bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organization of Mentoring in the Implementation of the Program “Orlyata Rossii”
Authors: Nuzhnova Natal'ya
Published: October 2024

The article presents the results of the discussion of the problem of development of children’s movement in the context of the all-Russian program “Orlyata Rossii”, which took place within the framework of the All-Russian scientific and practical conference “Development of children’s movement in modern Russia” on May 29, 2024. Teachers of the A.I. Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, representatives of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, the All-Russian Children’s Center “Orlyonok” exchanged experience in implementing the program for primary school students “Orlyata Rossii”, as well as organizing mentoring with younger students to develop their social activity. The most significant areas of work of the conference sectional platforms are highlighted, a discussion format for the discussion on the organization of mentoring and work with students of psychological and pedagogical classes is considered and proposed.
Pulmonary-Renal Syndrome in the Elderly: Immunosuppressive Treatment – Case Report
Authors: Żerek Marta , Sitarek Gracjan , Płonka Wojciech , Chruścicki Damian , Bednarczyk Paulina , Pelc Marcin
Published: October 2024

Pulmonary-renal syndrome is called alveolar hemorrhage accompanied by glomerulonephritis. The above condition can occur as a manifestation of ANCA-associated granulomatosis with vasculitis. The course of the disease varies from mild, limited inflammation to rapid progression with multi-organ changes that can be life-threatening. The mainstay of therapy is immunosuppression - both in the acute phase of the disease and after clinical improvement. Unfortunately, common causes of death in addition to complications of the disease include side effects of immunosuppressive treatment.
A 72-year-old man is transferred to the Nephrology Unit for acute kidney injury of unclear etiology. On the basis of clinical examination, laboratory and imaging studies, a diagnosis of systemic small vessel inflammation with c-ANCA occupying the kidneys, lungs and intestines was made. Due to acute respiratory failure, the patient was transferred to the ICU, where renal replacement therapy, plasmapheresis, steroid pulses and cyclophosphamide were administered. After clinical improvement, it was decided to continue cyclophosphamide therapy and monitor blood IgG levels. Unfortunately, 4 months later, the patient died of multiple organ failure caused by septic shock of bacterial etiology.
In the described case, age and comorbidities were the biggest risk factors for infectious complications of immunosuppression. The population is aging, so it is necessary to analyze the current standards of immunosuppressive treatment to improve the prognosis of the elderly.
Berberine: A Promising Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Dementia – A Review
Authors: Staszczyk Izabela , Drabik Aleksandra , Szczotka Dominika , Osuch Dobromiła , Opala Dominika , Szemplińska Antonina , Błachnio Klaudia , Anderska Agnieszka
Published: October 2024

Introduction and objective: Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from various plants. It has been utilized for millennia in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. A growing body of evidence supports the beneficial effects of BBR in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and in reducing the risk of developing related complications. The aim of this study is to review the existing knowledge on the efficacy and safety of BBR in the treatment of T2DM and associated dementia, based on the available scientific literature.
Material and Methods: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database was conducted using the following search terms: Berberine; Diabetes Mellitus Type 2; Vascular Dementia; Alzheimer Disease.
Current knowledge: The pharmacological treatments of both T2DM and AD have been associated with relatively low efficacy, a high financial burden, and numerous complications that significantly impact patients' daily lives. The exact mechanisms of action of berberine remain unclear.
Summary: BBR may be an attractive option for the treatment of T2DM and associated dementia, with therapeutic effects similar to oral hypoglycemic agents, promising neuroprotective properties, a reduced risk of adverse reactions and lower cost. Moreover, BBR improves cerebral blood flow and memory in the rat model of AD. Further scientific research is required to determine the long-term outcomes of this treatment.
Runners injuries - main types of injuries of the musculoskeletal system of the lower limb and their treatment and prevention
Authors: Głąbień Marta , Miłkowski Paweł , Rajewska Aleksandra , Długosz Joanna , Rajewski Jędrzej , Łoś Agnieszka Jolanta , Drużyńska Justyna , Ragan Dagmara , Bara Maciej , Staszczak Paweł
Published: October 2024

Introduction and purposeRunning is currently one of the most popular physical activities practiced by people around the world, and the number of runners has been growing significantly for many years. The incidence of running-related lower limb injuries in runners ranges between 19.4% and 79.3% [1].The paper presents research results on the main types of injuries of the musculoskeletal system of the lower limb in runners, their risk factors, methods of treatment and prevention. The results indicate a significant relationship between regular training and the occurrence of injuries, and also emphasize the importance of prevention through rest, appropriate running technique and the selection of footwear. The work provides practical tips for runners and coaches that can help reduce the risk of injuries and improve the quality of training.
Materials and methods
The review was conducted by searching PubMed and other scientific databases focusing on currently available publications. The literature available in the PubMed database was reviewed using the following keywords: “running”, “running injuries”, “tendinopathy”, "running related injuries”, “running biomechanics”, “musculoskeletal injuries”. The analysis of  38 articles published between 2014-2024 was used to write the paper.
Conclusions
Running has many health benefits, but unfortunately it can also have a negative effect. The development of medical literature regarding appropriate prevention, knowledge of risk factors and treatment methods improves the prognosis of injuries in runners. Evolving diagnostic imaging, body monitoring, prevention, and adequate rest between activities are essential to long-term success in preventing running-related injuries.
Comprehensive Review of Dietary Supplements Used by Athletes: Types and Benefits
Authors: Uchto Adrian , Gierczak Sara , Zając Kacper , Dróżdż Michał , Wójcik Julia , Pamuła Kacper Wojciech , Palacz Karolina Alicja
Published: October 2024

