bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruption of tRNA biogenesis enhances proteostatic resilience, improves later-life health, and promotes longevity
Authors: Malik Yasir , Kulaberoglu Yavuz , Anver Shajahan , Javidnia Sara , Borland Gillian , Rivera Rene , Cranwell Stephen , Medelbekova Danel , Svermova Tatiana , Thomson Jackie , Broughton Susan , von der Haar Tobias , Selman Colin , Tullet Jennifer M. A. , Alic Nazif
Published: October 2024

tRNAs are evolutionarily ancient molecular decoders essential for protein translation. In eukaryotes, tRNAs and other short, noncoding RNAs are transcribed by RNA polymerase (Pol) III, an enzyme that promotes ageing in yeast, worms, and flies. Here, we show that a partial reduction in Pol III activity specifically disrupts tRNA levels. This effect is conserved across worms, flies, and mice, where computational models indicate that it impacts mRNA decoding. In all 3 species, reduced Pol III activity increases proteostatic resilience. In worms, it activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) and direct disruption of tRNA metabolism is sufficient to recapitulate this. In flies, decreasing Pol III’s transcriptional initiation on tRNA genes by a loss-of-function in the TFIIIC transcription factor robustly extends lifespan, improves proteostatic resilience and recapitulates the broad-spectrum benefits to late-life health seen following partial Pol III inhibition. We provide evidence that a partial reduction in Pol III activity impacts translation, quantitatively or qualitatively, in both worms and flies, indicating a potential mode of action. Our work demonstrates a conserved and previously unappreciated role of tRNAs in animal ageing.
Simulation of 69 microbial communities indicates sequencing depth and false positives are major drivers of bias in prokaryotic metagenome-assembled genome recovery
Authors: Rocha Ulisses , Kasmanas Jonas Coelho , Toscan Rodolfo , Sanches Danilo S. , Magnusdottir Stefania , Saraiva Joao Pedro
Published: October 2024

We hypothesize that sample species abundance, sequencing depth, and taxonomic relatedness influence the recovery of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). To test this hypothesis, we assessed MAG recovery in three in silico microbial communities composed of 42 species with the same richness but different sample species abundance, sequencing depth, and taxonomic distribution profiles using three different pipelines for MAG recovery. The pipeline developed by Parks and colleagues (8K) generated the highest number of MAGs and the lowest number of true positives per community profile. The pipeline by Karst and colleagues (DT) showed the most accurate results (~ 92%), outperforming the 8K and Multi-Metagenome pipeline (MM) developed by Albertsen and collaborators. Sequencing depth influenced the accurate recovery of genomes when using the 8K and MM, even with contrasting patterns: the MM pipeline recovered more MAGs found in the original communities when employing sequencing depths up to 60 million reads, while the 8K recovered more true positives in communities sequenced above 60 million reads. DT showed the best species recovery from the same genus, even though close-related species have a low recovery rate in all pipelines. Our results highlight that more bins do not translate to the actual community composition and that sequencing depth plays a role in MAG recovery and increased community resolution. Even low MAG recovery error rates can significantly impact biological inferences. Our data indicates that the scientific community should curate their findings from MAG recovery, especially when asserting novel species or metabolic traits.
Trajectory-centric framework TrajAtlas reveals multi-scale differentiation heterogeneity among cells, genes, and gene modules in osteogenesis
Authors: Han Litian , Ji Yaoting , Yu Yiqian , Ni Yueqi , Zeng Hao , Zhang Xiaoxin , Liu Huan , Zhang Yufeng
Published: October 2024

Osteoblasts, the key cells responsible for bone formation and the maintenance of skeletal integrity, originate from a diverse array of progenitor cells. However, the mechanisms underlying osteoblast differentiation from these multiple osteoprogenitors remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we developed a comprehensive framework to investigate osteoblast differentiation at multiple scales, encompassing cells, genes, and gene modules. We constructed a reference atlas focused on differentiation, which incorporates various osteoprogenitors and provides a seven-level cellular taxonomy. To reconstruct the differentiation process, we developed a model that identifies the transcription factors and pathways involved in differentiation from different osteoprogenitors. Acknowledging that covariates such as age and tissue type can influence differentiation, we created an algorithm to detect differentially expressed genes throughout the differentiation process. Additionally, we implemented methods to identify conserved pseudotemporal gene modules across multiple samples. Overall, our framework systematically addresses the heterogeneity observed during osteoblast differentiation from diverse sources, offering novel insights into the complexities of bone formation and serving as a valuable resource for understanding osteogenesis.
REIV-TOXO Project: Results from a Spanish cohort of congenital toxoplasmosis (2015–2022). The beneficial effects of prenatal treatment on clinical outcomes of infected newborns
Authors: Guarch-Ibáñez Borja , Carreras-Abad Clara , Frick Marie Antoinette , Blázquez-Gamero Daniel , Baquero-Artigao Fernando , Fuentes Isabel ,   the Spanish Research Network of Congenital Toxoplasmosis (REIV-TOXO) group, Soler-Palacin Pere
Published: October 2024

Background

Some regions of Spain are withdrawing their pregnancy screening program for congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). The Spanish Research Network of Congenital Toxoplasmosis (REIV-TOXO) was created to describe the current status of CT in Spain. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of CT and to evaluate the effect of prenatal treatment on clinical outcomes to inform decision-making policies.

