bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRITIQUE OF RAWL’S DOCTRINE
Authors: Nikolić Maksimović Zoranа
Published: February 2025

The doctrine of John Rawls has aroused the attention of the scientific public for more than forty years. A Theory of Justice brought out a special way of looking at the structure of the liberal-democratic societies. It offers not only new knowledge but also the methods and techniques to reach them. As with any successful theory, this one too was met with acclaim but criticism as well . What unites both approaches to Rawls’s learning is a rational foundation of theoretical positions regardless of the epistemological outcomes. Communitarians like Sandel and Volzer were the sharpest critics of the liberal views of John Rawls. Libertianism of M. Nozick was practically built on the criticism of Rawls’s key ideas. Rawls’s scientific reputation was not built on his work only but also on the thinkers who mostly criticized his ideas. And that was a success in itself. Rawls became especially popular in the post-socialist countries after the radical change of the social system. Criticism of Rawls’s learning was related to its key parts: the theory of justice as fairness, veil of ignorance technique, the two principles of justice, the relationship between the individual and the community, social relations and the rule of law, freedom and equality, questions of morality, constructivism and so on. The author of this paper has tried to present and analyze the basic theoretical objections to the attitudes of John Rawls.
BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CMR CONVENTION
Authors: Tošić Iva
Published: February 2025

In economically developed countries, insurance sector traditionally represents important instrument of social protection and the most important area of economic life. It’s relevance is primarily told by large number of regulations, rich case law and legal doctrine. In this article, the author deals with the issue of conditions of insurance, both nationally and in international law. First, the importance of transport insurance, primarily in road traffic will be discussed. Then will discuss the sources of law in road traffic, and the biggest focus will be on liability insurance carrier according to CMR convention and referring to national law. In terms of harmonization and unification of the law questions of responsibility of the transporter is crucial, since it occupies a central place in regulation of certain sectors of transport. In the question of liability insurance carrier, the subject of insurance, insurance basics, breadth of coverage, supplementary insurance, and exclusion of damages will be analized.
COMPARATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW – CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND DIFFICULTIES IN DEFINING
Authors: Todić Dragoljub
Published: February 2025

The first part of the paper points to certain dilemmas in defining the comparative law and comparative method in law as a framework for understanding the content and the role of comparative environmental law. Basic indications of some of the specificities of the environmental law and problems in the Feld of environment are given, including their global and transnational dimensions, as one of the factors that inﬂuence the possibility to define the conceptual framework of comparative environmental law. In light of these, there arises the need to build specific relationships between comparative law and other branches of law which in different ways include the contents in the field of the environment or may be relevant to the environment. In this way, the author attempts to answer the question of the object and relevance of comparative environmental law. Some issues of importance for understanding the state and perspectives of development of comparative environmental law are discussed. The author starts with the premise that comparative environmental law, in the circumstances of contemporary globalization processes, has an increasingly important place in the system of legal disciplines, regardless of different problems associated with this branch of law. Specific difficulties in defining the conceptual framework of comparative environmental law are related, mainly, to a complex nature and dynamics of environmental changes.
A NEW APPROACH TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN THE HUNGARIAN LEGAL REGULATION
Authors: Resperger István
Published: February 2025

National and international crisis inﬂuence one’s sense of security. Therefore, the adequate management of different types of crisis is essential. For choosing the correct methodology, an analysis of the own capablilities (force, power, national interest) is inevitable. The so-called „DIADAL (or DDADAC - Diagnosis, Direction, Alternatives, Decision, Application, Closing)”-methodology offers a possible solution for the general reader. Successful management of a crisis which, as we know from ample experience, is an often complex and time consuming process for those military, law enforcement and national organisations responsible for its management. The chances of success can be increased if the participants are aware of those multiple processes and concepts which inﬂuence the outcome of any given crisis. The aim of my paper was to focus attention to a crisis management approach which is suitable for any type of crisis.
LEGAL NATURE OF NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEES - COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Andonović Stefan
Published: February 2025

This paper deals with the question of the legal nature of the National Olympic Committees. In the sports law, the International Olympic Committee and national Olympic committees have an important place. Decisions which they make and the activities which they perform require an understanding of their status and position in the legal systems, especially bearing in mind the tendency of development of professional sports. The work has explored the regulations of the Olympic Charter regarding the National Olympic Committees. The comparative analysis covered the legal acts which regulate the status and functioning of National Olympic Committees. We analyzed provisions of the Olympic Committee of some of European countries (Croatia, Montenegro, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Switzerland, Germany and Spain). The paper additionally analyzed the legal provisions of the Serbian Law on Sport and the Statute of the Serbian Olympic Committee. Using the results obtained author makes conclusions about the legal nature of the national Olympic committees. The results were analyzed from the perspective of sports law and administrative law.
ACCESSIONS DISSECTION OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM) USING CLUSTER AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Jamal Abdul Nasir  , Muhammad Mohib Ullah Khan  , Obaid Ullah Sayal  , Qudrat Ullah Khan  , Mamoon-ur-Rashid Muhammad , Muhammad Ali  , Asghar Ali  , Asif Latif  , Muhammad Uzair Hameed  , Malik Muhammad Hashim  , Muhammad Pervaiz Khan
Published: February 2025