Introduction. A dietary supplement is intended to improve nutrition by providing vitamins, minerals, herbs, or amino acids. These supplements are taken orally, labeled as supplements, and are not meant to be a substitute for regular food. The increasing interest in strength training and fitness emphasizes the significance of proper nutrition. Engaging in physical activity reduces the risk of disease and enhances mental health. More research is required to understand the impact of supplements on performance, health, and the gut microbiome.
Aim of study. The primary objective of this research is to compile existing data on dietary supplements commonly utilized in sports, including but not limited to creatine, protein, branched-chain amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and L-citrulline.
Materials and methods. 50 articles pertaining to the issue were subjected to analysis. These articles were sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar, spanning a publication period of 19 years.
Conclusions. Creatine supplementation consistently enhances strength, endurance, and lean mass, particularly when combined with resistance and plyometric training, although its impact on fat mass is modest. Whey protein effectively promotes muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults, and aids in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Branched-Chain Amino Acids can reduce muscle soreness and assist in recovery, but their effects on performance and muscle damage are less pronounced. Omega-3 fatty acids improve muscle recovery and metabolic markers, but exhibit limited synergy with resistance training. L-citrulline elevates arginine levels and improves vascular function, yet its effects on performance are minimal in certain contexts.
High dioptric power micro-lenses fabricated by two-photon polymerization
Authors: Chirico Giuseppe , Kariman Behjat , Nardini Alessandra , Marini Mario , Roldan Pablo , Conci claudio , Raimondi Manuela , Osellame Roberto , Cerullo Giulio , VAZQUEZ REBECA MARTINEZ
Published: October 2024

Specimen-induced aberrations limit the penetration depth of standard optical imaging techniques in vivo, mainly due to the propagation of high NA beams in a non-homogenous medium. Overcoming these limitations requires complex optical imaging systems and techniques. Implantable high NA micro-optics can be a solution to tissue induced spherical aberrations but in order to be implanted they need to have reduced complexity, offering reduced surface to the host immune reaction. Here, we design, fabricate and test a single micro-optical element with high dioptric power and high NA (up to 1.4 in air). The sag function is inspired to the classical metalens phase and improved to reduce the spherical aberrations arising from the refractive origin of the phase delay at the lens periphery. We successfully fabricated these high-NA quasi-parabolic aspheric microlenses with varying focal lengths by two-photon polymerization in biocompatible photoresist SZ2080. The entire process is optimized to minimize fabrication time while maintaining the structures' robustness: the smoothness reaches optical (λ/20) quality. The dioptric power and magnification of the microlenses were quantified over a 200×200 μm aberration-free field of view. Our results indicate that these microlenses can be used for wide-field imaging under linear excitation and have the optical quality to be utilized for nonlinear excitation imaging. Moreover, being made of biocompatible photoresist, they can be implanted close to the observation volume and help to reduce the spherical aberration of laser beams penetrating in living tissues.
Wildlife Ecotourism in Protected Areas of the Lower Negro River, Brazilian Amazon: characterization, challenges, and potentials
Authors: Vidal Marcelo Derzi , Santos Priscila Maria da Costa , Simonetti Susy Rodrigues , Siciliano Salvatore
Published: October 2024

In the last few decades, tourist interactions involving wildlife, one of the activities that distinguishes ecotourism, have attracted many fans in various regions of the world. This article maps, characterizes, and presents the challenges and potentials of wildlife ecotourism in protected areas of the Lower Negro River, in the Brazilian Amazon. Through data collection in the field, seven enterprises were visited and tourist interactions with twelve different species of wildlife were recorded. The activities that visitors engage in vary according to the species they are interacting with, but include watching the animals, offering food, physical contact (petting or holding the animals), and getting into the water with them. The recorded species include the Amazon River dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), the Woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha), and the Bald uakari (Cacajao calvus), which are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Despite the negative impacts of these activities, they help create income for the host communities, increase the public use of protected areas, and raise awareness among visitors regarding the conservation of species and their habitats.
Dual Electrochemical Methods for Determination of Anesthetic Procaine
Authors: Qadir Gulan S. , Al-Taee Amer T. , Othman Nabeel S.
Published: October 2024

Procaine belongs to a type of medicine in which excessive dosage form creates cardiac problems and many allergenic reactions. Thus, continuous monitoring of this drug and its metabolite is crucial for sustainable health management during treatment. In this study, electrochemical techniques such as square wave voltammetry (SWV) and differential pulse polarography (DPP) are utilized for assaying procaine amounts in standard and pharmaceutical formulations. In SWV, the reduction of diazotized procaine gives a reduction peak at −0.05 V which is directly proportional with procaine hydrochloride concentration, whereas in DPP, the interaction of the drug with lead cation at −0.4 V is followed by the decrease in peak current of the lead cation reduction peak, which is directly proportional with the concentration of the drug. Both methods indicate high accuracy, sensitivity and precision. Linear concentration ranges of both methods are 0.0999–5.996 × 10-7 M for SWV and 0.1999–5.996 × 10-7 M for DPP. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) are calculated for both SWV and DPP techniques, and found that LOD equals 1.984 × 10-9 M and LOQ equals 6.611 × 10-9 M for SWV, while for (DPP) LOD and LOQ were found to be 3.519 × 10-9 M and 1.173 × 10-8 M, respectively.
پێگه‌ی ئایینی شێخ حه‌سه‌ن له‌ سه‌رچاوه‌ مێژویی و یاده‌وه‌ری ئێزیدییه‌كاندا
Authors: نادر سعید مولود
Published: October 2024

