bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial fair play and competitive (im)balance in the Greek Super League
Authors: Manoli Argyro Elisavet
Published: October 2024

The inception of financial fair play (FFP) regulations in 2011 prompted debates about their potential impact on competitive balance within European football. Divisive arguments emerged: some anticipated a negative influence, foreseeing a decline in competitive balance, while others posited a contrary viewpoint, suggesting that these regulations could actually enhance competitive balance by diminishing the significance of financial supremacy. Amidst this discrepancy in perspectives, and unlike existing studies on major European football leagues, this investigation was prompted to scrutinize the influence of FFP on competitive balance within the Greek Super League. Utilizing the Herfindahl Index of Competitive Balance as the primary assessment tool, complemented by analyses involving the standard deviation of points, this study evaluated competitive balance within the league across 15 seasons, equally spread before and after the introduction of the FFP regulations. Echoing and even amplifying the concerns, the findings unveiled indications that FFP had engendered a decline in competitive balance within the Greek Super League, with a previously noted improvement abruptly halted and in fact reversed after the introduction of the FFP. This auspicious impact surpasses the intended primary objective of the regulations and underscores the influence they can have regarding the future (in)stability of club football. While acknowledging the imperative need for further exploration in this domain, this study represents an initial foray into understanding the effects of FFP regulations on competitive balance in medium and smaller sized European football.
Le politiche urbane delle Città metropolitane nel Mezzogiorno: prime evidenze dai Piani urbani integrati del PNRR
Authors: Vinci Ignazio
Published: October 2024

L'articolo propone una ri?essione sugli effetti del PNRR nelle politiche metropolitane del Mezzogiorno, inquadrandola nel più ampio processo di riforma che ha condotto nel 2014 alla creazione delle autorità metropolitane in Italia. L'attenzione verrà posta, in particolare, sui Piani urbani integrati che il PNRR ha identi?cato quale strumento privilegiato per avviare processi di rigenerazione urbana e ambientale nelle periferie delle grandi aree urbane italiane. Analizzando le strategie tematiche dei programmi, nel lavoro ci si chiede in che misura i Piani urbani integrati potranno invertire decenni di inerzia nelle politiche urbane alla scala metropolitana e come si inseriscono nei processi di innovazione del governo locale attualmente in corso.
Dal PNRR agli strumenti della Città metropolitana di Bologna per la rigenerazione urbana
Authors: Delpiano Alessandro , Ricci Mariagrazia , Selmi Francesco , Bernardi Silvia
Published: October 2024

Nel contesto del PNRR, che ha permesso di sperimentare interventi di rigenerazione urbana a scala territoriale, la Città metropolitana di Bologna, con l'approvazione del Piano territoriale metropolitano, ha istituito il Fondo perequativo metropolitano per ?nanziare i Programmi metropolitani di rigenerazione, uno strumento ordinario solidaristico con particolare attenzione ai territori fragili. Queste esperienze hanno coinvolto Comuni e Unioni, consolidando il ruolo della Città metropolitana quale ente federante, anche grazie a un nuovo strumento organizzativo di innovazione amministrativa, le Of?cine di rigenerazione metropolitana (ORME) per incrementare le competenze e le connessioni utili alla progettazione e attuazione di interventi di rigenerazione urbana.
Protezione climatica e dimensione metropolitana nella politica di coesione. A che punto siamo?
Authors: Brunetta Grazia , Caldarice Ombretta
Published: October 2024

Integrare la protezione climatica nella programmazione territoriale è una delle priorità della politica di coesione 2021-2027, per sostenere ‘un'Europa più verde' a tutti i livelli di governance territoriale. Le Città metropolitane hanno avuto un ruolo marginale nell'attuazione della politica di coesione, nonostante questo livello di governo del territorio potrebbe risultare ef?cace per raggiungere gli obiettivi di protezione climatica dell'agenda europea. Il contributo sostiene il rafforzamento del ruolo delle Città metropolitane per territorializzare l'adattamento al cambiamento climatico nei processi di trasformazione e rigenerazione dei territori.
The Relationship Between the Physical Condition of Water (Taste, Smell, Color) and Complaints of Skin Diseases in Simalingkar B Village
Authors: Lauchan Agil Maritho , Nanda Meutia , Melisa Melisa , Amrainum Desri , Ritonga Indah Rahayu , Az Zahra S. Alya
Published: October 2024

