bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЦИФРОВА ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЯ БІЗНЕСУ ЯК ОСНОВА ПІДВИЩЕННЯ ЙОГО КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ
Authors: Коломоєць Євген
Published: December 2024

У статті досліджується ключова роль цифрової трансформації в підвищенні конкурентоспроможності бізнесу. Здійснено аналіз понять «діджиталізація», «цифровізація» та «цифрова трансформація», визначено їх відмінності. Цифрова трансформація розглядається як стратегічний процес фундаментальних змін у бізнесі, який передбачає впровадження сучасних цифрових технологій, зміну бізнес-моделей, корпоративної культури та управління. Виокремлено етапи цифрової трансформації: від оцифрування даних до комплексної цифровізації та радикальних змін у бізнес-моделях. Автор розглядає ключові інструменти цифрової трансформації, серед яких цифрова канва бізнес-моделі, реінжиніринг бізнес-процесів та роботизована автоматизація процесів (RPA). Ці методи дозволяють оптимізувати операційні процеси, скорочувати витрати та підвищувати продуктивність. Окрему увагу приділено цифровим продуктам (програмне забезпечення, SaaS-рішення, онлайн-платформи), які сприяють оптимізації ланцюгів постачання, підвищенню гнучкості бізнесу та швидкості реагування на ринкові зміни. Підкреслено важливість формування цифрової культури й компетенцій персоналу для забезпечення успішного впровадження цифрових змін. Відсутність підготовлених кадрів та опір співробітників змінам визначені як основні бар’єри. Запропоновано два підходи до трансформації: поступовий перехід і швидка адаптація. Їх вибір залежить від рівня готовності компанії до змін. Розглянуто переваги цифрової трансформації: зростання продуктивності, інноваційні можливості, екологічна стійкість, глобальна доступність і прозорість даних. Водночас висвітлено ризики, серед яких кіберзагрози, високі витрати та залежність від технологій. Для мінімізації ризиків потрібні стратегічні підходи, інвестиції в навчання персоналу та ефективне управління трансформацією. Цифрова трансформація дозволяє бізнесу адаптуватися до сучасних викликів, отримувати стійкі конкурентні переваги та формувати нові можливості розвитку. Вона стає основою інноваційного зростання, дозволяючи компаніям залишатися гнучкими й конкурентоспроможними в умовах динамічних змін ринку.
Validation of the Emotions&Care App: A Mobile Application for Supporting Mental Health of College Students
Authors: Alvarado Loaiza Jose Armando , Guevara Rodriguez Pedro David , Garcia Ramirez Karen Lucia , Hernandez Chavez Sherlyn Haydee , Pimentel Lopez Diego Alberto , Zatarain-Aceves Hector , Caro Karina
Published: December 2024

College students have experienced an increment in mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When students start college, their mental health can be affected by emotional, social, or academic requirements. It is essential to provide tools for supporting the mental health of this population. In this paper, we present the validation of the Emotions&Care app, a mobile application for supporting the mental health of college students. Emotions&Care follows a user-centered design and provides mental health screening and monitoring. We used gamification techniques to motivate the sustained use of the app. Emotions&Care also allows mental health specialists to monitor college students’ mental health by tracking daily notes and emotions and by controlling appointments. We validated Emotions&Care with eleven college students and four mental health specialists. Our results indicate that Emotions&Care has the potential to provide college students with mental health screening and monitoring; however, several design issues should be addressed to ensure its extended-term use.
Beat by Beat: Designing a Rhythm Game for Screening Dyslexia
Authors: Alvarez-Molina Katya , Martínez-Miranda Juan , Martínez-García Ana I. , Caro Karina
Published: December 2024

Dyslexia, a language-based disorder, affects children’s reading, writing, and spelling abilities despite adequate classroom instruction. Early screening is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of delayed detection. Dyslexia also impairs precise timing tasks, including rhythm skills essential for reading. This study explores the potential of serious games incorporating rhythms to screen for dyslexia, leveraging the natural synchronization of rhythm skills observed in body movements. Existing rhythm games fail to accurately address dyslexia-related difficulties, lacking relevant performance data and user-centred design. Our research aims to design a 2D sidescrolling platformer game, integrating established rhythmic activities to identify children at risk for dyslexia and engage them in gameplay. A multidisciplinary team collaborates on this initiative, including neuropsychologists, music therapists, and game designers. Using the Design Thinking Methodology, we focus on identifying effective music compositions, game mechanics, dynamics, and visual elements that enhance the gaming experience for children with dyslexia and support early dyslexia screening.
Optimization of the Management of the Customer Base of a Telecommunications Company Using Artificial Intelligence Methods
Authors:   National Aviation University, Yurchenko Viktoriia V. , Telnova Hanna V. ,   National Aviation University
Published: December 2024

