bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration Exhibition at the German Museum of the 21st Century
Authors:   United European Research Society, YUN Yong Seon
Published: April 2023

This paper critically analyzes the migration exhibition of the German Museum of Modern History. In German society, which is facing demographic problems such as population decline and aging, the number of people with immigration and migration backgrounds is increasing, approaching 30% of the German population. As a result, Germany without migrants today cannot be als well imagined as existed. However, despite the reality, the Museum of Modern History in Germany still remains in a space where the narratives of one country's history centered on the nation-state are displayed. Museums exhibiting 21st-century modern history, which feature mobility and hybridity, are being asked to abandon the national state paradigm, but no significant change has yet been made. In this regard, the presentation says that Korean society, which is moving in a demographic similar direction to Germany and has a faster pace of change, needs to use Germany's migration policy as a teacher. Entering the early stages of a migration society, Korea already relies on migrants in the problems of insufficient labor and marriage of rural men, and it seems unlikely that this trend will weaken due to population cliffs and aging population.
EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and the War in Ukraine: Has the Capability-Expectations Gap Narrowed?
Authors:   United European Research Society, AN Pyeong Eok
Published: April 2023

This paper seeks to anlayze whether the Capability-Expectations Gap (CEG) of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy has been narrowed after the War in Ukraine broke out on 24th February 2022. It compares in the components of the CEGs before and after the war. Christopher Hill defines the capability as being composed of the resources (economic and diplomatic), policy instruments and policy cohesiveness.
Before the war, Brexit left the EU’s economic power dwindled by 2.17% point from 15.7% to 13.62% in world output. Policy instruments have seen some changes, as the EU could manage to give military as well as economic aid to Ukraine for the first time. Although the EU is not a military alliance, EU leaders could reach agreements on sending military equipments in the face of Russian aggression. Policy cohesiveness refers to the ability to reach agreements and implement such ones among differing national policy preferences. Hungary remained opposed to banning Russian oil and gas imports to the last moment, thus gaining exemption from the EU’s sanction until the end of 2023, at least a year later after such sanction entered into force.
With regard to expectations from within and without of the EU, citizens in Europe have wanted the bloc to play a more active role in major international affairs such as in the Ukraine War. The EU also could follow through many sanctions in close consultation with the United States, which has led Western efforts in giving aid to Ukraine.
EU’s international role is likely to grow in the process of mediating the war, as the war is probably to last another a year or two. It will also shoulder significant burden to help Ukraine reconstruct after the War.
How to Redesign an External Policy according to the Strategic Autonomy Paradigm? the Case of the EU's Trade Policy
Authors:   United European Research Society, KANG Yoo Duk
Published: April 2023

This paper seeks to anlayze whether the Capability-Expectations Gap (CEG) of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy has been narrowed after the War in Ukraine broke out on 24th February 2022. It compares in the components of the CEGs before and after the war. Christopher Hill defines the capability as being composed of the resources (economic and diplomatic), policy instruments and policy cohesiveness.
Before the war, Brexit left the EU’s economic power dwindled by 2.17% point from 15.7% to 13.62% in world output. Policy instruments have seen some changes, as the EU could manage to give military as well as economic aid to Ukraine for the first time. Although the EU is not a military alliance, EU leaders could reach agreements on sending military equipments in the face of Russian aggression. Policy cohesiveness refers to the ability to reach agreements and implement such ones among differing national policy preferences. Hungary remained opposed to banning Russian oil and gas imports to the last moment, thus gaining exemption from the EU’s sanction until the end of 2023, at least a year later after such sanction entered into force.
With regard to expectations from within and without of the EU, citizens in Europe have wanted the bloc to play a more active role in major international affairs such as in the Ukraine War. The EU also could follow through many sanctions in close consultation with the United States, which has led Western efforts in giving aid to Ukraine.
EU’s international role is likely to grow in the process of mediating the war, as the war is probably to last another a year or two. It will also shoulder significant burden to help Ukraine reconstruct after the War.
The state of motivation of achievement and avoidance in girls with dysfunctions of the support and movement apparatus during preparation for the main competition
Authors:   Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University, Stasyuk Vadim , Iedynak Gennadii ,   Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University, Zaikin Andrii ,   Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University, Babich Tetiana ,   State Higher Education Institution «Pryazovskyi State Technical University», Lesko Orest ,   Lviv National Academy of Arts, Petrov Andrii ,   Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University, Arabskyi Andriy ,   National Army Academy named after Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi
Published: April 2023

