bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm forming a protruding lesion toward the duodenum from the accessory papilla: a case report
Authors: Kawahara Shinnosuke , Yamamoto Naoto , Washimi Kota , Kanemoto Rei , Takahashi Daishi , Kamioka Yuto , Hashimoto Itaru , Kamiya Mariko , Kato Aya , Maezawa Yukio , Kazama Keisuke , Murakawa Masaaki , Sawazaki Sho , Aoyama Toru , Tamagawa Hiroshi , Oshima Takashi , Yukawa Norio , Rino Yasushi , Yokose Tomoyuki , Saito Aya , Morinaga Soichiro
Published: February 2024

Background

Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm (IOPN), previously classified as a subtype of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), has been described as an independent disease by the WHO since 2019. IOPN is a rare tumor, with few reported cases. Herein, we report a case of resected non-invasive IOPN that formed a lesion protruding toward the duodenum from the accessory papilla.

Case presentation

An 80-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a giant mass in the pancreatic head detected on abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) performed for a close examination of a mass in the right breast. CT revealed a 90-mm-sized tumor with a mixture of solid and cystic components, with contrast enhancement in the pancreatic head, and a dilated main pancreatic duct. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a semi-circumferential papillary tumor protruding toward the duodenal lumen, which did not protrude from the papilla of Vater. Transpapillary biopsy led to a preoperative diagnosis of IPMN with an associated invasive carcinoma. As there were no distant metastasis, open subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Analysis of the surgical specimen and histopathological examination revealed that the tumor was an IOPN that protruded toward the duodenal mucosa from the accessory papilla while replacing the duodenal mucosa with no obvious stromal invasion.

Conclusion

IOPN is a rare and poorly recognized tumor with few reported cases. There have been no reports describing IOPN forming a protruding lesion toward the duodenum from the accessory papilla. Therefore, further accumulation of cases such as this one is important to advance the study of IOPN.
Impact of COVID-19 on food security and diet quality in Chilanga District, Zambia
Authors: Sridhar Shela , Kang Janella , Makasa Joyce , Bell-Cross Sally , Madzorera Isabel , Zulu Ethan , Hamer Davidson H.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Food security and nutrition have been severely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to quantify the impacts of the pandemic on food security and diet diversity within Chilanga District in Zambia and identify target areas for high-impact social protection and safety net programs.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Chilanga district immediately after the Omicron variant surge in February 2022. Diet quality and food security were assessed based on a household diet questionnaire and a Minimum Dietary Diversity-Women (MDD-W) score was calculated. A paired t-test was used to determine whether there was a statistically significant change in the MDD-W score and McNemar test was used to investigate the change in food security between the pre- and peri-COVID-19 period.

Results

Compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, there were increases in food prices across the board in the peri-COVID-19 period and decreased consumption of key food categories including legumes, dairy and vitamin A rich foods. Despite high rates of food insecurity, only 6.6% of surveyed households received any cash or in-kind assistance from a government agency, non-profit, or other organization in the post-COVID-19 period.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on food security and dietary diversity in Chilanga district. This is particularly relevant in the low-income communities that we surveyed, which had pre-existing challenges with food security. Additional resources must be invested in Chilanga District and similarly affected areas to address this gap in access to food and promote national equity.

Trial Registration N/A.
Flammability features of native and non-native woody species from the southernmost ecosystems: a review
Authors: Toy-Opazo Octavio , Fuentes-Ramirez Andrés , Palma-Soto Valeria , Garcia Rafael A. , Moloney Kirk A. , Demarco Rodrigo , Fuentes-Castillo Andrés
Published: February 2024

Background

Vegetation plays a crucial role in the ignition, propagation, and severity of fire, and understanding the relationship between plants and fire through flammability attributes has become a useful tool that is increasingly used in studies on fire dynamics worldwide. However, in the southern cone of South America, rather few studies have systematically and specifically addressed the flammability of vegetation, and yet fewer have compared native and non-native species. Given the increasing interest in knowing the flammability characteristics of vegetation, this review aims to assess the potential differences in flammability between native and non-native plant species that inhabit the southern cone and to identify the main methodologies and experiments used to analyze vegetation flammability.

Results

Twenty-eight species were identified, 18 native to the region and 10 non-native. Additionally, 64 experimental tests were revised to evaluate plant flammability. It was found that Cryptocarya alba, Acacia dealbata, Eucalyptus globulus, and Pinus ponderosa are the species with a high flammability index. By contrast, the species Araucaria araucana, Austrocedrus chilensis, Embothrium coccineum, and Persea lingue showed low flammability. The methodologies used to evaluate vegetation flammability were highly variable, with the use of epiradiators being the most frequent.

