bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uterine fibroids - a literature review
Authors: Pokora Karolina , Pokora Szymon , Podsiedlik Adam , Stefanowicz Agata , Poloczek Alicja , Szczerba Jakub , Jeleń Katarzyna , Sojka Paweł , Pokładnik Dominika , Żymła Tatiana
Published: February 2024

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign neoplastic lesions occurring in women. They are formed as a result of proliferation of smooth muscle tissue cells. Their appearance and proliferation are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. 70% of them remain asymptomatic, so they are often detected only during a routine gynecological examination or pelvic imaging studies. Uterine myomas can generate pelvic and lower abdominal discomfort and pain, abnormal, prolonged, heavy bleeding, anemia, dyspareunia, frequent urination, bloating, constipation, abdominal cramps, low back pain and obstetric complications. Available therapeutic strategies include conservative, pharmacological and surgical treatment. The choice of a particular method is considered on an individual basis and depends on the presence of clinical symptoms, the size, location of the myomas, or the age and procreative plans of the patient.
The multimodal approach to obesity treatment – current pharmacological and surgical methods and lifestyle changes
Authors: Kowalczuk Maria , Lipińska Justyna , Kopeć Izabela , Lipiński Łukasz , Kamiński Jakub , Klimczak Klaudia , Loryś Laura , Narloch Marcin , Kasprzak Stanisław , Kasprzak Karolina
Published: February 2024

Introduction

           Obesity is one of the major health problems of today’s population and is defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2.  It is known that obesity may cause many complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep, apnoea, and several cancers. The only effective treatment of obesity can be pharmacological or surgical, especially when a years-long attempt to change habits has had no effects. 

Aim of the study

This review aims to present the current state of knowledge about non-pharmacological and pharmacological obesity treatment methods.

Materials and methods

           The paper was created based on the Pubmed database. The literature was reviewed using the keywords: ”obesity”, ”obesity treatment”, “ obesity lifestyle changes”, “obesity medications” and ”obesity surgery”.

The current state of knowledge

          The treatment of obesity requires a multimodal approach to treatment, including the addition of anti-obesity medications or bariatric surgery, or both, to assist people in reaching and sustaining sufficient weight loss to meet treatment goals. The 3 principal components of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention are diet, physical activity, and behavioral therapy. Among available anti-obesity medications include orlistat, phentermine, topiramate, naltrexone, bupropion, liraglutide, and semaglutide.

Summary

           The key challenge in the treatment of obesity is to maintain the effects obtained with multimodal therapy. Without proper motivation of patients and changes in eating and behavioral habits, it is impossible to achieve optimal results, therefore, in addition to medical interventions, more and more attention should be paid to psychological interventions.
The effect of air pollution on the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and appendicitis
Authors: Król Dominika , Sak Justyna , Mazurkiewicz Wojciech , Nowiński Michał , Fus-Mazurkiewicz Laura
Published: February 2024

Introduction and objective

Intense industrial development is contributing to increased emissions of air pollutants. Numerous studies indicate a link between air pollution and a higher risk of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Our goal is to analyze available scientific studies to demonstrate the relationship between air pollution and the risk of developing and complicating inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and appendicitis.

Brief description of the state of knowledge

Air pollution is a global health challenge. Particles such as PM, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides or ozone have a significant impact on health. Studies suggest a link between pollution and intestinal diseases (IBD, CRC, appendicitis). Air pollutants can affect the gut by causing inflammation, oxidative stress and disruption of the gut microbiota. Exposure to PM2.5 can increase the risk of IBD, CRC, and PM10 can increase the risk of UC. There is a correlation between pollution and the rate of hospitalization for IBD. In addition, exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of colorectal cancer mortality. Short-term exposure to air pollution is associated with more hospitalizations for appendicitis.

Summary

Air pollution is a real health risk. Reducing air pollution could potentially reduce the risk of developing these intestinal diseases and their complications. Despite the potential links, further research is required to better understand the mechanisms of action of pollutants on intestinal health. Urgent and coordinated global and local action is needed to reduce air pollution emissions and protect the health of the public.
Is There A Relationship Between Urinary Tract Infections and Vitamin D and Cathhelicidin Levels:A Cross-Sectional Observational Study From the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: ÇİÇEK Alper , ELİBOL Pelin , BASOK Banu Isbilen , ORBATU Dilek , BERKSOY Emel , ALAYGUT Demet , HALICIOĞLU Oya
Published: February 2024

Objective: Cathelicidin is a crucial antibacterial peptide that is produced in the urinary system and is induced by vitamin D. In order to distinguish between lower and upper urinary tract infections (UTIs), the association between cathelicidin levels and vitamin D levels was examined in this study.

Material and Methods: We analyzed complete blood count, biochemistry profile, C reactive protein (CRP), 25 hydroxyvitamin D, serum cathelicidin levels of pre-treatment children aged 0-18 years who were diagnosed with a UTI in the Pediatric Emergency Room.

