bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN UKRAINE
Authors:   Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, Sevidova Iryna , Susidenko Oleksii ,   Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs
Published: September 2024

Financial accounting is an important element of managing any business, especially in the small and mediumsized enterprise (SME) sector. Effective organization and implementation of financial accounting allows enterprises to ensure the transparency of financial transactions, optimize the tax burden and increase investment attractiveness. Automation of accounting processes is a key factor in increasing the efficiency of financial accounting. This includes the use of specialized software that helps businesses automate routine accounting operations, reduce errors, and reduce the time spent on data processing. The article examines the peculiarities of the organization of financial accounting for SMEs in Ukraine, identifies the main problems and suggests ways to solve them. The purpose of this article is to study the current state of financial accounting in the sector of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine, identify the main problems and develop recommendations for their solution, taking into account international experience and the specifics of national legislation. Financial accounting in small and medium-sized businesses has its own characteristics, which are determined by the specifics of the activities of such enterprises. Unlike large companies, SMEs often do not have separate accounting departments and are forced to save on management costs. This leads to the fact that the records can be kept by the owners or a small number of employees, which in turn increases the risks of errors and improper reporting. Effective organization and improvement of financial accounting are crucial for the success of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine. The use of automated accounting systems, staff training, outsourcing of accounting services, monitoring of legislative changes and optimization of tax accounting allow enterprises to reduce costs, increase transparency and ensure sustainable development. These strategies not only facilitate the day-to-day operations of the enterprise, but also create a solid foundation for its long-term growth and success.
СУТНІСТЬ, ЗАВДАННЯ І ПРИНЦИПИ ПУБЛІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ У СФЕРІ ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ТЕРИТОРІАЛЬНИХ ГРОМАД
Authors: Пилипенко Любомир , Мацик Роман
Published: September 2024

Стаття присвячена тематиці публічного управління енергетичним забезпеченням територіальних громад як важливому напряму забезпечення життєдіяльності їх населення та розвитку економіки. На основі діалектичного підходу обґрунтовано сутність публічного управління енергетичним забезпеченням територіальних громад, що охоплює перелік суб’єктів цього управління, мету його здійснення, а також три змістові напрями реалізації – економічний, соціальний та екологічний. На основі нормативного підходу встановлено особливості повноважень і завдання суб’єктів публічного управління енергетичним забезпеченням територіальних громад. Аргументовано доцільність розширення повноважень органів місцевого самоврядування у контексті реалізації ними публічного управління енергетичним забезпеченням територіальних громад. Визначено принципи публічного управління енергетичним забезпеченням територіальних громад.
НЕВИПЛАТА ЗАРОБІТНОЇ ПЛАТИ, СТИПЕНДІЇ, ПЕНСІЇ ЧИ ІНШИХ УСТАНОВЛЕНИХ ЗАКОНОМ ВИПЛАТ: ПРОБЛЕМНІ АСПЕКТИ ТА ПРОПОЗИЦІЇ ЩОДО ВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ЗАКОНОДАВСТВА
Authors: Сперкач Наталія , Бондаренко Альбіна , Мізецька Дарина
Published: September 2024

Стаття присвячена аналізу юридичного складу кримінального правопорушення, передбаченого статтею 175 Кримінального кодексу України, яка встановлює відповідальність за безпідставну невиплату заробітної плати, стипендії, пенсії чи інших установлених законом виплат громадянам. У статті розглянуто об’єктивні та суб’єктивні ознаки цього кримінального правопорушення, зокрема його об’єкт, предмет, об’єктивну сторону, суб’єкт та суб’єктивну сторону. Досліджено основні проблемні питання кваліфікації даного кримінального правопорушення, такі як відмежування безпідставної невиплати від невиплати у зв’язку з відсутністю коштів, розмежування кримінальної та адміністративної відповідальності за несвоєчасну виплату заробітної плати тощо. На основі проведеного аналізу внесено пропозиції щодо вдосконалення кримінального законодавства у сфері регулювання трудових відносин, а саме уточнення поняття безпідставної невиплати, моменту закінчення кримінального правопорушення, а також передбачення кваліфікуючих ознак цього діяння.
DIGITALIZATION OF EDUCATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE XXI CENTURY
Authors: Бобро Наталія
Published: September 2024

The article deals with the main aspects of the digitalization of education in the XXI century, its advantages, and challenges. It is determined that the leading areas are project work, product design, work planning, and access to information resources. The introduction of digital technologies contributes to the creation of an effective educational environment, increased student motivation, development of digital competencies and equal access to education. Digitalization makes it possible to constantly update and improve educational content. However, digitalization is accompanied by risks, including the degradation of students' speech, reduced vocabulary, shortcomings in the educational process, and psychological and physical problems from prolonged use of technology. Prolonged time in front of a computer screen can lead to poor eyesight, physical inactivity, and increased fatigue. To increase efficiency, it is necessary to monitor threats, develop strategies to overcome them, prepare teachers to work in the digital environment, and find a balance between digital and traditional teaching methods. It is important to ensure that teachers are well-trained to use digital technologies effectively. The digitalization of education is a prerequisite for the modern educational process, which requires an integrated approach to minimize risks and ensure the comprehensive development of students.
مستوى اداء المهارات المركبة بكرة القدم بدلالة الحرج الموقفي للطلاب
Authors: Aqeel Abbas Kadhem  , Prof. Dr. Haider Abdel Redha Trad
Published: September 2024

