bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies Used by Procrastinators and Non-Procrastinators to Cope with Test Anxiety
Authors:   Yarmouk University, Jaradat Abdul-Kareem M.
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of academic procrastination to coping strategies with test anxiety and to explore whether there are significant differences in using these strategies between procrastinators and non-procrastinators. The study sample comprised 455 high school students (mean age was 17.04 years). Two scales were used one for measuring academic procrastination and the other for measuring coping strategies with test anxiety. The scale of coping strategies is composed of four subscales: Danger control (e.g., using time effectively), anxiety control (e.g., relaxation), anxiety repression (e.g., denial of a situation that produces test anxiety), and situation control (e.g., cheating). Data were analysed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, median-split method and t-tests. Results revealed that academic procrastination correlated positively and significantly with anxiety repression and situation control, and correlated negatively and significantly with anxiety and danger control. In addition, the results showed that anxiety repression was the most common strategy used by procrastinators, while anxiety danger was the most common strategy used by non-procrastinators. Significant differences were found between procrastinators and non-procrastinators in using coping strategies, where procrastinators used more strategies of anxiety repression and situation control, whereas non-procrastinators used more strategies of danger control and anxiety control.
Functional indicators of peripheral arterial stiffness in solid organ recipients (literature review)
Authors: Lysenko M. M. , Tyunyaeva I. Yu. , Shevchenko A. O.
Published: September 2024

Increased arterial stiffness is an important preclinical indicator of cardiovascular dysfunction, arterial hypertension and target organ injury. This condition increases the risk of long-term adverse events. Solid organ recipients face multiple risk factors for cardiovascular complications due to transplant rejection, lifelong medication use and adaptive features of the transplanted organ. The review presents an analysis of the results of studies on the main functional indicators of peripheral arterial stiffness, as well as the potential effect of immunosuppressive therapy on indicators of vascular stiffness in solid organ recipients.
Predictive value of non-invasive common carotid artery elasticity in heart recipients
Authors: Shevchenko A. O. , Tyunyaeva I. Yu. , Lysenko M. M. , Koloskova N. N. , Muminov I. I. , Zakharevich N. Yu.
Published: September 2024

Objective: to study the predictive value of the local noninvasive elasticity index of the common carotid artery (CCA) wall in heart transplant recipients.

Materials and methods. The study included 101 heart recipients. All study subjects underwent ultrasound examination of carotid arteries with assessment of the damping function of arteries and measurement of local and regional indicators of elastic properties of the CCA. The vascular wall elasticity index (iCOMPL) of the CCA was calculated according to the formula using the CCA diameters in systole and diastole and measurements of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. All-cause death, heart retransplantation, and clinically significant heart transplant coronary artery disease were evaluated as combined endpoints (adverse outcomes).

Results. In heart recipients without morphological and immunohistochemical signs of heart graft rejection, detection of relatively low iCOMPL of CCA is a predictor of earlier development of adverse events (p = 0.03). Conclusion. iCOMPL of the CCA is a noninvasive and easily reproducible predictor of adverse out- comes in the long-term period after heart transplantation and can be used in clinical practice for the purpose of risk stratification in heart recipients.
Relationship between allograft perfusion preparation variations and rate of arterial and biliary complications in orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Borovik V. V. , Tileubergenov I. I. , Moiseenko A. V. , Maystrenko D. N. , Granov D. A.
Published: September 2024

Objective: to evaluate the possible influence of different graft perfusion preparation variations on the incidence of biliary and vascular complications of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Materials and methods. Data on 287 full-size liver transplants from donors with brain death and beating heart were processed. There were 262 and 25 primary and repeat OLTs, respectively. Before completion of portal anastomosis formation and inclusion into systemic blood flow, the graft was perfused with hypo- (group 2) and isotonic (group 4) saline in order to minimize hemodynamic disorders.

Results. There was a statistically significant difference between groups 2 and 4 in the development of late (p = 0.04) and cumulative biliary complications (p = 0.01). The presence of these complications and the perfusion type were found to be associated (Fisher’s exact test = 0.02). There were no differences in incidence of thrombosis in the studied groups.

Conclusion. The conducted analysis suggests that it is inexpedient to use hypothermic solutions when preparing a liver transplant for perfusion before introducing it into systemic circulation.
Mucormycosis in solid organ transplant recipients (clinical cases and literature review)
Authors: Khostelidi S. N. , Kozlova O. P. , Shagdileeva E. V. , Semenova E. V. , Kvitko E. M. , Berdnikova A. V. , Osokina R. A. , Avdeenko Yu. L. , Taraskina A. E.
Published: September 2024

