bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of machine learning methods for predicting childhood anaemia: Analysis of Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey of 2016
Authors: Tesfaye Solomon Hailemariam , Seboka Binyam Tariku , Sisay Daniel
Published: April 2024

Childhood anaemia is a public health problem in Ethiopia. Machine learning (ML) is a growing in medicine field to predict diseases. Diagnosis of childhood anaemia is resource intensive. The aim of this study is to apply machine learning (ML) algorithm to predict childhood anaemia using socio-demographic, economic, and maternal and child related variables. The study used data from 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey (EDHS). We used Python software version 3.11 to apply and test ML algorithms through logistic regression, Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree, and K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN). We evaluated the performance of each of the ML algorithms using discrimination and calibration parameters. The predictive performance of the algorithms was between 60% and 66%. The logistic regression model was the best predictive model of ML with accuracy (66%), sensitivity (82%), specificity (42%), and AUC (69%), followed by RF with accuracy (64%), sensitivity (79%), specificity (42%), and AUC (63%). The logistic regression and the RF models of ML showed poorest family, child age category between 6 and 23 months, uneducated mother, unemployed mother, and stunting as high importance predictors of childhood anaemia. Applying logistic regression and RF models of ML can detect combinations of predictors of childhood anaemia that can be used in primary health care professionals.
Green treasures: Investigating the biodiversity potential of equine yards through the presence and quality of landscape features in the Netherlands
Authors: Wolframm Inga A. , Heric Lara , Allen Andrew M.
Published: April 2024

At a time of mounting ecological crises and biodiversity loss, there is an urgent need for nature-based solutions. Equestrian properties cover a considerable proportion of the European rural and peri-urban landscape and provide much potential for integrating ecosystem services, such as the inclusion of small landscape features. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and quality of landscape features (LF) to help determine how the equine sector can contribute to the agro-ecological transition. Using a citizen science approach, 87 commercial and 420 private yard owners reported the type, frequency and geometric dimension of LFs and additional biodiversity enhancing features. A hierarchical multivariate regression was used to determine how equine property characteristics explain variation in the Percentage Property Coverage (PPC) of LFs. The model explained 47% of the variation of PPC. The variables that explained significant variation in PPC included Yard size, Number of LFs, Tree rows, Fruit orchard, Wild hedges, Flowering strips, Buffer strips, Embankments and Cluttered corners. Commercial yards are significantly larger with significantly more horses and on average only 9% (±13.87%) of the property was covered by LFs whilst private yards had significantly more coverage of LFs with on average 12% (±14.77%). These findings highlight the substantial yet untapped potential of equine yards in fostering biodiversity, suggesting that the equine sector could play an important role in the agro-ecological transition. To encourage more biodiverse-inclusive yard designs, tailored strategies should consider the diverse factors influencing equine yard design, including existing knowledge, client demands, financial considerations, and equine health and welfare.
A qualitative study on the adoption of the new duty hour regulations among medical residents and faculty in Korea
Authors: Han Eui-Ryoung , Chung Eun-Kyung
Published: April 2024

Duty hour regulations (DHRs) were enforced in 2017 in Korea to prevent the detrimental effects of excessively prolonged working hours among medical residents. We investigated the adoption of and implications of the new DHRs among medical residents and faculty members. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 medical residents and 9 faculty members across general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics–gynecology, and pediatrics departments at Chonnam National University Hospital. Based on the constructivist grounded theory, we developed themes from the data by concurrent coding and analysis with theoretical sampling until data saturation. In addition, respondent validation was used to ensure accuracy, and all authors remained reflexive throughout the study to improve validity. The methods of DHRs adoption among residents and faculty members included the following 4 themes: DHRs improved work schedule, residents have more time to learn on their own, clinical departments have come to distribute work, organization members have strived to improve patient safety. Residents have undertaken initial steps towards creating a balance between personal life and work. Teamwork and shift within the same team are the transitions that minimize discontinuity of patient care considering patient safety. Teaching hospitals, including faculty members, should ensure that residents’ work and education are balanced with appropriate clinical experience and competency-based training.
Reflections on augmented reality codes for teaching fundamental defensive techniques to boxing beginners
Authors: Rakha Ahmed Hassan
Published: April 2024