له‌ هه‌ر كۆمه‌ڵێكی باوه‌ڕدار،چه‌ندین پیرۆز كراو به‌رهه‌مهێنراون، كه‌ له‌ چوارچێوه‌ی تێگه‌یشتنی ئه‌و كۆمه‌ڵه‌دا ڕاستییه‌كی مێژویی له‌خۆگرتووه‌ و شایسته‌ی قسه‌ له‌سه‌ركردن و ڕه‌خنه‌گرتن نییه‌، چونكه‌ به‌رهه‌می تێگه‌یشتنی ده‌سته‌جه‌معی كۆی كۆمه‌ڵه‌كه‌ ئه‌و پیرۆزییه‌ی به‌رهه‌مهێناوه‌.شێخ حه‌سه‌ن وه‌ك كه‌سایه‌تییه‌كی سۆفی، له‌ تێڕوانینی ئێزیدییه‌كان پێگه‌یه‌كی به‌رزی ئایینی هه‌یه‌ و به‌ هه‌وێنی باوه‌ڕی ئێزیدییاتی داده‌نرێت، ئه‌گه‌رچی به‌رهه‌می خه‌یاڵكردی خۆیانه‌ و سروشتی كۆمه‌ڵایه‌تیی ئه‌وان ده‌خوازێت ڕابه‌ر و پیاوچاكانییان پیرۆز بكه‌ن، به‌ڵام نابێت نكوڵی له‌و تێگه‌یشتنه‌ مێژوییه‌ بكرێت و خه‌یاڵی ده‌سته‌جه‌معی كۆی ئه‌و كۆمه‌ڵه‌ په‌راوێز بخرێت، به‌ڵكو پێویسته‌ وه‌ك به‌شێك له‌ مێژووی خه‌یاڵكرد مامه‌ڵه‌ی له‌گه‌ڵ بكرێت و هه‌ڵبسه‌نگێنرێت. چونكه‌ ئه‌و تێگه‌یشتنه‌ بووه‌ته‌ به‌شێك له‌ ڕاستی مێژویی و له‌ باوه‌ڕی ئایینی ئه‌و كۆمه‌ڵه‌دا له‌ فۆرمی مرۆڤ ده‌رچووه‌ و پێگه‌یه‌كی خودایی هه‌یه.له‌و تێڕوانینه‌وه‌، هه‌وڵدراوه‌ كه‌سایه‌تیی‌ ڕاسته‌قینه‌ی له‌ سه‌رچاوه‌ مێژوییه‌كان بخرێته‌ڕوو، پاشان وێنا خه‌یاڵكرده‌كه‌ی ئه‌و كه‌سایه‌تییه‌، له‌ تێگه‌یشتنی كۆمه‌ڵی باوه‌ڕدارانی ڕوونبكرێته‌وه‌. خستنه‌ڕووی ئه‌و دوو وێنا جیاوازه‌، ڕێبازێكه‌ بۆ تێگه‌یشتن له‌ به‌رهه‌می خه‌یاڵییانه‌ی ئه‌و كۆمه‌ڵه‌ مرۆییه‌، به‌و پێیه‌ی مێژووی ژیانی كه‌سایه‌تی شێخ حه‌سه‌ن باسكراوه‌، پاشان تێگه‌یشتنی ئێزیدییه‌كان ڕوونكراوه‌ته‌وه‌. ئامانجی سه‌ره‌كی له‌و كاره‌دا، ده‌رخستنی وێنای خه‌یاڵی باوه‌ڕدارانی سه‌رجه‌م ئایینه‌كانه‌، چونكه‌ ئه‌و گوزارشته‌ له‌ پیرۆزكردنی كه‌سایه‌تییه‌ دیاره‌كانی ناو هه‌ر باوه‌ڕێكی ئایینی، هه‌مان مانا ده‌گه‌یه‌نێت. بۆیه‌ ده‌كرێت بڵێین، شێخ حه‌سه‌ن له‌ یاده‌وه‌ری ئێزیدی، گوزارشته‌ له‌ هه‌موو ئه‌و كه‌سایه‌تییانه‌، كه‌ له‌ باوه‌ڕی ئایینه‌كانیتردا ئه‌و وێنا ئه‌فسانه‌ییه‌یان بۆ دروستكراوه‌ و پیرۆز كراون، به‌و مانایه‌ی له‌سه‌رووی مرۆڤ سه‌یر ده‌كرێن.
Classical Sociologists' views of the Nation and its Main Paradigms About the Origin of the Kurds
Authors: Karim Hawraman F. , Mohammad Murad H.
Published: October 2024

