bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Properties of Tannery Waste Addition as a Filler Based on Two Types of Polymer Matrices: Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) and Poly(Butylene Succinate) (PBS)
Authors: Raksaksri Laksamon , Ruksakulpiwat Yupaporn , Udomkitpanya Thamolwan
Published: May 2023

Wet blue leather is a waste produced by the leather industry. It is a difficult waste product to dispose of, and if not disposed of properly, it will affect the environment and cause toxicity. Therefore, recycling was considered as an alternative to waste disposal. In this study, polymer composites were prepared from two types of polymers, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and wet blue leather (WBL). A twin screw extruder and injection molding were used to prepare the composites. The effect of polymer type and WBL content (5, 10, and 15 wt%) on mechanical properties, thermal properties, flammability, MFI, water absorption, and morphology was investigated. All the polymer composites showed an increase in tensile and flexural strength, Young’s modulus, and water absorption but decreased in elongation at break, impact strength, and flammability compared to neat polymers.
Is There a Sex Difference in the Prognosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhao Huilei , Tan Ziqi , Liu Menglu , Yu Peng , Ma Jianyong , Li Xiaozhong , Wang Jingfeng , Zhao Yujie , Zhu Wengen , Liu Xiao
Published: May 2023

Background

It is still unclear whether there is a sex difference in the prognosis of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis to elucidate the association between sex and adverse outcomes in patients with HCM.

Methods and Results

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were used to search for studies on sex differences in prognosis in patients with HCM up to August 17, 2021. Summary effect sizes were calculated using a random effects model. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) (registration number‐ CRD42021262053). A total of 27 cohorts involving 42 365 patients with HCM were included. Compared with male subjects, female subjects had a higher age at onset (mean difference=5.61 [95% CI, 4.03–7.19]), a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (standard mean difference=0.09 [95% CI, 0.02–0.15]) and a higher left ventricular outflow tract gradient (standard mean difference=0.23 [95% CI, 0.18–0.29]). The results showed that compared with male subjects with HCM, female subjects had higher risks of HCM‐related events (risk ratio [RR]=1.61 [95% CI, 1.33–1.94],
I
2
=49%), major cardiovascular events (RR=3.59 [95% CI, 2.26–5.71],
I
2
=0%), HCM‐related death (RR=1.57 [95% CI, 1.34–1.82],
I
2
=0%), cardiovascular death (RR=1.55 [95% CI, 1.05–2.28],
I
2
=58%), noncardiovascular death (RR=1.77 [95% CI, 1.46–2.13],
I
2
=0%) and all‐cause mortality (RR=1.43 [95% CI, 1.09–1.87],
I
2
=95%), but not atrial fibrillation (RR=1.13 [95% CI, 0.95–1.35],
I
2
=5%), ventricular arrhythmia (RR=0.88 [95% CI, 0.71–1.10],
I
2
=0%), sudden cardiac death (RR=1.04 [95% CI, 0.75–1.42],
I
2
=38%) or composite end point (RR=1.24 [95% CI, 0.96–1.60],
I
2
=85%).

Conclusions

Based on current evidence, our results show significant sex‐specific differences in the prognosis of HCM. Future guidelines may emphasize the use of a sex‐specific risk assessment for the diagnosis and management of HCM.
A Perilous Sailing and a Lion: Comparative Evidence for a Phoenician Afterlife Motif
Authors: López-Ruiz C. , Rodríguez González E.
Published: May 2023

This essay introduces new evidence for an eschatological Phoenician motif that alludes to a final sailing and its perils, represented by a monstrous lion attacking or sinking a boat. The lion-and-boat motif was, so far, only documented in a Phoenician funerary stela from late classical Athens, the Antipatros/Shem stela. Excavations at the fifth-century BCE Tartessic site of Casas del Turuñuelo in southwestern Spain has revealed a set of ivory and bone panels that decorated a wooden box, bearing relevant iconography in the so-called orientalizing style. Additional comparanda from the Levant, Iberia, and Tunisia in various media (coins, ivories, amulets), add weight to this interpretation. Our analysis highlights how the artists behind the Athenian and Tartessic artifacts were innovative in their way of representing a theme that was not codified iconographically. Most remarkable is the use of an ivory-carving convention (the Phoenician palmette motif) to portray the stylized boat, a choice corroborated by a painted pottery sherd from Olympia. This “palmette-boat” depiction, in our view, is coherent with Egyptian Nilotic boats, but also with the use of flat or shallow river-boats in the Tagus and Guadiana region, illustrating mechanisms of local adaptation of Phoenician sailing and life-death “passing” symbolism. If, as we suggest, this representation can be added to that in the Athenian document, we now have testimonies of two different local adaptations of a Phoenician theme at the two ends of the Mediterranean oikoumene between the archaic and late classical periods.
Korean Judicial Decision
Authors: Lee Seokwoo
Published: May 2023

