bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE PHENOMENON OF SIMULATING SEIZURES IN EPILEPSY: CASE REPORT
Authors: Nikolaev Egor E. , Orlov Fedor V. , Nikolaev Evgenii L. , Velilyaeva Alie S. , Khayatov Rustam B.
Published: October 2023

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may resemble epileptic ones, but bioelectric activity is not recorded on the electroencephalogram. In some cases, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and epilepsy are diagnosed simultaneously. The frequency of epilepsy in patients with diagnosed psychogenic non–epileptic seizures is 22%, and the incidence of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures among patients with epilepsy is 12%. The article describes a clinical case of a patient with diagnosed epilepsy, in whom psychogenic non-epileptic seizures were detected simultaneously with epileptic seizures. Polymorphic non-convulsive and convulsive seizures were observed in the clinical presentation. The patient received anti-epileptic therapy in high doses for a long time without significant effect. Convulsive seizures in most cases occurred during the day in crowded places in the presence of people. Most often, the patient managed to attract the attention of others and ask for help. A pathopsychological examination revealed a pronounced sharpening of hysteroid and epileptoid traits with excessive fixation on the state of the patient's health. For the first time in years of being treated by different doctors, the patient admitted during psychotherapy that convulsive seizures that occur with her are "useful". It was advantageous for her to take on the role of a person out of health in order to protect herself from her husband's aggression and get sympathy, feel special, get rid of extra burden at work. The article provides a differential diagnosis between factitious disorder, conversion disorder, simulation and aggravation. It is concluded that convulsive seizures in the patient occurred by the mechanism of a factitious disorder. The following facts speak in favor of this: motivation for this behavior is not clear to others and is of an internal nature, the desire to accept the role of a person out of health, awareness of seizures "usefulness", lack of attention in the family, hysteroid character traits. It is concluded that for the successful treatment of comorbidity conditions of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures and epilepsy, close interaction of a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a psychotherapist and a psychologist is extremely important.
PSORIASIS COMBINED WITH SYSTEMIC AMYLOIDOSIS: CLINICAL OBSERVATION
Authors: Khusainova Aigul A. , Boychev Vyacheslav A. , Kozlov Vadim A.
Published: October 2023

Secondary amyloidosis is a frequent complication of chronic inflammatory processes. That is why comorbid conditions are possible in which the underlying disease is combined with systemic amyloidosis. Once started, secondary amyloidosis becomes an independent process that complicates the course of the underlying disease that caused it and often becomes the main cause of death of the patient. The aim is to present a case report of psoriasis combined with systemic amyloidosis. Material and methods. The material was a clinical case of psoriasis combined with AL-amyloidosis in a 36-year-old patient who was in a state of persistent clinical remission for 12 years after treatment with melphalan in combination with the introduction of autologous stem cells. From the biopsy material of a psoriatic plaque, we made paraffin sections with a thickness of 5 microns, which were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, or hematoxylin and Congo Red, or thioflavin and subjected to light, polarization and luminescence microscopy. Results. Amyloid deposits were found in the dermis of the patient's psoriatic plaque, which were detected by examining sections stained with Congo Red in polarized light and thioflavin under luminescent microscopy. Conclusions. Despite a persistent clinical remission of systemic AL-amyloidosis, comorbid to preceding psoriasis, obtained as a result of the use of a modern pathogenetic method for treating such conditions – a course of melphalan in combination with autologous stem cell support – amyloid deposits in the psoriatic duty plaque were found in the examined patient.
NOVEL ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIES IN ASSESSING THE STATE OF THE MOTHER–PLACENTA–FETUS SYSTEM
Authors: Zalesskaia Sofia A. , Zubareva Elena A. , Dobrokhotova Yulia E. , Iljenko Lidia I. , Sencha Alexander N. , Koreev Alexander L.
Published: October 2023

The leading process in early pregnancy is forming the mother–placenta–fetus system. The central link of the mother–placenta–fetus system is the placenta. The structural features of the placenta reflect complex relationship between the mother's body and the fetus. Disorder in forming and functioning of the placenta underlies the development of complications such as early termination of pregnancy, placental insufficiency, fetal growth retardation syndrome, preeclampsia, premature birth. In this regard, an integrated approach in studying the hemodynamic system of mother–placenta–fetus is of particular importance. Ultrasound examination remains one of the most promising diagnostic methods. The aim of the study is to increase the effectiveness of diagnosis and prediction of gestational complications associated with violation of hemodynamic parameters in the mother–placenta–fetus system. Materials and methods. The study included 40 patients between the 30th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy with a singleton spontaneous pregnancy: 20 patients with normal course of pregnancy and 20 patients with a diagnosis of placental insufficiency. Ultrasound examination included standard echography in B-mode, color Doppler mapping and the use of modern techniques – three-dimensional imaging technology and innovative techniques of high-precision microvascular imaging SMI (Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging). Results and discussion. In patients with normal pregnancy, a variant of a three-dimensional model of the vascular network with a complex massive vascular network prevailed, whereas in the group with placental insufficiency, a three-dimensional vascular model looked simple: several intertwined vessels. Visual assessment of the placental vascular tree using SMI technology revealed the absence of a clear vascular pattern in the area of interest in patients with placental insufficiency, whereas active placental blood flow was determined in patients with normal pregnancy. Conclusions. The use of modern ultrasound technologies enables to obtain information about the state of placental blood flow, which gives the opportunity to diagnose the development of placental insufficiency in a timely manner.
Address by Master, Academy of Medicine, Singapore at the Opening Ceremony of the 38th Singapore-Malaysia Congress of Medicine and Induction Ceremony
Authors: Low CH
Published: October 2023

