Controlled Patients Research Articles

Effects of music training on executive functions in preschool children aged 3–6 years: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundExecutive functions is a crucial ability in the early development of preschool children. While numerous studies have found that music training has a favorable effect on children’s executive functions, there is a lack of a consistent perspective on this topic, particularly with regard to the dose–response relationship.MethodsSystematic searches were conducted of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to compute standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsIn all, 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis, in which children’s music training groups showed significantly improved inhibitory control (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.6), working memory (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16–0.54), and cognitive flexibility (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.04–0.42) in comparison with control groups. Subgroup analyses indicated significant improvements relative to the control groups for inhibitory control following music training having a duration of ≥12 weeks (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.22–0.8), occurring ≥3 times per week (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.2–0.75), and lasting 20–30 min per session (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.2–0.63). Significant improvements were seen for working memory following music training having a duration of ≥12 weeks (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18–0.65), occurring <3 times per week (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.06–0.93), occurring ≥3 times per week (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI:0.1–0.47), and lasting 20–30 min per session (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16–0.54). Music training significantly improved cognitive flexibility following training having a duration of ≥12 weeks (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.04–0.41), occurring ≥3 times per week (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.0–0.39), and lasting >40 min per session (SMD = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.22–1.26).ConclusionMusic training has a positive effect on inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility in preschool children aged 3–6 years. This effect is influenced by certain training factors, including the duration of the intervention period, frequency per week, and length of each session.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#aboutregpage, CRD42024513482.

Neutrophil Membrane Nanovesicles Alleviate the Renal Function Indicators in Acute Kidney Injury Caused by Septic Rats.

This study aims to explore the efficacy of neutrophil membrane nanovesicles (NMNVs) in the treatment of acute kidney injury caused by sepsis (S-AKI). Moreover, its effects on renal function indicators in plasma [creatinine (CREA), urea (UREA)], oxidative stress factor [malondialdehyde (MDA)], inflammatory factor [myeloperoxidase (MPO), histone H4 (H4), and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2)] are studied. Sixty SPF grade adult male Wistar rats in a healthy state under natural infection were randomly divided into blank, LSP, and experimental groups, with 20 rats in each group. After 7 days of adaptive feeding, a S-AKI model was established in the control group and the experimental group. The control group was treated with red blood cell membrane nanovesicles (RBC-NVs), the experimental group was treated with NMNVs, and the blank group was normal rats. The clinical treatment and changes in renal function indicators of the tested rats were observed and recorded. The total effective rate of treatment in the experimental group was higher than that in the controlling group (P < 0.05). Moreover, 1 h after the construction of the S-AKI model, the CREA, UREA, MDA, MPO, H4, MIP-2 in the controlling group and experimental group were higher than those in the blank group. At 7 and 14 h after constructing S-AKI model, the CREA, UREA, MDA, MPO, H4, and MIP-2 in the controlling and experimental groups decreased. However, the above indicators in the experimental group were lower than those in the controlling group (P < 0.05), and the comparison between this group and the blank group showed P > 0.05. In summary, the efficacy of NMNV in treating S-AKI is significant, as it can reduce CREA, UREA, MDA, MPO, as well as H4 and MIP-2, effectively controlling disease progression.

Predictors of HIV testing adherence among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study

Men who have sex with men are a target group for HIV prevention and control. HIV testing is part of a broader combination prevention strategy. This study aimed to analyze the predictors for adherence to HIV infection testing among Brazilian men who have sex with men. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1438 participants, online selected for convenience in all regions of Brazil. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of HIV testing in the study population. Adherence to the HIV test was high (80.1%). Had condomless anal intercourse in the last 12 months (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 1,659; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1,12 − 2,43; p = 0,010), knew one place to seek HIV testing (AOR 6,158 [IC95%: 4,27 − 8,86]; p < 0,001), Received counselling on HIV testing by a health professional (AOR 3,389 [IC95%: 2,28 − 5,02]; p < 0,001), Have been diagnosed with STI (AOR 2,266 [IC95%: 1,41 − 3,62]; p < 0,001) and Knew someone living with HIV (AOR 1,86 [IC95%: 1,29 − 2,67]; p < 0,001) were independently associated with higher chances of HIV testing.

