bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Physical Performance, Recovery, and Health Markers Across Diverse Populations
Authors: Homza Michał , Bychowski Mateusz , Kwaśna Julia , Załęska Adrianna , Kaźmierczyk Izabela , Lenart Kacper , Górski Mateusz , Zakrzewska Natalia , Bednarek Szymon , Kulicka Joanna
Published: December 2024

Background:Creatine supplementation is well-established for its ergogenic benefits, enhancing physical strength, endurance, recovery, and fatigue management across diverse populations. Research highlights its role in mitigating exercise-induced muscle damage and improving health markers, including oxidative stress, hydration, and body composition. This review synthesizes current evidence on creatine's comprehensive effects across varied demographics and activity contexts.
Methods:This review examined creatine's effects on performance, recovery, and health markers across athletes, older adults, postmenopausal women, and long COVID patients, analyzing strength, endurance, fatigue, body composition, and biochemical metrics with demographic subgroup analyses.
Results:Creatine supplementation improved muscle strength, endurance, and fatigue resistance, especially when combined with resistance training. Benefits included enhanced sprint and jump performance, recovery from muscle damage, and better fatigue management. It also increased lean mass and hydration, reduced oxidative stress, supported bone health, and improved quality of life in clinical populations.
Conclusion:Creatine supplementation offers broad benefits for performance, recovery, and health, particularly in athletes, older adults, and clinical populations. Its synergy with resistance training and other supplements underscores its versatility. Future studies should focus on personalized protocols to maximize effectiveness and address individual variability.
The Multifaceted Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract on Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, Mental Health, and Safety in Adults
Authors: Zakrzewska Natalia , Bychowski Mateusz , Kwaśna Julia , Załęska Adrianna , Kaźmierczyk Izabela , Lenart Kacper , Górski Mateusz , Homza Michał , Bednarek Szymon , Kulicka Joanna
Published: December 2024

Background: Ashwagandha root extract offers broad therapeutic benefits, enhancing physical performance, mental health, and cognitive function, making it a valuable adaptogenic and nootropic solution.
Methods: This study reviews clinical trials on Ashwagandha's effects in adults, analyzing physical performance, cognitive function, mood, sleep, and hormonal balance using validated measures and biomarkers.
Results: Ashwagandha supplementation enhanced endurance, strength, and hypertrophy, especially with resistance training. It improved memory, attention, anxiety, and depression, boosted sleep quality, balanced hormones in perimenopause, increased testosterone in men, and aided COVID-19 recovery, all without adverse effects.
Conclusion: These findings highlight Ashwagandha's broad-spectrum benefits as a safe and effective therapeutic agent for physical performance, cognitive health, and mental well-being. Further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to refine dosing protocols and expand its clinical applications across diverse populations.
Emotions Experienced by Nurses in the Care of Terminal Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Polanowska Marta , Krzemińska Sylwia
Published: December 2024

The text discusses the challenges and emotional impact of caring for patients with terminal heart failure (HF) on nurses. HF is a chronic condition leading to progressive cardiac dysfunction and hypoxia, with terminal HF marked by severe symptoms like dyspnea, edema, and fatigue. At this stage, treatment focuses on palliative care to manage symptoms and improve patient comfort, emphasizing a holistic approach that addresses physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Nurses face significant emotional challenges, including sadness, frustration, helplessness, empathy, and compassion. These emotions can affect their psychological well-being, quality of care, and job satisfaction. The study aims to analyze these emotions and the coping strategies nurses use. Sadness and frustration stem from patient suffering and limited medical options, while empathy and compassion, though positive, can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.
Hacia una crítica del progreso
Authors: Briñez Cagua Daniel Felipe
Published: December 2024

El paradigma del concepto hegemónico del desarrollo presente en América Latina destaca por tener un enfoque homogéneo, obviando la diversidad política, cultural, social y jurídica de la región, perpetuando relaciones de dependencia histórica. El progreso, como noción complementaria, ha sido utilizado para justificar la preponderancia de un sistema económico, político y jurídico mediante concepciones evolucionistas y unidireccionales. En este contexto, las instituciones jurídicas juegan un papel clave de planificación del futuro de la sociedad, la organización de las relaciones comunitarias y la delimitación del papel del Estado. Por ello, es necesario sentar las bases para realizar una crítica profunda a la influencia del concepto hegemónico del desarrollo en el Derecho latinoamericano. Se parte de una evaluación de la configuración de las ideas preponderantes de progreso y desarrollo, hallando su vínculo con las instituciones jurídicas en la teología y la historia. Se aborda el derecho de propiedad como punto común de los ordenamientos de la región, así como un impacto preliminar del mismo en el derecho societario. Finalmente, se presentan las formas en que se han reivindicado sistemas legales contrarios al hegemónico y se explican los casos de daño colectivo como construcción jurisprudencial apartada de las nociones dominantes de desarrollo.
Improving Grade Ten Students' Achievement in Solid Geometry through Guided Inquiry-Based Instruction Using Variation Theory
Authors: Yeshanew Abebaw , Belachew Tesfu , Gezahegn Habtamu , Tesfa Tadele
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of Guided Inquiry-Based Instruction (GIBI) integrated with Variation Theory in improving grade ten students’ solid geometry achievement in Debre Tabor City, Ethiopia. A quasi-experimental design involving 99 students found in three classes from three government schools assigned them randomly to three groups: Experimental Group 1 (EG1, n=30) received GIBI with Variation Theory, Experimental Group 2 (EG2, n=37) received only GIBI and the Control Group (CG, n=32) followed traditional methods. Pre- and post-tests analyzed using ANCOVA and paired t-tests revealed significant improvements, with EG1 achieving the highest scores (p = .000). Effect sizes were substantial for EG1 (Cohen's d = 1.50) and EG2 (d = 1.39) compared to CG (d = .73). The results highlight that GIBI combined with Variation Theory significantly enhances students’ solid geometry achievement, emphasizing the value of such kind of innovative teaching strategy to foster students’ achievement in similar educational contexts.
What Keeps Older Adults Happy?: A Systematic Review of Subjective Well Being
Authors: Triyuliasari Anisah , Irfani Alfina Diana , Zuliani Siti
Published: December 2024