هدفت الدراسة الحالية الى أعداد مقياس الحرج الموقفي لدى طلاب المرحلة الاولى بكلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة في جامعه بابل , تقنين المهارات المركبة بكرة القدم و مقياس الحرج الموقفي لدى طلاب المرحلة الاولى بكلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة في جامعة بابل والتعرف على مستوى اداء المهارات المركبة بكرة القدم والحرج الموقفي لدى الطلاب، معرفة العلاقة بين الحرج الموقفي من جهة و مستوى أداء المهارات المركبة بكرة القدم من جهة اخرى للطلاب, التنبؤ بمستوى اداء المهارات المركبة بداله الحرج الموقفي للطلاب واستخدم الباحثان المنهج الوصفي بأسلوب المسح والعلاقات الارتباطية لملائمة لطبيعة ومشكلة للبحث.
وتضمن مجتمع البحث طلاب المرحلة الاولى في كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة في جامعة بابل للموسم الدراسي (2023-2024) والبالغ  عددهم (274)  طالبا، وبما أن عملية اختيار العينة ترتبط ارتباطاً وثيقاً بطبيعة ومجتمع البحث، لذا اختار الباحثان عينة البحث بالطريقة العشوائية البسيطة إذ بلغ عدد افراد العينة (110) طالبا, من مجتمع البحث مقسمة الى (10) طلاب عينة  التجربة الاستطلاعية ، و(100) طالبا عينة للأعداد والتقنين والتطبيق، ولقد قام الباحثان بأعداد مقياس الحرج الموقفي وتقنين المهارات المركبة لطلاب المرحلة الاولى في كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة في جامعة بابل على وفق السياقات العلمية المتبعة في اعداد وتقنين المهارات المركبة والمقياس النفسي، طبقت التجربة الرئيسية على العينة الرئيسية البالغ عددها(100) طالبا للأعداد والتقنين والتطبيق، للمتغيرات المهارات المركبة وللمقياس الحرج الموقفي ، ولاستخراج النتائج تم تفريغ البيانات ومعالجتها احصائياَ باستعمال الحقيبة الاحصائية (SPSS) .
Analisis Faktor – Faktor Yang Berhubungan dengan Produksi ASI Pada Ibu Post Sectio Caesarea di Rumah Sakit Islam Bogor
Authors: Daeni Linda , Yolandia Rita Ayu , Ciptasrini Uci
Published: September 2024

Air susu ibu (ASI) merupakan makanan pertama bayi saat baru lahir. Pertumbuhan dan perkembangan bayi sebagian besar ditentukan oleh jumlah ASI yang diperoleh. Sebesar 67% dari ibu menyusui mengalami gangguan produksi ASI atau ASI tidak lancar. Produksi ASI itu sendiri dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor, baik secara langsung misalnya perilaku menyusui, perawatan payudara, psikologis ibu, fisiologis ibu, jenis persalinan ataupun yang tidak langsung misalnya sosial kultural, paritas, proses persalinan ibu, penggunaan alat kontrasepsi ibu sebelum kehamilan. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel yang digunakan adalah seluruh pasien post sectio caesarea di ruang bersalin RS Islam Bogor dan memenuhi kriteria inklusi. Jumlah Responden 61 orang dengan kategori 33 orang (54,1%) memiliki produki ASI baik, 50 responden (82%) memiliki kategori status gizi normal, 53 responden (86,9%) merasakan nyeri ringan dan 60 responden (98,4%) tidak merasakan cemas. Tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara status gizi dengan produksi ASI dengan nilai p value 0,714. Tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara nyeri luka post section caesarea dengan produksi ASI dengan nilai p value 1,000. Tidak ada hubungan yang bermakna antara tingkat kecemasan dengan produksi ASI dengan nilai p value 1,000. Ibu post partum di RS islam lebih banyak yang memiliki status Produksi ASI baik (54,1%), dengan sebagian besar memiliki status gizi baik (82%), status nyeri pun lebih banyak yang merasakan nyeri ringan (86,9%) dan hanya 1 orang (1,6%) yang merasakan cemas sedangkan responden lainnya merasakan tidak ada kecemasan. Adapun hasil penelitian didapatkan tidak ada hubungan yang bermakna dari ketiga variable independent yang dilakukan uji penelitian terhadap variabel produksi ASI
Pengaruh Konseling Imunisasi TT Terhadap Pengetahuan Calon Pengantin
Authors: Yolandia Rita Ayu , Febriyani Putri Agus
Published: September 2024

Salah satu langkah pemerintah untuk mengeliminasi tetanus neonatorum adalah dengan pelaksanaan program imunisasi Tetanus Toksoid (TT). Rendahnya cakupan TT menggambarkan rendahnya minat masyarakat untuk melaksanakan imunisasi TT khususnya calon pengantin wanita. Tujuan Dalam Penelitian ini adalah Untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Konseling Imuniasasi TT terhadap Pengetahuan Calon Pengantin. Metode Penelitian yang digunakan yaitu menggunakan rancangan pre eksperimen (pre experimental design) dengan Desain one grup pre test-post test, terdapat 40 Sampel yang mana 20 Responden kelompok eksperimen diberikan media Booklet dan 20 responden kelompok Kontrol. Hasil dalam penelitian ini yaitu bahwa Tingkat Pengetahuan Calon Pengantin tentang Imunisasi TT Sebelum Diberikan Konseling dengan Media Booklet terdapat 12 responden 60% tingkat pengetahuan baik dan 7 rensponden 35% tingkat pengetahuan kurang. Sedangkan setelah diberikan Konseling dengan Media Booklet terdapat Peningkatan 90 % tingkat pengetahuan menjadi Baik. Kesimpulan dalam Penelitian ini adalah terdapat perbedaan tingkat pengetahuan Calon pengantin tentang imunisasi TT Sebelum dan Sesudah Mendapatkan konseling dengan media Booklet
Pengaruh Penyuluhan Kesehatan Menggunakan Booklet Terhadap Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Motivasi Ibu Hamil Dalam Pencegahan Stunting di PMB Ratini Tahun 2023
Authors: Fauziah Neng , Hanifa Fanni , Sari Agustina
Published: September 2024

