bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING PADA MAHASISWA PERANTAUAN ASAL LUAR JAWA YANG KULIAH DI UNNES DITINJAU DARI JENIS KELAMIN
Authors: Purnama Mahadika Yuda
Published: January 2025

This research aims to determine the description and comparison of the level of quality of subjective well-being among overseas students from outside Java who study at Semarang State University (UNNES) based on gender. The criteria for respondents in this research were overseas students from Semarang State University (UNNES). This research uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive comparative design. The sampling technique used in this research is simple random sampling. The number of samples in this study was 100 individuals. The data analysis techniques used in this research are descriptive analysis and t test using statistical software. Sig value. (two-tailed) in the T Test, a value of (0.369 > 0.05) was obtained. These results show that the quality level of subjective well-being in male overseas students from outside Java who study at Semarang State University (UNNES) is slightly better when compared to the level of subjective well-being quality in female overseas students, although there is no significant difference. significant between the two.
BACK-ESTIMATION OF SLAB CURLING AND JOINT STIFFNESS
Authors: Guo Edward H.
Published: January 2025

The analysis of the Heavy Weight Defelctometer (HWD) data from the FAA National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF) indicates that the measured Sum of two Deflections (SD) on two sides of dummy joints increase proportionally to the slab curling but are insensitive to the joint Load Transfer capability defined by Deflection (LTD). This discovery is verified and extended by finite element analysis in this paper. HWD data collected from pavements at the NAPTF are used to first back-estimate the slab curling assumed due to an equivalent temperature gradient then the shear stiffness of the dummy joints are calculated. The numerical comparison of the predicted and directly measured joint and corner deflections verifies that the back- estimated parameters are reasonable.
A MECHANISTICALLY AND RISK BASED DESIGN METHOD FOR CONCRETE PAVEMENTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Authors: Strauss P J , Slavik M , Perrie B D
Published: January 2025

The Cement Industry identified the need to develop a design method that would be easy for practitioners to use. The method was to be mechanistically based in order to facilitate interaction with the mechanistic flexible pavement design methods currently in use and to promote the use of concrete to rehabilitate flexible pavements. The paper describes the development of suitable models from finite element and multi- layer evaluations as well as the computer program that was subsequently compiled. The design procedure takes into account voids under the slab, load transfer characteristics through aggregate interlock and dowels, the influence of traffic mix, tyre pressures and speed of loading. Pavement characteristics change with time and the different parameters show statistical variation. All of this, together with actual field performance, was taken into account to generate the output which is expressed in terms of risk of failure. In order to achieve a practical design tool, the performance of different concrete pavement sections (roads, streets and hardstandings), some of which were accurately instrumented, were used to calibrate the method.
PERMANENT DEFORMATION OF BASE COURSE UNDER CONCRETE PAVEMENT AND ITS EFFECT TO FATIGUE FAILURE
Authors: Takeuchi Yasushi , Koyanagawa Masashi , Nishizawa Tatsuo , Kimura Makoto
Published: January 2025

In order to study the behavior of concrete pavement under cyclic loads, the static loading test and the cyclic loading test with the full scale concrete pavement were carried out at the Public Works Research Institute (PWRI) of the Ministry of Construction in 1997. In this study, the reduction of the base course reaction modulus (k value) with cyclic loads and its effect on the fatigue failure of a concrete slab were investigated. The plate FEM program was used for analysis of mechanical behaviors in the loading test, and two types of fatigue curve were utilized for the fatigue analysis of the concrete slab. The result showed that the reduction of k value with the permanent deformation of base course surface accelerated the fatigue failure of the concrete.
A RECIPE FOR COMPACTION OF CONCRETE
Authors: Ayton Geoffrey
Published: January 2025

Compaction has a substantial influence on the flexural strength and fatigue life of concrete pavements. However, few authorities specify compaction criteria in contract documents. Reference to vibrator performance charts indicates that they are often used in both slipform and fixed-form paving at rates exceeding those which will achieve uniform compaction at satisfactory levels. The Roads & Traffic Authority of New South Wales has been using and refining compaction criteria since 1985. Acceptance is based on the unit mass of cores relative to that of standard test specimens. In order to minimise specimen variability, it has been necessary to refine moulding procedures. This paper discusses the warrant for, and the development of, the specifications.
Molecular-genetic studies in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Baryshnikova N. V. , Lovchikova M. D. , Shishlova I. I.
Published: January 2025