We studied the structure of motivation of achievement and avoiding in girls - highly qualified volleyball during preparation for the main competitions of calendar year. The purpose of the study was to study the peculiarities of the indicated motivation in girls - sportsmen with broken functions of the musculoskeletal system in the competition period of preparation for the League of Nations-2021 with volleyball sitting. Material and methods of research. The achievement of the goal envisaged solving the set tasks using a set of methods, including general scientific, psycho-diagnostic and methods of mathematical statistics. The investigated were 7 girls 18-20 years old, who were members of the women’s team of Ukraine with volleyball sitting and noted violated the functions of the musculoskeletal system. Results. The study found that girls with the mentioned limited functions are marked by peculiarities of the structure of motivation of achievement and avoidance. For example, 28.6 % of all investigated have the balance of these motives (the score at the level of 51.4-54.1 %), 42.8 % - the dominance of the motive of the aspiration to success (the score at the level of 57.1-78.2 %), 28.6 %, on the contrary - the domination of the motive of the aspiration to avoid failure (the score at the level of 36.2-40.2 %). Conclusions. The received data show the need to improve the content of psychological training of girls-volleyball with limited functions of the musculoskeletal system, taking into account information of available literature sources and received empirical data.
Irrigation organizations
Authors: Hrozencik R. Aaron , Gardner Grant , Potter Nicholas , Wallander Steven ,   United States. Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service,
Published: April 2023

Groundwater resources are vital for U.S. and global irrigated agricultural production. In the United States, groundwater supplies water to approximately 65 percent of all irrigated acreage. The connectivity among irrigators pumping from the same aquifer—paired with growing concerns about groundwater depletion—led to the creation of many of the groundwater organizations currently active in the United States. Groundwater organizations perform a variety of functions to promote groundwater resource stewardship and address groundwater overdraft and quality concerns that impact groundwater irrigators and other nonagricultural users (i.e., residential and municipal groundwater users). The operations of groundwater organizations are shaped by State-level groundwater law, organization governance, and the other irrigation-related activities performed by the organization (such as delivering water directly to farms and ranches). This report leverages data from the USDA’s 2019 Survey of Irrigation Organizations to characterize the unique institutions that steward much of the Nation’s groundwater resources.
Regioselective Synthesis of Novel Bifunctional Neo-Compounds via C–H Activation of an Alkyl Chain of Linear Acyl Halides
Authors:   Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, str. 1, Moscow, 119334 Russia, Akhrem I. S. , Avetisyan D. V. ,   Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, str. 1, Moscow, 119334 Russia, Afanas'eva L. V. ,   Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, str. 1, Moscow, 119334 Russia, Artyushin O. I. ,   Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, str. 1, Moscow, 119334 Russia, Kagramanov N. D. ,   Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, str. 1, Moscow, 119334 Russia, Burlakov V. V. ,   Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, str. 1, Moscow, 119334 Russia
Published: April 2023

The regioselective one-pot sp3 C–H bond functionalization of an alkyl unit in organic molecules already bearing functional groups is of great interest for the synthesis of bifunctional compounds. This report describes the unprecedented regioselective synthesis of otherwise inaccessible bifunctional neo-compounds via C–H activation of an alkyl chain of linear acyl halides in the presence of CO and two different sequentially introduced nucleophiles.
Typing myalgic encephalomyelitis by infection at onset: A DecodeME study
Authors: Bretherick Andrew D. , McGrath Simon J. , Devereux-Cooke Andy , Leary Sian , Northwood Emma , Redshaw Anna , Stacey Pippa , Tripp Claire , Wilson Jim , Chowdhury Sonya , Lewis Isabel , Almelid Øyvind , Baby Sumy V. , Baker Tom , Becher Hannes , Boutin Thibaud , Clyde Malgorzata , Garcia Diana , Ireland John , Kerr Shona M. , McDowall Ewan , Perry David , Samms Gemma L. , Vitart Veronique , Wolfe Jareth C. , Ponting Chris P.
Published: April 2023

Background: People with myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) daily experience core symptoms of post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive impairment or brain fog. Despite numbering 0.2-0.4% of the population, no laboratory test is available for their diagnosis, no effective therapy exists for their treatment, and no scientific breakthrough regarding their pathogenesis has been made. It remains unknown, despite decades of small-scale studies, whether individuals experience different types of ME/CFS separated by onset-type, sex or age.

Methods: DecodeME is a large population-based study of ME/CFS that recruited 17,074 participants in the first 3 months following full launch. Their detailed questionnaire responses provided an unparalleled opportunity to investigate illness severity, onset, course and duration.

Results: The well-established sex-bias among ME/CFS patients is evident in the initial DecodeME cohort: 83.5% of participants were females. What was not known previously was that females’ comorbidities and symptoms tend to be more numerous than males’. Moreover, being female, being older and being over 10 years from ME/CFS onset are significantly associated with greater severity.  Five different ME/CFS onset types were examined in the self-reported data: those with ME/CFS onset (i) after glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis); (ii) after COVID-19 infection; (iii) after other infections; (iv) without an identified infectious onset; and, (v) where the occurrence of an infection at or preceding onset is not known.

