bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-Specific Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease Risks in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-Analysis Involving 3 916 276 Individuals
Authors: Rocha Thaís , Melson Eka , Zamora Javier , Fernandez-Felix Borja Manuel , Arlt Wiebke , Thangaratinam Shakila
Published: November 2023

Context

There is limited knowledge about the disparities between the sexes in obesity prevalence and associated cardiovascular complications in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Objective

We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess sex-specific disparities in the prevalence of obesity and cardiometabolic diseases in LMICs, the burden in women, and variations by region, country's income status, setting, and time.

Methods

We searched major databases from inception to March 2023. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, assessed their quality, and extracted data. We used DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models to obtain pooled estimates of odds ratios and 95% CI for the association between sex and obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, and multilevel random-effects logistic regression models to estimate the prevalence of relevant outcomes (PROSPERO CRD42019132609).

Results

We included 345 studies (3 916 276 individuals). The odds of obesity were 2.72-fold higher in women than men (OR 2.72; 95% CI, 2.54-2.91). The sex-specific disparities varied by region, with the greatest disparities in Sub-Saharan Africa (OR 3.91; 95% CI, 3.49-4.39). Among women in LMICs, 23% (95% CI, 21%-25%) had obesity, 27% (95% CI, 24%-29%) had hypertension, and 7% (95% CI, 6%-9%) had type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes in women varied by region, country's income, and setting, with the highest prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa, upper-middle-income countries and urban settings. The odds of hypertension (OR 2.41; 95% CI, 1.89-3.08) and type 2 diabetes (OR 2.65; 95% CI, 1.76-3.98) were doubled in women with vs without obesity.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for a women-centred and region-stratified approach to tackle obesity awareness, treatment, and prevention in women in LMICs.
High Frequency of Recessive WFS1 Mutations Among Indian Children With Islet Antibody-negative Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Menon Jayakrishnan C , Singh Pratibha , Archana Archana , Singh Preeti , Mittal Medha , Kanga Uma , Mandal Kausik , Seth Anju , Bhatia Vijayalakshmi , Dabadghao Preeti , Sudhanshu Siddhnath , Garg Atul , Vishwakarma Ruchira , Sarangi Aditya Narayan , Verma Shivendra , Singh Surya Kumar , Bhatia Eesh
Published: November 2023

Background

While the frequency of islet antibody-negative (idiopathic) type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is reported to be increased in Indian children, its aetiology has not been studied. We investigated the role of monogenic diabetes in the causation of islet antibody-negative T1DM.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, prospective, observational study of 169 Indian children (age 1-18 years) with recent-onset T1DM. All were tested for antibodies against GAD65, islet antigen-2, and zinc transporter 8 using validated ELISA. Thirty-four islet antibody-negative children underwent targeted next-generation sequencing for 31 genes implicated in monogenic diabetes using the Illumina platform. All mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Thirty-five (21%) children were negative for all islet antibodies. Twelve patients (7% of entire cohort, 34% of patients with islet antibody-negative T1DM) were detected to have pathogenic or likely pathogenic genetic variants. The most frequently affected locus was WFS1, with 9 patients (5% of entire cohort, 26% of islet antibody-negative). These included 7 children with homozygous and 1 patient each with a compound heterozygous and heterozygous mutation. Children with Wolfram syndrome 1 (WS) presented with severe insulin-requiring diabetes (including 3 patients with ketoacidosis), but other syndromic manifestations were not detected. In 3 patients, heterozygous mutations in HNF4A, ABCC8, and PTF1A loci were detected.

Conclusion

Nearly one-quarter of Indian children with islet antibody-negative T1DM had recessive mutations in the WFS1 gene. These patients did not exhibit other features of WS at the time of diagnosis. Testing for monogenic diabetes, especially WS, should be considered in Indian children with antibody-negative T1DM.
Temporal Trends in Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis Wendy A , Hamilton Emma , Davis Timothy M E
Published: November 2023

Context

Macrovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes have improved over recent decades. There are scant equivalent distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) data.

Objective

This work aimed to characterize temporal changes in DSPN prevalence and incidence rates (IRs) in community-based Australians.

Methods

An observational study was conducted among an urban population. Participants included individuals with type 2 diabetes from the Fremantle Diabetes Study phases I (FDS1; n = 1296 recruited 1993-1996) and II (FDS2; n = 1509 recruited 2008-2011). Main outcome measures included Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) clinical grading.

