bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
metaGE: Investigating genotype x environment interactions through GWAS meta-analysis
Authors: De Walsche Annaïg , Vergne Alexis , Rincent Renaud , Roux Fabrice , Nicolas Stéphane , Welcker Claude , Mezmouk Sofiane , Charcosset Alain , Mary-Huard Tristan
Published: January 2025

Elucidating the genetic components of plant genotype-by-environment interactions is of key importance in the context of increasing climatic instability, diversification of agricultural practices and pest pressure due to phytosanitary treatment limitations. The genotypic response to environmental stresses can be investigated through multi-environment trials (METs). However, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of MET data are significantly more complex than that of single environments. In this context, we introduce metaGE, a flexible and computationally efficient meta-analysis approach for jointly analyzing single-environment GWAS of any MET experiment. The metaGE procedure accounts for the heterogeneity of quantitative trait loci (QTL) effects across the environmental conditions and allows the detection of QTL whose allelic effect variations are strongly correlated to environmental cofactors. We evaluated the performance of the proposed methodology and compared it to two competing procedures through simulations. We also applied metaGE to two emblematic examples: the detection of flowering QTLs whose effects are modulated by competition in Arabidopsis and the detection of yield QTLs impacted by drought stresses in maize. The procedure identified known and new QTLs, providing valuable insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits and QTL effects dependent on environmental stress conditions. The whole statistical approach is available as an R package.
Identification of biomarkers associated with ferroptosis in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium abscessus using bioinformatic tools
Authors: Qian Jiahua , Lu Chenghua , Meng Kai , Xu Zhihong , Xue Honghao , Yang Weijie
Published: January 2025

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium that causes severe pulmonary infections. Recent studies indicate that ferroptosis may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of M. abscessus pulmonary disease. We obtained gene expression microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, focusing on THP-1-derived macrophages infected with M. abscessus and uninfected controls. Differentially expressed genes related to ferroptosis were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis and the "limma" package, followed by gene set variation analysis and gene set enrichment analysis for enrichment assessment. To explore regulatory network relationships among hub genes, we constructed RBP-mRNA, ceRNA, and TF-mRNA networks. Additionally, a protein-protein interaction network was built, and functional enrichment analyses were conducted for the hub genes. The diagnostic value of these genes was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Six differentially expressed genes associated with ferroptosis were identified in M. abscessus infection. The receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated that these genes had excellent predictive value for the infection. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes were involved in immune responses, inflammation, cellular metabolism, cell death, and apoptosis. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment in pathways related to apoptosis, inflammation, and hypoxia. The RBP-mRNA network highlighted significant interactions between hub genes and key RNA-binding proteins, while the ceRNA network predicted that miRNAs and lncRNAs regulate ferroptosis-related genes NACC2 and ITPKB. Furthermore, interactions between the hub gene HSD3B7 and transcription factors LMNB1 and ASCL1 may promote ferroptosis in macrophages by influencing iron metabolism and reactive oxygen species production, contributing to the M. abscessus infection process. Our findings identified biomarkers linked to ferroptosis in M. abscessus infection, providing new insights into its pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.
Short communication: Upregulation of hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced Shc3 by downregulated miR-455-5p, suppresses trophoblast invasion and is associated with placental inflammation and angiogenesis in preeclampsia
Authors: Gong Hui-zhi , Guan Jing , Pan Ying-zi , Ding Hong-juan , Shi Ai-wu , Gu Ning
Published: January 2025

Preeclampsia is characterized by insufficient invasion of extravillous trophoblasts and is a consequence of failed adaption of extravillous trophoblasts to changes in the intrauterine environment developing embryo. Specific miRNAs are implicated in the development of preeclampsia (PE). miR-455-5p is present at low levels in PE but its role is not known. Combining cell and molecular biology methods, we provide evidence of the function and mechanism of miR-455-5p action, and identify its potential target, Shc3, in PE. In vitro, when miR-455-5p was overexpressed in HTR-8/SVneo cells they migrated and invaded more rapidly under hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) than in either hypoxic or normoxic conditions. In contrast, apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo was reduced in H/R. Shc3 was identified as a direct downstream target gene of miR-455-5p. Overexpression of Shc3 reversed the effect of miR-455-5p, promoting apoptosis and suppressing invasion and migration of HTR-8/SVneo under H/R. Shc3 was highly expressed in H/R, but its level was reduced in isolated hypoxic or normoxic environments. Furthermore, we showed Shc3 overexpression is involved in placental inflammation and angiogenesis inhibition. Finally, we showed that the downregulation of miR-455-5p in PE contributes to increased Shc3 in extravillous trophoblasts, thereby limiting extravillous trophoblast cell invasion. Elevated Shc3 is associated with placental inflammation and angiogenesis inhibition. Thus Shc3 serves as a potential biomarker for PE diagnosis and treatment.
Automated quantitative pupillometry as a predictor for transtentorial brain herniation in patients with malignant acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Park Catherine , Park So Young , Kim Min , Park Bumhee , Hong Ji Man
Published: January 2025