Results: A total of 72 children (36 healthy and 36 patients) were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 83.8±66.22 months, with 40 (56%) female and 32 (44%) male. Our patient group had higher white blood cell, neutrophil, and CRP levels than our control group (p=0.050). There was no significant difference in cathelicidin levels (5.7±3.7, 9.6±10.9; p=0.810) or vitamin D levels (23.3±9.5, 25.9±12.5; p=0.795) between patients with lower and upper UTI. We found a positive correlation between vitamin D and cathelicidin levels in the control group (r:346, p=0.030). There was no statistically significant difference in cathelicidin levels between patients with upper UTI and the control group (p=0.054).

Conclusion: Although there was no significant relationship between vitamin D and cathelicidin levels in children with urinary tract infections, a weak but positive correlation exists between vitamin D and cathelisidin in healthy children.
Pollen food syndrome: learning from a case series
Authors: Dobson Marianne Louise , Steele Cathal Laurence , Theaker Elizabeth Diana
Published: February 2024

Pollen food syndrome (PFS) is an IgE-mediated food hypersensitivity reaction that typically results in immediate-onset oral and oropharyngeal symptoms in individuals who are sensitized to pollen. Symptoms are often mild, but systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, occur rarely. Using a cases series of six patients who were referred to our oral medicine department and for whom a diagnosis of PFS was made, we illustrate the clinical features of PFS and discuss the possibility that oral mucosal lesions may be a feature. Patients with PFS (or indeed other food hypersensitivities) may present to dental professionals in the first instance, therefore, it is important to be able to recognize key signs/symptoms, to give advice and to investigate/refer appropriately.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Awareness of the clinical features of PFS, including oral mucosal lesions, is of value to dental clinicians
La edición bodoniana de Virgilio: Notas críticas sobre algunas particularidades de su texto
Authors: Mayer Marc
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo aborda la edición de las obras de Virgilio realizada por Gian Battista Bodoni en 1793 en Parma. Se destaca la relación de los intelectuales del llamado “Siglo de las Luces”, como José Nicolás de Azara, Esteban de Arteaga, Ennio Quirino Visconti y Carlo Fea, con la génesis y publicación de esta obra. En este contexto, la estancia de Azara en Roma, sus conexiones políticas y su amistad con Bodoni son aspectos clave. Analizamos también la influencia de otras ediciones previas, como la de Heyne o la de Ribbeck, con el fin de examinar las variantes textuales en la edición de Bodoni, destacando los cambios introducidos y las omisiones deliberadas en la edición.
De com un geògraf català urbanita intenta explicar què són les ruralies
Authors: Mendizàbal Enric
Published: February 2024

L’objectiu d’aquest text és reflexionar sobre els conceptes de ruralia, ruralitat i rural  des de la geografia utilitzant com a exemple el Pirineu català, del qual es mostrenels canvis i les transformacions des de l’inici del segle xviii, però sobretot en el període1950-2023, en què es pot observar que el món pagès tradicional es va convertint en un món rural on es poden trobar les característiques de la vida urbana. En l’apartat final es mostra la importància de la frase d’Ildefons Cerdà «rurizad lo urbano: urbanizad lo rural », que exemplifica el que succeeix actualment en les relacions rurals i urbanes.
With High New Media Literacy, Can We Prevent Problematic Internet Use? -- A Case Study of Chinese College Students
Authors: Long Sisi , Zhu Ting , Chen Xizi
Published: February 2024

Problematic Internet use (PIU) can lead to dysfunction and undesired consequences, especially in adolescents and youths. Studies have shown that personal emotional characteristics and relationships with others are associated with PIU. We pursue the neglected question of whether there is a correlation between personal ability, such as new media literacy (NML), and PIU. Chinese university students’ PIU has received insufficient scholarly attention, and its relationship with NML is unclear. Therefore, we examined the correlation between PIU and NML in 462 Chinese university students. The results showed that PIU was widespread in varying degrees, and the NML score was 4.23 out of 5. Personal NML was positively correlated with PIU, especially the critical prosuming dimension. Gender influenced neither PIU nor new media literacy. Students’ residence was only positively associated with NML, not PIU. Gender and place of residence did not moderate the correlation between NML and PIU, and place of residence also did not moderate the correlation between gender and PIU. These findings provide insight into the relationship between humans and the Internet and have practical implications regarding preventive interventions for emerging adults.
Multimedia, emotions, and learning experience
Authors: Lauc Tomislava , Kisicek Sanja , Unic Danijela
Published: February 2024

This paper considers emotions and learning through multimedia learning, mediated message processing, and affective computing. In multimedia learning, the emotional design includes all relevant features from the visual design, so emotional and motivational features are given through visual appeal. The Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing describes emotions as a product of motivated cognition. It explains how to create the message that will most likely fulfil its communication purpose. Through affective computing, adaptive and multimodal learning, aim is to reduce the gap between instructional message design, and the learner's cognitive and emotional mental model. The paper aims to outline emotions and learning considering multimedia learning, motivated mediated message processing, and affective computing as three perspectives in creating a learning experience.
El uso de la tecnología de apoyo (T.A.) en la enseñanza del inglés al alumnado con necesidad específica de apoyo educativo (NEAE) en tiempos de Covid-19
Authors: Belda-Medina Jose
Published: February 2024

