bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-gliadin Antibodies and the Brain in People Without Celiac Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Croall Iain D. , Armitage Paul A. , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Sanders David S. , Hoggard Nigel
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) occur in approximately 10% of the general population, produced as a response to gluten. Autoimmune gluten-related disorders can have detrimental neurological effects if not properly controlled but the relevance of such incidental AGA is not properly established; any harm caused would indicate the gluten-free diet as a means for affected people to protect their brain health. We explored this question by comparing brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, cognitive testing, and other measures between healthy volunteers with and without AGA.

METHODS:

Healthy volunteers aged 50–70 years (without celiac disease, on a gluten-containing diet) underwent blood testing to confirm AGA status. Any AGA+ participants were matched to AGA− controls on age, sex, body mass index, level of education, hypertension diagnosis, and smoking history. These subgroups underwent a cognitive test battery, quality-of-life surveys, and brain MRI scanning. Groups were compared between all outcome measures. Secondary analyses correlated AGA titer with outcomes across the whole cohort.

RESULTS:

Groupwise comparisons of cognitive, quality-of-life, and MRI studies were all negative. Repeating these analyses as correlations with AGA titer across the cohort, a single significant result was found concerning the error rate on the subtle cognitive impairment test, in a direction indicating increased IgG AGA to predict worse performance. This did not survive multiple comparisons correction.

DISCUSSION:

Our analysis is the most comprehensive to date and uses a number of outcome measures known to be sensitive to subtle shifts in neurophysiology and cognition. Incidental AGA does not appear to be associated with any indications of neuropsychological deficit.
Risk of Small Intestine Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Propensity-Matched Study From a Large Multicenter Database in the United States
Authors: Alsakarneh Saqr , Ahmed Mohamed , Azim Samiya , Hashash Jana G. , Farraye Francis A. , Ghoz Hassan
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The risk of small bowel cancer (SBC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unclear. We compared the recent trends of SBC in patients with IBD and stratified them based on disease type.

METHODS:

We used TriNetX database to access the electronic health records for patients with IBD, ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn's disease (CD) from 2005 to 2024. We used propensity score matching to compare the rate of SBC in patients with IBD, UC, and CD compared with the general population. We adjusted for all known confounders.

RESULTS:

From 2010 to 2024, there was an increasing trend of diagnosed SBC in patients with IBD, with an average annual percentage change of 3.2% (P < 0.001). Patients with CD (adjusted hazard ratio = 4.83; 95% confidence interval: 3.58–6.53; P < 0.0001) had an increased risk of SBC compared with the general population without IBD, as well as patients with UC (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.65–3.14; P < 0.0001). The ileum was the most common location across all subgroups.

DISCUSSION:

Both patients with CD and, interestingly, UC had an elevated risk of developing SBC compared with the general population.
Geologic Map of the Indiana Portions of the 30- by 60-minute Jasper and Tell City Quadrangles
Authors: Tripp Don , Beckham-Feller Valerie , Antinao José Luis , Loope Henry , Rupp Robin , Driscoll Kilauren
Published: July 2024

The Geologic Map of the Indiana Portions of the 30- x 60-minute Jasper and Tell City Quadrangles displays the Mississippian and Pennsylvanian bedrock and the overlying Quaternary units distributed over five physiographic provinces and eight counties within south-central Indiana. Bedrock units and unconsolidated deposits were characterized by outcrop field observations and new and archived borehole data. Bedrock data was consolidated into a single mapping database, which was then processed using gridding and contouring tools in ArcGIS Pro, resulting in rock formation contact lines, mappable at 1:100,000 scale. Additional information used to delineate contacts for unconsolidated deposits was based on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources water well database and soils data from the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) digital elevation models were also used to identify landforms and refine contacts between surficial units. The mapped bedrock units, from east to west, range in age from the Borden Group (lower Mississippian) to the Raccoon Creek Group (Lower Pennsylvanian) with the strike oriented generally from northwest to southeast. Quaternary sediments were mostly deposited during the last two major advances of the Laurentide Ice Sheet into south-central Indiana and are mostly found along valleys in major rivers and streams.  
Summary descriptions of mapped units are listed on the map sheet with more detailed descriptions in an accompanying pamphlet. Survey drill hole data points are also displayed on the map with corresponding links to expanded information for each of the drill holes listed in the pamphlet.  
In addition to the map and pamphlet, a composite spatial data set that conforms to the standardized database schema known as GeMS (Geologic Map Schema) is also available for download. Both ESRI-licensed geodatabase and open shapefile versions of the spatial data set are available. Metadata records associated with each element within the spatial data set contain detailed descriptions of their purpose, constituent entities, and attributes.  
This geologic map was funded in part through the STATEMAP program supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under Cooperative Agreement No. G22AC00424-00.
Unraveling the advantages of site-specific nutrient management in maize (Zea mays L.) for enhancing the growth and productivity under varied plant populations in the hot and moist sub-humid region of Odisha
Authors: Tadiboina Gopala Krishna , Masina Sairam , Chabolu Venkata Raghava , Sagar Maitra
Published: July 2024