Conclusions: This revealed that people with a ME/CFS diagnosis are not a homogeneous group, as clear differences exist in symptomatology and comorbidity.
Impact investment for the postwar urban revitalization of Ukraine
Authors: Sych Olga , Pasinovych Iryna , Myshchyshyn Ivanna
Published: April 2023

In Ukraine, where cities have undergone (and continue to experience) systemic destruction, there are environmental problems, a large part of the inhabitants lost all their property and became forced migrants, the investment attractiveness among private investors is low, since the investment needs are huge, and the expected financial return cannot be fast and high. However, the lack of sufficient financial support can nullify all reconstruction plans. To restore the cities and towns of post-war Ukraine, it is advisable to use various investment attraction mechanisms, because the investment spectrum has expanded significantly in recent years. Impact investing is a relatively new type of investment, but interest in it is growing, as is the volume of impact investing. And the use of impact investments as a potential source for solving/mitigating acute social and environmental problems in war-torn Ukraine is particularly relevant and important. After the war, Ukraine will face unprecedented destruction, a whole complex of social and environmental problems. Despite this, at the government level, investment is recognized as a guarantee of the future rapid and effective reconstruction of the economy, as evidenced by the Memorandum signed with Black Rock. However, we cannot count on traditional investments in a dilapidated country. At the same time, it is worth using the current trend in the capital markets, which consists in the fact that international investors increasingly think about the social impact of their investments when choosing an investment object and strive to create added value in the investment portfolio for the benefit of future generations. It is advisable to use alternative forms of investment that are developing. These include impact investing. Features of impact investing include solving a real and relevant problem for the local community; obtaining a visible, public social result that is measurable and subject to calculation; return and profitability of investments. A common instrument of impact investing is bonds, which are divided into three groups: social, green and sustainable. All of them can be used in post-war Ukraine. As the experience of developed countries has proven, by attracting funds from the placement of sustainable bonds, it is possible to solve those problems that will be relevant for post-war Ukraine, namely housing construction, transport, social infrastructure facilities, and the development of sustainable agriculture.
Pension provision for Ukrainian military personnel: national and regional dimensions
Authors: Zelenko Natalia , Kostyuchyk Bohdana
Published: April 2023

Over the past year, Ukraine has faced the challenge of protecting the integrity of its borders, the lives and health of its citizens, and the existence of the Ukrainian state as a whole. On February 24, 2022, the russian federation launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. Ukrainian servicemen and women have been defending the country's sovereignty from aggressors on a daily basis. Due to these events, the number of servicemen and their families began to increase significantly throughout Ukraine, given the constant mobilization of citizens to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine notes that as of 2022, about 11 million people in Ukraine received pensions, of whom more than 540,000 were military pensioners. However, it is worth noting that the average amount of pensions received by the military in 2022 was about UAH 8,500, which confirms the low level of pension payments to this category of citizens. It should be noted that the average pension of a serviceman in Ukraine is several times lower than the average pension of a serviceman in the United States or one of the European countries (10 times lower than in the United States). This proves that the issue of reforming Ukraine's pension system to create an effective pension mechanism that could guarantee an adequate standard of living for military personnel in retirement is currently acute. After all, building an effective system of social protection for military personnel is a direct responsibility of our state. Accordingly, in the article, the authors identify and analyze the main aspects of pension provision for servicemen and their families in Ukraine, in particular in the Lviv region, namely: the amount of pension payments, depending on the types of pensions to which the serviceman is entitled, and the total amount of expenditures on pension provision for servicemen and their families in Ukraine, in particular in the Lviv region. The analysis provides an assessment of the state of pension provision for military personnel and their families, and formulates practical recommendations for improving the pension provision of this category of pensioners for further reform.
Integration of marketing research with virtual reality technologies based on artificial intelligence
Authors: Khrupovych Svitlana
Published: April 2023

The article offers an author's search for a model of integration of marketing research with virtual reality technologies. It has been confirmed that marketers are adding the capabilities of artificial intelligence tools to their search activities. An analysis of foreign publications was carried out regarding the possibility of using big data about the previous experience of the client's search queries. The contribution of Ukrainian researchers to the research methodology of artificial intelligence technologies in marketing was also noted. The directions of the flow of information in the «machine-human» system for the collection of big data have been revealed. It has been established that virtual reality reflects the client's experience of being in a simulated environment. A semantic search for terminology related to virtual reality technology was carried out. It has been established that most of the global brands use augmented reality. Less often – virtual reality technology, as it is a model of a completely digital environment. This technology requires additional sensor devices. Conclusions were made about the change in consumer behavior during the period of isolation due to covid-19. It was found that today it is already necessary to focus on a qualitatively different model of the client profile. It is proposed to use virtual reality technology in marketing research to obtain data for building a consumer portrait based on artificial intelligence. The methods of marketing research, which are necessary for collecting structured and unstructured data about the consumer's experience with interaction with virtual reality technologies are substantiated. It was found that for further analysis it is worth using observations to collect data on the client's geolocation, the reaction of the limbs and eyes to interaction with virtual objects. The data generated by embedded platform analytics is also highlighted. It has been established that such data will be useful for customer segmentation. It was concluded that the emotions received in computer games are important to the consumer. Therefore, virtual reality technologies are necessary for brands to study consumer behavior in conditions that he perceives as recreation.
Study on Dust Removal Technology of Explosive Water Mist in Drill and Blast Tunnelling
Authors: Shi Jianjun , Zhao Hao , Xu Wenxiang , Zhang Wei , An Huaming
Published: April 2023

