bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TECNOLOGIA EDUCACIONAL PARA O CUIDADO DOMICILIAR DE FERIDAS TUMORAIS À LUZ DO LETRAMENTO EM SAÚDE
Authors: Gonçalves da Silva Isaac , Dos Santos Lucimere Maria , De Souza Ramos Raquel , Ferreira da Silva Daniela , Andrade Ferreira de Carvalho Leonardo , Gonçalves Pereira de Oliveira Denise , Rangel Marques Raysa
Published: September 2024

O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever a elaboração de um guia de orientação para o cuidado domiciliar de feridas tumorais, à luz dos pressupostos do letramento em saúde. Trata-se de um estudo metodológico que desenvolveu uma tecnologia educacional em formato de guia, seguindo etapas específicas. Após a definição do problema a ser abordado, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura para reunir evidências científicas sobre o manejo de feridas tumorais pelos profissionais de enfermagem. A busca resultou em 24 artigos que serviram como síntese de evidências sobre os cuidados de enfermagem nos sinais e sintomas mais frequentes em feridas tumorais, como dor, sangramento, odor, infecção, exsudato e prurido. Para a construção do guia, utilizaram-se diretrizes propostas para avaliação de material educativo no Brasil, com foco no letramento em saúde. Produziu-se um guia de cuidados com feridas tumorais voltado para pacientes e cuidadores, abordando o passo a passo para a realização do curativo em domicílio e como manejar os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes nas feridas tumorais. O material utiliza linguagem clara e concisa, de fácil compreensão, com a combinação adequada de cores e fontes de texto, seguindo as diretrizes para a elaboração de materiais educativos pautados no letramento em saúde. Espera-se que este guia se torne uma tecnologia educacional impressa que complemente o processo formal de educação em saúde ministrado verbalmente pelo enfermeiro, auxiliando na fixação das orientações fornecidas e tornando o processo de educação em saúde mais eficaz aos pacientes oncológicos, bem como aos cuidadores e familiares.
EFFECTIVENESS COMPARISON OF TREATMENT OF FELINE ASSOCIATED BORDETELLA BRONCHISEPTICA INFECTION WITH THE IMMUNOSTIMULANTS
Authors: Hlushchenko Ya.V. , Hontar A.M. , Severyn R.V. , Symonenko S.I. , Shtager H.M.
Published: September 2024

There is a significant spread of infectious respiratory diseases among pets, which often lead to their death. Herpesviruses and caliciviruses are the main viral pathogens that cause respiratory pathology in cats, they are of etiological importance, as they have an expressed tropism for the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. These viral pathogens can cause both mono infections and mixed or associative infections, which may include Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and Bordetella. Infections associated with the Bordetella virus are accompanied by the development of catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, oral cavity, and conjunctiva. The problem of treating Bordetella virus-associated infections in cats remains an urgent issue. The study of the elaboration of diagnostic kits, ways of treatment, and specific prevention of infectious diseases in cats is of paramount importance. Drugs that inhibit pathogenic microorganisms are available on the veterinary market, but direct support of the immune response is of particular importance in the treatment of associated viral respiratory infections. Such drugs exert a suppressive effect on the humoral and cellular immune response and have a strong immunomodulatory and interferon effect. As an interferon inducer, they block the transfer of viral proteins, thereby activating the body's immune response. Thus, the study of the peculiarities of the spread of feline-associated respiratory infections, as well as the improvement of their treatment plans, is an urgent issue and is important for solving the problem of this pathology.
ANTIMICROBIAL DRUG USAGE AMOUNTS ASSESSMENT IN THE VETERINARY TREATMENT OF COMPANION ANIMALS
Authors: Machuskyy O. V.
Published: September 2024

Modern information systems allow for the recording and tracking of many parameters of veterinary practice almost in real-time. This powerful tool, when properly configured, serves as a valuable source of information, including the structure and amount of antimicrobial drug use. This information is particularly valuable in implementing the principles of One Health.An analysis and assessment of the volumes of antimicrobial drug use in small animal veterinary practice was conducted based on the example of a specific veterinary clinic over the past five years. The information was obtained from the database of a licensed private veterinary clinic located in the Bucha district of Kyiv Oblast. The study examined the quantity and frequency of use of antimicrobial drugs from the following groups: aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, lincosamides, macrolides, nitroimidazole derivatives, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, phenicols, fluoroquinolones, polymyxins, third-generation cephalosporins, and fourth-generation cephalosporins.It was found that over five years, 27.88% of companion animal visits to the clinic involved the use of antimicrobial drugs. On average, the veterinary clinic served (9877.4±426.5) visits per year. A high degree of correlation was statistically established between the total number of visits conducted year by year and the number of visits involving the use of antimicrobial drugs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.83. During the treatment of companion animals, single- component antimicrobial drugs were used more frequently (8953 cases, 18.1% of the total number of visits) compared to combined ones (4817 cases, 9.75% of the total number of visits). The most frequently used antibiotics in the veterinary clinic were beta-lactams – 27.32% of cases, cephalosporins – 24.3% of cases, macrolides – 22.6% of cases, and fluoroquinolones – 18.36% of cases.
Change of Cerebral Hemodynamic Signals during the Process of Swallowing Water, Acetic Acid Solution and Salt Solution in Healthy Adults: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Kang Jiliang , Lu Junyue , Gong Shuang , Yu Yan , Gu Mengbi , Wu Siyang , Tang Min , Wen Youliang
Published: September 2024