Methods

Ambispective observational study including CT cases recorded in the REIV-TOXO database that includes 122 hospitals (2015–2022). Inclusion criteria were one or more of the following: positive PCR in maternal amniotic fluid; positive Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgM or IgA antibodies at birth; positive PCR in the placenta, newborn blood, urine or CSF; increase of specific IgG levels during infant follow-up; or specific IgG persistence beyond age 12 months.

Findings

Fifty-six newborns (54 pregnancies) were included. Prenatal screening allowed 92.8% of cases to be identified. The time of maternal infection was well documented in 90.7% of cases, with 61.1% occurring in the third trimester. A total of 66.6% (36/54) pregnant women received antiparasitic treatment: 24/36 spiramycin, 8/36 pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folinic acid, and 4/36 both treatments sequentially. Most cases were asymptomatic at birth (62.5%, 35/56), and 84% (47/56) newborns completed one year of treatment. Median follow-up was 24 months (IQR = 3–72): 14.2% children exhibited new complications, mainly ocular. Newborns born to mothers treated prenatally had four-fold lower risk of CT clinical features at birth (p = 0.03) and six-fold lower risk of further complications during follow-up (p = 0.04) with no treatment-related differences during pregnancy.

Conclusions

While diagnosis based only on neonatal assessment misses a significant number of CT cases, prenatal screening allows treatment to be started during pregnancy, with better clinical outcomes at birth and during follow-up. REIV-TOXO provides valuable information about CT in Spain, highlighting the need for universal maternal screening.
The spatial correlation of economic institutional change in China and its impact on economic growth: A social network analysis approach
Authors: Jia Wenhan , Di Qianbin , Chen Xiaolong
Published: October 2024

Economic institutional change is a vital driving force behind the rapid rise of China’s economy. However, the incremental approach to economic institutional change has caused unbalanced transformation and economic growth. To this end, we adopted the entropy method to measure the economic institutional change index, and employed social network analysis to reveal its spatial correlation characteristics. We then applied QAP analysis to empirically demonstrate the impact of China’s economic institutional change on regional disparities in economic growth. The findings indicated a gradual increase in the level of economic institutions over time and a spatial gradient between the eastern, central, and western regions. Moreover, the spatial correlation network of China’s economic institutional change is stable and gradually improving. Nevertheless, the role of provinces in the process of economic institutional change varies: the eastern coastal provinces play a dominant role, the central and western provinces benefit to a lesser extent, and some provinces in northeastern China play a “bridging” and “intermediary” role. Regional differences in China’s economic institutional change have widened the regional disparities in China’s economic growth, and the impact of each dimension of economic institutions on regional disparities in economic growth is characterized by phases.
Preclinical assessment of MAGMAS inhibitor as a potential therapy for pediatric medulloblastoma
Authors: Motahari Zahra , Lepe Javier J. , Bautista Malia R. , Hoerig Clay , Plant-Fox Ashley S. , Das Bhaskar , Fowler Christie D. , Magge Suresh N. , Bota Daniela A.
Published: October 2024

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. It has WNT-driven, SHH-driven/TP53 mutant, SHH-driven/TP53 wildtype, and non-WNT/non-SHH subgroups. MAGMAS (Mitochondrial Associated Granulocyte Macrophage colony-stimulating factor Signaling molecules) encodes a mitochondrial import inner membrane translocase subunit and is responsible for the translocation of matrix proteins across the inner membrane. We previously reported that a small molecule MAGMAS inhibitor, BT9, decreases cell proliferation, migration, and oxidative phosphorylation in adult glioblastoma cell lines. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the chemotherapeutic effect of BT9 can be extended to pediatric medulloblastoma. Methods: DAOY (SHH driven/tp53 mutant) and D425 (non-SHH group 3) were treated with BT9. For in vitro analysis, cell proliferation, death, migration, invasion, and metabolic activity were assessed using MTT assay, TUNEL staining, scratch wound assay, Matrigel invasion chambers, and seahorse assay, respectively. A D425 orthotopic xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate BT9 efficacy in vivo. Results: BT9 treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation (DAOY, 24 hours IC50: 3.6 μM, 48 hours IC50: 2.3 μM, 72 hours IC50: 2.1 μM; D425 24 hours IC50: 3.4 μM, 48 hours IC50: 2.2 μM, 72 hours IC50: 2.1 μM) and a significant increase in cell death (DAOY, 24 hours p = 0.0004, 48 hours p<0.0001; D425, 24 hours p = 0.0001, 48 hours p = 0.02). In DAOY cells, 3 μM BT9 delayed migration and significantly reduced DAOY and D425 cell invasion (p < 0.0001). It also modified mitochondrial respiratory function in both medulloblastoma cell lines. Compared to control, however, BT9 administration did not improve survival in a D425 orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Conclusions: Our in vitro data showed BT9 antitumor efficacy in DAOY and D425 cell lines, suggesting that BT9 may represent a promising targeted therapeutic in pediatric medulloblastoma. These data, however, need to be further validated in animal models.
Calibration of discrete meta-parameters of bamboo flour based on magnitude analysis and BP neural network
Authors: Chen Lintao , Chen Rui , Mou Xiangwei , Liu Zhaoxiang , Ma Xu , Wu Xifeng , Deng Xiangwu
Published: October 2024