In view of the problem that high concentration of dust is easily generated during rock tunnel drilling and blasting construction, explosive water mist to reduce dust is given in this paper. Water bag is set up on tunnel face and explosive water mist is used to reduce blasting dust concentration. With the help of numerical simulation software FLUENT and combined with theoretical analysis, The key parameters of explosion fog and dust reduction technology are obtained: water bag spacing, blasting time difference, water bag layout position, etc., which provides a theoretical basis for practical application of the technology. At the same time, combined with the field test of Huangtai tunnel blasting, the dust concentration with and without water mist was measured, respectively. The results show that the maximum dust removal rate of the tunnel section under the dust removal measures with water mist can reach 80.85%, the average dust removal rate can reach 65.16%. So, the dust removal effect is remarkable.
Digitális megőrzés
Authors: Moldován István
Published: April 2023

Kiindulásként érdemes röviden áttekinteni, hogy a digitalizáció hogyan alakította át a közgyűjtemények által gyűjtött, kezelt dokumentumok világát, változtatta meg radikálisan az információhordozókat és ezzel együtt a fogyasztást. Az információk digitálissá válásának következményeit bár hétköznapi életünkben is nap, mint nap tapasztalhatjuk, de közgyűjteményi, könyvtáros nézőpontból kiemelten fontos e változások azonosítása és kezelése. Vázlatosan bemutatom, hogy a digitális világ, annak tünékenysége milyen kihívásokat állít a memóriaintézmények elé. Ez után kitérek a külföldön már mind a különböző oktatási, akadémiai intézményekben, mind a nemzeti könyvtárakban elindult kezdeményezésekre, projektekre, majd a hazai közgyűjtemények és az OSZK válaszait körvonalazom.
Pre-Electoral Coalitions and the Distribution of Political Power
Authors: Hortala-Vallve Rafael , Meriläinen Jaakko , Tukiainen Janne
Published: April 2023

Pre-electoral coalitions (PECs) may increase parties' chances of winning, but they may also distort electoral results and policies away from citizens' preferences. To shed light on how PECs shape post-electoral power distribution, we study the causes and consequences of PECs in Finland where elections use an open-list proportional representation system, and parties may form joint lists. We document that PECs are more common between parties of equal size and similar ideology, and when elections are more disproportional or involve more parties. Using difference-in-differences and density discontinuity designs, we illustrate that voters punish coalescing parties and target personal votes strategically within the coalitions, and that PECs are formed with the particular purpose of influencing the distribution of power. They increase small parties' chances of acquiring leadership positions, lead to more dispersed seat distributions, and sometimes prevent absolute majorities. PECs can thus enable a broader representation of citizens' policy preferences.
Major hurdles to the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in clinical prevention/interception studies: Do preclinical studies with EGFR inhibitors suggest approaches to overcome some of the limitations
Authors: Dragnev Konstantin H. , Dragnev Christo P. C. , Lubet Ronald A.
Published: April 2023

There are major hurdles to the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and any other agents with significant toxicities (which means practically the preponderance of potential effective agents) in the context of prevention/anti-progression (interception) studies. We will discuss epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors as examples, both in a primary prevention setting, where agent(s) are administered to individuals with no cancer but who might be considered at higher risk due to a variety of factors, and in anti-progression/interception studies, where agent(s) are administered to persons with known preinvasive lesions (e.g., colon adenomas, lung nodules, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions in the pancreas) in an attempt to reverse or inhibit progression of these lesions. Multiple potential hurdles will be examined, including: a) toxicity of agents, b) the likely range of subtypes of cancers affected by a given treatment (e.g., EGFR inhibitors against EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinomas), c) the availability of practical endpoints besides the blocking of cancer formation or pharmacokinetics related to the agents administered in a primary prevention study, and d) the interpretation of the regression or blockage of new preinvasive lesions in the anti-progression study. Such an anti-progression approach may help address some of the factors commented on regarding primary prevention (toxicity, potential target organ cancer subtypes) but still leaves major questions regarding interpretation of modulation of preinvasive endpoints when it may not be clear how frequently they progress to clinical cancer. Additionally, we address whether certain recent preclinical findings might be able to reduce the toxicities associated with these agents and perhaps even increase their potential efficacy. Antibodies and TKIs other than the EGFR inhibitors are not discussed because few if any had been tested as monotherapies in humans, making their efficacy harder to predict, and because a number have relatively rare but quite striking toxicities. Furthermore, most of the practical hurdles raised regarding the EGFR inhibitors are relevant to the other TKIs. Finally, we briefly discuss whether early detection employing blood or serum samples may allow identification of high-risk groups more amenable to agents with greater toxicity.
Synthesis of high-voltage cathode material using the Taylor-Couette flow-based co-precipitation method
Authors: Lee Junghwan , Song Young-Woong , Lee HyoChan , Kim Min-Young , Lim Jinsub
Published: April 2023

LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO), a next-generation high-voltage battery material, is promising for high-energy-density and power-density lithium-ion secondary batteries. However, rapid capacity degradation occurs due to problems such as the elution of transition metals and the generation of structural distortion during cycling. Herein, a new LNMO material was synthesized using the Taylor-Couette flow-based co-precipitation method. The synthesized LNMO material consisted of secondary particles composed of primary particles with an octahedral structure and a high specific surface area. In addition, the LNMO cathode material showed less structural distortion and cation mixing as well as a high cyclability and rate performance compared with commercially available materials.
Good, quarrelsome, bad: animal agency and human-elephant interactions in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Bhat Dundi Deepak , Praet Istvan , Marvin Garry
Published: April 2023

Ecological breakdowns are posing many serious threats to the lives of both humans and wild animals in the spaces where those lives are shared. Today the intensification of conservation-related conflict is one of the main ecological challenges faced in the Western Ghats of India. This article explores some of the complex interactions between different groups of people, such as wealthy farmers, small-scale farmers, and Adivasi (indigenous) people, and Asian elephants and suggests potentially non-conflictual approaches to sharing spaces with these elephants. The study used a multispecies ethnographic approach as a primary research method and focused on detailed stories and anecdotes narrated by the inhabitants of the study area who had long experience of living with these elephants and who frequently encountered them. Based on insights offered by the stories and anecdotes, the article argues that the lives of elephants and those of people are deeply and intimately interconnected and co-constructed in the study area; such ‘naturecultures’ of elephants and humans constitute a complex whole. The stories highlight that most people in the study area know that elephants have agency and are intelligent, emotional beings, and can subvert human attempts to control them. According to local people, each individual elephant possesses a distinct personality: some are good, some are quarrelsome, and some are bad. People believe that, just as human beings do, elephants also perceive and respond to individual humans differently; such beliefs, and the stories created out of them, are non-anthropocentric in nature. Overall, this article explores how understanding, and treating seriously, the concepts, beliefs, and experiences of multidimensional elephant agency can be beneficial for envisioning possible new ways for human-elephant coexistence.
Bivalirudin Presents a Favorable Safety Profile Regarding Adverse Drug Reactions, Thrombocytopenia, and Bleeding in Chinese Patients With High Bleeding Risk Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Prospective, Multi-Center, Intensive Monitoring Study
Authors: Peng Xiaoping , Li Zhenyong , Li Dunheng , Li Zhongyin , Lu Zhaohua , Luo Caidong , Ji Zheng
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to comprehensively explore the occurrence and risk factors for adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (especially for thrombocytopenia and bleeding) in Chinese patients with high bleeding risk (older adults, or complicated with diabetes mellitus or renal function impairment) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bivalirudin as an anticoagulant.

Methods

A total of 1,226 patients with high bleeding risk who received PCI with bivalirudin as an anticoagulant from 27 Chinese medical centers were enrolled in this prospective, multi-center, intensive monitoring study. AEs, ADRs, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding were collected from admission to 72 h post-bivalirudin administration; subsequently, patients were followed up on the 30th day with the safety data collected as well.

Results

Adverse events were observed in 198 (16.2) patients, among which severe AEs occurred in 16 (1.3%) patients. Meanwhile, bivalirudin-related ADRs were reported in 66 (5.4%) patients, among which 5 (0.4%) patients experienced bivalirudin-related severe ADRs. Besides, thrombocytopenia and bleeding occurred in 45 (3.7%) and 19 (1.5%) patients, respectively. The subsequent multivariate logistic analysis revealed that age >75 years [p = 0.017, odds ratio (OR) = 1.856] and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) (p = 0.030, OR = 2.022) were independently related to higher ADR risk; SCAD (p = 0.017, OR = 2.426) was independently correlated with higher thrombocytopenia risk, while radial artery access (p = 0.015, OR = 0.352) was independently correlated with lower thrombocytopenia risk; and the administration of bivalirudin preoperatively or intraoperatively (p = 0.013, OR = 5.097) was independently associated with higher bleeding risk.