Results

DSPN prevalence by 8-point MNSI was 30.8% (FDS1) and 58.9% (FDS2; P < .001), and by 6-point (excluding foot appearance) and 2-point (biothesiometry alone) MNSI was 37.5% and 35.7% (P = .336), and 33.8% and 38.7% (P = .011), respectively. Given between-phase changes in appearance assessment, 8-point MNSI data were not analyzed further. In multivariable analysis, FDS2 vs FDS1 participation was associated with 6-point (odds ratio (95% CI) 0.68 (0.56-0.83); P < .001) but not 2-point (0.90 (0.74-1.11); P = .326) MNSI DSPN prevalence. Four-year DSPN IRs (95% CI) for 6-point MNSI were 13.6 (12.0-15.4) and 17.6 (15.9-19.4)/100 person-years in FDS1 and FDS2, respectively (IR ratio [IRR] 1.31 [1.12-1.55]; P < .001), and for 2-point MNSI were 13.9 (12.3-15.8) and 7.4 (16.3-8.6/100 person-years; IRR 0.53 [0.43-0.64]; P < .001). FDS2 vs FDS1 independently predicted incident DSPN for 6-point (hazard ratio [95% CI] 1.25 [1.06-1.48]; P = .009) and 2-point (0.42 [0.33-0.55]; P < .001) MNSI.

Conclusion

DSPN prevalence was lower or equivalent in FDS2 vs FDS1, and its incidence was greater or lower, in multivariable models depending on the MNSI features used.
Multi-windowing Technique for 5G and Beyond
Authors: Mohammed Heil Mustafa , Talaat Hammoodi Ahmed , Mohammed Rasool Jamal
Published: November 2023

Recently, the development of mobile technology has reached a point that requires a high data rate with high waveform aspects. So, traditional ways are no further tolerable. With the dawn of the fifth generation (5G), researchers have been investigating its waveforms and experimenting the methods to improve it. This research examines universal filter multi-carrier (UFMC) for a novel strategy by employing multi-windowing UFMC-based (MW-UFMC) to boost the power spectral density (PSD). This was accomplished by lowering out-of-band emission (OOBE), bit error rate (BER), and adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR). The 256quadrature amplitude modulation (256QAM) mapping modulation method was employed in this work. 256QAM is the maximum modulation level that is standard for the third-generation partnership project (3GPP). The proposed MW-UFMC is compared with the conventional UFMC and cyclic prefix orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CP-OFDM). The proposed multi-windowing technique presents a multistage service that offer a diversity of options to the network operator, which exhibits several advantages over existing methods. These include a lower BER, improved PSD, enhanced spectral efficiency (SE), reduced OOBE that increases capacity for accommodating more bits, decreased ACLR, and lower latency.
Situated Learning and Education: Development and Validation of the Future Teacher Attitudes Scale in the Application of Augmented Reality in the Classroom
Authors: Díaz-Noguera María Dolores , Martín-Gutiérrez Ángela , García-Jiménez Jesús , Hervás-Gómez Carlos
Published: November 2023

This research article focuses on the design and validation of a questionnaire to analyse future teachers' perceptions of professional skills through the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in higher education, specifically for students in the field of Educational Sciences. The sample consisted of 575 students of Early Childhood Education, Primary Education and Pedagogy during the academic year (2021/2022). The focus of this study is to authenticate a questionnaire that measures the influence of Augmented Reality (AR) on aspects such as situated learning, motivation, and the necessary instructional preparations for the successful integration of AR within classroom educational encounters. The questionnaire is an online Likert-type scale developed based on three dimensions: situated learning, motivation and training. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and JASP 0.17.1. The questionnaire met the standards recommended for validation. However, improvements to the instrument are suggested. In conclusion, validation of instruments is necessary to gain a rigorous understanding of the impact of new learning environments.
High-precision wavelength measurement using a virtual Fizeau cavity
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Ma Shibang , Yang Kun , Meng Lingqiang , Zong Yi , Li Jianxin
Published: November 2023

Fizeau wavelength measurement plays an important role in the fields of laser technology, optical communication, and optical metrology. The accuracy of the traditional multistage Fizeau wavemeter is limited owing to the degradation of the stripe symmetry and finesse caused by variations in the cavity length. Herein, we propose a virtual Fizeau cavity (VFC) based on the principle of phase difference to address this issue. The principle analysis and simulation of this measurement system are presented, along with experiments that verified the feasibility and performance of the VFC method. The wavelength measurement accuracy of this system is superior to 60 MHz in the 350–1100 nm wavelength range. The design concept of “virtual–real combined” cavities first proposed in this paper to our knowledge introduces possibilities for the development of high-accuracy Fizeau wavelength measurements.
Six-watt diode-pumped Tm:GdVO4 laser at 2.29 µm
Authors: Yu Xiaoxu , Eremeev Kirill , Pan Zhongben , Loiko Pavel , Chu Hongwei , Pan Han , Zhao Shengzhi , Braud Alain , Camy Patrice , Li Dechun
Published: November 2023

A compact Tm:GdVO4 laser pumped by a 794 nm laser diode generated 6.09 W at 2.29 µm (3H4 → 3H5 Tm3+ transition) with a high slope efficiency of 30.8% and linear laser polarization (π). The polarized spectroscopic properties of Tm3+ in GdVO4 were also revised. The peak stimulated-emission cross section of Tm3+ is 2.97 × 10−20 cm2 at 2280 nm, corresponding to an emission bandwidth of 42 nm for π-polarized light.
Demonstration of an 800G CDM-SDM coherent PON utilizing weakly coupled multicore fibers with CDM tributary manipulation
Authors: Sun Lin , Zhang Luxiao , Mao Meng , Chen Bin , Xiong Junjie , Ma Lin , Li Jun , Ning Liu Gordon , Cai Yi , Li Zhaohui , Shen Gangxiang
Published: November 2023