In the research and development of technology and equipment for bamboo products deep processing, such as filling, drying, and medicinal use of bamboo flour (BF), the poor compaction and fluidity of BF materials entails the need for accurate discrete element model (DEM) and BF parameters to provide a reference for the simulation of BF processing operationsand the development of related equipment. The average particle size of the 5 types of BFs ranges from 0.136 mm to 0.293 mm, and the small particle size of BF particles causes to the number of BF particles in bamboo processing equipment to reach tens of millions or even billions. When conventional methods are used for simulation, ordinary computers cannot provide the required computing power. To address the aforementioned challenges, this paper proposes a calibration method for the discrete element contact parameters of BFs based on dimensional analysis and a back propagation (BP) neural network. Using particle scaling theory and dimensional analysis methods, the average particle size of the BF was increased to 1 mm, and the main discrete element contact parameters of the five types of BF to be tested were used as input layers. The injection method and sidewall collapse method were used to obtain the angle of repose (AR) as the output layer. Fifty groups were randomly selected using MATLAB for EDEM simulation, and the simulation results were trained using the BP neural network algorithm; an ideal neural network model was obtained, the discrete element parameters of different BFs were predicted, and physical experiments were performed to verify two types of AR and mold hole compression under calibrated parameters. The relative error between the simulated AR obtained through calibration parameters and the physical experimental values is less than 2.3%. Through BF parameter validity verification, the simulated maximum compression displacement and compression ratio after stabilization were 34.81 mm and 0.477, which were close to the actual experimental results of 34.77 mm and 0.461, respectively, verifying the accuracy of the neural network prediction model. The research results provide a reference for the simulation of BF processing operations and the development of related equipment.
Syncing online: A methodological investigation into movement synchrony, proxemics, and self-other blurring in virtual spaces
Authors: Biswas Manisha , Brass Marcel
Published: October 2024

A growing body of literature has found that synchronising movements with a group subsequently increases self-other blurring and social closeness with synchronised partners. However, movement synchrony has not been studied in online settings. Our study has a primarily methodological focus to investigate whether synchronous movement leads to changes in self-other blurring and proxemics in an online, desktop-mediated environment. We conducted two experiments to manipulate synchrony with a group of virtual agents and investigate its impact on self-other blurring and comfort distance judgments. In Experiment 1, we compared synchronous movement to a no-movement condition; in Experiment 2, we introduced an unpredictable movement condition. In both experiments, we found that our manipulation of synchronous movement between participants and a virtual group of agents led to an increase in explicit self-other blurring compared to the no and unpredictable movement conditions; however, we did not find reliable effects on comfort distance judgments.
Cross-border supply chain coordination of low-carbon agricultural products under the risk of supply uncertainty
Authors: Liu Zheng , Huang Na , Hu Bin , Sun Wenzhuo , Shi Lihua , Zhao Yuanjun , Han Chunjia
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how cross-border e-commerce enterprises can promote the sustainable development of the supply chain by optimizing the risk of supply disruption and product quality control mechanism of the cross-border supply chain of low-carbon agricultural products in the face of the problem of uneven quality and inventory shortage that prevails in the supply chain of low-carbon agricultural products under the framework of low-carbon economy. Methods: A two-level supply chain model consisting of a risk-averse cross-border e-commerce enterprise and two risk-neutral overseas suppliers is constructed to compare the optimal strategies and their coordination effects under the centralized and decentralized decision-making modes, and to deeply analyze the supply chain’s operation mechanism. Further, the quality cost factor is introduced and an option contract model is designed to quantitatively analyze the impact of different decision-making scenarios and parameter changes on the overall supply chain performance. The results of the study show that under the coordination of option contract, the profit of cross-border e-commerce companies tends to decrease as the risk of supply disruption increases, while the profit of suppliers rises accordingly. Meanwhile, improving the quality of agricultural products can significantly improve the overall profitability of the supply chain. The cost-sharing mechanism is positively related to the profit of cross-border e-commerce companies, but negatively affects the profit of suppliers. In addition, the adjustment of the option price is directly associated with the increase of the specific supplier’s profit and the decrease of the cross-border e-commerce enterprise’s profit. Conclusion: By constructing and analyzing the option contract model considering the risk of supply disruption, this study effectively reveals the key influencing factors and their interactions in the cross-border supply chain of low-carbon agricultural products, and provides cross-border e-commerce enterprises with specific strategies to achieve coordination of the supply chain contract, improve product quality, and mitigate the risk of supply disruption, and then promote the sustainable development of the supply chain of low-carbon agricultural products.
Effectiveness of accelerated diagnostic protocols for reducing emergency department length of stay in patients presenting with chest pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hill Jesse , Essel Nana Owusu M. , Yang Esther H. , Dennett Liz , Rowe Brian H.
Published: October 2024