Brain herniation can be a life-threatening condition, resulting in poor prognosis and higher fatality rates. We examined whether quantitative characteristics of sequential pupillary light reflex (PLR) could serve as biomarkers for identifying brain herniation in fatal acute stroke cases with anterior circulation involvement admitted to neurological intensive care unit (Neuro-ICU). Automatic pupillometer assessed PLR automatically every 4–6 hours, measuring eight specific features: NPi (Neurological pupil index) score, initial resting and constriction pupil size, constriction change, constriction velocity, constriction latency, and dilation velocity. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the main effects of assessment time (3-to-0 hours, just before brain herniation, and 27-to-21 hours, considerably before) and clinical groups. The study involved 59 patients (mean age 68.8 ± 1.6 years, 23 females) divided into herniation (n = 10) and non-herniation (n = 49) groups. The herniation group exhibited significantly lower ipsilateral NPi scores at 3-to-0 hours (1.80 ± 0.44, p < 0.0001) compared to 27-to-21 hours (4.26 ± 2.21). Additionally, the herniation group had a larger ipsilateral pupil size at constriction at 3-to-0 hours (4.01 ± 0.40 mm) compared to 27-to-21 hours (2.11 ± 0.17 mm). Specifically, at 3-to-0 hours, the herniation group had lower NPi scores (1.80 ± 0.44 vs. 3.97 ± 0.13, p < 0.0001) and larger pupil size at constriction (4.01 ± 0.04 mm vs. 2.90 ± 0.10 mm, p = 0.007) compared to the non-herniation group. These findings suggest that evaluating PLR characteristics can aid in the early identification of brain herniation, facilitating timely triage and appropriate surgical management.
Segmentation by recreation experiences of demand in coastal and marine destinations: A study in Galapagos, Ecuador
Authors: Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Bagarić Lidija , Carvache-Franco Orly , Carvache-Franco Wilmer
Published: January 2025

Tourism in coastal and marine areas offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The present study had the following objectives: (i), identify the dimensions of recreational experiences in coastal and marine destinations focused on island marine protected areas (ii) determine the demand segments for recreational experiences, and (iii) establish the relationship between the demand segments for recreational experiences and the satisfaction and loyalty. The study was conducted in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, and 407 valid questionnaires were collected on-site. The statistical techniques used were factor analysis and the non-hierarchical k-means clustering method. The results reveal four dimensions of the recreational experience in coastal and marine destinations focused on island marine protected areas: Ecological Observation, Experiential Learning, Experiential Reflection, and Sensory Experience. Additionally, three demand segments differentiated by recreational experiences were identified: The Estheticians, the Multi-Experience Recreationists, and the Hedonists. Among these groups, the Multi-Experience Recreationists segment was the most satisfied and exhibited higher levels of loyalty in insular protected marine areas. These findings will assist managers of protected marine areas in creating sustainable development plans and contribute to the academic literature on coastal and marine tourism.
Muscle relaxation enhances motor imagery capacity in people with anxiety: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Trapero-Asenjo Sara , Fernández-Guinea Sara , Guillot Aymeric , Pecos-Martin Daniel , Nunez-Nagy Susana
Published: January 2025

Background

Motor imagery is the mental representation of a movement without physical execution. When motor imagery is performed to enhance motor learning and performance, participants must reach a temporal congruence between the imagined and actual movement execution. Identifying factors that can influence this capacity could enhance the effectiveness of motor imagery programs. Anxiety frequently occurs in sports and rehabilitation where motor imagery is a relevant technique. It is associated with increased muscle tension and impairs the memory processes involved in motor imagery. This study aimed to determine whether muscle relaxation before motor imagery practice can influence motor imagery capacity and temporal congruence in anxious individuals, during internal and external visual imagery, and kinesthetic imagery.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 55 young adults (20.3±2.8 years; 40 females; 15 males) with anxiety (percentile ≥75% on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). 26 participants were assigned to the relaxation group and 29 to the control group through stratified randomization. Motor imagery capacity and temporal congruence were assessed using the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3 at 2 points (t1 and t2). Between t1 and t2, participants in the relaxation group underwent abbreviated progressive relaxation training. Electrodermal activity and heart rate variability were recorded to evaluate the relaxation effect.

Results

Data revealed a significant improvement in motor imagery capacity in the relaxation group, while the temporal congruence was not impaired in both groups.

Conclusion

Pre-motor imagery muscle relaxation might improve motor imagery capacity in anxious individuals. This finding may contribute to better tailor motor imagery programs and to adjust motor imagery guidelines and recommendations for people with anxiety.