Stunting adalah gangguan pertumbuhan pada anak usia dini, menjadi perhatian di Provinsi Banten dengan tingkat kejadian mencapai 23%, melebihi target nasional 20% pada tahun 2024. Peran ibu hamil dalam mencegah stunting penting, dengan pendekatan Praktik Bidan Mandiri (PBM) dan edukasi menggunakan booklet. Penelitian ini mengevaluasi pengaruh metode penyuluhan dengan booklet terhadap pengetahuan, sikap, dan motivasi ibu hamil dalam pencegahan stunting. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasi-eksperimen dengan pendekatan kuantitatif, menggunakan desain one group pre-test dan post-test dengan 30 responden. Data dianalisis menggunakan aplikasi SPSS versi 25 dengan metode analisis univariat dan bivariat. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa intervensi penyuluhan berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap pengetahuan, sikap, dan motivasi ibu hamil dalam mencegah terjadinya stunting, hal tersebut dibuktikan secara statistik dengan peningkatan rerata peringkat sebanyak 10 sampai dengan 12. Adapun signifikansi pengaruh dapat dilihat dari nilai p-value yang lebih kecil dari 0,05 yaitu 0,007 untuk pengetahuan, 0,008 untuk sikap, dan 0,000 untuk motivasi. Disarankan bagi ibu hamil Agar ibu hamil bisa mengimplementasikan pengetahuan yang didapat dari penyuluhan untuk mencegah stunting sedari dini, juga dapat mengajak teman dan tetangga untuk berusaha bersama mencegah stunting
Hubungan Gangguan Pola Menstruasi, Nyeri Kepala, Dan Tekanan Darah Terhadap Efek Samping Kb Suntik 3 Bulan
Authors: Silvia Silvia , Jayatmi Irma , Rini Ageng Septa
Published: September 2024

Kontrasepsi adalah pencegahan terbuahinya sel telur oleh sel sperma (konsepsi) atau pencegahan menempelnya sel telur yang telah dibuahi ke dinding rahim. DMPA (Depot Medroxyprogesterone Asetat) adalah kontrasepsi suntik yang diberikan setiap 3 bulan dengan dosis 150 mg yang disuntikkan sacara intramuscular di daerah bokong. Indonesia memiliki laju pertumbuhan penduduk yang cukup pesat. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan gangguan pola menstruasi, nyeri kepala dan peningkatan tekanan darah terhadap efek samping penggunaan KB suntik 3 bulan di PMB Hj.Muniatun Tangerang Selatan tahun 2022. Metode studi kuantitatif dengan dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 43 responden. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah kuesioner.Penelitian menggunakan uji Chi-Square diperoleh nilai p value yaitu 0,001 ≤ 0,05 terdapat hubungan antara gangguan pola menstruasi dengan efek samping KB suntik 3 bulan, tidak terdapat hubungan antara nyeri kepala dengan efek samping KB suntik 3 bulan dengan nilai P-value 0,146 > 0,05, dan tidak terdapat hubungan antara peningkatan tekanan darah terhadap efek samping KB suntik 3 bulan dengan nilai P-value 0,292 > 0,05. Kesimpulannya bahwa P-value ≤ 0,05 yang memiliki hubungan dari variabel yang di teliti yaitu hanya variabel gangguan pola menstruasi dengan efek samping KB suntik 3 bulan. Saran bagi bidan dan tenaga kesehatan dapat memberikan konseling tentang efek samping KB DMPA terhadap akseptor kontrasepsi suntik agar akseptor tidak lagi khawatir.
RMS asymmetry: a robust metric of galaxy shapes in images with varied depth and resolution
Authors: Sazonova Elizaveta , Morgan Cameron , Balogh Michael , Alatalo Katherine , Benavides Jose A. , Bluck Asa , Brough Sarah , Busa Innocenza , Demarco Ricardo , Donevski Darko , Figueira Miguel , Martin Garreth , Mullaney James R , Rodriguez-Gomez Vicente , Román Javier , Rowlands Kate
Published: September 2024

Structural disturbances, such as galaxy mergers or instabilities, are key candidates for driving galaxy evolution, so it is important to detect and quantify galaxies hosting these disturbances spanning a range of masses, environments, and cosmic times. Traditionally, this is done by quantifying the asymmetry of a galaxy as part of the concentration-asymmetry-smoothness system, , and selecting galaxies above a certain threshold as merger candidates. However, in this work, we show that , is extremely dependent on imaging properties – both resolution and depth – and thus defining a single threshold is impossible. We analyze an alternative root-mean-squared asymmetry, , and show that it is independent of noise down to the average SNR per pixel of 1. However, both metrics depend on the resolution. We argue that asymmetry is, by design, always a scale-dependent measurement, and it is essential to define an asymmetry at a given physical resolution, where the limit should be defined by the size of the smallest features one wishes to detect. We measure asymmetry of a set of z≈0.1 galaxies observed with HST, HSC, and SDSS, and show that after matching the resolution of all images to 200 pc, we are able to obtain consistent measurements with all three instruments despite the vast differences in the original resolution or depth. We recommend that future studies use measurement when evaluating asymmetry, where x is defined by the physical size of the features of interest, and is kept consistent across the dataset, especially when the redshift or image properties of galaxies in the dataset vary.
Will Mining Mammoth Tusks in the Russian Arctic Help Preserve African Elephants?
Authors:   Doctor of Economics, Professor, Potravny Ivan ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russia, Godspower Apulu Okpoi , Chindina Alena
Published: September 2024

