bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Insurance Market Transformation with the Assistance of Innovative Technologies
Authors: Magomadova Madina Movsarovna , P’yanov Aleksandr Ivanovich , Shmygaleva Polina Vladimirovna
Published: July 2023

The present article is devoted to the study of the insurance market regarding the insurance services provided as a part of the digital economy transformation and the direction of Russian insurance companies’ innovative activities. The needs and prospects of digitalization of the economy insurance sector are justified and obstacles restraining the full introduction of innovative technologies are identified in the article. The considered factors relying on the review of the Russian insurance market in the period from 2019 to 2021 are: the current insurance market situation, its prospects and key trends in the near future. Nonetheless, the opportunities provided by digital technologies are far from ones fully implemented in the insurance sector that is hindered by both objective and subjective circumstances. The material and financial capabilities of insurers as well as the number of legislative and infrastructure restrictions of the country are mentioned among them.
Vaccination of Rabies in Dogs to Protect the Population
Authors: Abdulkhazhieva Aiset Shaamanovna , Abdulkhazhieva Malkan Shaamanovna
Published: July 2023

Rabies is a disease that affects the nervous system. The causative agent is a virus of the rhabdovirus family. It is resistant to low temperatures, but begins to break down when heated (more than 60 degrees). The main danger of the disease is that it is transmitted from an infected animal to any mammal, including humans. Timely vaccination of a pet is the best preventive measure to protect against the virus. Throughout the world, man and animals coexist with each other in the same environment. Rabies in dogs is transmitted from them to humans after being bitten. Dogs with rabies are a huge danger to society. To prevent infection and the spread of this disease, it is timely vaccination of animals. With timely medical care, the disease will not develop. Prevention of rabies in humans includes primary immunization and post-exposure prophylaxis. Rabies vaccination is given to healthy people of certain professions - veterinarians, hunters, foresters, taxidermists, dog catchers. For this, the rabies vaccine is used. In this article, we will analyze the signs of rabies in humans and dogs and methods of protecting the population from this disease.
Optimization of the Mechanism for Strategic Planning of Socio-Economic Development of the North Caucasus Federal District
Authors: Saralinova Dzhamilya , Dokhkilgova Diba , Kurshieva Nurisat
Published: July 2023

Determining the path of socio-economic development in the context of total progress requires a comprehensive analysis of the features of the development of Russian regions, taking into account political, economic, social, environmental and other priorities and goals of sustainable development. The role of methodological support for the formation and implementation of the strategic development of the region as a socio-economic system is growing. Partially, such methodological support has been formed, however, problems and disproportions in the field of managing regional strategic development remain. The program of social and economic development of the North Caucasus, which has been implemented in recent years, has not brought tangible results. One of the most important problems is recognized as the problem of the quality of planning the socio-economic development of the territory, which does not provide the goal of overcoming the chronic backlog of the economy and the social sphere. According to the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, the estimates obtained indicate problems in organizing the activities of development institutions. The current mechanism of strategic planning for the socio-economic development of the North Caucasus Federal District as a priority geostrategic macro-region of Russia requires a revision of the fundamental aspects of the development and implementation of documents and emerging institutions, the demand for special mechanisms of state support.
The Role of Grammar in Teaching Foreign Languages
Authors: Kulaeva Farizat Akhmetovna , Kulaev Arsen Ruslanovich
Published: July 2023

In the teaching of foreign languages, after all the attempts and reforms, the understanding has been increasingly strengthened that without reliable linguistic knowledge it is impossible to achieve strong linguistic communication skills, which were considered the goal of teaching foreign languages, and that grammatical skills play an important role in the development of language skills. The role of grammar in teaching foreign languages is ambiguous. Grammar skills are equally important for speaking, writing, reading and listening. Grammar is a language stimulant. It generates meaning through relationships between lexical items. In this paper, we will try to show through theory all the possibilities of conducting a lesson with the maximum study of grammar, as well as to imagine how this actually happens in practice. We investigate which method is more often used in classes on the grammar of German as a foreign language. Particular attention is paid to deductive and inductive methods.
Lexical and Semantic Features of Nanotechnology Terms
Authors: Miloud Mohamed Rachid
Published: July 2023

