Special Interest Research Articles

P0755 Long-term safety of subcutaneous vedolizumab in Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease: Findings from the VISIBLE OLE study

Abstract Background Vedolizumab (VDZ) is a gut selective, monoclonal anti-α4β7 integrin antibody approved for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) and is available in subcutaneous (SC) formulation. This analysis assessed the long-term safety outcomes of specific interest to the SC formulation of VDZ. Methods Patients (pts) who participated in VISIBLE 1 or VISIBLE 2 were eligible to enrol in VISIBLE OLE (NCT02620046). In VISIBLE 1, pts with UC were treated with placebo, VDZ SC or VDZ intravenous (IV). In VISIBLE 2, pts with CD were treated with placebo or VDZ SC. In VISIBLE OLE, pts received VDZ SC 108mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) or weekly. Pts received training on SC administration, and most injections were conducted at home by pt or caregiver. Safety of VDZ SC included assessing anti-VDZ antibody (AVA) status and injection site reaction (ISR) adverse events. Blood specimens for AVA assessment were collected 30 minutes before dosing every 16 weeks, at the final dose and the final safety visit 18 weeks after last dose. Data were assessed by treatment pts received during VISIBLE 1 and 2. Results Overall, 288 pts with UC and 458 pts with CD enrolled in VISIBLE OLE. A mean of 91.1 and 74.2 SC injections were completed by pts with UC and CD, respectively, during the OLE. Among pts with UC, the positive AVA rate was higher in pts previously treated with placebo (17.3%) than those treated with VDZ SC (3.4%) or IV (2.6%) (Table 1). The positive AVA rate was also higher among pts with CD previously treated with placebo (11.4%) than with VDZ SC (1.8%). A total of 14/288 pts (4.9%) with UC reported ISRs (Table 2), most of which were mild and none were serious. Two pts developed moderate ISRs; neither required dose modification and both were resolved. Overall, 19/458 pts (4.1%) with CD reported ISRs (Table 2). The majority of ISRs were mild, 2 were moderate and none were severe, and none required dose modification. No direct correlation between AVA status and ISRs was identified, with 11/14 pts (78.6%) with UC and 17/19 pts (89.5%) with CD who reported ISRs being AVA negative. All 5 pts who were AVA positive and reported an ISR had previously received placebo. The highest rate of ISRs were in pts who received placebo in VISIBLE 1 (13.5%). Conclusion No new long-term safety events were identified with the VDZ SC route of administration compared to IV, except for ISRs. A higher proportion of patients who had previously been treated with placebo than those treated with VDZ during VISIBLE 1 and 2 were AVA positive during VISIBLE OLE, supporting a benefit of continued therapy with VDZ SC after IV induction, rather than cessation of treatment for a period of time.

The Role of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Neonatal and Fetal Brain Research.

The biochemical composition and structure of the brain are in a rapid change during the exuberant stage of fetal and neonatal development. 1H-MRS is a noninvasive tool that can evaluate brain metabolites in healthy fetuses and infants as well as those with neurological diseases. This review aims to provide readers with an understanding of 1) the basic principles and technical considerations relevant to 1H-MRS in the fetal-neonatal brain and 2) the role of 1H-MRS in early fetal-neonatal development brain research. We performed a PubMed search to identify original studies using 1H-MRS in neonates and fetuses to establish the clinical applications of 1H-MRS. The eligible studies for this review included original research with 1H-MRS applications to the fetal-neonatal brain in healthy and high-risk conditions. We ran our search between 2000 and 2023, then added in several high-impact landmark publications from the 1990s. A total of 366 results appeared. After, we excluded original studies that did not include fetuses or neonates, non-proton MRS and non-neurological studies. Eventually, 110 studies were included in this literature review. Overall, the function of 1H-MRS in healthy fetal-neonatal brain studies focuses on measuring the change of metabolite concentrations during neurodevelopment and the physical properties of the metabolites such as T1/T2 relaxation times. For high-risk neonates, studies in very low birth weight preterm infants and full-term neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, along with examining the associations between brain biochemistry and cognitive neurodevelopment are most common. Additional high-risk conditions included infants with congenital heart disease or metabolic diseases, as well as fetuses of pregnant women with hypertensive disorders were of specific interest to researchers using 1H-MRS. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Defect-Mediated Crystallization of the Particulate TiO2 Photocatalyst Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition.

