Science Center Research Articles

Exposure to air pollution increases susceptibility to ulcerative colitis through epigenetic alterations in CXCR2 and MHC class III region

This study aims to confirm the associations of air pollution with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD); to explore interactions with genetics and lifestyle; and to characterize potential epigenetic mechanisms. We identified over 450,000 individuals from the UK Biobank and investigated the relationship between air pollution and incident inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cox regression was utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), while also exploring potential interactions with genetics and lifestyle factors. Additionally, we conducted epigenetic Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine the association between air pollution-related DNA methylation and UC. Finally, our findings were validated through genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of UC, as well as co-localization and gene expression analyses. Higher exposures to NOx (HR=1.20, 95% CI 1.05-1.38), NO2 (HR=1.19, 95% CI=1.03-1.36), PM2.5 (HR=1.19, 95% CI=1.05-1.36) and combined air pollution score (HR=1.26, 95% CI=1.11-1.45) were associated with incident UC but not CD. Interactions with genetic risk score and lifestyle were observed. In MR analysis, we found five and 22 methylated CpG sites related to PM2.5 and NO2 exposure to be significantly associated with UC. DNA methylation alterations at CXCR2 and sites within the MHC class III region, were validated in genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, co-localization analysis and analysis of colonic tissue. We report a potential causal association between air pollution and UC, modified by lifestyle and genetic influences. Biological pathways implicated include epigenetic alterations in key genetic loci, including CXCR2 and susceptible loci within MHC class III region. Xue Li was supported by the Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Zhejiang Province (LR22H260001) and the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No. 82204019). ET was supported by the CRUK Career Development Fellowship (C31250/A22804) and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). JW was supported by Belgium by a PhD Fellowship strategic basic research (SB) grant (1S06023N). JKN was supported by the National Science Center, Poland (No. 2020/39/D/NZ5/02720). The IBD Character was supported by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme [FP7] grant IBD Character (No. 2858546).

The Innovative Nature of Law. Problem Statement

The central issue of the paper is the innovative potential of law. Much attention is given to the emergence of law, its relationship with religion, and other social regulators. The emphasis is on the fact that law (not law) has a divine origin. This is how its nature was understood in the ancient world. It is shown how there gradually appeared awareness of law as a means of constructing the desired social reality. This paradigm is associated with the university medieval legal science, which saw law as a model of a rationally organized society. University professors taught students not «practical» law, but methods of working with it, so that law could be perceived as a model for building rationally based social practices, a just society based on law. Attention is drawn to the fact that it is the Romano-German (continental) legal system that more than others emphasizes the innovative nature of law and the desire to use it as effectively as possible. The necessity of changing concepts is indicated: «law regulates» — «law creates». This is the purpose of innovative jurisprudence, which creates legal mechanisms for development in the broadest sense of the word. It is proved that the leaders in the legal field will be those educational and scientific centers that will create a «legal environment for promising social practices and new markets» in order to ensure the technological superiority of Russia.

Poland’s Cultural Diplomacy in Ukraine

The article examines the peculiarities of the implementation of the Republic of Poland's implementation of cultural diplomacy in Ukraine. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of the basic foundations and principles of the development of Polish cultural diplomacy in modern modern times, and the activities of governmental and non-governmental institutions working in the field of cultural diplomacy. It is noted that the development of Poland's cultural diplomacy has been positively influenced by its EU membership, the modernization and expansion of cultural infrastructure, the growing number of cultural institutions in Poland, and the intensification of Ukrainian-Polish cultural cooperation The activities of cultural diplomacy actors such as the Polish Institute in Kyiv, the Center for Polish Culture and European Dialogue in Ivano-Frankivsk, the Mickiewicz Institute, the Stefan Batory Foundation, the Other Space Foundation, the Krzysztof Skubiszewski Foundation, and the Lane Kirkland Program, and their roles in developing and strengthening Ukrainian-Polish cultural cooperation are analyzed. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it is noted that the Polish government has continued to advance cultural diplomacy in Ukraine. The Polish Institute, in particular, has been implementing numerous cultural and artistic projects at various levels. Support for the Polish diaspora during the war has intensified, Polish culture is being increasingly promoted, and scientific diplomacy is actively progressing, particularly through joint Ukrainian-Polish research, scientific exchanges, and academic mobility programs for scholars.