This interdisciplinary article addresses two primary investigations: the sociological standpoint on the notion of nation and fundamental approaches concerning the Kurds' origin. Consequently, we seek responses to the following pair of inquiries: Firstly, it delves into the foundational aspects of understanding the origin of Kurds and Kurdish nationalism, questioning its historiography. Secondly, it investigates the categorization of fundamental ideas and approaches regarding nation and nationalism and examines the extent of their influence on Kurdish literature in the related field. The study takes a dual perspective. Initially, it explores the perspectives of classical sociologists such as Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and George Simmel on the concept of nation. In contrast to historical perspectives, sociologists analyze the notion through the prisms of social solidarity, moral environment, citizenship, Western rationality, and the nation as a superstructure. The second part of the article delves into the core approaches of primordialism, constructionism, and ethno-symbolism. The study concludes that the investigation into the origins of Kurds is a relatively recent development, influenced by a myriad of external and internal factors. Kurdish researchers have conducted their studies within the framework of the three above-mentioned methods, with visible differences of opinion regarding the origin of Kurds and Kurdish nationalism. Simultaneously, a distinct approach is emerging, asserting the uniqueness of the Kurdish issue and suggesting it transcends common modern paradigms.
Expression Pattern of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Activity and/or Structure Homologues in Cancer
Authors: Kotačková L. , Balážiová E. , Šedo Aleksi
Published: October 2024

Proline at the second position of the N-terminus of biologically active peptides involved in cell growth regulation is an evolutionarily conserved motif protecting them against cleavage by non-specific proteases. Just a small number of proline-specific hydrolases including dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and related molecules is capable of cleaving such post-prolyl bond. DPP-IV, originally described on the basis of its enzymatic activity, is a ubiquitous, multifunctional homodimeric plasma membrane glycoprotein of type II. Subsequently, several other molecules related to DPP-IV by their enzymatic activity and/or sequence were discovered and classified as “dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity and/or structure homologues” (DASH). Along with canonical DPP-IV this group comprises DPP-IVβ, DPP-II, DPP6, DPP8, DPP9, DPP10 and fibroblast activation protein α (FAP-α). Recent observations of deregulated expression of several DASH molecules in multiple human cancers led to the assumptions of their pathogenetic relevance in cancerogenesis. Here we review recent information about selected DASH molecules in human malignancies.
Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Gene Mutations in Women Diagnosed with Unexplained Infertility and Endometriosis Have a Negative Impact on the IVF Outcome A Pilot Study
Authors: Novotný Z. , Křížan J. , Šíma R. , Šíma P. , Uher P. , Zech N. , Hüttelová R. , Baborová P. , Ulčová-Gallová Z. , Šubrt I. , Ulmanová E. , Houdek Z. , Rokyta Z. , Babuška V. , Králíčková Milena
Published: October 2024

The frequency of functionally relevant mutations of the leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) gene in infertile women is significantly enhanced in comparison with fertile controls. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the impact of LIF gene mutations on the outcome of the treatment in women with various causes of infertility. Fifteen infertile women with the G to A transition at position 3400 leading to the valine to methionine exchange at codon 64 were analysed. Group A was made up of women with diagnoses that are frequently accompanied by changes in humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity – idiopathic infertility and endometriosis (N = 7). Group B consisted of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), andrological factor, tubal factor and hyperprolactinaemia (N = 8). The control group comprised 136 infertile women with no LIF gene mutation diagnosed with idiopathic infertility and endometriosis (N = 37) (group C) and patients with PCOS, tubal and andrological factor (N = 99) (group D). Seven of the mutation-positive patients were successfully treated by in vitro fertilization (IVF), but nobody in this group was diagnosed with idiopathic infertility and only one with endometriosis, which means that there is a statistically significant difference in the pregnancy rates between groups A and B (P = 0.01, Fisher’s 2 by 2 exact test) but no statistically significant difference when comparing patients with the LIF gene mutation (group A+B) to no LIF gene mutation (group C+D). The results suggest that in mutation-positive women the idiopathic infertility and endometriosis have a negative impact on the outcome of IVF treatment.
Differences between Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Regulation of Haptoglobin Gene Expression during the Acute Phase Response and Dietary Restriction
Authors: Uskoković A. , Arambašić J. , Bogojević D. , Ivanović-Matić S. , Mihailović M. , Dinić S. , Grigorov Ilijana I.
Published: October 2024

Haptoglobin is a glycoprotein involved in the acute phase response. Previously we reported that haptoglobin gene expression was up-regulated during dietary restriction in young female rats. The present study aimed at determining whether chronic dietary restriction affects haptoglobin blood levels through changing levels and/or activities of IL-6-related transcription factors STAT and C/EBP in the liver as is the case during the acute phase response. To this end, we compared a female Wistar rat model of 50% 6-week-long dietary restriction with the standard laboratory model for the acute phase response induced by turpentine administration. During the turpentine-induced acute phase response, the transitory 5.4-fold increase of rat haptoglobin expression was accompanied by a prominent rise of serum IL-6 concentration and the increased binding of STAT3 and 35kD C/EBPβ/LAP transcription factors to the haptoglobin gene hormone-responsive element. Results obtained after immunoblotting and DNA affinity chromatography (using hormone-responsive element) suggest that the stable 1.7-fold increase of serum haptoglobin level during dietary restriction was the result of increased amounts and activities of constitutive transcription factors C/EBPα and STAT5b, and to a smaller extent of STAT3. When dietary restriction rats were administered turpentine, a 8.7-fold increase in haptoglobin expression was followed by a considerable increase in the amount and hormone-responsive element binding activity of STAT3 but not 35kD C/EBPβ/LAP. We concluded that haptoglobin gene up-regulation during chronic dietary restriction was regulated by different mechanisms than during the acute phase response, and that it depended on the amount(s) and activit(ies) of transcription factor(s) that characterize low-grade inflammatory conditions.
Balancing efficiency and public interest: The impact of AI automation on social benefit provision in Brazil
Authors: Nicolás Maria Alejandra , Sampaio Rafael Cardoso
Published: October 2024

