bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteosarcopenia in women with rheumatoid arthritis: association with nutritional status and physical condition
Authors: Dobrovolskaya O. V. , Feklistov A. Yu. , Demin N. V. , Kozyreva M. V. , Toroptsova N. V. 
Published: June 2024

Objective: to evaluate nutritional status, muscle strength, functional status of skeletal muscles and physical activity (PHA) and their relationship with the osteopenic body composition phenotype in women in post menopause with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Material and methods. The case-control study included 134 women in post menopause with RA, 52 of them had osteosarcopenia (OSP) according to densitometry and 82 had no decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle mass (mean age 62.0 ± 7.2 and 59.6 ± 7.5 years, respectively; p > 0.05). A clinical and laboratory examination as well as tests to assess muscle strength and functional status were performed. The MNA-SF and IPAQ questionnaires were used to determine nutritional status and physical activity. Results and discussion. Malnutrition was found in 51.9 % of patients, and low and average levels of PHA were found in 5.8 and 50.0 % of patients with OSP, respectively. Factors associated with OSP were identified: nutritional status according to MNA-SF < 12 points (odds ratio, OR 2.52; 95 % confidence interval, CI 1.10–5.77; p = 0.029), dietary calcium intake < 500 mg/day (OR 3.23; 95 % CI 1.49–7.01; p = 0.003), 25(OH)D level < 30 ng/ml (OR 4.55; 95 % CI 1.86–11.16; p = 0.001), moderate PHA < 1 hour per day (OR 2.67; 95 % CI 1.06–6.75; p = 0.037), walking < 1 hour per day and < 4 hours per week (OR 3.25; 95 % CI 1.26–8.38; p = 0.015 and OR 3.17; 95 % CI 1.19–8.46; p = 0.021, respectively). Conclusion. Reduced nutritional status was found in 51.9 % and average or low levels of PHA in 55.8 % of patients with OSP. The risk of OSP development was increased by low nutritional status, inadequate dietary calcium intake, low vitamin D levels, short duration of daily moderate exercise, and inadequate daily and weekly walking time.
Efficacy of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (500–730 kDa) in post-traumatic pathology of periarticular soft tissues at different sites: data from an open-label pilot clinical study
Authors: Nesterenko V. A. , Makarov M. A. , Karateev A. E. , Bialik E. I. , Bialik V. E. , Bialik A. A. 
Published: June 2024

Local injection therapy (LIT) with hyaluronic acid (HA) medications is one of the most promising methods for the treatment of periarticular soft tissue pathology (PASTP) caused by injury or overuse. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LIT with HA medication with a molecular weight of 500–730 kDa in patients with various post-traumatic PASTP. Material and methods. The study included 30 patients with rotator cuff syndrome (RCS), lateral epicondylitis (LE) and plantar fasciitis (PF) after trauma. Inclusion criteria were the presence of moderate/severe pain (≥40 mm on a visual analogue scale (VAS)) over a 3-month period and the absence of effect of LIT with glucocorticoids. All patients were administered HA peritendinously three times (7 days apart) under ultrasound guidance. Treatment results were evaluated after 1 and 3 months based on the dynamics of pain intensity (VAS) and functional indicators using the ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgical Evaluation), MES (Mayo Elbow Score) and FFI (Foot Functional Index) questionnaires. Results and discussion. In the general group, there was a statistically significant decrease in pain intensity after 1 and 3 months from a mean of 57.6 ± 14.7 to 37.0 ± 14.8 and 35.0 ± 14.3 mm according to VAS respectively (p < 0.05). In the patient groups with different PASTP, the average assessment of pain intensity and functional impairment at baseline and after 1 and 3 months was: for RCS (n = 11) 59.0 ± 15.1, 39.0 ± 15.7, 36.3 ± 16.2 mm according to VAS and 49.1 ± 14.3, 60.1 ± 13.7, 61.7 ± 3.8 according to ASES, respectively; with LE (n = 10) 54.0 ± 13.4, 35.0 ± 9.7, 34.0 ± 11.7 mm according to VAS and 71.5 ± 11.1, 78.3 ± 9.0, 81.5 ± 8.3 according to MES; with PF (n = 9) 61.0 ± 16.5, 36.6 ± 19.3, 34.4 ± 15.8 mm according to VAS and 47.2 ± 22.8, 39.6 ± 39.7, 39.0 ± 29.9 according to FFI. None of the patients experienced any adverse events during treatment. Conclusion. HA medication with a molecular weight of 500–730 kDa showed good efficacy and safety in LIT of PASTP of the shoulder, elbow joint and foot. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possibility of a broad use of the drug for the treatment of PASTP in real clinical practice.
The development of postoperative pain in patients with late-stage knee osteoarthritis is associated with impaired metabolism and transport of fatty acids in blood cells
Authors: Chetina E. B. , Markova G. A. , Glemba K. E. , Makarov M. A. 
Published: June 2024