Conclusions

Our review indicates that the geographic origin of vegetation (native vs. non-native in South America) is not a decisive factor in determining species-level differences in flammability. Other relevant factors that contribute with the degree of plant flammability include fuel moisture, the morphology of the species, and its internal chemical compounds. We highlight the necessity of continuing the study of plant flammability and advance in the standardization of protocols and measurements, using uniform criteria and increasing comparative studies between species, particularly in the southern cone of South America where catastrophic wildfires are increasing.
The moderating effect of dividend policy on the relationship between the corporate risk disclosure and firm value: evidence from Egypt
Authors: El-Deeb Mohamed Samy , Allam Mohamed Fathy
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the effects of corporate risk disclosure (CRD) and dividend policy (DP) on firm value (FV) for non-financial companies listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange. Using a sample of 45 non-financial firms from 2016 to 2022, which yielded 315 firm-year observations, we find a significant positive relationship between CRD and FV, supporting signaling theory. DP also exhibits a positive association with FV. Additionally, DP positively moderates the CRD-FV relationship, indicating a complementary effect where dividends enhance the CRD's positive signal. The results are robust across fixed effects, random effects, and pooled OLS models. This study makes key empirical and theoretical contributions by validating the hypothesized relationships in the Egyptian context. It also provides managerial insights into value drivers for public firms in developing economies. Further research can corroborate the findings in other emerging markets. Overall, this paper enhances understanding of the linkages between risk disclosure, dividend policy, and firm valuation outcomes.
Retrospective Case Series of Spinal Cord Neurapraxia in Male Adolescent Athletes: Can These Athletes Return-to-Play?
Authors: Jo Jacob , Anesi Trevor J. , Vance E. Haley , Sills Allen K. , Zuckerman Scott L. , Bonfield Christopher M.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

While spinal cord neurapraxia (SCN) is a documented pathology in athletes, guidance for neurosurgeons evaluating these patients is sparse. Therefore, in a cohort of adolescent athletes with SCN, we sought to (1) review their presentation and management and (2) describe outcomes and return-to-play (RTP).

METHODS:

A single-center, retrospective case series was conducted to examine adolescent athletes diagnosed with SCN from 2017 to 2022. SCN was defined as an episode of bilateral upper and/or lower extremity weakness/numbness after an impact during sport. Collected variables included demographics, presentation, management, outcomes, and RTP.

RESULTS:

Six patients were included (mean age = 14.5 ± 2.1 years, 100.0% male). Three American football players sustained tackle injuries, 1 ice hockey and 1 basketball player fell and landed on their head/neck, and 1 weight lifter sustained an axial load of weights to his neck. Motor symptoms ranged from quadriplegia to partial weakness. Full symptom resolution was seen in 6/6 patients: in <1 day for 3 patients, 2–3 days for 2 patients, and 1–2 months for 1 patient. All 6/6 patients received computed tomography of head/cervical spine and MRI of cervical spine, half of whom received computed tomography and MRI of thoracic/lumbar spine. No patient had congenital stenosis or abnormal T2 signal on MRI. Specific RTP recommendations varied. All 6 patients/parents were contacted at a mean of 16.6 ± 2.6 months from the injury. All patients returned to play at a mean of 5.7 ± 3.3 months. All 6 patients returned to their previous sports. Across all patients, no recurrence or neurological sequelae was endorsed in the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION:

Six athletes with SCN with no imaging abnormalities and full symptom resolution were able to RTP to their previous sport without future consequence. Symptom duration may not be clinically useful in determining the feasibility of RTP. Follow-up studies are warranted in this patient cohort to standardize RTP recommendations.
Exploiting spatiotemporal regulation of FZD5 during neural patterning for efficient ventral midbrain specification
Authors: Yang Andy , Chidiac Rony , Russo Emma , Steenland Hendrik , Pauli Quinn , Bonin Robert , Blazer Levi L. , Adams Jarrett J. , Sidhu Sachdev S. , Goeva Aleksandrina , Salahpour Ali , Angers Stephane
Published: February 2024

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling governs anterior-posterior neural patterning during development. Current human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation protocols use a GSK3 inhibitor to activate Wnt signaling to promote posterior neural fate specification. However, GSK3 is a pleiotropic kinase involved in multiple signaling pathways and, as GSK3 inhibition occurs downstream in the signaling cascade, it bypasses potential opportunities for achieving specificity or regulation at the receptor level. Additionally, the specific roles of individual FZD receptors in anterior-posterior patterning are poorly understood. Here, we have characterized the cell surface expression of FZD receptors in neural progenitor cells with different regional identity. Our data reveal unique upregulation of FZD5 expression in anterior neural progenitors, and this expression is downregulated as cells adopt a posterior fate. This spatial regulation of FZD expression constitutes a previously unreported regulatory mechanism that adjusts the levels of β-catenin signaling along the anterior-posterior axis and possibly contributes to midbrain-hindbrain boundary formation. Stimulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hPSCs, using a tetravalent antibody that selectively triggers FZD5 and LRP6 clustering, leads to midbrain progenitor differentiation and gives rise to functional dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo.
Mutation of the SWI/SNF complex component Smarce1 decreases nucleosome stability in embryonic stem cells and impairs differentiation
Authors: Kashiwagi Katsunobu , Yoshida Junko , Kimura Hiroshi , Shinjo Keiko , Kondo Yutaka , Horie Kyoji
Published: February 2024