The issues of optimizing the management of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori have remained relevant in clinical therapy and gastroenterology for many years. This is due both to the high prevalence of H. pylori infection in Russia: depending on the region, it is 35–60 %, and to the potential carcinogenicity of the microorganism in relation to the development of stomach cancer. According to clinical recommendations, when conducting an endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract, a rapid urease test with a biopsy from the antrum and the body of the stomach or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a biopsy of the stomach may be recommended as a method of primary diagnosis of infection. Enhanced molecular genetic typing of the microbe can increase the effectiveness of diagnosis, with the identification of several genes encoding the synthesis of pathogenicity factors H. pylori, as well as the analysis of microbial resistance to antibiotics (detection of genes encoding mutations associated with microbial resistance). Thanks to a set of studies that include not only verification of the pathogen, but also molecular genetic typing of infection by PCR, it is possible to significantly optimize the management tactics of patients infected with H. pylori and provide a personalized approach to antihelicobacter therapy depending on the virulence and resistance of the strain of the pathogen with which a person is infected. The relevance and breadth of the use of full-genome H. pylori sequencing is increasing, however, this study is not used in routine medical practice, including due to the high cost.
Clinical cases of the use of ESPB as a component of combined anesthesia in patients with liver resection operations
Authors: Medvedeva A. A. , Malyshev A. A. , Vlasenko A. V. , Rodionov E. P. , Evdokimov E. A. , Makarov O. V. , Lykhin V. N. , Popova V. S.
Published: January 2025

This scientific work is devoted to the topical and applied issue of modern anesthesiology – intensive care – rational anesthesia of laparoscopic liver resections. The transformation of surgical access from «open» to minimally invasive – laparoscopic and robot–assisted – encourages anesthesiologists to search for new methods of prolonged postoperative analgesia. The tendency of modern anesthesiology to limit the use of opioids and the popularization of ultrasound technologies expand the scope of application of myofascial blockades in various fields of surgery. The techniques are safe and effective and can be implemented in various groups of patients, in particular in those who has contraindications to neuroaxial block. Currently, the most commonly used method of anesthetic provision is combined anesthesia –general anesthesia and epidural analgesia. It should be remembered about the features of surgical interventions on the liver and the associated risk of developing massive blood loss syndrome, which increases the frequency of post-operative, primarily hemorrhagic complications, after the use of neuroaxial techniques of prolonged analgesia. The sympatholytic effect of local anesthetics with prolonged epidural infusion is well known, in some cases provoking hemodynamic instability, and, as a result, the need for monitoring the patient in the intensive care unit, as well as increasing the length of hospital stay in general. This circumstance contradicts the trend of modern surgery towards rapid and accelerated recovery after surgery. The above together is economically unprofitable and does not meet the requirements of modern protocols. An in-depth analysis of clinical practice led the authors to the idea of using myofascial blocks (in particular, erector spinae plane block), which have positive qualities of neuroaxial techniques, but are characterized by a better safety profile.
Significance of shear wave ultrasound elastography in predicting one-year posthospital outcomes of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Akramova E. G. , Saveliev A. A. , Kapustina E. P.
Published: January 2025

The aim of the study was to analyze the results of shear wave elastography data of iliac and femoral vein thrombi in the acute period of the disease to identify ultrasound parameters that are prognostically significant for posthospital outcomes.Material and Methods. At the hospitalization stage, 153 patients with iliac and femoral vein thrombosis underwent venous ultrasound with shear wave elastography. Depending on the outcome of the disease 6–12 months after discharge from the hospital, the examined patients were divided into 3 groups: with recanalization, venous retrombosis and death.Results. In those with the outcome “retrombosis” the thrombus stiffness during inpatient treatment was higher than in the groups with the outcomes “recanalization” and “death”. According to the Accuracy and Gini coefficients for iliac vein thrombosis, the values of maximum and mean Young’s moduli of iliac vein thrombus on the first, third and sixth days of hospitalization, whereas in femoral vein thrombosis – maximum, average and minimum Young’s moduli of femoral vein thrombus on the mentioned days and minimum Young’s modulus of sural vein thrombus on the first day of hospitalization. The variables separating the posthospital outcomes “recanalization” and “death” in iliac vein thrombosis were the maximum Young’s modulus of femoral vein thrombus on the first day of hospitalization and the length of the floating part of the thrombus; in femoral vein thrombosis – the maximum Young’s modulus of the saphenous vein on the first day of hospitalization, the PE mass and the duration of the period from the first symptoms to hospitalization.Conclusion. The results of shear wave elastography at the hospital stage of management of patients with DVT allow predicting the recurrence of thrombosis in the following year based on the stiffness values of the proximal part of the venous thrombus and lethal outcome based on the stiffness of the thrombus in the inferior vein of the affected limb.
TAX LAW AND DIGITAL TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC LAW
Authors:   Rostov State University of Economics (RSUE), Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation, NAUMENKO A.M.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the study. The article presents a retrospective of the formation of tax law as a sub-branch of financial law, as well as current trends in the legal regulation of tax relations related to the digitalization of financial activities of the state.