This study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04973956).
Effect of virtual interactions through avatar agents on the joint Simon effect
Authors: Harada Yuki , Arima Yoshiko , Okada Mahiro
Published: January 2025

The joint Simon effect refers to inhibitory responses to spatially competing stimuli during a complementary task. This effect has been considered to be influenced by the social factors of a partner: sharing stimulus-action representation. According to this account, virtual interactions through their avatars would produce the joint Simon effect even when the partner did not physically exist in the same space because the avatars are intentional agents. To investigate this, we conducted two joint experiments in which participants controlled avatars as their agents in immersive virtual environments. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to touch a virtual button through their avatars when a target color of an object was presented. The target position was manipulated to be compatible with the button (compatible stimulus) or incompatible with the button (incompatible stimulus). In Experiment 2, the task was identical to that in Experiment 1 except that participants’ gaze position was either visualized or not during the task. We hypothesized that visualizing the partner’s gaze would enhance the joint Simon effect because gaze is a cue to mentalize others’ internal states. The results showed that avatar-based interactions more significantly delayed responses for the incompatible than for the compatible stimulus. However, inconsistent with our hypothesis, visualizing the partner’s gaze position did not influence responses for spatially competing stimuli. These results suggest that virtual interactions through avatar agents can produce the joint Simon effect even when the partner does not physically exist in the same space.
Measuring social, economic, policy, and health system determinants of maternal health and survival: An urgent global priority
Authors: Jolivet R. Rima , Gausman Jewel , Langer Ana
Published: January 2025

In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) released global targets and strategies for reducing maternal mortality in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) period developed through broad stakeholder consultations. The targets and strategies identified in the “Strategies toward Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM)” report are grounded in a systemic and human rights approach to maternal health and aim to address the broad spectrum of key social, political, economic, and health system determinants of maternal health and survival, as exemplified by 11 Key Themes. These upstream determinants of maternal survival are not well represented in maternal health measurement efforts, which tend to focus on service delivery. Thus, work was undertaken to develop a core set of maternal health indicators that could drive progress toward achieving the recommendations laid out in the EPMM Strategies that identified a menu of 25 indicators and 7 standard stratifiers related to the legal and policy environment, accountability mechanisms, inequities in access and quality, and empowerment of women, girls, families, and communities. Measurement experts have called for more research to ensure that indicators for monitoring maternal health, including its upstream determinants, are valid, which is critical if such measures are to be effective for driving and tracking progress toward ending preventable maternal deaths. This paper describes nine research reports emanating from seven discrete research studies to validate ten indicators in India, Ghana and Argentina that are compiled in a PLOS Collection with the aim of illustrating the breadth of the validation work, extracting some unifying themes and common findings, and discussing the implications for policy and practice they suggest.
Bacillus coagulans alleviates hepatic injury caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in rabbits
Authors: Chen Xiaoguang , Wei Wenjuan , Yang Fan , Wang Jianing , Lv Qiongxia , Liu Yumei , Zhang Ziqiang
Published: January 2025

Background

As an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is prone to causing a spectrum of diseases in rabbits when their immune system is compromised, which poses a threat to rabbit breeding industry. Bacillus coagulans (BC), recognized as an effective probiotic, confers a variety of benefits including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dietary BC can effectively alleviate hepatic injury caused by KP.

Methods

In this study, the rabbits were initially pretreated with varying doses of BC (1×106, 5×106, and 1×107 CFU/g), followed by a challenge with KP at a concentration of 1011 CFU/mL. Liver tissues were harvested and processed for histological assessment using H&E and VG stains to assess structural alterations. Biochemical assays were employed to quantify the enzymatic activities of T-SOD and GSH-Px, as well as the MDA content. Furthermore, ELISA was utilized to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokine (IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α) and apoptotic-related gene (Bcl-2, Bax).

Results

Morphological observation indicated that BC can effectively mitigate KP-induced hepatic sinusoidal dilatation and congestion, as well as ameliorate the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Further analysis showed that BC significantly lowered MDA level in KP-treated rabbits, while enhanced the activities of T-SOD and GSH-Px. Additionally, ELISA result showed that BC pretreatment significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-6, IL-1β and pro-apoptotic gene Bax, while increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 in KP-treated rabbits.

Conclusion

Above data indicate that BC supplementation effectively attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory response induced by KP through augmenting the activities of antioxidant enzymes and diminishing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors. Furthermore, it reduced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the liver, thereby inhibiting KP-induced apoptosis. The treatment group receiving 5x106 CFU/g BC benefitted most from the protective effect.
Precision Oncology, Signaling Pathways Reprogramming and Targeted Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Molecular Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Kumar Manish
Published: January 2025