Nanopowders or films of pure and mixed oxides in nanoparticulate form have gained specific interest due to their applicability in functionalizing high-surface-area substrates. Among various other applications, our presented work primarily focuses on the behavior of TiO2 as a photocatalyst deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on a quartz particle. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 on quartz particles grown by ALD was studied in terms of ALD growth temperature and post-treatment heating rate. Amorphous TiO2 thin films (30 nm) were grown from tetrakis(dimethylamido)titanium (TDMAT) at 100 and 200 °C on quartz particles (0.35-3.5 μm) and crystallized using oxidative heat treatment at 500 °C with variable heating rates. The growth temperature was found to affect the TiO2 defect structure: TiO2 grown at 200 °C is black due to Ti3+ defects, whereas the film grown at 100 °C is white but contains some traces of the TDMAT ALD precursor. During the oxidative heat treatment, precursor traces desorbed and Ti3+ defects were oxidized. ALD TiO2 grown at 100 °C crystallized as anatase, whereas the rutile-to-anatase ratio of 200 °C grown TiO2 increased with the heating rate. The hydrogen production rate of mixed-phase TiO2 was found to outperform that of anatase TiO2.

A Study on the Efficacy of ChatGPT-4 in Enhancing Students’ English Communication Skills

Optimizing communication learning experiences for students is a promising development in English language education, enabled by ChatGPT-4, an artificial intelligence software that excels in customizing lessons to suit specific requirements, interests, and preferred modes of communication for each student. Given its critical role in enhancing students’ communication proficiency, students’ utilization and acceptance of ChatGPT can have a positive impact. However, limited evidence exists regarding the extent to which ChatGPT-4 enhances students’ English communication skills. This study investigates the potential influence of ChatGPT-4 in enhancing students’ English communication abilities, using an experiment with 68 undergraduate students from the Wuhan University of Engineering Science, China. Participants were randomly assigned to two distinct groups. One experimental group was assigned to use ChatGPT-4, whereas the control group received traditional teacher-led instructions. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered. The results revealed that the use of ChatGPT-4 contributed to the development of students’ English communication abilities. Furthermore, the students’ English communication abilities significantly changed after using ChatGPT-4. Overall, student acceptance of ChatGPT changed significantly after implementing ChatGPT-4; the impact of ChatGPT-4 on their English communication was remarkable, creating a sense of calm and comfort among students, which is highly beneficial for language learning. A multitude of suggestions and recommendations were provided.

Investigations into metallurgical, mechanical, and particulate matter emissions in in situ micropowder alloyed wire arc additive manufacturing process

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is an advanced manufacturing technique capable of a high deposition rate and is used for fabricating large-sized and complex components. Of specific interest in the recent past is the in-situ micropowder alloying during filler material deposition to modify the properties of each deposited layer. This study focuses on investigating the metallurgical and mechanical characteristics of the steel produced through powder-added WAAM, using characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and Vickers microhardness testing. Additionally, changes in the size distribution of fine and ultrafine particles (UFP) emitted during WAAM deposition, with and without micropowder addition, were studied using a Scanning-Mobility-Particle-Sizer. Two single-bead multi-layered walls of ER70S6 were deposited in two conditions: as-deposited steel wall and interlayer Titanium micropowder-added steel wall. The results indicate that the microhardness of the Ti micropowder-added steel wall increased by approximately 35% due to the formation of specific microstructures, such as bainitic-ferrite, with retained austenite and mainly due to precipitation strengthening. The emission measurement results suggest that the addition of Ti micropowder during WAAM increases UFP concentration by 20%. The elevated temperature during the deposition process could be a key factor for the rise in particulate matter emissions.

