bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ensemble learning approach for advanced metering infrastructure in future smart grids
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Ayub Nasir , Althobiani Faisal , Masood Sabeen , Arbab Ahmed Qazi , Saeed Muhammad Hamza , Rahman Saifur , Abdushkour Hesham , Gommosani Mohammad E. , Shamji V. R. , Faraj Mursal Salim Nasar
Published: October 2023

Typically, load forecasting models are trained in an offline setting and then used to generate predictions in an online setting. However, this approach, known as batch learning, is limited in its ability to integrate new load information that becomes available in real-time. On the other hand, online learning methods enable load forecasting models to adapt efficiently to new incoming data. Electricity Load and Price Forecasting (ELPF) is critical to maintaining energy grid stability in smart grids. Existing forecasting methods cannot handle the available large amount of data, which are limited by different issues like non-linearity, un-adjusted high variance and high dimensions. A compact and improved algorithm is needed to synchronize with the diverse procedure in ELPF. Our model ELPF framework comprises high/low consumer data separation, handling missing and unstandardized data and preprocessing method, which includes selecting relevant features and removing redundant features. Finally, it implements the ELPF using an improved method Residual Network (ResNet-152) and the machine-improved Support Vector Machine (SVM) based forecasting engine to forecast the ELP accurately. We proposed two main distinct mechanisms, regularization, base learner selection and hyperparameter tuning, to improve the performance of the existing version of ResNet-152 and SVM. Furthermore, it reduces the time complexity and the overfitting model issue to handle more complex consumer data. Furthermore, numerous structures of ResNet-152 and SVM are also explored to improve the regularization function, base learners and compatible selection of the parameter values with respect to fitting capabilities for the final forecasting. Simulated results from the real-world load and price data confirm that the proposed method outperforms 8% of the existing schemes in performance measures and can also be used in industry-based applications.
Research disruption during PhD studies and its impact on mental health: Implications for research and university policy
Authors: Aristeidou Maria , Aristidou Angela
Published: October 2023

Research policy observers are increasingly concerned about the impact of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on university research. Yet we know little about the effect of this disruption, specifically on PhD students, their mental health, and their research progress. This study drew from survey responses of UK PhD students during the Covid-19 pandemic. We explored evidence of depression and coping behaviour (N = 1780), and assessed factors relating to demographics, PhD characteristics, Covid-19-associated personal circumstances, and significant life events that could explain PhD student depression during the research disruption (N = 1433). The majority of the study population (86%) reported a negative effect on their research progress during the pandemic. Results based on eight mental health symptoms (PHQ-8) showed that three in four PhD students experienced significant depression. Live-in children and lack of funding were among the most significant factors associated with developing depression. Engaging in approach coping behaviours (i.e., those alleviating the problem directly) related to lower levels of depression. By assessing the impact of research disruption on the UK PhD researcher community, our findings indicate policies to manage short-term risks but also build resilience in academic communities against current and future disruptions.
The essential impact of stress appraisals on work engagement
Authors: Al Hajj Raghid , Vongas John G. , Jamal Muhammad , ElMelegy Ahmed R.
Published: October 2023

This paper explains the contradictory findings on the relationship between stress and work engagement by including appraisals as a driving mechanism through which job stressors influence engagement. In doing so, it explores whether stressors categorised as either challenging or hindering can be appraised simultaneously as both. Second, it investigates whether stress mindset explains not only how stressors are appraised, but also how appraisals influence engagement. Over five workdays, 487 Canadian and American full-time employees indicated their stress mindset and appraised numerous challenging and hindering stressors, after which they self-reported their engagement at work. Results showed that employees rarely appraised stress as uniquely challenging or hindering. Moreover, when employees harbored positive views about stress, stressors overall were evaluated as less hindering and hindrance stressors were particularly more challenging. Stress mindset appears to be critical in modulating the genesis of stress appraisals. In turn, appraisals explained the stressor-engagement relationship, with challenge and hindrance stressors boosting and hampering engagement, respectively. Finally, positive stress mindset buffered the negative effect of hindrance appraisals on engagement. Our findings clarify misconceptions about how workplace stressors impact engagement and offer novel evidence that stress mindset is a key factor in stress at work.
Antropo: An open-source platform to increase the anthropomorphism of the Franka Emika collaborative robot arm
Authors: Scholz Constantin , Cao Hoang-Long , El Makrini Ilias , Vanderborght Bram
Published: October 2023

Robot-to-human communication is important for mutual understanding during human-robot collaboration. Most of the current collaborative robots (cobots) are designed with low levels of anthropomorphism. Therefore, the ability of cobots to express human-like communication is limited. In this work, we present an open-source platform named Antropo to increase the level of anthropomorphism of Franka Emika—a widely used collaborative robot arm. The Antropo platform includes three modules: a camera module for expressing eye gaze, a light module for visual feedback, and a sound module for acoustic feedback. These modules can be rapidly prototyped through 3D printers, laser-cutters, and off-the-shelf components available at a low cost. The Antropo platform can be easily installed on the Franka Emika robot. The added communication channels can be synchronised with the robot’s motions to enhance mutual understanding. All hardware CAD design files and software files are released. The platform can be used to study human-like behaviours of cobots and the effects of these behaviours on different aspects of human-robot collaboration. We demonstrate the Antropo platform in an assembly task in which the Franka Emika robot expresses various human-like communicative behaviours via the added communication channels. We also present two industrial applications in which the Antropo platform was customised for the Universal Robots UR16e.
A fairness assessment of mobility-based COVID-19 case prediction models
Authors: Erfani Abdolmajid , Frias-Martinez Vanessa
Published: October 2023

