bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anorexia nervosa: a new look at an old problem
Authors: Sosnova Elena A. , Sarkisyan Rafael’ A. , Akhmetgaryaev Emil’ R. , Svidinskaya Evgeniya A. , Ageev Mikhail B.
Published: June 2024

In Russia, according to Rosstat, approximately 2.5% of adolescents suffer from anorexia. In Moscow, according to 2015 data, at least 5% of young women suffered from anorexia; however, most experts believe that the true figures are much higher because only advanced cases are documented. The relevance of the problem of anorexia nervosa is associated with its potential threat to the lives of patients, eating disorders, concomitant mental diseases, and, in general, the deterioration of mental status. Despite the apparent simplicity of diagnosis, patients with advanced stages of anorexia nervosa that require long-term therapy are more likely to seek a doctor’s help. Anorexia requires a comprehensive treatment approach, including psychopharmacotherapy, psychological influence, diet therapy, therapy of somatic pathology, and concomitant complications. All these aspects of treatment must be implemented simultaneously. The key to success is the constant monitoring of therapy by a psychiatrist. Malnutrition will result in the deterioration of general health, particularly in girls with menstrual disorders, complications associated with conception and gestation, and a difficult pregnancy. Thus, this condition must be considered from the point of view of psychiatry, obstetrics, and gynecology.
Genital tuberculosis as a socially significant disease
Authors: Verbitskii Maksim V. , Permyakova Sof’ya A. , Paskannaya Alena V. , Svidinskaya Evgeniya A. , Baburin Dmitrii V. , Sosnova Elena A.
Published: June 2024