In this Letter, we present an experimental demonstration of downstream signaling in a 16 × 50 Gbit/s coherent passive optical network (CPON) using the code and space division multiplexing (CDM-SDM) approach. We realize optical SDM through the utilization of a 4-core weakly coupled multicore fiber (WC-MCF), enhancing the total available optical launch power at the optical line terminal (OLT). This enhancement significantly improves the power budget for CPONs that connect with a large number of optical network units (ONUs). At the second stage of the CPON, four CDM-assigned ONUs are connected to individual cores of the WC-MCF, thereby supporting the connectivity of up to 16 ONUs. Through experiments, we have noted substantial disparities in the downstream signaling performance among individual CDM-assigned ONUs, particularly as the capacity is increased to 800 Gbit/s. To address this issue, we have employed an innovative approach by leveraging space–time coding techniques to manipulate the CDM tributaries, to achieve a balanced reception performance for all ONUs within the CPON. We believe that the proposed CDM-SDM CPON scheme, complemented by the advanced DSP flow chart, holds significant promise for future PON systems characterized by substantial capacity and extensive connectivity.
High-resolution liquid level sensor utilizing a microwave photonics interrogated multicore fiber interferometer
Authors: Yao Yucheng , Yuan Jianqiang , Zhao Zhiyong , Shen Lei , Tong Weijun , Tang Ming
Published: November 2023

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a high-resolution, high-sensitivity liquid level sensor based on a multicore fiber (MCF) Michelson interferometer (MI), where the sensing fiber is securely affixed to a cantilever beam, such that liquid level variations will change the beam’s curvature, meanwhile leading to a substantial phase difference between the two interfering arms of the MI, and the sensor is interrogated using a microwave photonics filter (MPF) system, which can provide greatly enhanced measurement resolution compared to the traditional optical wavelength demodulation methods. The angular position of the MCF is precisely calibrated to ensure optimal sensitivity of the MI sensor. As a result, within a measurement range of up to ±14 cm, the proposed liquid level sensor achieves a sensitivity of 10.35 MHz/cm and an impressive resolution of 0.04835 cm. The proposed sensor has unique advantages of high sensitivity, superior resolution, long-term stability, etc.
Her6 and Prox1a are novel regulators of photoreceptor regeneration in the zebrafish retina
Authors: Veen Kellie , Krylov Aaron , Yu Shuguang , He Jie , Boyd Patrick , Hyde David R. , Mantamadiotis Theo , Cheng Louise Y. , Jusuf Patricia R.
Published: November 2023

Damage to light-sensing photoreceptors (PRs) occurs in highly prevalent retinal diseases. As humans cannot regenerate new PRs, these diseases often lead to irreversible blindness. Intriguingly, animals, such as the zebrafish, can regenerate PRs efficiently and restore functional vision. Upon injury, mature Müller glia (MG) undergo reprogramming to adopt a stem cell-like state. This process is similar to cellular dedifferentiation, and results in the generation of progenitor cells, which, in turn, proliferate and differentiate to replace lost retinal neurons. In this study, we tested whether factors involved in dedifferentiation of Drosophila CNS are implicated in the regenerative response in the zebrafish retina. We found that hairy-related 6 (her6) negatively regulates of PR production by regulating the rate of cell divisions in the MG-derived progenitors. prospero homeobox 1a (prox1a) is expressed in differentiated PRs and may promote PR differentiation through phase separation. Interestingly, upon Her6 downregulation, Prox1a is precociously upregulated in the PRs, to promote PR differentiation; conversely, loss of Prox1a also induces a downregulation of Her6. Together, we identified two novel candidates of PR regeneration that cross regulate each other; these may be exploited to promote human retinal regeneration and vision recovery.
Dorsal raphe stimulation relays a reward signal to the ventral tegmental area via GluN2C NMDA receptors
Authors: Hernandez Giovanni , Kouwenhoven Willemieke M. , Poirier Emmanuelle , Lebied Karim , Lévesque Daniel , Rompré Pierre-Paul
Published: November 2023

Background

Glutamate relays a reward signal from the dorsal raphe (DR) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, the role of the different subtypes of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors is complex and not clearly understood. Therefore, we measured NMDA receptors subunits expression in limbic brain areas. In addition, we studied the effects of VTA down-regulation of GluN2C NMDA receptor on the reward signal that arises from DR electrical stimulation.

Methods

Using qPCR, we identified the relative composition of the different Grin2a-d subunits of the NMDA receptors in several brain areas. Then, we used fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to evaluate the colocalization of Grin2c and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA in VTA neurons. To assess the role of GluN2C in brain stimulation reward, we downregulated this receptor using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in rats self-stimulating for electrical pulses delivered to the DR. To delineate further the specific role of GluN2C in relaying the reward signal, we pharmacologically altered the function of VTA NMDA receptors by bilaterally microinjecting the NMDA receptor antagonist PPPA.