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Opening Ceremony of the 38th Singapore-Malaysia Congress of Medicine with participation of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine and Induction Comitia of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
2004 Runme Shaw Memorial Lecture: Professionalism – A Concept in Need of Nurturing
Authors: McDonald JWD
Published: October 2023

It is a great honour to be invited to deliver the Runme Shaw Memorial Lecture. I am grateful to the Runme Shaw Foundation for their support of this lecture.
A Review: The Location, Molecular Characterisation and Multipotency of Hair Follicle Epidermal Stem Cells
Authors: Ma DR , Yang EN , Lee ST
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Recent work has focused on the hair follicle as the main repository of multipotent stem cells in skin, which is a neat model to study the mechanisms regulating the proliferation, migration and final fate of adult stem cells. This review examines the available literature for its location, molecular markers and multipotency.

Methods: Peer-reviewed journals and monographs on the subject were covered.

Results: With the application of stem cell-labelling techniques and clonogenicity assay, it is clear that most of the hair follicle stem cells are located at the bulge region, but the base of the hair follicle does contain some clonogenic cells; whether they are stem cells is still unknown. Extensive works have been done in identifying hair follicle stem cells. The potential markers for hair follicle stem cells include: b1-integrin, keratin 19, a6-integrin, CD71, p63, and CD34. Most of these markers are expressed in high levels in hair follicle stem cells, but there is still difficulty in distinguishing hair follicle stem cells from their transit-amplifying progeny, and the sorted hair follicle stem cells with these markers are far from pure. As hair follicle stem cells might have been activated after leaving the stem cell niche, the markers for cells in vitro might not be identical to those in vivo. Using double-labelling techniques with BrdU and 3H-Thymidine, and the creation of novel chimera transgenic mice, it was proved that hair follicle stem cells can repopulate wound epidermis, forming epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, but it contributes little to the epidermis in physiological condition, except the hair follicle.

Conclusions: Slow cycling, label-retaining cells exist at the bulge of the hair follicle, with high proliferative potential and clonogenicity. The putative bulge stem cells can contribute to the epidermis, outer root sheath, inner root sheath, hair shaft and sebaceous gland. However, they still lack certain markers to distinguish bulge stem cells from their progeny, and much work needs to focus on the interrelations between bulge cells and interfollicular keratinocyte stem cells, the relations between bulge cells and dermal papilla mesenchyme cells, and the mechanism of hair growth.
Continuing Professional Development – a Surrogate for Recertification?
Authors: Tang GWK
Published: October 2023

Medical practitioners are certified as competent when they graduate from medical schools. They are certified as competent specialists after they have completed the various specialist training programmes. To maintain specialist status, the commonest requirement is mandatory continuing professional development (CPD), and in some places, continuing medical education (CME), which has been perceived by some as inadequate because it is passive, and skills and professionalism are excluded. In order to sustain the standard of medical practice and to assure quality of care, some registration organisations require that recertification be conducted not only through CPD, but written and oral examinations as well. In this manner, the criteria for quality medical care, which are evidence of professional standing, lifelong learning and self-assessment, cognitive functioning and evaluation of performance in practice, are fulfilled. CPD should involve educational activities of the medical practitioner’s choice and be capable of enhancing his or her practice at any particular period of time. Well-structured, well-designed and validated CPD can be considered as a surrogate for recertification.
Stem Cells: Current Usage and Future Potentials
Authors: Tan PHC
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the term “haematopoeitic stem cell transplantation” has replaced “bone marrow transplantation”. It is more precise and emphasises the “haematopoeitic stem cell” as the key element.
Unrelated Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation in Children and Adults
Authors: Koh LP
Published: October 2023

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has recently been explored as an alternative haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) source for allogeneic immunotherapy in both adults and paediatric patients with haematological malignancies and marrow failure syndromes. The relative ease of procurement, tolerance of 1-2 antigen human-leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch and the lower than anticipated risk of severe graft-versus-host disease has made UCB an appealing alternative to marrow-derived HSC. Results from various registries and institutions observed graft cell dose to be the major factor determining engraftment and survival in unrelated UCB transplant recipients. Given that adults are larger than children, there was still limited enthusiasm for the use of UCB in adults. The use of reduced-intensity or nonmyeloablative preparative regimens to allow engraftment of UCB broadens the scope of patients who may benefit from allogeneic immunotherapy, particularly the elderly and medically infirm patients with no matched sibling donor. Further studies on improving graft cell dose such as the use of ex vivo expansion of UCB cells and multiple-unit transplant are currently being pursued, so as to make this potentially curative procedure available to more patients.
Case Reports of Two Biopsy-proven Patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Singapore
Authors: See SJ , Pan A , Seah A , Teo J , Chan LL , Wong MC
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is the most common transmissible human subacute spongiform encephalopathy. There is limited literature on CJD in Southeast Asia. We describe the clinical course and diagnostic evaluation of 2 Singapore patients with biopsy-proven CJD.

