bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Good Corporate Governance on Capital Structure With Company Size As A Moderating Variable
Authors: Mais Rimi Gusliana , Ainun Komala Indah
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to obtain empirical evidence on the effects of institutional ownership, managerial ownership, and board size on capital structure by considering firm size as a moderating variable. The research is conducted through the website www.idx.co.id, during the period 2018-2021 he surveyed 23 companies in the real estate and real estate sector listed on IDX, the research period is his four years. Aggregated data is used by 92 companies that process data using Eviews. Research has shown that management ownership and board size have a positive impact on capital structure. Firm size can relax the relationship between institutional and managerial ownership in the capital structure. Institutional ownership does not affect the capital structure. The study also found that firm size does not mitigate the impact of board size on capital structure.  The number of directors' meetings in this study had no effect so this could have happened because during a board of directors' meeting they could not be responsible for determining whether management had fulfilled its responsibilities and exercised control. especially in minimizing the use of debt in the capital structure and governance control of property and real estate companies.
Learning in Educational Settings
Authors: Säljö Roger
Published: December 2023

-
PLANNING OF MANIPULATIVE MATERIALS IN THE CONTEXT OF LESSON STUDY IN CONTINUOUS TEACHER TRAINING FOR INCLUSIVE MATHEMATICAL LITERACY
Authors: Silva Davi Cezar da , Boscarioli Clodis , Belford Powell Arthur
Published: December 2023

With the goal of exploring aspects of planning based on Lesson Study methodology to fit into the stages of developing, aligning, or adapting, and applying manipulative materials for inclusive mathematical literacy, we offer a continuous training for teachers. We propose a workflow that provides, at each stage of planning, theoretical foundations related to the curricula and the specific subjects of mathematics, as well as practical guidelines for the moments of planning and adaptation of manipulative materials with the help of a specialist in special education. From the results, we report on the work developed by two groups, respectively dealing with the concepts of fractions and number construction, targeting Early Years and Early Childhood Education students. We understand that the workflow provided participating teachers with autonomy and confidence, culminating in the elaboration, alignment, and adaptation of potentially inclusive manipulative materials that were used by the entire class, a characteristic we consider essential in materials with this focus. Teachers were provided with new knowledge about mathematical content, curriculum, and ways of approaching the classroom that can lead to improvements in teaching and learning in their future professional practice.
Planejamento de uma tarefa matemática:
Authors: Schneider Gross Giane Fernanda , Martens Adan Santos , Trevisan André Luis , Araman Eliane Maria de Oliveira Araman , Oliveira Patrícia Beneti
Published: December 2023

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender como se deram as ações do formador durante o planejamento de uma tarefa matemática exploratória, por um grupo de professores participantes de um processo de formação continuada, em uma disciplina de mestrado ofertada no ano de 2019, tendo em vista as potencialidades da metodologia Lesson Study, e quais oportunidades de aprendizagem foram geradas. O método qualitativo interpretativo, utilizado como direção e análise, percorreu os diálogos colaborativos (gravados em áudios e posteriormente transcritos) dos professores e do formador durante a etapa do planejamento, sendo possível ter acesso às discussões que influenciaram na elaboração de uma tarefa como: enunciado, objetivo, o conteúdo envolvido, os recursos e as antecipações de resoluções que poderiam surgir pelos estudantes durante a futura implementação da tarefa. A análise apontou a importância das ações e do papel do formador na condução das ideias e discussões, oportunizando aos professores diferentes aprendizagens, especialmente no que tange a compreensão sobre o modo de conduzir as tarefas futuramente em sala de aula, visando o reconhecimento dos conceitos matemáticos envolvidos em sua construção.
Estudo da relação nas Pesquisas do Instituto Brasileiro de Informação em Ciência e Tecnologia – IBICT, livro didático de projetos integradores de ciências e documentos curriculares com foco na educação ambiental
Authors: Chitolina Beyer Elisângela , Matos Uhmann Rosangela Inês
Published: December 2023

A importância da Educação Ambiental (EA) diz respeito à qualidade de vida no planeta, consistindo na necessária mudança de atitudes da espécie humana no meio ambiente. Além disso, a EA tem papel importante e decisivo no debate das posições e formas de participação dos cidadãos. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa do tipo bibliográfica, teve por objetivo investigar as pesquisas do Instituto Brasileiro de Informação em Ciência e Tecnologia (IBICT), os Livros Didáticos (LD) de Projetos Integradores da área de Ciências da Natureza e suas Tecnologias (CNT) e os documentos curriculares oficiais, como a Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) e o Referencial Curricular Gaúcho do Ensino Médio (RCGEM), buscando apresentar a inter-relação entre eles, com foco na EA. Nas pesquisas do IBICT, constatamos o predomínio da concepção Conservacionista de EA, e também que as pesquisas que abordam o LD apontam para a falta de temáticas ambientais. Já o estudo dos LD de Projetos Integradores apontou que estes apresentam projetos relacionados à EA, sendo um importante material didático para trabalhar a temática na perspectiva crítica, constituindo-se, assim, como um recurso para suprir a carência da EA nos documentos curriculares oficiais. No caso da BNCC, por exemplo, a EA é citada de forma transversal, uma única vez, se apresentando, portanto, de forma apagada nesse documento.
Uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre círculos de cultura em educação em saúde
Authors: Dorneles Aprato Vil , Krug Wives Leandro , Inês Boll Cintia
Published: December 2023