Each Defendant (Japanese corporations) in this case re claim of victims of forced labor shall pay KRW 100,000,000 to each Plaintiff (victims of forced labor of Korea).
Quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics reveal insights into mechanisms of ocnus function in Drosophila testis development
Authors: Zheng Ya , Mao Bin , Wang Qian , Duan Xin , Chen Meng-Yan , Shen Wei , Li Chao , Wang Yu-Feng
Published: May 2023

Background

Testis is the only organ supporting sperm production and with the largest number of proteins and tissue-specific proteins in animals. In our previous studies, we have found that knockdown ofocnus(ocn), a testis-specific gene, resulted in much smaller testis with no germ cells inDrosophila melanogaster. However, the molecular consequences ofocnknockdown in fly testes are unknown.

Results

In this study, through iTRAQ quantitative proteomics sequencing, 606 proteins were identified from fly abdomens as having a significant and at least a 1.5-fold change in expression afterocnknockdown in fly testes, of which 85 were up-regulated and 521 were down-regulated. Among the differential expressed proteins (DEPs), apart from those proteins involved in spermatogenesis, the others extensively affected biological processes of generation of precursor metabolites and energy, metabolic process, and mitochondrial transport. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses of DEPs showed that several kinases and/or phosphatases interacted with Ocn. Re-analyses of the transcriptome revealed 150 differential expressed genes (DEGs) appeared in the DEPs, and their changing trends in expressions afterocnknockdown were consistent. Many common down-regulated DEGs and DEPs were testis-specific or highly expressed in the testis ofD. melanogaster.Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed 12 genes appeared in both DEGs and DEPs were significantly down-regulated afterocnknockdown in fly testes. Furthermore, 153 differentially expressed phosphoproteins (DEPPs), including 72 up-regulated and 94 down-regulated phosphorylated proteins were also identified (13 phosphoproteins appeared in both up- and down-regulated groups due to having multiple phosphorylation sites). In addition to those DEPPs associated with spermatogenesis, the other DEPPs were enriched in actin filament-based process, protein folding, and mesoderm development. Some DEPs and DEPPs were involved in Notch, JAK/STAT, and cell death pathways.

Conclusions

Given the drastic effect of theocnknockdown on tissue development and testis cells composition, the differences in protein abundance in theocnknockdown flies might not necessarily be the direct result of differential gene regulation due to the inactivation ofocn. Nevertheless, our results suggest that the expression ofocnis essential forDrosophilatestis development and that its down-regulation disturbs key signaling pathways related to cell survival and differentiation. These DEPs and DEPPs identified may provide significant candidate set for future studies on the mechanism of male reproduction of animals, including humans.
Symbiotic microbiome Staphylococcus epidermidis restricts IL-33 production in allergic nasal epithelium via limiting the cellular necroptosis
Authors: Jeon Yung Jin , Gil Chan Hee , Won Jina , Jo Ara , Kim Hyun Jik
Published: May 2023

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by airway inflammation in nasal mucosa from inhaled allergens and interleukin (IL)-33 is the potent inducer of Th2 inflammation in allergic nasal epithelium. Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the most abundant colonizers of the healthy human nasal mucosa and might impact the allergen-induced inflammatory responses in the nasal epithelium. Thus, we sought to characterize the mechanism of S. epidermidis regulating Th2 inflammation and IL-33 production in AR nasal mucosa.

Results

The AR symptoms were alleviated and eosinophilic infiltration, serum IgE levels, and Th2 cytokines were significantly decreased in OVA-sensitized AR mice in response to human nasal commensal S. epidermidis. The inoculation of S. epidermidis to normal human nasal epithelial cells reduced IL-33 and GATA3 transcriptions and also reduced IL-33 and GATA3 expression in AR nasal epithelial (ARNE) cells and the nasal mucosa of AR mice. Our data exhibited that the cellular necroptosis of ARNE cells might be involved in IL-33 production and inoculation of S. epidermidis decreased the phosphorylation of necroptosis enzymes in ARNE cells, which was related to the reduction of IL-33 production.

Conclusions

We present that human nasal commensal S. epidermidis reduces allergic inflammation by suppressing IL-33 production in nasal epithelium. Our findings indicate that S. epidermidis serves a role in blocking allergen-induced cellular necroptosis in allergic nasal epithelium which might be a key mechanism of reduction of IL-33 and Th2 inflammation.
Incremental predictive value of platelet parameters for preeclampsia: results from a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Shan-Shan , Wang Cheng-Rui , Wei Dong-Mei , Lu Jin-Hua , Chen Xiao-Juan , Chen Qiao-Zhu , Xia Xiao-Yan , He Jian-Rong , Qiu Xiu
Published: May 2023

Background

Platelet parameters during pregnancy were associated with the risk of preeclampsia (PE), but the predictive value of these parameters for PE remained unclear. Our aim was to clarify the individual and incremental predictive value of platelet parameters, including platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW) for PE.

