bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of ecological and economic aspects as methodological bases for constitutionally motivated land-nature-use in modern Ukraine
Authors: Kovaliv O.
Published: September 2023

An analysis of ecological and economic aspects of land-nature-use was carried out, based on the essence of new theoretical knowledge of constitutional land law acquired by us as a modern need for urgent institutionalization of current constitutional land norms. The purpose of the article is to reveal the main empirical results of the analysis and synthesis of ecological and economic aspects in relation to the methodological foundations of land-nature-use for the application of methods and methods of assessment of natural resources (natural objects) as scientific and practical prerequisites for legal nature use based on current land regulations Constitution of Ukraine. It has been established that the ecological and economic aspects in relation to the methodological foundations of land-nature-use are an integral part of the normative-legal aspects and are completely consistent with each other, since their essence is based on the same land norms of the Constitution of Ukraine. It has been proven that ecological and economic relations are relations that arise between specific subjects of property rights, which are, on the one hand, the Ukrainian people (all citizens of Ukraine) as the absolute owner of all natural resources (objects), and on the other hand — the owner (lessee) of a land plot (object of civil rights) as the «owner» and «user» of natural resources (objects) owned by someone else — the main national wealth, which de jure is under the special protection of the state. Since, in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, the ownership of the land and its natural resources by the Ukrainian people obligates and must not be used to the detriment of man and society, it is imperative, first of all, to identify and certify all natural objects that have a nature reserve, nature protection, recreational, historical, cultural and other value. It was established that only under the conditions of implementation of the current constitutional norm of «use» of the property of the Ukrainian people, instead of the imaginary norm in the Land Code of Ukraine (Article 79) and the Civil Code of Ukraine (Article 373) — "distribution", a responsible and effective obligation will arise the obligation to carry out legal nature use and real protection of land and its natural resources as natural objects of someone else’s property for all categories of land, especially agricultural land.
Functions of dead wood in forest ecosystem services
Authors: Chornobrov O. , Solomakha I. , Solomakha V.
Published: September 2023

The article analyzes the functions and role of dead wood in the context of forest ecosystem services. The research was carried out by an analytical review of literary sources. A classification of the functions of dead wood is proposed, according to which the following main groups of functions are distinguished: supporting, habitat-providing, protective, resource and informational. Supporting — functions related to the main ecosystem processes. These include functions in the biological cycle of substances and energy, accumulation of nutrients and water, carbon deposition, regulation of ecosystem processes, and participation in soil-forming processes. The ecological functions of dead wood consist in providing habitats for species of flora and fauna, forming a substrate and a favorable environment for development, and preserving the biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Protective — functions aimed at the protection and preservation of certain components and processes of the ecosystem. They include control of surface runoff, soil protection, prevention of erosion and water protection functions. The resource functions of dead wood are the provision of natural resources that are used for human needs, including in industry, construction, other branches of production, as well as a fuel and energy source. The informational functions of dead wood are to provide opportunities for cognitive development, which are realized in a person’s acquisition of scientific and educational, cultural and artistic, spiritual and historical information. The proposed classification is schematic, since the division into function groups is based on the main functions of forest ecosystems in general. The ecological and protective functions of dead wood are interconnected, influencing each other, performing another new function. In the conditions of today’s global environmental challenges and awareness of the importance of dead wood as an important component of forest ecosystems, we consider the research of habitat-providing and informative functions of dead wood to be promising. At the same time, taking into account the current trend of switching to renewable energy sources, the importance of the resource functions of dead wood and its role in carbon deposition will be no less relevant. Ensuring a balance in the provision of deadwood ecosystem services is an important aspect of sustainable development.
Influence of daily feeding ration of cattle on the transfer of 137Cs and 90Sr to animal organisms and manure in the agroecosystems of Central Forest-Steppe
Authors: Pertsovyi I. , Herasymenko V. , Shvydenko I. , Rozputnii O. , Baban V. , Skyba V. , Vered P. , Kharchyshyn V. , Korol A. , Tytariova O.
Published: September 2023

