bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Midlands Liver Research Alliance - A partnership to optimise obesity-related liver disease research: targeting areas of high incidence and underserved communities
Authors: King James , Aithal Guruprasad , Herring Louisa , Willis Scott , Papamargaritis Dimitris , Hulley Kerry , Davies Melanie
Published: December 2024

Background The prevalence of liver disease is rising in the United Kingdom (UK), with obesity underpinning surging metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is associated with an increased cardiometabolic risk, particularly when co-existing with type 2 diabetes. Progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with hepatic fibrosis represents a clinical milestone strongly linked to serious liver disease and mortality. Therefore, clinically meaningful and sustained weight loss (≥10%) is a primary therapeutic target for patients with MASLD. Unfortunately, this is difficult for most people who adopt traditional lifestyle approaches. However, new obesity pharmacotherapies hold promise in MASLD, given their ability to produce dramatic weight loss (10–25%) and improve cardiometabolic health. Questions remain about the ability of these agents to improve liver fibrosis and patient-reported outcomes/quality of life in patients with advanced liver disease. Methods Led from the Midlands (UK) but with national representation, we developed a network of stakeholders (clinicians, academics, third-sector, industry, and PPIE representatives) with an interest in obesity-related liver diseases. This network was called the Midlands Liver Research Alliance (MLRA), which sought to 1) establish a PPIE stakeholder network, 2) identify research priorities, and 3) map the network infrastructure and expertise. Health inequalities within liver disease are a core priority within the MLRA. Results The MLRA developed a large PPIE stakeholder network in collaboration with other local liver partnerships. These networks facilitated the identification of key research priorities that led to three NIHR funding applications. Priorities centered around: 1) the importance of patient-centered outcomes in obesity-related liver disease research; 2) the potential of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)-based obesity pharmacotherapy in alcohol use disorder; and 3) early identification and management of liver disease in primary care/community. Conclusions The MLRA has created a multidisciplinary hub of research expertise in obesity-related liver disease. This foundation provides a springboard for research activities in this area.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ МЕТОДИКИ КОРЕКЦІЇ СЕМАНТИЧНИХ ПОЛІВ СЛІВ ДІТЕЙ ДОШКІЛЬНОГО ВІКУ ІЗ ЗАГАЛЬНИМ НЕДОРОЗВИНЕННЯМ МОВЛЕННЯ
Authors: Ткач Оксана
Published: December 2024

Статтю присвячено опису методики корекції семантичних полів слів. Визначено її основні завдання, мовленнєвий матеріал та умови його використання. Обґрунтовано принципи поділу матеріалу на освітні напрями та уточнено цілі цього вибору, визначено критерії підбору матеріалу (тематичний принцип, лінгвістичний, морфологічний, частотний, ієрархічний та ін.). Дані принципи дали змогу сформувати опорні групи лексики для дітей старшого дошкільного віку, враховуючи їх лінгвістичний досвід та вимоги програм для дітей з тяжкими порушеннями мовлення.
Описано три основні етапи здійснення корекційної програми, їх мету та напрями роботи.  Це актуалізація вже існуючих знань дитини, розширення лексичного значення за рахунок накопичення нових слів та використання семантичних зв’язків для вбудовування їх в існуючі семантичні поля. Найважливішим виявився етап гармонізації, структуризації та реполяризації семантичних полів, де створювалися умови для самостійної побудови та видозміни семантичних полів, оскільки передбачав самостійну усвідомлену роботу дітей з підбору, обробки та використання інформації, отриманої з різних джерел та галузей знань, тобто формування вміння за власним вибором чи інструкцією трансформувати вже існуючі семантичні поля.
У статті подано перелік практичних завдань, що пропонувалися дітям на різних етапах корекції для індивідуальної та групової роботи. Діти працювали з готовими графічними структурами висловлювань та динамічними моделями. Для візуалізації процесу формування семантичних полів, окрім загальноприйнятих моделей (асоціативні ланцюжки), було запропоновано проективні моделі («калинове гроно», «сонячний годинник», «асоціативний кущ» та «багатоступінчата піраміда»), які дали можливість вивчити кількісні та якісні характеристики семантичних полів.
La figura profesional agropecuaria y la proyección profesional de los egresados. Estudio exploratorio
Authors: Puertas Valencia Ana Luisa , Sánchez Tenorio David Nixon , Campoverde Moscol Amarilis Isabel
Published: December 2024

