bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical experience in the neoadjuvant treatment of unresectable differentiated thyroid cancer with the lenvatinib
Authors: Vasilyeva E. B. , Rostovtsev D. M. , Tolpeikina К. A. , Fatkullin D. M. , Guz A. О.
Published: June 2024

Introduction. In some cases of differentiated thyroid cancer expansion into the main vessels and adjacent organs, surgical intervention is impossible. Not many cases of successful use of targeted therapy as neoadjuvant regimen to treat nonresectable differentiated thyroid cancer were reported, but this approach can be an option in management of such patients.

Aim. To analyze clinical experience of using lenvatinib as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with primary nonresectable differentiated thyroid cancer.

Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of treatment of 7 patients with primary nonresectable differentiated thyroid cancer with lenvatinib as neoadjuvant therapy at Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Center for Oncology and Nuclear medicine between 2021 and 2023 was performed.

Results. Treatment response was evaluated in 4 (71.4 %) patients. In 2 (50 %) patients, partial response was observed, in 2 - stable disease. Radical surgical intervention became possible in 2 patients. The other 2 patients could not undergo surgery: in 1 patients time to progression was 17.8 months, therapy was changed to the 2nd line drug cabozantinib; 1 female patient with best response (partial) currently continues lenvatinib treatment, tumor is nonresectable, duration of drug administration is 8.9 months.

Conclusion. Our experience of using lenvatinib in patients with nonresectable differentiated thyroid cancer shows that this therapy can be successfully used as neoadjuvant treatment in this patient group.
Surgical treatment of patients with multiple brain metastases
Authors: Belov D. M. , Karakhan V. B. , Bekyashev A. Kh. , Mitrofanov E. V. , Prozorenko E. V. , Aleshin V. A. , Sufianov R. A. , Nashletashvili D. R.
Published: June 2024

Introduction. The standard of treatment for patients with single cerebral metastases is surgery and radiosurgery. The use of these methods significantly increases survival rates.

Aim. To compare the results of surgical treatment of patients with single and multiple cerebral metastases.

Materials and methods. The study included 40 patients with single and multiple cerebral metastases who underwent neurosurgical intervention in the neuro-oncology department of the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Oncology Research Center from 2010 to 2022.

Results. All patients are divided into 3 groups. Group A included 15 patients who removed all available cerebral foci (from 2 to 4). Group B included 10 patients with multiple cerebral metastases who underwent removal of one symptomatic metastasis. In group C, 15 patients who underwent removal of a single metastasis. It was noted that the survival of patients after removal of all cerebral metastases is identical to the survival of patients after removal of single metastasis 11.9 and 12.4 months, respectively. And it was significantly higher than the survival of patients who removed not all cerebral metastases 6.2 months (p = 0.03). Also in group A and C, the percentage of local relapses was identical. Improvement in neurological status was noted in all groups, there was only an increase in cognitive-mnestic disorders in group A, where all cerebral foci were removed. However, these disorders were moderate and did not reach the extent of dementia. The work done shows.

Conclusion. Surgical removal of all metastases in patients with multiple brain metastases provides a prognosis similar to that of patients undergoing surgery for single metastasis. Removal of symptomatic metastasis in patients with multiple cerebral lesions in most cases leads to a regression of neurological symptoms and makes it possible to continue treatment with a group of patients whose condition was considered incurable. The percentage of local relapses in the removal of multiple cerebral metastases, subject to oncological principles, is the same as in the removal of single metastases.
Metachronous carcinoma of aberrant struma and thyroid gland (clinical case)
Authors: Gavrilyuk D. V. , Zukov R. A.
Published: June 2024

A clinical case of a rare combination of thyroid cancer and aberrant struma is described. unusual intraoperative diagnosis during reoperation is due to the metachronous nature of the occurrence of primary malignant tumors. The complexity of diagnosing the considered combined tumor pathology on the anterior-lateral surface of the neck is associated with the extremely rare detection of lateral aberrant struma with malignancy in clinical practice, especially against the background of recurrence of the disease with synchronous regional metastases of highly differentiated thyroid cancer.
Guidelines for radioiodine therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer and post-therapeutic follow-up
Authors: Shurinov A. Yu. , Borodavina E. V. , Krylov V. V. , Sigov M. A. , Rodichev A. A. , Ivanov S. A. , Kaprin A. D.
Published: June 2024

The radioiodine therapy is a one of the basic elements at combined treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer and is an alternative method for patients with distant metastases and a potentially high risk of tumor recurrence. It has been used in clinical practice for more than 80 years. The first report on the phenomenon of accumulation of 130I/131I in a metastatic focus of differentiated thyroid cancer was published by A. Keston et al. in 1942, and in 1946, the production of 131I was established, and the drug became available. In our country, radioiodine therapy has been widely used for the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer since 1982.