The ration of feeding for large cattle was investigated and analyzed in terms of the transfer of 137Cs and 90Sr to muscle tissue, bones, milk, and manure biomass. The specific activity of radionuclides 137Cs and 90Sr was determined in the daily feeding ration of animals. It was found that the soil contamination density of 137Cs at the «Nadiya» farm ranged from 104.2 to 396.5 Bq/m2, while for 90Sr, it ranged from 9.4 to 36.2 Bq/m2. The fields at the «Ivanivske» farm had soil contamination densities of 137Cs ranging from 37.5 to 283.6 Bq/m2 and 90Sr ranging from 7.4 to 32.1 Bq/m2. The soil contamination density of 137Cs at the NNDC BNAU ranged from 4.18 to 8.66 Bq/m2, while for 90Sr, it ranged from 0.44 to 0.88 Bq/m2. The results of the ration assessment indicate that the average daily intake of 137Cs from feed into the animal’s body at the «Nadiya» farm was 375.3±84.2 Bq/kg, and for 90Sr, it was 345.1±98.2 Bq/kg. Significantly lower amounts of radionuclides from the ration entered the animals’ bodies at the «Ivanivske» farm, with an average daily intake of 137Cs at 174.9 Bq/kg and 90Sr at 236.0 Bq/kg. The lowest transfer coefficients of 137Cs and 90Sr from the daily ration to the body were observed at the NNDC BNAU, with 8.56 Bq for 137Cs and 9.69 Bq for 90Sr. It was determined that, overall, the muscle tissue of animals received 6.37% of 137Cs and 0.06% of 90Sr from the ration at the «Nadiya» farm; 2.0% of 137Cs and 0.02% of 90Sr at the «Ivanivske» farm, and 2.22% of 137Cs at the NNDC BNAU. In the case of bones, it was 6.47% of 90Sr at the «Nadiya» farm; 5.47% of 90Sr at the «Ivanivske» farm, and 0.41% of 90Sr at the NNDC BNAU. The obtained results confirmed that 137Cs is capable of evenly accumulating in all organs of the animal, while 90Sr selectively or predominantly accumulates in specific organs. It was established that under conditions of prolonged intake of radionuclides through the ration into the body of large cattle, 85–90% is excreted with the manure biomass.
Influence of monopotassium phosphate fertilizer on vegetable crops yield and indicators of fruit quality and safety
Authors: Matusevich G. , Bagatcka О. , Kudryavtsev A. , Grinko А. , Shabalkov D.
Published: September 2023

Research new mineral fertilizer of monopotassium phosphate (MPP) regarding the impact (effects) on biometric indicators, yield, quality and safety of vegetable crops was conducted. We studied the effect of MPP on the growth and development of tomatoes and cucumbers at different rates of use. When using MPP, tomato biometric indicators increased: the height of the plants is 6.7–8.2 cm, stem diameter — by 0.9–1.2 cm, leaf area — by 4.2–9.7 dm2 compared to the control and cucumbers: plant height — by 9.4–41.5 cm, stem diameter — by 0.2–0.5 cm compared to the control. It was established that with foliar feeding of open ground vegetables, an increase in the yield of tomatoes to 48.0–49.2 t/ha and cucumbers to 3.9–4.7 t/ha is observed, compared to the control variant 41.4 and 3.1 t/ha, respectively, and the quality of fruits increases significantly. The content of dry matter, sugar, and vitamin C indicate the quality of the fruits of vegetable crops. The dry matter content of cucumbers was 4.1–4.8%, which is 0.2–0.9% more than in the control. The content of sugar and vitamin C had a similar tendency to increase. If in the control their content was 1.1% and 13.7 mg/kg, then when applying fertilizer the content increased by 0.6–1.5%; of vitamin C — by 11.2–18.2%, respectively. The content of dry matter of tomatoes was 7.3–7.7%, which is 0.8–1.2% more than in the control. The content of sugar, vitamin C, and carotene also increased: in the control, their content was 3.1%, 15.2 mg/kg, and 12.9 mg/kg, when the fertilizer was used, the content increased: sugar by 0.8–1.1%; vitamin C — by 5.9–13.0%; carotene — by 6.2–13.7%, respectively. Fruit acidity increased by 0.23–0.13%. The content of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co) in the composition of the МКР does not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations specified in the Ukrainian and European standards. Application of fertilizer taking into account the biologically justified rates of consumption will not lead to a significant change in gross (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd, As, Мn, Cr, Hg) and mobile (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd) forms of heavy metals in the soil. According to the content of natural radionuclides, monopotassium phosphate corresponds to the current Ukrainian regulatory documents. Agricultural products grown with the use of fertilizer meet hygienic requirements regarding the content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) and are safe for human health.
Editorial
Authors: Grigoleto Netto Jose Valdeci , Sá Jeferson de Souza
Published: September 2023

É com imensa alegria e satisfação que lançamos a primeira edição da revista Conversas em Psicologia no ano de 2023, uma publicação vinculada ao curso de Psicologia do Centro Universitário UniFatecie, localizada na cidade de Paranavaí, Estado do Paraná. Nesta edição, contamos com quatro artigos e uma resenha, que abordam temas de grande impacto na pesquisa e na atuação da Psicologia: primeiro, começamos com um texto que retrata a atuação do/a psicólogo/a em casos de aborto; na sequência, é apresentado textos em que correlaciona os estudos da Filosofia e as práticas bioéticas; Psiconefrologia e Cuidados Paliativos; políticas públicas da educação relacionados ao Serviço Social e Psicologia; e, por fim, uma resenha que aborda o tema luto na perspectiva da autora feminista Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche. A Psicologia desempenha um papel fundamental nas pesquisas científicas, pois oferece insights valiosos sobre o comportamento humano e os processos mentais. Isso é crucial não apenas para avançar nosso conhecimento sobre a natureza humana, mas também para aplicar essas descobertas em diversos campos, como saúde mental, educação e política. Portanto, a importância dos temas em psicologia em pesquisas científicas transcende o âmbito acadêmico, impactando diretamente a sociedade de maneira positiva e significativa. Com esta breve apresentação, esperamos que todos vocês tenham uma excelente leitura e façam proveito dos materiais aqui compartilhados.
Psiconefrologia e cuidados paliativos: uma revisão sistemática de literatura
Authors: Maia Amanda Sacramento , Gonçalves Maria Fernanda
Published: September 2023

A Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) pode ser compreendida, de maneira geral, como a perda lenta, progressiva e irreversível das funções renal. O processo de adoecimento traz mudanças significativas tanto para o paciente quanto seu familiar, caso da doença renal crônica, temos além de alterações na rotina diária do paciente, mudanças físicas e psicológicas. A partir disso se insere atuação da psicologia a fim de oferecer suporte emocional frente ao sofrimento ao longo do processo saúde-doença. Somado a isso, temos a compreensão da temática dos Cuidados Paliativos o qual se insere desde o diagnóstico e durante o tratamento de uma doença ameaçadora da vida, como no caso da doença renal crônica. Dessa maneira, o presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a produção cientifica dessas temáticas nos últimos 15 anos através de uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura. A partir disso, foi encontrado um total de 4 artigos nas bases de dados utilizadas, com algumas temáticas em comum, número esse que aponta para uma escassez de produção científica voltado a essa temática. Dessa maneira, percebemos a necessidade de novas produções científicas dessa temática, a fim de validar o cuidado integral a saúde na nefrologia, a partir dos cuidados paliativos, tanto na teoria quanto em sua prática
Effects of aprepitant on post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery or catheterization procedures: a retrospective study with subjects as their own historical control
Authors: Belk John W. , Twite Mark D. , Klockau Katherine S. , Silveira Lori J. , Clopton Rachel G.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

For patients undergoing cardiac surgery and catheterization procedures, severe post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can occur despite standard anti-emetic interventions. Aprepitant, a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor blocker, is safe and effective at preventing PONV resistant to standard therapies.

Methods

Patients with a history of severe PONV presenting for cardiac surgery or catheterization procedures from January 1, 2018 to January 6, 2021 were identified. After pharmacist approval, patients received aprepitant pre-operatively (Dose: 80 mg for weight >50 kg, 40 mg for weight 30–50 kg). A retrospective chart review was performed. Primary outcomes of the incidence of PONV and PONV-related complications were evaluated.

Results

Seventeen patients were included with a mean age of 16.0 years at the time of their initial procedure, which acted as the “control” procedure, and 17.5 years when they received aprepitant. After the control procedure 64.7% of patients required rescue anti-emetics. When this group of patients received aprepitant pre-operatively at their subsequent procedure, only 17.6% required rescue medication (p = 0.005). Similarly, 64.7% of patients suffered at least one PONV-related complication after the control procedure. With aprepitant use pre-operatively, 5.9% of the same patients experienced a PONV-complication (p = 0.0003). Specifically, unplanned ICU admission due to severe PONV after catheterization procedures decreased from 55.6% (5/9) in the control group to 0 after these patients were treated pre-emptively with aprepitant (p = 0.01). For surgical patients, there were significant decreases in PONV-related complications including delayed oral intake and delayed ambulation (p = 0.04) in the aprepitant group compared to the control group.

Discussion

This small, retrospective study supports the conclusion that preoperative aprepitant administration in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or cardiac surgery with a history of congenital heart disease and severe PONV significantly reduces the incidence of PONV and PONV-related complications. Decreasing these complications will likely improve the surgical experience for patients and families while also decreasing hospital costs and improving efficiency.
Biomaterials-based additive manufacturing for customized bioengineering in management of otolaryngology: a comprehensive review
Authors: Vyas Jigar , Shah Isha , Singh Sudarshan , Prajapati Bhupendra G.
Published: September 2023

Three-dimensional (3D)/four-dimensional (4D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing or fast prototyping, is a manufacturing technique that uses a digital model to generate a 3D/4D solid product. The usage of biomaterials with 3D/4D printers in the pharma and healthcare industries is gaining significant popularity. 3D printing has mostly been employed in the domain of otolaryngology to build portable anatomical models, personalized patient-centric implants, biologic tissue scaffolds, surgical planning in individuals with challenging conditions, and surgical training. Although identical to 3D printing technology in this application, 4D printing technology comprises a fourth dimension of time. With the use of 4D printing, a printed structure may alter over time under various stimuli. Smart polymeric materials are also generally denoted as bioinks are frequently employed in tissue engineering applications of 3D/4D printing. In general, 4D printing could significantly improve the safety and efficacy of otolaryngology therapies. The use of bioprinting in otolaryngology has an opportunity to transform the treatment of diseases influencing the ear, nose, and throat as well as the field of tissue regeneration. The present review briefs on polymeric material including biomaterials and cells used in the manufacturing of patient centric 3D/4D bio-printed products utilized in management of otolaryngology.
Reduced ER-mitochondrial contact sites and mitochondrial Ca2+ flux in PRKN-mutant patient tyrosine hydroxylase reporter iPSC lines
Authors: Yokota Mutsumi , Yoshino Yutaro , Hosoi Mitsuko , Hashimoto Ryota , Kakuta Soichiro , Shiga Takahiro , Ishikawa Kei-Ichi , Okano Hideyuki , Hattori Nobutaka , Akamatsu Wado , Koike Masato
Published: September 2023

Endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial contact sites (ERMCS) play an important role in mitochondrial dynamics, calcium signaling, and autophagy. Disruption of the ERMCS has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the etiological role of ERMCS in these diseases remains unclear. We previously established tyrosine hydroxylase reporter (TH-GFP) iPSC lines from a PD patient with a PRKN mutation to perform correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM) analysis and live cell imaging in GFP-expressing dopaminergic neurons. Here, we analyzed ERMCS in GFP-expressing PRKN-mutant dopaminergic neurons from patients using CLEM and a proximity ligation assay (PLA). The PLA showed that the ERMCS were significantly reduced in PRKN-mutant patient dopaminergic neurons compared to the control under normal conditions. The reduction of the ERMCS in PRKN-mutant patient dopaminergic neurons was further enhanced by treatment with a mitochondrial uncoupler. In addition, mitochondrial calcium imaging showed that mitochondrial Ca2+ flux was significantly reduced in PRKN-mutant patient dopaminergic neurons compared to the control. These results suggest a defect in calcium flux from ER to mitochondria is due to the decreased ERMCS in PRKN-mutant patient dopaminergic neurons. Our study of ERMCS using TH-GFP iPSC lines would contribute to further understanding of the mechanisms of dopaminergic neuron degeneration in patients with PRKN mutations.
Cardiotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs: cellular mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Kwok Cecilia , Nolan Mark
Published: September 2023

Cardio-oncology is an emerging field that seeks to enhance quality of life and longevity of cancer survivors. It is pertinent for clinicians to understand the cellular mechanisms of prescribed therapies, as this contributes to robust understanding of complex treatments and off-target effects, improved communication with patients, and guides long term care with the goal to minimise or prevent cardiovascular complications. Our aim is to review the cellular mechanisms of cardiotoxicity involved in commonly used anti-cancer treatments and identify gaps in literature and strategies to mitigate cardiotoxicity effects and guide future research endeavours.
Case report: Beneficial long-term effect of the atrial-flow-regulator device in a pediatric patient with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and recurring syncope
Authors: Pattathu Joseph , Michel Sebastian , Tengler Anja Ingrid , Mandilaras Guido , Jakob Andre , Dalla Pozza Robert , Haas Nikolaus A.
Published: September 2023

We report the long-term effect after successfully implanting an 8 mm Atrial-flow-regulator (AFR) device in a 7-year-old girl with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension with persistent syncope under triple therapy with significant improvement after implantation and absence of any further syncope. Early Implantation of the AFR device (Occlutech, Germany) can be efficient and safe interventional therapy option for pulmonary arterial hypertension with a history of syncope.
Transvenous lead extraction in children with bidirectional rotational dissection sheaths
Authors: Heck Roland , Peters Björn , Lanmüller Pia , Photiadis Joachim , Berger Felix , Falk Volkmar , Starck Christoph , Kramer Peter
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Due to the limited longevity of endovascular leads, children require thoughtful lifetime lead management strategies including conservation of access vessel patency. Consequently, there is an increasing interest in transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in children, however, data on TLE and the use of powered mechanical dissection sheaths is limited.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study analyzing all children <18 years that underwent TLE in our institution from 2015 to 2022. Procedural complexity, results and complications were defined as recommended by recent consensus statements.

Results

Twenty-eight children [median age 12.8 (interquartile range 11.3–14.6) years] were included. Forty-one leads were extracted [median dwell time 85 (interquartile range 52–102) months]. Extractions of 31 leads (76%) in 22 patients (79%) were complex, requiring advanced extraction tools including powered bidirectional rotational dissection sheaths in 14 children. There were no major complications. Complete procedural success was achieved in 18 (64%) and clinical success in 27 patients (96%), respectively. Procedural success and complexity varied between lead types. The Medtronic SelectSecure™ lead was associated with increased odds of extraction by simple traction (p = 0.006) and complete procedural success (p < 0.001) while the Boston Scientific Fineline™ II lead family had increased odds of partial procedural failure (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

TLE with the use of mechanical powered rotational dissection sheaths is feasible and safe in pediatric patients. In light of rare complications and excellent overall clinical success, TLE should be considered an important cornerstone in lifetime lead management in children. Particular lead types might be more challenging and less successful to extract.
Study on the setting characteristics of filling slurry with different aggregate combinations
Authors: Deng Daiqiang , Wang Ye , Liang Wei , Fan Jinkuan
Published: September 2023