Globally, tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of death from infectious diseases after COVID-19. TB of the female genital organs is a type of extrapulmonary TB. Clinically pronounced and latent forms of TB can cause both primary and secondary infertility because of pathogenetic damage to the structure of the fallopian tubes and changes in the susceptibility of the uterine endometrium. Although the true prevalence of genital TB is unknown, it is still a very relevant problem in Russia. This assumption is based on the projected growth of indicators of extrapulmonary TB, an obvious discrepancy between the real incidence and the official figures, and increasing incidence of tubal–peritoneal infertility, which is often caused by genital TB. The diagnosis of TB of the female genital organs is challenging because it does not have specific (so-called “marker”) manifestations. Low diagnostics rates of extrapulmonary TB create a false sense of well-being, which does not reflect its true epidemiological picture. Thus, at present, an optimal diagnostic complex, which would hasten the diagnosis of genital TB in women and consequently prevent the occurrence of associated irreversible changes in the female reproductive system, must be developed. Scientific databases CyberLeninka, ELibrary, and PubMed were searched for relevant articles using the following keywords: “tuberculosis”, “genital tuberculosis”, “infertility and tuberculosis”. Articles published over the past 10 years were analyzed.
Early stress in maternal deprivation affects the expression of OX1R in the limbic system of the brain and contributes to the development of anxiety-depressive symptoms in rats
Authors: Pyurveev Sarng S. , Dedanishvili Nikolai S. , Sekste Edgar A. , Lebedev Andrey A. , Bychkov Eugenii R. , Shabanov Petr D.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: Depressive states are becoming an increasingly common mental disorder and a serious social problem that places a heavy economic burden on society. Increasing data from preclinical and clinical studies indicate that orexins (neuropeptides, also known as hypocretins) and their receptors are involved in the pathogenesis of depression. The orexinergic system regulates disrupted functions in depressive states, such as sleep, reward system, eating behavior, stress response, and monoaminergic regulation. However, the exact role of orexins in behavioral and neurophysiological disorders in depression is still unclear.
AIM: This study aimed to examine the effect of early postnatal stress on the expression of OX1R orexin in the limbic system and the development of anxiety-depressive symptoms in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maternal deprivation was used as a model of early postnatal stress (postpartum days 2–12). The animals were divided into the control (n = 20) and maternal deprivation (n = 20) groups. On day 90 of life, the influence of early postnatal stress on the development of anxiety-depressive symptoms in adult rats was analyzed using a package of behavioral tests, namely, raised cruciform maze, forced swimming Porsolt test, and two-bottle test. After the experiments, the animals were killed by decapitation, the brain was extracted and placed in the cold, and brain structures (hypothalamus and amygdala) were isolated, immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at a temperature of −80°C for polymerase chain reaction analysis.
RESULTS: In the “raised cruciform maze,” the maternal deprivation group spent less time in the open arms of the maze, and the time spent in the closed sleeves increased relative to the control, which can be assessed as an increase in anxiety levels. In the Porsolt test, the maternal deprivation group had increased immobilization time relative to the control group. In the two-bottle sucrose preference test, the maternal deprivation group demonstrated a decreased preference for sucrose solution, which indicates the development of anhedonia. In the hypothalamus, the mRNA expression level of OX1R significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with that in the control group. A twofold decrease in the mRNA expression level of OX1R was also observed in the amygdala of the experimental group compared with that of the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Early stress caused by maternal deprivation resulted in a decrease in OX1R orexin expression in the hypothalamus and amygdala and contributed to the development of anxiety-depressive symptoms in rats.
Antidepressant effect of new coumarin derivatives
Authors: Daliev Bakhodir B. , Klimenko Dmitrii I. , Karpova Inessa V. , Myznikov Leonid V. , Bychkov Evgenii R. , Lebedev Andrey A. , Shabanov Petr D.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: The incidence of bipolar disorder is increasing worldwide. The search for new compounds with antidepressant activity and milder adverse drug reactions is an urgent task of modern psychopharmacology.
AIM: This study aimed to analyze the effect of new neuroactive coumarin derivatives on the level of depressive behavior and monoamine metabolism in the brain structures of rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antidepressant effects of LVM-091, LVM-099, LVM-S144, and IEM-2886 were evaluated in rats subjected to the Porsolt forced swimming test and the metabolism of monoamines in brain structures (LVM-099) using high-performance liquid chromatography.
RESULTS: LVM-091, LVM-099, LVM-S144, and IEM-2886, synthesized from coumarin, decreased the immobilization time of the experimental rats in the Porsolt forced swimming test, indicating the antidepressant effect of these substances. The administration of LVM-099 at a dose of 10 mg/kg increased the level of homovanillic acid and the homovanillic acid-to-dopamine ratio in the nucleus accumbens. LVM-099 also increased 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels and the 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid-to-serotonin ratio in the nucleus accumbens. In the amygdala, the levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites did not change after LVM-099 administration.
CONCLUSIONS: New coumarin derivatives exert antidepressant effects and increase the metabolism of dopamine and serotonin in rat nucleus accumbens, which can be used in the development of new highly effective antidepressants.
Influence of gel matrix on the wound healing activity of adhesive dressings filled with silver nanoparticles and humic acid applied on a rat burn model
Authors: Larionov Konstantin S. , Poloskov Anton I. , Yu Zhang , Arutyunyan Dmitry A. , Tovpeko Dmitry V. , Minchenko Aleksandr A. , Perminova Irina V. , Glushakov Ruslan I.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: Thermal injuries to the skin (burns) are common household and man-made traumatic injuries in humans. In wartime, thermal injuries are additional damaging factors in combined skin lesions caused by the damaging elements of modern weapons.
AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of gels based on silver nanoparticles in combination with humic acid on the healing of thermal skin injuries (burn wounds) in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the experiments on 57 white nonlinear male rats weighing 218–260 g, the wound healing effects of gels with 10% humic acid modified with nanosilver on various bases, prepared in a pharmacopoeial manner, on a grade IIIB thermal skin burn model were examined. The gel bases used in three experimental groups were as follows: sodium carboxymethylcellulose (group Ia, n = 12), polyacrylamide (group Ib, n = 12), and polyethylene glycol (group Ic, n = 12). The comparison group (group II, n = 12) received Levomekol ointment, whereas the control group (group III, n = 8) did not receive treatment. A grade III thermal burn was made on the proximal part of the back under general anesthesia using a thermal applicator with a circular-shaped flat working part with a diameter of 20 mm. Seventy-two hours after the burn, the wound was freed from scab by complete excision along the border of the intact skin, a splinting ring was applied, and the study drugs were administered. The dynamics of the changes in the burn wound were assessed on days 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28 using the Universal Desktop Ruler program.
RESULTS: The average times (median) to reach 75% epithelialization of wounds in groups Ia, Ic, and II were 29.4 ± 0.2, 34 (33–34), and 33.3 ± 0.45 days, respectively, whereas in groups Ib and III, the median time to 75% epithelization was not achieved. The 28-day healing index (%/day) values were 8.6, 4.8, 6.5, 6.1, and 4.4 in groups Ia, Ib, Ic, II, and III, respectively. The dynamics of epithelialization of thermal burns were most pronounced in group Ia, where the sodium carboxymethylcellulose acted as a gel base for humic substances modified with nanosilver.
CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the gel added with nanosilver-modified humic substances based on sodium carboxymethylcellulose has a wound healing effect on thermal skin injuries, superior to the effect of the reference drug Levomekol in terms of the healing time of burn wounds.
Involvement of Bdnf, Ntrk2 and Pi3k in the mechanism of binge eating after psychogenic stressors in ontogenesis
Authors: Lizunov Aleksey V. , Lebedev Andrey A. , Pyurveev Sarng S. , Nadbitova Natalia D. , Goltz Vladanka A. , Sekste Edgar A. , Bychkov Evgenii R. , Lebedev Viktor A. , Evdokimova Natalia R. , Shabanov Petr D.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: The study of the neurochemical mechanisms of food addiction provides experimental modeling of some of its clinical manifestations.
AIM: This study aimed to examine the effect of binge eating after maternal deprivation or after rearing in social isolation on the expression of Bdnf, Ntrk2, and Pi3k in the hypothalamus of rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals aged 2–12 days were weaned from their mother for 10 days at 180 min, and males aged 90–100 days were used in the experiments. Another group of animals was reared in individual cages from day 21 after birth, and males aged 90–100 days were used in the experiments. To induce binge eating, the animals received a high-carbohydrate feed (chocolate spread) for 1 h every day or every third day within 30 days. Fifteen minutes before feeding, the paste was placed 5 cm within visual contact.
RESULTS: In groups with intermittent exposure to high-calorie food (the animals received pasta every third day), polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the expression of the Bdnf, Ntrk2, and Pi3k in the hypothalamus. The expression level of Bdnf was higher in the maternal deprivation group than in the control group. The expression levels of Ntrk2 and Pi3k in rats taking a high-carbohydrate feed were higher in animals reared in isolation than in those reared in the community.
CONCLUSIONS: The results present new pathways for the synthesis of peptide drugs associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway for the correction of food addiction caused by psychogenic stress in ontogenesis.
Targeted delivery of the domestic anticancer drug from the group of aziridine triazines (literature review)
Authors: Belyaeva Olesya A. , Kachanov Dmitrii A. , Stukov Alexander N. , Tochilnikov Grigory V. , Pavlysh Andrey V. , Zmitrichenko Yuliya G. , Alexandrov Valerii A. , Semiglazova Tatiana Yu. , Belyaev Aleksey M.
Published: June 2024

