bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agujeros de Gusano tipo Schwarzschild Atravesables (Traversable Schwarzschild-like Wormholes)
Authors:   , Liempi Necul Luis Alejandro
Published: November 2024

En esta tesis se aborda la construcción y análisis de soluciones de agujeros de gusano atravesables estáticos con simetría esférica. Se presenta una sutil generalización de los agujeros de gusano de Schwarzschild, introduciendo una función de forma con dependencia lineal en la coordenada radial r. Esta modificación genera agujeros de gusano cuyo espacio-tiempo asintótico no es plano, sino asintóticamente localmente plano, exhibiendo un déficit o exceso de ángulo sólido en el límite r → ∞. Se estudian dos casos principales: agujeros de gusano que conectan regiones asintóticamente no planas con déficit de ángulo sólido, cuyos diagramas de embebimiento se extienden desde la garganta hasta el infinito, y aquellos con exceso de ángulo sólido, donde los diagramas de embebimiento alcanzan un radio máximo finito y presentan densidad de energía negativa en todo el espacio. Se examina en detalle un agujero de gusano fantasma sin fuerza de marea que exhibe el primer comportamiento asintótico mencionado. La investigación profundiza en las condiciones de atravesabilidad y analiza cómo el parámetro β, asociado al déficit o exceso de ángulo sólido, influye en el movimiento de un viajero al cruzar la garganta del agujero de gusano. Además, se presenta un estudio exhaustivo del comportamiento geodésico, visualizado mediante diagramas de embebimiento tridimensional, proporcionando una comprensión más intuitiva de la geometría de estos agujeros de gusano.
La segunda fase de la investigación se centra en el análisis de estabilidad de agujeros de gusano de cáscara delgada, construidos mediante la unión de agujeros de gusano no asintóticamente planos con la solución vacía de Schwarzschild. Este estudio se enfoca en cáscaras delgadas esféricamente simétricas, utilizando la función de forma lineal previamente mencionada. La estabilidad se examina empleando perturbaciones lineales alrededor de una solución estática, y se utiliza una ecuación maestra para caracterizar las regiones de equilibrio estable. El análisis considera tanto densidades de energía superficial positivas como negativas, y explorando diversas funciones de corrimiento al rojo gravitacional. Los resultados revelan que la interacción de fuerzas externas con la cáscara delgada tiene un impacto significativo en el comportamiento de las regiones estables. Notablemente, se demuestra que, bajo ciertas condiciones, la materia que soporta la cáscara delgada puede ser no exótica, cumpliendo plenamente todas las condiciones de energía.
Navigating the Nexus: Unraveling legal and ethical threads in outsourcing for streamlined business processes
Authors: Jinyoung Hwang
Published: November 2024

The outsourcing practice has increased tremendously over the recent years owing to its positive financial and operational benefits for organizations. However, there are legal and ethical aspects of outsourcing that have garnered a lot of attention. Failure to address the legal and ethical aspects that arise from outsourcing can have far-reaching ramifications including legal battles and losses that may put organizations in difficult situations especially as pertains to accountability to shareholders and customers. This research was aimed at providing comprehensive examination of legal and ethical implication of outsourcing, with key focus on operational optimization. To achieve its objectives, the study employed qualitative and quantitative means to collect data from its sources. The qualitative component utilized interviews and case studies. The quantitative component utilized the survey approach to collect data from professionals in the area of outsourcing. The thematic and statistical analysis of data indicated that there is a strong association between legal and ethical factors on outsourcing. For the outsourcing process to be streamlined, the study recommends that the legal and ethical considerations should be intensified, with emphasis stressed on international legal frameworks and business ethics.
Chemical Composition Analysis of Human Gallstones in Beni Mellal-Khenifra, Morocco
Authors: Bouha Mohamed , Echajia Malika , Amini Latifa , Mbarki Mohamed , Elhadiri Najat , Oubenali Mustapha , Berkani Mohamed
Published: November 2024

This analysis examines the link between patient characteristics and gallstone composition in Beni Mellal, Morocco. A total of 226 patients with gallstones (198 women, 28 men) from the Beni Mellal Regional Hospital Center participated in 2018. Techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to analyze the gallstone samples. Additionally, participants completed questionnaires regarding their demographic data and dietary habits. Among the cohort, 20 gallstones were selected for detailed analysis based on distinct morphological characteristics, such as color, size, and shape. These samples underwent thorough characterization. To represent the different composition profiles observed among the analyzed samples, six representative spectra were selected for detailed presentation in the manuscript, aiming to avoid redundancies, as several samples exhibited similar spectral characteristics. Mixed-composition gallstones were identified in 95% of patients, reflecting findings consistent with other regions. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was favored for composition analysis due to its accuracy, sensitivity, and minimal sample preparation requirements. A significant association was observed between patient characteristics (age, gender, geographic origin) and the main components of the stones. Positive correlations emerged between the presence of cholesterol stones, calcium bilirubinate, calcium carbonate, and calcium phosphate, and a high consumption of protein- and calcium-rich foods (such as meat and dairy products) commonly found in the diet of Beni Mellal. The frequent consumption of cholesterol-rich products suggests a potential link with the prevalence of cholesterol gallstones in this region.
Antropología Ibero-Americana no Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Gomes de Lima Mario Helio
Published: November 2024