To grasp the phase change characteristics of the filling slurry from fluid to solid state in time, conducted a study on the setting characteristics of the filling slurry with different aggregate combinations, and analyzed the law of the initial and final setting time with the change of the amount of cementation powder, filling plant tailings, tailing pond tailings, and water. The results show that the initial and final setting time of the filling slurry prepared from the tailings of the filling plant is proportional to the concentration, and is positively correlated with the slope decline of the sand-cement ratio. The filling slurry prepared from the tailings of the tailing pond shows roughly the same change trend as the above slurry, but the change law is not obvious, which cannot be expressed by one kind of functional model, and the initial setting time and final setting time are less than the above slurry, which is because the tailings of the tailing pond contain more fine particles, which play a role in delaying setting in the slurry. For example, for five kinds of filling materials with different aggregates of 4:1, 6:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 sand-to-ash ratios and concentrations of 66%–72%, the initial setting times of filling slurry prepared from tailings of filling plant and tailings of tailing pond were 75.3 h–112.3 h, 77.6 h–122.2 h, and the final setting times were 82.8 h–123.4 h, 85.5 h–133.9 h. Therefore, it shows that the use of filling plant tailings containing fewer fine particles to prepare filling slurry can obtain a better treatment effect of the mining area, and the shortening of the solidification and hardening process of filling slurry can accelerate the mining cycle operation, and increase the amount of solid waste disposal per unit time, thus creating the necessary technical conditions for the enterprise to improve production efficiency and sustainable development.
The impact of ChatGPT on higher education
Authors: Dempere Juan , Modugu Kennedy , Hesham Allam , Ramasamy Lakshmana Kumar
Published: September 2023

Introduction

This study explores the effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots, with a particular focus on OpenAI’s ChatGPT, on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). With the rapid advancement of AI, understanding its implications in the educational sector becomes paramount.

Methods

Utilizing databases like PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar, we systematically searched for literature on AI chatbots’ impact on HEIs. Our criteria prioritized peer-reviewed articles, prominent media outlets, and English publications, excluding tangential AI chatbot mentions. After selection, data extraction focused on authors, study design, and primary findings. The analysis combined descriptive and thematic approaches, emphasizing patterns and applications of AI chatbots in HEIs.

Results

The literature review revealed diverse perspectives on ChatGPT’s potential in education. Notable benefits include research support, automated grading, and enhanced human-computer interaction. However, concerns such as online testing security, plagiarism, and broader societal and economic impacts like job displacement, the digital literacy gap, and AI-induced anxiety were identified. The study also underscored the transformative architecture of ChatGPT and its versatile applications in the educational sector. Furthermore, potential advantages like streamlined enrollment, improved student services, teaching enhancements, research aid, and increased student retention were highlighted. Conversely, risks such as privacy breaches, misuse, bias, misinformation, decreased human interaction, and accessibility issues were identified.

Discussion

While AI’s global expansion is undeniable, there is a pressing need for balanced regulation in its application within HEIs. Faculty members are encouraged to utilize AI tools like ChatGPT proactively and ethically to mitigate risks, especially academic fraud. Despite the study’s limitations, including an incomplete representation of AI’s overall effect on education and the absence of concrete integration guidelines, it is evident that AI technologies like ChatGPT present both significant benefits and risks. The study advocates for a thoughtful and responsible integration of such technologies within HEIs.
Mentoring impact on the transversal competence’s development. An experience of educational accompaniment in the integral formation of the university student
Authors: Crespí Paula , López Jorge
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The adaptation of universities to the new guidelines set by the European Higher Education Area implies relevant changes. Among them, a teaching model more focused on the student and his or her learning than on the teacher and the subject, new active teaching-learning methodologies and the development of competences through the acquisition of learning outcomes; all with the aim of contributing to the integral formation of the university student. The integral formation, enabling each student to discover and realize their own life project, is nourished by educational accompaniment and the development of competences. A concrete form of educational accompaniment is mentoring. The objective of this study is to evaluate the formative effectiveness of an innovative mentoring program in the development of transversal competences as a means to achieve the ultimate mission of the university: to provide a comprehensive education to students.

Methods

The design of this research is quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest). The sample consists of more than 300 first-year students of the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria who participated in the mentoring program. A questionnaire on transversal competences and group interviews were used as measurement instruments.

Results

The results showed significant differences in the level of acquisition of intrapersonal competences between the pre-treatment and post-treatment periods, in favor of the latter. This fact suggests that students improved their level of intrapersonal competences thanks to the mentoring program. These results are subsequently supported by the analysis of the group interviews.