The paper is devoted to the study of lexical and semantic features of terms in the field of nanotechnology e.k. the study of semantic peculiarities of this terminology is one of the poorly studied issues in modern linguistics. The article examines the degree of presence of such semantic processes as polysemy, homonymy, synonymy in the provided terminology. The paper describes the main sources of origin of the abovementioned semantic processes. It is found that the same lexico-semantic processes and phenomena occur in the sublanguage of nanotechnology as in the general literary language. It is established that such semantic phenomena as intra-system and interdisciplinary homonymy, polysemy, synonymy and antonymy are observed in the terminology under study, and it is proved that ideal terms must have complete semantic neutrality. As a result, the author proves that the nanotechnological terminological vocabulary, in most cases, is neutral and unambiguous, despite the inevitability of the existence of those linguistic processes characteristic of the lexical system of the general literary language. The above phenomena become part of the development of this terminological system. Based on the conducted research, the author suggests the joint work of linguists in the creation of special dictionaries of nanotechnology.
To The Question Of The Moods Of The English Verb
Authors: Razeta Shamileva , Musa Ovkhadov , Petimat Zekieva
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the category of mood of the English verb. This category in the English language is considered taking into account the research available in foreign and domestic linguistic science. The work takes into account the opinions of Henry Sweet, M. Dychben, H. Whitehall, V. Plotkin, F. Palmer, and others. Some of these researchers put forward the semantic approach in the first place, others - the form. There is also a kind of “compromise” approach (B.A. Ilyish).

The position of the authors of the article is based on the need to distinguish mood and modality, take into account the unity of form and content, and study the current state of the mood system in the English language, in which the historical approach, taking into account analogies with Latin, Greek and even Old English, is not fundamental.The theory of inclination put forward by L.S. Barkhudarov seems logical and successful. Along with the main moods, some attention is paid to the so-called “secondary” moods in the work.
Russian Companies and Indicators of Their Role in Achieving the Global Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Demilkhanova B. A. , Tadtaeva A. V. , Olisaeva A. V.
Published: July 2023

The activities of Russian sustainable development companies included in the base for calculating the index of the Moscow Exchange-RSPP Vector of Sustainable Development is the subject of the article. The purpose of the article was to assess the role and importance of Russian companies in regional sustainable development, their financial performance, which have a significant impact on the formation of profits / losses of economic sectors and are a source of financing for large social and environmental projects in the territories of presence, as well as a comparative analysis of the bases for calculating indicators development of sectors of the economy: sectoral indices of shares of Russian companies and the index Vector of Sustainable Development of the Moscow Exchange. In the article, based on the analysis and grouping of information from the reports of Russian companies with different territorial and industry affiliations, their experience in the field of sustainable development is summarized. Companies are categorized by sectors of the economy and the level of contribution to the achievement of the UN sustainable development goals. The dynamics and structure of absolute and relative indicators that determine the net financial result of companies - the source of their large-scale participation in projects of regional and sectoral sustainable development are analyzed.
Cyberbullying as a Form of Aggressive Behavior
Authors: Kulaeva F.A. , Khasueva K.G. , Kulaev A.R.
Published: July 2023

We live in the age of global digitalization of all routine processes, which allows us to quickly carry out activities in various areas of life. In our world, for many years, along with analog reality, there has been a digital one. Since much of the communication between children and adolescents takes place in the digital space, conflicts are now fought not only in analogue, but increasingly in digital form. This facilitates bullying and greatly increases its harmful potential. Unfortunately, not all innovations have exclusively positive properties. Some achievements of science and technology can be used against a person. One of these was the Internet. In the article, we considered such a phenomenon as cyberbullying. The orientation of the personality of the participants, the causes of occurrence, as well as the consequences and methods of prevention were studied.
Legal Basis for the Functioning of Confessional Schools of Muslims in the Middle Volga Region in the Post-Reform Period
Authors: Ozdamirova Laura , Samatova Chulpan , Kadymova Rimma
Published: July 2023

The article analyzes the legal foundations of state policy in relation to confessional schools of Muslims in the inner provinces of Russia in the second half of the 19th early 20th centuries. In accordance with this, the goals and essence of such fundamental documents as the Rules “On measures for the education of foreigners inhabiting Russia”, “Rules on the establishment of an educational qualification for clergy of the Mohammedan confession in the district of the Orenburg Spiritual Assembly” are considered in detail. Attention is paid to the attempts and features of establishing control by state bodies over the mektebe and madrasah. The mechanisms of their implementation and the attitude of the Muslim population towards them are shown.
Carbon Polygons as a New Tool for Climate Change Management
Authors: Gakaev Rustam , Dzhandarova Luiza , Akhmieva Roza
Published: July 2023

The need to counteract climate change remains relevant in the world, and in Russia the active development of climate policy continues. Data on emissions and removals of greenhouse gases (hereinafter referred to as GHGs) are of key importance: they are the basis for climate goals and reporting of countries and companies, they are the basis for the implementation of climate projects, and carbon markets are built on them. However, the quality of data on emissions and removals at the current stage is far from perfect. According to the IEA, the uncertainty in estimating global emissions of carbon dioxide is 10%, methane - 25%, nitrous oxide - 30%, fluorine-containing gases - 20%. Considerable difficulties are also caused by the assessment of the absorption capacity of forests and other ecosystems (pastures, swamps, water bodies, etc.), which Russia focuses on in its climate policy.
Urban Landscape in Modern Conditions
Authors: Gabazov Timur
Published: July 2023

