bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise‐induced effects on the metabolome of endurance and strength‐trained athletes in comparison with sedentary subjects: A pilot study
Authors: Parstorfer Mario , Poschet Gernot , Brüning Kirsten , Friedmann‐Bette Birgit
Published: February 2025

Little is known about the exercise‐induced adaptations of the metabolome in endurance and strength athletes in comparison with sedentary subjects. In order to analyze exercise‐induced effects, quantitative, targeted metabolomics (Biocrates MxP® Quant 500) were performed in plasma samples before and after one bout of endurance or resistance exercise (RE) in 12 strength‐trained weightlifters (ST), 10 endurance‐trained runners (ET) and 12 sedentary controls (CG) at the end of each of three characteristic training phases. Performance and anthropometric data were significantly different between CG and athletes. A significant exercise‐induced increase in lactate (Lac) was observed in all groups after all exercise tests. After endurance exercise (EE), there were significant increases in acetylcarnitine, arachidonic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid in CG and ET while aconitic acid, hippuric acid, glutamate, hexoses, xanthine were significantly increased in ET only. Only CG showed increases in several triglycerides following EE. RE, however, induced significant increases in Lac only. In summary, EE induces distinct increases in some metabolites of the fatty acid metabolism and the oxidative defense system in ET and CG. There are some indications for specific adaptations of the energy metabolism after long lasting endurance training with a distinct exercise‐induced response of the metabolome in ET.
RBT‐1, a “preconditioning” agent, mitigates syndecan‐1 shedding in patients undergoing “on pump” cardiac surgery and following experimental AKI
Authors: Johnson Ali C. M. , Zager Richard A.
Published: February 2025

During systemic stress, syndecan‐1 (SDC‐1) shedding into plasma results, implying endothelial damage. RBT‐1, a “preconditioning” agent, has been shown to mitigate postoperative complications following cardiac surgeries. This study assessed whether RBT‐1 preconditioning attenuated SDC‐1 shedding in these patients, implying a vascular protective effect. Patients (n, 112) were randomized to receive low‐dose RBT‐1, high‐dose RBT‐1, or placebo 24–48 h prior to surgery. Plasma samples were obtained before and 2 days postsurgery and assayed for SDC‐1 (ELISA). To gain further insights, male CD‐1 mice were subjected to acute renal injuries, and RBT‐1's impact on plasma SDC‐1 increases, vascular/aortic stress responses (NGAL/KIM‐1/IL‐6 gene induction), and two vascular cytoprotective pathways (Nrf2; ferritin) were assessed. Baseline plasma SDC‐1 levels did not differ between patient groups. The placebo group developed an approximate 50% plasma SDC‐1 (ng/mL) increase (p, 0.012). Conversely, no significant SDC‐1 increases were seen in the RBT‐1 treatment groups. Experimental injury markedly increased plasma SDC‐1 concentrations, and these were significantly blunted by RBT‐1 preconditioning. RBT‐1 also mitigated AKI‐induced aortic NGAL/KIM‐1/IL‐6 mRNA increases, activated aortic Nrf2, and increased vascular ferritin levels. RBT‐1 preconditioning diminishes SDC‐1 release and upregulates vascular ferritin and Nrf2. Hence, RBT‐1 preconditioning can confer select vasoprotective effects.
The effects of alpha‐pinene against paracetamol‐induced liver damage in male rats
Authors: Rahimi Kaveh , Rezaie Anahita , Allahverdi Younes , Shahriari Parham , Taheri Mirghaed Mahtab
Published: February 2025

This study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of alpha‐pinene against N‐acetyl‐p‐aminophenol, paracetamol, (APA)‐induced liver damage in rats. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 6): Group 1: Normal (control). Group 2: APA 640 mg/kg. Group 3: alpha‐pinene 50 mg/kg (APA+ αPi 50 mg/kg). Group 4: alpha‐pinene 100 mg/kg (APA+ αPi 100 mg/kg). Group 5: silymarin 50 mg/kg (APA+ SIL). Alpha‐pinene or silymarin was orally administered after APA administration for 14 consecutive days. This study investigated liver damage by preparing pathology slides from liver tissue. Levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured. Inflammatory factors, including NF‐kB gene expression and levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐a, were also measured. Administering alpha‐pinene with APA can prevent liver damage induced by APA. Alpha‐pinene can enhance TAC while reducing TOS, ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin. Moreover, the results have also revealed that alpha‐pinene decreases NF‐kB expression, which leads to a reduction in IL‐6 and TNF‐a levels. It appears that alpha‐pinene induces liver protective effects against APA damage by reducing the activity of liver enzymes, improving antioxidant/oxidative status, and reducing inflammation through the regulation of NF‐kB and pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
Organogermanium: Potential beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system
Authors: Aizawa Kunihiko , Nakamura Takashi , Shimada Yasuhiro , Takeda Tomoya , Azumi Junya , Shore Angela C.
Published: February 2025