Conclusion

Bivalirudin presents a favorable safety profile regarding ADRs, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding in Chinese patients with high bleeding risk undergoing PCI.
Associations between TyG-BMI and normal-high blood pressure values and hypertension: cross-sectional evidence from a non-diabetic population
Authors: Peng Nan , Kuang Maobin , Peng Yi , Yu Hang , Zhang Shuhua , Xie Guobo , Sheng Guotai , Zou Yang
Published: April 2023

Objective

Triglyceride glucose body mass index (TyG-BMI) has been shown to be strongly associated with a variety of chronic diseases. However, little is known about the associations between TyG-BMI and normal-high blood pressure (BP) values and hypertension (HTN).

Method

The current study was cross-sectional in design and included 15,464 non-diabetic participants recruited between 1994 and 2016 in the NAGALA (NAfld in the Gifu Area, Longitudinal Analysis) study. Associations between TyG-BMI and normal-high BP values and HTN were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. The ability of the TyG index, BMI, and their combined index TyG-BMI to identify normal-high BP values and HTN was compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Among the 15,464 eligible non-diabetic participants, 28.56% (4,416/15,464) and 6.23% (964/15,464) had normal-high BP values and HTN, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed positive correlations between BMI, TyG index, TyG-BMI and normal-high BP values/HTN; after standardized regression coefficients, TyG-BMI had the strongest association with normal-high BP values and HTN compared to BMI and TyG index. In the fully adjusted model, the odds ratio (OR) value corresponding to the relationship between TyG-BMI and HTN/normal-high BP values was 2.35; when TyG-BMI was used as a categorical variable, compared with the lowest quartile of TyG-BMI the regression coefficient for the association of the highest quartile of TyG-BMI with normal-high BP values increased by 426%, while the regression coefficient for the association with HTN increased by 527%. In further spline regression analysis, we also found that there was a linearly positive correlation between TyG-BMI and systolic BP/diastolic BP (SBP/DBP), which supported the linear trend between TyG-BMI and HTN/normal-high BP values (P-trend <0.0001). In addition, ROC analysis showed that TyG-BMI had good diagnostic values for both normal-high BP values and HTN, and TyG index combined with BMI can significantly improve the ability of a single index to identify normal-high BP values and HTN.

Conclusion

In the non-diabetic population, TyG-BMI showed a significant positive correlation with both normal-high BP values and HTN, and TyG-BMI was of higher value for the identification of both normal-high BP values and HTN compared to BMI and TyG index alone.
Horse domestication as a multi-centered, multi-stage process: Botai and the role of specialized Eneolithic horse pastoralism in the development of human-equine relationships
Authors: Outram Alan K.
Published: April 2023

For over a decade there has been general, but not universal, consensus that the earliest known evidence for horse husbandry was at Eneolithic Botai, Kazakhstan, circa 3,500 BCE. Recent ancient genomic analyses, however, indicate that Botai is not the source of modern domestic horse stock (DOM2 lineage), but is instead related to the Przewalski clade of horses. DOM2 appears to instead to have emerged in early Bronze Age (mid 3rd Mill. BCE) in the Pontic-Caspian steppe, and spread quickly replacing other horse lineages after approximately 2,000 BCE. Whilst the specific evidence for earlier husbandry at Botai is not diminished by this evidence, it has broken the consensus regarding the early stages of horse domestication, with some now viewing it as a later event. This paper argues that domestication is rarely an event, but instead a process that is ongoing. The case is made for a “prey pathway” initial phase of domestication in multiple localities during the Eneolithic, which was based around local subsistence pastoralist niche construction. This took different forms due to the presence or absence of ruminant domestic stock in the Eastern European or Central Asian steppes, respectively. Whilst “push” factors likely played a part in the development of horse specialist pastoralism at Botai, it is suggested that “pull” factors accelerated the spread of DOM2 lineages, replacing others, in the later Bronze Age. The DOM2 spread was principally driven, not by local subsistence needs, but wider social, economic and military desirability of equestrianism. The long-term process of horse domestication continues in modernity with major breed changes caused first by the post-medieval agricultural revolution and, more currently, the desire for sporting achievement.
An absolute measurement of the neutron production rate of a spent nuclear fuel sample used for depletion code validation
Authors: Schillebeeckx Peter , Verwerft M. , Romojaro P. , Žerovnik G. , Messaoudi N. , Alaerts G. , Fiorito L. , Govers K. , Paepen J. , Parthoens Y. , Pedersen B. , Stankovskiy A. , Van den Eynde G. , Wynants R.
Published: April 2023