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of accelerated diagnostic protocols (ADPs) and high-sensitivity troponin assays (hsTn) for the assessment of chest pain in emergency departments (EDs). This study aimed to quantitatively summarize the operational and clinical outcomes of ADPs implemented for patients with suspected cardiac chest pain. To be considered eligible for inclusion, studies must have implemented some form of ADP within the ED for evaluating adult (age ≥18 years) patients presenting with chest pain using Tn assays. The primary outcome was ED length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients admitted and the proportion with 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Thirty-seven articles involving 404,566 patients met the inclusion criteria, including five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 32 observational studies. A significant reduction in total ED LOS was reported in 22 observational studies and four RCTs. Emergency departments with longer baseline ED LOS showed significantly larger reductions in LOS after ADP implementation. This observed association persisted after adjusting for both the change in serial Tn measurement interval and transition from conventional Tn assay to an hsTn assay (β = -0.26; 95% CI, -0.43 to -0.10). Three studies reported an increase in the proportion of patients admitted after introducing an ADP, one of which was significant while 15 studies reported a significant decrease in admission proportion. There was moderate heterogeneity among the 13 studies that reported MACE proportions, with a non-significant pooled risk ratio of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86−1.04). Implementation of ADPs for chest pain presentations decreases ED LOS, most noticeably within sites with a high baseline LOS; this decreased LOS is seen even in the absence of any change in troponin assay type. The decrease in LOS occurred alongside reductions in hospital admissions, while not increasing MACE. The observed benefits translated across multiple countries and health regions.
Opportunities and challenges in utilizing community assets to extend chronic care management in podoconiosis endemic areas: Evidence from Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Engdawork Kibur , Davey Gail , Tadele Getnet , Nahar Papreen , Zaman Shahaduz
Published: October 2024

Community-based chronic care intervention is important in the control and prevention of lifelong conditions such as podoconiosis and similar ‘intensive disease management’ neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Despite a call for such interventions, few efforts have been made to identify opportunities and challenges related to their implementation. Employing a qualitative approach, this study explored the possibility of engaging community actors, physical places and networks to promote chronic care management in rural Ethiopia. We gathered data from affected individuals, community members, local leaders, health professionals and community health workers between April and May 2022. The study revealed that affected individuals, family members, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and health professionals have the potential to extend chronic care management in rural areas. Houses, churches, schools, and healthcare facilities are suitable venues at which to perform interventions. Strong community solidarity and political will are vital to chronic care interventions, while lack of understanding about chronic conditions, financial constraints, and limited resources at healthcare facilities could pose challenges. Using community assets has great promise for expanding chronic care management with minimal costs and efforts in under resourced areas. Achieving this will require a successful plan to coordinate the collaboration among the agents and settings.
Environmental associations of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the causative agent of ophidiomycosis in snakes
Authors: Friedeman Nicholas , Carter Evin , Kingsbury Bruce A. , Ravesi Michael J. , Josimovich Jillian M. , Matthews Monica , Jordan Mark A.
Published: October 2024

Emerging pathogenic fungi have become a topic of conservation concern due to declines observed in several host taxa. One emerging fungal pathogen, Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, is well documented as the causative agent of ophidiomycosis, otherwise known as snake fungal disease (SFD). O. ophidiicola has been found to cause disease in a variety of snake species across the United States, including the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), a federally threatened rattlesnake species. Most work to date has involved detecting O. ophidiicola for diagnosis of infection through direct sampling of snakes, and attempts to detect O. ophidiicola in the abiotic environment to better understand its distribution, seasonality, and habitat associations are lacking. We collected topsoil and groundwater samples from four macrohabitat types across multiple seasons in northern Michigan at a site where Ophidiomyces infection has been confirmed in eastern massasauga. Using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay developed for O. ophidiicola, we detected Ophidiomyces DNA in topsoil but observed minimal to no detection in groundwater samples. Detection frequency did not differ between habitats, but samples grouped seasonally showed higher detection during mid-summer. We found no relationships of detection with hypothesized environmental correlates such as soil pH, temperature, or moisture content. Furthermore, the distribution of Ophidiomyces positive samples across the site was not linked to estimated space use of massasaugas. Our data suggests that season has some effect on the presence of Ophidiomyces. Differences in presence between habitats may exist but are likely more dependent on the time of sampling and currently uninvestigated soil or biotic parameters. These findings build on our understanding of Ophidiomyces ecology and epidemiology to help inform where and when snakes may be exposed to the fungus in the environment.
Arabic consonant length perception depends on the relative speech rate of the distal context
Authors: Heffner Christopher C. , Al-Thowaini Buthainah M. , Rytting C. Anton
Published: October 2024