Mucormycosis is a severe mycotic infection with high mortality among immunocompromised patients. Its in- cidence in solid organ transplant recipients is 2–8% of all invasive fungal infections. In most cases, it occurs in the late posttransplant period. Risk factors in this patient cohort are graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and use of immunosuppressive drugs. The article describes clinical cases of mucormycosis and analysis of literature data on the problem of invasive mucormycosis in solid organ transplant recipients. It also reviews the main methods of diagnosis and treatment of the disease according to international guidelines.
Functional Characterization of Anti-C3bBb Autoantibodies and C3 Glomerulopathy Phenotype
Authors: Roquigny Julia , Meuleman Marie-Sophie , el Sissy Carine , Cailliez Mathilde , Servais Aude , Roussey Gwenaelle , Baudouin Véronique , Decramer Stéphane , Nobili François , Wynckel Alain , Sellier Leclerc Anne-Laure , Lapeyraque Anne-Laure , Martins Paula Vieira , Meri Seppo , Dragon-Durey Marie-Agnès , Chauvet Sophie , Frémeaux-Bacchi Véronique
Published: September 2024

Key Points

Dysregulation of the C3bBb convertase is a key factor in the pathogenesis of C3 glomerulopathy and primary Ig-mediated membranoproliferative GN.

IgG-driven increase of the C3bBb convertase formation was correlated with C3 consumption.

IgG antibodies that promote the formation and the stabilization of the C3bBb convertase were associated with the severity of C3 glomerulopathy.

Background

C3 nephritic factors, that is, autoantibodies that stabilize the C3 convertase of the alternative pathway are the most frequent acquired abnormality in C3 glomerulopathy and primary Ig-mediated membranoproliferative GN (Ig-MPGN).

Methods

Our study included 27 patients with C3 glomerulopathy (n=21) or Ig-MPGN (n=6), of whom 78% were children at disease onset. At the time of sampling, 13/19 patients (68%) with low C3 levels and 8/8 patients (100%) with normal C3 levels were positive for C3 nephritic factors by hemolytic assay. Using novel Luminex assays, we performed a screening for IgG that recognize and affect the formation and/or the stabilization of the alternative pathway C3 convertase (C3bBb).

Results

Using Luminex assays, an increase in C3bBb formation and/or stabilization was observed in the presence of IgG from 18/27 patients, including nine with a double-function, six only enhancing the C3bBb formation, and three that exclusively stabilized C3bBb. All patients presenting a formation and stabilization function had a low C3 level versus 55% without this double-function. The level of C3bBb formation correlated to the plasmatic C3 but not soluble C5b-9 levels. The stabilization of C3bBb did not correlate with C3 or soluble C5b-9 levels. At the last follow-up, 5/27 patients (19%) reached kidney failure after a median delay of 87 (52–119) months. The patients positive for double-function anti-C3bBb antibodies had a 5-year kidney survival of 70% compared with 100% in those negative (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the association of the dual function of C3bBb formation and stabilization with severe C3 consumption and poor kidney survival in C3 glomerulopathy and Ig-MPGN.
Proteomic Assessment of the Risk of Secondary Cardiovascular Events among Individuals with CKD
Authors: Deo Rajat , Dubin Ruth F. , Ren Yue , Wang Jianqiao , Feldman Harold , Shou Haochang , Coresh Josef , Grams Morgan E. , Surapaneni Aditya L. , Cohen Jordana B. , Kansal Mayank , Rahman Mahboob , Dobre Mirela , He Jiang , Kelly Tanika , Go Alan S. , Kimmel Paul L. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Segal Mark R. , Li Hongzhe , Ganz Peter
Published: September 2024

Key Points

Machine learning and large-scale proteomics led to a 16-protein secondary cardiovascular risk model in patients with CKD.

Hepatic fibrosis and liver X receptor activation represented biologic pathways that link kidney disease and risk of secondary cardiovascular events.

An understanding of the circulating proteins associated with secondary cardiovascular events may help to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Background

Cardiovascular risk models have been developed primarily for incident events. Well-performing models are lacking to predict secondary cardiovascular events among people with a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart failure who also have CKD. We sought to develop a proteomic risk score for cardiovascular events in individuals with CKD and a history of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

We measured 4638 plasma proteins among 1067 participants from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) and 536 individuals from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Cohort. All had non–dialysis-dependent CKD and coronary heart disease, heart failure, or stroke at study baseline. A proteomic risk model for secondary cardiovascular events was derived by elastic net regression in CRIC, validated in ARIC, and compared with clinical models. Biologic mechanisms of secondary events were characterized through proteomic pathway analysis.

Results

A 16-protein risk model was superior to the Framingham Risk Score for secondary events, including a modified score that included eGFR. In CRIC, the annualized area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) within 1–5 years ranged between 0.77 and 0.80 for the protein model and 0.57 and 0.72 for the clinical models. These findings were replicated in the ARIC validation cohort. Biologic pathway analysis identified pathways and proteins for cardiac remodeling and fibrosis, vascular disease, and thrombosis.

