bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of Sonazoid-enhanced CEUS in identifying definitive hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients according to KLCA-NCC 2022 and APASL 2017 guidelines
Authors: Huang Zhe , Zhu Rong-Hua , Li Shan-shan , Luo Hong-Chang , Li Kai-Yan
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the diagnostic performance of Sonazoid-contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in identifying definitive HCC within hepatic nodules in cirrhotic patients, comparing the KLCA-NCC 2022 and APASL 2017 diagnostic guidelines.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study analyzed cirrhotic patients who underwent Sonazoid-CEUS for liver lesion evaluation between October 2019 and October 2023. HCC diagnosis was based on the KLCA-NCC 2022 and APASL 2017 guidelines. Inter-reader agreement on CEUS imaging features and the diagnostic accuracy of the guidelines were evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity comparisons were made using McNemar’s test.

Results

Among 400 patients with 432 lesions, CEUS showed excellent inter-reader consistency in detecting arterial phase hyperenhancement and Kupffer defects. The KLCA-NCC 2022 criteria notably enhanced sensitivity to 96.2%, with specificity and accuracy of 93.8% and 95.8%, respectively. APASL 2017 achieved the highest sensitivity at 97.8%, although specificity dropped to 46.9%, resulting in an accuracy of 90.3%. The KLCA-NCC 2022 guidelines demonstrated significantly higher specificity than APASL 2017 (p < 0.001), while APASL 2017 exhibited the highest sensitivity at 97.8%. Notably, the KLCA-NCC 2022 guidelines also demonstrated an impressive positive predictive value of 98.9%.

Conclusion

Sonazoid-enhanced CEUS, particularly when applied using the KLCA-NCC 2022 guidelines, is an effective diagnostic tool for HCC.

Critical relevance statement

Perfluorobutane CEUS, particularly in accordance with the KLCA-NCC 2022 guidelines, emerges as a valuable adjunct for diagnosing HCC in cirrhotic patients. It demonstrates superior positive predictive value and specificity compared to APASL 2017, underscoring its potential as an effective diagnostic tool.

Key Points

Contrast-enhanced (CE)US using Sonazoid with KLCA-NCC 2022 guidelines is highly effective for HCC diagnosis.

KLCA-NCC 2022 criteria showed high accuracy, 96.2% sensitivity, and 98.9% PPV.

CEUS demonstrated excellent inter-reader consistency in detecting arterial phase hyperenhancement and Kupffer defects.

Graphical Abstract
The Four Core Genotypes mouse model: evaluating the impact of a recently discovered translocation
Authors: Wiese Carrie B. , Soliman Barbara , Reue Karen
Published: October 2024

The Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model has become a valuable model to study the mechanistic basis for biological sex differences. This model allows discrimination between influences of gonadal sex (ovaries or testes) from those associated with genetic sex (presence of XX or XY chromosome complement). FCG mice have illuminated distinct effects of gonadal and chromosomal sex on traits ranging from brain structure and behavior to vulnerability to obesity, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and other diseases. A recent study determined that the YSry− chromosome used in a specific line of C57BL/6J FCG mice harbors nine genes that have been duplicated from the X chromosome. This report raised concern that scores of publications that previously used the FCG model may therefore be flawed, but did not provide details regarding how studies can be evaluated for potential impact (or lack of impact) of the translocation. Here we (1) provide a practical description of the genetic translocation for researchers using the FCG model, (2) document that a majority of the studies cited in the recent report are unlikely to be affected by the translocation, (3) provide a scheme for interpreting data from studies with FCG mice harboring the YSry− translocation, and (4) delineate expression levels of the nine translocated genes across tissue/cell types as a filter for evaluating their potential involvement in specific phenotypes.
Simple and Cost-Effective Generation of 3D Cell Sheets and Spheroids Using Curvature-Controlled Paraffin Wax Substrates
Authors: Kim Huijung , Koo Kyeong-Mo , Kim Chang-Dae , Byun Min Ji , Park Chun Gwon , Son Hyungbin , Kim Hyung-Ryong , Kim Tae-Hyung
Published: October 2024

The challenges associated with animal testing in pharmaceutical development have driven the search for alternative in vitro models that mimic human tissues more accurately. In this study, we present a simple and cost-effective method for generating 3D cell sheets and spheroids using curvature-controlled paraffin wax films, which are easily accessible laboratory materials that eliminate the need for extracellular matrix (ECM) components or thermo-responsive polymers. By adjusting the curvature of the paraffin wax film, we successfully generated human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPdLF) cell sheets and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC) spheroids. Key parameters, such as cell density, substrate curvature, and incubation time, were identified as critical factors for optimizing the formation of these 3D structures. In addition, the use of quantum dots (QDs) for cell tracking enabled long-term visualization and distinction between different cell types within complex tissue-like structures. We further demonstrated that wrapping the hBMSC spheroids with HPdLF cell sheets partially replicated the connective tissue structure of the periodontal ligament surrounding the tooth root. This highlights the potential of this platform for the construction of more sophisticated tissue-mimicking assemblies. In conclusion, curvature-controlled paraffin wax films provide a versatile and practical approach for 3D cell cultures. This simplifies the generation of both cell sheets and spheroids, offering a promising tool for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, where precise cell-to-cell interactions are essential.