Este artigo apresenta o resultado de uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura sobre Círculos de Cultura em Educação em Saúde, considerando uma ótica freiriana na área.
O Present Perfect Tense (PPT): interpretações sob o parâmetro do aprendiz de inglês falante do português brasileiro
Authors: Ludka Giselle
Published: December 2023

O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo apresentar quatro possíveis leituras atreladas à estrutura do inglês conhecida como Present Perfect Tense (PPT). Sabemos que essa é uma das estruturas mais complexas da língua inglesa para aprendizes de inglês falantes do português brasileiro devido às suas diversas interpretações. Considerando a estrutura do inglês com sua contraparte morfológica no Português, o Pretérito Perfeito Composto (PPC), averiguamos que essas não possuem nem a mesma distribuição sintática nem a mesma semântica, embora tenham a mesma forma morfológica. Apresentaremos exemplos sob a ótica de quatro possíveis interpretações do PPT utilizando sentenças do inglês e do português brasileiro, com o intuito de demonstrar critérios de semelhanças e diferenças entre as duas línguas. As leituras vinculadas ao PPT balizam-se seguindo as teorizações e estudos de Comrie (1976), Palmer (1987), Klein (1992), Oliveira (2003, 2005, 2015), Kearns (2011), Molsing (2010, 2013) e Portner (2003), as quais nomeamos de (a): PPT de base empírica ou de experiência; (b): PPT resultativo ou de relevância atual; (c): PPT como expressão de passado recente; e (e): PPT como evento que persiste ou continuativo. Considerando a não equivalência semântica entre o PPT e o PPC, esses aprendizes acabam por utilizar outras estruturas do inglês, como por exemplo, o Past Simple e o Present Simple. A não correspondência entre estruturas morfologicamente semelhantes entre duas línguas é considerada, de acordo com Slabakova (2016) um gargalo (Botleneck Hypothesis), pois o aprendiz terá que compreender uma nova configuração gramatical na L2.

Palavras-chave: Present perfect tense, Pretérito perfeito composto, Aquisição de L2, Semântica.
papel de la educación del paciente en el uso de la Neuroestimulación Eléctrica Transcutánea (TENS)
Authors: Vélez Uribe Jose David , Cardona Palacio Manuel , Caro Muñetón Sebastián , Villada Sierra Douglas Mauricio , Zapata Chaparro Gabriela
Published: December 2023

El dolor representa una afección muy prevalente. Afecta la salud de las personas, su productividad, desempeño en actividades de la vida diaria y aumenta costos económicos, tanto para las entidades de salud, como para las mismas personas. La neuroestimulación eléctrica transcutánea (TENS) es una herramienta que se conoce por la capacidad de generar analgesia. El adecuado y estandarizado uso de este instrumento es todavía tema de revisión. Su efecto se potencia cuando además del profesional de la salud el paciente comprende su uso y entiende su aplicación. Objetivo: Revisar a través de la literatura la importancia del papel de la educación en el uso del TENS y sugerir una propuesta para capacitar a los pacientes que permita su uso adecuado. Metodología: revisión de la literatura por medio de las bases de datos Pubmed, Clinicalkey, Chrocane, Scielo, ScienceDirect, Sportdiscus y PEDRO, entre febrero y abril de 2023. Conclusión: A pesar de que no se encontraron estudios específicos de educación al paciente en el uso del TENS, si se encuentra evidencia científica que respalda su efecto terapéutico y lo importante que el paciente entienda su uso, además se resalta del papel que cumple la educación en los procesos de salud en general y sus repercusiones. Por tal motivo, se construyó una propuesta de educación a pacientes para el uso de la corriente, que abarca la comprensión de funcionamiento y permite el interactuar en situaciones cotidianas de su aplicabilidad, con fines de responder a las sugerencias encontradas en la educación para la salud.
Computational study of the balloon dilation steps on transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Li Jianming , Meng Zhuangyuan , Yan Wentao , Wang Wenshuo , Wei Lai , Wang Shengzhang
Published: December 2023