Introducción: en el ámbito ecuatoriano, el estudiantado cuenta con la posibilidad de formarse en áreas técnicas, desde el nivel de bachillerato, y continuar con sus procesos de aprendizaje y profesionalización a través de las distintas tecnologías de tercer nivel que existen en el país y que están distribuidas en las distintas provincias y ciudades. Para ello se propone la consolidación de un perfil profesional por competencias para cada área técnica. Este cambio de perspectiva ha dado como resultado que en el contexto ecuatoriano se fortalezca la formación a través de la oferta del bachillerato técnico y las tecnologías de tercer nivel que se pueden obtener en distintas instituciones educativas del país. A través del bachillerato técnico se brinda una formación enfocada en áreas técnicas que permitan al alumnado ser parte del mercado laboral y generar actividades de emprendimiento social o económico. Objetivo: el estudio presentó como objetivo, explorar la percepción sobre la formación de la figura profesional técnica en agropecuaria y la proyección profesional de los egresados de la institución educativa “Armengol Lara Valencia” ubicado en la parroquia Chumundé de la provincia de Esmeraldas. Los objetivos específicos plantearon indagar la percepción de los estudiantes sobre la formación competencial de la figura técnica profesional en agropecuaria; inquirir sobre la inserción laboral y la autorrealización profesional y sugerir estrategias a partir de los resultados de las percepciones de los egresados. Metodología: la metodología del estudio desarrollo un enfoque mixto con alcance exploratorio, descriptivo y transversal fundamentado en los métodos deductivo, estadístico y descriptivo. La población se constituyó con los 96 estudiantes egresados. Se aplicaron encuesta y entrevista mediante cuestionarios de acuerdo con las dimensiones: competencias, inserción laboral y autorrealización. Resultados: determinaron que la institución afronta limitaciones que se centran en la falta de un aprendizaje práctico que contribuya con el desarrollo de competencias que les permita a los alumnos responder a las demandas que se suscitan en el ámbito laboral. Conclusiones: La formación de la figura profesional agropecuaria enfrenta desafíos significativos en la integración al mercado laboral, lo que resalta la necesidad de un currículo que combine teoría y práctica. Para que los egresados alcancen su autorrealización y se desarrollen plenamente, es esencial que las instituciones alineen sus programas con las demandas del sector, fomenten un aprendizaje significativo y adopten estrategias constructivistas que fortalezcan sus competencias y promuevan el emprendimiento, mejorando así su proyección profesional a nivel nacional. Área de estudio general: Educación Técnica. Área de estudio específica: Educación Agropecuaria. Tipo de estudio: Original.
Capacitación docente en Moodle para la creación de videos narrativos digitales en la aplicación Animaker
Authors: Hernández Méndez Patricio Paúl , Vizcaíno Chamorro Diana Fernanda , Nivela Cornejo María Alejandrina , Martínez Isaac Roger
Published: December 2024

Introducción. Este curso de capacitación en Moodle tiene como finalidad que los docentes de la Básica Elemental aprendan y pongan en prácticas la creación de videos narrativos digitales utilizando la aplicación Animaker puesto que permitirá facilitar el proceso de enseñanza- aprendizaje durante el inicio, proceso y cierre de la sesión de clase. Asimismo, permite al estudiante desarrollar el pensamiento crítico y contribuye a la resolución de problemas, promoviendo el dominio del aprendizaje donde lo hace partícipe en clase y desarrolla su autonomía, generando oportunidades de aprendizaje. Los videos captan la atención del estudiante se produce un aprendizaje visual atractivo e interesante ha permitido el desarrollo de la expresión oral, corporal y escrita optimizando las habilidades comunicativas. Objetivo. El objetivo principal fue el diseñar un curso de capacitación docente en Moodle, para la creación e integración de videos narrativos educativos, en la aplicación Animaker, con estudiantes del nivel básico elemental de la Unidad Educativa Nelson Ortiz Stefanuto. Objetivo específico: Validar la propuesta por criterio de especialistas. Metodología. El tipo de investigación utilizada es el descriptivo el mismo que se encarga de puntualizar las características de la población que se está estudiando, posee un enfoque mixto, tanto cualitativo como cuantitativo, las técnicas aplicadas es la observación directa, las entrevistas y encuestas. Se tuvieron en consideración bases de datos como: Scielo, Google Académico, Latindex Dialnet. Resultados. Contribuye a mejorar la creación de videos narrativos digitales en la aplicación Animaker, en el proceso de enseñanza- aprendizaje, de estudiantes del nivel básica elemental y que los docentes desarrollen estrategias efectivas para integrar tecnología en sus aulas. Conclusión. Los resultados obtenidos son prometedores con el fin de generar nuevos recursos y estrategias para el uso efectivo de videos narrativos digitales en la educación. Área de estudio general: Educación. Área de estudio específica: Pedagogía en entornos digitales. Tipo de artículo: Artículo original.
Entorno virtual para fortalecer la etnoliteratura afro-esmeraldeña
Authors: Cortez Camacho María del Carmen , Parreño Sánchez Johana del Carmen , Rodríguez Revelo Elsy
Published: December 2024

Introducción: El estudio se enfocó en la etnoliteratura afroesmeraldeña en la Unidad Educativa Fiscal "15 de Marzo", con el fin de evaluar la transmisión de relatos afroesmeraldeños y su impacto en la identidad cultural de los estudiantes, mediante narración oral y el uso de herramientas digitales. Objetivo: El objetivo fue observar las dinámicas de transmisión de relatos afroesmeraldeños y analizar su impacto educativo en la comprensión de la cultura afroesmeraldeña de los estudiantes. Metodología: Se utilizó una observación directa de actividades y eventos relacionados con la etnoliteratura, junto con entrevistas a docentes y miembros de la comunidad. Estos datos permitieron analizar la participación estudiantil y su adaptación a plataformas digitales para la enseñanza. Resultados: Los estudiantes mostraron gran interés en las actividades de etnoliteratura y participaron activamente en las narraciones orales. La adaptabilidad a las herramientas digitales fue progresiva, con algunos estudiantes mostrando preferencia por la digitalización de los relatos. El estudio reveló un impacto positivo en la apreciación de la cultura afroesmeraldeña. Conclusión: La integración de la etnoliteratura afroesmeraldeña en el aula mejora la comprensión cultural de los estudiantes, destacándose la necesidad de reforzar el uso de herramientas digitales. Área de estudio general: Educación Área de estudio específica: Etnoliteratura Afroesmeraldeña. Tipo de estudio: Artículos originales.
Obesity among Medical Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Mohtarin Sabreena
Published: December 2024