El artículo es una aproximación histórica y analítica, con una evaluación crítica de la antropología brasileña, desde un punto de vista específico en el Nordeste del país. Se centra en la antropología desde sus inicios hasta la actualidad, destacando algunos de los autores e instituciones más destacados que, a lo largo del tiempo, y de acuerdo con los cambios en las mentalidades y concepciones científicas, han ido construyendo y moldeando el pensamiento cultural y académico. Antropólogos como Nina Rodrigues, Gilberto Freyre, Arthur Ramos y otros ven revisada su contribución al conocimiento antropológico. Se concluye con las iniciativas más recientes promovidas en el marco de la cooperación académica entre España y Brasil, con énfasis en los programas de postgrado en antropología de la Universidad de Salamanca.
Islam y Arte. El simbolismo del templo microcósmico en la maqsura califal de al-Hakam II
Authors: Cuenca Abellán Belén
Published: November 2024

En el presente trabajo se profundizará sobre las conexiones estéticas y simbólicas que ofrece la macsura de al-Hakam II, construida en el siglo X, con la estructura del llamado templo microcósmico. Este modelo de templo se desarrolló en el Mediterráneo debido a las distintas formas de entender el concepto de lo sagrado en un sentido mucho más abstracto en el tiempo de la Antigüedad Tardía. El ejemplo más ilustrativo del templo microcósmico es Santa Sofía de Constantinopla, pero lo que aquí interesa es cómo pudo encajar esta forma de entender el lugar de culto, asociada al mundo cristiano, en un contexto islámico como fue la Córdoba Omeya del siglo X. Partiendo de investigaciones anteriores realizadas por Ruiz Souza, Dodds, Ewert o Calvo Capilla sobre la macsura de al-Hakam II se ha llevado a cabo una labor exhaustiva de análisis de la arquitectura religiosa tardoantigua para poder compararla con los nuevos lugares de culto islámicos, concretamente, del periodo Omeya. Como resultado se han hallado importantes paralelismos visuales, más conocidos, pero también simbólicos, que llevan a pensar en que al-Hakam II recuperó en su ampliación de la Mezquita de Córdoba toda una serie de elementos iconográficos que relacionaban este espacio con el templo microcósmico. De este modo, el segundo califa de al-Andalus legitimaba su poder en conexión con los emperadores romano-orientales y con los soberanos de Occidente.
Pensar la imagen
Authors: Marques de Souza Patrícia
Published: November 2024

En el mundo cristiano medieval, las representaciones pictóricas ayudaban a los fieles a experimentar lo sagrado. Así pues, reflexionar sobre los usos y la manipulación de las imágenes no es sólo una cuestión teórica, sino también una preocupación por sus modos de funcionamiento y recepción. De hecho, el objetivo de nuestro artículo es analizar la importancia de la imagen como medio de expresión, comunicación y mecanismo estético en la sociedad cristiana latina del medievo. Para ello, revisaremos el concepto de imagen en la Edad Media con el fin de comprender el papel decisivo de la articulación entre textos e imágenes para el éxito de la pedagogía del bien morir a finales del siglo XV. Por último, reflexionaremos sobre las particularidades del uso de los grabados en la experiencia religiosa medieval.
antropología en la encrucijada de lo poshumano
Authors: González Alcantud José Antonio
Published: November 2024

En el editorial se plantea el director-editor la encrujijada de lo poshumano para la antropología que ha centrado en lo humano el objeto de sus estudios y metodología. Lo hace a través de varios dominios como la relación con los autómatas o con el mundo animal. Se cuestiona que el triunfo de lo poshumano puede arrastrar a la antropología a un fin no deseado.
ANALYSIS OF THE SECURITY SITUATION AND THE STATE OF THE UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENT IN UKRAINE
Authors: Mitina N.B. , Kohtieva O.P. , Malinovskaya N.V. , Minina Yu.O.
Published: November 2024