Clinical Picture: Two patients presented with non-specific symptoms such as withdrawal, forgetfulness, asthenia, giddiness and insomnia. Both patients had spontaneous myoclonic jerks and impairment of multiple neurologic systems (visual, pyramidal, cerebellar and neurocognitive systems). Magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography provided helpful supportive evidence. Diagnosis of CJD was established on brain biopsy. Histological features included spongioform degeneration, neuronal cell loss and astrocytosis.

Treatment/Outcome: Treatment remains palliative. Deterioration in their clinical condition was relentless, progressing to a totally dependent state within 10 to 12 months.

Conclusion: The early features of CJD can be varied and non-specific. It is important for physicians from different specialties to be cognisant of the clinical manifestations of CJD and the appearance of supportive and definitive investigations.
İNSAN HAKLARI AÇISINDAN GÖÇ VE MÜLTECİLİK: ANAYASA MAHKEMESİ İLE AVRUPA İNSAN HAKLARI MAHKEMESİ KARARLARI BAĞLAMINDA İNCELEME
Authors: DOĞAN Bayram
Published: October 2023

Mülteci ve sığınmacıların haklarına ilişkin Avrupa İnsan Hakları Sözleşmesi’nde (AİHS) doğrudan düzenlemeler yer almamış olsa da AİHS, bu hakların korunması açısından en önemli sözleşmelerden biridir. 1951 Mültecilerin Hukuki Statüsüne İlişkin Cenevre Sözleşmesi’nde mültecileri geri göndermeme kuralına birtakım istisnalar getirilmişken, AİHS’de bu istisnaların olmaması, Sözleşme’ye daha geniş bir uygulama alanı sağlamaktadır. Sözleşme’yi uygulayan yargı organı Avrupa İnsan Hakları Mahkemesi (AİHM) ise, mültecilerin haklarını AİHS hükümleri kapsamında ele almaktadır. Türk hukukunda da Anayasa Mahkemesi’ne (AYM) bireysel başvurunun getirilmesi ve AİHM’nin ihlal kararları göz önüne alınarak düzenlenen Yabancılar ve Uluslararası Koruma Kanunu (YUKK) ile uluslararası mevzuat Türk hukukuna dahil edilmiştir. Anayasa Mahkemesi’nin de kararlarında, AİHM kararlarına paralel incelemeler yaptığı ve uluslararası kuruluşlarının raporlarını esas aldığı ve uygulamacılara yol gösterdiği görülmektedir.
The effect of chronic exposure on the FOXP3 concentration in lysates of the mitogen-stimulated mononuclear cells
Authors: Kodintseva EA , Akleyev AA
Published: October 2023

Disruptions of the Treg differentiation and functioning processes can play one of the crucial roles in the pathogenesis of radiation-induced malignant neoplasms in residents of the Techa riverside villages, who were chronically exposed in the low-to-medium dose range with predominant damage to the red bone marrow (RBM). This study aimed to determine the effect of radiation exposure, gender, age at the time of examination, and ethnicity on concentration of FOXP3 protein in lysates of mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in chronically exposed individuals in the period of cancer effects development. The main group consisted of 30 people aged 67–80 years, predominantly female and Turks. The comparison group included 10 unexposed individuals of similar age, gender, and ethnicity. In the main group, the mean dose to RBM was 867 mGr, to the thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs — 125 mGr. After 24-hour in vitro PHA stimulation, mononuclears were lysed, and the concentrations of the total protein and FOXP3 (using quantitative enzyme immunoassay) were measured. Among the different dose groups, there were no significant differences in FOXP3 concentration in mitogen-stimulated mononuclears (prior to the stimulation: 0 pg/ml in the comparison group and 3.50 ± 1.50 (0–27.19) pg/ml in the main group at p = 0.349; after the stimulation, respectively: 1.54 ± 1.51 (0–15.16) pg/ml and 9.71 ± 3.86 (0–77.92) pg/ml, p = 0.512). The variability of individual values is slightly higher in the main group than in the comparison group. Preliminary results allow concluding that the dose to RBM, thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs, age at the time of examination, gender, and ethnicity have no statistically significant effect on the concentration of FOXP3 protein in the lysates of the mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronically exposed people.
The Study of Corporate Social Responsibility and Ownership Structure on Bank’s Financial Performance in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Shu-Yu , Hsu Che-Chiang , Chang Juei-Chi
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR), ownership structure, and financial performance in a sample of 14 domestic financial holding companies in Taiwan. The empirical data gathered clearly indicate that banks recognized with CSR awards demonstrate superior financial performance across all models compared to those without awards. Notably, the bank’s practice of CSR, which signifies drawing from and contributing back to society, correlates with superior financial returns. In terms of large external shareholders, the institutional block-holders has a more pronounced impact as a monitoring mechanism compared to individual block-holders. Moreover, the study also supports the convergence-of-interest hypothesis, indicating that the alignment of interests between the managerial insiders and the shareholders through equity ownership can bolster a company’s financial performance.

