bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Portal hypertension in common variable immunodeficiency disorders – a single center analysis on clinical and immunological parameter in 196 patients
Authors: Hanitsch Leif G. , Steiner Sophie , Schumann Michael , Wittke Kirsten , Kedor Claudia , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Fischer Andreas 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundLiver manifestations and in particular portal hypertension (PH) contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality of patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID). Screening strategies and early detection are limited due to the lack of specific diagnostic tools.MethodsWe evaluated clinical, immunological, histological, and imaging parameters in CVID patients with clinical manifestation of portal hypertension (CVID+PH).ResultsPortal hypertension was present in 5.6% of CVID patients and was associated with high clinical burden and increased mortality (18%). Longitudinal data on clinical and immunological parameters in patients before and during clinically manifest portal hypertension revealed a growing splenomegaly and increasing gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and soluble interleukin 2 receptor (SIL-2R) levels with decreasing platelets over time. While ultrasound of the liver failed to detect signs of portal hypertension in most affected patients, transient elastography was elevated in all patients. All CVID+PH patients had reduced naïve CD45RA+CD4+ T-cells (mean of 6,2%). The frequency of severe B-lymphocytopenia (Euroclass B-) was higher in CVID+PH patients. The main histological findings included lymphocytic infiltration, nodular regenerative hyperplasia-like changes (NRH-LC), and porto(-septal) fibrosis.ConclusionCVID patients with lower naïve CD45RA+CD4+ T-cells or severely reduced B-cells might be at higher risk for portal hypertension. The combination of biochemical (increasing sIL-2R, GGT, and decreasing platelets) and imaging parameters (increasing splenomegaly) should raise suspicion of the beginning of portal hypertension.
Formula supplementation with human and bovine milk oligosaccharides modulates blood IgG and T-helper cell populations, and ex vivo LPS-stimulated cytokine production in a neonatal preclinical model
Authors: Monaco Marcia H. , Wang Mei , Hauser Jonas , Yan Jian , Dilger Ryan N. , Donovan Sharon M. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionHuman milk contains structurally diverse oligosaccharides (HMO), which are multifunctional modulators of neonatal immune development. Our objective was to investigate formula supplemented with fucosylated (2’FL) + neutral (lacto-N-neotetraose, LNnt) oligosaccharides and/or sialylated bovine milk oligosaccharides (BMOS) on immunological outcomes.MethodsPigs (n=46) were randomized at 48h of age to four diets: sow milk replacer formula (CON), BMOS (CON + 6.5 g/L BMOS), HMO (CON + 1.0 g/L 2’FL + 0.5 g/L LNnT), or BMOS+HMO (CON + 6.5 g/L BMOS + 1.0 g/L 2’FL + 0.5 g/L LNnT). Blood and tissues were collected on postnatal day 33 for measurement of cytokines and IgG, phenotypic identification of immune cells, and ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulation of immune cells.ResultsSerum IgG was significantly lower in the HMO group than BMOS+HMO but did not differ from CON or BMOS. The percentage of PBMC T-helper cells was lower in BMOS+HMO than the other groups. Splenocytes from the BMOS group secreted more IL-1β when stimulated ex vivo with LPS compared to CON or HMO groups. For PBMCs, a statistical interaction of BMOS*HMO was observed for IL-10 secretion (p=0.037), with BMOS+HMO and HMO groups differing at p=0.1.DiscussionThe addition of a mix of fucosylated and sialylated oligosaccharides to infant formula provides specific activities in the immune system that differ from formulations supplemented with one oligosaccharide structure.
Multisensory integration augmenting motor processes among older adults
Authors: Zou Zhi , Zhao Benxuan , Ting Kin-hung , Wong Clive , Hou Xiaohui , Chan Chetwyn C. H. 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveMultisensory integration enhances sensory processing in older adults. This study aimed to investigate how the sensory enhancement would modulate the motor related process in healthy older adults.MethodThirty-one older adults (12 males, mean age 67.7 years) and 29 younger adults as controls (16 males, mean age 24.9 years) participated in this study. Participants were asked to discriminate spatial information embedded in the unisensory (visual or audial) and multisensory (audiovisual) conditions. The responses made by the movements of the left and right wrists corresponding to the spatial information were registered with specially designed pads. The electroencephalogram (EEG) marker was the event-related super-additive P2 in the frontal-central region, the stimulus-locked lateralized readiness potentials (s-LRP) and response-locked lateralized readiness potentials (r-LRP).ResultsOlder participants showed significantly faster and more accurate responses than controls in the multisensory condition than in the unisensory conditions. Both groups had significantly less negative-going s-LRP amplitudes elicited at the central sites in the between-condition contrasts. However, only the older group showed significantly less negative-going, centrally distributed r-LRP amplitudes. More importantly, only the r-LRP amplitude in the audiovisual condition significantly predicted behavioral performance.ConclusionAudiovisual integration enhances reaction time, which associates with modulated motor related processes among the older participants. The super-additive effects modulate both the motor preparation and generation processes. Interestingly, only the modulated motor generation process contributes to faster reaction time. As such effects were observed in older but not younger participants, multisensory integration likely augments motor functions in those with age-related neurodegeneration.