Graphical abstract
Biosorption of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ from aqueous solutions by Agrobacterium tumefaciens S12 isolated from acid mine drainage
Authors: Liu Shuli , Xu Xiaojun , He Changhua , Liu Zhangyang , Li Yan
Published: October 2024

Heavy metal pollution is a global environmental issue, and microorganisms play a crucial role in the bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated wastewater. The study isolated heavy metal-resistant bacterium and observed their absorption ability toward Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+. We isolated Agrobacterium tumefaciens S12 from acid mine drainage. The various factors influencing its adsorption performance, including pH, biomass dosage, initial metal ion concentration, and adsorption temperature, were investigated in detail. Chemisorption controls the adsorption rate due to the results better fitted by pseudo-second order kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacities of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ on A. tumefaciens S12 were 234, 58 and 51 mg g−1 at 30 °C from Langmuir isotherm, respectively. The adsorption processes for the three heavy metal ions were spontaneous and exothermic in nature. In bimetallic systems, biosorption of Pb2+ ions was preferential to that of Cd2+ and Zn2+. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the adsorption mechanisms include ion-exchange, complexation interaction between the heavy metal ions and the functional groups on the surface of biomass. The obtained results indicated that A. tumefaciens S12 can be applied as an efficient biosorbent in bioremediation technology to sequestrate heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.
Towards automated phenotype definition extraction using large language models
Authors: Tekumalla Ramya , Banda Juan M.
Published: October 2024

Electronic phenotyping involves a detailed analysis of both structured and unstructured data, employing rule-based methods, machine learning, natural language processing, and hybrid approaches. Currently, the development of accurate phenotype definitions demands extensive literature reviews and clinical experts, rendering the process time-consuming and inherently unscalable. Large language models offer a promising avenue for automating phenotype definition extraction but come with significant drawbacks, including reliability issues, the tendency to generate non-factual data (“hallucinations”), misleading results, and potential harm. To address these challenges, our study embarked on two key objectives: (1) defining a standard evaluation set to ensure large language models outputs are both useful and reliable and (2) evaluating various prompting approaches to extract phenotype definitions from large language models, assessing them with our established evaluation task. Our findings reveal promising results that still require human evaluation and validation for this task. However, enhanced phenotype extraction is possible, reducing the amount of time spent in literature review and evaluation.
Development and Evaluation of Project Management Training for Cancer Research in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Jedy-Agba Elima , Andrews Caroline , Odiaka Emeka , Olukomogbon Temitope , Irusen Hayley , Rockson Isabella , Sorungbe Temilade , Quarchie Marjorie , Jalloh Mohamed , Abimiku Alash'le , Rebbeck Timothy R.
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Globally, there were 19.3 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths, with the African continent contributing approximately 1.1 million new cases and over 700,000 deaths to the global cancer burden in 2020. High quality research is required to understand the etiology and risk factors for common cancers in the region to develop context specific strategies aimed at minimizing the future cancer burden in Africa. Our study addresses a significant gap in the knowledge and resources available for training a project management (PM) workforce for cancer research in Africa.

METHODS

We developed and evaluated a training program to strengthen the research capacity of project managers involved in cancer research in Africa. This workshop was held in collaboration with the Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP) Consortium. The PM working group of the MADCaP Consortium had previously developed a project manager toolkit to provide a structured approach to PM for cancer research in Africa. We implemented and evaluated this training toolkit in a hybrid workshop in Nigeria.

RESULTS

Among 29 participants from 10 African institutions, PM skills improved after training by 16.6% compared with pretraining levels. In a 1-year follow-up survey, training skills remained better (80.8%) than before the training (70.8%). The training program successfully upskilled the trainees with a significant improvement in knowledge of PM practices including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of projects. The majority (80%) reported an excellent training experience.

CONCLUSION

PM skills training can be successfully implemented in Africa with long-term retention of knowledge geared toward developing a workforce critical for the implementation of cancer research in the region.
Investigating the Role of Exercise Pattern in Acute Cardiovagal Recovery
Authors: SASSO JOHN P. , IVANCHIKOV SOFIA , COATES KYLA , STEWART LIAM , WRIGHT STEPHEN P. , SEILER STEPHEN , SHAVE ROBERT , EVES NEIL D.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Research on intermittent training has mainly focused on the effects of exercise intensity while overlooking the specific effect of the modulations associated with alternating exercise and recovery. This study investigated how the frequency of modulations during moderate-intensity exercise affects postexercise vagal reactivation.