Listeners adapt to the speech rate of talkers. Many studies of speech rate adaptation have focused on the influence of rate information on the perception of word segmentation or segmental perception in English. The effects of immediately adjacent (i.e., proximal) information are generally strong on the perception of both segments and segmentation, but the effects of rate information temporally remote from (i.e., distal to) ambiguous speech signals are less clear, especially for segments. The present study examines the influence of distal rate adaptation on the perception of geminate consonants in Arabic that straddle a morpheme boundary (i.e., heteromorphemic geminates). Participants heard sentences that at one point were ambiguous to the presence of the Arabic definite clitical, which, under certain circumstances, can be realized as gemination of the subsequent word-initial consonant. The sentences were either recorded with or without the clitic and with three possible distal speech rates in the context of the clitic. They transcribed the sentences and reported what they heard, and those transcriptions were analyzed for the contribution of the original recording and the distal speech rate on the perception ofal. It was found that the perception of geminates in Arabic is rate dependent. This extends the knowledge of the effects of distal rate cues to Arabic, showing that Arabic geminate consonants are perceived relative to the rate of the distal context.
The influence of kindness on academics’ identity, well-being and stress
Authors: Hosoda K. Kanoho , Estrada Mica
Published: October 2024

The well-being of people working and studying in higher education, including students, staff, and faculty, is a topic of increasing concern. The lack of well-being may be attributed to the current academic context, which does not consistently provide cues that affirm social inclusion to all members of the academic population. This study examines the role of kindness (defined as actions that affirm dignity and social inclusion) in promoting identification with community and well-being in higher education utilizing a cross-sectional study of 182 diverse members of higher education. To assess the extent that kindness relates to the acquisition of institutional identity, well-being, and stress, we developed and validated two novel psychometric rating scales for kindness: Kindness Received (α = 0.927, ώ = .921) and Kindness Given (α = .859, ώ = .860). Initial analysis showed that receiving kindness was significantly associated with increased well-being, reduced stress, and improved institutional identity. Giving kindness was significantly associated with decreased stress reduction and decreased institutional identity. Results from structural equation modeling shows that institutional identity mediates the relationship between receiving kindness and well-being. Qualitative analysis of micronarratives regarding kindness showed that feeling safe and being acknowledged are the most commonly described experiences of kindness, both acts that affirm dignity. The findings from this study suggests that kindness contributes towards improving diverse people’s well-being and increased identification with institutions of higher education. Measurement of kindness provides methods for assessing institutional changes that foster greater positivity and inclusion in higher education settings.
Effects of insulin resistance and β-cell function on diabetic complications in Korean diabetic patients
Authors: Song Do Kyeong , Hong Young Sun , Sung Yeon-Ah , Lee Hyejin
Published: October 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and dysfunctional insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. However, little research has been conducted on the relationship between IR and β-cell function in relation to diabetic complications among Korean diabetic patients. This study aimed to examine the differential associations between IR and β-cell function and various diabetic complications among Korean diabetic patients.

Methods

The analysis employed a common data model (CDM). IR and β-cell function were quantified using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β), respectively. Hazard ratios for diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events were calculated.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 2,034 diabetic patients aged over 20 years who visited EUMC between January 2001 and December 2019. Among diabetic patients in the highest quartile of HOMA-IR, the adjusted hazard ratio for total CVD events was 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–2.57) compared with those in the lowest quartile of HOMA-IR (P = 0.004). In contrast, diabetic patients in the lowest quartile of HOMA-β exhibited an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.91 (95% CI, 1.80–8.49) for diabetic retinopathy compared to those in the highest quartile of HOMA-β (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Insulin resistance and β-cell function exhibited different associations with diabetic complications among Korean diabetic patients. Specifically, lower β-cell function was associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy, whereas higher IR was associated with an increased risk of CVD events. Individuals with pronounced IR should prioritize CVD prevention measures, and those with significant β-cell dysfunction may benefit from early, intensive surveillance for diabetic retinopathy.
Difficult-to-treat psoriatic arthritis. Data from the All-Russian registry of patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Loginova E. Yu. , Korotaeva T. V. , Gubar E. E. , Korsakova Yu. L. , Nasonov E. L.
Published: October 2024

Objective: to characterize patients with difficult-to-treat (D2T) psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to assess risk factors for its development.

Material and methods. The study included 263 PsA patients treated with biologic disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) or targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) and followed up for ≥2 years in the All-Russian Registry of PsA Patients. All patients underwent a standard clinical and laboratory examination, and concomitant diseases were recorded. PsA activity was assessed using DAPSA index and minimal disease activity criteria.