The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex consists of more than ten component proteins that form a large protein complex of >1 MDa. The catalytic proteins Smarca4 or Smarca2 work in concert with the component proteins to form a chromatin platform suitable for transcriptional regulation. However, the mechanism by which each component protein works synergistically with the catalytic proteins remains largely unknown. Here, we report on the function of Smarce1, a component of the SWI/SNF complex, through the phenotypic analysis of homozygous mutant embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Disruption of Smarce1 induced the dissociation of other complex components from the SWI/SNF complex. Histone binding to DNA was loosened in homozygous mutant ESCs, indicating that disruption of Smarce1 decreased nucleosome stability. Sucrose gradient sedimentation analysis suggested that there was an ectopic genomic distribution of the SWI/SNF complex upon disruption of Smarce1, accounting for the misregulation of chromatin conformations. Unstable nucleosomes remained during ESC differentiation, impairing the heterochromatin formation that is characteristic of the differentiation process. These results suggest that Smarce1 guides the SWI/SNF complex to the appropriate genomic regions to generate chromatin structures adequate for transcriptional regulation.
Association of COVID-19 Pandemic with Colorectal Cancer Screening: Impact of Race/Ethnicity and Social Vulnerability
Authors: Khan Muhammad Muntazir Mehdi , Munir Muhammad Musaab , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Endo Yutaka , Khalil Mujtaba , Tsilimigras Diamantis , Harzman Alan , Huang Emily , Kalady Matthew , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health care delivery, including cancer screening practices. This study sought to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening relative to social vulnerability.

Methods

Using the Medicare Standard Analytic File, individuals 65 years old or older who were eligible for guideline-concordant CRC screening between 2019 and 2021 were identified. These data were merged with the Center for Disease Control Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) dataset. Changes in county-level monthly screening volumes relative to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020) and easing of restrictions (March 2021) were assessed relative to SVI.

Results

Among 10,503,180 individuals continuously enrolled in Medicare with no prior diagnosis of CRC, 1,362,457 (12.97%) underwent CRC screening between 2019 and 2021. With the COVID-19 pandemic, CRC screening decreased markedly across the United States (median monthly screening: pre-pandemic [n = 76,444] vs pandemic era [n = 60,826]; median Δn = 15,618; p < 0.001). The 1-year post-pandemic overall CRC screening utilization generally rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels (monthly median screening volumes: pandemic era [n = 60,826] vs post-pandemic [n = 74,170]; median Δn = 13,344; p < 0.001). Individuals residing in counties with the highest SVI experienced a larger decline in CRC screening odds than individuals residing in low-SVI counties (reference, low SVI: pre-pandemic high SVI [OR, 0.85] vs pandemic high SVI [OR, 0.81] vs post-pandemic high SVI [OR, 0.85]; all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decrease in CRC screening volumes. Patients who resided in high social vulnerability areas experienced the greatest pandemic-related decline.
Tożsamość geografii społeczno-ekonomicznej i gospodarki przestrzennej: Geneza, współczesne relacje i wyzwania przyszłości
Authors: Suliborski Andrzej , Wójcik Marcin
Published: February 2024

Od kilku lat funkcjonujemy w Polsce w sytuacji nowego podziału nauki. Wpłynęło to w zasadniczy sposób na różne płaszczyzny działań badaczy, tym bardziej że została wyróżniona w dziedzinie nauk społecznych dyscyplina o nazwie geografia społeczno-ekonomiczna i gospodarka przestrzenna. Dualizm, który jest zawarty w tym układzie funkcji naukowych i praktycznych, skłania do refleksji nad kwestiami budowania tożsamości tej dyscypliny. W artykule odnosimy się do genezy, współczesnych relacji i wyzwań w zakresie tożsamości ideowej i przedmiotowej dyscypliny. Podejmujemy próbę identyfikacji i wyjaśnienia wspólnego zakresu przedmiotowego i metodycznego. Dochodzimy do wniosku, że pola badawcze subdyscyplin tworzących nową dyscyplinę naukową w wielu płaszczyznach się pokrywają. Wynika to z m.in. z ich tożsamości genetycznej, jak i częściowo wspólnych współczesnych założeń teoretyczno-metodologicznych. Uważamy, że rozwój naukowy gospodarki przestrzennej musi być kompatybilny z dorobkiem naukowym geografii społeczno-ekonomicznej, przez odwoływanie się do jej ogólnej filozofii badawczej oraz założeń teoretycznych ujęcia przestrzennego (co jest częściowo czynione), a także wykorzystanie dorobku naukowego innych nauk podstawowych, w których istnieją nurty przestrzenne. Jesteśmy przekonani, że ważną stymulantą rozwoju dyscypliny jest absorpcja przez gospodarkę przestrzenną dorobku poznawczego oraz teoretyczno-metodologicznego geografii społeczno-ekonomicznej (geografii człowieka) pozyskanego w ramach rozwoju w niej nurtu społeczno-humanistycznego oraz jego wykorzystanie w praktyce gospodarczej. Ważnym czynnikiem wzmacniającym pozycję naukową całej dyscypliny może być położenie nacisku na utylitarne wykorzystanie jej osiągnięć poznawczych, gdzie szczególną rolę należy przypisać gospodarce przestrzennej i kierunkowi geografii stosowanej.
Podstawy ontologiczne i epistemologiczne dziedziny empirycznej geografii w świetle ontologii Johna Searle’a (artykuł dyskusyjny)
Authors: Butowski Leszek
Published: February 2024