AR technology allows users to interact with virtual objects in real-world settings. Immersive AR experiences can enhance creativity and possibilities. Learners can explore real-life situations in a safe, controlled environment, understand abstract concepts and solve problems. This study investigates whether AR-codes affect boxing beginners’ performance in some fundamental defensive techniques. An experimental and control group were created to implement a quasi-experimental design. By using the ASSURE instructional design model, AR technology was incorporated into the educational program and delivered in flipped classroom method to the experimental group. Comparatively, the control group is taught a program using a teacher’s command style. A post-measurement of defensive boxing skills was conducted for both groups. Participants were 60 boxing beginners aged 12 to 14 who had enrolled in Port Fouad Sports Club’s 2023/2024 training season in Port Said, Egypt. Randomly, participants were divided into control and experimental groups. They were homogenized and equivalent in terms of age, height, weight, IQ, physical fitness, and skill level. According to the study results, the experimental group performed better in post-measurements than the control group. The AR Codes technology had a large effect size on the learning of boxing defensive skills under study. Consequently, it is necessary to use AR Codes technology as an educational resource to enhance the learning process, integrate it with active learning strategies, and use it to teach defensive boxing skills and apply them to offensive and counterattack skills, thereby improving the learning process.
Characteristics of men who have casual sex with men among Chinese university students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Weiyong , Ma Qiaoqin , Pan Xiaohong , Chen Lin , Wang Hui , Zhou Xin , Jiang Tingting , Chen Wanjun
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The characteristics of men who have sex with men (either exclusively or with both men and women; MSM) who engaged in casual sex among Chinese male university students have not been compared with the characteristics of men who have sex with only women (MSW). This information is important for tailoring targeted behavioral interventions to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission in this subgroup of MSM.

Methods

Data were derived from a large cross-sectional electronic questionnaire survey conducted at 13 universities in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2018. Bivariate analyses were used to compare demographic, HIV-related psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics between MSM and MSW students who engaged in casual sex during the previous year. Proportion differences between the two groups and their 95% confidence intervals were analyzed.

Results

Among the 583 sexually active male students who engaged in casual sex during the previous year, 128 and 455 were MSM and MSW, respectively. Compared with MSW students, larger proportions of MSM students reported knowing that male-to-male sexual behavior was the main mode of HIV transmission among Chinese students (62.5% vs. 45.5%), consenting to commercial sex (67.2% vs. 53.4%), wanting to know the HIV serostatus of partners before casual sex (65.8% vs. 51.3%), feeling at risk of HIV infection (40.5% vs. 11.8%), high condom-decision scale scores (55.3% vs. 42.6%), engaging in sex with ≥ 5 casual sex partners (44.6% vs. 25.9%), searching for casual partners online (89.2% vs. 51.3%), consuming alcohol before casual sex (64.8% vs. 45.0%), engaging in sex with regular partners (83.1% vs. 67.0%), engaging in commercial sex (54.2% vs. 26.4%), and visiting a clinic for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) (16.4% vs. 8.4%). However, compared with MSW students, smaller proportions of MSM students reported knowing that consistent condom use could prevent HIV transmission (80.5% vs. 95.2%) and that VCT should be actively sought after risky sexual behavior (78.9% vs. 93.8%), using condoms sometimes/often (26.4% vs. 44.3%), and consistently using condoms (28.9% vs. 40.1%) while engaging in sex with casual partners.

Conclusions

MSM students who engaged in casual sex were at a greater risk of HIV/STI transmission, compared with MSW students. Comprehensive interventions to address the risks of unprotected male-to-male sex, searching for casual sex partners online, and non-use of HIV testing services are needed to reduce the burden of HIV/STI transmission among this subgroup of MSM.
Specific nanoprobe design for MRI: Targeting laminin in the blood-brain barrier to follow alteration due to neuroinflammation
Authors: Zapata-Acevedo Juan F. , Losada-Barragán Mónica , Osma Johann F. , Cruz Juan C. , Reiber Andreas , Petry Klaus G. , Caillard Amael , Sauldubois Audrey , Llamosa Pérez Daniel , Morillo Zárate Aníbal José , Muñoz Sonia Bermúdez , Daza Moreno Agustín , Silva Rafaela V. , Infante-Duarte Carmen , Chamorro-Coral William , González-Reyes Rodrigo E. , Vargas-Sánchez Karina
Published: April 2024