Subjective well-being is a form of self-evaluation of life by referring to cognitive and affective aspects. This systematic review analyzes 13 international journals on factors that influence subjective well-being in the older adults. The review planning uses the SPIDER formulation, namely Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type. The results of this review analysis show the elderly can feel the meaning and satisfaction of life, spread positive things, and tend to get a sense of security and happiness. Based on the results of the systematic review analysis, it shows that there are various factors that influence subjective well-being in the elderly. Several factors that can influence subjective well-being in terms of demographics, social activities, physiological factors, and psychological factors. Among them are volunteer activities, economic income, family support, participation in various activities both social and religious, education, physical health, income satisfaction, spirituality and religiosity, positive experiences and emotions, sleep quality, self-efficacy, and internet use. These results can be a reference and recommendation for conducting further and more specific research on subjective well-being factors in the older adults.
Analyzing the SERVQUAL Method for Senior High School Education's Gaps and Factors
Authors: Tarnanidis Theodore , Tarnanidis John
Published: December 2024

The research's aim is to assess the services offered by Greek public secondary education schools, with the intention of identifying any discrepancies between students' expectations and their perceptions of the final services provided. The gaps discovered indicate that the school's educational services are not meeting student expectations in the five quality dimensions of the SERVQUAL model. To be specific, the average expectations are 4.44, perceptions are 3.11, and gaps are -1.33. The schools examined had a greater discrepancy in the dimensions measuring safety and emotional understanding, which was observed. The fact that the 5 factors are correlated with each other indicates the model's reliability. However, in relation to the independent variables of gender, age, and class, there appears to be a positive correlation across all factors, which is very weak and not statistically significant. In contrast, a low negative correlation appears to be present between only the demographics being considered. Therefore, demographic characteristics do not affect the quality of education in secondary schools. Our findings benefit decision-makers by assisting them in taking corrective actions necessary to enhance the quality of services provided by schools as part of a continuous improvement process in order to achieve a higher level of excellence.
HALK ANLATILARININ DİNÎ DEĞERLER VE KAİDELER AKTARIMINDAKİ ROLÜ
Authors: Bezgin Yusuf Kenan
Published: December 2024