STI or DUI modes of innovation: Evidence from comprehensive evaluation of four cities in China

The Science and Technology Innovation Center holds a pivotal position in the national science and technology innovation system, and a scientific evaluation of the “Sci-tech Innovation Center” will guide its construction direction. This study found the advantages and disadvantages of the four cities through comparison; Hence improvement suggestions were proposed for the weaknesses of the four cities. There are two main paths for the government to drive technology innovation: STI (Science and Technology Innovation) mode and DUI (Doing, Using, Interacting) mode. With the aid of the evaluation index system of the Sci-tech Innovation Center, this article uses fuzzy sets, rough sets and fuzzy dynamic clustering methods to comprehensively evaluate the effects of driving technology innovation in the four cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The results found that Shenzhen has a significant effect in DUI, and Beijing has a significant effect in STI. The choice of path is related to the abundance of innovation resources.

The performance of a 100 m3 outdoor atmospheric simulation chamber in China.

A new outdoor atmospheric simulation chamber with a volume of ~100 m3, the largest one in Asia, was recently constructed in the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China). This Atmospheric Environment Simulation System (AESS-RCEES) is a hemispherical-shaped photoreactor constructed using sixteen stainless-steel brackets covered by double-layer Teflon film, offering two advantages over other outdoor chambers: 1) The AESS-RCEES effectively minimizes the "greenhouse effect" by continuously circulating cooling air through the double layer, resulting in mean temperature differences between the inside and outside of around 12 °C in winter and 9 °C in summer. 2) The chamber can quickly introduce ambient air through a special inlet system, completely replacing the air inside within 45 min. Using AESS-RCEES, the wall loss rates of various gaseous species and ambient particles have been investigated, it was observed that the loss rates of ambient particles were significantly slower than those of artificial (NH4)2SO4 aerosol and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formed by α-pinene ozonolysis. This suggests that the mixture of primary and SOA in the ambient air may have a longer lifetime than the aerosols generated individually. Investigation performed on propene/NOx photo-oxidation and α-pinene ozonolysis have shown that the AESS-RCEES is suitable for simulating atmospheric conditions and analyzing gas and particle chemical composition under controlled environmental conditions. This makes it a valuable platform for studying complex pollution and key chemical processes in the real atmosphere.

The Feasibility of AgileNudge+ Software to Facilitate Positive Behavioral Change: Mixed Methods Design

Background In today’s digital age, web-based apps have become integral to daily life, driving transformative shifts in human behavior. “AgileNudge+” (Indiana University Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science) is a web-based solution to simplify the process of positive behavior change using nudging as an intervention. By integrating knowledge from behavioral economics with technology, AgileNudge+ organizes multiple steps, simplifies complex tasks, minimizes errors by enhancing user engagement, and provides resources for creating and testing nudge interventions. Objective This paper aimed to outline the design process, methodologies, and usefulness of “AgileNudge+” for the development of evidence-based nudges. It used a mixed methods approach to evaluate the software’s interface usability and usefulness for creating and testing nudge interventions. Methods AgileNudge+ was developed through iterative processes integrating principles from behavioral economics and user-centered design. The content of AgileNudge+ operationalizes an Agile science–based process to efficiently design, embed, and disseminate evidence-based nudges that encourage positive behavior change without limiting choice. Using a mixed methods approach, we tested AgileNudge+ software’s ability to organize and simplify the nudge intervention process, allowing a diverse range of scholars with limited knowledge of Agile science to use nudges. Usability testing assessed the tool’s usefulness and interface with a sample of 18 health care professionals, each asked to interact with the software and create a nudge intervention to solve a problem within their professional project’s sphere. Results The study was funded in August 2022, with data collection occurring from June 2023 to July 2024. As of July 2024, we have enrolled 18 participants. Quantitative results found a mean usefulness rating of AgileNudge+ of 3.83 (95% CI 3.00-4.66). Qualitative results highlighted ways to modify the language used in AgileNudge+ to be more comprehensible to a diverse user base and promoted modifications to the software that facilitate real-time assistance and prioritize time efficiency in user interactions. Feedback further supported the positive impact of gamification on participant motivation when using the software. Conclusions AgileNudge+ is an effective assistive tool for simplifying the positive behavior change process using nudge interventions, with tailored content and interactions to meet users’ needs and demands. Building onto the current design, future iterations of AgileNudge+ will use artificial intelligence to process large volumes of data while reducing the time and mental energy required to scan for existing cognitive biases and nudge prototypes. The software is also being upgraded to build on current gamification efforts, encouraging more sustained motivation by increasing the temporal resolution of the digital interface. These modifications stay true to the agility and user-centered aspects of AgileNudge+, emphasizing the novelty of the constantly evolving software design process.

