bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious Pluralism and Diversity in the Ancient World: Herodotus, the Roman Republic and Late Antiquity
Authors: Bremmer Jan
Published: January 2024

The subject of religious pluralism and diversity is much debated today, but has attracted much less attention in discussions of ancient Greek and Roman religion. In my contribution, I first look at the genealogy of the term ‘religious pluralism’ and differentiate it from diversity as being more normative. Subsequently, I look at Herodotus’ view of Persian religion as an example of religious diversity. I note that this Greek author, himself from a multicultural background, would today be considered a relativist. In his time, though, there was not yet a specific term for religious deviancy, which, as noted, started to emerge in the later fourth century BC (§ 1). I continue by looking at the Roman Republic and the early Principate. From a quantitative analysis, it is clear that the Roman term religio becomes more important in the first century BC and also acquires the meaning of a system of religious observances that can be regulated, which is an important step towards its later meaning ‘religion’. At the same time, we note the rise of the concomitant term superstitio as the wrong religio. Still, the Roman elite tolerated a wide variety of new cults outside civic religion and basically practised diversity (§ 2). After this, I will turn to the demise of religious diversity and pluralism in Late Antiquity, where we start to see religious persecutions for the very first time (§ 3). I conclude with some final considerations on the necessity of dialogue in negotiating religious differences.
Seventh-day Sabbath as a Sign of Christian Loyalty: The Seventh-day Adventists in the Conflict with Totalitarian Regimes in the 20th Century Czechoslovakia
Authors: Balcar Michal
Published: January 2024

Seventh-day Sabbath as a Sign of Christian Loyalty: The Seventh-day Adventists in the Conflict with Totalitarian Regimes in the 20th Century Czechoslovakia. The subject matter of this article is to describe and analyse the conflict between the Seventh-day Adventists and totalitarian regimes in Czechoslovakia. It explains the reasons why the clash occurred, with specific emphasis on the role the Sabbath (Saturday) observance plays in the Adventist theology, and eschatology in particular. There are some cases of persecution due to the Sabbath observance during the time of National socialism, however the conflict intensified especially during the 50s and 60s, when a number of Adventists were imprisoned. There were two points of conflict, namely mandatory military service and school attendance. The school attendance issue disappeared in 1968 when two-day weekend was introduced in Czechoslovakia, however Adventist soldiers struggled even in the 70s and 80s. The whole problem disappeared only after 1989.
Moving Figures and Grounds in music description
Authors: Wadley Phillip , Tenbrink Thora , Wallington Alan
Published: January 2024

This paper is a systematic investigation of motion expressions in programmatic music description. To address issues with defining the Source MOTION and the Target MUSIC, we utilize Gestalt models (Figure-Ground and Source-Path-Goal) while also critically examining the ontological complexity of the Target MUSIC. We also investigate music motion descriptions considering the role of the describer’s perspective and communicative goals. As previous research has demonstrated, an attentional Goal-bias is common in physical motion description, yet this has been found also to lessen due to audience accommodation effects. We investigate whether this also occurs in music description. Using cognitive linguistic frameworks, we conducted an analysis of 21 English speakers’ written descriptions of dynamic orchestral excerpts. All participants gave a description of one excerpt reporting their own personal experiences and the other excerpt reporting the events of the excerpt for a fictional future participant. We find that addressee accommodation shapes the choice of the ontological types of Figures used from being more subjective and creative in describing music for oneself versus being more objective in describing music for others. However, our investigation does not find sufficient evidence for a Goal-bias in music like there is in physical motion event descriptions.
Application of finite element method in industrial design, example of an electric motorcycle design project
Authors: Graba Marcin , Grycz Andrzej
Published: January 2024

This study presents the use of finite element method (FEM) in solving the real engineering problems, e.g., an electric motorcycle design project. A simplified scheme of industrial design is presented, followed by an indication of how to use the capabilities of the selected CAD/CAM/ CAE software in the industrial design of industrial form. Using concurrent design based on the CAD system with the simultaneous use of CAE modules, the interdisciplinary of industrial design engineering was shown, which cannot exist without access to numerical methods. In the electric motorcycle project discussed in this article, the close relation between CAD and CAE modules was used, looking for the best solution in the construction of the motorcycle frame. By conducting a series of numerical simulations based on the FEM and topological optimization, the final shape of the frame and the rear control arm mounting was presented. The designed structure was optimized in terms of mass and effective stress distributions determined from the Huber-Mises-Hencky hypothesis. The resulting model of the frame was adapted to the design project, briefly discussed in the summary of the article. This study indicates the need to use the FEM and CAD/CAM/CAE applications at almost every stage of engineering design.
Theoretical magnetotelluric response of stratiform earth consisting of alternative homogeneous and transitional layers
Authors: Miao Hongzhi , Ming Huifang , Xiao Xuelu , Dai Bolan , Yang Xiaowei
Published: January 2024