In developing countries like India, a cereal-based cropping system is one of the important practices, having a significant role in food security and the country’s economy. Among the cereal crops cultivated in India, maize is one among them having a huge market demand, and yield potential and can perform under various agroclimatic conditions. In the cultivation of cereal crops like maize, input optimization and intensification of farming by altering plant population are highly essential for agricultural sustainability as well as crop productivity. Nutrients can be efficiently applied through site site-specific approach by using a decision support system, namely, Nutrient Expert (NE) rather application of a recommended dose for an agroclimatic region. Considering the above fact, the research was carried out in the rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Post Graduate Research Farm ofCenturion University of Technology and Management (23?38' N latitude and 87?42' E longitude) in Odisha. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with different spacings and NE-based nutrient recommendations. The main factor consisted of 3 different spacings and 4 different nutrient recommendations were considered in sub-plots. The recommended dose of fertilizer for maize was 120-60-60 kg ha-1 of N: P2O5:K2O respectively. The results of the experiment revealed that the highest plant height (249 cm), dry matter accumulation (1556 g m-2), leaf area (5674 cm2 plant-1), grain yield (6362 kg ha-1), and stover yield (9334 kg ha-1) were obtained in 60 cm × 15 cm spacing. The NE-based nutrient management for a target yield for 10 t ha-1 recorded the highest values in terms of growth attributes, yield attributes, and yield of maize. The experiment concluded that providing fertilizers through NE-based nutrient recommendation for a target yield of 10 t ha-1 with a spacing of 60 cm × 15cm can be considered for obtaining better growth, yield attributes, and yield of maize.
Innovation via a Thin LMS: A middleware alternative to the traditional learning management system.
Authors: Wells Marc , Lefevre David , Begklis Fotis
Published: July 2024

This case study describes how a middleware software solution, originally developed to enable course materials to be delivered to tablet devices, eventually replaced an incumbent 'monolithic' LMS at a Business School in the UK. This middleware solution is termed a 'Thin LMS' and consists primarily of software that integrates data and materials from other information systems hosted by the institution. The advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed and it is proposed that the Thin LMS approach offers a viable alternative to the monolithic LMS in certain institutional contexts.
OpenTab
Authors: Riddle Matthew , Jelley Ruth , Saeed Nauman
Published: July 2024

The OpenTab project investigated an open educational (OE) approach to developing course materials using tablet devices (iPads) to access Open Educational Resources (OERs). It explored the implications of applying an open approach to the development of materials for use in the faculty's new common first year core (CFYC) subjects. Conducted in parallel with a trial roll out of tablet devices in a core subject in the School of Business, the project revealed a range of issues that the project team intends to address as it continues to develop a model workflow for other subjects in the university.
nDiVE
Authors: Reiners Torsten , Wood Lincoln C. , Gregory Sue , Petter Natasha , Teras Hanna , Chang Vanessa , Giitl Christian , Herrington Jan
Published: July 2024

One major element of supply chain management education is helping learners to grasp the complexity, the challenges, and the efficient management of the multiple dimensions in supply chains. Each decision made can 'ripple' through supply chains and have serious repercussions that may include causing millions of dollars in damage or triggering a chain of events that degrade the quality of life for people, society, or the environment. We can teach relevant theory and train learners for some situations that do not require immediate responses. However, we remain disadvantaged by the constraints of time and space; observation of a real supply chain is often unpractical, and lengthy times for transports exceeding any class duration. In this paper, we present the nDiVE project which creates a supply chain story to immerse learners, provide an authentic experience in a realistic environment, and apply traditional and advanced gamification mechanisms to engage and motivate learners.
The Reading Game
Authors: Parker Robert , Maurizio Manuguerra Maurizio , Schaefer Bruce
Published: July 2024

The Reading Game is a question and answer game designed to engage learners in the content of their coursework. The class of student participants creates a collective learning space where every action serves to introduce, build, or clarify concepts from the curriculum. The quality of the multiple-choice questions and the contents of the quizzes are determined by the participants who receive points for their efforts in both asking and answering questions. Participants can comment on and rate questions deemed outstanding by their peers, which directly impacts the contents of review quizzes. Participants progress to the next level of the game using their accumulated points onto asking open questions to the teachers and their cohort. Writing good questions is the winning strategy of the game. The key claim in the Reading Game is that creating questions is one of the fundamental cognitive elements that guide our conscious reasoning.
Technology as a creative partner
Authors: Narayan Vickel
Published: July 2024