Results and discussion. 152 (57.8%) patients who received 1 bDMARD/tsDMARD for 2 years achieved remission/low disease activity (LDA) according to DAPSA and were categorized as having non-D2T PsA. Other 111 (42.2%) patients switched ≥2 bDMARDs/tsDMARDs within 2 years, 71 (27%) of them achieved remission/LDS, and 40 (15.2%) patients who continued to have high or moderate PsA activity met the D2T criteria. A comparative analysis of 40 patients (20 men and 20 women) with D2T PsA and 152 patients (78 men and 74 women) with PsA who did not fulfil the D2T criteria was performed. It was found that patients with D2T PsA had a significantly longer duration of PsA (p=0.017), more frequent polyarthritis (p=0.014), dactylitis (p=0.004), enthesitis (p=0.001), BSA >10% (p=0.008), onycholysis (p=0.001), HAQ >0.5 (p=0.039), depression (p=0.007) and elevated blood uric acid levels (p=0.023).

Conclusion. In real-life clinical practice, the D2T variant of PsA is reported in 15% of cases. Treatment-resistant PsA patients are characterized by a longer duration of PsA, more widespread severe psoriasis with onycholysis and are more likely to have polyarthritis, dactylitis, enthesitis and functional disorders at the time of bDMARD prescription, as well as concomitant diseases, especially depression and hyperuricaemia.
Brain-computer interfaces based on near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalography registration in post-stroke rehabilitation: a comparative study
Authors: Mokienko O. A. , Lyukmanov R. Kh. , Bobrov P. D. , Isaev M. R. , Ikonnikova E. S. , Cherkasova А. N. , Suponeva N. A. , Piradov M. A.
Published: October 2024

Motor imagery training under the control of a brain-computer interface (BCI) facilitates motor recovery after stroke. The efficacy of BCI based on electroencephalography (EEG-BCI) has been confirmed by several meta-analyses, but a more convenient and noise-resistant method of near-infrared spectroscopy in the BCI circuit (NIRS-BCI) has been practically unexamined; comparisons of the two types of BCI have not been performed.

Objective: to compare the control accuracy and clinical efficacy of NIRS-BCI and EEG-IMC in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Material and methods. The NIRS-BCI group consisted of patients from an uncontrolled study (n=15; 9 men and 6 women; age – 59.0 [49.0; 70.0] years; stroke duration – 7.0 [2.0; 10.0] months; upper limb paresis – 47.0 [35.0; 54.0] points on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for motor function evaluation of the upper limb – FM-UL). The EEG-IMC group was formed from the main group of the randomized controlled trial “iMove” (n=17; 13 men and 4 women; age – 53.0 [49.0; 70.0] years; stroke duration – 10.0 [6.0; 13.0] months; upper limb paresis – 33.0 [12.0; 53.0] points on the FM-UL). Patients participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program supplemented by BCI-guided movement imagery training (average of 9 training sessions).

Results. Median of average BCI control rates achieved by the patients was 46.4 [44.2; 60.4]% in the NIRS group and 40.0 [35.7; 45.1]% in the EEG group (p=0.004). For the NIRS-BCI group, the median of the maximum BCI control accuracy achieved was 66.2 [56.4; 73.7]%, for EEGBCI – 50.6 [43.0; 62.3]% (p=0.006). The proportion of patients who achieved a clinically significant improvement according ARAT and the proportion of patients who achieved a clinically significant improvement according FM-UL were comparable in both groups. The NIRS-BCI group showed greater improvement in motor function compared to the EEG-BCI group according to Action Research Arm Test (ARAT; an increase of 5.0 [4.0; 8.0] points compared to an increase of 1.0 [0.0; 3.0] points; p=0.008), but not according to FM-UL scale (an increase of 5.0 [1.0; 10.0] and 4.0 [2.0; 5.0] points, respectively; p=0.455).

Conclusion. NIRS-BCI has an advantage in control accuracy and ease of use in clinical practice. Achieving higher control accuracy of BCI provides additional opportunities for the use of game feedback scenarios to increase patient motivation.
Humoral serotonin and neuropsychological status of patients with dizziness
Authors: Borodulina I. I. , Karakulova Yu. V.
Published: October 2024

Dizziness is often accompanied by affective disorders such as anxiety and depression, in the occurrence of which the role of the serotonergic system is discussed.

Objective: to investigate the serotonin content in blood serum and neuropsychological status in patients with vestibular and non-vestibular dizziness.

Material and methods. The study included 97 patients. Two observation groups were formed according to the type of dizziness complaints. The first group (n=47) comprised patients with vestibular (systemic) dizziness against a background of peripheral vestibulopathy, the second group (n=35) comprised patients with non-vestibular (non-systemic) dizziness with a diagnosis of probable persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). The control group (n=15) consisted of patients without complaints of dizziness. Neurological and otoneurological status, psychoemotional parameters (level of anxiety and depression) and cognitive functions were analyzed, and the quantitative level of serotonin in blood serum was determined by enzyme immunoassay.

Results. The study revealed a significant decrease in the serum serotonin levels in vestibular and non-vestibular dizziness; a lower serotonin level was found in non-vestibular dizziness (p<0.05). The presence of affective disorders did not correlate with a decrease in serotonin levels in vestibular dizziness against a background of peripheral vestibulopathy. It is assumed that a decrease in serotonin content plays a role in pathogenesis of vestibular dizziness on the background of peripheral part of vestibular system involvement.