Cancer is a fatal genetic disease involving unregulated cell growth and proliferation with varying underlying complexities including immune evasion, treatment resistance and recurrence, and optimized treatment is required for proper cure. Molecular studies have revealed that tumors are extremely heterogeneous in nature, leading to the complexity of cancer development, which is ultimately linked to its genetic machinery. It would require effective targeting of dysregulated molecular mechanisms involving growth factors, regulatory proteins, cell adhesion molecules, and molecules of immune system mainly driven by alterations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes that may vary among different cancer types. Importantly, patients with the same type of cancer respond differently to available cancer treatments, indicating the need for patient-specific treatment options. Thus, in-depth genomic studies of patients’ tumors are needed to fully understand the determinants of cancer initiation and progression for effective targeted therapy. Precision oncology has evolved as a form of cancer therapy focused on genetic profiling of tumors to identify molecular alterations involved in cancer manifestation for tailored individualized treatment of the disease. Accordingly, there have been great developments in the formulation and production of anticancer agents in recent years owing to advances in molecular technologies enabling precise targeting of oncogenic pathways involved in disease progression. This article aims to briefly explain the foundations and frontiers of precision oncology in the context of advancements in the tools and techniques associated with the process to assess its scope and importance in realizing the intended goals.
Disaccharidase Enzyme Deficiency in Adult Patients With Gas and Bloating
Authors: Kemple Brendan , Rao Satish S.C.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

Disaccharidases produced by the small intestinal brush border facilitate digestion of dietary carbohydrates. If deficient, they can cause carbohydrate malabsorption, resulting in several abdominal symptoms. Our aim was to examine the prevalence of disaccharidase deficiency and correlate this with abdominal symptoms in adult patients with chronic abdominal symptoms.

METHODS:

In a retrospective study, patients with gas and bloating and normal endoscopy and computed tomography scan were assessed for lactase, sucrase, maltase, palatinase, and glucoamylase activity. Nine common symptoms such as pain, cramping, constipation, belching, bloating, fullness, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and gas were assessed for their frequency, intensity, and duration using a validated scale, and a total symptom index was calculated and compared. K-means cluster analysis was performed on lactase-deficient and pandeficient patients with deficiency in 3 or more enzymes.

RESULTS:

Four hundred ninety-six patients (78.4% female) were enrolled of whom 143 (28.8%) had single enzyme deficiency, 9 (1.8%) had double enzyme deficiency, and 48 (9.7%) were pandeficient. The mean symptom prevalence and its severity were not significantly different between those with or without disaccharidase deficiency. Patients with pandeficiency did not have worse symptoms than those with single or double enzyme deficiency. No single symptom was more prevalent in patients with confirmed enzyme deficiency than those without. Three groups were identified in cluster analysis of pandeficient patients with one group demonstrating significantly lower average symptoms of cramping, indigestion, and nausea.

DISCUSSION:

Disaccharidase deficiency is common in adults presenting with gas, bloating, distention, and pain. Because these deficiencies are treatable with enzyme supplements or diet, an evaluation for disaccharidase deficiency should be routinely considered.
“Personal Is Political” Kekerasan Seksual: Baseline Study Untuk Rekomendasi Kebijakan
Authors: Khafsoh Nur Afni , Andayani  , Hanjarwati Astri
Published: January 2025

Abstrak
Fenomena kekerasan seksual yang terjadi di perguruan tinggi marak terjadi meskipun dalam beberapa sebab tidak terpublikasikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji sejauh mana relasi kuasa dan normalisasi kekerasan seksual di Perguruan Tinggi, serta seberapa jauh “Personal is Political” menjadi fenomena kekerasan seksual di pendidikan tinggi. Penelitian ini juga menyajikan rekomendasi kebijakan bagi lembaga dalam penanganan kekerasan seksual di perguruan tinggi. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode angket dan wawancara secara FGD kepada penyintas maupun civitas akademika lainnya. Hasil dari baseline study menunjukkan bahwa bentuk kekerasan seksual yang terjadi meliputi fisik, verbal, KGBO.  Pelaku kekerasan seksual mulai dari mahasiwa, tendik hingga dosen. Personal is Political diindikasikan melalui normalisasi kekerasan seksual bahkan menyalahkan korban. Relasi kuasa (Dosen-Mahasiswa, Senior-Junior, Pegawai-Mahasiswa) menambah lemahnya posisi korban untuk mendapatkan keadilan.  Pelaku memanfaatkan otoritas yang ia miliki untuk memanipulasi korban sedemikian rupa sehingga korban sangat takut untuk melawan. Rekomendasi yang ditawarkan meliputi perubahan kebijakan, aksi kolektif, gerakan sosial.
Kata Kunci : Kekerasan Seksual, Perguruan Tinggi, Personal is Political, Power Relations
[The phenomenon of sexual violence occurring in universities is widespread, although for several reasons it is not publicized. This research aims to examine the extent of power relations and the normalization of sexual violence in higher education, as well as the extent to which "Personal is Political" has become a phenomenon of sexual violence in higher education. This research also presents policy recommendations for institutions in handling sexual violence in higher education. This research was conducted using questionnaires and FGD interviews with survivors and other academics. The results of the baseline study show that the forms of sexual violence that occurred included physical, verbal, KGBO. Perpetrators of sexual violence range from students, staff to lecturers. Personal is Political is indicated through the normalization of sexual violence and even blaming the victim. Power relations (Lecturer-Student, Senior-Junior, Employee-Student) increase the weakness of the victim's position in obtaining justice. The perpetrator uses the authority he has to manipulate the victim in such a way that the victim is too afraid to fight back. The recommendations offered include policy changes, collective action, social movements.
Keywords: Sexual Violence, Higher Education, Personal is Political, Power Relation]
MAIN FACIAL AESTHETIC COMPLAINTS AMONG THE ELDERLY
Authors: Patrial Maria , Dudek Cristiane
Published: January 2025