Results

We identified GluN2C as the most abundant subunit of the NMDA receptor expressed in the VTA. FISH revealed that about 50% of TH-positive neurons colocalize with Grin2c transcript. siRNA manipulation produced a selective down-regulation of the GluN2C protein subunit and a significant reduction in brain stimulation reward. Interestingly, PPPA enhanced brain stimulation reward, but only in rats that received the nonactive RNA sequence.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that VTA glutamate neurotransmission relays a reward signal initiated by DR stimulation by acting on GluN2C NMDA receptors.
DBU-Net: Dual branch U-Net for tumor segmentation in breast ultrasound images
Authors: Pramanik Payel , Pramanik Rishav , Schwenker Friedhelm , Sarkar Ram
Published: November 2023

Breast ultrasound medical images often have low imaging quality along with unclear target boundaries. These issues make it challenging for physicians to accurately identify and outline tumors when diagnosing patients. Since precise segmentation is crucial for diagnosis, there is a strong need for an automated method to enhance the segmentation accuracy, which can serve as a technical aid in diagnosis. Recently, the U-Net and its variants have shown great success in medical image segmentation. In this study, drawing inspiration from the U-Net concept, we propose a new variant of the U-Net architecture, called DBU-Net, for tumor segmentation in breast ultrasound images. To enhance the feature extraction capabilities of the encoder, we introduce a novel approach involving the utilization of two distinct encoding paths. In the first path, the original image is employed, while in the second path, we use an image created using the Roberts edge filter, in which edges are highlighted. This dual branch encoding strategy helps to extract the semantic rich information through a mutually informative learning process. At each level of the encoder, both branches independently undergo two convolutional layers followed by a pooling layer. To facilitate cross learning between the branches, a weighted addition scheme is implemented. These weights are dynamically learned by considering the gradient with respect to the loss function. We evaluate the performance of our proposed DBU-Net model on two datasets, namely BUSI and UDIAT, and our experimental results demonstrate superior performance compared to state-of-the-art models.
Polymorphisms rs2167444 and rs508384 in the SCD1 Gene Are Linked with High ApoB-48 Levels and Adverse Profile of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Staňková B. , Macášek J. , Zeman M. , Vecka M. , Tvrzická E. , Jáchymová M. , Slabý A. , Žák Aleš
Published: November 2023

Elevated plasma concentration of apolipoprotein B-48 (apoB-48) is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is a rate-limiting lipogenic enzyme and a key regulator of fuel metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyse associations between clinical, biochemical, and genetic factors and different apoB-48 levels in subjects at increased cardiometabolic risk. We examined 220 subjects exhibiting at least one metabolic syndrome (MetS) component. In conjunction with basic clinical, anthropometric and laboratory measurements, we analysed various polymorphisms of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1). Subjects were divided into two groups according to the median apoB-48 level: (1) high apoB-48 (≥ 7.9 mg/l, N = 112) and (2) low apoB-48 (< 7.9 mg/l, N = 108). Neither group differed significantly in anthropometric measures. High plasma apoB-48 levels were associated with increased systolic blood pressure (+3 %; P < 0.05), MetS prevalence (59.8 vs. 32.4 %; P < 0.001), small-dense LDL frequency (46.4 vs. 20.4 %; P < 0.001), triglycerides (+97 %; P < 0.001), non-HDLcholesterol (+27 %; P < 0.001), and lower concentrations of HDL-cholesterol (–11 %; P < 0.01). This group was further characterized by a higher HOMA-IR index (+54 %; P < 0.001) and increased concentrations of conjugated dienes (+11 %; P < 0.001) and oxidatively modified LDL (+ 38 %; P < 0.05). Lower frequencies of SCD1 minor genotypes (rs2167444, rs508384, P < 0.05) were observed in subjects with elevated plasma concentrations of apoB-48. Elevated plasma concentrations of apoB-48 are associated with an adverse lipid profile, higher systolic blood pressure, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. Lower proportions of minor SCD1 genotypes (rs2167444, rs508384) implicate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of elevated levels of apoB-48.
Study of Aberrant Modifications in Peptides as a Test Bench to Investigate the Immunological Response to Non-Enzymatic Glycation
Authors: Nuti F. , Gallo A. , Real-Fernandez F. , Rentier C. , Rossi G. , Piarulli F. , Traldi P. , Carganico S. , Rovero P. , Lapolla Annunziata , Papini Anna Maria
Published: November 2023