Objectives – The article explores the relationship between mammoth fossils and the number of African elephants. The research is aimed at solving two interrelated fundamental problems: the development of mechanisms to support traditional crafts of the indigenous peoples of the North in the field of extraction and rational use of mammoth fauna, as well as a methodology for replacing natural resources by using fossil mammoth bones instead of exterminating the tusks of living elephants. Theoretical Framework – The concept of sustainable development, the theory of substitution of natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, the concept of Benefit Sharing Paradigm in mining in the Arctic. Method – The methods of systematic and economic-ecological analysis, statistical, computational and analytical methods, sociological methods, conducting expeditions, methods of ethnological monitoring, cost-benefit assessment, and substitution of natural resources are used. Results and Discussion – The extraction of fossil tusks of extinct mammoths in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) allows us to consider it as a substitute natural resource. A mechanism is proposed to preserve the elephant population in the wild by replacing ivory with tusks of fossil mammoths. It has been established that on average 10 kilograms of mammoth bone can save one elephant, the export of even half of the mammoth tusks mined in Yakutia allows saving 60,000 African elephants annually. Research Implications – The task of integrated use of mammoth tusks and conservation of elephant populations is being solved, and methods of preserving global biodiversity are being developed. Originality/Value – Mammoth tusks are considered in various aspects: as a scientific and cultural value; as an object of trade; the sphere of employment and income of the indigenous peoples of the North, as a resource replacing the needs and demand for ivory
Consequências do uso indiscriminado do esteroide anabolizante estanozolol na espessura cortical do cérebro de ratos: Estudo morfométrico
Authors: Cesario Danilo dos Santos , Silva Taline Gonçalves da , Rossi Junior Wagner Costa , Oliveira Carla Cristina Esteves de , Esteves Alessandra
Published: September 2024

Estudos acerca dos efeitos colaterais dos anabolizantes evidenciam que eles podem ocasionar diversas complicações. Diante disso o presente estudo, teve por objetivo avaliar os possíveis efeitos do anabolizante Stanozolol na espessura cortical de duas áreas cerebrais (motora e límbica). Para este estudo foram analisados cérebros de 28 ratos machos adultos da linhagem Wistar, distribuídos em quatro grupos (n=7) sendo: G1 – grupo controle sedentário; G2 – grupo controle + natação; G3 –grupo estanozolol sedentário; G4 – grupo Stanozolol + natação. Os animais foram tratados durante 60 dias, sendo as doses aplicadas duas vezes por semana em intervalos de dois dias. Os cérebros foram processados seguindo-se a sequência padronizada nos procedimentos histológicos convencionais, as amostras já emblocadas em parafina foram cortadas com espessura de 7μm em micrótomo Yide e corados com hematoxilina-eosina (HE). Foram mensuradas 6 áreas do córtex cerebral sendo 3 áreas de cada hemisfério cerebral (motora e límbica) os valores foram aferidos em µm2. A partir dos principais resultados do presente estudo, nota-se que a prática de atividade física é um fator protetor contra os efeitos deletérios do anabolizante Stanozolol no córtex cerebral, já o sedentarismo é prejudicial a espessura do córtex tanto no grupo controle sedentário quanto no Stanozolol sedentário. Conclui-se que o uso de esteroides anabolizantes em animais sedentários pode levar a efeitos negativos nas áreas corticais límbica e motora. Já a prática de exercícios físico mostrou ser um fator importante de proteção contra os efeitos deletérios do uso deste esteroide anabolizante.
Evaluation of Endothelium-Protective Effects of Drugs in Experimental Models of Endothelial Damage
Authors: Kristová V , Kriška M , Babál P , Djibril MN , Slámová J , Kurtanský A
Published: September 2024

Endothelium-protective properties of pharmacological agents may be assessed by using different experimental models of endothelial dysfunction or injury. The model of endothelial dysfunction induced by vessel perfusion with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) was used for evaluation of pentoxifylline (PTX) effects on vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline (NA) in the rabbit renal artery. Addition of PMN into the perfusion solution significantly increased the responses to NA at all doses. PTX administration (10-5 mol.l1) significantly diminished the constrictor responses to NA in vessels perfused with PMN+PTX when compared to the responses in PMN-perfused vessels (at dose 0.1 m g: 32.25 vs. 14.25, at dose 1 m g: 51 vs. 27.75 (p<0.01), at dose 10 m g 74.25 vs. 39.75 (p<0.05), all values expressed as median of perfusion pressure in mm Hg). The model of endothelial damage induced by repeated NA administration in 5 doses (10-50 m g of NA) was used for evaluation of the endothelium-protective effect of sulodexide (SLX). It was found that SLX (120 U/l) significantly decreased the number of desquamated endothelial cells (EC) compared to the control group (controls: 131.4± 20.1 EC, +SLX: 83.3± 13.8 EC, p<0.01). These results confirmed the favorable endothelium-protective effects of pentoxifylline and sulodexide in the two experimental models.
Effect of Indomethacin and Deendothelisation on Vascular Responses in the Renal Artery
Authors: Kristová V , Kriška M , Vojtko R , Kurtanský A
Published: September 2024