Background: The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the similarities and differences in cortical activation patterns during the swallowing of water, acetic acid solution and salt solution in healthy adults using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods: Eighteen right-handed healthy adults were recruited and fNIRS was used to measure changes in concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR) in 35 channels during the swallowing of water, acetic acid solution and salt solution. The task-based experiment used a block-design in which participants alternated between resting blocks of 30 s and task blocks (swallowing water, acetic acid solution, or salt solution) of 30 s, repeated six times. Participants remained still during the resting blocks and performed a swallowing action every 6 s during the task blocks. Data preprocessing was conducted using NirSpark software and statistical analyses were performed using either one-sample or paired t-tests to compare differences in cortical activation in healthy participants between swallowing a water and acetic acid solution, as well as swallowing a water and salt solution. Results: Compared to the resting state, nine brain regions, including primary somatosensory cortex (S1), primary motor cortex (M1), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), Wernicke's area, premotor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), inferior frontal cortex (IFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and frontopolar area, were commonly activated during the process of swallowing water, acetic acid solution, and salt solution. The DLPFC, Broca's area, PMC and SMA showed higher activation levels during the swallowing of acetic acid solution when compared to swallowing water, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The frontopolar area and OFC exhibited higher activation during the swallowing of salt solution when compared to water, also with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Multiple brain regions were activated during the swallowing of water, acetic acid solution and salt solution in healthy adults. Moreover, swallowing acetic acid solution leads to stronger activation of DLPFC, Broca's area, PMC and SMA, while swallowing salt solution leads to stronger activation of the frontopolar area and OFC.
WOLIO SCRIPTURE AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION IN THE CREATION OF ISLAMIC CALLIGRAPHY ART
Authors: Parta I Wayan Seriyoga , Umar Adam Almiftah , Hasmah
Published: September 2024

This research is based on developing the Wolio script into the creation of Islamic calligraphy paintings. The method applied uses a creation approach from Husein Hendriyana's theory regarding creating works (practice-led research). Through 4 stages of creation, starting with 1) Pre-design, containing preliminary research. 2) Designing and making designs/drawings using the Wolio script and the Buton Palace fort. 3) Embodiment, applying images into visual calligraphy, and 4) Appreciation exhibition. Data collection techniques were collected through observation, interviews, and documents (document study), then continued with a presentation of the creation process and the results achieved. This research suggests that Wolio script writing can be formulated into Islamic calligraphy. This creation resulted in 10 works using plaque technique painting as media with different themes/backgrounds, interpreting the Wolio script within the scope of the Buton palace as a primary source developed into artistic creations of Arabic script calligraphy. The final stage is that the works are exhibited to gain public appreciation. So that interaction and communication can be established, which inspires an increase in experience and knowledge, especially in artistic practice in Islamic calligraphy writing. Based on the evaluation results, this work is suitable as a reference for creative calligraphy. Seeing this potential, I recommend that the Cultural Heritage Development Agency coordinator in Kamali Baadia collaborate to create creative calligraphy using the Buri Wolio script.
FORM AND FUNCTION STUDY OF BARIS KEKUPU DANCE IN BANJAR LEBAH, SUMERTA KAJA VILLAGE, DENPASAR CITY
Authors: Gunarta I Wayan Adi
Published: September 2024

Dance is one of the crucial aspects of the Balinese Hindu community's artistic, cultural, and socio-religious activities. Dance is referred to as the art of movement and contains aesthetic and philosophical values, which can be enjoyed by the dancers and the audience (art lovers) during the performance. In Sumerta Kaja Village, East Denpasar Subdistrict, Denpasar City, there is a Baris Dance whose shape has a speciality, namely the Kekupu Baris Dance. This article aims to describe the beauty of the form and function of Baris Kekupu Dance. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. The results showed that the Baris Kekupu Dance is a traditional Balinese dance created around 1930 by a Balinese kakebyaran artist, I Nyoman Kaler. This dance describes the movements of a group of colourful butterflies who are playing in a beautiful flower garden, happily looking for flower honey. Baris Kekupu dance was popularized by Banjar Lebah dance maestro, Ni Ketut Arini, and until now, its existence is still sustainable and has become an icon of Banjar Lebah. The uniqueness of Baris Kekupu Dance can be seen from its dance movements and costumes, which combine Legong dance movements with Baris dance movements. Furthermore, in terms of dance costumes for body decoration using awiran type costumes (Baris Dance costumes), while for headdresses using gelungan of legong dance (the type of gelungan pepudakan). Baris Kekupu Dance has two primary functions: as a ritual tool in the Dewa Yadnya (a ceremony to Gods/Goddesses) and Pitra Yadnya (ceremonial offerings to ancestors) ceremonies, and as an aesthetic presentation.
CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE TEACHER'S ATTITUDE IN DEVELOPING THE CREATIVITY OF KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN AT TK DHARMA PUTRA DENPASAR
Authors: Kadek Diah Pramanasari  , Reni Anggraeni  , Ida Ayu Gede Sasrani Widyastuti  , Dewa Gede Satya Adi Maha Utamia
Published: September 2024