The aim of the study is to substantiate the use of machine learning and statistical analysis methods, in particular the CHAID (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection) algorithm, to identify key factors influencing customer churn and telecommunications company revenue. The research is directed towards developing effective strategies for managing the customer base and optimizing business processes in the telecommunications industry. The article conducts a comprehensive analysis of the client base of a telecommunications company using the method of decision trees. The six most important factors that have the greatest influence on customers’ decisions to continue or terminate the use of services have been identified: type of contract, type of Internet service, duration of use of services, use of movie streaming services, method of payment and retiree status. The study found that these factors affect not only customer churn but also the company’s revenue from each customer. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to analyzing the customer base, which takes into account both churn risks and the financial aspects of customer interactions. Based on the results obtained, the introduction of an individual approach to clients with different characteristics has been proposed. Such a strategy will allow you to more effectively meet the needs of different segments of the customer base, increase their loyalty and maximize the company’s revenue. The study opens up prospects for further research in the direction of optimizing customer base management, in particular in the development of methods for interpreting machine learning models, improving methods for segmenting the customer base, and developing dynamic models that take into account changes in customer behavior over time.
Multifactor Model of Assessment of Risks and Their Impact on the Economic Security of Enterprise
Authors:   Livestock Farming Institute of National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Bohdaniuk Ihor V. , Mandych Serhii M. ,   Livestock Farming Institute of National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the development of a mathematical model for assessing the risks that may affect the agro-industrial enterprises of Ukraine. The article highlights the need to take into account external and internal factors, such as economic, military, material, technical, technological and climatic risks, which significantly affect the activities of agricultural enterprises in modern conditions. The main aim of the study consists in building an effective multifactor model of risk analysis and forecasting, which takes into account the weight of each risk, the probability of occurrence, and the impact on the economic security of enterprise. To do this, it is proposed to use the cumulative risk indicator (R), which is calculated on the basis of the weight of each risk (Wi), its probability (Xi) and its impact (Si) on the financial stability of the enterprise. The authors examine in detail different types of risks, including economic ones, such as exchange rate fluctuations and rising resource prices; military risks associated with possible losses as a result of hostilities; logistics risks, such as port blockades and export disruptions; technological risks associated with outdated equipment and problems of access to the latest technologies; climate risks caused by adverse weather conditions. Each of these risks has a different level of impact on the economic security of enterprise, which is taken into account in the developed model. The article emphasizes that the application of the multifactor model contributes to improving the efficiency of managerial decisions directed towards minimizing risks and ensuring the stability of enterprise. Thanks to the flexibility of the model, businesses can adapt it to their specific conditions, adding new risks or changing the weights of existing ones, and thus making it versatile. Additionally, the model allows for real-time risk monitoring, which helps businesses respond quickly to changes in the external environment and make informed strategic decisions. Summing up, it can be said that the multifactor model proposed in the study is a significant tool for reducing uncertainty and increasing the resilience of agro-industrial enterprises to risks both at the internal and external levels. Its versatility allows for the assessment of short-term threats and for long-term forecasting, which is crucial for planning the sustainable development of enterprises in unstable conditions.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Concept of Innovative Management Activity
Authors:   State Biotechnological University, Novoselets Artem I.
Published: December 2024

The article considers the conception of innovative management activity and the need for new management methods to improve business efficiency. The aim of the study is to identify trends in the development of theories of innovative management activity through a bibliometric analysis of the conception in the Scopus scientific and metric database. Although most studies focus on transformational leadership or human resources, the conception of innovative management requires a comprehensive approach, and there is no single approach to measuring innovation in management. To study the trends and prospects of innovative management activities, a bibliometric analysis was conducted. The analysis focused on scientific papers, articles and studies that explore the factors and strategies that affect the competitiveness of enterprises in the market. Using the Scopus database, it was found that the number of studies on innovative management activities has increased significantly. In addition, it was found that the phrase ‘innovative management activities’ is most often found in articles in the fields of engineering, business and ecology. This classification allows us to understand the distribution of research on innovative management activities in different subject areas. The study examines a bibliometric map that identifies four clusters in different areas of research in the field of innovation management. Cluster 1 focuses on technology, education, economics, and social issues. Cluster 2 is dedicated to natural resources and ecological systems. Cluster 3 is related to medical research and practice, while cluster 4 focuses on healthcare management research. The analysis also identified the main stages and trends in the development of innovation management theory around the world, formed a thesaurus of the theory, and revealed the insufficient representation of Ukrainian research on the topic in global scientific databases.
Digitalization and Digital Transformation in the Context of Innovative Development and Managerial Innovations
Authors:   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Denchyk Iryna S.
Published: December 2024