In light of the outbreak of COVID-19, analyzing and measuring human mobility has become increasingly important. A wide range of studies have explored spatiotemporal trends over time, examined associations with other variables, evaluated non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), and predicted or simulated COVID-19 spread using mobility data. Despite the benefits of publicly available mobility data, a key question remains unanswered: are models using mobility data performing equitably across demographic groups? We hypothesize that bias in the mobility data used to train the predictive models might lead to unfairly less accurate predictions for certain demographic groups. To test our hypothesis, we applied two mobility-based COVID infection prediction models at the county level in the United States using SafeGraph data, and correlated model performance with sociodemographic traits. Findings revealed that there is a systematic bias in models’ performance toward certain demographic characteristics. Specifically, the models tend to favor large, highly educated, wealthy, young, and urban counties. We hypothesize that the mobility data currently used by many predictive models tends to capture less information about older, poorer, less educated and people from rural regions, which in turn negatively impacts the accuracy of the COVID-19 prediction in these areas. Ultimately, this study points to the need of improved data collection and sampling approaches that allow for an accurate representation of the mobility patterns across demographic groups.
A case-control study of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias among male and female patients aged 65 years and older supporting the need for a phase III clinical trial
Authors: Henry David S. , Pellegrino Richard G.
Published: October 2023

Background

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have been evaluated as a novel treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), but two recent cohort studies have offered opposing conclusions.

Methods

We performed an unmatched case-control study using electronic medical records from a large healthcare system to evaluate the association of PDE5i use and ADRD in patients ≥65 years old.

Results

Odds of PDE5i exposure were 64.2%, 55.7%, and 54.0% lower in patients with ADRD than controls among populations with erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary hypertension, respectively. We observed odds ratios less than unity among males and females and with exposure to the PDE5i sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). We also evaluated the odds of exposure to two other common treatments for pulmonary hypertension: endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) and calcium channel blockers (CCB). The odds of ERA exposure were 63.2% lower, but the odds of CCB exposure were 30.7% higher, in patients with ADRD than controls among the population with pulmonary hypertension.

Conclusions

Our results reconcile the opposing conclusions from the previous observational studies and support further research into using PDE5i for prevention and treatment of ADRD.
A regulatory role for the redox status of the pepino mosaic virus coat protein
Authors: Méndez-López Eduardo , Aranda Miguel A.
Published: October 2023

Cysteine oxidations play important regulatory roles during animal virus infections. Despite the importance of redox modifications during plant infections, no plant virus protein has yet been shown to be regulated by cysteine oxidation. The potexvirus pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is pandemic in tomato crops. Previously we modeled the structure of the PepMV particle and coat protein (CP) by cryo-electron microscopy and identified critical residues of the CP RNA-binding pocket that interact with the viral RNA during particle formation and viral cell-to-cell movement. The PepMV CP has a single cysteine residue (Cys127) central to its RNA binding pocket, which is highly conserved. Here we show that the Cys127Ser replacement diminishes PepMV fitness, and that PepMV CPWT is oxidized in vivo while CPC127S is not. We also show that Cys127 gets spontaneously glutathionylated in vitro, and that S-glutathionylation blocks in vitro the formation of virion-like particles (VLPs). VLPs longer than 200 nm could be formed after in planta CPC127S overexpression, while very short and dispersed VLPs were observed after CPWT overexpression. Our results strongly suggest that the CP redox status regulates CP functions via cysteine oxidation.
Serpin-1a and serpin-6 regulate the Toll pathway immune homeostasis by synergistically inhibiting the Spätzle-processing enzyme CLIP2 in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Liu Huawei , Xu Jiahui , Wang Luoling , Guo Pengchao , Tang Zhangchen , Sun Xiaotong , Tang Xin , Wang Wei , Wang Lingyan , Cao Yang , Xia Qingyou , Zhao Ping
Published: October 2023

