bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a rapid collagenase activity detection technique based on fluorescent quenched gelatin with synovial fluid samples
Authors: de la Fuente Miguel , Delgado Diego , Beitia Maider , Barreda-Gómez Gabriel , Acera Arantxa , Sanchez Mikel , Vecino Elena
Published: July 2024

Background

Measuring collagenase activity is crucial in the field of joint health and disease management. Collagenases, enzymes responsible for collagen degradation, play a vital role in maintaining the balance between collagen synthesis and breakdown in joints. Dysregulation of collagenase activity leads to joint tissue degradation and diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The development of methods to measure collagenase activity is essential for diagnosis, disease severity assessment, treatment monitoring, and identification of therapeutic targets.

Results

This study aimed to validate a rapid collagenase activity detection technique using synovial fluid samples. Antibody microarray analysis was initially performed to quantify the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a major collagenase in joints. Subsequently, the developed gelatin-based test utilizing fluorescence measurement was used to determine collagenase activity. There was a significant correlation between the presence of MMP-9 and collagenase activity. In addition, Lower Limit of Detection and Upper Limit of Detection can be preliminary estimated as 8 ng/mL and 48 ng/mL respectively.

Conclusions

The developed technique offers a potential point-of-care assessment of collagenase activity, providing real-time information for clinicians and researchers. By accurately quantifying collagenase activity, healthcare professionals can optimize patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute to the understanding and management of joint-related disorders. Further research and validation are necessary to establish the full potential of this rapid collagenase activity detection method in clinical practice.
Qualification rate and associated factors regarding COVID-19 clinical skills training based on scenario simulation teaching to medical staffs in China: a hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Cai Manyuan , Chen Yanping , Luo Fangting , Zheng Yanqun , Liu Ying , Xiao Bing , Wang Xiaoyan , Sun Lulu , Lin Yi , Zeng Xianhu , Tan Shuni , Liu Ke , Gu Yuanbo , Wang Jinghua , Ning Xianjia , Yuan Jing , Wen Min , Cao Jing
Published: July 2024

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has accentuated the need for effective clinical skills training in infectious diseases. This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of infectious disease clinical skills training based on scenario simulation teaching for medical staff in China.

Methods

This hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen between March and December 2022. Scenario simulation teaching was applied, and factors such as gender, educational level, professional background, and previous experience were examined to determine their impact on qualification outcomes.

Results

The study included participants primarily between the ages of 20–40 years, with a higher proportion of women holding university degrees. Nurses and physicians were more likely to qualify, indicating the significance of professional backgrounds. Women showed a higher likelihood of qualifying than men and higher educational attainment correlated with better qualification rates. Prior experience with protective clothing in isolation wards was a significant determinant of successful qualification. Multivariate analysis underscored the influence of sex, education, and previous experience on training effectiveness.

Conclusion

Scenario simulation is an effective strategy for training clinical skills in treating infectious diseases. This study highlights the importance of considering sex, education, professional background, and prior experience when designing training programs to enhance the efficacy and relevance of infectious disease training.
Reform of teaching and practice of the integrated teaching method BOPPPS-PBL in the course “clinical haematological test technique”
Authors: Feng Xinrui , Wu Weiru , Bi Qinghua
Published: July 2024

Background

In order to meet the demand for laboratory talents in the clinical laboratory industry and address the current curriculum characteristics and shortcomings of the teaching mode of “Clinical Hematology Laboratory Technology”, we investigated the effectiveness of the bridge-in, objective, pre-assessment, participatory learning, post-assessment, and summary model combined with problem-based learning (BOPPPS-PBL) in undergraduate teaching of this course.

Method

Seventy students majoring in Medical Laboratory Technology from the Army Medical University in the past 5 years have been selected and divided into two groups with the same teaching content and time. The control group (2015 and 2016 grades) used traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group (2017, 2018 and 2019 grades) used the BOPPPS-PBL model. After class, diverse evaluation methods were used to analyze the formative and summative exam scores of the two groups of students.

Results

After the reform, students performed significantly better in exams than before. In addition, the new teaching methods have had a positive impact, with students demonstrating high motivation for self-directed learning and problem-solving abilities.

Conclusion

Compared to traditional teaching methods. The BOPPPS-PBL integrated case study education model is a relatively effective teaching method to improve students’ problem-solving ability and comprehensive practical ability.
Impostor phenomenon and its association with resilience in medical education – a questionnaire study among Swedish medical students
Authors: Kristoffersson Emelie , Boman Jens , Bitar Aziz
Published: July 2024

Background

Concern over medical students’ well-being is a global issue, with studies showing high psychological distress rates. Impostor Phenomenon (IP), i.e., underestimating one’s abilities, attributing success to external factors, and feeling like a fraud, has been implicated as one reason behind these troubling findings. Meanwhile, resilience has been suggested to protect against psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IP and its association with resilience among undergraduate medical students.

Methods

The Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and sociodemographic questions were completed by 457 medical students registered in their 2-10th semester at a Swedish university. Of the respondents, 62.6% identified as women, 36.1% as men, and 1.3% as others.