Integrating character education into the early childhood curriculum is becoming increasingly important in the modern era, mainly to ensure the balanced development of children physically, emotionally, and intellectually. At Dharma Putra Denpasar Kindergarten, dance is used as a medium to teach character values, but the effectiveness of this approach has yet to be widely studied. This research aims to determine the efficacy of integrating character education through dance at Dharma Putra Denpasar Kindergarten in supporting holistic child development. Data was collected through direct observation, in-depth interviews with teachers, and analytical documentation related to learning plans and student projects. The validity and reliability of research results are maintained through data triangulation and member checks. The data obtained were explained inductively using open, axial, and frequency coding techniques. The research results show that using dance as a medium for character education at the Dharma Putra Denpasar Kindergarten effectively balances children's physical, emotional, and intellectual development. These findings are essential in maintaining a balance between technological progress and preserving local wisdom in education, as well as providing a reference for future curriculum development that emphasizes cultural identity and character formation from an early age.
TRADITIONAL REPETITION PATTERNS IN THE CREATIVE PROCESS OF THE KETUT SUGANTIKA LEKUNG’S POROSAN SERIES
Authors: Budiaprilliana Luh
Published: September 2024

This research examines the repetition patterns found in the creative process of Ketut Sugantika Lekung's Porosan Series artworks. Porosan Series is one of Ketut Sugantika Lekung's artworks, inspired by the shape and the making process of a sacred ritual object called Porosan. In general, Porosan Series artworks display visualizations that emphasize the impression of repetition. The creative process of the Porosan Series imitates the process of making the original Porosan. Imitation activities in this creative process were studied to see the influence of traditional repetition patterns originating from making original porosan. This research uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach, which emphasizes more in-depth data analysis. The results of the research show indications of the influence of original porosan making's traditional repetition pattern in the creative process of the Porosan Series. The Porosan Series creative process also uses three stages like the original porosan: preparation, realization, and finishing, but the original Porosan's final stage is drying, not finishing. Even though there are several modifications, the strong influence of the traditional repetition pattern is still visible because it shows some behaviors that are similar in every stage and process between the two things, such as focus, relaxation, and sincerity, thus creating a meditative state without realizing it. This research is essential to see the impact of local wisdom, which can positively influence the creative process of original Balinese artists to create a potential new method based on Balinese traditions and local wisdom.
Femicide: Causes
Authors: Jacques Bianca , Hahnel-Peeters Rebecka Kathleen
Published: September 2024

Femicide refers to the general and intentional killing of a woman (Taylor & Jasinski, 2011). Evolutionary psychology and sexual conflict theory provide a unique framework through which to understand femicide (Buss, 2017; Parker, 1979). Sexual conflict theory hypothesizes that evolved psychological mechanisms selected across evolutionary time produced—in specific contexts—behaviors favoring ancestral men’s reproductive success at the cost of ancestral women’s reproductive success (e.g., sexual jealousy and violent mate guarding; Buss, 1988; Buss, 2017; Parker, 1979; see Sexual Coercion: Sexual Conflict Theory). These psychological mechanisms may interact with environmental and social cues to produce violence against women, including femicide in extreme cases.
Imagining the future of clinical psychology in the climate and ecological emergencies
Authors: King Georgia , Adams Matthew , Maguire Nick , Williams Marc
Published: September 2024

The climate and ecological emergencies (CEE) are creating irreversible changes to our planet and life-sustaining systems. Threats are being experienced by individuals on the mental, physical and community health levels. Although psychologists have long had the skills-set necessary to conceptualise and support interventions for the challenges we face, it is only in recent years that psychological professional bodies are acknowledging the CEE. Therefore, there is no clear vision for the role of clinical psychology in the CEE. This study sought to create a vision of how clinical psychology can engage with the CEE as a means to mitigate and adapt to its deleterious impacts on mental health. Story completion methodology was used to create such visions. Forty-nine practitioner psychologists and climate activists completed online individual stories, and 28 individuals participated in co-creating stories, a novel application of story completion methodology. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the individual written stories and transcribed group stories. The possible roles for clinical psychology were developed across three main themes. 1. Acknowledgment is the First Step; here clinical psychology could acknowledge the root causes of the CEE and emotional responses to them. 2. Engagement in the CEE is Part of Creating a Role; here clinical psychology could develop a nature-based understanding of mental health, as well as supporting others to overcome cognitive defences and engage in the CEE. 3. Going Forth in Unison; here clinical psychology could work alongside changing societies to support people in living more simply, to develop community and nature-based practice, to support their own and others’ climate activism, to become political and work towards social justice, to work in collaboration and to support people in developing their imaginative capabilities. These results offer ideas for the changing role of clinical psychology in the face of ever-increasing CEE.
Rechtliche und praktische Aspekte von Open Access bei Abschlussarbeiten
Authors: Proßnegg Sabine , Felsberger Gudrun
Published: September 2024