The Toll receptor signaling pathway is an important innate immune response of insects to pathogen infection; its extracellular signal transduction involves serine protease cascade activation. However, excessive or constitutive activation of the Toll pathway can be detrimental. Hence, the balance between activation and inhibition of the extracellular protease cascade must be tightly regulated to achieve favorable outcomes. Previous studies have shown that serpins—serine protease inhibitors—negatively regulate insect innate immunity by inhibiting extracellular protease cascade signaling. Although the roles of serpins in insect innate immunity are well described, the physiological mechanisms underlying their synergistic effects remain poorly understand. Here, we characterize the molecular mechanism by which serpin-1a and serpin-6 synergistically maintain immune homeostasis of the silkworm Toll pathway under physiological and pathological conditions. Through in vitro biochemical assays and in vivo bioassays, we demonstrate that clip-domain serine protease 2 (CLIP2), as the Toll cascade-activating terminal protease, is responsible for processing proSpätzle1 to induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides. Further biochemical and genetic analyses indicate that constitutively expressed serpin-1a and inducible serpin-6 synergistically target CLIP2 to maintain homeostasis of the silkworm Toll pathway under physiological and pathological conditions. Taken together, this study provides new insights into the precise regulation of Toll cascade activation signals in insect innate immune responses and highlights the importance and complexity of insect immune homeostasis regulation.
Using detrending to assess SARS-CoV-2 wastewater loads as a leading indicator of fluctuations in COVID-19 cases at fine temporal scales: Correlations across twenty sewersheds in North Carolina
Authors: Hoffman Kelly , Holcomb David , Reckling Stacie , Clerkin Thomas , Blackwood Denene , Beattie Rachelle , de los Reyes Francis , Harris Angela , Mitasova Helena , Kotlarz Nadine , Stewart Jill , Kazenelson Jacob , Cahoon Lawrence , Frampton Arthur , Munir Mariya , Lee Allison , Berkowitz Steven , Noble Rachel , Guidry Virginia T. , Engel Lawrence , Serre Marc , Christensen Ariel
Published: October 2023

Wastewater surveillance emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a novel strategy for tracking the burden of illness in communities. Previous work has shown that trends in wastewater SARS-CoV-2 viral loads correlate well with reported COVID-19 case trends over longer time periods (i.e., months). We used detrending time series to reveal shorter sub-trend patterns (i.e., weeks) to identify leads or lags in the temporal alignment of the wastewater/case relationship. Daily incident COVID-19 cases and twice-weekly wastewater SARS-CoV-2 viral loads measured at 20 North Carolina sewersheds in 2021 were detrended using smoothing ranges of ∞, 16, 8, 4 and 2 weeks, to produce detrended cases and wastewater viral loads at progressively finer time scales. For each sewershed and smoothing range, we calculated the Spearman correlation between the cases and the wastewater viral loads with offsets of -7 to +7 days. We identified a conclusive lead/lag relationship at 15 of 20 sewersheds, with detrended wastewater loads temporally leading detrended COVID-19 cases at 11 of these sites. For the 11 leading sites, the correlation between wastewater loads and cases was greatest for wastewater loads sampled at a median lead time of 6 days before the cases were reported. Distinct lead/lag relationships were the most pronounced after detrending with smoothing ranges of 4–8 weeks, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 wastewater viral loads can track fluctuations in COVID-19 case incidence rates at fine time scales and may serve as a leading indicator in many settings. These results could help public health officials identify, and deploy timely responses in, areas where cases are increasing faster than the overall pandemic trend.
Factores determinantes de la generación, difusión y aprovechamiento del conocimiento externo y la innovación en el contexto de un clúster
Authors: Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Seva-Larrosa Pedro , Martínez-Falcó Javier
Published: October 2023

El objetivo principal del presente trabajo es determinar cuáles son los principales factores que influyen en la generación, difusión y aprovechamiento efectivo del conocimiento externo y el desarrollo de innovaciones por parte de las organizaciones en el contexto de un clúster. Para alcanzar este fin, se localizan los treinta trabajos más citados en esta área de estudio en la base de datos Web of Science (WOS). Tras ello, se analizan en profundidad y se clasifican en función de su perspectiva de análisis y objetivo principal para, a continuación, analizar conjuntamente las conclusiones establecidas en cada uno de los bloques de trabajos. Los resultados obtenidos permiten confirmar la existencia de cierto consenso al valorar el conocimiento como un activo esencial para el desempeño innovador y empresarial, así como para el desarrollo socioeconómico de las regiones. Además, se exponen los principales factores que afectan al grado de aprovechamiento del conocimiento procedente del entorno y el desempeño innovador en el contexto de un clúster, identificados a partir de la revisión realizada. En base a estos resultados, se concluye que la efectividad con que las organizaciones explotan el conocimiento externo y desarrollan innovaciones depende de una serie de características, tanto internas a las empresas como pertenecientes al entorno en el cual estas se localizan.
Impactos da educação empreendedora em alunos brasileiros do ensino superior: Um estudo empírico comparando disciplinas obrigatórias e eletivas
Authors: Arruda Carlos , Burcharth Ana , Barcellos Erika Penido , Lourencini Samara Paganini
Published: October 2023

Objetivo do estudo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os impactos da educação empreendedora em alunos de disciplinas de empreendedorismo no nível de graduação de universidades brasileiras. Metodologia: A metodologia adotada foi pré/pós a partir da coleta de dados primários por meio de questionários estruturados entre 398 estudantes de empreendedorismo provenientes de 10 disciplinas de graduação de seis universidades brasileiras, envolvendo doze professores. As análises de dados foram realizadas por meio de análise fatorial confirmatória e testes pareados de comparação de médias. Principais resultados: As disciplinas eletivas de empreendedorismo têm maior impacto positivo (sobretudo para atitude empreendedora, controle percebido do comportamento e intenção empreendedora) para os alunos de graduação no Brasil, se comparado às disciplinas obrigatórias, que, inclusive, impactaram negativamente alguns fatores (ex.: atitude empreendedora, controle percebido do comportamento e intenção empreendedora). Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas: Desenvolvimento de um modelo para analisar o impacto da educação empreendedora fundamentado na recente literatura sobre o tema e que representa uma versão estendida da Teoria do Comportamento Planejado, a qual inclui conhecimentos e competências empreendedoras. Relevância/originalidade: Uso diferencial de uma metodologia rigorosa (pré/pós com aplicação de teste-t pareado) e comparação dos efeitos de cursos eletivos e obrigatórios de empreendedorismo em uma ampla base de dados.
A számolás tanulásának sikeressége az iskolakezdő szenzomotoros és
kognitív profil tükrében
Authors: Gyarmathy Éva , Gyarmathy Zsófia , Kökényesi Imre , Pap Judit , Szabó Zénó , Turmezei Mónika
Published: October 2023