Methods

This study was based on the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study in China. Data on platelet parameters were extracted from medical records of routine prenatal examinations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to analyze the predictive ability of platelet parameters for PE. Maternal characteristic factors proposed by NICE and ACOG were used to develop the base model. Detection rate (DR), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) were calculated compared with the base model to assess the incremental predictive value of platelet parameters.

Results

A total of 30,401 pregnancies were included in this study, of which 376 (1.24%) were diagnosed with PE. Higher levels of PC and PCT were observed at 12–19 gestational weeks in women who developed PE later. However, no platelet parameters before 20 weeks of gestation reliably distinguished between PE complicated pregnancy and non-PE complicated pregnancy, with all values of the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) below 0.70. The addition of platelet parameters at 16–19 gestational weeks to the base model increased the DR for preterm PE from 22.9 to 31.4% at a fixed false positive rate of 5%, improved the AUC from 0.775 to 0.849 (p = 0.015), and yielded a NRI of 0.793 (p < 0.001), and an IDI of 0.0069 (p = 0.035). Less but significant improvement in prediction performance was also observed for term PE and total PE when all the four platelet parameters were added to the base model.

Conclusions

Although no single platelet parameter at the early stage of pregnancy identified PE with high accuracy, the addition of platelet parameters to known independent risk factors could improve the prediction of PE.
Trial of labour versus elective caesarean delivery for estimated large for gestational age foetuses after prior caesarean delivery: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Chamagne Matthieu , Richard Maêva Bôle , Vallee Alexandre , Tahiri Jellila , Renevier Bruno , Dahlhoff Sandra , Garcia Diane , Vivanti Alexandre , Ayoubi Jean Marc
Published: May 2023

Background

Lower rates of successful trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) in association with fetal macrosomia were previously reported. This study aimed to compare TOLAC to elective caesarean delivery (CD) in women with estimated fetal weight large for gestational age (eLGA) and a prior CD. Primary outcome was to analyse the mode of delivery in case of TOLAC. Secondary outcome was to compare maternal and foetal morbidity.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, multicentric, cohort study in five maternity units between January and December 2020. Inclusion criteria were: women with a single prior CD and eLGA or neonatal weight > 90th percentile with singleton pregnancy and gestational age ≥ 37 weeks. Main outcome measures: rate of vaginal delivery, maternal and fetal morbidity including: shoulder dystocia, neonatal hospitalization, fetal trauma, neonatal acidosis, uterine rupture, 3rd and 4th perineal tears, post-partum hemorrhage, and a need for blood transfusion.

Results

Four hundred forty women met inclusion criteria, including 235 (53.4%) eLGA. 170 (72.3%) had a TOLAC (study group) and 65 (27.7%) an elective CD (control). 117 (68.82%) TOLAC had a vaginal delivery. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the rates of: postpartum haemorrhage, transfusion, Apgar score, neonatal hospitalization, and foetal trauma. Cord lactate was higher in the case of TOLAC (3.2 vs 2.2, p < 0.001). Median fetal weight was 3815 g (3597–4085) vs. 3865 g (3659–4168): p = 0.068 in the study vs. controls group respectively.

Conclusion

TOLAC for eLGA fetuses is legitimate because there is no difference in maternal–fetal morbidity, and the CD rate is acceptable.
Using social practice theory in measuring perceived stigma among female sex workers in Mombasa, Kenya
Authors: Guni Joseph Newton , Wanjala Stanley Wechuli , Manguro Griffins , Gichuki Caroline , Lim Megan SC , Pham Minh D. , Luchters Stanley , Orwa James
Published: May 2023

Background

Perceived stigma is a complex societal phenomenon that is harboured especially by female sex workers because of the interplay of a myriad of factors. As such, a precise measure of the contribution of different social practices and characteristics is necessary for both understanding and intervening in matters related to perceived stigma. We developed a Perceived Stigma Index that measures the factors that greatly contribute to the stigma among sex workers in Kenya, and thereby inform a framework for future interventions.

Methods

Social Practice Theory was adopted in the development of the Perceived Stigma Index in which three social domains were extracted from data collected in the WHISPER or SHOUT study conducted among female sex workers (FSW), aged 16–35 years in Mombasa, Kenya. The three domains included: Social demographics, Relationship Control and Sexual and Gender-based Violence, and Society awareness of sexual and reproductive history. The factor assessment entailed Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the internal consistency of the index was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.

Results

We developed a perceived stigma index to measure perceived stigma among 882 FSWs with a median age of 26 years. A Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–0.88) was obtained as a measure of the internal consistency of our index using the Social Practice Theory. In regression analysis, we identified three major factors that contribute to the perceived stigma and consists of : (i) income and family support (β = 1.69; 95% CI); (ii) society’s awareness of the sex workers’ sexual and reproductive history (β = 3.54; 95% CI); and (iii) different forms of relationship control e.g. physical abuse (β = 1.48; 95%CI that propagate the perceived stigma among the FSWs.