The article explores the content of the concepts of “digitalization”, “digitization” and “digital transformation”, as well as their meaning in the context of innovative development and managerial innovation. The author examines the interconnection, differences, and correlation between these categories. The author proposes to consider digitalization as a sub-process of digitization, while digitization is considered to be the technological driver of digital transformation. The study substantiates the interdependence of digitization and innovative development, emphasizing the role of digitization in enhancing innovation activity. The study also analyzes how the effectiveness of digital transformation depends on the relevant organizational and managerial innovations. The article provides examples of the impact of digital technologies on various spheres of society, such as production, commerce, and interaction between society and the State. It is emphasized that digital transformation encompasses not only technical aspects, but also social changes that affect human behavior and interpersonal relations. The article also underlines that the current stage requires new approaches to understanding innovation activity in the economy, which is becoming a necessity for enterprises in a rapidly changing external environment. The research covers the analysis of terms and their application in scientific and practical literature, identifies the main components of digitalization, digitization and digital transformation, and considers their impact on the innovation process. The results of the study can serve as a basis for further development of the theory and practice of digitization in Ukraine, as well as for the formation of effective management strategies that will promote the innovative development of enterprises in the context of the digital economy.
Place of Financial Innovations in the System of Coordinates of Innovation Activity
Authors:   Sumy State University, Tiutiunyk Inna V. , Konovalenko Viktor I. ,   Sumy State UniversityKonovalenko
Published: December 2024

The article examines the place of financial innovations in the coordinate system of innovation activity. Based on the analysis of the etymology of the concept of «innovation» in the scientific works of both domestic and foreign scholars, the concept of innovation is defined as a process and/or the final result of human intellectual activity in the form of a new or improved product, a new organizational and technical solution of a production or commercial nature. This approach makes it possible to take into account the characteristic features inherent in innovations, which, in turn, are simultaneously interpreted as their classification features (approaches), by which the main types of innovations could be distinguished. The article considers and analyzes the approaches of domestic and foreign scholars to the classification of innovations, provides the modern structure of their division, which affects most of the characteristic features of innovations and, accordingly, the classification features by which they can be analyzed. The authors have allocated and analyzed the existing approaches to the classification of innovations «by kinds of object (content)» and «by scope of application». These categories of division were supplemented with the allocation of the element of institutional innovations (in relation to the first feature) and a list of spheres of activity not only of the enterprise, but also of the State as a whole (in relation to the second classification feature). It is determined that the category of «financial innovations» is in the coordinates of the classification division of the spheres of activity of innovations, combining the characteristic features of the object (content) of the concept of «innovations» (in this case, the types/kinds (elements) that are part of financial innovations, and the forms in which they are manifested) and the spheres of their application (spheres of financial relations). The article emphasizes the importance of taking into account the technological aspect of the development of financial innovations. This made it possible to form the authors’ own interpretation of financial innovations, where special attention is paid to financial technologies, under the influence of which financial innovations acquire the concept of a new category – fintech innovations, or innovations in the financial sector based on innovative technological solutions. The analysis of the relationship between financial innovations and financial technologies demonstrated the interdependence of the concepts of «financial innovations» and «fintech innovations» and allowed us to conclude that it is expedient to generalize them under the concept of «financial engineering».
Determinants of Information Support of Customs Post-Audit in Ukraine in the Context of European Integration
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Zaverbnyj Andrij S. , Zalizna Lyubov V. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Trach Markiian Ya. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: December 2024

The aim of the article is to determine the compatibility of determinants and establish the level of their influence on the processes of development of information support for customs post-audit in Ukraine in the context of European integration. The dynamics of customs payments and their additional charges due to violations of the current legislation detected during customs post-control (customs post-audit) are analyzed. In the analysis and generalization of scientific works of many specialists, the determinants of information support of customs post-audit in Ukraine in the context of European integration have been allocated, the importance of their compatibility for improving the further development of information support of customs post-audit has been substantiated, and a scheme of their relationship has been proposed. It is noted that an important aspect is the compatibility of the determinants of information support of customs post-audit in Ukraine in the context of European integration in order to improve and develop information support of customs post-audit. It is noted that the implementation of tasks on the formation of a strategic configuration of the customs administration system, which meets modern world requirements, in particular European norms and standards, unifying the procedures for its implementation, should not affect the level of efficiency of customs control, but take place by means of the implementation of the experience of modern world practices. This should be due to the search and use of modern approaches to the development of measures aimed at controlling foreign economic activity. The main advantages of the effective application (use) of modern positive innovative changes, including shifts in information support during the domestic customs post-audit, are systematized. It is substantiated that the formation of an effective system of information support on the basis of its determinants will contribute to the development of the existing domestic system of customs post-audit, which, in turn, will accelerate the integration of Ukraine into the European and global communities. Strategic prospects for further research in this direction are the formation of the institution of encouraging voluntary compliance with the requirements of customs post-audit.
Comparison of Paper Waste Hydrolysis Using Potassium Hydroxide From Empty Palm Fruit Bunch Ash and Commercial Potassium Hydroxide
Authors: Panjaitan Jabosar Ronggur Hamonangan , Riziq Annisa Zahara , Fadhila Syalsa , Sanjaya Andri , Alhanif Misbahudin
Published: December 2024

