bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypes of streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetes mellitus in mice
Authors: Takahashi Narumi , Ichii Osamu , Hiraishi Masaya , Namba Takashi , Otani Yuki , Nakamura Teppei , Kon Yasuhiro
Published: April 2024

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in human patients disrupts glucose metabolism post-pregnancy, affecting fetal development. Although obesity and genetic factors increase GDM risk, a lack of suitable models impedes a comprehensive understanding of its pathology. To address this, we administered streptozotocin (STZ, 75 mg/kg) to C57BL/6N mice for two days before pregnancy, establishing a convenient GDM model. Pregnant mice exposed to STZ (STZ-pregnant) were compared with STZ-injected virgin mice (STZ-virgin), citrate buffer-injected virgin mice (CB-virgin), and pregnant mice injected with citrate buffer (CB-pregnant). STZ-pregnant non-obese mice exhibited elevated blood glucose levels on gestational day 15.5 and impaired glucose tolerance. They also showed fewer normal fetuses compared to CB-pregnant mice. Additionally, STZ-pregnant mice had the highest plasma C-peptide levels, with decreased pancreatic islets or increased alpha cells compared to CB-pregnant mice. Kidneys isolated from STZ-pregnant mice did not display histological alterations or changes in gene expression for the principal glucose transporters (GLUT2 and SGLT2) and renal injury-associated markers. Notably, STZ-pregnant mice displayed decreased gene expression of insulin-receiving molecules (ISNR and IGFR1), indicating heightened insulin resistance. Liver histology in STZ-pregnant mice remained unchanged except for a pregnancy-related increase in lipid droplets within hepatocytes. Furthermore, the duodenum of STZ-pregnant mice exhibited increased gene expression of ligand-degradable IGFR2 and decreased expression of GLUT5 and GLUT12 (fructose and glucose transporters, respectively) compared to STZ-virgin mice. Thus, STZ-pregnant mice displayed GDM-like symptoms, including fetal abnormalities, while organs adapted to impaired glucose metabolism by altering glucose transport and insulin reception without histopathological changes. STZ-pregnant mice offer a novel model for studying mild onset non-obese GDM and species-specific differences in GDM features between humans and animals.
Polymicrobial bloodstream infections a risk factor for mortality in neonates at the national hospital, Tanzania: A case-control study
Authors: Manyahi Joel , Joachim Agricola , Msafiri Frank , Migiro Mary , Mwingwa Anthon , Kasubi Mabula , Naburi Helga , Majigo Mtebe Venance
Published: April 2024

Background

Polymicrobial bloodstream infections (BSI) are difficult to treat since empiric antibiotics treatment are frequently less effective against multiple pathogens. The study aimed to compare outcomes in patients with polymicrobial and monomicrobial BSIs.

Methods

The study was a retrospective case-control design conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital for data processed between July 2021 and June 2022. Cases were patients with polymicrobial BSI, and controls had monomicrobial BSI. Each case was matched to three controls by age, admitting ward, and duration of admission. Logistic regression was performed to determine independent risk factors for in-hospital and 30-day mortality.

Results

Fifty patients with polymicrobial BSI and 150 with monomicrobial BSI were compared: the two arms had no significant differences in sex and comorbidities. The most frequent bacteria in polymicrobial BSI were Klebsiella pneumoniae 17% (17/100) and Enterobacter species 15% (15/100). In monomicrobial BSI, S. aureus 17.33% (26/150), Klebsiella pneumoniae 16.67% (25/150), and Acinetobacter species 15% (15/150) were more prevalent. Overall, isolates were frequently resistant to multiple antibiotics tested, and 52% (130/250) were multidrug resistance. The 30-day and in-hospital mortality were 33.5% (67/200) and 36% (72/200), respectively. On multivariable analysis, polymicrobial BSIs were independent risk factors for both in-hospital mortality (aOR 2.37, 95%CI 1.20–4.69, p = 0.01) and 30-day mortality (aOR 2.05, 95%CI 1.03–4.08), p = 0.04). In sub-analyses involving only neonates, polymicrobial BSI was an independent risk factor for both 30-day mortality (aOR 3.13, 95%CI 1.07–9.10, p = 0.04) and in-hospital mortality (aOR 5.08, 95%CI 1.60–16.14, p = 0.006). Overall, the median length of hospital stay post-BSIs was numerically longer in patients with polymicrobial BSIs.

Conclusion

Overall, polymicrobial BSI was a significant risk for mortality. Patients with polymicrobial BSI stay longer at the hospital than those with monomicrobial BSI. These findings call for clinicians to be more aggressive in managing polymicrobial BSI.
The attitude towards the forest and satisfaction with life of Polish students
Authors: Koprowicz Anna , Korzeniewicz Robert , Pusz Wojciech , Baranowska Marlena
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study is to determine the connection between the attitude towards the forest and life satisfaction of students. The study was conducted on a sample of 650 students from Polish universities using The Satisfaction With Life Scale and an original questionnaire measuring the approach towards the forest–LAS scale. There are 3 subscales which measured: the perceived benefits from spending time in the forest; the degree of involvement in exploring the forest and working to its advantage; fears connected with the forest. The scale indicated good psychometric properties. Its reliability expressed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient is at the level of 0.90 (0.93 for Benefits scale; 0.87 for Involvement and 0.79 for Fears). The results of the statistical analysis have led to conclusions confirming the relationship between life satisfaction and the results of LAS scale. People satisfied with their lives are more involved in exploring the forest, they enjoy more benefits connected with forest recreation and express fewer fears. Forestry students are characterised by the highest involvement and the lowest level of fears connected with the forest. As far as life satisfaction is concerned, they are in the lead among Polish students just behind students of medical and artistic studies.
The adaptive immune response to Trichuris in wild versus laboratory mice: An established model system in context
Authors: Mair Iris , Fenn Jonathan , Wolfenden Andrew , Lowe Ann E. , Bennett Alex , Muir Andrew , Thompson Jacob , Dieumerci Olive , Logunova Larisa , Shultz Susanne , Bradley Janette E. , Else Kathryn J.
Published: April 2024