﻿Introduction: There is a progressive increase in the global elderly population. Among the changes associated with senescence, facial aesthetic alterations are notable. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the most common aesthetic concerns in the elderly population, and to characterize this group. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, analytical, and comparative study involving 249 individuals of both genders, using a specific questionnaire and relevant statistical analysis. Results: No statistical correlation was found between satisfaction with facial aesthetics...
NASAL VALVE COLLAPSE: RHINOPLASTY AND TYPES OF GRAFTS
Authors: Hurtado Johann , Soares Caio , Oliveira Manoel
Published: January 2025

﻿Nasal valve collapse is one of the causes of nasal obstruction reported by patients. Modern rhinoplasty is indicated not only for aesthetic purposes, but also for the preservation and treatment of functional alterations, whether congenital or acquired. A review has shown that in cases of nasal valve collapse, the most commonly used graft is autologous cartilage from the nasal septum. However, auricular conchal cartilage and rib cartilage are also used, depending on the type of reconstruction and the amount of material needed.
A modern look at pilonidal disease and endoscopic approach to its treatment
Authors: Klymenko A. V. , Vytiuk V. R.
Published: January 2025

The aim of the work is to review the literature on the modern view of pilonidal disease and to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic methods of treatment based on the results of research in recent years.
Results. The data of the world literature convincingly testify to the high effectiveness of treatment of pilonidal disease by endoscopic techniques. The endoscopic approach is associated with a painless postoperative period, good cosmetic results, a short period of disability and high patient satisfaction. Despite the short-term benefits obtained, randomized controlled trials are needed to definitively confirm the effectiveness of this technique to more accurately determine its effectiveness in the long-term follow-up period.
According to the recommendations of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery, it can be considered the gold standard in the treatment of unbranched pilonidal disease.
Conclusions. The endoscopic approach has significant advantages over other standard surgical methods: minimal pain, absence of early postoperative complications (seroma, hematomas, bleeding), short hospital stay (up to 1 day), rapid wound healing and return to everyday life, good cosmetic effect and a small percentage of relapses with short-term observations.
Influence of anticoagulant therapy on immune and inflammatory response in patients with community-acquired pneumonia associated with coronavirus infection
Authors: Avhaitis S. S.
Published: January 2025

The publication raises the issue of finding ways to reduce the level of thrombotic complications in patients with community-acquired pneumonia associated with COVID-19.
Aim. To determine the effect of anticoagulant therapy on the immune and inflammatory response in patients with community-acquired pneumonia associated with coronavirus infection.
Material and methods. An open, prospective, observational study was conducted in the period from January 2021 to February 2022 at the Kherson City Clinical Hospital named after Athanasius and Olga Tropin of the Kherson City Council, 143 patients with community-acquired pneumonia aged 46 to 65 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were observed. To participate in the study, patients signed a voluntary consent form.
Results. Patients with community-acquired pneumonia develop an immune-inflammatory response characterized by increased levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, with significantly higher values of these biomarkers in combination with COVID-19. Combination therapy is effective in reducing the levels of markers of the immune-inflammatory response Heparin at a dose of 1000 IU/h is more effective in reducing the risk of death in patients with community-acquired pneumonia associated with coronavirus infection than 100 IU anti-Xa/kg (1 mg/kg) twice daily.
Conclusions. The results of our study showed that therapy with heparin is more effective than enoxaparin in reducing interleukin-6 levels within 72 hours (by -12.93 % vs -4.75 %, respectively, p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis determined that changes in the levels of D-dimer, interleukin-6 and INR were independent predictors of adverse disease outcome.
Serum zinc concentrations and indices of inflammatory response and serum IgA in children with infectious diarrhea
Authors: Pechuhina V. V. , Usachova O. V.
Published: January 2025