Conclusions

The proteomic risk model for secondary cardiovascular events outperformed clinical models on the basis of traditional risk factors and eGFR.
Effect of action video games in eye movement behavior: A systematic review
Authors: Montolio-Vila Anna , Argilés Marc , Sunyer-Grau Bernat , Quevedo Lluïsa , Erickson Graham
Published: September 2024

Previous research shows that playing action video games seems to modify the behavior of eye movements such as eye fixations and saccades. The aim of the current work was to determine the effect of playing action video games on eye movements behavior such as fixations, saccades and pursuits. A systematic research review in PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify articles published between 2010 and 2022 which referred to action video games and eye movements, including fixations, saccades and pursuits. We included those that were experimental and quasi-experimental, comparing at least two groups between action vs. non-action video games players. All the studies included used an eye tracker to study eye movements. A total of 97 scientific articles were found in the databases. After inclusion criteria, thirteen articles (N=13) were analyzed for the present work, of which ten (n=10) had a cross-sectional design, and three (n=3) were randomized intervention studies. Playing regularly or training with action video games is not likely to produce changes in eye movements, based on the literature research analyzed. For future research, more interventional studies, with less gender bias, more sample participants and general consensus on the distinction between the action and non-action video games is needed.
Nonlinear Effects of Loan-to-Value Constraints
Authors: Durdu C. Bora , Villalvazo Sergio
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the impact of loan-to-value (LtV) borrowing constraints in models with occasionally binding credit constraints. These constraints give rise to a Fisherian debt-deflation mechanism, where exogenous shocks can trigger cascading effects resulting in significant declines in consumption, asset prices, and borrowing reversals—characteristic of financial crises. However, recent literature challenges traditional view by suggesting that collateral constraints may not always exacerbate financial disturbances but could instead foster dynamics leading to multiple equilibria. Building on this discussion, the paper explores equilibrium asset pricing models with LtV collateral constraints, identifying critical thresholds that govern asset price dynamics, consumption patterns, and current account behaviors. Our analysis uncovers that when the LtV limit is close to zero, tighter constraints induce smaller drops in consumption during crises. Conversely, when the LtV limit is close to one, we observe that tighter constraints induce larger drops in consumption during crises. The nonlinear relationship between the LtV ratio and adverse effects on macroeconomic outcomes aligns with cross-country evidence regarding the relationship between the level of financial development and the severity of consumption declines during crises.
XXXX 2024 27(3) YAYIMLANMIŞ MAKALE A Correlational Study of Self-Efficacy, Marital Status, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Amalia Riski , Jannah Miftahul , Kamal Anda , Safuni Nani , Ahyana Ahyana , Wahyuni Liza
Published: September 2024

Objective: To investigate the relationship between self-efficacy, marital status, and quality of life among Banda Aceh Hospital chemotherapy patients in Indonesia.

Methods: The descriptive design was correlational with a cross-sectional approach. Sampling type of the research method used purposive sampling. The sample size of 100 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy met the inclusion criteria. Instruments for this research used the Questionnaire Quality of Life-Breast Cancer (QOL-BC) and the Symptom Management Breast Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale (SMSES-BC). Multiple linear regression and spearman rank correlation were used in this analysis.

Results: Self-efficacy (P<.001), marital status (P=.023), and quality of life affect breast cancer chemotherapy patients. The regression coefficient value indicated that self-efficacy (B=1.013) was the primary factor influencing the quality of life of breast cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Conclusion: Self-efficacy and marital status affect breast cancer chemotherapy patients' quality of life in Aceh, Indonesia. High-self-efficacy patients manage themselves well. They avoid treatment side effects, whereas status patients are married, stay together, and improve their husbands' lives. Research findings This suggests that breast cancer patients and their families should be brought together to boost self-efficacy and motivation for treatment.
Nursing Student's Perceptions of the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Karaca Anita , Kizilkaya Beji Nezihe , Kaya Gizem
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study aimed to determine nursing students' perceptions of the clinical learning environment, supervision and nurse teacher, and its affecting factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 205 students using the Student Information Form and the Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher Evaluation Scale. The study included 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year nursing students studying in the spring semester of 2020-2021. Data were collected by online method. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies and percentages), Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results: The students of 59.5% stated their opinions were not taken during clinical practice placement, whereas 71.2% of them were placed in the compatible clinical environment. The students did not experience any problems during their clinical practice (77.6%) and they evaluated their satisfaction as "good" (37.6%). The lowest and highest sub-dimension scores from the scale were the "Pedagogical Atmosphere on the Ward (3.71±1.15)" and the "Premises of Nursing on the Ward (3.93±1.13)", respectively. The sub-dimension mean scores of the scale were significantly different from satisfaction with clinical practice, problems encountered during clinical practice, and placement in the compatible clinical environment (P<.001).

Conclusion: Nursing students had a good perception of the supervision, learning environment, and nurse teacher. A positive clinical environment for nursing students that allows them to take an active role in patient care and nursing practice should be developed and maintained.
Stakeholder contestations of water quality use and management in the Vaal Barrage catchment
Authors: Odume Oghenekaro N. , Chili Asanda , Nnadozie Chika F. , Slaughter Andrew
Published: September 2024