This article presents methodological recommendations for radioiodine therapy of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, provides a modern examination algorithm, discusses the basic principles of laboratory, instrumental diagnostics and treatment approaches treatment of this disease.
Potential Neurophysiological Markers of Combat-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Diagnostic Study
Authors: Telesheva Klavdiya , Savenkova Valeria , Morozova Irina , Ochneva Aleksandra , Zeltser Angelina , Andreyuk Denis , Reznik Aleksandr , Mukhin Vladimir , Melkonian Georgy , Lytkina Karine , Mitrofanov Andrey , Morozova Anna
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that the components of brain-evoked potentials (EPs) may serve as biomarkers of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by participation in combat operations; however, to date, research remains fragmented, with no studies that have attempted to combine different paradigms. In addition, the mismatch negativity component has not been studied in a Russian sample of veterans with PTSD.
AIM: To identify objective neurophysiological markers of combat-related PTSD using the method of auditory-evoked potentials in active and passive listening paradigms.
METHODS: The study included a recording of auditory EPs in an oddball paradigm in three settings: 1) directed attention to auditory stimuli, 2) passive listening while viewing a neutral video sequence, and 3) viewing a video sequence associated with a traumatic event. Combatants diagnosed with PTSD (18 people) were compared with mentally healthy civilian volunteers (22 people).
RESULTS: An increase in the latency period of the early components of auditory EP (N100 and P200), an increase in the amplitude of the P200 component to a deviant stimulus, and a decrease to a standard one in the active listening
paradigm were established in the PTSD group. There were no significant differences in the parameters of the P300 component. The characteristics of mismatch negativity in the passive paradigm were revealed: an increase in the phenomenon amplitude, both when shown a video sequence associated with a traumatic event and when shown a neutral video sequence. A binary logistic regression model constructed using the selected parameters showed that the identified characteristics can potentially be considered as diagnostic markers of PTSD in combatants, as the classification accuracy stood at 87% (sensitivity — 81%, specificity — 91%).
CONCLUSION: Potential neurophysiological markers of PTSD are the following: the amplitude and latency of early components of auditory EPs in the paradigm of directed attention to stimuli and the amplitude of mismatch negativity during passive attention.
Difficulties in the radiological diagnosis of mature adrenal teratoma mimicking neuroblastoma in a child
Authors: Shchelkanova Ekaterina S. , Tereshchenko Galina V. , Krasnov Alexey S.
Published: June 2024

The most common adrenal tumor in young children is neuroblastoma, which can be difficult to differentiate from other conditions such as nephroblastoma, adrenal hemorrhage, angiomyolipoma, myelolipoma, and adenoma. This article describes a case of teratoma, one of the rarest adrenal tumors in children. Initially, despite its large size, it demonstrated all the radiological and histological signs of neuroblastoma. Teratomas are germ cell tumors usually found in the gonads. Adrenal teratomas are extremely rare, accounting for approximately 0.13% of all adrenal tumors. Typically, adrenal teratomas are asymptomatic, as the retroperitoneal space is large enough to accommodate the growth of the tumor without causing symptoms. For the first time in domestic literature, we present a clinical case of adrenal teratoma in a 3-month-old child. The article also presents a detailed description of the diagnostic process and challenges that radiologists and clinicians face when encountering a common tumor in a very rare location for children. This report aimed to help physicians increase awareness of this rare condition and include adrenal teratomas in the potential differential diagnosis of adrenal neoplasms.
Use of mixed saliva in the diagnosis of recurrent herpetic stomatitis in patients with dental problems: An interventional single-center, prospective, randomized, uncontrolled study
Authors: Osipova Vera A. , Grishin Vladimir V. , Vladimirova Lyudmila  G. , Ivanovsky Vladislav  А.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: Recurrent herpetic stomatitis, also known as oral herpes, is one of the most common viral diseases of the oral cavity. Currently, saliva is widely used in innovative diagnostic methods. However, there are only limited data supporting the diagnostic value of salivary biomarkers in herpes infections.
AIM: To establish the informative value of using the wedge-shaped dehydration method and the express method for determining salivary amylase activity in patients with recurrent herpetic stomatitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diagnosis of recurrent herpes stomatitis was carried out based on the results of a clinical examination and confirmed using molecular genetic (PCR with real-time detection) and serological studies (ELISA — VectoHSV-IgG test system). For non-invasive diagnosis of recurrent herpetic stomatitis, we used crystallography methods — wedge-shaped dehydration of oral fluid and an express method for determining salivary amylase activity. The study included 26 patients with HHS in the acute stage (frequency of exacerbations of 4 or more per year) and 14 patients in the control group with no history of episodes of herpetic stomatitis.
RESULTS: The results of crystallography of mixed saliva and determination of salivary amylase activity in patients diagnosed with recurrent herpes before and after treatment are presented. Specific changes in facies in the protein zone were established during wedge-shaped dehydration during the exacerbation period and an increase in salivary amylase activity in patients with recurrent herpetic stomatitis in the acute stage.
CONCLUSION: To confirm the diagnosis of recurrent herpetic stomatitis at a dental appointment, a non-invasive method of wedge-shaped dehydration using samples of mixed saliva is recommended, and to determine the effectiveness of treatment, along with clinical indicators, the most informative is a rapid test based on a study of the level of amylase in mixed saliva.
Underdiagnosis of botulism as a cause of tragedy: A case report
Authors: Nikiforov Vladimir V. , Kozhevnikova Anastasia V. , Tyurin Igor N. , Chernobrovkina Tatyana Y. , Zykova Olga A. , Antipyat Natalia A. , Lyapeykova Ekaterina A.
Published: June 2024