A side effect of diabetes is formation of glycated proteins and, from them, production of advanced early glycation end products that could determine aberrant immune responses at the systemic level. We investigated a relevant aberrant post-translational modification (PTM) in diabetes based on synthetic peptides modified on the lysine side chain residues with 1-deoxyfructopyranosyl moiety as a possible modification related to glycation. The PTM peptides were used as molecular probes for detection of possible specific autoantibodies developed by diabetic patients. The PDC-E2(167-186) sequence from the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex was selected and tested as a candidate peptide for antibody detection. The structure-based designed type I’ β-turn CSF114 peptide was also used as a synthetic scaffold. Twenty-seven consecutive type 1 diabetic patients and 29 healthy controls were recruited for the study. In principle, the ‘chemical reverse approach’, based on the use of patient sera to screen the synthetic modified peptides, leads to the identification of specific probes able to characterize highly specific autoantibodies as disease biomarkers of autoimmune disorders. Quite surprisingly, both peptides modified with the (1-deoxyfructosyl)-lysine did not lead to significant results. Both IgG and IgM differences between the two populations were not significant. These data can be rationalized considering that i) IgGs in diabetic subjects exhibit a high degree of glycation, leading to decreased functionality; ii) IgGs in diabetic subjects exhibit a privileged response vs proteins containing advanced glycation products (e.g., methylglyoxal, glyoxal, glucosone, hydroimidazolone, dihydroxyimidazolidine) and only a minor one with respect to (1-deoxyfructosyl)-lysine.
Preparation and performance of silicone-modified 3D printing photosensitive materials
Authors: Chen Jin , Zheng Lu , Zhou Wenwen , Liu Min , Gao Yuyu , Xie Jiaqiang
Published: November 2023

Herein, the performance of silicone-modified 3D printing photosensitive resin was examined. Bisphenol-A epoxy acrylate (EA) was used as the substrate and isophorone diisocyanate, hydroxy-silicone oil, and hydroxyethyl acrylate were used as the raw materials. A silicone intermediate was synthesized to modify the substrate to prepare the 3D printing photosensitive material. The as-synthesized materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The tensile fracture morphology was also analyzed. The effects of the addition of silicone intermediates on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and shrinkage of the prepared 3D printing photosensitive resins were investigated. The results showed that an organosilicone group was successfully introduced into the side chain of EA. When the ratio of n(silicone):n(EA) is 0.3:1, the material has a high impact strength of 19.4 kJ·m−2, which is 32.8% higher than that of the pure resin; in addition, the elongation at break is 8.65% (compared to 6.56% of the pure resin). The maximum thermal weight loss temperature is 430.33°C, which is 6°C higher than that of the pure resin.
Trade Boomers: Evidence from the Commodities-for-Manufactures Boom in Brazil
Authors: Karim Ridwan
Published: November 2023

China’s growing prominence as a trade superpower has placed competitive pressure on manufacturing industries in Brazil, while simultaneously bolstering demand for its commodities. I investigate the effects of this so-called manufactures-for-commodities boom on Brazilian birth outcomes from 2000 to 2010. Exploiting exogenous variation in patterns of trade growth with China across different regions within Brazil, I find that both import and export growth led to higher birth weights for babies, and lower infant mortality rates. I also find that negative import shocks reduced fertility rates across all age groups for women, suggesting that selectivity in births induced by negative income shocks, combined with concentration of household resources on the children that are born led to better infant health outcomes. Additional evidence is consistent with income effects playing a role in explaining the results, while ruling out better provision of healthcare and changes to household composition as mechanisms. I also explore changes in trade-induced pollution levels and social assistance programs as a potential mechanism. The findings indicate that increased import and export growth can improve infant health, highlighting another potential benefit from trade liberalization.
Traumatic Stress-Induced Increases in Anxiety-like Behavior and Alcohol Self-Administration Are Mediated by Central Amygdala CRF1 Neurons That Project to the Lateral Hypothalamus
Authors: Weera Marcus M. , Webster Daniel A. , Shackett Rosetta S. , Benvenuti Federica , Middleton Jason W. , Gilpin Nicholas W.
Published: November 2023

Avoidance stress coping, defined as persistent internal and/or external avoidance of stress-related stimuli, is a key feature of anxiety- and stress-related disorders, and contributes to increases in alcohol misuse after stress exposure. Previous work using a rat model of predator odor stress avoidance identified corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling via CRF Type 1 receptors (CRF1) in the CeA, as well as CeA projections to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) as key mediators of conditioned avoidance of stress-paired contexts and/or increased alcohol drinking after stress. Here, we report that CRF1-expressing CeA cells that project to the LH are preferentially activated in male and female rats that show persistent avoidance of predator odor stress-paired contexts (termed Avoider rats), and that chemogenetic inhibition of these cells rescues stress-induced increases in anxiety-like behavior and alcohol self-administration in male and female Avoider rats. Using slice electrophysiology, we found that prior predator odor stress exposure blunts inhibitory synaptic transmission and increases synaptic drive in CRF1 CeA-LH cells. In addition, we found that CRF bath application reduces synaptic drive in CRF1 CeA-LH cells in Non-Avoiders only. Collectively, these data show that CRF1 CeA-LH cells contribute to stress-induced increases in anxiety-like behavior and alcohol self-administration in male and female Avoider rats.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStress may lead to a variety of behavioral and physiological negative consequences, and better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to negative stress effects may lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies. This study, performed in laboratory rats, shows that animals that exhibit avoidance stress coping go on to develop heightened anxiety-like behavior and alcohol self-administration, and that these behaviors can be rescued by inhibiting the activity of a specific population of neurons in the central amygdala. This study also describes stress-induced physiological changes in these neurons that may contribute to their role in promoting increased anxiety and alcohol self-administration.
A Deep Dive Into Distributive Concession Making and the Likelihood of Impasses in Negotiations
Authors: Mertes Marc , Kunz Dana , Hüffmeier Joachim
Published: November 2023