Chronic neuroinflammation is characterized by increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, leading to molecular changes in the central nervous system that can be explored with biomarkers of active neuroinflammatory processes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has contributed to detecting lesions and permeability of the BBB. Ultra-small superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIO) are used as contrast agents to improve MRI observations. Therefore, we validate the interaction of peptide-88 with laminin, vectorized on USPIO, to explore BBB molecular alterations occurring during neuroinflammation as a potential tool for use in MRI. The specific labeling of NPS-P88 was verified in endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and astrocytes (T98G) under inflammation induced by interleukin 1β (IL-1β) for 3 and 24 hours. IL-1β for 3 hours in hCMEC/D3 cells increased their co-localization with NPS-P88, compared with controls. At 24 hours, no significant differences were observed between groups. In T98G cells, NPS-P88 showed similar nonspecific labeling among treatments. These results indicate that NPS-P88 has a higher affinity towards brain endothelial cells than astrocytes under inflammation. This affinity decreases over time with reduced laminin expression. In vivo results suggest that following a 30-minute post-injection, there is an increased presence of NPS-P88 in the blood and brain, diminishing over time. Lastly, EAE animals displayed a significant accumulation of NPS-P88 in MRI, primarily in the cortex, attributed to inflammation and disruption of the BBB. Altogether, these results revealed NPS-P88 as a biomarker to evaluate changes in the BBB due to neuroinflammation by MRI in biological models targeting laminin.
First Evidence of Potential Microplastic Ingestion of Yellow Striped Goat Fish Upeneus vitattus (Forsskal, 1775) Caught in Malita, Davao Occidental, Philippines
Authors: Bersaldo Michael Jeriel Inocentes , Lacuna Maria Lourdes Dorothy G. , Orbita Maria Luisa S. , Tampus Annielyn D. , Avenido Pedro M. , Macusi Edison D.
Published: April 2024

Microplastic (MP) study in the Philippines is gaining attention because of the recent trends in macro-microplastic study worldwide and there is already a call for research to help the degrading marine environment in the country. No study in Malita, Davao Occidental was conducted to document microplastic contamination. To address this gap, 30 goat fishes collected in 6 sampling stations were dissected and microplastic were extracted, counted, and characterized. Results revealed that 96.67% of samples were contaminated with microplastic. In terms of microplastic type, fiber was most dominant than fragments, in microplastic hue, color black was the most common and microplastic with size ranging from 50 to 500µm were usually observed. Comparable amount of microplastic was obtained in fish guts across stations (P>0.05) which means that fish ingestion of microplastic were evident in the area. Based on Correlation, the length (r2=0.13), wet weight (r2=0.17) and gut wet weight (r2=0.29) of the fish does not tell the amount of microplastic ingested by each yellow stripped goat fish since there is a weak relationship between the two parameters. The result suggests, Malita’s seawater is already polluted with microplastic and demersal fishes that practice high site fidelity were very susceptible to microplastic ingestion. A stronger solid waste management policy must be implemented and activities such coastal clean ups and information drives must be initiated by all stakeholders. Further, microplastic investigation in seawater and sediments must be conducted to have a more detailed study of the whole extent of microplastic contamination in Malita, Davao Occidental.
Microbiome manipulation – the future of inflammatory skin disease treatment?
Authors: Vodovnik Maša , Rezar Ema
Published: April 2024

The manipulation of the human microbiome presents a transformative frontier in addressing prevalent dermatological conditions, like acne and atopic dermatitis. Strategies for skin and gut microbiome modification, such as microbiome transplantation and oral or topical application of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, offer promising solutions for different skin disorders. Bacteriophages, viruses that target bacteria, also provide an alternative microbiome manipulation platform. However, despite the promising initial results, further investigation is essential to unravel the underlying mechanisms, assess efficacy, and ensure safety across diverse populations, as the interplay between microbial communities and skin health is very complex. In the transformative era of microbiome manipulation techniques, it is important to ensure that these are applied beyond the realms of scientific exploration and benefit the global advancement of skin health.
This review aims to capture the increasing volume of research in this field that reflects a growing interest and dedication to advancing our understanding of microbiome manipulation techniques with potential applications in dermatology. It represents an overview of the possibilities of treating skin diseases via microbiome modulation, focusing on two of the most common inflammatory skin diseases of today: acne and atopic dermatitis.
Clinical and Structural Characteristics of NEU1 Variants Causing Sialidosis Type 1
Authors: Li Yingji , Liu Yang , Wang Rongfei , Ao Ran , Xiang Feng , Zhang Xu , Wang Xiangqing , Yu Shengyuan
Published: April 2024

Objective Sialidosis type 2 has variants that are both catalytically inactive (severe), while sialidosis type 1 has at least one catalytically active (mild) variant. This study aimed to discuss the structural changes associated with these variants in a newly reported family carrying N-acetyl-α-neuraminidase-1 (NEU1) variants and explore the clinical characteristics of different combinations of variants in sialidosis type 1.Methods First, whole-exome sequencing and detailed clinical examinations were performed on the family. Second, structural analyses, including assessments of energy, flexibility and polar contacts, were conducted for several NEU1 variants, and a sialidase activity assay was performed. Third, previous NEU1 variants were systematically reviewed, and the clinical characteristics of patients in the severe-mild and mild-mild groups with sialidosis type 1 were analyzed.Results We report a novel family with sialidosis type 1 and the compound heterozygous variants S182G and V143E. The newly identified V143E variant was predicted to be a mild variant through structural analysis and was confirmed by a sialidase activity assay. Cherry-red spots were more prevalent in the severe-mild group, and ataxia was more common in the mild-mild group. Impaired cognition was found only in the severe-mild group. Moreover, patients with cherry-red spots and abnormal electroencephalographies and visual evoked potentials had a relatively early age of onset, whereas patients with myoclonus had a late onset.Conclusion Changes in flexibility and local polar contacts may be indicators of NEU1 pathogenicity. Sialidosis type 1 can be divided into two subgroups according to the variant combinations, and patients with these two subtypes have different clinical characteristics.
Developing EFL Learners’ Collocational Knowledge in Self-Regulated Flipped Classroom: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Akbarian Is’haaq , Elyasi Fatemeh
Published: April 2024