The water resources within the lower section of the Upper Vaal catchment, where the Vaal Barrage is situated, are highly utilised and developed, and water quality regulation has become a contested space between resource users and the regulators. The credibility and scientific defensibility of discharge standards in water-use licences (WULs), the relationship between upstream and downstream waste loads, the relationship between flows and water quality standards in WUL, and the water quality components of the resource quality objectives (RQOs) are being contested. This study explores the perceptions and motivations underlying these contestations as a contribution to scientific understanding of water quality management in a highly developed system. Perceived unrealistic RQOs, perceived lack of scientific credibility of the methods for deriving water quality standards in WUL, data inadequacy, as well as poor institutional capacity were identified as the top motivations for contesting applicable regulatory instruments in the catchment. Punitive measures, incentives, and education and awareness-raising were identified as key to accelerating compliance. Overall, this paper contributes to our general understanding of the intricacies of water quality management within a contested space.
Engaged sustainability science and place-based transgressive learning in higher education
Authors: Lotz-Sisitka Heila , le Grange Lesley , Mphepo Gibson
Published: September 2024

This article is located within current debates on engaged science and learning in higher education, with emphasis on types of learning emerging from engaged sustainability science, and associated contributions to debates on decoloniality in higher education. In particular, the article deliberates how a focus on sustainability science practised as place-based transgressive learning can add to debates on decoloniality in higher education. Through analysis of two case studies, we propose that co-engaged place-based research and learning emerges as a form of multi-loop, transgressive learning that offers possibilities for advancing understanding of decolonising learning processes, at least in those parts of the higher education system where the learning and sustainability sciences meet. This is offered as an approach to deepen science engagement in contemporary African contexts.
Huangqi Decoction reduces liver fibrosis in rats by modulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and promoting autophagy
Authors: Mai Jingyin , Hou Tianlu , Shi Jiewen , Cheng Yang
Published: September 2024

Liver fibrosis is a chronic condition caused by various factors, and currently, there are no widely effective treatments. Autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining liver energy homeostasis, and its disruption can contribute to the development of liver fibrosis. This study investigates the effects and molecular mechanisms of Huangqi Decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine, on autophagy and apoptosis in fibrotic liver tissue. Tissue staining indicated that Huangqi Decoction mitigated CCL4-induced liver injury and apoptosis in rats. Western blot analysis of liver fibrosis markers revealed that Huangqi Decoction significantly reduced the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Additionally, serum markers of liver fibrosis and biochemical indicators of hepatocyte injury showed that Huangqi Decoction effectively lowered serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), lymph node (LN), type I collagen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that Huangqi Decoction alleviated hepatocyte injury by promoting autophagy and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, Huangqi Decoction enhances autophagy and inhibits apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in rats with liver fibrosis.
Mimarlık ve Sanat İlişkisinin İlgi Adalan Seramik Panoları Üzerinden Okunması
Authors: Hakan Bengisu , Öncel Fernaz
Published: September 2024

İkinci Dünya Savaşı sonrasında Dünya’da ekonomik ve sosyal gelişmeler sonucunda mimarlık ve sanat birlikteliği kavramlarının bütünleşmesi fikri ortaya çıkmıştır. Türkiye'nin de bu birlikteliği benimsemesiyle beraber, modern miras olarak belge niteliği taşıyan ve kent içinde yeni bir bellek oluşturan seramik ve mozaik pano eserleri ortaya çıkmıştır. Eserler, İstanbul’da ilk olarak Levent’deki yapılar üzerinde görülmektedir. Birçok sanatçının Kadıköy’deki yapılar için pano çalışması yaptığı gözlemlenmektedir. Bu önemli sanatçılardan birisi de İlgi Adalan’dır. Kadıköy’de 43 apartmanda seramik panosu bulunan sanatçının soyut çalışmaları, kullandığı renkler ve formlar dikkat çekmektedir. Kadıköy'deki kentsel dönüşüm nedeniyle Modernizm dönemi etkisi ile yapılmış olan binalar üzerindeki sanat eseri panolarda yok olmaktadırlar. Bu makalede, Adalan’ın Kadıköy bölgesinde yapı cephelerinde, yapı dışı giriş ve yapı içi giriş kısımlarında yapmış olduğu seramik panoların boyutları, renkleri ve formları ele alınmıştır. Günümüzde mevcut olup olmadığı tespit edilerek, değerlendirilmeye ve belgelenmeye çalışılmıştır. Sanat eserlerinin belgelenip tescillenmesi amaçlanarak bir envanter fişi önerisi hazırlanmıştır.
Bu çalışma kapsamında, İlgi Adalan'ın mimarlık-sanat iş birliği sonucu ortaya çıkan seramik pano eserlerinin belgelenmesi, değerlerinin anlaşılması ve gelecek nesillere özgün bir şekilde aktarılması amaçlanmıştır. Panoların yok olma, bozulma ve nasıl korunması gerektiğine dair öneriler sunulmuştur. Böylece günümüze ulaşmayan eserler gelecek nesillere aktarılırken, mevcutların yok olmadan korunması, restorasyonu ve kentsel dönüşüm yapılarında tekrar kullanılmasının mümkün olacağı düşünülmektedir.
Mouse brain, gut and plasma collection v2
Authors: Hecke Morais Livia
Published: September 2024