Die Welt der Wissenschaft befindet sich seit einiger Zeit im Umbruch. Waren bisher wissenschaftliche Arbeiten und Forschungsergebnisse entweder nur eingeschränkt oder in einem Fachjournal zu veröffentlichen und der Zugang dazu in weiterer Folge einer kleinen Community, vielleicht sogar zu (hohen) Kosten möglich, so steht nun die Öffnung wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten am politischen Programm. Diese Entwicklung hat – wie immer – zwei Seiten, sowohl für Studierende und Forschende, für Universitäten und Fachhochschulen, als auch für die Gesellschaft insgesamt. In diesem Artikel werden zuerst einige Aspekte des Urheberrechts und der Veröffentlichungspflicht dargestellt, danach wird auf die Themen Open Access (OA) im Allgemeinen sowie der mögliche Einsatz von Creative Commons (CC)-Lizenzen eingegangen. Ein besonderes Augenmerk bei den folgenden Ausführungen wird auf die Gegebenheiten der Fachhochschule JOANNEUM (FHJ) gelegt.
ORIENTAL MIMICRY:
Authors: Abubakar Sadiya , Yaapar Md Salleh
Published: September 2024

Most post-9/11 novels are full of Orientalism of the Muslims as terrorists, misogynists or backward and intolerant murderers. Following the uproar after the unfortunate attacks of 9/11, Islam and Muslims have since become the centre of academic discourse, literature, media and even entertainment. The paper contextualises Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s exemplification of the Muslims in her enlightenment stance as Colonial Mimicry, her dehumanisation of Muslims as Orientalism. As post-9/11 works have been very much examined under the colonial, oriental, cultural, religious or political lens, this study merges concepts from Orientalism and colonial mimicry into an Oriental mimicry approach. This approach is meant to illustrate Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s autobiographical narrative as an exemplification of the desire for a reformed recognisable ‘other’, as well as the long-established Western ‘othering’ of the Muslim orient.Thus, Oriental mimicry is the imitation of Western orientalising of the Orient by a supposed reformed ‘other’. Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Infidel (2007) will be examined within two constructs, specifically: ‘Islamic fundamentalism, terrorism and intolerance’; and ‘Islamic misogyny’. In Infidel, the Muslim ‘other’ is illustrated as the enemy of the West; a hatred which is purported by Islam, the religion (as demonstrated in the text) that preaches hatred for non-Muslims and the misogyny of women. Through a new reading lens, namely Oriental mimicry of Ali’s memoir, this study situates these misrepresentations and their circumstantial implications within the context of Islamophobia. The study finds that her discourse on Islam’s incompatibility with Western democratic values is factually incorrect and ideologically motivated. It also underscores the implication that her misrepresentations are the fierce reinforcement of Islamophobia in the West.
Cleft lip and palate surgery in the Otolaryngology and Head-neck surgery department of a Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors:   Professor and Head of the Department of ENT & Head-Neck Surgery, Khulna City Medical College, Khulna, Bangladesh, Ballav Sudhangshu Kumar
Published: September 2024

Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are one of the most common developmental anomalies in orofacial region. CLP surgery lies in the anatomical domain of Ear Nose Throat and Head - Neck Surgery. In Bangladesh specialty of plastic surgery is still in developing stage and plastic surgeons are not easily available everywhere. ENT and Head-Neck surgeon had to take up the responsibility of some of cleft patients. This article is a retrospective analysis of a series of 200 cases of cheiloplasty and palatoplasty done in ENT and Head-Neck Surgery department of Khulna City Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Results were satisfactory in our, patient and parent's consideration. Objective: Our aim is to discuss the demographic profile, presentations, degree & type of cleft and outcome of CLP surgery in Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery department of a Medical College Hospital of Bangladesh. We will also discuss the embryology of face & historical background of the cleft surgery. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of CLP surgery for 200 cleft patients. We based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for selection of patients. Majority of cleft lip patients were operated following the Millard modified rotation advancement technique and isolated cleft palate patients were operated following Von Langenbeck bipedicle flap and Veau-Wardil-Kilner V-Y pushback technique in the ENT and Head-Neck Surgery Department of a Medical College Hospital. Patients were advised for periodic follow up. Results: Total of 200 patients of CLP were operated in our department out of which male was 92 (46%) and female was108 (54%)), male and female ratio being 1:1.08. The age range was 3 months to 40 years with a mean of 8.38 years. Pre alveolar group both male and female comprised of 134 (67%) and alveolar group 66 (33%) patients and that of isolated cleft palate 7 (10.60%) patients. Pre alveolar unilateral CLP was high. The results of surgery were satisfactory in our postoperative evaluation. Patients and parents were also satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion: Majority of CLP patients don’t suffer functional problem apart from facial disfigurement. Restoration of normal anatomy, facial appearance and function can be achieved by surgery in appropriate time and age. Few cases may be associated with feeding difficulties, dental and hearing problems. Some cases are associated with other congenital anomalies and syndromes. Those cases demand team approach of different specialty.
Prevention of Bullying Behavior through the Roots Program
Authors: Nengsi Ratika , Subaedah
Published: September 2024