Organogermanium, especially poly‐trans‐[(2‐carboxyethyl)germasesquioxane] (Ge‐132), has been known to enhance immune‐modulatory activities. However, the in vivo and in vitro evidence accumulated over the last 20 years reveals that Ge‐132 has unique but underappreciated multi‐functional properties that have a potential positive effect for the cardiovascular system. A hydrolysate of Ge‐132, monomeric 3‐(trihydroxygermyl)propanoic acid, forms a complex with a vicinal diol structure (i.e., having two adjacent hydroxyl groups such as the cis‐diol and catechol groups) that exists in ribose (e.g., adenosine triphosphate), catecholamine (e.g., adrenaline), and saccharide (e.g., glucose). Additionally, Ge‐132 enhances macrophage phagocytosis and the heme catabolic pathway by upregulating key enzymes that are responsible for producing cytoprotective molecules such as biliverdin and bilirubin during the process. These multi‐functional properties exert pleiotropic physiological effects after an oral intake of Ge‐132 such as anti‐oxidation, anti‐inflammation, anti‐hypertensive, anti‐glycation, and erythrocyte lifecycle enhancement, all of which appear to assist the cardiovascular system. Of those effects, the effects on the lifecycle of erythrocyte may have an important implication for maintaining optimal vascular function, augmenting the availability of oxygen by enhancing the elimination of senescent, and damaged erythrocytes as well as promoting erythropoiesis. Human studies are warranted to determine whether these beneficial effects observed in previous studies are translated into humans.
A note on the global existence and boundedness of an N-dimensional parabolic-elliptic predator-prey system with indirect pursuit-evasion interaction
Authors: Liu Ling
Published: February 2025

We investigate the two-species chemotaxis predator-prey system given by the following system:

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\left\{\begin{array}{ll}{u}_{t}=\Delta u-\chi \nabla \cdot \left(u\nabla w)+u\left({\lambda }_{1}-{\mu }_{1}{u}^{{r}_{1}-1}+av),& x\in \Omega ,\hspace{0.33em}t\gt 0,\\ {v}_{t}=\Delta v+\xi \nabla \cdot \left(v\nabla z)+v\left({\lambda }_{2}-{\mu }_{2}{v}^{{r}_{2}-1}-bu),& x\in \Omega ,\hspace{0.33em}t\gt 0,\\ 0=\Delta w-w+v,& x\in \Omega ,\hspace{0.33em}t\gt 0,\\ 0=\Delta z-z+u,& x\in \Omega ,\hspace{0.33em}t\gt 0,\end{array}\right.

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, then the system admits a unique, uniformly bounded global classical solution. This finding extends the results of several previous studies.
Rethinking LGBTQI+ Recognition in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Duong
Published: February 2025

This study critically analyzes the disjuncture between Vietnam’s LGBTQI+ rights movement, including its Pride event series, and the lived experiences of local queer communities in Vietnam. Although Pride events have enhanced queer visibility and driven legal-social reforms locally, the underlying identity politics of Pride fail to fully capture the nuanced perspectives of queer individuals within Vietnamese sociocultural contexts. Using ethnographic data collected over thirteen months in several cities and provinces in Vietnam, this study aims to emphasize the local in queer studies. This article contributes to queer studies in a post-colonial context. By foregrounding the voices of local queer community members, this research illuminates the complexities and tensions that exist between identity politics of the broader global LGBTQI+ movement and local understandings regarding queer visibility and recognition in non-Western, postcolonial settings like Vietnam.
Analysis of Horse Riding Extracurricular Activities in Forming the Character of Students at Zam-zam Integrated Islamic School (ZIIS) in Banyumas Regency
Authors: Muhammad Ilham Ramadhani  , Agus Raharjo  , Sulaiman
Published: February 2025

This research aims to determine the influence of extracurricular horse riding on the formation of brave, confident and responsible characters in students at the ZIIS modern Islamic boarding school and examine the psychological relationship that exists between students (horse riders) and horses. The research method uses mixed methods research by collecting, analyzing, and combining quantitative and qualitative research methods in a series of research. The samples taken for research were 25 male students and 25 female students. Each student was given a questionnaire containing questions regarding character formation after participating in equestrian extracurriculars. The results of observation data, interviews and questionnaires confirmed that an index in the range of 80% - 100%. The conclusion is the strong agreement among  respondents in the questionnaire that equestrian extracurriculars can form brave, confident, responsible characters and can form a psychological relationship between horse riders and horses.
1,25-Vitamin D-mediated hypercalcaemia in the setting of immune therapy-related sarcoid-like reaction
Authors: Dharmaputra R K , Sheriff N , Ravichandran S
Published: February 2025

We presented a case of a 72-year-old male with severe hypercalcaemia of 3.84 mmol/L following the second cycle of immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab in the setting of metastatic melanoma with known bone metastases. Further investigations demonstrated hilar lymphadenopathy, which was not present in previous imaging, and subsequent hypercalcaemia work-up demonstrated a significantly elevated serum calcitriol level as high as 429 pmol/L. A diagnosis of drug-induced sarcoid-like reactions or DISRs was made on the basis of hypercalcaemia and hilar lymphadenopathy following immunotherapy. Hypercalcaemia was effectively treated with intravenous fluids and medical therapy including a short course of subcutaneous calcitonin, a total of 120 mg of denosumab and oral prednisolone.