Botulism has unique clinical picture; however, some of its manifestations, when analyzed separately, are similar to the manifestations of other, both infectious and noncommunicable diseases. This contributes to the occurrence of diagnostic errors because botulism is not one of the most common infectious diseases; as a result, most practitioners are familiar with the clinical picture of botulism purely theoretically and clearly insufficiently. The article analyzes the course of botulism in a group of family diseases when, at the first visit to specialists, botulism was diagnosed in any of the patients not receiving medical care. In addition, the causes and effects of prolonged toxemia (20 days) in one of the patients are discussed.
The Effects of Boron-Containing Compounds against Monilinia fructigena Mycelium Growth
Authors: Yılmaz Ferah , Kordalı Şaban , Şen İsmail , Palacıoğlu Gülsüm
Published: June 2024

Monilinia fructigena is the causative agent of brown rot in pome fruits, contributing to substantial economic losses, especially in storage facilities. The effects of boron-containing compounds have been considered as an environmentally friendly alternative to fungicides. The objective of the study was to determine suitable boron-containing compounds for inhibiting the mycelium growth of M. fructigena. Eight different compounds with pH adjusted to neutral (pH 7) and non-neutral were tested with concentrations of 0 (untreated control), 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mM in vitro conditions. The mycelium growth of the pathogen was totally inhibited with the application of 20 mM of potassium tetrafluoroborate and 10 mM of sodium tetrafluoroborate. The tested concentrations of ammonium pentaborate tetrahydrate, antidot-67, sodium metaborate, and sodium tetraborate decahydrate were not sufficiently effective in inhibiting the mycelium growth of M. fructigena, but the experiment of higher concentrations of them could be utility against the pathogen. The pH of boron-containing compounds was crucial in improving the efficacy of compounds, and the non-neutral compounds showed better results against to inhibition of M. fructigena mycelium growth. The results showed that boron-containing compounds may be pathogen-specific and that the activity of these compounds is related to pH.
Militancy and Male Representation in Advertising; a Semiotic Analysis
Authors: Ersan Merve , Altın Duygu
Published: June 2024

In today's consumer society, the promotion and marketing of products is no longer just for necessity. With the development of information and communication technologies, images have surrounded people. In line with these images, invisible messages are imposed on people's subconscious in advertising messages. At this point, the semiotic analysis method makes these hidden messages visible. In this study, two different advertisement designs featuring militancy and male representation have been analyzed using Roland Barthes’ semiotic method, determining which
myths are reproduced by these advertisements. It examines how selected Tabasco hot sauce and Zwilling knife advertisements use visual media to convey complex messages that influence societal norms and consumer behavior through the purposive sampling method. It identifies cultural narratives and ideologies within these ads that not only market their products but also influence
societal values. In conclusion, the analyzed advertisement designs have been found to reproduce myths of a patriarchal society, heroism, as well as nationalism and racism. The analysis highlights
the need for ethical advertising practices that support inclusivity and societal well-being.
Vegaphobia as a Form of Discrimination
Authors: Tezcan Ayşe Mahinur
Published: June 2024

Vegaphobia is considered to be any derogatory description of vegans, or any form of discrimination faced by vegans. The discrimination experienced can be direct or indirect. Individuals who prefer a plant-based diet experience or perceive discrimination. This study examines the concept of vegaphobia and attitudes towards anti-vegans and discriminatory behaviors against vegans based on the literature. Individuals who adopt a vegan diet claim that they are subjected to discrimination in different dimensions, ranging from being forced to consume animal products to constantly being made to explain themselves or not being able to find suitable foods for themselves. On the other hand, it is also necessary to mention the accusatory language used by vegans against non-vegans. In this study, the types of discrimination faced and felt by vegans and the positioning of non-vegans in this debate will be evaluated in the context of the concepts of vegaphobia and discrimination.
The Annexation of Crimea and Türkiye's Balancing Role in the Russia-Ukraine War
Authors: Sarıçiçek Elif , Öztürk Tolga
Published: June 2024

Russia's dominance in the Black Sea has diminished since the post-Soviet era. As a result, feeling threatened by the increasing influence of other countries in the region and NATO's advances toward
the Black Sea, Russia has created specific problems and crises in the area. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 to further enhance its dominance in the Black Sea and subsequently declared war on Ukraine in 2022. In response, Western states severed ties with Russia and imposed various sanctions. Türkiye adopted a neutral stance. Simultaneously, while supporting Ukraine, it maintained its relations with Russia and displayed a cooperative approach. The aim of this article is to elucidate the balancing role assumed by Türkiye in the Crimea annexation and the Ukraine war. The article analyzes whether Türkiye, according to Morton A. Kaplan's balance of power theory, acts as a balancing power in the Black Sea.
İnovasyon Türleri Üzerine Bir Araştırma: Manisa İli İncelemesi
Authors: Efe Mehmet Naci
Published: June 2024