The study aims to identify the bullying of students and the preventive efforts of the school through the Roots School Movement program. This type of research is qualitative descriptive with a phenomenological approach, and the research location is in the 7th Makassar State High School. The population in this study is the head of school, teachers, and pupils with sampling techniques using probability random samplings. Data collection techniques are done using observations, interviews, and documentation; then, data will be analyzed using triangulation data, i.e., data collection, data reduction, and verification. Based on the research results, conversation forms often occur in both verbal and non-verbal forms. The verbal conversations experienced by the students are extortion, body shaming, kissing, igniting, and exorcism. Whereas the non-verbal negotiations that occur with the pupils are deliberately pushed and beaten. This beating is done between individuals and individuals, groups to individuals, and groups to groups. So based on that, the things that the 7 Makassar State High Schools are doing in dealing with the negotiations are forming anti-negotiation teams, socializing, forming pupils as anti-counseling agents, training teachers, training pupils, anti-conversion exhibitions for pupils and activating school committees and changing the learning paradigm between teachers and pupils.
Radiographic and neurological outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for lower cranial nerve schwannomas: a single-institution experience
Authors: Byeon Yukyeng , Lee Chaejin , Kim Gung Ju , Jeon Juhee , Chong Sangjoon , Song Sang Woo , Cho Young Hyun , Hong Seok Ho , Hong Chang-Ki , Kim Jeong Hoon , Kim Young-Hoon
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is widely used for treating small- to medium-sized or postoperative residual, recurrent lower cranial nerve schwannomas (LCNSs). This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic and neurological outcomes of GKRS for LCNS.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with 47 jugular foramen schwannomas (JFSs) and 13 hypoglossal nerve schwannomas (HNSs) who underwent GKRS were included. Dysphagia (40.4%) and hoarseness (23.4%) were the most common preexisting symptoms associated with JFS, whereas tongue deviation (53.8%) was prevalent in HNS. The median tumor volumes were 3.2 cm3 and 2.2 cm3 for JFSs and HNSs, respectively. The median marginal dose administered to the tumor was 13 Gy (range 12–15 Gy). The median follow-up duration was 52.8 months.

RESULTS

Local tumor control was achieved in 91.5% of JFSs and 92.3% of HNSs. The preexisting neurological symptoms improved in 48.9% of patients with JFS and remained stable in 29.8%. However, 10 patients (21.3%) experienced exacerbation of symptoms associated with cranial nerves VII, VIII, IX, X, and XI. Among these, 3 patients (6.4%) exhibited persistent symptomatic deterioration. Patients with HNSs demonstrated a stable trajectory without symptom aggravation. Larger tumor volume and cystic portion were significantly associated with tumor progression (p = 0.017 and 0.003, respectively), and post-GKRS transient swelling was associated with neurological deterioration (p = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

GKRS is an alternative treatment option for LCNS that reduces surgical morbidity and enhances tumor control. However, GKRS can potentially lead to neurological deterioration, necessitating extreme caution throughout the procedure, specifically for JFSs.
Do obese patients undergoing surgery for grade 1 spondylolisthesis have worse outcomes at 5 years’ follow-up? A QOD study
Authors: Zammar Samer G. , Ambati Vardhaan S. , Yee Timothy J. , Patel Arati , Le Vivian P. , Alan Nima , Coric Domagoj , Potts Eric A. , Bisson Erica F. , Knightly Jack J. , Fu Kai-Ming , Foley Kevin T. , Shaffrey Mark E. , Bydon Mohamad , Chou Dean , Chan Andrew K. , Meyer Scott , Asher Anthony L. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Slotkin Jonathan R. , Wang Michael , Haid Regis , Glassman Steven D. , Park Paul , Virk Michael , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE

The long-term effects of increased body mass index (BMI) on surgical outcomes are unknown for patients who undergo surgery for low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis. The goal of this study was to assess long-term outcomes in obese versus nonobese patients after surgery for grade 1 spondylolisthesis.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery for grade 1 spondylolisthesis at the Quality Outcomes Database’s 12 highest enrolling sites (SpineCORe group) were identified. Long-term (5-year) outcomes were compared for patients with BMI ≥ 35 versus BMI < 35.

RESULTS

In total, 608 patients (57.6% female) were included. Follow-up was 81% (excluding patients who had died) at 5 years. The BMI ≥ 35 cohort (130 patients, 21.4%) was compared to the BMI < 35 cohort (478 patients, 78.6%). At baseline, patients with BMI ≥ 35 were more likely to be younger (58.5 ± 11.4 vs 63.2 ± 12.0 years old, p < 0.001), to present with both back and leg pain (53.8% vs 37.0%, p = 0.002), and to require ambulation assistance (20.8% vs 9.2%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the cohort with BMI ≥ 35 had worse baseline patient-reported outcomes including visual analog scale (VAS) back (7.6 ± 2.3 vs 6.5 ± 2.8, p < 0.001) and leg (7.1 ± 2.6 vs 6.4 ± 2.9, p = 0.031) pain, disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (53.7 ± 15.7 vs 44.8 ± 17.0, p < 0.001), and quality of life on EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire (0.47 ± 0.22 vs 0.56 ± 0.22, p < 0.001). Patients with BMI ≥ 35 were more likely to undergo fusion (85.4% vs 74.7%, p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in 30- and 90-day readmission rates (p > 0.05).