Learning points

DISRs are a rare complication of immunotherapy and may mimic metastases. A temporal relationship between commencement of therapy and progression on clinical imaging is important in making an accurate diagnosis.

Calcitriol-mediated hypercalcaemia secondary to DISRs is an important differential diagnosis to hypercalcaemia of malignancy and should be considered in patients who have undergone immunotherapy.

Prednisolone should be considered as the next line of treatment after fluid therapy in patients with calcitriol-mediated hypercalcaemia. Prednisolone and denosumab both reach maximum clinical efficacy between 7 and 10 days. Therefore, treatment administration should be spaced out by at least five days to avoid iatrogenic hypocalcaemia.
CYBERBULLYING IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION AS A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL-PEDAGOGICAL PROBLEM OF MODERNITY
Authors: Atamaniuk Yaroslava , Iliichuk Liubomyra , Chervinskyi Andrii
Published: February 2025

The article analyses the problem of a new form of violence in the virtual space among students. The authorsdefine the essence of cyberbullying in the youth environment, reveal the phenomenon of its emergence and growth, describeits typical features and areas of application, and highlight the main ways to counteract cyberbullying in higher educationinstitutions. The main types of liability for cyberbullying against others are analysed. The practice of preventing cyberbullyingis described. The researchers emphasise that teachers, practical psychologists, social workers need to know the forms ofcyberbullying in order to organise effective propaedeutic work and prevent the spread of cyberbullying in the educationalenvironment of a higher education institution. Therefore, pedagogical staff, student council, representatives of social servicesand juvenile prevention need to work on finding out the reasons for the increase in cyberbullying in the school studentenvironment, identifying the scale and scope of the problem, highlighting options for all subjects in the educational processand creating an innovative system of preventive work against the spread of cyberbullying in an educational institution. It isstated that activities to prevent cyberbullying among higher education students should be focused on fostering a valuebasedattitude to their life and health, creating a positive atmosphere in order to promote the successful socialisation of eachparticipant in the educational process. It is believed that in order to counteract cyberbullying in the educational environment,it is necessary to organise a holistic, strategically thought-out set of measures, which is conditionally divided into two blocks:administrative and informational.
SYMBIOSIS OF MAN AND NATURE: CARPATHIAN LOGGERS IN THE CULTURE OF THE HUTSUL REGION
Authors: Poiasyk Oksana , Lepokhin Eugene
Published: February 2025

The upper reaches of the Carpathians, where majestic forests and mountain streams offer a distinctive scenery, are home to a unique minority of people – the Carpathian loggers. Timber industry among the Hutsuls, an ethnic group inhabiting the high altitude Carpathians, is an intrinsic part of their culture and pivotal in the environmental balance of the area. The Hutsuls, relying on long-standing traditions, forge a rare symbiosis with nature through their logging activities. Selective felling of trees, the use of traditional processing techniques and wood processing are just a handful of the components of this special system. «Butynar», a Carpathian logger who is an expert at rafting down mountain rivers, is a proficient craftsman. He blends exceptional woodworking skills with the right ones to build reliable rafts that can withstand heavy currents. This craft incorporates the skills of a logger, a shipbuilder and a sailor, transforming rafting of timber not only into a means of conveyance but also into a symbol of Carpathian resilience and craftsmanship. The art of rafting down mountain rivers is the ability to interact harmoniously with nature. With wooden rafts that float effortlessly through the waters pure as driven snow, these craftsmen deftly manoeuvre through mountain rapids and swift currents, with a knack for predicting and adapting to the river’s challenges. Each plash of a paddle is a kind of dancing with nature, a genuine interaction with the river. In addition to navigating the raft, the loggers have a strong awareness of the importance of the environment maintenance to ensure that the generation to come relish the beauty of the Carpathian waters. These people are regular heroes, endowed with strength and resilience enabling them to adapt to any conditions. Their working days, brimming with the sound of axes, blend into a natural concert. The forests of the Hutsul region both provide material resources and play a significant environmental and socio-cultural part. They develop unique ecosystems and are a source of wild herbs, mushrooms and wild animals that provide the Hutsuls with food and raw materials for their crafts. Forests also hold cultural significance for the Hutsuls, as they consider them sacred places steeped in the legends and traditions of their people. The study of ethnocultural traditions, folk crafts and crafts of the Carpathians contributes to the formation of environmental awareness among schoolchildren, encourages the study of the cultural heritage of the highlanders.
РАСЧЕТЫ КОЭФФИЦИЕНТОВ СДВИГА ЛИНИЙ SO2 ДАВЛЕНИЕМ CO2: ПОЛОСА N1 + N3
Authors: НЕВЗОРОВА Т.А. , ДУДАРЁНОК А.С. , ЛАВРЕНТЬЕВА Н.Н.
Published: February 2025

Параметры контура спектральных линий SO2-CO2 необходимы при исследовании атмосфер планет, в которых диоксид углерода является основным газом (Венера, Марс и некоторые экзопланеты). Представлены рассчитанные при комнатной температуре коэффициенты сдвига линий оксида серы давлением углекислого газа в полосе n1 + n3; вращательное квантовое число углового момента J варьируется от 0 до 100, число Kа - от 0 до 20. Расчеты проведены по полуэмпирическому методу, в котором используется корректирующий фактор с подгоночными параметрами, зависящими от вращательных квантовых чисел. Немногочисленные литературные данные хорошо согласуются с полученными значениями.

