bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences on the Pharmacokinetics of Drugs for Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Assadi Farahnak , Faghihi Toktam
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Effective optimal pharmacotherapy requires a comprehensive understanding of the drug’s pharmacokinetic properties. Whether sex differences exist in the pharmacokinetics of drugs for children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown. This article aims to address the many important factors that influence drug disposition and effects relative to age in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Method
Electronic databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched from inception, using Mesh terms in English for sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of drugs in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Results
Evidence to date suggests that girls generally have a higher prevalence and disease progression of CKD when compared to boys. No studies documented sex-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of drugs for the treatment of CKD in children. As a consequence, it is difficult to predict the impact of CKD on pharmacokinetics by extrapolating data from adult studies in children.
Conclusion
The lack of pharmacokinetic studies in children with CKD makes it very difficult to predict the optimum therapeutic dosing. Future studies in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs are urgently needed to individualize therapeutic dosing for children with CKD.
Seismic Performance Evaluation of High Strength Steel EBFs, with 304L Steel Links under Successive Earthquakes
Authors: Ghadami Faezeh , Rajabi Elham
Published: February 2024

Successive earthquakes can bring about permanent displacements and a drop in frame resistance in subsequent cycles. Since a method for designing structures under these scenarios has barely been provided in the regulations, this paper examines the seismic performance of Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBFs) in High-Strength Steel (HSS) frames under different seismic sequences. To this end, EBFs with a variety of materials were undergone 16 scenarios with and without a seismic sequence in the Opensees software. Inter-story drift ratio, energy loss by links, maximum rotation ratio in links, as well as bending moment and curvature curves were further reported and compared in sensitive stories under single and consecutive earth-quakes. The results indicated that employing stainless links could reduce the inter-story drift ratio in the middle stories. Moreover, a less increase drift ratio was observed in some HSS frames after the occurrence of successive shocks. The increase in energy loss caused by successive shocks compared to the single shock was 160%, 147%, and 162% in HSS, Stainless Steel (SS), and Carbon Steel (CS) frames, respectively. Therefore, an HSS frame experienced a lower increase energy dissipation while this frame had more energy dissipation than other frames. Regarding curvature and ductility, the links in HSS5 and HSS9 frame had a similar performance to CS9 and CS5 links in their critical stories, except that their resistance was between 4–7% and greater than the ones in CS frames. Furthermore, Stainless steel links increased the rotation capacity of the links between 6 and 40%.
Targeting S100A12 to Improve Angiogenesis and Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Qin Shitian , Chen Shuying , Xu Yingbin , Chen Lei , Shu Bin , Yang Fan , Bie Fan , Lu Yangzhou , Li Jialin , Zhao Jingling
Published: February 2024

Long-term inflammation and impaired angiogenesis are thought to be the causes of delayed healing or nonhealing of diabetic wounds. Inhibiting local inflammation and promoting angiogenesis are key to accelerating diabetic wound healing. In this study, we found that the serum S100A12 concentration is significantly elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes. Exposure of stratified epidermal cells to high glucose led to increased expression of S100A12, resulting in endothelial dysfunction. The transcription factor Krüpple-like Factor 5 (KLF5) is highly expressed in the epidermis under high glucose conditions and promotes the expression of S100A12 by binding to its promoter. Blockade of the S100A12 receptor, RAGE or TLR4 alleviates high glucose-induced endothelial damage. In vivo inhibition of S100A12 significantly improved angiogenesis in diabetic rabbit wounds, thus accelerating wound healing. The above results illustrate the proinflammatory function of S100A12 in diabetic wounds and suggest that S100A12 is a potential therapeutic target for diabetic wounds.
Association between Brominated Flame Retardants Exposure and Hypertension in U.S. Adults: Results from NHANES 2005–2016
Authors: Cheng Dian , Chen Zijun , Zhou Jian , Cao Yue , Xie Xin , Wu Yizhang , Li Xiaorong , Wang Xuecheng , Yu Jinbo , Yang Bing
Published: February 2024

Background
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) have attracted widespread concern due to their environmental persistence and potential toxicity. This study aims to examine the association between BFRs exposure and hypertension.
Methods
We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2005 to 2016 for the cross-sectional analysis. To evaluate the individual and combined impacts of BFRs exposure on hypertension, we utilized multivariate models, including the generalized additive model, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models.
Results
9882 individuals were included in the final analysis, of whom 4114 had hypertension. After controlling for potential covariates, higher serum concentrations of PBDE100 (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.59) and PBDE153 (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.89) were significantly associated with hypertension. A nonlinear relationship between PBDE28 and hypertension was observed (P < 0.05). Moreover, BFRs mixture were positive correlated with the prevalence of hypertension in both the WQS (β: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.16; P < 0.01) and BKMR models.
Conclusion
Our study suggested that BFRs exposure is positively associated with hypertension in the general population. To confirm this association and elucidate the mechanisms, further research is required.
Integrated Assessment of CMIP6 Models and Land Cover Change on Water Resources of the Hunza Basin in the Upper Indus
Authors: Haider Saif , Masood Muhammad Umer , Rashid Muhammad
Published: February 2024