Protocol used in the Mazmanian lab for collecting brain and gut tissues and plasma from mouse for metabolomics. Note that any protocol involving animals should be approved by your Institutional Animal Careand Use Committee (IACUC) before use.
Ultrasonography for Diagnosis of Technical Implant Errors: A Pilot Study in Sheep Model
Authors: Özkan Yerda , Çağlayan Fatma , Güller Hatice , Onat Faruk Çağrı
Published: September 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate technical implant errors with CBCT and ultrasonography and to evaluate the success of USG in demonstrating these errors.
Method: Two freshly cut sheep heads were obtained. A radiological examination was performed with both CBCT and USG before and after the dental implant placement. 10 implants (2 right, 3 left) were placed to represent a represent normal placement implant and 4 different complications: crestal bone defect, cortical bone perforation, mental foramen perforation, mandibular canal perforation.
Results: The implants placed in the normal position without complications could not be visualized by USG in both sheep heads. Perforation areas of implants in the cortical bone were visualized by USG in both samples. The mental foramen could be visualized preoperatively with USG, and the perforations caused by the implants in the mental foramen could also be visualized with USG. In addition, positive findings were obtained by USG in a crestal bone defect. Mandibular canal perforation could not be visualized by USG in both heads.
Conclusion: USG is a useful imaging method that can be used to quickly detect technical errors such as cortical perforation, mental foramen perforation, crestal bone loss, and placement outside the bone that occur during implant surgery.
Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography, ultrasonography, dental implant
The Value of Hyperparameter Optimization in Phase-Picking Neural Networks
Authors: Park Yongsoo , Shelly David R.
Published: September 2024

The effectiveness of neural networks for picking seismic phase arrival times has been demonstrated through several case studies, and seismic monitoring programs are starting to adopt the technology into their workflows. However, published models were designed and trained using rather arbitrary choices of hyperparameters, limiting their performance. In this study, we use phase picks from both routine and template-matching analyses from multiple regions (Ridgecrest, California; Kīlauea, Hawaii; Yellowstone, Wyoming–Montana–Idaho) to test a hyperparameter optimization scheme for phase-picking neural networks and to evaluate their performance. We show that a published model, namely PhaseNet (Zhu and Beroza, 2019), can be simplified and improved with reasonable effort and there are preferred choices of hyperparameters that increase the performance. We also show that models optimized based on the arrival times reported in routine event catalogs consistently perform well when picking arrival times of smaller events, which is crucial for many tasks from microseismicity to explosion monitoring.
An array of various microbiological diagnostic modalities for pulmonary tuberculosis: A review
Authors: Wagh Sandip , Khutade Kalpesh Jiva , Shah Harshada
Published: September 2024

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a public health concern in India and rapid diagnostic and cutting-edge methods are needed to identify its drug-resistant forms. The National Strategic Plan 2017-2025 aims for a "TB-Free India" by 2025, based on the 'Detect, Treat, Prevent, and Build' pillars. The aim of this review was to present an updated overview of current initiatives to improve traditional diagnostic techniques as well as novel molecular methods for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

The studies were scanned for published publications on tuberculosis, Mycobacterium, TB culture, and other methodologies using a range of scientific sources, including PubMed and Google Scholar. Although a plethora of diagnostic tests are available for pulmonary tuberculosis, each has limitations and advantages. Nonetheless, a combination of tests allows us to obtain an accurate diagnosis more quickly, which helps us to treat these individuals effectively.

Rapid reporting and treatment decisions are necessary for tuberculosis diagnosis; however, there are issues with the current approaches- Certain individuals may receive false positive findings, including those who have received prior BCG vaccinations, young people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), and people coinfected with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends next-generation Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) for point-of-care diagnostic healthcare settings, such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF (GX), and proposes POC-NAATs (2nd generation) for TB detection in the future.
Defending resilience: Health empowerment to sustainable development
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Jyotishman
Published: September 2024

The premier global conference on Health Promotion was organized in Ottawa in 1986, with the intent to strategize the dispensing of primary health care among the poor mitigating inequities to achieve the ‘Health for All’ by 2000 AD. Poverty is a collective setback in India that’s unarguably attached to ill health with high mortality. Socio-demographic, environmental, economic, and political reasons often control the health of the community furthered by the after-effect of COVID pandemic, eerie climate, and clout of conflicts around the globe. Poverty breeds ill-health, and ill-health makes the poor - poorer. Health empowerment, a central spire of health promotion and disease prevention, refers to a process through which people gain greater control over the decisions taken on their health, wellness, and health-related quality of life. This article endeavors to ascertain the value of health empowerment in the background of dispensing of Primary Health Care to achieve sustainable development in future.
Economics of universal health coverage in India: A comparative analysis
Authors: Kumar Sumesh , Bakshi Ojaswini , Bui Yvonne
Published: September 2024