Paper waste is one type of waste that is quite abundant. Effective processing of paper waste can be done using hydrolysis process because this process can decompose lignocellulose compounds in paper waste into simpler compound such as glucose and other derivative products. Hydrolysis process was generally carried out using chemical catalysts such as acids, bases and enzymes. In this study, paper waste hydrolysis was investigated using base catalysts such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) from palm oil empty fruit bunches (POEFB) ash and commercial KOH. The research stages began with the preparation of POEFB ash, KOH production from POEFB ash, paper waste preparation, and the hydrolysis process of paper waste using KOH from POEFB ash and commercial KOH. This study uses variations in hydrolysis time were carried out to evaluate the hydrolysis conversion. Based on the research, it was showed that KOH catalyst from POEFB ash contain potassium compounds in the form of 5.87% potassium oxide (K2O) and 31.45% potassium carbonate (K2CO3). Comparison of catalyst performance between KOH catalyst from POEFB ash and commercial KOH catalyst showed that commercial KOH catalyst was better than KOH catalyst from POEFB ash. The effect of hydrolysis reaction time was directly proportional to the conversion value that the highest conversion was 12.11% at 90 minutes using commercial KOH catalyst.
Tefsirde Ekberî Tahkik Kaideleri: Bursevî’de Kelâmî Te’vil Eleştirisi Örneği
Authors: Hatip Alim , Çelik Ömer
Published: December 2024

Kelâmî te’vil eleştirisi, Ekberî düşünceyi nas yorumculuğunda diğer düşünce sistemlerinden ayrıştıran temel hususlardandır. Kelâm ve fıkıh ilimlerinde hâkim yorum tarzını ifade eden te’vil, aklın çalışma prensibini ifade eden tenzih ideali doğrultusunda müteâl tanrı tasavvuruna yaslanır. Buna karşın Ekberî yaklaşımın te’vil eleştirileri “tahkik kaideleri” denilen metafizik ilkelere dayanır. Bu ilkeler Ekberî düşüncenin kendine has tahkik tavrının kaideler formatına sokulmuş bir özetini ifade eder. Daha genel anlamda tahkik ise yönteme gönderme yapan çatı bir kavram olması bakımından muhtelif disiplinlerin hakikat iddialarının bir ifadesidir. Dolayısıyla hemen her ilim dalında tahkik ve onun ilişkili olduğu kavram kümesi kullanılır. Bu çalışmada dikkat çekilmek istenilen husus ise bu kavram ağının, söz konusu edildiği disiplinin yöntem ve dünya görüşü içerisinde değerlendirilerek anlamlandırılması gerekliliğidir. İlim olma keyfiyeti diğer disiplinlerden farklı olan tefsir söz konusu olduğunda ise müfessirin beslendiği düşünce sistemi esas alınmak durumundadır. Zira müfessirlerin farklı düşünce sistemlerine mensup alimler olması sebebiyle muhtelif disiplinlerin mevzû, mebâdi ve mesâil açısından Kur’ân tefsirine yön vermesi, müteahhir dönemde istimdâtçı bir tefsir telakkisini hâkim kılmıştır. Bu da Bursevî’nin Envârü't-tenzîl ta‘lîkası gibi, müntesip olduğu düşünce geleneğinin tahkik tavrını tefsir literatürüne taşıyan örnekleri ortaya çıkarmıştır. Söz konusu gereklilik doğrultusunda bu çalışmada te’vil, teşbih ve tenzih mefhumlarının Ekberî literatürdeki tahkik kaideleri çerçevesinde bu düşünce sisteminin bilgi ve varlık anlayışında nereye oturduğu ele alınmıştır. Ardından İsmail Hakkı Bursevî’nin dilinden meselenin nazarî boyutu aktarılmıştır. Daha sonra Bursevî’nin Ta‘lîka ‘alâ evâili Tefsîri’l-Beyzâvî isimli eserinden kelâmî te’vil eleştirisi uygulamalarına yer verilmiştir. Bu çalışma, kelâmî te’vil eleştirisi gibi tahkik tavrının her bir uzanımının başlı başına birer araştırma konusu teşkil ettiğini ima eder. Bütün bu mülahazalar doğrultusunda bu çalışmanın tefsirde bir tahkik tavrı araştırmasının nasıl olması gerektiği hususunda örnek teşkil etmesi hedeflenmiştir.
Focus ultrasound in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction during initial physical examination
Authors: Kostin A. V. , Skrypnik D. V.
Published: December 2024

Background. The generally algorithm for the initial physical examination of patients with STEMI, including medical history and ECG, is inadequate. Short focal ultrasound protocols can improve the diagnostic accuracy of the initial physical examination, but when they are needed, there are currently no clear and understandable algorithms. Objective. Evaluate the impact of routine focal ultrasound on the initial physical examination of STEMI patients. Material and methods. A total of 228 patients with STEMI were included in a single-center prospective cohort study. The patients will be enrolled at the I.V. Davydovsky Moscow City Clinical Hospital from 2019 to 2023. Results. The main group consisted of 126 patients undergoing routine focal ultrasound, the control group 102 patients with standard physical examination algorithm. The primary endpoint including door-to-instrument time was better in the study group compared to the control group (Me [Q1–Q3], 30 [27–37] vs. 37 [31.5–45] minutes, p < 0.001). The advantage was achieved by a shorter Cath lab-to-instrument time in the study group (Me [Q1-Q3], 10 [10–15] vs. 15 [15–25] minutes, p < 0.001). The secondary endpoint was the probability of a change in diagnosis, which did not differ between groups at the initial examination (abs (%), 24 (19%) vs. 25 (24.5%), p = 0.318), but occurred more frequently after invasive angiography in the control group (abs (%), 15 (11.9%) vs. 24 (23.5), p = 0.036). The detection of significant cardiac pathology during initial physical examination was higher in the main group (abs (%), 87 (69.0%) versus 24 (23.5), p< 0.001). Conclusion. The routine use of focal ultrasound in patients with STEMI does not increase the time to revascularization and has a high degree of diagnostic accuracy.
Transcatheter mitral valve replacement to treat rheumatic mitral stenosis: a case series
Authors: Jin Ping , Guo Hong , Mao Yu , Zhai Mengen , Liu Yang , Yang Jian
Published: December 2024