Objective: to evaluate differences in the expression of genes associated with β-oxidation and de novo synthesis of fatty acids (FAs) in the blood of patients with the late stage of knee osteoarthritis (OA) before total knee arthroplasty (TA) depending on the development of postoperative pain (POP) in order to determine the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of chronic POP. Material and methods. Blood of 50 patients with stage III–IV knee OA complaining of constant pain and joint dysfunction was analyzed prior to TA. The control group consisted of 26 healthy individuals. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the BPI questionnaire. In addition, pain, stiffness and physical functioning were assessed using WOMAC index and the presence of neuropathic pain was assessed using the DN4 and PainDETECT questionnaires. The development of POP was assessed 3 and 6 months after TA. Total RNA isolated from blood was used to determine the expression of ACLY, ACC1, MLYCD, FASN and CPT1A genes by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results and discussion. POP ≥ 30 mm by VAS was detected in 17 patients. Before TA, the expression of most of the analyzed genes was significantly increased compared to controls, while the expression of the FASN gene was comparable in patients with OA and healthy individuals. There were no differences in clinical and functional parameters between the groups of patients with and without POP. Before surgery, patients who subsequently developed POP had significantly higher expression of ACLY and CPT1A genes than patients who were satisfied with the results of TA. At the same time, no differences in the expression of ACC1, MLYCD and FASN were found in the groups analyzed. Conclusion. The development of POP is associated with an increased supply of FAs to the mitochondria caused by overexpression of the CPT1A gene, as well as with the accumulation of acetyl-CoA, a product of high expression of the ACLY gene, which can be measured in the blood of OA patients before TA.
Understanding the advances in Sorghum grain quality improvement: An overview
Authors: Dhar Anamika , Meena Kumari B. , Kavithamani D. , Boopathi N. Manikanda , Meenakshi P. 
Published: June 2024

Sorghum, a crucial cereal crop with versatile applications, is increasingly recognized for its grain quality attributes. The nutritional and biochemical diversity within sorghum, encompassing elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), proteins, starch, dietary fibers, and ß-carotene, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality across diverse sorghum accessions. Breeding programs offer a promising avenue for further improvement in these traits. Additionally, sorghum features a spectrum of phenolic compounds, including tannins and flavonoids, influencing both pigmentation and potential health benefits. The antioxidative properties of these compounds underscore their critical role in promoting health and mitigating oxidative stress. The significance of sorghum is shaped by genetic factors, environmental conditions, ripening stages, and varietal distinctions, highlighting the complex interplay between grain structure, genetics, and nutritional content. As the global demand for diverse, nutritionally rich food sources continues to rise, this review provides insights aimed at deepening our understanding of sorghum's potential as a staple crop with substantial nutritional and health-promoting attributes.
Expert-level detection of M-proteins in serum protein electrophoresis using machine learning
Authors: Elfert Eike , Kaminski Wolfgang E. , Matek Christian , Hoermann Gregor , Axelsen Eyvind W. , Marr Carsten , Piehler Armin P. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) in combination with immunotyping (IMT) is the diagnostic standard for detecting monoclonal proteins (M-proteins). However, interpretation of SPE and IMT is weakly standardized, time consuming and investigator dependent. Here, we present five machine learning (ML) approaches for automated detection of M-proteins on SPE on an unprecedented large and well-curated data set and compare the performance with that of laboratory experts.

