Research Group Research Articles

Influence of preoperative comprehensive education on anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep in elderly patients operated under general anesthesia

BACKGROUND Owing to the particularities of their physical characteristics, older patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia experience great surgical traumas. Thus, exploring more refined and individualized nursing approaches is an urgent need to mitigate the negative effects of surgery on such patients. AIM To analyze the influence of preoperative comprehensive education on anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep in older patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS In total, 163 older adults who underwent surgery under general anesthesia between June 2022 and November 2023 were selected, 77 of them received routine nursing care (control group), and 86 received preoperative comprehensive education (research group). Subsequently, comparative analyses were performed from the following perspectives: Surgical indicators (operation time, time to complete regain of consciousness, and temperature immediately after the procedure and upon recovery from anesthesia) before and after nursing care; negative emotions [self-rating anxiety scale (SAS)/self-rating depression scale (SDS)]; pain severity [visual analog scale (VAS)]; sleep quality [Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)]; incidence of sleep disturbances (difficulties in falling asleep for the first time, falling asleep again after waking up frequently at night, falling asleep again after waking up early, and falling asleep all night); and incidence of adverse events (airway obstruction, catheter detachment, aspiration, and asphyxia). RESULTS The research group had significantly lower operation time and time to complete regain of consciousness than the control group after nursing care and markedly better recovery of postoperative body temperature and body temperature at awakening. In addition, more notable decreases in SAS, SDS, VAS, and PSQI scores were observed in the research group than in the control group. Furthermore, the incidence rate of sleep disturbance (8.14% vs 29.87%) and adverse events (4.65% vs 19.48%) were lower in the research group than in the control group. CONCLUSION Preoperative comprehensive education in older patients who underwent surgery under general anesthesia can improve postoperative indicators, effectively reduce the occurrence of anxiety and depression, alleviate postoperative pain, and improve sleep quality.

Effect of comprehensive intervention model based on drug-psychology-society-skills on medication compliance and cognitive ability of chronic schizophrenia patients

BACKGROUND The intervention value of a drug-psycho-social-skill model on medication compliance and cognitive ability in patients with chronic schizophrenia was unknown. AIM To explore the intervention value of a drug-psycho-social-skill model on medication compliance and cognitive ability in patients with chronic schizophrenia. METHODS Overall, 98 out-patients and in-patients with chronic schizophrenia treated in our hospital from February 2022 to January 2023 were included and randomly divided into the study (50 patients) and control groups (48 patients). For 3 months, the control group was treated with conventional drugs, and the research group with a comprehensive intervention model of drug-psychology-society-skills. Data were obtained for the mini mental assessment scale (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), positive and negative symptom scale, insight and treatment attitude scale, cognitive ability scale and social skills [personal and social function scale (PSP)]. The adverse reactions were observed. RESULTS After the intervention, the MMSE and MoCA scores improved in both groups. MoCA scores in the study group (26.58 ± 3.21) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the control group (24.68 ± 3.02), MMSE scores were not significantly higher. Post-intervention, positive and negative symptom scores improved in both groups, and the positive and negative symptom scores in the study group [(12.01 ± 2.58) and (32.51 ± 2.11)] were significantly (P < 0.05) different than those in the control group [(14.54 ± 2.33) and (33.74 ± 2.55)]. Post-intervention, insight and treatment attitudes questionnaire scores of both groups were improved and compared with the control group (7.97 ± 3.02), the study group (13.56 ± 6.35) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher scores. Post-intervention, the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery score of both groups was improved and compared with the control group (38.44 ± 6.23), the score of the study group was significantly (P < 0.05) increased (43.51 ± 6.01). Post-intervention, the PSP score of the study group (78.38 ± 6.63) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the control group (74.52 ± 7.01). During the intervention period, the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was 6.25%, not significantly different from that in the control group (8.33%). During the intervention, both groups experienced adverse reactions, with no significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The comprehensive intervention model based on drug-psychology-society-skills has obvious intervention effects on patients with chronic schizophrenia, which improves their cognitive ability and reduces their positive and negative symptoms. Simultaneously, it improves the self-knowledge of patients, improves their attitude toward treatment, effectively promotes the recovery of patients' social functions, and is safe. Therefore, it is worthy of being vigorously promoted and widely used in clinics.