Background

Rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS) is a common valvular heart disease in developing countries. We sought to evaluate the early experience of patients with RMS undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR).

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 5 RMS patients accepted TMVR. All patients underwent computed tomography and echocardiography before having the procedure. After the preprocedural comprehensive evaluations, the surgeons planned to use the Prizvalve (a novel balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve system which is now under the clinical registration study) for TMVR. Clinical data were collected at baseline, before discharge, and at the 30-day follow-up.

Results

The median age of the 5 RMS patients was 61 years (range 60–77 years); 60% were male, and the median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 13.3% (range 6.2–17.1%). TMVR was successful in all patients. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed that 60.0% (n = 3) of the patients had no paravalvular leakage and 40.0% (n = 2) had trace paravalvular leakage. The median postoperative peak velocity decreased to 1.4 m/s (range 1.1–1.7 m/s), and the median pressure gradient decreased to 3 mmHg (range 2–3 mmHg). No deaths occurred at the 30-day follow-up, and all patients had an improvement of ≥1 on the New York Heart Association functional rating.

Conclusions

Our early experience with TMVR in RMS patients suggests that it is a safe and feasible procedure. The early results of the procedure are acceptable and provide bright prospects and directions for the precision treatment of RMS.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT02917980).
Developing a universal multi-epitope protein vaccine candidate for enhanced borna virus pandemic preparedness
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yang Youfang , Wang Binyu , Qiu Wanting , Zhang Helin , Qiu Yuyang , Yuan Jing , Dong Rong , Zha Yan
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) is an emerging zoonotic RNA virus that can cause severe acute encephalitis with high mortality. Currently, there are no effective countermeasures, and the potential risk of a future outbreak requires urgent attention. To address this challenge, the complete genome sequence of BoDV-1 was utilized, and immunoinformatics was applied to identify antigenic peptides suitable for vaccine development.

Methods

Immunoinformatics and antigenicity-focused protein screening were employed to predict B-cell linear epitopes, B-cell conformational epitopes, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. Only overlapping epitopes with antigenicity greater than 1 and non-toxic, non-allergenic properties were selected for subsequent vaccine construction. The epitopes were linked using GPGPG linkers, incorporating β-defensins at the N-terminus to enhance immune response, and incorporating Hit-6 at the C-terminus to improve protein solubility and aid in protein purification. Computational tools were used to predict the immunogenicity, physicochemical properties, and structural stability of the vaccine. Molecular docking was performed to predict the stability and dynamics of the vaccine in complex with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) receptors. The vaccine construct was cloned through in silico restriction to create a plasmid for expression in a suitable host.

Results

Among the six BoDV-1 proteins analyzed, five exhibited high antigenicity scores. From these, eight non-toxic, non-allergenic overlapping epitopes with antigenicity scores greater than 1 were selected for vaccine development. Computational predictions indicated favorable immunogenicity, physicochemical properties, and structural stability. Molecular docking analysis showed that the vaccine remained stable in complex with TLR-4 and MHC I receptors, suggesting strong potential for immune recognition. A plasmid construct was successfully generated, providing a foundation for the experimental validation of vaccines in future pandemic scenarios.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate the potential of the immunoinformatics-designed multi-epitope vaccines for the prevention and treatment of BoDV-1. Relevant preparations were made in advance for possible future outbreaks and could be quickly utilized for experimental verification.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin modulates T cell response and improves cardiac repair post-myocardial infarction
Authors: Wang Xuhong , Zheng Qi , Zha Lingfeng , Zhang Lingxue , Huang Mingkai , Zhang Si , Zhang Xuzhe , Li Qinlin , Chen Xinglin , Xia Ni , Zhang Min , Lv Bingjie , Jiao Jiao , Lu Yuzhi , Gu Muyang , Yang Fen , Li Jingyong , Li Nana , Cheng Xiang , Zhou Zihua , Tang Tingting
Published: December 2024

Background

The inflammatory response is associated with cardiac repair and ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). The key inflammation regulatory factor thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays a critical role in various diseases. However, its role in cardiac repair after MI remains uncertain. In this study, we elucidated the biological function and mechanism of action of TSLP in cardiac repair and ventricular remodeling following MI.