Currently, the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs can significantly increase the effectiveness of therapy, reduce the side effects of systemic chemotherapy, and improve the quality of patients with cancer. This review aimed to summarize data about the domestic antitumor drug 2,4-bis(1-aziridinyl)-6-(2,2-dimethyl-5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxan-5-yl)amino-1,3,5-thriazine (dioxadet), its nanoforms, possibilities of its use in the clinic, and main antitumor nanodrugs clinically introduced in recent years. Library databases (eLibrary, PubMed, CyberLeninka, ResearchGate, Springer, Wiley Online Library, and Elsevier) were searched for relevant information. The literature review summarizes data on the preclinical trials of dioxadet and provides information on its nanoforms, such as nanogels, nanodiamonds, silica particles, and copolymers with lactic and caproic acids. New drug nanoforms open up opportunities to reduce drug side effects and systemic toxicity, maintain optimal therapeutic concentrations, increase the drug circulation time in the blood, and control its release. The possibility of using chemopreparation cytotoxic doses is the main advantage of new nanodrugs. To date, approximately 20 antitumor nanodrugs have been introduced in clinical practice, and some nanodrugs are undergoing preclinical trials or are in various phases of clinical trials. Thus, the development of a new effective nanoform, i.e., dioxadet, makes it possible to ensure targeted drug delivery in higher cytotoxic doses to target cells, increase selective action, and reduce cytostatic toxicity to normal cells.
Scire vias: humanidades digitales y conocimiento
Authors: López-Salas Estefanía , López Poza Sagrario , Martín-Rodilla Patricia , Otero David
Published: June 2024

Este volumen, que se presenta bajo el lema del conocimiento y de la búsqueda de los caminos para conseguirlo en el entorno de este encuentro entre el campo privilegiado del estudio científico del pensamiento humano que son las humanidades y las tecnologías digitales y el mundo virtual, se estructura en tres secciones que, a través de doce contribuciones, exploran tres territorios de las Humanidades Digitales que a la vez engloban diversos aspectos relacionados entre sí. En la primera sección se contemplan desde distintos puntos de vista y con objetivos y objetos diferentes cuestiones relacionadas con el patrimonio cultural y su valor (“Humanidades Digitales y Arqueología: experimentando con modelos de reconocimiento automático de texto manuscrito en español sobre patrimonio cultural de inicios del siglo XX “, “El trabajo-proyecto Patrimonio Herido: Una propuesta de innovación educativa transdisciplinar”) y con el patrimonio construido, reconstruido y visualizado (“Más allá de la representación tridimensional: la arquitectura (des)aparecida del Asilo de las Mercedes en el espacio digital”, “Estudio interdisciplinar de una relación festiva: de la descripción textual a la representación visual de la arquitectura efímera y su iconografía” y “3D más allá de la reconstrucción virtual: Una herramienta al servicio de la gestión integral del patrimonio en la ermita de Sant Llorenç de la Senabra”). La segunda sección se ocupa del lenguaje, el texto y la literatura, ofreciendo análisis de corpus (“Entre la Historia y la Filología: ElproyectoCORDICan yelvalordela interdisciplinariedad en las HD a través de la documentación relativa a dotes y arras”), estudios de literatura (“La evolución de los libros de caballerías castellanos en el tiempo y el espacio”), una reflexión sobre las bibliotecas digitales con ediciones críticas (“Luces y sombras: Las grandes bibliotecas de textos griegos y latinos ante los retos de la nueva era de edición digital”) y los estudios de teatro (“Proyecto HDATEATROUNIR: Realidades y perspectivas para el estudio del teatro desde las HD”). Por último, en la tercera sección se recogen tres trabajos que se ocupan del modelado (“Identificando el sujeto del paisaje: Modelado e integración de la dimensión social para una (re) lectura de la geografía altomedieval”), de los datos (“HILAME: De la persona al dato, del dato a la persona”) y de la información obtenida de las redes sociales (“Estrategias de recuperación de información mediante pooling para la construcción de colecciones de referencia desde redes sociales: Caso de estudio durante las tensiones raciales de 2020”).
BÚHO CORONADO Bubo virginianus, COLISIONES MORTALES CON ALAMBRE DE PÚAS
Authors: Cadena-Ortiz Héctor , Vogt Charles A. , Vizcarra Sebastián
Published: June 2024

