bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual outcomes and recurrence rate of macular corneal dystrophy following phototherapeutic keratectomy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlHilali Sara M. , Jomar Deema E. , Albalawi Eman D. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE:
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the visual outcomes and recurrence rate of patients with macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) who have undergone phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK).

METHODS:
This retrospective, single-centered study enrolled patients from King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital who had undergone PTK for MCD between 2000 and 2020. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative data were collected, and the primary outcome measures included uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, central keratometry, keratometric astigmatism, recurrence rate, and necessity of subsequent surgery.

RESULTS:
This study evaluated 42 eyes of 29 patients. BCVA improved from 0.41 (±0.17) preoperatively to 0.30 (±0.16) postoperatively. Sixteen out of 42 eyes (38%) had the recurrence of macular dystrophy deposits within the stroma; the average time from PTK to recurrence was 37 months (range: 5.5–115.4 months). The overall success rate of PTK at 2 years was 44.8%. Eleven eyes (26%) required subsequent surgery following PTK at an average of 43 months postoperatively. Deeper ablation and longer application of mitomycin C (MMC) were both found to be statistically significant factors associated with visual improvement and lower recurrence rate following PTK.

CONCLUSION:
PTK can be considered a treatment modality for younger patients to defer keratoplasty to a later stage. Deeper ablation is associated with improved postoperative visual acuity, and longer application of MMC is associated with lower recurrence rates of MCD.
Extended depth of focus intraocular lens versus a new monofocal intraocular lens: A prospective comparative and interventional study
Authors: Sihmar Yogika , Singh Basant K. , Singh Vinod K. , Kumar Santosh , Chaudhary Aparajita , Saini Sanchita 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE:
To compare the visual outcome findings between a new monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Tecnis Eyhance) and extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL (Appasamy Supraphob Infocus).

