bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling socioeconomic determinants of health-related behavior, reception of information, and perceptions on disease disclosure at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic: did health insurance curb the disparities in the Philippines?
Authors: Estrada Josue Antonio G.
Published: March 2024

Background

The study uncovers micro and macro socioeconomic disparities in terms of health behavior, disease perception, and reception of information. Furthermore, findings shed light on the possible role of health insurance on access to information, disease perception and the adoption of preventive behaviors in the context of a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional design using the Philippine Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). With a total of 29,809 respondents, it evaluated the individual or household and systemwide socioeconomic determinants of four different outcomes: receipt of information, disease perception, uptake of free preventive services, and treatment-seeking behavior. In addition to logistic regression models with the socioeconomic variables as the independent variables, models for the evaluation of the moderating effect of insurance ownership were fitted. Predicted probabilities were reported for the analysis of moderating effects.

Results

Findings show that individual and householdsocioeconomic determinants affected health-behavior and access to or receipt of information pertinent to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both education and wealth affected the receipt of information such that individuals in more advantaged socioeconomic positions were at least 30% more likely to have received information on COVID-19. Wealth was also associated to treatment-seeking behavior. Regional differences were seen across all dependent variables. Moreover, the study provides evidence that ownership of insurance can close education-based gaps in the uptake of free vaccination and COVID-19 testing.

Conclusion

It is imperative that targeted efforts be maximized by utilizing existing strategies and mechanisms to reach the marginalized and disadvantaged segments of the population. Health insurance may give off added benefits that increase proficiency in navigating through the healthcare system. Further research may focus on examining pathways by which health insurance or social policies may be used to leverage responses to public health or environmental emergencies.
Comparison of the efficacy of neuronavigation-assisted intracerebral hematoma puncture and drainage with neuroendoscopic hematoma removal in treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Jiang Lei , Tian Jinjie , Guo Chao , Zhang Yi , Qian Ming , Wang Xuejian , Wang Zhifeng , Chen Yang
Published: March 2024

Objective

To compare neuronavigation-assisted intracerebral hematoma puncture and drainage with neuroendoscopic hematoma removal for treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.

Method

Ninety-one patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage admitted to our neurosurgery department from June 2022 to May 2023 were selected: 47 patients who underwent endoscopic hematoma removal with the aid of neuronavigation in observation Group A and 44 who underwent intracerebral hematoma puncture and drainage in control Group B. The duration of surgery, intraoperative bleeding, hematoma clearance rate, pre- and postoperative GCS score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, mRS score and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

The duration of surgery, intraoperative bleeding and hematoma clearance were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.05). Conversely, no significant differences in the preoperative, 7-day postoperative, 14-day postoperative or 1-month postoperative GCS or NIHSS scores or the posthealing mRS score were observed between Groups A and B. However, the incidence of postoperative complications was significantly greater in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.05), with the most significant difference in incidence of intracranial infection (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both neuronavigation-assisted intracerebral hematoma puncture and drainage and neuroendoscopic hematoma removal are effective at improving the outcome of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage. The disadvantage of neuronavigation is that the incidence of complications is significantly greater than that of other methods; postoperative care and prevention of complications should be strengthened in clinical practice.
Malaria transmission heterogeneity in different eco-epidemiological areas of western Kenya: a region-wide observational and risk classification study for adaptive intervention planning
Authors: Zhou Guofa , Githure John , Lee Ming-Chieh , Zhong Daibin , Wang Xiaoming , Atieli Harrysone , Githeko Andrew K. , Kazura James , Yan Guiyun
Published: March 2024

Background

Understanding of malaria ecology is a prerequisite for designing locally adapted control strategies in resource-limited settings. The aim of this study was to utilize the spatial heterogeneity in malaria transmission for the designing of adaptive interventions.

Methods

Field collections of clinical malaria incidence, asymptomatic Plasmodium infection, and malaria vector data were conducted from 108 randomly selected clusters which covered different landscape settings including irrigated farming, seasonal flooding area, lowland dryland farming, and highlands in western Kenya. Spatial heterogeneity of malaria was analyzed and classified into different eco-epidemiological zones.

Results

There was strong heterogeneity and detected hot/cold spots in clinical malaria incidence, Plasmodium prevalence, and vector abundance. The study area was classified into four zones based on clinical malaria incidence, parasite prevalence, vector density, and altitude. The two irrigated zones have either the highest malaria incidence, parasite prevalence, or the highest malaria vector density; the highlands have the lowest vector density and parasite prevalence; and the dryland and flooding area have the average clinical malaria incidence, parasite prevalence and vector density. Different zones have different vector species, species compositions and predominant species. Both indoor and outdoor transmission may have contributed to the malaria transmission in the area. Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.), Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles funestus s.s., and Anopheles leesoni had similar human blood index and malaria parasite sporozoite rate.

Conclusion

The multi-transmission-indicator-based eco-epidemiological zone classifications will be helpful for making decisions on locally adapted malaria interventions.
Application of fluorocarbon nanoparticles of 131I-fulvestrant as a targeted radiation drug for endocrine therapy on human breast cancer
Authors: Zhi Li , Cheng Chen , Jing Luo , Zhi-Ping Peng , Lu Yang , Yan Tian , Zhi-Gang Wang , Guo-Bing Yin
Published: March 2024

Background

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor among women, with hormone receptor-positive cases constituting 70%. Fulvestrant, an antagonist for these receptors, is utilized for advanced metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Yet, its inhibitory effect on tumor cells is not strong, and it lacks direct cytotoxicity. Consequently, there's a significant challenge in preventing recurrence and metastasis once cancer cells develop resistance to fulvestrant.

