bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the efficacy of integrative medicine for chronic conditions: The role of combining allopathy, ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, diet and lifestyle
Authors: Gawali Vijaykumar , Vijay Ria
Published: December 2024

Chronic diseases are significant and increasing causes of illness and disability throughout the world with significant targeted implications for individual quality of life as well as health systems. Even though these medicines have been proven to be very effective in the so-called ‘acute ‘symptomatic relief ‘of ailments, the conventional biomedicine diagnosis and treatment regimens, particularly the drugs and medicines do not effectively address the chronic diseases that are lifestyle diseases with psychological connotations like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus or arthritis, etc. Thus, a treatment or therapy plan based on a patient’s constitution and lifestyle might be the solution to improved compliance as well as satisfaction with the integrative approach. However, this is a model that has some concerns of confusion with the pluralism of the treatment approach; thus, it may pose a threat to the modality and standardization while handled by specialized players. However, walking around various therapeutic modalities could initially amount to higher costs and although the costs could be higher, long-term implications such as lowered disease complications and hospitalizations could lead to more cost savings.
COVID-19 pandemic- mitigation and governmental response, Uttarakhand
Authors: Singh Pankaj Kumar , Tripathi Akhilesh , Rana Paritosh Singh , Tripathi Abhishek , Pandey Pankaj Kumar
Published: December 2024

The Health Department of the Uttarakhand State Government, in collaboration with various other departments, implemented a timely and comprehensive response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A range of administrative and technical strategies were adopted, encompassing not only preventive and mitigation measures but also interventions designed to address the pandemic's economic and social impacts. This editorial highlights the coordinated efforts of different departments and the integrated governmental approach taken by the state of Uttarakhand to effectively respond to and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflexiones sobre por qué no trascendemos en ciencia y tecnología
Authors: Torres Sánchez Horacio
Published: December 2024

Este artículo parte del análisis de los resultados de las investigaciones del ingeniero Jorge Álvarez Lleras y su referencia al estudio de Julio Garavito Armero recogido en su artículo “El clima de Bogotá”. Al ir de lo particular (el clima de Bogotá) a lo general y luego regresar a lo particular, Álvarez Lleras se basó en el método inductivo, científicamente aceptado por la comunidad académica internacional hoy en día. El autor trabajó durante cerca de dos décadas el tema de la meteorología y publicó en 1940 sus “Elementos de Meteorología tropical” en el número 12, volumen3, de la revista de la Academia. A partir de sus hallazgos logró postular una teoría que conlleva una comprensión científica, rigurosa, sistemática y profunda del origen, características y variaciones dela meteorología en función de la latitud. Al revisar la bibliografía actual utilizando los modernos motores de búsqueda, el nombre de Álvarez Lleras y los resultados de sus investigaciones no aparecen referenciados. Se plantea, entonces, una pregunta fundamental: ¿por qué los resultados de una investigación científica rigurosa, sistemática y profunda, basados en principios físicos y modelos matemáticos de Meteorología tropical, no trascendieron a nivel mundial si estaban respaldados por una teoría y unos modelos pioneros del desarrollo posterior de la ciencia meteorológica? A partir de esta pregunta, se plantean aquí cinco reflexiones para la discusión académica.
«Salve a unos de la miseria», el enseñar el Divino Arte a los niños pobres de Aguascalientes. Fundación y avatares de la academia de música (1881-1885)
Authors: Ramírez-Hurtado Luciano
Published: December 2024

Este trabajo tiene el propósito de describir y analizar las razones por las cuales se fundó la primera academia de música en la ciudad de Aguascalientes, como un intento por parte del Estado en enseñar música a un sector desprotegido de la sociedad: niños pobres del sur de la ciudad de Aguascalientes, México, en el período 1881-1885. Se da cuenta de gestiones, apoyos y obstáculos a los que se enfrentó la naciente institución, creada para que los jóvenes tuvieran los conocimientos musicales necesarios para formar bandas, orquestas y agrupaciones, de modo tal que pudiesen trabajar, así como de la preocupación de autoridades y particulares para que los estudiantes tuvieran suficientes instrumentos musicales y lucieran en audiciones que hacían en espacios públicos y eventos solemnes de carácter educativo. Fue de corta vida el experimento, dando paso a un nuevo establecimiento educativo, más formal y estructurado, de acuerdo con nuevas necesidades, me refiero a la fundación de la academia de música municipal por decreto del congreso local en marzo de 1885 para que se contara con un conservatorio y una orquesta dado que se estaba construyendo un moderno teatro, de acuerdo con los criterios de modernidad propios de la época.
Woodcocks to Springes: Generic Disjunction in The Banquet
Authors: Hollifield Scott
Published: December 2024