JEL classification numbers: G32.
Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Ownership Structure, Financial Performance.
Tanggung Jawab Negara Terhadap Pengungsi Dan Pengaruhnya Bagi Hubungan Diplomatik, Perspektif Konvensi Wina 1961
Authors: Laiyan Marlin Paulina , Anwar Arman , Tahamata Lucia Charlota Octovina
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The Afghan government's pro-Western policies and secular ideologies caused a strong reaction from radical groups who wanted to establish a new Afghan government, resulting in a civil war in Afghanistan.Purposes of the Research: The purpose of this study is to examine and discuss the implementation of state responsibilities and their impact on Afghan refugees in Indonesia for diplomatic relations, from the perspective of the 1961 Vienna Convention.Methods of the Research: This research is based on the normative legal research method which is also known as library research. The approach used is a conceptual approach, a statutory approach, and a case approach. The procedure for collecting legal materials is carried out by studying and analyzing library materials in relation to literature, conventions, and laws. Processing and analysis of legal materials is carried out by examining, researching, and compiling legal materials in an orderly and logical manner to ensure the completeness of legal materials so that they can be interpreted.Results of the Research: Based on the results of research on state responsibility for refugees and its effect on diplomatic relations, the perspective of the 1961 Vienna Convention. The principle of state sovereignty in international relations has a very large influence on the right of a country to control a government territory, society or over itself so that in practice it is against refugees a state is negligent or violates what is required by international law, namely in providing protection, promotion and respect for human rights based on a treaty and customary international law. As an example; there are several countries that are parties to the 1951 Convention, act to receive and provide protection, expel and return refugees to other places or to their countries of origin where these actions have violated the Non-Refoulement Principle Article 33 paragraph 3 which is basically related to the principle of protecting human rights. Meanwhile, there are also countries that, although not participants in the 1951 Convention, accept and make laws and regulations that apply to refugees to ensure the protection of human rights that refugees do not get because of conflicts that occur in their place or country of origin.
Áreas protegidas do cerrado: vulnerabilidade e adaptação às mudanças climáticas
Authors:   , Castro Mirele Pereira
Published: October 2023

A preocupação com a manutenção do bioma Cerrado e sua relevância ecológica faz com que as estratégias de conservação in situ de áreas protegidas sejam estabelecidas. O presente estudo tem o objetivo de fornecer uma caracterização atualizada da vulnerabilidade ambiental das áreas protegidas do cerrado brasileiro diante as mudanças climáticas, utilizando os novos cenários socioeconômicos SSPs (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) e dados em alta resolução provenientes do NEXGDDP-CMIP6, como ferramenta de avaliação. Para isso, foi utilizado o Índice Regional de Mudanças Climáticas (RCCI), que sintetiza dados provenientes das projeções climáticas. Avaliou-se o comportamento da vegetação no período de 1990 a 2021, utilizando a plataforma MapBiomas versão 7.1. Foi classificada a vulnerabilidade das áreas protegidas dividindo os valores de risco e resiliência em 4 partes iguais (25% de cada elemento). Foram descritas as vias de adaptação: refúgios, manutenção do ecossistema, adaptação natural e transições facilitadas, para cada área protegida. Os resultados mostraram que 91,6% das áreas protegidas do Cerrado estão classificadas entre os riscos alto e moderado, enquanto as áreas de baixo risco representam 8,4%. A resiliência das áreas varia entre alta e moderada ao longo do bioma, sendo que, 92,8% das áreas demonstram alta resiliência e apenas 7,2% moderada. As áreas apresentam baixa vulnerabilidade ambiental, no entanto, aproximadamente 15,4% dessas áreas estão classificadas como vulnerabilidade moderada e 0,5% apresentam alta vulnerabilidade. A implementação da via de adaptação manutenção do ecossistema foi indicada a 256 áreas protegidas, e representa aproximadamente 65,5% das áreas analisadas. A via de adaptação refúgios foi recomendada para 18,7% das áreas analisadas. Os resultados obtidos por meio da utilização do RCCI e MapBiomas demonstraram de maneira efetiva a vulnerabilidade ambiental das áreas protegidas do Cerrado brasileiro. As informações são pertinentes para embasar a formulação de estratégias de conservação com base na projeção da exposição climática futura. Palavras-chave: Conservação da Biodiversidade. Condições climáticas. Modelos Climáticos.
Clinical and microbiological characteristics of Candida meningitis/ventriculitis in children
Authors: ÇAY Ümmühan , TAPAÇ Nisa Nur , BARUTÇU Adnan , ALABAZ Derya , ÖZGÜR GÜNDEŞLİOĞLU Özlem , KİBAR Filiz , OKTAY Kadir
Published: October 2023