Method

To address these challenges, we engineered tumor-targeting nanoparticles termed 131I-fulvestrant-ALA-PFP-FA-NPs. This involved labeling fulvestrant with 131I to create 131I-fulvestrant. Subsequently, we incorporated the 131I-fulvestrant and 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) into fluorocarbon nanoparticles with folate as the targeting agent. This design facilitates a tri-modal therapeutic approach—endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, and PDT for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

Results

Our in vivo and in vitro tests showed that the drug-laden nanoparticles effectively zeroed in on tumors. This targeting efficiency was corroborated using SPECT-CT imaging, confocal microscopy, and small animal fluorescence imaging. The 131I-fulvestrant-ALA-PFP-FA-NPs maintained stability and showcased potent antitumor capabilities due to the synergism of endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, and CR-PDT. Throughout the treatment duration, we detected no notable irregularities in hematological, biochemical, or histological evaluations.

Conclusion

We've pioneered a nanoparticle system loaded with radioactive isotope 131I, endocrine therapeutic agents, and a photosensitizer precursor. This system offers a combined modality of radiotherapy, endocrine treatment, and PDT for breast cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Antidepressant fluoxetine alleviates colitis by reshaping intestinal microenvironment
Authors: Teng Shuo , Yang Yi , Zhang Wanru , Li Xiangji , Li Wenkun , Cui Zilu , Min Li , Wu Jing
Published: March 2024

Background

The impact of antidepressants on Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has been extensively studied. However, the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of antidepressants in alleviating colitis remain unclear.

Methods

We systematically assessed how antidepressants (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine and venlafaxine) affected IBD and chose fluoxetine, the most effective one, for mechanism studies. We treated the C56BL/6 mice of the IBD model with fluoxetine and their controls. We initially assessed the severity of intestinal inflammation in mice by body weight loss, disease Activity Index scores and the length of the colon. The H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining of MUC2 of colon sections were performed to observe the pathological changes. RT-qPCR and western blot were conducted to assess the expression level of the barrier and inflammation-associated genes. Then, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on mouse intestinal mucosa. Seurat was used to visualize the data. Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) was used to perform the dimensionality reduction. Cell Chat package was used to perform cell–cell communication analysis. Monocle was used to conduct developmental pseudotime analysis. Last, RT-qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to test the phenomenon discovered by single-cell RNA sequencing in vitro.

Results

We found that fluoxetine treatment significantly alleviated colon inflammation. Notably, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that fluoxetine affected the distribution of different cell clusters, cell–cell communication and KEGG pathway enrichment. Under the treatment of fluoxetine, enterocytes, Goblet cells and stem cells became the dominating cells. The pseudotime analysis showed that there was a trend for M1 macrophages to differentiate into M2 macrophages. Lastly, we tested this phenomenon in vitro, which exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on enterocytes.

Conclusions

Fluoxetine exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal mucosa via remodeling of the intestinal cells and macrophages, which reveals that fluoxetine is a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of IBD and psychiatric comorbidities.
Echocardiographic abnormalities and joint hypermobility in Chinese patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Mei Yazhao , Jiang Yunyi , Shen Li , Meng Zheying , Zhang Zhenlin , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2024

Background

Very little is known about the characteristics of echocardiographic abnormalities and joint hypermobility in Chinese patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). The aim of our study was to investigate the characteristics, prevalence and correlation of echocardiographic abnormalities and joint hypermobility in Chinese patients with OI.

Methods

A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in pediatric and adult OI patients who were matched in age and sex with healthy controls. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients and controls, and parameters were indexed for body surface area (BSA). The Beighton score was used to evaluate the degree of joint hypermobility.

Results

A total of 48 patients with OI (25 juveniles and 23 adults) and 129 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (79 juveniles and 50 adults) were studied. Four genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, IFITM5, and WNT1) and 39 different mutation loci were identified in our study. Mild valvular regurgitation was the most common cardiac abnormality: mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation was found in 12% and 36% of pediatric OI patients, respectively; among 23 OI adults, 13% and 17% of patients had mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, respectively, and 4% had mild aortic regurgitation. In multiple regression analysis, OI was the key predictor of left atrium diameter (LAD) (β=-3.670, P < 0.001) and fractional shortening (FS) (β = 3.005, P = 0.037) in juveniles, whereas for adults, OI was a significant predictor of LAD (β=-3.621, P < 0.001) and left ventricular mass (LVM) (β = 58.928, P < 0.001). The percentages of generalized joint hypermobility in OI juveniles and adults were 56% and 20%, respectively. Additionally, only in the OI juvenile group did the results of the Mann‒Whitney U test show that the degree of joint hypermobility was significantly different between the echocardiographic normal and abnormal groups (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Mild valvular regurgitation was the most common cardiac abnormality in both OI juveniles and adults. Compared with OI adults, OI juveniles had more prevalent and wider joint hypermobility. Echocardiographic abnormalities may imply that the impairment of type I collagen is more serious in OI. Baseline echocardiography should be performed in OI patients as early as possible.
Recurrent syncope due to ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease: a case report
Authors: Huang Bihan , Han Xueying , Xie Peiyi , Chen Shaoyuan
Published: March 2024

Background

Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease is a prevalent form of ischemic heart disease. The majority of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease cases are attributed to underlying factors such as coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and/or coronary artery spasm. Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease can present with various clinical manifestations. Recurrent syncope is an atypical complaint in patients with ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease.