Advancing Systemic Toxicity Risk Assessment: Evaluation of a NAM-based Toolbox Approach.

For many years, a method that allowed systemic toxicity safety assessments to be conducted without generating new animal test data, seemed out of reach. However, several different research groups and regulatory authorities are beginning to use a variety of in silico, in chemico and in vitro techniques to inform safety decisions. To manage this transition to animal-free safety assessments responsibly, it is important to ensure that the level of protection offered by a safety assessment based on new approach methodologies (NAMs), is at least as high as that provided by a safety assessment based on traditional animal studies. To this end, we have developed an evaluation strategy to assess both the level of protection and the utility offered by a NAM-based systemic safety 'toolbox'. The toolbox comprises physiologically-based kinetic (PBK) models to predict internal exposures, and bioactivity NAMs designed to give broad coverage across many different toxicity modes of action. The output of the toolbox is the calculation of a bioactivity: Exposure ratio (analogous to a margin of internal exposure), which can be used to inform decision-making. In this work we have expanded upon an initial pilot study of 10 chemicals with an additional 38 chemicals and 70 consumer exposure scenarios. We found that, for the majority of these (>90%), the NAM-based workflow is protective of human health, enabling us to make animal-free safety decisions for systemic toxicity and preventing unnecessary animal use. We have also identified critical areas for improvement to further increase our confidence in the robustness of the approach.

Developing Multiple Media Approach to Investigate Reproducible Characteristic VOCs of Lung Cancer Cells.

Cellular volatile organic compound (VOC) detection is crucial for studying lung cancer biomarkers. However, the reported VOC biomarkers from the same cell line seem to be inconsistent across different research groups. It is possibly related to the variation in culture media, and the result obtained by a conventional single medium approach (SMA) depends on what medium is used in the cell experiment. This study proposes a multiple media approach (MMA) to investigate reproducible characteristic VOCs of lung cancer cells. Using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) in combination with untargeted analysis, we conducted two independently repetitive experiments to compare lung cancer cells (A549) and normal lung cells (BEAS-2B) under three culture media conditions (RPMI 1640, DMEM, and Ham's F12). Both experiments indicated that, compared with 62-96 VOCs obtained by the SMA, only two VOCs (3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-methyl-1-butanol) were reproducibly achieved by the MMA. Moreover, their concentrations were significantly lower in lung cancer cells than in normal cells. Further targeted analysis confirmed the downregulation trend of both VOCs in subcutaneous and primary tumor tissues from the lung cancer model mouse. The present work demonstrated that the MMA cell experiment, just like the multicenter trials for cell lines, can facilitate the discovery of reproducible characteristic VOCs. This provides a cellular experimental basis and scientific evidence for lung cancer biomarker investigation and even breath biopsy technique development.

Personality determinants, love attitudes and self-efficacy in people using dating sites

The Internet can provide an alternative space to the real world. Among these opportunities is making new acquaintances with the intention of creating a romantic relationship via portals designed for this purpose. With the growing popularity of dating sites, it was decided to study the relationship between personality determinants (independent and interdependent self-construal, communion and agency), love attitudes, attachment styles and self-efficacy in a group of people using dating sites. The study included 350 respondents. Dating site users comprised 39% of the sample (135 respondents), whereas non-users accounted for 61% of the sample (215 respondents). The following tools were used in the study: Self-Construal Scale (SCS), Self-Description Questionnaire 30, The Love Attitudes Scale: Short Form (LAS: SF), Attachment Styles Questionnaire (KSP) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The results of the correlation analyses conducted for the entire study sample showed the existence of relationships between independent self-construal, agency, communion, Ludus love attitude, Mania love attitude, secure attachment style, anxiety-ambivalent attachment style and avoidant attachment style and self-efficacy, while the linear regression analysis showed the significance of independent self-construal, agency, Ludus love attitude and anxiety-ambivalent attachment style for self-efficacy. By comparing the obtained correlation and regression results, intergroup differences were shown for the variables studied. Differences in the correlations of the independent variables with the dependent variable between the control group and the research group are found for the relationships of communion and avoidant attachment style. In the experimental group, higher correlation coefficients were observed for the relationship with self-efficacy for the independent self-construal and communion. The level of explanation of the dependent variable by the independent variables is 43% for non-users of dating sites, while it is 36% for users of dating sites. In the experimental group, the predictors were statistically significant in explaining the variance of the dependent variable: independent self-construal, agency, communion, Ludus love style, Agape love style, anxiety-ambivalent attachment style. In the control group: agency and anxiety-ambivalent attachment style. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between the groups with high median differences observed for anxiety-ambivalent attachment style and avoidant attachment style.