Metabolic pseudoprogression in a patient with metastatic KIT exon 11 GIST after 1 month of first-line imatinib: a case report
Authors: Tassinari Elisa , Conci Nicole , Battisti Giacomo , Porta Francesco , Di Scioscio Valerio , Pirini Maria Giulia , de Biase Dario , Nigro Maria Concetta , Iezza Miriam , Castagnetti Fausto , Lovato Luigi , Fanti Stefano , Pantaleo Maria Abbondanza , Nannini Margherita 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPositron emission tomography (PET) with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) has proven to be highly sensitive in the early assessment of tumor response in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), especially in cases where there is doubt or when the early prediction of the response could be clinically useful for patient management. As widely known, kinase mutations have an undoubtful predictive value for sensitivity to imatinib, and the inclusion of KIT and PDGFRa mutational analysis in the diagnostic workup of all GIST is now considered standard practice.Case presentationHerein, we described in detail a case of an exon 11 KIT mutated-metastatic GIST patient, who presented an unexpected metabolic progression at the early 18FDG-PET evaluation after 1 month of first-line imatinib, unconfirmed at the liver biopsy performed near after, which has conversely shown a complete pathological response.ConclusionsThis report aims to highlight the existence of this metabolic pseudoprogression in GIST at the beginning of imatinib therapy in order to avoid early treatment discontinuation. Therefore, an early metabolic progression during a molecular targeted therapy always deserves to be evaluated in the context of the disease molecular profiling, and in case of a discordant finding between functional imaging and molecular background, a short-term longitudinal control should be suggested.
High-rate pacing suppresses Torsade de Pointes arrhythmias and reduces spatial dispersion of repolarization in the chronic AV-block dog model
Authors: Loen Vera , Van Weperen Valerie Y. H. , Beekman Henriëtte D. M. , Van Bavel Joanne J. A. , Meijborg Veronique M. F. , Van der Waal Jeanne G. , Coronel Ruben , van der Heyden Marcel A. G. , Vos Marc A. 
Published: December 2023

Background: An electrical storm of Torsade de Pointes arrhythmias (TdP) can be reproducibly induced in the anesthetized chronic AV-block (CAVB) dog by infusion of the IKr-blocker dofetilide. Earlier studies showed that these arrhythmias 1) arise from locations with high spatial dispersion in repolarization (SDR) and 2) can be suppressed by high-rate pacing. We examined whether suppression of TdP by high-rate pacing is established through a decrease in SDR in the CAVB dog.Methods: Dofetilide (25 μg/kg in 5 min) was administered to 5 anesthetized CAVB dogs to induce TdP arrhythmias. During the experiments, animals were continuously paced from the right ventricular apex at 50 beats/minute (RVA50). Upon TdP occurrence and conversion, RVA pacing was consecutively set to 100, 80 and 60 beats/minute for 2 min, referred to as pacing blocks. To determine the additional anti-arrhythmic effects of HRP over defibrillation alone, the number of arrhythmic events and SDR at RVA100 were compared to data from three previously conducted experiments, in which dogs underwent the same experimental protocol but were paced at RVA60 upon TdP occurrence (RVA60retro). In all experiments, recordings included surface electrocardiogram and mapping by 56 intramural needles, each recording four electrograms, evenly inserted into the ventricular walls and septum. For each pacing block, the number of ectopic beats (EB), and TdP severity were scored. SDR was quantified as the average difference in repolarization time within four squared needles (SDRcubic).Results: In 4 out of 5 animals, pacing at RVA100 suppressed TdP occurrence. One dog could not be converted by defibrillation after the initial TdP. Compared to RVA50, pacing at RVA100, but not RVA80 and RVA60, significantly reduced the TdP score (78 ± 33 vs. 0 ± 0, p &lt; 0.05 and vs. 12.5 ± 25 and 25 ± 50, both p &gt; 0.05). The reduction in TdP score was reflected by a significant decrease in SDRcubic (125 ± 46 ms before TdP vs. 49 ± 18 ms during RVA100, p &lt; 0.05), and SDR was smaller than in the RVA60retro animals (101 ± 52 ms, p &lt; 0.05 vs. RVA100).Conclusion: In CAVB dogs, high-rate pacing effectively suppresses TdP, which, at least in part, results from a spatial homogenization of cardiac repolarization, as reflected by a decrease in SDR.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in avocado farmworkers from Mexico