The physical condition of unclean water can cause skin disorders this is because unclean water is polluted by physical particles, pathogenic microorganisms, and harmful chemicals can cause various skin diseases. the study aims to determine the relationship between the physical condition of water (color, smell, taste) with complaints of skin disease disorders in Simalingkar B Village. In this study using quantitative methods with a cross sectional design. The population in this study was people who used well water, obtained 2,531 families using well water with sampling using the purposive sample formula so that 93 families were sampled for this study. The results of the study showed a relationship between the physical condition of water (taste, odor, color) with complaints of skin disorders in Simalingkar B Village with the results of statistical tests obtained p value 0.029 or <0.05, meaning that at 5% alpha indicates a relationship between the quality of clean water with the incidence of scabies in Simalingkar B Village. Obtained OR value = 2.815 which indicates that respondents who have a water source with physical quality of clean water that does not meet the requirements have a risk of 2.815 times to suffer from skin disorders compared to respondents who have a water source with physical quality of clean water that meets the requirements. The government and community can work together to establish clean water reservoirs to prevent skin diseases in Simalingkar B Kelurahan.
Development of Indonesian Original Medicines Study of Standardized Herbal Medicine Products "Antangin JRG" as Traditional Medicine
Authors: Kornelia Sindi , Hakim Ali Rakhman , Sagita Ririn , Azizah Siti , Jubaidah Siti
Published: October 2024

This study aims to examine the potential for the development of indigenous Indonesian medicines based on traditional medicinal plants. Herbal medicine has been used for generations in Indonesia and has great potential to be developed into more standardized and modern products. This study covers various aspects ranging from product name, content, class, composition, efficacy claims, empirical data, standardization of raw materials, preclinical tests, toxicity tests, to clinical trials. The results of the study show that with proper processing and standardization, Indonesian traditional medicine can compete with modern pharmaceutical products.
The Relationship Between the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle (SMP) and the Emergence of Degenerative Diseases (Hypertension) in Posyandu for the Elderly Mugi Sehat
Authors: Ghani Farid , Siwi Adiratna Sekar , Dewi Pramesti
Published: October 2024

Degenerative disease is a condition of continuous decline in body function with increasing age. Hypertension is a degenerative disease that is often suffered by the elderly. The aging process results in changes in body composition, often without being accompanied by weight changes. Increasing age in the elderly will experience functional limitations caused by changes in body composition, one of which is the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the percentage of skeletal muscle and the emergence of degenerative diseases (hypertension) in the elderly at the Mugi Healthy Elderly Posyandu. The instruments in this study used  a Digital Sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure and an Omron Karada Scan Body Composition Monitor Model HBF-375 to measure Skeletal Muscle Percentage. This research method uses a cross-sectional research design. The sample in this study is 58 people. The research was conducted at the Mugi Sehat Elderly Posyandu in the working area of the 2022 UPTD Kembar I health center in May-June 2023. The sampling technique in this study uses total sampling and data analysis using the Spearman Rank test. The results of this study from the bivariate analysis showed that there was no relationship between the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle and the emergence of degenerative diseases (hypertension) in the elderly at the Mugi Healthy Elderly Posyandu, namely the Percentage of Skeletal Muscle with hypertension P value = 0.576 (CC=-0.075).
Las elecciones de 2021 en México: antecedentes, actualidades y proyecciones hacia un futuro cercano
Authors: Torres-Ruiz René
Published: October 2024

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo describir y analizar lo acontecido en las elecciones intermedias federales del 6 de junio de 2021 respecto a la participación y los resultados alcanzados por parte de las dos coaliciones electorales: “Va por México”, integrada sorpresivamente por antiguos rivales: pri, pan y prd; y la coalición “Juntos Hacemos Historia”, conformada por Morena, el pt y el pvem. Estos dos bloques políticos protagonizaron un episodio más de la trama que en México ha tenido lugar desde hace algunos años: un escenario político binario, es decir, compuesto por dos bandos radicalmente encontrados; una escena donde se aprecia el rompimiento tajante entre dos visiones de país.
Territorios en conflicto socioambiental, resistencias y movimientos ambientalistas en Jalisco, México desde el ecofeminismo
Authors: Mendoza Bohne Lourdes Sofía , Aceves Márquez Martha Patricia
Published: October 2024

El presente trabajo identifica características de territorios en conflicto socioambiental y los movimientos ambientalistas que surgen a partir de estos, por la defensa del territorio y los bienes naturales, desde una perspectiva ecofeminista. La metodología utilizada es la observación participante enriquecida con entrevistas semiestructuradas y el método etnográfico, a partir de la reproducción social del sujeto mujer y su participación en los colectivos ambientalistas en Jalisco. El aporte radica en las prácticas que realizan los colectivos, como alternativa al modelo de desarrollo extractivista, analizado desde la dimensión a) socioambiental, donde convergen las comunidades locales con el medio ambiente con miras a la sustentabilidad, además se hace una reflexión desde b) el territorio y el intercambio de recursos de las zonas rurales hacia las zonas urbanas que también son motivo de conflictos por el acaparamiento de los bienes naturales, por último se analiza c) el surgimiento del colectivo Un Salto de Vida, en defensa del territorio y los bienes naturales desde el ecofeminismo, como un potente movimiento que liga el ecologismo y el feminismo con una fuerte presencia de mujeres lideresas.
Pobreza y vulnerabilidad energética en México: caracterización a partir de los usos locales de la energía
Authors: Sánchez María de la Concepción
Published: October 2024