Case presentation

This case report describes the presentation of a 58-year-old Chinese male patient who experienced repeated episodes of syncope. The syncope was found to be caused by concomitant coronary artery spasm and presumptive coronary microvascular dysfunctionc suggested by “slow flow” on coronary angiography. The patient was prescribed diltiazem sustained-release capsules, nicorandil, and atorvastatin. During the three-month follow-up conducted on our outpatient basis, the patient did not experience a recurrence of syncope.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of considering ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease as a potential cause of syncope in the differential diagnosis. It emphasizes the need for early diagnosis of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease to facilitate more effective management strategies.
A modified LSTM with QoS aware hybrid AVO algorithm to enhance resource allocation in D2D communication
Authors: Pasha Shaik Ahmed , Mohamad Noor Mohammed Vali
Published: March 2024

In communication technologies, device-to-device (D2D) communication is essential for resource management and power control, which are major research concerns nowadays. D2D resource allocation involves dividing vital resources, such as time, power, and spectrum, among several devices. Each device can connect to other devices via one or more frequency channels. D2D communication shares the cellular user resources, while signal power transmission causes interference to the users who share the same channel. So, there is a need to control the power of the D2D device to prevent interference. For proper power control and optimization of multi-channel D2D communication, which is a challenging task, we proposed a deep learning approach incorporating a hybrid resource allocation framework. This framework aims to increase the sum rate of D2D user equipment (DUE) while considering quality of service (QoS) factors like limiting interference to cellular user equipment (CUE) and guaranteeing individual DUE rates above a certain threshold. The proposed resource allocation scheme combines two methods, namely a metaheuristic hybrid particle swarm Cauchy approach to African vulture optimization (HPSCAV) and a modified long short-term memory (MLSTM) based approach. The HPSCAV scheme helps to ensure that the QoS constraints are met, while the MLSTM-based approach is utilized for efficient resource allocation by optimizing the power and improving it with HPSCAV. Simulation results validate that the proposed model achieved better performance in various metrics such as system capacity, power consumption, spectral efficiency (SE), and energy efficiency (EE).
Video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in achieving successful emergency endotracheal intubations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Alsabri Mohammed , Abdelwahab Omar Ahmed , Elsnhory Ahmed Bostamy , Diab Rehab Adel , Sabesan Vaishnavi , Ayyan Muhammad , McClean Christopher , Alhadheri Ayman
Published: March 2024

Background

Intubating a patient in an emergent setting presents significant challenges compared to planned intubation in an operating room. This study aims to compare video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy in achieving successful endotracheal intubation on the first attempt in emergency intubations, irrespective of the clinical setting.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception until 27 February 2023. We included only randomized controlled trials that included patients who had undergone emergent endotracheal intubation for any indication, regardless of the clinical setting. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool 2 (ROB2) to assess the included studies. We used the mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR), with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), to pool the continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.

Results

Fourteen studies were included with a total of 2470 patients. The overall analysis favored video laryngoscopy over direct laryngoscopy in first-attempt success rate (RR = 1.09, 95% CI [1.02, 1.18], P = 0.02), first-attempt intubation time (MD =  − 6.92, 95% CI [− 12.86, − 0.99], P = 0.02), intubation difficulty score (MD =  − 0.62, 95% CI [− 0.86, − 0.37], P < 0.001), peri-intubation percentage of glottis opening (MD = 24.91, 95% CI [11.18, 38.64], P < 0.001), upper airway injuries (RR = 0.15, 95% CI [0.04, 0.56], P = 0.005), and esophageal intubation (RR = 0.37, 95% CI [0.15, 0.94], P = 0.04). However, no difference between the two groups was found regarding the overall intubation success rate (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In emergency intubations, video laryngoscopy is preferred to direct laryngoscopy in achieving successful intubation on the first attempt and was associated with a lower incidence of complications.
Preparation of VX765 sodium alginate nanogels and evaluation of their therapeutic effect via local injection on myocardial infarction in rats
Authors: Liu Jianlong , Tian Qingxin , Zhang Mingxiao
Published: March 2024