A research trial for sixty-two (62) wheat accessions was conducted at Arid Zone Research Centre, D. I. Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to check variations in germplasm, heritability and genetic advance The experiment was triplicated with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with plot size 18x5m2. Data were recorded for days to headings, days to maturity, flag leaf area, plant height, No. of tillers plant-1, peduncle length, spike length, spikelet spike-1, No. of grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1, 1000-grains weight and further subjected to Analysis of Variation (ANOVA) and Least Significant Differences amongst the means to check the significant at 5% probability level. For phenotypic and genotypic correlation high magnitude of (71.19%) was recorded in spike density and lowest in plant height (1.89%). Whereas for GCV maximum was noted for spike length (14.64%). Maximum Hbs and GA was estimated in plant height with values (98.06%) and (35.95%) respectively. Whereas the trait spikelets spike-1 exhibited minimum values for Hbs (26.29%) and GA (1.46%). High heritability means the trait Plant height is additively controlled.  The grain yield plant-1 was higher in peduncle length, tillers plant-1, thousand grain weight, grain number spike-1 and spike density. Grain yield plant-1 was recorded as highest by genotypes in Cluster-I and Cluster-IV. Principal component analysis presented an eigen value of greater than 1 for first four components and contributed to 73% of total variation while important yield related attributes were highest in PC1 and PC2.
Beyond ethical guidelines: upholding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical governance in health and medical research. A scoping review
Authors: Collis Felicity , Booth Kade , Bryant Jamie , Kennedy Michelle
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To examine what ethics approvals are being sought for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical research, and to determine what proportion of this research upholds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical governance via an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community‐controlled human research ethics committee (AHREC) by jurisdiction and funding body type.

Study design

Scoping review of all original, peer‐reviewed health and medical literature published over a 5‐year period (January 2018 to December 2022).

Data sources

Extending on a previous review, the search tool LIt.search was used to access all literature relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical research.

Results

589 eligible publications were included from the parent review, and a further 1703 publications were identified from the updated search. A total of 945 publications were included. A substantial number of ethics approvals were obtained from government‐based ethics committees (394, 41.7%). More than half of the publications reported obtaining institutional ethics approval (514, 54.4%). Less than half (400, 42.3%) reported obtaining AHREC approval. Almost one‐third of publications were on research that was conducted in states or territories where there is no AHREC (334, 35.3%). Publications did not always report obtaining AHREC approvals, including in jurisdictions where one operates.

Conclusions

We found a concerning lack of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical governance reported in health and medical research. Acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethics guidelines and AHRECs were established due to harm caused to communities, these results suggest a high risk, with research not consistently being deemed safe, respectful and beneficial with appropriate AHREC ethics review and approval. We join calls for the establishment of AHRECs in all jurisdictions and nationally. Furthermore, we urge funding bodies and institutions to uphold requirements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethical governance in research and funding agreements, as well as institutional policies and procedures.
Reported processes and practices of researchers applying for human research ethics approval for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research: a mixed methods study
Authors: Bryant Jamie , Booth Kade , Collis Felicity , Chamberlain Catherine , Hughes Jaquelyne , Hobden Breanne , Griffiths Kalinda E , Wenitong Mark , O'Mara Peter , Brown Alex , Eades Sandra J , Kong Kelvin M , Lovett Raymond W , Kennedy Michelle
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To examine self‐reported practices for obtaining ethics approval and reflections on ethics application processes among researchers who have conducted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical research.

Study design

Cross‐sectional online survey.

Setting and participants

Australian‐based researchers who conducted research that included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or their data.

Main outcome measures

Results from a 74‐item online survey that participants completed, which included questions on demographics, ethics processes, perceptions of engagement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, and barriers to and enablers of conducting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research.

Results

Of 553 eligible researchers who commenced the survey, 439 (79.4%) answered all of the questions and were included in the analysis. A total of 327 participants (74.5%) had obtained ethics approval from an Aboriginal human research ethics committee (AHREC), 254 (57.9%) had obtained multistate ethics approvals and 270 (61.5%) had not participated in ethics training specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. Participants were significantly more likely to report being very or extremely confident in managing the ethics application process if they had ≥ 6 years of research experience, had participated in training, had obtained ethics approval from an AHREC, or dedicated > 50% of their time to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. Participants acknowledged the importance of ethics approval processes in improving research practices, however they identified time and costs as barriers. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants identified that ethics processes do not always uphold Indigenous approaches or methodologies.