Objetivo. Describir los sistemas energéticos locales en tres municipios de Jalisco con el fin de caracterizar la vulnerabilidad energética que padecen, así como los actores implicados y las estrategias de fortalecimiento comunitario que implementan.
Metodología. Se realizaron diagnósticos colaborativos a partir del trabajo etnográfico y discusiones en red para una mejor comprensión del problema a partir de la realidad local.
Resultados. Se caracteriza la cadena energética desde su contexto local, la decripción de los usuarios y destinatarios de los servicios, así como los usos locales y colectivos de la energía.
Conclusiones.  Los conceptos de pobreza y vulnerabilidad energética deben considerar las singularidades del mundo rural, donde las actividades domésticas y productivas muchas veces conviven, así como usuarios de tipo colectivo y público, como los municipios. La comprensión de esta cadena energética en profundidad permitirá generar estrategias hacia una transformación energética justa desde lo local.
Molecular Simulation of NaF Chemisorption on Lepidocrocite for Water Purification
Authors: Hafsa Machano Makame
Published: October 2024

NaF chemisorption onto lepidocrocite (LEP) was examined by experimental, molecular dynamics and DFT approach. DFT theoretical calculations suggest that the Fe and O atoms (OH species, for that matter) are the dominant active sites for the subsequent reaction on the LEP (0 0 1) surfaces. The adsorption of F onto LEP was relatively more favorable in acidic media compared to basic and neutral media and validated by experimental findings. The NaF adsorption sites vary in different media. The preferential adsorption of F onto LEP surfaces in acidic media was because of stable and strong interaction and/or thermodynamic stability between F adsorbate and the surface Fe and O atoms of LEP substrate.
Political Socialisation and Capacity Building through Decentralisation Rural Local Leadership
Authors: Suresh Vadranam  , Jayaprada Sahoo
Published: October 2024

After attaining Independence in 1947, a committee headed by Balvantrai Mehta studied the problems of local government, like the absence of people’s participation, and suggested ways and means for improving the execution of ‘Community Development Programme’ (CDP) and ‘National Extension Service’ (NES) scheme, launched on 1952 and 1953 respectively, in a phased manner. The partial success of both CDP and NES led to the formation of a three-tier arrangement, which is the process of democratic decentralization. The political socialization process is through every human being learning the essentials of socio-political life science he or she comes into the world. The behavioral movement has sensitized scholars in comparative politics to shift their research area from the static aspects of structural, legal, and historical analysis of the rural local governments to the dynamic aspect of the functions of these institutions. This area has received impetus, especially from scholars who have been oriented toward the methodology of functionalists. India is acknowledged for its local administration through the ages. The present local government structure has its roots in Lord Mayo’s strategy of decentralization of 1870, followed by Lord Ripon’s enunciation of local government in 1884, which had heralded a new trend of bringing people to the centre-stage in managing their own affairs. Mahatma Gandhi said that “the centre of power is not in Delhi or Calcutta or Bombay or in big cities; it should be distributed among the seven hundred thousand villages of India.” The significance of local government in India has considerably increased in the post-independent India. There is a paucity of research work on political socialization aspects of the rural local body leaders at the national and international levels. This research work would add to the multidisciplinary research literature relevant to Politics and Public Administration, Social Work, Sociology, Rural Development, Economics, etc. The present research paper examines the political socialization aspects of the rural local body leaders from Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India.
Sociology of Conflict and Communal Management: A Qualitative Inquiry at University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Western Urban, Sierra Leone
Authors: Mohamed Bangura
Published: October 2024

As a qualitative sociological research technique, case sociological inquiry was utilized in the sociological research conveyed out to examine the mainsprings of conflicts in colleges, thresholds and nature of conflict, upshots of conflict, models utilized to resolve conflicts. Forty lecturers working in three constituent colleges of University of Sierra Leone in Freetown, Western Urban, Sierra Leone which constituted the sociological research group or cohort of the inquiry, were determined utilizing the criterion sampling technique within the purview of convenience sampling and purposive sampling mode. The social particulars were collected via dialogues and semi-structured dialogue structure and explored with content analysis. A medium threshold conflict in colleges will submit constructive outcomes regarding individual and organizational facets and consequently augment the effectuality of colleges when considering the constructive out-turns and repercussions of conflicts in colleges. Nonetheless, subsequently the augment in the threshold of conflict can marshal to cynical character, communal and organizational upshots, both lecturers and college bureaucrats at colleges should have an extensive mastery of conflict and superior conflict oversight competences. Besides, conflict intelligence will curtail the character, communal and administrative grounds that divulge the conflict. The contemporary sociological inquiry discovers the ensuing significant and obvious outcomes: lecturers fatigue as a result of conflict,  hesitance to service, decline in job productivity and conducting, downturn in organizational obligation, pressure or anxiety, solitude, depression, mistrust, subside in motivation, hesitance to come to college, wanting to quit college, exit of principled conducts, disengagement, and annoyance. Furthermore, one of the most significant outcomes of the sociological inquiry is to divulge some social constituents such as functional communication, actualization of tasks or duties in a punctual means, organizational suitability, conduct of lecturers and bureaucrats in harmony with the directives of professional and employment ideals, collaboration and collegiality in colleges which  have no conflict.
The Planning Process of “HOMERESC” Home Service System
Authors: Nur Fatin Izzati Mamat  , Nurdiana Azizan
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the planning process of the HOMERESC mobile application, the home service system. In contemporary times, locating companies or individuals providing home repair services has become increasingly challenging. Home repairing services in Malaysia encompass a range of maintenance and renovation tasks to enhance the condition and functionality of residential properties. Some examples include the Taman Seri Berembang flat building, which was formerly in critical condition. A 22-year-old complex of flats with 30 homes was discovered to be damaged and unsafe to live in. Therefore, a mobile application named "HOMERESC" Home Service System was developed to address all the issues and ensure the welfare of users. The name ‘HOMERESC’ was chosen to represent this application's ability to "rescue" all damaged homes. An Agile methodology has been used to build this system, ensuring the project’s goals are met and the development process goes smoothly. The implication of the research suggests that the mobile application offers a secure and viable solution for home repair services. In conclusion, the research demonstrates that the HOMERESC mobile application could enhance the safety and welfare of residential property owners.
Digital academic platforms: Case studies of CEE (Hungary and Slovakia)
Authors: Iványi Márton
Published: October 2024