The Faculty of Sociology in the Russian sociological education system: 35 years of leadership.

This article reflects the achievements of the Sociology Faculty of Moscow State University, which has been a recognized leader in the Russian sociological education system for over 35 years and trains professional sociologists who are in great demand in the modern labor market. Over the past 5 years, 1,287 Russian students (816 bachelors and 471 masters), as well as 368 foreign students, whose influx is constantly growing, have received a start in professional life. The author notes that the feature of learning is a harmonious combination of fundamental and applied knowledge, theoretical and empirical skills, which is typical for classical university education. In its educational and scientific activities, the Faculty of Sociology of Moscow State University relies on a combination of fundamental scientific knowledge and empirical skills that allow students to be not only practitioners capable of processing and analyzing data, but also theorists who understand deep social processes. The education system of the Faculty of Sociology is constantly being modernized to meet the challenges and requirements of modernity. In this regard, special attention is paid at the Faculty of Sociology to the introduction of new educational technologies, including the network form of educational programs, project-based learning, distance learning technologies, and e-learning. The article presents in a systematic form the achievements of the departments of the Faculty of Sociology, as well as the results of the scientific activities of the entire faculty, which are reflected in numerous monographic publications, publications of articles, as well as in reports at international and all-Russian conferences. Many monographs published by faculty members have become bestsellers. Among them: a monograph by N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev “Revolutions and coups d’etat: theory, history and practice”, a monograph by N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev “Historical Russia: territories and prospects”, monographs by S.O. Elisheva “Sociology of Religion in Imperial Russia” and “Imperial Statehood — the fate and mission of Russia”, a collective monograph by the staff of the Department of Modern Sociology “Social inequality in the modern world: new forms and features of their manifestation in Russia”, collective monographs of the Department of Economic Sociology and Management “The older generation in post-industrial realities” and “Artifacts of organizational culture”. The Faculty of Sociology of Lomonosov Moscow State University takes an active part in the joint development of the Innovative Scientific and Technological Center of Moscow State University “Vorobyovy Gory”, contributed to the launch of negotiations between the INTC of Moscow State University and major representatives of the real sector of the economy. He pays great attention to the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of Russia, the popularization of traditional values for the Russian mentality. A landmark platform for the implementation of this direction was the Vvedensky Stavropol Monastery “Optina Pustyn”, in the spiritual and educational center of which professors of the faculty N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev gave public lectures. The author highlights in detail the directions of international cooperation of the Faculty of Sociology and activities that help attract applicants.