Methods
SPE and IMT were performed in serum samples from 69,722 individuals from Norway. IMT results were used to label the samples as M-protein present (positive, n=4,273) or absent (negative n=65,449). Four feature-based ML algorithms and one convolutional neural network (CNN) were trained on 68,722 randomly selected SPE patterns to detect M-proteins. Algorithm performance was compared to that of an expert group of clinical pathologists and laboratory technicians (n=10) on a test set of 1,000 samples.

Results
The random forest classifier showed the best performance (F1-Score 93.2 %, accuracy 99.1 %, sensitivity 89.9 %, specificity 99.8 %, positive predictive value 96.9 %, negative predictive value 99.3 %) and outperformed the experts (F1-Score 61.2 ± 16.0 %, accuracy 89.2 ± 10.2 %, sensitivity 94.3 ± 2.8 %, specificity 88.9 ± 10.9 %, positive predictive value 47.3 ± 16.2 %, negative predictive value 99.5 ± 0.2 %) on the test set. Interestingly the performance of the RFC saturated, the CNN performance increased steadily within our training set (n=68,722).

Conclusions
Feature-based ML systems are capable of automated detection of M-proteins on SPE beyond expert-level and show potential for use in the clinical laboratory.
On the development of tense-aspect markers in Lingala youth language: a microvariationist look at language change in the verb phrase
Authors: Nassenstein Nico 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This paper examines language change in two Lingala youth languages from the DR Congo, Lingala ya Bayankee (sometimes referred to as Yanké) and Langila, focusing on processes of grammaticalization and replication. Speakers of Lingala ya Bayankee use a grammaticalized prefix ké- for the near/immediate future tense, derived from the verb kokende ‘to go’ and from a manipulated form of the same verb, namely the prefix dyé- from kodyé (with the same meaning). The emergence and development of this tense marker is traced and compared with the strategies used by Langila speakers. Moreover, the microvariationist lens through which changes in the tense-aspect system of Lingala’s youth registers are examined in this paper looks at different formation patterns of progressive aspect, with two dominant construction types in Lingala ya Bayankee; these are also compared to the strategies used by Langila speakers. While linguistic manipulations have long been the focus of sociolinguistic approaches to the study of adolescent language use, fine-grained differences in tense and aspect marking have received little attention. Here, this paper aims to take a first step, based on rich empirical data collected during various research stays in the urban environment of Kinshasa (DR Congo).
The economics of Japanese: investigating the demand for Japanese language skills in the Pearl River Delta labor market
Authors: Cai Chao , Huang Jinying 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Due to the current status of English as a lingua franca in numerous domains, increasing attention has been directed toward the economic potential of English. However, research on languages other than English from an economic perspective remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by examining the labor market demand for Japanese language skills in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region of China. Drawing on data from the job advertisements published on two prominent job websites in mainland China in 2019 and 2022, this study suggests an increasing overall demand for Japanese language skills, as well as a request for higher proficiency in Japanese in the PRD labor market between 2019 and 2022, despite variations observed across different economic sectors. Furthermore, the results also indicate a growing tendency to interweave Japanese and global English in the PRD labor market. The findings provide implications for language instructors, job applicants, and educational institutions.
Spirituelle Krisen und Geistliche Trockenheit: Die Perspektive von Johannes vom Kreuz und Mutter Teresa von Kalkutta
Authors: Weismayer Josef 
Published: June 2024