In ancient times, the city was a closed space, the main function of which was to protect the inhabitants. Cities in the early stages were isolated and autonomous, including economically. Regardless of the location, the layout included a central square and a market - the trade and economic center of the city, where goods were exchanged. The city remained a closed space until the advent of roads and transport capable of connecting settlements with each other, regardless of weather conditions. The emergence and development of transport has significantly accelerated the pace of life and economic processes. Thanks to transport, an economic space between cities has appeared. The development of economic relations strengthened relations between cities and reduced the need for defense. Gradually, the need for the protective walls of cities came to naught. Today, the defensive walls are for the most part a historical legacy of the past. The modern city has turned into an integral system aimed at meeting the needs of people as soon as possible. Human needs are the main engine of transformations taking place in the modern urban landscape. At present, the urban landscape and architecture are not rigidly tied to either architectural styles or national traditions of urban planning. The modern urban landscape meets the needs of people in comfort, convenience, environmental friendliness and aesthetics. The increase in urban population density, the need for mobility and convenience, as well as the modern demand for the environmental friendliness of the city as a system are the main reasons for the change in the modern urban landscape.
The Era of Digitalization and Sustainable Development: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Mambetova F. , Sulumov S. , Malakhov A.
Published: July 2023

The global economic crisis and the current geopolitical conditions have made significant changes in the scenarios for the development of the global and Russian economies, the implementation of sustainable development goals. The article is devoted to the study of the implementation of sustainable development goals in a crisis and digital transformation. The methodological basis of the study was the provisions of economic theory and macroeconomic analysis, as well as the provisions of the concept of sustainable development. On the basis of a comparative analysis, an assessment was made of the introduction of modern principles of sustainable development in developed economies and in our country. The study made it possible to reveal the uneven implementation of the sustainable development goals in the world; in our country, state programs have not yet been adopted that allow the transition to sustainable development and the introduction of green technologies. The need to implement the key goals of sustainable development and diversification of the economy, to create and develop new sectors of the economy, has been determined. The directions of digital development of key sectors of the domestic economy in the face of new challenges and threats are substantiated.
Genesis of Legislation on Liability for Environmental Crimes
Authors: Tovsultanov R. A. , Tovsultanova M. Sh. , Mikhina E. G.
Published: July 2023

The scientific article emphasizes that the world’s biological diversity is constantly declining. As a result, both the international and national levels adopt regulatory legal acts aimed at preserving such diversity. Moreover, special attention is paid to the protection of biological diversity with the help of criminal law. Thus, the regulation of the above social relations implies a special specificity, because their protection cannot be carried out with the help of other branches of law, and an encroachment on them poses a public danger. It is emphasized that the domestic legislator is searching for optimal mechanisms for protecting the environment from criminal encroachments, as evidenced by the changes made to Ch. 26 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. At the same time, attention is drawn to the fact that the criminal law protection of ecology developed gradually in domestic law.
Formation of Reserves of Natural and Environmental Risks in the Accounting of Agricultural Organizations
Authors: Gorshkova Natalya , Bosykh Kristina
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the study of environmental and natural risks of the production activities of agricultural organizations arising from interaction with the natural environment, as well as the problem of accounting for these risks. The authors note that agricultural organizations in the course of their activities face both environmental risks, that is, risks, the implementation of which can lead to a violation of the natural balance, and natural risks, which are expressed in changes in weather and climate conditions that are unfavorable for agriculture. In order to reflect the balance sheet value of work in progress in the accounting statements of agricultural organizations in an assessment corresponding to the real state of affairs in the organization, taking into account the above risks, the authors propose to form reserves of natural and environmental risks in accounting, which are estimated values, according to the methods developed by the authors.
Features of the Cultural Policy of the Soviet State in the 1920-1930s (Based on the Materials of the Chechen Republic)
Authors: Aliskhanova M. Kh. , Khasbulatova Z. I.
Published: July 2023

The article examines the issue of the cultural policy of the Soviet state in 1920-1930, which set the task of developing national outskirts as a priority. One of the vectors that determine the choice of research topic is based on the high significance and demand in the modern world of spiritual meanings, images and values of culture. The authors note the versatility of this process and focus on the development of fine arts. This aspect of the topic is one of the little studied due to both the historical and political processes that took place in Chechnya, and due to the lack of developed professional fine arts here until the mid-1920s. The authors note that the insufficient attention of critics to the work of provincial artists of the 1920s-1930s. the reason for the weak factual material, and the texture of the paintings.
Martin's Formula As the Most Suitable Method for Estimation of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Indian Population
Authors: Farheen Fatima , Ambiger Sudha , Jaalam Kamarudin , Javali Shivalingappa
Published: July 2023

Background Because of cost effectiveness, most of the laboratories in India estimate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with the Friedewald's formula. There were many shortcomings of the Friedewald's formula. Recently, Martin and colleagues have derived a new formula for calculating LDL-C. The present study was undertaken to calculate LDL-C using various formulae (Friedewald's formula, Anandaraja's formula, and Martin's formula) and to compare directly measured LDL-C (D-LDL-C) with calculated LDL-C at various ranges of triglyceride (TG) concentration.