Laboratory model organisms have provided a window into how the immune system functions. An increasing body of evidence, however, suggests that the immune responses of naive laboratory animals may differ substantially to those of their wild counterparts. Past exposure, environmental challenges and physiological condition may all impact on immune responsiveness. Chronic infections of soil-transmitted helminths, which we define as establishment of adult, fecund worms, impose significant health burdens on humans, livestock and wildlife, with limited treatment success. In laboratory mice, Th1 versus Th2 immune polarisation is the major determinant of helminth infection outcome. Here we compared antigen-specific immune responses to the soil-transmitted whipworm Trichuris muris between controlled laboratory and wild free-ranging populations of house mice (Mus musculus domesticus). Wild mice harbouring chronic, low-level infections produced lower levels of cytokines in response to Trichuris antigen than laboratory-housed C57BL/6 mice. Wild mouse effector/memory CD4+ T cell phenotype reflected the antigen-specific cytokine response across the Th1/Th2 spectrum. Increasing egg shedding was associated with body condition loss. However, local Trichuris-specific Th1/Th2 balance was positively associated with worm burden only in older wild mice. Thus, although the fundamental relationships between the CD4+ T helper cell response and resistance to T. muris infection are similar in both laboratory and wild M. m. domesticus, there are quantitative differences and age-specific effects that are analogous to human immune responses. These context-dependent immune responses demonstrate the fundamental importance of understanding the differences between model and natural systems for translating mechanistic models to ‘real world’ immune function.
Large scale water yield assessment for sparsely monitored river basins: A case study for Afghanistan
Authors: Karim Fazlul , Penton David J. , Aryal Santosh K. , Wahid Shahriar , Chen Yun , Taylor Peter , Cuddy Susan M.
Published: April 2024

This paper presents results from a study on water yield assessment across five major river basins of Afghanistan. The study was conducted using GR4J and GR4JSG precipitation-runoff models. The river basins were divided into 207 subcatchments and each subcatchment was divided into multiple functional units. The model was calibrated using observed streamflow data from 2008 to 2015 and validated over the 2016 to 2020 period. Model parameters were calibrated for an unregulated subcatchment in each basin and calibrated parameters from the best-performing subcatchment were transferred to other subcatchments. Results show that modelled water yield across the five basins varies from 0.3 mm in the Helmand basin to 248 mm in the Panj-Amu basin, with an average of 72.1 mm for the entire country. In the period of 2008 to 2020, area averaged water yield in the five basins varies from 36 to 174 mm. For the same period, mean annual precipitation for the entire country is 234.0 mm, indicating a water yield of 30.8%. The nation-wide average water yield of 72.1 mm is equivalent to 46.3 billion cubic meters (BCM) of surface water for the country. In addition, about 28.9 BCM generates annually in the neighbouring Tajikistan and Pakistan from snow and glaciers of the Hindu-Kush mountains. The elevated northern parts of Afghanistan, including parts of neighbouring Tajikistan are the primary water source. Water yield across the country varies between years but there is no consistent increasing or decreasing trends. About 60 to 70% of flow occurs between March to June. The study identified the high water yield areas and investigated variability at monthly, seasonal, and annual time scales. An importance finding is the large spatial and temporal variability of water yield across the basins. This information is crucial for long-term water resources planning and management for agricultural development.
Reconfiguring cinema: Linn da Quebrada and the queer creative act in Tranny Fag
Authors: Oliveira Daniel , Pereira Ana Catarina
Published: April 2024

Thinking of a queer cinema means reflecting on how film, using its aesthetic-narrative strategies, can contribute to the antinormativity, disruption and destabilization of rigid standards of gender and sexuality. Based on the notion that a series of contemporary movies fulfils this goal by focusing on a queer creative act, this article intends to identify this act in Brazilian contemporary cinema, specifically in the aesthetic-political-corporal performance of the singer and multi-artist Linn da Quebrada in the documentary Tranny Fag (Claudia Priscilla and Kiko Goifman 2018). Combining an exercise of film analysis with the methodology proposed by the Filmmakers’ Theory, the investigation aims to examine how the gesture of self-fabulation performed by Linn in the movie – in her speeches, her body and, especially, in the gaze she directs at the camera – in/subverts not only the historical subject–object relationship in documentary production, but also the very tradition of objectification of the trans and black bodies by cinema. Through her words and her performance, she creates a co-authorship dialogue with the filmmaking duo, which establishes the trans body, as well as the inner-city neighbourhoods historically marginalized by audio-visual production, as subjects of the narrative. As a result, the movie walks away from the outdated notion of documentary as a genre in which reality simply happens and is captured by the genius gaze of the director, underlining the mise en scène and the filmmaking aspects inherent to the film – and how Linn is an integral part of their creation.
Greek Weird Wave: A Cinema of Biopolitics, Dimitris Papanikolaou (2021)
Authors: Eleftheriotis Dimitris
Published: April 2024