Zusammenfassung
Geistliche Trockenheit gehört zu den Erfahrungen, die Heilige erlebt haben. Das soll an zwei Persönlichkeiten aufgezeigt werden, die immer noch als Vorbild gelten: Johannes vom Kreuz und Mutter Teresa. Ihre Lebenserfahrungen zeigen, dass der Grund dieser Erfahrungen, nicht im geringer werdenden Eifer liegt. Da das intensive Streben ja nicht nur Leben mit dem unbegreiflichen Gott darstellt, sondern auch Leben „in Christus“ darstellt, finden sich bei beiden Heiligen auch Facetten von Dunkelheit und Finsternis als Dimensionen des Lebens „in Christus“. In der psychischen Nacht wird die Gemeinschaft mit dem erlösenden Leiden Jesu Christi sichtbar, gleichsam mit-erlitten. Aber zugleich ereignet sich in dieser dunklen Zeit auch die Erfahrung der Gottferne und des menschlichen Leids und Ohnmacht. Dieses Wissen ist auch für die Prozesse des Spiritual Care bedeutsam, aber noch zu wenig beleuchtet worden. Dennoch bliebe sie in der Treue im Gebet und in der Sorge für die Notleidenden, ganz im Sinne des Mit-Leidens und tätigen Mit-Lieben mit Christus.
JORGE HUGO GIRALDO, LAS PUERTAS DE COLOMBIA AL MUNDO DE LA GIMNASIA ARTÍSTICA MASCULINA
Authors: Mancera Londoño Michael 
Published: June 2024

El gimnasta Jorge Hugo Giraldo, fue el primer colombiano en representar a Colombia en los Juegos Olímpicos Atenas 2004, Beijing de 2008, Londres 2012 y 12 campeonatos mundiales en el campo de la gimnasia Artística. Luego participó, gano o estuvo en el pódium en los Juegos Suramericanos Medellín 2010, Juegos Centroamericanos Mayagüez 2010, Juegos Panamericanos Guadalajara 2011, Pacific Rim Championship en Everett Estados Unidos 2012 y juegos Panamericanos Toronto 2015, logrando así ser un deportista conocido mundialmente e internacionalizar la gimnasia artística masculina en Colombia. Como creador de la acrobacia Giraldo, ha representado una proeza para el país y es un modelo a seguir para las futuras generaciones de gimnastas masculinos. Es importante resaltar que este artículo es producto de una entrevista dada por el mismo gimnasta, quien se dio a la tarea de detallar a profundidad y detalle toda su vida y trayectoria deportiva.
Energy saving model for related processes in steelmaking
Authors: Weishu W. , Shuailong L. , Weihui X. , Chikova O. A. , Yimeng Z. 
Published: June 2024

In the development of advanced energy saving technologies in the metallurgical industry, a comprehensive approach to managing energy flows is crucial. This article presents an in-depth analysis of the steelmaking and metallurgical industry in China and Russia, focusing on the evolution and current shortcomings of energy saving methods in metallurgical processes. The authors thoroughly analyze various technological processes, including sintering, coking, pellet production, iron production in blast furnaces, steel production in oxygen converters and electric arc furnaces, as well as steel rolling, identifying significant potential for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing harmful emissions. The main outcome of the research is the development of structural models of technological processes based on the concept of energy saving “temperature matching, cascade utilization, and global linkage”, covering key stages of steelmaking. These models provide detailed descriptions of the role and interrelation of each process within the complete metallurgical cycle and combine into a comprehensive structural model of steelmaking technological process. The model includes not only specific operations and characteristics of each stage but also explains how these processes interact and depend on each other, forming an integrated and interconnected system of metallurgical production. This model encompasses comprehensive temperature-pressure and production links, providing a theoretical basis for the development of mathematical models of energy saving and the design of corresponding computer applications. The structural model of steelmaking technological process is important for understanding and optimizing the entire process of metallurgical production, contributing to its energy and ecological efficiency.
Reading Comprehension Performance Among Impulsive and Reflective English Learners: Examining the Influence of Three Reading Methods
Authors: Moiinvaziri Marjon 
Published: June 2024