Materials and Methods The present study compared LDL-C measured by Martin's formula, Friedewald's formula, and Anandaraja's formula with D-LDL-C in 280 outpatient fasting samples between the age groups of 18 and 50 years. Depending on the TG values, study samples were divided into four groups. Group 1: less than 200 mg/dL; Group 2: 200 to 300 mg/dL; Group 3: 300 to 400 mg/dL; and Group 4: more than 400 mg/dL.

Results Martin's formula shows highest correlation with r-value of 0.9979 compared with Friedewald's (0.9857) and Anandaraja's (0.9683) r-values. The mean difference was least for Martin's formula (0.31 ± 3.53) compared with other formulae. Among all the groups, percentage of error was least for Martin's formula (0.23%). Martin's LDL-C shows highest concordance (90.90%) compared with Friedewald's (79.60%) and Anandaraja's formulae (82.90%).

Conclusion Among all the groups, Martin's formula shows highest correlation, least percentage of error, highest concordance, and least mean differences. At all TG levels, Martin's formula is the best formula compared with the Friedewald's formula and Anandaraja's formula.
Monetary policy transmission in India under the base rate and MCLR regimes: a comparative study
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sadhan Kumar , Mitra Arghya Kusum
Published: July 2023

The paper estimates the degree of pass-through of monetary policy to bank lending rates under both the base rate and the marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR) regimes using dynamic panel data regression. Using nine different models for nine individual bank-specific variables, the study estimates that a 100 basis point increase in the policy rate leads to an increase in the weighted average lending rate on fresh rupee loans sanctioned by banks over the long run by 26–47 basis point-depending on the model specification- during the MCLR regime as against 11–19 basis point during the base rate regime. Hence, irrespective of the model chosen, transmission is higher during the MCLR regime than base rate regime. The alignment of liquidity management with the monetary policy stance, the introduction of the flexible inflation targeting (FIT) framework and the deceleration in economic activity reducing credit demand could be contributory factors for better transmission during the MCLR regime.
Research on a measurement method for spatio-temporal distribution of fragments based on a high-speed camera network
Authors: Zhou Jiajie , Kong Deren
Published: July 2023

To reliably measure multiple spatio-temporal distribution parameters of fragments in the blast field, a measurement method for spatio-temporal distribution of fragments based on a high-speed camera network is proposed. The method is based on the principle of binocular stereo vision measurement and consists of four steps: fragment image acquisition, target detection of multi-view images, fitting of motion trajectory, and calculation of the spatio-temporal distribution parameters. The test results demonstrate that the method can simultaneously measure multiple parameters in the intersecting field of view. Compared with the measurement results of the array target, the absolute value of the measurement relative error of velocity was less than 1.5%, and the measurement results of scatter angle and distribution density were consistent. It indicates that the measurement results of the proposed method are reliable, and the method is a feasible and effective measurement method for spatio-temporal distribution parameters of fragments in the explosion filed.
The free material design problem for the stationary heat equation on low dimensional structure
Authors: Lewiński Tomasz , Rybka Piotr , Zatorska-Goldstein Anna
Published: July 2023

For a given balanced distribution of heat sources and sinks, Q, we find an optimal conductivity tensor field,

C
ˆ

, minimizing the thermal compliance. We present

C
ˆ

in a rather explicit form in terms of the datum. Our solution is a Borel measure taking values in a cone of non-negative tensors. We present a series of examples with explicit solutions.
Constructing the space of quasisymmetric stellarators through near-axis expansion
Authors: Rodríguez E , Sengupta W , Bhattacharjee A
Published: July 2023

A simplified view of the space of optimised stellarators has the potential to guide and aid the design efforts of magnetic confinement configurations suitable for future fusion reactors. We present one such view for the class of quasisymmetric stellarators based on their approximate description near their centre (magnetic axis). The result is a space that captures existing designs and presents new ones, providing a common framework to study them. Such a simplified construction offers a basic topological approach, guided by certain theoretical and physical choices, which this paper presents in detail.
Currents in reconnection plasma jets: comparative study of laboratory experiments and spacecraft observations
Authors: Frank Anna G , Artemyev Anton V , Lu San , Zhang Xiao-Jia , Kyrie Natalia
Published: July 2023