This study compares flipped approach with self-regulated flipped approach on EFL learners’ collocational knowledge. Thirty available EFL students were randomly assigned to two equal experimental groups: flipped and self-regulated flipped. For six weeks, both groups received learning contents outside of class time, and class time was used for interactive activities. However, self-regulating strategies (goal-setting and self-evaluation) were employed to the self-regulated flipped participants to help them schedule their out-of-class time to effectively work on the content before class to interact collaboratively with their peers and teachers in class activities. Three collocation videos were sent to their different WhatsApp groups. A researcher-made test on Adjective + Noun and Verb + Noun collocations served as the pre- and post-test. The time spent on watching collocations was collected through a ‘study log’. The results of a mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance revealed that integrating self-regulation into flipped approach enhanced the students’ collocational knowledge; their planning strategies and using study time also improved. The study has implications for EFL teachers and material developers.
Investigating the Borrowing of English Inflectional Morphemes Into Chinese Newspapers
Authors: Ni Chuanbin , Jin Xiaobing
Published: April 2024

It is controversial whether English inflectional morphemes can be systematically borrowed into written Chinese since English and Chinese are typologically and orthographically different. This paper intends to investigate the borrowing of eight English inflectional morphemes [–’s (possessive), –(e)s (plural), –ed (past tense, past participle), –ing (present participle), –en (past participle),–s (the 3rd person singular), –er (comparative), and –est (superlative)] into Chinese with a corpus of Chinese newspapers collected from 2005 to 2021. The findings of this study suggest a significant presence of the systematically borrowed English inflectional morphemes into Chinese newspapers in terms of borrowability. Based on the analysis of the linguistic features and frequency distribution of the borrowed morphemes into Chinese newspapers, it can be concluded that the English inflectional morphemes borrowed can be well adapted into Chinese.
The Correlations Between Perceived Classroom Environment, Foreign Language Learning Boredom and EFL Achievement: A Full Mediation Model
Authors: Zheng Rongrong , Feng Enhao
Published: April 2024

The present study adopted a mixed-methods approach to investigate the relationships between EFL (English as a foreign language) learners’ perceived classroom environment (PCE), foreign language learning boredom (FLLB), and English achievement. Two hundred and seventy Chinese high school students participated in a questionnaire survey and 9 students participated in a semistructured interview. The results revealed that: 1) General PCE was negatively correlated with FLLB and positively correlated with achievement. Task orientation was the only component of PCE that significantly related to achievement; all components of PCE except student cohesiveness were significantly related to FLLB; 2) Teacher support, task orientation, and class order negatively influenced FLLB, which negatively influenced English achievement. None of the components of PCE directly influenced English achievement; 3) FLLB fully mediated the influence of teacher support and task orientation on achievement. Responses from the participants triangulated our findings in the quantitative part. According to the research findings, English teachers should adequately support their students and appropriately orient learning tasks to reduce students’ boredom levels and improve their English achievement.
My Numerous Detours – Toward Private Law as Society’s Constitution
Authors: Teubner Gunther
Published: April 2024

The author responds in two ways to the contributions in this special issue dealing with aspects of his scholarly work. In his first, more general response, he traces the influences that various institutions and individuals exerted on him and were reflected in his work on private law theory. In retrospect, he understands both his many years abroad and his involvement with extra-legal disciplines, especially systems theory and sociology of law, as a search for the identity of private law in foreign legal systems as well as in foreign disciplines. At the end of this search stands the concept of societal constitutionalism. The author understands private law as society’s constitution, more precisely: as the legal constitution of the self-governance of a variety of social systems. In a second, more specific response, the author deals with some of the questions raised in the various contributions to the special issue. From the perspective of both sociology of law and legal doctrine, the author addresses problems of society’s constitution that arise, on the one hand, outside the borders of the nation-state in transnational political processes and, on the other hand, outside the institutionalized political sector, in the "private" sectors of world society. They revolve around the theoretical and practical potential of societal constitutionalism: how, in non-state institutions, the new power centers of society, particularly in the emerging socio-digital institutions, private law can set the normative conditions for fundamental rights, the rule of law, democratic participation, and, increasingly today, ecological sensibility.
The Effects of the Initial Geometrical Errors on the Piston Friction and Sealing Performance in a Buoyancy Regulator of an Underwater Glider
Authors: Yang Chiye , Guo Liming , Liu Jing , Pan Guang , Song Baowei
Published: April 2024