Conclusions. The author concludes that in the Russian legal field, tax law as an independent structural element arises and transforms in response to fundamental geopolitical crises. The nineties of the last century formed it as an independent component of the Russian legal system. And the modern transition to the global modalities of the digital industry requires a comprehensive revision of the tax regime for regulating public relations, starting from novel terminology, ending with new formats of interaction between participants. The use of electronic services is currently permissible only in a dispositive manner. After all, the potential of using digital technologies on the part of private entities depends on their property status, technical competencies, as well as the availability of communication services. Therefore, the scale of the Russian digitalization of tax regulation depends on the formation of a unified digital environment throughout the state, and not just the financial segment.
PROBLEMATIC ISSUES OF CLEARING A LAND PLOT FROM WOODY AND SHRUBBY VEGETATION FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES
Authors:   Kutafin Moscow State Law University (MSAL), Moscow, Russian Federation, SIZINTSEV P.V.
Published: January 2025

This article is devoted to the issues related to the clearing of a land plot from various types of trees and shrubs that are not related to forests and grow beyond the boundaries of forest fund lands. The author examines the current legal regulation of procedures related to the formalization of the felling (demolition) of such vegetation and the procedure for the subsequent disposal of the obtained timber using the example of the preparation for the construction of a linearly extended transport and energy infrastructure. Based on the conducted research, the author expresses an opinion on the need for operational regulation of individual elements of the complex of measures for clearing the construction site from the vegetation in question in order to eliminate excessive administrative barriers in preparation for construction work.
ON THE ISSUE OF CRITERIA FOR CRIMINAL GROUPS
Authors:   All-Russian State University of Justice (RLA of the Ministry of Justice of Russia), Moscow, Russian Federation, IVANOV N.G.
Published: January 2025

In the article, from the standpoint of adequacy to the legal principle of consistency and certainty, as well as admissibility as differentiations, the criteria characterizing the group formations identified in the General Part of the Criminal Code are considered. The article analyzes the features proposed by the legislator and the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, which offers the relevant criteria in its resolutions. A special emphasis is placed on the criteria of a criminal organization. As a result of the consideration of the criteria of group formations, it is concluded that all the presented distinctive features of criminal groups are abstract, which increases uncertainty and the absence of the necessary feature that allows us to present a group formation as a unique sufficient basis. Attention is paid to the interesting conclusion of the Supreme Court about the possibility of complicity of a group of persons with one sane person.
CRIMINAL LAW PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT OF A PARTICIPANT IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TO PROTECT PERSONAL DATA (PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS FOR THEIR SOLUTION)
Authors:   Law Firm “Asnis and Partners”,  Moscow, Russian Federation, ASNIS A.YA.
Published: January 2025

The article examines the issues of the current state and the problems of insufficient effectiveness of the criminal law fight against the unfair use of personal data about participants in legal proceedings (including participants in criminal proceedings). The illegal use of personal data may entail a violation of the interests of justice and other law-enforcement interests of the state, constitutional rights and legitimate interests of citizens and organizations. The initiative draft of the federal law “On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation” is analyzed, aimed at improving existing mechanisms for combating criminal acts in the field of personal data circulation. This draft was prepared by the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation in accordance with paragraph 2 (a) of the List of Instructions from the President of the Russian Federation dated January 12, 2023. based on the results of the meeting of the Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights on December 7, 2022. The author concludes that improving the effectiveness of preventing and suppressing illegal trafficking in personal data (including the use of such data for the purpose of committing crimes) cannot be ensured solely by strengthening the criminal protection of legitimate the interests of participants in the preliminary investigation of criminal cases, and not all categories of participants in the proceedings. To solve this problem, an integrated set of legal, organizational, technological measures and other interrelated measures is needed.
La representación del pasado como forma narrativa de la esperanza en los desastres naturales
Authors: Mönckeberg-Díaz Margarita , Atarama-Rojas Tomás
Published: January 2025

