bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ДІАГНОСТИЧНЕ ЗНАЧЕННЯ КОРТИЗОЛУ В ПАЦІЄНТІВ ІЗ ЦУКРОВИМ ДІАБЕТОМ
Authors: Кривко Ю. Я. , Щурко М. М. , Сойка Л. Д. , Любінська О. І. , Нечипор Н. О.
Published: October 2024

Вступ. Цукровий діабет (ЦД) – пандемія, що охоплює мільйони осіб у всьому світі. Однією з ланок його патогенезу є активація гіпоталамо-гіпофізарно-наднирковозалозної системи. Кортизол відіграє важливу роль у підтримці рівня енергії і метаболічних процесів, але його тривала секреція призводить до негативних наслідків. Він активує глюкокортикоїдні рецептори, що запускає механізм негативного зворотного зв’язку, пригнічуючи подальшу секрецію адренокортикотропного гормону. Однак при хронічному стресі ця система може розладнатися, що спричинить постійне підвищення рівня кортизолу. Така дисрегуляція може викликати метаболічні зміни, включаючи розвиток метаболічного синдрому й ожиріння, що часто є фоном для ЦД. Високий рівень кортизолу впливає на накопичення жиру, особливо в абдомінальній ділянці, підвищення інсулінорезистентності, артеріальну гіпертензію, дисліпідемію, що є основними складовими метаболічного синдрому.
Мета дослідження – оцінити вміст кортизолу в периферійній крові хворих на цукровий діабет залежно від рівня глікемії.
Методи дослідження. Досліджено периферійну кров хворих на ЦД віком від 45 до 75 років (середній вік – (55±5) років). Контрольну групу становили 20 практично здорових осіб. До 1-ї групи ввійшли 20 па­цієнтів із ЦД, рівень глюкози в яких не перевищував ниркового порога (<8,0 ммоль/л), до 2-ї – 20 хворих на ЦД, рівень глюкози в яких перевищував нирковий поріг (>8,0 ммоль/л). Вміст кортизолу визначали методом імуноферментного аналізу за допомогою набору реактивів “ДС-ІФА-Стероїд-Кортизол” із застосуванням моноклональних антитіл.
Результати й обговорення. Рівень кортизолу в сироватці крові пацієнтів 1-ї групи ((198,47±0,47) нг/мл) в 1,3 раза перевищував показник контрольної групи ((157,68±0,12) нг/мл, р<0,05). Середня його концентрація у сироватці крові хворих 2-ї групи становила (296,68±0,48) нг/мл, що в 1,9 раза більше за контрольне значення, та перевищувала показник пацієнтів 1-ї групи в 1,4 раза (р<0,05).
Висновки. Зміна концентрації кортизолу підтверджує патогенетичне значення в розвитку ЦД. ­Зокрема, високий його рівень пов’язаний із центральним ожирінням – одним з основних компонентів розвитку ЦД. Надмірна кількість кортизолу гальмує транслокацію транспортерів глюкози GLUT4 до плазматичної мембрани клітин у відповідь на інсулін, що обмежує поглинання глюкози тканинами. Це спричиняє зниження чутливості до інсуліну і підвищення рівня глюкози у крові. Визначення кортизолу може бути одним з маркерів метаболічних порушень.
Revisiting the Samanid Mausoleum in Bukhara: A New Perspective on New Materials
Authors: Tosheva Dilrabo
Published: October 2024

This article revisits the Samanid mausoleum in Bukhara (circa tenth century, Uzbekistan) to shed new light on the historical context of this canonical monument of Islamic architecture. First, it documents the architectural properties of the Samanid mausoleum and integrates available archaeological and textual data, such as the site plan of the building, inscriptions, endowment deeds (waqf), and the recently discovered Khuttalon votive as a new prototype. These new sources allow one to sketch a more nuanced historical context that helps to better understand the mausoleum’s broader societal function, the tenth-century Bukharan patron’s intention in supporting this building’s construction, and his choice of style. It is argued that the building reflects the transitional nature of the period, before the “Persian Renaissance” under Nasr b. Ahmad (r. 914–43). Stylistic discussion suggests that it is simplistic to attribute this building to the influence of any single tradition. The Khuttalon votive challenges the Persian- and Sogdian-centered views that have dominated the study of the monument, pointing to the limitations of these perspectives.
Architecture of Triumph, Jihad, and Mediterranean Dialogue in the Alhambra: The House of Paintings and Its Mural, Part I
Authors: Akef Walid
Published: October 2024