Comparative characteristics of minimally invasive and classical (median sternotomy) methods of coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective. To analyze the results and comparative characteristics of minimally invasive and classical coronary artery bypass grafting in multivessel coronary artery disease and the presence of critical stenosis. Materials and Methods. Over the past two years, the National Scientific Center of Surgery and Transplantation named after O. O. Shalimov performed mini­invasive coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel lesions of the coronary arteries in 27 patients (group 1). The comparative study also included 27 patients operated on using the classical method (group 2). The average age of patients was (53.1 ± 3.9) years. There were 46 men (85.2%) and 8 women (14.8%). According to the main indicators, including the number of affected coronary arteries, age, physiological parameters, etc., the groups did not differ statistically significantly. The main methods of the study were coronary angiography, multislice computed tomography of the coronary arteries with 3D reconstruction of the architecture of the great vessels, chest and heart. Results. During the follow­up of patients in both groups for up to a year after the operation, no clinical manifestations of angina and heart failure were noted, which gives reason to state the good function of the shunts. Intra­ and postoperative complications in group 1 occurred in 2 patients: the need for conversion due to cardiac rhythm and hemodynamics (1) and repeated thoracotomy due to bleeding from the arterial shunt (1). In group 2, complications also occurred in 2 patients: sternal diastasis requiring sternoplasty (1) and surgical wound exudation requiring the installation of a vacuum device for 4 days with subsequent secondary suturing (1). Conclusions. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe method of myocardial revascularization in multivessel coronary artery disease and critical stenosis. The technique allows for rapid rehabilitation and shorter hospital stays, which is economically beneficial for the hospital. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting can be considered as an alternative to the classical method of coronary artery bypass grafting with midline sternotomy.

Complete genome characterization by nanopore sequencing of rotaviruses A, B, and C circulating on large-scale pig farms in Russia.

Rotaviruses are the major etiological agents of gastroenteritis and diarrheal outbreaks in plenty of mammalian species. The genus Rotavirus is highly diverse and currently comprises nine genetically distinct species, and four of them (A, B, C, and H) are common for humans and pigs. There is a strong necessity to comprehend phylogenetic relationships among rotaviruses from different host species to assess interspecies transmission, specifically between humans and livestock. To reveal the genetic origin of rotaviruses from Russian pig farms, nanopore-based metagenomic sequencing was performed on the PCR-positive specimens. Samples were selected among the cases submitted to routine diagnostic or monitoring studies to the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of "Federal Scientific Center VIEV" (Moscow, Russia). The selected positive samples were genotyped using nanopore sequencing method. Five porcine RVA isolates were completely sequenced, and genotype analysis revealed various porcine G/P genogroups: G2, G3, G4, G5, G11 and P[6], P[7], P[13], P[23], P[27] with a typical backbone constellation I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1/7-E1-H1. The RVB isolate was detected in combination with RVA in a rectal swab from a diseased pig in Krasnoyarsk Krai. It was characterized by the following genogroups: G15-P[X]-I11-R4-C4-M4-A8-N10-T4-E4-H7. The first complete porcine RVC genome from Russia was obtained with genomic constellation G6-P[5]-I14-R1-C1-M1-A7-N9-T6-E1-H1, and the phylogenetic analysis revealed putative novel genotype group for the VP6 gene-I14. Additionally, the first porcine kobuvirus isolate from Russia was phylogenetically characterized. The applied nanopore sequencing method successfully genotyped the RV isolates and additionally revealed co-circulated species. The study demonstrates high genetic variability of Russian RVA isolates in VP4/VP7 genes and phylogenetically describes local RVB and RVC. Complete characterization of genomic segments is a crucial methodology in tracing the rotavirus's evolution and evaluating interspecies transmissions.

Quantitative Research on Gifted/Talented Students’ Critical Thinking Skills

This study aims to determine the level of critical thinking skills among gifted students and investigate whether there is a relationship between their levels of critical thinking and their gender, age, grade level, pre-kindergarten education and parents' educational backgrounds. The study sample of the research consists of 203 students who are enrolled in the Science and Art Center in the central district of Kütahya province, Turkey during the 2021-2022 academic year. As per the findings, gifted female students have higher mean scores in the Critical Thinking Dispositions Scale compared to gifted male students. Also, this study examined the differences in critical thinking levels between gifted students who received pre-kindergarten education and those who did not receive pre-kindergarten education. The results indicate that these differences are statistically insignificant. As another remarkable finding, gifted students whose mothers have a high school or Master’s and above education level have significantly higher levels of critical thinking compared to gifted students whose mothers have a primary school or middle school education level.