The combined study of climate change and land cover to assess runoff can contribute to effective water resources management. Many studies focused on the expected effects of climate change (CC) on surface runoff, largely ignoring future land cover change. The primary aim of this paper is to use the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to assess the impacts of expected CC and land cover change (LCC) on surface runoff in the Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan. Future land cover scenarios and climate change projections were forecasted using cellular automata artificial neural networks and four downscaled general circulation models (GCMs), respectively. The calibration phase (2008–2010) and the validation phase (2011–2013) were separated from the historical data. The simulated outcomes showed that the SWAT concept worked effectively. The GCM (MPI-ESM1-2-HR), after statistical downscaling using the CMhyd model, projected changes in precipitation and temperature according to two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2 and SSP5). These projections and future conditions for land cover were supplied to the calibrated model to assess the potential consequences of CC and LCC on the Hunza River Basin. The baseline era (1990–2015) and the projected time frame (2016–2100), which encompasses the current century, were analyzed on a seasonal scale. The results indicate increased precipitation and consequent inflows all year round within both SSPs. Specifically, through the 21st century, SSP2 (SSP5) predicted a 13% (27.1%) increase in rainfall, leading to significant changes in streamflow patterns in the Hunza River Basin. These changes include an overall increase in mean annual streamflow (ranging from 14.9–32.5%) and a decrease in average monthly streamflow during June, July, and August. Likely, the expected climate changes can significantly influence the seasonal characteristics of streamflow at the Hunza River Basin. Higher stream flows were found to be projected in the future. The paper analyses the impact of CC and LCC on runoff depth and offers some recommendations for those in charge of water resources to ensure the sustainability of the aquatic ecosystem.
Evaluation of pulse wave velocity in children with bicuspid aortic valve patients with normal cardiac and valve function Pulse wave velocity in bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Ertas Kerem , Gul Ozlem
Published: February 2024

Background: We aimed to analyze aortic elasticity properties in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) using a transthoracic echocardiography device.
Methods: Fifty BAV patients and 50 healthy children were included in this study. Patients were classified into type 1 and type 2 according to the morphology of valve fusion. All patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. Left ventricular wall thickness, function, aortic strain, distensibility index, stiffness index were evaluated using formulas derived from aortic diameters. Velocity measurements were taken from the ascending and descending aorta using pulse wave (PW) Doppler. Pulse wave velocity was determined as the (total distance)/(transit time).
Results: Pulse wave velocity was found to be significantly higher in the BAV group, whose ventricular wall thickness and functions were similar with the other group (p = 0.000). PWV was significantly higher in type 1 BAV group (p = 0.03). The aortic strain and distensibility index (DI) were lower and the stiffness index (SI) was higher in the BAV group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The aortic diameters in the BAV group were significantly higher than those in the control group. There was a correlation between PWV and aortic diameter, aortic flow velocity, and aortic valve regurgitation vena cava diameter.
Conclusions; In the evaluation of aortic elasticity properties in the BAV group, the PWV value measurement obtained with the values measured by the transthoracic echocardiographic method is practical, easily accessible, inexpensive, and can be evaluated without the need for additional devices.
Prognostic Significance of Cytotoxic-T-Lymphocytes to Immunosuppressive Cells Ratio (CIL) in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Duo , Heng Yu , Jin Qiu-yan , Tang Di , Zhu Xiao-ke , Lu Li-ming , Tao Lei
Published: February 2024