ÖZ: Bir milletin referans kaynağı olan sözlü kültür ürünleri sadece millete ait somut unsurları aktarmakla kalmaz aynı zamanda bu unsurları toplumsal, tarihsel, dinî ve kültürel bağlamda birbirine bağlayarak milletin ortak hafızasını da zenginleştirir. Dolayısıyla destan, efsane, halk hikâyesi, masal, fıkra vb. halk anlatıları, sözlü kültürün taşıyıcıları olarak bir milletin kolektif belleğini oluşturur. Diğer yandan sözlü kültür ürünleri, milletin ortak deneyimleri ve değerleri paylaşmalarını sağlayarak toplumsal bir bağ kurar. Bu bağ içerisinde bilhassa dinî değerleri içeren anlatılar, peygamber kıssaları, meleklerin varlığı, ibadet etmenin önemi gibi konulara değinerek ortak bir ahlaki çerçeve oluşturur. Çalışmada, W. Bascom’ nun toplumdaki halk bilimi olgusunun devamlılığı açıklamak adına ortaya koyduğu folklorun dört işlevinden üçüncüsü olan “eğitim” işlevinden hareketle, geleneğin yazılı hâle getirilerek toplandığı halk anlatılarının (destan, efsane, halk hikâyesi, masal ve fıkra) dinin yorumlanmasında, öğretilmesinde ve iletilmesinde nasıl bir rol oynadığı değerlendirilmiştir. Halk anlatılarının İslam dininin temel inanç ve esaslarını, ibadet şekillerini hem öğretmede hem de sonraki kuşaklara aktarmada önemli bir işleve sahip olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Bu anlamda çalışma, halk anlatılarının dinî değerleri canlı tutma, ibadete teşvik etme ve toplumda dinî bilinci güçlendirmede, etkili bir araç olarak işlev gördüğünü vurgulamaktadır.
Biodiversity and distribution of rabbitfish (Siganidae) in Tanakeke Island, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: AWALUDDIN AWALUDDIN , BUDIMAWAN BUDIMAWAN , NADIARTI NADIARTI , NAFIE YAYU ANUGRAH LA
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Awaluddin, Budimawan, Nadiarti, Nafie YAL. 2024. Biodiversity and distribution of rabbitfish (Siganidae) in Tanakeke Island, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2756-2762. The purpose of this research is to analyze the biodiversity of rabbitfish (Siganidae) in Tanekeke Island, South Sulawesi, Indonesia including species diversity, richness, evenness, and dominance. Data on Siganidae fish catches were collected from four different stations on Tanakeke Island, where each consisting of inside and outside bay zones. The data collection involved recording the total number of Siganidae fish caught with gillnet in each zone every month for a year. The caught fish were identified and categorized by species. A total 1,7421 were collected, with 1,5181 from inside the bay and 224 from outside the bay. The result indicated that species was dominated by Siganus canaliculatus (Park, 1797) with a frequency of 952 individuals (62.70%) inside the bay and 173 individuals (77.50%) outside the bay. Siganus guttatus (Bloch, 1787) ranks second, with 155 individuals (10.20%) inside the bay and 16 individuals (97.20%) outside the bay, followed by Siganus javus (Linnaeus, 1766), Siganus fuscescens (Houttuyn, 1782), Siganus punctatus (Schneider & Forster, 1801), and Siganus virgatus (Valenciennes, 1835). This research provides important insights that could greatly influence social and cultural aspects of local communities that depend on fisheries resources. The findings suggest that the bay provides more stable conditions that support the growth of rabbitfishes, allowing local communities for manage and conservation their fisheries resources.
The investigation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer on the productivity of various Sorghum bicolor varieties
Authors: HANDAYANTA EKA , BARIDO FAROUQ HEIDAR , SAMANHUDI SAMANHUDI
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Handayanta E, Barido FH, Samanhudi. 2024. The investigation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer on the productivity of various Sorghum bicolor varieties. Biodiversitas 25: 2763-2768. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a unique cereal crop characterized by its regenerative capacity post-harvest, with varieties including Super, Suri, Numbu, and Keller. This investigation sought to elucidate the impact of varying fertilizer levels on the forage productivity of these sorghum varieties. The experiment employed was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a 4×5 factorial arrangement and three replications. The first factor comprised the sorghum varieties (V1 = Super, V2 = Suri, V3 = Numbu, V4 = Keller), while the second factor pertained to the levels of NPK fertilizer (P0 = 0 kg/ha, P1 = 173 kg/ha, P2 = 346 kg/ha, P3 = 519 kg/ha, P4 = 692 kg/ha). Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and significant differences were further analyzed using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The study concluded that while there was no interaction between the sorghum variety and NPK fertilization levels, the sorghum variety significantly influenced (P<0.05) protein and crude fat production but not dry matter and crude fiber production (P>0.05). The NPK fertilization levels significantly affected (P<0.05) the production of dry matter, protein, fat, and crude fiber. The study deduced that a 692 kg/ha fertilization dose yielded the highest dry matter, protein content, crude fat, and crude fiber production.
Evaluating the phenotypic responses of CRISPR/Cas9-edited Mentik Wangi rice mutants T1 focusing on GA20ox2 and OsCKX2 gene knockout
Authors: FATHIN TILMIIDZAH SALMA , SISHARMINI ATMITRI , APRIANA ANIVERASRI , SANTOSO TRI JOKO , YUNUS AHMAD
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Fathin TS, Sisharmini A, Apriana A, Santoso TJ, Yunus A. 2024. Evaluating the phenotypic responses of CRISPR/Cas9-edited Mentik Wangi rice mutants T1 focusing on GA20ox2 and OsCKX2 gene knockout. Biodiversitas 25: 2783-2790. Mentik Wangi is a local Indonesian rice variety with tall plant stature, making it susceptible to lodging and yield loss, necessitating trait improvements to overcome these weaknesses. Gene editing of GA20ox2 and OsCKX2 using CRISPR/Cas9 was conducted to improve the characteristics of Mentik Wangi. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic responses of T1 Mentik Wangi mutant lines generated through gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Eighty-five mutant lines and wild-type plants were grown and observed in a greenhouse. Phenotypic traits were observed as quantitative traits, such as plant height, panicle length, total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, total number of grains, 1000-grain weight, heading date, and harvesting age; and qualitative traits, such as panicle type and panicle exsertion type. The results showed a decrease in plant height and panicle length in Mentik Wangi rice mutant lines. Several lines exhibited improvements in total tiller number, productive tiller number, total grain number, and 1000-grain weight. Mutant lines required longer to reach the generative phase and displayed differences in panicle type and panicle exsertion type. This study reported that the T1 mutant lines demonstrated distinct phenotypic responses indicating improvements in the desired traits.
Species diversity and spatial distribution of bats in Butuan City, Philippines
Authors: PASTOR PAUL JOHN B. , SUSI CHRISTIAN GUILLEMORE O. , QUIDET JEDIDIAH JARA , LADESMA JUVY IMEE A. , ESTAÑO LEONARDO A.
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Pastor PJB, Susi CGO, Quidet JJ, Ladesma JIA, Estaño LA. 2024. Species diversity and spatial distribution of bats in Butuan City, Philippines. Biodiversitas 25: 2791-2799. Southeast Asia's mammalian biodiversity is exceptional in the Philippines, especially on Mindanao Island, where 53 bat species have been documented. While prior studies in the Caraga region identified vulnerable and endemic bat species, research on diversity and conservation in Butuan City remains limited. Bat biodiversity is essential in the country, and understanding Butuan City's bat populations is critical for conservation.  This study recorded a total of 2,583 bats belonging to the family Pteropodidae with species Ptenochirus jagori Peters 1861, Ptenochirus minor Yoshiyuki 1979, Macroglossus minimus E.Geoffroy 1810, Cynopterus brachyotis Müller 1838, Rousettous amplexicaudatus E.Geoffroy 1810, as well as Scotophilus kuhlii Leach 1821 belonging to the family Vespertillionidae. Across six sampling sites, moderate species richness of Pteropodidae bats was observed (Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index, H' 1.13-1.47). However, analyses of evenness and dominance revealed variations in community structure. Barangay De Oro displayed the most balanced abundance, while other sites likely harbored a dominant species, potentially C. brachyotis or P. jagori. Bray-Curtis Similarity results corroborated these findings, grouping sites based on shared assemblages. Moreover, the significance of Butuan City for bat conservation is emphasized by the capture of a substantial proportion of a Philippine endemic (38.37%, P. jagori) and a Mindanao endemic (3.99%, P. minor). Distribution patterns across the sampled barangays suggested habitat specialization, with some species exhibiting preferences for specific features. Notably, S. kuhlii was captured exclusively in Ampayon. These findings highlight the need for multifaceted conservation strategies. Protecting core habitat areas within Bilay, Maguinda, and Sumile of Butuan, particularly for endemic species, is crucial.
The combination of chitosan and molasses to improve nutritive value, chemical quality, and in vitro rumen degradability of pineapple peel silage