El uso de la tecnología de apoyo (T.A.) en el aprendizaje de idiomas ha experimentado un gran auge en las últimas décadas gracias a los nuevos avances tecnológicos y al desarrollo de numerosas herramientas digitales (Huang et al., 2016; Khan et al., 2020). En esta investigación se analizan los conocimientos y la competencia del profesorado en el uso de la T.A. para el alumnado con necesidades específicas de apoyo educativo (NEAE) en general, y específicamente en el aprendizaje del inglés como lengua extranjera, así como su experiencia durante la pandemia por Covid-19. Los datos cuantitativos y cualitativos se obtuvieron a través de herramientas de medición, como encuestas realizadas a un total de 110 docentes y un debate semi-estructurado con un grupo foco de 10 docentes de lengua inglesa de varios centros escolares preuniversitarios. Los resultados evidencian carencias entre el profesorado en conocimientos y competencias en el empleo de la T.A. para el alumnado con NEAE, así como la necesidad de mejorar tanto el acceso a recursos tecnológicos como la formación de los docentes en este ámbito.
atzebra: un intent d’assignació taxonòmica
Authors: Parés-Casanova Pere M. , Eduardo Viaro Mário , Papavero Nelson , Nebot Cerdà Josep Ramon
Published: February 2024

Fins al segle xvi hom pot documentar a la península Ibèrica l’existència d’un èquid, l’atzebra, la taxonomia de la qual no és clara. A partir de les escasses fonts documentals existents, els autors en fem un intent de reconstrucció fenotípica i la seva adscripció taxonòmica. La descrivim com a eumètrica, sublongilínia, cromàticament amb pelatge pèl de llop, pangaré (punts distals aclarits), amb presència constant de marques de zebra, ratlles dorsal i creuada, peülles petites, clina curta i erecta, extremitats llargues i orelles proporcionalment curtes; externament semblant a l’extingit ase salvatge de l’Atles (Equus africanus atlanticus). Per això situem taxonòmicament l’atzebra com a subespècie de Equus africanus.
Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA), 1939-1972
Authors: Etxaniz Tesouro Iñaki
Published: February 2024

El objetivo principal de este trabajo es explicar la resiliencia de la empresa Construcciones Aeronáuticas S.A. (CASA) tras la Guerra Civil y cómo se adaptó a la situación de autarquía e intervencionismo durante el primer franquismo y a la acusada dependencia económica, tecnológica y militar estadounidense después. La tesis central del mismo es que la estrategia de adaptación seguida por CASA acabó reduciendo sus capacidades y conocimientos, condicionando las posibles vías de evolución a partir de mediados de los 60. Para demostrarlo, reconstruye la evolución y especialización de la empresa desde los años 40 hasta su tardía incorporación en los proyectos europeos hacia 1970 y expone los factores políticos e institucionales que motivaron esta trayectoria.
Potencial educativo de los Sistemas de Información Geográfica como herramienta para la educación superior. El reto de la innovación docente en los grados de ingenierías eléctrica e industrial
Authors: Alberdi Nieves Virginia
Published: February 2024

El uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) en la educación superior se ha generalizado en los últimos años. Su presencia y utilización en la disciplina de Geografía está empezando a plantear nuevos retos y formas de acceder al conocimiento. La Geografía estudia un campo de conocimientos muy amplio que abarca desde el estudio de los fenómenos físicos, la economía, hasta los movimientos migratorios humanos. En este contexto se presenta una innovación docente basada en el aprendizaje de conceptos de Geografía, mediante la utilización de los Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG) en el aula. En el estudio participaron 125 alumnos del Grado en Ingeniería Eléctrica y del Grado en Ingeniería Química Industrial. Previamente fue elaborado un cuestionario de conocimientos previos donde se identificaron las necesidades de aprendizaje del alumnado. La metodología utilizada fue cuantitativa y cualitativa organizada en diferentes sesiones de trabajo, en el marco de las asignaturas Topografía y Sistemas de Información Geográfica, y Expresión Gráfica. Los resultados obtenidos denotan una elevada satisfacción del alumnado ante el uso de los SIG (software libre QGIS v. 3.28) y de la herramienta tecnológica Kahoot mediante la cual se realizó el cuestionario de evaluación. Estos datos coinciden con la satisfacción del alumnado que reflejan otros estudios sobre Kahoot (Reynolds et al., 2021). También mostraron que el uso de los SIG resultó ser una herramienta muy ventajosa para el aprendizaje, mejorando el rendimiento académico, y transmitiendo un alto grado de satisfacción para más del 80% del alumnado que así lo identifica, y asegura su importancia para su futuro profesional.
Desarrollo de habilidades docentes para la gestión de grandes grupos: una experiencia de innovación en didáctica de la expresión musical
Authors: Prados Bravo Saray
Published: February 2024