Immunoscore (IS), based on CD3/CD8, has been proposed to characterize the immune landscape of the tumor immune microenvironment and has demonstrated an association with the prognosis of LSCC (Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma). However, traditional IS does not include immunosuppressive cells. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognostic performance of cytotoxic-T-lymphocytes to immunosuppressive cells ratio (CIL) in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) patients. Two cohorts were included in this study: the training cohort (N = 75) consisted of tumor tissue microarrays from LSCC patients in our department, and the Validation cohort (N = 116) utilized bulk RNA-seq data from the TCGA database. Patients with high IS or CIL showed significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in both cohorts. Upon analyzing the relative contribution of each parameter, it was found that CIL exhibited the highest significance among the factors examined. It emerged as the strongest predictor of overall survival, emphasizing its crucial influence in determining the outcomes. The prognostic ability of IS-TCGA was similar to the original IS. Additionally, high CILM2-TCGA was associated with prolonged survival of patients with LSCC in the TCGA dataset. CIL, which is easier to construct than IS, proves to be reliable in predicting survival outcomes for patients with LSCC.
Long-term responders to nivolumab in previously treated advanced renal cell carcinoma: a sub-analysis of Meet-URO15 study
Authors: Messina Carlo , Catalano Martina , roviello giandomenico , Gandini Annalice , Maruzzo Marzo , De Giorgi Ugo , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Sbrana Andrea , Zucali Paolo Ansrea , Masini Cristina , Naglieri Emanuele , Procopio Giuseppe , Milella Michele , Catalano Fabio , Fratino Lucia , Pipitone Stefania , Ricotta Riccardo , Panni Stefano , Mollica Veronica , Atzori Francesco , Napoli Marilena Di , Messina Marco , Morelli Franco , Prati Giuseppe , Nolè Franco , Malgeri Andrea , Tudini Marianna , Vignani Francesca , Cavo Alessia , Signori Alessio , Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Rescigno Pasquale , Buti Stefano , Rebuzzi Sara Elena , Fornarini Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Background: Although nivolumab prolongs overall survival (OS) in pretreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), underlining clinical and biological features of long-term responses are still to be determined. This study aims to investigate clinical and pathological characteristics of mRCC patients who achieved long-term responses during nivolumab treatment.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on mRCC patients receiving nivolumab as second or further therapy line between May 2016 and January 2019 in 34 Italian Oncology Centres. Outcome assessments and logistic regression were performed to evaluate factors influencing long-term responses.
Results: A total of 571 patients with a median age of 61 years (range 17-85) were included in the analysis. With a median follow-up of 22.1 (1.0-89.0) months, 23.1% of patients were 2-year progression-free on treatment with nivolumab, hence they were categorized as long-term responders. Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, and histology, were similar between long and short-term responders. Karnofsky Performance Status ≥80% was significantly associated with long-term response (p=0.02), while bone metastases (p=0.03), International mRCC Database Consortium intermediate-poor risk (p<0.01) and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio ≥3.2 (p=0.02) were associate with short-term responses. Long-term responders exhibited a median progression free survival of 55.0 months versus 4.0 months of the short-term responders. The median OS was not reached in long-term responders while it was 17.0 months for short term responders.
Conclusion: This retrospective analysis sheds light on factors associated with long-term response to nivolumab in mRCC. Understanding these clinical features will be essential for selecting patients who may mostly benefit from immunotherapy.
A Simple Spectral Method for Nanoplastic Identification and Characterisation
Authors: Wang Jing Jing , Hill Christopher , Li Dunzhu , Shi Yunhong , Yang Luming , Draper Sylvia , Xiao Liwen , Boland John
Published: February 2024

Detecting and monitoring the presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in the environment is a challenge due to their small size compared to the diffraction limits (~ 300 nm) of conventional spectroscopy. To address this, we developed a straightforward fluorescence mapping technology capable of accurately locating, quantifying, and identifying Nile-Red-stained polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate NPs down to sizes of 60 nm. Verification of the quantity and locations of dyed NPs within a scanned area was carried out by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with fluorescence mapping analysis. The ability to successfully resolve individual NPs of different type and sizes in complex real-world samples in the presence of contaminant and chemical additive nanoparticles was demonstrated and provides the basis for low-cost rapid screening of NPs.
Cross-sectional study on prevalence of theileriosis in Kendrapada sheep, Odisha
Authors: Mohanty Swostik , Acharya Aditya Prasad , Mishra Chinmoy , Kerry Rout George , Rath Prasana Kumar , Sahoo Biswanath , Panda Susen Kumar
Published: February 2024

Ovine theileriosis represents a significant threat to both animal welfare and global agricultural productivity, particularly impacting economically disadvantaged farmers. Vector-borne haemoparasitic diseases like theileriosis have a profound effect on the health of livestock, leading to increased illness and mortality, especially in the coastal regions of Odisha. This research aimed to investigate and comprehend the prevalence, clinical manifestations, hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as molecular aspects of theileriosis in sheep from Kendrapada. Among 148 blood samples collected from Kendrapada sheep across four blocks, 13% tested positive for theileriosis, indicating a notable prevalence. The prevalence rate was highest among sheep aged 1–4 years (19%), followed by those younger than 1 year (17.9%) and older than 4 years (13.3%). Female sheep exhibited a higher prevalence (19%) compared to males (16%). Block-wise prevalence was highest in Aul (27.9%), followed by Marshaghai (19.4%), Kendrapada (16.1%), and Derabish (5.88%). Hematological analysis revealed deviations in parameters such as hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and mean corpuscular volume, while packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and differential leukocyte count remained within normal ranges. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in various parameters between Theileria-positive and negative sheep. However, there were no substantial variations noted among different age groups and genders of Theileria-positive sheep. PCR analysis identified an overall incidence of theileriosis at 17.57% in the study population, with sequences closely resembling Theileria luwenshuni isolates. This study confirms the high variability of the 18S small subunit rRNA gene among Theileria spp.
mcU-TransNet: A more Comprehensive UNet-Transformer Network for Polyp Segmentation
Authors: Huang Lei , Wu Yun
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Polyp segmentation is crucial for localizing areas that are at risk of early cancer. Traditional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have limitations in capturing the global context and long-range dependencies. In this paper, a more comprehensive UNet-Transformer network (mcU-TransNet) is proposed for polyp segmentation.
Methods: mcU-TransNet combines the strengths of CNN-based approaches with Transformer-based approaches. To tackle the challenge of detecting different types of polyps at the same location, an attention-enhanced UNet backbone is introduced. This backbone integrates a stem block into the UNet encoder. Spatial and channel attention mechanisms in the UNet decoder are employed to learn specific polyp features, thereby enhancing contour extraction accuracy. To overcome the limited fine-grained perception of the Transformer model, a Transformer head with deformable separable kernel attention (DSKA) is utilized to capture global context information. Convolutional parallel dilated convolutions are employed to gather both local and distant context information, thereby addressing spatial perception deficiencies in the unfolding sequence.
Results: Experimental results on the CVC-ClinicDB and Kvasir-SEG datasets demonstrate that mcU-TransNet outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods, showcasing its robustness and ease of training.
Conclusion: mcU-TransNet could comprehensively learn dataset features and enhance colonoscopy interpretability for polyp detection.
Studying the Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among Syrians Private University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shammout Malaz , Haddad Sultaneh , Hanna Majd , Martini Nafiza , Almasri Imad-Addin , Sara Samer
Published: February 2024