Abstract not available 
J Enam Med Col 2022; 12(1): 1−8
”Se nyt vaa oli semmone olosuhteiden tragedia” – koulu instituutiona autismikirjon aikuisten kertomuksissa
Authors: Kähkönen Elisa , Kämäräinen Anniina , Kärnä Eija
Published: December 2024

Tässä tutkimuksessa selvitettiin, miten koulun institutionaaliset rakenteet näyttäytyvät autismikirjon aikuisten kertomuksissa. Tutkimuksessa hyödynnettiin sosiaalisen vammaistutkimuksen näkökulmaa, joka ohjaa tarkastelemaan ympäristön rakenteita yksilön ominaisuuksien sijaan. Tutkimusaineiston muodosti 13 autismikirjon aikuisen haastattelua, joita tutkittiin narratiivien analyysilla. Tutkimusaineistosta tunnistettuja kouluinstituution rakenteita olivat kouluyhteisön käytänteet, opettajien tietämys, asenteet ja tarjoama tuki sekä koulu oppimis- ja toimintaympäristönä. Näihin rakenteisiin sisältyi autismikirjon aikuisten kokemusten mukaan sekä raskaita ja kuormittavia että turvallisia ja merkityksellisiä tekijöitä. Tulokset korostavat erityisesti tarvetta vahvemmalle struktuurille ja tuelle koulussa sekä paremmalle tietämykselle autismikirjosta, mikä vastaa aiempaa tutkimusta autismikirjon henkilöiden koulukokemuksista.
Erityistä tukea saavien oppilaiden osaaminen tuen eri toteutuspaikoissa yleisopetuksesta erityisluokkaan
Authors: Lintuvuori Meri , Hienonen Ninja , Kilpi Nestori , Oinas Sanna , Asikainen Mikko , Jahnukainen Markku
Published: December 2024

Perusopetuslaki mahdollistaa erilaisia vaihtoehtoja erityistä tukea saavien oppilaiden opetuksen järjestämiseksi. Artikkeli pohjautuu Tuettu-tutkimuksen aineistoon, ja tavoitteena on analysoida tuen eri toteutuspaikkojen yhteyksiä oppilaiden suoriutumiseen osaamistehtävissä: eroavatko erityistä tukea saavat oppilaat taustaltaan tuen eri toteutuspaikoissa ja onko kolmeen luokkaan jaettu tuen toteutuspaikka oppilaan taustatekijät huomioiden yhteydessä matemaattisen päättelyn tai lukutaidon osa-alueita mitanneiden tehtävien suoritus pistemääriin? Aineistona käytettiin 160 neljännellä luokalla olleen erityistä tukea saaneen oppilaan aineistoa ensimmäiseltä aineistonkeruukierrokselta. Poikkileikkausaineistolla tarkasteltiin, onko erityistä tukea saavien oppilaiden välillä lähtökohtaisia osaamiseroja sen perusteella, missä heidän opetuksensa pääosin järjestetään. Taustatekijöiden yhteyttä tuen eri toteutuspaikkoihin tarkasteltiin khiin neliö -testillä, ja tuen toteutuspaikan ja taustatekijöiden yhteyttä matemaattisen päättelyn ja lukutaidon tehtävissä suoriutumiseen puolestaan tarkasteltiin lineaarisella regressioanalyysilla. Erityistä tukea saavien oppilaiden osaamistehtävissä suoriutumisessa ei ollut tilastollisesti merkitseviä eroja tuen eri toteutuspaikoissa. Tukea saavien oppilaiden opetuksen toteutuspaikkoja koskeneet aiemmat tutkimustulokset ovat olleet osin ristiriitaisia. Tämän tutkimuksen tulokset ovat kuitenkin linjassa aiemman kansainvälisen ja suomalaistutkimuksen kanssa. Vaikka tutkimuksessa ei voitu tarkastella sitä, kuinka inklusiivisesti opetus ja tuki oli järjestetty, ovat lukutaito sekä matemaattiset taidot keskeisiä taitoja kaikkien oppilaiden koulupolun ja tulevaisuuden kannalta. Tästä syystä oli tärkeä tarkastella, oliko näissä taidoissa eroja oppilaan tuen toteutuspaikan perusteella.
Anxiety, work-life balance and diversity (age, gender and tenure) of the employees working in the hospitality industry during COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on self-rated performance
Authors: Islam Quazi Tafsirul , Hasan Md Kamrul , Chowdhury Dr. Muhammad Faisol
Published: December 2024