Discussion

Therefore, it can be concluded that this type of mentoring program is a valid example for the development of intrapersonal competences, which in turn contributes to the integral formation of the student.
Approaches for supporting adolescents’ reading motivation: existing research and future priorities
Authors: Webber Charlotte , Wilkinson Katherine , Duncan Lynne , McGeown Sarah
Published: September 2023

Research has consistently demonstrated declines in reading motivation and engagement from childhood to adolescence, with current levels of reading enjoyment and engagement among adolescents at an all-time low. This has led to increased interest in approaches for supporting adolescents’ reading motivation. To date, efforts to support adolescent reading motivation have utilized a variety of approaches, yet there is currently no review which synthesizes existing research in this area and provides recommendations for future research and practice. Drawing upon both narrative and scoping review principles, this review synthesizes 38 peer-reviewed articles and research reports which have evaluated approaches for improving adolescents’ (12–16 years old) reading motivation. The article outlines the breadth and scope of approaches which have been used previously, categorized into five types: (1) reading and literacy skills programs; (2) whole-school reading culture; (3) book clubs; (4) technology-supported interventions; and (5) performance and theater. The review also identifies gaps and issues relating to the current body of research and proposes priorities for future work in this area. Together, the findings and recommendations address calls to dedicate renewed and sustained attention to supporting adolescents’ reading motivation and engagement and provide a point of reference for researchers and education practitioners seeking to select, develop, and implement strategies for supporting adolescents’ reading motivation in the future.
Biogenesis and function of exosome lncRNAs and their role in female pathological pregnancy
Authors: Wang Min , Zheng Lianwen , Ma Shuai , Lin Ruixin , Li Jiahui , Yang Shuli
Published: September 2023

Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and recurrent spontaneous abortion are common maternal pregnancy complications that seriously endanger women’s lives and health, and their occurrence is increasing year after year with a rejuvenation trend. In contrast to biomarkers found freely in tissues or body fluids, exosomes exist in a relatively independent environment and provide a higher level of stability. As backbone molecules, guidance molecules, and signaling molecules in the nucleus, lncRNAs can regulate gene expression. In the cytoplasm, lncRNAs can influence gene expression levels by modifying mRNA stability, acting as competitive endogenous RNAs to bind miRNAs, and so on. Exosomal lncRNAs can exist indefinitely and are important in intercellular communication and signal transduction. Changes in maternal serum exosome lncRNA expression can accurately and timely reflect the progression and regression of pregnancy-related diseases. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for clinical research on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment methods of pregnancy-related diseases by reviewing the role of exosome lncRNAs in female pathological pregnancy and related molecular mechanisms.
RETRACTED: Intelligent power grid energy supply forecasting and economic operation management using the snake optimizer algorithm with Bigur-attention model
Authors: Cui Lingling , Liao Jiacheng
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates smart grid energy supply forecasting and economic operation management, with a focus on building an efficient energy supply prediction model. Four datasets were selected for training, and a Snake Optimizer (SO) algorithm-optimized Bigru-Attention model was proposed to construct a comprehensive and efficient prediction model, aiming to enhance the reliability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of the power system. The research process includes data preprocessing, model training, and model evaluation. Data preprocessing ensures data quality and suitability. In the model training phase, the Snake Optimizer (SO) algorithm-optimized Bigru-Attention model combines time series, spatial features, and optimization features to build a comprehensive prediction model. The model evaluation phase calculates metrics such as prediction error, accuracy, and stability, and also examines the model’s training time, inference time, number of parameters, and computational complexity to assess its efficiency and scalability. The contribution of this research lies in proposing the Snake Optimizer (SO) algorithm-optimized Bigru-Attention model and constructing an efficient comprehensive prediction model. The results indicate that the Snake Optimizer (SO) algorithm exhibits significant advantages and contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of the experimental process. The model holds promising applications in the field of energy supply forecasting and provides robust support for the stable operation and optimized economic management of smart grids. Moreover, this study has positive social and economic implications for the development of smart grids and sustainable energy utilization.
Dam construction reshapes heavy metal pollution in soil/sediment in the three gorges reservoir, China, from 2008 to 2020
Authors: Xu Qinqin , Zhou Kun , Wu Boran
Published: September 2023

Dam construction interfered with the original environment of the river system and greatly affected the geochemical behaviors of trace metals. Thus, a set of toxic metals of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Hg in soil/sediment of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) during the period of 2008–2020 were analyzed and summarized. The results showed that levels of trace metals (except Cr) were apparently higher than the soil background in the TGR and China, in which Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Hg corresponded to the moderately to highly contaminated grade. As expected, most trace metals (except Ni and As) were observed an evident increase after the full impoundment stage of 2008–2014, suggesting the dam construction of the TGR that promoting the sediment adsorption effects for trace metals. For spatial patterns, metal levels largely depended on the sampling sites, that intensive anthropogenic activities might well be the primary contributors. Main stream with higher concentrations of trace metals in comparison with tributaries reflected the larger loads of metal pollution. In the water-level-fluctuating zone, hydrological regime induced by damming played a critical role on the redistribution of trace metals through eroding soil/sediment particles or bedrocks and altering the physiochemical characteristics and vegetation coverage of soil/sediment. Finally, submerged sediment seemed as a major sink of trace metals that had greater concentration than that in the water-level-fluctuating zone.
Structural lightweight design and experimental validation for aerospace sealed cabin
Authors: Zhizhong Cheng , Hongqing Li , Zengcong Li , Yan Chen , Jie Chang , Xiaoqi Li
Published: September 2023