Statement of the problem. The use of underground space for the protection of civilians, as well as an opportunity to ensure the safe location of small industrial facilities, is an urgent task today, given the martial law in the country. Objective. To investigate the use of the underground environment of Ukraine for the safety of the population, taking into account the consequences in terms of the number of civilian casualties during rocket attacks (according to open data of the United Nations) and to draw attention to the lack of safe places for civilians by analysing the individual risk in Ukraine. A risk map was developed based on the calculated data, indicating risk zones. Conclusions. Theoretically, based on the analysis of the historical development of underground construction in the world and in Ukraine, the article shows the wide attention to underground construction both for security and industrial purposes. The types of modern weapons and the consequences of their use are identified, and data on civilian casualties are analysed depending on the territorial affiliation, taking into account individual risk. Based on the analysis of open UN data (the number of deaths and injuries during the hostilities in Ukraine) and the calculations of the degree of danger risk, a map of danger risk zones by regions of Ukraine was developed, with the distribution of the risk level intensity into zones of extremely high risk, relatively medium, medium and relatively low risk.
ADAPTATION OF EDUCATIONAL PROCESS PARTICIPANTS TO DISTANCE EDUCATION DURING THE PERIOD OF MARTIAL STATUS
Authors: Smirnova O.V. , Garmash S.M. , Gerasimenko V.O.
Published: November 2024

Problem statement. The forced change in the form of education in higher education, which was first caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and then by the introduction of martial law, requires all participants in the educational process to respond effectively to the emergence of new challenges. The process of adaptation to the forced transformation of the form of education is complex, both from the point of view of the technical possibilities of ensuring the quality of education, and from the point of view of the psycho-emotional state of students and teachers. It is impossible to create a comfortable educational environment without monitoring the needs of students. These needs are dynamic due to constant changes in the forms of education. Adaptation of students to new forms of education (without loss of quality) will depend on understanding their attitude to innovations in the organization of education and taking into account their opinion when planning further changes. Purpose of the article. Determining the attitude of students to the organization of education in a higher educational institution in the conditions of martial law, taking into account psychological aspects. Conclusion. The results of an online survey among students of higher education indicate the gradual adaptation of all participants in the educational process to various forms of education. In general, students are satisfied with conducting online classes according to the schedule (synchronous mode using the Zoom platform). From a psychological point of view, there are problems with concentration of attention when studying, associated with threats to health and life. The results of the survey indicate that more attention should be paid to psychological support. This can be done by offering students to study a separate elective discipline, which is aimed at obtaining skills to ensure personal protection during armed and/or informational aggression, or add to the list of mandatory topics for curatorial hours. In general, students positively evaluate the changes in the distance learning method that took place after its introduction since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The majority of students are satisfied with the organization and conduct of education in a distance format. After the abolition of martial law in the country, the majority of master's students would choose distance learning, most bachelor's − mixed.
FORMING HYDRATE COMPOUNDS SYSTEM 3СaO·Al2O3·3CaSO4·32H2O DURING THE ALUMINATE CEMENT MINERALS HYDRATION
Authors: Derevianko V.M. , Hryshko H.M. , Dubov T.M.
Published: November 2024

Problem statement. The use of modifying additives and research of their influence on the thermodynamic and hydrodynamic stability of the solidification structure of 3СaOAl2O3·3CaSO432H2O ettringite will lead to an increase in water resistance, improvement of technological factors, which in turn will contribute to the expansion of the scope of application of composites based on such additives. By means of adjusting the water-solid ratio, you can control properties of the initial composite: you can obtain the necessary structure and water resistance. Research of the effect caused by additives on the composites of the CaO–Al2O3–SO3–H2O system and the subsequent development of their compositions will provide an opportunity to control the hydration processes, form highly basic ettringite with the amount of chemically bound water in it reaching 46 %. Purpose of the article – to conduct a research on modification of the ettringite phase aimed at increasing its stability. Conclusions. Stabilization of ettringite composite of optimal composition (70 % of alumina cement and 30 % of gypsum) was determined based on the results of toponymic reactions of transition of the system from the macro-system to the micro- and nanosystem when changing time, by conducting X-ray phase analysis after 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. According to the selected research methodology, semi-aqueous gypsum was modified with alumina cement. Experimentally determined was optimal amount of the modifier (70 % of alumina cement) which is necessary to increase physical and mechanical properties, as well as to form necessary mineralogical composition of the modified binder. During hydration of modified binders based on alumina cement and gypsum, formation of ettringite occurs, which makes it possible to form the necessary structure and basic physical and mechanical properties.
RELEVANCE OF RESEARCH ON INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR DETECTING DEFECTS IN FLAT ROOFS
Authors: Dikarev K.B. , Hryhorovych M.S. , Kutsenko-Skokova A.O. , Stetsiuk Ya.O.
Published: November 2024