Negotiation impasses can have severe negative consequences, but only little research attention has been devoted to investigating their causes. Studies on distributive concession making (i.e., high demands and low concessions) as a cause of impasses were inconclusive due to low sample sizes and methodological choices. Moreover, distributive concession making entails two hitherto fully entangled properties: reduction of conceded value and violation of the reciprocity norm. In our experiment, participants negotiated with a confederate who administered different concession patterns that allowed us to disentangle these properties. We found unambiguous evidence that distributive concession making increases the likelihood of impasses. This effect was driven by the reduction of conceded value rather than the violation of the reciprocity norm. Confrontation with distributive concession making led participants to develop negative internal attributions and anger, which mediated the effect of distributive concession making on the impasse rate. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the causes and underlying mechanisms of negotiation impasses.
Nowadays Booking in Czech Restaurant
Authors:   Silesian University in Opava, Motyčka Michal
Published: November 2023

Reservation of tables in a restaurant or other gastronomic properties is elementary condition for ensuring that breakfast, lunch or dinner can begin without any complications or inconveniences. In the past and still nowadays, the only way to book a table in a restaurant was by the phone call or personal visit. Over time, the possibility of booking via e-mail has logically increased. In the context of modern approaches and in order to meet the simplicity, automaticity and comfort of the client, implementation and using of various reservation system is main goal today.
Knowledge and Skills of Migrant Sports Professionals in Italy
Authors:   Mine Vaganti NGO, Italy, Solinas Roberto
Published: November 2023

This study evaluated the effectiveness of customized training for managerial skills development based on the principles of “Education through Sport”. The quasi-experimental research design was utilized. In the same way, experiential learning was adapted to improve the sports skills of the sports professionals in Italy. The study’s theoretical foundation focused on the experiential learning cycle of sports professionals measured quantitatively by a survey questionnaire. The use of intervention through the ETS program determined their level of improvement. Paired sample T-test was employed to determine whether the ETS program enhanced the knowledge and skills of the migrant’s potential sports managers. Likewise, ANOVA was used to determine the significant difference among the migrant’s levels of knowledge and skills.
Impact of COVID-19 on KPIs Development Focused on Inventory Turnover Ratio in Automotive Sector
Authors:   Comenius University Bratislava, Kleinová Monika
Published: November 2023

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are the vital navigation instruments used by managers to understand whether their business is on a successful voyage or whether it is veering off the prosperous path. The right set of indicators will show the company performance and point out the areas which need attention. The impact of COVID-19 on today’s globally integrated automotive sector is significant. The management has focused on main questions like how to accelerate cost-out measures and optimize the working capital across the entity. One of the items that have started to be in the center of attention nowadays is a company’s inventory and its level and turnover time. Therefore concerning about this, the inventory management should be sensitive in terms of continuous production and cash flow. Important question for management is how to identify, prioritize and accelerate cost-out measures across the entity. Finding the way how to optimize of volume of inventory, working capital and identify the proper measures to deliver rapid, tangible cash-flow benefits should be consulted in each company on daily basis.
Ensuring Equality and Inclusiveness in Georgian Higher Education Institutions
Authors:   Georgian Technical University, kilasonia Zhaneta , Kutubidze Iasha ,   Georgian Technical University
Published: November 2023

Our study highlights important evidence on how universities in Georgia can and do promote equal opportunity and inclusion. Recent research shows that groups living in Georgia such as rural residents, women, vulnerable groups, ethnic minorities, internally displaced persons, migrants and people with special educational needs and disabilities face the problem of quality education and development opportunities. The study shows that the reason for this lies in insufficient coordination between authorities and universities. In addition, higher education institutions do not have clearly defined strategies and approaches to create an equitable and inclusive environment. Derived from a survey and in-depth discussions with university staff, scholars and students about their practices and challenges, it offers a unique picture of how universities in Georgia are tackling the problem with an unprecedented breath and scope. This work will further help universities develop their more effective strategies and policies. We are sure that it can also inform policy makers and other stakeholders in this field and serve as a basis for a fruitful dialogue to support the development of Georgian society in the years to come.
Examination of the Relationships Between Diversity Appreciation, Self-Monitoring and Cooperative Conflict Management
Authors:   Southern University, H. Coetzer Graeme
Published: November 2023