Balloon dilation is a commonly used assistant method in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and plays an important role during valve implantation procedure. The balloon dilation steps need to be fully considered in TAVR numerical simulations. This study aims to establish a TAVR simulation procedure with two different balloon dilation steps to analyze the impact of balloon dilation on the results of TAVR implantation. Two cases of aortic stenosis were constructed based on medical images. An implantation simulation procedure with self-expandable valve was established, and multiple models including different simulation steps such as balloon pre-dilation and balloon post-dilation were constructed to compare the different effects on vascular stress, stent morphology and paravalvular leakage. Results show that balloon pre-dilation of TAVR makes less impact on post-operative outcomes, while post-dilation can effectively improve the implantation morphology of the stent, which is beneficial to the function and durability of the valve. It can effectively improve the adhesion of the stent and reduce the paravalvular leakage volume more than 30% after implantation. However, balloon post-dilation may also lead to about 20% or more increased stress on the aorta and increase the risk of damage. The balloon dilation makes an important impact on the TAVR outcomes. Balloon dilation needs to be fully considered during pre-operative analysis to obtain a better clinical result.
Exercise therapy as a digital therapeutic for chronic disease management: consideration for clinical product development
Authors: Grannell Andrew , Hallson Hallur , Gunlaugsson Birkir , Jonsson Hedinn
Published: December 2023

Digital exercise therapies (DET) have the potential to bridge existing care gaps for people living with chronic conditions. Acting as either a standalone, embedded within multi-modal lifestyle therapy, or adjunct to pharmacotherapy or surgery, evidence-based DETs can favorably impact the health of a rapidly growing population. Given the nascent nature of digital therapeutics, the regulatory landscape has yet to mature. As such, in the absence of clear guidelines clinical digital product developers are responsible for ensuring the DET adheres to fundamental principles such as patient risk management and clinical effectiveness. The purpose of this narrative review paper is to discuss key considerations for clinical digital product developers who are striving to build novel digital therapeutic (DTx) solutions and thus contribute towards standardization of product development. We herein draw upon DET as an example, highlighting the need for adherence to existing clinical guidelines, human-centered design and an intervention approach that leverages the Chronic Care Model. Specific topics and recommendations related to the development of innovative and scalable products are discussed which ultimately allow for differentiation from a basic wellness tool and integration to clinical workflows. By embodying a code of ethics, clinical digital product developers can adequately address patients' needs and optimize their own future digital health technology assessments including appropriate evidence of safety and efficacy.
Pre-service and in-service teachers' professional vision depending on the video perspective—What teacher gaze and verbal reports can tell us
Authors: Wyss Corinne , Bäuerlein Kerstin , Mahler Sara
Published: December 2023

Teachers are involved in complex teaching situations every day; thus, they must understand what to pay attention to in the classroom, how this information is to be interpreted, and which teaching decisions become necessary as a result. In educational research, these competencies are known as “professional vision.” The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the professional vision of pre-service teachers (PTs) and in-service teachers (ITs) by investigating whether the groups differ in what they notice and how they reason about videotaped classroom events; whether the perspective of the video viewed influences their noticing and reasoning; and to what extent their gaze behavior differs from their verbal statements. Thirty-one PTs and twenty ITs watched a video clip of authentic teaching, shot from different perspectives, and their visual focus of attention was recorded using a remote eye-tracker. Subsequently, participants reported in an interview what they had noticed. The triangulated data show that the gaze behavior of the PTs and ITs did not differ, but the content of their verbal statements did. Depending on the video perspective, participants focused on different subjects, but this difference was not reflected in the verbal data. Thus, the gaze behavior and verbal statements are not consistent. The findings indicate that considering multiple sources and types of data is beneficial to explore professional vision and that further research is needed to understand the concept in depth.
Associations of genetic variants contributing to gut microbiota composition in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Lu Xiao , Ma Junjun , Guo Lili , Wu Wei , Li Rongshan
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The gut microbiota is strongly associated with multiple kidney diseases, and since microbial composition is heritable, we hypothesized that genetic variations controlling gut microbiota composition were associated with diabetic nephropathy susceptibility or clinical subphenotypes.

Methods

The genetic variations associated with gut microbiota were retrieved from the genome-wide association study database and analysed in our diabetic nephropathy susceptibility gene screening cohort. Candidate microorganisms with possible genetic associations were identified using the annotation of microbial quantitative trait loci. Finally, the candidate microorganisms were verified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing.

Results

There were 13 genetic variation loci associated with susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy. The TCF7L2 risk genotype was associated with a long duration of diabetes and high diastolic blood pressure, the ZCWPW2 risk genotype was associated with increased glycosylated hemoglobin, and the ZNRF3 risk genotype was associated with an increased urinary microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio. Both the ZNRF3 and SPECC1L risk genotypes were associated with the abundance of Lactococcus. 16S rDNA sequencing confirmed that there was indeed a significant difference in the Lactococcus genus between DN and DM patients.