Methods

Healthy, active females and males 18–39 yr old were recruited for the study. Participants completed three treadmill running sessions on separate days. Each moderate-intensity session accumulated 30 min at 90% of the intensity associated with the second ventilatory threshold and was performed as either high-frequency intermittent (HiFi; 15 × [2 min + 2 min recovery]), low-frequency intermittent (LoFi; 5 × [6 min + 2 min recovery]), or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; 1 × 30 min). Heart rate recovery (HRrec) at 1 min and heart rate variability recovery (HRVrec; lnRMSSD) were assessed in response to submaximal constant-speed tests performed before (CST1) and after (CST2) each of the exercise sessions. HRrec, HRVrec, blood lactate (BLa), and blood pressure were also collected during the exercise sessions.

Results

Twenty-one individuals (8 females, 13 males) participated in the study. HRrec from CST2 was faster in HiFi versus MICT (P < 0.001), whereas HRVrec post-CST2 was higher after HiFi versus both LoFi (P = 0.024) and MICT (P < 0.001). BLa increased in all conditions (P = 0.007) but remained lower during HiFi compared with LoFi and MICT (both P < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure did not change during exercise with HiFi (P = 0.939) but decreased during LoFi (P = 0.006) and MICT (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Exercise pattern influences the physiologic response to exercise. Higher frequencies of modulations can preserve vagal activity and expedite postexercise recovery, suggesting moderate-intensity intermittent exercise as a potential strategy to mitigate autonomic impact and acute physiological stress while maintaining total work performed.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dance on Cognition and Depression in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: JALDIN MICHELLE A. , BALBIM GUILHERME MORAES , PINTO JUAN , NEGRETE MIGUEL , MOTL ROBERT W. , BUSTAMANTE EDUARDO E. , AGUIÑAGA SUSAN , KAUSHAL NAVIN , CASTILLO CRYSTAL , KHANNA SONAM , BRUNSKILL AMELIA , MARQUEZ DAVID X.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Aging is associated with declines in cognition and mental health that might be ameliorated by physical activity (PA). Dance integrates multiple physical, cognitive, and social elements, and might be an avenue for improving cognition and mood. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of formal and traditional dance on cognition, depression, and anxiety in older adults.

Methods

Five database searches yielded 17 randomized control trials (RCTs). RCTs were included if participants were ≥60 yr and healthy or living with mild cognitive impairment. We examined interventions of dance against any comparison group. Records were independently screened, and data were extracted by two reviewers. We performed random-effects models using robust variance estimation and tested individual treatment, study, and outcome-level moderators using the approximate Hotelling–Zhang test.

Results

Seventeen RCTs were included in the systematic review, but 13 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, which included 1174 participants with a mean age of 70.7 yr, and 66.3% were female. There were 76 effect sizes (Hedges g) calculated from the 13 RCTs with a range between –0.97 and 2.88. The overall effect of dance interventions on cognition was significant, yet small (g = 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.05–0.50; P = 0.022), and the effect on depression was significant and nearly moderate (g = 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.80; P = 0.036); only one RCT examined anxiety and was not included. No moderator variables significantly explained variation in the effects of dance on cognitive function or depression (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Dance interventions can improve cognition and depression in older adults. Additional research is needed regarding the effects of dance on anxiety and depression in older adults.
Delirium management and current practice among Intensive Care Units Doctors, Khartoum
Authors: Seidna Hamid Sheema Hamid , Abd El-Raheem Ghada Omer Hamad , Salih Elamin Hana  Eltayeb , Ahmed  Abdallah Mudawi Mohammed
Published: October 2024

Delirium is a brain dysfunction characterized by attention and cognitive disturbances in a fluctuating manner. The international guidelines recommend daily screening for delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) are the most commonly used methods for assessing delirium. This study aimed to identify barriers and gaps in knowledge and practice. This was a hospital-based Cross-Sectional study. Stratified random sampling was used in this study. 72 ICU doctors were randomly selected. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive data were presented, and the chi-squared test was used to determine the associations among variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. More than 70% of the doctors were ≤ 30 years of age and female. A total of 69.4% of the participants had < 1year of experience. In total, 94.4% of the participants worked in medical ICUs. Less than 20% of the doctors used delirium assessment tools, with a statistically significant difference based on experience (p=0.012). Delirium was not regularly assessed in 13.9% of the patients. Non-pharmacological management was applied by 76.4% of doctors, and communication with patients was the most frequent (75%). Haloperidol was the most commonly used drug (83.3%). A total of 40.3% of doctors did not stop delirium medication on ICU discharge. A regular delirium assessment was performed. However, the use of validated assessment tools is uncommon. Nonpharmacological management of delirium is important and is mostly performed. Our doctors prescribed antipsychotics for the treatment of both forms of delirium, and almost half of them did not stop the medications on ICU discharge. Medication reconciliation and contact with the next in-charge of the patients are important.
A libraries reproducibility hackathon: connecting students to University research and testing the longevity of published code
Authors: Griego Chasz , Scotti Kristen , Terveen Elizabeth , Chan Joseph , Sheng Daisy , González-Espinoza Alfredo , Warren Christopher
Published: October 2024