On the western side of the palace of the Partal Bajo (Palace of the Portico or of the Summer Retreat), likely built by Muhammad III (r. 1302–9) and located within the palatine city of the Alhambra of Granada (Spain), stands a group of houses that, albeit formally connected, are structurally and chronologically distinct both to each other and to the palace. One of these is typologically unique, in relation to previous Andalusi residential architecture, and considered the smallest surviving Andalusi house. In 1908, outstanding figurative mural paintings were discovered on its second floor, conferring on it the name it still bears: the House of Paintings. This study consists of two articles, the first of which, in the present volume, examines the architecture of the House of Paintings and the history of its restorations, and offers a hypothesis for its original design.

The second article in this study (forthcoming in Muqarnas 41) addresses the exceptional figurative paintings on the second floor of the house, including historiographical matters, the history of their visual documentation until today, and the artistic techniques with which they were executed. After an iconographical and iconological analysis of these works, I briefly consider the hypotheses that have been offered regarding the artist responsible for them and their relation to the function of the house itself. I argue that the House of Paintings is an architectural translation of a royal military tent, probably meant to memorialize one of the most resounding victories in the history of the Andalusi jihad, when the Nasrid army defeated a Christian coalition at the Battle of the Vega in 1319 outside Granada, a battle likely visible from what would become known as the House of Paintings. In the mural paintings, this battle is depicted alongside other military and hunting scenes, where reality may be interwoven with allegory. This study thus situates representations of war within an old Mediterranean tradition that seems to have been revived during the Crusades, when Islamic jihad and Christian holy war ideologically confronted one another.
Representations of the Palace and Cityscape of Shahjahanabad in the Pādishāh-nāma (Book of the Emperor) of Shaykh Muhammad Waris, with Edited Persian Text and Translation by Wheeler M. Thackston
Authors: Khan Gulfishan
Published: October 2024

This paper seeks to describe a significant imperial project: the establishment of the city of Shahjahanbad and its monuments, laid out from 1639 onwards in the area of Delhi, as described in the Padishāh-nāma of Shaykh Muhammad Waris, an official historiographer of Emperor Shah Jahan, the fifth Indo-Timurid ruler of India. Waris emphatically connected the foundation of the city to the personal involvement of the emperor. The monumental fortress palace, Jama Masjid, Akbarabadi Mosque, and Fatehpuri Mosque, along with the royal bazaars formed the backbone of the urban master plan conceived and executed by the emperor with a team of dedicated experts knowledgeable in the art of building (kār agāhān-i-ʿimārat). In the founding of a new city, abundance of water and a temperate climate (muʿtadil hawā) were major criteria. The River Yamuna and the system of canals and reservoirs were always vital to the landscape of urban life in the Delhi area. The existing waterways were used and transformed through the laying out of formal gardens such as the Hayatbakhsh Garden, Jahanara Garden, and Shalimar Gardens into a sophisticated water system derived from Nahr-i Bihisht. The appendix contains selected passages from Shaykh Muhammad Waris’s Pādishāh-nāma, translated by Wheeler M. Thackston.
Remote Influence of Southern Tibetan Plateau Heating on North Pacific Atmospheric Rivers
Authors: Zhao Yang , Lu Mengqian , Zhang Lujia , Cheng Tat Fan
Published: October 2024

This study examines the remote influence of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) diabatic heating on atmospheric river (AR) activity in the North Pacific. First, we identify a sensitive heating region on the southern TP establishing a positive correlation between its heating and AR frequency. This correlation is attributed to latent heat release supported by a substantial moisture supply. Further analysis reveals that the dynamic effect of the eastward-propagating Rossby waves, originating from the Atlantic Ocean and modulated by the TP, facilitates upward moisture lifting. Using the Water Accounting Model-2Layers, we demonstrate that this anomalous heating is primarily due to increased moisture from the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal, amplified by the westward extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH). Additional moisture contributions are observed from Eurasia. Moreover, Rossby wave activity over the TP propagates to the east of Japan, enhancing westerlies with upper-level divergence field which develops a cyclonic and anticyclonic vortex structure. This structure attracts abundant moisture to the North Pacific, thereby increasing AR activity. This study also highlights a positive feedback mechanism involving the southern TP heating and the eastward-propagating upper-level anticyclone, which enhance the western extension of the WNPSH. These findings underscore the global climatic impacts of the TP, emphasizing its role as a critical factor in AR dynamics across the North Pacific.