Artykuł dotyczy sytuacji metodologicznej geografii (nauk geograficznych) w odniesieniu do podstaw ontologicznych jej dziedziny empirycznej oraz statusu uzyskiwanej wiedzy geograficznej (aspekt epistemologiczny). Refleksja prowadzona jest w tradycji filozofii analitycznej, z wykorzystaniem osiągnięć metodologii ogólnej. Wykorzystano w niej założenia ontologii społecznej Searle’a, w tym jego trzy kryteria analityczne. Posłużyły one do określenia natury dziedziny empirycznej geografii (aspekt ontologiczny) oraz możliwości jej opisu przy użyciu określonego typu zdań (sądów) (aspekt epistemologiczny). Kryteria te objęły następujące rozróżnienia: (1) cechy własne versus cechy nadane (funkcje) bytów składających się na dziedzinę empiryczną geografii; (2) sposób istnienia tych bytów w świecie: ich ontologiczny obiektywizm versus ontologiczny subiektywizm; (3) rodzaje zdań opisujących byty tworzące dziedzinę empiryczną geografii: epistemologiczny obiektywizm versus epistemologiczny subiektywizm. Wyniki analizy pozwoliły na sformułowanie trzech głównych wniosków, na które złożyły się: (1) „dowód ontologiczny” uzasadniający podział dziedziny empirycznej geografii na geografię świata przyrody (fizyczną) i geografię świata stworzonego przez człowieka (społeczno-ekonomiczną); (2) ontologiczny podział bytów tworzących dziedzinę empiryczną geografii na byty istniejące obiektywnie i byty istniejące subiektywnie, uzasadniający wyodrębnienie się dwóch modeli metodologicznych stosowanych w geografii człowieka (społeczno-ekonomicznej): naturalistycznego – jego dziedzinę stanowią byty istniejące obiektywnie – i humanistycznego, którego dziedzinę stanowią byty istniejące subiektywnie; (3) postulat o konieczności nadania całej wiedzy geograficznej statusu wiedzy epistemicznie obiektywnej.
Geograficzne ujęcie przedsiębiorczosci wiejskiej – założenia kompleksowej koncepcji badań
Authors: Kulawiak Anita , Suliborski Andrzej
Published: February 2024

Artykuł przedstawia kompleksowe spojrzenie na przedsiębiorczość wiejską. Jest on propozycją szerszej niż dotychczas interpretacji tego zagadnienia, które uwzględnia wiele różnych podejść i koncepcji badawczych nauk społecznych. Celem artykułu jest z jednej strony zwrócenie uwagi na problemy teoretyczne związane z badaniem przedsiębiorczości wiejskiej, w szczególności sposobu rozumienia tego terminu i zmian, jakie w tej kwestii się dokonały, z drugiej – zaprezentowanie nowego sposobu badania i analizy tego zagadnienia przez pryzmat koncepcji społecznych. Praca stanowi efekt dyskusji i przemyśleń autorów dotyczących spojrzenia na to zagadnienie, szczególnie na gruncie geografii społeczno-ekonomicznej, oraz kwerendy literatury krajowej i zagranicznej, głównie angielskojęzycznej. Przedstawione w niej podejście do badania przedsiębiorczości wiejskiej wynika z postrzegania jej w kontekście silnych związków z otoczeniem lokalnym (środowiskiem wiejskim).
Examining mortuary treatment in the neolithic caves of southwest Britain
Authors: Κωνσταντινίδη Ειρήνη
Published: February 2024

Η παρούσα μελέτη στοχεύει στην ανασύσταση των εθίμων ταφής Νεολιθικής περιόδου από σπήλαια της ΝΔ Βρετανίας και στην εξέταση τοπικών, χρονολογικών και δημογραφικών μεταβολών χρησιμοποιώντας μια πολυεπίπεδη ταφονομική προσέγγιση στη μελέτη ανθρώπινων σκελετικών καταλοίπων. Τα ανθρώπινα σκελετικά κατάλοιπα που έχουν ανασκαφεί σε σπήλαια, παρουσιάζουν μια πλούσια πηγή πληροφοριών για την κατανόηση των Νεολιθικών εθίμων ταφής, τα οποία με τη σειρά τους βοηθούν στην κατανόηση μεγαλύτερων θεμάτων της παρελθοντικής κοινωνίας. Αυτή η έρευνα έχει στόχο να αναγνωρίσει διαφορές στις πρακτικές ενταφιασμού, εκταφής και διαμελισμού ανθρώπινων σκελετικών καταλοίπων στις σπηλιές της ΝΔ Βρετανίας και να εξερευνήσει την επίδραση της ταφονομίας στα σπήλαια. Για την επιτυχή κατανόηση των διαδικασιών που επηρεάζουν τα ανθρώπινα σκελετικά κατάλοιπα στις σπηλιές και την εξέταση τοπικών και χρονολογικών διακυμάνσεων στις πρακτικές μεταξύ ταφικών τοποθεσιών και των ατόμων που μελετώνται, χρησιμοποιούνται τρεις βασικές μέθοδοι: 1. Μακρο- και μικροσκοπική ταφονομική ανάλυση απαρθρωμένων σκελετικών καταλοίπων για να εξεταστούν οι διαδικασίες εναπόθεσης πριν, κοντά και μετά το θάνατο και να συγκριθούν οι ταφικές πρακτικές με άλλες μνημειακές Νεολιθικές ταφές. 2. Οστεολογική ανάλυση των διαθέσιμων ανθρώπινων σκελετικών καταλοίπων στην Ουαλία για να μελετηθούν δημογραφικά μοτίβα στις ταφικές πρακτικές. 3. Παροχή νέων ραδιοχρονολογιών για να εξεταστούν χρονολογικές διακυμάνσεις μεταξύ των ταφικών τοποθεσιών και των ατόμων που μελετώνται με σκοπό να εξακριβωθεί αν οι μέθοδοι ταφής αποτελούν τμήμα εκτεταμένων πρακτικών στη Νεολιθική περίοδο.Τα αποτελέσματα της πολυεπίπεδης έρευνας αποκάλυψαν διαφορές στις πρακτικές διαχείρισης των νεκρών και χρονολογικές διακυμάνσεις μεταξύ των ατόμων, των περιοχών και των ταφικών τοποθεσιών στην Νότια και Βόρεια Ουαλία και το Νότιο Σόμερσετ (ΝΔ Αγγλία). Οι πρακτικές του ενταφιασμού, εκταφής και διαμελισμού ανθρώπινων σκελετικών καταλοίπων αλληλοεπικαλύπτονταν και η δραστικότητα των ατόμων (agency) αναγνωρίστηκε στις μεθόδους διαχείρισης και κατεργασίας των σκελετικών καταλοίπων. Πολλές ταφικές πρακτικές υιοθετήθηκαν και επαναχρησιμοποιήθηκαν μεταξύ των διαφορετικών ταφών στα σπήλαια, γεγονός που ερμηνεύτηκε ως συνέχεια στη χρήση των σπηλαίων για ταφές και χαρακτηρίστηκε από διαφορετικά στάδια διαχείρισης και συνεχούς κατεργασίας των οστών, παρόμοια με την κατεργασία οστών που εντοπίστηκε σε Νεολιθικές μνημειακές ταφές. Η χρήση αυτής της πολυπεπίπεδης μεθοδολογίας ήταν πρωτοφανής σε Νεολιθικό πλαίσιο και παρείχε μια νέα κατανόηση των Νεολιθικών ταφικών πρακτικών.
Examining universal access to acute hospital care in Ireland during the first three months of COVID-19: Lessons from the policy process
Authors: Mac Conghail Luisne , Parker Sarah , Burke Sara
Published: February 2024