Conclusions

In this study, we preliminarily confirmed that the gut microbiota of diabetic nephropathy patients is influenced by host genetics and provide a new basis for future accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Association between glycosylated hemoglobin levels, diabetes duration, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved ejection fraction: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Na , Zhao Mengnan , Yuan Lingling , Chen Yanxia , Zhou Hong
Published: December 2023

Background

We aimed to explore the intricate interplay between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, disease duration, and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) characterized by preserved ejection fraction.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2022 to December 2022. A total of 114 inpatients from the Department of Endocrinology were randomly selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients with T2DM were stratified into three subgroups, each comprising 38 patients, based on disease duration and HbA1C levels. A sub-analysis was conducted to explore variations among these three distinct groups. A control group comprised 38 age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and smoking habit-matched healthy volunteers form the Physical Examination Center of the same hospital. General demographic information, biochemical results, and echocardiographic data were collected, and correlation and linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

Diabetic patients exhibited lower E/A values (0.85 (0.72, 1.17) vs. 1.20 (0.97, 1.30)) and elevated E/e’ values (9.50 (8.75, 11.00) vs. 9.00 (7.67, 9.85)) compared to their normal controls. In the subgroup analysis, patients with a disease duration exceeding 2 years displayed reduced E/A values (0.85 (0.75, 1.10) vs. 1.10 (0.80, 1.30)) and elevated E/e’ values (9.80 (9.20, 10.80) vs. 8.95 (7.77, 9.50)) in comparison to those with a disease duration of ≤2 years, p<0.05. Among patients with a disease duration surpassing 2 years, those with higher HbA1C levels exhibited lower E/A values (0.80 (0.70, 0.90) vs. (0.85 (0.75, 1.10)) and higher E/e’ values (11.00 (9.87, 12.15) vs. 9.80 (9.20, 10.80)) in contrast to patients with low HbA1C levels, p<0.05. Multiple linear regression analysis identified HbA1C (β=0.294, p<0.001) and disease duration (β=0.319, p<0.001) as independent risk factors for the E/A value in diabetes patients. Furthermore, HbA1C (β=0.178, p=0.015) and disease duration (β=0.529, p<0.001) emerged as independent risk factors for the E/e’ value in diabetic patients.

Conclusions

In individuals with T2DM exhibiting preserved ejection fraction, the presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is significantly associated with HbA1C levels and the duration of diabetes.
Fuel-constrained joint heat and power dynamic economic environmental dispatch
Authors: Basu Mousumi , Jena Chitralekha , Khan Baseem , Ali Ahmed , Bokoro Pitshou
Published: December 2023

The economical use of available fuel for producing electricity has been a very important challenge for power companies due to the continuously declining supply of fossil fuels. FCJHPDEED (fuel-constrained joint heat and power dynamic economic environmental dispatch) and JHPDEED (joint heat and power dynamic economic environmental dispatch) with DSM (demand-side management) integrating solar PV plants, WTGs (wind turbine generators), and PHS (pumped hydro storage) plants have been presented. Using SPEA 2 (strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm 2) and NSGA-II (non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II), FCJHPDEED and JHPDEED have been solved. It is seen that the results obtained without fuel constraints are more optimal than the results obtained with fuel constraints. The joint heat and power dynamic economic dispatch cost obtained with fuel constraints is approximately 2.14% more than the cost obtained without fuel constraints and joint heat and power dynamic emission dispatch, and the emission obtained with fuel constraints is approximately 6.7% more than the emission obtained without fuel constraints.
Whole genome sequencing reveals population diversity and variation in HIV-1 specific host genes
Authors: Thami Prisca K. , Choga Wonderful T. , Dandara Collet , O’Brien Stephen J. , Essex Myron , Gaseitsiwe Simani , Chimusa Emile R.
Published: December 2023

HIV infection continues to be a major global public health issue. The population heterogeneity in susceptibility or resistance to HIV-1 and progression upon infection is attributable to, among other factors, host genetic variation. Therefore, identifying population-specific variation and genetic modifiers of HIV infectivity can catapult the invention of effective strategies against HIV-1 in African populations. Here, we investigated whole genome sequences of 390 unrelated HIV-positive and -negative individuals from Botswana. We report 27.7 million single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in the complete genomes of Botswana nationals, of which 2.8 million were missing in public databases. Our population structure analysis revealed a largely homogenous structure in the Botswana population. Admixture analysis showed elevated components shared between the Botswana population and the Niger-Congo (65.9%), Khoe-San (32.9%), and Europeans (1.1%) ancestries in the population of Botswana. Statistical significance of the mutational burden of deleterious and loss-of-function variants per gene against a null model was estimated. The most deleterious variants were enriched in five genes: ACTRT2 (the Actin Related Protein T2), HOXD12 (homeobox D12), ABCB5 (ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 5), ATP8B4 (ATPase phospholipid transporting 8B4) and ABCC12 (ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily C Member 12). These genes are enriched in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis (p < 2.84e-6) pathways and therefore, may contribute to the emerging field of immunometabolism in which therapy against HIV-1 infection is being evaluated. Published transcriptomic evidence supports the role of the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways in the regulation of susceptibility to HIV, and that cumulative effects of genetic modifiers in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways may potentially have effects on the expression and clinical variability of HIV-1. Identified genes and pathways provide novel avenues for other interventions, with the potential for informing the design of new therapeutics.
Portal hypertension in common variable immunodeficiency disorders – a single center analysis on clinical and immunological parameter in 196 patients
Authors: Hanitsch Leif G. , Steiner Sophie , Schumann Michael , Wittke Kirsten , Kedor Claudia , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Fischer Andreas
Published: December 2023

Background

Liver manifestations and in particular portal hypertension (PH) contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality of patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID). Screening strategies and early detection are limited due to the lack of specific diagnostic tools.