Diversity and composition of ocular microbiota in contact lens wearers: Efficacy of liposomal ozonated oil.

To characterize the ocular surface microbiota in regular contact lens wearers with dry eyes and assess the effectiveness of reducing bacterial load using a liposomal ozonated oil solution. This prospective, longitudinal, controlled study randomized subjects into two groups. Group A (45 subjects) received hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, Artific®), while Group B (41 subjects) received ozonated sunflower seed oil with soybean phospholipids (OSSO, Ozonest®). Microbial communities were analyzed via DNA metabarcoding of the 16S rRNA gene, and statistical analyses (alpha and beta diversity) were performed in R. Both groups predominantly harbored Staphylococcus caprae, Streptococcus oralis, and Corynebacterium spp., with OSSO and HPMC users showing distinct bacterial profiles. Alpha diversity showed no significant differences, but beta diversity revealed differences in bacterial composition between the groups. The results seem to indicate that the use of ozonized oil reduces the bacterial load compared to the solution used as a control.

Altered interactions between attentional networks in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Previous research using the Attention Network Test (ANT) paradigm has indicated that older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience declines in attentional performance across the three core networks: alerting, orienting, and executive control, primarily focusing on main effects. The present study sought to expand these findings by exploring whether interactions between these networks are also affected in the presence of MCI. To achieve this, we used the Revised Attention Network Test (ANT-R) to examine both the individual attentional networks and their interactions in 21 older adults with MCI and 27 healthy controls (HCs) matched on demographic variables. Results indicated that the MCI group exhibited lower accuracy than the HC group in both executive control and orienting functions. In addition, the MCI group demonstrated a weakened interaction between the orienting and executive control networks, suggesting that valid cues are less effective in facilitating conflict resolution for individuals with MCI compared to HCs. No significant group differences were observed for the interaction between the executive control and alerting networks, or between the flanker conflict effect and the location conflict effect within the executive control network. This study extends previous findings by identifying changes related to MCI in the interaction between the orienting and executive control networks, highlighting the challenges individuals with MCI face in utilizing spatial cues during attentional processing.

Long-term effects of antipsychotics on serum BDNF levels in patients with schizophrenia.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia, and peripheral BDNF levels are affected by the short-term antipsychotic treatment. However, the data on their long-term effects on BDNF levels are scarce, and there is no information whether BDNF levels change during sustained remission in relation to values in healthy individuals. The aim of the present study was to compare serum BDNF levels in patients in long-term remission and healthy controls. This study is an extension of our previous research on the effects of olanzapine and risperidone on serum BDNF in acute-episode patients with schizophrenia. Patients who remained in remission for at least 3 years on the same antipsychotic regimen (40 % of the initial cohort) were included. Symptoms were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Serum BDNF levels were measured by ELISA in patients in remission (N = 20), evaluated at baseline, after 6 weeks of treatment and after 3 years of treatment, and in healthy individuals (N = 40). At baseline (p = 0.046) and after 6 weeks of treatment (p = 0.028), patients had significantly lower BDNF levels than controls. However, after 3 years of continuous antipsychotic maintenance treatment, serum BDNF levels were increased compared to baseline and values after 6 weeks of treatment in remitted patients, and were also significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.002). Antipsychotic medications appear to have distinct effects on serum BDNF levels in short-and long-term treatment. It remains to be determined if such finding may be related to potential neuroprotective effects of antipsychotic maintenance treatment.

The Correlation between Oxidative Stress and Asthma Control Test in Iraqi Asthmatic Patients

Background: Asthma is a chronic disease of the airway tract, which can be triggered due to inflammatory and non-inflammatory events. Recently, the prevalence of asthma has reached a significant rate globally. Asthmatic patients have shown significant disturbance in the redox balance, resulting in oxidative stress. Objective: We have aimed to discover the relationship between the severity of asthma and oxidative stress by evaluating several indicators of oxidative stress in asthmatic patients with different degrees of control. Methods: 60 diagnosed patients with asthma were enrolled in this study in the overweight category and age range from 18 to 60 years old. Results: The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were observed to be significantly higher in asthmatic patients. Moreover, patients with poor asthma control have shown the highest levels of MDA, TOS, and OSI compared to those with good and moderate control of the disease. On the contrary, asthmatic patients have shown significantly lower levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to control, where the lowest levels of TAC were observed in poor controlled asthmatic patients compared to those with good and moderate control of the disease. Additionally, a correlation between MDA, TOS, OSI, and the asthma control test (ACT) was observed in an inversely manner, while TAC and ACT were correlated in a positively manner. Conclusions: Oxidative stress has shown significant involvement in the progression of asthma.