Electrified Enhanced Recovery of Lithium from Unconventional Sources.

Demand for lithium is expected to quadruple by the end of the decade. Without new sources of production, the supply-demand curve is expected to invert. Traditional geological reserves will not be able to meet the anticipated gap, thus unconventional sources of lithium will need to be utilized, setting the stage for fierce competition for perhaps the most critical of mineral resources required for the energy transition. Direct Lithium Extraction refers to the umbrella of technologies being developed to access lithium from unconventional sources. Electrochemical extraction offers significant promise for its selectivity and low operating cost when coupled with renewable energy. This review aims to describe materials and process design considerations for electrochemical extraction of lithium from aqueous sources with a specific emphasis on ζ-V2O5 designed in our research group as an insertion host. We point to specific strategies for improving capacity and selectivity for electrochemical lithium extraction based on materials design across length scales. Strategies range from site-selective modification of insertion hosts to controlled tortuosity of ion diffusion pathways in porous electrode architectures. Electrochemical lithium extraction from unconventional sources stands poised to be a linchpin of a sustainable economy when coupled with cleaning of wastewater, hydrogen generation, and recovery of ancillary critical metals.

Planning Matters: A Document Analysis of 24 Portuguese Health Programmes.

Health planning is essential for effective public health interventions and optimal resource utilisation. The Portuguese Directorate-General of Health has a long history of developing health plans and programmes, for communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and their determinants. This study aimed to review the current 24 programmes and assess the adequacy of their structure and content. A document analysis was conducted using a programme assessment matrix developed by the research group. Two independent researchers evaluated each programme, scoring items as 'absent', 'present', or 'not applicable'. A quantitative analysis was employed to analyse compliance scores between priority and non-priority programmes and across the year of publication. Priority programs demonstrated higher and more consistent compliance scores compared to non-priority programs. Compliance scores ranged from 19% in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme to 100% in the Healthy Eating Programme. The item least commonly present was 'updated time scope', in only 21% of the programmes. Most recently published programmes were more likely to have a higher compliance score (Β=0.76, 95% CI: [0.46, 1.05]). Not all programmes were publicly available in the same digital location. There was heterogeneity in the 24 health promotion programmes in terms of structure, content, timeliness, and accessibility. A standardised structure could enhance their quality and ease their interpretation and dissemination.

Un anno di attività del progetto VIS

This article illustrates the first year of activity of the project VIS - Venetian Integrated Studies (PRIN 2020), PI Luca D’Onghia, highlighting the results achieved by each research unit (Scuola Normale di Pisa, coordinated by Luca D’Onghia; Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia, by Cristiano Lorenzi; Chieti-Pescara, by Ilaria Zamuner; Firenze, CNR-Opera del Vocabolario Italiano, by Zeno Verlato). The activities of the research groups concern the editing of vocabulary entries (VEV), the edition of Venetian texts, and the setting up of the project’s databases and IT platform.

Use of Intramolecular Quinol Redox Couples to Facilitate the Catalytic Transformation of O2 and O2-Derived Species.