Reproducibility is a basis of scientific integrity, yet it remains a significant challenge across disciplines in computational science. This reproducibility crisis is now being met with an Open Science movement, which has risen to prominence within the scientific community and academic libraries especially. To address the need for reproducible computational research and promote Open Science within the community, members of the Open Science and Data Collaborations Program at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries organized a single-day hackathon centered around reproducibility. Partnering with a faculty researcher in English and Digital Humanities, this event allowed several students an opportunity to interact with real research outputs, test the reproducibility of data analyses with code, and offer feedback for improvements. With Python code and data shared by the researcher in an open repository, we revealed that students could successfully reproduce most of the data visualizations, but they required completing some manual setup and modifications to address depreciated libraries to successfully rerun the code. During the event, we also investigated the option of using ChatGPT to debug and troubleshoot rerunning this code. By interacting with a ChatGPT API in the code, we found and addressed the same roadblocks and successfully reproduced the same figures as the participating students. Assessing a second option, we also collaborated with the researcher to publish a compute capsule in Code Ocean. This option presented an alternative to manual setup and modifications, an accessible option for more limited devices like tablets, and a simple solution for outside researchers to modify or build on existing research code.
More on the Fascinating Characterizations of Mulatu’s Numbers
Authors: Derso Derebew Nigussie , Admasu Ageze Abye
Published: October 2024

Background The discoveries of Mulatu’s numbers, better known as Mulatu’s sequence, represent revolutionary contributions to the mathematical world. His best-known work is Mulatu’s sequence, in which each new number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. When various operations and manipulations are performed on the numbers in this sequence, beautiful and incredible patterns begin to emerge. This study aimed to identify novel characterizations of Mulatu’s numbers. Methods This study employed a multi-faceted approach to investigate characterizations of Mulatu’s numbers. Mathematical proof techniques such as principle of mathematical induction, proof by contradiction and direct proof were utilized to substantiate findings. GNU Octave (version 9, (1)) software was applied to verify the existence, classify, and conduct computational investigations of findings prior to formal proofs. Results In this study, we provided several characterizations of Mulatu’s numbers. We also investigated the properties and patterns of these fascinating numbers. Moreover, we have also shown that, similar to Fibonacci’s numbers, Mulatu’s numbers also give the so-called golden ratio, which is most applicable in numerical optimization. Furthermore, we formulated a relation among Mulatu’s numbers, Fibonacci numbers, and Lucas numbers. Finally, we provided a generating function for the Mulatu numbers. Conclusions In this study, we uncovered novel characterizations of Mulatu’s numbers and introduced a generating function for them. We investigated relationship between Mulatu’s numbers and the golden ratio. The results discussed offer valuable insights and enhance our understanding of their properties. Furthermore, these findings play a vital role in the boarder context of mathematical sequences, contributing significantly to the field.
Ethanol consumption during gestation promotes placental alterations in IGF-1 deficient mouse placentas
Authors: Martín-Estal Irene , Fajardo-Ramírez Oscar R , Bermúdez De León Mario , Zertuche-Mery Carolina , Rodríguez-Mendoza Diego , Gómez-Álvarez Patricio , Galindo-Rangel Marcela , Leal López Andrea , Castilla-Cortázar Inma , Castorena-Torres Fabiola
Published: October 2024

Background During pregnancy, the placenta is an extremely important organ as it secretes its own hormones, e.g. insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), to ensure proper intrauterine fetal growth and development. Ethanol, an addictive and widely used drug, has numerous adverse effects during pregnancy, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). To date, the molecular mechanisms by which ethanol triggers its toxic effects during pregnancy, particularly in the placenta, are not entirely known. For this reason, a murine model of partial IGF-1 deficiency was used to determine ethanol alterations in placental morphology and aspartyl/asparaginyl β-hydroxylase (AAH) expression. Methods Wild type (WT, Igf1 +/+) and heterozygous (HZ, Igf1 +/-) female mice were given 10% ethanol in water during 14 days as an acclimation period and throughout pregnancy. WT and HZ female mice given water were used as controls. At gestational day 19, pregnant dams were sacrificed, placentas were collected and genotyped for subsequent studies. Results IGF-1 deficiency and ethanol consumption during pregnancy altered placental morphology, and decreased placental efficiency and AAH expression in placentas from all genotypes. No differences were found in Igf1, Igf2, Igf1r and Igf2r mRNA expression in placentas from all groups. Conclusions IGF-1 deficiency and ethanol consumption throughout gestation altered placental development, suggesting the crucial role of IGF-1 in the establishment of an adequate intrauterine environment that allows fetal growth. However, more studies are needed to study the precise mechanism to stablish the relation between both insults.
Electoral law, electoral process and technology
Authors: Alekseev Roman
Published: October 2024