Review of: Greek Weird Wave: A Cinema of Biopolitics, Dimitris Papanikolaou (2021)

Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 224 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47443-632-8, p/bk, £19.99

ISBN 978-1-47443-631-1, h/bk, £90

ISBN 978-1-47443-634-2, e-book, £90

ISBN 978-1-47443-633-5, e-book, £90
The Battle of Algiers, Alan O’leary (2019)
Authors: McGonagle Joseph
Published: April 2024

Review of: The Battle of Algiers, Alan O’Leary (2019)

Milan: Mimesis International, 127 pp.,

ISBN 978-8-86977-079-1, p/bk, $18
Obesity and Metabolism Journal: 20th anniversary
Authors: Dedov I. I.
Published: April 2024

В преддверии 100-летнего юбилея Эндокринологического Национального Центра исполняется 20 лет с момента выхода в свет первого выпуска журнала «Ожирение и метаболизм».
Anesthesia Management on 29 Weeks Pregnant Women with Intracranial SOL, Invasive Carcinoma Mammae and Bronchopneumoniaes
Authors: Paramita Dina , Kurniawan Irfani
Published: April 2024

Background: Pregnancy gives whole different challenge for anesthesiologist because of we handle two lives at once. Brain tumor in pregnancy correlated with maternal mortality, prematurity and intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR). It makes delivery time, what kind of anesthesia technique we used choosen by the situation.Case: We report a case of anesthesia technique using general anesthesia (GA) to accommodate sectio cesarean transperitoneal profunda (SCTP) in a 29 weeks pregnancy age, G1P0A0 female patient, ASA IIIE with intracranial SOL suspect cerebri abscess multiple dd/ tuberculoma, invasive mammae carcinoma, and bronchopneumoniae.Disscussion: Space occupied lesion (SOL) is a lesion in intracranial space especially give effect to brain. In our patient with SOL from cerebri abscess multiple dd/ tuberculoma. It caused intracranial pressure increase and also spastic hemiparese dextra. Pregnancy termination was done depends on 29 weeks pregnancy with SOL in this patient. We used GA for cesarean section (CS). Anesthesia technique will be considered successful if new born baby activity, pulse, grimace, appearance, and respiration (APGAR) is good.Conclusion: Female G1P0A0, 32 years old, 29 weeks pregnancy age, single intrauterine fetus with intracranial SOL suspect cerebri abscess multiple dd/ tuberculoma, invasive mammae carcinoma, and bronchopneumoniae was consulted by Obstetrician to Anestesiologist to do CS with GA. During anesthesia and surgery, there was no complication. In this case, termination was done for baby and mother’s well being.
Anesthesia in A Patient with Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum (PA IVS) Underwent Bidirectional Cavo-Pulmonary Shunt (BCPS)
Authors: Palenteng Ronald Jan , Cintyandy Riza
Published: April 2024

Background: Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) is a rare condition, encompassing approximately 1%–3% of congenital heart diseases. Patients with PA-IVS have functional single-ventricle physiology. The ultimate possible outcomes for patients with PA-IVS are biventricular circulation, 1.5-ventricle or single-ventricle palliation, or cardiac transplantation. The bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) procedure directs flow from the superior vena cava into both the right and left pulmonary arteries, permitting flow to both lungs. The shunt is considered to be the second stage of palliation and is generally preparative for the third-stage Fontan procedure. The BCPS improves systemic arterial oxygen saturation without increasing ventricular work or pulmonary vascular resistance.Case: A 10-month-old, 25-day-old boy, weight 9.93 kg, body length 72 cm, diagnosed with PA-IVS, restricted persistent foramen ovale (PFO), right ventricle hypoplastic, and turtuous patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), underwent BCPS, atrial septectomy, and PDA stent evacuation surgery. The patient underwent a PDA stenting and ballooning atrial septectomy (BAS) at 17 days of age at the cathlab. The patient was cyanotic with stable hemodynamics and a saturation of 72% preoperatively.Discussion: Preoperative fasting must be observed to maintain the patient's hydration state. Pulmonary blood flow and systemic blood flow must be balanced. An adequate analgetic can prevent pain stimuli that increase pulmonary vascular resistance. Drugs to reduce the afterload, such as milrinone, are needed. Mechanical ventilation was set to get PaCO2 between 40 and 45 mmHg. Maintain the normal heart beat, preload, and contractility to maintain cardiac output (CO) with saturation 80–85%. Wean from mechanical ventilation as soon as possible.Conclusion: Anesthetic management for BCPS in patients with single ventricles from the preoperative period, intraoperative period, and postoperative period. Understanding single ventricle phsiology is important in order to treat the patient.
Case Report: Managing the Coinfection of Cerebral Malaria and Dengue in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Gunawan Chandra , Suranadi I Wayan , Panji I Putu Agus Surya , Senapathi Tjokorda Gde Agung
Published: April 2024