Esta investigación aborda el estudio de las noticias publicadas en la prensa chilena a propósito de los terremotos de 1960 y 2010 con la finalidad de explorar cómo cada nuevo acontecer telúrico es representado desde la reminiscencia del anterior. Se analizaron 250 notas periodísticas a partir de una metodología cualitativa que observaba el orden temporal de las narraciones, en concreto, el recurso de la analepsis, para detectar la referencia a eventos telúricos anteriores. El estudio reveló que las historias periodísticas chilenas de los terremotos de 1960 y 2010 recurrían a la representación del pasado como forma narrativa de la esperanza, para recordar que tras el azote de la naturaleza habrá un nuevo renacer. Esta narrativa responde a la configuración de un mito telúrico chileno.
Teaching About Schooling: Integrating Education Politics into Political Science Curricula
Authors: Arnzen Cameron , O'Neill Chloe
Published: January 2025

Education is a vital tenet of a democratic society, equipping citizens with the skills necessary to self-govern. Individuals also experience K12 education policy consistently throughout their lives, as a student, a parent, a taxpayer, and/or a community member. However, few political science programs offer courses that focus on education.e argue for the inclusion of education politics in political science education by highlighting the importance for students, the discipline, and democratic ideals. Though education, a crucial public good, has always been a political institution, a systematic review of the top-100 political science programs reveals that political science curricula often overlook education. Only 1 out of every 4 programs has an education-focused political science course. Our paper additionally provides a framework for political science educators to integrate education politics into their curricula, illustrating the connections between education politics and key political science concepts.
Strategi Dinas Perhubungan dalam Mengatasi Kemacetan Lalu Lintas di Kota Bekasi
Authors: Khoirunissa Okta , Purnamasari Hanny
Published: January 2025

One of the most populous places, Bekasi City, yet struggles with traffic. In urban centers, congestion often occurs at regular times, especially during commuting times, weekends, and holidays. Congestion has many negative effects.The present study employs a descriptive qualitative methodology to investigate the contextual factors of the issue and evaluate the Transportation Agency's approaches to mitigating traffic congestion in Bekasi City.Interview, observation, and documentation are the three main components of the information collection method. The study shows that the strategy of the Transportation Agency to address traffic congestion in Bekasi City has not been successful. This is shown by the Transportation Agency's Organizational Strategy which aims to encourage Dishub field officers to crack down or punish traffic violators, but it does not happen. Programs such as the Road Equipment Program, Traffic Management and Engineering Program, and Parking Facility Control Program are considered successful based on the approach applied by the government. However, these strategies faced several problems. One of them is the disproportionate growth of vehicles compared to the construction of new roads, which still causes congestion. According to the supporting strategies, the work quality of field officers should be improved as there is still a shortage of officers in some locations.
Keywords: policy, strategy, traffic jams
Keberadaan Rumah Negara terhadap Efisiensi Pelaksanaan Tugas dan Motivasi Kerja Pegawai di Rumah Tahanan Negara (Rutan) Kelas IIB Balige Sumatera Utara
Authors: Ginting Syntha Ekanintha , Saleha Eha
Published: January 2025

State house is one form of compensation in the form of facilities provided to officials or civil servants as a place of residence in supporting the performance of their duties. residential place in supporting the implementation of their duties. In conducting security in the detention house, it is 24-hour security is required. Employees are required to always be ready to attend office, assist and overcome disturbances to security and order. The existence of this state house is expected to be one of the solutions to support security and disturbances in detention. security and disturbances in detention centers. However, it is necessary to know the extent to which the existence of a state house provides benefits in supporting the efficient implementation of tasks and increase employee motivation. The purpose of this research is to see the effect of the relationship between the existence of a state house on the efficiency implementation of tasks and work motivation at the Balige Class IIB State Detention Center North Sumatra. The method used in this research is quantitative quantitative research method. Data collection techniques are observation and questionnaires. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between the existence of a state house and the efficiency of task implementation. with the efficiency of task implementation is significant in the same direction with a moderate relationship, while the relationship with employee motivation is moderate. moderate relationship, while the relationship with employee work motivation is unidirectional with a strong relationship. In conclusion, the existence of a state house can significantly can significantly support the efficiency of task implementation and increase motivation of employees at the Balige Class IIB State Detention Center.
Non-histone lactylation: unveiling its functional significance
Authors: Shi Pusong , Ma Yongjie , Zhang Shaolu
Published: January 2025