Results

The prevalence of IP was 58.4% (defined as CIPS score ≥ 62). According to the CIPS scoring guidelines, 10.3% of participants had low IP, 29.5% moderate, 41.6% frequent, and 18.6% intense IP. Of all participants, almost 90% experienced at least moderate and 60.2% frequent to intense IP. Women had significantly higher CIPS scores and lower BRS scores than men. In contrast, neither attending semester nor age group significantly impacted CIPS scores. Finally, there was a moderate inverse correlation between the level of resilience and the prevalence of IP.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the majority of Swedish medical students feels like an impostor, and of these students, most do so frequently. Furthermore, IP is more prevalent among female students – who also show lower levels of resilience. Moreover, our results indicated that IP could hinder achieving higher resilience. Future longitudinal studies should investigate how gender norms may contribute to IP feelings and explore the potential advantages of counteracting IP and strengthening resilience among medical students. However, targeted interventions addressing individual students’ IP and resilience are insufficient. There is also a need to address structural aspects of the educational environment, such as gender stereotypes, that may contribute to IP.
Current understanding of functional peptides encoded by lncRNA in cancer
Authors: Tian Hua , Tang Lu , Yang Zihan , Xiang Yanxi , Min Qi , Yin Mengshuang , You Huili , Xiao Zhangang , Shen Jing
Published: July 2024

Dysregulated gene expression and imbalance of transcriptional regulation are typical features of cancer. RNA always plays a key role in these processes. Human transcripts contain many RNAs without long open reading frames (ORF, > 100 aa) and that are more than 200 bp in length. They are usually regarded as long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) which play an important role in cancer regulation, including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, translational regulation and as miRNA sponges. With the advancement of ribosome profiling and sequencing technologies, increasing research evidence revealed that some ORFs in lncRNA can also encode peptides and participate in the regulation of multiple organ tumors, which undoubtedly opens a new chapter in the field of lncRNA and oncology research. In this review, we discuss the biological function of lncRNA in tumors, the current methods to evaluate their coding potential and the role of functional small peptides encoded by lncRNA in cancers. Investigating the small peptides encoded by lncRNA and understanding the regulatory mechanisms of these functional peptides may contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer and the development of new targeted anticancer therapies.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban compared to warfarin in patients with left ventricular apical thrombus: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mansouri Pejman , Jazi Zahra Azamian , Mansouri Mohammad Hadi , Dehghan Hooman , Zavar Reihaneh , Hashemi Seyedeh Melika , Sattar Fereshteh , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Amirpour Afshin , Abdar Morteza
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This research is one of the pioneering randomized clinical trials (RCTs) aimed at assessing the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban in treating left ventricular thrombus (LVT) in patients who have experienced acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Materials and methods

This is a randomized, controlled, interventional, open-label study. The patients were randomly divided into warfarin and rivaroxaban groups. We performed transthoracic echocardiography at the start of the study and again after three months to measure the thrombus area in square millimeters. The morphology of the thrombus was categorized into mural and round, and the mobility was classified into immobile, semi-mobile and hypermobile. We also monitored for adverse events including bleeding, systemic embolic occurrences, rehospitalization, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results

The study included fifty-two patients in the intention-to-treat analysis, with an equal split between the rivaroxaban and warfarin groups (26 patients each). The average follow-up duration was three months. The thrombus resolution rates in the rivaroxaban (76.9%) and warfarin (69.2%) groups, as well as the thrombus size reduction, did not show statistical significance between groups. All semi-mobile or hypermobile thrombi transformed into immobile and all of the round LVTs changed into a mural in both rivaroxaban and warfarin groups. No significant difference was observed in bleeding complications and rehospitalization between the two groups.

Conclusion

The trial demonstrated that rivaroxaban is as effective as warfarin in terms of thrombus resolution rate, reduction in thrombus size, bleeding risk, and rehospitalization rate. Our findings suggest that rivaroxaban is a viable alternative to warfarin for managing left ventricular thrombus.

Graphical Abstract
Cardiovascular risk and the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based and case‒control studies
Authors: Chlabicz Małgorzata , Jamiołkowski Jacek , Dubatówka Marlena , Sołomacha Sebastian , Chlabicz Magdalena , Zieleniewska Natalia , Sowa Paweł , Szpakowicz Anna , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna M. , Flisiak Robert , Moniuszko Marcin , Kamiński Karol A.
Published: July 2024

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with increases in morbidity and mortality worldwide. The mechanisms of how SARS-CoV-2 may cause cardiovascular (CV) complications are under investigation. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CV risk.

Methods

These are single-centre Bialystok PLUS (Poland) population-based and case‒control studies. The survey was conducted between 2018 and 2022 on a sample of residents (n = 1507) of a large city in central Europe and patients 6–9 months post-COVID-19 infection (n = 126). The Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation 2 (SCORE2), the Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation 2-Older Persons (SCORE2-OP), the Cardiovascular Disease Framingham Heart Study and the LIFEtime-perspective model for individualizing CardioVascular Disease prevention strategies in apparently healthy people (LIFE-CVD) were used. Subsequently, the study populations were divided into CV risk classes according to the 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice.