Background: Dengue and malaria are the two most common arthropod-borne illnesses, but cases of multiple infections are extremely uncommon. The mortality rate for individuals with dengue and malaria was higher than the death rate for those with malaria alone.Case: An intubated 53-year-old male was referred from a class B hospital because of severe malaria with suspected cerebral malaria, dengue fever (day-11), septic shock and acute kidney injury. His initial laboratory investigation showed increasing pattern of WBC, thrombocyte, anemia, peripheral blood smear normochromic normocytic erythrocyte, poikilocytosis (ovalocytes (+), teardrop cells (+)), normoblasts (+), presence of Plasmodium malariae trophozoite and schizont stage parasites, positive result of IgM and IgG anti dengue, increased liver function test, increased BUN and creatinine serum levels, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and normal result of blood gas analysis. On the sixth day of ICU admission, the patient gradually regained consciousness with appropriate responsiveness and showed clinical improvement. The patient was discharged after one month of hospital care with the last peripheral blood smear showing no parasites detected.Discussion: Mono-infection with malaria and dengue, two mosquito-borne diseases endemic to tropical and subtropical regions, often carries a high risk of fatality. The risk becomes even more pronounced when co-infection occurs. The early diagnosis and management in the ICU are crucial for cases of coinfection involving cerebral malaria and dengue. The primary focus is on both definitive and supportive therapies.Conclusion: The prognosis for coinfection of cerebral malaria and dengue is generally poor, but in this case, the patient showed improvement and was able to be discharged without any sequelae.
Analisis Geokimia Hidrokarbon Dan Estimasi Perhitungan Volume Hidrokarbon Pada Batuan Induk Aktif, Cekungan Jawa Timur Utara
Authors: Al Ghifari Syahronidayi , Aribowo Yoga , Setyawan Reddy
Published: April 2024

Cekungan Jawa Timur Utara termasuk dalam cekungan yang berpotensi untuk dilakukannya kegiatan eksplorasi dan eksploitasi minyak dan gas bumi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui potensi batuan induk, jenis hidrokarbon, tingkat kematangan, lingkungan pengendapan, hubungan sedimentasi dengan penurunan dan kematangan serta mengetahui jumlah hidrokarbon tergenerasi dan terekspulsi. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini berupa metode deskriptif analitis dengan menganalisis data geokimia penapisan, data biomarker, data peta isopach setiap formasi dan data petrofisika.Berdasarkan hasil analisis, Formasi Tawun, Formasi Tuban berpotensi menjadi batuan induk potensial sebagai batuan induk biogenik. Formasi Kujung dan Formasi Ngimbang berpotensi menjadi batuan induk efektif, menghasilkan hidrokarbon campuran minyak dan gas serta gas prone dengan tipe kerogen II/III dan III. Formasi yang telah memasuki jendela kematangan berada pada kedalaman lebih dari 2.200 m. Lingkungan pengendapan Formasi Ngimbang pada daerah fluvial-deltaik (lower delta plain). Lingkungan pengendapan Formasi Kujung pada daerah mixed shallow lacustrine dominated and open marine yaitu pada bagian delta plain. Estimasi volume hidrokarbon yang tergenerasi pada Formasi Ngimbang sebesar 14 BBOE (billion barrel oil of equivalent) dan Formasi Kujung sebesar 3,39 BBOE. Volume hidrokarbon ekspulsi pada Formasi Ngimbang sebesar 5,62 BBOE – 8,43 BBOE dan Formasi Kujung sebesar 1,36 BBOE – 2,04 BBOE.
Pengaruh Kemiringan Lereng Terhadap Ketebalan Endapan Nikel Laterit Daerah Tobimeita, Kecamatan Langgikima, Kabupaten Konawe Utara, Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara
Authors: Hasria Hasria , Resmin Masrandi , Okto Ali , Masri Masri , Arisona Arisona , Al Firman Al Firman , Harisma Harisma , Jaya Rio Irham Mais Cendra , Septiana Sara , Sawaludin Sawaludin , Salihin La Ode M. Iradat
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini terletak di wilayah Tobimeita, Kabupaten Konawe Utara, Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara yang secara litologi tersusun atas batuan ultramafik yang menjadi host endapan nikel laterit. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengidentifikasi ketebalan endapan nikel laterit berdasarkan kondisi morfologi pada daerah penelitian. Ketebalan endapan nikel laterit dilakukan dengan menggunakan analisis geokimia XRF (X- Ray Flourescence sedangkan kemiringan lereng menggunakan analisis morfometri dan morfografi. Hasilnya, bahwa morfologi pada daerah penelitian terdiri dari morfologi perbukitan dengan kemiringan lereng datar, agak landai, landai, agak curam dan curam. Wilayah pada kemiringan lereng agak landai dan landai menghasilkan ketebalan endapan laterit relatif tebal disebabkan oleh air yang berada di atas permukaan yang bergerak perlahan sehingga air akan mempunyai kesempatan melakukan penetrasi lebih dalam hingga ke bawah permukaan sehingga menyebabkan pelapukan menjadi intensif. Adapun pada kemiringan lereng agak curam dan curam memiliki ketebalan endapan laterit yang tipis. Ketebalan endapan nikel laterit pada lereng agak landai dan landai pada zona limonit dan saprolit yaitu 10 – 13 m dengan kadar Ni pada zona limonit sebesar 1,99% dan zona saprolit 2,13%. Adapun ketebalan endapan nikel laterit pada kemiringan lereng agak curam dan curam yakni 0 – 2 m dengan kandungan Ni pada zona limonit 1,01 % dan 1,46 % pada zona saprolit.
Intracellular Delivery of Synthetic dsRNA to Leukemic Cells Induces Apoptotic and Necrotic Cell Death
Authors: Mahmud S. M. , Mek K. J. , Idris Adi
Published: April 2024