Registro de dos ejemplares de Búho Coronado Bubo virginianus que colisionaron con alambres de púas y murieron.
PRIMEROS REGISTROS DE CLARINERO NEGRO Quiscalus lugubris (ICTERIDAE) EN ECUADOR
Authors: Maldonado Casanova Gabriel Enrique
Published: June 2024

El Clarinego Negro Quiscalus lugubris se está dispersando rápidamente por la Amazonía norte del Ecuador. En esta nota presento los primeros reportes en las provincias de Sucumbíos y Orellana, entre octubre y diciembre de 2022.
COLASPINA DE AZARA Synallaxis azarae COMIENDO FLORES
Authors: Buitrón Jurado Galo
Published: June 2024

Reportamos una observación de alimentación de flores por el colaespina de Azara Synallaxis azarae en el noroccidente de la provincia de Pichincha, Ecuador.
Distribution of COVID-19 related deaths in municipalities from Sonora, Mexico, 2020
Authors: Álvarez-López Diego Ivar , Álvarez-Hernández Gerardo , Espinoza-Molina Mónica Paola , Millanes-Campa Brenda Judith , Aranda-Gallegos Patricia , Candia-Plata Maria del Carmen
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged societies, not only because of its magnitude and impact, but also because it has deepened health inequalities and inequities. Socially disadvantaged groups show a higher frequency of adverse health events due to COVID-19, particularly in Latin America. With that in mind, we describe the distribution of deaths in COVID-19 patients stratified by sociodemographic characteristics and medical comorbidities, and explore perceptions related to disease-care, in selected rural and urban localities from Sonora, Mexico. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 160 deaths attributed to COVID-19, from the period April 1st and July 31st 2020, using death certificates as a data source. Furthermore, to explore the variables of interest, a verbal autopsy was applied to a relative caregiver for the patient’s health. Data collected was analyzed by descriptive statistics and qualitative technique. Results: We did not find significant differences in sociodemographic conditions among the COVID-19 deaths. Interestingly, 85.6% of the deceased had a chronic medical condition and 74.4% of all deaths took place in an urban locality. Caregivers frequently consigned deficiencies from medical services over the disease-care process of COVID-19 deaths.
La familia empoderada: Nuevas narrativas para repensar la prevención y control del dengue en Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Valencia Jiménez Nydia Nina , Zambrano Constanzo Alba
Published: June 2024

El dengue es una enfermedad que constituye un problema de salud pública difícil de controlar por la multidimensionalidad de factores asociados y las particularidades de los territorios. En este artículo se analiza la noción de empoderamiento familiar relacionada con la prevención y control del dengue en Córdoba, Colombia. De julio a octubre de 2023, a partir de un enfoque cualitativo se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 30 grupos familiares localizados en los municipios de San Andrés de Sotavento, San Bernardo del Viento, Pueblo Nuevo y Montería, seleccionados por ser territorios indígenas, afrodescendientes o con población rural y urbano en condiciones de vulnerabilidad. Los resultados muestran que las familias, más allá de sus arreglos particulares en términos de estructura y dinámica, son conscientes de su lugar en la prevención y control de enfermedades, identificando las capacidades requeridas para enfrentar el dengue. Sin embargo, reproducen narrativas de dominio conceptual y de poder que asignan un mayor compromiso por parte de los agentes educativos y de salud para el fomento de alternativas que contribuyan a disminuir los riesgos por dengue. Se discuten los desafíos que se deben enfrentar para un efectivo empoderamiento familiar, de modo que las prácticas de prevención cobren mayor vigor.
Topical application of vitamin D cream in particiants with inflammatory acne due to vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Lekic Lana , Pavlovic Bojan
Published: June 2024

Acne vulgaris (AV) represents a chronic inflammatory condition affecting pilosebaceous units, characterized by a multifactorial etiology. AV can manifest as both inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions. Non-inflammatory acne is termed a comedone, which can be either closed (whiteheads) or open (blackheads). Inflammatory acne encompasses papules, pustules, nodules, and pseudocysts. The most common regions for acne occurrence are the facial region (90%), thoracic area (14%), and dorsal region (60%).  In the study involving transdermal application of vitamin D cream (applied twice daily; morning and evening) in subjects with inflammatory acne due to vitamin D deficiency, 33 participants took part, comprising 8 males and 25 females. The age group most affected was 18-25 years (adolescent age), followed by a lesser impact in the 26-30 age group, and the lowest incidence observed in the late 36-45 age group. Among males, facial and thoracic regions were most affected by inflammatory acne (37.5%), while among females, the facial region showed a higher percentage of 54%, and the thoracic area was at 40%, with a minimal impact on the dorsal region (M=25%; F=8%). Reductions in inflammatory acne ranged from 100% to 10%, with substantial improvements noted in the male population, achieving 100% and 80% reduction (100% reduction: facial region 25%, thoracic area 12.5%, 80% reduction: dorsal region 25%). Similarly, the female group, with a larger sample size (25 participants), demonstrated significant reductions (100% reduction: facial region 36%, thoracic area 24%, 80% reduction: dorsal area 4%). Overall, improvements were evident in all participants, with none falling below a 30% reduction, indicating remarkable outcomes after one month of vitamin D cream use. Numerous factors contribute to the onset of inflammatory acne, with this study specifically highlighting vitamin D deficiency in the blood. Other indications include the occurrence of polycystic ovaries and reduced thyroid function in women, heightened stress, and prostate issues in men. Reduced or deficient vitamin D levels may be associated with further immune system suppression, activating the aforementioned factors. This research marks a significant stride in uncovering the manifold health benefits of vitamin D.
 