COVID-19 pandemic not only affected the mental and physical health of the people but also had a devastating effect on the work environment in almost all industries. During this pandemic, one of the most affected industries is the Hospitality sector due to severe travel restrictions, lockdowns, and isolations imposed by the authorities. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of anxiety, work life balance (WLB) and diversity (age, gender and tenure in the current organization) of the employees during this COVID-19 pandemic on their work performance in the hospitality sector. A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed among 222 respondents who are currently working in the hospitality sector of Bangladesh. Regression analysis was conducted using SPSS26 with self-rated work performance as the dependent variable and anxiety, WLB, age, gender and tenure in the current organization as the independent variables. Several tests were conducted to identify any significant impact of the independent variables on employee performance. It was found that during this COVID-19 pandemic, the work performances of the employees working in the hospitality sector are significantly impacted by their level of anxiety and diversity (age, gender and work tenure) in their current organization. The effect of WLB on work performance was found to be insignificant. The impact of anxiety on performance was negative, whereas diversity (age, gender and tenure in their current organization) have positive impact on work performance. This means employee work performance decreases as they become more anxious regarding their uncertain future in their work environment. On the other hand, their performance increases as they become aged and worked more years in their current organization. Therefore, it’s recommended that, during this crucial time of the pandemic, managers must try to bring some certainty in their work environment to minimize the anxiety level of the employees and also retain their existing employees for more years in order to enhance their work performance in the hospitality industry.
On Some New Rhaly Sequence Spaces and Rhaly Sections in BK-Space
Authors: Daş Abdulaziz , Altay Bilal
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we introduce some new sequence spaces and sectional subspaces related to the Rhaly matrix and BK spaces. Furthermore, we investigate their relations and identities among these subspaces and duals.
Studi Komparasi Antara Guru Penerima Tunjangan Profesi Guru (TPG) dan Guru Penerima Tunjangan Kinerja (TuKin) terhadap Semangat Kerja di MAN 01 Kepahiang
Authors: Aziz Toher , Warlizasusi Jumira , Nasution Aida Rahmi
Published: December 2024

This study aims to analyze the comparison between Teachers who receive a Teacher's Professional Benefit (TPG) and teachers who are receiving a performance benefit (TuKin) against the spirit of work in MAN 01 Kepahiang. The research methods used are quantitative comparative studies with data collection techniques through interviews, observations, documentation, and quizzes. Teachers serve as the leading guardians in the education system and are an important and strategic component. Because they are directly involved in the teaching learning process and are a vital part of the educational system as a whole, teachers are vital for improving the quality of education. The granting of Teacher Profession Benefits (TPG) and Performance Benefit (TuKin) is expected to enable teachers to be more enthusiastic in carrying out their basic duties and functions, so as to get maximum results and improve the quality of education in Indonesia. The results of the study showed that from the results of hypothesis test / T test obtained average value of the work spirit of the teacher beneficiary of the profession benefit = 0.274 while Teacher Beneficiary performance benefit = 0,275 Average value of work spirit for both groups is very close to the difference of only 0.001 this suggests that in general the value of working spirit between the two groups is almost the same and has no significant difference. It shows that the allowance between the two groups of teachers has both had an impact on each other's work spirit in addition to other factors that can influence the work spirit.
Gerakan Koko Pede Mengantisipasi Calon Tunggal pada Pilkada Kebumen Tahun 2024
Authors: Widodo Arif , Sukataman Sukataman
Published: December 2024

The Koalisi Konco Pejuang Demokrasi (Koko Pede) movement is strengthening in seeking alternative candidates following the incumbent Arif Sugiyanto - Ristawati Purwaningsih's move to run again in the 2024 regional elections. This study aims to reveal the Koko Pede movement in anticipation of a single candidate in the 2024 Kebumen regional elections so that it is not like the previous regional elections in 2020 which were only contested by Arif - Rista.This research method is qualitative descriptive using the theory of new social movements from Sidney Tarrow. The results of the study reveal Koko Pede’s strategy which does not block the incumbent from running in the 2024 regional elections after the emergence of alternative candidates Lilis Nuryani – Zaeni Miftah. This is because the opportunity to become a single candidate also came to Lilis – Zaeni before the determination of the candidate by the Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU). Therefore, Koko Pede plays a significant role in maintaining democracy running healthily and with dignity with the absence of a single candidate in the 2024 Kebumen regional elections.
Gisèle Pineau, or the Literary Voice of a Caregiver
Authors: Boum Make Jennifer
Published: December 2024

This article proposes an analysis of Folie, aller simple: Journée ordinaire d'une infirmière by Gisèle Pineau, in which the author recounts her work as a psychiatric nurse. After working for thirty years in a psychiatric hospital in Guadeloupe, Pineau moved to the Paris region where she continued to practice nursing. This memoir describes a typical day in a psychiatric hospital, in particular nurses' interactions with mentally ill patients and Pineau's reflections on her activity as a caregiver and on her role as a writer. By examining how Pineau portrays the confined and isolating environment of the psychiatric hospital and brings attention to the lives of those pushed to the margins, I explore the intersection of the literary, care, and the social perspective. Through this, I argue that one way to conceptualize the social novel in the 21st century is through the lens of care writing.
Where Heaven Meets Hell: A Literary Representation of a Postcolonial Society in Priya Hein’s Riambel (2023)
Authors: Booluck-Miller Pooja
Published: December 2024

This article examines Priya Hein’s social novel Riambel (2023), analysing its utilization of literary devices, intertextuality, and feminist perspectives to challenge postcolonial power structures and amplify marginalized voices, particularly those of Afro-Mauritian women. Through an exploration of Hein’s dismantling of her narrative conventions and authorial insights, this study underlines Hein’s broader agenda of promoting solidarity and collective agency among the female characters. Ultimately, this article comments on Riambel as a narrative that unveils the deep-seated social injustices embedded within Mauritius’s postcolonial systems and infrastructures, inviting critical engagement with historical legacies, and fostering space for diverse voices.
Bone mineral density and uric acid level in postmenopausal women
Authors: Toroptsova N. V. , Dobrovolskaya O. V. , Kozyreva M. V. , Demin N. V.
Published: December 2024

Aim: to study the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and uric acid (UA) level in postmenopausal women.