This research study examines the mediating influence of self-monitoring (SM) on the relationship between diversity appreciation (DA) and cooperative conflict management (CCM). Two hundred and twenty-one undergraduate business students completed self-assessment measures of DA and SM, and identified a close associate who completed an observer version of the problem-solving component of the Dutch conflict management style scale. Product moment correlations were used to examine the hypothesized relationships between CCM and both DA and SM, and the Hayes process and the Sobel test were used to test the hypothesis that SM mediates the relationship between DA and CCM. CCM was significantly correlated with both DA (r = 0.30, p < 0.01) and SM (r = 0.37, p < 0.01). DA was significantly correlated with SM (r = 0.31, p < 0.01). Both the Hayes process and Sobel test (Z = 3.29, p < 0.001) confirmed that SM partially mediated the relationship between DA and CCM. Educators and practitioners need to be aware of the influence of DA and SM on CCM. Development activities that integrate diversity appreciation, sensitive responses toward the expressed behavior of others, and appropriate modification of self-presentation are likely to promote a cooperative approach to conflict management. This is the first study to examine the interrelationships between DA, SM and CCM. The results highlight the importance of promoting both diversity appreciation and self-monitoring as part of the process of encouraging more cooperative conflict management and strengthening the link between diversity and performance.
Impact of Internationalization on the Management Control System in Pharmaceutical Industries: Study of Multiple Cases
Authors:   UFRRJ University, José Patrocínio Pereira Antonio , Simeone Gomes Josir ,   UNIGRANRIO University
Published: November 2023

This research aims to analyze the internationalization strategies and to identify if there was an impact on the Management Control Systems (MCS), in nine pharmaceutical companies, being seven Brazilian: EMS, EUROFARMA, ACHÉ, CRISTÁLIA, HEBRON, RIOQUÍMICA, FARMANGUINHOS and two Portuguese, SIDEFARMA and ATRAL. The methodology is characterized as qualitative, descriptive and multiple case study, based on semi-structured interviews with executives in the international and management area, in addition to the collection of secondary data. In the literature, he sought to discuss classical theories, classification, strategies and motivations for internationalization, in addition to the characteristics and mechanisms of management control. The pharmaceutical industry was contextualized, portraying the global and national panorama, pointing out the structural characteristics of the segment. Therefore, the results revealed that the internationalization strategies and the SCG are very close to what the literature recommends, following strategies with a P&DI focus, similar to developed countries. It was concluded that there was an impact, in Internationalization, on the MCS in EMS, EUROFARMA and CRISTÁLIA; and in the others, there was no impact or change in control mechanisms. It is suggested to deepen studies in other pharmaceutical companies, with greater participation of international sales, developing an agenda to follow the evolution.
A Data Quality Model for Master Data Repositories
Authors: Gualo Fernando , Caballero Ismael , Rodríguez Moisés , Piattini Mario
Published: November 2023

Master data has been revealed as one of the most potent instruments to guarantee adequate levels of data quality. The main contribution of this paper is a data quality model to guide repeatable and homogeneous evaluations of the level of data quality of master data repositories. This data quality model follows several international open standards: ISO/IEC 25012, ISO/IEC 25024, and ISO 8000-1000, enabling compliance certification. A case study of applying the data quality model to an organizational master data repository has been carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the data quality model.
Зміни в дитячій смертності в українському повітовому місті впродовж 1807–1910 рр. (за матеріалами метричного обліку населення міста Ромни Полтавської губернії)
Authors: Подгорна Анастасія
Published: November 2023

У статті розглянуто, як змінилася дитяча смертність упродовж XIX ст. у повітовому місті на прикладі населення міста Ромни. Основним джерелом даних для аналізу є метричні книги роменської Вознесенської церкви. Для дослідження виокремлено два періоди — 20 років на початку століття (1807–1826) та 17 наприкінці XIX — на початку XX ст. (1891–1910, за винятком не згаданих у джерелі 1893–1894 і 1899 рр.). Проаналізовано основні складники демографічної поведінки населення: народжуваність, смертність і природний приріст. Обчислено параметри смертності немовлят і значення коефіцієнта вірогідності доживання до п’ятирічного віку. Вивчено особливості структури смертності дітей на фоні показників, притаманних населенню усіх вікових груп. Докладніше розглянуто структуру смертності дітей в однорічних вікових групах. Отримані дані дають змогу висловити припущення про зміни у причинах смерті дітей, що відбулися упродовж 100 років, а також зміни сезонних коливань дитячої смертності. Зроблено висновки, що, незважаючи на поступ медицини, упродовж XIX ст. дитяча смертність залишалася дуже високою. Утім, ми бачимо істотні зміни в контексті смертності дітей віком від кількох років, що майже удвічі збільшило вірогідність доживання до 5 років. Це, своєю чергою, означає, що найбільш істотні зміни тривалості життя, смертності тощо, у той час були повʼязані з боротьбою з дитячими епідемічними хворобами (насамперед віспою).
Assessing the relationship between organ function test results and COVID-19 severity
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, Heritage Institute of Medical Science, Varanasi, U.P., India, Yadav A. K. , Mishra M. K. ,   Department of Biochemistry, GMERS Medical College & Hospital, Vadnagar, Gujarat, India;, Prasad S. ,   Department of Biochemistry, K. J. Somaiya Medical College & Research Centre, Mumbai, India;, Singh S. ,   Department of Microbiology, Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research, Lucknow, U.P., India;
Published: November 2023