Authors: HARAHAP RAKHMAD PERKASA , ROHAYETI YETI , SETIAWAN DUTA , HERLIATIKA AGUSTIN , WIDIWATI YENI
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Harahap RP, Rohayeti Y, Setiawan D, Herliatika A, Widiwati Y. 2024. The combination of chitosan and molasses to improve nutritive value, chemical quality, and in vitro rumen degradability of pineapple peel silage. Biodiversitas 25: 2800-2810. This study aimed to evaluate and determine nutritive value, chemical silage quality, in vitro rumen fermentation profile, microbial population, digestibility, and methane (CH4) emission of pineapple (Ananas camosus L.) peel silage with the addition of chitosan and molasses. The experiment was carried out using a 2×3 factorial design with 6 treatments, 4 replications, and different in vitro runs acting as blocks. In addition, the treatments comprised control (no additives), C3 (3 g of chitosan per 1000 g of fresh pineapple peel), C5 (5 g of chitosan per 1000 g of fresh pineapple peel), M20 (20 g of molasses per 1000 g of pineapple peel), C3M20 (3 g of chitosan and 20 g of molasses per 1000 g of pineapple peel), and C5M20 (5 g of chitosan and 20 g of molasses per 1000 g of pineapple peel). The descriptive analysis results for nutritive value showed that the 5 g chitosan group had the highest dry matter (DM) content in pineapple peel silage after 21 days. Chitosan was shown to improve organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) levels while reducing hemicellulose content. The administration of molasses significantly reduced weight loss and pH, enhancing preservation quality (P<0.05). The results also showed that chitosan reduced weight loss, particularly at 5 g/kg fresh pineapple peel (P<0.05). Rumen fermentation analysis revealed higher acetic acid levels in silage without molasses (P<0.05), while pH, ammonia (NH3), propionic acid, butyric acid, and branched-chain volatile fatty acid (BCVFA) concentrations did not affect rumen fermentation (P>0.05). However, chitosan increased in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and reduced total gas production (P<0.05). Higher levels also reduced microbial and protozoa populations in rumen. Based on the results, the use of both additives improved the quality of silage, where chitosan increased IVDMD and reduced gas production during rumen in vitro fermentation.
Evaluating growth and exploitation dynamics of Thunnus albacares for sustainable fisheries in fishery landed in Bali's Benoa Harbor
Authors: LELONO TRI DJOKO , BINTORO GATUT , SETYANTO ARIEF , SUTJIPTO DARMAWAN OCKTO , TUMULYADI AGUS , ADHIHAPSARI WIRASTIKA , SARI WAHIDA KARTIKA , RIHMI MIHROBI KHALWATU , ALIVIYANTI DIAN , ISDIANTO ANDIK , PUTRI AGITA DWI ROSMALIA
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Lelono TD, Bintoro G, Setyanto A, Sutjipto DO, Tumulyadi A, Adhihapsari W, Sari WK, Rihmi MK, Aliviyanti D, Isdianto A, Putri ADR. 2024. Evaluating growth and exploitation dynamics of Thunnus albacares for sustainable fisheries in fishery landed in Bali's Benoa Harbor. Biodiversitas 25: 2858-2869. This study aims to analyze the population dynamics of Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788), particularly focusing on factors such as length-weight relationships, length frequency distribution, first caught size, gonadal maturity size, growth rate, mortality rate, and exploitation rate. The analysis, conducted using FISAT II software with data from 2018 to February 2022, also includes evaluating fish utilization status. This evaluation involves estimating Allowable Biological Effort (ABE), Allowable Biological Catch (ABC), and Total Allowable Catch (TAC) based on yellowfin tuna (T. albacares) production data from 2012 to 2021 in Bali’s Benoa Harbor. These parameters and analyses are crucial for maintaining the sustainability of catch utilization. This will be achieved using the Feedback Harvest Control Rules (FHCR) with a random sampling method. The length-weight relationship analysis yielded positive allometric growth (b>3), influenced by genetic, environmental, reproductive, and overexploitation factors. The initial catch size value (Lc50%) was determined to be 134.7 cmFL, while the gonadal maturity size (Lm) was estimated to be 103.3 cmFL. Therefore, it is paramount to refrain from fishing before reaching reproductive maturity to ensure the stock's survival. The asymptotic length (L?) was estimated at 235.45 cmFL, t0 -2.91, with a growth rate (K) of 0.20. This indicates a relatively slow growth rate, which is important information for effective fisheries management. The exploitation rate (E) of 0.88 per year indicates overexploitation. Hence, the need for sustainable fishing practices should be noted in certain areas. Applying the FHCR model provides insights into stock estimation and sustainable management strategies that are of value in informing the development of more careful management practices.
Diversity of airborne fungi in cultured and urban sites in Basra Province, Iraq
Authors: AMEEN MOHANAD KHALAF MOHAMMED
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Ameen MKM. 2024. Diversity of airborne fungi in cultured and urban sites in Basra Province, Iraq. Biodiversitas 25: 2870-2877. Atmospheric aerosols consist of particles with diverse sizes, shapes, fungal particles are relatively prevalent. They are related to air pollution and several plant, animal, and human health effects. This study was conducted to compare the airborne fungal biodiversity between cultivated and urban areas in Basra Province, Southern Iraq. Results showed that a total of 1654 fungal colonies consisted of 26 genera and two sterile mycelium belonging to 32 species. These fungal isolates belonged to three groups, namely Ascomycota, Zygomycota and Basidiomycota. Among them, Ascomycota had the highest percentage frequency (90.6%), followed by Zygomycota (6.25%) and Basidiomycota (3.12%). The highest i.e., 0.91and 0.9 fungal diversity was found in Abu Al-Khaseeb 2 and Ad-Dayr, respectively, while the lowest was in urban areas and desert nature as Um Qasr, Al-Zubair 0.78 for each. The highest frequency 18.2 10.9 8.8, and 8.5% of fungal isolates were Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium sp., respectively. The highest similarity was 0.77 observed between the airborne fungal communities at the Alseeba and Altannumah sites. From the results of this study, it was concluded that airborne fungi can be influenced by the type of terrain they inhabit. There was greater diversity in cultivated areas compared to urban and non-cultivated areas.
Autecology of Amorphophallus gigas in Batang Natal Watershed, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: RAMBEY RIDAHATI , RAHMAWATY RAHMAWATY , SURATMAN MOHD NAZIP , RAUF ABDUL , NABABAN ESTHER SORTA MAULI , DELVIAN DELVIAN , ATHTHORICK T. ALIEF , ISMAIL MOHD HASMADI , GENDASECA SECA
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Rambey R, Rahmawaty, Suratman MN, Rauf A, Nababan ESM, Delvian, Aththorick TA, Ismail MH, Gendaseca S. 2024. Autecology of Amorphophallus gigas in Batang Natal Watershed, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2887-2900. Amorphophallus gigas Teijsm. & Binn., a member of the Araceae family, is distributed across Sumatra, particularly within the Batang Natal watershed of Mandailing Natal District. This plant population thrives significantly under the forest canopy in high-humidity environments, such as a watershed, despite being exposed to certain challenges. The Batang Natal Watershed, spanning 70.5 km and originating in the Batang Natal Sub-district, is frequently subjected to mining activities. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the autecology of A. gigas in the watershed, focusing on factors such as occurrence, associated plant species, vegetation composition, and soil characteristics. The occurrences of A. gigas were identified through direct interviews with the local community, complemented by field collection of coordinate points in five villages. The vegetation around A. gigas habitats was then analyzed using nested sampling with a plot size of 1 ha. There was no A. gigas in Aek Garingging Village despite the reported presence in 2020, while there were nine individuals in each village of Rao-Rao and Lubuk Bondar Panjang and six and three individuals in Bangkelang and Aek Nangali, respectively. There were 63 tree and 39 understory species recorded around the A. gigas habitat. Lubuk Bondar was dominated by Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A.Juss.) Müll.Arg. across several strata, with generally low to very low associations. Bangkelang was characterized by Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm. in the pole and tree strata, with similarly low associations. In Rao-Rao, Coffea canephora Pierre ex A.Froehner was prominent in the seedling and sapling strata, showing low but consistent associations, and Selaginella willdenowii (Desv.) Baker in the understorey had a high positive association. The dominant species in each site typically had low to very low associations with other species, indicating limited ecological connectivity with A. gigas. The spatial distribution of A. gigas suggested a clumped pattern to ensure A. gigas preservation in the Batang Natal Watershed, it is essential to designate the plant's natural habitat as an in situ conservation area.
Moiré effect in combined planar and curved objects: erratum
Authors: Saveljev Vladimir , Heo Gwanghee
Published: December 2024