Due to the high specific stiffness, high specific strength, good fatigue resistance and high structural reliability, the integrally stiffened shells are widely applied in the sealed cabins. In order to enhance the detection distance of the deep space and improve the payload detection capability, it is of great significance to carry out lightweight design for the integrally stiffened shells. However, it is challenging to perform optimization for the structures due to the strict loading conditions, complicated structures and short development cycles. In this work, a novel layout design framework for the integrally stiffened shells under complex loading conditions is proposed. The topology optimization method is employed to obtain an innovative layout design of the integrally stiffened shells firstly, and then the mesh-mapping technique is utilized to assist the reconstruction and modeling process of the optimization result. Compared with the traditional design of orthogonal stiffeners, the weight of the optimized configuration of the integrally stiffened shell reduces by 17.1%, demonstrating excellent lightweight design effects. Moreover, a sealed cabin is constructed based on the optimization and numerical analysis result by taking the manufacturing requirement into consideration. With the purpose of assessing the bearing ability of the welded seam and evaluating the airtight performance of the sealed cabin, experimental validations of the hydrostatic test and airtight test are carried out, and the experimental results validate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Factors predicting death and cancer in patients with giant cell arteritis in Western Norway 1972–2012: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Brekke Lene Kristin , Assmus Jörg , Fevang Bjørg-Tilde Svanes
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Evidence as to whether or not giant cell arteritis (GCA) confers added risk of cancer or death is conflicting. Our aim was to identify factors predicting death or cancer in a large Norwegian GCA-cohort.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study including patients diagnosed with GCA in Western Norway during 1972–2012. Patients were identified through computerized hospital records using the International Classification of Diseases coding. Medical records were reviewed and data about registered deaths and cancer occurrences were extracted from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and the Cancer Registry of Norway. We investigated predicting factors using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

We identified 881 cases with a validated diagnosis of GCA (60% biopsy-verified). 490 patients (56%) died during the study period. Among 767 patients with no registered cancer prior to GCA diagnosis, 120 (16%) were diagnosed with cancer during the study period. Traditional risk factors were the main predictors of death; age at time of GCA-diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR) 2.81], smoking (HR 1.61), hypertension (HR 1.48) and previous cardiovascular disease (HR 1.26). Hemoglobin (Hb) level was also associated with risk of death with increasing Hb-levels at time of GCA-diagnosis indicating decreased risk of death (HR 0.91). Other GCA-related factors were not predictive of death. We did not identify any predictors of cancer risk.

Conclusion

In our cohort of GCA-patients, the risk of death was predominantly predicted by age and traditional risk factors. We found no significant associations with regards to the risk of incident cancer.
Neutrophil CD64–a prognostic marker of sepsis in intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pham Huy Minh , Nguyen Duy Ly Minh , Duong Minh Cuong , Phan Xuan Thi , Tran Linh Thanh , Trang Duong Hong Thuy , Pham Thao Thi Ngoc
Published: September 2023

Background

Little is known about the prognostic ability of nCD64 in critically ill patients. This study aimed to assess the prognostic values of nCD64 in adult ICU patients with sepsis.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted at the ICU of Cho Ray Hospital in Vietnam between January 2019 to September 2020. All newly admitted 86 septic patients diagnosed based on sepsis-3 criteria were included. An evaluation of nCD64 was performed at admission (T0) and 48 h thereafter (T48). Delta nCD64 (nCD64 T48 – nCD64 T0), %delta nCD64 [(nCD64 T48 – nCD64 T0)/nCD64 T0 x 100%], APACHE II and SOFA scores were calculated and examined. Serum procalcitonin levels and white blood cell counts were documented. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between nCD64 and severity scores. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the sepsis parameters.

Results

Patients with septic shock had significantly higher nCD64 levels than septic patients [3,568 (2,589; 5,999) vs. 1,514 (1,416;2,542) molecules/cell, p < 0.001]. nCD64 T0 and SOFA scores had a moderately positive linear correlation (R = 0.31, p = 0.004). In the survivor group, nCD64 levels significantly decreased within the first 48 h of admission (p < 0.001), while this trend was not statistically significant in the non-survivor group (p = 0.866). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of %delta nCD64 combined with APACHE II score (0.81) was higher than that of any other parameter alone or in combination with each other.