Keywords: acne, vitamin D, participants
Ultrasound-Guided Off-Plan Lumbar Seated Erector Spinae Plane Blocks : Are There Advantages?
Authors: J. Inklebarger , KZ Syed , N Galanis , J Michael , G Gyer , A Akhtar
Published: June 2024

The erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been widely used as a treatment strategy for a variety of acute and chronic painful conditions. ESPBs are typically performed under ultrasound guidance [USG] in an in-plane long axis approach, targeting the tip of the lumbar transverse process while the patient lies prone. Off-Plane Seated Injection Technique-ESPB [OPSIT-E] represents a useful alternative in situations where a standard prone spine injection would be technically challenged by circumstances which may include morbid obesity, orthopnoea, recent upper limbs surgeries, chest pain from recent pacemaker implant, and in a subjects were in-plane approaches may be complicated by skin lesions. A seated forward flexed off-plane injection position, may also flatten the lumbar lordosis, shift adipose tissue more anteriorly, lessening skin to target distance and facilitating bony landmark identification, in high BMI and hyperlordotic subjects. The relatively larger curved transverse arc radius of the curvilinear probe [GE G1-5] in comparison to its transverse arc, also appears to offer improved central field of skin-transducer contact, earlier needle visualization, improved acute angle trajectory visualization of deep structures, which may be due to less crepuscular beam dispersion in comparison to transverse probe orientation. Even with a linear probe, the orthogonal technique facilitates a more perpendicular vector, lessening needle transit to target distance, which may in turn decrease procedure time, and improve patient comfort. The OPSITE, may also be easier to teach, learn, and master, as other studies have generally reported a higher rate of off-lane injection success among novice vascular interventionists.
“It’s Comfortable at Camp”: Emotional Safety at a Summer Camp for Youth with Visual Impairments
Authors: Lepore-Stevens Maria , Foster Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2024

Research has shown that summer camps provide unique opportunities for positive youth development, due in part to the emotionally safe environments they can provide (Garst et al., 2016; Henderson et al., 2005; Sibthorp et al., 2010). Emotionally safe environments consist of “a combination of inclusion, belonging, trust, care, and the absence of bullying and exclusion” (Wong et al., 2022). Summer camp programs can also be emotionally safe places for young people to develop self-determination skills, while school may not provide the same safety, particularly for students with visual impairments (Garst et al., 2011; Opie, 2018; Sibthorp et al., 2010). This research utilizes a theoretical framework of positive youth development to investigate emotional safety for children with visual impairments at summer camp. This research on emotional safety was part of a larger mixed- methods study on self-determination at an educational sports camp for youth with visual impairments. Athletes and coaches at an educational sports camp for youth with visual impairments in the mid-Atlantic United States completed qualitative questionnaires regarding self-determination at camp. Five randomly selected athletes also participated in semi-structured interviews. Both questionnaires and interviews highlighted instances of meaningful adult interaction, emotional support, and inclusion throughout the week of camp. Additionally, the data resulting from questionnaires and interviews revealed that comfort in asking questions and relationships between athletes contributed to an emotionally safe environment. Limitations included low sample size, compounding impact of multiple years of camp attendance, differences between this camp and other similar camps, and familiarity of the researcher. The present study supports the prior research on summer camp, finding that low child-to-staff ratios, emotional support, and inclusion contribute to emotionally safe environments (Garst et. al, 2011; Henderson et al., 2005). Additionally, at a summer camp for youth with visual impairments, relationships between athletes and comfort asking questions supported emotional safety.
Functional and Textural Characterisation of Flavoured Yogurt Supplemented with Millet Milk Extracted from Paspalum scrobiculatum (Kodo Millet)
Authors: Mariam Simra , Kumari Vasantha
Published: June 2024