Significance Statement

This study explores the remote impact of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) heating on the atmospheric river (AR) in the North Pacific. Our findings indicate that southern TP heating resulting from remote moisture contribution, quantitatively assessed using Water Accounting Model-2Layers, coupled with the western extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) and sea surface temperature warming anomaly as well as the eastward-propagating Rossby waves derived from the Atlantic Ocean, plays a crucial role in AR activity in the North Pacific. TP heating affects Rossby waves propagating east of Japan enhancing the westerlies and the easterlies. Moreover, the coupled divergence and cyclonic vortex structures attract more moisture toward the North Pacific fostering AR activity. Additionally, the interplay between southern TP heating and WNPSH builds a positive feedback mechanism.
Influence of deformation constraints of core cells on the bending stiffness of single-face honeycomb core sandwich
Authors: Ayanoglu Mustafa O , Carlsson Leif A
Published: October 2024

This study is focused on the influence of core cell deformation constraints on the bending stiffness of honeycomb core sandwich with a single face sheet. Constraints on the deformation of core cell walls develop in sandwich structures due to bonding of the cell walls to rigid face sheets. The constraint prevents bending of flexible cell walls and the large transverse deformation of unconstrained honeycomb core under in-plane axial loading. Such constraints elevate the effective in-plane modulus of the core to a large extent. The bending stiffness of a single-face sandwich beam with a one-sided constrained core is approached using a gradient core modulus model implemented in laminate beam theory. The model includes two parameters, that is the factor of core modulus magnification and the size of the constrained region (decay length). The one-sided constraint is shown to greatly increase the bending stiffness. Single-face sandwich beam specimens with a honeycomb core were prepared and tested in flexure. Experimentally measured bending stiffness results verify that the core constraints significantly elevates the bending stiffness, by a factor close to four. The experimental results agree with the model for a constraint decay length of about 7 mm. The core constraints must be considered in fracture toughness analysis of ENF and MMB debond tests.
Impact of process parameters and coupling agent on the thermal stability of argan nut shell composites
Authors: Belcadi Oumaima , Ait Balla Mohamed , Legrand Catherine , Lyagoubi Nouha , Laaguel Fatima Ezzahra , Khalij Leila , Desilles Nicolas , Gautrelet Christophe , El Minor Hassan , Arrakhiz Fatima Ezzahra
Published: October 2024

This study evaluates the thermal stability of polypropylene reinforced with argan nut shell particles. Improving thermal stability is crucial for enhancing material performance and durability. A full factorial design of experiments (DOE) was used to systematically evaluate the effects of extrusion parameters (temperature, speed) and material composition (filler content, coupling agent) on thermal stability. The DOE method proved effective in identifying the optimal conditions and revealed that the inclusion of a maleic anhydride coupling agent significantly improved the thermal degradation behavior, while high extrusion temperatures negatively affected it. The final elaborated composite using the optimal parameters showed enhanced thermal stability. These findings demonstrate the method usefulness in optimizing natural fiber-reinforced composites for better thermal performance.
For my teacher, Donna Rockwell
Authors: Brooks Denise L.
Published: October 2024

This paper is a tribute to an outstanding teacher, mentor, and finally friend who contributed to my life in more ways than I ever got to convey to her in life. I add it to the long list of tributes pointing to the many gifts and graces she so freely bestowed upon us. May her memory live on in our hearts and minds.
The ‘Missing Middle’: How to Provide 350 Million Indians with Health Coverage?
Authors: Mahal Ajay , Panwar Vivek , Tiwari Arun , Reddy Rahul , Kane Sumit
Published: October 2024