Kutatásunkban az általános iskola első osztályosainak különböző
területeken mutatott fejlődését követjük. Az itt közreadott első
vizsgálatok során felmértük 415 iskolát kezdő tanuló szenzomotoros és
kognitív képességeit, és ezeket a profilokat összehasonlítottuk a tanítóik
értékelése alapján a matematikai tanulmányi sikeresség szintjével. A
Szenzomotoros és Kognitív Profil Teszt olyan eszköz a tanítók számára,
amellyel információt szerezhetnek a gyermekek fejlődési profiljáról, hogy
az eredmények alapján megtervezhessék a matematikatanulás személyre szabott
módszereit adatalapú döntésekkel. A vizsgálati eredmények azt mutatják,
hogy a gyerekek 20%-a nem rendelkezik a matematikatanuláshoz
elengedhetetlenül szükséges kiforrott munkamemóriával, szenzomotoros és
kognitív funkciókkal. Az első osztályosoknak csak 53%-a tudta jól
elsajátítani a tananyagot. Az első osztályosok azon csoportjai, akik az
iskola első hónapjaiban kudarcot vallottak vagy nagyon gyengén
teljesítettek matematikából, minden megfigyelt változóban eltértek a jobban
teljesítő csoportoktól. Az eredmények megerősítették, hogy az absztrakt
gondolkodás és a mennyiségfogalom mellett a legkritikusabb terület a
munkamemória. Számos szenzomotoros terület, mint például a testséma és a
térbeli tájékozódás, a szerialitás, sőt az egyensúlyérzék is azok közé a
területek közé tartozik, amelyeket javítani kell ahhoz, hogy a gyerekeknek
esélyük legyen elfogadható eredményeket elérni a matematika tanulásában.
A zenetanárrá válás motivációs összetevői
Authors: Szabó Norbert , Földi Fanni , Józsa Krisztián
Published: October 2023

A zenetanítás speciális helyet foglal el a magyar közoktatásban. A
hangszertanulással és a hangszert oktató pedagógusokkal eddig kevés hazai
vizsgálat foglalkozott. Tanulmányunk célja, hogy feltárja a hangszeres
zenetanári pálya iránti elköteleződés összetett jellegét. Interjút
készítettünk kilenc zenetanár szakos hallgatóval és hat már gyakorlott,
hangszeres zenét tanító pedagógussal. Az interjúk elemzése megmutatja, hogy
a tanárrá válás, a hangszertanulás és hangszerválasztás iránti döntések
meghozatala mögött számos tényező áll, a belső ösztönzők mellett az egyik
legmeghatározóbb a család, a szülők hatása. Különbség mutatkozik meg a már
pályán lévő tanárok és a tanárjelöltek pályaválasztási preferenciáiban.
An Unusual Case of Dual Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Chatterjee Tulika , Reddy Yeshaswini , Badshah Maaz , Puli Srinivas
Published: October 2023

We report a simultaneous occurrence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. A 64-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a pancreatic head mass with a mesenteric artery encasement. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a second mass in the tail of the pancreas. Pathology reported adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas and a neuroendocrine tumor in the tail of the pancreas. The neuroendocrine tumor was nonfunctional, with no symptoms or signs present on assessment. The patient had advanced unresectable carcinoma, so she was treated with chemotherapy.
Arthropathy associated with antitumor checkpoint inhibitors therapy: current understanding of the problem
Authors: Koltakova A. D. , Lila A. M.
Published: October 2023

Checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) are anticancer drugs that activate the immune response against cancer cells. This type of treatment is highly effective, but also associates with many immunoinflammatory complications, including musculoskeletal. This review presents the current understanding of the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis and therapy of immune-mediated arthropathy in patients receiving CPI.
Multimorbidity in osteoarthritis and pleiotropic effects of slow-acting symptomatic drugs. Resolution of the multidisciplinary International Expert Council
Authors: Mazurov V. I. , Lila A. M. , Alekseeva L. I. , Baymukhamedov Ch. T. , Isaeva B. G. , Iskra D. A. , Karimov M. Yu. , Mirakhmedova H. T. , Mkrtumyan A. M. , Nabieva D. A. , Naumov A. V. , Tkacheva O. N. , Trofimov E. A. , Khokhlova M. N.
Published: October 2023