Results

The study population consisted of 4 groups: a general population examined before (I, n = 691) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (II, n = 816); a group of 126 patients post-COVID-19 infection (III); and a control group matched subjects chosen from the pre-COVID-19 pandemic (IV). Group II was characterized by lower blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) values than group I. Group III differed from the control group in terms of lower LDL-c level. There was no effect on CV risk in the general population, but in the population post-COVID-19 infection, CV risk was lower using FS-lipids, FS-BMI and LIFE-CVD 10-year risk scores compared to the prepandemic population. In all subgroups analysed, no statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of CV risk classes.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic did not increase the CV risk calculated for primary prevention. Instead, it prompted people to pay attention to their health status, as evidenced by better control of some CV risk factors. As the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn people’s attention to health, it is worth exploiting this opportunity to improve public health knowledge through the design of wide-ranging information campaigns.
Hybrid approaches to allied health services for children and young people: a scoping review
Authors: Krasovsky Tal , Weiss Patrice L. , Gafni-Lachter Liat , Kizony Rachel , Gefen Naomi
Published: July 2024

Background

Hybrid models that integrate both in-person and remote health services are increasingly recognized as a promising approach. Nevertheless, research that defines and characterizes these models in children and young people is scarce and essential for establishing guidelines for implementation of hybrid allied health services. This scoping review evaluates four key aspects of hybrid allied health services in children and young people: 1. definitions, 2. service characteristics, 3. outcome measures, and 4. results of hybrid allied health services.

Methods

Six databases were searched: Medline (Ovid), Embase, CINHAL, Psycinfo, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science. Of the 9,868 studies potentially meeting the inclusion criteria, 49 studies focused on children and young people. Following full-text review, n = 21 studies were included.

Results

Terminology used for hybrid allied health services varied across studies which targeted diverse clinical populations and varied in study design, type and frequency of remote and in-person treatments. Over 75% of cases used custom-written software, limiting scalability. All interventions started in-person, possibly to establish a therapeutic alliance and solve technological issues. Most hybrid allied health services (67%) were in mental health, while only a minority involved physical, occupational or speech therapy. The most common outcomes were feasibility and satisfaction, but tools used to measure them were inconsistent. Although 57% of studies demonstrated effectiveness of hybrid allied health services, none measured cost-effectiveness.

Discussion

Despite the potential of hybrid allied health services for children and young people, the literature remains at a preliminary stage. Standardization of definitions and outcome measures, and clearer reporting of service characteristics and results would likely promote consolidation of hybrid allied health services in children and young people into clinical practice.
The clinical application value of 3.0T magnetic resonance T2 mapping imaging in evaluating the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration in joint replacement surgery running title: MRI and acetabular cartilage degeneration
Authors: Peng Xiang , Xie An-min , Fan Hua-gang , Zhu Hong-liang , Yang Di , Wan De-en , He Fei , Luo Chong , Li Hao , Shuang Feng
Published: July 2024

Background

To explore and compare the values of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping in evaluating the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration in hip replacement surgery.

Methods

A total of 26 elderly patients with femoral neck fractures who were scanned in 3.0T MRI T2 mapping quantification technique were included. Basing on MRI images, the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration was classified into Grade 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) scores. In addition, 8 healthy volunteers were included for control group.

Results

By comparison with health population, T2 relaxation values in the anterior, superior, and posterior regions of acetabular cartilage in patients with femoral neck fracture were obviously increased (P < 0.001). Among the patients with femoral neck fractures, there were 16 hip joint with Grade 1–2 (mild degeneration subgroup) and 10 hip joints with Grade 3–4 (severe degeneration subgroup), accounting for 61.54% and 38.46%, respectively. Additionally, T2 relaxation values in the anterior and superior bands of articular cartilage were positively related to the MRI-based grading (P < 0.05); while there was no significant difference of T2 relaxation values in the posterior areas of articular cartilage between severe degeneration subgroup and mild degeneration subgroup (P > 0.05). Importantly, acetabular cartilage degeneration can be detected through signal changes of T2 mapping pseudo-color images.

Conclusion

3.0T MRI T2 mapping technology can be used to determine the degree of acetabular cartilage degeneration, which can effectively monitor the disease course.
N6-methyladenosine writer METTL16-mediated alternative splicing and translation control are essential for murine spermatogenesis
Authors: Ma Qian , Gui Yiqian , Ma Xixiang , Zhang Bingqian , Xiong Wenjing , Yang Shiyu , Cao Congcong , Mo Shaomei , Shu Ge , Ye Jing , Liu Kuan , Wang Xiaoli , Gui Yaoting , Wang Fengli , Yuan Shuiqiao
Published: July 2024

Background

The mitosis-to-meiosis switch during spermatogenesis requires dynamic changes in gene expression. However, the regulation of meiotic transcriptional and post-transcriptional machinery during this transition remains elusive.

Results

We report that methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16), an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) writer, is required for mitosis-to-meiosis transition during spermatogenesis. Germline conditional knockout ofMettl16in male mice impairs spermatogonial differentiation and meiosis initiation. Mechanistically, METTL16 interacts with splicing factors to regulate the alternative splicing of meiosis-related genes such asStag3. Ribosome profiling reveals that the translation efficiency of many meiotic genes is dysregulated in METTL16-deficient testes. m6A-sequencing shows that ablation of METTL16 causes upregulation of the m6A-enriched transcripts and downregulation of the m6A-depleted transcripts, similar toMeiocand/orYthdc2mutants. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that the methyltransferase activity site (PP185-186AA) of METTL16 is necessary for spermatogenesis.