The affordability and accessibility of medical services has become a hurdle in a healthy life. This reflects the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The present paper highlights economic and financial aspects of UHC in India in comparison of countries under study.The study aims to find out the sources of funding UHC in the selected countries and to suggest thorough implementation of UHC in India. The data has been collected through various secondary sources. Countries have been selected based on their higher ranks relative to India in the UHC service coverage index to have a better perspective of UHC implementation. India needs to cover entire population under UHC. Current health expenditure as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and current health expenditure per capita, in India is less than countries under study. This is reflected in high out of pocket expenditure in India. India should focus on more comprehensive UHC. Funds should be efficiently utilized, and more funds need be allocated to the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Coordination between State and Center Governments is key in extending the area of UHC.
Late Metastasis in Conjunctival Adenosquamous Carcinoma
Authors: Lami Hassan , Vijay Singh Sarrvesa Hari , Cherepanoff Svetlana , Males J.
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To present a rare case of metastatic conjunctival adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) in the context of limited literature on the prognosis of ASC and suggested follow-up and surveillance. Case Report: We report a case of conjunctival ASC that metastasized to cervical lymph nodes five years after histological confirmation of complete local excision.Conclusion: Long-term clinical follow-up and surveillance imaging are warranted to allow early detection of disease recurrence and/or metastasis.
Clinical Outcomes of Stage 2 (Pivotal) Use of a Modified Keratoprosthesis Device (ORC-KPro) in Patients with End-stage Corneal Blindness
Authors: Rahmani Saeed , Karimian Farid , Hassanpour Kiana , Jafarinasab Mohammad-Reza , Feizi Sepehr , Safi Sare , Javadi Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To investigate the short-term results and performance of a modified Boston keratoprosthesis device manufactured by the Ophthalmic Research Center (ORC-KPro) in patients with end-stage corneal blindness.
Methods: This prospective interventional case series was conducted on patients with corneal blindness who were candidates for KPro. The inclusion criterion comprised patients with a bestcorrected visual acuity (BCVA) of less than 20/200 in both eyes, in whom the main reason for vision loss was corneal pathology. The ORC-KPro was implanted using the method previously described for Boston KPro.
Results: This study focused on 12 eyes of 12 patients with an average age of 45.9 ± 16.8 (range, 19 to 70) years. Eleven patients were male. The KPro indication was corneal blindness due to chemical burns in nine patients (75%) and failure of multiple previous corneal grafts in three patients (25%). Anatomical success was achieved in all patients. The preoperative BCVA was light perception (LP) in 10 eyes and hand motion in 1 eye. Except for one patient who was diagnosed with grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy during the surgery, the vision of all other patients (91.6%) improved after surgery. The retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) was formed in two eyes (18.1%) after six months. Of the 12 patients, 10 (83.3%) were under treatment with two antiglaucoma medications before surgery. The intraocular pressure of three eyes (25%) was estimated to be high by tactile palpation; however, it decreased in two eyes to the acceptable range. One patient underwent retinal surgery due to total retinal detachment, and two patients (16.7%) underwent vitrectomy due to endophthalmitis.
Conclusion: The current study showed that, in the short term, the use of ORC-KPro achieved favorable anatomical success in patients with corneal blindness. However, the functional success rate was limited by the low visual potential due to advanced glaucoma in most patients.
Visual and Demographic Risk Factors for Falls and the Impact of Cataract Surgery in Elderly Patients
Authors: Heidarzadeh Hamid Reza , Derakhshan Akbar , Shahri Seyed Hossein Ghavami , Astaneh Mohammad Reza Ansari , Bakhtiari Elham , Rad Saeed Shokouhi , Abrishami Mojtaba
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of cataract surgery and visual impairment and the associated risk factors on the frequency of falls among older adults in northeast Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between 2019 and 2020, analyzed the potential risk factors of falling in older adults over 50 years of age. To this end, 380 patients were randomly selected by convenience sampling and classified into two groups: those who had undergone cataract surgery in the last 12 months (surgery group) and those who had not (cataract group). The data were collected from the medical records and face-to-face interviews, and logistic regression was used to identify potential risk factors for falling.
Results: The frequency of falls in the cataract and surgery groups was 18.9% and 11.6%, respectively. The mean decimal visual acuity of the dominant eye was significantly lower in the cataract group than in the surgery group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the mean number of medications used, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living score, and 10-Meter Walk Test speed between the two groups. According to the results of backward logistic regression, taking more than four medications per day and slow gait speed were the most important factors influencing the frequency of falls in older adults.
Conclusion: Logistic regression analysis indicated that undergoing cataract surgery is not a significant protective factor against falls. However, older adults in the surgery group experienced fewer falls than in the other group. Besides, the results suggest that taking more than four medications daily and having a slow gait speed are significant fall risk factors.
The Evolution of Paperless Education in Medical Universities: Enhancing Efficiency and Health Outcomes
Authors: Javadzade Homamodin , Reisi Mahnoush
Published: September 2024