Conclusions

Processes for obtaining ethics approval for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical research do not meet contemporary research needs and would be strengthened by streamlining ethics application processes, reducing time and cost barriers, and enhancing cultural appropriateness. We join calls for the establishment of state‐based AHRECs in every jurisdiction, and a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human research ethics committee to review cross‐jurisdictional research.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community experiences and recommendations for health and medical research: a mixed methods study
Authors: Collis Felicity , Booth Kade , Bryant Jamie , Ridgeway Tanika , Chamberlain Catherine , Hughes Jaquelyne , Griffiths Kalinda E , Wenitong Mark , O'Mara Peter , Brown Alex , Eades Sandra J , Kong Kelvin M , Kennedy Michelle
Published: February 2025

Objective

To describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities’ processes, positioning and experiences of health and medical research and their recommendations.

Design

A cross‐sectional online and paper‐based survey.

Setting, participants

Representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services and community‐controlled organisations in Australia.

Main outcome measures

Responses to a 33‐item mixed methods survey that explored communities’ positioning and processes relating to health and medical research and their experiences of health and medical research in the previous 5 years. Recommendations for improving health and medical research were elicited via two open‐ended questions.

Results

Fifty‐one community representatives nationally responded to the survey. Most representatives reported feeling slightly or very positive about research (37, 73%). More than half (33, 65%) reported having formal governance processes, and two‐thirds of those without governance processes were interested in establishing such processes (12, 67%). Almost half reported that research has sometimes or never had benefit (25, 49%). Ethical principles that were most often reported as essential included those relating to sharing results back with community (45, 88%), translating research into policy and practice (37, 73%), employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff (37, 73%), Indigenous data sovereignty and governance (36, 71%) and research agreements (35, 69%). Community representatives reported being approached frequently and in the later stages of research, with little input during the development and design stages of research. Most representatives reported that their communities had participated in Indigenous‐led research (39, 76%). Community representatives highlighted the need for appropriate resourcing and funding to drive and lead their own research agendas.

Conclusion

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to have negative experiences of research despite four decades of advocating for control, ownership and leadership of health and medical research. Researchers, funding bodies and institutions must examine current funding and research structures that reinforce current practices, to ensure transparency and accountability to communities by repositioning and giving power to communities to direct and lead their own health and medical research agendas.
أثر تمرينات نوعية وفقاً لبعض المتغيرات البيوكينماتيكية في تعلم مهارة الارسال المستقيم بالتنس الأرضي للطالبات
Authors: الحسين أ.م.د وائل عباس عبد , مرهون م.م نور يوسف
Published: February 2025

تخصصت هذه الدراسة برياضة التنس الأرضي وهي من الرياضات التي تتميز  بأهمية خاصة في تكوين قاعدة جيدة للتكنيك الصحيح لباقي أنواع ألعاب المضرب , حيث تتجلى أهمية البحث بالتركيز على أهمية التمرينات النوعية وفقا لبعض المتغيرات البيوكينماتيكية وذلك من خلال تفعيل أثر تلك التمرينات في تعديل المسار الحركي ورفع المستوى البدني والمهاري للطالبة , أما مشكلة البحث فإنها تكمن في ان هناك ضعف في أداء مهارة الأرسال المستقيم والناتجة من قلة الاعتماد على تطبيق الأسس الميكانيكية للأداء المهارة واعطاء التغذية الراجعة كأداة فاعلة في اختصار الجهد والوقت , وعليه هدفت الدراسة إلى اعداد تمرينات نوعية وفقا لبعض المتغيرات البيوكينماتيكية مع معرفة تأثيرها في تعلم مهارة الأرسال المستقيم للطالبات , كما وأفترض الباحثان أن للتمرينات النوعية المعدة وفقا للمتغيرات البيوكينماتيكية تأثير ايجابي في تعلم مهارة الأرسال المستقيم لدى الطالبات , أما عينة البحث فقد اختيرت عشوائياً من مجتمع تحدد بطالبات المرحلة الثالثة في كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة بجامعة الكوفة للعام الدراسي ( 2024ــــ 2025) والبالغ عددهن (30) طالبة حيث تم تقسيمهم الى مجموعتين تجريبية وضابطة بواقع (10) طالبات في كل مجموعة , وبعد إعداد التمرينات وتطبيقها وأجراء الأختبارات ومعالجة النتائج , استنتج الباحثان عدة استنتاجات كان أهمها :
ـــــ أكدت النتائج فاعلية التمرينات النوعية المستخدمة في تحسين قيم المتغيرات الكينماتيكية ورفع مستويات الأداء المهاري للطالبات من عينة البحث.
وفي ضوء ذلك أوصى الباحثان بعدة توصيات أهمها:
ــــــ التأكيد على مراعاة الأسس الميكانيكية للحركة في اعداد التمرينات النوعية لتنسجم مع القابليات المتاحة لعينات البحوث العلمية.
Analisis Tingkat Pengetahuan Keracunan Timbal (Pb) dan Karbon Monoksida (CO) dengan Kadar Hemoglobin pada Pekerja Luar Ruangan
Authors: Aulia Mutiara Hikmah
Published: February 2025