Outbreak of cholera in the Southwest region of Cameroon, 2021-22: an epidemiological investigation.

In October 2021, a large outbreak of cholera was declared in Cameroon, disproportionately affecting the Southwest region, one of 10 administrative regions in the country. In this region, the cases were concentrated in three major cities where a humanitarian crisis had concomitantly led to an influx of internally displaced persons. Meanwhile, across the border, Nigeria was facing an unprecedented cholera outbreak. In this paper, we describe the spread of cholera in the region and analyse associated factors. We analysed surveillance data collected in the form of a line list between October 2021 and July 2022. In a case-control study, we assessed factors associated with cholera, with specific interest in the association between overcrowding (defined by the number of household members) and cholera. Between October 15, 2021 and July 21, 2022, 6,023 cases (median age 27 years, IQR 18-40, 54% male) and 93 deaths (case fatality 1.54%) were recorded in the region. In total 5,344 (89%) cases were reported from 6 mainland health districts (attack rate 0.47%), 679 (11%) from 4 maritime health districts (attack rate 0.32%). More than 80% of cases were recorded in 3 of 10 health districts: Limbe, Buea, and Tiko. The first cases originated from maritime health districts along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, and spread progressively in-country over time, with an exponential rise in number of cases in mainland health districts following pipe-borne water interruptions. Case fatality was higher in maritime health districts (3.39%) compared to mainland districts (1.5%, p < 0.01). We did not find an association between overcrowding and cholera, but the results suggest a potential dose-response relationship with an increasing number of household members (>5 people: (crude OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.97-3.12) and 3-5 people: (crude OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.85-2.60)), even after adjusting for internally displaced status and number of household compartments in the multivariable model (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 0.80-3.02). We report the largest cholera outbreak in the Southwest region. Our findings suggest the cross-border spread of cases from the Nigerian outbreak, likely driven by overcrowding in major cities. Our study highlights the need for cross-border surveillance, especially during humanitarian crises.

Влияние геометрических параметров и математического описания CFD-модели на пространственное распределение загрязняющих веществ внутри карьерного пространства, на примере программного комплекса ANSYS Fluent

The relevance of the research is due to the increased interest of specialists in the field of open pit aerology in the use of modern software systems for calculating the aerological parameters of the atmosphere in deep open pits. Experts raise questions about the extent to which the air flows at the bottom of the open pit are reduced, how atmospheric air circulates inside the open pit space, and what parameters of the pollution source can be used to monitor the distribution of harmful substances in the open pit space. The paper presents the results of analyzing numerical experiments on modeling the process of polluting from the stationary pollution sources and the atmospheric air circulation depending on the height of obstacles located on the upper side of the open pit. The modeling was carried out using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the atmosphere at the Zhelezny open pit mine of Kovdorsky GOK JSC developed in the ANSYS Fluent software package with variations in the territory adjacent to the open pit. The set of equations used to describe the aerodynamics of the open pit atmosphere is classical for solving problems of this kind.

Russian borrowings in the Kulakovsky's works ‘A town girl’ and ‘Town girls’

Аlexei Kulakovsky devoted his whole life to his people. His artistic works, scholarly works on Yakut linguistics, folklore, ethnography are not studied in full and arouse the interest of specialists. The article studies the use of Russian borrowings in Kulakovsky's works. In his poetry, a special place is occupied by works about Yakut women, which reveal the problem of everyday life, fate and hard life of a Yakut woman of the early twentieth century. At the same time, among the poet's works one can find pieces that reveal the beauty, elegance and morality of a Yakut girl. In this regard, according to our observations, in the dilogy ‘Kuorat kyyha’ (‘A town girl’) and ‘Kuorat kyrgyttara’ (‘Town girls’) [1], Kulakovsky presents the image of Yakut girls, their living conditions, as well as quite prosperous life of local youth of that time. Moreover, this dilogy is an artistic source testifying to the beginning of the period of social development of Yakutia in the 1920s, the special spirit and structure of that time. The changes taking place in the life of Yakut society are also reflected in the language in general. This is confirmed by the abundance of borrowed words from the Russian language, confirming the renewal of society as a whole.