Problem Statement. In Ukraine, the most numerous buildings are those constructed between 1960–1990. As of today, half of them require major repairs. According to current Ukrainian regulatory documents, comprehensive inspections of the entire building should be conducted every 10 years, and at least once every 5 years for buildings or separate elements of buildings that operate under adverse conditions, including roofs. During the full-scale war on the territory of Ukraine, the safety and health of workers are of paramount importance. Especially during air raids, when being on the roof is most dangerous—posing a threat to the life and health of specialists inspecting the roof [1]. The issue of preserving life and health is particularly significant during the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, the International Code Council, the main institution for standardizing building systems in the USA, issued recommendations during the Covid-19 pandemic regarding remote inspection of building structures. The authorities of Los Angeles at the municipal level proposed using this method for building structure inspections [2]. Objective. The article aims to analyze the needs and challenges associated with roof inspections in Ukraine, particularly in the Dnipropetrovsk region, in the context of the ongoing full-scale war. It is necessary to determine the overall volume of roofs requiring inspection, the main defects that arise, and the risks that may occur due to the lack of timely inspections. Additionally, the article needs to outline the main stages of the roof inspection process, identify the necessary knowledge and skills required by qualified specialists for comprehensive roof inspections. Conclusions. Analyzing the total number of buildings and the norms determining the frequency of roof inspections, considering all preparation stages and the skills needed by inspection specialists, as well as the conditions of the full-scale war in which our country finds itself today, it can be concluded that the preparation of such specialists is resource-intensive and requires significant investments of time and effort. Unfortunately, according to IMF data, the population of Ukraine is showing a tendency to decrease. According to statistics, in 2022 the population decreased to 35 million, and by 2023 – to 33.2 million. This leads to a decline in the number of sufficiently qualified specialists who will be able to comprehensively engage in roof inspections. The general review of aspects showed the need to introduce innovative solutions and new approaches in the field of comprehensive roof inspections. This particularly concerns the effective detection of roof defects, the preparation of comprehensive reports, and estimates with maximum savings of time, financial, and human resources.
Содержание питательных элементов в экосистемной продукции предшественников и влияние их на плодородие почвы и продуктивность подсолнечника
Authors: Абдулнатипов М. Г. , Гасанов Г. И. , Плескачёв Юрий Николаевич
Published: November 2024

Исследования проводили в 2018 – 2021 гг. на светло-каштановой почве в зоне отгонного животноводства Республики Дагестан. Изучали эффективность 2 предшественников подсолнечника: озимой пшеницы и кукурузы в сочетании с пожнивным естественным фитоценозом (ПЕФ) на зелёное удобрение. Основным преимуществом озимой пшеницы с ПЕФ является накопление в почве на 26,2 % больше растительных остатков, в том числе надземной массы ПЕФ на 35,1 %, чем после кукурузы на зерно с ПЕФ. Дополнительное поступление в почву N на 76 кг/га, P2O5 на 80 кг/га и K2O — на 321 кг/га способствует увеличению массы семян с 1 корзинки и 1000 семян на 21,2 %, количества семян в корзинке — на 19,3 %. Урожайность семян повысилась на 21,1 % (до 3,70 т/га). Выход масла с 1 га посевов по предшественнику озимая пшеница + ПЕФ составил 1,75 т/га, по пропашному предшественнику — на 17,1 % меньше при одинаковой масличности семян (по 47,4 %).
Effects of Socio-Economic and Health Variables on Survival Time of HIV/AIDS Patients in Manipuir
Authors: Wangjam Koko , Sharat Singh Naorem
Published: November 2024

Background: The survival time of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is associated with many socio-economic, education, employment and socio-cultural factors. High prevalence rates of HIV/AIDS are observed in some Indian States including Manipur. Objectives: It is to examine the effects of socio-economic and health related variables on the survival time of HIV and Hepatitis-C virus (HCV) patients. Materials and Methods: Under simple random sampling without replacement (SRSWOR), it analysed a sample of 200 HIV+ patients attending the ART Centre of Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Science (JNIMS), Imphal during March – July 2016. Using multiple regression models, the significant covariates of the survival time of patients are explored. Findings: The five factors – sex of patient (P<0.05), marital status (P<0.05), family income (P<0.05), patient type (P<0.01) and CD4 count (P<0.05) are found to be significantly influencing the dynamics of survival duration of the patients. Conclusion: In Manipur, the average survival time of the HIV/ AIDS patients is observed to be about six years varying with their sex, marital status, size of family, employment and CD4 count.
Keywords: Manipur, regression model, sex, marital status, CD4
Impact of Obesity-Related Social Media Contents on Urban Men: Application of the Health Belief Model
Authors: Selvaraj Shanmuga Nathan , Sriram Arulchelvan , S Suganya
Published: November 2024

Health situations across the world triggered by obesity are evidence that obesity has become a global epidemic disease. India had the third-highest number of people with obesity in the world. In this digital era, a key source of health information is social media. There are visible studies on obesity awareness obtained from social media among people with obesity and women. So this study focused on urban men who are more prone to obesity than rural men and who commonly seek health information through social media. Health belief model (HBM) was adopted for the study to understand the impact of social media obesity contents in bringing health behaviour change. Sample data (N=530) were collected using a digitally circulated survey questionnaire. The study found that Facebook, YouTube and Instagram are the top three most used social media among urban men to look for health information. The study found the respondents’ attention to social media obesity contents influence their knowledge on HBM constructs which in turn influence their health behaviour change to treat obesity. Study findings suggest that well-informing posts about obesity from health experts should be shared over social media frequently to create enough obesity awareness to bring a health behaviour change.
Keywords: obesity, social media, health communication, health belief model, health behaviour, urban men
Una ética como hermenéutica estética de la vida. Una lectura deleuziana de Spinoza
Authors: Esperón Juan Pablo , Etchegaray Ricardo
Published: November 2024