Conclusion

Social practice theory has solid properties that support and capture the multi-dimensional nature of perceived stigma. The findings support the fact that social practices contribute or provoke this fear of being discriminated against. Thus, in offering interventions to curb perceived stigma, focus should fall on the education of the society on the importance of acceptance and integration of the FSWs as part of the society and the eradication of sexual and gender based violence meted out on them.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616000852459.
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among pregnant women attending general and teaching hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adeoye Ikeola
Published: May 2023

Background

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) have become a global health concern because of their adverse health effects and their association with the obesity pandemic. It has not received much attention in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, especially among pregnant women. The pattern, frequency and factors associated with SSBs among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria, were investigated.

Design

Data were from the Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study - a prospective cohort study investigating 1745 pregnant women from four comprehensive obstetric facilities in Ibadan. A qualitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the pregnant women’s intake of food and drinks over the previous months. Sugar-sweetened beverage variable and scores were also generated using the principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Factors associated with high SSB scores were examined using multivariate logistics regression analyses at a 5% significance level.

Results

The most commonly consumed SSBs were cocoa-sweetened beverages, soft drinks, malt drinks, and fruit juice. A quarter of the women (75th percentile) consumed SSB more than once weekly. The factors associated with high SSB on multivariate analysis were; being employed (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI 1.02–2.26), maternal obesity (AOR: 0.065, 95% CI 0.47–0.89), high fruit intake (AOR:3.62, 95% CI 2.62–4.99), high green vegetable consumption (AOR:1.99, 95% CI 1.06–3.74), high milk intake (AOR: 2.13, 95% CI 1.65– 2.74), frequent fast food outlet visit (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.53–1.70), all of these remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables.

Conclusion

SSBs were common among our study population. Factors associated with high SSBs intake are crucial for implementing locally relevant public health interventions.
The biology of SCUBE
Authors: Lin Yuh-Charn , Sahoo Binay K. , Gau Shiang-Shin , Yang Ruey-Bing
Published: May 2023

The SCUBE [Signal peptide-Complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1 (CUB)-Epithelial growth factor domain-containing protein] family consists of three proteins in vertebrates, SCUBE1, 2 and 3, which are highly conserved in zebrafish, mice and humans. EachSCUBEgene encodes a polypeptide of approximately 1000 amino acids that is organized into five modular domains: (1) an N-terminal signal peptide sequence, (2) nine tandem epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, (3) a large spacer region, (4) three cysteine-rich (CR) motifs, and (5) a CUB domain at the C-terminus. MurineScubegenes are expressed individually or in combination during the development of various tissues, including those in the central nervous system and the axial skeleton. The cDNAs of human SCUBE orthologs were originally cloned from vascular endothelial cells, but SCUBE expression has also been found in platelets, mammary ductal epithelium and osteoblasts. Both soluble and membrane-associated SCUBEs have been shown to play important roles in physiology and pathology. For instance, upregulation of SCUBEs has been reported in acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer and lung cancer. In addition, soluble SCUBE1 is released from activated platelets and can be used as a clinical biomarker for acute coronary syndrome and ischemic stroke. Soluble SCUBE2 enhances distal signaling by facilitating the secretion of dual-lipidated hedgehog from nearby ligand-producing cells in a paracrine manner. Interestingly, the spacer regions and CR motifs can increase or enable SCUBE binding to cell surfaces via electrostatic or glycan-lectin interactions. As such, membrane-associated SCUBEs can function as coreceptors that enhance the signaling activity of various serine/threonine kinase or tyrosine kinase receptors. For example, membrane-associated SCUBE3 functions as a coreceptor that promotes signaling in bone morphogenesis. In humans, SCUBE3 mutations are linked to abnormalities in growth and differentiation of both bones and teeth. In addition to studies on human SCUBE function, experimental results from genetically modified mouse models have yielded important insights in the field of systems biology. In this review, we highlight novel molecular discoveries and critical directions for future research on SCUBE proteins in the context of cancer, skeletal disease and cardiovascular disease.
The relationship between the intake of branched-chain and aromatic amino acids and individuals' sleep quality based on body mass index, gender, and age
Authors: Noori Sahar , Nadery Maryam , Ghaffarian-Ensaf Rasool , Khadem Alireza , Mirzaei Khadijeh , Keshavarz Seyyed Ali , Movahedi Ariyo
Published: May 2023