Authors: Armendáriz-Arnez Cynthia , Tamayo-Ortiz Marcela , Mora-Ardila Francisco , Rodríguez-Barrena María Esther , Barros-Sierra David , Castillo Federico , Sánchez-Vargas Armando , Lopez-Carr David , Deardorff Julianna , Eskenazi Brenda , Mora Ana M. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected farmworkers in the United States and Europe, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the specific impact of the pandemic on agriculture and food production workers in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and assess the mental health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic among avocado farmworkers in Michoacan, Mexico.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of adult farmworkers (n = 395) in May 2021. We collected survey data, nasal swabs and saliva samples for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection, and blood samples for immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity measurements.ResultsNone of the farmworkers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, among unvaccinated farmworkers (n = 336, 85%), approximately one-third (33%) showed evidence of past infection (positive for IgG against SARS-CoV-2). Unvaccinated farmworkers who lived with other farmworkers (aRR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.05), had ever lived with someone with COVID-19 (aRR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.43), and who had diabetes (aRR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.53, 2.85) had a higher risk of testing IgG-positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, unvaccinated farmworkers living in more rural areas (outside of Tingambato or Uruapan) (aRR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.96) or cooking with wood-burning stove (aRR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.96) had a lower risk of IgG-positivity. Moreover, 66% of farmworkers reported a negative impact of the pandemic on their lives, 29% reported experiencing food insecurity and difficulty paying bills, and 10% reported depression or anxiety symptoms.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health and financial well-being of avocado farmworkers. Consequently, the implementation of interventions and prevention efforts, such as providing mental health support and food assistance services, is imperative.
Kinematic characteristics of gait with different myopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xue Aochuan , Zeng Zhaohong , Wang Huihui , Han Jinming , Pang Bo 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundMyopia, a condition affecting approximately one-quarter of the world' s population, has been projected to double in prevalence by the year 2050. It can have an impact on postural control during walking and can increase the risk of falls and injuries.Objective(1) To examine the abnormal performance of postural control during walking in male college students who used convex lenses for myopia intervention from a kinematic perspective; (2) to establish theoretical foundation for preventing falls and injuries in the myopic population.MethodsA total of 22 male college students participated in this study. The center of gravity (COG), the percentage of gait cycle (PGC) and the joint angle(JT) were collected as indications of postural control during walking. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA to examine the variations among the three groups.ResultsDuring myopic interventions, (1) the range of vertical COG changes is significant to be greater compared with normal vision (P &lt; 0.05). (2) there was an significant increase in the PGC in single-legged support, accompanied by a decrease in the PGC in double-legged support, compared with normal vision (P &lt; 0.05). (3) The myopic intervention leads to increased variability in JT of the hip and the knee during the single-leg support and swing, as compared to individuals with normal vision (P &lt; 0.05). Severe myopic interventions result in more changes in JT of ankle.ConclusionMyopia has been found to have a negative impact on postural control during walking, leading to changes in balance, increased instability, and an elevated risk of injury.
The incidence of VP shunt infection in a middle-income nation: a retrospective analysis of a pediatric population
Authors: Campbell Dwayne , Sinclair Shane , Cooke Dwaine , Webster Dwight , Reid Marvin 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of infection after ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion at the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC), Jamaica, West Indies.MethodOf the 178 patients managed by the Neurosurgery team at BHC, who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2016, 122 patients were subjected to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure through a VPS placement. The patients excluded from this study included those with a VPS placed at another institution or one placed prior to the study period. There is a notable transition that saw a switch from the use of the Codman uni-port to Medtronic shunts in 2014–2015, which initiated the process of reuse of shunt passers. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from operating theater logs and available manual health records.ResultsOver the 7-year study period of the 122 first-time shunt placements done, 17 patients (13.9%) had positive CSF cultures, with an additional six (4%) having CSF pleocytosis with negative cultures. The most common isolate was the Staphylococcus species, occurring in 60% of VPS infections. The median time to shunt infection was 2 months. Of the 72 Codman shunts placed, six became infected, and 21.7% (10 of 46) of the Medtronic shunts became infected.ConclusionThe rate of incidence of VPS infection was 13.9% for the period between 2010 and 2016, with most infections occurring after 2014. The major causative agent was Staphylococcus species at 60% within a median 2 months of surgery. Overall, this compares well with data reported in the literature.
SPIRITUAL VALUES OF STUDENT YOUTH IN TODAY'S REALITIES: ANALYSIS OF CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC PROJECTS
Authors: Lymarenko L. 