My Interests Are (Y)ours? A Multilevel Social Network Analysis of the Co-Evolution of Adolescents’ Interests and Friendships

Both interests and peer relations are crucial for adolescents in finding out who they are and want to be as a person. Yet, our knowledge of the co-evolution of friendships and interests is limited to studies focusing on single interest domains and/or practices predetermined by researchers. A total of 1599 Dutch adolescents participated in this study, which employs a unique design to examine the co-evolution of all participant-defined interests and in- and out-of-school friendships. In total, 368 specific interest areas were identified. Multilevel social network analyses (i.e., using multivariate stochastic actor-oriented models) of a subsample of 935 adolescents in seven schools indicate that adolescents are more likely, over time, to have similar interests to their friends. Interests that were reported rarely or very often contributed less to these dynamics. Additionally, being similarly interested increased the likelihood of being friends. Our findings show that social structures are related to interest development and how being interested is mediated by the places and spaces of adolescents’ lives.

The Effect of Gut Microbiome, Neurotransmitters, and Digital Insights in Autism

Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a multifactorial phenomenon whose genetic, biological, environmental, and nutritional factors outline the heterogeneous phenotype of the disease. A limitation in social connections with others, stereotyped reactions, and specific interests and preferences characterize the behavioral manifestations of a person with autism. Also, weaknesses are found in emotional, cognitive, and metacognitive development, significantly burdening the individual’s quality of life. Lately, it has gained widespread acceptance that the gut microbiome and neurotransmission constitute two decisive etiological factors of autism both in the prenatal period and postnatally. This study aims to investigate data on the interaction between the quantitative and qualitative composition of the gut flora and neurotransmission in humans, as well as their influences on the appearance and progression of the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. At the same time, it captures the role of digital technology in diagnosing and intervening in autism, which is mainly related to the individual subjects under study. Methods: The current research employs an exploratory review to provide a concise overview of the complex neuronal functions associated with neurotransmitter action and the homeostasis mechanisms that allow the brain and the human body to survive and perform optimally. Results: A review of 111 sources highlighted the connection of dietary habits with synthesizing and releasing neurotransmitters and their influence on the emergence of autism-related behaviors. Conclusions: The literature review’s findings revealed the importance and influence of nutritional factors on neurotransmission performance and behavioral, social, and cognitive development among individuals with autism. Moreover, it is noteworthy that combining a healthy lifestyle and the targeted use of digital tools can improve the intensity of autism symptoms.

Организация Самостоятельной Подготовки Военнослужащих по Русскому Языку как Иностранному

The study is devoted to the organization of independent training of military specialists in a military university when teaching the Russian language. The purpose of the article is to prepare means for managing self-training, taking into account the creation of effective mechanisms for intensive training using modern interactive techniques that stimulate the motivational interest of military specialists in verbal communication and organizing their own speech. The article offers practical recommendations for mastering textual activity both under the guidance of a teacher and in self-training, promoting the individualization of learning and self-management of the speech-thinking intellectual-cognitive process. To solve the problem, research methods such as applied and descriptive were used. The presented article actualizes the problem of organizing self-training in teaching Russian as a foreign language to foreign-speaking military personnel. Factors specific to a special purpose educational institution are analyzed, to which a teacher teaching RFL in short-term intensive courses must pay close attention. The idea is substantiated that it is necessary to take into account the specifics of special-purpose educational institutions when training, as well as to compensate for the limited language environment, which will entail the effectiveness of mastering language training programs for military specialists. The key problematic points on the way to preparing for the development of short-term language training programs are identified and characterized. The conditions and ways to eliminate difficulties in the process of learning the Russian language are identified and argued, the implementation of which will allow the teacher to effectively carry out language training. As a result of this study, the author concludes that the correct organization of independent work of foreign language students can increase the effectiveness of their learning of the Russian language, and also contribute to the formation of the personality of a specialist ready for self-development and self-education.