ConspectusThe redox reactivity of transition metal centers can be augmented by nearby redox-active inorganic or organic moieties. In some cases, these functional groups can even allow a metal center to participate in reactions that were previously inaccessible to both the metal center and the functional group by themselves. Our research groups have been synthesizing and characterizing coordination complexes with polydentate quinol-containing ligands. Quinol is capable of being reversibly oxidized by either one or two electrons to semiquinone or para-quinone, respectively. Functionally, quinol behaves much differently than phenol, even though the pKa values of the first O-H bonds are nearly identical.The redox activity of the quinol in the polydentate ligand can augment the abilities of bound redox-active metals to catalyze the dismutation of O2-• and H2O2. These complexes can thereby act as high-performing functional mimics of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes, which exclusively use redox-active metals to transfer electrons to and from these reactive oxygen species (ROS). The quinols augment the activity of redox-active metals by stabilizing higher-valent metal species, providing alternative redox partners for the oxidation and reduction of reactive oxygen species, and protecting the catalyst from destructive side reactions. The covalently attached quinols can even enable redox-inactive Zn(II) to catalyze the degradation of ROS. With the Zn(II)-containing SOD and CAT mimics, the organic redox couple entirely substitutes for the inorganic redox couples used by the enzymes. The ligand structure modulates the antioxidant activity, and thus far, we have found that compounds that have poor or negligible SOD activity can nonetheless behave as efficient CAT mimics.Quinol-containing ligands have also been used to prepare electrocatalysts for dioxygen reduction, functionally mimicking the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. The installation of quinols can boost electrocatalytic activity and even enable otherwise inactive ligand frameworks to support electrocatalysis. The quinols can also shift the product selectivity of O2 reduction from H2O2 to H2O without markedly increasing the effective overpotential. Distinct control of the coordination environment around the metal center allows the most successful of these catalysts to use economic and naturally abundant first-row transition metals such as iron and cobalt to selectively reduce O2 to H2O at low effective overpotentials. With iron, we have found that the electrocatalysts can enter the catalytic cycle as either an Fe(II) or Fe(III) species with no difference in turnover frequency. The entry point to the cycle, however, has a marked impact on the effective overpotential, with the Fe(III) species thus far being more efficient.

Investigating the C2 modulation of the imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-based hit compound CTN1122: synthesis, in vitro antileishmanial activity, cytotoxicity and casein kinase 1 inhibition.

Our research group previously discovered CTN1122, an imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine compound with promising antileishmanial activity against intramacrophage amastigotes of Leishmania major and L. donovani strains. CTN1122 effectively targets Leishmania casein kinase 1 (L-CK1.2) and exhibits a favorable safety profile. To further explore its chemical space, we developed a convergent strategy to modify the C2 position of the imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine core using Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of the corresponding triflate intermediate. Among 15 newly synthesized analogs, seven derivatives featuring variously substituted phenyl rings at C2 demonstrated L-CK1.2 inhibition within micromolar to submicromolar ranges and antileishmanial activity in vitro with low cytotoxicity in macrophages. Compounds 7d and 7l were particularly potent, with IC50 values of 1.25 µM and 0.92 µM against L. major, and 1.44 µM and 2.34 µM against L. donovani, respectively. They showed IC50 L-CK1.2 = 0.3 μM and 0.57 µM with enhanced selectivity indices (SI = 3.8 and 1.6) over the human CK1ε ortholog. Additionally, four C2 analogs and two C5 isomers exhibited notable antiparasitic effects without strongly inhibiting L-CK1.2, indicating a possible alternative mechanism of action. Compound 7k displayed the highest general activity, with IC50 values of 0.31 µM on L. major and 0.27 µM on L. donovani, coupled with favorable selectivity indexes.