Present study evaluates the prevalence and academic usage of digital academic platforms exemplified by private universities across Hungary and Slovakia, assessing how these platforms are integrated into academic practices and highlighting certain variations in technological adoption within the CEE region. After the setting up of the relevant typology and by utilizing a dual-methodological approach, the regional e-visibility of the leadership of certain faculties is examined, while specific user motivations are also explored in a narrower sense through domestic questionnaire-based studies within Hungary. Firstly, by analyzing the use of certain i) academic social netowrking sites (hereinafter ASNSs); ii) author profiles linked to publishers; and databases without social functions at private universities and juxtaposing these with the experiences of Slovak institutions, the research highlights how these platforms are utilized to enhance research visibility and academic networking. Secondly, findings are meant to indicate that while DAPs are widely valued for facilitating scholarly communication in Hungary, localized academic cultures and individual motivations significantly shape their application.
TRABALHO INFORMAL E PANDEMIA DA COVID-19: UM OLHAR PARA OS MOTOTAXISTAS EM CRATO-CE
Authors: Alves Christiane Luci Bezerra , Nascimento Carlos Eduardo Pereira do
Published: October 2024

A partir da década de 1990, ajustes estruturais, somados a choques conjunturais na economia brasileira expõe um cenário de novas acomodações no mercado de trabalho onde é crescente a difusão de ocupações precárias e por conta própria, na esteira da maior informalidade, seja em esfera nacional, seja no contexto de economia locais. Nesse cenário, a disseminação do serviço de mototáxi constitui alternativa de transporte com custo mais acessível, onde também estão presentes novos desafios frente à privatização de serviços públicos essenciais, à complexidade das redes urbanas e à fata de incentivos para transportes urbanos não motorizados. Ainda, a atividade se consolidada como opção para ocupação de mão de obra em situação informal, especialmente em municípios interioranos, com opções de trabalho menos diversificadas e fiscalização e regulamentação menos rigorosas. O objetivo desse trabalho é analisar as condições de trabalho de mototaxistas no município do Crato-CE, com destaque à sua exposição aos riscos durante o período de ocorrência da Covid-19. Os resultados apontam para múltiplos aspectos da precarização do serviço de mototáxi no município, especialmente relativos à segurança no mercado de trabalho, renda, exposição a riscos e acidentes, de representação, entre outros, acrescidos do contágio pela Covid-19 e diminuição de rendimentos no período pandêmico.
Editorial
Authors: Oloff Florence , Råman Joonas
Published: October 2024

Editorial
Extracorporeal renal replacement treatment and environmental sustainability: the point of view of the technology manufacturer
Authors: Corsi Alessandro , Scanavacca Paolo
Published: October 2024

Healthcare contributes significantly to resource depletion and greenhouse gas emissions; this is because the production, transportation, use and waste disposal of the necessary products are involved.
Since renal replacement treatment has a big impact in this context, all the community involved in this sector should have a clear policy and a full awareness on the conservation of the environment and its sustainability.
The products of HD technologies are looking forward the future to take part in this awareness.
Dynamic Stochastic Model of Atmospheric Drought Forecast in Uzbekistan
Authors:   Scientific Research Hydrometeorological Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Arushanov M. L. , Eshmuratova G. Sh. ,   Scientific Research Hydrometeorological Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Published: October 2024