Girişimci özelliklere sahip olmak, bir firmayı inovasyona teşvik etmektedir. İnovasyon, bir şirket için yeni pazarlar açabilir. İnovatif ürün veya hizmeti piyasaya süren olarak ilk firma rakiplere göre önemli avantajlar sağlayabilir. İnovasyon, rekabette önde kalmak için önemli bir strateji olarak görülmekte, mikro ve makro olarak taşıdığı önem her geçen gün artmaktadır. Taşıdığı öneme karşın inovasyon konusunda kaleme alınan çalışmalar inovasyon türleri konusunda oldukça dağınık ve bazı durumlarda eksik özellikler gösterebilmektedir. Bu doğrultuda bu çalışmada mevcut literatürde yer alan ve önem taşıyan inovasyon türleri incelenmiş ve yukarıda izah edilen literatüre ilişkin boşluk doldurulmaya çalışılmıştır. Bununla birlikte; Manisa İli’nde OSB ve Teknokent aracılığı ile inovatif çalışmaların önünün açıldığı görülmüş ve il bazlı yapılan akademik çalışmalar incelenmiştir. Yapılmış olan çalışmanın amacı; inovasyon türlerini açıklamak, inovasyonun işletmelerin rekabet üstünlüğü üzerindeki etkisini ortaya koymak ve Manisa İli’ndeki inovasyon temelli hali hazırda yapılmış olan çalışmaları incelemektir.
Türkiye’nin Kentleşme Sürecinde (1923-2023) Toplumsal Mekânsal Örgütlenme ve Kentsel Kolektif Bellek
Authors: Koçak Turhanoğlu Feryal Ayşin
Published: June 2024

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin modern ulus-devlet olarak kuruluş sürecinde toplumsal ve mekânsal örgütlenme politikaları, kentleşme ve sanayileşme hedeflerini ortaya koymaktadır. Ulusal bağımsız ekonominin oluşturulması ve bölgeler arası eşitsizliklerin giderilmesine yönelik Anadolu’daki kamu yatırımları, hem tarım ve sanayi üretiminin hem de kentlerin gelişmesini sağlamıştır. Başkent Ankara, modern kent planlaması ve mimarisiyle kentleşme sürecinin öncüsü olmuş, kentsel mekân ile toplumsal yaşam arasında kurulan istikrarlı ilişki/etkileşim, modern kent kimliği ve kültürünü oluşturmuştur. Bu bağlamda Cumhuriyet’in tarihsel, toplumsal ve mekânsal birikim ve deneyimi, güçlü bir kentsel ve kolektif bellek yaratmıştır. Günümüzde, neoliberal şehircilik uygulamaları ve muhafazakârlaşma politikalarıyla kentler yeniden yapılandırılırken, geçmiş dönemlerin kentsel mekânları özellikle Cumhuriyet’in kuruluş dönemi mirası ve Ankara’nın yapılı çevresi, dönüşüm geçirmekte ve tahrip edilmektedir. Bu çalışma, Türkiye’nin kentleşme sürecini (1923-2023), tarihsel dönemlerde kentsel mekânla toplumsal yaşamın ilişkisi bağlamında ele almakta ve kentsel yapılı çevredeki değişim ve dönüşümlerin, kentsel kolektif hafızanın sürekliliğini nasıl etkilediğini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışmanın yöntemi, bütünleştirici literatür taramasına dayanmaktadır. Kentlerin yeniden yapılandırılma sürecinde kentsel dönüşüm, soylulaştırma, sanayisizleştirme gibi uygulamalar, toplumsal ve mekânsal eşitsizlik ve ayrışmaya, kentsel dokunun parçalanmasına, kentlerin kimliksizleşmesine yol açmakta ve kentsel kolektif belleğin tarihsel sürekliliğini kaybetmesine neden olmaktadır.
A Conceptual Study on Quantum Leadership: A New Intrapersonal Powers -Environmental Forces Balance Model
Authors: Akyurek Server Sevil
Published: June 2024

Today, societies and organizations live in an atmosphere rapidly changing new dynamics. In-depth questioning of new facts requires an urgent responsibility. There is a need for leaders can wisely evaluate leadership opportunities with the quantum approach and master innovative and creative thinking and decision-making processes. The existence of leaders who can understand the contexts and move forward with the right vision, right goals, and strategies has become extremely essential to sustainability. Could it be that it is time to confront the new phenomena emerging from completely different anomalous dynamics, and to discover the new paradigm? For this, the leader's thinking, decision-making, and creative processes must be understood very well. How should the leader's thinking and decision-making processes work in order to be innovative by breaking old paradigms? How should the leader fundamentally balance his/her internal powers with environmental factors? This study contributes to the literature by seeking answers to these questions and developing a new conceptual model in this direction. In this conceptual review article, an original model is explainedbased on quantum leadership. It includes eight dynamics of the leader, namely introversion power, the power of creating a vision, the power of inclusiveness, the power of adaptation, the power of understanding, the power of decision-making, the power of face-off, and the power of solidarity. It also explains what kind of relationship network exists among the dynamics and what the underlying values of each dynamic are.
Hava Trafik Kontrolörlerinin İnisiyatif Almadan Çalışmasının Trafiklerin Uçuş Süresine Etkisi ve Maliyeti
Authors: Altıntaş Osman Atilla , Uslu Suat
Published: June 2024