This article examines the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems by Brazil's National Social Security Institute (INSS) to automate the granting of social benefits. Using audit reports from government agencies, it analyses the efficiency improvements brought about by AI, such as the speed with which benefits are granted, as well as the unintended consequences of this automation, such as the increase in the number of automatic denials and the creation of barriers for less digitally literate users, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. The research points to the need for transparency, public justification, adequate risk monitoring tools, governance design, and participation in the implementation of these systems to ensure that they serve the public interest and promote equity. The paper argues that without proper regulation and consideration of ethical principles, AI automation could exacerbate inequalities and undermine trust in public services. The authors conclude by stressing the importance of a balanced approach that weighs in both technological innovation with the public interest.
Median and quantile conditional copulas
Authors: Gijbels Irène , Matterne Margot
Published: October 2024

This article studies the conditional dependency between random variables, conditionally upon a covariate (vector). The conditional copula fully characterizes this conditional dependency. A way to summarize this dependence structure taking into account the impact of the covariate is via the average conditional copula, which under fairly general conditions coincides with the partial copula. A mean is just one way to summarize this conditional dependence behaviour. In this article, we introduce the notions of median conditional copula and more generally quantile conditional copula. We investigate the existence of these concepts and establish explicit expressions for calculating them. Examples are given to illustrate the concepts, and the practical use of them is demonstrated in real data examples.
Smart mathematically filtered UV spectroscopic methods for quality assurance of rosuvastatin and valsartan from formulation
Authors: Attimarad Mahesh , Ahmed Amel Y. , Nair Anroop B. , Venugopala Katharigatta Narayanaswamy , Jacob Shery
Published: October 2024

Valsartan and rosuvastatin together in a binary form have been utilized to reduce hypertension and hyperlipidemia to control cardiovascular complications. This study depicts the simple three mathematically manipulated UV spectroscopic techniques for the estimation of rosuvastatin and valsartan in the formulation. The first method is simple UV absorption at 310 nm by RST and the first derivatization method for VTN. Determining the magnitude difference of a ratio spectrum at two identified wavelengths is the second approach, and determination of the magnitude of the first derivatives of the ratio spectra of RST and VTN constitute the third technique. The selection of wavelengths, divisor concentrations, and peak amplitudes were optimized and validated. The straight line was constructed in the range of 1–30 and 2–25 µg/ml for RST and VST by the normal and first derivatization method. By using the magnitude difference and magnitude of first derivative ratio spectra approaches, the concentrations of 1–12 and 2–25 µg/ml for RST and VTN, respectively, displayed a straight line. The limit of quantification was less than 1 µg/ml for RST and less than 2 µg/ml for VTN. It was eventually found that the accuracy, expressed as a percentage recovery, ranged between 98.94 and 99.55% for RST and 100.36 and 101.08% for VTN. The % RSD did not exceed 1.82 and 1.91 for RST and VTN, respectively. The three techniques were used to accurately measure RST and VTN in their binary formulations and physically mixed solutions, and the results were statistically compared to the previously published HPLC technique. The outstanding recovery achieved by using the authentic standard addition approach validated the methods’ supplemental accurateness. The Analytical Greenness and Red Green Blue procedures verified the eco-friendliness of the suggested UV spectroscopic approaches, which were also found to be superior to the documented HPLC methods.
Long COVID elevated MMP-9 and release from microglia by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Authors: Kempuraj Duraisamy , Tsilioni Irene , Aenlle Kristina K. , Klimas Nancy G. , Theoharides Theoharis C.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Long COVID is a major health concern because many patients develop chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms, but the precise pathogenesis is unknown. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) can disrupt neuronal connectivity and be elevated in patients with long COVID.

Methods

In this study, MMP-9 was measured in the serum of long COVID patients and healthy controls, as well as in the supernatant fluid of cultured human microglia cell line stimulated by recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Spike protein, as well as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and neurotensin (NT) used as positive controls. MMP-9 was measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

MMP-9 was significantly elevated in the serum of long COVID patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, there was significant release of MMP-9 from a cultured human microglia cell line stimulated by LPS, NT, or Spike protein. We further show that pretreatment with the flavonoids luteolin and tetramethoxyluteolin (methlut) significantly inhibited the release of MMP-9 stimulated by the Spike protein.

Conclusion

MMP-9 from Spike protein-stimulated microglia could contribute to the development of long COVID and may serve as a target for treatment including the use of luteolin.
Uvodna riječ
Authors: Lakuš Jelena
Published: October 2024

Uvodna riječ.
Research on the convergence of some types of functional branched continued fractions
Authors: Bodnar D.I. , Bodnar O.S. , Dmytryshyn M.V. , Popov M.M. , Martsinkiv M.V. , Salamakha O.B.
Published: October 2024

An analysis of research on the problem of convergence of various types of functional branched continued fractions has been carried out. Branched continued fractions with $N$ branching branches and branched continued fractions with independent variables are considered. The definition and, in our opinion, characteristic criteria of convergence of multidimensional generalizations of C-, S-, g-, J-fractions are given, both for branched continued fractions of the general form with $N$ branching branches and branched continued fractions with independent variables. Such multidimensional generalizations of continued fractions arise, in particular, in the development of various classes of hypergeometric functions of several variables, in particular, the functions of Appel, Lauricella, Horn, etc.
On Historiography of Fights for Independence and Creation of Lithuanian Army
Authors: Lesčius Vytautas
Published: October 2024