The type of tumour cell death dictates the type of adaptive immune response mounted against the tumours. In haematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), immune evasion due to the poor immunogenicity of leukemic cells is a major hurdle in generating an effective immune response. Transfection of synthetic dsRNA, poly I:C, into leukemic cells to trigger tumour cell death and enhance immunogenicity of the tumour is a promising immunotherapeutic approach. However, the temporal cell death kinetics of poly I:C-electroporated AML cells has not been thoroughly investigated. Electroporation of U937 cells, a human AML cell line, with a high dose of poly I:C resulted in cytotoxicity as early as 1 h post-transfection. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the temporal switch from early apoptosis to late apoptosis/secondary necrosis in poly I:C-electroporated cells in which the nuclear morphology at later time points was consistent with necrotic cell death. Our brief findings demonstrated the temporal cell death kinetics of dsRNA-transfected leukemic cells. This finding is an important development in the field of dsRNA immunotherapy for leukaemia as understanding the type of cell death elicited by transfected dsRNA will dictate the type of immune response to be directed against leukemic cells.
Emociones intergrupales expresadas en Twitter por gobernantes latinoamericanos según su orientación política
Authors: Arias-Orjuela Carlos Andrés , Carvajal-Builes Juan Camilo , Barreto-Galeano María Idaly , Sabucedo-Camesello José Manuel
Published: April 2024

Las investigaciones en emociones intergrupales se han desarrollado en diferentes ámbitos de estudio, entre ellos la política y la lingüística, a través de diccionarios especializados. Sin embargo, el uso de diccionarios exclusivos para contexto político requiere mayor profundidad y evidencias de validez, en especial en el contexto latinoamericano durante momentos de crisis que visibilizan las diferencias en la gestión según la orientación política de sus gobernantes. Por lo anterior, este capítulo presenta resultados de investigación científica basados en la aplicación de un diccionario de emociones intergrupales validado en contexto político, que evalúa el enmarcamiento de la comunicación política desde la aproximación de las emociones (positivas y negativas) intergrupales (endogrupo y exogrupo). Con el propósito de tener mayor precisión en la comprensión de las narrativas y los discursos políticos, en esta investigación se analizan las comunicaciones escritas, según la filiación política, de 14 gobernantes de Latinoamérica que, en sus comunicaciones oficiales en la red social digital Twitter (ahora X), plantearon mensajes en la crisis causada por la pandemia de la COVID-19.
Sample size estimation for AQP4-IgG seropositive optic neuritis: Retinal damage detection by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Lu Shuwen , Ma Chao , Du Yi
Published: April 2024

We recruited four aquaporin-4 seropositive optic neuritis patients (five eyes) who received glucocorticoid treatment and underwent optical coherence tomography examination. Baseline medians of the macular ganglion cell layer plus inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness and volume for the eye of interest were 79.67 µm (73.664 ± 18.497 µm) and 0.58 mm3 (0.534 ± 0.134 mm3), respectively. At 2 months, the medians of the mGCIPL thickness and volume were 60.00 µm (51.576 ± 12.611 µm) and 0.44 mm3 (0.376 ± 0.091 mm3), respectively. At 6 months, the medians of the mGCIPL thickness and volume were 59.55 µm (46.288 ± 11.876 µm) and 0.44 mm3 (0.336 ± 0.084 mm3), respectively. Sample size estimate was achieved using two methods based on the mGCIPL thickness and volume data, with five effect sizes considered. The estimate based on the mGCIPL volume showed that 206 patients were needed at the 6-month follow-up; the power was 80% and effect size was 20%. In conclusion, this study detected retinal damage in aquaporin-4 seropositive optic neuritis patients by optical coherence tomography, and estimated the sample size for two-sample parallel designed clinical trials using two methods.
Propagation criterion for monotone Boolean functions with least vector support set of 1 or 2 elements
Authors: Isaev Gleb A.
Published: April 2024

The propagation criterion for monotone Boolean functions with least vector support sets consisting of one or two vectors is studied. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the validity of the propagation criterion for a vector in terms of the Hamming weights of vectors in least vector support set depending on whether these vectors share some nonzero components with the given vector. We find the cardinality of the set of vectors satisfying the propagation criterion for such functions.
On the approximation of high-order binary Markov chains by parsimonious models
Authors: Kharin Yuriy S. , Voloshko Valeriy A.
Published: April 2024

We consider two parsimonious models of binary high-order Markov chains and discover their ability to approximate arbitrary high-order Markov chains. Two types of global measures for approximation accuracy are introduced, theoretical and experimental results are obtained for these measures and for the considered parsimonious models. New consistent statistical parameter estimator is constructed for parsimonious model based on two-layer artificial neural network.
Asymptotically sharp estimates for the area of multiplexers in the cellular circuit model
Authors: Lozhkin Sergei A. , Zizov Vadim S.
Published: April 2024

A general cellular circuit of functional and switching elements (CCFSE) is a mathematical model of integral circuits (ICs), which takes into account peculiarities of their physical synthesis. A principal feature of this model distinguishing it from the well-known classes of circuits of gates (CGs) is the presence of additional requirements on the geometry of the circuit which ensure the accounting of the necessary routing resources for IC creation. The complexity of implementation of a multiplexer function of Boolean algebra (FBA) in different classes of circuits has been extensively studied. In the present paper, we give asymptotically sharp upper and lower estimates for the area of a CCFSE implementing a multiplexer FBA of order n. We construct a family of circuit multiplexers of order n of area equal to the halved upper estimate, and provide a method of delivering the corresponding lower estimate.
Seismic resilience: Innovations in structural engineering for earthquake-prone areas
Authors: Al-Asadi Ali K. , Alrebeh Salih
Published: April 2024

Objective

The contemporary structural engineering notion of "seismic resilience" is to yield a public to its pre-earthquake state in precise time. The goal of our research is the OMRF (Ordinary Moment Resisting Frame), which is mid-rise building that had exposed to several earthquakes. The research examined the constructions mechanical act and seismic confrontation.