Recognition memory decline is associated with the progression to prodromal Alzheimer's disease in asymptomatic at-risk individuals.

Episodic memory (EM) alterations are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We assessed EM longitudinally in cognitively normal elders at-risk for AD (with subjective memory complaints), as a function of amyloid-β (Aβ) burden, neurodegeneration (N), and progression to prodromal AD. We stratified 264 INSIGHT-preAD study subjects in controls (Aβ-/N-), stable/N- or N + (Aβ +), and progressors/N- or N + (Aβ +) groups (progressors were included only until AD-diagnosis). We used linear mixed-effect models with Aβ and N status, or progression to AD as factors, to analyze behavioral performance in an old/new word-recognition task based on the free and cued selective reminding test (FCSRT). The controls and stable/N- groups showed near-ceiling accuracy and RT improvement across follow-up. The stable/N + group showed accuracy reduction and no RT improvement, i.e., Aβ + /N + cumulative effect. The progressors showed a marked performance decline. EM alterations may constitute early preclinical markers of progression to prodromal AD, while individuals are cognitively normal according to neuropsychological standards.

Integrating Patient-Generated Digital Data Into Mental Health Therapy: Mixed Methods Analysis of User Experience.

Therapists and their patients increasingly discuss digital data from social media, smartphone sensors, and other online engagements within the context of psychotherapy. We examined patients' and mental health therapists' experiences and perceptions following a randomized controlled trial in which they both received regular summaries of patients' digital data (eg, dashboard) to review and discuss in session. The dashboard included data that patients consented to share from their social media posts, phone usage, and online searches. Following the randomized controlled trial, patient (n=56) and therapist (n=44) participants completed a debriefing survey after their study completion (from December 2021 to January 2022). Participants were asked about their experience receiving a digital data dashboard in psychotherapy via closed- and open-ended questions. We calculated descriptive statistics for closed-ended questions and conducted qualitative coding via NVivo (version 10; Lumivero) and natural language processing using the machine learning tool latent Dirichlet allocation to analyze open-ended questions. Of 100 participants, nearly half (n=48, 49%) described their experience with the dashboard as "positive," while the other half noted a "neutral" experience. Responses to the open-ended questions resulted in three thematic areas (nine subcategories): (1) dashboard experience (positive, neutral or negative, and comfortable); (2) perception of the dashboard's impact on enhancing therapy (accountability, increased awareness over time, and objectivity); and (3) dashboard refinements (additional sources, tailored content, and privacy). Patients reported that receiving their digital data helped them stay "accountable," while therapists indicated that the dashboard helped "tailor treatment plans." Patient and therapist surveys provided important feedback on their experience regularly discussing dashboards in psychotherapy.

Generalizability of kidney and cardiovascular protection by finerenone to the real world in Italy: insights from Fidelio and Figaro studies.

We evaluated the proportion of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) participating in the AMD (Association of Medical Diabetologists) Annals initiative who met the eligibility criteria for phase III-studies on finerenone, showing its renal and cardiovascular benefits. This analysis involved all T2D patients seen in 2019 in 282 diabetes centers in Italy, for whom data on kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria) were available. Data are presented separately for different scenarios, covering the population with main eligibility criteria for inclusion in the FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD trials. Among 343,037 T2D patients involved in the analysis, 5.4% met the eligibility criteria of the FIDELIO-DKD study (13.3% if we consider the population with fundus data) and 22.3% met those of the FIGARO-DKD trial. Overall, 110,000 (33%) patients were eligible for treatment with finerenone, with a male prevalence, an average age of 71years, and good control of the main risk factors (HbA1c 7.3%; BP 138/76mmHg; LDL-c 87mg/dl), albeit with large percentages of not well controlled patients (50% with SBP > 140mmHg; > 30% with LDL-c > 100mg/dl). Over 12% were on sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists. Based on the event rate from the FIDELITY pooled analysis, the number of potentially avoidable events was 21.7 per 1000 eligible patients for the cardiovascular composite outcome and 16.7 for the renal outcome. This analysis showed that approximately 33% of patients with T2D present the main eligibility criteria for treatment with finerenone and could therefore benefit from it in the near future.