Depending on political, social, cultural and other factors, the historiography of the analysed period should be divided into several parts.The first period comprises the time when Bolshevism was gaining strength, i.e., 1917-1919 events, which the Lithuanian soldiers serving in the Russian army experienced. Their diverse activity was elucidated in the periodical press.A lot of published works, reminiscences, and estimation of more important military, political, social events appeared when the army was being created in Lithuania itself (in 1918-1920). Nevertheless, the most part of them remained as a certain "material to history."In the period between the wars (1921-1940), weighty publications came out which reviewed the activity of the army—journals on warfare and history, memoirs, etc.In Soviet times the problem was hardly investigated. The greatest contribution in this field was made by some Lithuanian war historians living abroad.In current Lithuania, the interest of the public in the subject has borne fruit—some extensive works based on the material drawn from archive stocks and other sources have been published, scientific journals come out, etc. This makes it reasonable to believe that the backwardness in the field will disappear in the near future.
Public Initiatives in the Process of Establishment of Lithuania University
Authors: Jurėnienė Virginija
Published: October 2024

On the basis of Lithuanian public initiative and partly, financial support, higher courses were established in Kaunas on January 27, 1920. Higher courses were the very first step in the process of establishment of a higher school in Lithuania.From the beginning of autumn 1920, the Lithuanian society was actively agitating in mass media for the establishment of a university. The most active in this campaign were the lecturers and students of higher courses, teachers, soldiers-students, students, and clericals. The Ministry for Education proposed for the lecturers of higher courses to prepare the project of a Lithuanian university statute. This project was considered in the Ministry for Education only at the beginning of 1921.A massive agitation took place in the press both for a secular as well as for a Catholic university. Politicians began to participate in the agitation for the university in February 1921. This question was raised in Steigiamasis Seimas too. Beginning with the autumn of 1921, when it became clear that only one university could be established, people, public organizations, and the press during meetings were discussing the projects of the statute and submitting resolutions for the government and Seimas. The teachers' trade union, which called a number of city meetings, was the most active.The University of Lithuania was established on February 16, 1922, and it began its function according to the Vilnius University statute accepted by the Soviet of Lithuania on December 5, 1918.The discussions of the statute of the Lithuanian university continued up to the end of March 1922.People and public organizations supported academic youth financially. Until the year of 1921, students were financially supported by clerical organizations. Communities under the titles of "Saulė" and "Rytas" functioned very actively. At the beginning of 1921, a secular community "Žiburėlis" was re-established, the aim of which was to give material help, grants, loans, and dormitories to students.
MELATONIN ENHANCES TEMOZOLOMIDE-INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN GLIOBLASTOMA AND NEUROBLASTOMA CELLS
Authors: BOSTANCI A. , DOGANLAR O.
Published: October 2024

Background. The combination of temozolomide (TMZ) and paclitaxel (PTX) is the most commonly used chemotherapy regimen for glioblastoma, but there is no specific treatment for neuroblastoma due to the acquired multidrug resistance. Approximately half of treated glioblastoma patients develop resistance to TMZ and experience serious side effects. Melatonin (MEL), a multifunctional hormone long known for its antitumor effects, has a great advantage in combination cancer therapy thanks to its ability to affect tumors differently than normal cells. Aim. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effects of MEL in combination with TMZ on cancer cell viability and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms in the glioblastoma and neuroblastoma cell lines. Materials and Methods. C6 (Rattus norvegicus) and N1E-115 (Mus musculus) cancer cell lines and C8-D1A (mice) healthy cell lines were used. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT test. IC50 values were determined by probit analysis. Two concentrations of TMZ (IC50 and 1/2 IC50) were used to induce cytotoxicity in the C6 and N1E-115 cell lines, both alone and in combination with PXT and MEL (all at IC50). The viable, dead, and apoptotic cells were determined by image-based cytometry using Annexin V/PI staining. The gene expression related to signaling pathways was assessed by the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and key proteins were identified by the Western blot analysis. Results. MTT assay showed that the combination of TMZ and MEL significantly reduces the viability of both glioblastoma and neuroblastoma cells compared to the vehicle-treated controls. Notably, MEL combined with 1/2 IC50 TMZ showed a significant death rate of cancer cells compared to controls and PTX. According to qRT-PCR data, the TMZ + MEL combination resulted in the upregulation of the genes of antioxidative enzymes (Sod1 and Sod2) and DNA repair genes (Mlh1, Exo1, and Rad18) in both cell lines. Moreover, the levels of Nfkb1 and Pik3cg were significantly reduced following the TMZ + MEL treatment. The combination of MEL with TMZ also enhanced the cell cycle arrest and increased the expression of p53 and pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and caspase-3), while significantly decreasing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the combination of MEL with a low dose of TMZ may serve as an upstream inducer of apoptosis. This suggests the potential development of a novel selective therapeutic strategy as an alternative to TMZ for the treatment of both glioblastoma and neuroblastoma.
GAP JUNCTION FUNCTION IS ESSENTIAL FOR SURVIVAL OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA CELLS
Authors: EDWARDS E. , SCHENONE D. , SIVAGNANALINGAM U. , PERRY S. , MULLEN C.A.
Published: October 2024