The adoption of paperless education in medical universities has revolutionized various aspects of academic life, offering enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved health outcomes. Traditional paper-based systems in medical education have long been associated with inefficiencies and environmental concerns. The advent of digital technologies has provided opportunities to streamline educational processes, reduce waste, and improve accessibility. This mini review examines the transformative impact of paperless education on medical universities, focusing on its benefits in registration, teaching, education, and exams. The shift to online registration systems has simplified the enrollment process for both students and administrators, allowing for seamless registration, payment, and course selection. Online registration also enables real-time tracking of student progress and facilitates communication between students and faculty. In teaching, digital tools such as e-learning platforms and virtual classrooms offer students flexible learning opportunities, promoting active engagement and knowledge retention. Similarly, the adoption of electronic textbooks and digital libraries has significantly reduced the reliance on printed materials in medical education, fostering self-directed learning and research. Furthermore, digital assessment methods such as online quizzes and remote proctoring have streamlined the examination process, offering greater flexibility in scheduling exams and ensuring the integrity of the assessment process. Economically, the transition to paperless education has resulted in cost savings by eliminating the need for printed materials, storage, and distribution. Additionally, digital technologies enable universities to reach a broader audience, potentially increasing enrollment and revenue. Moreover, paperless education offers health benefits by reducing exposure to allergens and pathogens associated with paper-based materials, and promoting social distancing to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases. In conclusion, the adoption of paperless education in medical universities represents a transformative shift, offering numerous benefits including enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved health outcomes. As technology continues to evolve, medical universities need to embrace digital innovations to ensure a sustainable and effective learning environment.
Neurological Aspects of Sarcopenia: A Comprehensive Update on Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Advances
Authors: Kalantarhormozi Mohammad Reza , Afshar Alireza , Hajeb Faeze , Bahreini Robab , Afshari Neshat
Published: September 2024

Sarcopenia is an age-related disorder characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle tissue. This condition affects approximately 9.9-40.4% of older adults, 2-34% of outpatients, and about 56% of hospitalized patients. Sarcopenia is classified into primary and secondary types, with primary sarcopenia resulting from the natural aging process and secondary sarcopenia caused by various factors such as sedentary lifestyle, disease, and nutrition. The pathophysiology of sarcopenia involves cellular mechanisms, including genetic alterations, telomere erosion, and proteostasis disruption. Mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic modifications, and metabolic factors also contribute to the condition. Neurological aspects, such as motor neuron loss and sodium channel dysfunction, play a crucial role in the development of sarcopenia. Prevention and treatment strategies include exercise interventions, nutritional strategies, and pharmacological interventions. Vitamin D supplementation, testosterone replacement therapy, and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are among the treatments explored. However, these treatments come with potential
Üçüncü Sektördeki Profesyonel Çalışanların Gözünden Sektörün Ayırt Edici Özelliklerine Yönelik Nitel Bir Araştırma
Authors: Güney Gökhan
Published: September 2024

Girişimler genel olarak kâr amacı güden ve kâr amacı gütmeyen girişimler olarak sınıflandırılmaktır. Kâr amacı güden girişimleri ticari hedefin öncelikli olduğu özel sektör girişimleri, kâr amacı gütmeyen girişimleri ise sosyal fayda amaçlı üçüncü sektör girişimleri olarak genellemek mümkündür.
Bu çalışmanın amacı, üçüncü sektörün özel sektörden ayrılan yönlerinin ortaya koyulmasıdır. Bu amacın yanında, üçüncü sektörde çalışmak isteyenlerde bulunması gereken özelliklerin neler olabileceği konusu da çalışmada değerlendirilen bir diğer konudur. Bu amaçla, nitel araştırma yönteminin tercih edildiği bu çalışmada, üçüncü sektörde profesyonel çalışan olarak kariyerlerini sürdüren katılımcılarla yarı yapılandırılmış bir formla mülakatlar gerçekleştirilmiştir. Gerçekleştirilen mülakatların sonucunda, üçüncü sektör ve özel sektörün misyon, motivasyon, yapılanma ve amaçlarından kaynaklanan farklılıklarına vurgu yapıldığı ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu bulguların yanında, katılımcıların büyük çoğunluğunun, üçüncü sektörde çalışmayı hedefleyenlerin spesifik bazı kişilik özelliklerine sahip olmaları gerektiği düşüncesinde oldukları da görülmüştür. Üçüncü sektörde profesyonel olarak çalışan katılımcıların deneyimlerine ve gözlemlerine yer veren bu araştırmanın ulusal yazına katkıda bulunacağına inanılmaktadır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Sivil Toplum Kuruluşları, Üçüncü Sektör, Sosyal Fayda
JEL Sınıflandırması: B55, L26, L31, P31, L26
Prussian blue nanoparticles: Synthesis and experimental evaluation as electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Ahmed Mukhtiar , Soomro Irfan Ali , Chand Kishore , Yang Yang
Published: September 2024

The reliance on fossil fuels has led to numerous environmental challenges, highlighting the urgent need for alternative energy sources that minimize contamination and promote eco-friendliness. In this context, hydrogen (H2) emerges as a promising fuel due to its zero-carbon emissions. Within various methods for H2 production, electrochemical water splitting (EWS) stands out as a viable approach. Traditionally, noble metals, such as platinum and iridium, have been employed as electrocatalysts to efficiently facilitate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in desired electrolytes (such as alkaline). Recently, research has focused on the use of Prussian blue (PB) as an innovative electrocatalyst material for EWS. Herein, we developed PB-based electrocatalysts for HER in an alkaline medium. The electrocatalyst comprising PB combined with phosphorus exhibited impressive electrochemical properties, achieving a minimal overpotential of 103 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 and maintaining durability over 20 h, along with extended electrochemical performance. This material composition has considerable promise as a potential option for energy conversion systems, which can aid future sustainability initiatives.
From Cotton and Smoke
Authors: Zysiak Agata , Śmiechowski Kamil , Piskała Kamil , Marzec Wiktor , Kaźmierska Kaja , Burski Jacek
Published: September 2024