Myocardial Infarction (MI) is major cause of heart failure, highlighting the critical need for effective therapeutic strategies to improve cardiac repair. This study investigated the cardioprotective effects of VX765-coated polyethyleneimine (PEI)/sodium alginate (AG) composite nanogels (AG/PEI-VX765 NGs) in a rat model of MI. Additionally, AG-VX765 NGs and PEI-VX765 nanospheres (NPs) were synthesized and tested to compare their efficacy. MI was caused in rats by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery, and the rats were grouped and set as Sham, MI, MI + VX765, MI + AG-VX765NGs, MI + PEI-VX765NPs, and MI + AG/PEI-VX765NGs. Results demonstrate that AG/PEI-VX765NGs were non-toxic and exhibited a sustained release of VX765. In vivo, experiments demonstrated that all treatment groups significantly enhanced cardiac function, reduced infarct size, fibrosis, and apoptosis in rats with MI, with the MI + AG/PEI-VX765NGs group exhibiting the most favorable outcomes. Our findings indicate that AG/PEI-VX765NGs represent a promising therapeutic approach for MI treatment.
Multiple sclerosis and personality traits: associations with depression and anxiety
Authors: Vaheb Saeed , Mokary Yousef , Yazdan Panah Mohammad , Shaygannejad Aysa , Afshari-Safavi Alireza , Ghasemi Majid , Shaygannejad Vahid , Moases Ghaffary Elham , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: March 2024

Background

Depression and anxiety are commonly observed in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). There is a growing body of literature supporting the hypothesis that personality traits can influence the mood disorders. This study aimed to investigate the personality traits and their relationships with depression and anxiety among pwMS.

Methods

234 pwMS were involved in this cross-sectional study. Personality traits, depression, and anxiety were assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient and generalized linear model were employed to evaluate the relationships between demographic and clinical characteristics, NEO-FFI, and HADS subscales.

Results

In pwMS, longer disease duration was significantly associated with lower level of conscientiousness (β = − 0.23, p = 0.008) and agreeableness (β = − 0.2, p = 0.01). Moreover, higher expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of pwMS had a significant relationship with higher level of neuroticism (β = 0.89, p = 0.01). Increased level of neuroticism was significantly correlated with lower level of extraversion (r = − 0.28, p < 0.001), openness (r = − 0.37, p < 0.001), agreeableness (r = − 0.31, p < 0.001), and conscientiousness (r = − 0.45, p < 0.001). PwMS with higher level of conscientiousness showed more extraversion (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), openness (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), and agreeableness (r = 0.41, p < 0.001). Elevated level of neuroticism was significantly associated with higher level of anxiety (β = 0.47, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.11, p < 0.001) among pwMS.

Conclusion

The co-occurrence of depression and anxiety is probably associated with neuroticism among pwMS. Additionally, the impact of personality traits extends to influencing key disease aspects such as physical disability and disease duration in MS.
Rejuvenating classical brain electrophysiology source localization methods with spatial graph Fourier filters for source extents estimation
Authors: Yang Shihao , Jiao Meng , Xiang Jing , Fotedar Neel , Sun Hai , Liu Feng
Published: March 2024

EEG/MEG source imaging (ESI) aims to find the underlying brain sources to explain the observed EEG or MEG measurement. Multiple classical approaches have been proposed to solve the ESI problem based on different neurophysiological assumptions. To support clinical decision-making, it is important to estimate not only the exact location of the source signal but also the extended source activation regions. Existing methods may render over-diffuse or sparse solutions, which limit the source extent estimation accuracy. In this work, we leverage the graph structures defined in the 3D mesh of the brain and the spatial graph Fourier transform (GFT) to decompose the spatial graph structure into sub-spaces of low-, medium-, and high-frequency basis. We propose to use the low-frequency basis of spatial graph filters to approximate the extended areas of brain activation and embed the GFT into the classical ESI methods. We validated the classical source localization methods with the corresponding improved version using GFT in both synthetic data and real data. We found the proposed method can effectively reconstruct focal source patterns and significantly improve the performance compared to the classical algorithms.
Epicardial fat thickness among neonates of diabetic mothers attending the neonatal intensive care unit at Fayoum University Hospital: a case control study
Authors: Abd El Moktader Ahmed M. , Yousef Remon M. , Safwat Ahmed , Borayek Heba A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Using conventional echocardiography, this study aimed to evaluate the epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and its role in discriminating infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) from those of non-diabetic mothers (INDMs) and to assess its prognostic role in IDMs. This case control study was conducted at the Neonatology and Cardiology Units of Pediatric Department, Fayoum University Hospital, Egypt, between February and September 2023. A total of 54 neonates were enrolled into three groups: 18 IDMs with well-controlled diabetes mellitus (DM), 18 IDMs with poorly controlled DM, and 18 INDMs.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff of EFT were 100%, 100%, and 3.950 mm for detecting cases of IDMs and were 66.7%, 72.2%, and 5.100 mm for differentiating controlled from uncontrolled diabetic mothers, respectively. The interventricular septum in diastole (IVSd), interventricular septum in systole (IVSs), estimated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), left ventricle (LV) Tei index, and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) of LV all showed a positive correlation with EFT (r = 0.35, 0.31, 0.41, 0.34, and 0.39; P = 0.009, 0.025, 0.002, 0.01, and 0.003; respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between EFT and left ventricular internal dimensions in diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal dimensions in systole (LVIDs) (r =  − 0.44 and 0.42, P = 0.001 and 0.001). Regarding tissue Doppler, there was a significantly higher Tei index in group I cases compared to control (0.59 ± 0.10 vs. 0.49 ± 0.09, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The EFT is higher in IDMs than in INDMs, with a positive correlation with birth weight, IVSd, IVSs, Tei index of mitral, IVRT, and ESPAP and a negative correlation with LVIDd and LVIDs. Neonatal EFT can be used as one of the helpful parameters to detect IDMs. Also, it may be used as one of the prognostic factors in IDMs as it is positively correlated with the diastolic function of the LV.
Neonatal Aromatase Inhibition Blocked Defeminization of AVPV Kiss1 Neurons and LH Surge-Generating System in Male Rats
Authors: Yamada Koki , Mano Tetsuya , Hazim Safiullah , Takizawa Marina , Inoue Naoko , Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Tsukamura Hiroko
Published: March 2024