Methods

We evaluated clinical, immunological, histological, and imaging parameters in CVID patients with clinical manifestation of portal hypertension (CVID+PH).

Results

Portal hypertension was present in 5.6% of CVID patients and was associated with high clinical burden and increased mortality (18%). Longitudinal data on clinical and immunological parameters in patients before and during clinically manifest portal hypertension revealed a growing splenomegaly and increasing gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and soluble interleukin 2 receptor (SIL-2R) levels with decreasing platelets over time. While ultrasound of the liver failed to detect signs of portal hypertension in most affected patients, transient elastography was elevated in all patients. All CVID+PH patients had reduced naïve CD45RA+CD4+ T-cells (mean of 6,2%). The frequency of severe B-lymphocytopenia (Euroclass B-) was higher in CVID+PH patients. The main histological findings included lymphocytic infiltration, nodular regenerative hyperplasia-like changes (NRH-LC), and porto(-septal) fibrosis.

Conclusion

CVID patients with lower naïve CD45RA+CD4+ T-cells or severely reduced B-cells might be at higher risk for portal hypertension. The combination of biochemical (increasing sIL-2R, GGT, and decreasing platelets) and imaging parameters (increasing splenomegaly) should raise suspicion of the beginning of portal hypertension.
Formula supplementation with human and bovine milk oligosaccharides modulates blood IgG and T-helper cell populations, and ex vivo LPS-stimulated cytokine production in a neonatal preclinical model
Authors: Monaco Marcia H. , Wang Mei , Hauser Jonas , Yan Jian , Dilger Ryan N. , Donovan Sharon M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Human milk contains structurally diverse oligosaccharides (HMO), which are multifunctional modulators of neonatal immune development. Our objective was to investigate formula supplemented with fucosylated (2’FL) + neutral (lacto-N-neotetraose, LNnt) oligosaccharides and/or sialylated bovine milk oligosaccharides (BMOS) on immunological outcomes.

Methods

Pigs (n=46) were randomized at 48h of age to four diets: sow milk replacer formula (CON), BMOS (CON + 6.5 g/L BMOS), HMO (CON + 1.0 g/L 2’FL + 0.5 g/L LNnT), or BMOS+HMO (CON + 6.5 g/L BMOS + 1.0 g/L 2’FL + 0.5 g/L LNnT). Blood and tissues were collected on postnatal day 33 for measurement of cytokines and IgG, phenotypic identification of immune cells, and ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation of immune cells.

Results

Serum IgG was significantly lower in the HMO group than BMOS+HMO but did not differ from CON or BMOS. The percentage of PBMC T-helper cells was lower in BMOS+HMO than the other groups. Splenocytes from the BMOS group secreted more IL-1β when stimulated ex vivo with LPS compared to CON or HMO groups. For PBMCs, a statistical interaction of BMOS*HMO was observed for IL-10 secretion (p=0.037), with BMOS+HMO and HMO groups differing at p=0.1.

Discussion

The addition of a mix of fucosylated and sialylated oligosaccharides to infant formula provides specific activities in the immune system that differ from formulations supplemented with one oligosaccharide structure.
Implementation of artificial intelligence models in magnetic resonance imaging with focus on diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis: narrative review
Authors: Nicoara Andreea-Iulia , Sas Lorena-Mihaela , Bita Cristina Elena , Dinescu Stefan Cristian , Vreju Florentin Ananu
Published: December 2023

Early diagnosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is essential to initiate timely interventions, such as medication and lifestyle changes, preventing irreversible joint damage, reducing symptoms, and improving long-term outcomes for patients. Since magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist and hand, in case of RA and MRI of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in case of axSpA can identify inflammation before it is clinically discernible, this modality may be crucial for early diagnosis. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, together with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) have quickly evolved in the medical field, having an important role in improving diagnosis, prognosis, in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and monitoring the activity of rheumatic diseases through MRI. The improvements of AI techniques in the last years regarding imaging interpretation have demonstrated that a computer-based analysis can equal and even exceed the human eye. The studies in the field of AI have investigated how specific algorithms could distinguish between tissues, diagnose rheumatic pathology and grade different signs of early inflammation, all of them being crucial for tracking disease activity. The aim of this paper is to highlight the implementation of AI models in MRI with focus on diagnosis of RA and axSpA through a literature review.
Multisensory integration augmenting motor processes among older adults
Authors: Zou Zhi , Zhao Benxuan , Ting Kin-hung , Wong Clive , Hou Xiaohui , Chan Chetwyn C. H.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Multisensory integration enhances sensory processing in older adults. This study aimed to investigate how the sensory enhancement would modulate the motor related process in healthy older adults.