Sleep disorder is a relatively common problem that causes chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It is believed that diet regulates sleep. So, investigating the relationship between branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids intake with sleep quality based on age, gender and Body Mass Index (BMI) is important. A total of 172 males and females aged 18–65 participated in this study. The questionnaires were given online to them, included demographic information, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The Chalder fatigue scale (CFQ) was also used to measure the extent and severity of fatigue. The intake of amino acids was investigated by FFQ. The relationship between amino acids intake and sleep quality was investigated using Pearson's test. The results showed that intake of energy, macronutrients, and some micronutrients had a significant relationship with the quality of sleep of men compared to that of women (P < 0.05). No difference in sleep duration was observed between the two genders. There was a significant, positive association between sleep duration and the intake of BCAA (CC = 0.205, P = 0.031) and aromatic amino acids (CC = 0.22, P = 0.02) in the participants with normal BMI. Significant differences were seen in the intake of BCAA according to BMI which these differences were between lean and obese people, lean and overweight people, obese and normal, and overweight people. It demonstrated that in individuals with normal BMI, amino acids, protein, and carbohydrate intake may affect sleep duration and with modification of these factors sleep quality may get better. More study is needed to confirm these findings.
Risk Factors for Primary Bone Cancer After Childhood Cancer: A PanCare Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivor Care and Follow-Up Studies Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Reulen Raoul C. , Winter David L. , Diallo Ibrahim , Veres Cristina , Llanas Damien , Allodji Rodrigue S. , Bagnasco Francesca , Bárdi Edit , Feijen Elizabeth A.M. , Alessi Daniela , Fidler-Benaoudia Miranda M. , Høgsholt Stine , Teepen Jop C. , Linge Helena , Haddy Nadia , Byrne Julianne , Debiche Ghazi , Grabow Desiree , Gudmundsdottir Thorgerdur , Fauchery Romain , Zrafi Wael , Michel Gisela , Øfstaas Hilde , Kaatsch Peter , Vu-Bezin Giao , Jenkinson Helen , Kaiser Melanie , Skinner Roderick , Cole Trevor , Waespe Nicolas , Sommer Grit , Nordenfelt Susanne , Jankovic Momcilo , Lähteenmäki Taalas Tuomas , Maule Milena M. , van der Pal Helena J.H. , Ronckers Cécile M. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Kok Judith L. , Terenziani Monica , Winther Gunnes Maria , Wiebe Thomas , Sacerdote Carlotta , Jakab Zsuzsanna , Haupt Riccardo , Lähteenmäki Päivi M. , Zadravec Zaletel Lorna , Kuehni Claudia E. , Winther Jeanette F. , Kremer Leontien C.M. , Hjorth Lars , de Vathaire Florent , Hawkins Michael M.
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

Radiation to the bone and exposure to alkylating agents increases the risk of bone cancer among survivors of childhood cancer, but there is uncertainty regarding the risks of bone tissue radiation doses below 10 Gy and the dose-response relationship for specific types of chemotherapy.

METHODS

Twelve European countries contributed 228 cases and 228 matched controls to a nested case-control study within a cohort of 69,460 5-year survivors of childhood cancer. Odds ratios (ORs) of developing bone cancer for different levels of cumulative radiation exposure and cumulative doses of specific types of chemotherapy were calculated. Excess ORs were calculated to investigate the shape and extent of any dose-response relationship.

RESULTS

The OR associated with bone tissue exposed to 1-4 Gy was 4.8-fold (95% CI, 1.2 to 19.6) and to 5-9 Gy was 9.6-fold (95% CI, 2.4 to 37.4) compared with unexposed bone tissue. The OR increased linearly with increasing dose of radiation ( Ptrend < .001) up to 78-fold (95% CI, 9.2 to 669.9) for doses of ≥40 Gy. For cumulative alkylating agent doses of 10,000-19,999 and ≥20,000 mg/m2, the radiation-adjusted ORs were 7.1 (95% CI, 2.2 to 22.8) and 8.3 (95% CI, 2.8 to 24.4), respectively, with independent contributions from each of procarbazine, ifosfamide, and cyclophosphamide. Other cytotoxics were not associated with bone cancer.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, we demonstrate—for the first time—that the risk of bone cancer is increased 5- to 10-fold after exposure of bone tissue to cumulative radiation doses of 1-9 Gy. Alkylating agents exceeding 10,000 mg/m2 increase the risk 7- to 8-fold, particularly following procarbazine, ifosfamide, and cyclophosphamide. These substantially elevated risks should be used to develop/update clinical follow-up guidelines and survivorship care plans.
Metabolic Syndrome and C-reactive Protein are Associated With a Reduced Myocardial Mechano-energetic Efficiency
Authors: Cefalo Chiara M A , Riccio Alessia , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Succurro Elena , Miceli Sofia , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Perticone Maria , Sciacqua Angela , Andreozzi Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: May 2023

Context

Metabolic syndrome and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels are associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases. A reduced myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency (MEE) has been found to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease.

Objective

To evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and hsCRP levels with impaired MEE.