As an important power component of an underwater glider, the energy consumption of the buoyancy regulator directly affects the endurance of the underwater glider. The accurate calculation and prediction methods for the friction forces can be helpful for improving the working performance of the buoyancy regulator. The traditional friction prediction models consider the cylinder as perfect cylinder without any geometric error, which cannot accurately reflect the effects of the initial geometric defects on the friction force and sealing performance of the cylinder of the piston type buoyancy regulator. This article proposes a new friction force calculation method considering the initial geometrical defects of the cylinder. By using the theoretical analysis and finite element calculations, the effects of the initial geometrical defects on the friction force and sealing performance of the piston type buoyancy regulator can be more accurately analyzed. The effect of the ovality and taper on the friction force and sealing performance is analyzed. In addition, the friction force calculation method proposed in this article is validated by an experiment. This article can provide an accurate cylinder friction force calculation method considering the initial geometrical errors for the piston type buoyancy regulators.
The Evolving Role of Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair in Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Binbin , Chen Xiang , Wang Bin , Dai Cuilian , Wang Yan
Published: April 2024

Growing evidence indicates that severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The prognostic benefit of isolated TR surgery remains unclear, and medical therapy for decompensated right heart failure alone cannot delay disease progression. TR assessment and management have substantially evolved in recent years. Currently, minimally invasive catheter-based techniques have emerged as a feasible and effective option for TR treatment in high-risk surgical patients. Transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has been proposed and applied as an interventional treatment for TR, and has yielded promising preliminary results. This review provides an overview of the current state of T-TEER.
Do thermoelectric generator modules degrade due to nickel diffusion
Authors: Gorskyi P. V.
Published: April 2024

The author builds a strict diffusion theory of electrical contact resistance by studying the process of non-stationary diffusion of metal into the thermoelectric material, as a result of which a transition contact layer is formed. The distribution of metal atoms in the transition layer and the law of its growth are strictly determined from the condition of the balance of the substance quantity. It is shown that the relative distribution of nickel in the transition layer is described by a function erfc(6,771x), where erfc(…) is the so-called complementary error integral, and x is the normalized depth measured from the metal-thermoelectric material separation boundary. At the same time, the transition contact layer grows with time t according to the law x0 = 13,552(Dt)1/2, where D is the diffusion coefficient of the metal in the thermoelectric material, and its thickness is related to the thickness of the spent metal layer by the ratio x0 = 12h, where h the thickness of the spent nickel layer. Based on the obtained regularities, the temperature dependence of the electrical contact resistance of the transition layer and its time dependence (degradation law) were strictly calculated for the first time. It is shown that for the thickness of the spent nickel layer in the range of 5–20 μm and in the temperature range of 300–500 K, the electrical contact resistance varies in the range from 3,8•10–6 to 3,4•10–5 Ω•cm2 and increases over time according to the square root law. It is also shown that there is no reason to fear a significant decrease in the thermoelectric figure of merit of the generator material as a result of nickel concentration leveling through the thickness of the thermoelectric leg after its surface layer is depleted.
Preconditioning-Induced Facilitation of Lactate Release from Astrocytes Is Essential for Brain Ischemic Tolerance
Authors: Hirayama Yuri , Le Ha Pham Ngoc , Hashimoto Hirofumi , Ishii Itsuko , Koizumi Schuichi , Anzai Naohiko
Published: April 2024