Vasodilator prostaglandins (PGE2, PGI2) play an important role in the regulation of renal blood flow. Hence, inhibition of their production with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases renal vascular resistance and exerts adverse renal effects. It has been reported that besides endothelium-derived prostaglandin products, nitric oxide (NO) may be mainly involved in regulation of renal functions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin and endothelium removal on vascular responses of the renal artery as a model vessel. Isolated segments of rabbit renal arteries were perfused at constant flow. Indomethacin administration (10-5mol.l-1) significantly increased the responses to single doses (0.1, 1, 10 m g) of noradrenaline (NA) as compared with the controls. In indomethacin-pretreated vessels, subsequent deendothelisation by air bubbles enhanced the constrictor responses to NA. In reversed order, when deendothelisation was followed by indomethacin administration, the responses to NA were similar in character. A comparison of renal artery responses to NA in both experimental situations did not reveal any significant differences. It can be supposed that endothelial and non-endothelial factors may be involved in local regulation of renal vascular tone.
Chronic Disturbances in NO Production Results in Histochemical and Subcellular Alterations of the Rat Heart
Authors: Tribulová N , Okruhlicová Ľ , Bernátová I , Pecháňová O
Published: September 2024

The mechanisms and myocardial alterations associated with NO-deficient hypertension are still far from clear. The aim of the present study was to focus on the enzyme histochemical and subcellular changes in the heart of L-NAME treated rats, as well as to examine the influence of captopril treatment. Wistar rats were administered either L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) alone or together with captopril (100 mg/kg/day) for a period of 4 weeks. A significant increase of blood pressure confirmed the reliability of the model. The results showed that long-lasting L-NAME administration was accompanied by a decrease of endothelial NO-synthase activity and by a significant local decrease of the following enzyme activities: capillary-related alkaline phosphatase, 5’-nucleotidase and ATPase (but not dipeptidyl peptidase IV) and cardiomyocyte-related glycogen phosphorylase, succinic dehydrogenase, ß-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and ATPases. No activity of these enzymes was found in the scar, whereas a marked increase of alkaline phosphatase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV activities was found in the foci of fibrotization. Histochemical changes correlated with subcellular changes, which were characterized by 1) apparent fibroblast activation associated with interstitial/perivascular fibrosis, 2) heterogeneous population of the normal, hypertrophic and injured cardiomyocytes, 3) enhancement of the atrial granules and their translocation into the sarcolemma, and 4) impairment of capillaries as well as by induction of angiogenesis. Similar alterations were also found in the heart of captopril co-treated rats, despite of the significant suppression of blood pressure. The results indicate that NO-deficient hypertension is accompanied by metabolic disturbances and ultrastructural alterations of the heart and these changes are probably not induced by the renin-angiotensin system only.
What Happens When People Don’t Bolus for Extended Periods of Time While Using Control-IQ Technology?
Authors: Moir Hannah
Published: September 2024

Individuals with diabetes often face challenges in managing diabetes-related tasks such as glucose monitoring, insulin treatment, and maintaining glycaemic control, leading to a psychosocial burden. Integrating new devices and technologies into diabetes care is crucial to improve quality of life.

During the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida, USA, on 21st–24th June 2024, Miranda R. Polin, Senior Data Analyst at Tandem Diabetes Care in San Diego, California, USA, presented a poster entitled ‘What Happens When People Don’t Bolus for Extended Periods of Time while Using the t:slim X2 with Control-IQ Technology?’ summarising glycaemic data in relation to bolus administration. The study utilised real-world data from users of an automated insulin delivery (AID) system that incorporates continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and an insulin pump with advanced hybrid closed-loop technology (t:slim X2TM with Control-IQ Technology, Tandem Diabetes Care, San Diego, California, USA) to automate insulin delivery.

Polin provided insight regarding the glycaemic control seen in users of Control-IQ Technology who do not manually bolus for prolonged periods of time. The study demonstrated a higher time-in-range (TIR; 3.9–10.0 mmol/L [70–180 mg/dL]) on the days they did not bolus, compared with manual bolusing, without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia. Polin suggested that when using systems such as Control-IQ Technology, even without user given boluses, adequate glycaemic control may be achieved under certain conditions. This opens up the possibility that closed-loop technology can positively impact outcomes even when user behaviours are not consistent.
A New Era in Azerbaijan-Pakistan Relations
Authors:   Lankaran Regional Scientific Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Guliyev Jamil
Published: September 2024

In the course of Azerbaijan's multi-regional foreign policy based on national interests, strengthening relations with countries in the vast Islamic geography with closer ties occupies a special place. Following the political will of President Ilham Aliyev, our republic continuously contributes to the strengthening of Islamic solidarity in the world, based on its historical traditions and national and moral values. Several countries in the world have not established diplomatic relations with Armenia due to its policy of aggression. Pakistan is among such countries, reflecting the stance of a brotherly nation. Expressing his satisfaction with this, President Ilham Aliyev characterized the bilateral relations as follows: "Our relations are the relations between two brotherly countries." Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif compared Pakistan and Azerbaijan to two hearts in one body, saying: "There are brotherly and friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan." Our relations are based on mutual support, sincerity, and respect. The shared faith, similarity of national and moral values, and several historical factors have always connected the societies of Azerbaijan and Pakistan. Throughout history, Azerbaijan has shown goodwill towards Pakistan, and Pakistan towards Azerbaijan.
A hybrid deep image prior and compressed sensing reconstruction method for highly accelerated 3D coronary magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Xue Zhihao , Zhu Sicheng , Yang Fan , Gao Juan , Peng Hao , Zou Chao , Jin Hang , Hu Chenxi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

High-resolution whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography (CMRA) often suffers from unreasonably long scan times, rendering imaging acceleration highly desirable. Traditional reconstruction methods used in CMRA rely on either hand-crafted priors or supervised learning models. Although the latter often yield superior reconstruction quality, they require a large amount of training data and memory resources, and may encounter generalization issues when dealing with out-of-distribution datasets.