Background The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the Irish state to address unprecedented challenges by prioritising public health and equitable access to care. Confronted with the threat of overwhelmed capacity in acute public hospitals, Ireland, initiated a historic Safety Net Agreement (SNA) with 19 private hospitals in March 2020, marking the inaugural establishment of universal single-tier access to hospital care in Ireland. This research aimed to comprehensively examine the policy process underlying the agreement, deriving insights for the implementation of Universal Healthcare. Methods Employing a retrospective qualitative case study approach, the research examined the policy process, including the content, context, actors, and mechanisms involved in the SNA’s implementation. The study used a dataset of 68 policy documents and conducted seven key informant interviews. Results Responding to the pandemic, Ireland classified COVID-19 as a notifiable infectious disease under the 1947 Health Act, exempting affected patients from public hospital charges. The government swiftly implemented health policy measures for universal access through the SNA, recognising challenges in public healthcare capacity and ethical dilemmas within the two-tier hospital system. The agreement's discontinuation was heavily influenced by private hospital consultants, revealing strained relationships and misunderstandings of the private sector. The ongoing policy drift since the pandemic highlights the need for a reassessment of private-sector strategies to alleviate capacity pressures in Ireland's public health system. The SNA also sparked the consideration of a Universal Health Insurance model for Ireland's hospital care. Conclusions Exploring the policy dynamics at the intersection of public and private healthcare, the study imparts lessons for health system reform. The insights have the potential to contribute to long-term goal alignment, robust governance practices, and trust-building mechanisms for effective public-private collaborations in a two-tier health system, offering valuable guidance for future healthcare policy and implementation.
Twelve tips for starting and organizing a local Brain Bee anywhere
Authors: Navarro Garcia Ernesto , Leon Sebastian , Walcott-Bedeau Gabrielle
Published: February 2024

The Brain Bee serves as an international platform providing high school students with opportunities for undergraduate and graduate-level education in neuroscience. This annual competition welcomes participation from high school students and schools, fostering both individual- and team-based competition in a dynamic and engaging manner. The assessment involves a primary multiple-choice and short-answer exam, a secondary neuroanatomical lab practical exam, and a final oral exam administered by affiliated faculty or coordinators. During the final oral exam, the top ten students are given three chances and simultaneously respond to the same question. They write their answers on individual whiteboards until only one student remains. This unique format not only adds an element of excitement, but also allows students to build confidence within themselves and connections within STEM fields. The importance of local Brain Bees is emphasized as winners from these chapters earn the opportunity to compete nationally, and potentially internationally. Throughout the academic year, local Brain Bees, led by college students and faculty, educate high school students about various neuroscientific fields and their STEM applications through interactive and engaging sessions. These sessions culminate in an annual competition where students explore the intricacies of the human brain, spanning human physiology, pathology, and behavior. The program also exposes students to anatomical models, research, and guest speakers within the field of neuroscience. To ensure the success and continuity of local chapters, our 12-tips article provides valuable advice for running a safe and smoothly operating Brain Bee program, promoting sustained participation and enthusiasm.
Ongoing tracking of engagement in motor learning
Authors: Shlomov Segev , Guetta Nitzan , Muehlstein Jonathan , Limonad Lior
Published: February 2024