Аim. The objective of this study was to give a comparative characteristic of laboratory manifestations for the inflammatory process and the level of serum IgA in infectious diarrhea in young children, depending on serum zinc concentrations.
Materials and methods. The study included 99 children aged 1 to 36 months with the clinical picture of infectious diarrhea. The main group was divided into the first subgroup comprising 77 children with normal blood zinc level during hospitalization; the second contained 22 children with reduced blood zinc level. On the day of hospitalization, the level of C-reactive protein (CRP), zinc (Zn) and the presence of fecal calprotectin (FC) and lactoferrin (LF) were determined. The level of interleukins and serum IgA was determined in 34 children of the main group (16 for the first subgroup, and 18 for the second one) on the 1st, 3rd and 5th days. The comparison group consisted of 10 children without signs of infectious pathology.
Results. There were no significant differences between the subgroups in terms of the frequency of registering an increase in blood CRP level (in 21 children (27.27 %) of the first subgroup, and 7 children (31.81 %) of the second one) and its level. Qualitatively determined FC and LF did not demonstrate any significant difference between the comparison subgroups. The level of IL-10 in the blood serum of children of both subgroups was higher than that of the comparison group (p = 0.001 for the first subgroup and p = 0.04 for the second). In the dynamics, the concentration of IL-10 tended to decrease in patients with a reduced blood Zn level. The level of IL-1β in the first subgroup (0.28 (0.12; 0.68) pg/ml) corresponded to the indicators of healthy children (0.32 (0.12; 0.78) pg/ml). Patients of the second subgroup had lower concentrations of IL-1β (p = 0.05). In the dynamics, a significant increase in the concentration of this cytokine was noted in patients of the second subgroup, but it remained significantly lower than in healthy subjects (p = 0.01). The concentration of IL-6 in the serum of children in the comparison subgroups did not differ statistically both at the onset of the disease and in the dynamics. The level of serum IgA on the fifth day of treatment was significantly reduced in children with a reduced blood Zn level (p = 0.03).
Conclusions. Blood CRP, PC, and GFR did not show dependence on serum Zn concentration in children with infectious diarrhea. Children with low Zn levels at the onset of the disease have an imbalance in the inflammatory response system. In children with low blood Zn concentration, a decrease in the concentration of serum IgA on the fifth day of treatment was determined.
Hormonal-metabolic markers and their relationships in patients with coronary heart disease after suffering from the COVID-19 coronavirus disease
Authors: Manuilov S. M. , Mykhailovska N. S.
Published: January 2025

The aim of the study. To investigate the peculiarities of changes in hormonal and metabolic markers and their relationships with neurovegetative disorders in patients with coronary artery disease after suffering from the COVID-19 coronavirus disease (in the long-COVID period).
Materials and methods. 71 patients with coronary artery disease were examined: stable angina pectoris II–III FC (age 69.0 (64.0; 76.0) years): 1 group (main) – 31 patients with coronary artery disease after suffering from the COVID-19 coronavirus disease (in the long-COVID period); Group 2 (comparison) – 40 patients with coronary artery disease who did not have a history of COVID-19. 15 practically healthy people were included in the control group. The concentration of vasopressin, ghrelin, and insulin in blood serum was estimated using immunoenzymatic analysis. The HOMA index is calculated according to the generally accepted formula. Statistical data processing was carried out in accordance with modern requirements.
Results. Significant changes in hormonal and metabolic markers were found in patients with coronary artery disease in the long-COVID period in comparison with the control group and with patients without a history of COVID-19: an increase in the concentration of vasopressin by 70.23 % and 33.38 %, insulin by 52.16 % and 32.76 %, glucose level by 31.20 % and 20.00 %, HOMA index by 60.00 % and 35.77 %, reduction of active ghrelin level by 45.71 % and 49.20 % (p < 0.05) respectively. The number of patients with insulin resistance in the 1st group was significantly higher compared to the 2nd group (χ2 = 0.516, p < 0.001). Inverse correlations were established between the level of ghrelin and vasopressin (r = -0.33, p < 0.05), insulin (r = -0.25, p < 0.05) and the HOMA index (r = -0.24, p < 0.05); direct correlation between the level of vasopressin and the HOMA index (r = +0.26, p < 0.05). In addition, a wide range of reliable correlations between the level of vasopressin, ghrelin and the degree of anxiety-depressive, cognitive and autonomic disorders were found in patients with coronary artery disease in the long-COVID period.
Conclusions. The obtained results confirm common mechanisms between the development of hormonal and metabolic disorders and the occurrence of anxiety-depressive, cognitive disorders, vegetative imbalance against the background of overstrain of functional adaptation processes in patients with coronary heart disease in the long-COVID period.
Ectopic thyroid cancer in the ovary – unresolved issues of diagnosis and treatment of struma ovaria maligna
Authors: Kovalyov O. O. , Tolok O. P. , Kovalov K. O.
Published: January 2025

Struma ovaria is an ectopic localization of mature thyroid gland tissue in the ovaries. This rare form of monodermal teratoma is mostly a benign pathology. Primary malignant tumors of the thyroid gland in the appendages of the uterus are represented by thyroid carcinomas. Due to the rare pathology (less than 1 % of all tumors), insufficient information in the literature, lack of generalized recommendations and personal experience, doctors make many mistakes during the treatment of patients with struma ovary.
The aim of the work is to demonstrate a rare clinical observation of primary papillary thyroid cancer in the ovary and to discuss the mistakes that were made during treatment.
Case report. 5 women with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of struma ovary were under our observation. In 4 lesions were benign. One patient was diagnosed with ectopic thyroid carcinoma. The medical history of a 70-year-old woman who underwent hysterectomy without further treatment in a specialized oncology center for primary papillary thyroid cancer in the ovary is presented.
Conclusions. When managing patients with malignant struma ovary, clinicians mistakenly do not use the guidelines developed for the diagnosis and combined treatment of highly differentiated thyroid carcinomas, regardless of their eutopic or ectopic localization.
Use of intraoperative luminescent methods for detecting affected lymph nodes in patients with complicated forms of colon cancer
Authors: Kubrak M. A. , Zavhorodnii S. M. , Danyliuk M. B. , Rylov A. I.
Published: January 2025