Method and Result

Wild-type and TSLP receptor (TSLPR)-knockout (Crlf2-/-) mice underwent MI induction via ligation of the left anterior descending artery. TSLP expression was upregulated in the infarcted heart, with a peak observed on day 7 post-MI. TSLP expression was enriched in the cardiomyocytes of infarcted hearts and the highest expression of TSLPR was observed in dendritic cells. Crlf2-/- mice exhibited reduced survival and worsened cardiac function, increased interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, and reduced CD31+ staining, with no change in the proportion of apoptotic cardiomyocytes within the border zone. Mechanistically, reduced Treg cell counts but increased myeloid cell infiltration and an increased ratio of Ly6Chigh/Ly6Clow monocyte were observed in the ani hearts of Crlf2-/- mice. Further, TSLP regulated CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation at baseline and after MI, with a greater impact on Treg cells than on conventional T cells. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant downregulation of genes involved in T cell activation and TCR signaling in the infarcted heart of Crlf2-/- mice compared with their WT counterparts.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data indicate a critical role for TSLP in facilitating cardiac repair and conferring protection against MI, primarily through regulating CD4+ T cell responses, which may provide a potential novel therapeutic approach for managing heart failure after MI.
A clinical perspective on muscle specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Keritam Omar , Vincent Angela , Zimprich Fritz , Cetin Hakan
Published: December 2024

The discovery of autoantibodies directed against muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) in “seronegative” myasthenia gravis (MG) patients marked a milestone in MG research. In healthy muscle, MuSK regulates a phosphorylation pathway, which is essential for the development and maintenance of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters at the neuromuscular junction. Autoantibodies directed against MuSK are predominantly of the IgG4 subclass, but there is increasing evidence that IgG1-3 could also contribute to the pathology underlying MuSK-MG. MuSK-IgG4 are monovalent and block the binding site for LRP4 on MuSK, thereby inhibiting the downstream phosphorylation pathway and compromising the formation of AChR clusters. Clinically, MuSK-MG is commonly associated with the predominant involvement of bulbar, facial, shoulder and neck muscles. Cholinesterase inhibitors should be avoided in MuSK-MG due to the risk of clinical impairment and cholinergic crisis. Corticosteroids and other non-steroidal immunosuppressants are less effective with the need for higher doses and prolonged treatment. Rituximab, by contrast, has been shown to be particularly effective and is now often used early in the disease course. Its use is associated with a significant improvement in the clinical outcome of MuSK-MG patients over time. This review aims to describe the pathophysiology underlying MuSK-MG and provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical features and therapeutic options.
A predictive model for Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Huang Rui , Wu Dan , Wang Ling , Liu Ping , Zhu Xiaoru , Huang Leqiu , Chen Mengmeng , Lv Xin
Published: December 2024

Background

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) is a severe hyperinflammatory disorder induced by overactivation of macrophages and T cells. This study aims to identify the risk factors for the progression from infectious mononucleosis (EBV-IM) to EBV-HLH, by analyzing the laboratory parameters of patients with EBV-IM and EBV-HLH and constructing a clinical prediction model. The outcome of this study carries important clinical value for early diagnosis and treatment of EBV-HLH.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with EBV-HLH and 221 patients diagnosed with EBV-IM at our hospital between November 2018 and January 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to derivation and internal validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. LASSO regression and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify risk factors and construct the nomogram.

Results

Ferritin (OR, 213.139; 95% CI, 8.604-5279.703; P=0.001), CD3-CD16+CD56+% (OR, 0.011; 95% CI, 0-0.467; P=0.011), anti-EBV-NA-IgG (OR, 57.370; 95%CI, 2.976-1106.049; P=0.007), IL-6 (OR, 71.505; 95%CI, 2.118-2414.288; P=0.017), IL-10 (OR, 213.139; 95% CI, 8.604-5279.703; P=0.001) were identified as independent predictors of EBV-HLH. The prediction model demonstrated excellent discriminatory capability evidenced by an AUC of 0.997 (95% CI,0.993-1.000). When visualized using a nomogram, the ROC curves for the derivation and validation cohorts exhibited AUCs of 0.997 and 0.993, respectively. These results suggested that the model was highly stable and accurate. Furthermore, calibration curves and clinical decision curves indicated that the model possessed good calibration and offered significant clinical benefits.

Conclusions

The nomogram, which was based on these five predictors, exhibited robust predictive value and stability, thereby can be used to aid clinicians in the early detection of EBV-HLH.
Association of dietary inflammatory index and refractive status in American adolescents: NHANES 1999–2008
Authors: Chen Xiaodong , Li Xuewei , Xu Ningda , Li Jiarui , Guo Qianwen , Miao Heng , Wang Kai , Huang Lvzhen
Published: December 2024

Background

Several nutrients have been found to be associated with the prevalence of myopia, and the role of dietary patterns in influencing myopia risk has recently garnered significant attention. We aim to explore the relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and refractive status in adolescents.

Methods

Data from 7,331 participants were analyzed from the 2005–2008 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Smooth curve fitting and linear regression analysis were used to explore both non-linear and linear relationships between DII and spherical equivalent refraction (SER). The threshold effect of DII on SER was analyzed using a two-piecewise linear regression model.