The value of technology in education is still discounted by many academics. In many instances where technology is considered for learning and teaching, it is done without any pedagogical reasoning or within traditional practices. This limits the role that technology could play in enhancing the learning experience and learning. While the intangible aspect of technology such as communication, collaboration, co-creation and sharing have the potential to significantly impact on student learning, the tangible affordances of technology made possible by 3D printers or Arduino cards can also play a critical role in student cognitive and creative development. Using Pedagogy 2.0 as a framework for the redesign of a first year computing course, this paper discusses the findings of how embedded use of mobile social media, Arduino and emerging 3D technologies, impacted on student and student learning within the proposed participatory design-based research (PDBR) approach. The paper reports on the implementation and findings from the first iteration of a two-iteration PDBR cycle.
The current use of ICT by novice female teachers in Saudi primary schools and their perceived training needs
Authors: Al Mulhim Ensaf
Published: July 2024

The overall focus of this study is ICT in primary schools in Saudi Arabia, in particular the use made of ICT by novice female primary school teachers. This represents the first phase of a study that aims to discover whether a tailored training program might help teachers to widen and improve their use of ICT, and thus to improve their students' results. A questionnaire and semi- structured interviews were used in this phase to collect data. The findings revealed that the participants do suffer from a great gap in their knowledge and in even the basic technical and pedagogical skills of using technology in teaching. It was also found that their current use of technology is very low. The reasons behind this could include lack of access to technology, lack of training, and lack of time. The paper also presents some features of the participants' desired training program.
Reviewing the past to imagine the future of elearning
Authors: Gunn Cathy
Published: July 2024

The conference theme 'learning from the past' invites reflection on educational technology research and development in 30 years since Ascilite began; a period of rapid technology adoption and educational change. Common tools have morphed from static, costly devices requiring qualified programmers to low cost mobile ones that virtually every student in the western world uses daily. The social media 'revolution' is democratizing knowledge creation and sharing. People connect for education, professional and social reasons in ways that were inconceivable in the 1980s. This paper summarizes milestones, and asks how well universities use past experience to understand the present and plan for the future. The wisdom of hindsight is unquestionable, while capacity to predict the future is less certain. Some game changing technologies have come out of left field to knock expectations off the radar. The paper concludes by asking if past experience can really help us prepare for a largely unpredictable future.
Five stages of online course design
Authors: Barac Karin , Davies Lynda , Duffy Sean , Aitkin Neal , Lodge Jason
Published: July 2024

The burgeoning online delivery of higher education requires support and resourcing to be successfully implemented. In this paper, we report on the initial design and development of a professional learning module intended to guide academics when building quality online courses through a five-stage framework. The framework and resulting training module were developed in response to the growing demand on academics to convert their face-to-face courses to online offerings. This accelerating trend to move online often exceeds the capacity of allocated university course development resources (based locally or centrally as development units or specialised roles). It is for this reason a streamlined approach is needed to provide alternative support to academics that alleviates the pressure on these specialised support roles. The module developed also provides an example of how professional learning can be tailored to meet strategic university policies while delivering on quality products that align with everyday academic processes.
Prawo ucznia do bycia wysłuchanym w sytuacji konfliktu. Wybrane aspekty i ujęcia
Authors: Janeczko-Janicka Marta
Published: July 2024

Children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them, with due weight being given to the child’s views in accordance with the child’s age and maturity. Studies show that these rights are not always respected in schools and that violations often occur at the stage of drafting internal rules – statutes. At school, pupils are inevitably confronted with difficult situations, such as conflicts with peers or teachers. These situations can have a negative impact on individual and social functioning. Research shows that the rate of peer violence in Poland remains high and that children experience it most frequently in the school environment. At school, children’s rights are also violated by teachers (psychological and physical violence, white-gloved violence). This article is an attempt to capture the “voice of the pupil” in a conflict situation at school and to answer the question of how this voice (dis)resonates depending on the degree of rights violation, the dominant model of educational relations at school, the implemented ways and methods of resolving difficult and conflict situations.
Spontaneous vascular dysfunction in Dahl salt‐sensitive male rats raised without a high‐salt diet
Authors: Grano de Oro Arturo , Kumariya Sanjana , Mell Blair , Zubcevic Jasenka , Joe Bina , Osman Islam
Published: July 2024