This erratum corrects errors in a cited figure number and in
Eqs. (20), (28), and (29) of the original paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A
41, 1884 (2024)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.527707].
Against Pritchard's refutation of epistemic relativism
Authors: Gariazzo Matías
Published: December 2024

Much effort has been devoted to explaining in what sense models represent their corresponding target systems. This has been considered a pivotal philosophical problem since representational models have been widely assumed to canalize our knowledge and understanding of reality. The aim of the paper is to analytically structure the framework commonly adopted to address the Scientific Representation Problem (SR-P), i.e., onto-representationalism, and to examine its main problems. Due to its very theoretical conditions, I conclude that onto-representationalism constitutes an inadequate meta-scientific platform to approach SR-P. I locate the problem in the semantic assumption. To materialize these analyses, I examine the main arguments proposed by the main variants of onto-representationalism: classical onto-representationalism and sophisticated onto-representationalism.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis and non-specific back pain: basic provisions for effective and safe use (Interdisciplinary consensus)
Authors: Lila A. M. , Zagorodniy N. V. , Alekseeva L. I. , Afanasyev V. V. , Butranova O. I. , Guryeva I. V. , Iskra D. A. , Karateyev A. E. , Minasov T. B. , Rachin A. P. , Taskina E. A.
Published: December 2024