Este artículo explora el desarrollo de habilidades docentes para la gestión efectiva de grandes grupos en el contexto de la Educación Musical, a través de una experiencia innovadora implementada en la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad de León. La investigación se centra en la creación, organización y enseñanza de una pieza de percusión con instrumentos no convencionales, involucrando a 128 estudiantes de 2º y 4º curso del grado de Educación Primaria. El enfoque pedagógico se basa en la pedagogía constructivista, socio-constructivista y el aprendizaje experiencial, promoviendo un rol activo de los estudiantes en su proceso de aprendizaje y fomentando el desarrollo de competencias sociales, emocionales y creativas. A través de un grupo focal y de la observación participante, se recopilaron datos para analizar la efectividad de las estrategias implementadas y los desafíos enfrentados por los alumnos del 4º curso de la Mención de Educación Musical, principales agentes de la experiencia, en la gestión de grandes grupos. Los resultados destacan la importancia de la formación práctica en aspectos transversales como la gestión de grandes grupos y sugieren la necesidad de seguir explorando y evaluando estrategias pedagógicas innovadoras en este ámbito. Se contribuye al cuerpo de conocimiento existente sobre la gestión de grandes grupos en educación, proporcionando estrategias y prácticas reflexivas para futuros docentes.
Painting with Sound: Performing Cultural Memory through Kazakh Sybyzghy Cassettes in Northern Xinjiang
Authors: Wei Xiaoshi
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This article explores the way sybyzghy cassettes are used by Kazakhs in northern Xinjiang to affirm identities shaped around nationhood, regionality, and clans. It discusses sybyzghy imagery alongside the remediating power of these cassettes, a power that informs, confirms, and diversifies the meanings of the sybyzghy repertoire, thus functioning in a “performative” way that signifies a symbolic and semiotic vision of collective memories. It contributes to the existing literature on biphonic flutes in Central and Inner Asia as well to the understanding of sound collections that feature ignored but performative notions of selfhood around sonic materiality, iconicity, and metaphor. Abstract: [inline-graphic 01i]
'Obrigado tausendfach!': Portugal—a Country of Transit through the Eyes of Austrian Refugees
Authors: Sippel Katrin
Published: February 2024

Abstract: From 1933 on, Portugal became an important country of transit for up to 80,000 people fleeing National Socialist persecution. The article presents writings by Austrians who, in letters, memoirs and autobiographical novels, wrote about their host and transit country. The focus is on their perception of life in transit, on arrival and departure, visa matters, the city of Lisbon, contacts with locals and the mental states of those concerned as reflected in the writing. The accounts give a vivid impression of life in a transitory social space and shine a spotlight on the conditions of involuntary travel, here in the form of forced emigration. Ab 1933 wurde Portugal zu einem wichtigen Transitland für bis zu 80.000 Personen, die vor Nationalsozialistischer Verfolgung flüchteten. Der Aufsatz stellt Texte von Österreicher:innen vor, die in Briefen, Memoiren und autobiographischen Romanen über ihr Gastland schrieben. Der Fokus liegt auf den Aspekten eines Lebens auf der Durchreise, die wichtigsten Themen sind Ankunft und Abreise, Visaangelegenheiten, die Stadt Lissabon, Kontakte mit Einheimischen und die psychische Verfassung der Flüchtlinge. Die Berichte gewähren einen Eindruck vom Leben in einem transitorischen sozialen Raum und beleuchten die Bedingungen von unfreiwilligem Reisen, d.h. der erzwungenen Emigration.
Understanding the Nuances of First-Generation College Students: How the Culture of College Factors Into Academic Success
Authors: Rosales Oswaldo , Gutierrez Clarissa , Padilla Amado M.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The designation of first-generation college students in educational research has been operationalized inconsistently since its inception. This variation makes understanding and generalizing about this complex group problematic. We explore the inconsistencies in definitions of first-generation students using a culture of college resilience framework and argue that substantial differences in these definitions exist across the literature, which scholars should consider when conducting research on first-generation students. The need for a more stringent definition of what constitutes a first-generation college student is discussed at length. We propose a familial educational capital model that centers on risk and protective factors across social class and familial education. We offer recommendations for researchers, administrators, and other key stakeholders to consider how to operationalize this diverse group more mindfully. Finally, we provide other recommendations to address educational inequalities more effectively for this group.
Broadband Ag/SiO2/Fe/TiO2 ultrathin planar absorber with a wide acceptance angle from visible to near-infrared regions
Authors: Takashima Yuusuke , Furuta Shunsuke , Nagamatsu Kentaro , Haraguchi Masanobu , Naoi Yoshiki
Published: February 2024

We present theoretical and experimental evidences of a broadband ultrathin optical absorber, constructed using Ag(85 nm)/SiO2(70 nm)/Fe(13 nm)/TiO2(60 nm) planar films, with a wide acceptance angle and effective admittance similar to that of air. Calculations show that this system displays near-complete visible to near-infrared absorption owing to admittance matching. The electromagnetic distribution within the layered film reveals that the high absorption rate is primarily attributed to the deep subwavelength Fe film. Maximum absorption of 99.3% is achieved even with a 13-nm-thick Fe absorptive film, and an average absorption rate of 94.8% is observed in the 400–1100 nm wavelength range. Notably, even at 60° oblique incidence, the fabricated absorber sustains an absorption rate of 85.4% (for unpolarized light). Such absorbers can be applied to efficient thermal generation and various other applications owing to their minimal heat capacity, expansive area, and fabrication simplicity.
Microsoft Bing outperforms five other generative artificial intelligence chatbots in the Antwerp University multiple choice medical license exam
Authors: Morreel Stefan , Verhoeven Veronique , Mathysen Danny
Published: February 2024