The article considers a predictive model of atmospheric dryness with a one-month lead time, developed at the Scientific Research Hydrometeorological Institute. The model is based on a dynamic stochastic approach to constructing a regression predictive equation. From the set of existing methods for constructing regression equations, a method based on the characteristic roots (eigenvalues) of a correlation matrix, including a column of the predicted variable and predictor columns (extended matrix) is applied. The predicted variable is the standardized drought index SPI, and the predictors are the average monthly precipitation for the 3 months preceding the forecast month, the average monthly value of variations in solar activity (Wolf numbers) and the average monthly value of the Southern Oscillation index for the month preceding the forecast. The predictors were selected on the basis of mutual correlation and applied time series analyses between the aridity index SPI and the indicated heliogeophysical values. The performed estimates of the studied dependence of the aridity index SPI on the state of solar activity, the influence of El Niño (La Niña) and precipitation preceding the forecast date showed their high correlation. Estimates of the accuracy of the SPI forecast with a monthly advance lead time for the territory of Uzbekistan, performed on an independent sample, were quite high, which was the basis for the introduction of this model into the operational work of the hydrometeorological service of Uzbekistan (Uzhydromet).
FROM THE CONCEPT OF THE DRAFT POLICE CHARTER OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE TO ITS STRUCTURE AND CONTENT: VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION OF SENATOR A.A. MAKAROV (1906-1917). PART 6. SUPPRESSION BY THE POLICE OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE OF THE ILLEGAL MANUFACTURE, ACQUISITION, STORAGE, CARRYING, MOVEMENT AND SALE OF EXPLOSIVES AND WEAPONS
Authors:   Tula Institute (branch) of the All-Russian State University of Justice (RPA Ministry of Justice Russia), Tula, Russia, SHURUKHNOV N.G. ,   Research Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Moscow, Russia
Published: October 2024

The article takes up the complex of laws of the Russian Empire, the legal norms that made up the draft Police Charter, developed by a commission on behalf of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Empire under the leadership of Senator A.A., are considered. Makarova. The proposed procedures for citizens to obtain certificates (permits) that allowed them to purchase, store, and carry weapons are shown, and categories of the population to whom such a right could not be granted are identified. Attention is focused on the regime for ensuring public safety during the circulation of civilian weapons. The content of the norms of individual legislative acts that provided for punishment for failure to comply with the regulations that make up the rules for handling weapons is briefly given. The article presents selected statistical data characterizing modern arms trafficking. As well as the norms of federal laws obliging the Russian Guard and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia to ensure the legality in the sphere of circulation of civilian weapons in the Russian Federation and to suppress crimes involving their use.
"CHOLERA RIOT" IN ST. PETERSBURG IN 1831 AND THE POLICE: WHO IS TO BLAME?
Authors:   Moscow regional branch of the Moscow University of the MIA of Russia named after V.Ya. Kikot, Staroteryaevo, Moscow reg., Russia, KULIKOVA S.G. , LUKYANOV S.A. , TARASOVA I.A.
Published: October 2024

The article describes the events associated with the «cholera riot» in St. Petersburg in June 1831. However, the authors did not limit themselves to describing these events. Based on a number of sources, they analyzed the situation that preceded them. The article reveals the causes of the cholera pandemic that covered a significant part of the territory of the Russian Empire in 1829-1831 and the measures taken by the government to counteract the spread of cholera. The article also describes the «cholera riots» that took place in other regions of the Russian Empire. The subject of this research is the normative legal acts regulating the implementation of sanitary and police measures in the Russian Empire during the period under review, materials of periodicals, and archival documents. Within the framework of the research methodology, using historical-legal, comparative-legal and comparative-historical methods, the analysis of the state's activities to ensure sanitary and epidemiological measures is carried out. According to the authors, the conclusions drawn from the investigation of the causes of the «cholera riot» about the provocation of riots by police officers were largely not objective. The causes of the «cholera riots» were the shortcomings of the existing system of sanitary and epidemiological surveillance and the health care system as a whole.
SECURITY OF DATA STORED IN CLOUD SERVICES
Authors:   Department of the Russian Interior Ministry's Zelenodolsky District of the Republic of Tatarstan, Zelenodolsk, Russia, SAUBANOVA G.A. , CHEBAKOVA V.YU. ,   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia
Published: October 2024

The main purpose of this study is to - examine the security issues of data stored in cloud services. The authors of the article discuss the main problems associated with an insecure and incorrectly configured cloud database, which can lead to leakage or distortion of information of Russian citizens and organizations. In the course of the study the authors come to the conclusion that in order to protect their data it is necessary to use cloud storage providers located on the territory of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as RF), use a hidden storage system, regularly update and monitor the system to identify vulnerabilities and prevent possible attacks. In addition, ways to solve the problem and effectively protect information stored in cloud services, including at the legislative level, are proposed.
Effect of Prenatal Yoga On Back Pain and Sleep Quality in Pregnant Women: A Scoping Review
Authors: Heriyanti Silvia Widyani , Adnani Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah , Rohmah Siti , Fatimah Siti
Published: October 2024