The interdisciplinary council of leading experts has presented recommendations for the effective and safe use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in osteoarthritis and non-specific back pain in general outpatient practice.
Symposium "Trio for the preservation of joint health" (with the support of "Heel RUS" LLC)
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: December 2024

On September 7, 2024, as part of the scientific program of the VII Eurasian Congress of Rheumatologists in Kyrgyzstan, a symposium "Trio for the preservation of joint health" was held with the support of "Heel RUS" LLC, at which doctors from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other countries discussed modern views on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Rehabilitation techniques for OA were also presented.
Olokizumab plus methotrexate: safety and efficacy over 106 weeks of treatment
Authors: Feist Eugen , Fleischmann Roy M. , Fatenejad Saeed , Bukhanova Daria , Grishin Sergey , Kuzkina Sofia , Luggen Michael , Nasonov Evgeniy , Samsonov Mikhail , Smolen Josef S.
Published: December 2024

Objective. To report long-term safety and tolerability of olokizumab (OKZ) in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in subjects with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using pooled data from three randomised clinical trials (RCT) followed by open-label extension (OLE) study.

Methods. Cumulative data from three phase 3 core trials and their OLE were analysed. Safety variables assessed included treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), AEs of special interest and laboratory results. Efficacy assessments included ACR20/50/70 responses, Disease Activity Score 28 (C-reactive protein) <3.2, CDAI remission and low disease activity (LDA), SDAI remission and LDA, HAQ-DI decrease of 0.22 unit and Boolean 2.0 remission.

Results. A total of 2304 patients received OKZ in combination with MTX either once every 2 weeks or once every 4 weeks. Event rates per 100 patient-years in OKZ every 2 weeks and OKZ every 4 weeks, respectively, were 9.57 and 9.13 for SAEs; 2.95 and 2.34 for serious infections; 0.09 and 0.05 for gastrointestinal perforations; 0.58 and 0.83 for major adverse cardiovascular events; and 0.45 and 0.50 for malignancies. No increase in the rate of any AE was observed over 106 weeks of treatment. The evaluation of laboratory variables demonstrated the expected changes, like neutropenia, elevation of liver enzymes and blood lipids. Clinical response rates remained stable during the OLE.

Conclusion. The long-term safety and tolerability of OKZ in combination with MTX remained stable. The efficacy of OKZ was maintained through week 106. These findings support OKZ as a treatment option for patients with active RA.
Comparative study of the clinical efficacy of the first domestic bioanalogue of tocilizumab based on the results of a randomized clinical trial of phase III
Authors: Akatova E. V. , Bakhareva Yu. S. , Bugrova O. V. , Vinogradova I. B. , Gerasimova E. V. , Drevina Yu. E. , Ershova O. B. , Zonova E. V. , Ivanova Yu. I. , Ilivanova E. P. , Kostik M. M. , Krechikova D. G. , Kusevich D. A. , Maslyansky A. L. , Meshkov A. D. , Mosesova N. S. , Nagornova K. A. , Nosovich D. V. , Polyakova S. A. , Popova T. A. , Smolyarchuk E. A. , Sorotskaya V. N. , Shvarts Yu. G. , Shilova L. N. , Shostak M. S. , Yunonin I. Yu. , Akhtyamova-Givirovskaya N. E. , Khamitov R. A. , Markova O. A. , Zagoruiko E. I. , Zuev E. V.
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the results of a comparative phase III clinical trial of the efficacy and safety of the biosimilar Complarate (CPR; JSC Generium, Russia) and the reference drug Actemra (ACT; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Switzerland) to assess their equivalence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, RA (NCT06475508 clinicaltrials.gov).

Materials and methods. Male and female patients aged 18–75 years with RA with moderate to high disease activity and insufficient response to methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy and/or poor tolerability of MTX and/or insufficient response or intolerance to other standard DMARDs in combination with or without MTX were enrolled in the study. 464 (89.4%) patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio into two groups. The study and the reference drug were administered as an intravenous infusion at a dose of 8 mg/kg once every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with an ACR20 after 24 weeks of therapy.

Results and discussion. The proportion of responders in CPR group was 91.2%, and in ACT group – 90.7% (p = 0.866). The difference between the groups was 0.5% (95% CI: -5,2%−6,1%), which is fully within the declared boundaries of recognition of therapeutic equivalence. Comparability of the biosimilar CPR and the reference drug ACT is also confirmed by the results of secondary efficacy endpoints: the proportion of patients with ACR50/70, dynamics of the DAS28, SDAI, CDAI, the functional activity of patients (HAQ), laboratory parameters of inflammatory activity (ESR and CRP). Comparability of the study and the reference drugs is also demonstrated by the results of the safety analysis.