Methods

To address these challenges, we introduce an unsupervised reconstruction method that combines deep image prior (DIP) with compressed sensing (CS) to accelerate 3D CMRA. This method incorporates a slice-by-slice DIP reconstruction and 3D total variation (TV) regularization, enabling high-quality reconstruction under a significant acceleration while enforcing continuity in the slice direction. We evaluated our method by comparing it to iterative SENSE, CS-TV, CS-wavelet, and other DIP-based variants, using both retrospectively and prospectively undersampled datasets.

Results

The results demonstrate the superiority of our 3D DIP-CS approach, which improved the reconstruction accuracy relative to the other approaches across both datasets. Ablation studies further reveal the benefits of combining DIP with 3D TV regularization, which leads to significant improvements of image quality over pure DIP-based methods. Evaluation of vessel sharpness and image quality scores shows that DIP-CS improves the quality of reformatted coronary arteries.

Discussion

The proposed method enables scan-specific reconstruction of high-quality 3D CMRA from a five-minute acquisition, without relying on fully-sampled training data or placing a heavy burden on memory resources.
Evaluating citizen science projects: insights from radon research
Authors: Hoedoafia Mabel Akosua , Martell Meritxell , Perko Tanja
Published: September 2024

Citizen science projects have garnered attention for their potential to engage the public in scientific research and address societal challenges. However, assessing their impacts has often been overlooked or approached with overly simplistic methods. Aiming to fill this gap, this article draws on existing literature to propose an evaluation framework to critically examine how citizen science initiatives influence science, society and the participants themselves. This framework is tested on four citizen sciences projects in the field of radon research through content analysis of project reports and deductive analysis of 11 semi-structured interviews with citizen scientists and coordinators of the projects. The study demonstrates the feasibility of measuring the impacts of citizen science projects across scientific, participant, societal and researcher dimensions at the outcome level but also process evaluation at the process level. Our findings indicate that the proposed framework provides a comprehensive evaluation tool for citizen science projects, particularly in the field of radon research, and underscore the significant potential for improving participants’ knowledge on radon and risk mitigation strategies, as well as positive shifts in behaviour towards testing and mitigation and influencing public health policies.
CXCR1 and CXCR2 are potential neutrophil extracellular trap-related treatment targets in ulcerative colitis: insights from Mendelian randomization, colocalization and transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Xv Yichuan , Feng Yiyi , Lin Jiang
Published: September 2024

Objectives

There is already substantial evidence indicating that neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation contributes to the inflammatory cascade in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the precise regulatory mechanisms governing this process remain elusive. This study aimed to determine the role of NET-related genes in UC and reveal possible mechanisms.

Methods

Employing a two-sample MR methodology, we investigated the correlations between NET-associated genes (NRGs) and UC with summary data derived from a genome-wide association study (12,366 cases vs. 33,609 controls) and FinnGen (8,279 cases vs. 261,098 controls). The main analysis employed the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by the MR-Egger method and weighted median method. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to rule out the interference of heterogeneity and pleiotropy among utilized instrument variables. The colocalization analysis was used to determine whether the identified NRGs and UC shared casual variants. Cross-tissue expression analysis was performed to characterize the expression patterns of target NRGs, while multi-gene correlation analysis and GSEA analysis were conducted to explore the mechanisms by which target NRGs promote UC and NET formation. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate the protein expression of target NRGs in the colon tissue of UC patients.

Results

After the validation of two datasets, seven NRGs were associated with the risk of UC. The higher expression of ITGB2 was associated with increased UC risk, while the expression of CXCR1, CXCR2, IRAK4, MAPK3, SIGLEC14, and SLC22A4 were inversely associated with UC risk. Colocalization analysis supported the correlation between CXCR1/2 and UC risk. Expression analysis indicated that CXCR1/2 were down-regulated in peripheral blood, but up-regulated in colon tissue. GSEA analysis and correlation analysis indicated that CXCR1/2 promoted UC and NET formation through neutrophil chemotaxis and PAD4-mediated pathways, separately. Immunohistochemical results confirmed the high expression of CXCR1/2 in colon tissues of UC patients.

Conclusions

Our study identified CXCR1/2 as candidate targets in UC among all NRGs through multi-method argumentation, providing new insights of the regulation mechanisms of NET formation in the pathogenesis of UC.
Peripheral NK cell phenotypic alteration and dysfunctional state post hepatitis B subviral particles stimulation in CHB patients: evading immune surveillance
Authors: Selim Mohamed A , Suef Reda A. , Saied Ebrahim , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A. , Almutairi Saeedah Musaed , Aufy Mohammed , Mousa Adel A. , Mansour Mohamed T. M. , Farag Mohamed M. S.
Published: September 2024

Background

The relationship between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction is well-established, but the specific role of HBV viral antigens in driving NK cell impairment in patients with CHB remains unclear. This study investigates the modulatory effects of hepatitis B virus subviral particles (HBVsvp, a representative model for HBsAg) on the phenotypic regulation (activating and inhibitory receptors), cytokine production and cytotoxic potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived natural killer cells (PBMCs-derived NK cell), which contributes to NK cell dysfunction in CHB infection, potentially serving as an effective HBV immune evasion strategy by the virus.