METHODS:
This prospective comparative interventional study evaluated 31 patients after implantation of Tecnis Eyhance (15 patients) and Supraphob EDOF IOL (16 patients). The uncorrected and corrected distance and intermediate and near visual acuity were measured at postoperative day 1, 1 week, 4 week, and 3 months. Contrast sensitivity, incidence of halos and glares, and patient satisfaction were assessed at 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:
The Tecnis Eyhance (n = 15) and Supraphob EDOF (n = 16) group were comparable with respect to all preoperative parameters including biometry, visual acuity, and cataract status. The average age distribution of participants was 56 ± 6 years. Postoperatively, both groups had similar distance and intermediate vision, but the near vision was significantly better in the EDOF group (P < 0.01) as compared to Tecnis Eyhance at 3 months. The contrast sensitivity and patient satisfaction were similar in both the groups. The incidence of halos and glares was present in the EDOF group, but it was statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION:
The Tecnis Eyhance and Supraphob EDOF both were effective in improving distance and intermediate vision, but the near vision was significantly better in the EDOF group. Both the groups retained good contrast sensitivity and the majority of patients were satisfied.
Biological function and regulatory mechanism of mta2 expression in bladder cancerous cells
Authors: Guo Xiaobo , Li Gang , Zhao Yufeng , Bo Zhao 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To study the function, regulation, and potential clinical use of mta2 gene in carcinoma of the bladder.
Methods: Viral vector and si-mta2 were transfected into both T24 and EJ bladder cancer cells, for induction of overexpression and knockdown of metastasis-associated gene 2 (mta2), respectively. In vitro invasiveness and migratory potential of cell lines were assayed using Matrigel and Transwell procedures, respectively, under the two mta2 expression conditions.
Results: Transwell migration data revealed that overexpressed mta2 protein significantly enhanced the migratory capacity of T24 bladder cancer cell line, while knockdown of mta2 significantly reduced the migration of EJ bladder cancer cell line (p < 0.01). Matrigel invasion assay showed that overexpression of mta2 protein significantly enhanced the invasive potential of T24 bladder cancer cell line, but knockdown of mta2 significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the invasive capacity of EJ bladder cancer cell line. There was a lower amount of E-cadherin protein in T24 bladder cancer cell line overexpressing mta2 than in cd511b-transfected and un-transfected cells, but N-cadherin protein level was significantly higher. Furthermore, there was a significantly higher amount of E-cadherin protein expression in EJ bladder cancer cell line with mta2 knockdown than in si-NC transfection and un-transfected cells (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Knockdown of mta2 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cell lines through a mechanism related to the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related process proteins.
Theacrine alleviates inflammation and lung injury in septic mice by mediating SIRT3
Authors: Song Qitai , Liu Yao , Tian Ye 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of theacrine on sepsis progression and sepsis-induced lung injury and its mechanism of action.
Methods: Lung injury model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis was made in the mice by injected with 3 mg/kg LPS dissolved in 50 μL PBS or only PBS (control group = 10). The remaining three groups (divided into ten mice per group) were administered theacrine (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg), by oral gavage 1 hour after LPS treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to confirm the effect of theacrine on lung injury. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted to determine inflammatory and oxidative stress factors. TUNEL as well as immunoblot assays were carried to confirm its effect on apoptosis and mechanism of action.
Results: Theacrine significantly improved lung injury as well as lung relief score in LPS-induced sepsis mice (p < 0.01) and it significantly reversed the increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner in LPS-induced sepsis mice (p < 0.01), In addition, theacrine administration significantly reduced the increased intensity of ROS and MDA levels, and significantly improved the levels of SOD in lung tissues (p < 0.01). Furthermore, it improved LPS-induced apoptosis of lung tissue cells and alleviated lung injury by significantly activating SIRT3 pathway (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Theacrine alleviates inflammation and lung injury in septic mice by mediating SIRT3, thereby making it a potential lead in the development of drugs against sepsis-related inflammation and lung injury.
Effect of pycnogenol on ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage in the ovaries of rats
Authors: Dinc Kemal , Kiremitli Sevil , Suleyman Bahadir , Mammadov Renad , Yavuzer Bulent , Bulut Seval , Yazici Gulce N , Coban Taha A , Altuner Durdu , Suleyman Halis 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of pycnogenol (PYC) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) ovarian damage induced by experimental ovarian torsion in rats using biochemical and histopathological methods.
Methods: Four groups of rats (n = 6) were randomly assigned and designated as follows – SG: sham group, PCG: pycnogenol (40 mg/kg) group, IRG: ovarian ischemia-reperfusion group, and PIR: pycnogenol (40 mg/kg) + ovarian ischemia-reperfusion group. In IRG and PYC treatment groups, ischemia was induced in the right ovary for two hours with vascular clips. The ovary was reperfused for two hours after ischemia was induced. Then, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the ovarian tissues of rats were examined. Ovarian tissues were also examined histopathologically and follicle counts were performed.
Results: Histopathological examination revealed that the developing follicles in ovary of I/R-induced group showed both morphological and cellular degeneration and vascular pathology. The PYC treatment group showed less ovarian damage, edema and vascular pathology than I/R-induced group (p < 0.05). The MDA, NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β levels in I/R-induced group were significantly higher than in SG and tGSH levels were significantly reduced by I/R damage (p < 0.05). Pycnogenol treatment reversed these biochemical indices as well as I/R-induced histopathological changes.
Conclusion: Pycnogenol has a protective effect in rat ovaries by alleviating I/R-induced changes in biochemical parameters and histological disruptions. Further studies, including those in humans, to determine the effect of PYC on ovarian injuries would be required.
Precarização e não reconhecimento: marcas do trabalho dos rifeiros de Lagoa da Prata
Authors: Nascimento de Castro Rafael , Maria Marques Pimenta Amanda 
Published: January 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo que foi realizada com moradores da cidade Lagoa da Prata, localizada no centro-oeste de Minas Gerais. Ela teve como objetivo geral identificar quais os sentidos que os cidadãos possuem acerca da atividade desenvolvida pelos rifeiros. Já seus objetivos específicos abarcaram: a) Descrever e elucidar as atividades realizadas pelos rifeiros b) Compreender e analisar os sentidos que os cidadãos atribuem à atividade realizada pelos rifeiros e c) Apontar os impactos psicossociais que estas atividades podem causar na vida dos trabalhadores. Como instrumento para coleta de dados foi utilizada entrevista semiestruturada. Foram entrevistados dez moradores residentes na cidade de Lagoa da Prata/MG. Os dados foram analisados pelo método de análise de conteúdo. Buscou-se nas clínicas do trabalho o embasamento teórico para a compreensão do eixo sentido do trabalho, bem como das categorias reconhecimento ou não reconhecimento e precarização. Os resultados apontam para o fato de que, apesar de ser uma atividade de grande importância para a economia do município, o trabalho dos rifeiros é pouco reconhecido, sendo considerado uma atividade marginalizada. Além disso, a atividade é marcada por uma intensa precarização.
Relations of the Russian administration and the highest estates of the Northern Caucasus in the context of the statement of Tsar power in the region in the second half of the XIX century
Authors: Dzhabaeva Т. Ch. 
Published: January 2024