Lactylation, a newly discovered protein posttranslational modification (PTM) in 2019, primarily occurs on lysine residues. Lactylation of histones was initially identified, and subsequent studies have increasingly demonstrated its widespread presence on non-histone proteins. Recently, high-throughput proteomics studies have identified a large number of lactylated proteins and sites, revealing their global regulatory role in disease development. Notably, this modification is catalyzed by lactyltransferase and reversed by delactylase, with numerous new enzymes, such as AARS1/2, reported to be involved. Specifically, these studies have revealed how lactylation exerts its influence through alterations in protein spatial conformation, molecular interactions, enzyme activity and subcellular localization. Indeed, lactylation is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including tumor development, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, immune cell activation and psychiatric disorders. This review provides the latest advancements in research on the regulatory roles of non-histone protein lactylation, highlighting its crucial scientific importance for future studies.
Ferula communis leaf extract: antioxidant capacity, UHPLC–MS/MS analysis, and in vivo and in silico toxicity investigations
Authors: Ed-Dahmani Imad , El Fadili Mohamed , Nouioura Ghizlane , Kandsi Fahd , Atki Yassine El , Abuelizz Hatem A. , Conte Raffaele , Zahra Lafdil Fatima , Taleb Abdeslam , Abdellaoui Abdelfattah , Taleb Mustapha
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Ferula communis has demonstrated an abundance of pharmacological and antioxidative qualities.

Methods

This study investigates the antioxidant activity of F. communis leaf aqueous extract, total polyphenol and flavonoid concentrations, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) composition and then evaluates the toxicity of the plant’s leaves in vitro and in silico. The major compound of the studied extract, namely, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, was chosen for a molecular docking technique to discover the inhibition mechanism toward antioxidant proteins. In addition, a detailed molecular dynamics simulation was carried out to examine the thermodynamic stability of the produced intermolecular interactions. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts of F. communis was evaluated using 2,2-diphenylpicryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) procedures. Acute toxicity was tested on albino mice at doses of 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg.

Results

The results show that the polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the extract are significant (0.257 ± 0.003 mg Eq AG/mg and 0.32 ± 0.04 mg Eq Q/mg, respectively). The antioxidant activity illustrates that the extracts have notable activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. The toxicity study revealed that the mice’s behavior, body weight, and organ weights (liver and kidneys) were unaffected by Ferula communis leaf extract administration compared to controls. UHPLC–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis of the extract highlights the presence of 11 compounds, the most abundant of which is p-hydroxybenzoic acid, representing 53.65%. The predicted pharmacokinetic characteristics of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) attest to the well-absorbed nature of the isolated compounds, with human intestinal absorption (HIA) varying from 42% for arbutin (M3) to 100% for ursolic acid (M4).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the leaves of Ferula communis are a good source of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds. Thus, this study demonstrates that this plant has a wide range of applications, including natural food preservatives, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, as evidenced by ongoing research.
Epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiling in septic and non-septic patients with similar infections: potential use as sepsis biomarkers
Authors: López-Cruz Ian , García-Giménez José Luis , Madrazo Manuel , García-Guallarte Judit , Piles Laura , Pallardó Federico V. , Artero Arturo
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated immune response to infection, leading to organ failure. Despite its significant global burden, the underlying mechanisms of immune dysfunction in sepsis remain incompletely understood. This study explores the role of DNA methylation in white blood cells in sepsis pathogenesis.

Methods

A prospective case-control study was conducted to compare DNA methylation profiles between patients with community-acquired sepsis and matched controls who had similar infections but did not develop sepsis. Whole blood samples from these patients were analyzed using the Infinium MethylationEPIC v2.0 kit, enabling genome-wide methylation analysis. Selected genes with differential methylation were validated by pyrosequencing.

Results

Significant differential DNA methylation patterns were identified between septic and non-septic individuals uising. Our results suggest that DNA methylation changes are closely linked to the pathophysiological processes of sepsis, influencing immune cell activation, inflammation, and organ dysfunction. The most prominent findings include the hypomethylation of immune-related genes (SERPINA1, AZU1, MPO, and SLX4), which were strongly correlated with clinical severity and inflammatory markers such as SOFA scores and PCT levels. Correlation analyses demonstrated significant associations between the methylation levels of these genes and clinical severity markers, such as SOFA score and PCT levels. Notably, SLX4 hypomethylation showed the highest predictive value for poor prognosis (AUC 0.821), while SERPINA1 hypomethylation exhibited strong diagnostic potential for sepsis (AUC 0.858).

Discussion

Our results underscore the potential of DNA methylation changes, particularly in immune-related genes, to enhance the early detection of sepsis and to stratify patients based on severity. Future research should explore the therapeutic implications of these epigenetic alterations in sepsis care.
Evaluation of the transmission-blocking potential of Plasmodium vivax antigen Pvg37 using transgenic rodent parasites and clinical isolates
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhao Yan , Liu Dongyan , Liu Fei , Liu Pengbo , Zhang Biying , Wu Zifang , Roobsoong Wanlapa , Bantuchai Sirasate , Thongpoon Sataporn , Sripoorote Piyarat , Wang Meilian , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming
Published: January 2025

Background

Plasmodium vivax is a major cause of malaria, particularly outside Africa, necessitating effective strategies for public health management. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) have shown the potential to inhibit malaria transmission by targeting antigens expressed in sexual-stage parasites. Pbg37, a conserved protein expressed in sexual stages from gametocyte to ookinete in the rodent parasite P. berghei, is a viable target for TBV development.