Throughout pregnancy, the expectant mother experiences physiological and psychological alterations. These modifications can significantly affect the mother's many pregnancy complications, including respiratory difficulties, lumbar discomfort, haemorrhoids, and sleep disruptions. Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal ailment that can negatively impact the overall well-being of pregnant women. Failure to promptly address the complaint might have detrimental effects on both the mother and the fetus. Objective: This scoping review seeks to examine the effects of prenatal yoga on the occurrence of back pain and the quality of sleep in pregnant women. Methods: This article conducted a scoping review using the PRISMA approach. Articles published in the last five years (2019-2023) were identified through various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Journal SAGE, Scopus, Science Direct, and EBSCO. This search yielded ten relevant journals. Findings: Our examination revealed that engaging in prenatal yoga during pregnancy can help pregnant women reduce back pain and improve the quality of their sleep. Conclusion: prenatal yoga is a non-pharmacological therapeutic option for pregnant women to alleviate back discomfort and enhance sleep quality.
Mesoporous Silica Microparticle-Protein Complexes: Effects of Protein Size and Solvent Properties on Diffusion and Loading Efficiency
Authors: Al Tahan Mohamad Anas , Michaelides Kyprianos , Somasekharan Nair Smith , AlShatti Shouq , Russell Craig , Al-Khattawi Ali
Published: October 2024

Oral administration of protein-based therapeutics is highly desirable due to lower cost, enhanced patient compliance, and convenience. However, the harsh pH environment of the gastrointestinal tract poses significant challenges. Silica-based carriers have emerged as potential candidates for the delivery of protein molecules, owing to their tuneable surface area and pore volume. We explored the use of a commercial mesoporous silica carrier, SYLOID, for the delivery of octreotide and bovine serum albumin (BSA) using a solvent evaporation method in three different solvents. The loading of proteins into SYLOID was driven by diffusion, as described by the Stokes-Einstein equation. Various parameters were investigated, such as protein size, diffusion, and solubility. Additionally, 3D fluorescence confocal imaging was employed to identify fluorescence intensity and protein diffusion within the carrier. Our results indicated that the loading process was influenced by the molecular size of the protein as octreotide exhibited a higher recovery rate (71%) compared to BSA (32%). The methanol-based loading of octreotide showed uniform diffusion into the silica carrier, whereas water and ethanol loading resulted in the drug being concentrated on the surface, as shown by confocal imaging, and further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pore volume assessment supported these findings, showing that octreotide loaded with methanol had a low pore volume (1.2 cc/g). On the other hand, BSA loading was affected by its solubility in the three solvents, its tendency to aggregate, and its low solubility in ethanol and methanol, which resulted in dispersed particle sizes of 223 and 231 μm, respectively. This reduced diffusion into the carrier, as confirmed by fluorescence intensity and diffusivity values. This study underscores the importance of protein size, solvent properties, and diffusion characteristics when using porous carriers for protein delivery. Understanding these factors allows for the development of more effective oral protein-based therapeutics by enhancing loading efficiency. This, in turn, will lead to advances in targeted drug delivery and improved patient outcomes.
Verifying a new historical stage in the ethics of communication: second generation ethics codes
Authors: Aznar Hugo , Mercado-Sáez María Teresa , Álvarez-Villa Àngels
Published: October 2024

Throughout the 20th century, most of the world’s countries and international journalistic organizations adopted codes of journalistic ethics with general principles governing the profession. In the 21st century, a significant number of proposals have emerged offering new ethics recommendations relating to the treatment of issues such as gender violence, disability, the environment and climate change, among other matters. The aim of this research is to confirm that we are faced with a second generation of ethics codes or guidelines for social communication. This study, based on the content analysis of 53 guides published in Spain on the three subject areas mentioned, shows the emergence of these codes from 1999 onwards, the existence of common features in relation to their endorsement, their structure, their dissemination and monitoring, and the widespread participation of individuals, experts and groups not professionally related to the field of communication in their promotion or implementation, which is evidence of what we call the social self-regulation of communication and represents the main novelty in this new stage of communication ethics.
Case Report: Multimodality imaging of a bronchogenic cyst in the interatrial septum
Authors: Mingming Ma , Yana Zhao , Ran Chen , Qingqing Zhu , Bowen Zhao
Published: October 2024

Intracardiac bronchogenic cysts (IBCs) are very rare. To date, only a few cases of IBC have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a bronchogenic cyst that arose from the interatrial septum in a 42-year-old man who presented with symptoms of palpitation. A unilocular cystic lesion of the heart was found initially on echocardiography and subsequently on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The diagnosis was further confirmed by histopathology after surgical resection. Multimodality imaging played a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of such rare lesions.
Association between cardiometabolic index and kidney stone from NHANES: a population-based study
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Wang Zhaoxiang , Tang Zaixiang , Liu Can , Pan Ying , Zhong Shao
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The Cardiometabolic Index (CMI) is a novel marker of visceral obesity and dyslipidemia. Our study aimed to explore the association between CMI and kidney stones among US adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with complete records of CMI and kidney stones information from the 2011 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance the baseline characteristics of the study population. The independent relationship between CMI and kidney stones was evaluated using IPTW-adjusted multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and subgroup analysis.