Despite recent expansion in its population covered by public-funded insurance, a large section of India’s population remains at major financial risk from health shocks. This segment of the population, sometimes referred to as the ‘missing middle’, typically consists of population groups that are, or have been, engaged in informal sector work, and are not poor enough to be eligible for state-subsidised contributions to insurance premiums; and potentially includes many even among those who satisfy the eligibility criteria. We estimate that the missing middle number is at least 300–350 million in India, with large variations in their economic circumstances. Using extensive international and India-based evidence, we assess two approaches to cover the missing middle: an expansion in public sector health delivery and a contributory demand-side financing system, that is currently popular in India. We conclude that a mix of the two approaches appears to be the most feasible in the short run, given limited regulatory and management capacity and resource constraints, with a longer-run emphasis on integrated systems. The approach proposed in the paper is also likely to help address the problem of shallow coverage of existing health insurance coverage that concerns large numbers of people extending beyond the group comprising the missing middle.

JEL codes: I13, I14, I18
Pedagogizing Identity in Professional Development: The Case of Two Native English-Speaking Teachers in Hong Kong
Authors: Uştuk Özgehan , Hu Guangwei
Published: October 2024

Despite the emerging attempts to integrate identity work into teacher education programs, how identity can be incorporated into professional development of in-service teachers is still an open question. This study reports on a professional development program on productive teacher questioning that was offered to secondary school English teachers in Hong Kong. The program aimed to pedagogize identity work for the native English-speaking teacher participants while they were engaging in the target pedagogic knowledge-base through identity-oriented activities. Using a comparative case study design, we drew on data collected with narrative frames, stimulated recalls, and semi-structured interviews. Our thematic analysis revealed that the teachers juxtaposed their enacted and narrated identities by negotiating multiple externally defined roles, that they identified professional tensions while reflecting on the academic cultures as transnational teachers, and that their identity work unveiled the emotion labor of becoming a native speaker teacher in Hong Kong. The findings highlight the interface of identity work and teacher learning and call for an identity focus in in-service teacher learning as well as the betterment of the native English-speaking teacher policy in Hong Kong.
Reinforcement learning for versatile, dynamic, and robust bipedal locomotion control
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Peng Xue Bin , Abbeel Pieter , Levine Sergey , Berseth Glen , Sreenath Koushil
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive study on using deep reinforcement learning (RL) to create dynamic locomotion controllers for bipedal robots. Going beyond focusing on a single locomotion skill, we develop a general control solution that can be used for a range of dynamic bipedal skills, from periodic walking and running to aperiodic jumping and standing. Our RL-based controller incorporates a novel dual-history architecture, utilizing both a long-term and short-term input/output (I/O) history of the robot. This control architecture, when trained through the proposed end-to-end RL approach, consistently outperforms other methods across a diverse range of skills in both simulation and the real world. The study also delves into the adaptivity and robustness introduced by the proposed RL system in developing locomotion controllers. We demonstrate that the proposed architecture can adapt to both time-invariant dynamics shifts and time-variant changes, such as contact events, by effectively using the robot’s I/O history. Additionally, we identify task randomization as another key source of robustness, fostering better task generalization and compliance to disturbances. The resulting control policies can be successfully deployed on Cassie, a torque-controlled human-sized bipedal robot. This work pushes the limits of agility for bipedal robots through extensive real-world experiments. We demonstrate a diverse range of locomotion skills, including: robust standing, versatile walking, fast running with a demonstration of a 400-meter dash, and a diverse set of jumping skills, such as standing long jumps and high jumps.
Improving Highway Work Zone Mobility in the Developing World: A Systematic Literature Review of Work Zone Delay Measures and Technological Solutions
Authors: Ansari Faijan Ali , Pani Agnivesh , Mohapatra Smruti Sourava
Published: October 2024