Para Deleuze, en la ética se trata de inventar nuevas formas de pensar, de sentir y de actuar. La ética, así entendida, es una construcción o edificación colectiva que se asemejaría a una estética de la vida. Deleuze está convencido de que el problema ético consiste en encontrar modos de vida no burocrática, no despótica y no ‘representativa’ para las luchas sociales. Para ello se propone una ética experimental. Entonces, este artículo tiene por objetivo exponer la posición moral del juicio y contraponerla al modelo ético experimental, para mostrar en qué sentido le ética podría ser interpretada como una estética de la vida.
Gubernamentalidad y capital humano
Authors: Ruidrejo Alejandro
Published: November 2024

La historia de la gubernamentalidad de Michel Foucault (2004) permitió reconocer diversas formas de articulación del gobierno a través de la libertad y de la libertad como objeto de gobierno en las racionalidades políticas liberales y neoliberales. En ese marco, destaca la importancia de la teoría del capital humano, dado que introduce el análisis económico en un dominio hasta entonces inexplorado, y, permite volver a interpretar en términos económicos todo un dominio que se había considerado como no económico. En gran medida, ello gira en torno a la analítica del trabajo humano en clave neoliberal. Las maneras en que nuestra actualidad articula el gobierno de las conductas bajo la reducción de la educación y el desarrollo a la forma del capital humano, incitan a un rastreo genealógico de la procedencia de la cuestión. Con ese propósito relevaremos las formas en que la noción de capital humano emerge en distintas racionalidades de gobierno que se despliegan entre fines del siglo XIX y XX. Nos detendremos en la recepción de la cuestión de la inversión en capital humano en Argentina, puntualizando su expresión en la medicina social forjada por Ramón Carrillo, para señalar sus particularidades. Procuramos aportar a la problematización de las nociones a partir de las cuales se pretende gobernar nuestras conductas, como parte de un diagnóstico crítico del presente.
Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) versus Multiple Daily Injections (MDI): Impact on Glycemic Control and Pregnancy Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Shi Xiling , Cai Qinghua , Xin Siming , Wu Shan , Shen Yousu
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of two insulin administration methods — continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and multiple daily injections (MDI) — in managing glycemic levels and influencing pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients. Methods: In total, 118 GDM patients admitted between January 2021 and May 2023 were randomly allocated into two groups using a computer-generated sequence. Patients in the MDI group received multiple daily injections, while those in the CSII group received continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion via an insulin pump. The study duration lasted from diagnosis until delivery. Glycemic control was measured by monitoring fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PBG), and bedtime blood glucose (BBG) levels. Pregnancy outcomes included the incidence of hypoglycemia, premature rupture of membranes, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal distress, macrosomia, neonatal asphyxia, and preterm delivery. Results: Post-treatment, the CSII group showed better control of FBG, PBG, and BBG, which were significantly lower compared to the MDI group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence rates of complications such as hypoglycemia, fetal distress, neonatal asphyxia were significantly lower in the CSII group compared to the MDI group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CSII offers better treatment outcomes for GDM patients compared to MDI. It effectively regulates blood glucose levels, optimizes pregnancy outcomes, and minimizes the risk of neonatal complications. Hence, CSII deserves further clinical endorsement and application. Clinical Trial Registration: The study has been registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/ (registration number: ChiCTR2400088927).
Pressure Pain Threshold, Depression and Anxiety in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ortiz Mario I.
Published: November 2024

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the main chronic pain conditions in women and is often associated with various psychiatric disorders and some painful conditions. Women with dysmenorrhea report the presence of abdominal and lumbar allodynia at the end of the menstrual cycle, suggesting an association between menstrual pain and increased mechanical hypersensitivity in the abdominal and lumbar regions. Therefore, the general objective of this study was to measure pressure pain thresholds and depressive and anxiety symptoms in Mexican women with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: This prospective cohort study used a cross-sectional design with female students; being older than 17 years of age, being available during menstruation, and having moderate-to-severe primary dysmenorrhea diagnosed by a physician were inclusion criteria. After providing informed consent, the women completed a questionnaire assessing demographic information, variations in menstrual patterns, and menstrual pain and its severity. Similarly, the Beck Depression Inventory and Anxiety Inventory were administered to the participants prior to obtaining pressure pain thresholds at specific abdominal and lumbar points. The data were entered into a computerized database. Exploratory analysis was performed via Student’s t test, Pearson’s chi-square test, or analysis of variance. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05. Results: A total of 69 women were included in the study. The mean ± standard deviation age of all participants was 20.9 ± 1.9 years. The main locations of menstrual pain were the lower abdomen (87.0%) and the lumbar region (10.1%). In terms of pain severity, 65.2% of the participants reported moderate pain, and 34.8% reported severe pain. With respect to the pain pressure threshold at the six evaluated points, the threshold in the abdominal region was significantly lower than the threshold in the lumbar region (p < 0.05). No relationship was found between the severity of dysmenorrhea pain and the level of depression or anxiety or with the pain pressure thresholds (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The severity of dysmenorrhea pain in the participating women was not associated with anxiolytic or depressive states. No significant relationship was found between the severity of dysmenorrhea and the sensitivity of the pressure pain threshold in the areas evaluated.
Probability of Breech Presentation in Fetuses with Sirenomelia at Birth
Authors: Maričić Mina , Podgorac Jelena , Kesić Srđan , Petković Branka , Vejnović Aleksandra , Čapo Ivan , Sekulić Slobodan
Published: November 2024