The magnetotelluric (MT) responses are explicitly solved for a stratiform earth containing multiple transitional layers in which the conductivity varies linearly with depth. In the model under consideration, any one homogeneous layer with constant conductivity or transitional one may be absent in the geometry. The traditional one-dimensional (1D) models with sharp boundaries will be obtained if all the transitional layers are absent in the geometry, while a special 1D model consisting of a sequence of contiguous transitional layers may be obtained if all the homogeneous layers (except the basement layer) are removed from the geometry. The tangential electric and magnetic fields as well as the surface impedance are analytically expressed by Airy functions. The analytical formula is validated in three theoretical examples by comparing with the results from available codes. The apparent resistivity and impedance phase on the surface of three different transitional models are illustrated to analysis the influence of the transitional layers on MT responses. The new formula provides an alternative way to obtain the analytic MT responses for the special layered earth.
TIF1γ and SMAD4 regulation in colorectal cancer: impact on cell proliferation and liver metastasis
Authors: Wu Yanhui , Yu Bin , Ai Xi , Zhang Wei , Chen Weixun , Laurence Arian , Zhang Mingzhi , Chen Qian , Shao Yajie , Zhang Bixiang
Published: January 2024

We investigated the effects of transcriptional intermediary factor 1γ (TIF1γ) and SMAD4 on the proliferation and liver metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells through knockdown of TIF1γ and/or SMAD4 and knockdown of TIF1γ and/or restoration of SMAD4 expression. Furthermore, we examined TIF1γ and SMAD4 expression in human primary CRC and corresponding liver metastatic CRC specimens. TIF1γ promoted but SMAD4 inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells by competitively binding to activated SMAD2/SMAD3 complexes and then reversely regulating c-Myc, p21, p27, and cyclinA2 levels. Surprisingly, both TIF1γ and SMAD4 reduced the liver metastasis of all studied CRC cell lines via inhibition of MEK/ERK pathway-mediated COX-2, Nm23, uPA, and MMP9 expression. In patients with advanced CRC, reduced TIF1γ or SMAD4 expression was correlated with increased invasion and liver metastasis and was a significant, independent risk factor for recurrence and survival after radical resection. Patients with advanced CRC with reduced TIF1γ or SAMD4 expression had higher recurrence rates and shorter overall survival. TIF1γ and SMAD4 competitively exert contrasting effects on cell proliferation but act complementarily to suppress the liver metastasis of CRC via MEK/ERK pathway inhibition. Thus, reduced TIF1γ or SMAD4 expression in advanced CRC predicts earlier liver metastasis and poor prognosis.
Diversity in osteopathic medical school admissions and the COMPASS program: an update
Authors: Dady Nadege , Toplan Steven , Gardere Jeffrey , Moore Robin , Agandi Lorreen , Ulysse Ulcha Fergie , Aminpour Aida , Gelvin McKensie , Akinsanya Jemima , Steier Kenneth
Published: January 2024

In the United States, the 40 colleges of osteopathic medicine and 157 schools of allopathic medicine face challenges in recruiting candidates who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM), and gaps in racial disparity appear to be widening. In this commentary, the authors provide an analysis of the data collected from 8 years of conducting a URiM recruitment and welcoming social events. The event is sponsored by a student special interest group called Creating Osteopathic Minority Physicians Who Achieve Scholastic Success (COMPASS) at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine – New York (TouroCOM-NY). The results of the 8-year data analysis supports the conclusion that the COMPASS program has benefited the school environment through increased diversity.
Enhancement of mechanical strength of miter joints in pultruded fiberglass/epoxy composite
Authors: Isguzar Tugce , Turan Fatih , Sakman Lutfi Emir
Published: January 2024

In this research, we experimentally investigated how the shape of fittings affects the load-carrying capacity of miter joints in pultruded glass/epoxy composite frames. Specifically, three types of steel fittings – dovetail (D-shaped), H-shaped, and rectangular (U-shaped) were utilized to reinforce the miter joints in composite frames. Tension and compression tests were performed to assess the load-carrying capacity of these joint configurations. Additionally, finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to examine stress distribution patterns within the joint configurations, allowing us to make comparisons among the joint configurations in terms of their strength. The findings of the study demonstrated that all types of joint configurations successfully improved the joint strength, regardless of whether they were subjected to tensile or compressive loading conditions. Notably, H and D type steel fittings exhibited superior effectiveness in strengthening the adhesive miter joints when compared to U type steel fittings, particularly in tensile loading scenarios. Moreover, all types of steel fittings displayed promise as viable options for enhancing joint strength in compressive loading situations.
Born-Again Boogie
Authors: Gonzaba Eric
Published: January 2024

This article examines the culture of California Christian nightclubs opened by evangelical entrepreneurs in the 1970s and ’80s. These venues were part of an effort to reclaim secular spaces and transform them into Christian copies of typical nightlife sites like bars and dance clubs. The nightclubs were designed to break the stereotype of religious spaces as anti-fun, offering a secular feel with dance floors and state-of-the-art sound systems. The article explores the rise of Christian nightclubs, the development and culture of these evangelical spaces, and the reasons for their failure to become a significant part of American nightlife. Despite the excitement of Christians at the opening of these venues across the United States, no real mass Christian nightlife movement developed. Although Christian nightclubs opened in various cities well into the twenty-first century, they survived only briefly as novelty creations. Because they were unprofitable, they failed to create a lasting Christian nightlife culture.
Transforming Community Space During World War II
Authors: Novoa Natalie
Published: January 2024