   Materials and methods. 263 women were examined (median age 62 [56; 67] years). A clinical examination and assessment of UA level were performed. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was done to assess BMD in standard regions of interest (ROI): lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck (FB) and total hip (TH) and trabecular bone score (TBS).

   Results. The frequency of hyperuricemia in postmenopausal women was 12.5 %, and in persons with osteoporosis (OP) – 10.1 %. UA correlated significantly with BMD and T-score in L1-L4 (r = 0.20 and r = 0.19, respectively) and TH (r = 0.18 and r = 0.16, respectively). No correlation was found between UA and TBS value (p > 0.05). Linear regression analysis adjusted for age showed a significant association between UA and BMD in all ROI (b*L1-L4 = 0.21, p = 0.001; b*FN = 0.14, p = 0.024; b*TH = 0.20, p = 0.002). In women with UA level ≥ 200 mmol/l, the BMD and T-score in all ROI were significantly higher, and the frequency of OP was lower compared with women with UA < 200 mmol/l (p < 0.05 for all comparison).

   Conclusion. Hyperuricemia was found in 12.5 % of postmenopausal women, and in 10.1 % of patients with OP. Significant differences in BMD, T-score, and OP frequency were found in all ROI, depending on the UA level. The mean value of TBS and the frequency of degraded bone microarchitecture did not differ depending on the UA level.
Osteoporosis: how to diagnose and what treatment to prescribe
Authors: Toroptsova N. V. , Dobrovolskaya O. V.
Published: December 2024

Osteoporosis is the fourth most common disease in the world among people over 50 years old, and its social significance is associated with low-energy vertebrae and nonvertebrae fractures, leading not only to a deterioration in the patient’s quality of life, which may not return to the pre-fracture level for many years, but also to an increase in mortality. Currently, in real clinical practice, the diagnosis of osteoporosis continues to be based on measuring bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, while this type of equipment often remains unavailable in certain regions of our country. The article discusses the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, provides mandatory and, if necessary, additional laboratory tests for patients, as well as recommendations for choosing an anti-osteoporotic medication. Special attention is paid to the need for additional intake of calcium and vitamin D in combination with all medications used to treat osteoporosis.
Ophthalmologic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: the effect of autoimmune inflammation
Authors: Spitsina S. S. , Shilova L. N. , Mozgovaya E. E. , Bedina S. A. , Trofimenko A. S.
Published: December 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. One third of patients with SLE have various ophthalmologic symptoms. Eye lesions may be the initial signs of SLE and lead to severe complications, including vision loss. Ophthalmologic manifestations are often associated with the degree of activity of systemic inflammation. Dry keratoconjunctivitis, or secondary Sjogren's syndrome, is the most common ophthalmologic manifestation of SLE. Episcleritis and scleritis are less common, but they can be the first signs of SLE. Unilateral or more often bilateral retinopathy associated with retinal vasculitis can cause visual loss of varying severity. A number of adverse ophthalmologic events occur on the background of long-term use of drugs used currently for the treatment of SLE: posterior subcapsular cataract and secondary open-angle glaucoma when using glucocorticosteroids, retinopathies – in cases of long-term use of hydroxychloroquine. The side effects of other immunosuppressive and biological agents are still poorly understood. Regular ophthalmologic examinations are recommended for all patients with SLE.
Cardiovascular diseases in spondyloarthritis (literature review)
Authors: Koroy P. V. , Gladkikh N. N. , Yagoda A. V. , Dudov T. R. , Kozakova S. A.
Published: December 2024

Spondyloarthritis is a group of diseases involving the axial skeleton and sacroiliac joints, including axial spondyloarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis and peripheral spondyloarthritis. Spondyloarthritis is associated with an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, which may be the result of cardiac manifestations of disease or due to the accelerated development of atherosclerosis. The combination of two pathologies contributes to a more severe course of diseases and negatively affects the results of therapy, which indicates the relevance of this interdisciplinary problem. The review highlights data on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in spondyloarthritis, the occurrence of various risk factors. The data on the relationship of cardiovascular pathology with activity and functional disorders in spondyloarthritis are presented.
Axial spondyloarthritis as a paraneoplastic syndrome (clinical case)
Authors: Akulinushkina E. Yu. , Iskhakova E. F. , Yakupova S. P.
Published: December 2024