Національний банк України як суб'єкт адміністрування торгівлі валютними цінностями

Abstract. The article is devoted to the definition of the features of the functioning of the currency market in modern conditions, the analysis of existing challenges and threats caused by military actions, the economic situation of the state, the activities of entities that play an important role in the public administration of banking and financial legal relations. A thorough analysis of the peculiarities of the implementation of functions by the National Bank of Ukraine in the field of public administration of currency trading is presented. Particular attention is paid to determining the competence of the National Bank of Ukraine as a subject of currency control. It was established that in Ukraine it is the National Bank of Ukraine that plays an important role as the subject of foreign exchange control, in particular, regarding compliance with the rules of regulation of foreign exchange transactions in relation to banks, persons who have received a license to carry out foreign exchange transactions, implements scheduled and unscheduled inspections. The effective organization of public administration of the defined sphere of financial relations is achieved through the adoption of normative legal acts of the Board of the National Bank of Ukraine. The peculiarities of the organization and implementation of financial monitoring and currency supervision by the National Bank of Ukraine are analyzed. It was determined that an important area of activity of the National Bank of Ukraine is the protection of the rights of consumers of financial services, supervision of compliance by banks and other providers of financial services with the current laws on the protection of consumer rights. The transformational changes in the banking system that have been taking place in recent years under the leadership of the National Bank of Ukraine, including the digitization of the state's banking sector, have been analyzed. It was found out that the military actions led to the radical actions of the National Bank of Ukraine in the sphere of administration of trade in currency values, which helped to calm the panic of the population in the conditions of the beginning of the war in the country. Keywords: currency; foreign exchange market; foreign exchange values; public administration; trading of foreign exchange values; public administration of trading of foreign exchange values.

Differential circulating miRNA profiles identified miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-4532 as potential biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is high in morbidity and mortality rates which may be due to asymptomatic and effective diagnostic methods not available. Therefore, an effective diagnosis is urgently needed. Investigation of plasma circulating miRNA (cir-miRNA) was divided into two phases, including the discovery phase (pooled 10 samples each from three pools in each group) and the validation phase (17, 16, and 35 subjects of healthy control (HC), O. viverrini (OV), and CCA groups, respectively). The plasma from healthy control subjects, O. viverrini infected subjects, and CCA subjects was used. In the discovery phase, plasma was pooled by adding an equal volume of plasma, and cir-miRNA was isolated and analyzed with the nCounter® SPRINT Profiler. The significantly different cir-miRNAs were selected for the validation phase. In the validation phase, cir-miRNA was isolated and analyzed using real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, statistical analysis was conducted, and diagnostic parameters were calculated. Differential plasma cir-miRNA profile showed at least three candidates including miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-4532 as potential biomarkers. From validation of these cir-miRNAs by RT-qPCR, the result showed that the satisfied sensitivity and specificity to differential CCA group from HC and OV group was obtained from miR-4532 (P < 0.05) while miR-423-5p and miR-93-5p can be used for differential CCA from OV and HC group (P < 0.05) with high specificity but limited the sensitivity. In conclusion, candidate cir-miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers including miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p and miR-4532. Screening by miR-4532 and confirmed with miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p were suggested for differential CCA patients in the endemic area of O. viverrini.