Teaching motor skills such as playing music, handwriting, and driving, can greatly benefit from recently developed technologies such as wearable gloves for haptic feedback or robotic sensorimotor exoskeletons for the mediation of effective human-human and robot-human physical interactions. At the heart of such teacher-learner interactions still stands the critical role of the ongoing feedback a teacher can get about the student’s engagement state during the learning and practice sessions. Particularly for motor learning, such feedback is an essential functionality in a system that is developed to guide a teacher on how to control the intensity of the physical interaction, and to best adapt it to the gradually evolving performance of the learner. In this paper, our focus is on the development of a near real-time machine-learning model that can acquire its input from a set of readily available, noninvasive, privacy-preserving, body-worn sensors, for the benefit of tracking the engagement of the learner in the motor task. We used the specific case of violin playing as a target domain in which data were empirically acquired, the latent construct of engagement in motor learning was carefully developed for data labeling, and a machine-learning model was rigorously trained and validated.
The Problem of Homework in a Modern Primary School
Authors: Uskova I.
Published: February 2024

The article discusses the results of research by the team of the Institute for Educational Development Strategy, which reveals modern problems of the content, volume and organization of home school work for primary schoolchildren and its negative impact on the success of education, physical and mental health of students. The conditions are determined that ensure the effective use of homework to ensure effective learning and development of primary school students.
Educational Potential of Linguistic Research Tasks for Younger Schoolchildren
Authors: Naumova Nina
Published: February 2024

The article reveals the features of linguistic research tasks as a means of achieving different types of educational results: subject, meta-subject and personal. The characteristics of research tasks constructed as a system of tasks organizing the main stages of children’s linguistic research are substantiated: problem situation; awareness of a cognitive issue; building hypotheses; application of methods used in linguistic science (observation, classification, language experiment); presentation of a report (verbal or graphic). The possibility of using this model for the development of research linguistic tasks in extracurricular work with primary schoolchildren is shown. Examples of such tasks are given.
Formation of an Algorithm for the Transition to an Ecosystem Brand in the Field of Telecommunications Services
Authors: Shishkin Andrey
Published: February 2024

The article presents an analysis of the concept of brand at the current stage of development of integration and communication processes with the widespread use of digital technologies. The issues of transition to the ecosystem brand are considered. The main activities of companies operating in the field of telecommunications services in the field of transition to the ecosystem brand are analyzed. The concept of the “ecosystem center” and the features of its formation and functioning in companies providing telecommunications services are considered. The recommended algorithm of actions is formulated, which can be used by companies operating in the telecommunications services system when switching to a personality-oriented communication system of brand interaction with the consumer.
Anatomical variations of artery of angular gyrus
Authors: Niemiec Bartosz , Guzowicz Zuzanna , Bluczak Kacper , Białkowska Zuzanna , Buczek Jakub , Samczuk Maciej , Daniluk Aleksander , Iwaniuk Kaja , Stachowicz Hubert , Ostański Jan
Published: February 2024

Context: Angular gyrus is an anatomical structure of the brain located in the parietal lobe, taking part in writing and reading, language-use, memory and attention and spatial recognition. It is supplied by the angular gyrus artery, which is one of the caudal branches of the middle cerebral artery. One of the clinical pathologies of the angular gyrus artery is the ischemic stroke of the angular gyrus in the dominant hemisphere, responsible for the presence of Gerstmann Syndrome: left-right disorientation, agraphia, alexia, acalculia and finger agnosia. This systematic review aims to present the variety of anomalies of the main cerebral artery and the angular gyrus artery.

Objective: Preparing a systematic review of papers describing the course anomalies of the angular gyrus artery.

Materials and methods: PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases was searched for phrases: ‘Angular gyrus artery’, ‘Artery of angular gyrus’, ‘Middle cerebral artery branches’, ‘Branches of middle cerebral artery’, ‘Gerstmann Syndrome’ published between years 2015 and 2023. Also 3 papers published before 2000 were used. From the selected 30 papers, 6 were used to prepare this analysis.

Results: The middle cerebral artery, from which arises the angular gyrus artery, is marked by a significant variety of its division, mainly the number of the dividing trunks of the artery. Depending on the type of the division, the angular gyrus artery can arise from the upper, middle or lower trunk and vary in sizes. It can also appear as a singular or two separate branches. Instances of the anomaly of both the angular gyrus artery and posterior parietal artery are rare, but reported.

Conclusions: The angular gyrus artery is characterised by a number of anomalies in its course, separation from the middle cerebral artery, diameter and branching.
Combined Anticancer Therapy for Prostate Cancer - Literature Review
Authors: Lasek Patryk , Kowalczyk Klaudia , Trąbka Natalia , Lasota Nina , Smerdzyński Maciej , Łach Katarzyna , Ściurka Kinga , Demidowicz Gabriela , Panuciak Kinga , Kozicka Karolina
Published: February 2024

Prostate cancers represent a significant health problem, and their etiology is complex and multifaceted. It is estimated that in 2018, 1.3 million new cases and 359,000 deaths due to prostate cancer were diagnosed. They constitute the second most common group of cancers and the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. The present study encompasses a literature review aimed at conducting an analysis of the potential of combined anticancer therapy as a prospective method for enhancing treatment efficacy, minimizing side effects, and improving long-term survival outcomes for prostate cancer patients. Combinations of compounds such as sunitinib with docetaxel, carboplatin with paclitaxel, estramustine or flutamide with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists, as well as docetaxel in conjunction with dexamethasone and octreotide, have demonstrated synergistic effects and an augmentation of therapeutic effectiveness. It is noteworthy to emphasize the potential enhancement of docetaxel's anticancer activity with concurrent administration of dexamethasone and octreotide, as well as combined therapy involving docetaxel, prednisone, and curcumin.
Marszałek Edward Śmigły-Rydz a sprawy polskiej polityki zagranicznej (1936-1939)
Authors: Kornat Marek
Published: February 2024