Conclusions

Our findings support a molecular model wherein the m6A writer METTL16-mediated alternative splicing and translation efficiency regulation are required to control the mitosis-to-meiosis germ cell fate decision in mice, with implications for understanding meiosis-related male fertility disorders.
Risk factors of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: a single-centre prospective cohort study
Authors: Song Yeo-Jin , Kim Hyoungyoung , Cho Soo-Kyung , Kim Hye Won , Lim Chaewhi , Nam Eunwoo , Choi Chan-Bum , Kim Tae-Hwan , Jun Jae-Bum , Bae Sang-Cheol , Yoo Dae Hyun , Hong Su Jin , Yoo Seung-Jin , Lee Youkyung , Sung Yoon-Kyoung
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To determine the risk factors for mortality in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) in comparison to patients with RA but without ILD (RA-nonILD).

Methods

Data were extracted from a single-centre prospective cohort of RA patients with a chest computed tomography scan at an academic referral hospital in Korea. Patients with RA-ILD enroled between May 2017 and August 2022 were selected, and those without ILD were selected as comparators. The mortality rate was calculated, and the causes of each death were investigated. We used Cox proportional hazard regression with Firth’s penalised likelihood method to identify the risk factors for mortality in patients with RA-ILD.

Results

A total of 615 RA patients were included: 200 with ILD and 415 without ILD. In the RA-ILD group, there were 15 deaths over 540.1 person-years (PYs), resulting in mortality rate of 2.78/100 PYs. No deaths were reported in the RA-nonILD group during the 1669.9 PYs. The primary causes of death were infection (nine cases) and lung cancer (five cases), with only one death attributed to ILD aggravation. High RA activity (adjusted HR 1.87, CI 1.16–3.10), baseline diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) < 60% (adjusted HR 4.88, 95% CI 1.11–45.94), and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern (adjusted HR 5.13, 95% CI 1.00–57.36) were identified as risk factors for mortality in RA-ILD patients.

Conclusion

Patients with RA-ILD have an elevated risk of mortality compared with those without ILD. Infection-related deaths are the main causes of mortality in this population. High RA activity, low DLCO, and the UIP pattern are significantly associated with the mortality in patients with RA-ILD.
Alpha-lipoic acid alleviates cognitive deficits in transgenic APP23/PS45 mice through a mitophagy-mediated increase in ADAM10 α-secretase cleavage of APP
Authors: Zhang Jie , Jiang Yanshuang , Dong Xiangjun , Meng Zijun , Ji Liangye , Kang Yu , Liu Mingjing , Zhou Weihui , Song Weihong
Published: July 2024

Background

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has a neuroprotective effect on neurodegenerative diseases. In the clinic, ALA can improve cognitive impairments in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias. Animal studies have confirmed the anti-amyloidosis effect of ALA, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In particular, the role of ALA in amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) metabolism has not been fully elucidated.

Objective

To investigate whether ALA can reduce the amyloidogenic effect of APP in a transgenic mouse model of AD, and to study the mechanism underlying this effect.

Methods

ALA was infused into 2-month-old APP23/PS45 transgenic mice for 4 consecutive months and their cognitive function and AD-like pathology were then evaluated. An ALA drug concentration gradient was applied to 20E2 cells in vitro to evaluate its effect on the expression of APP proteolytic enzymes and metabolites. The mechanism by which ALA affects APP processing was studied using GI254023X, an inhibitor of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10), as well as the mitochondrial toxic drug carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP).

Results

Administration of ALA ameliorated amyloid plaque neuropathology in the brain tissue of APP23/PS45 mice and reduced learning and memory impairment. ALA also increased the expression of ADAM10 in 20E2 cells and the non-amyloidogenic processing of APP to produce the 83 amino acid C-terminal fragment (C83). In addition to activating autophagy, ALA also significantly promoted mitophagy. BNIP3L-knockdown reduced the mat/pro ratio of ADAM10. By using CCCP, ALA was found to regulate BNIP3L-mediated mitophagy, thereby promoting the α-cleavage of APP.

Conclusions

The enhanced α-secretase cleavage of APP by ADAM10 is the primary mechanism through which ALA ameliorates the cognitive deficits in APP23/PS45 transgenic mice. BNIP3L-mediated mitophagy contributes to the anti-amyloid properties of ALA by facilitating the maturation of ADAM10. This study provides novel experimental evidence for the treatment of AD with ALA.

Graphical abstract
Genetic distance and ancestry proportion modify the association between maternal genetic risk score of type 2 diabetes and fetal growth
Authors: Habtewold Tesfa Dejenie , Wijesiriwardhana Prabhavi , Biedrzycki Richard J. , Tekola-Ayele Fasil
Published: July 2024

Background

Maternal genetic risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been associated with fetal growth, but the influence of genetic ancestry is not yet fully understood. We aimed to investigate the influence of genetic distance (GD) and genetic ancestry proportion (GAP) on the association of maternal genetic risk score of T2D (GRST2D) with fetal weight and birthweight.

Methods

Multi-ancestral pregnant women (n = 1,837) from the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies – Singletons cohort were included in the current analyses. Fetal weight (in grams, g) was estimated from ultrasound measurements of fetal biometry, and birthweight (g) was measured at delivery. GRST2D was calculated using T2D-associated variants identified in the latest trans-ancestral genome-wide association study and was categorized into quartiles. GD and GAP were estimated using genotype data of four reference populations. GD was categorized into closest, middle, and farthest tertiles, and GAP was categorized as highest, medium, and lowest. Linear regression analyses were performed to test the association of GRST2D with fetal weight and birthweight, adjusted for covariates, in each GD and GAP category.