Background: The 50% maximum probability of breech presentation (BP) implies that the same number of fetuses/newborns with the same characteristics take either BP or cephalic presentation (CP) with equal probability. Sirenomelia offers the possibility to investigate the incidence of BP in the simultaneous presence of several medical entities, each associated with an increased incidence of BP (Potter anomaly, lower limb fusion, prematurity, additional medical entities). The aim of the study is to investigate the probability of BP at delivery in sirenomelic singleton gestations to confirm the rule that the maximum probability for BP is 50%. Methods: A systematic retrospective literature search using the keywords: sirenomelia, sympus apus, sympus monopus, and sympus dipus, in the SCOPUS database. Inclusion criteria: presentation of singleton fetuses at delivery in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Comparison with chi-square test (level of significance p < 0.5) of overall incidence of BP and CP as well as depending on the type of sirenomelia, prematurity, presence of additional medical entities associated with increased incidence of BP. Results: In total, 67 articles were identified, and 83 cases were found. The number of cases in BP vs. CP with a statistical difference to expected 50%:50% distribution of presentations: All cases—BP44 CP39 p = 0.583; Premature birth—BP25 CP20 p = 0.456; Term birth—BP17 CP18 p = 0.866; Sympus apus—BP15 CP14 p = 0.853; Sympus monopus—BP6 CP9 p = 0.439; Sympus dipus—BP21 CP14 p = 0.237; With additional entities—BP16 CP10 p = 0.239; Without additional entities—BP23 CP26 p = 0.668. Also, there were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of presentations between premature and term birth (p = 0.589), three types of sirenomelia (p = 0.601), with and without additional entities (p = 0.228). Conclusions: This study supports the rule that the maximum probability for BP in any medical entity, including sirenomelia, is 50%. The outcome of the BP should be evaluated with the case-control matching procedure: subtract the number of fetuses/newborns from the CP group that is identical to the number of fetuses/newborns in the BP group, with identical characteristics, and add this group to the BP group before comparing them to the rest of the CP fetuses/newborns.
Circular RNA PVT1 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression via miR-30b-5p/AEG-1 Axis
Authors: Li Yingdong , Li Wenfang , Ai Yongbiao , Zhang Tianxiang
Published: November 2024

Background: Circular RNA PVT1 (circPVT1) is involved in malignant tumorigenesis. However, the function of circPVT1 in breast cancer (BC) has not been investigated. The purpose of this research is to explore the mechanisms of circPVT1 in breast cancer from different perspectives. Methods: In this study, the expressions of circPVT1 and microRNA-30b-5p (miR-30b-5p) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). The Kaplan-Meier was adopted to compare disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). CircPVT1 was depleted with special si-RNA, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) to evaluate the cell viability and transwell assays to examine invasion ability. Astrocyte elevated gene 1 (AEG-1) protein level was measured by western blot. The competitive endogenous functions among circPVT1, miR-30b-5p and AEG-1 were verified by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay. Results: In this study, it was found that the circPVT1 was significantly elevated in BC tissues and cell lines compared to the control group. The Kaplan-Meier results indicated that higher circPVT1 expression had a worse prognosis than the low circPVT1 expression group in DFS (χ2 = 7.174, p = 0.007) and OS (χ2 = 3.946, p = 0.047). CircPVT1 regulated the BC cell viability, migration, and invasion ability. Besides, miR-30b-5p was found as a molecular target of circPVT1, and AEG-1 was identified as a target of miR-30b-5p. The suppression of circPVT1 promoted the expression of miR-30b-5p and inhibited AEG-1 expression. Moreover, simultaneous inhibition of miR-30b-5p expression in the circPVT1 knockout group could reverse the inhibition of AEG-1. Conclusions: Our results indicate circPVT1 regulates AEG-1 expression by binding to miR-30b-5p in breast cancer cells. CircPVT1 promoted AEG-1 expression by inhibiting miR-30b-5p in order to enhance the BC cell viability, migration, and invasion. Our results reveal a new molecular therapy target for breast cancer.
Clinical Efficacy and Prognostic Factors of McDonald Cervical Cerclage in Pregnant Women with Cervical Incompetence
Authors: Lin Mei’e , Li Luhong
Published: November 2024