This article argues that World War II transformed the roles of Black recreation centers in the San Francisco Bay Area as the centers grew to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population. Using three community centers based in San Francisco and Oakland as case studies, I concentrate on the visions of the Black directors, the programs they built, and the ways that Black residents made these spaces their own. As thousands of Black migrants flocked to the West to find defense industry jobs, they found new opportunities but also familiar forms of discrimination they thought they had left behind in the Jim Crow South. Black community centers provided the physical space for new residents to congregate and socialize, and they served as an entryway into political organizing, education, and relief from daily forms of racism. Drawing from the centers’ archival material, including annual reports, program listings, meeting minutes, newspaper announcements, letters, and the personal papers of the directors, I reconstruct how these centers functioned in people’s lives and how they contributed to a long tradition of Black institution building in response to racial segregation in California.
Digital Testimonios and Reimagining Public History
Authors: Cupchoy Lani
Published: January 2024

This article explores the practice of integrating digital testimonios—multimedia storytelling—into higher education courses, as well as university and community-based archives. I argue that digital testimonios, as a methodology practiced through the use of everyday phone-editing technology, provides Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) students, particularly non- film majors, with the opportunity to develop storytelling voices, thereby contributing their experiences to the cultural wealth and knowledge production of our society. This study highlights the powerful possibilities of digital testimonio projects—oral history, civic engagement, and archival work—where students themselves become change agents in the invaluable development of public history.
Pathomorphological characteristics of the wound bed prior to skin autografting
Authors: Bogdanov Sergey B. , Melkonyan Karina I. , Polyakov Andrey V. , Sotnichenko Alexander S. , Veryovkin Alexander A. , Gilevich Irina V. , Aladyina Valeria A. , Bogdanova Yulia A. , Karakulev Anton V. , Medvedeva Larisa A. , Porkhanov Vladimir A.
Published: January 2024

Objective: to conduct a comparative pathomorphological analysis of wounds of various origins requiring full-thickness skin autografting.
Materials and Methods. Histomorphological comparison of the wound bed prior to plastic surgery with full-thickness skin autografts was performed in three groups of patients: (1) during excision of scar tissue in elective surgery; (2) in case of traumatic skin detachments with autografting sensu Krasovitov; (3) when excising the granulation tissue to the fibrous layer. The object of the study included biopsy specimens from patients of three study groups.
Results. The histological picture of wounds after removal of scars was characterized by well-developed dense fibrocellular connective tissue and had signs of chronic inflammation. In contrast to the cicatricial wound, acute lesions were characterized by granulation and mature dense fibrous connective tissues with pronounced inflammatory changes, each of which had its own characteristics.
Conclusion. The results of the comparative analysis revealed the features of the morphological picture of wounds depending on the type of damage. In the group of acute injuries, traumatic and burn wounds, the most pronounced tissue damage was revealed. Given the obtained data, it should be assumed that full-thickness skin autografting will yield the best result in the group of patients after the planned excision of scar tissue.
Changes in respiration of the mitochondrial fraction of brain homogenates in rats with stepwise incomplete cerebral ischemia
Authors: Bon Elizaveta I. , Maksimovich Nataliya Ye. , Dremza Iosif K. , Lychkovskaya Mariya A. , Burak Iya N.
Published: January 2024

Objective: to conduct a comparative analysis of mitochondrial respiration in brain homogenates of rats with stepwise incomplete cerebral ischemia (SICI) with varying duration between ligations of both common carotid arteries (CCA).
Material and methods. The experiments were performed on 24 male mongrel white rats weighing 260±20 g. All rats were distributed among three subgroups. Cerebral ischemia was simulated under intravenous thiopental anesthesia (40-50 mg/kg). The control group (n=6) comprised sham-operated rats of similar gender and weight. To study mitochondrial respiration, the brain was extracted in the cold environment (0-4 °C), dried with filter paper, weighed and homogenized sensu the modified technique in an isolation medium containing 0.32 M sucrose, 10 mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, pH of 7.4 (in a ratio of 1:10), using Potter – Elvehjem homogenizer with Teflon pestle.
Results. SICI with an interval of 1 and 3 days between ligation of both CCA led to neuronal damage in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of rats, which manifested itself in a reduction of the neuron size, deformation of the perikaryons, an increase in the number of shrunken neurons and shadow cells. The most pronounced changes were observed in the subgroup with one-day interval between ligations. These changes were similar to the changes in incomplete cerebral ischemia (ICI) (p=0.07), except for the absence of cells with pericellular edema in the hippocampus and a smaller number of those in the parietal cortex. ICI with seven-day interval between ССА ligations, on the contrary, was manifested by less pronounced histological changes, especially in the hippocampus.
Conclusion. Comparative analysis of mitochondrial respiration in brain homogenates revealed that the severity of brain damage in SSIC depended on the interval between blood flow arrest in both CCA. At the same time, the highest level of energy metabolism disorder was observed during CCA ligation with an interval of one day, which implied insufficient implementation of compensatory mechanisms.
Opinion dynamics on prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections against the background of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Timoshilov Vladimir I. , Breusov Aleksey V. , Polyakova Kristina V. , Pisklakov Sergey V.
Published: January 2024