This book envisions Łódź, a city in present-day central Poland, the region’s textile industrial hub, to have been the capital of the Polish 19th century. Its history is a tale of struggle with modern change in Eastern Europe. The authors boldly challenge the romantic and noble-based Polish cultural imaginary, offering instead a revolutionary path to understanding confrontation with modernity in the region.
The book examines local press debates during four pivotal periods, each of which stimulated self-reflection on the idea of the modern city:
– Rapid industrial growth in the tsarist borderlands;
– State crafting after WWI;
– Socialist restructuring after 1945;
– Transition and deindustrialization after 1989.
Together these insights constitute a multi-faced portrait of 20th century urban experience beyond the metropolis, in different historical contexts.
This innovative, interdisciplinary work deftly integrates urban and cultural history, historical sociology and discourse research. It will be of great value to Polish and Jewish studies’ specialists, as well as those in the field of Eastern European and Slavic studies. The book also addresses core intellectual debates within urban studies, modernity studies and historical discourse analysis worldwide.
София – олицетворенная Премудрость Божия. История сюжета в византийско-славянской культуре
Authors: Brzozowska Zofia A.
Published: September 2024

В основе этой книги – кандидатская диссертация, подготовленная на Кафедре истории Византии Лодзинского университета и защищенная в апреле 2015 г. В центре внимания автора находятся представления и изображения, связанные с Софией – олицетворенной Премудростью Божией, характерные для духовной культуры восточного христианства, особенно Византии и ареала Slavia Orthodoxa. София Бжозовска пытается найти ответ на вопрос, кем, по мнению средневековых византийских и славянских авторов, была представленная в женском образе Премудрость Божия: имеем ли мы дело с символическим изображением Бога (Христа-Логоса или Святого Духа) или же с идеей второй, женской природы Творца? Монография была впервые опубликована издательством Лодзинского университета в 2015 г. Данное издание является переводом книги на русский язык.
Основная цель монографии – показать место Софии в культуре ареала Slavia Orthodoxa. В книге анализируются избранные памятники средневековой южно- и восточнославянской письменности: тексты, в которых Премудрость Божия отождествлялась с Христом, ассоциировалась с Богородицей или фигурировала как отдельная личность с явно выраженной женской идентичностью.
Автор стремится собрать и сопоставить как можно больше примеров иконографических изображений олицетворенной Премудрости Божией, появляющихся на иконах, миниатюрах, украшающих рукописи, мозаики и настенные росписи. Текст дополнен анализом новых источников, введенных в научный оборот в последние годы (археологические открытия и результаты кодикологических исследований).
*
Монография посвящена значимой, широкой и многогранной теме. Считаю, что автор проделала огромную исследовательскую работу, и ее книгу следует считать полностью научным, исследовательским и новаторским трудом. [...] Монография вносит важный вклад в исторические исследования. Она ценна для исследований византийской и древнерусской иконографии, это также большой вклад в святоотеческие исследования и историю христианской мысли в целом.
Из рецензии священника проф. Юзефа НаумовичаУниверситет им. кардинала Стефана Вышинского в Варшаве
 
Publikacja dofinansowana ze środków budżetu państwa w ramach programu Ministra Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego pod nazwą Narodowy Program Rozwoju Humanistyki, nr projektu: 21H 20 0042 88; kwota dofinansowania: 121 398 PLN; całkowita wartość projektu: 121 398 PLN
Explorando las bases pedagógicas de la gamificación como enfoque metodológico en la enseñanza superior
Authors: Villamar Gavilanes Ana María , Sánchez Casanova Ricardo
Published: September 2024

La gamificación implica el uso de mecánicas, dinámicas y componentes de juegos en contextos que no son juegos. Su utilización en la educación superior ha ido en aumento y, aunque la literatura científica que la estudia también ha crecido, son pocos los estudios que analizan sus bases pedagógicas. En este artículo se exploran las definiciones conceptuales que sobre la gamificación existen, así como las teorías del aprendizaje y motivaciones que la respaldan como enfoque metodológico en el contexto de la educación superior. Para esto, se plantearon cuatro preguntas de investigación. La primera intenta abordar los enfoques conceptuales que han surgido sobre la gamificación; la segunda analiza cómo se ha empleado la gamificación en la educación; la tercera revisa las teorías educativas sobre las que se sustentan; y la última analiza los beneficios que la gamificación tiene sobre el aprendizaje. Se concluye que la gamificación se basa en el constructivismo y conectivismo, así como en la teoría de la autodeterminación y del flujo. Además, sus efectos en la motivación y el aprendizaje son positivos.