Methods

For hazard evaluations, the building's proneness and functionality were measured using the Seismic Resilience Index (SRI) and delicateness tops. The course had five critical phases: Selecting the goal buildings, picking and ascending a assembly of repetitive seismic ground motion (SGM) archives, emerging brittleness outsides, manufacture incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), and scheming the functionality curve using the seismic resilience index (RI) are the other steps. Findings: It was evident from the hazard evaluation, which included IDA and flimsiness surface examination, that the nominated assemblies required the structural integrity needed to endure a 15-second repeated earthquake.

Novelty

As the probable seismic ground acceleration raised, it was also probable to figure the variation in functionality, SRI, resilience, structural losses, and the amount of time desirable to mend from numerous presentation stages. These outcomes highpoint the worth of cutting-edge structural engineering methods for educating buildings' seismic resilience in earthquake-prone districts. More resilient configurations that can better endure and recover from seismic shocks can be attained by addressing strategy errors and improving structural presentation.
Language ideologies and proximity: The position of German in Dutch secondary schools
Authors: Hovens Daan
Published: April 2024

This paper presents ongoing research on German as a foreign language in secondary education in the Netherlands. Specifically, it discusses the question what the language-ideological construct of proximity can tell us about people’s willingness to invest in German language education in this country. The paper is based on quantitative data about the number of German language learners in Dutch secondary education, as well as on qualitative data about the discourse surrounding German as a subject in Dutch secondary education. Through the perspective of proximity, the paper highlights three aspects of these data. First, it highlights the language-ideological nature of the historical separation of Dutch and German as two distinct language varieties. Second, it underlines the apparent foreignness of German language-culture as an explanation for the decline in the number of German language learners in the Netherlands. Third, it highlights the uneven distribution of the proportion of German language learners in the Netherlands, which may be explained by differences in the perceived proximity of Germanness in different parts of the country. Ultimately, the paper invites other researchers to consider the value of the notion of proximity for applied linguistics.
Experimentelle Untersuchung und numerische Analyse konvektiver Wärme- und Stofftransportprozesse in Salzschmelzen unter Wirkung von Magnetfeldern und Wärmestrahlung
Authors: Li Panxin , Calmbach Jasmin , Naumann Clemens , Resagk Christian , Cierpka Christian , Karcher Christian
Published: April 2024

In dieser Arbeit werden mit numerischen und experimentellen Methoden thermisch getriebene Konvektionsprozesse in Flüssigsalzen analysiert. Die Besonderheiten der Untersuchungen liegen darin, dass die in der Salzschmelze auftretenden Wärme- und Stofftransportprozesse zum einen aufgrund der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit des Arbeitsmediums von den Wechselwirkungen mit Magnetfeldern sowie zum anderen aufgrund der Semi-Transparenz des Mediums und der vorliegenden hohen Arbeitstemperaturen von thermischen Strahlungsvorgängen beeinflusst werden. Die genaue Kenntnis der Geschwindigkeits- und Temperaturfelder bei Vorliegen dieser zusätzlichen Effekte ist beispielweise von Wichtigkeit für den sicheren und effizienten Betrieb von thermischen Energiespeichern und Flüssigmetall-Batterien, in denen Salzschmelzen als gängige Arbeitsstoffe eingesetzt werden. Bei der numerischen Analyse wird eine zweidimensionale Rayleigh-Bénard-Anordnung betrachtet, bei welcher der thermische Antrieb der Konvektion in der Salzschmelze durch Heizung von unten und Kühlung von oben erfolgt. Der Magnetfeldeinfluss wird in der quasi-statischen Näherung und der Strahlungseinfluss mittels der Rosseland-Approximation für optisch dicke Medien in Grenzschicht-Näherung modelliert. Die mittels eines Spektrale-Elemente-Verfahrens erzielten Simulationsergebnisse zeigen, dass es unter der Wirkung der zusätzlichen Effekte tendenziell zu einer deutlichen Verringerung des konvektiven Wärmetransport kommt. Dies ist die Folge der strömungsdämpfenden Wirkung der unter Magnetfeldeinfluss induzierten Lorentz-Kräfte und der zusätzlichen thermischen Diffusion durch den Strahlungseinfluss. Im experimentellen Teil der Arbeit wird berichtet, wie ein entsprechender Versuchsstand aufgebaut und instrumentiert wird, um die von der numerischen Analyse vorhergesagten Wirkungen in Modellexperimenten zu verifizieren. Des Weiteren werden Ergebnisse von ersten Testmessungen in Salzschmelzen vorgestellt, durch die erstmalig der Nachweis geführt wird, dass die optischen Verfahren der Particle-Image-Velocimetry und der Laser-Doppler-Anemometrie auch zur räumlich und zeitlich hochaufgelösten Geschwindigkeitsmessung in Salzschmelzen angewandt werden können.
A Return to Performance Framework to Effectively Complete the Rehabilitation Continuum for Elite Soccer
Authors: Choice Erin , Hooker Kayla , Downey Rebecca , Haugh Gabrielle
Published: April 2024