Results

DII was connected with a lower SER, indicating a shift toward myopia (β: –0.0586; 95% CI: −0.1109 to −0.0063; p < 0.05). Compared to the first quartile, the third quartile (β: –0.2512; 95% CI: −0.4952 to −0.0072; p < 0.05) and the fourth quartile (β: –0.2905; 95% CI: −0.5030 to −0.0780; p < 0.01) were significantly associated with a lower SER. Smooth curve fitting revealed a non-linear relationship between DII and SER, with a turning point at 0.81. For DII values below 0.81, there was no significant association with SER (β: –0.0450; 95% CI: −0.0272 to −0.1173; p > 0.05). However, for DII values ≥0.81, a significant association with lower SER was observed (β: –0.1197; 95% CI: −1.1722 to −0.0672; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that a higher DII (≥0.81) may contribute to the progression of myopia. This study highlights the potential for dietary recommendations in myopia prevention. Prospective studies are required to validate these findings and establish causal relationships.
Gut microbiome and metabolome library construction based on age group using short-read and long-read sequencing techniques in Korean traditional canine species Sapsaree
Authors: Son Seon-Hui , Kang Min-Geun , Kang Anna , Kang Yonggu , Kim Kimoon , Kwak Min-Jin , Song Minho , Kim Younghoon
Published: December 2024

This study investigated age-related changes in the gut microbiota and metabolome of Sapsaree dogs through metagenomic and metabolomic analyses. Using Illumina (short-read) and Nanopore (long-read) sequencing technologies, we identified both common and unique bacterial genera in the dogs across different age groups. In metagenomic analysis, Firmicutes were predominant at the family level. At the genus level, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Romboutsia, and Clostridium XI were the most abundant, and the bacterial genera typically considered beneficial were less prevalent in senior dogs, whereas the genera associated with pathogenicity were more abundant. These findings suggest age-related shifts in gut microbiota composition. Metabolomic analysis showed distinct clustering of metabolites based on the age group, with changes in metabolite profiles correlating with metagenomic findings. Although Illumina and Nanopore methods provided distinctive results, the genera detected by both methods exhibited similar trends across all age groups in Sapsaree dogs. These findings highlight the relationship between ages, metabolite profiles and gut microbiota composition in dogs, suggesting the need for further research to explore this relation in greater depth.
Impacts of phosphate-solubilizing bacterium strain MWP-1 on vegetation growth, soil characteristics, and microbial communities in the Muli coal mining area, China
Authors: Wu Yanru , Yang Wenquan , Kou Jiancun , Li Qinyao , Liu Jiaqing , Chi Lu , Zhang Yangcan , Liu Qian , Yu Yanghua
Published: December 2024

Due to the cold climate and low soil nutrient content, high-altitude mining areas are challenging to restore ecologically. Their poor nutrient content may be ameliorated by introducing specific microorganisms into the soil. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a highly efficient phosphate solubilizing bacterium MWP-1, Pseudomonas poae, on plant growth, soil nutrients in remedying the soil of the high-altitude Muli mining area in Qinghai Province, and analyze its impact on microbial communities through high-throughput sequencing soil microbial communities. The results showed that MWP-1 significantly increased the content of soil available phosphorus by >50%, soil organic matter and total nitrogen by >10%, and significantly increased the height, coverage, and aboveground biomass of vegetation by >40% in comparison with the control (p < 0.05). MWP-1 mainly affected the composition of the soil bacterial communities at the taxonomic level below the phylum. Its impact on soil fungal communities occurred at the phylum and below taxonomic levels. In addition, MWP-1 also significantly improved the diversity of soil bacterial and fungal communities (p < 0.05), and changed their functions. It also significantly altered the relative abundance of genes regulating phosphorus absorption and transport, inorganic phosphorus dissolution and organic phosphorus mineralization in the bacterial community (p < 0.05). It caused a significant increase in the relative abundance of the genes regulating nitrogen fixation and nitrification in nitrogen cycling (p < 0.05), but a significant decrease in the genes regulating phospholipase (p < 0.05). Although sequencing results indicated that Pseudomonas poae did not become the dominant species, its dissolved phosphorus elements can promote plant growth and development, enrich soil nutrient content, and affect the succession of microbial communities, enhance ecosystem stability, with an overall positive effect on soil remediation in the mining area.
The neuronal Golgi in neural circuit formation and reorganization
Authors: Nakagawa Naoki
Published: December 2024

The Golgi apparatus is a central hub in the intracellular secretory pathway. By positioning in the specific intracellular region and transporting materials to spatially restricted compartments, the Golgi apparatus contributes to the cell polarity establishment and morphological specification in diverse cell types. In neurons, the Golgi apparatus mediates several essential steps of initial neural circuit formation during early brain development, such as axon-dendrite polarization, neuronal migration, primary dendrite specification, and dendritic arbor elaboration. Moreover, neuronal activity-dependent remodeling of the Golgi structure enables morphological changes in neurons, which provides the cellular basis of circuit reorganization during postnatal critical period. In this review, I summarize recent findings illustrating the unique Golgi positioning and its developmental dynamics in various types of neurons. I also discuss the upstream regulators for the Golgi positioning in neurons, and functional roles of the Golgi in neural circuit formation and reorganization. Elucidating how Golgi apparatus sculpts neuronal connectivity would deepen our understanding of the cellular/molecular basis of neural circuit development and plasticity.
Clonally unrelated HL-type RS manifested as hemophagocytic syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zheng Xiaoman , Ding Wenshuang , Zhu Zhigang , Li Junping , Zhong Weijie
Published: December 2024