Abstract Su705: Predictive Model and Factors for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Geriatric Patients with insomnia: A Longitudinal Study

Background: Previous studies have shown that geriatric insomnia can impact the quality of life and lead to various health risks and comorbidities, which may further result in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Therefore, assessing the risk of OHCA in elderly patients with insomnia is crucial. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that a predictive model incorporating demographic, clinical, and treatment adherence factors can effectively estimate the risk of OHCA among geriatric patients with insomnia. Aim: This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for OHCA in geriatric patients with insomnia using a large-scale population-based analysis. Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from Taiwan's Health and Welfare Data Science Center spanning from 2011 to 2020. The study included elderly patients diagnosed with insomnia who received medication. Predictors of OHCA, such as age, sex, comorbidities, medication adherence, and psychotherapy, were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) with both internal and temporal validation. Results: Among 438,147 eligible elderly patients with insomnia, 7,666 experienced OHCA. Using data from 2011 to 2018 for model development, the AUROC for predicting OHCA within 7 days, 30 days, and 90 days ranged from 0.749 to 0.762 in the training set and 0.768 to 0.784 in the validation set. Key predictors included older age, male sex, prior medical resource use, hemodialysis, pre-existing comorbidities, medication possession ratio, medication changes, and recent psychotherapy (Figure 1). The model was also tested in 2019 and 2020 dataset (began of the COVID-19 in Taiwan), respectively, demonstrating consistent predictive performance (Figure 2). Specifically, the 7-day model in 2019 showed a sensitivity of 0.776, specificity of 0.632, and accuracy of 0.632, with a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 2.11, and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.36. In 2020, it achieved a sensitivity of 0.739, specificity of 0.661, accuracy of 0.661, PLR of 2.18, NLR of 0.40. Conclusion: The study developed a reliable predictive model for OHCA in geriatric patients with insomnia, highlighting significant predictors such as age, comorbidities, medication adherence, and recent psychotherapy. This model can aid clinicians in identifying high-risk patients and improving preventative care strategies.

Neuroendocrine tumors of the stomach and pancreas. Possibilities of application of radiomics. Problems and solutions.

Background. Radiomics is promising tool contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms of various localizations. This method is often used for differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal neoplasms from other neoplasms of this localization.Aim. To demonstrate difficulties in imaging of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, as well as possibilities of radiomics in differential diagnosis.Materials and methods. Data of 12 patients with morphologically confirmed gastric neoplasms (6 - with neuroendocrine tumor, 6 - with adenocarcinoma) and data of 22 patients with morphologically confirmed pancreatic neoplasms (11 - with neuroendocrine tumor, 11 - with adenocarcinoma) who underwent CT examination of abdominal cavity organs with intravenous contrast before treatment at the Russian Scientific Center of Roentgenoradiology were used in this study. Radiomic features were extracted from the area of manually segmented gastric and pancreatic tumors in the native phase of the CT scans. Processing of the features and statistical analysis were performed using Microsoft Office Excel and free open-source software development environment for the R programming language - R-Studio.Results. Typical and atypical imaging features of gastric and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, peculiarities of contrast, localization and structure of neoplasms were demonstrated on the examples of CT scans. There were 15 radiomic features that were statistically significantly different in patients with neuroendocrine tumors and gastric adenocarcinomas. In the group of patients with neuroendocrine tumors and pancreatic adenocarcinomas, statistically significant differences were observed in 14 radiomic features.Conclusion. Neuroendocrine tumors of the stomach and pancreas are rare neoplasms that are not only clinically silent in most cases, but also difficult to visualize due to their small size and poor contrast characteristics. Texture analysis is a promising tool for the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal neoplasms from other neoplasms of this localization, especially considering the difficulties of biopsy.