A sublethal ischemic episode [termed preconditioning (PC)] protects neurons in the brain against a subsequent severe ischemic injury. This phenomenon is known as brain ischemic tolerance and has received much attention from researchers because of its robust neuroprotective effects. We have previously reported that PC activates astrocytes and subsequently upregulates P2X7 receptors, thereby leading to ischemic tolerance. However, the downstream signals of P2X7 receptors that are responsible for PC-induced ischemic tolerance remain unknown. Here, we show that PC-induced P2X7 receptor-mediated lactate release from astrocytes has an indispensable role in this event. Using a transient focal cerebral ischemia model caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion, extracellular lactate levels during severe ischemia were significantly increased in mice who experienced PC; this increase was dependent on P2X7 receptors. In addition, the intracerebroventricular injection of lactate protected against cerebral ischemic injury. In in vitro experiments, although stimulation of astrocytes with the P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP had no effect on the protein levels of monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 1 and MCT4 (which are responsible for lactate release from astrocytes), BzATP induced the plasma membrane translocation of these MCTs via their chaperone CD147. Importantly, CD147 was increased in activated astrocytes after PC, and CD147-blocking antibody abolished the PC-induced facilitation of astrocytic lactate release and ischemic tolerance. Taken together, our findings suggest that astrocytes induce ischemic tolerance via P2X7 receptor-mediated lactate release.
Venous thromboembolism in Cushing syndrome: results from an EuRRECa and Endo-ERN survey
Authors: Cherenko M , Appelman-Dijkstra N M , Priego Zurita A L , Biermasz N R , Dekkers O M , Klok F A , Reisch N , Aulinas A , Biagetti B , Cannavo S , Canu L , Detomas M , Devuyst F , Falhammar H , Feelders R A , Ferrau F , Gatto F , Grasselli C , van Houten P , Hoybye C , Isidori A M , Kyrilli A , Loli P , Maiter D , Nowak E , Pivonello R , Ragnarsson O , Steenaard R V , Unger N , van de Ven A , Webb S M , Yeste D , Ahmed S F , Pereira A M
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with Cushing syndrome (CS) are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Objective

The aim was to evaluate the current management of new cases of CS with a focus on VTE and thromboprophylaxis.

Design and methods

A survey was conducted within those that report in the electronic reporting tool (e-REC) of the European Registries for Rare Endocrine Conditions (EuRRECa) and the involved main thematic groups (MTG’s) of the European Reference Networks for Rare Endocrine Disorders (Endo-ERN) on new patients with CS from January 2021 to July 2022.

Results

Of 222 patients (mean age 44 years, 165 females), 141 patients had Cushing disease (64%), 69 adrenal CS (31%), and 12 patients with ectopic CS (5.4%). The mean follow-up period post-CS diagnosis was 15 months (range 3–30). Cortisol-lowering medications were initiated in 38% of patients. One hundred fifty-four patients (69%) received thromboprophylaxis (including patients on chronic anticoagulant treatment), of which low-molecular-weight heparins were used in 96% of cases. VTE was reported in six patients (2.7%), of which one was fatal: two long before CS diagnosis, two between diagnosis and surgery, and two postoperatively. Three patients were using thromboprophylaxis at time of the VTE diagnosis. The incidence rate of VTE in patients after Cushing syndrome diagnosis in our study cohort was 14.6 (95% CI 5.5; 38.6) per 1000 person-years.

Conclusion

Thirty percent of patients with CS did not receive preoperative thromboprophylaxis during their active disease stage, and half of the VTE cases even occurred during this stage despite thromboprophylaxis. Prospective trials to establish the optimal thromboprophylaxis strategy in CS patients are highly needed.

Significance statement

The incidence rate of venous thromboembolism in our study cohort was 14.6 (95% CI 5.5; 38.6) per 1000 person-years. Notably, this survey showed that there is great heterogeneity regarding time of initiation and duration of thromboprophylaxis in expert centers throughout Europe.
Experience of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries: case series
Authors: Al-Juraibah Fahad , Al Shaikh Adnan , Al-Sagheir Afaf , Babiker Amir , Al Nuaimi Asma , Al Enezi Ayed , Mikhail George S , Mundi Hassan A , Penninckx Hubert K , Mustafa Huda , Al Ameri Majid , Al-Dubayee Mohamed , Ali Nadia S , Fawzy Nagla , Al Shammari Sameer , Fiad Tarek
Published: April 2024

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), the most prevalent form of inherited hypophosphatemic rickets, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homolog, X-linked (PHEX). This case series presents 14 cases of XLH from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The patients’ medical history, biochemical and radiological investigative findings, as well as treatment responses and side effects from both conventional and burosumab therapy, are described. Cases were aged 2–40 years at diagnosis. There were two male cases and 12 female cases. All cases were treated with conventional therapy which resulted in a lack of improvement in or worsening of the clinical signs and symptoms of rickets or biochemical parameters. Side effects of conventional therapy included nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nephrocalcinosis, and hyperparathyroidism, which affected the patients’ quality of life and adherence to treatment. In the 10 patients treated with burosumab, there was a marked improvement in the biochemical markers of rickets, with a mean increase in serum phosphate of +0.56 mmol/L and tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption (TmP) to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ratio (TmP/GFR) of +0.39 mmol/L at 12 months compared to baseline. Furthermore, a mean decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of −80.80 IU/L and parathyroid hormone (PTH) of −63.61 pmol/L at 12 months compared to baseline was observed in these patients. Additionally, patients treated with burosumab reported reduced pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue as well as the ability to lead more physically active lives with no significant side effects of treatment.

Learning points

Conventional therapy resulted in a suboptimal response, with a lack of improvement of clinical signs and symptoms.