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and prognostic factors associated with McDonald cervical cerclage in pregnant women with cervical incompetence. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 100 pregnant women with cervical incompetence who underwent prophylactic or therapeutic McDonald cervical cerclage between January 2021 and December 2022. The participants were divided into two groups: good prognosis (n = 37) and poor prognosis (n = 63). Baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated prognostic factors. Results: The good prognosis group showed lower rates of miscarriage and preterm birth and higher rates of full-term birth compared to the poor prognosis group, but these differences were not statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression identified various independent risk factors influencing clinical outcomes of McDonald cerclage, including gravidity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75), having more than two previous births (OR = 2.44), assisted reproductive technology (OR = 1.52), history of cervical conization (OR = 1.88), complete uterine cavity curettage (OR = 1.67), prolonged second stage of labor (OR = 2.19), cesarean section (OR = 1.48), cervical laceration (OR = 1.80), polycystic ovarian syndrome (OR = 1.60), and prophylactic cerclage (OR = 0.73). These factors demonstrated good predictive performance for the prognosis of patients with cervical incompetence, with an area under the curve of 0.793 and sensitivity and specificity values of 0.750 and 0.850, respectively. Conclusions: The identified risk factors, particularly having more than two previous births, prolonged second stage of labor, and a history of cervical conization, should be considered in the clinical management of pregnant women with cervical incompetence. The protective effect of prophylactic cerclage emphasizes the importance of early detection and timely intervention to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Brain Function Status may be Related to Pelvic Floor Function and Pregnancy Weight Gain in Postpartum Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Yu , Yu Xiaojuan , Lu Changping , Shi Wei
Published: November 2024

Background: Postpartum women often show depression and anxiety, abnormal memory and cognitive function, and pelvic floor function problems. Brain function test is also a new research direction generated combining life science and computer science. This study aimed to observe the brain function status of postpartum women and analyze the correlation between brain function and pelvic floor function and gestational weight. Methods: A cross-sectional study of women with medical record in our hospital. A total of 88 outpatient postpartum women with pelvic floor dysfunction including 48 cases of cesarean section and 40 cases of vaginal delivery who underwent brain function tests from August 2022 to September 2023 and met the inclusion criteria were included. Basic demographic information, brain function tests, pelvic floor examination, and pregnancy-related data were extracted. The brain function status of women after vaginal delivery and cesarean section was analyzed statistically, and analysis of the relationship between pelvic floor assessment and brain function. Results: Of the 88 postpartum women, >50% showed abnormal findings in the hypoxia index, emotional resistance, sleep index, outside focus, brain fatigue, brain emptying, and reaction speed. Statistical differences in brain fatigue (p < 0.001) and brain emptying (p = 0.002) were observed between postpartum women with vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Correlation analysis results revealed that prolapse was correlated with brain emptying (p < 0.001), and weakly correlated anxiety tendency (p = 0.05), sleep index (p = 0.02), introverted brain (p = 0.05), brain fatigue (p = 0.02). Pelvic floor muscle strength was associated with emotional resistance (p = 0.03), brain inhibition (p = 0.04), and brain stability (p = 0.03) weakly. Weight gain during pregnancy was related to inner focus (p = 0.001), and weakly related to oxygen deficiency index (p = 0.04), brain stability (p = 0.03), brain coordination (p = 0.01), brain emptying (p = 0.04), and reaction speed (p = 0.01). Conclusions: This study observed that most postpartum women have abnormal brain function, including mood, sleep, fatigue, cerebral oxygen metabolism, concentration, and information processing ability, and showed that postpartum brain function problems might correlated with pelvic floor function and pregnancy weight gain.
Impact of Serum Platelet Count on Infertility in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Liu Chen , Lin Hongxing , Xue Lifang , Xu Haihua , Zhong Hui , Que Chengwen
Published: November 2024