Objective: analysis of opinion dynamics in young people on prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) against the background of COVID-19 pandemic vs. the pre-pandemic period.
Materials and Methods. Our research was based on a comparison of data from a sociological survey of 400 respondents 16-21 years of age in 2021 and an analysis of 838 questionnaires from participants of the same age in a similar study in 2017. The research employed the methodology of sociological questionnaire. The original questionnaire was used, consisting of 46 questions, combined into five thematic blocks: assessment of the STI problem relevance, likelihood of infection risk, readiness to undergo preventive screening examinations, preferred directions for seeking medical help in the event of STI, and consent to examination and treatment in conjunction with a sexual partner. By gender, the distribution of study subjects was as follows: 51% of women (n=427) in 2017 vs. 52% (n=208) in 2021; 49% of men (n=411) in 2017 vs. 48% (n=192) in 2021. In processing and presenting the data, extensive indicators were used, compared with the assessment of the significance of differences sensu Student’s t-test.
Results. In 2021, we observed an increase in the interest of young people in undergoing screening examinations (79.5% vs. 63% in 2017, p=0.006) and seeking medical help (93.5% vs. 89.5%, p=0.007); on the other hand, in 2021, young people were more likely to conceal their health status from a partner (32.2% vs. 8.3%, p=0.003).
Conclusion. The study revealed a change in the opinions of respondents regarding STIs during the pandemic, specifically, an increase in understanding the need for regular examinations and seeking medical help in the event of STI symptoms, but at the same time, there was a reduced responsibility for the sexual health of their partner.
Developing the technology of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery and assessing its clinical effectiveness
Authors: Medvedev Igor B. , Pokrovsky Dmitry F.
Published: January 2024

Objective: development of the technology of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISВCS) and assessment of its clinical effectiveness.
Materials and Methods. Our study was conducted in two stages. At stage I, we reviewed the published materials on traditional algorithm of conducting ISВCS, as a result of which, a modified algorithm for performing surgical intervention (mоISBCS) was developed. At stage II, 130 patients (mean age of 58.4±1.8 years) with uncomplicated binocular cataract were under observation. Patients were divided into two groups of similar age and eye condition. The main group included 67 people (134 eyes), who underwent mоISBCS. The control group comprised 63 subjects (126 eyes), who underwent surgery on the second eye (delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery, DSВCS) 21–28 days after the first operation.
Results. The analysis of traditional provisions served the basis for improving ISВCS technology by including a long (at least 60 min) pause between operations with a comprehensive examination of the patient in the algorithm of surgical intervention. The obtained data demonstrated similar clinical effectiveness of mоISBCS and DSВCS.
Conclusion. The mоISBCS technology can be considered an effective and safe method of cataract surgical treatment, which is especially important for patients with occupation yielding a visual stress.
Impact of silver nanoparticle concentration in alginate microcapsules on their effects on morphological changes in periodontitis
Authors: Savkina Angelina A. , Lengert Ekaterina V. , Ermakov Alexey V. , Stepanova Tatyana V. , Ivanov Alexey N.
Published: January 2024

Objective: to evaluate the effects of alginate microcapsules on morphological changes in periodontitis depending on silver nanoparticle concentration in them.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 30 rats distributed among three groups of 10 animals: the comparison group comprising animals with an experimental model of periodontitis and two experimental groups including animals with 5-week periodontitis, which were subjected to applications of the gel containing microcapsules with high (0.25 M, Group 1) and low (0.1 M, Group 2) concentrations of silver on the surface of their gums. To assess morphological changes, the mandible was sampled for subsequent examination.
Results. In animals with periodontitis, changes in the supporting structure of the tooth took place, including defibration and perivascular edema in periodontal ligament of the tooth, and bone resorption via its replacement with connective tissue. The application of a gel containing microcapsules with silver nanoparticles led to a partial reduction of such disorders: particularly, it reduced bone resorption and its replacement with connective tissue. Destructive changes in periodontal tissues caused by gel with a high content of silver nanoparticles (0.25 M) were less pronounced than those caused by capsules with a low content of silver (0.1 M).
Conclusion. Gels containing microcapsules with silver nanoparticles contributed to the reduction of destructive changes in the supporting structure of the tooth in periodontitis. The severity of the effects of the gel increased with an increase in the content of silver nanoparticles in alginate microcapsules.
Comparative evaluation of bone defect replacement methods in revision total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Girkalo Mikhail V. , Shchanitsyn Ivan N. , Ostrovskiy Vladimir V. , Kozadaev Maxim N. , Derevyanov Alexander V.
Published: January 2024