Dahl salt‐sensitive (SS) rats fed a high‐salt diet, but not low‐salt, exhibit vascular dysfunction. Several substrains of SS rats exist that differ in their blood pressure phenotypes and salt sensitivity. The goal of this study was to investigate whether the John‐Rapp‐derived SS rat (SS/Jr), which exhibits spontaneous hypertension on a low‐salt diet, presents with hallmarks of vascular dysfunction observed in another experimental model of hypertension independent of dietary salt, the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Endothelium‐intact aortic rings and mesenteric resistance arteries were isolated from low‐salt fed adult male SS/Jr rats and SHRs, or their respective controls, for isometric wire myography. Vessels were challenged with cumulative concentrations of various vasoactive substances, in the absence or presence of nitric oxide synthase or cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Despite showing some differences in their responses to various vasoactive substances, both SS/Jr rats and SHRs exhibited key features of vascular dysfunction, including endothelial dysfunction and hyperresponsiveness to vasocontractile agonists. In conclusion, this study provides evidence to support the utility of the SS/Jr rat strain maintained on a low‐salt diet as a valid experimental model for vascular dysfunction, a key feature of human hypertension.
Thyroid abscess associated with transient hyperthyroidism in an adolescent girl: a rare case report and review of the literature
Authors: Gaur Bablu K. , Jain Shreyashi , Tandon Aishna , Jain Navya
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To report an unusual case of thyroid abscess associated with thyroid dysfunction in an adolescent girl who has a normal anatomic structure of the thyroid gland.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old adolescent girl presented with a history of fever, sore throat, and neck swelling for 10 days duration. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography neck showed findings suggestive of an abscess involving the left lobe of the thyroid gland. She had low TSH and elevated T3 and T4 levels. Here, we report a case of thyroid abscess associated with transient hyperthyroidism in an immunocompetent girl who was successfully managed with parental antibiotics without incision and drainage.

Conclusions

Thyroid abscess can present with hyperthyroidism in children. So it is important to monitor all children who have thyroid abscesses for the development of permanent hypothyroidism later on. It’s important to diagnose this condition as soon as possible and begin antibiotic therapy appropriately.
Metal nanoparticles loaded polyurethane nano-composites and their catalytic/antimicrobial applications: a critical review
Authors: Naseem Khalida , Qayyum Amina , Khalid Awais , Wizrah Maha S.I , Khan Madiha , Aziz Asad , Aldhafeeri Zaid M.
Published: July 2024

Polyurethane (PU) belongs to a unique class of polymers. Different properties of PU such as mechanical strength and biocompatibility can be enhanced by co-polymerizing it with different bio and synthetic polymers. It finds huge applications as micro-reactors for the fabrication of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) owing to the synergistic properties of both polyurethane and fabricated metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles fabricated polyurethane have gained much attention in the last few years. These types of nanocomposites hyphenate the mechanical properties of polyurethane with the high surface-to-volume ratio of metal nanoparticles. Here, this review article briefly evaluates different methods of synthesis of polyurethane-based metal nanocomposites and their characterization via different techniques to evaluate their properties. Applications of these polyurethane based nanocomposite materials have also been described critically in different fields depending upon their catalytic, antimicrobial and antifungal potential. Future directions of these nanocomposite materials have also been described in the field of designing of nano-filters and nano-devices in order to attain environmental remediation and sustainability.
Aligning education with labour market needs: Identifying key competencies for graduates from economic fields
Authors: Filipek Kamil ,   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej, Grzesiuk Kalina , Jakubiak Monika , Kędra Arleta , Mącik Radosław , Smalej-Kołodziej Olga , Sobotka Bartosz , Tatarczak Anna , Twarowski Bartłomiej ,   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej,   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej,   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej,   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej,   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej,   Syntea SA,   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej,   Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej
Published: July 2024

The presented article aims to identify the degree of adaptation of the competencies of graduates of economic studies to the requirements and realities of the modern labour market, and is divided into three research areas. The first area includes an analysis of job advertisements for the Lublin Voivodeship, leading to the identification of demand for positions in specific industries. The second area focuses on researching employers from the Lublin Voivodeship in order to identify the demand for competencies of job candidates. The third one concerns the competencies of graduates of the Faculty of Economics of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (abbreviated: FoE MCSU) and an analysis of their professional development following graduation. The study of the research showed the existence of competency gaps, mainly in terms of basic professional knowledge regarding the work performed, and professional experience, which can affect the competitiveness of graduates in the labour market. The competencies desired by employers were also identified, including basic professional knowledge related to the work performed, and skills related to decision making and problem solving. The research findings may contribute to improving educational programmes in economics.
Cortical Tagged Synaptic Long-Term Depression in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Adult Mice
Authors: Liu Weiqi , Chen Qi-Yu , Li Xu-Hui , Zhou Zhaoxiang , Zhuo Min
Published: July 2024