Background. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia has an intimate physical relationship with nonmalignant bone marrow stromal cells. We have recently demonstrated that stromal cells contribute to the survival of leukemia cells and that there is a bidirectional transfer of intracellular material between them. Understanding the mechanisms of stromal support of leukemia may provide insights into new therapies. Aim. To test the hypothesis that gap junctions are formed between acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and nonmalignant stromal cells, and that gap junction function is essential for the survival of leukemia cells. Materials and Methods. We employed a well-characterized in vitro model of human bone marrow stromal cells and primary human B lymphoblastic leukemia cells and measured leukemia cell survival in coculture using flow cytometry. We measured the effects of gap junction antagonist peptides, carbenoxolone (a drug known to interfere with the gap junction function), and several leukemia chemotherapy drugs including methotrexate upon leukemia cell survival. Results. We demonstrated that stromal cells need to be alive and metabolically active to keep leukemia cells alive. Physical contact between stromal and leukemia cells leads to an increase in gap junction proteins in leukemia cells. Gap junction inhibitory peptides impaired leukemia cell survival as did carbenoxolone, a nonpeptide inhibitor of the gap junction function. Stromal cell survival was not affected. We observed a very modest enhancement of methotrexate antileukemia activity by low-dose carbenoxolone but no significant interactions with dexamethasone, vincristine, mercaptopurine, or doxorubicin. Conclusion. These studies demonstrate that acute lymphoblastic cell survival is impaired by interference with the gap junction function. The development of drugs targeting gap junctions may provide a novel approach to the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
LABORATORY PREDICTORS FOR DIAGNOSING COLORECTAL ANASTOMOTIC LEAKAGE
Authors: GORDIICHUK M. , MYASOYEDOV S.
Published: October 2024

Background. An important concern in oncological coloproctology is colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL), which occurs in 3.5%–21% of patients. Predicting the occurrence of failure based on the results of laboratory markers can be decisive for the treatment of this complication. Aim. To improve the early diagnosis of AL by establishing combinations and threshold values of laboratory markers — predictors of the inflammatory process. Materials and Methods. The prospective study, conducted from 2020 to 2023, included 213 rectal cancer patients who underwent low anterior resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The inflammatory biomarkers were assessed before surgery and on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days of the postoperative period. Results. AL diagnosed in 25 (11.74%) patients by the grade of severity was as follows: A (radiological) in 7 (3.29%) patients; B (clinical) — 4 (1.88%); C (clinically expressed, peritonitis) — 11 (5.16%), and P (late) — 3 (1.41%) patients. The changes in the laboratory indicators of the inflammatory response such as С-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), the counts of neutrophils (NEU), lymphocytes (LYM), platelets (PLT), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significant only in B or C AL grades. Among them, only three indicators were identified as significant for predicting AL when assessed 24 h before the onset of this complication, namely LYM (threshold value ≤ 0.97 × 103/mm3, sensitivity 66.7% and specificity 81.3%, p < 0.001); PLT (threshold value > > 257 103/mm3, sensitivity 58.6%, and specificity 86.7%, p < 0.001); and NLR (threshold value > 4.42, sensitivity 58.1%, and specificity 86.7%, p < 0.001). The three-factor model based on these selected indicators was set up, and the prognosis index (Prog) was proposed with the decision threshold Progcrit = 2.23. The sensitivity of the model was 80% (95% CI 51.9%—95.7%), and the specificity — 74.2% (67.6%—80.2%). Conclusion. Based on the routine laboratory predictors used in the complex diagnosis of AL, B or C AL grades may be predicted allowing for the timely effective early diagnosis, medication, and surgical intervention..
SEVERE DISEASE PROGRESSION OF POSTMOLAR GESTATIONAL NEOPLASM IN A VIETNAMESE YOUNG FEMALE PATIENT AFTER TREATMENT REFUSAL: INSIGHTS FROM A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: VO THANH NHAN , NGUYEN PHUC NHON
Published: October 2024

Choriocarcinoma is characterized as the most aggressive malignant alternation of gestational trophoblastic neoplasm; however, this illness is a curable malignancy. Although a rarity, this disease affects a female patient’s life and causes a fatal condition. Choriocarcinoma is a life-threatening disease since it is initially insidious and can rapidly lead to masive hemorrhage, even death. Choriocarcinoma should be suspected in childbearing-age women with the high-risk scores according to FIGO. The study aims to report a severe case of widespread metastatic choriocarcinoma to optimize the treatment with multiagent chemotherapy and a multidisciplinary cooperation at our center. A G1P0 20-year-old woman was referred to the hospital for suspicion of metastatic choriocarcinoma after self-stopping chemotherapy because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During hospitalization, the tumor metastasized and presented profuse intraabdominal hemorrhage. The patient underwent immediate surgical intervention to control bleeding, and a definitive diagnosis was accurately established by the histopathological examination. After surgery, the EMA/CO regimen was administered as the first line of treatment, despite the patient being in a coma and requiring a ventilator machine. After 6 cycles of the EMA/CO regimen, her serum β-hCG level decreased to 8 mUI/mL, however, her β-hCG concentration was not down to a negative value. Thus, the patient received paclitaxel/cisplatin alternating with paclitaxel/etoposide (TP/TE regimen) for complete remission following 2 cycles. The delays in choriocarcinoma treatment are prognostic factors for worse outcomes, whereas chemotherapy may be considered a suitable treatment even in a patient’s coma, thus improving a prognosis substantially.
LONG-TERM NATURAL HISTORY OF GIANT NULL CELL PITUITARY ADENOMA
Authors: UKRAINETS O. , GUK M. , DANEVYCH O. , CHUKOV A. , MUMLIEV A. , SOLOVEY M. , EGOROVA K. , TEVZADZE D. , NABOICHENKO A.
Published: October 2024