Conclusion

The nCD64 index may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting the course of sepsis. Monitoring changes in nCD64 during the initial 48 h of admission can aid in predicting the prognosis of septic patients. The use of a combination of the trends of nCD64 index in the first 48 h with APACHE II score would further enhance the predictive accuracy. More studies with longer follow-ups are needed to fully understand the implications of serial trend and kinetics of nCD64 in septic patients.
Differences in motor inhibition in young and older musicians and non-musicians at rest
Authors: Izbicki Patricia , Mendoza Tessa , Zaman Andrew , Stegemöller Elizabeth L.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Older adults experience a decline in motor inhibition. These declines have been implicated in instrumental activities of daily living. However, studies have revealed that older musicians have behavioral and neurophysiological enhancements in various motor domains compared to non-musicians. This suggests that music training may delay the decline in motor inhibition with aging. Nevertheless, motor inhibition has not been studied in young or older musicians and non-musicians. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the neurophysiological differences in motor inhibition in aging musicians and non-musicians.

Methods

A total of 19 healthy young adult musicians, 16 healthy young non-musicians, 13 healthy older adult musicians, and 16 healthy older adult non-musicians were recruited for the study. Transcranial magnetic stimulation single-pulse (SP) and short interval cortical inhibition (SICI) were performed at rest and then converted into inhibition percentage.

Results

We did not observe significant differences between young and older musicians and non-musicians in resting SP MEP. Older adults had lower resting SICI MEP than young adults. Older adults (36%) had a greater percentage of inhibition than young adults (16%). However, when controlling for background EMG activity, musicians had a lower inhibition percentage than non-musicians.

Discussion

The results revealed that, despite the greater use of spinal mechanisms, decreased SICI, and increased inhibition percentage in older adults, motor inhibitory circuitry remains intact and functional in both young and older musicians and non-musicians. Future studies will reveal whether there are differences in motor inhibition during movement in musicians across a person's lifespan.
Inhibiting microglia exacerbates the early effects of cuprizone in males in a rat model of multiple sclerosis, with no effect in females
Authors: Xavier Soniya , Younesi Simin , Sominsky Luba , Spencer Sarah J.
Published: September 2023

Hyper-activity of the brain’s innate immune cells, microglia, is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is not clear whether this involvement of microglia is beneficial or detrimental or whether manipulating microglial activity may be therapeutic. We investigated if inhibiting microglial activity with minocycline prevents the early changes in oligodendrocyte and myelin-related markers associated with a demyelinating challenge in adult female and male rats. Cuprizone reduced the expression of myelin and oligodendrocyte genes in both females and males, reflective of cuprizone intoxication and the early phases demyelination, and reduced the number of oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum. However, we see notable differences in the role for microglia in this response between females and males. In males, myelin and oligodendrocyte genes, as well as oligodendrocytes were also reduced by minocycline treatment; an effect that was not seen in females. In males, but not females, early changes in oligodendrocyte and myelin-related genes were associated with microglial proliferation in corpus callosum, and this increase was reversed by minocycline. These data indicate sex-specific effects of inhibiting microglia on the early changes leading to demyelination in an MS model and suggest microglia may play a key role in myelin stability in males but not in females. This highlights a strong need for sex-specific understanding of disease development in MS and suggest that treatments targeting microglia may be more effective in males than in females due to differing mechanisms of disease progression.
The durable effect of acupuncture for episodic migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Hangyu , Miao Runyu , Gao Shuai , Zhu Lili , Fang Jiufei , Liu Zhishun
Published: September 2023

Background

Migraine is a common and recurrent type of headache. Avoiding trigger factors is not often successful in reducing headache frequency, duration, and severity. Prophylactic medications may be effective but are limited by strict indications and daily medication intake. This review aimed to investigate the durable effect of acupuncture on episodic migraine.

Methods

Seven databases including Medline, Embase, PubMed, etc., were searched for English and Chinese literature from their inception to 23 November 2022. Two independent reviewers screened the retrieved studies and extracted the data. Primary outcomes were monthly migraine days, monthly migraine attacks, and VAS score at 3 months post-treatment. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Meta-analysis was conducted where applicable.

Results

Fifteen studies were included in this review. Acupuncture reduced the number of migraine attacks (MD -0.68; 95% CI –0.93, −0.43; p < 0.001), the number of days with migraine (MD –0.86; 95% CI –1.18, −0.55; p < 0.001), and VAS score (MD –1.01; 95% CI –1.30, −0.72; p < 0.001) to a greater degree than sham acupuncture at 3 months after treatment. Significant differences in reducing pain intensity of migraine in favor of acupuncture compared with waitlist (MD –1.84; 95% CI –2.31, −1.37; p < 0.001) or flunarizine (MD –2.00; 95% CI –2.35, −1.65; p < 0.001) at 3 months after treatment were found, and the differences reached the minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

Conclusion

This review found that the durable effect of acupuncture for episodic migraine lasted at least 3 months after treatment. More high-quality studies with longer follow-up periods in the future are needed to confirm the findings.