The textbook highlights issues characterizing the electoral law, the electoral process, the institutions of elections and referendums, electoral technologies, legal liability for violation of citizens' electoral rights, electronic voting and blockchain technology. The institutions of electoral law are considered by comparing the norms of Russian and Soviet electoral law, as well as taking into account foreign experience.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students studying in the specialties 40.03.01 "Jurisprudence" and 41.03.04 "Political Science", as well as for a wide range of readers: electoral lawyers practicing in the field of electoral law; political scientists and political technologists involved in organizing and conducting election campaigns; members of election commissions; citizens interested in the peculiarities of the electoral process in Russia and abroad.
Civilizational aspects of the human rights problem. On the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Authors: Habrieva Taliya , Lazarev Valeriy , Kovler Anatoliy , Avdeeva Elena , Alimova Dina , Gracheva Svetlana , Drobyshevskiy Sergey , Zhuravleva Oksana , Ibragimova Yuliya , Latyncev A.V. , Makarov D.A. , Petrova E. , Savchenko E.A. , Sal'nikov Viktor , Sovetov D.I.
Published: October 2024

The X All-Russian Annual Meeting of Legal Theorists opened a series of scientific events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation. The collection includes the reports presented at this meeting.
The doctrinal analysis of the problem of human and civil rights is carried out from civilizational positions, which have remained relevant for centuries and acquired special meaning for the international community with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
Scientific articles are divided into two sections. The first, "General theoretical foundations for the recognition and formalization of human and civil rights", examines modern challenges to the theory of rights and freedoms, the specifics of the reaction to them in various legal systems, the implementation of the Universal Declaration at the national and international levels, the second, "Sectoral issues of the consolidation and protection of human rights in Russian legislation", focuses on on the protection of individual rights in the context of digitalization of various spheres of public relations and the use of the latest legal technologies.
For legal scholars and practitioners, teachers, students and postgraduates of higher educational institutions, as well as for a wide range of readers interested in ensuring human and civil rights.
Fundamentals of local self-government in the Russian Federation
Authors: Shugrina Ekaterina , Teplyakov Dmitriy , Teplyakova Ol'ga , Zayceva Larisa , Kozhevnikov Oleg , Chebotarev Gennadiy , Kostyukov Aleksandr , Mishunina Alena
Published: October 2024

The textbook sets out the legal foundations of local self-government in a simple, accessible form, with an emphasis on the new principle of interaction between different levels of public authority and mechanisms for the development of the territory. A feature of the proposed textbook is the widespread use of decisions of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation and other law enforcement practice.
The textbook is intended for students, postgraduates, teachers of various fields and specialties studying the problems of local government, as well as for deputies of different levels, municipal and civil servants exercising powers in the field of local government.
Comparative constitutional law
Authors: Habrieva Taliya
Published: October 2024

The monograph examines the genesis of modern constitutionalism from the standpoint of comparative jurisprudence. The analysis is carried out in various directions — from the science of constitutional law in the system of legal knowledge to the formation
of constitutional models and the identification of their features.
Separate chapters are devoted to the study of the European constitutional heritage, constitutional models of the Middle East, African constitutionalism, the experience of constitutional development in Latin America, and the basic laws of the Eurasian states. The continuity of the institutions of constitutional law, as well as the legal traditions of the regions and states under consideration, is emphasized.
Much attention is paid to constitutional values — the rule of law, the social state, human rights, etc. The constitutional foundations of interstate integration are revealed, which can contribute to solving issues related
to the search for effective interaction between international and national law. The forecast of the development of the so-called global constitutionalism in the context of the formation of a multipolar world is formulated.
For legal scholars and practitioners, teachers, students and postgraduates of law schools, as well as for a wide range of readers interested in current legal processes in society and the state.
Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and its effectiveness in the perspective of the return of perpetrators of aggressive crimes to crime
Authors: Więcek-Durańska Anna , Cześnik Piotr , Pielacha Olga , Tomaszewska Maria , Rucińska Urszula , Wojciechowska Sylwia , Szczepankowska Olga
Published: October 2024

Cel pracy

Głównym celem badawczym prezentowanego badania było ukazanie efektywności prowadzonych w zakładach karnych oddziaływań korekcyjno-edukacyjnych wobec osób skazanych za przestępstwa agresywne.

Metoda

Badanie eksperymentalne. Losowo wyodrębniono dwie grupy badawcze (eksperymentalną i kontrolną). Uczestnicy zakwalifikowani do grupy eksperymentalnej uczestniczyli w programie korekcyjno-edukacyjnym przeznaczonym dla sprawców przestępstw agresywnych. Uczestnicy badania przyporządkowani do grupy kontrolnej w podobnym programie nie uczestniczyli. W sumie do programu Trening Zastępowania Agresji ART przystąpiło 142 osoby do grupy eksperymentalnej oraz 156 do kontrolnej. Przed rozpoczęciem programu oraz po jego zakończeniu uczestnicy badania uzupełnili zestaw kwestionariuszy psychologicznych służących do pomiaru agresji, Analizom poddano również informacje z akt penitencjarnych z pobytu w placówce. Po pięciu latach od opuszczenia zakładu karnego przez ostatniego uczestnika badania przeprowadzono kolejne analiz powrotności do zakładu karnego.