Directed by Feng Xiaogang, Ye Yan ("The Banquet") is an amalgamation of visual styles and narrative tropes: a detailed period epic developed from a mere historical sketch; a lush and stately study of court intrigue that favors whisper over decree; an artfully choreographed wuxia film that tempers precisely constructed sequences of action and movement with the subtleties of Chinese theatrical forms; and a reciprocation of Chinese cinematic influence on Western action films. As a generic hybrid, Ye Yan effectively establishes its rules of appropriation and balances them against a complex network of audience expectation and influence: a wuxia rooted in the literary-psychological rather than mytho-historical tradition; a film formally designed and structured, yet informed by the latest trends in wirework and CGI; Hamlet, and yet not Hamlet. At the same time, wary of overwhelming spectators in its whirlpool of source and influence, the film unsuccessfully attempts to outdo its virtues as its tightly wound, majestically paced narrative unravels.
"The World's Common Place" Leveling the Shakespearean Playing Field
Authors: Cavanagh Sheila T.
Published: December 2024

Based at Emory University, the World Shakespeare Project (WSP) uses videoconferencing to connect students and faculty from India, Morocco, Brazil, Argentina, England, and several North American Tribal Colleges in Shakespearean performance exercises and discussions. As much as possible, the WSP endeavors to facilitate both cooperative and collaborative research and pedagogy so that each partner institution contributes and gains something substantive through these collaborations despite disparate socioeconomic, geographical, religious, educational, technological, and cultural divides among the participants. In the context of what here is being termed "Service Shakespeare," therefore, these partnerships problematize the concept of "service"; the WSP supports an exchange where common ground is identified wherever possible, while each partner also offers distinctive contributions specific to its own cultural, historic, and geographical particulars.
A Thousand Universes: Zhang Ziyi in Feng Xiaogang's The Banquet Authors
Authors: Hood Woodrow B.
Published: December 2024

Beyond its lush cinematography, wuxia wire acrobatics, eye candy costumes, and million yuan sets, Feng Xiaogang's 2006 film, The Banquet, presents more than a Chinese reimagining of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The film recenters the play by switching the locus of the protagonist from Shakespeare's titular character to the generally subordinate character of Gertrude. Though the switch creates some clearly problematic gender issues, Zhang Ziyi's intricate performance as Empress Wan offers potential for multiple interpretations.
Bettymania and the Birth of Celebrity Culture, by Jeffrey Kahan
Authors: Woo Celestine
Published: December 2024

Kahan, Jeffrey. Bettymania and the Birth of Celebrity Culture. Bethlehem, Penn.: Lehigh University Press, 2010.
"Mak[ing] . . . Strange / Even to the disposition that I owe": Vishal Bharadwaj's Maqbool
Authors: Trivedi Poonam
Published: December 2024

Shakespeare forms a kind of a benchmark in Indian culture; local responses to his works determine their distance from our own past. On stage, there have been several successful adaptations of Macbeth performed in indigenous Indian styles. But with Maqbool, we have hit another level of appropriation. Here, it is neither ethnicity nor authenticity that is aimed at, but rather, a postcolonial maturity in contemporizing the universality of Shakespeare according to our own current concerns. Maqbool has unfixed Shakespeare from the grip of the English medium school and made him a free-floating signifier available for anyone with the nous to take him on.
Maqbool and Bollywood Conventions
Authors: Sen Amrita
Published: December 2024

Vishal Bharadwaj sets Maqbool (Kaleidoscope Productions, 2004), his adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, against the backdrop of Mumbai's underworld. Maqbool deftly blends the basic plot structure of Shakespeare's play with the increasingly popular genre of Bollywood gangland films. Bharadwaj's adaptation traces the rise and betrayal of Miya Maqbool (Macbeth), whose love interest, Nimmi, combines the ferocity of Lady Macbeth with the desperation and marginalization characteristic of female leads in Bollywood thrillers. Bharadwaj's film belongs to a long tradition of Shakespeare adaptations in India, both on stage and the silver screen. Echoes of Shakespearean dialogues in Bharadwaj's film co-exist with staple Bollywood song and dance sequences, creating a heady postcolonial mix.
This Tempest's Hers: Metropolitan Opera's The Enchanted Island and the Feminism of Bel Canto Shakespeare Adaptation
Authors: Scott-Douglass Amy
Published: December 2024

This essay looks at the Metropolitan Opera's The Enchanted Island as a revision of The Tempest that subverts the gender politics of Shakespeare's play. The theory of transgressive adaptation behind this reworking of Shakespeare identifies the music as much as the libretto as the site for potential interpretive freedom, and hinges, in particular, on the voices of divas Joyce DiDonato and Danielle de Niese to articulate their feminist interpretations of their characters and to claim the improvisational liberties that bel canto opera provides to singers in performance
The Banquet
Authors: Chen Ya-chen
Published: December 2024