Background: The aim of the study was to develop a Sapodilla flavoured yogurt enriched with millet milk extracted from Paspalum scrobiculatum (Kodo millet). Millet milk was extracted by simple soaking and pressure cooking method. Methods: Four variations and control sample of the yogurt were developed with incorporation of millet milk in the proportions; 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%, where 0% served as the control. Sensory evaluation was performed using the nine-point hedonic scale. Variation 2 of the yogurt (Y2-20%) having the highest overall acceptability (7.70±0.05) was finalized for further analyses. Result: The physicochemical analysis including texture (hardness- 75.66±0.57), syneresis (4.50±0.10), pH (4.46±0.05), total titratable acidity (0.86±0.05) and total solids (23.2±0.20) were studied for the developed product. Antioxidant activity revealed 87.93% inhibition and total Phenolic content was found to be significant (P value less than 0.001) in comparison with the control. Development of flavored yogurt enriched with kodo millet milk is a novel technique. Hence, as indicated, great prospects exist in India for such value added ingredients made with traditional millets and milk byproducts along with advanced technologies for their processing.
Response of hydrogen charging diffusion of the austenitic stainless steel AISI 310s
Authors: Rutkowska-Gorczyca Małgorzata Julia , Dziubek Mateusz , Wiśniewski Marcin
Published: June 2024

The subject of hydrogen embrittlement seems to be more and more up-to-date and needed to be explored. World research teams working on this issue have not developed a clear method of preventing this process. The conclusion is that this issue should be approached individually, depending on the type of material, its structure and operating conditions. The problem will escalate in the near future as a result of the planned replacement of the traditional energy sources used so far with hydrogen energy. The paper presents the method of electrochemical hydrogenation, which reflects the conditions of galvanic coating of metallic materials used in the automotive industry. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of the time of hydrogenation on the properties and microstructure of austenitic steel.
Transparencia retributiva y principio de igualdad de retribución entre hombres y mujeres. Retos del Derecho español en la transposición de la Directiva (UE) 2023/970 de 10 de mayo de 2023
Authors: Rojo Torrecilla Eduardo
Published: June 2024

Es objeto de explicación la Directiva (UE) 2023/970 y su transposición al ordenamiento jurídico española. El eje principal es el de la igualdad retributiva entre hombres y mujeres cuando se realiza un mismo trabajo o de igual valor, y con carácter más concreto de la transparencia retributiva como mecanismo necesario para alcanzar aquella. La Directiva en el desarrollo del Pilar Europeo de Derechos Sociales y se une a otras normas que también inciden sobre el principio de igualdad. Son destacadas los amplios cambios introducidos en la Propuesta de Directiva durante la tramitación y la negociación con el Parlamento Europeo, comopor ejemplo la aplicación de la Directiva a las personas solicitantes de empleo, el concepto de trabajo de igual valor, con arreglo a criterios no discriminatorios, objetivos y neutros con respecto al género, y el reconocimiento expreso de la discriminación interseccional. Se concluye que la normativa española cumple en términos generales con la comunitaria, e incluso la mejora respecto al derecho a la información de las personas trabajadoras y de la representación del personal, y que solo requiere de algunas modificaciones como por ejemplo el respeto a los plazos previstos para la prescripción de las acciones derivadas de la relación contractual laboral, dejando planteada la hipótesis de interpretación de diversos preceptos de nuestra normativa interna que pueden adecuarse a la comunitaria.
INTERMEDIATING ROLES OF INSTITUTIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE TRADE OPENNESS-INCLUSIVE GROWTH NEXUS: NEW EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA
Authors: Ajayi Felix Odunayo , Ogede Jimoh Sina , Siyanbola Adedamola Akeem , Atoyebi Olayinka Esther , Yinusa Olumuyiwa Ganiyu
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Inclusive growth (IG) is a revolutionary method for generating and sustaining macroeconomic stability through economic development, social equity, and prosperity. There has been little theoretical and empirical study in Nigeria on analyzing the effects of trade openness on inclusive growth and exploring its determinants.
Methods: This study examines the intermediating roles of institutional infrastructure in the trade openness-inclusive growth nexus in Nigeria spanning from 1985 to 2021. The study employed the Johansen Cointegration methodology to confirm the existence of the long-run association while fully modified ordinary least squares (FM-OLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) techniques are used to elucidate the uncertainty in the trade openness-inclusive growth nexus.
Results: Consequently, the results of the Johansen Cointegration confirmed the long-run association among variables. The FM-OLS and D-OLS indicate that trade openness enhances growth in Nigeria, suggesting that greater trade openness would foster inclusive growth and remain a focal point for both direct and indirect relations with inclusive growth. The interaction effects of trade openness and institutional infrastructure on inclusive growth show negative and insignificant effects on inclusive growth, demonstrating that institutional infrastructure plays a mitigating influence in the relationship between trade openness and inclusive growth, albeit insignificant at a 5% level.
Conclusion and suggestion: The study recommends that Nigeria should pursue policies aimed at improving institutional infrastructures with a way of reducing transactional costs and risks related to trading.
EFFICIENCY OF SDGS IMPLEMENTATION IN VILLAGE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TO REDUCE INCOME DISTRIBUTION INEQUALITY
Authors: Putri Amila Zamzabila , Choiri Miftakhul
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Village development in Indonesia aims to improve the welfare of the community, especially in terms of income equality. To achieve this goal, people-centered sustainable development is needed. Sustainable development is an effort to improve the quality of life while still trying not to exceed the ecosystem that supports life. Sustainable development in villages can be implemented through the Village SDGs. The Village SDGs include 17 goals that are interconnected with each other. Each goal has specific targets in addressing pressing social, economic, and environmental issues and creating a more just and sustainable future together. The purpose of this study is to determine whether people-centered sustainable development is effective in reducing income distribution inequality and to explain how it affects income distribution inequality.
Methods: Using DEA analysis and panel data regression, the research object is 33 provinces in Indonesia.
Results: The results show that education and income have a significant negative effect on income inequality. Furthermore, health has a significant positive effect on income distribution inequality.
Conclusion and suggestion: Equal access to education, health, and equal income, will be effective in reducing the level of inequality in the community.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AUDIT FEE AND AUDIT QUALITY: A META-ANALYSIS STUDY
Authors: Hartaty Hartaty , Dianawati Wiwiek
Published: June 2024