Evaluation of Oral Pregabalin Premedication for Attenuation of Haemodynamic Response during Tracheal Intubation in Adult Patients with Controlled Hypertension For Elective Surgery

Background: The laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation is a noxious stimuli resulting in transient but marked sympathetic response. This response is exaggerated in patients with hypertension. This study evaluated the role of oral pregabalin premedication in attenuation of haemodynamic response during tracheal intubation in adult patients with controlled hypertension posted for elective surgery. Methods: A prospective double blinded randomized study was carried out in a total of 60 adult patients (aged 18-65 years, either gender) with controlled hypertension after being randomized into two groups with 30 patients in each. Prior to induction, Group PL received Placebo (multivitamin) and Group PB received pregabalin 75mg tablet 1 hour. The anaesthesia technique was standardized as per department protocols. Both groups were evaluated for pre-operative sedation, haemodynamic changes after premedication, before and after induction, after the laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation and post-operative side effects. Results: There was attenuation of haemodynamic responses without significant side effects with pregabalin. Statistically significant increase in post intubation systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure was seen in group PL as compared to group PB. In both groups, a reduction in heart rate was observed and was statistically significant 1 minute after intubation in group PB. Pre-operative sedation levels were higher in PB group in comparison to PL group. No post-operative side effects observed in both the groups. Conclusion: In controlled hypertensive patients, oral pregabalin 75 mg attenuated the haemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. It produced effective pre-operative sedation without any post-operative side effects.

Does controlled, gradually increased venous pressure exposure (dangling) of the lower extremity after free flap reconstructions reduce partial flap loss? A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Controlled, gradually increased venous pressure exposure of lower extremity free flaps (dangling) is common, based on the assumption that this reduces (partial) flap loss. Dangling protocols potentially increase length of hospital stay and resource utilization. We investigated whether: (1) the proportion of partial flap loss 6 weeks after lower extremity free flap reconstruction is non-inferior after uncontrolled exposure compared to gradually increased venous pressure exposure; (2) there is a difference in length of hospital stay and major or minor adverse events 3 months after surgery. For this multicenter randomized controlled trial patients who underwent lower extremity free flap reconstruction were included. Seven days after surgery 39 were randomized to dangling and 36 mobilized without limitations. Partial flap loss was assessed 6 weeks after surgery (primary outcome), length of stay, and major and minor adverse events 3 months after surgery. An absolute increase of 12% partial flap loss was considered inferior. Uncontrolled exposure was non-inferior to controlled, gradually increased venous pressure exposure (absolute risk difference: 2.4%, 95% CI -10%-15%, partial flap loss dangling: 5.1% (n=2) vs. non-dangling: 2.8% (n=1)). There was no difference in length of stay and major or minor complications. Seven days after surgery, dangling the lower extremity after free flap reconstruction seems unnecessary. Surgeons and patients can consider forgoing a formal dangling protocol at that time. Future research is warranted to assess whether forgoing dangling is also safe earlier after free tissue transfer possibly reducing length of hospital stay and resource utilization.

Telomerase Gene Expression in Relation to Serum Protein and Hematological Parameters in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy marked by the abnormal proliferation of myeloid precursor cells (blasts) in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, leading to disrupted blood cell production. The telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a key component of the telomerase enzyme, is often overexpressed in various cancers, including AML, contributing to cellular immortality. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of the hTERT gene, serum protein concentrations, and hematological parameters in newly diagnosed AML patients, comparing these findings to AML patients in remission and healthy controls. Blood samples were collected from three groups: 10 newly diagnosed AML patients, 35 AML patients in remission, and 40 healthy controls. Hematological parameters, including white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT), and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, were measured. Serum hTERT protein concentrations were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and hTERT gene expression was assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The study demonstrated that newly diagnosed AML patients had significantly higher hTERT gene expression and serum protein levels compared to both remission patients and healthy individuals. Hematological analyses revealed elevated WBC counts alongside reduced RBC, PLT, and Hb levels in AML patients relative to controls. Increased hTERT expression and serum protein levels are valuable biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring AML. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting hTERT and underscore the importance of conducting further studies on larger patient cohorts to validate these results.