Conclusion. We demonstrated possibility of using the level of serotonin in peripheral blood as an objective laboratory marker of vestibular and non-vestibular dizziness in general clinical medical practice.
Efficacy and safety of cladribine tablets in multiple sclerosis in real-world clinical practice
Authors: Peshkin A. N. , Kotov S. V. , Toniya G. T. , Sutormin M. V. , Eltayoury A. F.
Published: October 2024

Cladribine has a well-defined activity against lymphocytes, leading to their selective depletion.

Objective: to determine the efficacy and safety of cladribine in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in real-world clinical practice.

Material and methods. The study involved 82 patients (57 women and 25 men, mean age 36.4±9.3 years) with a disease duration of 2.2±1.5 years. Seven (9%) patients had secondary progressive MS (SPMS), 6 (7%) had rapidly progressive MS (RPMS) and 69 (84%) had highly active MS (HAMS). According to the instructions for use, oral therapy with cladribine was administered in two short courses (up to 10 days per year) to achieve a long-term effect on the immune system. The dose of cladribine was calculated based on the body weight.

Results. The average frequency of exacerbations per year before starting therapy was 1.6, while it decreased to 0.2 during cladribine therapy. An exacerbation was observed in 18 patients (22%) at the end of the first course of cladribine treatment and in one patient (2.6%) after the second treatment course. Thus, the number of exacerbations decreased by 78% after the first year of treatment and by 97.4% after the second year of treatment. The mean EDSS score was 3.2±2.5 points before the start of treatment, 3.6±2.5 points after the first course of treatment and 3.4±2.5 points after the second course (p>0.05). MRI results showed a decrease in disease activity by 83% after the first course of cladribine therapy and by 97.4% after the second course. No serious adverse events occurred in any of the patients.

Conclusion. We demonstrated efficacy and safety of cladribine in real-life clinical practice in MS patients with frequent exacerbations and rapid disability progression (SPMS, RPMS, HAMS).
Prácticas de Crianza y Participación Ciudadana de Adolescentes: Relación mediada por el apoyo parental a la autonomía y las habilidades para la vida
Authors: Aguirre Davila Eduardo , Meza Rodríguez Ana Estrella , Ramírez Cortázar Felipe , Pulido Escobar Paola Andrea , Galindo Ubaque Adrian David , Bustos Abril Jenny Patricia , Sastre Romero Camila Andrea , Méndez Méndez Diana Carolina
Published: October 2024

El artículo aborda la relación entre las prácticas de crianza y la participación ciudadana en adolescentes, mediada por el apoyo a la autonomía y las habilidades para la vida, en familias colombianas. Se planteó un estudio mixto, mediante un el modelamiento de ecuaciones estructurales y entrevistas en profundidad. Participaron 298 padres de familia y sus hijos adolescentes, quienes habitaban en tres municipios del departamento de Cundinamarca. Los resultados muestran que existe una relación significativa entre el fomento de las habilidades para la vida (comunicación asertiva, pensamiento crítico y empatía) y las prácticas de crianza (comunicación), con una mayor participación política de los adolescentes, especialmente en acciones de impacto comunitarias. Lo anterior permite señalar la relevancia de las variables familiares en el estudio de los comportamientos cívicos.
Súil eile – jiný úhel pohledu na svět
Authors: Kollinerová Martina
Published: October 2024

According to Michael Krauss and other authors dealing with the current state of languages, the Irish language is one of the 90% of languages that are most probably going to irretrievably disappear during the next century. In 2009, Irish government has created and published the official Language Revitalisation Plan for the next 20 years. This plan does not precisely follow theoretical models of language revitalisation, such as is the model of Joshua Fishman, which describe the revitalisation process as a process consisting of successive steps, but is ready to apply more language revitalisation tools simultaneously. Field research in the area of Galway and Connemara Gaeltacht (English and Irish-speaking areas) aims to uncover the real state of the Irish language in the area where English and Irish speakers live together and what can be, according to the participants, done to revive the language. Most of them feel quite optimistic about the language, although several revitalisation efforts are criticised. Almost all of the research participants agree on the opinion that to preserve the language, it is absolutely necessary to support the Gaeltacht areas where Irish is spoken on a daily basis. Another form of support should be aimed at Gaelscoils, immersion primary and secondary schools, as well as to Irish language courses in English speaking schools. These courses, however, still seem to be based on obsolete methods, which is most probably the consequence of previous unsuccessful revitalisation efforts. The last part of the article is dedicated to a somewhat neglected method of revitalisation, to verbal art, and to storytelling in particular.
Konference Slezský protestantismus v 16. – 19. století a jeho kulturní dědictví
Authors: Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: October 2024