Magnetic reconnection is a universal plasma process that has been observed in various space plasma systems and reproduced well in laboratory simulations. During reconnection, magnetic field energy is transformed into energy of fast plasma flows that propagate away from the reconnection site. The leading front of these flows is the primary interface where energies are exchanged between flows and ambient plasmas. One of the most investigated fronts is the so-called dipolarization front in the Earth’s magnetotail. This study is devoted to a thorough comparison of the current systems associated with dipolarization fronts and fronts of fast plasma flows in laboratory experiments. We show that in both systems the plasma flow front is characterized by inverse currents, which deform the magnetic field configuration of the front. Laboratory experiments further show that such inverse currents may contribute to the plasma flow breaking; we also discuss their implications for the magnetotail plasma, where a similar mechanism for plasma flow breaking is likely operating.
Optical bistability and multistability in hybrid system
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wu Xiao Meng , Dang Bo
Published: July 2023

In this letter, a comprehensive investigation has been conducted on the optical bistability (OB) and optical multistability (OM) phenomena manifested by transmitted light in a ring cavity consisting of a hybrid system of metal nanoparticle (MNP) and semiconductor quantum dot (SQD). Our study has been primarily devoted to examining the influence of the distance between SQD and MNP, as well as the susceptibilities of the SQD, the MNP, and the hybrid nanostructure as a whole, on the OB and OM traits of the transmitted light. Our discoveries demonstrate that a transition from OB to OM, or vice versa, can be accomplished for a definite distance between MNP and QD. It is our contention that our proposed model may have potential applications in the domain of quantum information processes based on SQD-MNP hybrid systems.
Fabrication of glycerol functionalized silica nanoparticles via pickering emulsion for durable, superhydrophobic fabrics
Authors: Liu Lingli , Li Xin , Song Jinxing , Zhu Wei , Wang Shengpeng
Published: July 2023

Stable oil-in-water Pickering emulsions were successfully developed via the simplest approach: amine-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with very high viscosity and low surface free energy was encapsulated by glycerol functionalized silica NPs using a rotor-stator device. The factors affecting the Pickering emulsions performance were investigated. At a certain process (silica NPs concentration: 3 wt%, Oil/water ratio: 1:20, emulsifying speed: 15,000 rpm, emulsifying time: 5 min), it gave smaller and more stable emulsions. Then the Pickering emulsion was applied on plain weave cotton and polyester fabrics through conventional pad-dry-cure method. The coated substrates showed superhydrophobicity and maintained good water-repellency even after 30 standard laundering cycles, which are attributed to the synergistic effect of low surface free energy composite and hierarchical roughness. By contrast, fabrics coated with classical emulsifiers stabilizing Pickering emulsion adopting the same recipes were quickly wetted by liquid droplets.
Short-term outcomes of Early versus conventional adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lee Kyung Ha , Park Soo Yeun , Song Seung Ho , Kim Hye Jin , Kim Jong Gwang , Kang Byung Woog , Lee In Kyu , Lee Yoon Suk , Kim So Hyun , Baek Seong Kyu , Bae Sung Uk , Son Gyung Mo , Bae Ki Beom , Choi Gyu-Seog , Park Jun Seok , Kim Ji Yeon
Published: July 2023

Background

Evidence is lacking regarding the earliest timing of initiating adjuvant chemotherapy to maximize its efficacy safely. A trial was designed and conducted to evaluate the safety and oncological efficacy of early adjuvant chemotherapy compared with conventional adjuvant chemotherapy. The short-term outcomes are reported here.

Methods

A multicentre, randomized (1 : 1), open-label, phase III trial was conducted comparing early adjuvant chemotherapy with conventional adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage III colon cancer. Patients who underwent radical surgery who had stage III colon cancer confirmed by histopathological assessment were screened and randomized into the early adjuvant chemotherapy arm or the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy arm. The primary endpoint was 3-year disease-free survival. The adjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX was delivered between postoperative day 10 and 14 in the early adjuvant chemotherapy arm, and between postoperative day 24 and 28 in the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy arm. Toxicity and quality of life were evaluated.

Results

Between 9 September 2011 and 6 March 2020, 443 patients consented to randomization at eight sites. The intention-to-treat population included 423 patients (209 in the early adjuvant chemotherapy arm and 214 in the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy arm), and the safety population included 380 patients (192 in the early adjuvant chemotherapy arm and 188 in the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy arm). There was no statistically significant difference in overall toxicity (28.1 per cent in the early adjuvant chemotherapy arm and 28.2 per cent in the conventional adjuvant chemotherapy arm, P = 0.244), surgical complications, and quality of life between the two arms.