In recent decades, the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most disabling diseases, has increased worldwide, which imposes a significant burden on society. At the international multidisciplinary meeting, experts of various specialties (rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, geriatrics, rehabilitation, traumatology and orthopedics) from Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan discussed the importance of an individualized approach to the treatment of patients with OA, taking into account comorbidities, identified the most important and common clinical phenotypes of the disease, discussed known symptom- and structure-modifying effects of a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, and new data on additional (pleiotropic) effects of these drugs that may have a positive impact on the course of comorbid diseases and conditions. The resolution of the Expert Council summarizes the results of the discussion and focuses on issues that are important for the further development of therapeutic approaches and recommendations for the management of such patients.
Efficacy and safety of long-term use of low molecular weight heparins in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Seredavkina N. V. , Cheldieva F. A. , Shumilova A. A. , Reshetnyak T. M.
Published: October 2023

To date, the management of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with ineffectiveness and/or intolerance to vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants remains controversial. One of the treatment strategies is the administration of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) over a long period of time.

   Objective: to evaluate the efefficacy and safety of long-term treatment with LMWH in patients with APS.

   Material and methods. The study included 15 patients (13 women and 2 men) with APS. In 2 of them APS was isolated, in 12 it was combined with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and in 1 – with SLE and psoriatic arthritis. The mean age of patients was 44 ± 12 years, and the mean duration of disease was 12 [6; 18] years. All patients were repeatedly examined in the V. A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology during hospitalizations and continued outpatient care in the clinical diagnostic center of the Institute.

   Results and discussion. Ten (67 %) patients received nadroparin, 5 (33 %) patients received enoxaparin. The median duration of therapy was 4 [1; 10] years. Indications for the use of LMWH were inefficacy and intolerance of oral anticoagulants (n = 12, 100 %) and vascular involvement such as thromboangiitis obliterans with the development of chronic arterial insufficiency, ulcers and necrosis of the toes (n = 6, 40 %). During therapy, 13 (86 %) of 15 patients showed clinical improvement: healing of ulcers and necrosis, reduction in the stage of arterial insufficiency, recanalization of venous blood clots. During the entire treatment period with LMWH, one patient experienced a relapse of thrombosis due to an insufficient dose of the drug. No hemorrhagic complications occurred in any case. Other adverse events, including elevated liver aminotransferases, osteoporosis, and thrombocytopenia, were also not observed.

   Conclusion. The results obtained suggest that long-term therapy with LMWH may be safe and effective in patients with APS.
Long-term results of therapy with sequential use of rituximab and belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Solovyev S. K. , Mesnyankina A. A. , Aseeva E. A. , Nikishina N. Yu.
Published: October 2023

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy with rituximab (RTM) and belimumab (BLM) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during long-term follow-up.

   Material and methods. Twelve patients with definite high- and moderate activity SLE were included in the study. Nine of them had skin and joint manifestations, and the others had renal, peripheral nervous system involvement, and vasculitis. Patients received RTM at a dose of 500–2000 mg with premedication with 6-methylprednisolone and then BLM according to the standard regimen of 10 mg/kg once a month. Patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of assessment of long-term outcomes. In the 1st group, data were evaluated after 7–9 years (n = 4), and in the 2nd group – after 2–4 years (n = 8) after the prescription of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). Efficacy and tolerability of therapy, SLE activity, and dose of oral glucocorticoids (GC) were evaluated.   Results and discussion. Against the background of combination therapy, clinical and immunological response was achieved in 11 of 12 patients after one year (median SLEDAI-2K at baseline – 10 [9.5; 14.5] points, 6 and 12 months after administratrion of BLM – 4 [2; 6] points). When bDMARDs were prescribed in the first two years of the disease, patients responded better to therapy and showed more significant positive dynamics in clinical and laboratory parameters. Subsequently, BLM therapy was limited to an average of 2 years, during which a stable remission was achieved. Prescribing bDMARDs allowed GC to be used as initial therapy in an exacerbation of SLE in medium and low doses (subsequently further reduced). Clinical remission was achieved and maintained in 7 patients, exacerbation at different time points after discontinuation of bDMARDs occurred in 3 patients, efficacy waned in one patient, and no result was achieved with combination therapy in another patient.

   Conclusion. The most pronounced positive result can be expected when a bDMARDs are prescribed as early as possible after diagnosis of SLE (in the first 2 years of the disease). It is advisable to administer BLM infusions as recommended once a month without long breaks between injections for at least 2 years and to continue until a durable effect is achieved. The use of low-dose GC and its discontinuation is an achievable goal, but careful monitoring of patients is needed to detect early symptoms of exacerbation.
Association of IRF5 (rs2004640), STAT4 (rs7574865), and TNFAIP3 (rs6920220, rs2230926) gene polymorphisms with primary Sjögren's syndrome and its complication, MALT-lymphoma
Authors: Guseva I. A. , Torgashina A. V. , Khvan J. I. , Krylov M. Yu. , Samarkina E. Yu. , Konovalova N. V. , Varlamov D. A.
Published: October 2023

In recent years, more and more data have emerged confirming the contribution of non-HLA genetic markers to the predisposition to thedevelopment of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and its severe complication, MALT-lymphoma.

   Objective: to study the association of polymorphisms of IRF5 (rs2004640), STAT4 (rs7574865), and TNFAIP3 (rs6920220, rs2230926) genes with predisposition to the development of SS and MALT-lymphoma.