The US-India Dialogue: A Look from China

The overlapping relations of the three major powers - the United States, India and China - continue to serve as a recognized factor in shaping the situation in Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. This topic, being the subject of rather wide international expert discourse, provides a number of theses and, in particular, the view, that the recently active US-India dialogue is developing along with increased consideration for China's policy. In a given context the point of view expressed on this issue in the PRC turns out to be of specific interest. China's approaches to the US Indo-Pacific strategy are simultaneously touched.

Entrepreneurship Program Evaluation: Examining the Impact of a Training Program on Women and Underrepresented Groups

The health of a competitive economy relies on many factors, particularly innovation and entrepreneurial endeavors. Entrepreneurship education is a critical component in propelling economic and societal efforts. Thus, more and more entrepreneurship training has been introduced over the years. The aim of this study is to evaluate an entrepreneurship training program with specific interest in women and underrepresented groups. Using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model and a pre-post quasi-experimental design, we assessed Kirkpatrick’s outcomes at three levels: reaction/satisfaction, knowledge gain, and intention/results. We were able to parse out the various levels in Kirkpatrick’s model, thus netting the impact on these two groups.

Podróże po Bośni Ivana Lovrenovicia

In this article, I describe interactions between space and literature trough the example of texts by the writer and intellectual from Sarajevo, Ivan Lovrenović. It is important for this analysis that the journey was undertaken by a person with specific interests and competences, and that it was a real journey to places that exist or really existed. I discuss the analyzed problems by referring to selected research fields of geopoetics. I read Ivan Lovrenovic’s book Ikavski zemljopis as “auto/bio/geo/graphy”. I am interested in recreating fragments of the spatial frame of a traveler’s autobiographical memory, sensory perception of specific places, emotions accompanying the experience of space, as well as the tension between history, memory (both individual and collective) and writing. His literary maps are a rescue for Bosnia and Hercegovina, whose multiculturalism is slowly disappearing, or a farewell to such a dimension. The texts of Ivan Lovrenović indicate important places of memory to those who do not see them, becoming an important “place of memory” themselves.

Gamification and its Potential for Better Engagement in the Management of Heart Failure or Quality of Care Registries: A Viewpoint.

Over the past decade, gamification, an umbrella term that refers to tools that engage and motivate participants through the use of game design elements (e.g., challenges and rewards) in a non-gaming context, has emerged as a promising approach in the management of chronic diseases. Specifically, it has been demonstrated to be effective in the education of both patients as well as healthcare professionals on medication adherence, risk reduction, patient self-care, and rehabilitation. There is some evidence suggesting that gamification might have similar benefits for heart failure (HF) patients and their health care professionals. This is of specific interest since HF is a chronic disease associated with a severely compromised long-term prognosis and subsequent high health care resource utilization. However, more robust research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal method, as well as barriers, to the implementation of gamification in the working process of health care professionals or treatment adherence to patients specifically in the setting of HF. This viewpoint explores the literature concerning HF and gamification and aims to identify its various potentials in the management of HF patients.

Crafting Local Sustainability: Strategies for Attracting Tourists to Breweries and Related Activities of Beer Tourism

Beer tourism has become a crucial element of gastrotourism, presenting substantial opportunities for sustainable tourism development. This sector not only bolsters local economies by spending on local businesses but also promotes environmental sustainability by focusing on local brewing traditions and reducing the import of goods. The study aims to explain how different groups (based on gender, age, education, and place of residence) perceive, understand, and engage in beer tourism and thus help to adapt beer tourism offers to these groups' specific interests and improve the sustainability of related activities. The evaluation was carried out based on a questionnaire survey. Based on the variables, we tested through the Chi-square and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests. Based on the contingency table, Monte Carlo simulation was used for the Fisher-Freeman-Halton test. The questionnaire survey results showed that most Slovak tourists prefer excursions to breweries rather than beer festivals (42.98% of men and 45.45% of women). Visitors get the most information about beer tourism activities through social networks. However, the number of respondents can be seen as a limiting factor of the research, which does not allow for generalizing the conclusions about beer tourism in Slovakia. In this case, it was a pre-test, and the questionnaire was subsequently modified and expanded to include other activities in the field of beer tourism. In the future, the data will be supplemented by personal interviews with brewery owners about their perception of beer tourism.