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a key cortical region for pain perception and emotion. Different forms of synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), have been reported in the ACC. Synaptic tagging of LTP plays an important role in hippocampus-related associative memory. In this study, we demonstrate that synaptic tagging of LTD is detected in the ACC of adult male and female mice. This form of tagged LTD requires the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 (mGluR1). The induction of tagged LTD is time-related with the strongest tagged LTD appearing when the interval between two independent stimuli is 30 min. Inhibitors of mGluR1 blocked the induction of tagged LTD; however, blocking N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors did not affect the induction of tagged LTD. Nimodipine, an inhibitor of L-type voltage–gated calcium channels, also blocked tagged LTD. In an animal model of amputation, we found that tagged LTD was either reduced or completely blocked. Together with our previous report of tagged LTP in the ACC, this study strongly suggests that excitatory synapses in the adult ACC are highly plastic. The biphasic tagging of synaptic transmission provides a new form of heterosynaptic plasticity in the ACC which has functional and pathophysiological significance in phantom pain.
Socioeconomic and Political Causes of Youth Radicalization during the January 2022 Events in Kazakhstan
Authors: Sheryazdanova Gulmira , Nurtazina Roza , Byulegenova Bibigul , Serikzhanova Aigerim , Dzhunusova Arai
Published: July 2024

The transition of power in many countries undergoing the shift from totalitarianism to democracy often goes through authoritarianism. In this regard, the political processes in the post-Soviet societies of Central Asia are experiencing similar trends, manifested in political radicalization in the context of a crisis of political participation. The relevance of the study is conditioned by the need to analyze the political radicalization of young people due to the economic downturn, unemployment, and lack of channels of political interaction in Kazakhstan. The purpose of the paper is to identify the economic, political, and institutional causes of youth radicalization in Kazakhstan. To achieve this goal, theoretical and empirical research methods were used. Theoretical methods consist in analyzing the institutional causes of the crisis of political participation, and the decline in the socio-economic situation in the country. The empirical method of research consists in the use of expert survey data and numerous statistical data. The study found that the younger generation of Kazakhs is susceptible to radicalization due to economic reasons, including neocolonial economic policy, a decline in gross domestic product growth, rising inflation, and increased youth unemployment. And political reasons include the blocking of channels of interaction between society and the authorities, the underdevelopment of the electoral system and multiparty systems, and a crisis of political participation in general. The conclusion of this study is the statement that without cardinal economic reforms in the field of de-oligopolization and de-oligarchization of the economy and effective political reforms aimed at the development of the electoral system, civil society, and multiparty system, the trend toward the growth of radical political sentiments in Kazakhstan will continue.
Czy za pieniądze można kupić szczęście? – Konsumpcjonizm jako przyczyna kryzysów
Authors: Pangsy-Kania Sylwia ,   Uniwersytet Gdański
Published: July 2024

Purpose – The paper covers the subject of excess consumption. Referring to the role and effects of consumerism on the functioning of modern economies, societies, and in the life of every person/consumer. The considerations aim to answer the question: can money buy happiness? Research method – The method used in this study is analysis using secondary sources. Due to the research topic, the work is descriptive in nature and consists of an overview of theoretical aspects regarding happiness, values, consumerism, and the relationship between economic growth and happiness. Results – The results of the analysis indicate that consumerism, i.e. excess uncontrollable consumption, which is a manifestation of hedonism, leads to a crisis of personal values and economic crises. The problem of consumerism is one of the key problems of the modern world in many aspects and, through the degradation of the value system, it poses a huge threat to the future of mankind. Originality / value / implications / recommendations – Considerations of consumerism are of a philosophical and social nature with elements of economics. This approach to the topic is an added value in terms of economics. The study points to new directions of potentially interesting research. In the aspect of personal values, economic crises may lead to a re-evaluation of priorities and a new hierarchy of values that guide us in life. In search of the implications of crises for personal values, the article draws attention to the importance of economic crises.
Progresywność podatku od dochodów osobistych w europejskich państwach postkomunistycznych na tle państw OECD
Authors: Wiśniewska-Kuźma Magda ,   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku
Published: July 2024

Purpose – The aim of the article is to assess progressive personal income taxes in the context of implementation of the fiscal function of taxes in European post-communist countries compared to other OECD countries. Research method – Descriptive and comparative analysis, as well as the data agglomeration within hierarchical clustering analysis. Results – In most of the examined countries, there is regressive progression in personal income tax. Six clusters were distinguished through clustering OECD countries based on variables describing tax progressivity and the scope of the taxes’ fiscal function. European post-communist countries, along with Turkey, formed a cluster characterized by the strongest regressive progression, low average PIT rates, and low fiscal importance of PIT. Originality/value/implications/recommendations – A proprietary indicator was developed to measure progression in personal income tax, based on both the degree of progression (the ratio of average PIT rates for income at 67% and 167% of the average wage in the economy) and the steepness of progression, expressed by the ratio of PIT rate increases in both income groups: 67% and 167% of the average wage in the economy.
Advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma uncovered by persistently elevated procalcitonin in a patient with COVID-19
Authors: Bucci Ines , Di Dalmazi Giulia , Giuliani Cesidio , Russo Paola , Ciappini Beatrice , Amatetti Cristina , Guarino Pierre , Napolitano Giorgio
Published: July 2024