Methods

Myocardial MEE was assessed by a validated echocardiography-derived measure in 1975 nondiabetic and prediabetic individuals subdivided into 2 groups according to the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Results

Individuals with metabolic syndrome exhibited increased stroke work and myocardial oxygen consumption estimated by rate pressure product, and a reduced MEE per gram of left ventricular mass (MEEi) compared with subjects without metabolic syndrome, after adjusting for age and sex. Myocardial MEEi progressively decreased in parallel with the increase in the number of metabolic syndrome components. In a multivariable regression analysis, both metabolic syndrome and hsCRP contributed to reduced myocardial MEEi independently of sex, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, fasting, and 2-hour postload glucose levels. When the study population was divided into 4 groups by the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome and by hsCRP levels above and below 3 mg/L, hsCRP levels ≥3 mg/L were associated with reduced myocardial MEEi both in subjects with metabolic syndrome and in those without the syndrome.

Conclusion

Nondiabetic and prediabetic individuals with metabolic syndrome exhibit increased stroke work and myocardial oxygen consumption, and an impaired MEEi, an established predictor of adverse cardiovascular events, and elevated hsCRP levels in combination with metabolic syndrome aggravate the myocardial MEEi impairment.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Meningiomas in Children and Adolescents: An International Multi-Institutional Study
Authors: Samanci Yavuz , Askeroglu M. Orbay , Nabeel Ahmed M. , Reda Wael A. , Tawadros Sameh R. , Abdelkarim Khaled , El-Shehaby Amr M. N. , Emad Reem M. , Legarreta Andrew , Fernandes Cabral David , Anand Sharath , Niranjan Ajay , Lunsford L. Dade , Tripathi Manjul , Kumar Narendra , Liščák Roman , May Jaromir , Lee Cheng-chia , Yang Huai-che , Martínez Moreno Nuria , Martínez Álvarez Roberto , Douri Keiss , Mathieu David , Pikis Stylianos , Mantziaris Georgios , Sheehan Jason P. , Bernstein Kenneth , Kondziolka Douglas , Peker Selcuk
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Meningiomas in children are uncommon, with distinct characteristics that set them apart from their adult counterparts. The existing evidence for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in this patient population is limited to only case series. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SRS in managing pediatric meningiomas.

METHODS:

Children and adolescents who had been treated for meningioma with single-fraction SRS were included in this retrospective, multicenter study. The assessment included local tumor control, any complications related to the tumor or SRS, and the emergence of new neurological deficits after SRS.

RESULTS:

The cohort included 57 patients (male-to-female ratio 1.6:1) with a mean age of 14.4 years who were managed with single-fraction SRS for 78 meningiomas. The median radiological and clinical follow-up periods were 69 months (range, 6-268) and 71 months (range, 6-268), respectively. At the last follow-up, tumor control (tumor stability and regression) was achieved in 69 (85.9%) tumors. Post-SRS, new neurological deficits occurred in 2 (3.5%) patients. Adverse radiation effects occurred in 5 (8.8%) patients. A de novo aneurysm was observed in a patient 69 months after SRS.

CONCLUSION:

SRS seems to be a safe and effective up-front or adjuvant treatment option for surgically inaccessible, recurrent, or residual pediatric meningiomas.
Temperature and the microbial environment alter brain morphology in a larval amphibian
Authors: Emerson Kyle J. , Fontaine Samantha S. , Kohl Kevin D. , Woodley Sarah K.
Published: May 2023

Understanding how the global climate impacts the physiology of wildlife animals is of importance. Amphibians are particularly sensitive to climate change, and it is hypothesized that rising temperatures impair their neurodevelopment. Temperature influences the composition of the gut microbiota, which is critical to host neurodevelopment through the microbiota–gut–brain (MGB) axis. Most research investigating the link between the gut microbiota and neurodevelopment occurs in germ-free mammalian model systems, leaving the nature of the MGB axis in non-mammalian wildlife unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the temperature and the microbial environment in which tadpoles were raised shapes neurodevelopment, possibly through the MGB axis. Newly hatched green frog tadpoles (Lithobates clamitans) were raised in natural pond water or autoclaved pond water, serving as an experimental manipulation of the microbiota by reducing colonizing microbes, at three different water temperatures: 14, 22 and 28°C. Neurodevelopment was analyzed through measures of relative brain mass and morphology of brain structures of interest. We found that tadpole development in warmer temperatures increased relative brain mass and optic tectum width and length. Further, tadpole development in autoclaved pond water increased relative optic tectum width and length. Additionally, the interaction of treatments altered relative diencephalon length. Lastly, we found that variation in brain morphology was associated with gut microbial diversity and the relative abundance of individual bacterial taxa. Our results indicate that both environmental temperature and microbial communities influence relative brain mass and shape. Furthermore, we provide some of the first evidence for the MGB axis in amphibians.
Archival studies
Authors: Bulyulina Elena , Ilizarov Boris , Habibulina Galina
Published: May 2023