Türkiye’de hava trafik kontrolörleri, çalışma koşullarındaki ve haklarındaki mağduriyetleri ifade etmek için 9 hafta boyunca belirli günlerde İnisiyatif Almadan Çalışma (İAÇ) kapsamında tam kurallı operasyon uygulamıştır. Bu kapsamda hava trafik kontrolörleri, havacılık prosedürlerini ve kurallarını birebir uygulamıştır. Operasyon emniyeti ve güvenliğini riske atmadan, planlanan hava trafik akışında herhangi bir inisiyatif uygulama olmaksızın operasyon süreci yönetilmiştir. Bu süreç bazı meydanlarda gelen ve giden trafiklerin planlanan zamanlarında uçuşunu gerçekleştirmesini etkilemiş, havada yapılan beklemeleri arttırmış ve bunlarla birlikte uçuş safhalarında genel bir gecikmeye sebep olmuştur. Emniyet hiçbir şekilde riske atılmadan yapılan bu çalışmalar hava trafik kontrolörlerinin, havacılık operasyonlarındaki etkilerini gözler önüne sermek ve havacılık sektörüne olan katkılarını ortaya çıkarmayı hedeflemiştir. Bu çalışmada, İAÇ sürecinde yapılan operasyonlar karşılaştırmalı olarak analiz edilmiş ve süreç içerisinde oluşan gecikme maliyetlerindeki farklar ortaya çıkarılmıştır.
Sağlık Çalışanlarının İş Biçimlendirme Düzeylerinin İş Özerkliği ve İşe Tutulma Üzerindeki Etkisi
Authors: Şenay Ulaş Feyza , Uğurluoğlu Özgür
Published: June 2024

Bu çalışma ile sağlık çalışanlarının karar alma ve görevlere dahil etmekten başlayarak uygun bir çalışma ortamlarının sağlanması amacıyla ulusal düzeyde daha önce ele alınmayan ve sağlık yönetimi literatüründe ele alınması gereken sağlık çalışanlarının iş biçimlendirme düzeylerinin, iş özerkliği ve işe tutulma değişkenleri üzerinde etkili olup olmadığının araştırılması amaçlanmaktadır. Araştırma verileri Ankara’da faaliyet gösteren özel bir hastanede görev yapan hekim, hemşire, idari personel ve diğer sağlık personelinden anket yöntemiyle toplanmıştır. Bu çalışmada sağlık çalışanları kolayda örnekleme yoluyla seçilmiş olup, 306 sağlık çalışanına ulaşılmıştır. Bu araştırmanın sonucunda sağlık çalışanlarının iş biçimlendirme, işe tutulma ve iş özerkliği düzeylerinin orta seviyenin üzerinde olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Yapılan regresyon analizi sonucunda iş biçimlendirme alt boyutlarından yapısal iş kaynaklarını ve zorlayıcı iş taleplerini artırmanın işe tutulma düzeyini olumlu yönde etkilediği bulunmuştur. Bunun yanında iş biçimlendirme alt boyutlarından zorlayıcı iş taleplerinin artmasının iş özerkliği üzerinde de olumlu yönde etkili olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Dynamics in cortisol levels in Danio rerio fish under the influence of a synthetic analog of kisspeptin 1
Authors: Nuzhnova A.A. , Kostina M.I. , Blazhenko A.A.
Published: June 2024

The effect of a synthetic analog of kisspeptin 1, a peptide involved in the regulation of the hypothalamicpituitary- gonadal (HPG) stress axis, on the cortisol level of Danio rerio fish was investigated. Kisspeptin 1 was administered at doses of 2 μg/kg and 8 μg/kg followed by resting for 1 h and 4 h. We found that kisspeptin at doses of 2 μg/kg and 8 μg/kg increased cortisol levels, with a significant spike in cortisol levels at 1 h post-injection.
Application of Performance Assessment in the Teaching of College Gymnastics Course
Authors: Wang Shasha
Published: June 2024

The research examines the efficacy of performance assessment in collegiate gymnastics courses in improving participant engagement, teamwork abilities, physical abilities, and overall practical skills. The researcher collected pretest and post-test data from both the experimental and control groups, evaluating performance across multiple domains. The findings of the study demonstrated a statistically significant enhancement in post-test scores on all dimensions for the experimental group, as compared to pretest scores. This suggests that performance assessment has a favorable influence on participant outcomes. On the other hand, the control group demonstrated minimal changes in both pretest and post-test scores, underscoring the intervention’s efficacy. Moreover, the study revealed notable disparities in post-test results between the experimental and control groups, suggesting that performance assessment is more effective in promoting skill enhancement. In general, the results indicate that performance assessment is a helpful instrument for augmenting learning and skill advancement in collegiate gymnastics, underscoring its significance in maximizing participant achievements and raising the quality of gymnastics instruction.
Political Perspectives on EU’s Trade Policy Shift towards New Zealand in von der Leyen’s Commission: Enlarged Indo-Pacific Engagement, Practice of New Generation FTA, and Reiteration of Liberal Order
Authors: Lai Yun-Chen
Published: June 2024