Return from sport-related injury requires interprofessional collaboration to progress the athlete through a multistage rehabilitation continuum and successfully re-establish a performance level at or above the preinjury level. To achieve an optimal rehabilitation outcome, evidence-based exercise prescription must be considered throughout the entire continuum alongside typical milestones and testing outcomes. This prescription must also use match-play external load data within a multisystems program. This applied article focuses on the physical characteristics and training aspects after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and throughout the full rehabilitation continuum which includes 3 general phases: return to activity, sport, and performance. A 5 step framework is provided for the strength and conditioning specialist to effectively transition elite soccer athletes from return to sport to return to performance. This framework includes an expanded definition of the role of the strength and conditioning specialist during rehabilitation and outlines exercise prescription across the entire rehabilitation continuum. Improved interprofessional collaboration, decision making, and load management throughout transitions can aid in optimizing long-term outcomes for the athlete, including reduced risk of reinjury or new injury.
The Impact of Selected Lifestyle Factors on the Functional Fitness of Stroke Patients during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bosacka Małgorzata , Bączyk Grażyna
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Stroke is the cause of death in approximately 30,000 Poles yearly. Assessment of the functional capacity of patients after stroke and the factors influencing its course is utterly important because it allows to determine the level of nursing care need.

Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the functional capacity of patients after stroke and the impact of lifestyle-related stroke risk factors on the effectiveness of rehabilitation depending on the type of stroke suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Material and Methods. The study group included 89 patients (38 women and 51 men) after hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke hospitalized under early neurological rehabilitation. Functional fitness was assessed using the 20-point Barthel scale and the NHPT(Nine Hole Peg Test) test to assess hand function.

Results. The study reported a statistically significant impact of rehabilitation on the functional capacity of patients after stroke. The age influence on the type of stroke was also noticed — people with ischemic stroke were older compared to people with hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke patients with diabetes, hypertension or obesity achieved statistically worse results compared to patients without these comorbidities.

Conclusions. Age is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. Furthermore people after stroke who suffer from diabetes, hypertension and obesity require more intensive rehabilitation. (JNNN 2023;12(4):157–163)
Tasks of an Operating Nurse in Patient Care during Robotic Procedures
Authors: Strzelecka Iwona , Drewa Tomasz
Published: April 2024

Operating nursing is a unique field because it requires specific physical and mental characteristics from nursing staff. The specificity and difference of work between operational nursing staff and nursing staff employed in hospital wards differs significantly. Care for the operated on involved performing standard procedures but also providing individual care for the patient’s needs before and after surgery. The range of requirements is also expanded to include assisting and providing professional care for a patient operated on with the assistance of the da Vinci surgical robot. The aim of the study is to present the specifics of the work of an operating nurse during operations performed using surgical robots. To fully use robotic techniques, full cooperation between the operator and the instrumental team is necessary. The tasks are divided into preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. Indication of the advantages of the modern da Vinci system and presentation of the operating theatre with modern organizational and epidemiological infrastructure were discussed on the example of robotic surgeries performed on patients with bladder cancer. (JNNN 2023;12(4):183–187)
Perception and Memory Reinstatement Engage Overlapping Face-Selective Regions within Human Ventral Temporal Cortex
Authors: Chen Yvonne Y. , Areti Aruni , Yoshor Daniel , Foster Brett L.
Published: April 2024

Humans have the remarkable ability to vividly retrieve sensory details of past events. According to the theory of sensory reinstatement, during remembering, brain regions specialized for processing specific sensory stimuli are reactivated to support content-specific retrieval. Recently, several studies have emphasized transformations in the spatial organization of these reinstated activity patterns. Specifically, studies of scene stimuli suggest a clear anterior shift in the location of retrieval activations compared with the activity observed during perception. However, it is not clear that such transformations occur universally, with inconsistent evidence for other important stimulus categories, particularly faces. One challenge in addressing this question is the careful delineation of face-selective cortices, which are interdigitated with other selective regions, in configurations that spatially differ across individuals. Therefore, we conducted a multisession neuroimaging study to first carefully map individual participants’ (nine males and seven females) face-selective regions within ventral temporal cortex (VTC), followed by a second session to examine the activity patterns within these regions during face memory encoding and retrieval. While face-selective regions were expectedly engaged during face perception at encoding, memory retrieval engagement exhibited a more selective and constricted reinstatement pattern within these regions, but did not show any consistent direction of spatial transformation (e.g., anteriorization). We also report on unique human intracranial recordings from VTC under the same experimental conditions. These findings highlight the importance of considering the complex configuration of category-selective cortex in elucidating principles shaping the neural transformations that occur from perception to memory.
Impact of systemic treatments for advanced thyroid cancer on the adrenal cortex
Authors: Colombo Carla , Ceruti Daniele , Succi Massimiliano , De Leo Simone , Trevisan Matteo , Moneta Claudia , Fugazzola Laura
Published: April 2024

Background

Fatigue is a frequent adverse event during systemic treatments for advanced thyroid cancer, often leading to reduction, interruption, or discontinuation. We were the first group to demonstrate a correlation between fatigue and primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI).