While parallels between The Banquet and Hamlet and other Shakespearean plays seem easy to spot for viewers with an eye for them, the Chinese intertexts are opaque and more challenging to grasp, as several contributors demonstrate in this collection. Furthermore, while the cultural and historical contexts of Maqbool are readily available in English (through essays here and elsewhere), the same could not be said of The Banquet, a film with equally rich allusions. This section examines the Chinese literary and historical traditions that inform director Feng Xiaogang's interpretation of Hamlet, focusing on three key elements in the film: Empress Wan as a parallel to Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty; the film's allusion to the sword of the Maiden of Yueh; and the banquet as a redaction of the historical "banquet in Hongmen." As an extended glossary, this section is designed to elucidate these connections for readers interested in the Chinese background of the film.
Review of Spectral Shakespeares: Media Adaptations in the Twenty-First Century, by Maurizio Calbi
Authors: Reid Pauline
Published: December 2024

Calbi, Maurizio. Spectral Shakespeares: Media Adaptations in the Twenty-First Century. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013.
"You speak all your part at once, cues and all": Reading Shakespeare with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Jensen Michael P.
Published: December 2024

This is the story of reading an abridged script of Twelfth Night with a support group for early stage Alzheimer's disease patients. Though the reading was difficult in many ways, the result was a tremendous boost to the self-esteem of the participants because they did something perceived as difficult and worthwhile. The paper looks at why this was such an unexpected success, examines the readers and their challenges, and concludes with the recommendation that Shakespeare or other literature be studied as a therapy for people with Alzheimer's disease.
Notes from the Rehearsal Room: Casting People of Color
Authors: Skelton Jay Paul
Published: December 2024

This essay provides personal reflections on casting actors of color in Shakespearean productions. As a theater practitioner who has recently come to the academy, I offer thoughts on my practical experiences directing and producing colorblind productions
Performing A Midsummer Night's Dream with the Homeless (and Others) in Paris Authors
Authors: Schwartz-Gastine Isabelle
Published: December 2024

The production of A Midsummer Night's Dream given in March 2010 by the company Théâtre du Bout du Monde in Paris had an unusual cast composed of amateurs, helped by professionals. The two directors, Miguel Borras and Philippe Guérin, have conducted workshops for amateurs in various locations: a bank, a primary school, a center for homeless people, an assisted living home for the elderly, and a ward for people struggling with mental illness at the local hospital. The members of these heterogeneous groups were given roles in the production despite their difficulties. Instead of trying to minimize or hide the disabilities of these amateurs, the directors integrated them into their dramaturgy, turning challenges into assets. The amateurs were paired with the professional members of the company, so that the mechanicals, the four Athenian lovers, and even Theseus, could rely on experienced actors if they failed to remember the details of their parts. Thanks to the inventiveness of the directors, this production managed to explore new perspectives of this play that resulted from the (dis)abilities of these amateurs, creating a strong impression of ensemble work.
Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Saussurea costus Phytoconstituents Against Prostate Cancer Using Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking
Authors: Kosanam Sreya , Pasupula Rajeshwari , James Diokadan
Published: December 2024

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, necessitating the development of novel and targeted therapies. Natural products derived from traditional medicinal plants, such as Saussurea costus, offer promising anticancer potential due to their bioactive compounds. Virtual screening provides an efficient in silico approach to identify potential drug candidates by targeting specific pathways and molecular mechanisms associated with cancer. Objectives: This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds in S. costus with potential anticancer properties and to elucidate their mechanisms of action using virtual screening, molecular docking, and pathway enrichment analyses. Methods: Compounds from the IMPPAT database were screened for drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics using SwissADME and PASS webserver tools. Toxicity predictions were conducted using ProTox-II. Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) associated with prostate cancer were identified through GEO2R analysis of the GSE47108 dataset. Overlapping genes between DEGs and compound targets were subjected to Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis using STRING and Cytoscape to identify hub genes. Molecular docking of selected compounds with hub genes was performed using AutoDock Vina, and pathway analysis was conducted using ShinyGO and KEGG databases. Results: Three compounds—stigmasterol, isoboldine, and beta-sitosterol—were identified with favorable ADME and toxicity profiles. Hub genes such as SRC, FGFR1, and HSP90AA1 were strongly associated with prostate cancer pathways. Docking studies revealed significant binding affinities, with stigmasterol showing the strongest interaction with HSP90AA1. Pathway enrichment highlighted the involvement of PI3K/AKT and cancer-related pathways. Conclusion: Saussurea costus exhibits multi-targeted anticancer potential, particularly against prostate cancer. These findings warrant further in vitro and in vivo studies to validate the therapeutic efficacy of its bioactive compounds.
Examining the Correlation Between Clinical Presentations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) Infected Pneumonia and the Utilisation of Natural Remedies for Alleviation
Authors: Dabbour Rasha Sami
Published: December 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed various clinical presentations, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. In this scenario, natural remedies have notably increased popularity due to their perceived therapeutic advantages. However, these remedies remain untested in terms of their effectiveness and role in mitigating COVID-19 symptoms. Aim: This study aims to examine how natural remedies can help manage COVID-19 symptoms and explore the complex relationship between symptomatology and consumption. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study with 215 Jordanians was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information about symptoms and natural remedies used by COVID-19 patients. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify relationships between symptoms and natural remedies used. Results: Natural remedies were used to treat mild symptoms (58.1%) and to help patients recover from their symptoms (40.5%). The use of natural remedies is associated with symptoms such as indigestion, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nasal congestion, nausea, stomachache, diarrhoea and loss of smell. For headaches, 31.3% of participants used fenugreek, black seeds and sesame oil. Sore throats and coughs were treated with honey, turmeric, cinnamon, chamomile, lemon, olive oil, rosemary, sage, anise, sesame oil, parsley and cardamom. To treat nasal congestion, honey, garlic and anise were used. Severe loss of taste and smell were treated with onions and garlic. Each region offers unique natural remedies and preferences that reflect its distinct culture and environment. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, natural remedies were found to be effective in treating upper respiratory infections among the adult Jordanian population. Individuals use natural remedies during health crises for a variety of purposes, emphasising the importance of a personalised approach.
Enhancing Heart Health Prediction with Natural Remedies Through Integration of Hybrid Deep Learning Models
Authors: Salem Akoosh Lamiaa Mohammed , Siddiqui Farheen , Zafar Sherin , Naaz Sameena , Afshar Alam M.
Published: December 2024