A method to determine the neutron production rate of a spent nuclear fuel segment sample by means of non-destructive assay conducted under standard controlled-area conditions is described and demonstrated. A neutron well counter designed for routine nuclear safeguards applications is applied. The method relies on a transfer procedure that is adapted to the hot cell facilities at the Laboratory for High and Medium level Activity of SCK CEN in Belgium. Experiments with 252Cf(sf) sources, certified for their neutron emission rate, were carried out at the Joint Research Centre to determine the characteristics of the detection device. Measurements of a segment of a spent nuclear fuel rod were carried out at SCK CEN resulting in an absolute and non-destructive measurement of the neutron production rate avoiding any reference to a representative spent nuclear fuel sample to calibrate the device. Results of these measurements were used to study the performance of depletion codes, i.e., ALEPH2, SCALE, and Serpent2. The study includes a code-to-code and code-to-experiment comparison using different nuclear data libraries.
Coordination in functional traits of Populus euphratica leaves under salt stress
Authors: Li Duan , Si Jianhua , Ren Xiaozong , Li Jiyan
Published: April 2023

Leaf functional traits allow plant survival and maintain their ecosystem function. Salinity affects leaf functional traits, but coordination among leaf functional traits is poorly known and may depend on salt severity. To increase our understanding of the coordination of leaf functional traits under salt stress, we determined hydraulic, gas exchange, and physiological and biochemical parameters in Populus euphratica Oliv. (P. euphratica) grown under salinity treatments, as well as gas exchange parameters under different CO2 concentrations. We found that P. euphratica can reinforce its hydraulic capacity by increasing the water transfer efficiency of both its leaves and stems when a salinity threat occurs for a specific duration of stress. Its stems were more adaptable than leaves. The economic and hydraulic traits of P. euphratica leaves were consistent during the middle stages of salt stress, but inconsistent during the onset and late stages of salt stress. There was almost no biochemical limitation under severe salinity conditions, and CO2 enrichment of P. euphratica had a greater effect on leaf economic traits. The mechanism of toxic ion exclusion based on water availability and intracellular mechanisms in leaves contributed to salt tolerance when P. euphratica was exposed to salinity stress. There was also a coordination mechanism for the plants during increasing salt stress. The leaf intracellular traits of P. euphratica can coordinate with the leaf economic and hydraulic traits and form a defense mechanism to reduce salt damage and guarantee growth under saline conditions. In conclusion, P. euphratica, the main constructional species of riparian forests, adapts to saline environments by adjustment and coordination of leaf functional traits, ensuring survival. These results provide a scientific basis for riparian forest restoration.
Public knowledge of and attitudes toward genetics and genetic testing in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Jaya Hazreana , Idayu Matusin Siti Nur , Mustapa Aklimah , Abdullah Muhammad Syafiq , Haji Abdul Hamid Mas Rina Wati
Published: April 2023

The world has been experiencing encouraging research in genetics, but current public knowledge, awareness, and perception of this area remain unknown for Brunei Darussalam. This study aimed to investigate the Brunei population’s genetics and genetic testing literacy, and their attitude toward them. A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting public population in Brunei Darussalam. Questionnaires on knowledge and attitudes were randomly distributed in frequented venues in the Brunei–Muara district and uploaded online for distribution through social media. Responses were scored and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Overall, the sample population (n = 474) comprised 75.7% female, 64.3% aged 18–29 years old, 39.7% with a bachelor’s degree, and 2.3% and 5.3% with a personal history and family history of genetic disease(s), respectively. Younger participants scored higher for disease-related questions and showed more concern on the impact of testing on employment but were more fearful of testing. Higher educational qualifications were associated with a higher knowledge score, a more optimistic view on DNA research, and less reluctance to take a genetic test for an untreatable disease. Participants with a personal history of genetic disease(s) were more knowledgeable and displayed higher curiosity. Participants with a family history of genetic disease(s) were also more knowledgeable and would want testing even for an untreatable disease. Significantly less was known about the social consequences of testing compared to the medical possibilities. Investigating the knowledge and attitudes of the population is vital preceding efforts toward national adaptation of genetic testing, keeping in mind the various obstacles and issues surrounding the subject.
Probiotics fortify intestinal barrier function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Zheng Yanfei , Zhang Zengliang , Tang Ping , Wu Yuqi , Zhang Anqi , Li Delong , Wang Chong-Zhi , Wan Jin-Yi , Yao Haiqiang , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: April 2023

Background

Probiotics play a vital role in treating immune and inflammatory diseases by improving intestinal barrier function; however, a comprehensive evaluation is missing. The present study aimed to explore the impact of probiotics on the intestinal barrier and related immune function, inflammation, and microbiota composition. A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted.

Methods

Four major databases (PubMed, Science Citation Index Expanded, CENTRAL, and Embase) were thoroughly searched. Weighted mean differences were calculated for continuous outcomes with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), heterogeneity among studies was evaluated utilizing I2 statistic (Chi-Square test), and data were pooled using random effects meta-analyses.