Background:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that mainly affects older people. However, its prevalence and impact among younger age groups, such as university students, are not well established.
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of GERD symptoms, medication use, and impact on quality of life among students at a Syrian private university.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study surveyed 334 students from various specialties using an online questionnaire. The data collected included demographics, GERD symptoms, medication use, and quality of life assessed by the GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) instrument. Associations between GERD and age, sex, and specialty were analyzed.
Results: Overall, 37.4% of the students reported not experiencing GERD symptoms, while the remaining did, with bloating (27.8%) being most prevalent, followed by sleep disturbances (22.2%), heartburn (21.5%), and regurgitation (18.3%). Only 16.8% used GERD medications such as proton-pump inhibitors or antacids. Most students (68.5%) scored in the 0-15 range on the GERD-HRQL, indicating a minimal impact on quality of life. The prevalence of GERD was positively associated with age (p=0.001), female sex (p=0.001), and medical specialty (p=0.0025).
Conclusion: GERD symptoms are prevalent among Syrian university students, particularly with advancing age and in females. However, the impact on quality of life appears to be low. Raising awareness, lifestyle counseling, and targeted support, especially for medical students experiencing higher stress levels, could help manage GERD in this younger population.
Two-dimensional Trial-by-trial Error Correction for Accurate Baseball Pitching
Authors: KUSAFUKA Ayane , OKEGAWA Taishi , YAMAMOTO Rintaro , MIYATA Kohei , KUDO Kazutoshi
Published: February 2024

Throwing an object accurately at a target position at high-speed repeatedly is a specific human motor skill. The arrival position of the thrown ball is approximately determined by its physical state at release. In high-speed baseball pitching, reducingthe variability in the ball’s elevation/azimuth angle of the velocity at release (release angle) is particularly necessary to reduce the variability in the vertical/horizontal arrival position. However, as there is always variability in human movements, which increases as the speed increases, decreasing the variability is an issue. This study focused on one strategy, trial-by-trial error correction, which is to correct movements in the subsequent trials facing an undesirable outcome. The intertrial changes in the elevation/azimuth release angle were analyzed together by transition probability analysis in addition to a separate analysis using the autocorrelation function. The results showed a difference in the error correction depending on the state and direction. In addition, this suggests that the pitchers with large variability in the release angle made fewer corrections in the horizontal direction. These findings indicate that trial-by-trial error correction can be a strategy to decrease variability however, complicated factors are involved in error correction.
After Three Decades of Democratic Decentralisation: Finances of the Urban Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Mohapatra Bishnu Prasad
Published: February 2024

The Urban Local Bodies (UPBs) in recent years have played a vital role in urban transformation. The 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India has vested constitutional status to impart certainty, continuity and strength, for devolution of powers to the ULBs and for allotment of adequate resources. In Andhra Pradesh, the ULBs have been instrumental in promoting various socio-economic development programmes. The state has adopted three-tier ULBs in the state. The broad objective of this paper is to examine the financial position of the ULBs and the extent of devolution in the state of Andhra Pradesh, particularly, since 2014, when the Residuary State of Andhra Pradesh came into being. Using a mixed-method approach, it argues that the resource base of the ULBs need to be improved substantially to deliver proper services to the urban population. This has serious implications for Urban Governance.
Mediale Darstellung arbeitsweltlicher Veränderungen Am Beispiel des kurzfristigen Wandels von betrieblicher Präsenzkultur hin zu arbeitsweltlichen Home Office Strukturen aufgrund der Corona Pandemie anhand der Grounded Theory
Authors:   , Helms Kirsten
Published: February 2024