Recently developed chatbots based on large language models (further called bots) have promising features which could facilitate medical education. Several bots are freely available, but their proficiency has been insufficiently evaluated. In this study the authors have tested the current performance on the multiple-choice medical licensing exam of University of Antwerp (Belgium) of six widely used bots: ChatGPT (OpenAI), Bard (Google), New Bing (Microsoft), Claude instant (Anthropic), Claude+ (Anthropic) and GPT-4 (OpenAI). The primary outcome was the performance on the exam expressed as a proportion of correct answers. Secondary analyses were done for a variety of features in the exam questions: easy versus difficult questions, grammatically positive versus negative questions, and clinical vignettes versus theoretical questions. Reasoning errors and untruthful statements (hallucinations) in the bots’ answers were examined. All bots passed the exam; Bing and GPT-4 (both 76% correct answers) outperformed the other bots (62–67%, p = 0.03) and students (61%). Bots performed worse on difficult questions (62%, p = 0.06), but outperformed students (32%) on those questions even more (p<0.01). Hallucinations were found in 7% of Bing’s and GPT4’s answers, significantly lower than Bard (22%, p<0.01) and Claude Instant (19%, p = 0.02). Although the creators of all bots try to some extent to avoid their bots being used as a medical doctor, none of the tested bots succeeded as none refused to answer all clinical case questions.Bing was able to detect weak or ambiguous exam questions. Bots could be used as a time efficient tool to improve the quality of a multiple-choice exam.
Novel hormonal therapy versus standard of care—A registry-based comparative effectiveness evaluation for mCRPC-patients
Authors: Jonéus Paulina , Johansson Per , Langenskiöld Sophie
Published: February 2024

Background

This paper presents results from one of the few comparative effectiveness evaluations of novel antiandrogen medications (NHT) against standard of care (SoC) for patients suffering from metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Methods

The design and the analysis are published in a protocol before accessing outcome data. Two groups of patients are balanced on hundreds of important covariates measured before the prostate cancer diagnosis and up to the date of the prescription. While the design yields balance on the observed covariates, one cannot discard the possibility that unobserved confounders are not balanced. The unconfoundedness assumption is assessed by estimating placebo regressions on two health measures, not included in the design but added together with the outcome data after protocol publication.

Results

We find a substantial (64 percent) increase in mortality for patients prescribed with NHT rather than SoC. However, based on the results from one of the two placebo regressions, we cannot rule out that the difference in mortality may be due to confounding. Using a bounding strategy of the effect, we can, however, rule out that NHT reduces mortality compared to SoC. Under an empirical valid assumption that most mCRPC patients who die suffer from bone metastases, we have a strong indication of increased skeleton-related events in patients if prescribed NHT against SoC.

Conclusions

Generally, the SoC for this group of patients is docetaxel. Given the substantially higher costs of many of the NHT, the finding of no positive effects from NHT on both mortality and SRE is important. More comparative studies, including studies analysing quality of life outcomes, are thus needed.
Dietary intake is associated with the prevalence of uterine leiomyoma in Korean women: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Kim Sunmie , Kim Jin Ju , Kim Young Sun , Song Ji Hyun , Lee Jung Eun , Youn Jiyoung , Yang Sun Young
Published: February 2024

Objective

Uterine leiomyoma (UL), the most prevalent benign gynecologic tumor among reproductive-aged women, lacks sufficient research on the potential association between dietary intake and its occurrence in Korean women. Addressing this research gap, this study aims to evaluate the potential link between dietary intake and the prevalence of UL in Korean women.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a cohort of 672 women, aged 23 to 73, were enrolled, with 383 (57%) being premenopausal. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and UL presence was determined through ultrasonography. The analysis focused exclusively on items within ten categories, including vegetables/fruit, vegetables, fruits, red meat, processed meat, poultry, fish, dairy product, milk, and alcohol. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to explore the relationship between dietary intake and the prevalence of UL, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) while adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

Within the total cohort, 220 (32.7%) women were diagnosed with UL. High intakes of fish and poultry showed an association with higher UL prevalence. Odds ratios (95% CIs) for the upper quartiles compared to the lower quartiles were 1.68 (1.01–2.81; p trend = 0.05) for fish intake and 1.87 (1.11–3.17; p trend = 0.06) for poultry intake. Conversely, an inverse relationship emerged between dairy product intake and UL prevalence, with an odds ratio of 0.58 (95% CI 0.35–0.96; p trend = 0.05). Stratifying the analysis by menopausal status revealed a parallel pattern, with heightened UL prevalence with fish intake and reduced prevalence with dairy product intake. However, the link between poultry intake and UL prevalence was primarily observed among postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women, elevated vegetable intake was linked to a decreased UL prevalence (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21–0.97 for top vs. bottom quartiles; p trend = 0.01).