An Insight from Organizing CLImbing for CLImate GEOspatial School (CLIGEOS-2024) in Mountainous Regions

Abstract. This paper delves into the multifaceted experiences and insights garnered from organizing a short-term training programme aimed at professionals, students, academics, and climate enthusiasts. The programme, named CLImbing for CLImate GEOspatial School (CLIGEOS-2024), was a collaborative effort by the International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) and ISPRS Student Consortium (ISPRS-SC) alongside Center for space science and geomatics studies (CSSGS) Pashchimanchal campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, Universita’ Degli Studi Di Udine, Italy and LJ University, India aimed at addressing environmental challenges, particularly in hill and mountain regions. Despite facing logistical and communication hurdles due to the geographical dispersion of organizing institutions, the event successfully brought together participants with backgrounds in GIS, remote sensing, agriculture, and forestry. The programme was structured to promote participatory learning and project-based learning methodologies, incorporating classroom teaching, hands-on activities, fieldwork, data collection, short projects, quizzes, and evaluation mechanisms. Through a meticulously planned sequence, participants engaged in theoretical lectures, practical sessions on drone technology, industry expert presentations, and a mountain trek to observe climate change phenomena first-hand. Despite challenges related to infrastructure, including limited internet connectivity and access to data, the programme served as a catalyst for raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable practices. Key takeaways highlighted the importance of spatial data analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on learning in advancing solutions for sustainable development. The paper concludes with lessons learned from the programme, providing insights for future initiatives aimed at capacity building and knowledge dissemination.

О практике развития некоторых элементов конвергентного образования в технологическом вузе

The article examines the experience of the Faculty of Humanities and its Center for Cognitive Psychology at the University of Technology in involving students in research and applied scientific projects through cooperation and integration of the humanities and technology departments of the University. The ideas of the transformation of the country's educational system and the change of its methodological, pedagogical and technological guidelines in response to modern challenges and risks are analyzed, primarily for the younger generation in need of social adaptation and deeper natural science and humanitarian training for professional and personal growth. The attempts to substantiate the definition of "convergent education" are analyzed. All of them are based on an understanding, to one degree or another, of an interdisciplinary methodological approach to the formation of educational programs, in order to overcome the highly professional training of specialists and avoid formalizing the content of educational material, taking into account the productive interaction of the fundamental component of humanitarian and professional knowledge, the use of modern methods of automation of various types of information activities using information and computer technologies (algorithmization of learning, information modeling). In general, the convergence of education is defined as a process of learning and upbringing, which is a consequence of the implementation of the modern educational paradigm aimed at understanding, rather than memorizing, education for change, the ability to withstand stress, live in a digital world, preserving humanity, sociability and collectivism, ensuring teamwork, preservation and development of the humanitarian and intellectual component "in the context of the interpenetration of sciences and technologies in the implementation of the convergence of real and virtual communications. The scientific and methodological basis for the development of convergent education at the first stage was the development of scientific and pedagogical practices. This can include the management of students' research activities (R&D), involving them in the development and implementation of various projects of scientific laboratories and centers of departments and faculties. The article summarizes some of the experience of the Center for Cognitive Psychology of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities - SGT (until 2022 – ISGT– Institute) of the Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Education "K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State Technical University (PKU)", which was actively involved in the process of cluster formation in the conditions of the university's transformation into an innovative expert–analytical platform, the formation of an expert-educational cluster of excellence "NBICS-technologies of the food industry".

NCOG-03. DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS AND OUTCOME COMPARISON BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME WHO RECEIVE 15 VERSUS 30 FRACTIONS OF RADIOTHERAPY: A RETROSPECTIVE CHART REVIEW