Introduction: This study aims to reconcile conflicting empirical results from previous studies on the relationship between audit fees and audit quality. In addition, it investigated whether the contradictory findings were moderated by different types of audit fees and audit quality measures. The study also makes cross-country comparisons of empirical evidence to provide more insights.
Methods: This study utilized meta-analysis to integrate the findings of previous studies on the relationship between audit fees and audit quality and further investigated moderators of the association.
Results: The findings revealed that audit fees had a positive effect on audit quality. These results were observable for both developed and developing countries, indicating the beneficial consequences of audit fees on audit quality should not be overlooked. Furthermore, this study also found that the size of audit fees and quality moderated the positive influence of audit fees on the quality.
Conclusion and suggestion: This study contributes to the stream of research investigating the relationship between audit fees and audit quality. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents one of the pioneering efforts to apply statistical meta-analysis to the issue addressed.
Emerging MXene-based electrocatalysts for efficient nitrate reduction to ammonia: recent advance, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Cui Zhijie , Li Chunli , Peng Wenchao , Liu Jiapeng
Published: June 2024

Ammonia (NH3) plays an irreplaceable role in traditional agriculture and emerging renewable energy. Its preparation in industry mainly relies on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, which is associated with high energy consumption and large CO2 emissions. Recently, the nitrate reduction reaction (NO3-RR) driven by renewable energy has received extensive attention. This reaction can efficiently synthesize NH3 with water as a hydrogen source and NO3- as a nitrogen source under mild conditions, which is conducive to reducing energy consumption and promoting the carbon cycle. It is well known that the properties of electrocatalysts determine the performance of NO3-RR. As an emerging two-dimensional material, MXenes (transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbon nitrides) possess excellent electrical conductivity, large specific surface area and controllable surface functional groups, which shows great application potential in the field of NO3-RR. Herein, this review summarized the structure, properties and synthesis strategies of MXenes to elucidate the possibilities from foundation to application. Then, the latest research progress in applying MXene-based electrocatalysts to NO3-RR was summarized and the applicability of different NH3 detection methods was analyzed. Finally, the present challenges and future prospects of NO3-RR were presented. This review aimed to provide thoughtful insights into the rational design of MXene-based electrocatalysts for sustainable NH3 synthesis.
A pilot case-control study on the fecal microbiota of pediatric functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified and the role of early life stress
Authors: Otaru Nize , Pugin Benoît , Plüss Serafina , Hojsak Iva , Braegger Christian , Lacroix Christophe
Published: June 2024

Background: Gut microbial features and the role of early life stress in pediatric functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS) have never been investigated before. Here, we hypothesize that early life stress is more prevalent in FAP-NOS compared to healthy controls and that fecal microbial profiles and related metabolites differ between groups.

Methods: In an international multicenter case-control study, FAP-NOS patients (n = 40) were compared to healthy controls (n = 55). Stool samples and demographic and clinical data including early life traumatic events and antibiotics treatments were collected from children aged four to twelve years. Fecal microbial profiles were assessed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Microbial metabolite concentrations in fecal supernatant, including short-chain fatty acids and amino acids, were detected via liquid chromatography.

Results: Microbial richness was increased in FAP-NOS compared to healthy controls and microbial composition (unweighted UniFrac) differed between groups. Three distinct amplicon sequencing variants and two distinct species were enriched in FAP-NOS compared to controls, with no observed changes at higher taxonomic levels. No differences in microbial metabolites and early life stress were observed between groups.

Conclusion: The presented hypothesis could not be proven, with no observed differences in occurrence of early life stress, and fecal microbial metabolic profiles between pediatric FAP-NOS and healthy controls. Pediatric FAP-NOS patients exhibited mild differences in the fecal microbial community compared with controls. Further large-scale studies with high-resolution techniques are warranted to address the biological relevance of present observations.
Building, Maintaining, and (Re-)Deploying Genetic Toolkits during Convergent Evolution
Authors: Oakley Todd
Published: June 2024