Method

Thirty-one older adults (12 males, mean age 67.7 years) and 29 younger adults as controls (16 males, mean age 24.9 years) participated in this study. Participants were asked to discriminate spatial information embedded in the unisensory (visual or audial) and multisensory (audiovisual) conditions. The responses made by the movements of the left and right wrists corresponding to the spatial information were registered with specially designed pads. The electroencephalogram (EEG) marker was the event-related super-additive P2 in the frontal-central region, the stimulus-locked lateralized readiness potentials (s-LRP) and response-locked lateralized readiness potentials (r-LRP).

Results

Older participants showed significantly faster and more accurate responses than controls in the multisensory condition than in the unisensory conditions. Both groups had significantly less negative-going s-LRP amplitudes elicited at the central sites in the between-condition contrasts. However, only the older group showed significantly less negative-going, centrally distributed r-LRP amplitudes. More importantly, only the r-LRP amplitude in the audiovisual condition significantly predicted behavioral performance.

Conclusion

Audiovisual integration enhances reaction time, which associates with modulated motor related processes among the older participants. The super-additive effects modulate both the motor preparation and generation processes. Interestingly, only the modulated motor generation process contributes to faster reaction time. As such effects were observed in older but not younger participants, multisensory integration likely augments motor functions in those with age-related neurodegeneration.
In-phasic cytosolic-nuclear Ca2+ rhythms in suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons
Authors: Hiro Sota , Kobayashi Kenta , Nemoto Tomomi , Enoki Ryosuke
Published: December 2023

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is the master circadian clock in mammals. SCN neurons exhibit circadian Ca2+ rhythms in the cytosol, which is thought to act as a messenger linking the transcriptional/translational feedback loop (TTFL) and physiological activities. Transcriptional regulation occurs in the nucleus in the TTFL model, and Ca2+-dependent kinase regulates the clock gene transcription. However, the Ca2+ regulatory mechanisms between cytosol and nucleus as well as the ionic origin of Ca2+ rhythms remain unclear. In the present study, we monitored circadian-timescale Ca2+ dynamics in the nucleus and cytosol of SCN neurons at the single-cell and network levels. We observed robust nuclear Ca2+ rhythm in the same phase as the cytosolic rhythm in single SCN neurons and entire regions. Neuronal firing inhibition reduced the amplitude of both nuclear and cytosolic Ca2+ rhythms, whereas blocking of Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) via ryanodine and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors had a minor effect on either Ca2+ rhythms. We conclude that the in-phasic circadian Ca2+ rhythms in the cytosol and nucleus are mainly driven by Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space, likely through the nuclear pore. It also raises the possibility that nuclear Ca2+ rhythms directly regulate transcription in situ.
Antibody-drug conjugates in urinary tumors: clinical application, challenge, and perspectives
Authors: Li Keqiang , Xie Guoqing , Deng Xiyue , Zhang Yu , Jia Zhankui , Huang Zhenlin
Published: December 2023

Urinary tumors primarily consist of kidney, urothelial, and prostate malignancies, which pose significant treatment challenges, particularly in advanced stages. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, combining monoclonal antibody specificity with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic payloads. This review highlights recent advancements, opportunities, and challenges in ADC application for urinary tumors. We discuss the FDA-approved ADCs and other novel ADCs under investigation, emphasizing their potential to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, we explore strategies to address challenges, such as toxicity management, predictive biomarker identification, and resistance mechanisms. Additionally, we examine the integration of ADCs with other treatment modalities, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and radiation therapy. By addressing these challenges and exploring innovative approaches, the development of ADCs may significantly enhance therapeutic options and outcomes for patients with advanced urinary tumor.
Metabolic pseudoprogression in a patient with metastatic KIT exon 11 GIST after 1 month of first-line imatinib: a case report
Authors: Tassinari Elisa , Conci Nicole , Battisti Giacomo , Porta Francesco , Di Scioscio Valerio , Pirini Maria Giulia , de Biase Dario , Nigro Maria Concetta , Iezza Miriam , Castagnetti Fausto , Lovato Luigi , Fanti Stefano , Pantaleo Maria Abbondanza , Nannini Margherita
Published: December 2023

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) has proven to be highly sensitive in the early assessment of tumor response in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), especially in cases where there is doubt or when the early prediction of the response could be clinically useful for patient management. As widely known, kinase mutations have an undoubtful predictive value for sensitivity to imatinib, and the inclusion of KIT and PDGFRa mutational analysis in the diagnostic workup of all GIST is now considered standard practice.

Case presentation

Herein, we described in detail a case of an exon 11 KIT mutated-metastatic GIST patient, who presented an unexpected metabolic progression at the early 18FDG-PET evaluation after 1 month of first-line imatinib, unconfirmed at the liver biopsy performed near after, which has conversely shown a complete pathological response.