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating advanced predictive models to improve early detection and prevention. The integration of natural remedies with machine learning techniques offers a promising approach for enhancing heart disease prediction. Aim: This study aims to develop a hybrid learning model for predicting cardiac disease by combining machine learning algorithms with natural remedies to improve the model’s accuracy and clinical applicability. Methods: A dataset titled “Indicators of Heart Disease (2022 UPDATE)” containing 246,023 patient records was sourced from Kaggle. The hybrid model combines Random Forest (RF) for interpretability and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for time-series analysis. Features related to herbal medicines and their impact on heart health were incorporated to enhance predictive accuracy. Results: The hybrid model achieved an accuracy of 100%, demonstrating the potential of integrating traditional medical data with natural remedies to enhance cardiovascular disease forecasting. The inclusion of natural remedies provided a comprehensive tool for clinicians, enabling more precise decision-making. Conclusion: Integrating natural remedies into machine learning models is a promising direction for improving the prediction and early prevention of heart disease. This approach offers a sustainable and accessible solution to cardiovascular healthcare, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.
A Comprehensive Review on the Ethnopharmacological Potential of Inula racemosa
Authors: Baile Sunil Bhaurao , Parmar Ghanshyam Ratilal
Published: December 2024

Inula racemosa, Pushkarmool or Indian elecampane, is a perennial herbaceous plant indigenous to the Himalayan region and various parts of Central Asia. It is classified within the Asteraceae family and is characterised by its tall stature, prominent foliage, and clusters of yellow blossoms. It has traditionally been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine due to its multifaceted therapeutic attributes, including expectorant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Through chemical analysis, key bioactive constituents such as alantolactone and isoalantolactone have been identified, underscoring their medicinal significance. Emerging research underscores the potential of I. racemosa extracts in addressing respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal maladies, and inflammatory ailments. Nevertheless, comprehensive investigations are imperative to delineate its pharmacological mechanisms and potential adverse reactions.
Non-hormonal methods of correction of climacteric disorders in women
Authors: Tatarchuk T.F. , Reheda S.I. , Kosei N.V. , Zakharenko N.F. , Plaksiieva K.D.
Published: December 2024

Objective of the study: to optimize non-hormonal therapy of menopausal syndrome in perimenopausal women.
Materials and methods. 60 female patients aged 40–55 years with mild climacteric disorders were examined. Group I included 30 women who received a psychological consultation with recommendations on lifestyle and dietary correction, group II included 30 women who received Ayurvedic herbal drug Zintago 10 ml three times a day for three months a psychological consultation with recommendations on lifestyle and dietary correction. Patients were tested before treatment and 1 and 3 months after therapy according to the following scales: Spielberger-Hanin, PSM-25, MRS, and according to the SF-36 scale before treatment and 3 months after.
Results. 1 (31.4 ± 1.9 points) and 3 (27.8 ± 2.3 points) months after treatment in the II group there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the indicator of personal anxiety according to the Spielberger scale in comparison with the initial level. There was a decrease in the index of situational anxiety from 36.4 ± 1.9 points before treatment to 26.2 ± 1.7 points (p < 0.05) in group II after 3 months of therapy. There were no significant clinical results in group I.
According to the PSM-25 scale, a clinically significant effect was in both groups after 3 months of treatment, but in group II it was achieved faster, after only one month – from 154.7 ± 9.6 to 122.6 ± 8.3 points (p < 0.05).
According to the SF-36 scale, a significant improvement in the quality of life in group I after 3 months of therapy was only in the indicators of social functioning (from 54.6 ± 7.1 points before treatment to 73.8 ± 5.8 after 3 months of therapy, p <  0.05) and role functioning due to emotional state (from 57.3 ± 6.6 to 74.8 ± 4.6 points, p < 0.05), while patients of group II demonstrated a significant improvement in all domains of the SF-36 scale.
The somato-vegetative component of the MRS scale in the II group before treatment was 3.7 ± 0.06, and after 1 and 3 months it decreased to 3.4 ± 0.04 and 2.6 ± 0.06 points, respectively, (р < 0 ,05).
Already after 3 months of treatment there was a significant decrease in the indicators of psycho-emotional changes in all women, which indicates the feasibility of using psychoprophylactic drugs in patients with mild menopausal syndrome.
Conclusions. Psychological counseling can be used in perimenopausal women to correct the manifestations of menopausal syndrome (somato-vegetative and psychological components) and such mental health indicators as social and role functioning. The ayurvedic herbal compositions can enhance the effect of psychological counseling in perimenopausal women with mild menopausal syndrome.
Dynamics of C-reactive protein and albumin levels in women of late reproductive age during pregnancy induced in assisted reproductive technology programs
Authors: Khancha F.A. , Nosenko O.M.
Published: December 2024