Air pollution can lead to exposure to substances from exhaust gases. Carbon monoxide (CO) and lead (Pb) are harmful substances that can negatively impact the health of outdoor workers. Workers such as street sweepers and waste collectors are particularly susceptible to these exposures due to their daily street activities. Therefore, health assessments, such as hemoglobin (Hb) examinations, are essential. This study involved a literature review, distribution of questionnaires, interviews with the research population, laboratory tests, and analysis of the results. The study included 67 respondents, the majority of whom were male (97%) and in the productive age group of 21–40 years (62.7%). Most respondents worked more than 8 hours daily (91%), increasing their risk of exposure to hazardous substances. The results showed that 65.7% of respondents had normal hemoglobin levels, 32.8% had elevated levels, and 1.5% had low levels. Workers' knowledge about the dangers of Pb and CO (70.1%) showed no significant correlation with hemoglobin levels. However, knowledge remains crucial for encouraging protective behaviors such as the use of personal protective equipment. This study highlights the importance of education and safety training to protect the health of outdoor workers.
Pengaruh Pendidikan Kesehatan Pertolongan Pertama Luka Bakar Terhadap Pengetahuan Ibu Rumah Tangga di Desa Sea Kab. Minahasa
Authors: Arbie Chandra Abas  , Tezar Nusi  , Rahmat Hidayat Djalil  , Sunarti Basso
Published: February 2025

Burns are one of the types of injuries that often occur in everyday life, whether at home, workplace, or around us. Burns in housewives often occur due to daily activities at home. The purpose of the study is to determine the influence of first aid education burns on housewives’ knowledge in Sea Village,  Minahasa Regency. The research was conducted using pre-experimental methods with one group prepest-posttest design. The sample totaled 21 respondents taken using purposive sampling. Data collection is done using questionnaires. Further data collected in analysis with McNemar statistical test with a level of meaning (α) 0.05. The results of the study were obtained in the influence of first aid education burns on housewives’ knowledge with value P = 0.000 which means that the value is smaller than P(α)=0.05. The conclusion in this study is that there is the influence of first aid education on burns knowledge of housewives. Therefore, it is expected that this intervention can be useful and practical information in daily life.
Niger Delta Women Adaptive Measures against Oil Spillage: Interventions & Effectiveness
Authors: Azu Victoria N.
Published: February 2025

The study examined the plight of Niger Delta women living in oil-spills polluted environment. As survival strategies, these women adopted various approaches such as protest, community- based women organisations, appeals etc, to seek government interventions. The study was necessitated by the fact that despite many years of agitations against environmental degradation and its socio-economic impacts on the residents, no remarkable improvement has been seen in the living conditions of the Niger delta women who bear most of the brunt of the oil spillages, given their relationship with the environment. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of these interventions and coping strategies adopted by these women against the challenges of oil spillages. The Environmental Kuznets Curve theory (EKC) was adopted to describe the connection between economic activities and environmental depletion. Data was generated from primary and secondary sources. While oral interview was used to obtain primary data, secondary sources include documentaries, books and other online publications. Interviews were conducted on 12 women and 6 men from each part of the Niger Delta mostly affected, especially Ogoni in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta states.  Findings show that although protests, advocacies and interventions have taken place, these strategies have left little or no improvement in the living conditions of Niger Delta women. The study therefore concludes that governments, NGOs, Oil companies etc, need to be decisive in adopting more critical and rewarding interventions, to salvage lives in the oil-bearing communities. Among others, the study recommends as follows: Government should focus on service sector economy to reduce pressure on the environment; compensation should follow clearer legal guidelines, equitable compensation processes, and active community engagement to restore livelihood, also oil sabotage should be controlled by engaging perpetrators in meaningful economic activities; there should be functional legislation against criminal elements sabotaging interventions, Oil companies should prioritise compensations to women; and support them with skills acquisition, vocations, while community properly gets engaged for resilience etc.
Effects of Non-Verbal Communication in Apparels: Opinion Survey of Adult Public Perception of the Secret Language of Jeans in Asaba Urban Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Odedede J. N.
Published: February 2025

This study examined the effects of non-verbal fashion communication: Opinion survey of adult public perception of the secret language of Jeans in Asaba Urban, Delta, Nigeria. Qualitative and Quantitative methods were used to elicit information. One thousand two hundred (1200) questionnaires were administered and collected. A sample of 400 respondents was drawn from three categories of adults; students, artisans and traders residents in Asaba urban Delta. Data were explored using the statistical packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 2.0 to test for the variation observed in wordless fashion communication. The results revealed that jeans symbolizes references and is accepted by both male and female in the Asaba. It symbolizes social interface (58.33%), cultural context (64.84%) and enhance identity (66.66%). Finally, jeans clothing conformed human body and perceived as a product of identity.  This study also revealed that wearing of jeans among the adults has communication modes, social and cultural implications. Generally, perceptions held by Asaba urban residents reflect different value system among demographic strata.
Absorptive Capacity and Organisational Performance: An Empirical Study of a Public Organisation in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ononye Uzoma Heman
Published: February 2025