Results

A total of 9,177 participants, with an average CMI of 0.72 (0.99), were included in this study. The IPTW-adjusted logistic regression revealed that CMI was an independent risk factor for kidney stones. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for kidney stones were 1.39 (95% CI: 1.24 – 1.56, P < 0.001) for the second CMI tertile and 1.31 (95% CI: 1.17 – 1.47, P < 0.001) for the third CMI tertile, compared with the first CMI tertile. A linear relationship between CMI levels and kidney stone risk was observed in the RCS analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that the association between CMI levels and kidney stone risk remained stable across groups.

Conclusions

A positive association between CMI level and the risk of kidney stones was observed among US adults in our study. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.
Ecotoxicological impacts of cadmium on soil microorganisms and earthworms Eisenia foetida: from gene regulation to physiological processes
Authors: You Rui , Li Hui , Li Xia , Luo Lihui , Wang Peng , Xia Han , Zhou Ya
Published: October 2024

Cadmium is a hazardous heavy metal that is commonly found in the soil and poses significant risks to soil organisms. The toxic effects of Cd on soil microorganisms and earthworms (Eisenia foetida) have been extensively studied, but most studies focused on high Cd pollution levels. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the different responses of soil organisms to moderate and low levels of Cd contamination. According to the study, the presence of 2.5 mg/kg of Cd had a significant impact on the microbial community’s composition and diversity. The relative abundance of most microbes decreased, while the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteriota showed a considerable increase. The LEFSE analysis revealed that the Bacillus genus of the Firmicutes phylum can serve as a biomarker in soil contaminated with 2.5 mg/kg of Cd. At the same time, the functional analysis of PICRUSt 2 shows that microorganisms found in polluted soil have a noticeable decrease in their ability to metabolize lipids. On the other hand, our findings indicate that Cd has a detrimental effect on the biomass of earthworms and induces oxidative stress in these animals. The activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes in earthworms was carried out to mitigate oxidative stress. The study found a strong positive relationship between SOD and both time and Cd pollution. However, CAT exhibited inhibition throughout the later stages of the experiment, particularly when exposed to relatively higher levels of pollution. The analysis of RNA in earthworms revealed that soil Cd pollution at a concentration of 2.5 mg/kg primarily impacts the cellular structure and function of earthworms. This pollution disrupts the integrity of the cytoskeleton structure, hampers DNA replication, and compromises the precision of cell signaling. Simultaneously, when compared to the control group, several metabolic pathways exhibited abnormalities.
The β2-adrenergic biased agonist nebivolol inhibits the development of Th17 and the response of memory Th17 cells in an NF-κB-dependent manner
Authors: Hajiaghayi Mehri , Gholizadeh Fatemeh , Han Eric , Little Samuel R. , Rahbari Niloufar , Ardila Isabella , Lopez Naranjo Carolina , Tehranimeh Kasra , Shih Steve C. C. , Darlington Peter J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Adrenergic receptors regulate metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunological functions in response to the sympathetic nervous system. The effect of β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) as a high expression receptor on different subpopulations of T cells is complex and varies depending on the type of ligand and context. While traditional β2-AR agonists generally suppress T cells, they potentially enhance IL-17A production by Th17 cells. The effects of pharmacological drugs that count as biased agonists of AR like nebivolol are not completely understood. We investigated the impact of nebivolol on human memory CD4+ T (Th1, Th2, Th17) cells and polarized naive Th17 cells, highlighting its potential for IL-17A suppression via a non-canonical β2-AR cell signaling pathway.

Methods

The effects of nebivolol were tested on healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, purified memory Th cells, and polarized naive Th17 cells activated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28/anti-CD2 ImmunoCult reagent. IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17A, which are primarily derived from Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, respectively, were quantified by ELISA and flow cytometry. IL-10 was measured by ELISA. Gene expression of RORC, ADRB1, ADRB2, and ADRB3 was evaluated by qPCR. The ADRB2 gene was knocked out in memory Th cells using CRISPR/Cas9. Protein expression of phosphorylated serine133-CREB and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 was assessed by Western blot. Proliferation was assessed by fluorescent dye loading and flow cytometry.

Results

Nebivolol treatment decreased IL-17A and IFN-γ secretion by activated memory Th cells and elevated IL-4 levels. Nebivolol reduced the proportion of IL-17A+ Th cells and downregulated RORC expression. Unlike the β2-AR agonist terbutaline, nebivolol inhibited the shift of naive CD4+ T cells toward the Th17 phenotype. IL-10 and the proliferation index remained unchanged. Nebivolol-treated β2-knockout memory Th cells showed significant inhibition of β2-AR-mediated signaling, evidenced by the absence of IL-17A suppression compared to controls. Phosphorylation of the NF-κB p65 subunit was inhibited by nebivolol, but CREB phosphorylation was not changed, suggesting a selective transcriptional control.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that nebivolol acts through a β2-AR-mediated signaling pathway, as a distinctive anti-inflammatory agent capable of selectively shifting Th17 cells and suppressing the phosphorylation of NF-κB. This highlights nebivolol’s potential for therapeutic interventions in chronic autoimmune conditions with elevated IL-17A levels.
Advances in macrophage-myofibroblast transformation in fibrotic diseases
Authors: Ban Jia-Qi , Ao Li-Hong , He Xiu , Zhao Hua , Li Jun
Published: October 2024