Results

Among women with the closest GD from African and Amerindigenous ancestries, the fourth and third GRST2D quartile was significantly associated with 5.18 to 7.48 g (weeks 17–20) and 6.83 to 25.44 g (weeks 19–27) larger fetal weight compared to the first quartile, respectively. Among women with middle GD from European ancestry, the fourth GRST2D quartile was significantly associated with 5.73 to 21.21 g (weeks 18–26) larger fetal weight. Furthermore, among women with middle GD from European and African ancestries, the fourth and second GRST2D quartiles were significantly associated with 117.04 g (95% CI = 23.88–210.20, p = 0.014) and 95.05 g (95% CI = 4.73–185.36, p = 0.039) larger birthweight compared to the first quartile, respectively. The absence of significant association among women with the closest GD from East Asian ancestry was complemented by a positive significant association among women with the highest East Asian GAP.

Conclusions

The association between maternal GRST2D and fetal growth began in early-second trimester and was influenced by GD and GAP. The results suggest the use of genetic GD and GAP could improve the generalizability of GRS.
US-based, Prospective, Blinded Study of Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody in Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Lupo Mark A , Olivo Paul D , Luffy Maximilian , Wolf Jan , Kahaly George J
Published: July 2024

Context

Bioassays provide information on the functionality of thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Ab) and thus may offer more clinical utility than binding assays.

Objective

In this prospective, blinded, US-based study, the clinical performance of several TSH-R-Ab assays was compared.

Setting

US endocrinology clinic.

Subjects

One hundred sixty-two unselected, consecutive, well-documented patients with various thyroid diseases and healthy controls.

Intervention(s)

Blinded TSH-R-Ab measurements.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Sensitivity and specificity of 4 TSH-R-Ab assays.

Results

The 4 TSH-R-Ab assays were negative in all 42 patients without autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). In 104 patients with Graves’ disease (GD), irrespective of the disease duration, TSH-R-Ab positivity was present in 65 (63%), 67 (65%), and 87 (84%) for the Cobas and Immulite binding assays and stimulatory TSH-R-Ab [thyroid-stimulating immunoglobin (TSI)] bioassay, respectively (TSI vs Immulite P < .0025, TSI vs Cobas P < .0009). Fifteen newly diagnosed GD patients were all positive in the TSI bioassay, but only 11 (73%) were positive in the Cobas and Immulite binding assays. Nine GD patients with biochemical subclinical hyperthyroidism were TSI-positive but Immulite- and Cobas-negative. Two GD patients were blocking TSH-R-Ab [thyroid-blocking immunoglobin (TBI)]-positive and TSI-negative, and the Immulite and Cobas were positive in both. Additional serum samples from AITD patients that consisted of 30 TBI-positive and 10 TSI-positive samples were blindly tested in the binding assays. Only 6 of the 10 TSI-positive samples were positive in both binding assays, and 30 and 28 of the TBI-positive samples were positive in the Cobas and Immulite assays, respectively.

Conclusion

Binding TSH-R-Ab assays are less sensitive than TSI bioassays and are not specific for stimulating antibodies. Measuring the function of TSH-R-Ab in a bioassay can provide useful information to clinicians.
Tutuola in the Bush of Primitivism
Authors: Paris Václav
Published: July 2024

This article situates the early novels of Amos Tutuola—The Palm-Wine Drinkard (1952) and My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (1954)—in relation to literary primitivism. The first part outlines the initial misconstrual of Tutuola in the United Kingdom and United States as a “true primitive,” capable of producing authentically what earlier modernist primitivists attempted to produce by simulation. The article then argues that Tutuola anticipated the reception of his texts and himself as primitive, and it describes how he manipulated a binary division in Yoruba folktales between the realm of the village and the realm of the bush. The third part of the article rehistoricizes Tutuola’s early works on this basis, showing how his primitivism relates both to the work of Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, as well as to global thinking about spaces of primitivity in the 1950s in midcentury modernism and Cold War discourses of apocalypse. In this way, the article claims the importance of The Palm-Wine Drinkard and My Life in the Bush of Ghosts both to African modernism and to the evolving engagement across the twentieth century between eccentric writing and the preservation of an imagined remnant at the edge of the world-system.
Transgenesis enables mapping of segmental ganglia in the leech Helobdella austinensis
Authors: Kuo Dian-Han , Szczupak Lidia , Weisblat David A. , Portiansky Enrique L. , Winchell Christopher J. , Lee Jun-Ru , Tsai Fu-Yu
Published: July 2024