Conclusion. Based on the results of the clinical study, it has been proven that CPR (JSC Generium, Russia) is a biological analogue of ACT (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Switzerland).
Serum calprotectin in Behcet's disease
Authors: Nurbaeva K. S. , Cherkasova M. V. , Goloeva R. G. , Lila A. M. , Reshetnyak T. M.
Published: December 2024

Objective: to assess the level of serum calprotectin (CLP) in Behcet's disease (BD).

Material and methods. The study included 90 patients with BD (35 women and 55 men) and 30 healthy controls (22 women and 8 men). The mean age of the BD patients was 32 [26; 37] years, that of the control subjects was 30 [25; 37] years. Serum CLP levels were measured with an enzyme immunoassay using a reagent kit from Bulhmann Laboratories AG (Switzerland). Results and discussion. CLP levels were statistically significantly higher in patients with BD compared to healthy controls (median 4.08 [2.81; 7.25] vs. 2.86 [2.15; 3.92] μg/ml; p=0.003). Elevated serum CLP levels were found in 23 (26%) of the 90 patients with BD. Patients with high CLP levels were more likely to have active uveitis (odds ratio, OR 4.741; p=0.011), pustulosis (OR 3.41; p=0.044), arthritis (OR 13.89; p=0.014) and high BD activity (OR 3.195; p=0.029). A direct correlation was found between CLP level and BDCAF activity index (rs=0.415, p<0.0001), CRP (rs=0.466, p <0.0001) and ESR (rs=0.357, p=0.001).

Conclusion. Serum CLP levels are elevated in patients with BD and are associated with high disease activity, active uveitis, pustulosis and arthritis.
Dynamics of laboratory markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with psoriatic arthritis under the influence of the interleukin-17A inhibitor netakimab
Authors: Petrov A. V. , Pritulo O. A. , Petrov A. A.
Published: December 2024

Objective: a comparative evaluation of the effect of the interleukin-17A inhibitor (iIL) netakimab (NTK) and methotrexate (MTX) on laboratory markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in comparison with the dynamics of clinical efficacy indicators during 6 months of therapy.

Material and methods. We performed a dynamic observation of 66 patients with PsA who were prescribed MTX and NTK for the first time. Thirty of them (group 1) received MTX 15 mg/week in the form of subcutaneous (s/c) injections in combination with folic acid 5 mg/week orally; 36 patients (group 2) received NTK as s/c injections at a dose of 120 mg at weeks 0, 1 and 2, and then once every 2 weeks until week 14, from week 14 – once every 4 weeks. The control group consisted of 20 substantially healthy individuals without skin diseases, rheumatic immune-inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system and clinically significant diseases of the cardiovascular system. The clinical data were analyzed before, 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment. In all patients, the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin 1 (En-1) and nitric oxide (NO) was analyzed before the start of treatment and at the end of the third month of treatment.

Results and discussion. The concentration of laboratory markers for endothelial dysfunction was increased in patients with PsA compared to the control group: the median value of VEGF was 19.8 [4.5; 49.4] and 5.2 [0.5; 9.8] pg/ml (p=0.004), En-1 – 286.4 [154; 439] and 96.5 [32; 188] pg/ml (p=0.002), NO – 4.3 [2.1; 12.5] and 2.2 [0.2; 5.0] pg/ml (p=0.02), respectively. By the end of the 3rd month of therapy, a decrease in the concentration of indicators of endothelial dysfunction was observed. The dynamics of VEGF and En-1 concentrations was more pronounced in patients receiving NTK during the first 3 months of treatment than in patients receiving MTX treatment. The median decrease in VEGF concentration was 10.2 [8.4; 13.7] and 7.0 [5.6; 11.7] pg/ml (p=0.043), in En-1 – 184.6 [167; 202] and 112.7 [97; 136] pg/ml (p=0.008), respectively. A more significant decrease in LEI, PASI and NAPSI was achieved when NTK was used for 3 and 6 months compared to MTX therapy.

Conclusion. The work demonstrated the ability of NTK, iIL17A, to reduce the initially elevated levels of laboratory markers of endothelial dysfunction.
Characteristics of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Starovoytova M. N. , Desinova O. V. , Ananieva L. P. , Koneva O. A. , Garzanova L. А. , Ovsyannikova O. B. , Shayakhmetova R. U.
Published: December 2024

Interest to the topic of coronavirus infection remains unabated. At the same time, there is insufficient information in the literature on the clinical course of COVID-19 in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a systemic autoimmune disease associated with high mortality.

Objective: to identify the characteristics of coronavirus disease in SSc and risk factors for severe COVID-19 and death.

Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of data from patients with SSc was performed. The analyzed cohort included patients from the registry of the Systemic Sclerosis Laboratory of V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology. Information about the history of novel coronavirus infection was obtained by telephone interview 10 months after the outbreak of the pandemic. COVID-19 was diagnosed if there was a positive oral cavity/nasopharynx PCR swab, if antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were present and/or characteristic symptoms and computed tomography (CT) changes in the lungs were present.