We report the case of an 88-year-old man hospitalized for COVID-19 with persistently very high procalcitonin (proCt) levels despite infection resolution. Since proCt is an adjunct tumor marker in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), serum calcitonin (Ct) was also measured showing very high levels. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed the presence of a thyroid mass and neck ultrasound revealed a solid isoechoic, inhomogeneous, 50 mm nodule in the right thyroid lobe, extended into the mediastinum. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid nodule confirmed the diagnosis of MTC. An 18F-fluorodopa positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan revealed the presence of distant metastases in ribs, vertebrae, in the right iliac wing and the liver. Since surgery was not feasible, the patient was started on cabozantinib 40 mg/dL. After 16 months the patient is still on cabozantinib at the same dose, he reports complete autonomy in daily life activities, and serum Ct is still elevated; however, the imaging evaluation does not show signs of disease progression.

Learning points

High procalcitonin serum values despite the absence of infection are suggestive of MTC.

Advanced MTC with multiple metastases can have an indolent course and can go unrecognized for years.

Cabozantinib is a valuable option for the treatment of advanced MTC.
GRK2 is critical for the cleavage of the porcine embryo by regulating HSP90 and the AKT pathway
Authors: Zhou Dongjie , Li Xiao-Han , Lee Song-Hee , Kim Ji-Dam , Lee Gyu-Hyun , Sim Jae-Min , Cui Xiang-Shun
Published: July 2024

In brief

GRK2 deficiency disrupts the early embryonic development in pigs. The regulation of GRK2 on HSP90 and AKT may also play an important role during embryo development and tumor formation.

Among the family of GPCR kinases (GRKs) that regulate receptor phosphorylation and signaling termination, G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) binds to HSP90 in response to hypoxia or other stresses. In this study, we investigated the effects of GRK2 knockdown and inhibition on porcine embryonic development from the zygote stage. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to determine the localization and expression, respectively, of GRK2 and related proteins. First, GRK2 and p-GRK2 were expressed in both the cytoplasm and membrane and co-localized with HSP90 on the membrane. The mRNA level of GRK2 increased until the 8C-morula stage, suggesting that GRK2 may play an essential role during the early development of the porcine embryos. GRK2 knockdown reduced porcine embryo development capacity and led to significantly decreased blastocyst quality. In addition, inhibition of GRK2 also induced poor ability of embryo development at an early stage, indicating that GRK2 is critical for embryonic cleavage in pigs. Knockdown and inhibition of GRK2 reduced HSP90 expression, AKT activation, and cAMP levels. Additionally, GRK2 deficiency increased LC3 expression, suggesting enhanced autophagy during embryo development. In summary, we showed that GRK2 binds to HSP90 on the membrane to regulate embryonic cleavage and AKT activation during embryonic development in pigs.
Characteristic of species Morus alba L. and Morus nigra L. by some basic vegetative traits
Authors: Guncheva R.
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Establishing the leaf productivity of the species Morus alba L. and Morus nigra L. and the influence of the mulberry species on some basic vegetative traits was the aim of this paper. The study was conducted during 2018-2020 at the Training Experimental Station of the Sericulture section of the Faculty of Agriculture at Trakia University – Stara Zagora. Object of the study were representatives of the genus Morus – M. alba L. (variety "Vratsa 1") and M. nigra L. The studied mulberry trees were from a low-stemmed plantation of an intensive type. The analysis of variances shows that the type of mulberry has a highly significant influence (p>0.001) in all analyzed cases characterizing leaf productivity. The established differences between the species in terms of the studied vegetative traits are in favor of M. alba. However, for M. nigra the average values of some morphological indicators are within the limits of those generally established in practice. This gives reason to consider that the data obtained in the present study are a useful addition to the general characterization of the species and are relevant for the purposes of selection and production of mulberry cultivars and hybrids.
Hadith Prohibiting Binge Eating Disorder in Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Perspective
Authors: Hartati Hartati , Anam Khoirul , Malik Ahmed Abdul , Dwi Yanti Nurul Azizah
Published: July 2024