The SO2 - CO2 line profile parameters are important to study the carbon dioxide atmospheres of terrestrial planets (Venus, Mars) and exoplanets. The carbon-dioxide shift coefficients of sulfur dioxide lines in n1 + n3 band are calculated at room temperature; the rotational quantum numbers J varies from 0 to 100 and Ka varies from 0 to 20. Calculations were made using a semi-empirical method, which includes a correction factor with adjustable parameters depending on the rotational quantum numbers. The calculated shift coefficients are in a good agreement with few published data.
Study on the Licensing Framework for Land Facilities Supporting Nuclear-powered Submarines in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brandão Baroni Douglas , Sandrini Borsoi Sad , Sartore Almada Soares Yuri , Mattar Neto Miguel , Silva Pagetti de Oliveira Patrícia , Coelho Maturana Marcos
Published: February 2025

This study examines nuclear regulation in the United Kingdom, focusing on licensing processes for land facilities supporting nuclear-powered submarines. It highlights the importance of these submarines for defense and maritime security, along with the need for specialized infrastructure to operate them safely and effectively. The study analyzes the UK’s procedures and regulations for nuclear licensing, with emphasis on regulatory bodies such as the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR). Results discuss the classification of nuclear facilities in the UK, including those dedicated to submarines and nuclear defense, as well as the applicable standards and guidelines for licensing these facilities. It is concluded that nuclear regulation in the UK is robust and transparent, providing a solid foundation for licensing facilities supporting nuclear-powered submarines. The adoption of these standards as a reference in Brazil could significantly contribute to establishing a solid and secure regulatory framework for such facilities.
Housing as a Driver of Health
Authors: Shi Marc F.
Published: February 2025

Access to safe, affordable, stable housing has long been recognized as a key determinant of physical and mental health. Unfortunately, this resource is out of reach for many US residents. In addition to the failure of new housing stock being made available to meet increasing demands, costs of housing—for both renters and homeowners—continues to rise across the country. The most distal outcome of this continuation is an increase in homelessness, which is particularly concerning given the myriad negative health effects of being unhoused. These worrying trends are not a new phenomenon and do not affect all communities equally. By examining historical precedents for our current crisis, including racially discriminatory housing policy and stagnating support of our public housing infrastructure, we can identify how we arrived at our current state of affordable housing and how communities of color and communities with low incomes have come to be disproportionately harmed.
The Experiences of Families of Hospitalized Children Who Use Languages Other Than English
Authors: Do Victor , Buchanan Francine , Gill Peter , Nicholas David , Bismilla Zia , Coffey Maitreya , Mistry Keenjal , Sappleton Karen , Mahant Sanjay
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Patients who use a language other than English (LOE) for health care communication are at increased risk of experiencing adverse events and worse outcomes. The objectives of this research are (1) to understand the lived experience of families who speak LOEs around the hospitalization of their child and (2) to understand the perspectives of patients and families who speak LOEs on opportunities to improve their experiences during hospitalization.

METHODS

This study is grounded in patient- and family-informed research. We designed a qualitative study involving children hospitalized in the general pediatric inpatient unit at a Canadian children’s hospital. We conducted semistructured individual interviews with children and families with a medical interpreter. We used thematic analysis, and all interviews were coded by 2 reviewers.

RESULTS

A total 20 families of 16 different languages participated in the interviews. Themes important to understanding their lived experience were the following: (1) communication uncertainty—families experienced inconsistent interpreter use and availability, which affected in-the-moment communication and families’ ability to understand the overall clinical context, leading to increased uncertainty; (2) lack of belonging—despite communicating that they had positive experiences in the hospital, families described a lack of belonging and felt that they were “other” during hospitalization; (3) altered trust—in addition to language, each patient/family’s unique and complex social contexts contribute to developing an altered trust relationship with the health system that impacts their engagement in care processes. Families described opportunities for improvement such as supporting patient-initiated interpretation, increasing workforce diversity, and tailoring concepts such as shared decision making to their realities.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and families also revealed that they experience communication uncertainty, altered trust, and a lack of belonging within the hospital setting. Our research builds on the current literature and serves to advance our efforts to address health inequities experienced by this population.
РОЗРОБКА ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ФАРБУВАННЯ ТА СТВОРЕННЯ ПРИНЦИПОВОЇ ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНОЇ СХЕМИ ПРОЦЕСУ ПОВТОРНОГО ВИКОРИСТАННЯ КОНЦЕНТРОВАНИХ СТІЧНИХ ВОД (НА ПРИКЛАДІ ЗМЕНШЕННЯ ВИТРАТ БАРВНИКА ПРЯМОГО ЖОВТОГО СВІТЛОСТІЙКОГО К)
Authors: Коваль Мирослава Г.
Published: February 2025