New Zealand and the European Union (EU) share a rich history marked by significant exchanges of people, goods, capital, ideas, and institutional ties. However, in the late 2000s, the EU displayed reluctance to institutionalize its trade relations with New Zealand, primarily due to the limited appeal of the New Zealand market and the EU’s protective stance on its agriculture market. A significant shift in the EU occurred in the late 2010s, coinciding with von der Leyen’s term in office. While maintaining its economic concerns, the EU softened its approach to the economic agreement with New Zealand and initiated negotiations on the EU-NZ FTA. This study explores the factors behind the shift in the EU’s trade policy towards New Zealand, examining them through three prominent IR theories: realism, liberalism, and social constructivism. This study concludes that the EU-NZ FTA holds significance for the global trading system, serving as a potential model for future EU FTAs.
Meta Learning Approach Based on Episodic Learning for Few-Shot Image Classification
Authors: Fatema Syeda Roohi , Maradithaya Sumana
Published: June 2024

Deep learning encompasses the inherent properties of scattered data and acquires a more abstract representation of data than conventional machine learning techniques. Nevertheless, existing deep learning algorithms perform inadequately on novel problems such as image classification as they generally require an extensive number of samples intended to train the model. One of the efficient methods to resolve the indicated drawback is meta-learning, acclaimed as learning to learn. Using antecedent knowledge to aid in the learning of new tasks improves meta-capacity for generalization to unfamiliar tasks. Meta-learning determines previous assignments intending to discover a representation that is easily adaptive to unknown challenges. Meta learning methodologies help find these components through multitudinous learning episodes by learning to solve a set of tasks instead of solving a single task at a time. Episodic meta-learning seeks to imitate a realistic environment by producing small artificial tasks from a substantial set of training tasks for meta-training and then moving on to the related method for meta-testing. The research is evaluated with meta learning algorithms like Prototypical Network and proto-Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning (MAML) with episodic meta learning on SVHN and Omniglot dataset reporting compelling enhancements on public benchmarks. In this research, the obtained results demonstrate a notable improvement and enhancement compared to existing methodologies, indicating a successful and impactful improvisation in the proposed methodology.
Spatiotemporal forest and land cover change in Türkiye: The role of economic factors in driving environmental transformations
Authors: Şen Gökhan , Aktürk Emre
Published: June 2024

Industrial advancements, urbanization, climate change, economic developments, and numerous other factors significantly influence land use preferences, subsequently causing changes in land cover. However, these changes are not homogeneus at the country scale. In this study, we aim to determine the total and provincial-based land cover changes in Türkiye between 2006 and 2018 and the impacts of macroeconomic variables on these changes. The land cover status for 2006 and 2018 and the changes occurring during this period were determined according to the Coordination of Information on the Environment (CORINE) system. For this purpose, five land cover classes were used. Correlation analysis was utilized to identify relationships between macroeconomic variables and cover changes and regression analysis was used to develop models aiming to predict future changes in land cover based on macroeconomic variables. Research findings indicate that 5.31% of forest areas, 2.9% of agricultural areas, and 7.19% of shrub and/or herbaceous vegetation associations have been converted to other uses. During this period, forest cover increased in 38 provinces in Türkiye, decreased in 41 provinces, and remained unchanged in two provinces. The province with the highest percentage increase in forest areas was Iğdır, at 19.98%, while the province with the most significant percentage decrease in forest areas was Ordu, at 0.62%. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between changes in forest areas and certain macroeconomic factors: gross domestic product (-0.310), number of automobiles (-0.308), number of motor vehicles (-0.326), and the number of buildings according to the building use permit (-0.287).
Pemanfaatan Media Konvergensi untuk Internalisasi Budaya Perusahaan dalam Praktik Internal Public Relations
Authors: Sabita Febriani Adelia
Published: June 2024

Studi ini berfokus pada pemanfaatan media konvergensi sebagai alat bagi Praktisi Public Relations (PR) Internal untuk menginternalisasikan budaya perusahaan. Studi ini dimulai dengan ketertarikan untuk mengetahui bagaimana Praktisi PR melakukan internalisasi budaya perusahaan di era media konvergensi seperti saat ini. Terlebih lagi, internal relations telah diakui sebagai area yang paling kurang diperhatikan oleh Praktisi PR. Menurut Hatch & Schultz’s Organizational Identity Dynamics Model, Budaya Perusahaan memiliki hubungan yang kuat dengan identitas perusahaan, dan identitas perusahaan memiliki hubungan yang kuat dengan citra perusahaan. Maka sangat penting bagi seorang Praktisi PR untuk mengelola internal relations terutama terkait internalisasi budaya perusahaan. Studi ini memiliki pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Subyek penelitian ini adalah PLN Nusantara Power, anak perusahaan PT PLN (Persero), yang merupakan Juara 1 dalam PLN Group Culture Festival 2022. Studi ini menemukan bagaimana Praktisi PR internal PLN Nusantara Power melakukan internalisasi budaya perusahaan dengan memanfaatkan media konvergensi dalam setiap langkahnya, dan membuktikan bahwa media konvergensi sangat bermanfaat untuk membuat pekerjaan Praktisi PR Internal menjadi optimal, efektif, dan efisien.
Transforming Indonesia’s Climate Strategy: Analyzing Policy Shifts and Global-Local Dynamics Post-COP 26
Authors: Yamin Muhammad , Utama I Putu Arya Aditia , Rautakivi Tuomo , Rosyadi Slamet , Runtiko Agus Ganjar
Published: June 2024