Background. Pregnancy from a biological point of view is an inflammatory condition. Decreased fertility, especially when assisted reproductive technologies are required, as well as women’s late reproductive age is associated with increased inflammation.
Objective of the study: to determine the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin in women of late reproductive age in the dynamics of pregnancy induced in assisted reproductive technologies programs.
Materials and methods. Under observation were 123 women with infertility cured in assisted reproductive technologies cycles: 65 were pregnant women of late  reproductive age (group I), 58 were of active reproductive age (group II). Control group С consisted of 57 pregnant women of advanced reproductive age after the natural concept. The level of CRP was determined using the immunoturbidimetric method, albumin level – with a colorimetric analysis.
Results. It was found that, the CRP level in the blood serum increased over the course of the gestational process and was significantly lower in the first trimester compared to the second and third trimester in all studied groups of pregnant women. Pregnant women of group I had higher levels of serum CRP compared to women of group II and group C. The albumin level in the blood serum in the first trimester of pregnancy was statistically significantly higher compared to the second and third trimesters in all studied groups. Women in group I had lower levels of serum albumin compared to pregnant women in group II and group C.
Conclusions. Pregnancy induced in assisted reproductive technologies programs in women of late reproductive age is characterized by increased levels of CRP and decreased levels of albumin in peripheral blood serum, which requires the development of appropriate therapeutic and preventive correction during pregnancy.
Clinical and pathogenetic parallels of the hormonal profile and the qualitative composition of the intestinal microbiocenosis in pregnant women
Authors: Marichereda V.G. , Adonina I.O. , Rozhkovska N.M.
Published: December 2024

Objective of the study: assessment of clinical and pathogenetic parallels of changes in the hormonal profile and qualitative composition of intestinal microbiocenosis in pregnant women with different nutritional status at different stages of gestation.
Materials and methods. 96 pregnant women aged 25–35 with metabolic syndrome (group I), 37 women with obesity of the first degree (group II) and 30 women of the same age with normotrophic nutritional status and physiological course of pregnancy (control group) were examined. Average blood pressure was monitored, the hormonal profile (progesterone, estriol, leptin levels) and lipid profile was assessed, as well as the composition of the intestinal microbiocenosis at 17–20 and 35–37 weeks of gestation.
Results. In the period of 17–20 weeks the leptin level in the I group was 38.4 ± 0.7 μg/ml, in the II group – 37.7 ± 1.1 μg/ml, in the control group – 33.2 ± 1.3 μg/ml. In the period of 35–37 weeks its level decreased in all clinical groups, amounting to 112.7 ± 1.4 μg/ml in the I group, 118.3 ± 3.9 μg/ml in the II group, 237 5 ± 5.3 μg/ml in the control group.
Cases of the II degree of intestinal dysbiosis prevailed in groups I and II. 65 cases of I degree of dysbiosis and 32 cases of the II degree were found in the I group, 27 and 10 cases in the II group, respectively. 4 (13.3%) pregnant women had II degree of dysbiosis, 12 (40.0%) had I degree of dysbiosis in the control group. The frequency of dysbiosis was correlated with the body mass index (r = 0.82 p < 0.05), the blood content of estradiol (r = 0.49 p < 0.05), progesterone (r = -0.34 p < 0, 05) and leptin (r = 0.69 p < 0.05).
Conclusions. The presence of metabolic syndrome and obesity in pregnant women affects the qualitative composition of the intestinal microbiocenosis, which is manifested by an increase in the population of opportunistic microorganisms. The frequency of dysbiosis correlates with the body mass index, estradiol, progesterone and leptin concentrations.
Modern progestogens in the treatment of genital endometriosis
Authors: Markin L.B. , Matvienko O.O.
Published: December 2024