Conclusion

We found that high consumption of fish and poultry, coupled with low intake of dairy products, correlated with an elevated prevalence of UL. Furthermore, vegetable intake exhibited an inverse relationship with UL prevalence, particularly among premenopausal women.
PERK modulation, with GSK2606414, Sephin1 or salubrinal, failed to produce therapeutic benefits in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS
Authors: Vieira Fernando G. , Tassinari Valerie R. , Kidd Joshua D. , Moreno Andrew , Thompson Kenneth , Perrin Steven , Gill Alan , Hatzipetros Theo
Published: February 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been linked to overactivity of the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) branch of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, both in ALS patients and mouse models. However, attempts to pharmacologically modulate PERK for therapeutic benefit have yielded inconsistent and often conflicting results. This study sought to address these discrepancies by comprehensively evaluating three commonly used, CNS-penetrant, PERK modulators (GSK2606414, salubrinal, and Sephin1) in the same experimental models, with the goal of assessing the viability of targeting the PERK pathway as a therapeutic strategy for ALS. To achieve this goal, a tunicamycin-challenge assay was developed using wild-type mice to monitor changes in liver UPR gene expression in response to PERK pathway modulation. Subsequently, multiple dosing regimens of each PERK modulator were tested in standardized, well-powered, gender-matched, and litter-matched survival efficacy studies using the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. The alpha-2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine was also tested to elucidate the results obtained from the Sephin1, and of the previously reported guanabenz studies, by comparing the effects of presence or absence of α-2 agonism. The results revealed that targeting PERK may not be an ideal approach for ALS treatment. Inhibiting PERK with GSK2606414 or activating it with salubrinal did not confer therapeutic benefits. While Sephin1 showed some promising therapeutic effects, it appears that these outcomes were mediated through PERK-independent mechanisms. Clonidine also produced some favorable therapeutic effects, which were unexpected and not linked to the UPR. In conclusion, this study highlights the challenges of pharmacologically targeting PERK for therapeutic purposes in the SOD1G93A mouse model and suggests that exploring other targets within, and outside, the UPR may be more promising avenues for ALS treatment.
Dynamic linkages between tourism development, renewable energy and high-quality economic development: Evidence from spatial Durbin model
Authors: Li HaoYu , Sun ZhongYe , ChuanYu Yang
Published: February 2024

There has been a shift in focus toward environmentally and economically sustainable forms of economic growth known as High-quality economic development (HQED). However, this study analyzes the impact of tourism development (TD) and renewable energy consumption on HQED in 30 provinces of China, while covering the time period from 2007 to 2021. TD and HQED has been measured with help of Global Moran Index. This study has used dynamic spatial Durbin model (SDM) to measure the dynamic impact of TD index and renewable energy consumption on HQED along with green finance, foreign direct investment and investment in education. The findings from empirical analysis shows that TD has negative impact on HQED and in more developed regions, the relationship is positive, while in the less developed western part of China, the U-shape has been reversed. Central and northeastern China have a U-shaped connection, while it has been noticed the interaction term of TD and renewable energy endorses HQED. In addition, renewable energy consumption, green finance and increase in education investment have positive and significant impact on HQED while foreign direct investment has negative impact on HQED in China. Therefore, in the light of this study policymakers should focus on the quality of tourism industry, green finance for renewable energy supply and enhancing education investment in China to attain the goal of HQED.
Self-reporting of hearing loss and tinnitus in the diagnosis of ototoxicity by meglumine antimoniate in patients treated for American tegumentary Leishmaniasis
Authors: Duarte Claudia Cristina Jardim , Torraca Tania Salgado de Sousa , Bezerra Débora de Oliveira , Oliveira Renata de Barcelos , Leite Nayany Kerollyany Sousa , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes , Araújo-Melo Maria Helena , Pimentel Maria Inês Fernandes , Costa Ananda Dutra da , Vasconcellos Érica de Camargo Ferreira , Lyra Marcelo Rosandiski , Soares Ester Cleisla dos Anjos , Paes Lúcia Regina do Nascimento Brahim , Salgueiro Mariza Mattos , Schubach Armando de Oliveira , Valete Cláudia Maria
Published: February 2024

Introduction

American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) treatment is based on pentavalent antimonials (Sb5+), but these drugs have been associated to several adverse effects. Hearing loss and tinnitus during treatment with meglumine antimoniate (MA) have already been reported. This study aimed to describe the usefulness of self-reporting of hearing loss and tinnitus in diagnosing MA-induced ototoxicity.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted with 102 patients with parasitological diagnosis of ATL, treated with different MA schemes. The presence of clinical auditory toxicity was defined as the emergence or worsening of self-reporting hearing loss and/or tinnitus during monitoring. Measures of sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive value of the patient’s self-reporting of hearing loss and tinnitus in relation to the result of the audiometric test (considered the gold standard) were calculated.