The neuroendocrine system that controls the preovulatory surge of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation in female mammals, is sexually differentiated in rodents. A transient increase in circulating testosterone levels in male rats within a few hours of birth is primarily responsible for the defeminization of anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) kisspeptin neurons, which are critical regulators of the GnRH/LH surge. The present study aimed to determine whether neonatal estradiol-17β (E2) converted from testosterone by aromatase primarily causes the defeminization of AVPV kisspeptin neurons and the surge of GnRH/LH in male rodents. The results of the present study showed that the neonatal administration of letrozole (LET), a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, within 2 hours of birth rescued AVPV Kiss1 expression and the LH surge in adult male rats, while the neonatal administration of testosterone propionate (TP) irreversibly attenuated AVPV Kiss1 expression and the LH surge in adult female rats. Furthermore, the neonatal LET-treated Kiss1-Cre–activated tdTomato reporter males exhibited a comparable number of AVPV Kiss1-Cre–activated tdTomato-expressing cells to that of vehicle-treated female rats, while neonatal TP-treated females showed fewer AVPV Kiss1-Cre–activated tdTomato-expressing cells than vehicle-treated females. Moreover, neonatal TP administration significantly decreased the number of arcuate Kiss1-expressing and Kiss1-Cre–activated tdTomato-positive cells and suppressed LH pulses in adult gonadectomized female rats; however, neonatal LET administration failed to affect them. These results suggest that E2 converted from neonatal testosterone is primarily responsible for the defeminization of AVPV kisspeptin neurons and the subsequent GnRH/LH surge generation in male rats.
Effectiveness of a Disease Management Program (DMP) in controlling the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease among hypertensives and diabetics.
Authors: Sequira Leena , Prabhu A. Ravindra , S Mayya Shreemathi , Prasad Nagaraju Shankar , S Nayak Baby
Published: March 2024

Background The occurrence rate of stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) will be 151 per million population in India in the coming years. Comorbidities like diabetes mellitus and hypertension are the usual triggers of CKD. Hence this study aimed to control the progression of CKD and to note the effectiveness of a structured education program that would help in the prevention of complications related to diabetes and hypertension. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted among 88 participants who had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or both for five or more years. The study objective was to find the effect of a Disease Management Program on delaying progression of CKD in patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus. The baseline data were obtained from demographic proforma, and the clinical data collected were the blood pressure, serum creatinine, and random blood sugar (RBS) of the participants. The management of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was taught to them. In the fourth and the eighth month, blood pressure and blood sugar were reassessed. At one-year blood pressure, blood sugar, and serum creatinine were tested. Baseline and one-year follow-up blood pressure, blood sugar, and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate were compared. Descriptive statistics and "Wilcoxon signed-rank test" were used to analyze the data. Results In one year, the mean systolic blood pressure reduced by six mm of Hg and mean blood sugar by 24 mg/dl. The prevalence of CKD stage three and above (< 60 ml/min/m2) was nine (10.22%). The median decline in eGFR was 5 ml/min/m2 (Z= 5.925, P< 0.001). Conclusion The Disease Management Program led to improvements in blood pressure and diabetes control and median progression of CKD was estimated at five ml/min/m2/year.
About Geometric Basis of Designing a Technical Object
Authors: Leparov M.
Published: March 2024

The purpose of the article is to propose basic statements (a conditional general name for law, regularity, principle and rule) about the geometry of technical objects and about the process of their design, which, together with existing and future statements, form the geometric foundations of design. 26 statements are presented and a classification, functions and properties of geometry are proposed from the point of view of distribution and the importance of the latter for the technical object and the design process.In their entirety, the presented statements are proof of the importance and influence of geometry in the design process. The work substantiates the possibility of obtaining partially or completely the geometry of any other part or assembled unit, conditionally called a recipient, from any part or assembled unit, conditionally called a donor. It is shown that any “item” (a term for naming anything, regardless of type, structures and characteristics) can be used to change the geometry of any technical object. The impact of the geometry on the flowing through and passing through the substance, the influence of the flows on the geometry, as well as the influence of the geometry on the properties of the substance are noted. It is emphasized that geometry is a fundamental „building block“ of both the technical object and the design process. The well-deserved placement of geometry at the center of the design activity gives a new perspective on the design process, which expands the possibilities and tools for its realization.
Building the Perspective of a Straight Line Along The Picture Trail and the Vanishing Point
Authors: Sal'kov N.
Published: March 2024