The textbook deals with the organization of documents of the Archival Fund of the Russian Federation, the examination of the value of documents, the acquisition of archives, preservation, scientific description and use of archival documents and the organization of the work of archival institutions.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students studying in the areas of training "Documentation and archival science", "Documentation management and archival science".
Accounting and analysis: a workshop
Authors: Mel'nik Margarita , Egorova Svetlana , Yudanova Lyudmila , Kulakova Natal'ya , Shimohanskaya T.V. , Dmitrieva I.M.
Published: May 2023

The textbook has been developed taking into account the latest changes in accounting regulations, including federal accounting standards FSB 5/2019 "Stocks", FSB 6/2020 "Fixed Assets", FSB 26/2020 "Capital Investments" and the new version of PBU 18/ 02 "Accounting for income tax calculations". It includes methodological recommendations on modeling of business operations and analysis of financial statements of the organization and a workshop on modeling of business operations and analysis of financial statements.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the fields of "Economics" and "Management".
Metrology, standardization, certification
Authors: Kanke Alla , Kosheva Irina
Published: May 2023

The textbook covers the latest aspects of the development of metrology, standardization and certification as a result of the reform of the system of technical regulation in the Russian Federation. The basic concepts in the field of metrology, standardization and certification are outlined, the content of the supporting subsystems characterizing the full range of tools and methods for implementing basic procedures is disclosed.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
For students of secondary specialized educational institutions of all specialties studying the discipline "Metrology, standardization, certification". It can be useful to students and teachers of universities, managers and specialists of enterprises and organizations working in the field of standardization and quality management, as well as to a wide range of modern business people.
Entrepreneurship
Authors: Polzunova Natal'ya , Rodionova Natal'ya , Zaharov Pavel , Morgunova Natal'ya , Savel'ev Igor' , Tihonyuk Natal'ya , Kornilova Ol'ga , Omarov Timur , Lovkova Elena , Ershova Irina
Published: May 2023

The textbook highlights general ideas about the main milestones in the history of entrepreneurship in the world and Russia. An overview of the main issues of the discussion on the ethical justification of entrepreneurship is given. The current directions of the development of modern entrepreneurship and its management methods are revealed in the light of the existing political course in the international arena and in Russia in the context of adapting successful foreign experience to national traditions, as well as within the framework of existing legislative acts and standards. Educational materials for practical training and certification of competencies of those who have studied this discipline are presented.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the direction of training 38.03.02 "Management" and other areas in which the study of the discipline "Entrepreneurship" is provided, as well as for teachers of economic universities. It can be useful for managers of organizations and entrepreneurs.
Design and calculation of the piston engine crankshaft
Authors: Val'eho Mal'donado , Krasnokutskiy Andrey , Chaynov Nikolay , Patrahal'cev Nikolay , Trifonov Yuriy
Published: May 2023

The textbook describes the design features and balancing of crankshafts of piston engines of various types and purposes. The calculation of the strength of the crankshaft is considered, including traditional methods, as well as a modern approach to assessing the stress-strain state of the shaft using the finite element method. The possibility of using finite element models in determining the values of stress concentration coefficients in the elements of the crankshaft is shown. Examples of calculations of the crankshaft for strength are given.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the specialty "Internal combustion engines" of the direction "Power engineering".
International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Malickaya Viktoriya , Morozova Tat'yana , Shirobokov Vladimir
Published: May 2023

The textbook contains a structured presentation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS): IFRS (IAS) 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements", IFRS (IAS) 7 "Statement of Cash Flows", IFRS (IAS) 34 "Interim Financial Statements", IFRS (IAS) 10 "Events after the reporting period", IFRS (IAS) 23 "Borrowing Costs", IFRS (IAS) 33 "Earnings per share".
The publication contains fragments of information disclosure in financial statements in accordance with IFRS for more than 20 Russian companies. The choice of financial statements of companies is solely a subjective judgment of the textbook authors, is aimed at explaining certain provisions of IFRS and is not an advertisement or popularization of individual business entities. In the text of the textbook, examples are divided into examples — practice of application, examples-explanations, examples — disclosure of information.
At the end of each paragraph, self-control questions and test tasks are presented, which help to structure theoretical knowledge and pay attention to the most significant information blocks of IFRS.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the areas of training 38.03.01 "Economics" and 38.04.08 "Finance and credit".
Methods of teaching mathematics in elementary school. Workshop
Authors: Zayac Yuliya , Istomina-Kastrovskaya Nataliya , Kolesova Svetlana , Smoleusova Tat'yana
Published: May 2023