Background: Candida meningitis/ventriculitis is rather rare during childhood. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis of patients with Candida meningitis/ventriculitis.Methods: Patients under the age of 18 years who were diagnosed with Candida meningitis/ventriculitis were evaluated retrospectively.Results: A total of 10 cases with Candida meningitis/ventriculitis were analyzed. Three patients (30%) were below the age of one, and two (20%) were neonates. The two most common underlying conditions were hydrocephalus shunt and prematurity. Predisposing factors were a history of broad-spectrum antibiotic use, external ventricular drainage, total parenteral nutrition, central venous catheter, and staying in intensive care. The cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive in all patients, and 10% (1/1) had bacteremia. Of the isolates, 50% were C. albicans, 30% were C. tropicalis, 10% were C. lusitaniae, and 10% were C. dubliniensis. Fluconazole treatment was initiated in four (40%) and voriconazole in three (30%) patients. Two patients received combined treatment (amphotericin B + fluconazole/voriconazole). The median treatment duration was 38.6 days (range: 16–70 days). Three patients received intraventricular Amphotericin B.Central nervous system devices which were assumed to be infected were removed. A complication of endophthalmitis developed in one patient. The mortality rate was 10%.Conclusions: Among agents causing meningitis/ventriculitis, Candida should also be kept in mind in premature neonates and patients with ventricular-peritoneal shunts. The history of antibiotic use and external ventricular drainage are important predisposing factors. It can be successfully treated with fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and removal of the central nervous system device.
Risk of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants born to advanced maternal age pregnancies
Authors: CERAN Burak , ÇAKIR Ufuk , YILDIZ Duran , TUĞCU Ali Ulaş , SINACI Selcan , TAYMAN Cüneyt
Published: October 2023

Background: Little is known about the effect of advanced maternal age on preterm morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between maternal age and morbidity and mortality in premature infants born at a gestational age ≤32 weeks.Methods: Premature infants born at ≤32 weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were divided into three groups by maternal age: <35, 35-39, and ≥40 years. Infant and maternal demographic and clinical characteristics, and preterm morbidity and mortality were compared between the groups.Results: A total of 827 preterm infants were included. Their distribution by maternal age was as follows: 659 infants in the <35 years group, 120 in the 35-39 years group, and 48 in the ≥40 years age group. Older maternal age was associated with higher gravidity, frequency of assisted reproductive technology use, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and caesarean delivery (P=0.004, P<0.001, P=0.007, P=0.004, and P<0.001, respectively). Respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, and necrotising enterocolitis were significantly more frequent in preterm infants aged ≥35 years (P=0.014, P=0.029, and P<0.001, respectively).Conclusions: In addition to the maternal risks associated with pregnancy at older ages, some prematurity morbidities may also increase in frequency. Although this novel study presents important results, further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between advanced maternal age and preterm morbidity.
Antimalarial activity of amodiaquine-moxifloxacin: A study in mice.
Authors: ADIKWU Elias , NWORGU Confidence Orgechi , IGONO AJEKA Simeon
Published: October 2023

Background: The search for new partner drugs to increase the therapeutic activity of existing antimalarial drugs is important because of decreased Plasmodium susceptibility. Amodiaquine (AQ) is an antimalarial drug. Moxifloxacin (MX) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with promising antiplasmodial activity. This study evaluated the benefit of MX as a partner drug with AQ for malaria treatment in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Methods: Adult Swiss albino mice (28-35g) of both sexes, randomly grouped and inoculated with Plasmodium berghei were used. The mice were treated orally with AQ (10 mg/kg), MX (6 mg/kg) and AQ-MX, respectively using the curative, prophylactic and suppressive protocols. Blood samples were collected and assessed for percentage parasitemia and hematological indices. Liver samples were assessed for histological changes. Mean survival time (MST) was observed in treated mice. Results: The curative, prophylactic and suppressive tests showed that AQ-MX decreased percentage parasitemia with difference observed at p
Ameliorative effects of varenicline and bupropion on morphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats
Authors: YUNUSOĞLU Oruç , KÖSE Çagla , SHAHZADİ Andleeb , DEMİR Bülent , ÖNAL Burak , ÖZYAZGAN Sibel , AKKAN Ahmet Gökhan
Published: October 2023

Background: Rewarding properties of morphine constitue the principal reasons for drug-craving behaviors which appear during morphine addiction. Varenicline and bupropion were reported to have some positive effects on addictive substances by different studies. In this study, the effects of varenicline and bupropion on morphine rewarding properties were investigated via conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats.Methods: Conditioning was performed by intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p., 1, 3, 5, and 7 days) and saline (2,4, 6, and 8 days). To evaluate the development of dependence, subcutaneous administration of varenicline (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, s.c.) or bupropion (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was carried out 15 minutes before the administration of morphine. To evaluate the expression of dependence, varenicline or bupropion was administered 15 minutes before the test on 9th day. To investigate the extinction of the reward effect, drugs were tested daily on days 14, 18, and 22 and evaluated for reinstatement on 23rd day.Results: Systemic morphine administration statistically significant produced CPP. Varenicline and bupropion did not reduce the development of morphine-induced CPP. In addition, varenicline and bupropion decreased expression, reinstatement and accelerated the extinction of morphine-induced CPP. Unlike varenicline, bupropion statistically significant produced CPP and altered locomotor activity.Conclusions: These data suggest that varenicline and bupropion may be useful therapeutic pharmacological agents to reduce morphine dependence. The results of our research provide preliminary evidence to highlight the importance of the effects of varenicline and bupropion on morphine dependence. In the future, it would be appropriate to conduct mechanistic studies to explain the underlying mechanisms by using different methods on the subject.
Comparison of ulnar, median, and sural sensory nerve conduction studies between demyelinating and axonal forms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: YILDIZ Mehmet , FİDANCI Halit , ORTAÇ Gülçin , BUTURAK Şencan , ARLIER Zülfikar
Published: October 2023

Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an important neurological disease that can cause disability. Axonal GBS and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) are two important subgroups.

Methods: Patients with clinical and electrodiagnostic features compatible with GBS were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups neurophysiologically as Axonal GBS and AIDP. Medical research council (MRC) scores of the patients' muscles, median / ulnar / posterior tibial / peroneal / sural nerve conduction study findings were included in the analyses. Sural sparing pattern was considered as the absence of median/ulnar compound nerve action potential (CNAP) and present sural nerve CNAP (SS-M/SS-U).

Results: Twelve AIDP and 10 Axonal GBS patients were included in the study. MRC scores were not different between the two groups (p=0.895). CNAPs of the right median and ulnar nerves were smaller in AIDP patients than in Axonal GBS patients (p
A new prognostic factor in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan: Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes and platelets (HALP) score
Authors: KORKMAZ Mustafa , KARAKURT ERYILMAZ Melek , KOÇAK Mehmet Zahid , DEMİRKIRAN Aykut , ARAZ Murat , KARAAĞAÇ Mustafa , ARTAÇ Mehmet
Published: October 2023

Background: We aimed to investigate whether the HALP score is a prognostic marker in patients with recurrent GBM who were given bevacizumab plus irinotecan.

Methods: We compared the survival of patients followed up in our clinic with the diagnosis of recurrent GBM and treated with bevacizumab plus irinotecan, according to HALP score.

Results: Median PFS and OS were 4.5 (0.9-14.9) and 8 (0.9-21.3) months, respectively. The median PFS of the low HALP score group was 1.85 (1.3-3.37) months, and of the high HALP score group was 4.96 (0.9-14.9) months (p=0.03). The OS of the high HALP score group (9.63 [7.28-11.9]) was statistically higher compared with low HALP score group (2.26 [0.88-3.65]) (p
Exploring the Nexus between Masculinity and Men’s Mental Health: Case of Goromonzi Peri Urban Mashonaland East Zimbabwe
Authors: Resina Banda , Mlambo Nefasi
Published: October 2023

The heavy politicization of masculinity within societies has magnified help seeking skepticism and presents a major public health challenge. While previous studies have focused on efficacy of interventions, less has been done with regards to the recipients of services. This has spurred the rationale for this study which sought to explore the nexus between masculinity and men’s mental health. Courtenay’s relational theory of gender and men’s health was used in this study. A convenient sample of 50 respondents were purposively and randomly selected from across the various ranks of the population of the study. Sampled were 5 boys, 5 girls, 20 men and 20 women who were later involved in both Focused Group Discussions and interviews. Extra data was obtained through in-depth interviews conducted with both females and male in Goromonzi staff. The interview results identified and outlined themes on the health-seeking behaviour amongst men in the peri urban areas of Goromonzi. The paper argues that despite availability of health centres, men still resent or detest consulting on health issues. Findings showed that health promotion programs go a long way towards promoting a change in individual behavior including health seeking tendencies. Results shows that cultural milieu, masculinity and cultural norms remain major influencers of men’s health-seeking behaviour. This study concludes that being a man takes on a universal status, generalisable and immutable. Aggression, reason, a need for control, competitiveness, and emotional reticence. From the above conclusion, the study recommends robust health education, sensitization and campaigns to enhance health-seeking behaviour amongst men in communities. Further recommendations include addressing cultural norms, supporting community health care workers as well as employing the multi sectoral approach at community level.
Youth, Drug and Substance Abuse and Policy in Zimbabwe
Authors: Banda Resina
Published: October 2023

The article takes as its point of entry in youth studies, drug and substance abuse as one of the domineering ‘pandemics’ in Zimbabwe. Whereas globally scholarly attention on youth and drug and substance abuse is remarkable, in Zimbabwe, lacunae are enduring. Informed by research with, by and for the youth, the article reconnoitres the diverse contextual factors leading to drug and substance abuse among youth, and proffers policy options for addressing the issues. Drug and substance abuse and the requisite policy responses defy brush painting, homogeneity and unilineality. While the government may take a central and oversight role, effective responses to youth drug and substance abuse demands a multi-stakeholder approach including youth, their representative organisations, families, communities, civil society organisations and the government.
SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DE VITAMINA D E SEUS IMPACTOS NA ESTÉTICA
Authors: Santana Gomes Bianca
Published: October 2023