Hodgkin lymphoma variant of Richter syndrome (HL-type RS) is a very rare disease, in which chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is transformed into novel Hodgkin lymphoma. The most important prognostic factor of HL-type RS is the clonal relationship between HL-type RS and the preexisting CLL/SLL. Detailed confirmation of clonally unrelated HL-type RS cases have not been reported. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of HL-type RS confirmed as clone independent by a detailed comparison of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement clones and gene mutations. A 76-year-old man, diagnosed with SLL 1 year before transformation was treated with Zanubrutinib 3 months before transformation. When diagnosed with HL-type RS, he presented with symptoms of hemophagocytic syndrome. Positive therapeutic effects were achieved using a modified rituximab-doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine regimen in combination with Zanubrutinib. We also discuss a thorough review of the relevant literature we performed to help us better understand this rare disease.
Enhanced twitter sentiment analysis with dual joint classifier integrating RoBERTa and BERT architectures
Authors: He Luoyao
Published: December 2024

Sentiment analysis, a crucial aspect of Natural Language Processing (NLP), aims to extract subjective information from textual data. With the proliferation of social media platforms like Twitter, accurately determining public sentiment has become increasingly important for businesses, policymakers, and researchers. This study introduces the Dual Joint Classifier (DJC), which integrates the strengths of RoBERTa and BERT architectures. The DJC model leverages Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Units (BiGRU) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) layers to capture complex sequential dependencies and nuanced sentiment expressions. Advanced training techniques such as Focal Loss and Hard Sample Mining address class imbalance and improve model robustness. To further validate the DJC model’s robustness, the larger TweetEval Sentiment dataset was also included, on which DJC outperformed conventional models despite increased training time. Evaluations were conducted on the Twitter US Airlines and Apple Twitter Sentiment datasets to verify experiments. The DJC model achieved 87.22% and 93.87% accuracies, respectively, and demonstrated improvement over other models like RoBERTa-GLG, BiLSTM(P), and SVM. These results highlight the DJC model’s effectiveness in handling diverse sentiment analysis tasks and its potential for real-world applications.
Spinal TNF-α receptor 1 is differentially required for phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) over the course of motor neuron death in adult rats
Authors: Lewis Ryan D. , Keilholz Amy N. , Smith Catherine L. , Burd Ethan A. , Nichols Nicole L.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Intrapleural injections of cholera toxin B conjugated to saporin (CTB-SAP) result in selective respiratory (e.g., phrenic) motor neuron death and mimics aspects of motor neuron disease [(e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)], such as breathing deficits. This rodent model allows us to study the impact motor neuron death has on the output of surviving phrenic motor neurons as well as the compensatory mechanisms that are recruited. Microglial density in the phrenic motor nucleus as well as cervical gene expression of markers associated with inflammation (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α; TNF-α) are increased following CTB-SAP-induced phrenic motor neuron death, and ketoprofen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) delivery attenuated phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) in 7 day (d) CTB-SAP rats but enhanced pLTF in 28d CTB-SAP rats.

Methods

Here, we worked to determine the impact of TNF-α in the phrenic motor nucleus by: 1) quantifying TNFR1 (a high affinity transmembrane receptor for TNF-α) expression; 2) investigating astrocytes (glial cells known to release TNF-α) by performing a morphological analysis in the phrenic motor nucleus; and 3) determining whether acute TNFR1 inhibition differentially affects phrenic plasticity over the course of CTB-SAP-induced motor neuron loss by delivering an inhibitor for TNF-α receptor 1 (sTNFR1i) in 7d and 28d male CTB-SAP and control rats.

Results

Results revealed that TNFR1 expression was increased on phrenic motor neurons of 28d CTB-SAP rats (p < 0.05), and that astrocytes were increased and exhibited reactive morphology (consistent with an activated phenotype; p < 0.05) in the phrenic motor nucleus of CTB-SAP rats. Additionally, we found that pLTF was attenuated in 7d CTB-SAP rats but enhanced in 28d CTB-SAP rats (p < 0.05) following intrathecal sTNFR1i delivery.

Conclusion

This work suggests that we could harness TNFR1 as a potential therapeutic agent in CTB-SAP rats and patients with respiratory motor neuron disease by increasing compensatory plasticity in surviving neurons to improve phrenic motor neuron function and breathing as well as quality of life. Future studies will focus on microglial and astrocytic cytokine release, the role they play in the differential mechanisms of pLTF utilized by 7d and 28d CTB-SAP rats, and potential therapies that target them.