The article reports the problems of rheumatic disease as paraneoplastic syndrome. It includes the description of the clinical case of axial spondyloarthritis as paraneoplastic syndrome related to the neuroendocrine tumor of the duodenum. In this case, axial spondyloarthritis was characterized by rapid involvement of peripheral and axial symptoms, high acute phase reactants, resistance to drug therapy and reduction of clinical and laboratory symptoms after treatment for neuroendocrine tumor. In differential diagnostics of and paraneoplastic rheumatic disease, it is necessary to pay attention for the time of occurrence of rheumatic symptoms, clinical symptoms before and after surgical and non-surgical treatment for cancer, response to drug therapy, family cancer anamnesis, exposure to carcinogens, previous immunosuppressive therapy, as well as severity of general constitutional symptoms, atypical manifestations of rheumatic disease, age of disease debut over 50 years.
Perspectives of dairy farmers on positive welfare opportunities for dairy cows in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Brunt Michael W. , Ritter Caroline , LeBlanc Stephen J. , Kelton David F.
Published: December 2024

Positive experiences offer opportunities to improve the experiences of animals through positive affect, beyond the absence of negative experiences such as illness or pain. The objective of this study was to describe the perspectives of dairy farmers regarding positive welfare opportunities for dairy cows and calves. Five focus groups were held with dairy farmers (n = 27) in Ontario, Canada. Audio recordings of the discussions were transcribed verbatim, and applied thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Participants initially focused discussion on pasture access, cow-calf contact, and group housing of calves. Two themes were identified from the data: 1) tacit expertise of farmers and 2) influences on farmer choice. Participants invoked their expertise and had conflicting opinions on how various positive opportunities could affect cattle health and welfare. There were divergent views when discussing dairy farming in general. However, when speaking specifically about their own farm, participants were reluctant to implement positive opportunities, citing risks of decreased milk production and avoidable health problems. Autonomy to choose which positive opportunities best suited farm-specific management and financial situations was preferred to regulation. Finally, participants prioritized minimizing negative experiences for cows and calves but maintained aspects of positive welfare (e.g., described as happy, content, or autonomy) as important characteristics of a cow’s life.
New insights into the putative role of leucine-rich repeat proteins of Leptospira interrogans and their participation in host cell invasion: an in silico analysis
Authors: Foltran Bruno B. , Gaspar João P. , Silva Igor R. M. , Pires Henrique M. , Andrade Fernanda B. , Costa Giovanna M. , Paixao Julia E. L. , Fernandes Luis G. V. , Teixeira Aline F. , Nascimento Ana L. T. O.
Published: December 2024

Pathogenic Leptospira are spirochetes that cause leptospirosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease. Leptospirosis affects humans and animals, with approximately 1 million human infections and 60,000 deaths per year. The diversity of leptospiral strains and serovars allied to the fact that pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, make the development of an effective vaccine against leptospirosis a challenge. Outer membrane and secreted proteins are considered potential antigens since they play a vital role in mediating interactions with host molecules. Several domains or motifs have been reported to participate in the leptospiral infection process. Among them, leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins have been highlighted as attractive multipurpose proteins, exhibiting a broad spectrum of ligands and having a putative role in bacterial pathogenesis. Indeed, genome annotation of leptospiral species pointed out that LRR proteins are predominant in pathogenic strains, a feature that corroborates this hypothesis. A few LRR proteins of L. santarosai, L. borgpetersenii and L. interrogans have been studied and their possible role in virulence was proposed. Yet, a mechanistic and broad investigation of LRR proteins was not fully performed. In this review, a comprehensive in silico analysis of 21 LRR proteins of L. interrogans was performed in relation to structure, function, dynamics and virulent potential that will contribute to understanding the key role of these domains in the underlying mechanisms of leptospiral infection.
Two decades of research on Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in Slovakia
Authors: Rusňáková Tarageľová Veronika , Derdáková Markéta , Selyemová Diana , Chvostáč Michal , Mangová Barbara , Didyk Yuliya M. , Koči Juraj , Kolenčík Stanislav , Víchová Bronislava , Peťko Branislav , Stanko Michal , Kazimírová Mária
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In Europe, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis is transmitted by the castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus. In the last decades, global changes affect the spread of ticks and also their bionomics. The aim of this study was summarization of a large dataset obtained during 20 years of research.

Methods

The research was carried out in 1999-2019 at 16 localities in Slovakia that were continuously monitored. In total, 17,249 questing I. ricinus ticks were tested for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l.

Results

The total prevalence of infected ticks was 18.8% (3,248/17,249), with 15.1% (1,557/10,302) infected nymphs and 24.3% (1,691/6,947) infected adults. Nine species of B. burgdorferi s.l. were identified. Borrelia afzelii (37.1%), B. garinii/bavariensis (24.7%), and B. valaisiana (15.4%) were the most frequent and were present at all study sites, followed by B. lusitaniae (12.6%), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (4.1%) and B. spielmanii (1.6%). Borrelia bavariensis was confirmed only in four samples (0.1%), however, detection of this species has been performed only since 2017. Borrelia bissettii and B. kurtenbachii were both recorded in one case. The total prevalence differed significantly among four habitat types (urban, suburban, natural, agricultural). The highest infection prevalence was confirmed in natural habitat (22.0%), the lowest in urban habitat (13.2%). In addition, molecular analysis was carried out on part of the collected ticks previously morphologically identified as I. ricinus. The analysis did not confirm the occurrence of Ixodes inopinatus in Slovakia.