Side effects of conventional therapy included nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nephrocalcinosis, and hyperparathyroidism, which affected the patients’ quality of life and adherence to treatment.

Burosumab demonstrated marked improvements in the biochemical markers of rickets, in addition to reducing pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

There were no significant side effects associated with burosumab therapy.
Análisis de la estructura de los elementos que expresan temporalidad en español y propuesta de jerarquización entre ellos
Authors: Castrillo de la Mata Isaac
Published: April 2024

En español existen distintos tipos de elementos que permiten expresar información temporal para situar en una línea temporal la acción enunciada. A pesar de la distinta naturaleza de estos elementos, creemos que todos deben compartir un contenido común que les permita transmitir una información de naturaleza similar. En nuestra opinión, esta característica común radica en el carácter vectorial de dichos elementos. En este trabajo propondremos un esbozo de clasificación de estos elementos atendiendo al tipo de vectorialidad sobre la que se construyen. Además, trataremos de establecer algún tipo de ordenación de estos elementos según la importancia que los hablantes les otorgan cuando deben interpretar la información temporal de los enunciados.
Sistematización de experiencia: transformación de las prácticas académicas del curso Introducción a la Administración de Negocios, Recinto de Guápiles, Universidad de Costa Rica, en el contexto del COVID-19
Authors: Arguedas Ulloa Ariel Jesús
Published: April 2024

Description: This paper describes the good academic practices adopted after the global health crisis that has affected the educational field. Objective: To describe the steps to achieve transformation in the academic practices of the Introduction to Business Administration course University of Costa Rica. Methodology: The five-time methodology recommended by Jara (2011) has been used. Results: The great transformation in academic practices lies in the fact that the methodology becomes 100% virtual, where the teacher had to previously design the teaching material for his synchronous class and add asynchronous educational elements that make him approach the subject, objectives, and share them through a pedagogical strategy with students, while relying on non-traditional digital tools. Conclusions: The global context forces all teachers to modernize the structure of physical or virtual classrooms depending on the student with dynamic and interactive spaces; in addition, it is concluded that academic practices are not an occurrence. Rather, it is a planned process in which evaluation and accompaniment with peers is of great help for instructional design.
In the Context of Okun Law, the Relationship Between Real Output and Unemployment Rate in Oecd: a Panel Error Correction and Panel Ardl Approaches
Authors: Altunöz Utku
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the correlation between unemployment rate and real output for OECD countries was analyzed through the application of Okun’s Law and unemployment hysteresis 2007-2022. For this purpose, panel error correction, panel cointegration, ARDL Bounds Test and Granger causality techniques were preferred. In addition, unemployment hysteresis was examined with different panel unit root technique in OECD countries. The findings show that there is a long-term link among the variables, while supporting unemployment hysteresis in most OECD countries. Long-term findings show that Okun’s law is applicable. Causality analysis indicates that there is a one-way and negative relationship towards the unemployment rate. The estimation for the long-run coefficient shows that the increase in growth leads to a decrease in the unemployment rate. Short-term findings also support long-term outcomes.
Impact of Energy Use on Air Pollution: Evidence from OCED Countries
Authors: Gara Atdhetar , Hadzimustafa Shenaj , Amaxhekaj Gazmend , Qehaja Driton
Published: April 2024

Air pollution poses significant environmental and health risks, with numerous studies suggesting its dire consequences ranging from respiratory diseases to global climate change implications. In this context, understanding energy consumption patterns and their impact on air pollution is critical, especially in developed nations with high energy consumption rates. This paper empirically analyzes the impact of energy use on air pollution in OECD countries – a group of nations that play a pivotal role in global energy consumption and policy-making. Despite their economic advancements, the implications of their energy choices on air quality have not been extensively studied, presenting a gap in the literature. Spanning 12 years from 2010 to 2021, our research encompasses a total of 456 observations, employing panel data. We aim to unveil the relationship between energy use, both traditional and renewable and air pollution levels. The variables studied include Energy use per capita, Alternative and nuclear energy, Greenhouse gas emissions, Energy imports, Access to electricity, and the production of renewable energy (air, water, solar, geothermal). Leveraging various econometric models such as OLS, OLS Robust, fixed, and random effects models, our findings reveal that electricity use exacerbates air pollution levels. Particularly, the increase in carbon dioxide, coupled with the rising access to electricity, deteriorates air quality. In contrast, electricity sourced from renewables like water, wind, nuclear, and geothermal energy aids in mitigating air pollution, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy choices for future policy considerations in OECD nations.
Money Talks: A Holistic and Longitudinal View of the Budget Basket in the Face of Climate Change and Sustainable Finance Matters
Authors: Lulaj Enkeleda
Published: April 2024