Continual learning with hebbian plasticity in sparse and predictive coding networks: a survey and perspective

Abstract Recently, the use of bio-inspired learning techniques such as Hebbian learning and its closely-related Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP) variant have drawn significant attention for the design of compute-efficient AI systems that can continuously learn on-line at the edge. A key differentiating factor regarding this emerging class of neuromorphic continual learning system lies in the fact that learning must be carried using a data stream received in its natural order, as opposed to conventional gradient-based offline training, where a static training dataset is assumed available a priori and randomly shuffled to make the training set independent and identically distributed (i.i.d). In contrast, the emerging class of neuromorphic continual learning systems covered in this survey must learn to integrate new information on the fly in a non-i.i.d manner, which makes these systems subject to catastrophic forgetting. In order to build the next generation of neuromorphic AI systems that can continuously learn at the edge, a growing number of research groups are studying the use of Sparse and Predictive Coding-based Hebbian neural network architectures and the related Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) equipped with STDP learning. However, since this research field is still emerging, there is a need for providing a holistic view of the different approaches proposed in the literature so far. To this end, this survey covers a number of recent works in the field of neuromorphic continual learning based on state-of-the-art Sparse and Predictive Coding technology; provides background theory to help interested researchers quickly learn the key concepts; and discusses important future research questions in light of the different works covered in this paper. It is hoped that this survey will contribute towards future research in the field of neuromorphic continual learning.

Whole exome sequencing reveals heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2) as a potential causative gene for kidney stone disease in a Thai family

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a prevalent and complex condition, with an incidence of 85 cases per 100,000 individuals in Thailand. Notably, over 40% of cases are concentrated in the northeastern region, indicating a potential genetic influence, which is supported by genetic mutations reported in several families by our research group. Despite this, the genetic basis of KSD remains largely unknown for many Thai families. This study aimed to identify the genetic mutation responsible for KSD in a specific Thai family, the UBRS131 family, which includes four affected individuals. Whole exome sequencing was performed, and variant filtering using the VarCards2 program identified 10 potentially causative mutations across 9 genes. These mutations were subjected to segregation analysis among family members and screened in 180 control and 179 case samples using real-time PCR-HRM or PCR-RFLP techniques. Prioritization of these variants using GeneDistiller identified the p.Asp775Glu mutation in the heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2) gene as the likely causative mutation for KSD in this family. The Asp775 residue is highly conserved across vertebrates, and structural analysis suggests that the Glu775 substitution may disrupt the formation of two crucial hydrogen bonds, potentially altering the mutant protein’s configuration. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of perlecan (HSPG2 protein) in the proximal tubules in nephrons. These findings highlight the significant role of the HSPG2 gene in familial KSD within this study family.

YA (Fantasy) in Hungary: Institutionalization and Genre Awareness

The considerable popularity of young adult (YA) literature in Hungary since the late 2000s has significantly impacted the reading habits of Generation Z. This article investigates this segment of the Hungarian book market, with a focus on the YA fantasy genre. It does so through an examination of genre awareness, which according to Yves Reuter, refers to the processes by which a genre becomes self-aware and recognizable to its audience. The article presents an overview of the development of YA in Hungary since the year 2000, highlighting the significant role played by one publisher, Könyvmolyképző Kiadó (KMK). It also describes the role played by various other actors, such as the Hungarian Board on Books for Young People, the site moly.hu, reception communities and research groups in the institutionalization of YA literature. However, this institutionalization remains partial, with YA still considered as subordinate to children’s literature. The article ends with an analysis of the paratextual dimension of YA books in the Vörös pöttyös series published by KMK. Paratexts combine the textual and social dimensions of genre awareness, the first comprising the recognizable patterns and thematic elements of particular genres and the latter closely linked to genre-related reception practices and institutional processes. What emerges is that each individual Vörös pöttyös book is framed as a collectible object, with readers thus incentivized to purchase and collect the entire series...

Interview with Guest Editor Lotte Pedersen

ABSTRACT Lotte Pedersen is a Professor of Cell Biology in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark). She completed her doctorate under the supervision of Gunna Christiansen at the University of Aarhus (Denmark), where she studied molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, focusing on histone-like proteins in Chlamydia trachomatis. For her first postdoc, Lotte joined the laboratory of Peter Setlow at the University of Connecticut (UConn) Health Center (USA), to investigate penicillin-binding proteins in Bacillus subtilis. There, she became fascinated by the potential of localising proteins within cells to better understand organelle biology, which led her to pursue a subsequent postdoc with Joel Rosenbaum at Yale University, using Chlamydomonas as a model to study mechanisms of cilia assembly. In 2005, Lotte returned to the University of Copenhagen to start her research group, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of primary cilia biogenesis. Lotte is a Guest Editor for the Journal of Cell Science 2025 Special Issue ‘Cilia and Flagella: from Basic Biology to Disease’.