Conclusion

Long-term monitoring of the abundance and spread of ticks as well as the prevalence and genetic variability of tick-borne pathogens can reveal the impact of global climatic and socio-economic changes on different habitats, including natural foci of tick-borne pathogens.
The impact of country risk on nickel supply chain: based on complex network and panel regression analysis
Authors: Jia Xiangying , Liu Chonghao , Li Tianjiao , Liu Jing , Wang Xiu
Published: December 2024

Nickel is an important key resource and plays an increasingly important role in new energy technologies. The stability of its worldwide supply chain is crucial for addressing country risks and unforeseen events. To explore the impact of country risks on the stability of the global nickel supply chain, this study conducts a complex network analysis and panel regression analysis on nickel ore, ferro-nickel, and the stainless-steel trade data from 2000 to 2022. The study reveals the mechanisms by which economic and political risks affect the trade structure of nickel commodities and identifies the drivers of global nickel supply chain patterns. The study finds that an increase in economic risk promotes diversification of supply sources, while political risk hurts export scale and resource control ability. Industrial structure adjustments and R&D investments have a significant impact on trade structure, especially on the stainless-steel trade. China is a major consumer and importer, and occupies a central position in the global nickel trade network, while Indonesia and the Philippines’ policy changes have a significant impact on the market. This study provides an empirical basis for the risk management of the global nickel supply chain and a scientific basis for policy formulation and strategic planning.
The supply risk of the global niobium industry chain: propagation path and impact analysis based on multi-layer network
Authors: Luo Fanjie , Liu Wei , Qin Ailing , Qu Lingfei , Liu Qunyi
Published: December 2024

Niobium, an irreplaceable raw material in high-tech industries, boasts a complex global trade network across its industrial chain. This study, leveraging 2022 trade data and inter-linkage dependencies within the niobium industry, constructs a multi-layer network model and simulates the impact and propagation of supply disruptions under two realistic scenarios: Restrictions on primary product exports and total export bans. Our findings reveal that: (1) Supply constraints on primary products cascade through the middle and downstream trade networks, impacting the final product layer more severely, especially for countries with limited ability to cope with disruptions. (2) China, Malaysia, Brazil, and the United States emerge as crucial risk sources, with their export restrictions potentially triggering a complete collapse of trade networks across all layers. (3) Hidden risk sources include Asian countries like Japan and Korea in the primary product layer, while European nations like the United Kingdom and Germany, despite playing a limited role in upstream disruptions, significantly influence the intermediate and final product layers. These findings underscore the importance of developing feasible systemic risk mitigation strategies, optimizing industrial structures, fostering global cooperation, and ultimately bolstering the robustness and resilience of the global niobium industry chain.
Cross-disease transcriptomic analysis reveals DOK3 and PAPOLA as therapeutic targets for neuroinflammatory and tumorigenic processes
Authors: Wang Xingqiao , Bian Yusong , Chen Weiguang
Published: December 2024

Objective

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and tumorigenesis share numerous biological complexities; nevertheless, the specific gene expression profiles and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aims to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that could serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.

Methods

Gene expression datasets (GSE122063, GSE13353, GSE161870) were analyzed using machine learning algorithms and logistic regression to identify DEGs associated with both SAH and tumorigenesis. Lasso regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were employed to evaluate the classification accuracy of these genes. Validation of critical DEGs was performed through pan-cancer analysis and experimental studies, focusing on the role of DOK3 in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress in U251MG glioblastoma and BV2 microglia cells.

Results

Fifteen common DEGs were identified, with DOK3 and PAPOLA highlighted as crucial genes implicated in SAH and neurodegenerative processes. Experimental validation demonstrated that DOK3 overexpression significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress markers while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, DOK3 influenced tumorigenic processes such as apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and proliferation, effectively mitigating LPS-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation in BV2 microglial cells.

Conclusions

DOK3 and PAPOLA play critical roles in both SAH and related neurodegeneration, presenting themselves as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Notably, DOK3 exhibits potential as an antitumor agent with anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, offering therapeutic benefits for both cancer and neuroinflammatory conditions.
The serial dilution culture-most probable number assay to estimate phytoplankton concentrations in ballast water: comments and improvements
Authors: Peperzak Louis
Published: December 2024

In ecology, the enumeration of living aquatic unicellular protists is a century-old complicated task. The organisms are small, perhaps motile, and if they are non-motile their vitality is hard to gauge. A respectable technique still in use today is the Serial Dilution Culture-Most Probable Number (MPN) assay that determines the total viable phytoplankton concentration from the highest sample dilutions that exhibit chlorophyll-fluorescence after incubation. However, 99% of extant phytoplankton species have not been shown to grow in MPN tubes (false-negatives) and in ballast water applications, 10-50 µm species can be outcompeted by <10 µm autotrophs in abundance, biomass, and chlorophyll-fluorescence (false-positives). In addition, it is shown that after microscopic identification, contrary to established practice, the concentration of individual species or species-groups (10-50 µm) cannot be derived from standard MPN tables. Examples of a corrected derivation are given for simple (2-3 species) assemblages, but this correction becomes increasingly difficult in more complex mixtures. The MPN assay should not be used as a quantitative method in ecological studies or in applications such as ballast water testing.
Effect of surface roughness on the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of copper 101
Authors: Acharjee Amit , Keskin Yagmur , Peyton Brent M. , Fields Matthew W. , Amendola Roberta
Published: December 2024