The article recalls the essence of academic subjects: descriptive geometry, drawing, engineering graphics, computer graphics and what each of these subjects is intended for. It is said about the compulsory study of geometry by students, especially those students who study in technical fields of study, about the role of descriptive geometry in the learning process and later in practical activities. Therefore, the existence of departments of geometric and graphic profile for each technical university is unconditionally necessary. It is explained that the modern disdainful attitude of the university leadership towards the departments of the geometric direction should not lead to the disappearance of these departments, since an engineer without knowledge of geometry is a fundamental underachiever, and at best an amateur. The reasons that led to the insufficiency of highly qualified specialists in the geometric and graphic profile in universities are given and, in this regard, some steps are proposed to improve the quality of engineering education. The situation of the educational process in the supposedly leading technical universities of the country, which have already got rid of the departments of the geometric direction or are on the road to this "great" achievement, is given as a negative example, as a result of which various information has been received for quite a long time about the not very favorable situation in these universities. Some measures are proposed to improve geometric education in Russian universities.
Egodokumenty (listy i pamiętniki) chłopów Królestwa Polskiego i chłopskich migrantów zeń jako źródła historyczne (1864–1914)
Authors: Kożuchowski Łukasz
Published: March 2024

Tekst prezentuje przykłady egodokumentów (czy też dokumentów osobistych) chłopów, tu rozumianych wąsko jako listy i pamiętniki, tj. źródła do badań dziejów Królestwa Polskiego w drugiej połowie XIX w. Na początku przedstawiono zwięzłe wprowadzenie do tematyki egodokumentów jako materiałów wykorzystywanych w pracach historycznych. Następnie omówiono kolejne zbiory listów (do czasopism, emigracyjnych, zesłańców) oraz pamiętników (w tym konkursowych). Na koniec zaś tekst przedstawia ogólne ujęcie egodokumentów chłopów jako zbioru źródeł wraz z sugestiami do dalszych prac badawczych.
Specyfika sejmików wielkopolskich w dobie przemian. Uwagi nad pracą Grzegorza Glabisza Sejmiki Wielkopolski w latach 1764–1793
Authors: Jusupović Monika
Published: March 2024

Sejmiki ziemskie były głównym elementem samorządu szlacheckiego, a jednocześnie środkiem wpływów szlachty na politykę państwową. W obecnym stuleciu w historiografii nastąpiło ożywienie w kwestii zarówno wydawania akt sejmikowych, jak i monografii poszczególnych zgromadzeń. Nadal jednak literatura daleka jest od opracowania tematu w pełni, tym cenniejsza jest zatem praca Grzegorza Glabisza Sejmiki Wielkopolski w latach 1764–1793. Większa część tej pracy poświęcona jest skrupulatnemu odtworzeniu struktury i funkcjonowania sejmików. Nieco skromniejsza zaś część druga zajmuje się ich dziejami politycznymi w omawianym okresie.
Władysław Bichniewicz (1890–1975) – polski ziemianin na Litwie
Authors: Ceglarek Michał
Published: March 2024

Prezentowany artykuł jest szkicem biograficznym polskiego ziemianina osiadłego na Litwie w latach 1914–1945 – Władysława Bichniewicza, prawnuka najstarszej siostry Fryderyka Chopina, Ludwiki Jędrzejewiczowej. Bichniewicz najpierw administrował, a później stał się właścicielem majątku ziemskiego w Poniemuńku. Z powodu zajęcia państwa litewskiego przez Armię Czerwoną musiał opuścić swoje gospodarstwo.
Polityka zagraniczna Republiki Białoruś w okresie wojny rosyjsko-ukraińskiej
Authors: Iwanow Tatiana
Published: March 2024

Polityka zagraniczna Republiki Białoruś zmieniła się zasadniczo w wyniku kryzysu społeczno-politycznego, który nastąpił po wyborach prezydenckich w 2020 r., pod wpływem wyjątkowego zaostrzenia polityki represyjnej państwa białoruskiego wobec własnego społeczeństwa oraz nałożenia sankcji ze strony państw demokratycznego Zachodu. Jeszcze bardziej ta polityka uległa zmianie po wybuchu wojny na Ukrainie. Udział Białorusi w tej wojnie po stronie rosyjskiej jest wskaźnikiem słabości reżimu Alaksandra Łukaszenki „uwięzionego” w sojuszu z Rosją. Artykuł zawiera wnioski odnośnie do korzyści, kosztów i zagrożeń obecnej polityki zagranicznej Republiki Białoruś.
Ludowcy Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej wobec sowietyzacji
Authors: Stępka Stanisław
Published: March 2024

Niniejszy artykuł omawia edycję dokumentów i materiałów dotyczących działalności politycznego ruchu ludowego na obszarze Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej w okresie, gdy po II wojnie światowej narastał proces sowietyzacji tej części kontynentu. Oglądowi poddane zostało szerokie spektrum aktywności antykomunistycznej chłopskich przywódców. Autor poprzez omówienie najistotniejszych elementów tego zbioru zamierzał przybliżyć ich zawartość, aby ułatwić korzystanie z prezentowanych źródeł eksplorujących je badaczom.
La caña de azúcar: entre el aire y la mula
Authors: Franco Franco Carlos Alberto , Barragán Dalia
Published: March 2024