O presente artigo busca articular sobre como a vitamina D impacta na estética e saúde humana. Foi discutido sobre suplementação de vitamina D, sua importância frente a diversas patologias que apresentam hipovitaminose D, e como níveis séricos equilibrados impacta diretamente.  Foi apresentado os níveis séricos considerados adequados para cada faixa etária, e como a Vitamina D impacta na estética e doenças dermatológicas, sendo de forma positiva ou negativa a depender dos mecanismos de ação de cada patologia.
EXPLORANDO A RELAÇÃO ENTRE CONSCIÊNCIA AMBIENTAL E PERSONALIDADE: EVIDÊNCIAS DO EMPREGO DA ESCALA NEP E DO TESTE QUATI
Authors: Melo Neto Patricio Lauro de , Reis Neto Jose Francisco dos
Published: October 2023

Este estudo tem como objetivo principal investigar a relação entre a consciência ambiental e a personalidade em estudantes universitários da região de Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil. A consciência ambiental é uma dimensão crucial no contexto atual, dado o crescente interesse pela preservação ambiental e pelo desenvolvimento sustentável. A pesquisa busca compreender como os estudantes percebem sua responsabilidade em relação à preservação do meio ambiente e como essa percepção se relaciona com suas características de personalidade. Para alcançar esse objetivo, foi utilizada a Escala do Novo Paradigma Ambiental (NEP) para avaliar a consciência ambiental dos participantes. Além disso, o estudo empregou o Teste QUATI, que aborda a tipologia da personalidade, permitindo a análise das características psicológicas dos indivíduos. Os resultados revelaram informações valiosas sobre a consciência ambiental da amostra, identificando os traços de personalidade que se correlacionam com tendências antropocêntricas e ecocêntricas. Os achados deste estudo oferecem discernimentos importantes sobre como a percepção ambiental varia entre os estudantes universitários, considerando diferentes variáveis, como área de estudo, faixa etária e gênero. Essa análise contribui para a compreensão das atitudes e comportamentos em relação a questões ambientais, bem como para a identificação de possíveis áreas de intervenção educacional e sensibilização ambiental. Este estudo representa uma contribuição significativa para a literatura acadêmica ao explorar a interseção entre a consciência ambiental e a personalidade em um contexto regional específico, fornecendo subsídios importantes para o desenvolvimento de estratégias e políticas relacionadas à educação ambiental e à conscientização ambiental entre estudantes universitários.
THE IMPACT OF EMPOWERING WORKERS IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN ALGERIAN ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS: CASE STUDY OF ALGERIA TELECOM - BECHAR AGENCY
Authors: KARIMA Hadji , SOUAD Douli , ILYES Slimani
Published: October 2023

This research aims to study the impact of empowering workers on crisis management in Algeria Telecom Corporation, Bechar Agency, a questionnaire was prepared and directed to a sample of 30 employees of the establishment, and the relationship between the dimensions of the independent variable was studied empowering employees and the dependent variable crisis management. The data were analyzed and hypotheses tested using spss 21, and the most important result was that there was a significant impact of empowering the employees of the Algeria Telecom Corporation, the Bechar Agency, to manage the crises they encounter
STUDYING THE RELATIONSHIP OF VISUAL PERCEPTION WITH LEARNING TO READ FOR FIRST-YEAR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: MAHOUEL Fazia , AZDAOU Chafika
Published: October 2023

The study aims to understand and assess the nature of the relationship between visual perception and learning to read, to achieve the objective, the study was conducted on a sample of first grade primary school students, counting (117) students, they were divided into two groups using the (T-test) to distinguish between good and weak students in visual perception, The results confirmed the existence of statistically significant differences between good and weak students in visual perception in the reading test among first-grade students in terms of the number of correct answers and in terms of reading time, and there are also a correlation between visual perception and reading test among first-grade students
THE ECONOMICS OF EXPORTING THE MOST IMPORTANT SUDANESE OILSEEDS DURING CORONAVIRUS
Authors: Mohammed Saboun HASSAN Intisar
Published: October 2023

This research aims to identify the economic situation for exporting the most important Sudanese oilseeds in shade of the Corona virus during the period (2018-2021). This research also aims to study export quantities and know the export price of sesame and groundnut crops، considering them the most important oil crops in Sudan, where the sesame crop occupies the first place among Sudanese crops exports by 71%, followed directly by the groundnut crop, in the second place in terms of the exported quantities, with an average of 29.5% during that period. The research also aims to know and explain the best export markets for them according to their geographical distribution, and then reach the optimal distribution of these exports among the importing countries, which achieves the highest return. The importance of this research comes in the fact that the foreign trade sector is considered one of the most important economic sectors in Sudan, because the issue of export is among the most important goals of comprehensive economic development in the country, and the agricultural sector represents the main pillar to support the Sudanese national economy, as it contributes to the gross national income. At an average rate of about 46.4% and it provides 60% of job opportunities .It is the second sector in terms of its contribution to exports, as it contributes 90% of the proceeds of non-oil revenues, according to the reports of the Central Bank of Sudan for the year 2021. But the problem lies in the fact that the export of oilseeds seemed to fluctuate between rise and fall from one period to another and from year to year as a result of many global variables that affected Sudanese trade, the most important of which was the appearance of the Corona virus, in addition to the appearance of global markets with a high competitive ability, as in this period (2018-2021). The price of the local currency rose sharply against the prices of foreign currencies, especially the dollar, which led to an increase in the prices of some commodities, Services and costs of local production inputs .This research will cover the introduction, main and secondary objectives, importance, research problem, theoretical framework for some concepts related to oil crops, research method and analysis, data sources, recommendations and proposals, list of sources and references
THE REALITY OF NETWORK MARKETING
Authors: Faraj BEN ABDAT Riyad , Yeslem BA-BATAT Ali
Published: October 2023