Створення технології повторного використання стічних вод в технології фарбування тканин є актуальним. Це приведе до мінімізації використання води та дороговартісних барвників, зменшить собівартість готової продукції та екологічне навантаження на довкілля. Концентрована стічна вода, одержана з обладнання періодичної дії фарбувального виробництва, містить у своєму складі до 50 % текстильних барвників, тому може бути повторно використана як вторинний матеріальний ресурс в технології фарбування тканини. Представлені результати досліджень ефективності фарбування бавовняних тканин барвником Прямим жовтим світлостійким К із повторним використанням концентрованої стічної води: інтенсивність забарвлення 95–96 % по відношенню до еталону (100 %), кольорова відмінність між еталонними та досліджуваними зразками DE < 2, показники світлості та відтінків мають різницю в межах ± 2, якісні показники стійкості забарвлення 3–4 бали за «Шкалою сірих еталонів». Створено принципову схему технології фарбування бавовняних тканин. Розроблено технологію фарбування тканин із повторним (циклічним) використанням концентрованих стічних вод в процесах фарбування тканин прямими барвниками з економією витрат прямого барвника в середньому 11 % на кожні 1200 п.м. тканини. Фарбування за такою схемою апробовано на ПрАТ «Черкаський шовковий комбінат» (м. Черкаси, Україна). Під час виконання роботи використовувався спектрофотометричний метод; стійкість фарбування визначалося до діючих державних стандартів України та міжнародних стандартів ISO; для візуалізації експериментальних даних використовувалися мова програмування Python, бібліотеки візуалізації Mathplotlib і Seaborn.
Babaçu (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng.): Uma Revisão Sistemática de Usos e Propriedades Terapêuticas
Authors: Santos José Alex Alves dos
Published: February 2025

Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng., conhecida como babaçu, é uma palmeira tropical com relevância econômica e ecológica, amplamente utilizada para fins alimentares, medicinais e industriais. Este estudo revisou 14 trabalhos publicados entre 2010 e 2020, consultados nas plataformas de pesquisa MEDLINE e LILACS, com o objetivo de consolidar os usos populares e farmacológicos da espécie. A metodologia incluiu uma análise comparativa de índices de diversidade, como SDtot e Equitabilidade, aplicados às categorias de uso relatadas. Os frutos (amêndoas, mesocarpo e borra) foram as partes mais utilizadas, representando 50% dos usos relatados. Os índices calculados foram SDtot = 5,5 ± 1,0 e Equitabilidade = 2,75 ± 0,2, indicando uma diversidade moderada e uma boa distribuição entre as categorias. A análise também apontou propriedades anti-inflamatórias, antimicrobianas, antioxidantes e cicatrizantes, com destaque de uso tradicional em tratamento de feridas. Conclui-se que A. speciosa possui grande potencial terapêutico e socioeconômico, mas estudos padronizados e ensaios clínicos são necessários para validar suas propriedades e ampliar sua exploração sustentável.
Effectiveness of Assertiveness Counselling Skills on Marital Conflict among Married Female Students in Sokoto State University
Authors:   Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Abdullahi Abubakar Umar , Abubakar Abubakar Muhammad ,   Sokoto State Teachers Service Board
Published: February 2025

The focus of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of assertiveness counselling skills on marital conflict among married female students at Sokoto State University. The population of the study consists of UG I students of the 2023/2024 session, Sokoto State University Sokoto, totaling about 48 subjects, female married students who were randomly selected and assigned to experimental and control groups. An experimental design of pre-test and post-test only control groups were administered to generate data from the subjects of the study in the two groups for eight (8) weeks. An instrument titled “Marital Conflict Questionnaire” was administered to both experimental and control groups for data collection. A t-test technique was used to analyze the data. The result showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the participants in the study. Based on the findings, recommendations were made that Sokoto State University should include assertiveness counselling programs as a core part of its student support services. These programs can be tailored to address the unique needs of married female students, focusing on stress management, financial decision-making and effective communication skills to enhance their overall academic and personal well-being.
Immediate results of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy: Kimura vs Warshaw procedure
Authors: Vervekin I.V. , Trushin A.A. , Kursenko R.V. , Gainullina L.I. , Zakharenko A.A.
Published: February 2025

Objective. To study the immediate results of spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy and to compare the outcomes after Kimura and Warshaw procedures. Material and methods. A retrospective non-randomized study included 27 patients with benign tumors of pancreatic tail and body who underwent spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy between 2020 and 2024. All patients were divided into 2 groups: 1 — Kimura procedure (n=16), 2 — Warshaw procedure (n=16). We excluded patients who underwent enucleations, central resections, and other interventions instead of distal pancreatectomy. Results. Mean surgery time was 269.06±70.95 (95% CI 227.74 — 319. 95) and 197.27±42.09 min (95% CI 184.36 — 240.64), respectively (p=0.006). Blood loss, length of hospital day, incidence of laparotomy, splenectomy, splenic infarction, and redo surgeries were similar. Clinically significant postoperative fistula B-C was more common in 1st group (10 (62.4%) vs. 5 (45.5%) cases, p=0.028). There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of postoperative complications Clavien—Dindo grade >III and mortality. Conclusion. Laparoscopic spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy is the «gold» standard for benign tumors of pancreatic body and tail. The Warshaw and Kimura techniques are safe and effective surgical approaches with similar results. The Warshaw procedure may be more advantageous regarding less surgical resources without deterioration of immediate postoperative results.
Universal intestinal suture in rehabilitation of patients with single-layer anastomoses after elective upper gastrointestinal tract surgery
Authors: Bashirov S.R. , Klokov S.S. , Korepanov V.A. , Krinitsky D.V. , Rudaya N.S. , Arzhanik M.B.
Published: February 2025