Abstract The morbidity and efficacy of abbreviated radiotherapy (RT) courses for Glioblastoma (GB) in patients over 60 years have been studied, however, outcomes in younger patients are not yet well-described. This study aims to characterize the outcomes of patients receiving either a standard versus abbreviated RT course. A retrospective chart review at Kingston Health Sciences Centre from June 2014 to March 2021 included patients with GB receiving either 40Gy in 15 fractions (Fr) or 60Gy in 30Fr. Data on age, ECOG score, and concurrent chemotherapy (Temozolomide, TMZ) were collected. Outcomes compared were treatment completion, hospital admission during treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Records of 156 patients (median age 61 years, range 25-87 years) were reviewed. Of these, 89 received 30Fr and 67 received 15Fr (p=0.51). MGMT methylation was recorded in 54 (35%) patients; of these, 27 received 15Fr and 27 received 30Fr. Median follow-up was 12 months. While PFS did not significantly differ between 15Fr vs. 30Fr (6 vs. 11 months, respectively; p=0.08), OS was significantly different (8 vs. 16 months, respectively; p<0.001). Patients receiving 15Fr vs 30F tended to have higher ECOG scores (p<0.001) and were older (median: 71 [range 45-87] vs. 57 [range 25-69] years; p<0.001). Individuals receiving TMZ were more likely to receive 30Fr (67.5% vs. 32.5% for 15Fr; p<0.001). Completion rates were higher for 30Fr (94.3%) than 15Fr (83.6%; p=0.03). Hospital admission rates did not differ (p=0.51). In summary, patients receiving 15Fr (40Gy) typically have poorer functional status, are less likely to receive chemotherapy, and less likely to complete treatment compared to those receiving 30Fr. Hospital admission rates during treatment are low (13%) and similar for both groups. OS, but not PFS, is better for patients receiving 30Fr compared to 15Fr.

Актуальные стратегии научно-методического сопровождения педагогических работников как механизм формирования единого образовательного пространства

<p>This publication examines the features of the integration of universities into the system of scientific and methodological support for teaching and HR staff. The most significant areas of activity of scientific and methodological centers for supporting teaching staff, created on the basis of universities, are analyzed to improve the conditions for improving the professional skills of teaching and HR staff. The central issue of discussion is the definition of strategies for the activities of scientific and methodological centers oriented on solving problems within the framework of the formation of a unified educational space in the Russian Federation. Strategies for scientific and methodological support of teaching staff are considered based on the practical experience of universities in implementing educational and scientific projects in accordance with the criteria, which determines the increase of the innovative potential in organizations, the practical significance of the content and forms of scientific and methodological support, the formation of infrastructure for supporting teaching staff, problem specialization and expertise in the activities of scientific and methodological centers, as well as the development of the interaction with professional communities.</p>

Teachers’ Teaching Competence in Sport Dance Classes in a Chinese Cultural Activity Center: Basis for a New Pedagogical Framework Model

This paper explores the significance of teaching satisfaction within the realm of sports dance education, focusing on the learning environment of the Shijiazhuang Youth Science and Technology Culture Activity Center. With the rapid modernization of China's education system, there is an increasing emphasis on the integration of cultural knowledge and physical education. Sports dance, having been introduced to China in 1984, has gained popularity among teenagers for its blend of gentleman culture and competitive sports. Despite its deep mass foundation and widespread interest, the current quality of sports dance training in China is uneven, with a notable lack of professional teachers. This study aims to identify the factors influencing students' satisfaction with their sports dance teachers' instruction, and in doing so, enhance the overall learning experience and teaching effectiveness. By analyzing the teaching satisfaction survey of sports dance students, the paper reveals the main issues affecting the learning process and proposes suggestions to address these concerns, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the sports dance community and the professional growth of its educators. The study underscores the pivotal role of teachers in shaping students' competencies and attitudes, not only in dance but also in fostering a comprehensive educational experience that aligns with the progressive expectations of modern society.

Biodiversity Assessment of Trees and Shrubs at Tirunelveli’s Science Centre in Southern India: A Conservation Perspective

A comprehensive taxonomical floristic survey conducted at the District Science Centre in Tirunelveli identified 84 species of trees and shrubs, documenting each plant species with detailed information on medicinal uses, family classification, commercial importance, and population count of individual plants. The survey identified 33 families and 68 genera, with Fabaceae being the most dominant family, followed by Rubiaceae, Arecaceae, and Malvaceae. Additionally, the survey highlighted a list of vulnerable, threatened, and endangered tree species such as Cycas beddomei Dyer., Santalum album L., emphasizing the need for conservation efforts based on their spatial reach and anthropogenic pressures. These species face various threats, including loss of habitat, agriculture, pollution load, and recreational disturbances, and were assessed according to the IUCN Red List criteria. This study provides valuable insights for botanists, conservationists, and policymakers, promoting sustainable management and protection of plant biodiversity in the region.