Das Promotionsvorhaben ist im Bereich der arbeitssoziologischen Forschung angesiedelt. Vor dem Hintergrund der Individualisierung im arbeitssoziologischen Feld, sowie der gestiegenen Bedeutung von Home Office aufgrund der Corona-Pandemie, widmet sich das Vorhaben dem Problemfeld der wahrgenommenen Ambivalenz von Home Office, sowie dem Zusammenhang zwischen Home Office und Individualisierung, und dessen Bedeutung und Auswirkungen für und auf das Individuum. Als methodisches Verfahren dient hier zur Theoriegenerierung die Grounded Theory. Gegenstand der Analyse ist die mediale Darstellung. Als mediale Daten werden Zeitungsartikel mit der thematischen Fokussierung auf Home Office betrachtet. Die hier gewählte Darstellung des Vorgehens, ermöglicht es, das Vorgehen mit der Grounded Theory kleinteilig und kleinschrittig nachzuvollziehen und verstehen zu können. Ziel der Studie ist es, Home Office in Bezug zur Individualisierung zu setzen und die grundsätzlichen Zusammenhänge innerhalb der Wahrnehmungen von Home Office und Individualisierung herauszuarbeiten, sowie im medialen Kontext allgemeine Darstellungen und Wahrnehmungen von Home Office zu erkennen und zu verdeutlichen. Letztlich zeigt sich, dass die Gemeinsamkeit in der medialen Darstellung von Home Office darin liegt, dass eine Aushandlung über die Notwendigkeit von Handlungsvermögen erfolgt. Diese Aushandlung spiegelt sich in den Aspekten der Darstellung von Handlungsmöglichkeiten und Handlungsgrenzen wieder, sowie in der Darstellung der Notwendigkeit von Gestaltungsspielraum und/oder der Notwendigkeit von Grenzen für das Individuum. Die im Laufe der Auswertung entwickelten Darstellungsformen ermöglichen hierbei, die differenzierten Standpunkte im Hinblick auf die Arbeitsweise Home Office erfassen zu können. Es wurden Formen gebildet, um die verschiedenen Blickwinkel voneinander abgrenzen zu können. Bei Betrachtung dieser Formen wird jedoch ersichtlich, dass sich die exakte punktuelle Verortung des Subjektes zwischen Fremdbestimmung und Selbstbestimmung im Hinblick auf die Zielsetzung des maximalen persönlichen und/oder wirtschaftlichen Erfolges aus medialer Perspektive als schwierig erweist. Die in der Auswertung entwickelten Darstellungsformen verdeutlichen außerdem die Gleichbedeutung von Arbeitssphäre und Lebenssphäre für das Individuum in der medialen Darstellung. Gleichzeitig zeigen sie den Wunsch nach Freiheit, den Wunsch nach Grenzen, sowie den Wunsch nach Selbstverwirklichung, Gestaltung und Entlastung von Erwartungen auf.
The impact of strategic agility on sustainable competitive advantage: The mediating role of strategic renewal at Jordanian telecommunication companies
Authors: Al Shawabkeh Khaled
Published: February 2024

Developing a sustainable competitive advantage has emerged as a pivotal objective for organizations due to the dynamic and constantly evolving business environment, challenges modern organizations encounter, rapid market fluctuations, and intense competition. This study aims to examine the impact of strategic agility on sustainable competitive advantage and the mediating role of strategic renewal within an emerging economy such as Jordan. The study collected data from 217 executives holding senior and intermediate positions in telecommunications companies in Jordan. This paper utilized partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS4 software to test hypotheses and assess the measurement and structural models. According to the findings, strategic agility has a significant positive impact on sustainable competitive advantage (β = 0.590, t = 8.042, p ≤ 0.000) and high explanation power (R2 = 0.828), which means that 82.8% of the variance in sustainable competitive advantage has been explained by strategic agility and strategic renewal. Moreover, strategic renewal partially mediates the relationship between strategic agility and sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, the study revealed that the model’s predictive power was medium. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge and existing literature about the impact of strategy renewal and agility on sustainable competitive advantage in Jordanian telecommunications companies. Organizations incorporating strategic agility and renewal into their strategy can manage uncertainties, swiftly adjust to changes, and attain sustainable competitive advantage.
Digital Game as A Media to Increase Cognitive Intelligence of 13-18 Years Old Teenagers
Authors: Edbert Ivan Sebastian , Tsaniya Devita Azka , Constantino Bernico , Riandy Geary , Aulia Alvina , Nadia Nadia
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, Cognitive Intelligence plays an essential role especially on making decisions. The growth of digital media makes public thinks that video games are addictive. They think that video games are addictive and damaging. Games are design to refresh, challenge and help people to train their problem solving. In this research, the researcher explored the cognitive development of teenagers aged 13-18 with a puzzle-based digital game. Participants were 15 students studying in junior and senior high school. Participants were given three tests: pre-test and post-test by IQ test and a Game Engagement Questionnaire (GEQ) to explore the game's engagement from the participants' perspective. The average of Pre-Test is 113.2, while the Post-Test is 118.33. This Show that after playing the games it increases the IQ of the students. The researcher also discovered that many factors could influence the outcome of participant IQ. The GEQ shows that the participants agreed that some of the puzzle-based game might be a good or bad influence on them.