This article discusses about the importance of the investigation of overeating topic to be examined, since it has caused a lot of victims. The main causes to it are obesity, cardiovascular, and bad diet. The prophet salallahu ‘alaihi wassalam (d.11 H) had given hadith about the correct and appropriate way on eating and drinking. This problem has become the question as well as the purpose of this hadith. This article hinges on the quality and the quantity of the hadith prohibiting Binge Eating Disorder in Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Perspective. The method of data collection in this study is library research which involves the review of primary book and its syarah. The supported resources are derived from journal article, book, and relevant literature. Data was analysed by using Psychoanalytic perspective of Sigmund Freud. The result shows that this hadith can be classified as marfu` qauli with the narration of Bil Ma’na. Ibnu Mājah’s narration is Mubham, which means there is no irregularities in this type of sanad, hence: this hadith is not fulfilling the ṣaḥīḥ criteria, or this hadith can be grouped as ḍa`īf. However, according to imam Tirmiżi and imam Aḥmad bin Hanbal, the two sanad are considered as having no irregularities, so that this hadith can then be claimed as ḥasan li ghairihi. The quantity of this hadith is Ahad with absolute gharib category due to its single narration of its beginning of the sanad (the companion Miqdam bin Ma’di Karib). The matan of hadith narrated by Miqdam bin Ma’di Karib consists of advice and recommendation for human to be able to manage uncontrollable willing (Id). The strong willing is controlled by ego, and it is supposed to be submitted to the commands of the superego/moral. All of the three are parts of the conscious mind and the unconscious mind of Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic. In addition, Binge Eating Disorder (BED) can be derived from emotional eating, mindless eating, and kuchisabishi.
Musafahah Method Transformation on Learning Qiraat Sab'ah in PPTQ Al-Hasan Ponorogo
Authors: Yahuda Robbin Dayyan , Susanto Roni , Widodo Wahyu , Kolis Nur , Abdillah Bagas
Published: July 2024

This study discusses the musafahah method transformation in learning qiraat sab’ah at PPTQ Al-Hasan, Ponorogo. Using a qualitative approach, this study compares and discusses changes in the structure of the musafahah method phase A and phase B, in learning qiraat sab’ah at PPTQ al-Hasan, Ponorogo. Data was collected through interviews with 10 informants, classified as 1 kiai, 4 ustadz, and 5 students, and using the semi-structured interview method, followed by observation and documentation. Data analysis uses the Foucaultian Discursive Analysis (FDA) method. The results showed that: First, the phase A musafahah method at PPTQ al-Hasan Ponorogo was oriented to the authenticity and credibility of the qiraat sab’ah reading. Second, the phase B musafahah method at PPTQ al-Hasan Ponorogo is oriented to practical and populist aspects. Third, the results of the discursive analysis between the phase A and phase B musafahah methods at PPTQ al-Hasan Ponorogo showed that the phase B musafahah method was more relevant to be applied to actual situations and conditions because it was able to preserve and ground the qiraat sab’ah among students, as evidenced by the percentage of the number of qiraat sab’ah students which increased dramatically from 4 people to 35 people.
Transformation of Hadith Study in the Digital Era: an Effectiveness of Hadith Applications and Websites
Authors: Najiyah Nur Laili Nabilah Nazahah , Putriani Rizki
Published: July 2024

In today's digital age, the availability of hadith software and websites like maktabah syamilah, gawāmi' al-kalīm, lidwa pusaka, dorar.net, carihadis.com, sunnah.one plays a crucial role in the study of hadith. However, these platforms have some limitations, such as issues with numbering hadiths, copyright concerns, and restricted accessibility. This article aims to explore the impact of technology on the study of hadith, specifically by examining the introduction of applications and websites designed to facilitate user experience, particularly for hadith scholars and researchers. This study adopted qualitative research methods, employing a process that involved three concurrent stages of analysis: condensing data, presenting findings, and drawing conclusions. Out of the six analysed hadith softwares, gawāmi' al-kalīm and dorar.net were found to have user-friendly interfaces, especially for conducting hadith takhrij. Nonetheless, both platforms have their drawbacks, such as the absence of details regarding the authenticity of a hadith on dorar.net and the exclusive use of Arabic in the Gawāmi' al-Kalīm app, along with occasional data inaccuracies. Despite these limitations, users can alleviate them by exploring alternative software options or resorting to traditional hadith sources containing the necessary information.
SUPLEMENTASI PREBIOTIK FRUKTOOLIGOSAKARIDA (FOS) MENINGKATKAN EKSPRESI GEN TERKAIT METABOLISME SERTA PERTUMBUHAN UDANG VANAME, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Nababan Yanti Inneke , Nasrullah Hasan , Widanarni Widanarni , Yuhana Munti , Alimuddin Alimuddin
Published: July 2024