The textbook is a collection of methodological tasks. Its purpose is to prepare the future teacher for the upbringing and development of younger students in the process of teaching mathematics. The professional competencies acquired in the process of solving methodological tasks will contribute to the implementation in practice of the requirements of the federal state educational standards of primary general education and will help develop students' methodological thinking, form their ability to apply mathematical, pedagogical, psychological and methodological knowledge for the successful organization of educational activities of younger schoolchildren.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of secondary vocational education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students of pedagogical institutions of secondary vocational education studying in the specialty "Teaching in primary classes". It can be used by teachers and students of pedagogical universities (the direction of training "Pedagogical education"), as well as teachers working in primary classes and undergraduates.
Modern aspects of environmental medicine: theory and practice on the Crimean Peninsula
Authors: Yevstafyeva Elena , Yaseneva Irina , Makarova Anna , Bogdanova Anna , Zalata Olga , Tymchenko Svetlana , Slyusarenko Aleksandra , Evstaf'eva Irina , Moskovchuk Olga , Moskovchuk Konstantin , Artov Andrey , Boyarinceva Yuliya , Zinchenko Svetlana
Published: May 2023

The monograph examines the aspects of interaction in the "society — nature" system in the process of anthropogenesis, its current state in the conditions of global anthropogenic transformation of the biosphere and the consequences for the human population. The theoretical foundations and practical approaches to solving the problem of preserving health in conditions of chemical pollution of the environment are presented; methodological approaches and methodological techniques for conducting medical and environmental monitoring at various levels (regional, sub-regional, local) to solve various tasks to assess the impact of the anthropogenically transformed environment and certain technogenic factors on human health. The results of their testing on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula are presented. The problems hindering the introduction of environmental regulation of anthropogenic impact and the development of regional environmental standards taking into account the impact on human health are identified.
For a wide range of readers interested in environmental medicine. It can be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of medical universities.
Islamic Finance: History and Modernity
Authors: Nagimova Al'mira , Chokaev Bekhan , Aliev Magomed
Published: May 2023

The monograph presents the results of the study of the phenomenon of Islamic finance in the world economy. The theory and history of Islamic finance are considered. Special attention is paid to social Islamic finance — in particular, Zakat and Waqf institutions. The Islamic capital markets, namely sukuk, are analyzed. The practice of the Islamic financial sector in Malaysia is presented. Appendices to the monograph include important statistics collected by the author on various aspects of this topic.
The monograph is a continuation of the previous works published by the author earlier. Their key idea is to offer a theoretical and practical basis for the expansion of the Islamic financial sector in the CIS countries, which will not only increase the availability of financial resources for the population and business, but also become an important mechanism for the development of international relations with the countries of the Islamic world.
For experts and practitioners of state economic policy, bankers and financiers, journalists and public figures, teachers and students.
Members’ Intention to Participate in Farmer Producer Company Activities in Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Gagana D. S. , Velmurugan P. S.
Published: May 2023

Farmer Producer Company(FPC) is one of the tools to tackle the demand-driven market and march towards the development of deprived small and marginal farmers. Members’ active participation in FPC activities is essential to resolve backward and forward linkage issues. Members could easily access speciality markets and obtain better price for agricultural products in the conventional sector, if they consistently participate in FPC activities. The present study applied the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to examine the intention of members to participate in FPC activities. The moderating role of landholdings on the relationship between various TPB factors and farmers' intentions to participate in FPC activities was also studied. The study relied on primary data collected from 382 members from the Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu using a proportionate random sampling technique. The PLS-SEM results revealed that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control have a significant positive influence on the participation of the members in FPC activities. There is a significant moderating effect of landholding on the relationship between TPB factors and participation intention. The study has put forward the major implication for improving the participation of members in FPC activities.
A guide to central venous access devices in children
Authors: Rosengarten Leah , Camara Claire
Published: May 2023

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are commonly used in the care of children both in the short term and long term. Health professionals providing care for children who have CVADs in place are required to have a clear understanding of the benefits and risks associated with their use. This article introduces the different types of CVADs commonly used in paediatrics and provides step-by-step guidance on the use and care of these devices.
AI-Assisted chemical probe discovery for the understudied Calcium-Calmodulin Dependent Kinase, PNCK
Authors: Essegian Derek J. , Chavez Valery , Khurshid Rabia , Merchan Jaime R. , Schürer Stephan C.
Published: May 2023

PNCK, or CAMK1b, is an understudied kinase of the calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase family which recently has been identified as a marker of cancer progression and survival in several large-scale multi-omics studies. The biology of PNCK and its relation to oncogenesis has also begun to be elucidated, with data suggesting various roles in DNA damage response, cell cycle control, apoptosis and HIF-1-alpha related pathways. To further explore PNCK as a clinical target, potent small-molecule molecular probes must be developed. Currently, there are no targeted small molecule inhibitors in pre-clinical or clinical studies for the CAMK family. Additionally, there exists no experimentally derived crystal structure for PNCK. We herein report a three-pronged chemical probe discovery campaign which utilized homology modeling, machine learning, virtual screening and molecular dynamics to identify small molecules with low-micromolar potency against PNCK activity from commercially available compound libraries. We report the discovery of a hit-series for the first targeted effort towards discovering PNCK inhibitors that will serve as the starting point for future medicinal chemistry efforts for hit-to-lead optimization of potent chemical probes.