Objective of the review: to evaluate modern approaches to the use of progestogens for the treatment of endometriosis, using literature sources, to provide examples of their effectiveness in global and own practices.Analysis of literary data. In total, 41 publications by foreign authors were selected and processed. Information on the effectiveness of the domestic progestogen drug Vigest-KV in the treatment of endometriosis in our own practice is also presented.Today, the newest progestin is dienogest, a derivative of 19-nortestosterone. It has shown its high efficiency in various clinical manifestations of endometriosis, as well as in its recurrences. Long-term treatment regimens with dienogest (60 months) are promising, as they effectively reduce pain and the risk of endometriosis recurrence, in particular after surgical treatment. An important advantage of dienogest is the low frequency of side effects (1.2–2.5%), especially such as the effect on bone mineral density.Our clinical experience allows us to recommend the Ukrainian medicinal product Vigest-KV, containing dienogest, for the treatment of various types of endometriosis. Its advantage is a special mechanism of ovulation blockade aimed at apoptosis of the granulosa cells of the growing follicle. Also, long-term use of this drug leads to the inhibition of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones and a moderate decrease in the estradiol, the level of which is within the physiological parameters. This is very important to avoid the symptoms of estrogen deficiency while maintaining the anti-proliferative effect.Conclusions. Today, the main method of treating endometriosis is hormone therapy. It not only reduces the clinical symptoms of endometriosis, but is also used before and after surgical treatment to reduce the risk of disease recurrence. Progestins (dienogest) are the most common hormonal method of treating endometriosis. Dienogest, as the most effective progestin, has a  pronounced anti-proliferative effect directed at the endometrium, as well as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects with a minimal risk of side effects. Dienogest in a dose of 2 mg/day provides a reduction in clinical symptoms, an improvement in the quality of life and preservation of reproductive function. Taking into account our own clinical experience of using Vigest-KV in various types of endometriosis, we can recommend its implementation into clinical practice.
Consequences of wartime stress on women’s reproductive health
Authors: Tatarchuk T.F. , Yefimenkoa O.О. , Myronenko O.S. , Mnevets R.O.
Published: December 2024

Background. Experts observe that Russia’s war against Ukraine led to a significant decline in the demographic situation and caused a severe impact on the reproductive health of women. Objective of the review: to assess and predict the consequences of war-related stress on the reproductive health of women residing in various zones - war zones, adjacent areas, remote territories, and even abroad; managing menopausal disorders in women with premature menopause and perimenopause remotely becomes crucial due to the existing limitations of in-person gynecological consultations. Analysis of literary data. The findings indicate a detrimental influence of wartime stress on the reproductive health of women across different categories - those experiencing active combat in adjacent regions, in remote areas, and even overseas. There is an increase in the frequency of diseases of the female reproductive system, namely: menstrual cycle disorders, abnormal uterine bleeding, premature menopause, hyperandrogenism, severe climacteric disorders. Due to severe negative stressor consequences caused by the war in Ukraine, the number of younger women with premature ovarian failure syndrome has increased, as well as the number of perimenopausal women with severe manifestations of menopause.Taking into account the difficult social and domestic conditions of some Ukrainian women and the impossibility of seeing a doctor, it is important to prescribe initial therapy for stress-induced consequences of reproductive disorders. The drugs of choice in treatment are modern estrogen-progestagen preparations, the effectiveness and safety of which has been proven by numerous scientific studies. Patients who complain of manifestations of concomitant pathology should be referred to the relevant specialists.Conclusion: The impact of war-related stress on the female reproductive health system poses a considerable challenge for gynecologists and healthcare professionals in preventing and managing these issues.
Assisted reproductive technologies in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Shulga O.D. , Hrytsko M.I. , Romaniuk A.S. , Kotsiuba O.G.
Published: December 2024

Objective of the review: to study the topic of fertility, pregnancy and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The analysis of scientific literature in international medical databases was performed.Analysis of literary data. MS is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that most often affects young people of reproductive age. Research in this area is important given that the average age of MS diagnosis in Ukraine is approximately 31–34 years. As a result, patients are in the process of making important decisions about their future lifestyle and family planning.According to the data of modern research, MS does not affect the course of pregnancy and is not associated with obstetric pathologies. However, patients are often forced to postpone their desire to become pregnant due to the risks of taking drugs for disease-modifying therapy (DMT), the need to stabilize the disease along with reducing its radiological activity. It is also important to consider the presence of sexual dysfunction in patients with MS, particularly in men, which often negatively affects male fertility and requires timely diagnosis and treatment. For example, in case of ejaculation disorders, a testicular biopsy or electroejaculation can be used to collect seminal fluid.The algorithm of proper counseling before conception for both partners was analyzed. It is important to use a multidisciplinary approach for joint decision-making of the patient with both a neurologist and a gynecologist, which allows for the formation of the most reasonable conclusions regarding pregnancy planning. In particular, the elimination periods of the main DMT drugs are discussed and drugs that can be used during pregnancy are specified.Conclusions. Women with MS are more likely to need AR than the general population. This is associated with a later age of pregnancy planning and infertility. In this regard, the method of in vitro fertilization and cryopreservation of oocytes as the most effective types of ART for patients with MS was considered in detail.
Short cervix: modern perspectives on known problems
Authors: Zhabchenko I.A. , Likhachov V.К. , Lishchenko I.S. , Kovalenko T.N. , Bondarenko O.M. , Syvura O.O.
Published: December 2024