Results

The age of the evaluated patients ranged from 15 to 81 years, with a median of 41 years, and most were male (73.5%). Seventy-five patients (73.5%) had cutaneous leishmaniasis and 27 (26.5%) mucosal leishmaniasis. Eighty-six patients (84.3%) received intramuscular (IM) treatment and 16 (15.7%) were treated with intralesional MA. During treatment, 18 (17,6%) had tinnitus and 7 (6,9%) had complaint of hearing loss. 53 (52%) patients had cochlear toxicity confirmed by tone threshold audiometry and high frequency audiometry, from which 60% received a dose of 20 mg Sb5+/kg/day (p = 0.015) and 96.2% were treated with IM MA (p = 0.001). Tinnitus has greater specificity and positive predictive value than hearing loss, with a low number of false positives, but with a high false negative value.

Conclusion

Although the large number of false negatives suggests that self-report of hearing loss or tinnitus cannot be considered a good screening test for referring the patient to an audiometry, the low number of false positives suggests the need to value the patient’s complaint for referral. Otherwise, this study reinforces the importance of audiological monitoring during treatment with MA, especially in those patients with self-reporting of hearing loss or tinnitus when treated with 20 mg Sb5+/kg/day via IM.
A global clustering of terrestrial food production systems
Authors: Jung Martin , Boucher Timothy M. , Wood Stephen A. , Folberth Christian , Wironen Michael , Thornton Philip , Bossio Deborah , Obersteiner Michael
Published: February 2024

Food production is at the heart of global sustainability challenges, with unsustainable practices being a major driver of biodiversity loss, emissions and land degradation. The concept of foodscapes, defined as the characteristics of food production along biophysical and socio-economic gradients, could be a way addressing those challenges. By identifying homologues foodscapes classes possible interventions and leverage points for more sustainable agriculture could be identified. Here we provide a globally consistent approximation of the world’s foodscape classes. We integrate global data on biophysical and socio-economic factors to identify a minimum set of emergent clusters and evaluate their characteristics, vulnerabilities and risks with regards to global change factors. Overall, we find food production globally to be highly concentrated in a few areas. Worryingly, we find particularly intensively cultivated or irrigated foodscape classes to be under considerable climatic and degradation risks. Our work can serve as baseline for global-scale zoning and gap analyses, while also revealing homologous areas for possible agricultural interventions.
Socioeconomic inequality in adults undertaking HIV testing over time in Ethiopia based on data from demographic and health surveys
Authors: Endalamaw Aklilu , Gilks Charles F. , Assefa Yibeltal
Published: February 2024

Introduction

HIV testing is the entry point to HIV prevention, care and treatment and needs continuous evaluation to understand whether all social groups have accessed services equally. Addressing disparities in HIV testing between social groups results in effective and efficient response against HIV prevention. Despite these benefits, there was no previous study on inequality and determinants over time in Ethiopia. Thus, the objective of this research was to examine socioeconomic inequality in individuals undertaking HIV testing over time, allowing for the identification of persistent and emerging determinants.

Methods

Data sources for the current study were the 2011 and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys. The 2016 population health survey is the one that Ethiopia used to set national AIDS response strategies; there was no other recent survey with HIV/AIDS-related indicators in Ethiopia. The final sample size for the current study was 28,478 for the year 2011 and 25,542 for the year 2016. The concentration curve and Erreygers’ concentration index were used to estimate socioeconomic inequality in HIV testing. Subsequently, decomposition analysis was performed to identify persistent and emerging contributors of socioeconomic inequality. Generalized linear regression model with the logit link function was employed to estimate the marginal effect, elasticity, Erreygers’ concentration index (ECI), and absolute and percentage contributions of each covariate.

Results

The concentration curve was below the line of equality over time, revealing the pro-rich inequality in HIV testing. The inequality was observed in both 2011 (ECI = 0.200) and 2016 (ECI = 0.213). A household wealth rank had the highest percentage contribution (49.2%) for inequality in HIV testing in 2011, which increased to 61.1% in 2016. Additional markers include listening to the radio (13.4% in 2011 and 12.1% in 2016), education status (8.1% in 2011 and 6.8% in 2016), and resident (-2.0% in 2011 and 6.3% in 2016). Persistent determinants of individuals undertaking HIV testing were age 20–34 years, geographic region, education status, marital status, religion, income, media exposure (listening to the radio, reading newspaper, watching television), knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and attitudes towards people living with HIV. Age between 35 and 44 years and urban residence emerged as new associated factors in 2016.