Studies on a relationship between absorptive capacity and organisational performance has not been fully exhausted, as organisations operate in an environment marked by high changes and complexities. Absorptive capacity enables organisations to integrate, transform, and use external knowledge with the goal of improving the way they perform in dynamic and complex environments. Furthermore, the concept of organisational performance is multifaceted, and the managerial focus on each element may account for variations in performance across different organisations. Building on these arguments, the study aimed to examine the absorptive capacity's direct and indirect relationship with organisational performance, specifically employee adaptive performance and innovation performance. The study also put into perspective the mediating role of strategic flexibility, a construct that defines how well organisations align external knowledge with internal resources and capabilities to achieve desired outcomes. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey of 123 mid-level employees randomly selected from the Delta State Ministry of Health using a well-structured questionnaire. This ministry operates in highly dynamic and volatile environments where adaptation is necessary to respond to the numerous health challenges and threats affecting the overall wellbeing of society. The study analysed the data collected from February to March 2024 with the partial least squares method. It found that absorptive capacity has a significant and positive direct and indirect relationship with organisational performance, which includes employee performance and innovation performance. Strategic flexibility facilitated this indirect relationship, exerting a greater influence on the organisational performance proxies. The study concluded that strategic flexibility can partially explain the relationship between absorptive capacity and organisational performance.
Exclusive Breastfeeding and its Impact on Child’s Physical Health in Duwakot, Nepal
Authors: Kharel Sushil , Mainalee Mandira
Published: February 2025

Background: Several research studies have identified breastfeeding as a significant factor for normal infant growth and development. Childhood obesity is the major ailment seen in formula fed infants which clearly demonstrates the protective role and effect of the exclusive breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to compare the physical health among exclusive breastfed and formula fed infants. The aim of our study was to find the impact of Exclusive Breastfeeding on child’s physical growth parameters among formula fed and exclusive breastfed infants.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done to compare the growth patterns of breast fed and formula fed babies of Duwakot. The growth patterns of 81 exclusive breastfed babies (39 male, 42 female) and 81 formula fed babies (44 male, 37 female) were compared. The weight for age (WA), Height for age (HA), and weight for Height (WH) Z scores were calculated in 6 to 24 months babies by WHO Anthro Software Version 3.2.2.

Results: The prevalence of overweight in exclusively breastfed infants was 6.1% (> +2SD) and in formula fed infants was 17.3%. The prevalence of overweight was significantly higher among formula fed infants. The prevalence of obesity in formula fed infants was 2.5% (> +3SD) and 1.2% in breastfed infants. The study revealed that overweight was significantly associated with formula feeding but no statistically significant difference was observed in the other physical parameters like wasting, stunting and underweight. In Breastfed infants the mean Z score for WA was -0.22, WH was 0.1 and BMI was 0.06 whereas in formula fed infants the mean Z score for WA was 0.3, WH was 0.68 and BMI was 0.71.

Conclusion: The physical growth pattern of exclusive breast fed and formula fed Nepalese babies showed overweight tendency in formula fed babies as compared to breastfed babies.

Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding; Formula fed; Growth pattern.
Metformin in prevention of stroke
Authors: Helvaci Mehmet Rami , Kurt Guner Dede , Halici Hulya , Sevinc Alper , Camci Celaletdin , Abyad Abdulrazak , Pocock Lesley
Published: February 2025

Background: Atherosclerosis may be the major underlying cause of aging and death.

Methods: All patients with sickle cell diseases (SCD) were included.

Results: We studied 222 males and 212 females with similar ages (30.8 vs 30.3 years, p>0.05, respectively). Smoking (23.8% vs 6.1%, p<0.001), alcohol (4.9% vs 0.4%, p<0.001), transfused red blood cells (RBC) in their lives (48.1 vs 28.5 units, p=0.000), disseminated teeth losses (5.4% vs 1.4%, p<0.001), ileus (7.2% vs 1.4%, p<0.001), coronary heart disease (CHD) (18.0% vs 13.2%, p<0.05), cirrhosis (8.1% vs 1.8%, p<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25.2% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), leg ulcers (19.8% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), digital clubbing (14.8% vs 6.6%, p<0.001), chronic renal disease (9.9% vs 6.1%, p<0.05), and stroke (12.1% vs 7.5%, p<0.05) were all higher in males, significantly.