Background: This study intended to investigate the correlation between insulin resistance (IR) and coagulation parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their effects on infertility. Methods: We retrospectively included 380 PCOS patients and 143 healthy controls between January 2018 and January 2021. Clinical data, including age; body mass index; white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NE), lymphocyte (Lym), and platelet (PLT) counts; and D-dimer, plasma sex hormone, fasting blood sugar, and fasting insulin levels, were collected. The relationship between these markers and PCOS was assessed. Results: Elevated homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance score was independently related to infertility in women with PCOS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.825, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.091–3.055, p = 0.022). WBC (7.29 [5.99–8.59] vs. 6.25 [5.33–7.40], p < 0.001), NE (3.91 [3.22–4.98] vs. 3.36 [2.62–4.51], p = 0.001), PLT (276 [244.5–317.5] vs. 251.5 [219.25–281.5], p < 0.001), and Lym (2.51 [2.02–3.11] vs. 2.08 [1.85–2.53], p < 0.001) counts, and D-dimer levels (0.22 [0.15–0.42] vs. 0.20 [0.12–0.31], p = 0.023) in the serum were markedly higher in PCOS patients with IR. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that increased serum PLT count (OR = 3.066, 95% CI: 1.052–8.939, p = 0.040) and BMI (OR = 5.06, 95% CI: 1.166–21.963, p = 0.030) were independently correlated with the risk of IR in PCOS patients. Moreover, increased PLT count was independently related to infertility (OR = 3.380, 95% CI: 1.272‒8.982, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Elevated PLT count serve as an independent responsible role for infertility in PCOS women with IR, which indicate that PLT count might be a potential predictive marker for infertility in PCOS women with IR.
Associations of HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and NLR with Premature Delivery Secondary to Infection in Pregnant Women Undergoing Cervical Cerclage
Authors: Cai Shengnan , Wu Yanting , Ding Yiqian , Zeng Li
Published: November 2024

Background: Although cervical cerclage has improved with the rapid development of medical technology, there remains a distinct probability of adverse pregnancy outcomes. To investigate the associations of changes in the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR-1) and peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with premature delivery secondary to infection in pregnant patients undergoing cervical cerclage. Methods: Sixty-seven pregnant patients with premature delivery after cervical cerclage, who were treated at the Affiliated Matern & Child Care Hospital of Nantong University from January 2022 to October 2023, were enrolled, including 43 with premature delivery secondary to infection (infectious group) and 24 with idiopathic premature delivery (non-infectious group). The pre-delivery serum levels of HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and the peripheral blood level of NLR were compared between the 2 groups. Further, the clinical value of these 3 indicators in predicting premature delivery secondary to infection among pregnant patients undergoing cervical cerclage was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: The infectious group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and peripheral blood level of NLR compared to those in the non-infectious group, demonstrating significant differences (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that HMGB1 and NLR were independent influencing factors for premature delivery (p < 0.05). According to the ROC curve analysis results, the changes in HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and NLR levels may reflect the risk of premature delivery secondary to infection among pregnant patients undergoing cervical cerclage. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of combined detection were all markedly higher than those of independent detection. Conclusions: HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and NLR levels are risk factors for third-trimester premature delivery among pregnant patients undergoing cervical cerclage. Timely combined detection of serum HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and peripheral blood NLR during the third trimester can improve the clinical diagnostic acumen, which enables early prevention to help lower the risk of premature delivery.
The Importance of Prenatal Diagnosis for the Early Detection of Fetal Abnormalities in Rural Areas, Indonesia: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Wenang Supriyatiningsih , Febrianti Lidia , Diaz Riken Nur , Sandiawan Fajar Hafiz , Nahdiyati Diyah , Bahlmann Franz
Published: November 2024

Background: Prenatal diagnosis in rural areas is a global challenge especially for maternal reproductive health. The challenges of implementing prenatal diagnosis in rural areas include: low public awareness and knowledge, minimal access to health care facilities, low economic factors. Yogyakarta represents Indonesia as a province with the same proportion of urban and rural areas. Apart from that, there is still a culture that influences the knowledge and behavior the health care community. The incidence of congenital abnormalities is increasing in rural areas due to delays in early detection during pregnancy. By using a mixed-method approach, this study aims to provide insight into the importance of prenatal diagnosis for pregnant women in rural areas. Methods: This research is a mixed-method study with 100 webinar participants of community service, 6 health care workers, and 6 pregnant women. Demographic data and knowledge about prenatal diagnosis are presented through quantitative methods. The qualitative data presented through in-depth interviews explored the perspectives of health care workers and pregnant women regarding experiences, obstacles, and support in carrying out prenatal diagnosis. Thematic analysis was used in this study. Results: The importance of knowledge in the early detection of fetal abnormalities and children’s growth development has a significance value of 0.000 each (p-value < 0.05). In contrast, the hospital services expectation has 0.243. Qualitative reports indicated that the achievement of prenatal diagnosis services requires awareness of pregnant women and support from health care workers as direct providers of counseling and services. Pregnant women in this study realized the importance of prenatal diagnosis to detect early pregnancy abnormalities. Conclusions: Prenatal diagnosis in rural areas is an effort to increase early detection of fetal abnormalities and improve child development. The implementation of prenatal diagnosis in rural areas is supported by the active role of health workers and non-health workers. Several obstacles to the implementation of prenatal diagnosis in rural areas are the lack of knowledge of pregnant women, fear of poor examination results, distance from the pregnant woman’s house to the health care facilities, uneven availability of ultrasound equipment, and high costs of ultrasound examinations. The government can increase access of prenatal diagnosis in rural areas, through free ultrasound subsidies and the implementation of pregnant women’s classes in each village.