Five years postoperatively, there were no differences in reoperation rates or the development of adjacent-segment disease for patients in either BMI < 35 or ≥ 35 cohorts who underwent fusion (p > 0.05). On multivariate analysis, BMI ≥ 35 was a significant risk factor for not achieving minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for VAS leg pain (OR 0.429, 95% CI 0.209–0.876, p = 0.020), but BMI ≥ 35 was not a predictor for achieving MCID for VAS back pain, ODI, or EQ-5D at 5 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both obese and nonobese patients benefit from surgery for grade 1 spondylolisthesis. At the 5-year time point, patients with BMI ≥ 35 have similarly low reoperation rates and achieve rates of satisfaction and MCID for back pain (but not leg pain), disability (ODI), and quality of life (EQ-5D) that are similar to those in patients with a BMI < 35.
Association of rare variants in RNF213 with severe progression of intracranial artery stenosis in quasi–moyamoya disease
Authors: Torazawa Seiei , Miyawaki Satoru , Imai Hideaki , Hongo Hiroki , Ishigami Daiichiro , Shimizu Masahiro , Sakai Yu , Ogawa Shotaro , Kiyofuji Satoshi , Koizumi Satoshi , Komura Daisuke , Katoh Hiroto , Ono Hideaki , Nakatomi Hirofumi , Ishikawa Shumpei , Saito Nobuhito
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE

The genetic basis underlying the pathophysiology of quasi–moyamoya disease (qMMD) is unclear. Herein, the authors aimed to comprehensively analyze genetic variants in qMMD and investigate their association with clinical phenotypes, focusing on RNF213 and other moyamoya angiopathy (MMA)–related genes.

METHODS

The authors evaluated 14 consecutive cases of qMMD, whose underlying conditions included autoimmune disease, head irradiation, meningitis/pachymeningitis, and Turner syndrome, and 9 cases of hyperthyroidism-associated MMD (hMMD). The frequencies of RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys in qMMD and hMMD were each compared to those in healthy controls and in patients with MMD. Whole-exome sequencing was performed, and rare variants (RVs) or damaging variants were analyzed in RNF213 and 36 MMA-related genes.

RESULTS

The frequencies of p.Arg4810Lys were significantly higher in patients with qMMD (28.6%) and hMMD (33.3%) than in controls (1.1%; p < 0.001) and lower in the two former groups than in the MMD group (67.6%; p = 0.003 and 0.065, respectively). In qMMD, no significant clinical differences were observed based on the presence of p.Arg4810Lys. A novel RNF213 RV was identified in four cases with qMMD. These same cases also presented with significant worsening of intracranial main artery stenosis, which suggests a possible association between RNF213 RVs and the severe progression of qMMD. Among the 36 MMA-related genes, no variants correlated with specific phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

While the clinical implications of p.Arg4810Lys in cases with qMMD were not identified, the study findings suggest a potential association between RNF213 RVs and the significant progression of intracranial artery stenosis. Genetic analysis should not focus solely on p.Arg4810Lys but instead consider a comprehensive analysis of RNF213 for more accurate clinical prognostication of qMMD.
Is initial unilateral revascularization acceptable in pediatric patients with bilateral moyamoya disease with mild contralateral hemodynamic disturbance?
Authors: Kuroha Masae , Hara Shoko , Fujioka Mai , Inaji Motoki , Tanaka Yoji , Nariai Tadashi , Maehara Taketoshi
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE

Although asymmetrical vascular involvement between hemispheres is common in pediatric patients with bilateral moyamoya disease, whether hemispheres with mild vascular changes and hemodynamic impairment require immediate surgical revascularization or whether they can be observed until disease progression remains unclear. The authors evaluated the long-term outcomes of their strategy to initially perform unilateral surgery and withhold surgery to the contralateral hemispheres with mild vascular changes and hemodynamic impairment.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively evaluated Japanese pediatric patients (onset age ≤ 15 years) diagnosed with bilateral sporadic moyamoya disease who underwent unilateral revascularization. The authors investigated whether the patient underwent additional collateral surgery and the incidence of ischemic events during follow-up. They also compared visual assessments of arterial spin labeling (ASL) images obtained before initial surgery, before additional contralateral surgery, and at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 30/47 patients (63.8%) experienced progression of hemodynamic impairment in the contralateral hemisphere and underwent additional surgery. The age at initial surgery of the patients who needed additional contralateral surgery was significantly younger than that of the patients who did not require contralateral surgery (mean [SD] 7.0 [3.0] years vs 9.8 [2.6] years, p = 0.002). One patient (age 4 years) developed ischemic stroke before admission for preoperative evaluation 2 months after novel symptom onset, and another patient (age 6 years) experienced ischemic stroke in the contralateral hemisphere while discontinuing antiplatelet agents before surgery; both patients fully recovered from the neurological deficits. In contralateral hemispheres that required additional surgery, the ASL visual assessment scores significantly decreased before the additional contralateral surgery compared to those obtained before the initial surgery (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients with bilateral moyamoya disease, withholding surgery for hemispheres with mild vascular changes and hemodynamic impairment is generally safe. Younger patients were more likely to experience contralateral progression and require additional surgery, so close follow-up is needed. ASL imaging is useful for detecting and following the progression of hemodynamic impairment in conservatively treated hemispheres.
Scientific heritage of Peter Zakharovich Bosek (1909–1993)
Authors: Lebedko E. Ya.
Published: September 2024