Conclusion

Adjuvant chemotherapy can be safely initiated 2 weeks after surgery with toxicity and quality of life comparable to conventional adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer.
Neurophysiological mechanisms of deep brain stimulation across spatiotemporal resolutions
Authors: Neumann Wolf-Julian , Steiner Leon A , Milosevic Luka
Published: July 2023

Deep brain stimulation is a neuromodulatory treatment for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological and psychiatric disorders. Electrodes are chronically implanted in disease-relevant brain regions and pulsatile electrical stimulation delivery is intended to restore neurocircuit function. However, the widespread interest in the application and expansion of this clinical therapy has preceded an overarching understanding of the neurocircuit alterations invoked by deep brain stimulation. Over the years, various forms of neurophysiological evidence have emerged which demonstrate changes to brain activity across spatiotemporal resolutions; from single neuron, to local field potential, to brain-wide cortical network effects. Though fruitful, such studies have often led to debate about a singular putative mechanism.

In this Update we aim to produce an integrative account of complementary instead of mutually exclusive neurophysiological effects to derive a generalizable concept of the mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. In particular, we offer a critical review of the most common historical competing theories, an updated discussion on recent literature from animal and human neurophysiological studies, and a synthesis of synaptic and network effects of deep brain stimulation across scales of observation, including micro-, meso- and macroscale circuit alterations.
Epidemiology, Disease Course, and Clinical Outcomes of Perianal Fistulas and Fissures Crohn’s Disease: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Authors: Weng Meng-Tzu , Lin Kuan-Lin , Huang Ya-Ling , Karki Chitra , Hong Jin-Liern , Bennett Dimitri , Arnold Chan K , Wei Shu-Chen
Published: July 2023

Background

Population-based data on the course of perianal disease in East Asian populations with Crohn’s disease (CD) are limited. This study examined the prevalence, clinical course, and compared the outcomes of CD patients with perianal CD (pCD) versus without pCD in Taiwan.

Methods

A nationwide population-based study was implemented from 2000 to 2017 by using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

Results

Of 2424 patients with CD, 358 (14.8%) patients with pCD were identified. Most patients with CD and pCD were men (79.3%). The mean age at CD diagnosis was lower in patients with pCD (33.7 years) than in those without pCD (44.9 years). Approximately half the patients with pCD received the pCD diagnosis at least 6 months before receiving a CD diagnosis. Approximately one-third (121/358) of patients with pCD had recurrent fistula; the median recurrence interval was 239 days. Compared with patients without pCD, patients with pCD had higher mean incidences of hospitalization (7.0 vs 3.8, P < .01), outpatient visits (13 vs 2.9, P < .01), and emergency room visits (10.3 vs 4.4, P < .01) over a 15-year period. Although patients with pCD had higher rates of healthcare utilization, their 15-year mortality rate was lower than that of those without pCD (6.1% vs 17.3%, P < .01).

Conclusions

The period prevalence of pCD in Taiwanese patients with CD was 14.8%. Although patients with pCD required more intensive care and had greater healthcare utilization, they did not have inferior survival outcomes compared with those without pCD.
Evolutionary rescue from climate change: male indirect genetic effects on lay-dates and their consequences for population persistence
Authors: Murray Myranda , Wright Jonathan , Araya-Ajoy Yimen G
Published: July 2023

Changes in avian breeding phenology are among the most apparent responses to climate change in free-ranging populations. A key question is whether populations will be able to keep up with the expected rates of environmental change. There is a large body of research on the mechanisms by which avian lay-dates track temperature change and the consequences of (mal)adaptation on population persistence. Often overlooked is the role of males, which can influence the lay-date of their mate through their effect on the prelaying environment. We explore how social plasticity causing male indirect genetic effects can help or hinder population persistence when female genes underpinning lay-date and male genes influencing female’s timing of reproduction both respond to climate-mediated selection. We extend quantitative genetic moving optimum models to predict the consequences of social plasticity on the maximum sustainable rate of temperature change, and evaluate our model using a combination of simulated data and empirical estimates from the literature. Our results suggest that predictions for population persistence may be biased if indirect genetic effects and cross-sex genetic correlations are not considered and that the extent of this bias depends on sex differences in how environmental change affects the optimal timing of reproduction. Our model highlights that more empirical work is needed to understand sex-specific effects of environmental change on phenology and the fitness consequences for population dynamics. While we discuss our results exclusively in the context of avian breeding phenology, the approach we take here can be generalized to many different contexts and types of social interaction.
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of a Positive Affect Skills Intervention for Adults With Fibromyalgia
Authors: Ong Anthony D , Wilcox Kenneth Tyler , Moskowitz Judith T , Wethington Elaine , Addington Elizabeth L , Sanni Mubarak O , Kim Patricia , Reid M Cary
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a positive affect skills intervention for middle-aged and older adults with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

Research Design and Methods

Ninety-five participants with FMS aged 50 and older (94% female) were randomized to 1 of 2 conditions: (a) Lessons in Affect Regulation to Keep Stress and Pain UndeR control (LARKSPUR; n = 49) or (b) emotion reporting/control (n = 46). LARKSPUR included 5 weeks of skill training that targeted 8 skills to help foster positive affect, including (a) noticing positive events, (b) savoring positive events, (c) identifying personal strengths, (d) behavioral activation to set and work toward attainable goals, (e) mindfulness, (f) positive reappraisal, (g) gratitude, and (h) acts of kindness. Outcome data were collected via online surveys at baseline, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up.