Objective. To evaluate universal intestinal suture in rehabilitation of patients with single-row anastomoses after elective upper gastrointestinal tract surgery. Material and methods. A single-center study included 142 patients over 8-year period. There were 72 (50.7%) pancreaticoduodenectomies and 70 (49.3%) gastric resections and gastrectomies. The rehabilitation program included single-layer anastomoses using universal intestinal suture, intestinal drainage for decompression and enteral nutrition, therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopy to stimulate motor evacuation function, patency of anastomoses and assessment of anastomositis. Results. Intestinal drainage for decompression and enteral nutrition was used for 6 (4; 7) days after surgery. Intraluminal endoscopy was performed after 9 (7; 11) days. In patients with anastomositis grade 0 (26.5%) and 1 (62.4%), we observed minimal inflammation along intestinal suture line (mean hospital-stay 16 (13; 20) days). In patients with anastomositis grade 2 (8.5%) and 3 (2.6%), we observed surface erosions and ulcers in the anastomosis zone (mean postoperative hospital-stay 20 (16; 27) days). Postoperative complications unrelated to anastomoses were diagnosed in 17.6% of cases; 12% of patients underwent redo surgery. Mortality rate was 2.8%. Conclusion. Universal intestinal suture in rehabilitation of patients with single-layer anastomoses contributed to uncomplicated healing of anastomoses in 88.9% of patients with anastomositis grade 0—1 and reduced the incidence of anastomositis grade 2—3 to 11.1%, as well as hospital-stay after elective upper gastrointestinal tract surgery.
Successful groin flap for dorsal hand defect in elderly patient with comorbidity
Authors: Hakami A.
Published: February 2025

The pedicled groin flap is a valuable and versatile option for covering wounds on the hand and distal forearm, offering predictable results with a procedure that is less complex and time-consuming than free-tissue transfer. Contrary to the common belief that the groin flap should be avoided in elderly patients due to the risk of shoulder stiffness, we observed satisfactory outcomes in a 93-year-old woman with comorbidities of type 2 DM, Arterial hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis and status post Hip TEP on both sides in 2009 and 2007. Immediate shoulder mobilization and continued physical therapy during flap maturation and pedicle division were essential to achieve positive results.
C-Mill sensory treadmill in the treatment of idiopathic normotensive hydrocephalus
Authors: Abytov S.A. , Gavrilov G.V. , Skoromets T.A. , Stanishevskiy A.V. , Cherebillo V.Yu. , Svistov D.V.
Published: February 2025

The authors studied motor disorders in idiopathic normotensive hydrocephalus (iNPH, Hakim-Adams syndrome) using C-Mill treadmill. Objective. To present the first experience of C-Mill in assessing the motor function in patients with iNPH. Material and methods. The study is carried out at the Pavlov State Medical University and Hospital for War Veterans. To date, we enrolled 10 patients with iNPH and examined these ones using a unique multifunctional tool C-Mill before surgery, after tap test and after cerebrospinal fluid bypass surgery. Results. In all cases, we obtained positive postoperative results with improvement of motor function. Conclusion. C-Mill is a special treadmill with built-in tools designed to analyze human gait and balance, as well as for rehabilitation to improve gait and balance disorders in virtual reality. C-Mill sensory treadmill is valuable to assess motor disorders in patients with iNPH before surgery, improve the diagnostic process when selecting patients for surgery using invasive diagnostic methods and significantly improve the accuracy of postoperative evaluating the effectiveness of surgical treatment by quantifying the regression of motor disorders.
Taung and beyond: The mining history, geology and taphonomy of Australopithecus in South Africa
Authors: Weij Rieneke , Baker Stephanie E. , Edwards Tara R. , Kibii Job , Luti Georgina , Pickering Robyn
Published: February 2025

South Africa is host to the single richest early hominin fossil record worldwide, including many examples of the endemic species Australopithecus africanus fossils. This species was first described by Raymond Dart in 1925 from the deposits near the town of Taung. Later, many more fossils, of different species and genera, were found in the caves of the Sterkfontein and Makapan Valleys. To understand this rich and diverse fossil record, we must understand how the landscape formed (cave formation processes) and changed (mining), when this happened (geochronology), and how the fossils were accumulated and modified (taphonomy). Here we provide a review of these themes to mark the centenary of the Taung Child discovery. We mark this moment in our field by critically reflecting on the role of extractive practices, especially centred around past mining of the Caves and the exclusion of many members of research teams. The South African Fossil Hominid sites provide a unique opportunity to expand our understanding of the intersection between human evolution and changing environmental conditions, as the karstic landscape and remnant cave systems preserve both fossils and sedimentary archives of past environmental change. We offer a perspective on future research areas: more standardised excavation practices and techniques to raise the quality of data collected from the caves and new techniques to date and extract palaeoclimate data from cave deposits themselves, to provide novel insights into the world of the early australopiths.
Looking for the origins of the human brain: the role of South Africa in the history of (palaeo)neurology
Authors: Beaudet Amélie , de Jager Edwin , Tawane Mirriam , Billings Brendon
Published: February 2025