The analysis of how neural circuits function in individuals and change during evolution is simplified by the existence of neurons identified as homologous within and across species. Invertebrates, including leeches, have been used for these purposes in part because their nervous systems comprise a high proportion of identified neurons, but technical limitations make it challenging to assess the full extent to which assumptions of stereotypy hold true. Here, we introduce Minos plasmid-mediated transgenesis as a tool for introducing transgenes into the embryos of the leech Helobdella austinensis (Spiralia; Lophotrochozoa; Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida; Glossiphoniidae). We identified an enhancer driving pan-neuronal expression of markers, including histone2B:mCherry, which allowed us to enumerate neurons in segmental ganglia. Unexpectedly, we found that the segmental ganglia of adult transgenic H. austinensis contain fewer and more variable numbers of neurons than in previously examined leech species.
O aluno cidadão: da teoria à prática sobre a participação popular no planejamento público
Authors: Lima Martins Faria Tamara
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: Integrar teoria e prática sobre participação social e planejamento público, dinamizando a aprendizagem dos alunos da graduação em Administração fomentando um pensamento crítico na perspectiva da gestão e da cidadania sobre os problemas públicos.
Escopo: Este relato descreve uma prática de ensino que integra o aprendizado em sala de aula com a participação direta do aluno-cidadão em uma audiência pública e a produção colaborativa de produtos de comunicação científica formal (em evento acadêmico e profissional) e outra em redes sociais para “não-acadêmicos” sobre  o papel da sociedade no planejamento público. Na experiência relatada foram realizadas atividades alinhadas à aprendizagem baseada em problemas (APB), aprendizagem experiencial e aprendizagem colaborativa.
Originalidade: o artigo apresenta as possibilidades para aplicar os conceitos de forma pragmática e com relevância social possibilitando o protagonismo e conscientização dos alunos sobre seu papel na sociedade.
Relevância: os problemas públicos pensados a partir da realidade dos alunos são possibilidades de reflexão e um desafio para pensar na solução de problemas de forma colaborativa, integrando as atividades de ensino com as práticas políticas e sociais.
Estratégias tecnológicas e inteligência artificial para engajar alunos de MBA
Authors: Finamor Ana Ligia , Souto Martins Evelyn , Tavares Marcos Leandro , Francisco Eduardo
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: O estudo explora o uso de ferramentas tecnológicas e inteligência artificial para potencializar o engajamento de alunos em programas de MBA, focando métodos que melhorem significativamente a experiência de aprendizagem em sala de aula.
Escopo: Abrange a transição para o ensino remoto, destacando a rápida adaptação a plataformas digitais como Zoom e EClass/FGV. Discute a eficácia de gamificação, RV, RA e plataformas de aprendizagem online em engajar alunos de MBA através de métodos inovadores e interativos.
Originalidade: Combina tecnologias educacionais em programas de MBA, especialmente no contexto da COVID-19, destacando uso da plataforma MURAL para colaboração e como essas tecnologias podem transformar o ensino, alinhando-se a teorias educacionais contemporâneas e apoiando a autonomia dos alunos.
Relevância: Destaca a importância das tecnologias educacionais no ensino remoto, mostrando como podem aumentar engajamento dos alunos e preparar educadores para o futuro digital, enfatizando a necessidade de letramento digital no cenário educacional atual.
Educação a distância participativa: metodologias ativas em cursos assíncronos de educação executiva
Authors: De Medeiros Aguiar Márcia , Kimiko Guimarães Murashima Mary , Villagran Remão Mello Seoane Rebecca
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: Mostrar como a utilização de metodologias ativas modelaram um programa de EAD participativo, que fortalece o networking entre estudantes de diferentes áreas de conhecimento e de diversas localidades, dentro e fora do país.
Objetivo: Compartilhar a experiência do FGV Online, o programa de ensino a distância da FGV, em sua busca pela promoção de interação significativa e pelo desenvolvimento de competências relevantes para todos os seus participantes, especificamente, em seus cursos de MBA online.
Originalidade: O uso de metodologias ativas em cursos presenciais não é tema recente, contudo, sua aplicação em cursos assíncronos, na área de educação executiva, configura experiência inovadora e determinante para a evolução dessa modalidade de ensino.
Relevância: Os avanços tecnológicos na sociedade contemporânea e a importância da educação continuada para acompanhar as contínuas mudanças do mercado de trabalho, bem como o crescimento do EAD nos programas de educação executiva, principalmente no cenário pós-pandêmico, corroboram a importância dos estudos e experimentos abordados neste trabalho.
Το κόσμημα και η λειτουργία του στην κομνήνεια μνημειακή εκκλησιαστική ζωγραφική του ελλαδικού χώρου και της Κύπρου
Authors: Μαρκοζάνης Νικόλαος
Published: July 2024

Η διατριβή έχει ως στόχο την παρουσίαση και ερμηνευτική προσέγγιση του γραπτού κοσμήματος (διακοσμητικού θέματος) στη μνημειακή ζωγραφική κατά την κομνήνεια περίοδο, αν και εξετάζονται και κάποια παραδείγματα του 13ου αιώνα, όπου η επιβίωση των χαρακτηριστικών της υστεροκομνήνειας τέχνης είναι ακόμη ορατή. Γίνεται αναφορά στο κόσμημα τόσο ως καλλιτεχνικό δημιούργημα, αξιοποιώντας διάφορες θεωρίες του κλάδου της Αισθητικής, όσο και ως εκφραστικό φανέρωμα τῆς ορθόδοξης εκκλησιαστικής εμπειρίας, αξιοποιώντας τον κλάδο της Θεολογίας. Επιπλέον, γιά την κατανόηση του εικαστικού πλαισίου εξετάζονται οἱ λειτουργικές αλληλεξαρτήσεις του κοσμήματος με το αρχιτεκτόνημα, τις ζωγραφικές συνθέσεις, και τον πιστό, ως θεατή καί παρατηρητή. Τέλος, μέσα ἀπό μία πειραματική σχεδιαστική ανάλυση, διερευνάται η ύπαρξη ενός κανονιστικού πλαισίου σχεδιασμού, γιά την συγκρότηση των διακοσμητικών συνθέσεων, θεμελιωμένο πάνω σε ένα άδηλο σχέδιο, που είχε ως έρεισμα τις βασικές αρχές της γεωμετρίας, της χρυσής τομής και των κανόνων συμμετρίας.
Αγγίζοντας το ορατό
Authors: Μπέτη Αριστούλα
Published: July 2024