Study on temperature change and nursing intervention of patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery in lung tumor treatment.

To investigate the changes of body temperature and nursing intervention of patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery in lung tumor treatment. A total of 100 patients with lung cancer admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as research objects, and were divided into control group and study group, with 50 cases in each group according to different treatment methods. All patients received thoracoscopic surgery, the control group received routine nursing, and the research group received perioperative nursing intervention on the basis of the above, and observed and compared the temperature changes, perioperative complications, postoperative rehabilitation, stress indexes and pain degree of the 2 groups of patients. The temperature at T1, T2, T3, and T4 was lower than that at T0, and the temperature at T3 was the lowest. The temperature at T1, T2, T3, and T4 in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < .05). The incidence of perioperative hypothermia, hypoxemia, chills, and agitation in study group was significantly lower than that in control group (P < .05). The anal exhaust time, consciousness recovery time, tracheal extubation time, operating room time, and hospital stay time in the study group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (P < .05). After operation, the levels of AD, NA, and Cor in both groups were higher than those before operation, and the levels of AD, NA, and Cor in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .05). The visual analogue scale scores of the 2 groups at 12 hours and 48 hours after operation were lower than those of the control group at 6 hours, 12 hours, and 48 hours after operation, and the visual analogue scale scores of the study group at 6 hours, 12 hours, and 48 hours after operation were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .05). Nursing intervention during thoracoscopic surgery for lung tumors can stabilize intraoperative and postoperative temperature changes, alleviate stress reaction and pain, reduce the risk of intraoperative hypothermia and hypoxemia, promote the smooth progress of surgery and improve prognosis.

Study on the Lower Explosion Limit of Ventilation Air Methane at 700–1200℃

ABSTRACT Regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) of Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) is an environmentally friendly technology for harnessing heat energy. Higher concentrations of methane can improve utilization efficiency, but it suffers from a high risk of explosion. The lower explosive limit (LEL) of methane at temperatures of 700–1200°C is determined using a self-designed experimental apparatus, and the mechanism at the LEL is analyzed using the GRTO (Gas regenerative thermal oxidation) model constructed by our research group. Results reveal that a linear correlation between the LEL and temperature within 700–1200°C. As the temperature rises, the LEL exhibits a consistent decline. Furthermore, the maximum concentration of VAM in RTO process is elucidated, with an average of 95.3% of LEL. The concentration of ·OH determines the explosive severity at the LEL, and methane explosions are dominated by H+O2⇔O+OH and H2+ OH⇔OH+H2O. 2CH3(+M)⇔C2H6(+M) plays a vital role in inhibiting methane explosion, and its inhibitory effect decreases by 59.5% at 1200°C compared to 700°C.

Strategies for activating youth film education: focusing on the achievements and limitations of the Korea Film Council (2018–2022)

This article proposes possible directions for the long-term development of film education based on an analysis of the achievements and limitations of the Korean Film Council’s Youth Film Education Activation Project from its seventh (2018–21) and eighth (2021–2) terms, as well as the background and nature of the project and its budgetary trends. Since 2018, the Korean Film Council has reviewed the discourses about film education that have arisen from various fields, and, in particular, it has conducted research into overseas film education case studies. Furthermore, it has supported film education teacher research groups, directly operated a pool of film education practitioners, and taken active steps to publicise the importance of film education. However, due to the freezing of the Film Council’s budget from 2021, and the extent to which its 2022 budget was allocated for the operation of pilot schools, overarching visions for the activation of Korean film education have yet to be realised. The article adopts a reflective, critical perspective on the council’s activities during this period, while considering the future of film education in South Korea more generally.