Keywords: Cognitive Intelligence; Digital Games, Formal Operational Game-based Learning, Jean Piaget's Theory
Validation of the Russian version of the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS) questionnaire in adolescents
Authors: Tereshchenko S. Yu. , Evert L. S. , Kostyuchenko Yu. R.
Published: February 2024

Introduction.An urgent medical and social problem at present is the need to develop nationally adapted versions of the questionnaire for assessing dependence on social networks, which is due to the avalanche-like increase in the prevalence of this phenomenon, especially among adolescents and youth, and often associated with disorders of the neuropsychic and somatic spectrum.

Aim.Validation of the English-language Social Media Disorder scale (SMDS) questionnaire based on 9 criteria, including psychopathological aspects of engagement with social networking sites.

Materials and methods.After the procedures of direct and reverse translation of the questionnaire, the psychometric validation of the test was carried out on a Russian-speaking sample of 3074 adolescents aged 11–19 years (46.1% of boys and 53.9% of girls, median age 14 (13–16) years) – students of 10 educational institutions in Krasnoyarsk. The external validity of the SMDS- RU questionnaire was assessed using the following methods: Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS) – to assess the presence of Internet addicted behavior; the Strengths and Challenges Questionnaire (SDQ) – to analyze the mental health of the subjects.

Results.Expiratory and confirmatory factor analyzes demonstrated good agreement between the test components. The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed its single-factor structure (CFI = 0.9, TLI = 0.9, RMSEA = 0.06), an acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha value (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.7) indicates its sufficient internal consistency and reliability. The external validity of the SMDS-RU questionnaire was confirmed by established associations with the results of the Chen Internet Addiction Test (CIAS) and the Strengths and Challenges Questionnaire (SDQ) by R. Goodman. Test-retest reliability when measured at 6-month intervals also demonstrated acceptable results: the Spearman correlation coefficient between the sums of scores of two measurements was 0.66, p < 0.001.

Conclusion.The Russian-language version of the Social Network Addiction Questionnaire (SMDS-RU) developed for teenagers has sufficient information content, reliability, internal and external validity and can be actively used in the Russian adolescent population.
Optimal duration of breastfeeding
Authors: Gmoshinskaya M. V. , Aleshina I. V. , Vorobyova I. N.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. The question of the optimal timing of cessation of lactation from the perspective of maternal-child relationships remains controversial.

Aim. Тo determine the optimal timing for stopping breastfeeding based on data on the formation of the child’s personal characteristics and the relationship with the mother.

Materials and methods. The results of a prospective study of mother-child relationships during the period of cessation of breastfeeding are presented. The age of the child was assessed at the termination of breastfeeding, the difficulties experienced by the mother and the child at its termination (affective attachment, characteristics of the child’s behavior). Observation was carried out in the classroom in the group of short-term stay in preschool conditions 1–2 times a week for at least 1.5 hours. 108 mother-child pairs were under observation. Depending on the duration of breastfeeding, couples were divided into two groups. The first group – 64 children who are breastfed for no more than 18 months, the second group – 44 children who are breastfed for more than 18 months. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the Excel program using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s χ2 method. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results and discussion. Since the conditions of the children’s polyclinic do not allow for monitoring the child and his mother, the study was carried out in a group of short-term stay in a preschool educational institution, which is quite typical for the modern urban maternal population. The work was carried out jointly with teachers and psychologists who developed criteria for assessing mother-child relations and the child’s behavioral characteristics. In the group of children who were breastfed after 18 months, affective attachment to the mother, use of the breast to soothe them in the absence of breast milk, anxiety when falling asleep, were 2 times more common than in children who were breastfed for less than 18 months. The data obtained indicate the need to inform nursing mothers about the mental characteristics of a child’s development in certain age periods, a decrease in lactation after a year, and its frequent termination by 18 months.

Conclusions. Based on the data obtained, it can be considered appropriate the optimal duration of breastfeeding up to one and a half years.
Breast milk microbiota of healthy women living in the Russian Federation
Authors: Kuchina A. E. , Zakharova I. N. , Odintsova V. E. , Kholodova I. N. , Kozlova A. D. , Koshkin F. A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Mother’s breast milk is considered to be the best source of infant nutrition and, paradoxical as it may sound, the only product of the infant diet, which composition is still poorly known to us. This article presents the findings of a study on the breast milk microbiota conducted in the Russian Federation for the first time.

Aim. To study the composition of the breast milk microbiota of healthy women living in the Russian Federation and identify the impact of various factors on its diversity.

Materials and methods. A molecular genetic study on 56 colostrum samples and 12 mature breast milk samples from 56 healthy donors using a method based on sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene was conducted.