Results and discussion. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 57 (52%) patients with SSc. Their median age was 58 [31; 79] years. The majority were women (n=48, 84%) with a limited form of SSc (n=37, 65%). Fifteen (26%) patients had diffuse, 4 (7%) had overlapping (SSc-polymyositis and SSc-rheumatoid arthritis) and 1 (2%) had visceral SSc. Almost 2/3 (74%) of patients with COVID-19 had SSc associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), with 40% of them having >20% lung parenchymal involvement.

All patients received low-dose prednisone therapy, 95% received immunosuppressive therapy and in half of the cases mycophenolate mofetil; rituximab was used in 40% of patients.

Chest CT scan was performed in 51 (89%) patients. Pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus infection was detected in 46 (90%) of them: CT1 (up to 25% lung involvement) – in 10 (20%), CT2 (25–50% involvement) – in 21 (41%) and CT3 (50–75% involvement) – in 15 (29%); in 5 (10%) cases no changes were detected on CT.

Mild and moderate course of the viral infection was observed in 19 (33%) and 18 (32%) patients respectively, severe infection – in 20 (35%), including fatal cases in 12 (21%).

Conclusion. Patients with SSc infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at risk of severe coronavirus infection, often due to the association of the underlying disease with ILD and the use of immunosuppressive therapy, including biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. In case of COVID-19 development the high incidence of cardiovascular and pulmonary comorbidities that characterize SSc may contribute to a decrease in the efficacy of therapy for both the underlying disease and coronavirus infection, generally worsening the prognosis in these patients.
Possibilities of transposition of the extensores carpi tendons in the treatment of the rheumatoid hand
Authors: Rozov A. V. , Byalik E. I. , Lila A. M.
Published: December 2024

With the advent of more effective conservative methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), patients with severe hand deformities are being treated less and less by orthopaedic surgeons. However, when significant changes occur in the hand joints, surgery is the only method to restore their function. The previously widespread arthrodesis procedures are gradually giving way to modern soft tissue joint-preserving surgeries that prevent the development of severe deformities and preserve hand function.

Objective: to compare the functional outcomes of extensor carpi ulnaris and extensor carpi radialis longus transposition surgery (ECU+ECRL) and wrist joint arthrodesis in patients with RA.

Material and methods. The study included 58 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of RA. Most patients (93%) were women with a disease duration of 4 to 6 years, the mean age was 46.3±14.6 years. All patients were seropositive for rheumatoid factors, most had radiological stages III and IV of RA according to Steinbrocker, radiological stage IV according to Larsen. Most of the patients had moderate disease activity. From 2021 to 2023, 21 patients underwent ECU + ECRL surgery and 37 patients underwent arthrodesis of the wrist joint. The groups were comparable in terms of key clinical characteristics. The average follow-up time after surgery was 6 months.

Results and discussion. The mean DASH score in the transposition group (ECU + ECRL) was 38.3±10.12, while in the arthrodesis group it was 47.45±16.92 (p <0.05). In the late postoperative period (after 6 months), all patients showed a positive dynamics according to the visual analogue scale, which was comparable in both groups: in the ECU + ECRL group – 2.66±1.49 cm, in the arthrodesis group – 3.0±1.6 cm. The range of motion of the wrist was significantly greater in the ECU + ECRL group than in the arthrodesis group (p <0.05). At the follow-up examination in the postoperative period, a significant improvement in quality of life according to the EQ-5D was found in both the ECU+ECRL group (0.686) and the arthrodesis group (0.625), p<0.05.

Conclusion. X-shaped extensor tendon plastic surgery for wrist joint stabilization should be considered a promising technique that can reduce pain and improve patients' functional status and quality of life.
Bioanalogues in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: current status of the problem
Authors: Chichasova N. V. , Lila A. M.
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the use of bioanalogues (BAs) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using the example of the comparable efficacy, tolerability and immunogenicity of the original biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) etanercept (ETC) and its BA GP-2015. We discuss the maintenance of the improvement achieved when switching from the original ETC to BA. Recommendations of international experts and preliminary recommendations of the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia on the use of BA are given. The frequency of development and negative consequences of the nocebo effect when switching patients to BA are described. Data from randomized controlled trials and clinical practice on the safety of switching patients from original biologics to BA are presented. The economic benefits of introducing BA into the clinical practice of rheumatologists in Europe and Russian Federation are considered.
Divine Simplicity and the Theory of Action
Authors: Huneeus Clemente
Published: December 2024

The modal collapse argument states that the traditional doctrine of divine simplicity entails that God necessarily creates whatever he creates and also that all creatures necessarily perform whatever actions they perform. In response to these objections, many authors argue that God’s willing to create this precise world and God’s knowing everything about individual creatures are at least partially extrinsic or Cambridge properties (i.e., the truthmaker of the respective propositions is, in part, a fact about something contingent other than God). This paper argues for a general view of action, in which such properties can turn out to be at least partially extrinsic. Section 1 explains why responding to the modal collapse argument requires that part of the truthmaker relating God to contingent facts be extrinsic to God, and that it is only in this part that contingency lies. Section 2 argues that this can be generally so in certain class of causal relations, where the agent remains intrinsically the same no matter the precise effect produced. Section 3 shows that free volition is at some level one of those relations, and section 4 offers some brief remarks about the difficulties that still remain in the case of knowledge.