Μέσα από τη φαινομενολογία του Maurice Merleau-Ponty, όπως αυτή συνηχεί με τη σκέψη του Roland Barthes για τη φωτογραφία, επιχειρείται η επανοικειοποίηση της αναλογικής φωτογραφίας ως απτής και πολυαισθητηριακής διαδικασίας, εστιάζοντας -παράλληλα- στο γεγονός πως στον σκοτεινό θάλαμο οι οπτικές εμπειρίες ενσωματώνουν απτικές δυνατότητες. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, και δεδομένου πως οι έννοιες της σωματικότητας, της απτικότητας και της υλικότητας -ως καίριες πτυχές- συχνά παραβλέπονται ή παραμελούνται από τη δυτική παράδοση και τις κυρίαρχες φιλοσοφικές θεωρήσεις, αναπτύχθηκε μια υβριδική φωτογραφική πρακτική κατά την οποία οι απτικές και κιναισθητικές αντιλήψεις από κοινού με τις οπτικές, αποτελούν διαστάσεις της ανθρώπινης εμπειρίας που αποκαλύπτουν τον κόσμο ως το υπόβαθρο κάθε δημιουργικής έκφρασης.
A study on small busines growth
Authors: Οικονόμου Κωνσταντίνος
Published: July 2024

Η παρούσα είναι μια μελέτη για τις Μικρομεσαίες Επιχειρήσεις (ΜμΕ). Εστιάζει στις Ελληνικές ΜμΕ, πριν την ένταξη της χώρας στο Ευρώ, το 2002 και ενόψει της διοργάνωσης των Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων το 2004. Ένα αντιπροσωπευτικό δείγμα ΜμΕ που επέζησαν μεταξύ 1994 και 2002 συλλέγεται και συνδέεται με μεταβλητές που αντιπροσωπεύουν το περιβάλλον της επιχείρησης και άλλες πιθανές επιδράσεις στην ανάπτυξη. Η μελέτη αντλεί από ένα μεγάλο εύρος υφιστάμενων θεωριών που εξηγούν την ανάπτυξη. Η ανάλυση στηρίζεται κυρίως σε μοντέλα. Ωστόσο μια νέα αναλυτική μέθοδος ακολουθείται, που διακρίνει την ανάπτυξη σε τρεις συστατικούς τομείς: την υπερβολική ανάπτυξη, την κανονική ανάπτυξη και την ανάλυση των ρυθμών ανάπτυξης. Καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια της μελέτης δίνεται έμφαση στην επίδραση της πολιτικής. Τα αποτελέσματα συζητούνται ξεχωριστά για κάθε έναν από τους συστατικούς τομείς και για την επίδραση της πολιτικής. Μετά συντίθενται, ώστε να κατανοηθεί καλύτερα πως οι Ελληνικές ΜμΕ αναπτύχθηκαν την περίοδο 1995-2002. Τα αποτελέσματα συμφωνούν γενικά με τις εξηγήσεις για τον ρόλο του ειδικού περιβάλλοντος, όπως αυτών για τον κλάδο και την περιφέρεια, το νομικό καθεστώς, την κεντρική θέση της επιχείρησης, το ρόλο της εκπαίδευσης, και τη σημασία του μεγέθους της επιχείρησης στην ανάλυση της ανάπτυξης της επιχείρησης. Επιπρόσθετα, οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες φαίνεται να έχουν επιδράσει στην ανάπτυξη των Ελληνικών ΜμΕ, ειδικά για τις ταχεία αναπτυσσόμενες στον κατασκευαστικό κλάδο. Στα συμπεράσματα αναδεικνύεται το ερώτημα της συστηματικότητας (συνέπειας) που παρουσιάζουν τα ευρήματα σχετικά με τον ρόλο του μεγέθους της επιχείρησης. Προτείνεται ότι το μέγεθος λειτουργεί ως μια προσεγγιστική ψευδο-μεταβλητή για τα ενδογενή χαρακτηριστικά της επιχείρησης, αντλώντας κυρίως από τα ευρήματα και την ειδική βιβλιογραφία για τις ΜμΕ. Ως αποτέλεσμα υποστηρίζεται ότι σημαντικοί συστατικοί τομείς της ανάπτυξης της επιχείρησης επηρεάζονται από το ενδογενές περιβάλλον της επιχείρησης. Παρά την ειδική έμφαση που αποδίδεται στη βιβλιογραφία στην μελέτη του ρόλου ενός μεγάλου αριθμού εξωγενών της επιχείρησης παραγόντων, φαίνεται ότι η ενδογένεια είναι κύριο γνώρισμα της ανάπτυξης των Ελληνικών ΜμΕ την περίοδο μελέτης.
ANALYSIS OF CHINA-CEEC INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP COLLABORATION - CASE STUDY ON SLOVENIA
Authors: Santek Goran Pavel , Vidnjevic Marko , Kralj Martin
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted collaboration between China and Eastern European Countries (China-CEEC), focusing on the China-CEEC Innovation Cooperation Research Center and the First Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Employing a case study approach with Slovenia as the focal point, the analysis integrates comparative metrics, including the Global Innovation Index, Expert Ratings of Entrepreneurial Framework Conditions, Intellectual Property Rankings, and the Global Talent Competitiveness Index. Furthermore, the comparative analyses presented in the paper underscore China's global leadership in various dimensions, particularly in intellectual property. This study contributes to a detailed understanding of the dynamic collaboration between China and Eastern European countries, showcasing a commitment to innovation and sustainable development by emphasizing the China-CEEC Innovation Cooperation initiative, the First China-CEEC Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, and its role in fostering collaboration among young innovators and entrepreneurs. It examines participation criteria, project categories, and the comprehensive support provided to winners, including matchmaking services, policy assistance, and post-competition benefits. This collaborative initiative stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and commitment within China-CEEC Cooperation, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
THE TECHNOLOGICAL LEVELS OF PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION OF BELARUS, RUSSIA, AND KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Zianchuk Mikalai
Published: July 2024