The study is devoted to the reconstruction of the influence of Marshal Edward Śmigły- Rydz on Polish foreign policy in the years 1936-1939. The General Inspector of the Armed Forces accepted, of course, the cardinal principles of Poland’s balance policy between national-socialist Germany and communist Russia. He argued that the détente with Hitler’s Reich is necessary but he wanted to do all to avoid a rupture in the allied relations with France. In two cases of special importance – ultimatums to Lithuania and to Czechoslovakia in 1938 – the Marshal was in full accord with the Foreign Minister Beck. We can speak on the same state of matter in the question of German territorial demands to Poland in Spring 1939.
Czy byliśmy w wojnie z Sowietami? Reakcja Naczelnego Wodza na agresję Rosji sowieckiej
Authors: Wysocki Wiesław Jan
Published: February 2024

At the time of the agreement with the German Third Reich on Soviet aggression on Poland on September 17th 1939, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Moscow was given a diplomatic note declaring that in the face of the “break-up of the Polish state”, the USSR “is defending the Belarusian and Ukrainian population” in eastern Poland. This deceptive version was naively accepted by Poland’s Western Allies, who pretended that Moscow was not hostile against Poland. They explained they did not want to enhance, but rather to overthrow the German-Soviet alliance. The highest authorities of the Republic of Poland were charged with inconsistence and did not declare a state of war between Poland and the USSR as of September 17th 1939. This was a game of slander and the author documented the will of the parties to bring such changes. In the period of the Polish People’s Republic, the myth of so-called justified Soviet intervention in 1939 was perpetuated. Today, too, this issue remains not entirely clear for many politicians, historians and journalists. This text analyzes the formation of this myth, showing its political ground for various propaganda and proclamations of Western states, and ambiguous attitudes of Polish politicians, especially focused on the very naïve and politically dependent General Sikorski, the Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister, with greater responsibility than the ruling party of the Second Polish Republic for the false opinions about Polish-Soviet relations in September 1939.
Rząd Felicjana Sławoja Składkowskiego w polityce Edwarda Śmigłego-Rydza przez pryzmat protokołów posiedzeń Rady Ministrów
Authors: Kała Grzegorz
Published: February 2024

This article delves into the role of Felicjan Sławoj Składkowski within the context of advocating for and advancing the policies of Edward Śmigły-Rydz’s government. The study draws its analytical foundation from meticulous examination of official government meeting protocols. By scrutinizing these records, the article sheds light on Składkowski’s multifaceted contributions and activities in aligning with and promoting the political agenda of Śmigły-Rydz’s administration. The analysis not only uncovers Składkowski’s engagement in policy implementation but also provides insights into the collaborative dynamics and decision-making processes within the government. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between key figures and their collective efforts in shaping the political landscape during the examined period.
El derecho internacional de las inversiones
Authors: van Hissenhoven Nicolás Palau
Published: February 2024

Los acuerdos internacionales de inversión (AII) y el consecuente arbitraje internacional de inversiones constituyen una de las piezas más interesantes del derecho internacional económico. En este capítulo1 haremos una revisión sobre sus características, con énfasis en las distintas discusiones y controversias de política pública que lo atraviesan. Partiremos con (i) un panorama general y de contexto de los AII: sus antecedentes, objetivos y naturaleza, características fundamentales y diferencias con otros sistemas con los que a menudo se le confunde. Luego, nos centraremos en (ii) la explicación de las disciplinas centrales o estándares de protección a la inversión comunes a todos los AII. Después, explicaremos brevemente (iii) el mecanismo de resolución de controversias inversionista-Estado. Por último, en la sección necesariamente más actual del documento (iv), terminaremos con un análisis de las críticas y llamados a la reforma, la posición de distintos países al respecto, la situación en Colombia y una reflexión final destinada a destacar la enorme paradoja a la cual se enfrenta el derecho internacional de las inversiones. A lo largo del texto, el lector reconocerá que el régimen internacional de las inversiones atraviesa un intenso momento de introspección y búsqueda de alternativas (algunos lo llaman “crisis de legitimidad”2), sin que sea posible para el momento de este escrito, en mayo de 2019, saber si dichas discusiones terminarán conduciendo al fortalecimiento del sistema de arbitrajes internacionales de inversión, a su transformación o a su desaparición definitiva.
Semiotika Riffaterre dalam Puisi “Baju Baru” Karya Joko Pinurbo
Authors: Abdullah Risen Dhawuh
Published: February 2024

It is undeniable that poets often convey ideas with signs in the form of words, clauses, even sentences, thereby creating implicit or implicit messages. Studying a poem requires structural and semiotic analysis, because poetry is a structure of meaningful signs. Joko Pinurbo's poems contain many messages from deep anxiety. This study seeks to explain the meaning of related poetry according to Riffaterre's Semiotics theory. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. The material object in this research is a poem by Joko Pinurbo "Baju Baru". Meanwhile, the formal object is meaning based on language and literary conventions with Riffaterre's Semiotics theory which consists of heuristic readings, hermeneutic readings, as well as matrices, models and variants, hypograms.  The results of the research through heuristic reading analysis found that fathers bought new clothes after payday because fathers' salaries increased. From the hermeneutic reading as a whole, the poem was created by the author as a form of outpouring of his heart as well as a form of criticism of the government for the phenomenon he is seeing, the increase in basic prices that afflict the lower class society, the matrix of the poem is a situation where basic needs soar, while workers' wages only increased slightly or even did not increase. The model of the poem is "gaji bapak" and "presiden". The variants consist of five variants. The first variant is "bapak gajian", the second variant is "reaksi si aku", the third variant is "perasaan presiden", the fourth variant is "kerusakan baju", the fifth variant is "keberadaan tukang becak dan presiden".
Effect of Using English on The Erosion of Indonesian as A Lingua Franca
Authors: Haumahu Dhino Christy , Abyan Muhammad Rafiq , Alfarizi Raihan Bariq , Arochman Taufik
Published: February 2024

This research aims to determine the influence of the use of English as a language of daily communication on the erosion of Indonesian as a lingua franca, by considering various sociolinguistic and cultural factors. Indonesian is the national language used by Indonesian people to this day. However, the use of Indonesian seems to be starting to be eroded by the use of English which is recently frequently used, especially by teenagers. This raises growing concerns about its potential impact on the erosion of Indonesian, the lingua franca. This study involves the theory of extensive utilization of the English language in various fields and its current status as a global or international language. The method used in this research was descriptive qualitative. Qualitative data were collected through surveys, online forms, and focus group discussions with individuals representing different linguistic backgrounds and levels of English proficiency. The results of this research showed that 96.2% of respondents always use English as their daily language in communication. Apart from that, the use of English had an impact on the use of Indonesian when having a conversation. Researchers also found that even though respondents knew Indonesian as a lingua franca, in fact they used English more by 51.9%. Therefore, this research also seeks to provide input for language planning and language policy making which aims to maintain the national language and preserve the role of Indonesian as an important communication tool in Indonesian society.
A Rare Cause of Upper Extremity Thrombosis: Paget-Schroetter Syndrome
Authors: GUZELKUCUK Zeliha , KILIÇ Dalokay , YAZAL ERDEM Arzu , ÇAKMAKLI Hasan Fatih , ÖZBEK Namık Yaşar
Published: February 2024

Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is extremely rare in children and adolescents. Paget - Schroetter Syndrome (PSS) is the primary, spontaneous thrombosis of the subclavian venous (SV) axillary tract. Herein, we report on PSS in two children who did regular body building exercises. 16-year-old two male patients admitted with complaints of swelling, coldness and pain on the right upper extremity. Their recent history disclosed that they have been doing advanced body building exercises for the last year. Physical examination revealed a difference of 4 cm and 5 cm in the diameter of each arm, as well as coldness and venous engourgement in the upper extremities. An acute thrombus was present in the proximal right SV lumen and no flow was detected on upper extremity venous doppler ultrasaund. Surgical treatment was performed in addition to medical thrombosis treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of PSS is important for better outcomes. PSS should be considered in young patients with UEDVT, especially those with a history of vigorious exercise.
‘Satisficing’ in dentistry: who decides? who benefits?
Authors: Kelleher Martin , Lewis Kevin
Published: February 2024

This series of articles challenges some popular myths about supposedly ‘ideal’ treatment plans, and is designed to provoke reflection and stimulate debate. It explains the concept of ‘satisficing’ (as opposed to ‘maximizing’) in dentistry, and illustrates how subconscious bias and self-interests might lead supposed experts to promote arbitrary aspirational standards and confuse them with what the law expects (the Bolam Test standard) and what is genuinely in the best interests of an individual patient. It is argued that sound, patient-centred pragmatic planning and treatment is equally valid, with wider applicability than routinely defaulting to a self-serving ‘maximalist’ approach, often on spurious grounds.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The ‘satisficing’ concept has wide and profound application across many fields of dentistry; this first part explains the basic principles and how and why it is relevant to various aspects of practical dentistry and also to our understanding of professionalism.
Dentifrices. Part 1: a general introduction
Authors: Valkenburg Cees , van der Weijden Fridus , Else Slot Dagmar
Published: February 2024

This comprehensive review traces the evolution of dentifrices from ancient concoctions to modern formulations, evaluating their role in oral health and environmental impact. Despite the global burden of oral diseases, notably dental caries and periodontitis, advancements in dentifrice technology have contributed to the decline in caries prevalence, although periodontitis remains a challenge. The historical perspective outlines the transition from abrasive powders to fluoride-enriched pastes, emphasizing the significance of toothbrushing frequency and technique, alongside the use of dentifrices, for effective plaque control and caries prevention. The modern era has seen a proliferation of dentifrice variations, with a focus on cosmetic attributes often overshadowing therapeutic benefits. The review also discusses the environmental considerations of dentifrice production and disposal, highlighting the shift towards sustainable packaging and ingredient transparency. The market analysis reveals a mature industry with a projected growth, influenced by consumer preferences and oral hygiene awareness.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Regular toothbrushing with fluoridated dentifrice remains a cornerstone of oral hygiene practices, directly influencing the reduction of plaque accumulation and the incidence of caries and periodontitis.