Network Marketing: is a direct marketing system that promotes its products through new purchasers by giving them financial or service commissions, in exchange for everyone who buys through them, according to certain conditions governed by regulated regulations. The importance of the research lies in the scientific and practical value of the subject; it deals with a subject that touches people's strong desires for wealth, and their renewed needs for money, revealing its truth, revealing its being. The research aims to define the concept of network marketing and its common characteristics, and to show its truth. The researchers followed the descriptive and inductive approach; And that is by describing the phenomenon, which is the reality of network marketing, and tracking and collecting scientific material, and synthesizing between its knowledge and its parts, and then they dealt with all this by analysis and interpretation, and linking the particles with the colleges to achieve the objectives of the research. The research consists of an introduction, four demands, and a conclusion. The first requirement includes: the concept of network marketing and its common characteristics. The second requirement: Addressing the reality of network marketing in the view of the authorized. The third requirement: Addressing the reality of network marketing in the view of those who prevent it. As for the fourth requirement: it contains the reality of network marketing in the opinion of the researchers. And the conclusion: it contains the conclusions and recommendations
Calculating different indices of Idempotent graph of ring ℤn
Authors: Razaghi Somayyeh , Sahebi Shervin
Published: October 2023

By Idempotent graph of ℤn  we mean the graph whose vertices are all elements of ℤn such that distinct vertices u and v are adjacent if and only if u + v is an idempotent element of ℤn, denoted by Gid(ℤn). In this paper, we compute some kind of topological indices of Idempotent graph of ℤn.
Convergence results for stochastic split feasibility problem using Perturbed Mann iterative scheme in Hilbert space
Authors: Nweke Chijioke Joel , Udom Akaninyene Udo , Mbaeyi George Chinanu , Michael Uchenna Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

The focus of this study is on the stochastic split feasibility problem as an extension to deterministic (classical) split feasibility problem. Stochastic convergence in the quadratic mean of an iteration based on Perturbed Mann-type iterative scheme for solving the stochastic split feasibility problem is proven. The Lipschitzian and Pseudo-contractive mapping of the operators in Hilbert space was adopted. A convergence in quadratic mean to a random fixed-point of a split feasibility problem was achieved.
FDI: A Robust and Easily Accessible Approach in Fostering the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals2030 in India – A Perspective Study
Authors: Dibyendu Banik  , Sourav Shil
Published: October 2023

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is a crucial component of any country's economic expansion, and the potential of this sector depends on a number of variables, including the level of human development, perceptions of corruption, market conditions, and world peace, all of which are quantified by the Human Development Index (HDI), Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Market Size (MS), and Global Peace Index (GPI), respectively. Most countries are currently experiencing economic crisis as a result of COVID-19. It would be preferable in this regard to identify the relevant factor(s) for improving the economic situation through FDI inflow. The study's goal is to determine how the aforementioned elements affect India's FDI inflow and to pinpoint the component or factors that have the greatest influence overall. This article examines the potential for investments in environmental innovations in India with a critical eye on the effects of the framework for foreign direct investment on sustainable growth in the recipient country. The notion of sustainability used in this research includes economic growth and investment that support innovative production that is both environmentally and socially responsible. The need for sustainable development is there because despite recent significant GDP growth in India, households and businesses are still unable to access the necessities of clean water, clean air, and proper waste management. From a methodological perspective, this research uses macroeconomic data to assess the needs and potentials of Indian states quantitatively
Selling the Scandinavian Ethos: Principal Marketing Strategies of Nordic Design Brands
Authors: Wiśnicka Anna
Published: October 2023

This text presents and analyses the principal marketing strategies used by Danish, Swedish, and Finnish companies and describes the set of marketing messages characteristic of Scandinavian design brands. The most popular strategies involve geo-recognition, with sociolinguistic mechanisms that influence the names of companies and products and the self-description of brands. The contradictory issues of nobilitation and egalitarianism, which have a pivotal role in the advertising of specific products for different groups of recipients, are addressed. Co-branding, including image collaborations between brands operating in different sectors, and mass media influence (the leading tool of advertisement, through films, series, and TV commercials), are other strategies. Connections are established between design promotion and widely recognisable cultural phenomena, such as hygge or lagom. Analysis reveals that the main marketing strategies characteristic of the design brands of the North revolve around a multitude of connections to Scandinavian heritage and culture.