Objective: to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty using porous metaphyseal sleeves and cones.
Materials and Methods. The study included 134 patients who underwent revision total knee arthroplasty. The patients were distributed among two groups based on the type of metaphyseal fixator: sleeves (Group I, n=97 patients) and cones (Group II, n=37 patients). Surgical outcomes were assessed upon discharge from the hospital (after the hospital stay of 7-12 days), as well as after 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The survival rate of endoprostheses was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. A revision with total replacement of the endoprosthesis or its components was considered a critical event.
Results. The analysis of the survival rate of endoprostheses in the form of various metaphyseal fixators showed that the groups of sleeves and cones did not differ statistically significantly as suggested by the logrank test (Mantel–Cox): p=0.108.
Conclusion. The midterm follow-up revealed no difference in clinical, functional, or radiological outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty performed for types 2A, 2B, and 3 of bone defect replacement (sensu Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute classification) using trabecular metal metaphyseal cones vs. sleeves.
Surgical outcomes of treatment of the patients with regmatogenous retinal department complicated by full-thickness macular hole
Authors: Fayzrakhmanov Rinat R. , Vaganova Elena E. , Sekhina Olga L. , Klev Valeria S. , Bosov Eduard D. , Kalinin Matwey E.
Published: January 2024

Objective: to study the effectiveness of surgical treatment of patients with retinal detachment complicated by macular hole of the PVR B-C, depending on the method of subretinal fluid drainage. Material and methods. We studied the data of 18 patients (18 eyes) with a disease duration of 60±9 days. The size of the macular hole averaged 331 ±38 urn. Group 1 patients (9 patients, 9 eyes) underwent fluid drainage through a central hole, group 2 patients (9 patients, 9 eyes) underwent surgical treatment with drainage through a primary peripheral break. Visual acuity, mi-croperimetry, and optical coherence tomography were used to assess the outcome. Results. In the group 1, the macu¬lar hole remained unclosed in 33% of cases (3 patients), in the group 2-11% of cases (1 patient). In group 1, BCVA increased to 0.09±0.03; in group 2, to 0.11±0.03. According to ОСТ data in the Full Retinal Thick patients of the group 1 a month after the operation, it was 318±42 urn, in the group 2-245±30 urn. Conclusion. Based on the analysis of the results of the study, it can be concluded about the higher efficiency of surgical treatment using the peripheral method of drainage of subretinal fluid.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in combined injuries of peripheral nerves and vessels (clinical case)
Authors: Aitemirov Shamil M. , Bazhanov Sergey P. , Shchanitsyn Ivan N. , Bordyugova Tatyana A. , Degtyaryova Lyudmila A. , Tolkachev Vladimir S. , Shuvalov Stanislav D. , Ostrovskij Vladimir V.
Published: January 2024

We present a case of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) used in surgery for blood vessels and nerves combined trauma. This case reveals CEUS potential in differentiation of compression-ischemic neuropathy along with perineural fibrosis from intrastem neuroma and complete anatomical interruption of the median and ulnar nerves. CEUS also helped to clarify the vascular lesion — we detected a false ulnar aneurysm and radial artery occlusion. Therefore, the use of CEUS has influenced the surgical management. This method allows expanding the potential for nerve damage diagnostics, and, given further technical progress, has great clinical prospects.
Cerebral infarction in a teenager 17 years old (clinical case)
Authors: Zryachkin Nikolay  I. , Buchkova Tatyana  N. , Khmilevskaya Svetlana A. , Bazaliсkiy Michael M.
Published: January 2024

A clinical case of cerebral infarction in a adolescent patient complicated by symptomatic epilepsy in a rehabilitation period is presented. Among the possible risk factors that led to the development of acute cerebral circulatory failure, the following are highlighted: genetically metabolic (atherogenic dyslipidemia, burdened heredity), hematologic thrombotic (thrombocytosis, shortened bleeding time, increased international normalized ratio) and the acute infectious disease suffered the day before. There was a later request for medical help (a day after the moment of the disease), underestimation of the severity of the condition upon admission to the hospital.
To the 100th anniversary of the birth of Professor Alexey N. Protopopov, Head of the Department of Radiation Diagnostics n. a. Professor N. E. Stern of Saratov State Medical University n. a. V. I. Razumovsky in 1973-1987
Authors: Eremin Andrei V. , Chekhonatskaya Marina L. , Ilyasova Elena B. , Kondratieva Olga A.
Published: January 2024

The article presents the milestones of the life and professional activity of Professor Alexey Nikolaevich Protopopov, Head of the Department of Radiation Diagnostics n. a. Professor N. E. Stern at the Saratov State Medical University n. a. V.I. Razumovsky from 1973 to 1987. The contribution of A. N. Protopopov to the development of the Department and practical radiology in Saratov was noted.
BMAL1 positively correlates with genes regulating steroidogenesis in human luteinized granulosa cells
Authors: Kawamura Tomomi , Dai Yidan , Ono Masanori , Kikuchi Takayuki , Yamanaka Akina , Ueno Keiko , Kojima Junya , Fujiwara Tomoko , Daikoku Takiko , Maida Yoshiko , Ando Hitoshi , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Kuji Naoaki , Nishi Hirotaka
Published: January 2024

In brief

In this study, we examined the relationship between BMAL1 expression and the genes regulating steroid biosynthesis in human luteinized granulosa cells. BMAL1 function is crucial for steroid production and proper ovarian function, highlighting the importance of circadian clock regulation in female reproductive health.

Human luteinized granulosa cells were collected to analyze circadian clock gene expression and its effect on the genes regulating steroid biosynthesis. We used siRNA to knock down the expression of BMAL1 in KGN cells. We measured the expression levels of genes regulating steroid biosynthesis and circadian clock RT-qPCR. We demonstrated that BMAL1 expression positively correlates with genes regulating steroid biosynthesis (CYP11A1, CYP19A1, STAR, and ESR2). The knockdown of BMAL1 in KGN cells revealed a significant decrease in steroid synthase expression. In contrast, when BMAL1 was overexpressed in KGN and HGL5 cells, we observed a significant increase in the expression of steroid synthases, such as CYP11A1 and CYP19A1. These results indicated that BMAL1 positively controls 17β-estradiol (E2) secretion in granulosa cells. We also demonstrated that dexamethasone synchronization in KGN cells enhanced the rhythmic alterations in circadian clock genes. Our study suggests that BMAL1 plays a critical role in steroid biosynthesis in human luteinized granulosa cells, thereby emphasizing the importance of BMAL1 in the regulation of reproductive physiology.
Therapeutic results in children with brain tumors – a single center experience over 18 years
Authors: Cosnarovici Maria Margareta , Cosnarovici Rodica , Piciu Doina
Published: January 2024

Background and aims. Tumors of the central nervous system represent the main cause of death by cancer in children. The diagnosis and molecular classification of these neoplasms have seen great improvement in the past years, due to ongoing genomic advances. In general, the treatment consists of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, the currently available pharmacological treatment options have limited effectiveness due to the particular characteristics of the blood-brain barrier.

Methods. We decided to study the therapeutic results in children treated for brain tumors in the Cluj-Napoca “Prof. dr. Ion Chiricuta” Oncology Institute, between 2001 and 2018, in order to provide a more accurate understanding of the disease and the available therapeutic options in our center.

Results. Out of the 207 cases included in this study, we recorded 98 deaths (47.3%). This is significantly less than the 5-year survival rate recorded in the US between 2012 and 2018 (74.9%). There are many factors that could explain the low survival rate, such as a very late diagnosis, the inability to implement innovative radiation therapy techniques until 2018, and the fact that between 2001 and 2010 the chemotherapy regimens in our center were not as effective as the more recent ones.

Conclusions. The therapeutic results recorded in this study are similar to those in other middle-income countries, however, the available treatment options for pediatric brain tumors are not as effective as those currently in use for other pediatric and adult malignancies.
Hair regeneration using microneedle-assisted human basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Xin Ying , Hei Kwok Ming , Lai Nelson Cheuk Yin , Wu Kam-Chau , Lam Dominic Man Kit , Kwong Keith Wai-Yeung
Published: January 2024

Hair loss has afflicted numerous patients for several decades. However, the current drug treatment is only effective for specific types of alopecia and their efficacy is limited. Additionally, the cost of hair transplant surgery is relatively high, making it unaffordable for some patients. In this study, we propose a new treatment method using microneedles and growth factors to alleviate alopecia. The results of our study demonstrate that patients receiving human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF) therapy experienced significant hair regeneration. Both male and female patients responded positively to the growth factor treatment, with males showing better results. Importantly, microneedle-assisted hbFGF therapy can be universally applied to androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium. In summary, this study presents a novel and highly effective method that shows great potential for treating alopecia, with high levels of safety and efficacy.
Use of Aazadirachta indica aqueous leaf extracts for the control of mycotic deterioration of yam tubers (D. rotundata poir)
Authors: JY Ijato
Published: January 2024

Considering the recurrent yam tuber rot in the tropical region of the world, all hands in crop protection need to be on deck to contain the menace, as it portends great danger to food security. Hence, cheap, accessible, easy to formulate and eco-friendly control measures need to be fully explored. B. theobromae, A. niger, A. flavus , A. glaucus were isolated from the rotten tissues and identified. The radial growth of B. theobromae was most reduced by 92.57% at 50g/100ml of hot water extract of A. indica. Similarly, hot and cold water extract of A. indica at 50g/100ml was most effective on A. flavus by 94.98% and 97.30% respectively. A. glaucus (100%) and A. niger (90.17%) were respectively inhibited at 50g/100ml of cold water extract of A. indica. The antimicrobial effects of hot and cold water extract of A. indica on the fungal rot organisms differed significantly from the control and standard. The efficacies of both cold and hot water extracts of A. indica on the rot organisms increased with increase in concentration.
Evidence of occupational therapy’s contribution to healthcare
Authors: Izzeddin Sarsak Hassan
Published: January 2024

Objectives: to examine the effectiveness of occupational therapy in the interventions of different diagnoses and age groups, and to provide evidence of occupational therapy’s contribution to healthcare system. Methods: PICO method was used. A thorough review was conducted to identify most relevant evidence-based research related to the effectiveness of occupational therapy and its contribution to healthcare. Results: occupational therapy has been applied in a variety of clinical and research settings and has proven to be effective in many therapeutic approaches and rehabilitative fields, such as but not limited to: neurorehabilitation approach, biomechanical approach, mental and behavioral health, geriatrics, and pediatrics. Conclusion: occupational therapy has proven to be useful and effective and contributes significantly in managing symptoms of a variety of disorders and enhancing and/or maintaining functional performance for persons with disabilities and health-related problems. The inclusion of occupational therapy professionals to the existing interdisciplinary medical and rehabilitation team would foster collaboration and integrated intervention planning.
Differential depot-specific effects of long-term fructose intake on lipoprotein lipase activity and adipose tissue development in lean and obese+NIDDM SHR/Ntul//-cp rats
Authors: L Tulp Orien
Published: January 2024

To determine the effects of a lower glycemic index, fructose-rich diet on parameters of weight gain and adipose tissue cellularity in principle fat depots, groups of congenic lean and obese+NIDDM SHR/tul//-cp rats were fed nutritionally complete isoenergetic diets where 54% of the calories were present as cooked cornstarch (CCS diet) or equal parts CCS and fructose (the CCSF diet) plus essential fats, proteins, minerals and dietary fibers from one until 9 months of age. Initial body weights were similar in all groups. Net weight gain and final body weights of obese >>>lean and demonstrated only a modest trend toward a greater weight gain in obese animals fed the CCSF diet. Differential effects on adipocyte size and number including marked hyperplasia and hypertrophy were observed in retroperitoneal and dorsal fat pads, while the mass and cellularity of the epididymal depots were similar in all dietary and phenotype groups. Tissue Lipoprotein Lipase activity (LPLA) was similar in EPI, RP, and Dorsal fat depots in both phenotypes, but LPLA in IBAT of lean >>> obese and demonstrated a modest diet effect (CSS > CSSF) in both phenotypes. These results indicate that the long-term consumption of the high fructose diet was neither substantially beneficial nor ameliorative in contributing to the modest excess weight gain and adiposity in WAT depots of the obese phenotype of this strain, despite the lower glycemic index and slower luminal digestibility of fructose vs cornstarch when fed in isoenergetic proportions in the diet. In contrast, IBAT mass and cellularity of obese >>> lean, while IBAT LPLA of lean >>> obese, suggestive of improved insulin sensitivity. These results suggest that the excess weight gain and adiposity often attributed to the consumption of excess dietary fructose sources may be at least in part a reflection of net caloric intake and insulinogenic responses rather than the type of carbohydrate consumed. In addition, the greater IBAT mass, cellularity, and percent lipid content of the obese are consistent with early onset hyperphagia and an impaired capacity for energy expenditure via non-shivering thermogenesis and thus represent a likely contributor to the epigenetic expression and development of obesity in the obese phenotype of this strain.
Os processos judiciais de medição e sua utilização na história: a produção do território e a apropriação de recursos na Serra de Taquari, Brasil Meridional, séculos XVIII e XIX
Authors: Leite Gregory Júlia , Vendrame Maíra Ines
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: as fontes judiciais vêm sendo utilizadas por historiadores(as) já há algumas décadas para investigar os mais diversos objetos de estudo, tanto em perspectiva qualitativa como quantitativa. Entretanto, apesar da existência de diferentes tipos de processos judiciais, alguns acabaram recebendo mais atenção que outros, como inventários post-mortem e processos criminais. Nesse sentido, apresenta-se e problematiza-se as potencialidades dos processos judiciais de medição em pesquisas que buscam refletir sobre práticas sociais e a produção dos territórios. Metodologia: discute-se sobre a produção historiográfica brasileira que utilizou os processos como fonte de pesquisa, considerando estudos voltados para os séculos XVIII e XIX, e efetua-se um exercício empírico realizado com medições do final do século XVIII, referente a terras localizadas na Serra de Taquari, capitania do Rio Grande de São Pedro. Originalidade: dar relevância às fontes judiciais enquanto resultado de um uso prático da justiça, além de se evidenciar a identificação de uma estratégia proprietária existente no período colonial brasileiro. Conclusões: ao abordar-se o crescente interesse da historiografia sobre a dimensão espacial, é concluído que as medições judiciais são úteis para o estudo da conformação social dos lugares e a produção de territórios, em contextos migratórios.
Política y cultura “en tierra de las grandes pasiones”: pugnas y debates de la intelectualidad santandereana ante la beligerancia bipartidista regional, 1931-1932
Authors: Pineda Cupa Miguel Angel
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: analizar las declaraciones y actividades de algunos intelectuales santandereanos ante la crisis sociopolítica regional ocasionada por los conflictos violentos en la provincia de García Rovira, tras el cambio de gobierno nacional conservador a liberal. Metodología: a partir del estudio de los actos ilocutivos, propuesto por el historiador Quentin Skinner, este texto examina principalmente los motivos y las intenciones del intelectual bumangués Gustavo Otero Muñoz (1894-1957), en sus pronunciamientos en prensa, actos públicos y correspondencia, inherentemente vinculados con un contexto comunicativo beligerante. Así, revela qué fue lo que hizo Otero al decir lo que dijo e interconecta y analiza las controversias y las interpretaciones de otros actores relacionados en ese campo comunicativo regional-nacional en disputa. Originalidad: al analizar las interrelaciones entre prensa y correspondencia, se revela que lo político, lo intelectual y lo cultural no son realidades vivenciadas y estudiadas separadamente, sino experiencias humanas entretejidas por redes de significaciones, prácticas y representaciones que buscan la participación y la acción sociopolítica mediante diversos usos del lenguaje. Conclusiones: al tiempo con sus labores oficiales como secretarios de gobierno o diputados de la Asamblea departamental, ciertos intelectuales santandereanos acudieron a estrategias culturales, discursivas y simbólicas para asumir posturas ante la cotidianidad atroz de una guerra provincial y ante los comentarios de la prensa nacional. Decretos, libros y conmemoraciones en Santander fueron fundamentales en ese sentido.
Irene García Losquiño. Eso no estaba en mi libro de historia de los vikingos. Córdoba: Libros en el Bolsillo, 2021. 371 páginas.
Authors: Parada García Gilberto Enrique
Published: January 2024

Irene García Losquiño presenta en este libro lo que ella considera es una historia más objetiva de la sociedad vikinga. El público al que se dirige es el lector hispano que conoce la historia vikinga a través de formas narrativas distintas a la escaza historiografía especializada en castellano, como las series de televisión, películas, videojuegos o comics. Ahora en Latinoamérica, con escasos referentes a la historicidad vikinga, son frecuentes nombres como Valhalla, Tor, Ragnarök, valquirias o el “águila de sangre”. Esta resignificación vikinga está acompañada de un acuerdo previo con el público, pues la autora supone que sus lectores se han acercado a la filmografía más reciente del tema vikingo y que, por consiguiente, conocen más aspectos de la cultura escandinava que generaciones anteriores, que fueron educadas con bibliografías selectivas, escazas y estereotipadas. La autora realiza un estudio que abarca la hermenéutica, el análisis iconográfico, la interpretación arqueológica y la crítica histórica para comprender mejor su objeto de estudio y, además, equilibra muy bien los recursos historiográficos que emplea en su propuesta: el acontecimiento histórico, el relato literario y el análisis de la estructura social.
Los ríos del Valle de Londres: fundación y traslado de la ciudad de San Juan Bautista de la Ribera, gobernación del Tucumán, 1607-1613
Authors: Quiroga Laura , Borrastero Lucas , Alvarado Ana Emilse , Hopkins Cardozo Miguel Nicolás
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: analizar desde una perspectiva histórico-ambiental el “traslado” de la ciudad de San Juan Bautista de la Ribera, ubicada en el Valle de Londres (actual provincia de Catamarca, Argentina) entre los años 1607 y 1613. El traslado y desplazamiento de ciudades, si bien fue un fenómeno recurrente en la conquista y colonización americana, en este caso estuvo provocado por una creciente excepcional, que inundó la llanura aluvial modelada por el régimen estival y torrencial de los ríos que abastecían la ciudad, producto de un periodo de mayor humedad en un ambiente árido. Metodología: para abordar este problema se articularon diferentes registros y enfoques, integrando la documentación histórica relativa al proceso de fundación e instalación de la ciudad con la información ambiental del presente (datos geomorfológicos, hidrográficos y climáticos, sumados a cartografía digital y analógica) y el análisis situado en las ciudades y ríos examinados. Originalidad: al indagar por un proceso histórico, se problematizaron los datos históricos con base en la información ambiental y el estudio en terreno. Conclusiones: el caso muestra que efectivamente existe relación entre las condiciones ambientales (climáticas y geomorfológicas) de las fundaciones coloniales y el abastecimiento de agua, la inundación y el traslado.
María José Ortiz Bergia. La salud como problema provincial. Políticas públicas y Estado subnacional en Córdoba, Argentina, 1930-1955. Buenos Aires: Biblos, 2022. 167 páginas.
Authors: Allevi José Ignacio
Published: January 2024

El advenimiento de la epidemia de covid 19 a comienzos del año 2020 puso en escena, nuevamente, el rol clave que los Estados (en sus distintos niveles) pueden tener en la concepción, diseño e implementación de políticas sociales y sanitarias. En el marco de tales eventos, el libro de María José Ortiz Bergia aborda estos interrogantes contemporáneos a partir de un estudio de caso histórico: la problematización de la salud en la provincia de Córdoba (Argentina) durante los años de entreguerras y hasta el final del primer peronismo. En ese afán, el libro brinda coordenadas que ubican la especificidad de una de las provincias más relevantes del país en términos poblacionales y socioeconómicos, pero también identifica un abanico de matices locales que exponen la complejidad de los procesos abordados por la autora.
Ana Milena Rhenals Doria. Más allá de la austeridad: la historia no contada de los inmigrantes sirio-libaneses en Colombia (1880-1930). Bucaramanga: Ediciones UIS, 2022. 288 páginas.
Authors: Díaz Rico Jhojan Alejandro
Published: January 2024

El libro de la profesora Ana Milen Rhenals es la más reciente contribución historiográfica acerca de la migración árabe a Colombia que ocurrió entre 1880 y 1930. El trabajo tiene como objetivo reconstruir las experiencias socioeconómicas de estos inmigrantes en el circuito comercial comprendido entre Cartagena y las provincias de los ríos Atrato y Sinú. La autora analiza dicha presencia con la finalidad de entender su influencia en las prácticas comerciales del circuito y la manera en que dicho proceso se reflejó en su integración social.