Macrophage-myofibroblast transformation (MMT) has emerged as a discovery in the field of fibrotic disease research. MMT is the process by which macrophages differentiate into myofibroblasts, leading to organ fibrosis following organ damage and playing an important role in fibrosis formation and progression. Recently, many new advances have been made in studying the mechanisms of MMT occurrence in fibrotic diseases. This article reviews some critical recent findings on MMT, including the origin of MMT in myofibroblasts, the specific mechanisms by which MMT develops, and the mechanisms and effects of MMT in the kidneys, lungs, heart, retina, and other fibrosis. By summarizing the latest research related to MMT, this paper provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanisms of fibrosis in various organs and developing effective therapeutic targets for fibrotic diseases.
Revealing antibiotic resistance’s ancient roots: insights from pristine ecosystems
Authors: Agudo Rubén , Reche M. Paloma
Published: October 2024

The prevailing belief that antibiotic resistance mechanisms emerged with human antibiotic use has been challenged. Evidence indicates that some antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have a long evolutionary history, predating the advent of antibiotics in human medicine, thereby demonstrating that resistance is an ancient phenomenon. Despite extensive surveys of resistance elements in environments impacted by human activity, limited data are available from remote and pristine habitats. This minireview aims to compile the most relevant research on the origins and evolution of ARGs in these habitats, which function as reservoirs for ancient resistance mechanisms. These studies indicate that ancient ARGs functionally similar to modern resistance genes, highlighting the general role of natural antimicrobial substances in fostering the evolution and exchange of diverse resistance mechanisms through horizontal gene transfer over time. This minireview underscores that antibiotic resistance was present in ancestral microbial communities and emphasizes the ecological role of antibiotics and resistance determinants. Understanding ancient ARGs is crucial for predicting and managing the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Thus, these insights provide a foundational basis for developing new antibiotics and strategies for microbial resistance management.
Prevalence of colistin resistance in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Narimisa Negar , Keshtkar Abbasali , Dadgar-Zankbar Leila , Bostanghadiri Narjess , Far Yasaman Rouein , Shahroodian Soheila , Zahedi Bialvaei Abed , Razavi Shabnam
Published: October 2024

Objective

The emergence of resistance to colistin, the last resort for treating severe infections caused byPseudomonas aeruginosa, poses a significant threat to public health. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of colistin resistance in clinical isolates ofP. aeruginosa.

Method

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted to identify relevant articles published until December 2023. Subsequently, a meta-analysis was performed using Stata software to examine the pooled prevalence of colistin resistance and to conduct subgroup analyses.

Results

A total of 619 studies were included in the meta-analysis, revealing a global prevalence of colistin resistance of 1% among allP. aeruginosaisolates. Furthermore, cystic fibrosis patients exhibited the highest resistance to colistin, with a prevalence of 7% among the examined diseases.

Conclusion

The increase in colistin resistance inP. aeruginosain recent years from 2% (in the period of 2006–2010) to 5% (in the period of 2020–2023) underscores the need for implementing infection prevention programs, using appropriate treatment regimens, and disseminating comprehensive information on antimicrobial resistance patterns. These measures are crucial for addressing this growing public health concern.
Sex-differential effect of waist circumference on new-onset cerebral infarction: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lee Sang Min , Hong Minha , Ryoo Jae-Hong
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Excessive abdominal adiposity represents a cardiovascular disease risk factor. Waist circumference (WC) reflects abdominal adiposity and is known as an easy-to-measure indicator of obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between WC level and the development of cerebral infarction in Koreans.

Methods

209,442 Koreans were included among the general population registered in the National Health Information Database. Depending on the degree of WC, the possibility of cerebral infarction was tracked for 4.37 person-years. Identification of patients with cerebral infarction was confirmed through the diagnostic code ICD I63 of inpatient or outpatient. Participants’ data were analyzed by sex. The hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence interval (CI) for cerebral infarction were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results and discussion

Between 2009 and 2013, 2,403 cases (1.15%) of cerebral infarction occurred during the follow-up period of 915,223.6 person-years. The HRs (95% CI) for incident cerebral infarction in men was adjusted for multiple covariates, and comparison of WC levels second, third, and fourth quartile with the first quartile showed 1.10 (0.94–1.28), 1.11 (0.95–1.30), and 1.24 (1.07–1.45), respectively (P for trend 0.045). This association was not significant in women (P for trend 0.619). The severity of WC levels in men is significantly associated with the risk of developing cerebral infarction in Koreans. This finding indicates that other measurements for excessive adipose visceral tissue, except abdominal circumference, need to be taken into account to identify the risk of cerebral infarction in women.