In 1925, Raymond Arthur Dart published his description and interpretations of the ‘Taung Child’ in the journal Nature, including a description of the natural brain endocast associated with the face and mandible. Details preserved in the endocast of the Taung Child have opened critical questions and debates about how the human brain evolved, and how to identify and study evidence of brain changes from fossil hominin crania. In this paper, we review and synthesise methodological innovations (how do we study fossil hominin brains?) and critical conceptual shifts (how did the hominin brain evolve?) triggered by the discovery of the Taung Child. In particular, we detail the impact of the study of the well-preserved crania and natural endocasts from the southern African hominin-bearing sites on our understanding of brain evolution and the integration of newly developed analytical tools into research in palaeoneurology (e.g. imaging techniques, 3D modelling). Additionally, we examine how the use of digital replicas of fossil hominin endocasts and the need to study extant human brains to form a comparative platform might raise questions about research practices (e.g. study and exhibition of fossil and extant human brains) and management of such invaluable heritage resources (e.g. data sharing). We finally consider how our view of human brain evolution, and in particular the putative uniqueness of the hominin brain, has changed over the last century.
Chemical Quality of Irrigation Waters in Ford County and the Great Bend Prairie of Kansas
Authors: Hathaway L.R. , Galle O.K. , Waugh T.C. , Dickey H.P.
Published: February 2025

In order to develop data on the quality of groundwater, one hundred-seventy pumping irrigation wells and two flowing artesian wells were sampled in Ford County and the Great Bend Prairie area of central Kansas during July, 1977. Fourteen of the wells are located north of the Arkansas River in Edwards, Pawnee, Barton, Rice and Reno counties. Waters vary from a calcium-bicarbonate type in the western half of the study area to regions of sodium-chloride type waters in eastern Stafford and northern Reno counties. Waters along the Arkansas River valley tend to be of a sulfate type.
Apresentação
Authors: Cabral Cleber Araújo , Paula Felipe Oliveira de , Guimarães Gustavo Cerqueira , Rocha Neto João Alves , Godinho Josué Borges de Araújo , Prado Rafael Lovisi
Published: February 2025

A revista Em Tese traz como tema para o dossiê desta edição a frase de Maria Gabriela Llansol: A LÍNGUA É A PORTUGUESA, MAS O PENSAMENTO ESTÁ A ALARGAR-SE. Com ela o pensamento abre-se para além das fronteiras traçadas por noções como nação ou identidade. Nesse movimento, há também uma expansão da língua, neste caso, a portuguesa. Tal abertura lança-nos para uma língua outra, menor, fonte ininterrupta de atrito no corpo da cultura e, por sua singularidade radical, ponto de resistência a toda e qualquer tentativa de totalidade. A expansão da língua e do pensamento lança-nos para língua do poema: este devir infinito.
Apresentação
Authors: Cabral Cleber Araújo , Paula Felipe Oliveira de , Guimarães Gustavo Cerqueira , Neto João Alves Rocha , Godinho Josué Borges de Araújo
Published: February 2025

O vol. 20, n. 2 da revista Em Tese, traz como tema para o dossiê: LITERATURA E VIOLÊNCIA. A questão da violência, em épocas e configurações distintas, sempre esteve presente não só nas diferentes expressões artísticas, como tem especial destaque na literatura
Polyhydroxyalkanoates biosynthesis, resulting polymer structures, and plasticization
Authors:   , Herbert Emily Mary , Schauer Caroline L.
Published: February 2025

Although synthetic plastics are ubiquitous today, they are typically made from petroleum and are difficult to recycle, leading to microplastic pollution. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of natural polymers synthesized by microorganisms under certain nutrient limiting conditions with an excess source of carbon present. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) the most widely studied homopolymer of PHAs, is highly crystalline, brittle, and difficult to process. Two techniques can be implemented to overcome these issues: (1) the use of plasticizers, and (2) the inclusion of monomers with longer side chains in the PHA polymer backbone. Although plasticizers are an established way to increase the processability and ductility of polymers, bio-based plasticizers have not been widely used with PHAs copolymers, like poly(3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH). However, copolymers of PHB which contain increasingly longer side chains break up the regularity of the polymer packing order, are more elastic, and have lower melting temperatures. These copolymers are easier to process and contain properties that are similar to polyolefins, making them an excellent candidate for single-use plastics that contribute the most by sector to global plastic waste generated. However, only microorganisms with specific metabolic pathways have the capacity to synthesize PHAs with more than 4 carbons in the monomer unit, which is usually acquired by evolutionarily adapting to their environment. Extreme environments, dynamic environments, and environments with a diverse carbon supply have all been linked to microorganisms with the capability to produce PHA copolymers. In this work, PHAs producing-microorganisms were isolated from a previously unexplored dynamic environment. The effect of including different carboxylic acids in the growth media was determined, and the resulting polymers were characterized. Additionally, plasticized PHBH with different bio-based plasticizers were characterized and the relationship between crystallinity, elasticity, and water vapor permeability was explored.
Motor modularity and perturbation analyzed using stochastic dynamic operators
Authors:   , Smith Trevor Shawn , Giszter Simon F.
Published: February 2025