Methods

NK cells were isolated from peripheral blood of patients with CHB (n=5) and healthy individuals (n=5), stimulated with HBVsvp. Subsequent flow cytometric characterization involved assessing changes in activating (NKp46 and NKG2D) and inhibitory (CD94) receptors expression, quantifying TNF-α and IFN- γ cytokine secretion, and evaluating the cytotoxic response against HepG2.2.15 cells with subsequent HBVsvp quantification.

Results

In CHB patients, in vitro exposure of PBMCs-derived NK cell with HBVsvp (represent HBsAg model) significantly reduced NK cell-activating receptors expression (P = 0.022), increased expression of CD94 + NK cells (p = 0.029), accompanied with a reduced TNF-α - IFN-γ cytokine levels, and impaired cytotoxic capacity (evidenced by increased cell proliferation and elevated HBVsvp levels in co-cultures with HepG2.2.15 cells in a time-dependent), relative to healthy donors.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that HBVsvp may induce dysfunctional NK cell responses characterized by phenotypic imbalance with subsequent reduction in cytokine and cytotoxic levels, indicating HBVsvp immunosuppressive effect that compromises antiviral defense in CHB patients. These data enhance our understanding of NK cell interactions with HBsAg and highlight the potential for targeting CD94 inhibitory receptors to restore NK cell function as an immunotherapeutic approach. Further clinical research is needed to validate these observations and establish their utility as reliable biomarkers.
Monocytes as an early risk factor for acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sun Huimin , Wu Linjie , Zhao Xueying , Huo Yingying , Dong Peiyuan , Pang Aiming , Zheng Yawei , Han Yiwen , Ma Shihui , Jiang Erlie , Dong Fang , Cheng Tao , Hao Sha
Published: September 2024

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and contributes to high morbidity and mortality. However, our current understanding of the development and progression of aGVHD after allo-HSCT remains limited. To identify the potential biomarkers for the prevention and treatment of aGVHD during the early hematopoietic reconstruction after transplantation, we meticulously performed a comparative analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data from post-transplant patients with or without aGVHD. Prior to the onset of aGVHD, monocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with aGVHD experienced a dramatic rise and activation on day 21 post-transplantation. This phenomenon is closely aligned with clinical cohort results obtained from blood routine examinations. Furthermore, in vitro co-culture experiments showed that peripheral blood monocytes extracted from patients with aGVHD approximately 21 days post-transplantation induced a significantly higher proliferation rate of allogeneic T cells compared to those from patients without aGVHD. Our study indicates that monocytes could be a crucial early clinical risk factor for the development of aGVHD, and this insight could potentially guide the timing of monitoring efforts, recommending assessments at the pivotal juncture of approximately day 21 post-transplantation, shedding fresh light on the significance of early hematopoietic regeneration in relation to the onset of aGVHD.
Immune responses and transcription landscape of adults with the third dose of homologous and heterologous booster vaccines of COVID-19
Authors: Zheng Hui , Li Cuidan , Zheng Xiuyu , Jiang Hu-Dachuan , Li Yuqing , Yao Aihua , Li Xiaolong , Wang Feiyu , Liu Wenqing , Cao Xiang , Qi Runjie , Chen Li , Jin Lairun , Zhu Fengcai , Li Jingxin , Chen Fei
Published: September 2024

Background

Heterologous booster vaccines are more effective than homologous booster vaccines in combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. However, our understanding of homologous and heterologous booster vaccines for COVID-19 remains limited.

Methods

We recruited 34 healthy participants from two cohorts who were primed with two-dose inactivated COVID-19 vaccine before, vaccinated with COVID-19 inactivated vaccine and adenovirus-vectored vaccine (intramuscular and aerosol inhalation of Ad5-nCoV) as a third booster dose. We assessed the immune responses of participants before and 14 days after vaccination, including levels of neutralizing antibodies, IgG, and cytokines, and quantified the transcriptional profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Results

The Ad5-nCoV group showed a significantly higher neutralizing antibody geometric mean titer (GMT) compared to the ICV group after 14 days of heterologous boosting. The intramuscular Ad5-nCoV group had a GMT of 191.8 (95% CI 129.0, 285.1) compared to 38.1 (95% CI 23.1, 62.8) in the ICV1 group (p<0.0001). The aerosolized Ad5-nCoV group had a GMT of 738.4 (95% CI 250.9-2173.0) compared to 244.0 (95% CI 135.0, 441.2) in the ICV2 group (p=0.0434). Participants in the aerosolized Ad5-nCoV group had median IFN-γ+ spot counts of 36.5 (IQR 15.3-58.8) per 106 PBMCs, whereas, both intramuscular Ad5-nCoV and CoronaVac immunization as the third dose showed lower responses. This suggests that a third dose of booster Ad5-nCoV vaccine (especially aerosolized inhalation) as a heterologous vaccine booster induces stronger humoral and cellular immune responses, which may be more potent against VOCs than the use of inactivated vaccine homologs. In transcriptomic analyses, both aerosolized inhalation/intramuscular injection of the Ad5-nCoV vaccine and inactivated vaccine induced a large number of differentially expressed genes that were significantly associated with several important innate immune pathways including inflammatory responses, regulation of the defense response, and regulation of cytokine production. In addition, we identified crucial molecular modules of protective immunity that are significantly correlated with vaccine type and neutralizing antibodies level.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that inhalation/intramuscular injection of the Ad5-nCoV vaccine-mediated stronger humoral and cellular immune responses compared with the inactivated vaccine, and correlated significantly with innate immune function modules, supporting a heterologous booster immunization strategy.
The hidden burden of female genital schistosomiasis: a cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Ghanaian communities
Authors: Manyeh Alfred Kwesi , Ekey Rosemond Akpene , Kamaldeen Rukaya Dongu , Fosu Dorothy , Vidzro Saviour Edem , Dalaba Maxwell
Published: September 2024