Pituitary adenomas that extend to the ventricular system are extremely rare. We present a 5-year natural history of a giant null cell pituitary adenoma with invasion into the cavernous sinus extending to the third ventricle. MRI series that were available could be useful for neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, and endocrinologists as well as radiologists. Patients with the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma that are certain according to the radiological and clinical examination should be consulted by a neurosurgeon experienced in endoscopic endonasal surgery, a neuroendocrinologist, and an ophthalmologist. The surgery postponement in such cases results in disability and quality of life worsening. At that time, the surgery of giant pituitary adenomas demands high skills, and the risk of postoperative complications is high. The proper treatment modality including earlier surgery seems to be favorable for patient outcome.
CONSIDERING DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE SOLVENT TOXICITY TO MAMMALIAN CELLS AND ITS BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Authors: HASSAN SITI NAZIHAHASMA , AHMAD FARIZAN
Published: October 2024

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a common solvent in biological and medical research for dissolving water-insoluble compounds and drugs. However, the impact of DMSO goes beyond its primary function. High-throughput and in vitro assays have uncovered various effects of DMSO in mammalian cells. The present article highlights the biological effects of DMSO on normal and cancerous mammalian cells.
EXPERIENCE OF CREATIVE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE UKRAINE-AUSTRALIA RESEARCH FUND
Authors: MIKHAILENKO V. , KUCHEL P.
Published: October 2024

Science and politics have always gone together. This is what happened in our days when Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, which began in 2014, turned into a full-scale military invasion in 2022 and a war of liberation for the independence and freedom of Ukraine. These events dramatically affected not only the fate of millions of citizens but also brought the destruction of fields of science and technology important for the existence of the country.
¿Un antiimperialismo bicéfalo? La Guerra de Malvinas según las extremas izquierdas y derechas Argentinas
Authors: Grinchpun Boris-Matias
Published: October 2024

Es un lugar común afirmar que la invasión de las Malvinas en abril de 1982 tuvo un impacto inmenso en la sociedad argentina. Este artículo aspira a continuar en esa senda contrastando las posiciones manifestadas en algunas publicaciones pertenecientes a las derechas tradicionalistas—Verbo, Mikael y Cabildo— con las adoptadas por una expresión de la “izquierda nacional” como La Patria Grande y otras del trotskismo como Nueva Generación. Se cree que de esta comparación emergerán diferencias esperables, pero también coincidencias que, lejos de ser pasajeras y superficiales, indican la presencia de un sustrato simbólico compartido: una cultura política que entraría en crisis por la derrota. Un elemento que quizás permita arrojar una nueva luz sobre el rol que la guerra y la “causa” han tenido en el imaginario de las últimas décadas.
“Cuando fue la guerra con Chile”. Las actitudes sociales ante un posible escenario bélico internacional (Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, 1978)
Authors: Otero Karin-Laura
Published: October 2024

El objetivo del artículo es proponer un caso de intersección entre las perspectivas de los estudios socioculturales de la guerra y los análisis de las actitudes sociales en la última dictadura militar argentina. Para ello se analiza el proceso de movilización bélica por la soberanía del Canal Beagle (1978), desde una perspectiva local, a fin de reconstruir algunas características de la experiencia de la sociedad fueguina bajo el autodenominado Proceso de Reorganización Nacional. Desde un punto de vista metodológico, se apela a las herramientas conceptuales de la historia oral a fin de construir el material documental que se presenta: un conjunto de cinco testimonios generados a partir de entrevistas a actores clave del proceso estudiado. Luego se abordan dos aspectos que aportarán información concreta: qué tipo de relaciones establecían los entrevistados con las autoridades militares o civiles a cargo de la conducción política y cómo se caracterizaban los vínculos sociales horizontales (con pares, vecinos, compañeros de trabajo). El objetivo específico es reconstruir algunas de las variaciones y matices posibles en los apoyos y disensos de la sociedad hacia el régimen, en un contexto patagónico austral, sometido a la hipótesis de guerra internacional.
“Nuestro deber en la hora actual” límites y nacionalismo entre Chile y Argentina (1892 – 1899)
Authors: Manzano-Iturra Karen-Isabel
Published: October 2024

Chile y Argentina discutieron en torno al Estrecho de Magallanes y la Patagonia en varias ocasiones durante el siglo XIX. El Tratado de Límites de 1881 cierra un ciclo. No obstante, las disputas territoriales se incrementaron con perspectivas nacionalistas y un creciente armamentismo en la década siguiente. ¿Por qué se intensificaron las disputas si existía un tratado y un protocolo vigentes? Es la pregunta central del presente artículo, partiendo de la evaluación de los puntos limítrofes entre ambos Estados. La investigación se llevará a cabo mediante una metodología de análisis de fuentes documentales (archivos, libros, prensa de la época) y un enfoque histórico-geopolítico, en una dimensión temporal definida (1892-1899). Las conclusiones proponen demostrar que, a pesar de los acuerdos existentes, ambos Estados intentaron presionar por una solución rápida a las controversias, involucrando no solo a las instituciones del Estado, sino también a la sociedad en su conjunto.