The article provides modern literature data on terminology, diagnostics and new approaches to the treatment of short cervix syndrome. The term «short cervix» combines the concept of short cervix and isthmic-cervical insufficiency in most of the guiding documents of the world obstetrics and gynecology societies. However, the issues of diagnosis and correction of these conditions remain relevant and debatable: sonographic criteria, the use of progesterone, cerclage, obstetric pessaries, their various combinations, and the question of their effectiveness.It is necessary to measure the cervix length by transvaginal cervicometry in the 20 weeks of pregnancy in the absence of previous reproductive losses and in the period of 14–16 weeks if there were previous reproductive losses. Therapeutic interventions should be started (vaginal micronized progesterone, cerclage, obstetric pessary) when the cervix is shortened to 25 mm or less at 20 weeks. Urgent cerclage should be performed when the umbilical cord is shortened to 20 mm or less. The effectiveness of cerclage, according to most experts, is comparable to the effectiveness of vaginal progesterone, unlike obstetric pessaries, the effectiveness of which is currently considered unproven.For our country today, in addition to the generally recognized risk factors of this pathology, the factors associated with improper conditions for providing medical care and their consequences are especially relevant. Childbirth in inappropriate places without observing the rules of asepsis and antiseptics, often without qualified medical personnel, can lead to undiagnosed and lack of suturing of cervical tears), their infection, subsequent deformation and functional failure of the cervix.There is also a need to support the micronutrient status of pregnant women in wartime conditions in Ukraine (vitamins of group B, vitamin D, magnesium, polyunsaturated fatty acids) in combination with progestins (micronized progesterone Luteinа) and/or cerclage in case of short cervix.
Laboratory manifestations of fetal inflammatory response syndrome in extremely premature newborns
Authors: Bila V.V.
Published: December 2024

Background. Fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) is a pathological response to changes in the chorion and is manifested by inadequate cytokine production and endothelial dysfunction.Objective of the study: to investigate laboratory changes in extremely premature newborns depending on the presence of FIRS criteria. Materials and methods. The prevalence of umbilical cord blood leukocytosis and leukopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia, as well as increased levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in 403 premature newborns was analyzed depending on the presence of FIRS laboratory criteria. Newborns were divided depending on the gestational age (I and II groups – 24–27 weeks, III and IV groups – 28–34 weeks), and the presence of prenatal rupture of the fetal membranes (I and III groups) or the onset of labor with intact membranes (II and IV groups). Results. FIRS increases the frequency of leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia in extremely premature newborns, and the frequency of leukocytosis and the appearance of young forms of leukocytes in premature infants from early preterm labour. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were more common in cases of premature rupture of membranes than in cases of labor with intact amniotic sac. This frequency did not depend on the presence of FIRS in extremely premature newborns; such dependence was outlined for premature infants from early preterm labour. Conclusions. Leukopenia is more often found in premature babies from very early premature births than from early premature births. More than 20 × 109/ml leukocytosis and an increased proportion of young forms of neutrophils of more than 10% were found in the case of premature rupture of the fetal membranes, more often than during childbirth with intact membranes. In extremely premature newborns FIRS was accompanied by an increased frequency of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. FIRS do not increase levels of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in extremely premature newborns.
Clear Aligner Treatment: Different Outlook between Orthodontists and General Dentists
Authors:   S.B. Patil Institute for Dental Sciences & Research, Bidar, Karnataka, V Dr Paul Sylvester
Published: December 2024