Background

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is among the most neglected of tropical diseases. FGS remains underreported, under and misdiagnosed and mostly untreated. This neglected epidemic disproportionately affects communities already burdened by HIV and cervical cancer. The study aims to assess FGS knowledge, attitude, and practices and associated factors in communities in the Shai-Osudoku District of Ghana.

Method

The study employed an analytical cross-sectional design, utilizing quantitative methods for data collection from 161 community members. Analysis was conducted using STATA 18, included both descriptive statistics and simple logistic regression.

Results

About half (50.31%) of the respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of FGS. Furthermore, 65.84% of the respondents exhibited a poor attitude towards FGS, Poor practice related to FGS were also observed in 60.25% of the respondents. Regression analysis showed significant associations between various factors and knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding FGS. Specifically, married women were found to have 54% lower odds of possessing good knowledge about FGS compared single women. (AOR=0.46, 95%CI= 0.22-0.94). Respondents with poor socioeconomic status displayed 76% higher odds of engaging in good practices compared to respondents those in the poorest socioeconomic status. (AOR=0.24, 95%CI=0.06-0.96).

Conclusion

Comprehensive, context-specific interventions are necessary to address the multifaceted challenges associated with FGS. Targeted education and awareness campaigns are crucial to improve understanding of FGS, and addressing socio-economic factors that influence attitudes and practices related to the disease is essential.
Comparative efficacy and safety of belimumab and hydroxychloroquine in the maintenance phase in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kimura Koichi , Ayano Masahiro , Ota Shun-Ichiro , Kushimoto Kazuo , Kimoto Yasutaka , Mitoma Hiroki , Ono Nobuyuki , Arinobu Yojiro , Akashi Koichi , Horiuchi Takahiko , Niiro Hiroaki
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a cornerstone drug, is recommended for long-term use in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, in cases where HCQ is unavailable, it is unclear which drugs should be prioritised for continuation. We aimed to clarify whether belimumab (BLM), which has recently been reported to have long-term safety and efficacy, could be a viable alternative to HCQ.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the efficacy, drug continuation rate and safety of HCQ and BLM in the maintenance phase in patients with SLE. The efficacy endpoints were the cumulative incidence of flares over 2 years, the increase in the damage index and the changes in the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI) score and prednisolone dose. The safety endpoint was the adverse event rates.

Results

Among 96 patients analysed, 15 out of 84 patients (17.9%) in the HCQ group and 1 out of 12 patients (8.3%) in the BLM group experienced a flare, with no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of flares between the two groups (p = 0.47). No differences were observed in the cumulative incidence of the increase in the damage index, changes in the SLEDAI score and prednisolone dose, drug continuation rates and adverse events.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of BLM were similar to those of HCQ. BLM could be a valuable treatment option for patients with SLE as an alternative for those who cannot tolerate HCQ.
Impact of the ocean in-situ observations on the ECMWF seasonal forecasting system
Authors: Balmaseda Magdalena Alonso , Balan Sarojini Beena , Mayer Michael , Tietsche Steffen , Zuo Hao , Vitart Frederic , Stockdale Timothy N.
Published: September 2024

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the in-situ ocean observations on seasonal forecasts. A series of seasonal reforecasts have been conducted for the period 1993-2015, in which different sets of ocean observations were withdrawn in the production of the ocean initial conditions, while maintaining a strong constrain in sea surface temperature (SST). By comparing the different reforecast sets, it is possible to assess the impact on the forecast of ocean and atmospheric variables. Results show that the in-situ observations have profound and significant impacts on the mean state of forecast ocean and atmospheric variables, which can be classified into different categories: i) impact due to local air-sea interaction, as direct consequence of changes in the mixed layer in the ocean initial conditions, and visible in the early stages of the forecasts; ii) changes due to different ocean dynamical balances, most visible in the Equatorial Pacific in forecasts initialized in May, which amplify and evolve with forecast lead time; iii) changes to the atmospheric circulation resulting from changes in large scale SST gradients; these are non-local, mediated by the atmospheric bridge, and they are obvious from the visible impact of the removing in-situ observations on the Atlantic basin only in the global atmospheric circulation; iv) changes in the atmospheric tropical deep convection associated with the structure of the warm pools. The ocean observations have also a significant impact on the representation of the trends of the ocean initial conditions, which affect the trends in the seasonal forecasts of ocean and atmospheric variables. The impact of the ocean observing system in the Atlantic and extratropics appears dominated by Argo, but this is not the case in the Tropical Pacific, where the other ocean observing systems play a role in constraining the ocean state.