This study examined how the Indonesian government responded to the outcomes of the major international climate conference, Conference of the Parties (COP) 26, and how that response affected the creation of national response plans. Indonesia, previously regarded as less ambitious in climate change mitigation, has now embraced a more proactive approach following COP26. The research seeks to evaluate the extent to which the COP26 agreement has prompted a more ambitious stance in Indonesia’s climate policies. By utilizing a descriptive qualitative method bolstered by a comprehensive examination of existing literature and secondary data from multiple sources, the analysis uncovered the substantial influence of the COP26 agreement on policy modifications in Indonesia. These adjustments served to reinforce efforts in crucial sectors, including forestry, agriculture, energy, transportation, and finance. Indonesia’s proactive measures to address climate change impact and its increased dedication to global climate initiatives were evident in these findings, indicating a change in the country’s policy direction.
The study of maternal and perinatal outcome in multiple pregnancies in tertiary care centre
Authors: Patil Niraj , Deshmukh Sonali , Shanbhag Shirish
Published: June 2024

Background: Multiple pregnancies, involving twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples, present unique challenges and risks to both maternal and perinatal health. These pregnancies are associated with increased complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restrictions, making their management a significant concern in obstetric care.
Methods: This hospital-based observational study, conducted from December 2017 to January 2019 in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at a tertiary care center in Mumbai, examines maternal and perinatal outcomes in multiple pregnancies. The study population comprised pregnant women diagnosed with multiple pregnancies attending the hospital.
Results: The study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with adverse outcomes in multiple pregnancies to inform better clinical management and improve both maternal and neonatal health. Findings underscore the heightened risks associated with multiple gestations and emphasize the need for specialized antenatal care to mitigate these risks effectively.
Conclusions: Key maternal outcomes assessed included rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and caesarean deliveries. Perinatal outcomes focused on preterm birth rates, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, and perinatal mortality.
Quality of life in menopausal women attending gynaecology OPD in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Agrawal Deepika , Sharma Manisha , Popli Sangeeta
Published: June 2024

Background: The longevity of women due to increase in life expectancy makes them spend almost one third of life after menopause.  Menopause is a transitional event that can profoundly affect quality of life. It is an adaptation process accompanied by many biological, psychological changes. Aim of the study was to study menopause related symptoms, their severity and impact on quality of life.
Methods: The longevity of women due to increase in life expectancy makes them spend almost one third of life after menopause.  Menopause is a transitional event that can profoundly affect quality of life. It is an adaptation process accompanied by many biological, psychological changes. Aim of the study was to study menopause related symptoms, their severity and impact on quality of life.
Results: The present study showed that the most severe symptoms of vasomotor, psychological, physical and sexual domains were hot flushes, night sweats, feeling of wanting to be alone, feeling depressed, low backache, change in sexual desire. In group 1 there were more vasomotor symptoms as compared to group 2. Severity of psychological, physical, sexual symptoms increased in group 2. In local gynaecological examination more abnormalities were found in group 2 (34%) as compared to group 1 (14%). Also, there was an increased percentage of diabetes (18.96%), hypercholesterolemia (31.03%), hypertriglyceridemia (31.03%) in group 2.
Conclusions: Our study concluded that by identifying characteristics associated with poor quality of life of menopausal women would help them in making strategies that are required for improving their health and quality of life.
Post operative wound infection: a descriptive study
Authors: Kallakuri Kavitha , Suprada K. , Bahadur B. Rao , Rao Gangadhar
Published: June 2024

Background: Surgical site infections is the third most commonly reported nosocomial infection which has an adverse impact on the hospital as well as the patient. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency, clinical presentation, common risk factors and different organisms involved.
Methods: This study was performed at NRI Medical college, Chinnakakani. This is an Observational descriptive study over a period of one year from September 2022 to September 2023. Biodata of the patients together with their clinical features, diagnosis, type of surgery performed and the development of any complications including wound infection was noted and the data analyzed.
Results: Out of 1509 patients in the study, 1101 belonged to obstetrics and 408 to gynaecology surgery. The overall incidence of surgical site infection in the study was 7.9%; 86 (7.8%) in obstetrics group and 33 (8%) in gynaecology group developed infection. Age more than 50 years was found to be a risk factor for postoperative wound infection. Obesity is known to be a well-established risk factor for postoperative wound infection. It was noted that surgical site infection was more common in patients that had low haemoglobin levels pre-operatively.  The increased susceptibility to infection in diabetics is an established risk factor.
Conclusions: Meticulous surgical technique, proper sterilization, judicious use of antibiotics, improvement of ward environments, control of malnutrition and obesity, treatment of infective foci and diseases like diabetes helps control the morbidity of surgical wound infections.
Diagnosis and management of adnexal masses
Authors: Prajapati Riddhi Rakeshkumar , Shah Akshay C.
Published: June 2024