Work zones have long been cited as a significant cause of road fatalities and traffic delays, with evident negative impacts on traffic safety and mobility. This review outlines the mobility measures reported in the work zone delay context in three thrusts: 1) work zone travel delay, 2) queueing length, and 3) user cost. Through a critical comparison of reported findings, the current review illuminates the possibilities of more guided research that would expedite the goal of achieving an optimal work zone layout with minimal fatalities, maximum mobility, and efficiency. Additionally, we expanded our review to include other engineering disciplines to identify potential technologies that could be used to make work zones smarter. Finally, policy interventions necessary to improve the safety and mobility of work zones are discussed, followed by a critical discussion of the way forward.
Development of a Cognitive Assessment Checklist for First-Grade Mathematics: Utilizing Hierarchical Cognitive Diagnostic Modeling in Elementary Education
Authors: Haghayeghi Marzieh , Moghadamzadeh Ali , Ravand Hamdollah , Javadipour Mohamad , Kareshki Hossein
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to address the need for a comprehensive assessment tool to evaluate the mathematical abilities of first-grade students through cognitive diagnostic assessment (CDA). The primary challenge involved in this endeavor was to delineate the specific cognitive skills and sub-skills pertinent to first-grade mathematics (FG-M) and to determine the most suitable model for assessment. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research identified nine cognitive attributes essential for FG-M and developed a Q-matrix delineating the relationship between these attributes. A preliminary version of the FG-M checklist comprising 74 items was formulated. Subsequently, the assessment tool was administered to 1018 first-grade students, with their teachers utilizing the FG-M checklist for evaluation. Results indicated a commendable accuracy in classifying the nine cognitive attributes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.92, with an average accuracy of 0.76. Furthermore, the validity of the scores was corroborated by a substantial correlation (r = 0.78) between scores from the FG-M checklist and the arithmetic subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Overall, the study concluded that the scores from the FG-M checklist are reliable for assessing the mathematical skills of first-grade students. The findings underscored the students’ proficiency in fundamental mathematical concepts such as cardinality, addition, subtraction, weight, and statistics. However, areas of weakness were identified in concepts related to multiplication, time, symmetry, and geometry. This research contributes significantly to the advancement of CDA in educational contexts, providing educators with a valuable tool for identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses in mathematical cognition.
Exploring the Relationship Between Experiences of Violence and Subjective Wellbeing: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among School Teachers in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Tanzania
Authors: Chesang Caroline , Leurent Baptiste , Fabbri Camilla , Wilfred Amani , Mubyazi Godfrey , Shayo Elizabeth , Barongo Vivien , Devries Karen , Greco Giulia
Published: October 2024

Experiences of violence have been reported to be associated with lower levels of subjective wellbeing (SWB). However, little is known about this association in conflict settings and among forcibly displaced populations. In this study we exploit data from a representative sample of refugee teachers from Nyarugusu Refugee Camp collected as part of a larger study, to examine the association between demographic characteristics and SWB, and between experiences of violence and SWB. Three cross-sectional surveys of primary and secondary school teachers were conducted, collecting data on lifetime experience of violence (physical and sexual) and SWB (measured by life satisfaction and current happiness, on 1–5 Likert scales). Linear mixed models were used to estimate the associations between violence and SWB accounting for teacher and school clustering, unadjusted and adjusted for main factors associated with SWB. The 3 surveys included 1,666 responses completed by 885 teachers. Country of origin and number of meals consumed per day were strongly associated with SWB. Individuals who experienced physical violence reported on average, 0.13 lower life satisfaction scores (95% CI [−0.23, −0.02], p = .016) compared to those who did not experience physical violence, while survivors of sexual violence reported on average, 0.24 lower happiness scores ([−0.43, −0.05], p = .014) compared to those who did not experience sexual violence, after adjusting for confounders and clustering. We found an important negative association between past experience of violence and SWB in a refugee camp setting. These findings contribute to the evidence that violent experiences are likely to have a long-lasting impact on people’s wellbeing. There is a need for improved mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings.
A Meta-Analytic Review of the Concrete-Representational-Abstract Math Approach
Authors: Ebner Sara , MacDonald Mary K. , Grekov Paulina , Aspiranti Kathleen B.
Published: October 2024

The concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) approach is an instructional framework for teaching math wherein students move from using concrete materials to solve problems to using visual representations of the materials, and finally abstract concepts. This study provides a literature synthesis and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the CRA approach as a math intervention. Thirty studies using single-case design methodologies were included. Descriptive analyses of the study variables are discussed. Results indicated a statistically significant overall Tau-BC effect size of 0.9965, 95% CI [0.9947, 0.9983], p < .0001. A meta-regression of eight potential moderator variables suggested that using a non-integrated CRA approach increased the overall effect size by 0.011, 95% CI [0.007, 0.015], p = .045. Implications of using the CRA approach for researchers and educators are discussed.
Afterbirth and rebirth in 4 Maccabees’ portrait of (wo)manly courage
Authors: Harris Rebecca
Published: October 2024