La panela se introdujo a Colombia en el siglo XVI y su desarrollo se debió al esfuerzo de los arrieros y sus mulas. Hoy en día, en la hoya o cuenca media del Río Suárez está ubicada la región más productora de caña panelera del país. Sin embargo, y pese a su importancia, el producto aún se transporta a lomo de las mulas. La Corporación Agrosavia lideró el diseño de un sistema de cableado que optimiza el transporte de la caña en la zona, pero su aprovechamiento no es aplicable a todos los productores de panela, por lo que la ayuda de este leal animal continúa siendo indispensable para ellos.
Innovación para proteger cerebro de polinizadores Flavonoides ayudarían a las abejas a recuperar la memoria
Authors: Riveros Rivera Andre Josafat , Serrano Gil Ximena
Published: March 2024

El número de abejas en el planeta está disminuyendo. A esta crítica situación hay que añadir que las que quedan están perdiendo capacidades de aprendizaje. Investigadores de la Universidad del Rosario crearon una fórmula para proteger y recuperar el cerebro de polinizadores afectados por la exposición a plaguicidas.
Solar Dreams
Authors: Court-Dobson Christopher
Published: March 2024

Stella Terra, Solar Team Eindhoven’s (STE’s) 4x4 sun-powered concept car has completed road testing in Morocco and is set for a visit to Intertraffic Amsterdam. But are cars powered by the rays of the sun really the future of mobility?
The Road to Zero
Authors: Roper Jack
Published: March 2024

If it gets the final go-ahead, the Lower Thames Crossing will be the largest road-building scheme in the UK for 30 years, but that’s not the most significant thing about it – what really sets it apart is the fact that it is pioneering new low-carbon techniques that can inspire other projects right now, no matter how long we have to wait for construction to begin
Loud Problems
Authors: Court-Dobson Christopher
Published: March 2024

Just a few years ago the prospect of being able to catch the drivers of vehicles making excessive noise was remote, with ways of accurately recording and processing such infractions extremely limited. But recently technology has become available to enable authorities to do just that. How does it work? And should it be deployed?
Safety in Visibility
Authors: Sauter Gernot
Published: March 2024

Highly visible retroreflective road marking technology reduces the risk of driving in dark and wet conditions
Why Bridges Need our Attention
Authors: Klauser Christoph
Published: March 2024

Kistler Group’s weigh-in-motion and structural health monitoring technology can help protect sensitive infrastructure, such as bridges, extending their service life and, in a worst-case scenario, preventing their collapse
The Safety of Society
Authors: Watermeyer Felix
Published: March 2024

Complex, ever-changing surroundings can be managed with intelligent transport systems from Jenoptik that tackle speeding, distracted driving, tolling challenges and intersection safety
A Smart Solution
Authors: Sharma Smita
Published: March 2024

Innovative moveable road barriers improve safety and mobility in tunnel work zones
Sustainability Toolbox
Authors: López Antonio J Ortín
Published: March 2024

Electric and automated mobility technologies are powerful tools in the mission to improve road safety and reduce transport-related emissions
How AI and CVs are Transforming ITS
Authors: Christensen Trond , Nordh Fredrik , Skiffington Dan
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence and connected vehicles are making roads safer, greener, and more efficient
Eye on AI
Authors: Pohl René
Published: March 2024

Is artificial intelligence the answer to modern and future traffic challenges?
Gasteruption slovacum sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae)—a new species of carrot wasp from Central Europe
Authors: BOGUSCH PETR
Published: March 2024

New species of carrot wasp—Gasteruption slovacum sp. nov.—is described based on a male collected near the village Čenkov in south of Slovakia. This species is similar and phylogenetically related to G. erythrostomum, from which it differs especially by the rough sculpture of mesoscutum, larger occipital carina, longer third and fourth antennal segments and larger total length. This species is also morphologically and in total length similar to G. insidiosum, from which it differs especially by the very small proportion of ivory colouration on legs. Phylogenetically, it forms a group with G. erythrostomum, which is nearest related to the group of G. nigrescens and G. foveiceps.
New record of Hemilea hyalina Wang, 1998 (Diptera: Tephritidae) from India with description of the previously unknown female
Authors: MAQBOOL AMIR , WACHKOO AIJAZ AHMAD , BANU A. NAJITHA
Published: March 2024

Hemilea hyalina Wang, 1998, previously known from China, is newly recorded from India. The first description of the female and detailed figures of habitus and genitalia are provided. The new records are also the first from outside the type locality.
TÜRK EL SANATLARINDA ARTİSTİK EL SANATLARI VE GELENEKSEL EL SANATLARI ARASINDA Kİ BAĞLAM
Authors: SÖYÜK GÜVEN Mihrinaz
Published: March 2024

Kaynağını insanoğlunun binlerce yıllık birikiminden alan el sanatları, zamanla modern çağa ayak uydurup bir değişim dinamiği içerisinde yerini almıştır. Önemli bir kültürel miras kaynağı olan ve ait olduğu toplumda şekillenerek günümüze kültürel miras ürünü olarak ulaşan el sanatları, oldukça önemli bir gelir alanı oluşturmaktadır. Anadolu toprakları üzerinde geçmişte var olmuş birçok uygarlığın birikimlerinden elde edilen ürünler, ekonomik işlevinin dışında kültürel miras işlevini de sürdürmektedir. Geleneksel kültürün el sanatları alanlarından olan yapma bebekçilik, geleneksel başlık, Keçecilik, sepetçilik, deri işçiliği, ahşap işçiliği, takı, dantel, oyalar vb. gibi sanat alanları ait olduğu toplumun sanatsal ve kültürel özelliklerini yansıtmaktadırlar. El sanatları malzeme ve teknik yönünden geleneksel yöntemlerin kullanılarak üretildiği ve ait olduğu toplumun geleneksel kültürünü yansıtan önemli ürünlerdir. Günümüzde bu ürünler artistik ve geleneksel olarak ayrışmaktadır.