Biographical information about Peter Zakharovich Bosek (1909–1993), a famous Bryansk botanist and florist, is presented. His book "Plants of the Bryansk region: A reference guide" (Tula, 1975, 463 p.) remains the only regional summary so far.
In memory of Olga Vladimirovna Tscherneva (2.12.1929–29.06.2023)
Authors: Sytin A. K. , Dorofeyev V. I. , Krupkina L. I.
Published: September 2024

Olga Vladimirovna Tscherneva (1929–2023) was the oldest research worker of the Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the last of the authors of the “Flora of the USSR”, the long-term curator of the Central Asian sector of the Department of Herbarium of Higher Plants of the Komarov Botanical Institute RAS, the monographer of the most complicated genus Cousinia Cass. (Asteraceae), an authoritative expert on many genera of the family Asteraceae, a recognized expert in the international community of botanists and taxonomists. O.V. Tscherneva personified the continuity of different generations of botanists, as well as the traditions of the Tashkent school of taxonomy.
Quasilinear Earthquake Chains in Groups of Seismic Events Baikal Rift System
Authors: Kakourova A. A. , Dzhurik V. I. , Bryzhak E. V. , Dem’yanovich V. M.
Published: September 2024

Identification of a large number of quasi-linear chains of earthquakes in the epicentral seismicity field of the Baikal region and their study showed that among these chains there may be not only chains of “migration” earthquakes, but also chains formed during a random spatio-temporal distribution of earthquakes. In this work, using a statistical analysis of the distribution of distances between epicenters, the possibility of forming chains of “migrations” within groups of seismic events is shown and their distribution is studied. It is noted that chains in groups of earthquakes are distinguished not only by the distribution of distances, but also by the time between them. The formation of chains of earthquakes was established in the areas of the following groups of earthquakes: Busiyingol and 1976 and 1991. in the same area, the South Baikal, Kyakhtinsky, Kichersky earthquakes of the Tompudinsky series, Oldongsinsky and Charudinsky groups. It is shown that these chains were formed during the implementation of these groups. In the identified areas of concentration of chains of grouping seismicity, a connection can be traced between the location and direction of the chains with the strike of fault zones, near-fault cracks and the orientation of nodal planes in earthquake sources.
Mineralization of the Evevpenta Epithermal Silver-gold ore Occurrence (Kamchatka, Russia)
Authors: Zhegunov P. S. , Kutyrev A. V. , Zhitova E. S. , Moskaleva S. V. , Schweigert P. E.
Published: September 2024

The Evevpenta epithermal low-sulfidation ore occurrence is located in the northeastern part of the Central Kamchatka volcanic belt (Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia). It is hosted by andesitic lavas and pyroclastic rocks of the Middle Miocene-Early Pliocene. The ore bodies are comprised of quartz and adularia-quartz veins and stockworks, as well as hydrothermal breccias. Ore bodies are accompanied by argillic wall-rock alteration and peripheral propylitic alteration. Gold-silver mineralization was formed as a result of hypogenic (hydrothermal) and supergen stages of ore-forming processes. Two hypogenic mineral assemblages were documented: gold-telluride-quartz in the Central flank and telluride-sulfide-quartz in the Northern flank. Supergenic mineral assemblage with native (mustard) gold is detected only within the Central flank. The Evevpenta ore occurrence is a typical member of the reducing-alkaline (low-sulfidation) epithermal deposits of Kamchatka, which is based on the study of the material composition of ores.
Pro-Inflammatory Activation Suppresses TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Kobyakova M. I. , Senotov A. S. , Krasnov K. S. , Lomovskaya Ya. V. , Odinokova I. V. , Kolotova A. A. , Ermakov A. M. , Zvyagina A. I. , Fadeeva I. S. , Fetisova E. I. , Akatov V. S. , Fadeev R. S.
Published: September 2024

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) is a promising agent for the treatment of AML due to its specific apoptosis-inducing effect on tumor cells but not normal cells. However, the emergence of resistance in AML cells to TRAIL limits its potential as an antileukemic agent. Previously, we revealed an increase in the resistance of human AML THP-1 cells to TRAIL-induced death during their LPS-dependent proinflammatory activation and in an in vitro model of LPS-independent proinflammatory activation - in a long-term high-density cell culture. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of this phenomenon using western blot analysis, caspase 3 enzymatic activity analysis, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and flow cytometry. The results showed that increased resistance to TRAIL-induced cell death of AML THP-1 cells during their pro-inflammatory activation is associated with a decrease in the surface expression of the proapototic receptors TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5, as well as with an increased content of members of the IAPs family - Livin and cIAP2. The results of this article open up new insights into the role of inflammation in the formation of resistance of AML cells to the action of mediators of antitumor immunity, in particular TRAIL.
The Imidazolium Ionic Liquids Toxicity Is Due to Their Effect on the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Sokolov S. S. , Smirnova E. A. , Rokitskaya T. I. , Severin F. F.
Published: September 2024