A surprising insight from the advent of genomic sequencing was that many genes are deeply conserved during evolution. With a particular focus on genes that interact with light in animals, I explore the metaphor of genetic toolkits, which can be operationalized as lists of genes involved in a trait of interest. A fascinating observation is that genes of a toolkit are often used again and again during convergent evolution, sometimes across vast phylogenetic distances. Such a pattern in the evolution of toolkits requires three different stages: origin, maintenance, and redeployment of the genes. The functional origins of toolkit genes might often be rooted in interactions with external environments. The origins of light interacting genes in particular may be tied to ancient responses to photo-oxidative stress, inspiring questions about the extent to which the evolution of other toolkits were also impacted by stress. Maintenance of genetic toolkits over long evolutionary timescales requires gene multifunctionality to prevent gene loss when a trait of interest is absent. Finally, the deployment of toolkit genes in convergently evolved traits like eyes sometimes involves the repeated use of similar, ancient genes but other times involves different genes specific to each convergent origin. How often a particular gene family is used time and again for the same function may depend on how many possible biological solutions are available. When few solutions exist and are maintained, evolution is constrained to use the same genes over and over. However, when many different solutions are possible, the innovative possibilities of evolution are often on display. Therefore, a focus on genetic toolkits highlights the combination of legacy plus innovation that drives the evolution of biological diversity.
Developmental Programming of the Fetal Immune System by Maternal Western-style Diet: Mechanisms and Implications for Disease Pathways in the Offspring
Authors: Nelson Benjamin N , Friedman Jacob E
Published: June 2024

Maternal obesity and over/undernutrition can have a long-lasting impact on offspring health during critical periods in the first 1000 days of life. Children born to mothers with obesity have reduced immune responses to stimuli which increase susceptibility to infections. Recently, maternal western-style diets (WSD), high in fat and simple sugars, have been associated with skewing neonatal immune cell development, and recent evidence suggests that dysregulation of innate immunity in early life has long-term consequences on metabolic diseases and behavioral disorders in later life. Several factors contribute to abnormal innate immune tolerance or trained immunity, including changes in gut microbiota, metabolites, and epigenetic modifications. Critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms whereby these factors impact fetal and postnatal immune cell development, especially in precursor stem cells in bone marrow and fetal liver. Components of the maternal microbiota that are transferred from mothers consuming a WSD to their offspring are understudied and identifying cause and effect on neonatal innate and adaptive immune development needs to be refined. Tools including single-cell RNA-sequencing, epigenetic analysis, and spatial location of specific immune cells in liver and bone marrow are critical for understanding immune system programming. Considering the vital role of immune function plays in offspring health, it will be important to understand how maternal diets can control developmental programming of innate and adaptive immunity.
A Novel Battery-Supplied AFE EEG Circuit Capable of Muscle Movement Artifact Suppression
Authors: Delis Athanasios , Tsavdaridis George , Tsanakas Panayiotis
Published: June 2024

In this study, the fundamentals of electroencephalography signals, their categorization into frequency sub-bands, the circuitry used for their acquisition, and the impact of noise interference on signal acquisition are examined. Additionally, design specifications for medical-grade and research-grade EEG circuits and a comprehensive analysis of various analog front-end architectures for electroencephalograph (EEG) circuit design are presented. Three distinct selected case studies are examined in terms of comparative evaluation with generic EEG circuit design templates. Moreover, a novel one-channel battery-supplied EEG analog front-end circuit designed to address the requirements of usage protocols containing strong com-pound muscle movements is introduced. Furthermore, a realistic input signal generator circuit is proposed that models the human body and the Electromagnetic Interference from its surroundings. Experimental simulations are conducted in 50 Hz and 60 Hz electrical grid environments to evaluate the performance of the novel design. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed system, particularly in terms of bandwidth, portability, common mode rejection ratio , gain, suppression of muscle movement artifacts, electrostatic discharge and leakage current protection. Conclusively, the novel design is cost-effective and suitable for both commercial and research single-channel EEG applications. It can be easily incorporated in Brain Computer Interfaces and neurofeedback training systems.
Statistical Considerations for the Design and Analysis of Pragmatic Trials in Aging Research
Authors: Kammar-García Ashuin , Fernández-Urrutia Liliana Aline , Guevara-Díaz Jorge Alberto , Mancilla-Galindo Javier
Published: June 2024

Pragmatic trials aim to assess intervention efficacy in usual patient care settings, contrasting with explanatory trials conducted under controlled conditions. In aging research, pragmatic trials are important designs for obtaining real-world evidence in elderly populations, which are often underrepresented in trials. In this review, we discuss statistical considerations from a frequentist approach for the design and analysis of pragmatic trials. When choosing the dependent variable, it is essential to use an outcome that is highly relevant to usual medical care while also providing sufficient statistical power. Besides traditionally used binary outcomes, ordinal outcomes can provide pragmatic answers with gains in statistical power. Cluster randomization requires careful consideration of sample size calculation and analysis methods, especially regarding missing data and outcome variables. Mixed effects models and generalized estimating equations (GEEs) are recommended for analysis to account for center effects, with tools available for sample size estimation. Multi-arm studies pose challenges in sample size calculation, requiring adjustment for design effects and consideration of multiple comparison correction methods. Secondary analyses are common but require caution due to the risk of reduced statistical power and false-discovery rates. Safety data collection methods should balance pragmatism and data quality. Overall, understanding statistical considerations is crucial for designing rigorous pragmatic trials that evaluate interventions in elderly populations under real-world conditions. In conclusion, this review focuses on various statistical topics of interest to those designing a pragmatic clinical trial, with consideration of aspects of relevance in the aging research field.