Innovative economic growth is not only based on the development of technologies that ensure the growth of aggregate supply. This type of growth is impossible without constant innovation in consumer goods that drive growth in aggregate demand. At the same time, in modern economic theory, the attention of researchers focuses mainly on the development of engineering and technology and the role of innovation in the field of consumer goods has not been studied separately from technical and technological innovations. The article analyzes the special roles of production innovations and consumer innovations in economic growth. A methodology developed by the author is presented for measuring the technological level of consumption, as well as for comparing the production technological level and the consumption technological level in the national economy. Based on statistical data, technological levels of production and consumption were calculated for the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, and Kazakhstan. The results of analysis of the dynamics of the production and consumption technological levels are presented. The level of сorrespondence between the technological capabilities of production and consumption within the national economies of the countries under consideration is evaluated. Such an analysis allows us to anticipate possible threats to the development of countries occupying a catching-up position in innovative development, as well as to anticipate the danger of a slowdown in economic growth for countries that are leaders in innovative development.
FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: THE ROLE OF CRYPTOGRAPHY IN SECURING BLOCKCHAIN NETWORKS
Authors: Feltovic Milan
Published: July 2024

Blockchain technology has evolved from its origins in cryptocurrencies to become a fundamental component of secure digital interactions across diverse sectors, including healthcare, finance, and public administration. This article delves into the theoretical and practical applications of cryptography within blockchain networks, emphasizing key cryptographic functions, algorithms, and protocols such as RSA, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), and SHA-256. It scrutinizes the use of digital signatures for transaction verification and the crucial role of hash functions in ensuring data integrity. Additionally, the article presents practical examples of symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods, underscoring their significance in maintaining privacy and security. The study also highlights the emerging challenges posed by quantum computing and explores ongoing research in post-quantum cryptography. Furthermore, it provides insights into the advancements in cryptographic techniques essential for the robustness of decentralized networks. By linking theoretical frameworks with practical implementations, this article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the cryptographic security measures pivotal for the future of blockchain technology.
MICRO AND MACRO LIBERTARIANISM: REJOINDER TO McMAKEN
Authors: Block Walter
Published: July 2024

Microlibertarianism concerns issues upon which the overwhelming proportion of libertarians agree: minimum wages, rent control, free trade, drug legalization. Macro libertarianism concerns issues upon which there is little or no consensus: voluntary slavery, immigration, abortion, covid vaccinations and the Israeli war with Hamas. The present paper is concerned with only the latter two controversies. McMaken (2024) takes the position that while Block’s views on microlibertarianism are valid, and even, perhaps, commendable, his perspective on these latter two issues is nothing short of highly problematic, not to say abominable. The specific charge of McMaken’s is the Block places his support for Jews in general, and Israel in particular, ahead of libertarianism. Thus, while he may be a good microlibertarian, he is no longer, if ever he was, a good macrolibertarian. The present paper offers a defense of the views of the latter vis a vis the charges of the former.
FROM FRIEND AND CO-AUTHOR TO MAD CRITIC
Authors: Block Walter
Published: July 2024

DiLorenzo (2024A) is not a “more in sorrow than in hate” criticism of the present author. It is if anything the very opposite: “more in hate than in sorrow.” He charges that I am no longer a libertarian in good standing due to the fact that I champion Israel not in spite of its genocide, war crimes, apartheid, etc., but because of these very rights violations. This author is very strong on making such accusations. He is very weak on backing them up with empirical evidence, with direct quotes from my writing or public speaking. Instead, he contents himself with misinterpreting the actual record insofar as I am concerned. He is guilty of concocting straw men arguments and then deriding them. The present paper is an attempt to refute these unwarranted charges on the part of this old friend of mine. He makes such preposterous claims, and more than just a few others of a similar ilk. He does so in order to buttress his charge that I am no longer a libertarian, at least not with regard to important, or “macro-libertarian” issues.