Analysis of the internal policy of a state in the North Caucasus, identification of positive and negative factors in the integration of the region, as well as the identification and consequences of the common interests of the tsarist administration and local feudal lords, is relevant since these processes influenced the social and economic development of the region, led to social conflicts, and in general, they changed the social and legal status of the population of the region, which was part of the legal field of the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th century. Determining social preferences in the implementation of the agrarian policy of the tsarist administration will to some extent help to avoid this kind of social conflict in the future. The purpose of the article is to identify the social status, historical transformation, the process of strengthening and the role of the upper classes of the North Caucasus, their relationship with the new government during the second half of the 19th century, selforganization and legal status.In the process of the research work methods of comparative historical analysis, synthesis and generalization have been used, as well as the principle of objectivity and historicism, which provide the opportunity to analyze various episodes and phenomena from a historical point of view.The practice of Russian reforms in the second half of the 19th century contained a number of aspects that determined a turning point in the socio-political, socio-economic and other spheres of life of the peoples of the North Caucasus. The results of the research are the following: the claims of the upper classes to dominate the population by seizing, with the help of the new government, land holdings into their own property, as well as receiving material benefits while in service have been defined. Conclusions: the upper classes were the conductors of the policies of the Russian administration in the region, which led to social protests and the deterioration of the social situation of the dependent classes.
Life safety culture as a pedagogical problem
Authors: Chumicheva R. М. , Kulikovskaya I. Е. , Poddubnaya Т. N. 
Published: January 2024

It is well known that security is a necessary condition for the long-term development of humanity, society, the state and civilization as a whole, ensuring their stability and success. Currently, the Russian Federation pays close attention to the issues of educating the younger generation about a culture of life safety, which is supported by government initiatives, because ensuring the safety of the state citizens is among the priority components of a high standard of living. It is the culture of life safety that is defined as a component of the general culture of an individual and the main target for the activities of educational organizations. In this regard, the problem of the research is to substantiate the culture of life safety as a pedagogical category. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the content of the concept of “life safety culture” as a subject of pedagogical discourse and the basic target of the state educational policy. The methodological basis of the research is represented by the use of methods of analysis, theoretical generalization, and description.The results of the research are as follows: various approaches to the content of the concept of “life safety culture” as a pedagogical category have been analyzed; the structural components of safety culture have been identified; the target guidelines for instilling a life safety culture in educational institutions have been substantiated.Key conclusions: the issues of developing a culture of life safety among students have been considered in two contexts, as a necessary condition for the activities of teachers in developing the experience of safe behavior of students and as the creation of pedagogical conditions for a safe educational environment by all participants in educational activities. The target guidelines for instilling a culture of life safety among students are an integrated set of the following components: psychological, political, economic, environmental and information security of an individual.
Features of feudal-serf relations among the peoples of the Northern Caucasus in the first half of the XIX century
Authors: Dzhabaeva T. Ch. 
Published: January 2024

The first half of the 19th century is a period when the North Caucasus gradually enters the stream of socio-economic and political development of the Russian Empire.A deep analysis of the features of feudal-serf relations in the North Caucasus is very important and relevant for historical science, since it explains the emergence of problems and contradictions during the period when these regions became part of the Russian Empire, the implementation of peasant reform, the formation of the Russian administration on these lands, and changes in the judicial system.All levels of the Caucasian administration participated in the preparation and process of integration of the North Caucasus into the Russian legal field. The main purpose of the research is to determine the significance of the social issue in the context of the ethnic component of the region, to study socio-economic and land relations in the North Caucasus, to characterize the social structure of societies.In the process of research work on the article, methods of comparative historical analysis, synthesis and generalization were used, as well as the principle of objectivity and historicism, which provided the opportunity to analyze various episodes and phenomena from a historical point of view.As a result of the research the process of collecting information about the history of the emergence and development of feudal relations in the region has been traced, the specifics of land legal norms, their complexity and intricacy have been identified, which determines the existing social structure of societies. Conclusions: the importance of adaptation of the population to new political conditions for further raising the level of socio-economic development of the societies of the North Caucasus has been determined.
Ethnocultural potential in the process of healthy lifestyle forming in younger schoolchildren
Authors: Appaeva Y. B. , Kyunkrikova I. V. 
Published: January 2024