The issue of the volume of lymphatic dissection in patients with complicated forms of colon cancer and the possibility of using methods of intraoperative visualisation of the affected lymph nodes remains controversial.
The aim of the study – to analyse the results of using the intraoperative luminescent method of detecting affected lymph nodes in patients with complicated forms of malignant diseases of the large intestine.
Materials and methods. The study group included 109 patients with complicated forms of colon cancer. In the gender structure, female patients predominated – 57 (52.29 %), there were 52 (47.71 %) men. The average age of the patients was 69.78 ± 16.37 years. Contrasting of regional lymph nodes was carried out using a 10 % sodium fluorescein solution.
Results. According to the results of the fluorescence examination, in 67 (61.47 %) patients, lymph nodes were visualized in the regional lymphatic outflow: in 39 (58.21 %) cases, the visualized lymph nodes were located in the area of epi- and paracolic nodes (lymphodissection D1), in 23 (34.33 %) of patients – in the zone of mesocolic lymph nodes (lymphodissection D2) and in 5 (7.46 %) – in the zone of apical lymph nodes (3rd level of lymph drainage). A total of 268 lymph nodes were detected in 109 patients, which was an average of 2.46 lymph nodes per 1 patient. These nodes were marked and sent for histological examination separately from the main preparation. In total, a pathohistological examination of 1436 lymph nodes from the regional zone of lymph drainage from colon cancer was carried out, which was an average of 13.17 lymph nodes per 1 patient.
Conclusions. The use of a 10 % solution of sodium fluorescein as a preparation for photoluminescence examination made it possible to visualize lymph nodes in the regional lymphatic outflow zone for the tumor in 67 (61.47 %) patients. The use of photoluminescence made it possible to determine the optimal volumes of lymphatic dissection without unjustified expansion in the case of surgical interventions for complicated forms of colon cancer. The levels of sensitivity and specificity of the photoluminescent method of detecting affected lymph nodes using a 10 % solution of sodium fluorescein had quite high results and amounted to 72.41 % and 93.28 %, respectively.
Scaling up and dissemination of pre-service education in mental, neurological, and substance use disorders: the way moving forward
Authors: Lin Yiheng , Zhong Na , Wang Zhen , Xie Bin , Xu Yifeng , Zhao Min , Long Jiang
Published: January 2025

Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders pose a significant global health challenge, requiring urgent integration of care into pre-service education (PSE) for medical and nursing students. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a competency-based framework, supported by the “Enhancing mental health pre-service training with the mhGAP Intervention Guide”, to equip future healthcare providers with essential skills to address MNS conditions effectively. This manuscript outlines the PSE-MNS approach, focusing on defining competencies, developing tailored curricula, and training educators to implement these initiatives. The 2024 Shanghai Workshop convened stakeholders to refine strategies for global dissemination and implementation. Key priorities include stakeholder engagement, leveraging resources such as digital learning tools, and addressing challenges like stigma and limited educational capacity. Facilitators include supportive policies, interdisciplinary collaborations, and existing WHO initiatives. WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCCs) are instrumental in driving these efforts by promoting partnerships and knowledge exchange. Scaling PSE-MNS programs worldwide is critical for enhancing healthcare quality, fostering equity, and empowering providers to meet the diverse needs of communities. Strategic advocacy, continuous evaluation, and local adaptability will ensure the sustainable integration of MNS care into global health systems.
Differences in mortality risk by levels of physical activity among persons with disabilities in South Korea
Authors: Lee SeungCheor , Lee Yeowool , Park Saengryeol , Park So-Youn , Oh In-Hwan
Published: January 2025

Aim

The World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least 150 min of physical activity per week is important for increasing the lifespan of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Methods

Conduct a survival analysis to examine the relationship between physical activity and mortality using cohort data from the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea from 2017 to 2021. The survival analysis included 259,146 PWDs, with a maximum follow-up of 57 months, and adjustments for covariates, including physical activity level, comorbidities, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Results

People who exercised >150 min weekly had a lower risk of death compared to those who exercised less (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 0.727, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.674–0.784). The risk of death increased with increasing age (AHR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.077–1.083), smokers had a higher risk of death than non-smokers (AHR: 1.487, 95% CI: 1.396–1.583), and the risk of death increased with increasing Charlson comorbidity index scores (AHR: 1.228, 95% CI: 1.22–1.237).