Conclusion: As a prototype of systemic atherosclerosis, hardened RBC-induced capillary endothelial damage initiating at birth terminates with end-organ failure in much earlier ages in the SCD. Excess fat tissue may be much more important than smoking and alcohol for the development of atherosclerosis, and stroke and CHD are the two terminal causes of death with any underlying etiology. The efficacy of metformin in loss of appetite is well known for several years. Since metformin is a safe, cheap, orally used, and effective drug for excess weight, it should be prescribed for prevention of stroke after the age of 50 years even in normal weight individuals, since there are nearly 20 kg of excess fat tissue between the upper and lower borders of normal weight.

Key words: Sickle cell diseases, stroke, coronary heart disease, excess fat tissue, vascular endothelial inflammation, atherosclerosis, aging
Metformin in the treatment of chronic renal disease
Authors: Helvaci Mehmet Rami , Kurt Guner Dede , Halici Hulya , Sevinc Alper , Camci Celaletdin , Abyad Abdulrazak , Pocock Lesley
Published: February 2025

Background: Atherosclerosis may be the major underlying cause of aging and death.

Methods: All patients with sickle cell diseases (SCD) were included.

Results: We studied 222 males and 212 females with similar ages (30.8 vs 30.3 years, p>0.05, respectively). Smoking (23.8% vs 6.1%, p<0.001), alcohol (4.9% vs 0.4%, p<0.001), transfused red blood cells (RBC) in their lives (48.1 vs 28.5 units, p=0.000), disseminated teeth losses (5.4% vs 1.4%, p<0.001), ileus (7.2% vs 1.4%, p<0.001), chronic renal disease (CRD) (9.9% vs 6.1%, p<0.05), coronary heart disease (18.0% vs 13.2%, p<0.05), cirrhosis (8.1% vs 1.8%, p<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25.2% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), leg ulcers (19.8% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), digital clubbing (14.8% vs 6.6%, p<0.001), and stroke (12.1% vs 7.5%, p<0.05) were all higher in males, significantly.

Conclusion: As a prototype of systemic atherosclerosis, hardened RBC-induced capillary endothelial damage initiating at birth terminates with end-organ failures in much earlier ages in the SCD. Excess fat tissue may be much more important than smoking and alcohol for the development of atherosclerosis and end-organ insufficiencies in human being. The efficacy of metformin in loss of appetite is well known for several years. Since metformin is a safe, cheap, orally used, and effective drug for excess weight, it should be prescribed for the treatment of CRD even in normal weight individuals, since there are nearly 20 kg of excess fat tissue between the upper and lower borders of normal weight in adults.

Key words: Sickle cell diseases, chronic renal disease, excess fat tissue, vascular endothelial inflammation, atherosclerosis, smoking, aging
Special Editorial: Peace, Reconstruction and Justice for Palestinians - in Gaza, the West Bank and beyond
Authors: Pocock Lesley
Published: February 2025

In Gaza today (29/1/2025) as we celebrate our global
status as close to self-annihilation (the Doomsday
Clock) I wonder if sane and decent humans will now
be allowed to take our world out of the hands of the
commercial and political tyrants who have brought
us collectively to this stage. They put personal wealth
and their psychopathic needs to control, above the
existence of all life. We didn’t need a meteorite this
time - all the destruction was done by greedy and evil
humans - sadly they will also take the life of so many
other innocent creatures.
Genocide in Gaza and the West Bank
We have all seen the great injustice and horror of the
genocide in Gaza and now when there is nothing left to
destroy, we have the ‘peace process’ where Palrstinian
‘prisoners’ are being returned to a wasteland – and a
situation where it is impossible for Palestinians to live in
their own country, so the attacks are now happening in
the West Bank. Can we trust that once the Israelis get
their hostages released Net
Das Risiko Pflegebedürftigkeit – Prävention ein Lösungsansatz?
Authors: Kuhlmey Adelheid
Published: February 2025