Çalışmada, modern çağın getirisi olan sanayileşme ve popüler kültür ile üretilen artistik el sanatları ve kültür tarihi açısından gün geçtikçe yok olmaya maruz kalan geleneksel el sanatları arasında ki bağlam ele alınmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda makaleler, kitaplar, tezler ve görsel veriler incelenmiş ve artistik el sanatları ve geleneksel el sanatları arasında bağlam örneklerle belirtilmiştir.Turkish handicrafts, which takes its source from the thousands of years of human experience, has taken its place in a dynamic of change by keeping up with the modern age over time. Handicrafts, which are an important source of cultural heritage and have been shaped in the society it belongs to, have reached today as a traditional cultural product and as a touristic product, today it constitutes an important income area. The Anatolia’n lands in the past continue their cultural heritage function apart from their economic function. Artifical dolls, traditional headdresses, felt making, basketry, leather work, wood and woodworking, jewelry, lace and needlework, which are among the handicrafts of the traditional culture, reflect the artisticand cultural characteristics of the society they belong to.

In the study, artsitic handicarfts produced with industrialization and popular culture, which are the returns of the modern age, and traditional handicrafts that are subject to extinction day by day in terms of cultural history are discussed. For this purpose, articles, boks, theses and visual data were examined and the context between artistic handicrafts and tarditional handicrafts, was indicated with examples.
MICHEL FOUCAULT’DA SANAT VE İKTİDAR İLİŞKİSİ ÜZERİNE BİR İNCELEME
Authors: AYTİMUR R. Görkem
Published: March 2024

Bu çalışmada Michel Foucault’un, sanat ve iktidarın karşılıklı ilişkisinin yapısı hakkındaki düşünceleri incelenmiştir. Foucault, iktidarın sanat üzerindeki etkisini tartışırken, modern toplumların çeşitli kurumları ve disiplinleri aracılığıyla iktidarın yapısal durumunu çözümlemeye çalışmıştır. Bu çözümlemeyi de iktidar ve bilgi arasındaki ilişki temelinde oluşturmuştur. Foucault’ya göre, sanat ve iktidar ilişkisi bilgi düzeyinde ele alınmalıdır çünkü bilgi, toplumun belirli bir konuyu nasıl algıladığını ve bu algı üzerine nasıl hareket ettiğini şekillendirmektedir. Sanat, belirli bir bilgi türünün iletiminde ve dağıtımında işlevsel bir araç niteliğindedir. Bu nedenle Foucault, iktidar ve bilgiyi, ayrılamaz bir bütün olarak ele alırken iktidar, bilgi ve sanatın iç içe olduğu alanları araştırmıştır. Ona göre tüm bilgi türleri, belirli bir döneme özgü epistemolojik koşullar ve yapısal perspektiflerle ilişkilendirilir. Bu kavram, Foucault'nun sanatla ilgili düşüncelerinde de merkezi bir rol oynar ve sanatın kendi doğası içinde açımlanır. İktidar, episteme aracılığıyla belirli bir bilgi türünün üretimini kontrol eder ve dolayısıyla sanatın neyi temsil edeceğini belirler. Foucault, sanatı da bilgi jeneolojisi kavramı merkezinde ele almıştır. Çalışma, nitel bir araştırma olarak betimsel veri analizi yöntemiyle yapılandırılmış, alanyazından elde edilen veriler bu yöntem doğrultusunda değerlendirilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, Foucault’nun bu başlıklar altında ele alınan sanata ilişkin düşüncelerinin, bilgi temelinde incelemesiyle birlikte, sanat ile iktidar arasındaki ilişki üzerine bir kavramsal çerçeve çizilmiştir.
Reclaiming the Korean War Minor: Beyond a Politics of Childhood Innocence
Authors: Tran Sharon
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This essay employs the "Korean War minor" as a methodological lens to demonstrate the need for more Asian Americanist critique at the intersection of American childhood studies and empire studies. While scholars have shown how children and children's culture were central to advancing US Cold War policy at home and abroad, this body of research largely neglects to interrogate the centrality of whiteness to dominant constructions of children/childhood. Attending to childhood as a technology of racist, patriarchal, imperial power, I elucidate how the biopolitics of the Korean War produce juvenile Asian-raced and gendered bodies at the precarious boundaries of childhood, as not quite children but, rather, childlike . I grapple, in particular, with how to reclaim the "girl" from US military archives, as the rubric of the "boy-mascot" and "camptown woman" overdetermine and constrain how the girl is allowed to come into view. I develop and enact this decolonial practice of reclaiming the Korean War minor through an analysis of Nora Okja Keller's Fox Girl , a novel that is particularly invested in narrating the camptown girl into being. Fox Girl directs attention to the limits of a politics of childhood innocence and prompts a generative reconceptualization of childhood in relation to justice.