Patient privacy and the need for private consultation areas in Kuwait’s polyclinic pharmacies

Abstract Introduction In Kuwait, pharmacists provide essential medication counseling and education. However, the open layout of polyclinic pharmacies often compromises patient privacy, deterring individuals from seeking necessary consultations. Objective This study aims to assess how patients perceive the level of privacy in Kuwait’s polyclinic pharmacies and evaluate patients’ need for a private consultation area. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients at polyclinic pharmacies in Kuwait. Convenience sampling was used to select the polyclinics. Patients were approached after collecting their medications and invited to participate in the study. Those who consented completed a questionnaire that included sections on demographics, six items assessing the privacy construct, four items evaluating the need for a consultation area, and an open-ended question for additional comments. Ethical approval was obtained from the Human Ethical Committee, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University. Results The study included 210 participants, with a majority residing in the Capital Governorate (55.2%), and being female (70%). The median age was 43 years old (IQR=29-55). Over two-thirds of the participants held a university degree (69%). Most participants were collecting medication for themselves (83.8%), and were exempt from fees (84.3%). When measuring patients’ privacy satisfaction, a score was calculated and a scale was divided into good to excellent (24 - 30), fair (18 - 23), and poor (6 -17). In addition, when measuring the need for a private consultation area score, a scale was divided into high need (16-20), fair need (12-15), and no need (4-11). Regarding perceived privacy, only 20% of participants had a good to excellent score, while 41.9% had a fair score and 38.1% had a poor score. When asked about the need for a private consultation room, 63.8% expressed a high need, while 15.2% believed it was unnecessary. Participants who had lower privacy scores reported a higher need for private consultation areas. Discussion The findings provide valuable insights into patient perspectives and highlight the necessity of improving pharmacy practices in Kuwait. Enhancing privacy in pharmacies could significantly improve the public’s perception of pharmacists as essential healthcare providers. However, several limitations should be noted. The sample is not representative of the population, as the proportion of non-Kuwaiti participants is less than the actual population ratio. Consequently, the results cannot be generalized to the entire population. Future studies should aim for a more representative sample and consider a longer data collection period to address these limitations. Conclusion The results of this study reveal that a significant number of patients perceive privacy in Kuwait's polyclinic pharmacies as fair, with many expressing a strong need for private consultation areas. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing privacy measures in these settings1. Implementing private consultation rooms in polyclinic pharmacies could greatly improve patient satisfaction and the overall quality of healthcare services provided by pharmacists. Reference 1. Waheedi S, Marshall V, Alharbia H, Farris KB. Patients’ perceptions of privacy and the need for a private consultation area in community pharmacy. Poster Abstracts. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 2016;24:33–60

SPHENOID BONE LIGAMENTS’ ENTHESOPATHY WITH THEIR CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

Objective: The Cortical bone formation at enthesial sites of ligament attachments to the sphenoid bone is indeed multifactorial, involving various biological, mechanical, and biomechanical processes. The present study is aimed to observe the ossified ligaments of sphenoid bone of skull manifesting various neurological complications. Methods: An observational study conducted on sphenoid bones of 36 dried human skulls of unknown gender and age procured from the Department of Anatomy at Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya, Dehradun and People’s College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal. These bones were observed for enthesopathic modifications in their ligaments. Results: The present study showed ossified caroticoclinoid ligament (intra cranial ligament) predominated by 41.66% followed by pterygospinous ligament ossification (extra cranial ligament) with total 38.88% prevalence. Conclusion: Altered morphology of sphenoid bone knowledge is a must for neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons while operating at these sites to avoid hindrances and has scope for newer approaches for better prognosis.