První březnový den Praha, respektive Fakulta humanitních studií UK hostila mezinárodní konferenci věnovanou silně opomíjenému tématu slezských dějin, konkrétně vývoji tamního luterství, a péči o jeho kulturní dědictví, které charakterizuje i zápis svídnického a javorského evangelického kostela na seznam památek světového dědictví spravovaný UNESCO. Nevýhodou Slezska je, že přestalo existovat jako samostatný státní útvar, rozdělily si je mezi sebe Polsko (původně Německo) a Česká republika, zpřetrhány byly rovněž vazby na Rakousko – a z Varšavy, Prahy, Berlína nebo Vídně je „příliš daleko“ do Vratislavi, neřkuli menších slezských měst. Slezská tematika tak přes svoji bohatost a zajímavost zůstává spíše regionální záležitostí, která nepoutá dostatečnou pozornost. Nejen vzhledem k tématu konference by si ji přitom rozhodně zasloužila: slezská protireformace byla mnohem slabší a kratší, než tomu bylo v jiných částech habsburské monarchie (s výjimkou Uher), což podmínilo i to, že luterství na Těšínsku bylo v 18. – 20. století vůbec nejpočetnější v celé „předlitavské“ části monarchie, a dodnes si slezské evangelictví uchovalo specifické rysy.
Marek Hrubec: Od zneuznání ke spravedlnosti. Kritická teorie globální společnosti a politiky.
Authors: Olšovský Jiří
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Marek Hrubec.
Marta Kolářová (ed.): Revolta stylem. Hudební subkultury mládeže v České republice.
Authors: Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Marta Kolářová.
Neonatal Jaundice: A Study of the Incidence in Children of Rh (D) Negative and 0 Rh (D) Positive Mothers
Authors: Urbanec Josef , Chládková Kateřina , Chvílová Weberová Magdalena , Skálová Sylva , Kremláček Jan
Published: October 2024

Despite advances in neonatal care, neonatal jaundice remains a common problem in maternity wards. The present retrospective epidemiological study collected data on a sample of 710 newborns and compared the incidence of neonatal jaundice in infants born to Rh (D) negative and 0 Rh (D) positive mothers. The primary aim was to determine whether the higher incidence of maternal alloimmunisation in newborns was causally related to a potentially higher incidence of neonatal jaundice in newborns of 0 Rh (D) positive mothers. To the end, we investigated a possible association between the incidence of neonatal jaundice in 0 Rh (D) positive mothers and the neonatal blood group. The incidence of neonatal jaundice was not found to differ between maternal blood groups. We discuss new preventive measures that may reduce the incidence of neonatal jaundice and thereby reduce the length of hospital stay.
VIPoma: An Unusual Cause of Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Suteetorn Sutharin , Kitisin Krit , Wanpiyarat Natcha , Kunjan Supaksorn , Snabboon Thiti
Published: October 2024

Chronic diarrhea is a significant challenge in clinical practice because of its high prevalence and various causes. Comprehensive clinical assessment and stepwise laboratory approach are crucial for an accurate diagnosis. This report presents a case of an adult woman who experienced chronic watery diarrhea, complicated by renal impairment and multiple electrolyte imbalances, including hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and metabolic acidosis. The diagnosis of a vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-secreting tumor (VIPoma) with liver metastases was confirmed by elevated serum levels of a vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and imaging findings of a pancreatic mass with multiple hepatic lesions. Preoperative management, including fluid rehydration, electrolyte correction, and somatostatin analog therapy, significantly improved her clinical symptoms. Subsequent surgical tumor removal and radiofrequency ablation of the hepatic lesions resulted in complete resolution of symptoms and normalized VIP levels. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition of this rare tumor in patients with chronic diarrhea to improve clinical outcomes.
Surveying the Types of Tables in Ancient Greek Texts
Authors: Tolsa Cristian
Published: October 2024

We may take tables for granted. However, due to a variety of factors, tables were a rarity in the history of ancient Greek culture, used only limitedly in very special contexts and generally in a non-systematic way, except in astronomy. In this paper I present the main types of tables that can be found in ancient Greek texts: non-ruled columnar lists (accounts and other types of informal tables), ruled columnar lists (mostly astronomical tables), and symmetric tables (mainly Pythagorean displays of numbers).
The application of social network analysis in applied linguistics research: a systematic review
Authors: Li Citing , Li Zibei , Gao Xuesong (Andy)
Published: October 2024

Social network analysis (SNA) has recently drawn increasing scholarly attention in applied linguistics research in response to the social turn in the field. In this review, we analyze and identify the methodological characteristics and topical concerns of articles addressing SNA in Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) journals. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we identify a total of 60 articles published between 1980 and 2023. Our analysis reveals that a growing body of research is adopting qualitative and mixed methods to examine the relationships between social networks and language learning, teaching and use. These findings confirm that social context constitutes an essential part of the ecosystem intertwined with various cognitive, social, and psychological factors, which have a synergistic impact on language learning and teaching. While these studies show that social networks afford learners with valuable linguistic, emotional, and social resources, they reveal that networks may also exert negative influences in their learning behaviors in some contexts. We conclude the review with recommendations for future research to broaden the scope of investigations and consider exploring how different types of social networks at meso- and macro-levels may influence the learning and teaching of language.