The relevance. Issues related to the forming healthy lifestyle in younger schoolchildren are especially relevant nowadays. Despite the availability of available works on this issue, there are practically no studies that reflect the ethno-cultural aspect in the process of forming a healthy lifestyle in primary school conditions. Primary education is one of the most significant stages in the development of a personality that develops in a particular social environment. That is why modern education should form the level of valeological knowledge of students, taking into account the above mentioned facts.The target setting. In spite of the existing works on this issue, there are practically no studies reflecting the ethnocultural aspect in the process of developing healthy lifestyle in primary school conditions.The purpose of the research is to identify the ethnocultural potential that influences the formation of healthy lifestyle in primary schoolchildren.During the research process a questionnaire was used, which was compiled on the basis of research by ethnoeducators. It was aimed at identifying knowledge about a healthy lifestyle based on the Kalmyk ethnoculture among primary schoolchildren. The dynamics of changes in the level of formation of knowledge about a healthy lifestyle in junior schoolchildren has been analyzed, taking into account ethnocultural material. The ethnocultural potential in the process of forming a healthy lifestyle has been reflected, which expands the valeological knowledge of primary school students. The results of the study show that ethnocultural potential has a certain impact on the systematization of knowledge about health and healthy lifestyles of students.
Video blogging in teaching English at a non-linguistic university
Authors: Belorukova M. V. , Zolotova M. V. 
Published: January 2024

The relevance of the research. Blogs and video blogs have recently gained popularity as integral part of university courses in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). The reason can be seen in the fact that modern technologies have become inseparable from the daily routine of the younger generation.The target setting. Social networks and video hosting platforms are presumed to be integrated into the educational process. EFL teachers face the need to turn these entertainment means into effective educational tools designed to solve specific learning tasks.The purpose of the research is to consider ways of using video blogs (vlogs) in teaching EFL at a non-linguistic university; to evaluate prons and cons of popular internet sources which make possible uploading students’ projects in the format of video blogs; to describe and present types of video blogging tasks successfully used by teachers of NNSU named after Lobachevsky when working with non-linguistic students, to evaluate the efficiency and practicability of blogging in teaching EFL.The Research methods. The authors resorted to such methods as pedagogical literature review and analysis, observing the practical application of video blogging in teaching EFL in the nonlinguistic university environment, questionnaire, synthesizing the data gained.The Conclusions. Integration of vlogs into the process of teaching EFL at a non-linguistic university has a positive impact on learners’ motivation. Also, it fosters a greater range of opportunities for out-of-class language practice.
Fertility Rates in Red and Blue States: Before and After COVID-19
Authors: Graham Rosella , McGovern Lily , Mitchell Freddi , Prikis Marina , Tesfa Meron , Sommers Paul Martin 
Published: January 2024

The fertility rate is a common measure of population growth or decline. Before the pandemic, the U.S. fertility rate steadily declined and dropped an additional 4 percent in 2020, the year the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the U.S. Fertility rates in 2021 rebounded 1 percent from the rate in 2020, but did not move in tandem across all states. This study aims to determine how fertility rates changed one year before, during, and after the pandemic between red states and blue states that voted, respectively, for the Republican or Democratic presidential candidate in the 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections. Fertility rates were, on average, significantly higher all three years in red states than in either blue states or purple states, namely states that changed color from red to blue between 2016 and 2020.
Memoria y oralidad en la lírica infantil y juvenil
Authors: Vergara Mendoza Gloria Ignacia 
Published: January 2024

En este capítulo analizamos los mecanismos de lamemoria y la oralidad en la lírica infantil y juvenil,con el objetivo de hacer notar sus interrelaciones,así como su impacto en la representacióny recepción de esos textos orales. Partimos delreconocimiento artístico de los trabalenguas,adivinanzas, canciones y juegos infantiles, que casisiempre quedan al margen de la crítica académica,aunque en su estructura es posible reconocerestrategias discursivas que luego aparecen entextos canónicos de la literatura. Para fines denuestra investigación, discutimos, en primer lugar,
algunos aspectos de la memoria, y luego nosadentrarnos en nuestro corpus recopilado dela tradición oral, durante el año 2022, en elsuroeste de Michoacán.