Wyniki

Trening Zastępowania Agresji ART wydaje się ważnym i efektywnym sposobem oddziaływania wobec sprawców przestępstw agresywnych. W badaniu na populacji więziennej uzyskał on pozytywne wyniki w perspektywie krótkoterminowej, a więc w odniesieniu do czasu, w którym realizowany był program i tuż po jego zakończeniu.

Wnioski

1. U Skazanych objętych Treningiem Zastępowania Agresji ART po przebytym oddziaływaniu obserwowano niższy poziom odczuwanego gniewu oraz mniejszy poziom gotowości do zachowań agresywnych fizycznych i agresji werbalnej. 2. Skazani po treningu wykazywali również niższy poziom wrogości wobec innych osób. 3. Ponadto u skazanych objętych oddziaływaniem zaobserwowano zmianę w funkcjonowaniu podczas odbywania kary pozbawienia wolności, co skutkowało zmniejszeniem się ilości kar dyscyplinarnych stosowanych na terenie zakładu karnego.
The role of mirror neurons in empathy, with a focus on their relevance in autism spectrum disorder and other clinical implications
Authors: Kiełt Weronika , Kozłowska Julia , Broniec Gabriela , Wajdowicz Barbara , Kudła Aleksandra , Czapiewska Rozalia , Dziewulska Aleksandra , Wróbel Aleksandra , Pacek Laura , Kowalska Klaudia
Published: October 2024

Introduction
Mirror neurons are brain cells that engage when an individual performs an action and then observes another person completing the same action. These neurons are supposed to help us grasp others' emotions and intentions by mimicking their experiences. This has led to the theory that mirror neurons influence empathy, or the ability to share and understand the experiences of others. The article investigates the role of mirror neurons in empathy, specifically their potential contribution to emotional resonance, perspective-taking, their relevance in autism spectrum disorder and other clinical implications.
 
Aim of the study
The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of how mirror neurones contribute to the development and expression of empathy in humans, with a focus on their role in autism spectrum disorder. The objective of this research is to clarify the role of mirror neurons in social cognition and gain a better understanding of the neurological foundation for empathy.
 
Materials and methods
Scientific articles from the Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were analysed. The goal of this study was to choose recent articles that most adequately encompassed the problems under consideration. The search was conducted out using the following keylords: mirror neurones, empathy and autism spectrum disorder.
 
Summary
Mirror neurones appear to play an important part in empathy, as evidenced by neural activity patterns during emotion identification. While they are not the single source of empathy or the only trigger, they are definitely present. Conflicting evidence limits our understanding of their exact impact, and more credible studies need to be conducted. However, current research reveals that mirror neurones have a measurable, although limited, impact on empathy.
Applications, impacts and consequences of botulinum toxin usage in medicine
Authors: Kiełt Weronika , Kozłowska Julia , Broniec Gabriela , Wajdowicz Barbara , Kudła Aleksandra , Czapiewska Rozalia , Dziewulska Aleksandra , Wróbel Aleksandra , Pacek Laura , Kowalska Klaudia
Published: October 2024

Introduction
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the gram-positive bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin has found great interest in the field of aesthetic medicine, but it has many other applications in other areas of medicine.
 
Aim of the study
The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of the usage of botulinum toxin in medicine, with a focus on specific areas of medicine. Attention will be paid to the safety of the use of this substance, taking into account its molecular structure and mechanism of action.
 
Materials and methods
An analysis of the scientific articles available in the Pubmed, Google Scholar and web of science databases was performed. Recent publications which most appropriately encompassed the issues under discussion have been selected for the purpose of this study. The process of search was carried out with the following keywords: neurotoxin, botulinum toxins, botulism, muscle paralysis.
 
Summary
Despite numerous studies, there is ample room for further research into the safety of using botulinum toxin in patients as well as new therapies with this substance. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that is widely used in medicine, but has many side effects.
Metabolic Reprogramming via Ketogenic Diet: A Novel Approach to Combating Neurological Diseases
Authors: Karoń Łukasz Mikołaj , Zygmunt Anna , Karoń Karolina , Grabowski Wojciech , Drapała Grzegorz , Pedrycz Emilia , Pedrycz Daria
Published: October 2024

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a persistent tendency for the brain to generate seizures, affecting approximately 0.5–1% of the global population. Despite advances in pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions, around 30% of individuals with epilepsy continue to experience seizures, leading to significant impacts on quality of life. Among these individuals, many suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), where seizures persist despite optimal drug therapy or surgical interventions.In recent years, the ketogenic diet (KD)—a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary regimen—has emerged as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing DRE. The KD works by inducing ketosis, a metabolic state where the body uses fat as the primary energy source instead of carbohydrates, which has been associated with neuroprotective effects and significant seizure reduction. Variants of the KD, such as the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) and Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT), offer less restrictive alternatives that have shown similar efficacy in reducing seizure frequency.This review explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the KD, evaluates its safety and tolerability across different age groups, and assesses its efficacy in treating epilepsy, particularly DRE. The findings underscore the potential of personalized dietary interventions to serve as effective adjunctive therapies in the management of epilepsy, offering new hope for individuals who do not respond to conventional treatments.
Lithinos chytos: abalorios y collares de vidrio de Pintia (Valladolid). Estudio contextual y analítico Estudio contextual y analítico.
Authors: Sanz Mínguez Carlos , Coria Noguera José Carlos , Rodríguez Gutiérrez Elvira , Pinto Sanz Javier , Barroso-Solares Suset , Hurtado Violeta
Published: October 2024