HealthLink: A Decentralized Health Data Management System using Merkle Tree-Based Approach

Abstract: Challenges with health data management in the healthcare industry include security, privacy, and interoperability. Most traditional centralized systems tend to be insecure, inefficient, and deprive the patient of considerable control over their personal health record. HealthLink introduces a decentralized approach to the management of health data employing a Merkle tree-based recovery of these issues. With the application of blockchain technology, HealthLink provides the immutability and security of data while allowing for its integrity. The Merkle tree-based architecture is used for health record verification in a way that is both efficient and secure without exhausting the dataset's content. This system makes it possible to have seamless interoperability among different healthcare providers, thus making health information exchange between them both secure and efficient. By allowing the patients control over their health data, access permissions are provided on demand, thus incorporating enhanced privacy and trust. This would thus place the HealthLink method at the forefront of health data management, providing a robust, secure, and user-centric solution that might be tailored to meet the needs of the healthcare sector as a means of improving patient care and also reducing the efficiency in managing data

Temporal Changes in Faecal Microbiota Composition and Diversity in Dairy Cows Supplemented with a Lactobacillus-Based Direct-Fed Microbial.

The rumen microbiota of dairy cows plays a crucial role in fermenting fibrous material, essential for nutrient extraction and overall productivity, detoxification of anti-nutritional toxic compounds, synthesis of vital nutrients, and is essential for optimal animal health. This study investigated the impact of Lentilactobacillus-, Lactocaseibacillus-, and Lacticaseibacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplementation on dairy cows' faecal microbial composition and diversity. The study was carried out on a commercial dairy farm using 50 Holstein-Friesian cows randomly assigned into control (CON) and treatment (TRT) groups. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum every two months from September 2021 to January 2023. The bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS-1 regions were amplified, sequenced, and analysed. Microbial diversity was assessed through alpha- and beta-diversity metrics. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) was performed to identify which taxa were driving the changes seen in the microbiota over time and treatment. Bacteroidaceae were the most prevalent bacterial family, followed by Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae in both CON and TRT cows. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota were the dominant three fungal phyla in the faeces of both CON and TRT cows. Bacterial genera Fructilactobacillus was abundant in the CON and Absicoccus in the TRT groups. Fungal taxa Chaetothryriales_incertae_sedis and Pseudomentella were absent in the faeces of TRT cows. Significant temporal and specific taxonomic differences were observed between the CON and TRT groups. The study's findings underscore the dynamic nature of microbial communities and the importance of targeted dietary interventions. Further research is necessary to elucidate these microbial shifts, long-term impacts, and functional implications, aiming to optimise ruminant nutrition and enhance dairy cow performance.

Modulation on Surface Termination Groups to Optimize the Adsorption Energy and Work Function of Nb2CTx for Enhanced Hydrogen Storage in Magnesium Hydride

AbstractExploring high‐performance catalysts for hydrogen storage in magnesium hydride (MgH2) is crucial but still a challenge. Herein, Nb2CTx with controllable surface termination groups is developed as an efficient catalyst and the bifunctional modulation (adsorption energy and work function) of different surface termination groups (F, O, OH, or defects) is explored. First, compared to F and O, the introduction of OH on the surface or the direct removal of functional groups both leads to a significant increase in the adsorption of H by Nb2CTx. Second, compared to the surface bare, OH‐rich Nb2CTx has a lower work function, making it easier for hydrogen to enter Mg/MgH2 from the Nb2CTx surface or escape from the Mg/MgH2 surface into the Nb2CTx, thus facilitating the hydrogen ad/desorption properties of MgH2, i.e., the rate‐determining step (RDS) shifts from penetration to diffusion. The Nb2CTx‐KOH‐catalyzed MgH2 with optimal surface termination groups, therefore exhibits a release of 6.56 wt.% H2 in 5 min at 250 °C, and 6.46 wt.% H2 uptake within 5 min at 150 °C. The dehydrogenation and hydrogen uptake activation energies show 49.5% and 60.1% enhancements over pristine MgH2. In addition, a storage capacity of 5.51 wt.% is maintained after 50 dehydrogenation/hydrogenation cycles.