Strategische Überlegungen zur Gestaltung von Prävention im Alter. Das Gesundheits- und Pflegesystem ist in Deutschland nahezu exklusiv auf die Versorgung von Defiziten bei pflegebedürftigen Menschen ausgerichtet. Die Gerontologin und Medizinsoziologin Univ.-Prof. Dr. Adelheid Kuhlmey, bis 2024 Wissenschaftliche Direktorin des CharitéCentrums für Human- und Gesundheitswissenschaften, ehemalige Prodekanin für Studium und Lehre an der Charité und seit Juli 2024 Gründungsvorstand Wissenschaft der Universitätsmedizin Lausitz – Carl Thiem beschreibt den für eine Weiterentwicklung nötigen Paradigmenwechsel: Hin zu einer Stärkung der vorhandenen physischen, psychischen und sozialen Ressourcen altwerdender Menschen.
Efficacy and Safety of Sotatercept in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ghanbari Afra Leila , Mousavi Asma , Mirzaei Mohammad , Rahimi Yasaman , Khosravi Farbod , Rahmanian Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Context: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by the narrowing and remodeling of small pulmonary arteries, resulting from an imbalance in signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation. Current therapeutic strategies for PAH target specific pathways to enhance pulmonary hemodynamics, including soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, endothelin receptor antagonists, and prostacyclin pathway modulators. Sotatercept emerges as a promising therapeutic option that targets the underlying mechanism of PAH by improving the integrity of the endothelial layer of pulmonary arteries, promoting cellular proliferation, and alleviating vascular dysfunction. Objectives: This study systematically aims to review existing literature on the efficacy and safety of sotatercept in treating PAH. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across five online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar) to identify relevant studies. Original studies with human participants that investigated the efficacy and safety of sotatercept in patients with PAH were included. The primary outcomes assessed included clinical parameters such as pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), mean right atrial pressure (mRAP), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and improvements in World Health Organization functional class (WHO FC) over follow-up periods of up to 24 weeks. Additionally, adverse events such as thrombocytopenia, bleeding, headaches, telangiectasia, increased blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and epistaxis were evaluated. Results: After screening, nine studies involving a total of 323 participants were included in the review. The analysis revealed that sotatercept significantly reduced PVR and led to notable improvements in 6MWD and NT-proBNP levels among patients. The treatment was well-tolerated across various dosages, with all evaluated adverse events being manageable. Conclusions: The findings indicate that sotatercept is an effective therapeutic intervention for patients with PAH, significantly reducing PVR while enhancing exercise capacity and improving biomarkers of heart failure. The adverse effects associated with sotatercept were generally mild and manageable. The results support the potential of sotatercept as a valuable addition to the current treatment landscape for PAH. Further studies are warranted to comprehensively evaluate all related outcomes and potential adverse events associated with this therapy.
Evaluation of prf A Gene in Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Dairy
Authors: Ghazaei Ciamak
Published: February 2025

Background: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate Listeria monocytogenes contamination in dairy products from Ardabil, Iran. This foodborne pathogen is known to cause listeriosis, particularly in vulnerable populations such as immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Objectives: This novel study focuses on an extensive analysis of L. monocytogenes. Methods: DNA extraction of the bacteria was performed, followed by amplification and evaluation of the prf A gene in L. monocytogenes to assess its potential for virulence, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation. Additionally, this study targeted the CFU/mL count and evaluated the antibiotic resistance of L. monocytogenes against multiple antibiotics, including ampicillin, kanamycin, penicillin G, co-trimoxazole, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, cephotaxime, erythromycin, imipenem, and chloramphenicol. Results: The presence of the prf A gene was detected in nearly all samples containing L. monocytogenes, and it was determined to be significantly responsible for the pathogenicity of the bacteria in listeriosis. Conclusions: Understanding the frequency of virulent strains containing the prf A gene could support the development of improved prognostic models and interventions to prevent future outbreaks.
Alpha Human Papillomavirus Types and Genotype Distribution in Psoriasis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Regional Study in Turkey
Authors: Ersoy Leyla , Tezcan Ulger Seda , Cordan Yazici Ayca , Aslan Gonul
Published: February 2025

Background: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are members of the Papillomaviridae family, characterized by circular, double-stranded DNA. They exhibit strict tropism, infecting either mucosa or skin. The role of HPV in the etiology of psoriasis remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of alpha human papillomavirus in the skin scrapings of patients with psoriasis and its genotype distributions. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design and included 53 psoriasis patients and 47 healthy controls from December 2020 to May 2021. After DNA isolation from skin scrapings, the L1 gene region of HPV was amplified using MY09/11 and GP5 +/6 + consensus primer sequences. The HPV genotypes were determined through direct DNA sequence analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Results: HPV DNA was detected in 34% of psoriasis patients and 29.8% of healthy individuals. Among the patients, HPV18 was found in 11.1%, HPV31 in 38.9%, and HPV81 in 50%. In the healthy individuals, HPV31 was found in 7.1% and HPV81 in 92.9%. HPV DNA was detected in 31.8% of patients who received psoralen UV-A (PUVA) treatment and 35.5% of those who did not. High-risk (HR) HPV18 was identified in two patients (28.6%) within the group treated with PUVA. Conclusions: There is a potential risk for psoriasis patients who receive lifelong immunosuppressive treatment in the case of persistent infections with the HR oncogenic types (HPV18 and HPV31) of alpha HPVs identified in this study. The high prevalence of low-risk HPV81 in healthy individuals suggests that alpha HPVs might occur as members of the normal skin flora without causing cutaneous lesions in healthy skin.
Automatic Diagnosis of Thyromegaly by Using Ultrasound Measurements Based on Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Naleini Farhad , Dehlaghi Vahab , Soroori Sahar , Siyah Mansoory Meysam
Published: February 2025