Aim

The objective was to assess the entire adrenal function in patients on systemic treatments.

Methods

ACTH, cortisol and all the hormones produced by the adrenal gland were evaluated monthly in 36 patients (25 on lenvatinib, six on vandetanib, and five on selpercatinib). ACTH stimulation tests were performed in 26 cases.

Results

After a median treatment period of 7 months, we observed an increase in ACTH values in 80–100% of patients and an impaired cortisol response to the ACTH test in 19% of cases. Additionally, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, ∆-4-androstenedione and 17-OH progesterone levels were below the median of normal values in the majority of patients regardless of the drug used. Testosterone in females and oestradiol in males were below the median of normal values in the majority of patients on lenvatinib and vandetanib. Finally, aldosterone was below the median of the normal values in most cases, whilst renin levels were normal. Metanephrines and normetanephrines were always within the normal range. Replacement therapy with cortisone acetate improved fatigue in 14/17 (82%) patients with PAI.

Conclusion

Our data confirm that systemic treatments for advanced thyroid cancer can lead to impaired cortisol secretion. A reduction in the other hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex has been first reported and should be considered in the more appropriate management of these fragile patients.
Reflections on the transport strategy of the Melbourne city council 2030
Authors: Ariza Rodríguez Misael Fernando , Guarnizo Sánchez Néstor Andrés
Published: April 2024

In a context of increasing global urbanization and the challenges this presents in terms of mobility and transportation, this paper undertakes a detailed critique of the cycling plan in Melbourne, Australia, with a specific focus on the policies of the Melbourne City Council. Key issues related to the environment, infrastructure and economics are addressed, all within the framework of urban sprawl. Shortcomings are identified in the implementation of mobility strategies and in the promotion of urban habitat sustainability. Urban polarization and planning at the local level are explored as key elements in understanding the Australian reality. The analysis focuses on understanding how decisions and policies adopted by the city council directly impact urban life and the quality of life of residents, highlighting the importance of effective and sustainable management of urban development.
Coating of expanded polystyrene spheres by TiO2 and SiO2–TiO2 thin films
Authors: Miądlicki Piotr , Rychtowski Piotr , Tryba Beata
Published: April 2024

Expanded polystyrene spheres (EPS) were coated by SiO2–TiO2 or TiO2 for application as a fluidized bed in the photocatalytic reactor. Silica coating was realized by the sol–gel process carried out in a vacuum evaporator at 60–70 °C. The most uniform and thin layer of silica coating was obtained by the Stöber method based on the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) catalysed by an ammonia solution. Effective TiO2 coating was obtained by the immersion of EPS in the titania aqueous suspension and evaporation of water in a vacuum evaporator. Heating of EPS spheres coated by SiO2, TiO2 or SiO2–TiO2 at the temperatures of 120–140 °C resulted in a shrinkage of their volume. For the thick layer coating, a strong corrugation of EPS surface was observed. The photocatalytic tests showed, that highly corrugated surface of coated EPS slowed down ethylene decomposition, whereas a thin layer coating of both, SiO2 and TiO2 was advantageous.

Graphical abstract
ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF PERCUTANEOUS VERTEBROPLASTY OF COMPRESSION FRACTURES OF BODIES OF CHEST AND LUMBAR VERTEBRAE ON THE BACKGROUND OF OSTEOPOROSIS
Authors: Popov Andrii , Moloduk Mykyta
Published: April 2024

It is well known that the most frequent complication of osteoporosis is compression fractures of vertebral bodies. In addition to brittleness of the bones and mechanical stress, more and more evidence approving that compression fractures of vertebral bodies are related to many risk factors, such as aging, sex, concomitant morbidities of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and lifestyle (chronic smoking and alcohol consumption) are collected. Objective. Analyzing the condition of spines of the patients suffering from compression fractures of vertebral bodies on the background of osteoporosis after the performed Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV). Methods. 553 patients who underwent hospital treatment at the spine pathology clinic of the Sytenko Institute of Spine and Joint Pathology (2005–2022) and underwent PV were examined. Results. The patients were divided into three groups depending on the number of damaged vertebrae. The 1st group included the patients with compression fractures of one vertebra (185 — 33.4 %); the 2nd group included the patients having 2 or 3 deformed vertebrae (216 — 39 %); and the 3rd group included the patients with 4–5 damaged vertebrae (152 — 27.4 %). Stages of compression of vertebral bodies during the X-ray morphometry was as follows before the surgery: I — 349 (24 %) vertebrae; II — 494 (34 %); III — 552 (38 %); and IV — 58 (4 %). We achieved the reduction of the level of compression of vertebral bodies as a result of PV in 20 % of cases (patients who noticed the manifestation of the pain syndrome within 2 weeks mostly suffered from these deformations). Conclusions. The results of analysis of PV of 553 patients with composite material and bone cement in the near and far future provide us an opportunity to state that this surgical treatment is an efficient and safe treatment method (despite the materials used). 40 (24 %) patients out of 165 patients of the group I, 52 (33 %) patients out of 157 patients of the group II and 54 (44 %) patients our of 133 patients of the group III were diagnosed with repeated compression fractures. Summarizing all the above, we should note that the more compression fractures the patient has, the higher the risk of further augmentation of other deformations of vertebral bodies is.