   Materials and methods. The study included 80 patients with SS and 103 individuals in the control group. Sixteen patients were diagnosed with MALT-lymphoma. Genotyping of polymorphisms of IRF5 (rs2004640), STAT4 (rs7574865), TNFAIP3 (rs6920220, rs2230926) genes was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using original allele-specific probes labeled with different fluorescent labels.

   Results and discussion. The distribution of genotypes and alleles of the STAT4 gene differed statistically significantly in the study and control groups of patients (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.0001, respectively). The presence of the homozygous TT genotype increased the risk of developing SS more than eightfold compared to TG+GG genotypes (odds ratio, OR=8.2; 95 % confidence interval, CI 2.5–30.0; p=0.0001)]. The polymorphism of the TNFAIP3 rs2230926 gene was also associated with the risk of developing SS: the presence of the TG genotype significantly increased the probability of developing SS compared to the TT genotype (OR 6.4; 95% CI 1.2–44.3; p = 0.01). The development of MALT-lymphoma was associated with the rs6920220 polymorphism of the TNFAIP3 gene. In 10 out of 16 patients with MALT-lymphoma (62.5 %) at least one minor A allele (AA+GA) was detected, while in patients without MALT-lymphoma only in 32.8 % of patients at least one minor A allele was detected (OR=3.4, CI 1.1–10.7; p=0.03). In addition, a correlation was found between the rs7574865 TT genotype of the STAT4 gene and the risk of developing severe leukopenia in SS, which was significantly more frequent in carriers of the TT genotype than in individuals with the GG + GT genotype (OR 4.9; 95 % CI 1.7–14.4; p = 0.004). Polymorphism of the IRF5 gene (rs2004640) was not associated with risk of developing SS or with clinical manifestations of the disease.

   Conclusion. Polymorphisms rs7574865 of STAT4 gene, rs6920220, rs2230926 of TNFAIP3 gene are associated either with the risk of developing SS or with severe complications of the disease, MALT-lymphoma and leukopenia.
Adverse events that occurred in patients with rheumatoid arthritis during long-term follow-up
Authors: Dydykina I. S. , Postnikova P. O. , Kovalenko P. S. , Glukhova S. I. , Lila A. M.
Published: October 2023

Comorbid diseases and adverse events that occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) negatively affect the outcomes of RA (radiological progression, joint function, the occurrence of low-energy fractures, thrombotic events, etc.).

   Objective: to study the structure of comorbid diseases and adverse events that occurred in patients with RA over the period of long-term prospective follow-up, to study the impact of these events on the dynamics of the functional status and working capacity of patients.

   Materials and methods. Аn open, cohort, prospective, long-term non-interventional study included 103 women with a definite diagnosis of RA (mean age 63.5 ± 8.3 years, follow-up period 8,5 ± 1,3 years). At baseline and in dynamics, standard laboratory and X-ray examinations were carried out.

   Results and discussion. There was a decrease in the DAS28 index and the number of patients with high or moderate activity [from 82 (85 %) to 67 (69 %), p = 0.02] against the background of an increase in the number of patients with remission or low activity [from 15 (15 %) to 30 (31 %), p = 0.012], at the same time there was an increase in the number of patients with ankylosis of joints [from 25 (24 %) to 41 (40 %), p = 0.017], functional class III [from 3 (3 %) to 15 (15 %), p=0.004], concomitant diseases [from 81 (79 %) to 94 (91 %), p = 0.015], thrombotic events [from 7 (7 %) to 18 (17 %), p = 0.027]. In 43 (42 %) patients 55 low-energy fractures were registered, in 24 (56 %) of them fractures occurred for the first time and in 19 (44 %) – repeatedly.

   Conclusion. As the prospective long-term follow-up shows, despite the decrease in RA activity, the number of patients with ankylosis, joint dysfunction and concomitant diseases increased. In the structure of concomitant diseases coronary heart disease and arterial hypertension dominated. A high incidence of thrombotic events, repeated and first-time low-energy fractures was noted. The number of disabled patients increased fivefold.
Chronic hepatitis B in hospitalized rheumatologic patients: problems of screening and reactivation of infection
Authors: Gridneva G. I. , Aronova E. S. , Belov B. S.
Published: October 2023

Objective: to evaluate the completeness of screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in HBsAg-positive patients admitted to a rheumatology hospital and to follow the history of HBV reactivation/seroversion during antirheumatic therapy.

   Material and methods. The results of initial and repeated (if applicable) hospitalizations were analyzed in 80 patients with rheumatic diseases (RD), including 55 (69%) women and 25 (31 %) men, with Australian surface antigen (HBsAg), admitted to the V.A. Nasonova Institute of Rheumatology from January 1, 2020 to July 20, 2022 (30 months).

   Results and discussion. The total number of hospitalizations to the clinic during the observation period, including repeat admissions, was 13,681. The number of hospitalizations in 80 patients with HBV infection during the observation period, including repeat admissions, was 144, of which for systemic vasculitis – 6 (8 %), other systemic connective tissue diseases – 16 (20 %), osteoarthritis and post-traumatic changes of joints – 14 (15 %), inflammatory joint diseases – 42 (54 %). Cases of HBV reactivation/seroverion, both in anamnesis and during observation, were detected in 9 (11 %) patients, and most frequently (n = 5) they were registered during methotrexate therapy.