Conclusions

This report aims to highlight the existence of this metabolic pseudoprogression in GIST at the beginning of imatinib therapy in order to avoid early treatment discontinuation. Therefore, an early metabolic progression during a molecular targeted therapy always deserves to be evaluated in the context of the disease molecular profiling, and in case of a discordant finding between functional imaging and molecular background, a short-term longitudinal control should be suggested.
Bound Ca2+ moves faster and farther from single open channels than free Ca2+
Authors: Mironov S. L.
Published: December 2023

A concept of Ca2+ nanodomains established in the cytoplasm after opening single-calcium channels helps mechanistically understand the physiological mechanisms of Ca2+ signaling. It predicts standing gradients of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ around single channels in the plasma membrane. The fate of bound Ca2+ attracted much less attention. This study aimed to examine the profiles of Ca2+ bound to low-mobility buffers such as bulky Ca2+-binding proteins. The solution of non-linear PDEs for an immobile buffer predicts fast decay of free [Ca2+] from the channel lumen and the traveling wave for bound Ca2+. For low-mobility buffers like calmodulin, the calculated profiles of free and bound Ca2+ are similar. Theoretical predictions are tested by imaging 1D profiles of Ca2+ bound to low-mobility fluo-4-dextran. The traveling waves of bound Ca2+ are observed that develop during the opening of single channels. The findings tempt to propose that Ca2+ signaling may not be solely related by the absolute free [Ca2+] at the sensor location, which is extremely localized, but determined by the time when a wave of bound Ca2+ reaches a threshold needed for sensor activation.
High-rate pacing suppresses Torsade de Pointes arrhythmias and reduces spatial dispersion of repolarization in the chronic AV-block dog model
Authors: Loen Vera , Van Weperen Valerie Y. H. , Beekman Henriëtte D. M. , Van Bavel Joanne J. A. , Meijborg Veronique M. F. , Van der Waal Jeanne G. , Coronel Ruben , van der Heyden Marcel A. G. , Vos Marc A.
Published: December 2023

Background: An electrical storm of Torsade de Pointes arrhythmias (TdP) can be reproducibly induced in the anesthetized chronic AV-block (CAVB) dog by infusion of the IKr-blocker dofetilide. Earlier studies showed that these arrhythmias 1) arise from locations with high spatial dispersion in repolarization (SDR) and 2) can be suppressed by high-rate pacing. We examined whether suppression of TdP by high-rate pacing is established through a decrease in SDR in the CAVB dog.

Methods: Dofetilide (25 μg/kg in 5 min) was administered to 5 anesthetized CAVB dogs to induce TdP arrhythmias. During the experiments, animals were continuously paced from the right ventricular apex at 50 beats/minute (RVA50). Upon TdP occurrence and conversion, RVA pacing was consecutively set to 100, 80 and 60 beats/minute for 2 min, referred to as pacing blocks. To determine the additional anti-arrhythmic effects of HRP over defibrillation alone, the number of arrhythmic events and SDR at RVA100 were compared to data from three previously conducted experiments, in which dogs underwent the same experimental protocol but were paced at RVA60 upon TdP occurrence (RVA60retro). In all experiments, recordings included surface electrocardiogram and mapping by 56 intramural needles, each recording four electrograms, evenly inserted into the ventricular walls and septum. For each pacing block, the number of ectopic beats (EB), and TdP severity were scored. SDR was quantified as the average difference in repolarization time within four squared needles (SDRcubic).

Results: In 4 out of 5 animals, pacing at RVA100 suppressed TdP occurrence. One dog could not be converted by defibrillation after the initial TdP. Compared to RVA50, pacing at RVA100, but not RVA80 and RVA60, significantly reduced the TdP score (78 ± 33 vs. 0 ± 0, p < 0.05 and vs. 12.5 ± 25 and 25 ± 50, both p > 0.05). The reduction in TdP score was reflected by a significant decrease in SDRcubic (125 ± 46 ms before TdP vs. 49 ± 18 ms during RVA100, p < 0.05), and SDR was smaller than in the RVA60retro animals (101 ± 52 ms, p < 0.05 vs. RVA100).

Conclusion: In CAVB dogs, high-rate pacing effectively suppresses TdP, which, at least in part, results from a spatial homogenization of cardiac repolarization, as reflected by a decrease in SDR.
Psychometric properties of the CEMA-A questionnaire: motives for lying
Authors: Armas-Vargas Enrique , Marrero Rosario J. , Hernández-Cabrera Juan A.
Published: December 2023

Previous research on the motives for lying lacks factorial models that allow grouping of motives into specific categories. The objective of this study is to confirm the factorial structure of the questionnaire of motives for lying (CEMA-A). Participants were 1,722 adults residing in the Canary Islands (Spain) who completed the CEMA-A and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R). The four-dimensional structure of the questionnaire was confirmed (χ2 = 1460.97, df = 325, p = 0.001; CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.93; NFI = 0.93; NNFI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.05, CI = 0.051–0.057; SRMR = 0.04). The four factors of the CEMA-A were Intrapersonal Motivation–Emotionality, Interpersonal Motivation–Sociability, Egoism/Hardness Motivation, and Malicious Motivation, with an internal consistency between 0.79 and 0.91. Invariance analyses confirmed the equivalence of the instrument for men and women. The CEMA-A factors positively correlated with Neuroticism and Psychoticism, and negatively with Dissimulation. Extraversion was not related to any of the factors, and only displayed a low negative correlation with Intrapersonal Motivation–Emotionality. Analysis of variance showed that men scored higher in Egoism/Hardness and Malicious Motivation. The CEMA-A has proven capable of apprehending the motives for lying and has adequate psychometric criteria for use in various populations.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in avocado farmworkers from Mexico
Authors: Armendáriz-Arnez Cynthia , Tamayo-Ortiz Marcela , Mora-Ardila Francisco , Rodríguez-Barrena María Esther , Barros-Sierra David , Castillo Federico , Sánchez-Vargas Armando , Lopez-Carr David , Deardorff Julianna , Eskenazi Brenda , Mora Ana M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected farmworkers in the United States and Europe, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the specific impact of the pandemic on agriculture and food production workers in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and assess the mental health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic among avocado farmworkers in Michoacan, Mexico.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of adult farmworkers (n = 395) in May 2021. We collected survey data, nasal swabs and saliva samples for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, and blood samples for immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity measurements.