Fruktooligosakarida (FOS) merupakan salah satu jenis prebiotik yang berpotensi menjadi feed additive dalam budidaya udang vaname. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi suplementasi prebiotik FOS melalui pakan terhadap tingkat ekspresi gen terkait metabolisme dan performa pertumbuhan udang vaname. Pakan uji berupa pakan komersil yang disuplementasi prebiotik FOS (Pre) dengan empat dosis berbeda dan masing-masing terdiri atas tiga ulangan yaitu: Pre-0% (kontrol), Pre-0,5%; Pre-1%, dan Pre-2%. Udang dengan bobot rata-rata 1,58 ± 0,21 g dipelihara dalam bak fiber (volume 1 m3) dengan kepadatan 100 ekor per bak. Pemberian pakan dilakukan selama 30 hari dengan dosis 6% dari bobot biomassa udang. Bobot tubuh diukur setiap 10 hari (n=10) dan tingkat ekspresi gen diukur dari hepatopankreas pada akhir pemeliharaan (n=3) dengan metode quantitative-realtime PCR (qPCR). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian prebiotik FOS dapat meningkatkan ekspresi gen terkait metabolisme pada udang vaname. Suplementasi prebiotik FOS memberikan bobot rata-rata, pertumbuhan harian, dan tingkat sintasan yang lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan perlakuan kontrol (p>0,05). Perlakuan Pre-0,5% menunjukkan rata-rata tingkat ekspresi gen tertinggi, namun performa pertumbuhan, dan sintasan tidak berbeda (p>0,05) dengan perlakuan Pre-2%.Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are natural feed additives with potential application in feed for Pacific white shrimp. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prebiotic FOS supplementation on the modulation of metabolism-related gene expression and growth performance of Pacific white shrimp. A trial feed consisted of commercial feed supplemented with different doses of FOS: Pre-0% (control), Pre-0.5%, Pre-1%, and Pre-2%; each with triplicate. Pacific white shrimp with an average body weight of 1.58 ± 0.21 g were reared in fiber tanks (d=1.5 m3) with a density of 100 shrimp/tank for each treatment. The shrimp were given the treatment feed five times per day at 6% of the total body mass for 30 days. Shrimp body weight was measured every ten days (n=10). The gene expression level was measured from the hepatopancreas (n=3) by the quantitative-real time PCR (qPCR) method. The results showed that FOS supplementation increased the metabolism-related gene expression levels. FOS supplementation improved the average body weight, average daily growth, and survival higher than control (p<0.05). Pre-0.5% treatment showed the highest average gene expression despite growth performance and survival were not significantly different (p>0.05) compared to Pre-2% treatment. This study concludes that the application of FOS in the feed improves the growth performance of Pacific white shrimp, notably in gained weight, reduced FCR and improved survival rate.
Losses of Personnel of the 10th Rifle Division of the Internal Troops of the NKVD in the Battle of Stalingrad
Authors: Strelnikov Maksim ,   Volgograd State University
Published: July 2024

Introduction. The issue of the losses of the Armed Forces of the USSR during the Great Patriotic War does not lose its relevance to this day. This is also connected to its practical side in the conditions of modern geopolitical crises. At the same time, the resolution of the issue is difficult due to the volume of the source base as well as the gaps in it. Methods and materials. The principles of historicism and objectivity became the basis of the research. The author also turned to general historical research methods (narrative, historical genetic, historical comparative, and historical typological). The study used materials from the Central Archive of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Federal Security Service of Russia. Analysis and results. The current study is devoted to the issue of losses of the Internal Troops of the NKVD in the Battle of Stalingrad, using the example of the 10th Infantry Division of the Internal Troops of the NKVD. This military unit was one of the largest of the NKVD troops that took part in the battle during the most difficult period of the defensive stage and was also the most famous of these troops. The author established the strength of the 10th Infantry Division of the Internal Troops of the NKVD during different periods of the defense of Stalingrad, and also indicated different options for calculating unit losses and problems in this process.
Tackling Cooperative Incompatibility for Zero-Shot Human-AI Coordination
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Shao , Sun Jichen , Zhang Wenhao , Du Yali , Wen Ying , Wang Xinbing , Pan Wei
Published: July 2024

Securing coordination between AI agent and teammates (human players or AI agents) in contexts involving unfamiliar humans continues to pose a significant challenge in Zero-Shot Coordination. The issue of cooperative incompatibility becomes particularly prominent when an AI agent is unsuccessful in synchronizing with certain previously unknown partners. Traditional algorithms have aimed to collaborate with partners by optimizing fixed objectives within a population, fostering diversity in strategies and behaviors. However, these techniques may lead to learning loss and an inability to cooperate with specific strategies within the population, a phenomenon named cooperative incompatibility in learning. In order to solve cooperative incompatibility in learning and effectively address the problem in the context of ZSC, we introduce the Cooperative Open-ended LEarning (COLE) framework, which formulates open-ended objectives in cooperative games with two players using perspectives of graph theory to evaluate and pinpoint the cooperative capacity of each strategy. We present two practical algorithms, specifically COLESV and COLER, which incorporate insights from game theory and graph theory. We also show that COLE could effectively overcome the cooperative incompatibility from theoretical and empirical analysis. Subsequently, we created an online Overcooked human-AI experiment platform, the COLE platform, which enables easy customization of questionnaires, model weights, and other aspects. Utilizing the COLE platform, we enlist 130 participants for human experiments. Our findings reveal a preference for our approach over state-of-the-art methods using a variety of subjective metrics. Moreover, objective experimental outcomes in the Overcooked game environment indicate that our method surpasses existing ones when coordinating with previously unencountered AI agents and the human proxy model. Our code and demo are publicly available at https://sites.google.com/view/cole-2023.