A number of recent reports have indicated the association of COVID-19 with multiple organ failure and the need to clarify the relationship between organ testing parameters and disease progression. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the degree of abnormal organ function test parameters and its correlation with COVID-19 severity. A cross-sectional study was conducted among COVID-19 patients admitted at Sanaka hospital, India, from August to September 2020. A total of 100 qRT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients divided into groups with mild or severe cases were enrolled. The data from venous blood samples for liver, renal, cardiac and inflammatory test parameters were included from the Sanaka hospital laboratory database. Biochemical prognostic tests were carried out using a clinical automated ERBA analyzer, cardiac markers were estimated with Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay. The Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the data. Aspartate/Alanine aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase activity, creatinine, urea and troponin levels were higher in the confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Significantly higher levels of troponin, D-dimer and C reactive protein (CRP) were found in patients with severe COVID form compared to a mild one. A strong positive correlation between elevated D-dimer and Ferritin with CRP level was revealed in this group of patients. It was concluded that the positive relationship between serum D-dimer, ferritin levels and CRP level in patients can be considered a stable indicator of disease severity. Keywords: COVID-19, CRP, D-dimer, ferritin, liver function test, renal function test
Assessment of urinary podocalyxin as a biomarker of early diagnosis of hypertensive nephropathy
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia, Kostovska I. , Tosheska-Trajkovska K. ,   Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia;, Labudovic D. ,   Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia;, Cekovska S. ,   Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia;, Kostovski, O. ,   Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia;, Spasovski G. ,   Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia;
Published: November 2023

Chronically high blood pressure-related kidney injury is known as hypertensive nephropathy (HN). Podocyte damage in the pathogenesis of this disease can result in the release of the sialoglycoprotein podocalyxin into the urine, so podocalyxin may be useful in the early diagnosis of HN. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between urine podocalyxin level and clinical and biochemical parameters in individuals with HN and to assess the diagnostic utility of urinary podocalyxin as an early marker of HN. Participants (114 individuals) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, including 30 healthy controls and 84 patients with clinically proven chronic hypertension (CH). Biochemical tests were performed on the blood samples. Urinary microalbumin and creatinine levels were measured using immunoturbidimetric and spectrophotometric methods, respectively; urinary podocalyxin level was estimated with ELISA. All CH patients were classified into subgroups according to urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (UM/CR) and the stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The results obtained showed that urinary podocalyxin level was significantly increased in both UM/CR and CKD staging subgroups compared with the healthy control group. A gradual increase in urinary podocalyxin level with CKD stage, especially in IV and V stages, and the higher sensitivi­ty of urinary podocalyxin as compared to UM/CR ratio in early detection of HN was demonstrated. It was concluded that urinary podocalyxin may be an important and highly sensitive marker for early diagnosis of hypertensive nephropathy in patients with chronic hypertension. Keywords: creatinine, diagnostic marker, hypertensive nephropathy, microalbumin, podocalyxin, urine
C(60) fullerene attenuates the signs of acute renal failure in rats under rhabdomyolysis due to inhibition of oxidative stress
Authors:   Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, Lutsk, Ukraine, Omelchuk O. , Prylutska S. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine;, Nozdrenko D. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;, Motuziuk O. ,   Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, Lutsk, Ukraine;,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;, Vareniuk I. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;, Bogutska K. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;, Vygovska O. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine, Zholos I. O. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;, Prylutskyy Yu. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;
Published: November 2023

Rhabdomyolysis, as an acute stage of myopathy is known to be associated with the accumulation of muscle breakdown products, acute renal failure and oxidative stress. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of C60 fullerene as an antioxidant on kidney damage in the model of glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis in rats. The study was conducted on male Wistar rats, divided into the following experimental groups: control animals, animals intramuscularly injected with glycerol in a doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg and those intraperitoneally injected daily with C60 fullerene aqueous solution (C60FAS) in a dose of 1 or 2 mg/kg at 48 h after glycerol administration­. Monitoring of the biochemical and morphological indicators was carried out on 3rd, 6th and 9th days of the experiment. A close correlation between the acute renal damage severity, increased creatinine and urea level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in the blood of rats was observed. It was shown that in rats which received 2 mg/kg of C60FAS the renal glomeruli size and necrosis manifestations were attenuated, whereas SOD and CAT activity in the blood was significantly decreased. The results obtained may be useful for developing approaches to the treatment of pathological conditions of the muscular system caused by rhabdomyolysis and associated oxidative stress. Keywords: acute renal failure, biochemical parameters, C60 fullerene, histopathology, muscle soleus, rhabdomyolysis