Results. In a batch of 56 colostrum samples, 22 species and 242 genera of bacteria were identified. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota were the most predominant species of bacteria in healthy women with a normal body mass index, from a physiological pregnancy, who did not take antibiotics, after natural delivery at term; Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Gemella were the most predominant at the level of delivery. Statistical analysis of the impact of nationality, age, number of children in the family and duration of hospitalization (PERMANOVA) showed no significant differences in the proportions of bacteria in the colostrum of women (p > 0.05). The gender of the child was the only factor that turned out to be significant. The biodiversity of colostrum of girl-delivered mothers were higher (Shannon index) than that of boy-delivered mothers. In addition, the mature breast milk microbiota (1 month after delivery) has lower alpha diversity as compared to colostrum.

Discussion. The analysis of our results and reports from foreign colleagues showed significant similarities and differences, which, certainly, were explained by a number of reasons related to methodological and geographical differences, the method, timing and even the time of day when breast milk samples were collected.

Conclusion. In general, the colostrum of healthy women had a fairly stable bacterial composition, and its rich biodiversity fully demonstrated high quality of the first microbial inoculum for the newborn intestine. Our results provide valuable insights into the healthy breast milk microbiota in women living in the Russian Federation and can be used as reference ranges, as well as for comparison with similar indicators in women from other countries.
Vesicoureteral reflux-stenosis: an approach to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Nikitin S. S. , Guseva N. B. , Kononova S. A. , Tyukina A. A.
Published: February 2024

Vesicoureteral reflux-stenosis is a malformation of the urinary system in which reflux is combined with a narrowing of the distal ureter at the site of its confluence with the bladder. At the same time, the diameter of the lumen of the formed rigid section of the narrowed ureter is sufficient for the occurrence of reflux, but not enough for normal emptying of the upper urinary tract, which leads to the development of a reflux megaureter. Histologically, the wall of the narrowed ureter is characterized by the presence of fibrosis, atrophy of the submucosal layer and the absence of neuromuscular elements of the ureterovesical junction. Diagnosis of reflux stenosis should include mycological cystography and intravenous excretory urography, the results of which, in addition to reflux itself, often determine the “beak symptom” – narrowing in the distal ureter; cystoscopy, which reveals narrow ureteral mouths without peristalsis; computed tomography with contrast enhancement; ultrasound examination of the kidneys and ureters on a urethral catheter with a diuretic test – an increase in the volume of the upper urinary tract by more than 30% of the initial values indicates the presence of stenosis. To clarify kidney function, the study is supplemented with static nephroscintigraphy. The most preferable option is a staged surgical treatment – the narrowed distal ureter is bujured and a ureteral stent is installed for a period of 1 month. While maintaining reflux, according to the data of microvascular cystography, endoscopic plastic surgery of the ureteral mouth is performed. In case of ineffectiveness of minimally invasive interventions, they proceed to Cohen’s neoimplantation of the ureter with resection of the distal ureter and, if necessary, with straining of the enlarged ureter.
Clinical and immunological manifestations of gene polymorphisms cytokines in controlled and uncontrolled bronchial asthma
Authors: Suprun E. N. , Suprun S. V. , Nagovitsina E. B. , Galyant O. I. , Lebed’ko O. A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Bronchial asthma (BA) is a multifactorial disease, but its pathogenesis in children is based on atopic inflammation, which is what modern therapies are aimed at combating; less attention is paid to factors of nonspecific inflammation, but they also affect the controllability of the pathological process. The regulation of any inflammation is carried out primarily by cytokines, therefore this work is devoted to the study of polymorphisms of genes for cytokines of nonspecific inflammation.

Aim. To explore the association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and clinical immunological features of uncontrolled asthma.

Materials and methods. We examined 167 children with asthma, who were divided into groups with and without complete disease control, according to the standard of clinical guidelines for asthma. Additionally, mononucleotide substitutions in the cytokine genes were determined: IL4-C589T (rs2243250), IL6-C174G (rs1800795), IL10-G1082A (rs1800896), IlL10-C592A (rs1800872), IL10- C819T (rs1800871), IL12B-A118 8C (rs3212227) , TNFα- G308A (rs1800629), serum cytokine levels: IL4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18 and TNFα; standard immunogram indicators: subpopulations of lymphocytes, neutrophil phagocytosis and levels of Ig A, M, G, E.

Results and discussion. It was determined that each of the clinically significant mononucleotide substitutions forms a unique cytokine and immune profile that is phenotypically realized in the clinical manifestations of the disease. It has been proven that mononucleotide substitutions IL10-C592A, TNFα- G308A contribute to better control with a tendency to milder asthma; children with the IL6-C174G polymorphism experience more severe disease with a tendency toward decreased control. In addition, mononucleotide substitutions in the genes of signaling molecules of the immune system modify atopic inflammation, weakening (IL10-C592A, TNFα- G308A) or enhancing (IL6-C174G) it, which leads to a change (decrease or increase) in the dose of TGCS, respectively.