Este trabajo ofrece el estudio contextual y analítico de las cuentas de collar de vidrio prerromanas del asentamiento vacceo de Pintia (Valladolid). Primeramente, se exponen los contextos donde aparecen estas piezas, concretamente en la ciudad fortificada de Las Quintanas y la necrópolis de Las Ruedas. El análisis contextual de esta última indica que estos elementos aparecen con mayor frecuencia en el siglo IV a.C., con fuertes pervivencias en los siglos II-I a.C. La tendencia general sugiere que estos abalorios se asocian a tumbas de alto estatus, y más frecuentemente, a sepulturas infantiles y de mujeres. En segundo lugar, se procede a la clasificación tipológica del repertorio a través de morfometría, estableciendo 15 tipos de cuentas de collar. Finalmente, los análisis arqueométricos a través de emisión de rayos X (PIXE) y gamma (PIGE) inducidos por haces de partículas han determinado la utilización de distintas menas de cobalto como pigmento azul: una mayoría con bajos contenidos asociados de níquel y una minoría con valores más elevados en níquel, más cercanas a los resultados previos relacionados con los vidrios manufacturados en Mesopotamia y Egipto. Todo ello pone de relieve la diversidad de rutas y productos de vidrio que arribaron a Pintia durante la Segunda Edad del Hierro. Palabras clave Hierro II, cuentas de collar, vidrio prerromano, vacceos, arqueometría.
Impact of SMOFlipid on Clinical Outcomes in Neonates Receiving Parenteral Nutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: He Tao , Huang Jianqiong , Ren Danwei , Yang Sen
Published: October 2024

Aims/Background Neonatal morbidity, including various diseases such as sepsis, cholestasis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), is a significant concern, especially in preterm infants. Selecting the appropriate lipid emulsion in parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential to improve clinical outcomes. This analysis aimed to assess the impact of a novel composite lipid emulsion, SMOFlipid, on neonates receiving PN.

Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted. We compared SMOFlipid to various other lipid emulsions in PN received by infants. Research findings that addressed outcomes such as mortality, sepsis, cholestasis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), BPD, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and length of hospital stay were included. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gestational age (GA). Twenty RCTs involving 1904 neonates were included.

Results Compared to other lipid emulsions, SMOFlipid significantly reduced the cholestasis risk (risk ratio (RR): 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–0.87, p = 0.004, I2 = 0%). However, the incidence related to IVH, BPD, ROP, NEC, and PDA (excluding an infant subgroup with GA <28 weeks), mortality, sepsis, and duration of hospital stay did not exhibit any substantial variations. The subgroup analysis indicated a decline in PDA incidence (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79–0.99, p = 0.04, I2 = 0%) among extremely premature infants receiving SMOFlipid.

Conclusion SMOFlipid offers a promising option for neonatal PN, particularly for reducing cholestasis in preterm infants and PDA in extremely premature infants. Further investigations into its comprehensive benefits and long-term effects are warranted.
Platelet Reactivity with MACE in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Post-PCI under Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Jiabing , Shi Xingliang , Chen Liuqing , Li Ting , Wu Chenttao , Hu Mingwu
Published: October 2024

Aim/Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a condition characterized by acute cardiac ischemia, is among the major causes of death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, whether there is a correlation between platelet reactivity and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) remains debatable, and whether platelet function tests should be tailored for ACS patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still under discussion. This study aims to investigate the relationship between platelet reactivity and the occurrence of MACE in ACS patients post-PCI and to discuss the implications of these findings.

Methods Clinical studies on ‘PCI, ACS, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), platelet reactivity, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)’ up to 31 October 2023, were systematically collected from Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Twelve articles meeting predefined criteria were selected. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 (Cochrane, London, UK) and Stata 15.0 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA) to compute pooled effect sizes, assess heterogeneity, explore sources of heterogeneity, and evaluate publication bias.

Results Twelve articles consisting of 9297 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that ACS patients with high platelet reactivity (HPR) who received PCI and used DAPT for 1–2 years had a greater risk of MACE (risk ratio (RR) = 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.30–2.46) compared to those with low platelet reactivity. Moreover, greater platelet reactivity was associated independently with all-cause mortality (RR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.63–3.12), cardiac mortality (RR = 2.87, 95% CI: 2.16–3.8), myocardial infarction (RR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.53–2.5), in-stent restenosis (RR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.22–2.87), as well as stroke (RR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.02–2.57), but not with coronary revascularization events (RR = 0.99, p = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.80–1.24). On the other hand, meta-regression revealed that region (p = 0.99), type of ACS patient (p = 0.16), drug regimen (p = 0.48), testing method (p = 0.51), sampling time (p = 0.70), follow-up time (p = 0.45), and PCI protocol (p = 0.27) were not sources of heterogeneity in the study.

