treatment outcomes of 127 patients with PGDU were analyzed. Prognostic scales ASA, SOFA, Peptic Ulcer Perforation Score (PULP), and the Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) were used for the assessment in all the patients. Specialized classifications (DEP and ulcer defect classes) developed at Sklifosovsky Research Institute For Emergency Medicine were employed to determine the surgical approach and the extent of surgical intervention. Results. Duodenal ulcers were observed in 97(76.4 %) patients, gastric ulcers in 28(22.0 %), and combined ulcers in 2(1.6 %). According to the clinical form, chronic ulcers were identified in 81 (63.8 %) patients, while acute ones were detected in 46(36.2 %) patients. Helicobacter pylori infection was revealed in all patients with chronic ulcers. The majority of patients sought medical care within the first 6 hours after perforation (53 patients, 41.7 %); from 6 to 12 hours – 24 patients (18.9 %), 12–24 hours – 17 patients (13.4 %), and in more than 24 hours – 33 patients (26.0 %). Fatal outcome occurred in 45 (35.4 %) patients, while 82 (64.4 %) patients were discharged after the recovery had been observed. The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with MPI grades 2 and 3, in those with an initially high risk according to the PULP scale, and those who were hospitalized more than 24 hours after perforation. Indications for laparoscopic ulcer suturing were proposed based on the scales used. Conclusions. The risk factors for adverse outcomes in PGDU include the following criteria: surgery performed more than 24 hours after perforation, MPI 2-3 grades, and a PULP scale score more than 8. In patients with PGDU who are at high surgical-anesthetic risk and have a complicated comorbid background, the risk of sepsis development is more than 30 %. Laparoscopic techniques for suturing PGDU are preferable when performed within 6 hours of perforation, with a PULP score not more than 7, MPI grade 1, and DEP classification scores less than 9, specifically in IIC, IIIC, IVA, IVB, and IVC ulcer defect classes.

Advances in research on the relationship between mitochondrial function and colorectal cancer: a bibliometric study from 2013 to 2023

The study provides a thorough examination of literature from 2013 to 2023, delving into the intricate relationship between mitochondrial function and colorectal cancer (CRC). It offers a concise overview of the current landscape and emerging trends in this rapidly evolving research area. The findings indicate a consistent rise in annual publications, reflecting growing interest and significant potential in the field. China emerges as the leading contributor, followed by the United States and India. However, despite China’s dominance in output, its average citation rate is lower than that of the US, which leads in citations per publication, highlighting a noticeable disparity. In the realm of research institutions, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and China Medical University are identified as major contributors, yet the potential for inter-institutional collaboration remains largely untapped, suggesting avenues for future synergy. Internationally, China-US collaborations are particularly robust, fostering cross-border knowledge exchange. Hyun Jin Won and Li Wei are recognized as prolific authors, while Ahmedin Jemal is an influential co-cited scholar, noted for his seminal contributions. Keyword analysis reveals research focus areas, such as the complex CRC tumor microenvironment, molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress, and key multidrug resistance pathways. It also highlights the promising potential of mitochondria-targeted therapies and nanomolecular technologies in clinical practice, signaling their growing significance in addressing complex health challenges. The study underscores the imperative to validate complex mitochondrial mechanisms and signaling pathways in CRC, with a particular emphasis on translating these insights into drug targets for clinical trials. Advancing this research is expected to refine and enhance CRC treatment strategies. Additionally, it highlights the urgency of validating mitochondrial complexities in CRC, advocating for collaborative efforts to link these mechanisms with tailored therapeutic interventions for clinical testing. This integrated approach promises significant advancements in developing effective, targeted CRC treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.