Results

Meta-analysis of data from a total of 26 RCTs (n = 1891) indicated that probiotics significantly improved gut barrier function measured by levels of TER (MD, 5.27, 95% CI, 3.82 to 6.72, P < 0.00001), serum zonulin (SMD, -1.58, 95% CI, -2.49 to -0.66, P = 0.0007), endotoxin (SMD, -3.20, 95% CI, -5.41 to -0.98, P = 0.005), and LPS (SMD, -0.47, 95% CI, -0.85 to -0.09, P = 0.02). Furthermore, probiotic groups demonstrated better efficacy over control groups in reducing inflammatory factors, including CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. Probiotics can also modulate the gut microbiota structure by boosting the enrichment of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Conclusion

The present work revealed that probiotics could improve intestinal barrier function, and alleviate inflammation and microbial dysbiosis. Further high-quality RCTs are warranted to achieve a more definitive conclusion.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=281822, identifier CRD42021281822.
HIV, opioid use, and alterations to the gut microbiome: elucidating independent and synergistic effects
Authors: Satish Sanjana , Abu Yaa , Gomez Daniel , Kumar Dutta Rajib , Roy Sabita
Published: April 2023

Background

The microbiome is essential to immune development, defense against pathogens, and modulation of inflammation. Microbial dysbiosis has been reported in various diseases including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Notably, people living with HIV (PLWH) have been reported to both have higher rates of OUD and use opioids at higher rates than the general public. Thus, studying gut microbial alterations in people living with HIV and with OUD could elucidate mechanisms pertaining to how these conditions both shape and are shaped by the microbiome. However, to date few studies have investigated how HIV and OUD in combination impact the microbiome.

Aim of review

Here, we review previous studies outlining interactions between HIV, opioid use, and microbial dysbiosis and describe attempts to treat this dysbiosis with fecal microbial transplantation, probiotics, and dietary changes.

Key scientific concepts of review

While the limited number of studies prevent overgeneralizations; accumulating data suggest that HIV and opioid use together induce distinct alterations in the gut microbiome. Among the three existing preclinical studies of HIV and opioid use, two studies reported a decrease in Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, and one study reported a decrease in Muribaculaceae in the combined HIV and opioid group relative to HIV-alone, opioid-alone, or control groups. These bacteria are known to modulate immune function, decrease colonic inflammation, and maintain gut epithelial barrier integrity in healthy individuals. Accordingly, modulation of the gut microbiome to restore gut homeostasis may be attempted to improve both conditions. While mixed results exist regarding treating dysbiosis with microbial restoration in PLWH or in those with opioid dependency, larger well-defined studies that can improve microbial engraftment in hosts hold much promise and should still be explored.
The choice of new treatments in autoimmune hemolytic anemia: how to pick from the basket?
Authors: Berentsen Sigbjørn , Fattizzo Bruno , Barcellini Wilma
Published: April 2023

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is defined by increased erythrocyte turnover mediated by autoimmune mechanisms. While corticosteroids remain first-line therapy in most cases of warm-antibody AIHA, cold agglutinin disease is treated by targeting the underlying clonal B-cell proliferation or the classical complement activation pathway. Several new established or investigational drugs and treatment regimens have appeared during the last 1-2 decades, resulting in an improvement of therapy options but also raising challenges on how to select the best treatment in individual patients. In severe warm-antibody AIHA, there is evidence for the upfront addition of rituximab to prednisolone in the first line. Novel agents targeting B-cells, extravascular hemolysis, or removing IgG will offer further options in the acute and relapsed/refractory settings. In cold agglutinin disease, the development of complement inhibitors and B-cell targeting agents makes it possible to individualize therapy, based on the disease profile and patient characteristics. For most AIHAs, the optimal treatment remains to be found, and there is still a need for more evidence-based therapies. Therefore, prospective clinical trials should be encouraged.
Shellfish consumption preferences in an oceanic archipelago
Authors: Sousa Ricardo , Gaspar Madalena , Lucas Jorge , Freitas Mafalda , Ideia Pedro
Published: April 2023

A survey on shellfish consumption preferences was conducted in the Eastern Atlantic archipelago of Madeira. A total of 402 valid questionnaires were collected from locals older than 15 years old. Gender, age, highest education level, work status and salary were considered in the sample composition. Participants were inquired about frequency, amount and risks associated with consumption, as well as concerns regarding the freshness of seafood. Shellfish appears to be consumed less than once a week, and 79.1% of these consumers prefer limpets. GLM analysis showed that total salary amount was the demographic variable which most affects seafood consumption. The results indicated that the majority of the respondents consume limpets less than once a week, in an amount that varies between a quarter and a half dose. With regard to health concerns, most respondents are conscious of the importance of products’ freshness and approximately half of them are aware of the existence of risks associated with consumption. In general, the awareness about freshness and possible risks of consumption is dependent on the level of education. Limpets are preferably consumed during summer, both grilled and cooked, respectively. The present study provides preliminary information on shellfish consumption trend in the archipelago of Madeira. Raising the awareness of seafood consumers in line with a health surveillance network in preparation in Macaronesia could be an important tool for spreading information related to the risks associated to its consumption.