This study presents a holistic and longitudinal view of the household budget basket concerning climate change and sustainable finance matters. It aims to understand their impact on the budget basket by examining the relationship between money, climate change and sustainable finance in a global economy for transition countries. Comprehensive CPI data were collected in Kosovo from 2002 to 2022, and data analysis was performed using statistical methods such as t-tests and proximity matrixes in SPSS. The results show significant differences between the average and desired values within the budget basket, indicating changes in consumer behavior, particularly in food expenditures, budget allocations, and climate change impacts. Interesting patterns emerge, such as correlations between bread, cereals, and meat, and the absence of fish in some purchases. Spending on clothing and other goods also deviates from desired values. These findings highlight the complex relationship between money, climate change, sustainable finance, and consumer spending patterns, and underscore the need to address the gap between expected and desired spending values for the global economy in transition economies. Future research should focus on analyzing household spending and its interaction with other factors to improve personal financial management and promote sustainable financial behavior in a larger number of global economies.
What Is the Level of Savings Needed for High-Technology Export Led Growth?
Authors: Yılmaz Ebru Gül
Published: April 2024

High-tech export-led growth is an important determinant in terms of having a milestone feature for the level of development of countries. Although the restrictions arise from recent literature, it is obvious that countries, like Korea with 35.7% the high-technology product export ratio and China with 31.3%, that have set a strategy on the high-technology export-led growth could have managed to achieve what they aimed to have. It is obvious that to make any investment in high-technology products, a certain level of savings should be achieved. The purpose of this paper is to determine the savings level that is necessary for achieving a high-technology export level for economic growth. The motivation arises from the willingness to shed light on policymakers on their way to achieve the high-technology export-led growth. Sixteen countries with high-technology product export levels higher than the World’s average are chosen in order to test the HXT export-led growth strategy at the initial stage. The period of 2007–2020 has been chosen due to the availability of the data. After achieving the result that there is a bidirectional casualty relationship between HTX and economic growth, by using the threshold regression model it is concluded that after achieving the savings level of 38.73%, countries can create an increase in their HTX level. And this is a very important output for policymakers for setting their strategies for the high-technology export-led growth. Hence the main aim of the policymakers is to increase welfare level of citizens, they should aim to reach 38.73% in order to achieve the high-technology export-led growth. After reaching this savings level they will have a chance to make investments for producing high-technology products by routing their savings to research and development and getting patents. In this way, they will have a chance to increase the welfare levels with the HTX-led growth strategy.
Exploring the practical experience of digital education of kindergarten and elementary school teachers
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Kim So-Yeon , Choi Yi-Soo , Oh Chai-Sun
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore the practical experience of digital education of kindergarten teachers and elementary school teachers. To this end, two kindergarten teachers and two elementary school teachers had individual and group meetings. The contents of the interview were transcribed after recording and analyzed through qualitative research analysis. The results of the study are as follows. First, kindergarten teachers and elementary school teachers were found to be practicing digital education in their own locations, focusing on the curriculum. Kindergarten teachers and elementary school teachers planned and implemented digital education around different curricula, but it was the same that they listened to their children's experiences, reconstructed the contents and teaching methods, and practiced digital education. Second, kindergarten teachers and elementary school teachers are known to practice digital education so that children can think critically. Kindergarten teachers emphasized critical thinking in safety-related situations, focusing on safety issues that children can face when practicing digital education, while elementary school teachers emphasized critical thinking as digital citizens focusing on safety and ethical issues. Based on these results, for the smooth connection of digital education conducted in kindergartens and elementary schools, it was discussed that the same educational approach centered on children's experiences and lives should be found.
Current status of early childhood infectious disease prevention education by kindergarten teachers and their demand for visiting education by health teachers
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Kang Jeong Won , Choi Sung Jin , Jang In Sun
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to obtain implications for kindergarten health education by grasping the current status of kindergarten's infectious disease prevention education and the demand for health teachers' visiting education. The subjects of this study were 151 teachers currently working in kindergarten in ‘S’ city, who participated in an online survey. Findings revealed that most of them had experience in early childhood infectious disease prevention education, and most of the instructors were themselves. Their difficulties were the lack of expertise in infectious diseases and the lack of activities and play support materials. They responded that ‘methods and activities of infection prevention’ are the most necessary educational content. ‘Infection prevention methods and activities’ and ‘the importance of preventing infectious diseases’ is suitable from the age of 3, In addition, home support activities are required, and Home letters, card news, and expert lectures are preferred. Mostly, they need early childhood infectious disease prevention education visited by health teachers, and they are willing to participate in projects. They responded that group activity for visiting health teachers is preferably around 30 minutes, and related activities and plays are required along with the class. The results of this study are expected to be used as basic data for early childhood infectious disease prevention education projects visited by health teachers