Background: The thyroid size increases in some diseases of this gland, which is known as goiter or thyromegaly. Thyromegaly is more prevalent in women than men. Thyroid ultrasound is a non-invasive, inexpensive, and safe method for assessing thyroid disorders. Length, width (W), and height measuring of the thyroid lobes and volume is a time-consuming process. Objectives: The object of the present study was to offer a rapid artificial neural network (ANN) system for automatic detection of thyromegaly and to investigate the relationship between thyroid dimensions and its volume. Methods: The thyroid dimensions including longitudinal (L) diameter, anterior-posterior or depth (AP) diameter, W diameter, and AP diameter of isthmus were measured among 131 individuals, assigned to thyromegaly and normal groups during the years 2018 and 2019. Proposed ANN system containing of one hidden layer, 3 neurons, and one output for representing the presence of thyromegaly was created by MATALB software. Results: The implementation of the neural network showed that the use of the measured parameters of the right lobe is able to detect thyromegaly with an accuracy of 94.74, and the isthmus information does not increase the accuracy of the network very much. Also, "width of the right lobe" is the most appropriate parameter and the isthmus thickness was the least important parameter for automatic detection of thyromegaly. Conclusions: Artificial neural network as a decision-support system can be useful in reducing measurement error while performing ultrasound in detection of thyromegaly and also reducing time of diagnostic processes
Psychometric Validation and Development of the Persian Short Form of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale for Iranian Adults
Authors: Arefnia Rashin , Haji Alizadeh Kobra , Seddigh Seyed Hamzeh
Published: February 2025

Background: Perfectionism, a multidimensional trait, impacts psychological well-being with both adaptive and maladaptive effects. Existing tools, such as the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) and Hewitt and Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HMPS), face limitations in non-western contexts, including Iran. The Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form (BTPS-SF), a concise 16-item scale, retains the core dimensions of perfectionism while enhancing usability in large-scale studies. Objectives: This study aimed to translate and validate the Persian version of the BTPS-SF, providing a reliable, culturally adapted tool for research and clinical applications in Iranian populations. Methods: This psychometric validation study employed advanced validation methods to assess the factor structure and psychometric properties of the short form of the BTPS-SF among Iranian adults. A sample of 1,271 participants, aged 18 to 50, was selected from Karaj using cluster sampling. Data collection involved the BTPS-SF and BTPS, with rigorous translation and cultural adaptation processes. Validity and reliability were assessed through content, concurrent, and construct validity, as well as internal reliability measures. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 18 and Lisrel 8.8 software. Results: The BTPS-SF demonstrated robust content validity, with content validity ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) values exceeding the established benchmarks. Concurrent validity revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.82, P = 0.001) between the BTPS-SF and BTPS scores. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirmed a three-factor structure, explaining 70.77% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated an excellent model fit, with a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.035 and a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.99. The scale demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.887 to 0.916, and split-half reliability coefficients of 0.940, confirming its robust psychometric properties. Conclusions: The Persian BTPS-SF is a valid and reliable tool for assessing multidimensional perfectionism in Iranian adults. Despite limitations, such as self-reporting, the geographic focus on Karaj, and the cross-sectional design, the findings provide a solid foundation for future studies. Expanding the sample and adopting longitudinal designs could further refine its applicability across diverse contexts.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients at a Shiraz Diabetes Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Joulaei Hassan , Tavakoli Ali , Foroozanfar Zohre , Afrashteh Sima , Amiri Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are common and serious, often leading to high mortality and recurrence rates. Despite conventional treatments, many patients turn to traditional medicine. Objectives: This study examines the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the treatment of these ulcers. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 DFU patients in Shiraz who visited the wound clinic in late 2021. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire, database management system (DBMS), and a file system. The questionnaire included information on traditional complementary/alternative measures, resources providing CAM, and the use of herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. Linear, ordinal, and logistic regression models were used for data analysis. Results: Among the participants (mean age 58.35; 62% male), 54% had moderate ulcers, and 83% had neuropathy. While only 46 (15.3%) participants followed lifestyle management principles, 254 (84.7%) used CAM, and 238 (79.3%) reported a history of using medicinal plants, with chamomile being the most frequently used (48.7%). Females were significantly less likely to use CAM compared to males (OR = 0.35; CI: 0.16 - 0.75). Similarly, residing in an urban area was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of CAM use compared to rural areas (OR = 0.13; CI: 0.06 - 0.31). A history of using phlebotomy (β = -1.42, P = 0.001), massage (β = -2.39, P = 0.003), acupuncture (β = -2.41, P = 0.002), spiritual treatments (β = -2.32, P = 0.026), green tea (β = -0.51, P = 0.026), and Urtica (β = -0.64, P = 0.025) were significantly associated with a lower grade on Wagner's classification. Additionally, the use of Sumac (OR = 0.39; CI: 0.23 - 0.68) and Eryngo tincture (OR = 0.51; CI: 0.28 - 0.93) were significantly associated with A1C < 7. Conclusions: Complementary and alternative medicine use is widespread among diabetic patients in Iran. Education on CAM and professional guidance are essential, along with further research to understand the impact of CAM on diabetes management.