Conclusion

Even after adjusting for socioeconomic and other risk factors, PWDs who are physically inactive have a higher risk of death. Customized physical activity policies for PWDs are needed to reduce health inequities.
Synthesis and crystal structure of-(3S,10S,13S,17S)-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-10,13-dimethyl-17-((R)-1-(phenylamino)ethyl)hexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[α]phenanthren-3-amine, C34H48N2O
Authors: Li Lu-Lu , Wei Peng , Ye Jiang-Hai , Zou Juan , He Kang
Published: January 2025

C34H48N2O, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 6.4541(3) Å, b = 12.5937(5) Å, c = 34.8855(12) Å, V = 2835.5(2) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0665, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1961, T = 297(2) K.
Crystal structure of 7-(diethylamino)-3-(benzoyl)-2
H
-chromen-2-one, C20H19NO3
Authors: Chen Yahong , Wang Jing , Wang Ruoya
Published: January 2025

C20H19NO3, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 8.2965(7) Å, b = 12.5111(11) Å, c = 16.2899(15) Å, V = 1,690.9(3) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0582, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1257, T = 298.8(6) K.
MHD radiative mixed convective flow of a sodium alginate-based hybrid nanofluid over a convectively heated extending sheet with Joule heating
Authors: Yasmin Humaira , Bossly Rawan , Alduais Fuad S. , Al-Bossly Afrah , Saeed Anwar
Published: January 2025

The study of hybrid nanofluids is significant in thermal management applications by optimizing heat transfer through pioneering materials, mainly the flow of sodium alginate-based hybrid nanofluids. This work addresses the demand for effective cooling solutions in a variety of industrial processes and uses the unique characteristics of non-Newtonian fluids and their inferences for rheological modeling and heat transform enhancement. Inspired by the progressive properties of the non-Newtonian Casson fluid and its applied significance in the rheological modeling and heat transfer characteristics of different dynamic fluids, there is limited knowledge of their response in the mixed convective flow, particularly when influenced by factors like thermal radiation, joule heating, and thermal relaxation time. The present study aims to investigate the heat transfer enhancement of the mixed convective flow of a sodium alginate-based hybrid nanofluid on an extending sheet concentrating on the interaction of different physical parameters that affect thermal performance. The physical phenomena are modeled in a nonlinear partial differential equation, which is then converted into ordinary differential equations with the help of suitable similarity variables. Tables and figures are constructed to show the behavior of the physical parameters involved in the momentum and temperature equations. Premilinary assumptions applied to the flow are electrically conducting, rotating, dissipative, and thermal boundary conditions. A semi-analytical approach homotopy analysis method is employed to obtain the solution of the problem. The outcome witnessed that the velocity profiles show a diminishing behavior through a magnetic parameter; however, the temperature profile shows an escalating behavior. Similarly, the thermal plot intensifies with the Eckert number and thermal radiation. In addition, the numerical data from the tables portrayed that the skin friction decreases with the Casson parameter and the rotation parameter; however, an improvement behavior is noticed in the Nusselt number through thermal radiation and thermal Biot number. From the numerical data, it is concluded that the hybrid nanofluid has superior heat transfer characteristics compared to nanofluid. The finding of this result has also been compared with available results in the literature through a comparative study.
Offering food and alcohol in Chinese and English: a contrastive pragmatic perspective
Authors: House Juliane , Kádár Dániel Z. , Xia Zongfeng
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we compare conventions of offering food and alcohol in Chinese and English. We define offering as an interaction ritual because in many linguacultures, food and drink are offered by following certain conventions, the observing of which is a ritually sacred duty for the host. Foreign residents in China are often irritated by Chinese conventions of offering food and drink. We try to explain such irritations by investigating how Chinese and ‘Western’ offering conventions differ from one another. Our framework brings together speech acts and interaction ritual theory. We first present relevant experiences of English-speaking foreigners living in China. We then conduct a contrastive pragmatic study of English and Chinese food and alcohol offering conventions, followed by an interpretation of the irritations reported by our panel of foreigners through our contrastive outcomes.
O passado medido em micrometros: Trajetórias e possibilidades da paleohistologia humana
Authors: Guimarães Nathalia Ribeiro Dias
Published: January 2025

A paleohistologia é uma ferramenta com diversas possibilidades de aplicação em contextos arqueológicos, como, por exemplo, na estimativa de idade dos indivíduos, auxílio no diagnóstico de doenças que atingem os ossos, entendimento das estratégias de subsistência e dieta, descrição de processos tafonômicos e na diferenciação entre osso humano e não humano. Apesar das muitas possibilidades relacionadas à técnica, algumas das limitações, como o fato de se tratar de uma método invasivo de pesquisa, fazem com que a paleohistologia seja muito pouco usada em contextos sul-americanos, contando com apenas dois estudos. Este artigo busca trazer um panorama geral, histórico e metodológico, apresentando as possibilidades e limitações trazidas pelos estudos paleohistológicos, bem como uma breve reflexão acerca dos desafios e potencialidades que se relacionam ao início das pesquisas em paleohistologia no Brasil.
ANTROPOLOGIA BIOLÓGICA: A APRESENTAÇÃO DE UM DOSSIÊ
Authors: Bernardo Danilo Vicensotto , Da-Gloria Pedro , Hubbe Mark
Published: January 2025

Apresentação do Dossiê.