Conclusion The meta-analysis outcomes indicate that in ACS patients receiving PCI and using dual antiplatelet therapy for 1–2 years, HPR was independently positively correlated with major adverse cardiovascular events, all-cause (or cardiac) mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction, in-stent restenosis, and stroke. This suggests that platelet reactivity testing has clinical and translational significance in predicting patients’ risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Comprehensive Evaluation Research on the Sustainable Development Level of Rural Energy Based on CRITIC-MABAC in Henan Province
Authors: Peng Li , Huixuan Li , Wenjing Zu , Shiqian Wang , Hongkai Zhang
Published: October 2024

Energy shortages are a key issue at present, and climate problems caused by the extraction and use of traditional fossil energy sources are also creating new challenges for rural development, with sustainable rural energy development being a priority at present. This paper takes the sustainable development of rural energy as the research object, and evaluates the development of rural energy in each prefecture-level city in Henan Province. On the one hand, rural development is viewed from the perspective of energy, on the other hand, the evaluation results provide a reference for each prefecture-level city, and most of the energy data can be obtained directly and with a high degree of accuracy, based on the CRITIC – MABAC methodology to determine the weights from an objective point of view and to rank the evaluation results, which is capable of obtaining the most accurate evaluation results. Finally, we used energy-related data from Henan Province in 2022 to conduct empirical analyses, and verified that Shangqiu City has a high level of sustainable rural energy development, which verifies the feasibility of the methodology proposed in this paper, and gives relevant recommendations.
"Queda sin gloria… /tu fábula": On the Myth of Apollo and Daphne and the Meaning of Love in Seventeenth-Century Spanish Poetry
Authors: Valencia Felipe
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Seventeenth-century Spanish poems on Apollo and Daphne foreground rape so as to mock the god, and by metonymy what he represents within each poem, for not being "man" enough to violate the nymph. Modeled after Garcilaso de la Vega's sonnet 13, the poems operated two key changes in the myth with respect to the Ovidian source: to omit either or both Cupid and Peneus; and turn what started out as a tragedy into a comedy. This article analyzes texts by Juan Jerónimo Serra; Soto de Rojas; Lope; Polo de Medina; Quevedo; Rioja; and Fray Gonzalo de San Miguel, among others.
Staging Analog Nostalgia in Nicaraguan Photography: Margarita Montealegre's Sajonia (Despertar la memoria)
Authors: Porto Cristina E. Pardo
Published: October 2024

Abstract: In this article, I analyze Margarita Montealegre's photographic series Sajonia (Despertar la memoria) (2017–ongoing). I employ the lens of "analog nostalgia," a concept developed by Laura U. Marks, to focus on her practice of using digital tools to rephotograph analog pictures. The series utilizes family photographs depicting Montealegre's childhood in the Sajonia neighborhood in Nicaragua in the 1960s, superimposed on present-day photos. I argue that the absence of images from the intervening period is key to understanding Montealegre's radical gesture and the narrative she constructs about the relationship between Nicaragua's past and present, memory and reality, history and progress.
Ancient Greek and Roman Crip Lit
Authors: Sneed Debby
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The study of disability in the ancient world is a burgeoning field and is rapidly garnering interest outside of academia, as well. This brief article argues that we can expand our engagement with the topic—and with ancient literature broadly—by acknowledging the disabled status of some Greek and Roman authors, many of whom are mainstays of our traditional literary canon. Disability-informed approaches to themes like embodiment and phenomenology can contribute to a more complex and grounded under-standing of ancient life and experience, as well as deepen our understanding of topics like Stoic philosophy, ancient temporalities, Greek tragedy and the discourse of disability in the ancient world.
Provinciae Baeticae Maurorum Civitates Dono Dedit: Otho’s Largesse and the Means of Civil War in Tacitus, Histories, 1.78.1 & 2.58
Authors: Olmo-López Rubén
Published: October 2024

Abstract: According to Tacitus, Otho gave some Maurian communities ( Maurorum civitates ) as a gift to Baetica to obtain the support of the province in the civil war ( Hist . 1.78.1). The details of the measure remain obscure and it has not yet been satisfactorily explained. In this article I present a new interpretation of Otho’s largitio from a political and administrative point of view, contextualising it within Tacitus’ account of the Straits war front (Hist. 2.58-59.1). I analyse which communities were affected by the measure, how the emperor could give formal validity to his statement and how the news about it could be spread throughout Baetica even though all Hispania was controlled on behalf of Vitellius by the consular legate Cluvius Rufus. Finally, I examine Tacitus’ narrative background in this episode of the civil war.