Hospitalizations in patients with systemic sclerosis: Differences between limited and diffuse cutaneous subtypes

Aim: Systemic sclerosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It remains unclear from the literature if there are differences between the subtypes of systemic sclerosis and the rate of hospitalization. Our study investigates the rates of all types of hospitalizations between limited and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Methods: Patients have been collected prospectively using the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group database at the Waikato Hospital, and were screened for inclusion criteria. Data were collected retrospectively on hospitalizations (total, acute, elective and infusion-related) for all patients. Results: Overall, 140 patients were included in the analysis with 84 (60.0%) with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, 40 (28.6%) with diffuse systemic sclerosis, 3 (2.1%) with systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma and 13 (9.3%) with overlap syndrome. The mean number of total hospitalizations in 12 months was 0.9 (SD 3.0) for patients with limited disease versus 1.7 (SD 3.0) for diffuse disease (p = 0.062). The mean number of acute hospitalizations in 12 months was 0.6 (SD 1.3) for limited and 1.2 (SD 2.4) for diffuse (p = 0.061). Patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis were more likely to be admitted for reasons relating to systemic sclerosis than patients with limited disease (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Diffuse and limited systemic sclerosis subtypes appear to have similar rates of hospitalizations though there is a trend in favour of diffuse disease towards more total and acute hospitalizations. There are clear differences in causes of hospitalization between the two main subgroups.

From early methods for DNA diagnostics to genomes and epigenomes at high resolution during four decades - a personal perspective.

In the 1980s, my research career begun with microbial DNA diagnostics at Orion Pharmaceutica in Helsinki, Finland, where I was part of an innovative team that developed novel methods based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the biotin-avidin interaction. One of our key achievements during this time was the invention of the solid-phase minisequencing method for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the 1990s, I shifted focus to human genetics, investigating mutations of the 'Finnish disease heritage'. During this period, I also developed quantitative methods using PCR and minisequencing of mitochondrial mutations and for forensic analyses. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, microarray-based SNP genotyping became a major topic for my research, first in Helsinki and later with my research group at Uppsala University in Sweden. By the mid-2000s, I began collaborating with leading clinicians on genetics of autoimmune disease, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus and later worked on the classification and clinical outcome of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, when large-scale genomics and epigenomics emerged. These collaborations, which focused on integrating genomics into clinical practice, lasted almost two decades until I retired from research in 2022. In parallel with my research activities, I led the SNP/DNA Technology Platform in the Wallenberg Consortium North program from 2001 to 2006. I continued as Director of the SNP&SEQ Technology Platform, which expanded rapidly during the 2010s, and became part of Science for Life Laboratory in 2013. Today (in 2024), the SNP&SEQ Technology Platform is one of the largest units of the Swedish National Genomics Infrastructure hosted by SciLifeLab. The present article provides a personal perspective on nearly four decades of research, highlighting projects and methods I found particularly exciting or important.

Extracurricular Tandem as a Powerful Tool for Enhancing Intercultural Communicative Competence

Regular interaction with the representatives of the target language is a key driver in enhancing linguistic and intercultural competence. This study explores the frequency of communication between Kazakhstani students and native speakers, additionally examining their emotions during foreign language interaction. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the efficacy of extracurricular tandem in fostering intercultural communicative competence and the challenges faced by students when studying languages in extracurricular tandem. Following the quantitative method of scientific research, the authors conducted an anonymous survey of 587 foreign language students. To create an opportunity for intercultural communication, the research group developed the website and initiated an extracurricular language tandem pilot project between foreign and local students. The survey findings revealed that only a small portion (11%) of students regularly communicate with native speakers, while the majority of respondents (73%) experience both language difficulties and anxiety during interactions. The extracurricular tandem project provided positive outcomes, with students reporting enhancement in both their linguistic skills and understanding of the target culture. The project contributed the development of friendships and boosted confidence in using the target language. Nevertheless, students encountered some difficulties related to organizational aspects. This study can guide educators and educational institutions in creating conditions that promote intercultural exchange among students and enhance their intercultural communicative skills.