How did the Chinese Russianists interpretate the leading theme in “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign”

The reception of “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” in China can be traced back to a hundred years ago. The most significant issue in this process was the discussion about the leading theme in this epic, initiated by the Chinese Russianists. This article mainly focuses on an important controversy about the patriotic idea in the “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” that arose in China in the 1980s. Firstly, the author overviews the main works and their basic views in this discussion, including the “initiator” of this debate, Liu Wenxiao, who denied the presence of patriotic ideas in this epic, and his opponents Wei Huangnu, Bao Liangjun and Lu Jiayu, who firmly support the patriotic character of it. In addition, the Chinese researchers’ cogitation on the main idea of this epic and the debates themselves in the 21st century are also presented as comparative material. Subsequently, this article attempts to examine the aesthetic subjectivity reflected in this process from the perspective of receptive theory. The historical conditions that influenced the specific interest of Chinese readers in the “The Tale of Igor’s Campaign” are considered, and thus the personal experience that contributed to the formation of Liu Wenxiao’s views is recognized.

Occupational therapy in pain management: An exploration and description of current UK practice

Introduction: There is a growing body of evidence regarding the contribution to the management of chronic pain by occupational therapists. However, there is limited research available regarding contemporary practice in the United Kingdom (UK). Method: An on-line questionnaire was circulated via social media, profession specific publications and specialist interest groups. Responses were requested from UK-based Health and Care Professions Council registered occupational therapists who identified working with those living with chronic pain and their friends, family and supporters. Findings: A total of 26 occupational therapists responded. Occupational therapists are working in diverse service settings, offering a range of interventions and recognised the unique contribution by occupational therapists to this area of practice. Perceived barriers to delivering intervention included staffing levels, understanding of the occupational therapists’ role and suggestions for additional interventions were stated. Conclusion: This research increases understanding of UK-based occupational therapist’s current practice in pain management and views of their role. It provides considerations for further research including how to increase awareness of occupational therapy’s contribution to this area of practice, exploring the occupational needs of individuals and those of friends, family and supporters to ensure intervention is designed to best meet the needs of this population.

Resilient health reforms in times of permacrisis: the Greek citizens’ perspective

This study investigates Greek citizens’ attitudes toward the current healthcare system and their perspectives on healthcare reforms. Additionally, it explores the role of both endogenous and exogenous crises in accelerating the implementation of long-overdue structural reforms that might otherwise be challenging to achieve. To this end, the research examines the level of trust in institutions and the implementation of healthcare reforms following the fiscal crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that while most Greek citizens recognize the necessity of structural reforms within the healthcare system, approximately half of the population views these changes negatively. The primary obstacles to successful reform are identified as a lack of political will and resistance from specific interest groups. The contradiction within Greek society concerning healthcare reform is largely driven by low levels of institutional trust and social capital. Although there is a clear need for radical reforms, public perception tends to be negative when these changes are framed within political discourse. However, when reforms align with the actual needs of society, citizens’ trust in institutions increases, thereby improving the likelihood of successful policy implementation. This underscores the critical role of institutional trust in facilitating significant healthcare policy transformations.

A unit-level one-inflated beta model for small area prediction of seat-belt use rates

We develop a unit-level one-inflated beta model for the purpose of small area estimation. Our specific interest is in estimation of seat-belt use rates for Iowa counties using data from the Iowa Seat-Belt Use Survey. As a result of small county sample sizes, small area estimation methods are needed. We propose frequentist and Bayesian implementations of a unit-level one-inflated beta model. We compare the Bayesian and frequentist predictors to simpler alternatives through simulation. We apply the proposed Bayesian and frequentist procedures to data from the Iowa Seat-Belt Use Survey.