Methods and findings

In this study, we constructed a transgenic strain, TrPvg37Pb, expressing Pvg37 using the P. berghei ΔPbg37 strain. Initial findings demonstrated that the replacement of Pbg37 with the exogenous Pvg37 did not impact parasite growth or development. Notably, Pvg37 was expressed during the gametocyte to ookinete development and was associated with the plasmic membrane, similar to Pbg37. To evaluate the potential of Pvg37 as a TBV candidate, we synthesized two Pvg37 polypeptides and immunized rabbits to generate antibodies. In vitro experiments demonstrated that anti-Pvg37-P2 antibodies significantly inhibited the formation of male gametes and ookinetes in the transgenic TrPvg37Pb parasite. Additionally, in mosquito feeding assays, mosquitos feeding on TrPvg37Pb-infected mice passively transferred with anti-Pvg37-P2 antibodies showed a significant 80.2% decrease in oocyst density compared to the control group. Furthermore, in direct membrane feeding experiments using four clinical P. vivax isolates, the anti-Pvg37 antibodies significantly reduced oocyst density by 28.6–50.4%.

Conclusion

Pvg37 is a promising candidate for P. vivax TBV development, deserving further research and optimization to enhance its immunogenicity and transmission-blocking activity.
Amphetamine use as a predictor of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality and morbidity: a longitudinal cohort study of criminal justice clients
Authors: Åhman Ada , Berge Jonas , Håkansson Anders
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Amphetamine use is an increasing problem, and studies suggest a connection between amphetamine use and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathology. However, few long-term studies examine amphetamine users' risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathology, in comparison to users of other drugs. In addition, in a criminal justice system, illicit drug use and psychiatric comorbidity is common, whereas structured treatment and follow-up is uncommon, and stimulant use is common in this setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality for intravenous drug users with different drugs as the primary drug, using data from the criminal justice system.

Methods

A cohort of injecting substance users (N = 2,422) was identified in the Swedish criminal justice system through interviews with the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) between January 2001 and August 2006. Data on age, sex, self-reported injection drug, tobacco use, and time in prison or custody were retrieved from the ASI database. The clients were followed in national registers up to 2014 with respect to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Potential predictors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were investigated.

Result

Self-reported main drug was amphetamine in 51.5% (n = 1,247), polysubstance use in 33% (n = 799), and heroin in 15.5% (n = 376) of the cohort. Total observational time for the entire cohort was 23,911 person-years [median 10.3 years (IQR 9.3–11.2 years)]. The highest incidence rates of both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were found among amphetamine users. Bivariate analyses showed a significantly higher percentage of cardiovascular events in amphetamine users compared to other substance users (p < 0.044). Amphetamine was not significantly associated with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events, compared to the main drug heroin or polysubstance use.

Conclusion

In this study on substance-using criminal justice clients, while the highest incidence rates of both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events were found among amphetamine-using individuals, the study did not provide evidence of an independent association. The study highlights the need to take co-factors into account, such as comorbidities and socio-economic factors. More studies are needed to distinguish substance-specific pathology from the impact of other unhealthy lifestyle factors among substance-using individuals.
A study on the impact of mentoring on the employment of postgraduate students in Chinese colleges
Authors: Jiang Xue , Wang Hong
Published: January 2025

Postgraduate student mentoring and postgraduate employment are two pressing challenges in postgraduate education today, and we focus on the relationship between the two in an effort to address both issues. Based on a survey of 725 Chinese postgraduate students, this study explored the relationship between the mentoring and postgraduate employment. Specifically, this study delves into how mentoring influences postgraduate employment satisfaction by enhancing employability, which includes academic competence, personal quality competence, and employment capital. The results show that (1) the mentoring is significantly and positively correlated with the employment satisfaction of postgraduate students, exerting a notable direct effect on their employment satisfaction; (2) academic competence, personal quality competence, and employment capital have a significant mediating effect between the mentoring and employment satisfaction of postgraduate students. In summary, this research highlights the critical role of mentoring in bolstering postgraduate employment satisfaction by fostering the cultivation of employability skills.
‘We all have the same goals’? Goal diversity in cross-sector collaborations of cultural education
Authors: Arnold Marie-Therese , Kolleck Nina
Published: January 2025