Background: Adnexal masses are a commonly encountered gynecological problem. Appropriate evaluation to discriminate between benign and malignant masses helps to guide gynecologists for proper evaluation and management. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different histopathologic types of adnexal masses among women presenting to our hospital. We also aimed to describe known risk factors of epithelial ovarian cancer and compare the preoperative evaluation and histopathologic diagnosis of adnexal masses. Aims and objectives were to study the clinical nature of adnexal mass, to study different sites and pathology of adnexal masses, to study radio logical and histopathological nature of adnexal mass managed surgically, to determine clinical, radio logical, and histopathological co-relation of adnexal mass.
Methods: This was prospective, observational study of patients having ‘adnexal masses’, conducted from May 2023 to December 2023 at our tertiary care hospital. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography and histopathology.
Results: Adnexal masses are more common in nulliparous and common associated risk factors are PID and genital TB. The commonest symptom on patients with adnexal masses was abdominal pain. In present study, most common histopathological diagnosis was ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Conclusions: Adnexal masses are common gynecological problem mostly found in reproductive age group women and in them they were mostly non neoplastic and benign, whereas in peri and post-menopausal age group were malignant. Ectopic pregnancy is the most common presentation of adnexal masses in reproductive age group. Laparoscopic approach is most preferred approach for adnexal masses removal.
Ormeloxifene can be used as first line drug in abnormal uterine bleeding: a cross sectional prospective interventional study
Authors: Singh Mamta
Published: June 2024

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), affecting up to 30% of women globally, disrupts quality of life due to heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding without a clear underlying cause, untreated anovulatory cycle leads to hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. DUB can occur from menarche to menopause. Ormeloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), offers potential advantages for DUB treatment. Its tissue-specific effects provide both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties, potentially regulating AUB. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy in managing various types of AUB (excluding pregnancy, incomplete abortion and malignancy conditions) due to its tissue-specific effects, which provide both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties.
Methods: This cross-sectional prospective, single-center study enrolled 112 patients (menarche to perimenopause) experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding. attending gynae OPD at Sparsh hospital (January 2023-Mar 2024). Patients with suspected malignancies, pregnancy and incomplete abortions were excluded.
Results: Ormeloxifene treatment significantly improved hemoglobin levels (mean increase: 1.92 g/dl, p<0.001) and reduced endometrial thickness (mean reduction: 2.37 mm, p<0.001) across all patient. Additionally, bleeding scores (PBAC score) decreased significantly (mean reduction: 245.1, p<0.001), indicating effective control of abnormal bleeding. Notably, 4 out of 66 patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) did not respond to treatment.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest ormeloxifene as a potential first-line therapy for various forms of DUB, particularly for women at reproductive extremes who may tolerate delayed or infrequent periods. This could be especially beneficial considering the potential side effects associated with other treatment options.
The unusual presentation of sertoli-leydig cell tumor: a case report
Authors: Verma Aruna , Bharti Ritu , Sharma Yamini
Published: June 2024

Sertoli cell tumor is very rare variety of ovarian Sertoli‐Leydig cell tumors. Due to nonspecific clinical and imaging features, diagnosis is often made after histopathological examination. Sertoli cell tumors usually presents with the features of virilization. The prognosis is excellent as most are detected in the early stages and surgical resection is often curative in most cases. Here we present a case of Sertoli Cell tumor, where no feature of virilization was present.
Three-dimensional follicular assessment: a review of technique and indications
Authors: Gupta Bhavini , Saxena Suyash
Published: June 2024

Follicular maturity assessment and tracking are employed to ascertain mature oocytes’ presence and assess the response to ovarian stimulation. This step is crucial to ensure successful outcomes during assisted reproductive techniques. Currently, two-dimensional (2-D) transvaginal ultrasound is performed to monitor follicle growth and determine the optimal time for administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. However, the accurate follicle size, count, and multi-follicle maturity assessment require significant expertise and negligible inter-observer variations to maintain the reliability and validity of the measurements. 2-D ultrasound allows only an approximation of the actual follicular volume; therefore, it cannot be used to define standards for follicular maturity assessment. With the improvement of ultrasonography imaging technologies and the supporting software, it is now possible to acquire three-dimensional data sets and perform precise estimation of absolute dimensions, volumes, and mean dimensions of even complex structured follicles. This paper aimed to provide an in-depth review of the use of 3D ultrasound (3D-US) in reproductive medicine and combines an overview of the technique of performing a 3D-US for a fast, valid, objective, and reliable follicular assessment.
Exploring societal and environmental influences on decreasing menarcheal age: a comprehensive review
Authors: Mohapatra Ipsita , Samantaray Subha Ranjan
Published: June 2024

Menarche typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 16 years, although the timing can vary widely among individuals and populations due to genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The onset of menstruation reflects the complex interplay between biological, psychosocial, and environmental factors that influence pubertal development. Environmental factors such as nutrition, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and socioeconomic status (SES) play critical roles in determining menarcheal age. Psychosocial factors such as stress, family dynamics, and cultural norms also influence menarcheal age. This narrative review tries to explore the factors responsible for decreasing menarcheal age.