Published: December 2023

The article addresses the pressing issues of the transformation of spiritual values of the Ukrainian people in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war through the lens of student cultural and artistic projects. The author examines contemporary research in the context of defining the spiritual values of Ukrainian youth during such a complex period as wartime. The relevance of addressing this issue is justified. The essence of the concept of "spiritual values" is explained as a complex concept that defines important life principles for individuals, shaped in the realm of spirituality and cultural and artistic creativity. The article offers an interpretation of cultural and artistic projects as complex, multifaceted processes that involve unique forms of interpersonal creativity, directed toward achieving specific goals and limited by space, time, and resources.
In the context of this theme, a comparative analysis is conducted on the results of student cultural and artistic pre-war projects and those carried out during online learning in the occupied territories and the midst of hostilities. The obtained results, in the form of created video content, indicate transformational processes with a focus on the sphere of spiritual values, such as love for the homeland, one's hometown, and one's family, national dignity, the significance of one's "self" in wartime, and faith in victory. The conclusion claims that the dire conditions of Russian aggression, in which our student youth found themselves, led to the transformation of the spiritual values of Ukrainian society into internal, high-spirited personal traits of young individuals.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROFESSOR HRYHORII LEVCHENKO’S CONDUCTING AND CHORAL ACTIVITIES IN UKRAINIAN CULTURE AND EDUCATION
Authors: Demianko N. 
Published: December 2023

The article reveals the significance of Professor H. S. Levchenko’s conducting and choral activity in Ukrainian culture and education, its main stages are considered. They are the following: the organization and management of the women’s choir of the Poltava Sewing Factory (1957), the amateur choir “Reshetylivka embroiderers,” the women’s song and dance ensemble at The Palace of Culture of Poltava Cotton and Spinning Factory (1960), the “Horlytsia” choral folk group (1961). The significance of H. S. Levchenko’s creative achievements, participation, and victories in many regional, republican, and international festivals and competitions are emphasized. The peculiarities of the artist’s work with the academic choir chapel of Poltava V. G. Korolenko State Pedagogical Institute (1967), the Ukrainian folk choir “Barvinok” of Poltava meat processing plant (1974) are revealed. It has been determined that the apotheosis of H. S. Levchenko’s conducting and choral activity is the constant artistic direction of the Ukrainian folk choir “Kalyna” (1979-2022). It is analyzed in artistic, pedagogical, and organizational aspects. Attention is focused on the achievement of a high professional and performing level of the group. Its creative achievements and awards, choral repertoire, concert activities, and touring trips are characterized. It is noted that “Kalyna” became a creative laboratory of the Department of Music of Poltava V. G. Korolenko Nation Pedagogical University, where the best traditions of future teacher training were preserved and continued, and the pedagogical ideas of the outstanding Ukrainian teacher, musicologist, conductor, ethnographer, choreographer and composer V. M. Verkhovynets were implemented. Based on the Ukrainian folk choir “Kalyna,” students achieved high-performing vocal-choral, instrumental, and stage skills during several years, enriched themselves spiritually, improved their professional and organizational skills, and deepened their knowledge of musical-aesthetic and national education of the young generation.
ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE PROJECTS IN THE PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF FINE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Saienko T. , Hrytsenko L. , Perepelytsa O. 
Published: December 2023

The article is devoted to the professional and personal development of future teachers of fine arts and technology issues. Different views and approaches to defining the category “future teachers’ professional and personal development” are highlighted.
The ways of effective implementation of the process of professional and personal formation of future teachers of fine arts and technologies are defined and characterized. These are educational, practice-oriented activities aimed at the students' personal activation, and their professional motivation; focus on professional and pedagogical activity, formation of active interest in it; and self-realization.
Artistic and creative projects are considered as an effective means of professional and personal development of future teachers of fine arts and technologies.
Its effectiveness and the need to introduce it into the educational process of institutions of higher pedagogical education have been proven: in classes on the study of professional disciplines; discipline of free choice; during industrial pedagogical practice in institutions of general secondary and extracurricular education; under the conditions of students’ participation in events that take place within the scope of work of creative laboratories of graduation departments.
The experience of implementing artistic and creative projects as an effective means of professional and personal development of future teachers of fine arts and technologies at Poltava V. G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University is highlighted.
It has been proven that involvement in the implementation of such projects contributes to the maximum use of personal abilities; creates conditions for self-realization of each participant; ensures the use of acquired knowledge in practice and public presentation of what has been achieved, and the result of this activity has significant applied and personal significance.
Further research attention is needed to highlight the pedagogical conditions of the professional and personal development of future specialists in the art-pedagogical and educational-technological fields during pedagogical practice.