The increasing adoption of clear aligner therapy (CA) has highlighted contrasting viewpoints between
orthodontists and general dentists concerning its application and management. This study investigates
these divergent perspectives, focusing on the advanced training and expertise of orthodontists, which
enables them to conduct thorough evaluations of intricate dental alignments and aesthetic factors.
Conversely, general dentists perceive CAs as a more user-friendly and less invasive treatment option,
allowing them to offer these services in a more accessible manner. Such disparities prompt important
considerations regarding treatment efficacy, patient outcomes, and the delineation of professional
responsibilities within dentistry.
To assess these differences, a web-based survey was conducted among 64 dental practitioners, exploring
their demographics, experiences with CA, types of patients treated, and specific malocclusions addressed.
The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results revealed that 57% of respondents reported
incorporating CA into their practices, with a significantly higher percentage of orthodontists (P = 0.001).
Orthodontists primarily treated Class I malocclusions characterized by crowding, spacing, deep bites, and
open bites. The majority of CA patients were employed adults, with an equal distribution of males and
females seeking treatment; notably, the prevailing source of information about CA was external media
advertising.
In conclusion, the study identifies significant differences in the utilization of CA between orthodontists and
general dentists, particularly regarding practitioner numbers, experience levels, and case selection
strategies. As clear aligner therapy continues to develop, understanding these distinctions will be crucial
for optimizing patient care.
Keywords: clear aligner, Orthodontists, General dentists
The role of district superintendents in technology integration: A systematic review and framework synthesis
Authors: Azarshad Ezrahim , Ghahramani Mohammad , Abolghasemi Mahmoud , Azimi Esmaeil
Published: December 2024

The necessity to achieve the catalytic advantages of technology is continuously transforming the traditional roles of district superintendents to align with the digital learning environment. A meta-synthesis was undertaken to identify the roles of district superintendents in technology integration within public school districts and to compare them with traditional roles. This research followed the methodological approach outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The eligibility criteria comprised studies that explored the role of district superintendents in technology integration in public school districts. The data search was carried out in March 2023 across various databases including Science Direct, ProQuest, Web of Science, Eric, and Google Scholar search engine. By synthesizing 41 findings extracted from 10 included studies using thematic synthesis, a total of 11 components were identified. The findings revealed a predominant focus on the teacher-scholar role in technology integration studies, with minimal attention given to the role of the “applied social scientist”, likely influenced by socio-cultural factors such as group biases and personal/political interests. Despite this, all other roles have involved the superintendent in direct technology integration. Consequently, the role of the district superintendent in the digital learning environment has been geared towards active participation in education.
Weed Management Practices in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.): A Review
Authors: Manibharathi S. , Swaminathan C. , Somasundaram S. , Kathirvelan P. , Kannan P.
Published: December 2024

Cowpea is an important pulse crop. Weeds posses a severe problem in cowpea production and, if it is not managed with best management practices, can act as a hibernating agent and reduce yield and quality. An attempt was made to collect published data on weed management practices aimed at maximizing yield of cowpea. This work was done at Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, Tamil Nadu, India. The literature search was done during July 2023 to January 2024. About 120 review and research papers were screened from various databases, including the TNAU library, Google Scholar, Scopus, Research Gate, ARCC journals and 75 papers were used to write this paper. This review article documents information gathered on importance of cowpea, nutritional profile of cowpea, anti-nutritional factors, health benefits, critical period of weed control, yield reduction percentage, weed flora in cowpea, SSB, mulching, manual weeding, cultural practices, chemical methods and IWM in cowpea was comprehensively presented.
Sustainability standards and certification for agriculture: an overview
Authors:   University of Leeds, Tallontire Anne
Published: December 2024

The number of sustainability standards and certifications applied in agricultural supply chains has grown considerably in the past decade, creating confusion for consumers and challenges for producers, particularly small-scale producers in developing countries. This chapter provides an overview of the range of sustainability standards that have emerged, who has developed them, their content and rationale. It also explores how companies select the standards they use, and how this is changing. Recent choices made by brands and retailers accentuate some of the challenges associated with standards for smallholders and further contextualises the mixed picture concerning impacts on smallholders. The chapter provides a summary of implications of sustainability standards, including how they may contribute to improved practices, but highlights limitations of standards on their own as a tool to hold business to account, stressing the importance the overall sustainability strategy of the company, and its commitment to sustainability.
Elections of people’s judges in the late 1940s – early 1950s: organization, conduct, results (on the example of the Kursk region)
Authors: Il’ina Tat’yana N. , Bogdanova Natalia A.
Published: December 2024

The main issues related to the organization and procedure of elections of people’s judges in the period from the late 1940s to the early 1950s are considered. The analysis of normative legal acts adopted by the bodies of Soviet power, the provisions of which are devoted to the requirements for candidates for the positions of people’s judges, the principles and procedure for holding elections of people’s judges in the late 1940s – early 1950s, is carried out, and a conclusion is made about the degree of influence of a political party on the mechan-ism of formation of the judicial corps. This influence took place in several forms: from the organization of the election procedure, the conduct of election campaigns to direct participation in the selection and approval of candidates for the positions of people's judges. The study of archival documents allowed us to form a real idea of the procedure for selecting judges of the time period under study. Many of the documents stored in the archives of the Kursk region are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. We believe that the Kursk region in this case represented a typical example of the procedure for the formation of the judicial corps in the RSFSR. A systematic analysis of normative acts, archival documents and legal literature allowed us to conclude that, despite the complete regulatory regulation of the procedure for organizing and holding elections of people's judges, the mechanism for forming the judicial corps was imperfect and needed to be reformed.