Results

Completion rates (88%) and satisfaction ratings (10-point scale) were high (LARKSPUR: M = 9.14, standard deviation (SD) = 1.49; control: M = 8.59, SD = 1.97). Improvements were greater in LARKSPUR participants compared with control participants on measures of positive affect (Cohen’s d = 0.19 [0.15, 0.24]), negative affect (Cohen’s d = −0.07 [−0.11, −0.02]), and pain catastrophizing (Cohen’s d = −0.14 [−0.23, −0.05]). Improvements in positive affect (Cohen’s d = 0.17 [0.13, 0.22]) and negative affect (Cohen’s d = −0.11 [−0.15, −0.06]) were maintained at 1-month follow-up. Dose–response analyses indicated that intervention engagement significantly predicted pre-to-post and post–to-follow-up reductions in pain catastrophizing.

Discussion and Implications

The current preliminary findings add to existing literature and highlight the specific potential of internet-delivered positive affect skills programs for adults with FMS.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT04869345.
Pharmacists’ use of guidelines for the supply of non-prescription medicines: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mill Deanna , Johnson Jacinta L , Percival Mia , Lee Kenneth , Salter Sandra M , D’Lima Danielle , Seubert Liza , Clifford Rhonda , Page Amy Theresa
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Guidelines support best practice for healthcare practice. In Australia, some non-prescription medicines are only accessible after consultation with a pharmacist and are known as Pharmacist Only medicines. Guidelines for providing some Pharmacist Only medicines are available, however, it is currently unknown if and how these guidelines are used in practice.

The objective was to characterise pharmacists’, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students’ use of guidelines for Pharmacist Only medicines.

Methods

A cross-sectional electronic survey of Australian registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students was administered in July 2020. Questions explored the participants’ use of Pharmacist Only medicine guidelines (available both in print and online; available online only) in the preceding 12 months. Data were analysed descriptively (i.e. frequencies, percentages).

Key findings

In total, 574 eligible respondents completed the survey. Overall, 396 (69%) reported accessing the online and in-print guidelines in the previous 12 months with 185 (33%) accessing online-only guidelines. The guideline on emergency contraception was used the most out of all guidelines in the past 12 months (278, 48%). Overall, respondents reported accessing guidelines to update knowledge, check their practice reflected best practice and content familiarisation. Respondents’ reasons for not accessing guidelines were due to respondents stating they did not need the information or that they had previously accessed the guidelines more than 12 months ago. These reasons varied between respondent groups.

Conclusions

Access and use of the Pharmacist Only medicines guidelines varied between pharmacists, interns and students. Further understanding of the influences of the use of these guidelines will help inform professional bodies on how best to develop guidelines to increase consistent use in practice and implement interventions to increase use.
How the World Bank Engages with the Sustainable Development Goal on Reducing Inequalities: A Case of Organizational Jiu-Jitsu
Authors: van Driel Melanie , Biermann Frank , Vijge Marjanneke J , Kim Rakhyun E
Published: July 2023

In 2015, the United Nations agreed on seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to mobilize various actors, including international organizations, for a global transformation toward sustainability. The expectation was that international organizations would assist in the implementation of the goals and encourage, support, or coordinate others to work toward their achievement. But have international organizations over the last 8 years changed their behavior because of the SDGs? We present an in-depth examination of how the World Bank, an influential international organization with a broad development mandate, has engaged with the SDGs, especially with SDG 10 that seeks to reduce inequalities. Based on a mixed-method approach that included the study of 326 key documents and 23 interviews, we found no evidence of a policy impact of the SDGs on the World Bank. Instead, we conclude that the World Bank’s engagement with the SDGs can best be described as “organizational jiu-jitsu,” mobilizing the metaphor of the ancient martial art in which an actor uses the force and strength of the opponent to advance one’s own position. We argue that the World Bank used the growing momentum of the SDGs to further its strategic objectives without being influenced by the SDGs in turn. The bank engaged with the SDGs selectively; efforts to integrate the goals into organizational practices remained limited; and their inclusion in country-level processes is primarily voluntary. These findings, which may be similar for other powerful international organizations, raise important questions about the ability of global goal-setting to realize a transformative impact.
Dietary trace mineral pattern influences gut microbiota and intestinal health of broilers
Authors: Wang Chuanlong , Wang Liangzhi , Chen Qingyi , Guo Xiaofeng , Zhang Liyang , Liao Xiudong , Huang Yanling , Lu Lin , Luo Xugang
Published: July 2023