Following the current rise of cross-sector networks in education, we take a closer look at the supply side in the field of cultural education in Germany. We consider goal diversity in cross-sector collaborations and aim to provide insights into the group-specific goals of actors in the initial phase of collaborations. Using the lens of collaborative governance, collaborative engagement, and goal diversity research, we conducted 24 semi-structured interviews which we analyzed using thematic qualitative content analysis. We identified distinct goals for each of the five participating groups. These goals can be assigned to the macro, meso, and micro levels of the network, providing information about the direction of the goals and emphasizing the dynamic interplay of goals and their implications for collaborative dynamics. Future research could determine whether the results can be found in other contexts.
Validation of a scale based on the DigComp framework on internet navigation and cybersecurity in older adults
Authors: Rodríguez-Miranda Francisco de Paula , Illanes-Segura Rocio , Ceada-Garrido Yolanda , Infante-Moro Juan Carlos
Published: January 2025

The global COVID-19 pandemic revealed the persistence of the digital divide in older adults. The need to use technologies in order to communicate, remain informed and have contact with society, along with the need to perform online transactions, led to increased susceptibility, given the potential for scams and cyberattacks. This was a cause of concern amongst the general population, and especially amongst the elderly. The aim of this study is to validate a useful and reliable scale that measures the digital literacy of the senior population. This literacy refers to how they safely search for and manage information, as well as their competencies with regard to the security of their own devices. This scale was created through the adaptation of competencies 1.1, which consist of “browsing, searching and data filtering,” as well as 4.1, which considers “protecting devices,” from the DigComp model. The quantitative and qualitative analyses have required three samples: (1) a group of experts (N = 20) to adapt the scale to the Active Aging Model, (2) a group of older adults (N = 50) to carry out the exploratory factor analysis and (3) another group of older adults (N = 174) for the confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the analysis reveal the validity and reliability of the designed scale. To conclude, on one hand, the proposed model reveals a goodness of fit; on the other hand, older adults continue to demonstrate a reluctance to use the technologies for financial dealings. In this study, we present a new and reliable instrument adapted to the digital needs of seniors, which can be used by organizations and administrations to promote support policies and training activities for older adults within the active aging framework.
Quantitative analysis of peripapillary RNFL capillary density and thickness in patients with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Cao Zelie , Tian Tao , Liu Ru , Peng Jinli , Kuang Guoping
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Optical coherence tomography angiography was used to compare the changes of capillary density and thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) without diabetic retinopathy (DR) and patients with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 62, 85, and 75 eyes of normal control group (NC), DM group, and NPDR group were included, respectively. All subjects received an optic-disc-centered 6 × 6-mm fundus scan. The annular region outside the optic disc boundary was divided into eight sectors: nasal superior, nasal inferior, inferior nasal (IN), inferior temporal (IT), temporal superior, temporal inferior, superior nasal, and superior temporal (ST). The average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, average capillary density, and changes in thickness and capillary density of each sector in the annular region were calculated.

Results

Compared with the NC group, the average capillary density of pRNFL in patients with DM and NPDR groups decreased significantly (p < 0.001), and there were significant differences in capillary density in all sectors except the IN sector in the DM group. There was no significant difference in the average thickness of pRNFL between the groups. Only the thickness of ST and IT in DM group and NPDR group, respectively, were significantly lower than that in the control group. In addition, the ROC curve of pRNFL average capillary density has high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing DR from healthy eyes (AUC = 0.852).

Conclusion

The pRNFL average capillary density in diabetic patients without DR and patients with mild NPDR, respectively, were significantly lower than that in healthy controls, especially in the NPDR group.
Sex differences in intracranial plaque burden in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease: a pilot study based on high-resolution MRI
Authors: Yan Xuejiao , Li Ling , Gao Jie , Wang Lihui , Ai Kai , Lei Xiaoyan , Tang Min , Zhang Xiaoling , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: January 2025

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main cause of macrovascular disease. Previous studies have found sex differences in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated macrovascular disease outcomes. However, the relationship between sex differences, T2DM, and AS is not fully understood. This study attempts to explore possible associations between sex, treatment, and the burden of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) in patients with T2DM who have experienced an acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Methods

We focused on patients with T2DM with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack due to intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. ICAS was assessed by 3T cardiovascular magnetic resonance vascular wall imaging. Plaque counts of the total, proximal, and distal intracranial arteries were used to assess plaque burden. Patients with a history of T2DM and currently taking hypoglycemic drugs were defined as being treated. Poisson regression models or negative binomial regression models were used to analyze the interaction between sex and treatment in relation to plaque burden.