   Conclusion. HBV infection in patients with RD leads to significant difficulties in the selection of drug therapy, due to the risk of reactivation of the infection. The results obtained indicate incomplete screening of patients with RD for HBV infection during the preclinical phase. Further investigation is needed to develop clear recommendations for the management of patients with RD infected with HBV.
Results of a clinical study of Traumeel® S and Zeel® T in patients with knee osteoarthritis and concomitant cardiovascular disease
Authors: Alekseeva L. I. , Mazurov V. I. , Zonova E. V. , Ershova O. B. , Reshetko O. V.
Published: October 2023

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of simultaneous intramuscular administration of Traumeel® S and Zeel® T followed by therapy with the tablet medication Zeel® T in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and concomitant cardiovascular diseases.

   Material and methods. The analysis included 119 patients aged 45–79 years (78.2 % women and 21.8 % men) with confirmed diagnosis of knee OA according to Altman criteria, stage II–III according to Kellgren–Lawrence and confirmed cardiovascular disease. The main indicator of efficacy was the change in pain intensity in the target knee joint according to the “Pain” subscale of the WOMAC questionnaire (A) at the final examination compared to the baseline. Other criteria were the dynamics of each symptom of knee OA according to the WOMAC questionnaire (pain, stiffness, and functional impairment, total score) on each visit, pain intensity in the target joint on a visual analogue scale (VAS), time it takes to travel 15 m, and the patient's overall disease assessment on the VAS. In addition, duration of use and dose of paracetamol (if used) were assessed, as well as quality of life by EuroQol and adverse events (AEs). Treatment safety was also analyzed in patients who had received at least one dose of the study drug.

   Results and discussion. WOMAC pain intensity decreased by on average of 3.8 points: from 7.6 to 3.8 points (95 % confidence interval, CI from -4.3 to -3.3). Data on changes in knee OA symptoms (pain, stiffness, and functional impairment) for each WOMAC subscale and the total score showed significant improvement at each follow-up visit (p < 0.0001). The VAS pain level decreased by 52%. An improvement in joint function was noted: the time it takes to travel 15 m fell from 19.5 to 16.4 s (p < 0.0001). The EuroQol quality of life score also improved from 57.1 ± 16.2 points at baseline to 71.1 ± 14.8 points on the 84th day of therapy. Thirty (25.2 %) patients had AEs, mainly neurological: headache (7.6 %) and hypoesthesia (1.7 %). No serious AEs were recorded. An association between AEs and study drug use was noted in 4 patients (headache, hypoesthesia, muscle cramps, and injection site pain).

   Conclusion. The results of the study confirm the efficacy and safety of the use of Traumeel® S and Zeel® T in patients with knee OA who have concomitant cardiovascular disease. During therapy, a significant decrease in pain and other clinical signs of OA (stiffness, limitation of physical activity) was observed, which allows us to recommend this treatment regimen for patients with comorbid pathology, as well as with the risk of developing of AEs during non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs therapy.
Comparison of colorimetric and electrochemical (Easy Touch GCU Meter) methods for determination of blood uric acid in clinical practice in patients with gout and hyperuricemia (data from a pilot study)
Authors: Eliseev M. S. , Panina E. V. , Zheliabina O. V.
Published: October 2023

Hyperuricemia (HU) is a condition caused by an increase in serum uric acid (UA) levels above 360 μmol/l. Often HU is asymptomatic, but under the influence of genetic and environmental factors, attacks of peripheral arthritis (gout) may occur. Remission of gout is achieved by normalization of UA serum levels, which can be determined by a colorimetric or electrochemical method, although the latter is not currently commonly used in clinical practice to control UA levels.

   Objective: to compare the standard colorimetric and electrochemical methods (Easy Touch GCU Meter) for monitoring UA levels.

   Material and methods. 30 gout patients were included in the study. This group included subjects with current/anamnestic asymptomatic HU andpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of gout (ACR/EULAR 2015 criteria). The examination included a general examination, history taking, and laboratory testing. The determination of UA level by the colorimetric method in venous blood serum was performed no later than 5 minutes after collection, and the determination of UA level in fresh whole capillary blood from the fingertip by the electrochemical method (Easy Touch GCU Meter) – immediately after collection.

   Results and discussion. The average values of UA blood level determined by the two compared methods differed by 13.9 μmol/l (3.9 % with respect to the colorimetric method). The high value of the correlation coefficient (r = 0.86) indicates a close linear relationship between the compared results and their good agreement. The method is also applicable in patients with achieved normouricemia.

   Conclusions. The method of electrochemical determination of UA level in subjects with HU and gout can be used in real clinical practice for self-monitoring.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of combined use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and extended release tolperisone in patients with ankle injuries
Authors: Sadykov R. I. , Akhtyamov I. F. , Shoshorina K. T. , Lapshina S. A.
Published: October 2023

Ankle capsular ligamentous apparatus damage is one of the most common problems. Ankle injuries account for one-fifth of all lower extremity sports injuries. More than 81 % of acute ankle injuries are treated conservatively, with the rate of unsatisfactory results after this treatment ranging from 2 to 36.9 %.

   Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combined use of aceclofenac (Airtal) and tolperisone (Mydocalm Long) in patients with acute ankle ligament injuries.

   Material and methods. Sixty patients aged 18 to 65 years with acute ankle ligament injury of grade II according to Kannus and Renstrom, with pain intensity in the joint on a visual analogue scale (VAS) ≥ 50 mm, who had no contraindications for the use of these drugs, participated in the study. Patients in the main group (n = 30) received aceclofenac 100 mg in powder form 2 times daily and tolperisone 450 mg in tablets once daily for 14 days. Patients in the comparison group (n = 30) received only aceclofenac 100 mg in powder form 2 times daily for 14 days. The efficacy of therapy was assessed by pain dynamics according to VAS and functional abilities according to the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire, which included the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale and the Sports subscale. To assess safety, laboratory tests were performed at visits 1 and 4, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed at visits 2, 3, and 4.

   Results and discussion. Combined use of aceclofenac and tolperisone in patients with acute ankle ligament injuries resulted in more clinically significant pain reduction and improvement in functional indicators than aceclofenac monotherapy. In the combination therapy group, after completion of treatment on day 15, the severity of pain decreased by 94.8%, the increase in the score on the ADL scale was 62.9 % and on the Sports scale – 70.4 %. In the monotherapy group, pain intensity decreased by 85.1 %, the increase in the score on the ADL scale reached 40.7% and onthe Sports scale – 43.4 %. Throughout the study period, the medications were well tolerated, and no AEs were recorded.

   Conclusion. The combined use of aceclofenac and tolperisone in patients with acute ankle ligament damage leads to a reduction in pain intensity in a short time, significantly improves indicators of functional activity, promotes a faster return to sports activities, and at the same time has a favourable safety profile.
Neuverteilung von Verantwortung? Brandschutzerziehung als Strategie zur Zukunftssicherung Freiwilliger Feuerwehren
Authors: Brad Alexandru , Adam Hernández Alistair , Steinführer Annett
Published: October 2023

Volunteer firefighters are an established institution in many rural areas across Europe. In spite of this ubiquity, many volunteer brigades have been increasingly facing challenges in discharging their functions. Issues such as undertaking necessary investments, and ensuring daytime availability have become particularly critical against the backdrop of an increase in the number of interventions. Many of the measures intended to futureproof volunteer firefighting are based on transferring responsibility to different actors. To this end developing and expanding the reach of fire safety education functions to enhance the public’s prevention and self-protection skills. The aim of this paper is to explore the process of institutional change induced by innovative initiatives, which aim to advance fire safety education. For the study, we draw on empirical research, which follows the development and mainstreaming of two projects in Austria and Germany. These initiatives aim to standardise disparate approaches and are underpinned by new forms of multi-level cooperation. Our inductive analysis identifies five key steps which define the successful long-term implementation of projects in coproduced services of general interest. We conclude with observations on the redistribution of responsibility for fire services and hazard prevention in contemporary societies.
Kobiety w drodze do Sejmu w latach 2007–2019: analiza z perspektywy geograficzno-elektoralnej
Authors: Kulczyńska Katarzyna , Matykowski Roman
Published: October 2023

Polska tuż po odrodzeniu państwowości w 1918 r. przyznała powszechne prawo wyborcze kobietom. Celem opracowania jest przedstawienie aktywności politycznej kobiet w zakresie ich partycypacji w wyborach do Sejmu w latach 2007–2019, a więc niemal po wieku funkcjonowania ich praw. Z perspektywy geograficzno-elektoralnej istotnym zagadnieniem jest charakterystyka zmienności przestrzennej wybranych aspektów aktywności wyborczej kobiet i określenie mechanizmów wpływających na zmienność tych działań.
Impact of bimonthly repeated total sleep deprivation and recovery sleep on cardiovascular indices
Authors: Pasetes Lauren N. , Rosendahl‐Garcia Kathleen M. , Goel Namni
Published: October 2023

Since short sleep duration adversely affects cardiovascular (CV) health, we investigated the effects of exposures to total sleep deprivation (TSD), and baseline (BL) and recovery (REC) sleep on CV measures. We conducted a 5‐day experiment at months 2 and 4 in two separate studies (N = 11 healthy adults; 5 females). During these repeated experiments, CV measures [stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), left ventricular ejection time, heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP)] were collected at three assessment time points after: (1) two BL 8 h time‐in‐bed (TIB) sleep opportunity nights; (2) a TSD night; and (3) two REC 8‐10 h TIB nights. CV measures were also collected pre‐study. TSD significantly increased SV and CI, and decreased SVRI, with large effect sizes, which importantly were reversed with recovery, indicating these measures are possible novel biomarkers for assessing the adverse consequences of TSD. Pre‐study SV, CI, SVRI, HR, SBP, and MAP measures also significantly associated with TSD CV responses at months 2 and 4 [Pearson's r: 0.615–0.862; r2: 0.378–0.743], indicating they are robust correlates of future TSD CV responses. Our novel findings highlight the critical impact of sleep on CV health across time.