Dietary trace minerals can impact gut flora, which can further affect intestinal health. However, the dietary balance pattern of trace minerals for the intestinal health of broilers needs to be explored. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the dietary pattern of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Se on the intestinal morphology, microbiota, short-chain fatty acid concentrations, antioxidant status, and the expression of tight junction proteins in broilers. A total of 240 1-d-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly assigned to one of five treatments with six replicate cages of eight birds per cage for each treatment. The birds were fed the corn-soybean meal basal diet supplemented with five combination patterns of trace minerals for 42 d. The dietary treatments were as follows: the inorganic sources were added to the diet based on the recommendations of the current National Research Council (NRC, T1) and Ministry of Agriculture of P.R. China (MAP) (T2) for broiler chicks, respectively; the inorganic sources were added to the diet at the levels based on our previous results of inorganic trace mineral requirements for broilers (T3); the organic sources were added to the diet at the levels considering the bioavailabilities of organic trace minerals for broilers described in our previous studies (T4); and the organic sources were added to the diet based on the recommendations of the current MAP for broiler chicks (T5). The results showed that broilers from T1 had lower (P < 0.05) crypt depth (CD), and a higher (P < 0.05) villus height: CD in duodenum on day 21 and lower CD (P < 0.05) in jejunum on day 42 than those from T3 and T4. Broilers from T1, T3, and T5 had a higher (P < 0.05) Shannon index in cecum on day 21 than those from T4. Broilers from T1 had a higher (P < 0.05) abundance of Lactobacillus in ileum on day 21 than those from T2 and T3. Broilers from T1, T2, and T5 had a higher (P < 0.05) valeric acid concentrations in cecum on day 42 than those from T3 and T4. In addition, Birds from T2 had higher (P < 0.05) Claudin-1 mRNA levels in jejunum on day 42 than those from T3 and T4. And birds from T3, T4, and T5 had a higher (P < 0.05) Occludin protein expression levels in duodenum on day 42 than those from T2. These results indicate that dietary pattern of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Se influenced gut flora and intestinal health of broilers, and the appropriate pattern of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Se in the diet for intestinal health of broilers would be Cu 12 mg, Fe 229 mg, Mn 81 mg, Zn 78 mg, and Se 0.24 mg/kg (1 to 21 d of age), and Cu 11 mg, Fe 193 mg, Mn 80 mg, Zn 73 mg, and Se 0.22 mg/kg (22 to 42 d of age), when the trace minerals as inorganic sources were added to diets according to the recommendations of the current NRC.
Glucokinase and glucokinase activator
Authors: Li Changhong , Zhang Yi , Chen Li , Li Xiaoying
Published: July 2023

Glucokinase (GK) plays a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis as the glucose sensor in the pancreas and liver. Loss of function of GK results in hyperglycemia, and gain of function causes congenital hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. We speculate that the progressive loss of GK at both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in the islets and liver would be the key mechanism for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathogenesis. The development of GK activator (GKA) as an anti-diabetic drug has been endeavored for several decades. The failure of the early development of GKAs is due to the limitation of understanding the mode of GKA action. The success of dorzagliatin in the treatment of T2D has brought new hope for GK in setting a good model for repairing the underlying defects in the pancreatic islets and liver of T2D patients.
Interplay of self-organization of microtubule asters and crosslinking protein condensates
Authors: Sahu Sumon , Chauhan Prashali , Lumen Ellie , Moody Kelsey , Peddireddy Karthik , Mani Nandini , Subramanian Radhika , Robertson-Anderson Rae , Wolfe Aaron J , Ross Jennifer L
Published: July 2023

The cytoskeleton is a major focus of physical studies to understand organization inside cells given its primary role in cell motility, cell division, and cell mechanics. Recently, protein condensation has been shown to be another major intracellular organizational strategy. Here, we report that the microtubule crosslinking proteins, MAP65-1 and PRC1, can form phase separated condensates at physiological salt and temperature without additional crowding agents in vitro. The size of the droplets depends on the concentration of protein. MAP65 condensates are liquid at first and can gelate over time. We show that these condensates can nucleate and grow microtubule bundles that form asters, regardless of the viscoelasticity of the condensate. The droplet size directly controls the number of projections in the microtubule asters, demonstrating that the MAP65 concentration can control the organization of microtubules. When gel-like droplets nucleate and grow asters from a shell of tubulin at the surface, the microtubules are able to re-fluidize the MAP65 condensate, returning the MAP65 molecules to solution. This work implies that there is an interplay between condensate formation from microtubule-associated proteins, microtubule organization, and condensate dissolution that could be important for the dynamics of intracellular organization.