Background: Exploring the impact of various reading methods - such as oral reading, silent reading, and the relatively understudied subvocalization method - on the comprehension abilities of language learners with different cognitive styles, including reflective and impulsive learners, can contribute significantly to understanding how different reading techniques enhance comprehension across diverse cognitive styles.
Purpose: To investigate the role of three reading methods, including oral, silent, and subvocalization, on the comprehension performance of a group of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, considering the cognitive styles of impulsivity and reflectivity.
Method: In this study, 60 female students studying in first-grade senior high school were selected based on purposive sampling. Employing a counterbalanced quasi-experimental design with three treatments, the research investigated how different reading methods influenced the impulsive and reflective learners' reading performance. The impulsivity and reflectivity of the participants were determined by Eysenck's Impulsiveness Questionnaire (I.7).
Results: The results revealed that all participants, both reflective and impulsive, demonstrated better comprehension performance with oral and subvocalization methods compared to silent reading. The oral and subvocalization methods had a similar effect on their performance. Reflective learners outperformed impulsive learners across all three methods, showing significantly higher performance. Additionally, most participants expressed a preference for oral reading over the other two methods.
Conclusion: The outcomes suggest the importance of teachers' increased flexibility in utilizing diverse reading methods and considering learners' diverse characteristics, including their cognitive style, in classroom instruction
The Phenotypic and Molecular Identification of Phyllospheric Bacteria Possessing Antimicrobial Activity from Funtumia elastica (Preuss) Stapf.
Authors: Adeniyi Bolanle A. , Ogunlana Mercy , Igbokwe Christopher O. , Tajudeen Bamidele , Mahady Gail B. 
Published: June 2024

Background: Unlike plant phytochemicals, little has been done to explore the metabolites from phyllosphere bacterial flora, some of which enabled them to survive interspecific competition through amensalism. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of metabolites from Phyllospheric Bacteria (PB) isolated from Funtumia elastica (FE), against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Phenotypic and molecular methods were used to identify the isolated phyllo-microbiota.
Methods: The PB were aseptically isolated by sonication. Their metabolites were obtained from the fresh overnight culture of the organisms. The cell-free supernatants containing the metabolites were used for antimicrobial assays against the pathogens. The DNA of the bacterial isolates were isolated using a NIMR-BIOTECH DNA extraction kit, while their 16S rRNA was amplified with the primer: 799F 5'-AACACGGATTA GATACC-3', 1193R 5'- ACGTCATCCCCACCTTCC-3', using SolisFast* Master Mix, (Solis Biodyne-Estonia). The BLAST of the sequence was done from the NCBI Genbank. The PB strains identified were submitted to NCBI and accession numbers were assigned to them.
Results: The phyllosphere of FE yielded 21 bacterial isolates: 7 Gram-positives and 14 Gram-negatives. The metabolites from these isolates showed varying degrees of bioactivity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 35659); Trychophyton rubrum, Candida albicans and Microsporum canis. Fifteen bioactive isolates sequenced yielded four genera, Enterobacter (E. hormaechei 98.44%), Bacillus (B. cereus 100%), Pontoea (P. dispersa 99.72%), Staphylococcus (S. arlettae 99.72%).
Conclusion: Bacteria from FE phyllosphere, produced metabolites antagonistic (cidal) to some human pathogens. This has great potential for possible drug discovery.
Sextortion, Gender, and Digital Crime: A Socio-Legal Comparison between Positive and Islamic Law
Authors: JM. Muslimin  , Shubhan Shodiq  , Kamarusdiana  , Thamer Hamdi M. Almutairi  
Published: June 2024

Digital sexual violence with the motive of extortion, known as sextortion, is one of the gender-based violence online types that is rampant in nowadays era of technology. The purpose of this study is to analyze (theoretically and empirically) the sextortion while offering progressive socio-legal interpretation solutions. This study is a normative and empirical legal research, employing statutory, case study, interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and fiqh approach. The data sources both primary and secondary, consist of legal materials, cases, real experiences, and sociological overviews on some relevant points. The data analysis technique used is content analysis, socio-legal explorations, and surveys, namely by examining documents in the form of legislation and related court decisions, expert judgments and empirical views of the purposive expert community. The results of the study show that positive law still has a dual attitude in which digital sexual violence with extortion motives is considered a crime on one hand but resulting in weak sanctions on another. Women are potentially oppressed and extorted, while their cultural defense mechanism is structurally weak. Meanwhile, in Islamic law, sextortion can be categorized as a part of jarīmah (criminal act) with a punishment named ta’zīr, in which the government becomes the one who determines the type of punishment. A progressive socio-legal interpretation is therefore necessary for that specific type of crime.