Conclusions

The higher HIV testing coverage was among individuals with higher socioeconomic status in Ethiopia. Socioeconomic inequality amongst individuals undertaking HIV testing was diverging over time. Household wealth rank, mass media exposure, education status, and resident took the largest share in explaining the disparity in individuals undertaking HIV testing between the lower and higher income groups. Therefore, interventions to equalise HIV testing coverage should take account of these determinants.
Habitat suitability modelling of Koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) in moist temperate forest
Authors: Badrulislam  , Khan Kamal Ahmed , Khalil Sangam , Hussain Majid , Saqib Zafeer , Altaf Javeria , Hadi Rana , Habiba Ume
Published: February 2024

The decreasing status of on IUCN of Koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) belongs to the family Phasianidae and the order Galliform needs the attention of researchers. The species with habitats as low as 6,000 feet and as high as 11,000 feet certainly cover a broad variety of habitats, such a wide altitude range embraces a diverse range of habitats. Insufficient research has been conducted on the suitability of moist temperate forests as a potential habitat for the Koklass pheasant. Therefore, this study was carried out to explore habitat suitability in 15 different sites which were located in the 4 districts of Hazara Division using GIS data science and environmental variables. A random sampling technique was used for laying out the transect. Overall, 45 line transects (Length 2–4 km, Width 10–30 m) were laid out in study sites. The size of sample plots for trees was 10x10m, for shrubs (4 x4m), and herbs and grasses 1x1m. The other habitat parameters like elevation, slope, cover, and frequency of plant at each point were also considered. We found the uneven distribution of Koklass pheasant in the Hazara Division. There were 59 occurrence points identified and highlighted the distribution of Koklass pheasant in the study area. Although all environmental variables were preferred by Koklass pheasant in its habitat statistical analysis proved that slope, level of disturbance, tree and shrub frequency of habitat contributed mostly to the presence of Koklass in each study site except the contribution of soil and herbs. The potential suitable habitat of Koklass pheasant was estimated to be 439.6 km2 areas starting from Abbottabad to Mansehra in the Hazara division. Awareness and enforcing legal protection are recommended for the conservation of Koklass Pheasant in Moist temperate forest.
Associations of nuptiality perceptions, financial difficulties, and socio-demographic factors with mental health status in Australian adults: Analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey
Authors: Yeboah Asiamah-Asare Bernard Kwadwo , Peprah Prince , Adu Collins , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Addo Isaac Yeboah
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study examined the association of nuptial/relationship factors, financial difficulties, and socio-demographic factors with the mental health status of Australian adults.

Design

Cross-sectional quantitative study design.

Settings, participants, and interventions

Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey wave 19, 6846 adults were included in the analysis. Mental health was measured using the mental component summary (MCS) subscale of the Short-Form Health Survey SF-36. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were used to examine the predictors of mental health status.

Results

Overall, 7.1% of the participants reported poor mental health status. Individual financial difficulty factors explained 3.2% (p<0.001) of the variance in mental health scores. In addition, financial difficulties were negatively associated with mental health status. Nuptiality and relationship factors accounted for 9.8% (p<0.001) of the variance in mental health status.

Conclusion

The study suggests negative marital or relationship perceptions and financial difficulties are significant factors accounting for poor mental health. This finding suggests the need for more policy attention toward the social determinants of poor mental health especially nuptiality or relationship perceptions which have received less policy and research attention in Australia.
The price behavior characteristics of China and Europe carbon emission trading market based on the perspective of time scaling and expected returns
Authors: Zhang Peng-Cheng , Cheng Jie
Published: February 2024

China has the world’s largest carbon market in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but its system needs to be improved and enhanced. In comparison, the European carbon market stands as the most mature and well-developed carbon market globally. Carbon trading prices, serving as a barometer for the carbon market, are significantly influenced by investor behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the characteristics of carbon trading prices in both China and Europe, considering the impact of investor trading intervals and psychological expected returns. This study utilizes the Zipf method to characterize the dynamic behavior of carbon trading prices between China and Europe, conducting a comparative analysis. The results show distinctive asymmetry in the behavior of carbon trading prices in both markets. In the Chinese market, when τ < 277, the absolute deviation da(τ, ε) value gradually changes but consistently indicates a bullish trend. However, when τ ≥ 277, the da(τ, ε) value surges rapidly, reflecting a pronounced bullish sentiment among investors toward carbon trading prices in China. In the European market, within the sample period, regardless of variations in τ and ε, the da(τ, ε) value shows a linear upward trend, indicating a significant overall bullishness in prices. This suggests a higher probability of long-term bullishness in carbon trading prices. Investors’ investment time scale (τ) and expected returns (ε) both influence the behavior of carbon trading prices in both China and Europe. Generally, a longer τ implies a higher probability of bullishness. As for ε, higher values lead to more extreme judgments on price movements, resulting in greater distortion in carbon trading prices. Short-term investors (τ<1 month) anticipate extreme fluctuations, exhibiting random behavior when ε < 0.15 and converging rapidly to extreme values of 1 or 0 when ε ≥ 0.15. Long-term investors (τ>quarter) are less biased, expressing a bullish outlook on both Chinese and European carbon prices. With increasing ε, the probability of bullishness either increases or decreases rapidly until reaching the saturation point. Once saturated, there is no further distortion in carbon price behavior. Furthermore, the Chinese carbon market displays a positive trend in carbon trading prices and a higher probability of long-term bullishness. For the European market, lower expected returns contribute to considerable carbon trading price fluctuations, exacerbating risk and uncertainty. The results of this study contribute to understanding the diverse trading behaviors in Chinese and European carbon markets and provide guidance for avoiding extreme volatility in carbon trading prices.