Although a significant amount of research has elucidated many questions in motor control, how the spinal cord organizes motor task inputs into muscle activations remains uncertain. In the motor modularity model of movement, dynamic 'building blocks' are combined to compactly construct most motor activity. A motor 'module' can be defined as a neural element evoking stereotyped motor drive, extracted from kinetic or biological features (e.g., synergist muscle EMG). Spinal motor modules can be studied in experimental preparations which separate the spinal cord from descending influences. In the spinal frog, the hindlimb wiping reflex has been studied as a model motor behavior composed of the adjusted gains and amplitudes of three modules. During a wiping reflex, the spinal cord must control when modules are recruited, at what strengths, and how modules coordinate the motor pools to generate behavior. Apparently-modular motor behavior can also be evoked from the spinal cord via intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS). Exogenously activating the spinal cord with ISMS drives motor activity and combinations of ISMS-evoked responses can resemble spinal reflexes, suggesting a common neural facilitation. Previously, spike-triggered averaging has identified synergy-associated spinal interneurons which are active during modular pulses. Here, we challenged the spinal capacity to execute modular motor behavior by providing perturbations, including ISMS, before, during, and after the execution of the wiping reflex. Consistent with historical data, ISMS usually evoked a pulse comprising a single component in both force trajectory and muscle activations. In most instances, the ISMS-induced motor activity resolves quickly and is modularly 'inserted' into the ongoing motor plan. Our data indicate that observed ISMS responses in frog emerge from limited recruitment of interneurons and associated single motor units within and across motor pools. Some interneurons and single motor units are selectively facilitated by either ISMS or wipe, while others are recruited by both stimuli. To further investigate the role of single units within modular motor responses, we adapted the Stochastic Dynamic Operator (SDO) framework to describe the spike-triggered changes in signal dynamics. SDOs behave as state-dependent change-of-state descriptions of signal behavior and may be applied to discern state-dependent spike effects. SDOs can be functionally clustered to identify interneurons and motor units contributing similarly to observed or latent factors (e.g., modules or synergy drives), and gain-scheduled SDOs can reconstruct stochastic signals, including EMG. SDOs may also be extended to describe other stochastic variables, including phase. Our results point towards the neural mechanisms and foundations that support motor modularity in the spinal frog motor repertoire and its responses to perturbations and inputs.
Evaluation of polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene exon 1 and their relevance to susceptibility to bovine papillomatosis in Girolando breed animals
Authors: Pessoa Junior Morse Edson , Carrazzoni Patrícia Gallindo , Tenório Filho Fernando , Alves Ryan Vieira , Freitas Antonio Carlos de , Silva Maria Angélica Ramos da
Published: February 2025

Bovine papillomatosis is an infectious viral disease caused by Bovine Papillomavirus (BPV). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes responsible for innate immunity have been the object of several studies and present great importance in the susceptibility of animals to disease development. Mannose-binding lectins (MBLs) are lectins involved in the innate immune response against various infectious agents, including viruses. Due to the fact that polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene may affect the functionality of the protein, the present study aimed to evaluate the association of MBL2 gene exon 1 polymorphisms with susceptibility to bovine papillomatosis. Blood samples of 167 Brazilian Girolando breed animals (Gir x Holstein) from the Northeast of Brazil were used. All animals were infected with BPV, of which 92 animals were affected by cutaneous papillomatosis and 75 animals did not have cutaneous lesions. The analysis revealed 245 conserved sites and 02 variable sites, G235A and T244C, in the MBL2 gene exon 1. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the two SNPs showed no association of these SNPs with susceptibility to cutaneous papillomatosis.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Rosmarinus officinalis: A Review Study
Authors: Theyyathel A. M. , Sofi Mohmmad Ashaq , Nanda Anima , Sofi Mohd Abass , Nayak B. K.
Published: February 2025

Herbal remedies have long been esteemed for their substantial contribution to human health. The healthcare sector is increasingly acknowledging the significance of various herbs and plants, leading to a surge in their global popularity. This resurgence in interest is spurring a closer examination of their potential benefits in the creation of new drugs. The unique compounds found in these plants are seen as valuable sources for meeting different pharmacological objectives, inspired by their historical usage in folk medicine. The purpose of this review was to thoroughly review current research on Rosmarinus officinalis L., with the aim of uncovering the key chemicals and biological effects linked to this herb. Evidence from various studies highlights the medicinal potential of specific compounds such as carnosol, rosmarinic acid, and carnosic acid in addition to the plant extracts and essential oils. This paper explores the most frequently observed effects related to R. officinalis and its components. Understanding the medicinal uses of these plants can have implications that extend beyond herbal therapy, reaching into the field of pharmacological research. Given the properties of this herb, further human studies are essential to evaluate its potential for developing versatile medicines suitable for clinical application.
Major Findings: Rosmarinus officinalis exhibits significant anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties. Key compounds like carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and carnosol contribute to these effects, highlighting the plant’s potential for developing versatile therapeutic applications.