In 4 Maccabees’ skillfully woven tale of seven brother martyrs and their mother, a rather puzzling phrase appears in the emotionally-charged scene of the mother looking upon the mutilated corpses of her seven sons. The graphic description—burned flesh, severed hands, scalped heads, corpses upon corpses—includes, in most editions of the text, a side reference to the place filled with many spectators because of the children’s torments (4 Macc 15:20; NRSVue). These editions and translations reflect an ancient scribal emendation to the Greek text of Codex Sinaiticus that reads χόριον (afterbirth) as χορίδιον/χωρίδιον/χωρίον (place). What is surprising about this emendation is that it disrupts the focus of the encomium—the mother’s exemplary courage despite seeing the extreme mutilation of her children—whereas the earlier reading, afterbirth, is an apt description of the corpses within the context of the scene and complements the portrayal of the mother’s role throughout the book. This article considers how the erasure of afterbirth in 4 Macc 15:20 obscures the significance of the birthing metaphor in 4 Maccabees’ portrayal of the mother’s role, particularly as it relates to the image of her rebirthing (ἀνατίκτω) her sons into immortality (4 Macc 16:13). Far from a scribal error in need of emendation, afterbirth in 4 Macc 15:20 is a key feature of the birth imagery, which functions in concert with the masculinization of the mother to paint a portrait of her as the embodiment of both masculine and feminine ideals, the ultimate example of Torah piety, and a generative force of immortality.
Positioning anti-sway control method for tower crane based on improved MFAC
Authors: Shao Xuejuan , Tao Zhentao , Chen Zhimei , Zhang Jinggang , Zhao Zhicheng , Zhou Liangliang
Published: October 2024

A model-free adaptive control (MFAC) based on partial format is proposed for the complex modeling and uncertain model parameters of the tower crane (TC) in this paper. Firstly, considering the complexity of the TC nonlinear system, the data model of the TC is obtained through the partial format dynamic linearization method. Then, a model-free adaptive controller is designed for the TC, incorporating the change rate of the tracking error and its derivative into the objective function to address the inefficiency of traditional model-free controllers in controlling TCs. The convergence and stability of the proposed controller are also proved. To further improve the dynamic performance of the system, a tracking differentiator (TD) is introduced after the input signal. Finally, MATLAB simulation and experiments are conducted to verify that the proposed method can achieve precise trolley positioning while suppressing the load swing angle.
Mandatory Reporting: An Exploration of Student Perceptions of University Response to Sexual Misconduct
Authors: Poole Natalie Quinn , Gray Matt J.
Published: October 2024

To respond to sexual misconduct many universities have implemented mandatory reporting (MR), which requires university employees to report disclosures of sexual misconduct to university officials. The current study examines student perceptions of three different approaches to MR (universal, selective, and student-directed). Results revealed that most students preferred a student-directed approach to MR over selective or universal approaches. Survivors of sexual misconduct indicated lower intent to report misconduct under the universal approach to MR compared to their nonvictimized peers. Additionally, under the universal approach to MR, LGBQ+ individuals endorsed lower intent to report misconduct compared to heterosexual individuals.
Functional and radiological outcomes and complications of Bernese periacetabular osteotomy through modified Stoppa approach
Authors: Akbulut Deniz , Coskun Mehmet
Published: October 2024

Background:

The Smith-Peterson approach and its modifications provide an extensive exposure and allow osteotomies through a single incision. However, the risk of complications increases when the quadrilateral surface, ischial and pubic osteotomy sites cannot be seen. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical characteristics, complications, and functional and radiological outcomes of patients with acetabular dysplasia who underwent Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) through modified Stoppa approach and plate-screw fixation.