The Lithuanian Soviet Nomenclature as an Object and Subject of Control

The topic of nomenclature in the context of research on the Soviet period is usually associated with the power and influence exerted by a single group in society. While assessing the evolution of the post-Stalin system, the role of a separate ruling stratum rather than that of an individual leader becomes more apparent. Many studies hesitate to call the post-Stalin system totalitarian and secretary-generals of the Communist Party as unilateral leaders. In individual studies, nomenclature, particularly top ranking, is clearly perceived as an acting and influencing subject, capable of subjecting system resources to its articulated aims. However, the discussion of the role of Lithuanian nomenclature as a certain peripheral elite and its relationship with the system shows that it is impossible to treat it only as an acting subject. The interests and management style of the central government determined greater or lesser control of the Soviet republics. So it is interesting to consider which situations would define the Lithuanian Soviet nomenclature itself as an object of control, and in which areas it could express its own interests and be activity. The Soviet institutional environment was saturated with control. Control measures were designed not only to control processes in society; they were also applied to the system of nomenclature itself by applying hierarchical control principles both to the governing political party and lower executive ranks. Information was collected about ideological compliance and participation in the execution of plans. Transgressions recognised to be ideological were assessed most strictly. The tools of control were diverse: in addition to control bodies (people’s control, GLAVLIT, KGB) Communist party structures and ministries had their own divisions responsible for control of the activities of a particular area and even the suitability of people. In addition to routine planned activity, individual influential officials carried out controlling functions and exposed ad hoc cases. It can be stated that the system was essentially saturated with control activities – the same area was controlled by at least 3-4 levels different levels of officials and this obviously stifled the dynamics of any activity. In the late Soviet period, locality as a factor of social environment can be clearly distinguished whereby local representatives of the nomenclature would often reduce the effect of control by replacing the object ‘what and how to control’ with the consensus of higher ranking officials of the nomenclature regarding the areas and leaders to be controlled and possible consequences of control (including penalties for members of the Communist Party). This model complemented institutional regulation and was applied not only to ensure control inside a republic but also in relation to the supervision carried out by the centre. The government of the republic frequently faced hostility from some leaders controlling the manufacturing industry, but except for one incident, it managed to ‘localise’ both local and arriving leaders, thereby creating a certain closed social network of members of the nomenclature of the republic and simultaneously opening more opportunities for higher ranking officials of Lithuanian nomenclature to express their personal interests, assess the situation subjectively, and act in the area of control as a subject rather than an object. The social network of members of the nomenclature of the republic rather actively and using various measures sought to isolate their own circle therefore ensuring not only the integrity of the circle, but also control of the space subordinate to it, while at the same time maintaining good relations with the centre. The top ranking officials of the republic were very keen to maintain the stability of this network and their primary goal was to preserve the routine of governing, given that this status quo was in line with Brezhnev’s governing style.

Use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in hypertensive patient to monitor blood pressure control

To use ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in hypertensive patient for better control of their blood pressure. This was a single centre, observational study that included hypertensive patients who visited the out-patient department of tertiary care hospital Nepal. The study was carried out from June, 2021 to June, 2023. All the patients were assessed through ambulatory blood pressure monitoring machine for 24 hours. Total 259 patient were studied with ambulatory 24 hours blood pressure monitoring. Average age was 44.82±13.67 years. 30 to 50 age group was the maximum user of ABPM (41%) 20 patient in this study were ≥65years of age. 58 % patients were males and 42% were female. All the patient undergoing ABPM were hypertensive. Mean of 24 hours systolic BP was 129.69 ± 12.86 mmHg and diastolic BP was 81.91±9.2 mmHg, awake systolic BP was 134.5 ± 12.5 mmHg and diastolic BP was 86.32±9.44 mmHg, asleep systolic BP was 121± 15.1 mmHg and diastolic BP was 74.46±10.38 mmHg. Only 28 (10.8%) patient of 259 had normal mean daytime blood pressure while 21 patient 8.1% had elevated BP and 210 patient 81.1% had hypertension as per AHA/ACC 2017 classification. Of total hypertensive 210 patient 84% had grade 2 hypertension and 16% had grade 1 hypertension requiring intensification of medication to control blood pressure in majority of the patient. Most of the patient treated with hypertension had inadequate control as seen on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. ABPM should be utilized in every hypertensive patient to monitor the adequate control of BP.