Results

A total of 495 plaques were detected in 120 patients (75 male; mean age, 60.77 ± 11.01 years), including 311 proximal and 184 distal plaques. The intracranial culprit plaque was located proximal to the artery in both male (85.3%) and female (88.9%) patients. The adjusted total and proximal intracranial plaque burdens were 1.261 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.050–1.515, P=0.013) and 1.322 times (95%CI, 1.055–1.682, P=0.016) higher in male than in female patients. The risk ratio for proximal plaque burden in untreated male versus female patients was 0.966 (95%CI, 0.704–1.769). However, the proximal plaque risk ratio for treated male versus female patients was 1.530 (95%CI, 1.076–2.174). The interaction of sex and treatment significantly affected the proximal plaque burden.

Conclusion

Male patients with T2DM and acute cerebrovascular disease have a significantly higher adjusted risk of total and proximal intracranial plaque burden compared to female patients. Female patients undergoing antidiabetic treatment have a significantly reduced risk of proximal plaque to males. Considering that culprit plaques tend to accumulate in the proximal arteries, understanding how to reduce the burden of proximal plaques may help reduce the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events.
Association of abstinence time with semen quality in men who undergoing fertility evaluation: a cross-sectional study from 3052 participants
Authors: Yao Guanying , Qi Qinglin , Dou Xianchao , Zhou Wen , Bai Shun , Zhang Xi
Published: January 2025

Objective

Abstinence time has been associated with semen quality, but the results remain controversial.

Methods

This study recruited 3052 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Abstinence time (AT) was categorized as short (0-1 day), WHO-recommended (2-7 days) and long (>7 days). Semen parameters including volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, total motility sperm count (TMSC), morphology and DNA fragmentation index were assessed for their association with AT.

Results

Short AT was significantly associated with lower semen volume (P< 0.001), sperm concentration (P= 0.01) and TMSC (P< 0.001), while long AT was significantly associated with higher sperm concentration (P= 0.006), reduced progressive motility (P= 0.005) and total motility (P= 0.02), and higher DFI (P< 0.001). Restricted cubic spline models demonstrated a non-linear relationship between AT and the risk of low semen volume (Pnon-linear < 0.001), sperm concentration (Pnon-linear = 0.039) and TMSC (Pnon-linear < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest both short and long AT were significantly associated with lower sperm quality, which indicated the importance of maintaining a recommended AT (2-7days) for semen analysis. Additionally, short abstinence periods may be recommended to maintain optimal sperm DNA integrity.
What is known and unknown about the role of neuroendocrine genes Ptprn and Ptprn2
Authors: Stojilkovic Stanko S. , Sokanovic Srdjan J. , Constantin Stephanie
Published: January 2025

The protein tyrosine phosphatase receptors N and N2 are encoded by the Ptprn and Ptprn2 genes expressed in neuroendocrine cells of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and diffuse neuroendocrine system, including the pancreas, lung, and intestine. Unlike other members of the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor family, PTPRN and PTPRN2 lack protein tyrosine phosphatase activity due to mutation of two residues in their intracellular catalytic domains. However, during evolution these proteins acquired new cellular roles beyond tyrosine dephosphorylation in the centralized and diffuse neuroendocrine systems. Here we discuss the current understanding and lack of information about the actions of these proteins, focusing on neuroendocrine cells of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and pancreas.
ESG performance and carbon emission intensity: examining the role of climate policy uncertainty and the digital economy in China’s dual-carbon era
Authors: Li Shiyu , Ao Xiangyuan , Zhang Mengdie , Pu Mingyue
Published: January 2025

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations and the general direction of global green and low-carbon transformation, China has formulated a dual-carbon target. It aims to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and strive for carbon neutrality by 2060. Therefore, carbon emission intensity (CEI) has gradually become a research focus. This study investigates the effect of ESG performance on CEI, and explores the moderating effect of climate policy uncertainty (CPU) and the digital economy (DE) on ESG performance and CEI. Provincial-level data in China from 2011 to 2020 was used under the panel data analysis method. The analysis reveals that ESG performance significantly alleviates CEI. In addition, CPU weakens the efficiency of ESG initiatives in decreasing CEI due to regulatory unpredictability, while the digital economy’s expansion, although innovative, may exacerbate CEI in regions dependent on fossil fuels. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the need for integrated policies that harmonize digital growth with sustainability goals. Additionally, it underscores the significance of considering CPU and DE as critical moderating factors in ESG-CEI dynamics, offering insights for policymakers aiming to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility.