bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Public Spending on Unemployment: A Study on the Iraqi Economy for the Period 2004-2021
Authors: Hammad Saad A. , Shallal Ammar Abdel Hadi , Ata Allah Ali Kareem , Faisal Faisal Ghazi , Abdullah Thakir Hadi
Published: September 2023

Objectives: The study Objective is to show the effect of public spending on unemployment rates in the economy of Iraq. Basically, the study aims to determine whether the public spending carried out by the government, affects negatively or positively the unemployment rates. Methods: (ARDL) an autoregressive distributed lag model was used. It is based on quarterly time series data for the period 2004-2021. The data were obtained from the Iraqi Central Bank, and the Eviews program was used to find out the impact of public spending on unemployment. Results: The results showed that there is a co-integration correlation of public spending on the unemployment rates in Iraq during the research period. Results also showed a significant and inverse effect of public spending on the unemployment rates during long period. The increase of the public spending rate by 1% leads to a decrease in the unemployment rate by 3%. Conclusions: This study provides enough information for decision-makers regarding public spending that increasing public spending will decrease the unemployment rates, and vice-versa.
Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel versus Conventional Methods for Osteotomy in Posterior Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bansal Parth , Kumar Vishal , Vatkar Arvind Janardhan , Gaurav Ankit , Dhatt Sarvdeep Singh
Published: September 2023

Posterior methods for cervical myelopathy include laminoplasty and laminectomy with/without fusion. A more recent innovation in these treatments is the use of an ultrasonic bone shaver for osteotomy. In this study, we examined the perioperative results after laminectomy/laminoplasty between conventional methods (rongeur/high-speed drill) vs. piezosurgery-based instruments. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed and the search was performed on four databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar). Seven comparative studies were chosen after thorough screening by the authors and a meta-analysis was performed between piezosurgery and conventional technique to ascertain intraoperative and postoperative results after laminectomy/laminoplasty. The analysis includes four retrospective cohort studies and three randomized controlled trials published between 2015 and 2022. The mean age ranged from 55.5 to 64.2 years. Blood loss was significantly reduced in the piezosurgery group, other findings were not significant. On subgroup analysis, laminoplasty dramatically reduced blood loss and the rate of iatrogenic dural rips in the piezosurgery group. The use of ultrasonic bone shaver for osteotomy in cervical spondylotic myelopathy is related to significantly decreased blood loss and no significant increase in postoperative drainage, operative time, complication rate, and functional outcomes as compared to traditional techniques. We noticed significantly reduced blood and rate of dural tears in the laminoplasty subgroup with the use of ultrasonic bone shaver, which was not mirrored in the laminectomy subgroup. Careful intraoperative handling of the instrument can help prevent iatrogenic dural tears and nerve damage.
Decreased Legionnaires’ disease incidence in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-2022
Authors: Reddy Devarajulu , Alex Diviya , Zonunmawii Christina , Prabhu Sabarish , Dhiliban D.N.
Published: September 2023

Legionnaires’ disease was first detected in 1976 when an outbreak occurred in Philadelphia, USA. The number of cases reported to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has been on the rise since 2000, likely due to expanded diagnostic testing and public awareness of symptoms. There was a notable decline of confirmed cases during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveillance is important to understand the transmission, pathogenesis, and complications, and to quickly identify the outbreaks, new cases and epidemiologic links between cases. The EPIWATCH system scans vast amounts of open-source data to supplement surveillance when there is a lack of available case data. EPIWATCH reported approximately 28 cases during September to December 2020, 349 cases in 2021 and 114 cases during January to October 2022, which is a decrease in case numbers, possibly due to underreporting during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Annual case numbers may be 1.8 to 2.7 times higher than reported, due to potential underdiagnosis and the requirement for confirmation of infection source before a diagnosis can be made.
Key words: Legionella; Legionnaires' disease; outbreak, USA
The Persian Campaign of Peter I on the pages of the Vedomosti newspaper
Authors: Rakhaev J. Ya.
Published: September 2023

The first printed newspaper Vedomosti, founded by Peter the Great, is an important source for studying the history of Russian-Ottoman and Russian-Iranian relations in the ϐirst quarter of the 18th century. A lot of attention in the Vedomosti was paid to the international situation of the Ottoman Empire and Russian-Turkish relations. In general, the newspaper characterizes the Ottoman state as an enemy of Russia and all Christian peoples. Under the constant attention of the Vedomosti were the most important changes in the government of Sultan Ahmed III (1703–1730), in the foreign policy priorities of Turkey, as well as domestic political issues the situation of its Christian subjects. The newspaper’s materials provide information about international relations on the eve and during the Persian campaign of Peter I of 1722– 1723, as well as about the representation of newly acquired possessions in the Eastern Caucasus. The Vedomosti newspaper was the ϐirst periodical that introduced the Russian society to the peoples of the Caucasus, the geography of the region and the military-political situation in the Western Caspian region.
The North-Eastern Caucasus as an object of Russian geopolitics (the 17th – 18th centuries)
Authors: Trepavlov V. V.
Published: September 2023

A feature of the geopolitical position of the political entities of the Eastern Caucasus was the constant claims from Persia and, at times, Turkey. Maneuvering between the Safavids, Ottomans, Girays and Ryurikoviches (then Romanovs) often formed the basis of the foreign policy activities of local rulers. The result of such maneuvering was the periodically arising ‘general servitude’ — recognition of subordination to both the Russian tsar and the Persian shah. Only at the beginning of the 19th century, as a result of the victories of the Russian troops, the question arose about the ofϐicial annexation of the Eastern Caucasus to the Russian Empire.
The effect of inhibin B on ovarian response in subjects with polycystic ovary
Authors: Hassan Affan E. , Sudek Hanan L. , Abd-alwahab Taghrid H.
Published: September 2023

Background: Inhibin B hormone is one of the indicative parameters in measuring ovarian reserve ,which is important to be evaluated, since it is one of the markers of the female reproductive potential especially in polycystic ovary patients (PCOS) which is a common cause of anovulatory infertility.Patients and methods: Ninty four infertile polycystic ovaries women, attending the infertility clinic at Baghdad teaching hospital, during the period of October 2005 to December 2006, were compared to 62 control group women who have unexplained infertility. After exact history and examination, inhibin level measurement was done in cycle day 3, the patients are divided according to age into 2 groups (more than 35 years and less than 35 years) .Ovarian stimulation by one of 3 protocols (clomiphene citrate (CC), CC + gonadotropins, goadotropins alone) was applied. Then the ovarian response is measured after that.Results: It was found that inhibin is significantly higher in PCOS patients as compared to control [201.1 ±122.40 vs 71.81 ± 40.63 pg/ml] (P=0.0003).After treatment with ovulation induction drugs, those who are less than 35 years with inhibin level less than 75 pg/ml, have no significant difference in response between the 3 protocols, while in those with inhibin more than 75 pg/ml the response was significantly high to protocol 1(CC only). In more than 35 years patients with inhibin level less than 75 pg/ml ,there was no significant difference in response between protocols while in those with inhibin more than 75 pg/ml the response was significantly higher to protocol 2 (CC+ Gonadotropins).Conclusion: Polycystic ovary patients have significantly higher concentration of inhibin B. Young patients less than 35 years with inhibin level less than 75 pg/ml showed no difference in response between the 3 protocols (CC, CC+ Gonadotropins, and Gonadotropins), while those with higher inhibin level ,the response was significantly higher to protocol 1. In older patients with inhibin more than 75 pg/ml there is no significant difference in response among the 3 protocols.
Effects of high and low dose of cadmium chloride on male Reproductive system in mice
Authors: Qadori Yasamin T. , Al-shaikh Mahera N.
Published: September 2023

Background: Cadmium is highly toxic and carcinogenic environmental contaminant exposure to cadmium has been reported to reduce male fertility and there are several hypotheses that suggest how reduced male fertility may result from incorporation of cadmium. The purpose of this study was to determined the role of testicular ascorbic acid level in cadmium mediated oxidative damage on mice testis.Objectives:To know the extent of toxicity of cadmium chloride and its adverse effects on male reproductive system in mice .Methods:Fifteen adult albino male mice were divided into three groups, group one control and two experimental groups (low dose and high dose ).the experimental groups were injected with single dose of (0.14mg/BW) cadmium chloride in low dose and with (0.28mg/BW) cadmium chloride in high dose group ,intraperitoneally (ip) . The control group has given normal saline (0.9%) only .Animals were sacrificed after 15 days.The epididiymal sperm count, sperm abnormalities, tissue level of lipid peroxidation and testicular ascorbic acid level were estimated.Results:Exposure of mice to different doses of cadmium showed a decrease in the testicular weight (0.219±0.03), sperm count (124.6±0.2), ascorbic acid level (0.023±0.04), and increase in the testicular level of lipid peroxidation (0.49±0.1) and in the incidence of abnormal sperms. Exposure to high dose of cadmium showed a significant decrease in testicular weight (0.140±0.03), sperm count, (83.8±0.5) and increase in lipid peroxidation (0.79±2.1) compared to low dose group. Ascorbic acid level decreased significantly in high dose group compared to low dose group.Conclusion: Therefore the present study suggests that cadmium has deleterious effect on spermatogenesis and one of the possible mechanism in cadmium induced oxidative damage on mice testis cell might be mediated through its effect on reducing ascorbic acid level.
Comparison of familial and sporadic multiple sclerosis in Iraqi patients
Authors: Al-hamadani Hasan A. , Marah Hazim A. , Al-Saffar Farah
Published: September 2023

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the increasing prevalent neurologic disorders. Epidemiologic and family studies implicate genetic and environmental factors in determiningsusceptibility to MS. The exact effect of the former is intended for investigation in our study.Objectives: The objective of the study is to compare the demographic features, clinical presenting features, and clinical course between familial and sporadic cases of MS.Materials and Methods: this is a retrospective cohort study conducted in Multiple Sclerosis Center in the Medical City in Baghdad. The records of the MS center in Baghdad Teaching Hospital were surveyed, and data from 13 patients with positive family history of MS, and 13 patients with out family history of MS was analyzed.Results: Regarding the clinical presentation, for those with family history of MS the common presenting symptoms were sensory symptoms and transverse myelitis, and those without family history of MS was pyramidal, for those with family history of MS 11 patients had initial course of relapsing remitting MS ( 84.6%) ,of them 4 patients progressed into secondary progressive MS (36.4%); 2 patients had primary progressive MS as initial course, for those with negative family history of MS 12 patients had initial course of relapsing remitting MS, of them 5 patients progressed into Secondary progressive MS (41.6%); 1 patients had primary progressive MS as initial course (7.7 %.). No significant difference was found in the investigated parameters, except for the inverse relation between age of onset and lag time to diagnosis.Conclusion: Familial MS do not significantly differ from sporadic MS in terms of the demographic patterns and clinical course and presentation. This is not the case for the relationship between the age of disease onset and lag time to diagnosis.
Surgical rehabilitation of women with upper limb postmastectomy lymphedema
Authors:   City Clinical Oncological Hospital No. 1, Moscow, Russian Federation, Ermoshchenkova M.V. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Myasnikova M.O. ,   I.P. Pavlov First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, Zikiryakhodzhaev A.D. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation,   P.A. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute — Branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre, Moscow, Russian Federation, Galkin V.N. ,   City Clinical Oncological Hospital No. 1, Moscow, Russian Federation,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Startseva O.I. ,   City Clinical Oncological Hospital No. 1, Moscow, Russian Federation,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Reshetov I.V. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Berestok T.S. ,   City Clinical Oncological Hospital No. 1, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: September 2023

This study highlights the key aspects of the diagnosis of postmastectomy edema of the upper limb. Clinical examination that allows the diagnosis of lymphedema with a high degree of accuracy should be enhanced with lymphoscintigraphy and fluorescent lymphography to establish the diagnosis and predict the outcome of potential surgical intervention. We share our experience with lymphography in women with breast cancer and upper limb postmastectomy edema and various surgical interventions for lymphedema. In stage 2 lymphedema and ineffective therapy, microsurgical intervention (lymphovenous anastomosis) should be performed if indicated on the basis of lymphoscintigraphy and/ or fluorescent lymphography. Upper limb liposuction is recommended in stage 3–4 lymphedema and ineffective conservative treatment or lack of stable results. Water-jet assisted liposuction has established its efficacy based on the data of various authors and our findings, i.e., lymphedema reduced by 70–100% over 1–5 years of follow-up. KEYWORDS: breast cancer, lymphedema, water-jet assisted liposuction, long-term outcomes, lymphatic outflow patterns. FOR CITATION: Ermoshchenkova M.V., Myasnikova M.O., Zikiryakhodzhaev A.D., Galkin V.N., Startseva O.I., Reshetov I.V., Berestok T.S. Surgical rehabilitation of women with upper limb postmastectomy lymphedema. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2023;7(6):372–382 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2023-7-6-6.
Treatment for advanced differentiated thyroid cancer with multiple distant me-tastases (case report)
Authors:   LLC ", Tereshchenko I.V. ,   Professorskaya Klinika",   , Perm, Russian Federation
Published: September 2023

Carcinogenesis is a polypathogenetic process, and monotherapy of cancer, in particular metastatic cancer, is clearly inadequate. This case report illustrates medical errors in the management of advanced differentiated thyroid cancer in a 51-year-old woman. Due to the rarity of such patients, specialists chose the wrong management strategy, i.e., thyroidectomy was not performed (e.g., the origin of metastases was not removed), radioiodine therapy was categorically denied (although it is the first-line treatment for such patients), brain metastases were not ablated, and suppressive therapy with levothyroxine was not prescribed. A protein kinase inhibitor with antitumor activity, lenvatinib, was prescribed for the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer. Meanwhile, this medication is used in radioiodine resistance that could not be established in this woman. Lenvatinib has many complications, including fatal ones, and the treatment course can be completed in ≈25% only. Poorly controlled hypertension immediately developed after staring treatment with protease inhibitor. The pros and cons of a new group of anticancer medications, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are described in detail. Pos-sible treatment outcomes are addressed. KEYWORDS: differentiated thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, I-131 radiotherapy, lenvatinib, metastasis. FOR CITATION: Tereshchenko I.V. Treatment for advanced differentiated thyroid cancer with multiple distant me-tastases (case report). Russian Medical Inquiry. 2023;7(6):387–390 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2023-7-6-8.
Environmental factors influencing indoor airborne fungi in students dormitory – a case study in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Authors: Precha Nopadol , Totem Kotchakorn , Nuychoo Ladawan , Che Dom Nazri Che Dom
Published: September 2023

Background. Indoor airborne fungi are a significant health concern that can cause respiratory symptoms and other health problems. Indoor fungi are influenced by various factors such as meteorological conditions and dwelling characteristics.
Objective. This study aims to evaluate the association between indoor airborne fungi and environmental factors in a student dormitory in southern Thailand.
Material and methods. The study was conducted at Walailak University in southern Thailand from September to December 2020. Air samples were collected from rooms in thirteen dormitories, and the fungal load was determined using the passive air sampling method. The study also measured meteorological parameters and gathered data on occupant behaviors and exposure-related symptoms through a self-administered questionnaire.
Results. In a total of 135 student rooms, the average concentration (mean ± SD) of indoor airborne fungi was 409.72±176.22 CFU/m3, which showed the highest concentration on the first floor. For meteorological parameters, the averages of RH (%), temperature (°C), and CO2 (ppm) were 70.99±2.37, 31.11±0.56 and 413.29±76.72, respectively. The abundance of indoor airborne fungi was positively associated with an increase in RH (β=0.267, 95% CI: 5.288, 34.401) and building height (β=0.269, 95% CI: 16.283, 105.873), with values of 19.845 and 61.078, respectively. Conversely, temperature exhibited a negative effect on indoor airborne fungi (-92.224, β=-0.292, 95% CI: -150.052, -34.396).
Conclusion. The findings highlight the influence of RH, temperature and building height on indoor airborne fungi in the student dormitory. Therefore, effective management strategies are necessary to improve indoor air quality and reduce associated health risks in student dormitories.
Pemanfaatan Sampah Organik dan Kotoran Sapi Melalui Lubang Resapan Biopori
Authors: Yarisma Fithri Widyanita , Setiawati Ira , Menarianti Ika , Khoiry I’tishom Al
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini menggambarkan implementasi program Pengabdian Kepada masyarakat yang bertujuan untuk mengatasi permasalahan sampah dan memanfaatkan kotoran sapi melalui lubang resapan biopori yang dilaksanakan di wilayah RT 04 RW 01 Kelurahan Wates, kecamatan Ngaliyan, Kota Semarang. Permasalahan sampah rumah tangga dan kurangnya kesadaran dalam memilah sampah menjadi fokus utama. Metode pelaksanaan melalui sosialisasi tentang pilah sampah dan pembautan lubang resapan biopori, serta peraktik pembuatan lubang resapan biopori dengan memasukkan sampah organik dan kotoran sapi kering. Hasil menunjukkan peningkatan pemahaman warga tentang pengelolaan sampah dan pemanfaatan biopori. Kegiatan ini diharapkan mampu meminimalisir genangan air, menghasilkan kompos alami, dan meningkatkan kesadaran lingkungan. Kesimpulannya adalah program ini berhasil meningkatkan partisipasi masyrakat dalam pengelolaan sampah dan pemanfaatan kotoran sapi melalui lubang resapan biopori. Diharapkan program serupa dapat diterapkan di masayarakat lain untuk menciptakan lingkungan yang lebih baik dan berkelanjutan
Carbon Storage of Leyte Sab-A Basin Peatland, Philippines
Authors:   Department of Natural Sciences, Eastern Visayas State University, Leyte, Philippines, Bobon-Carnice Pearl Aphrodite , Chanton Jeffrey P. ,   Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA, Migo Veronica P. ,   School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines, Faustino-Eslava Decibel V. ,   School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
Published: September 2023

Leyte Sab-A Basin peatland (LSBP) is the second largest peatland in the Philippines and comprises 3,088 ha (31 km2). The study estimated the C storage and carbon sequestration capacity of the peatland’s four (4) ecotypes, namely, swamp forest (SF), marshland (ML), agroforestry (AF), and agricultural land (AL) using allometric equations. SF rendered the highest downed wood C-stocks followed by AL and AF. For the litter C-stocks, AF rendered the highest, followed by SF, ML, and AL. SF rendered the highest root C-stocks and CO2 sequestered, followed by AL and AF. C% is highest in ML with values ranging from 32-43 C% across the soil peat depth, while SF ranges from 29-34 C%, and AL and AF both with 19-37 C%. The LSBP stores 36.6 Tg of C and 134.5 Tg of CO2 sequestered. This C storage amount can represent 0.04% of tropical peat carbon.
Quality of Life and Its Related Factors Among Amputees in Babylon Province, Iraq
Authors:   Babylon Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Babylon, Iraq., Hamza Kh AL-Jubori Rusull , Yasir Amean A ,   Department of Community Health Nursing,College of Nursing, University of Babylon, Babylon-Iraq., Khazal K Hindi Nada ,   Department of Basic and Medical Science, College of Nursing, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq.
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Disability is a social problem with multiple interrelated aspects, including medical, psychological, social, and rehabilitative. The number of people with disabilities has increased recently, despite the great advances in the medical field. This study aims to assess the quality of life (QoL) among amputees and its relations with some independent variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 amputees registered in the Babylon Rehabilitation Facility, Babylon Province, Iraq. In light of some independent variables, we examined the QoL of these amputees. An empirical study was conducted to measure the reliability of the study questionnaire before it was given to professionals for validation. Interview techniques were used to collect data, which were then evaluated using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (analyses of variance and the independent t test). Results: The Mean±SD age of the participants was 50±13.47 years (ranged 50-59 years). The characteristics of participants were as follows: male, 68.8%; married, 61.2%; secondary school graduate, 38%; employed, 34%; with insufficient monthly income, 41.2%; amputation due to diseases, 48.4% or accidents, 16.4%; amputation in lower extremities, 56.4%, and for more than 10 years on amputation, 48.8%. The results show differences in QoL concerning amputees’ age, marital status, occupation, monthly income, reasons for amputation, duration of amputation, gender, and sites of amputation. Discussion: Individual demographic characteristics should be considered in programs aimed at improving the QoL of amputees. Quality of life assessment and early inclusion should always be considered.
Investigating the Use of Rehabilitation Based on Play Therapy to Increase the Attention of Medical Students
Authors:   Institute of Natural Sciences and Geography, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan., Tatarinova Galiya , Hussein Heydar Ali ,   Department of Medical Laboratories, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, Amarah, Iraq., Abdulhussain Fadhil Ali ,   Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Medical Technology, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq., Mohammed Ibrahim Mourad ,   Department of Medical Laboratory, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq., Yaseen Hasan Saif ,   Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Health and Medical Technology, National University of Science and Technology, Nasiriyah, Iraq., Najm Mazin A.A. ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Nasiriyah, Iraq., Hussin Alwan Nathera ,   Department of Nursing, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq.
Published: September 2023

Objectives: Attention is one of the cognitive functions that can be enhanced through cognitive rehabilitation. Play therapy is a treatment option for cognitive impairments. This study aims to investigate the use of rehabilitation based on play therapy to increase the attention of medical students. Methods: The present research is a randomized controlled clinical trial. The statistical population included all 162 third-year students of the College of Medicine in 2022 at the University of Baghdad City, Iraq. Using simple random sampling, the statistical population of 70 people was selected and then divided into intervention (n=35) and control (n=35) groups. Play therapy was provided to individuals in the intervention group, while subjects in the control group did not receive any intervention. We used the IVA-2 CPT software, version 2019.1 to assess visual and auditory attention as well as response control performance. The pre-test and post-test stages were separated by a 15-week interval. The data were analyzed via the multivariate covariance analysis in the SPSS software, version 23. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The results indicated a statistically significant difference between the intervention group’s mean pre-test and post-test scores (P<0.001); thus, the rehabilitation based on play therapy significantly enhanced attention in the intervention group. Also, the post-test results revealed a statistically significant difference between both groups (P<0.001). Discussion: Rehabilitation based on play therapy is an effective way to increase people’s attention.
Prevalence of Cardiac Anomalies in Fetuses Diagnosed With Intracardiac Echogenic Foci: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi (Meghe), India., Taksande Amar , Zeeshan Jameel Patel ,   Department of Paediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi (Meghe), India., Rao Rupesh ,   Department of Paediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi (Meghe), India., Taksande Bharati ,   Department of Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Sewagram, India., Damke Sachin ,   Department of Paediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi (Meghe), India.
Published: September 2023

Objectives: The exact prevalence of cardiac anomalies in diagnosed cases of echogenic foci is still unknown, as various studies have been carried out across multiple populations with different methodologies. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the precise prevalence of cardiac anomalies found in cases with intracardiac echogenic foci. Methods: The authors manually searched the electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science). Two reviewers independently did data extraction and quality control; a third reviewer resolved any raised conflicts. The data were analyzed by comprehensive meta-analysis software version 2. Risk of bias assessment and strobe checklist were used for quality assessment. Results: Out of 531 articles identified, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis with a total sample size of 7568. The pooled prevalence of cardiac anomalies in the fetuses with intracardiac echogenic foci was 4.8% (95% CI, 3.6%-6.4%). Subgroup analysis was done according to the geographical distribution of cases, maternal age, gestational age, year of publication, risk of bias, and ultrasonography operator. Conclusions: The current study represents the first and only meta-analysis concerning the prevalence of cardiac anomaly in fetuses diagnosed with intracardiac echogenic focus (ICEF). This study supports a definitive relationship between ICEF and underlying congenital heart disease. We recommend increased training of individuals performing this ultrasonography to improve early detection, ultimately enhancing the care given to infants immediately post-birth.
Improving Healthcare Delivery to Patients With Coronavirus by Enhancing Digital Health Literacy of Healthcare Providers: Implications for Healthcare Policymakers
Authors:   Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Kahouei Mehdi , Momeni Marjan ,   Department of Rehabilitation, School of Rehabilitation, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Pahlevanynejad Shahrbanoo ,   Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Rahaei Fatemeh ,   Deputy of Research and Technology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Soltani-Kermanshahi Mojtaba ,   Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran., Yaghoobi Samira Sadat ,   Department of Health Information Technology, Velayat Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
Published: September 2023

Background: The immense assorted variety of data accessible through the Internet, containing unconfirmed pernicious data, can spread rapidly and misguide nursing and allied health staff (NAHS). False impressions among NAHS postpone controlling endeavors to deliver important treatment, lead to the quick spread of contamination in clinical settings, and put patients’ lives in danger. This research aimed to assess the impact of NAHS digital health literacy and other determinants on their behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was conducted on allied health and nursing staff in healthcare organizations affiliated with Semnan University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Two valid questionnaires were used: Digital health literacy and preventive behaviors. Multiple logistic models were used to explain the relationship between one dependent binary variable and other variables. Results: There were significant direct and positive relationships between digital health literacy (β=0.60; 95% CI, 1.35%-2.45%; P<0.001) and English language skills (β=2.29; 95% CI, 1.79%-54.03%; P=0.009) with preventive behaviors. Conclusions: Strengthening the digital health literacy of medical staff can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections in healthcare settings. It is proposed that policymakers and nursing informatics educators adjust e-health policies to advance digital health literacy in healthcare settings.
DISPUTAS DEL PATRIMONIO, MÁS ALLÁ DE LA VANDALIZACIÓN: URBAN FALLISM, RESIGNIFICACIÓN Y APROPIACIÓN DE MONUMENTOS PÚBLICOS EN CIUDADES CHILENAS TRAS EL ESTALLIDO SOCIAL
Authors: Matus Madrid Christian Paulo , Ibarra Alonso Macarena , Mendez Layera María Luisa
Published: September 2023

El presente artículo examina el fenómeno de vandalización, resignificación y apropiación de monumentos públicos acontecido tras el contexto del estallido social de octubre de 2019 y su expresión en las ciudades chilenas. Recogiendo las discusiones, globales y locales, basadas en la revisión del concepto de urban fallism, se propone una caracterización de la actual dinámica del debate patrimonial en Chile que sitúa al monumento público como eje central de las nuevas disputas por el patrimonio, las que se desplazan desde el reconocimiento de barrios y de comunidades como agentes clave en los territorios, hacia una visibilización de los monumentos públicos con nuevos contenidos de reivindicación.A partir de un enfoque interpretativo-cultural, basado en una metodología de revisión de catastros oficiales, prensa, material fotográfico y documental de las acciones de vandalización, se analizan los procesos de resignificación y de apropiación de monumentos públicos con alta cobertura mediática, acontecidos en siete ciudades del norte, centro y sur del país, entre octubre de 2019 y octubre de 2020.El resultado del análisis de casos permite sostener que la dinámica de derribo de monumentos en Chile visibiliza una forma particular de urbanfallismo, basada en la impugnación de los símbolos establecidos como parte del patrimonio oficial desde grupos históricamente invisibilizados del relato hegemónico de la identidad nacional, tal como los pueblos originarios o las mujeres organizadas, quienes levantan demandas vinculadas con la lucha contra la desigualdad, el respeto a la diversidad cultural y una nueva relación con el medioambiente.Se concluye que las actuales lógicas de resignificación y de apropiación contrahegemónica del monumento público involucran procesos simultáneos de impugnación, desacralización y resignificación del patrimonio oficial y de su manifestación en el espacio urbano. Finalmente, se sugiere la necesidad de discutir el rol de representación que plantean los monumentos públicos, con el fin de avanzar hacia nuevas narrativas del pasado en el espacio público.
DISEÑO DE ENVASES Y EMBALAJES. UNA PROPUESTA DE ECODISEÑO ABREVIADO BAJO LOS REQUERIMIENTOS NORMATIVOS DE LA LEY REP EN CHILE
Authors: Venegas marcel Marcelo eduardo , Martinez Torán Manuel Benito , Jacob Dazarola Rubén Hernán
Published: September 2023

El presente artículo surge a partir de la necesidad de integrar la metodología y conceptos generales del ecodiseño en el ejercicio práctico del trabajo proyectual para el desarrollo de productos. Para lo cual se asumen las directrices establecidas por la Ley de Reciclaje y Responsabilidad Extendida del Productor (REP) en Chile, así como las obtenidas del panorama actual a nivel país en torno a las oportunidades y reales limitaciones estimadas ante la perentoria puesta en marcha de las distintas herramientas técnicas que tienen por objeto la mejora ambiental.Se plantea, por tanto, un modelo procedimental aplicable a la enseñanza del diseño industrial de productos, así como para el ejercicio práctico de la disciplina en el ámbito profesional y, en especial, en el desarrollado al interior de las pequeñas y medianas empresas, permitiendo sistematizar la toma de decisiones y planeación de productos desde una perspectiva sostenible y como respuesta a los requerimientos normativos de la institucionalidad ambiental vigente.Los resultados obtenidos a partir de la aplicación de dicho modelo evidencian la resolución eficiente de casos dirigidos a la optimización del diseño para el fin de vida en envases y embalajes (E y E). Se estima que estos concitan un alto interés —por haber sido señalados por la legislación actual— como productos prioritarios para ser impulsados en la gestión y valorización para su reciclaje. Así como por ser una efectiva instancia comunicativa y de formación colectiva, para la promoción de los distintos principios que sustentan las buenas prácticas medioambientales.
CONFIGURACIÓN DE PERIFERIAS INTERIORES EN DOS CIUDADES INTERMEDIAS: ANTOFAGASTA Y PIURA. INFLUENCIA DE LA UBICACIÓN DE LOS HOSPITALES EN LA CONSOLIDACIÓN DE SU TRAZADO URBANO
Authors: Kapstein Paula , Ayala Pazos Rita
Published: September 2023

Partiendo del concepto de periferia interior, se estudia la evolución de dos ciudades latinoamericanas intermedias, Piura en Perú y Antofagasta en Chile, localizando los hospitales en la planimetría elaborada para describir el crecimiento de estas ciudades durante el siglo XX. La hipótesis por verificar se refiere a que equipamientos como los hospitales desempeñaron un rol relevante en la construcción y consolidación de ambas ciudades, definiendo zonas de límites periféricos durante la primera mitad de dicho siglo, para después, en las últimas décadas, pasar a colaborar en la formación de zonas de límites internos. Por tanto, los hospitales constituyen hitos por su función urbanizadora en el proceso de crecimiento de dichas ciudades. Además, como ocurre en el caso de Antofagasta, el hospital se acompañaba habitualmente de otros usos asociados (cementerio, morgue y lazareto), formando un conjunto de equipamientos que construye parte de la periferia de las ciudades en Latinoamérica hasta aproximadamente la década del cuarenta. Se utiliza un método de análisis cartográfico basado en los planos de crecimiento de cada una de las ciudades; y se extraen conclusiones acerca de las funciones urbanas y territoriales de los hospitales, así como sobre su capacidad de definir límites internos o periféricos en ambas, dotándolas de significado e identidad.
Сучасний стан і перспективи розвитку підготовки та проведення командно-штабних навчань із використанням систем імітаційного моделювання
Authors: Заїка Людмила , Лаврінчук Олександр , Лук’яненко Сергій
Published: September 2023

Досвід нинішньої російсько-української війни, розвиток нових форм і способів ведення бойових дій вимагає подальших змін у системі підготовки офіцерських кадрів усіх рівнів та ланок управління. Напрям розвитку такої підготовки непорушно ґрунтується на стандартах підготовки НАТО, впровадження яких, у Збройних Силах України, вже демонструє високоякісні результати на полі бою. Відповідно, поглиблення і розширення такої практики є підґрунтям майбутніх перемог. Акцентовано увагу на особливостях розвитку тенденцій переходу українського війська від методик проведення командно-штабних навчань із використанням комп’ютерів до методик комп’ютерних навчань (тренувань) (Сomputer Аssisted Еxercises) за стандартами НАТО. Ядро таких тренувань складають сучасні імітаційні системи і технології. Світовий досвід подібних практик дає змогу проаналізувати проблемні питання організації, і проведення комп’ютерних навчань (тренувань), порівняти можливості створення федерацій на різних рівнях управління з підтримки подібних тренувань (проведення багатоступеневих навчань) із власними спроможностями. Проаналізовано подібні федерації, що застосовуються у країнах НАТО під час багатонаціональних комп’ютерних навчань (тренувань). Отримані результати можуть бути використані для нарощування зусиль щодо розвитку підходів до організації і проведення практичних навчань (тренувань) із використанням систем імітаційного моделювання, а також технічної та технологічної бази підрозділів імітаційного моделювання як Збройних Сил, так й інших складових сил безпеки і оборони України.
Towards a real-time possession value framework in ice hockey
Authors: Murto Frans
Published: September 2023

Measuring the individual performance of players is an important task in sports analytics. Traditional statistics-based approaches for evaluating hockey players fail to account for context and long-term impact. Recent advances in data gathering have enabled valuing possessions and actions directly to address these issues. This talk describes the implementation of the first real-time possession value framework for ice hockey.
Simple and Practical Goal Importance Metrics for Ice Hockey
Authors: Säfvenberg Rasmus , Carlsson Niklas , Lambrix Patrick
Published: September 2023

To capture that not all goals are of the same importance, a new performance metric called the Game Points Importance Value (GPIV) was recently proposed. While this metric takes into account the expected impact that a goal has on the outcome of a game based on the context when the goal was scored, it relies on a relatively fine-grained state space. To address this problem, this paper presents simplified and more practical variations of the GPIV metric. Motivated by our analysis of the relative importance of different dimensions of the state space, we present two metrics that capture the most important component(s) of GPIV. Our evaluation shows that the metrics are relatively stable and capture most of the relative differences between GPIV and traditional metrics (e.g., goals, assist, points, and +/-). These results suggest that these simple and practical metrics are intuitive, capture most of the desirable variations that GPIV captures, and that the value of a goal can be well estimated using GPIV data based on historic data.
Biomedical engineering approaches for the delivery of JAGGED1 as a potential tissue regenerative therapy
Authors: Kaimari Sundus , Kamalakar Archana , Goudy Steven L.
Published: September 2023

JAG1 is a ligand that activates the NOTCH signaling pathway which plays a crucial role in determining cell fate behavior through cell-to-cell signaling. JAG1-NOTCH signaling is required for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into cardiomyocytes and cranial neural crest (CNC) cells differentiation into osteoblasts, making it a regenerative candidate for clinical therapy to treat craniofacial bone loss and myocardial infarction. However, delivery of soluble JAG1 has been found to inhibit NOTCH signaling due to the requirement of JAG1 presentation in a bound form. For JAG1-NOTCH signaling to occur, JAG1 must be immobilized within a scaffold and the correct orientation between the NOTCH receptor and JAG1 must be achieved. The lack of clinically translatable JAG1 delivery methods has driven the exploration of alternative immobilization approaches. This review discusses the role of JAG1 in disease, the clinical role of JAG1 as a treatment, and summarizes current approaches for JAG1 delivery. An in-depth review was conducted on literature that used both in vivo and in vitro delivery models and observed the canonical versus non-canonical NOTCH pathway activated by JAG1. Studies were then compared and evaluated based on delivery success, functional outcomes, and translatability. Delivering JAG1 to harness its ability to control cell fate has the potential to serve as a therapeutic for many diseases.
Efficient pH and dissolved CO2 conditions for indoor and outdoor cultures of green alga Parachlorella
Authors: Takagi Akari , Nagao Misato , Uejima Yuya , Sasaki Daisaku , Asayama Munehiko
Published: September 2023

Efficient pH and dissolved CO2 conditions for indoor (50–450 mL scale) and outdoor (100–500 L scale) culture of a green alga BX1.5 strain that can produce useful intracellular lipids and extracellular polysaccharides were investigated for the first time in Parachlorella sp. The cultures harvested under 26 different conditions were analysed for pH, dissolved CO2 concentration, and the biomass of extracellular polysaccharides. The BX1.5 strain could thrive in a wide range of initial medium pH ranging from 3 to 11 and produced valuable lipids such as C16:0, C18:2, and C18:3 under indoor and outdoor culture conditions when supplied with 2.0% dissolved CO2. Particularly, the acidic BG11 medium effectively increased the biomass of extracellular polysaccharides during short-term outdoor cultivation. The BG11 liquid medium also led to extracellular polysaccharide production, independent of acidity and alkalinity, proportional to the increase in total sugars derived from cells supplied with high CO2 concentrations. These results suggest Parachlorella as a promising strain for indoor and outdoor cultivation to produce valuable materials.
Investigating the value of glucodensity analysis of continuous glucose monitoring data in type 1 diabetes: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Cui Elvis Han , Goldfine Allison B. , Quinlan Michelle , James David A. , Sverdlov Oleksandr
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices capture longitudinal data on interstitial glucose levels and are increasingly used to show the dynamics of diabetes metabolism. Given the complexity of CGM data, it is crucial to extract important patterns hidden in these data through efficient visualization and statistical analysis techniques.

Methods

In this paper, we adopted the concept of glucodensity, and using a subset of data from an ongoing clinical trial in pediatric individuals and young adults with new-onset type 1 diabetes, we performed a cluster analysis of glucodensities. We assessed the differences among the identified clusters using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with respect to residual pancreatic beta-cell function and some standard CGM-derived parameters such as time in range, time above range, and time below range.

Results

Distinct CGM data patterns were identified using cluster analysis based on glucodensities. Statistically significant differences were shown among the clusters with respect to baseline levels of pancreatic beta-cell function surrogate (C-peptide) and with respect to time in range and time above range.

Discussion

Our findings provide supportive evidence for the value of glucodensity in the analysis of CGM data. Some challenges in the modeling of CGM data include unbalanced data structure, missing observations, and many known and unknown confounders, which speaks to the importance of--and provides opportunities for--taking an approach integrating clinical, statistical, and data science expertise in the analysis of these data.
Multifaceted roles of mitochondria in wound healing and chronic wound pathogenesis
Authors: Hunt Matthew , Torres Monica , Bachar-Wikström Etty , Wikström Jakob D.
Published: September 2023

Mitochondria are intracellular organelles that play a critical role in numerous cellular processes including the regulation of metabolism, cellular stress response, and cell fate. Mitochondria themselves are subject to well-orchestrated regulation in order to maintain organelle and cellular homeostasis. Wound healing is a multifactorial process that involves the stringent regulation of several cell types and cellular processes. In the event of dysregulated wound healing, hard-to-heal chronic wounds form and can place a significant burden on healthcare systems. Importantly, treatment options remain limited owing to the multifactorial nature of chronic wound pathogenesis. One area that has received more attention in recent years is the role of mitochondria in wound healing. With regards to this, current literature has demonstrated an important role for mitochondria in several areas of wound healing and chronic wound pathogenesis including metabolism, apoptosis, and redox signalling. Additionally, the influence of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy has also been investigated. However, few studies have utilised patient tissue when studying mitochondria in wound healing, instead using various animal models. In this review we dissect the current knowledge of the role of mitochondria in wound healing and discuss how future research can potentially aid in the progression of wound healing research.