Ionic liquids (ILs) are organic salts with a low melting point, which is due to the fact that alkyl side chains chemically bonded to the ion hinder the crystallization of ILs. The low melting point of ILs has led to their widespread use as relatively harmless solvents. However, ILs have toxic properties, the mechanism of which is largely unknown, so identifying the cellular targets of ILs is of practical importance. In our work, we showed that imidazolium ILs are not able to penetrate model membranes without damaging them. We also found that inactivation of multidrug resistance (MDR) pumps in yeast cells does not increase their sensitivity to imidazolium ILs. The latter indicates that the target of the toxicity of imidazolium ILs is not in the cytoplasm. Thus, our data suggest that the disruption of the plasma membrane barrier function is the main cause of the toxicity of low concentrations of imidazolium ILs. We also showed that supplementation with imidazolium ILs restores the growth of cells with kinetically blocked glycolysis. Our data indicate that IL-induced minor disruption of the plasma membrane may, in some cases, be beneficial for the cells.
Suppression of FAK Kinase Expression Decreases the Lifetime of Focal Adhesions and Inhibits Migration of Normal and Tumor Epitheliocytes in a Wound Healing Assay
Authors: Solomatina E. S. , Kovaleva A. V. , Tvorogova A. V. , Vorobyov I. A. , Saidova A. A.
Published: September 2024

Focal adhesions (FAs) are mechanosensory structures that can convert physical stimuli into chemical signals guiding cell migration. There is a postulated correlation between FA features and cell motility parameters for individual migrating cells. However, which FA properties are essential for the movement of epithelial cells within a monolayer remains poorly elucidated. We used real-time cell visualization to describe the relationship between FA parameters and migration of immortalized epithelial keratinocytes (HaCaT) and lung carcinoma cells (A549) under inhibition or depletion of the FA proteins vinculin and FAK. To evaluate the relationship between FA morphology and cell migration, we used substrates of different elasticity in a wound healing assay. High FAK and vinculin mRNA expression, as well as largest FAs and maximal migration rate were described for cells on fibronectin, whereas cells plated on glass had minimal FA area and decelerated speed of migration into the wound. Both for normal and tumor cells, suppression of vinculin expression resulted in decreased FA size and fluorescence intensity, but had no effect on cell migration into the wound. Suppression of FAK expression or inhibition of FAK activity had no effect on FA size, but decreased FA lifetime and significantly slowed the rate of wound healing both for HaCaT and A549 cells. Our data indicates that FA lifetime, but not FA area is essential for epithelial cell migration within a monolayer. The effect of FAK kinase on the rate of cell migration within the monolayer makes FAK a promising target for antitumor therapy of lung adenocarcinoma.
Human Blood Serum Antagonizes Effects of EGFR/HER2-Targeted Drug Lapatinib on Squamous Carcinoma SK-BR-3 Cell Growth and Gene Expression
Authors: Shaban N. A. , Raevskiy M. M. , Zakharova G. S. , Shipunova V. O. , Deyev S. M. , Suntsova M. V. , Sorokin M. I. , Buzdin A. A. , Kamashev D. E.
Published: September 2024

Lapatinib is a targeted therapeutic inhibiting HER2 and EGFR proteins. It is used for the therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer, although not all the patients respond on it. Using human blood serum samples from 14 female donors (separately taken or combined), we found that human blood serum dramatically abolishes lapatinib inhibition of growth of human breast squamous carcinoma SK-BR-3 cell line. This antagonism between lapatinib and human serum was connected with cancel of drug induced G1/S cell cycle transition arrest. RNA sequencing revealed 308 differentially expressed genes in the presence of lapatinib. Remarkably, when combined with lapatinib, human blood serum showed the capacity of restoring both the rate of cell growth, and the expression of 96.1% of genes that were altered by lapatinib treatment alone. EGF co-administration with lapatinib also restores the cell growth and cancels alteration of 95.8% of genes specific to lapatinib treatment of SK-BR-3 cells. Differential gene expression analysis also showed that in the presence of human serum or EGF, lapatinib was unable to inhibit Toll Like Receptor signaling pathway and alter expression of genes linked with Gene Ontology term of Focal adhesion.
Association of Increased Homocysteine Level with Impaired Folate Metabolism and Vitamins B Deficiency in Early Onset of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Lyudyno V. I. , Tsymbalova E. A. , Chernyavskaya E. A. , Skripchenko E. Yu. , Bisaga G. N. , Dmitriev A. V. , Abdurasulova I. N.
Published: September 2024

The study analyzed the homocysteine, cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), folic acid (vitamin B9) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) levels in the blood of children with confirmed demyelinating lesions of the central nervous system. The genotypes of the main polymorphisms of the folate cycle genes such as C677T and A1298C of the MTHFR gene, A2756G of the MTR gene and A66G of the MTRR gene were determined. A comparison of the studied parameters was carried out for five groups: a control group – healthy children under 18 years old, children at the onset of MS (with disease duration of no more than six months), healthy adults without neurological pathology, adult patients with MS at the onset stage of the disease and patients with long-term MS. A significant increase in homocysteine amount was revealed in children at the onset of MS compared to healthy children of the corresponding age. A high predictive value of determining homocysteine levels in children has been established. It has been demonstrated that an increased above safe values level of homocysteine is not accompanied by the presence of a vitamin deficiency state, assessed by the amount of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 in the blood. The lack of correlation between laboratory signs of vitamin deficiency and homocysteine levels may be due to the carriage of polymorphic variants of folate cycle genes, and an increased homocysteine level should be considered as a marker of functional disorders of folate metabolism that accompany the onset of the pathological process in MS in children. The identified patterns can be used in the development of treating strategies and preventing of the demyelination process in children with multiple sclerosis.