Conclusion. Thus, determination of IL6-C174G (rs1800795), IL10-C592A (rs1800872), TNFα- G308A (rs1800629) polymorphisms in children with ВА helps to identify a risk group for severe and uncontrolled disease, as well as to personalize therapy.
A rare disease in children – croupous bronchitis: history of study, pathogenesis, therapy strategy
Authors: Goryainova A. N. , Antsupova M. A. , Samitova E. R. , Loba N.  V. , Koroid V. V. , Churnosova M. A. , Elfimova O. I. , Koroid N.  V. , Kuzina N. E. , Zakharova I. N.
Published: February 2024

Plastic bronchitis is a rare disease. Despite the fact that the clinical signs of plastic bronchitis were first described by Galen more than 1800 years ago, the pathogenesis of the disease remains poorly understood to this day. As a result, it is not always possible to choose a therapy that allows for complete clinical and laboratory remission or complete recovery of the patient. Treatment of plastic bronchitis should be multifaceted, including the appointment of medications, hardware and physiotherapy methods. Despite the increasing relevance of the topic, the number of published works dealing with the problems of plastic bronchitis, both in world literature and domestic, is small. This review presents historical information on the study of plastic bronchitis, discusses the pathogenesis of the disease, taking into account the results of research over the past decades, lists the main and secondary clinical signs and symptoms, discusses the principles of modern therapy, including both invasive and non-invasive, physiotherapy, and treatment methods. As a clinical example, a case of plastic bronchitis in a 3-year-old boy who was treated in the intensive care unit and then in the infectious diseases department of the Z.A. Bashlyaeva State Clinical Hospital with a diagnosis of Idiopathic plastic bronchitis during one of the relapses of the disease from March 7, 2020 to March 22, 2020 is given. The diagnosis was previously made at the Morozov City Clinical Hospital.
Potential of topical therapy for acute rhinitis in paediatric practice
Authors: Kirichenko I. M. , Popadyuk V. I. , Kozlova N. S. , Chernolev A. I.
Published: February 2024

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa with rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing and nasal itching. Rhinitis can be acute or chronic (allergic rhinitis, non-infectious rhinitis, infectious rhinitis) with nasal symptoms, ophthalmological symptoms, ear congestion, sore throat, postnasal drip, cough. Up to 98% of cases of acute infectious rhinitis develop against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection. The pathogenesis of acute viral rhinitis and acute viral sinusitis is based on nasal congestion, difficulty in mucociliary transport and blockage of the paranasal sinuses. When prescribing treatment for children with acute viral rhinitis and acute rhinosinusitis, it is necessary to take into account the age and weight of the child, use elimination therapy and improve drainage of the paranasal sinuses. The use in pediatric clinical practice of the combined decongestant, which includes α2-adrenomimetic and dexpanthenol, is effective and safe in the treatment of almost all conditions accompanied by nasal congestion, promotes rapid restoration of nasal breathing.
Do routine questions provide reliable information about the patient’s diet: the results of the survey of parents of children with brain tumors being on the 2nd rehabilitation period
Authors: Vashura A. Yu. , Pyataeva A. A. , Lukina S. S. , Brynza E. V. , Karelin A. F.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. The course of central nervous system tumors in children and their therapy are associated with nutritional disorders that persist after the end of antineoplastic treatment. It is important to determine nutritional problems, which is usually carried out in the form of a survey by a physician. He also needs to be aware and understand the degree of fulfillment of appointments by patient at home.

Aim. To study the problems of organizing nutritional support for children with tumors of the central nervous system after the end of antitumor treatment.

Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted, which included a survey, involving the parents of 71 patients with central nervous system tumors, aged 10 to 18 years, undergoing routine rehabilitation at the Russian Field Medical and Rehabilitation Scientific center. The survey included questions that a nutritionist usually asks during a consultation, with answer options, as well as a description of the diet and usual food intake. Anthropometry data (z-score of height-on-age, BMI) are included.

Results. 45% of the children had deviations in BMI. The answers to the routine questions “What is the child’s appetite” and “Are there (any) problems with nutrition” were the most uninformative, did not coincide with the actual composition of the diet and food intake. More accurately, the parents answered the questions “Are there (any) problems with diet/regimen organization” and “... associated with eating”. 21 children were prescribed diets (gentle and “low-carb”), but only 6 followed these diets. 58% noted periodic “physical exhaustion”, only 7% are engaged in physical therapy at home. Only 2 children received nutritional support at home. An analysis of the composition of the diet and diet revealed significant problems in 61% of children.

Conclusion. In a routine medical survey, simple questions about appetite and “are there any problems with nutrition” are not enough. Simple anthropometry is not enough. The survey has shown its effectiveness, but an analysis of the questionnaire is needed. Not all patients can follow dietary recommendations, it is necessary to take into account the motivation and understanding of both parents and children.