Results

None of the farmworkers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, among unvaccinated farmworkers (n = 336, 85%), approximately one-third (33%) showed evidence of past infection (positive for IgG against SARS-CoV-2). Unvaccinated farmworkers who lived with other farmworkers (aRR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.05), had ever lived with someone with COVID-19 (aRR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.43), and who had diabetes (aRR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.53, 2.85) had a higher risk of testing IgG-positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, unvaccinated farmworkers living in more rural areas (outside of Tingambato or Uruapan) (aRR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.96) or cooking with wood-burning stove (aRR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.96) had a lower risk of IgG-positivity. Moreover, 66% of farmworkers reported a negative impact of the pandemic on their lives, 29% reported experiencing food insecurity and difficulty paying bills, and 10% reported depression or anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health and financial well-being of avocado farmworkers. Consequently, the implementation of interventions and prevention efforts, such as providing mental health support and food assistance services, is imperative.
Kinematic characteristics of gait with different myopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xue Aochuan , Zeng Zhaohong , Wang Huihui , Han Jinming , Pang Bo
Published: December 2023

Background

Myopia, a condition affecting approximately one-quarter of the world' s population, has been projected to double in prevalence by the year 2050. It can have an impact on postural control during walking and can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

Objective

(1) To examine the abnormal performance of postural control during walking in male college students who used convex lenses for myopia intervention from a kinematic perspective; (2) to establish theoretical foundation for preventing falls and injuries in the myopic population.

Methods

A total of 22 male college students participated in this study. The center of gravity (COG), the percentage of gait cycle (PGC) and the joint angle(JT) were collected as indications of postural control during walking. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA to examine the variations among the three groups.

Results

During myopic interventions, (1) the range of vertical COG changes is significant to be greater compared with normal vision (P < 0.05). (2) there was an significant increase in the PGC in single-legged support, accompanied by a decrease in the PGC in double-legged support, compared with normal vision (P < 0.05). (3) The myopic intervention leads to increased variability in JT of the hip and the knee during the single-leg support and swing, as compared to individuals with normal vision (P < 0.05). Severe myopic interventions result in more changes in JT of ankle.

Conclusion

Myopia has been found to have a negative impact on postural control during walking, leading to changes in balance, increased instability, and an elevated risk of injury.
What is Shyness and How to Overcome it
Authors: Korem Anat
Published: December 2023

In today’s world, there are many situations in which teamwork, communication skills, and leadership are highly valued. In these situations, shy people may have a disadvantage. The challenges they face may prevent them from achieving their goals, possibly resulting in feelings of disappointment. This article will present current knowledge on the subject of shyness, based on various research methods. I will explain what “shyness” actually is, discuss what causes it, and describe some of the day-to-day consequences. The article will examine several questions: are kids born shy or do they develop shyness? What role do parents play? What does shyness look like in various settings? In terms of school, how do teachers see shy students, and what can be done to support these students and help them deal with their fears?
Challenges and considerations in determining the quality of electronic performance & tracking systems for team sports
Authors: Robertson Sam , Duthie Grant Malcolm , Ball Kevin , Spencer Bartholomew , Serpiello Fabio Rubens , Haycraft Jade , Evans Nicolas , Billingham Johsan , Aughey Robert James
Published: December 2023

Electronic performance & tracking systems (EPTS) are commonly used to track the location and velocity of athletes in many team sports. A range of associated applications using the derived data exist, such as assessment of athlete characteristics, informing training design, assisting match adjudication and providing fan insights for broadcast. Consequently the quality of such systems is of importance to a range of stakeholders. The influence of both systematic and methodological factors such as hardware, software settings, sample rate and filtering on this resulting quality is non-trivial. Highlighting these allows for the user to understand their strengths and limitations in various decision-making processes, as well as identify areas for research and development. In this paper, a number of challenges and considerations relating to the determination of EPTS validity for team sport are outlined and discussed. The aim of this paper is to draw attention of these factors to both researchers and practitioners looking to inform their decision-making in the EPTS area. Addressing some of the posited considerations in future work may represent best practice; others may require further investigation, have multiple potential solutions or currently be intractable.