The effect of varying surface roughness on microbiologically influenced corrosion by a model sulfate reducing bacterium Oleidesulfovibrio alaskensis G20 culture on copper 101 coupons was investigated using microscopic, spectroscopic and surface characterization techniques. After 7-day of anoxic exposure abundant biodeposits consisting of sessile cells and copper sulfide minerals were found and pitting attack was observed upon their removal. Results showed that the distribution and thickness of the biodeposits as well as the pitting severity were affected by the varying surface roughness. A direct relationship between surface roughness and microbial activity was not observed. However, a statistically significant reduction in the corrosion rate was recorded when the surface roughness was decreased from ∼2.71 μm to ∼0.006 μm.
Effects of intermittent visual feedback on EEG characteristics during motor preparation and execution in a goal-directed task
Authors: Yu Baobao , You Yimeng , Li Yahui , Chen Jiaqi , Zhou Huilin , Wang Jun , Huang Junchen , Fan Weinv , Xu Jialin , Zuo Guokun
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Visual feedback plays a crucial role in goal-directed tasks, facilitating movement preparation and execution by allowing individuals to adjust and optimize their movements. Enhanced movement preparation and execution help to increase neural activity in the brain. However, our understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying different types of visual feedback during task preparation and execution remains limited. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the impact of different types of visual feedback on movement-related brain activity in goal-directed tasks, in order to identify more effective forms of visual feedback in goal-directed tasks.

Methods

The electroencephalographic (EEG) data from 18 healthy subjects were collected under both continuous and intermittent visual feedback conditions during a goal-directed reaching task. We analyzed the EEG characteristics of the event-related potential (ERP), event-related synchronization/desynchronization (ERS/ERD) in all subjects during motor preparation and execution of the goal-directed reaching task.

Results

The results showed that, the amplitude of motor-related cortical potential (MRCP) in subjects was larger in the intermittent visual feedback condition compared to the continuous visual feedback condition during motor preparation, and the amplitude was largest at the CPz electrode. Additionally, mu-ERD was more pronounced during both motor preparation and execution under intermittent visual feedback condition.

Discussion

In conclusion, intermittent visual feedback enhanced the characteristics of subject’s brain activation and cortical excitability in the time and time-frequency domains.
Uncovering the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of probiotic strains in mitigating food allergies: an emphasis on gut microbiota and indoleacrylic acid
Authors: Pei Zhangming , Qian Li , Miao Taolin , Wang Hongchao , Lu Wenwei , Chen Yuqing , Zhuang Qianger
Published: December 2024

Food allergies manifest as systemic or digestive allergic responses induced by food allergens, and their progression has been demonstrated to be intimately associated with the host’s gut microbiota. Our preceding investigation has revealed that the probiotic strains Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM1189 and Limosilactobacillus reuteri CCFM1190 possess the capability to mitigate the symptoms of food allergy in mice. However, the underlying mechanisms and material foundations through which these probiotic strains exert their effects remain enigmatic. Here, we initially compared the ameliorative effects of these two probiotic strains on food allergy mice subjected to antibiotic cocktail (ABX) treatment. It is indicated that ABX treatment was ineffective in alleviating weight loss, diarrhea, and allergic symptoms in mice, and it also inhibited the reduction of histamine and T helper cell 2 (Th2) cytokines mediated by effective strains, suggesting that effective strains must operate through the gut microbiota. Then, building upon the outcomes of prior non-targeted metabolomics studies, by quantifying the content of indoleacrylic acid (IA) in single-strain fermentation of probiotic strains and mouse feces, it was ascertained that effective strains do not synthesize IA themselves but can augment the concentration of IA in the gut by modulating the gut microbiota. Ultimately, we discovered that direct intervention with IA could mitigate diarrhea, allergic symptoms, and intestinal damage by modulating immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, histamine, Th2 cytokines, and tight junction proteins, thereby corroborating that IA is a pivotal metabolite for the alleviation of food allergies. These observations underscore the significance of gut microbiota and metabolites like IA in the management of food allergies and hold potential implications for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Re-scoping ultradian rhythms in the context of metabolism
Authors: van der Veen Daan R. , Gerkema Menno P.
Published: December 2024

Rapid, ultradian biological rhythms are only partly comparable to circadian (24-h) rhythms. Often, the ensuing expectations from this comparison are that 1) ultradian rhythms should be driven by discrete oscillators, 2) they are biochemically buffered, and 3) they must be functionally linked to extrinsic events and cycles. These three expectations are not always met, but perhaps there is an adaptive benefit to ultradian rhythms not meeting these expectations, which sets them functionally apart from circadian rhythms. In view of the extensive descriptions of the manifold types of ultradian rhythms across all biological levels (e.g., see papers in this research topic), it seems important to ask whether we should actively create a new set of definitions and expectations. To make a start, we here lay out some important questions we need to ask about ultradian rhythms. We then illustrate how these questions highlight one key area of exploration: the linked expression of ultradian rhythms in metabolism and behaviour and the role this plays in addressing a negative energy balance.