Methods:

The study included 31 patients (41 hips) who had undergone PAO using a modified Stoppa approach. The characteristics of patients and the surgical procedure were described. The lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) and Tönnis roof angle were evaluated in the radiological outcome evaluation. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was used to evaluate functional outcome. Furthermore, complications were described.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 20.4 ± 9.0 years. Of the 31 patients, 21 underwent unilateral Bernese PAO and 10 underwent bilateral Bernese PAO. The mean follow-up period was 25.1 ± 8.8 months. Postoperatively, the mean mHHS improved significantly (68.8 ± 9.4 vs. 88.8 ± 10.0, p < 0.001). Postoperatively, the mean LCEA and Tönnis roof angle improved significantly (17.7 ± 6.0 vs. 42.2 ± 4.8, p < 0.001 for LCEA and 18.3 ± 5.5 vs. 8.0 ± 2.2, p < 0.001 for Tönnis roof angle). There was no significant correlation between preoperative to postoperative improvement in LCEA or Tönnis roof angle and improvement and mHHS ( p > 0.005). 5 complications were identified: 1 transient sciatic nerve palsy, 1 external iliac vein injury, 1 infection, and 2 screw irritations of acetabulum.

Conclusions:

Performing Bernese PAO through a modified Stoppa approach with plate-screw fixation results in acceptable complication rates, immediate early weight-bearing opportunity, and improved functional and radiological outcomes in patients with acetabular dysplasia.
Rental car reservation patterns in island tourism: Case study in Shodoshima, Japan
Authors: Ogasawara Yu , Tamaki Tetsuya , Suzuki Tatsuya , Sato Kimitoshi
Published: October 2024

The tourism industry plays a pivotal role in the local economies of island communities and offers many attractive activities for tourists. As public transportation tends to be less developed in such island regions, one of the main modes of transportation is rental cars. The supply of rental cars is limited, and tourism demand tends to be seasonal in the island regions. In addition, there is a possibility that some customers may not use rental cars regardless of the price, and others may not make reservations if it is the season when rental cars can be rented without reservations. Therefore, car rental companies need to develop products that match the demand situation, such as peak season and off-season, and tourist characteristics during the seasons to improve profitability. However, little attention has been paid in the academic community to seasonal changes in customers’ car rental reservation behavior in islands. This study investigated the changes in customers’ rental car reservation behavior during the peak and off-peak seasons on Shodoshima Island, Japan, using a questionnaire survey. The results indicated that there are three factors that affect reservation behavior and that there are four patterns of reservation changes depending on the combination of these factors. By comparing the characteristics of segmented groups with different patterns of reservation change, it is suggested that a dynamic change in rental car reservation behavior occurs around retirement age in Japan. The results of this study provide insights into product development to improve the profitability of the tourism industry in island regions.
A Novel ANG-BSA/BCNU/ICG MNPs Integrated for Targeting Therapy of Glioblastoma
Authors: Liu Li-Hong , Liu Yu-Feng , Zhang Hong-Bo , Liu Xiao-Lei , Zhang Han-Wen , Huang Biao , Lin Fan , Li Wei-Hua
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Develop an albumin nanoparticle-based nanoprobe for targeted glioblastoma (GBM) diagnosis and treatment, utilizing Angopep-2 for low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) targeting.

Methods

Combined albumin-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), Carmustine (BCNU), and indocyanine green (ICG). Assessed morphology, size, Zeta potential, fluorescence, and drug encapsulation. Conducted in vitro fluorescence/MRI imaging and cell viability assays, and in vivo nanoprobe accumulation evaluation in brain tumors.

Results

ANG-BSA/BCNU/ICG MNPs exhibited superior targeting and cytotoxicity against GBM cells in vitro. In vivo, enhanced brain tumor accumulation during imaging was observed.

Conclusion

This targeted imaging and drug delivery system holds promise for efficient GBM therapy and intraoperative localization, addressing Blood-brain barrier (BBB) limitations with precise drug delivery and imaging capabilities.
Have We Solved the Chicken-and-Egg Conundrum? Hippocampal Sclerosis and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Following Febrile Status Epilepticus: Results of the 10-Year Follow-up FEBSTAT Study
Authors: Feyissa Anteneh M.
Published: October 2024

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Native kidney biopsy in pregnancy and postpartum: A single centre experience from India
Authors: Mondemu Shreya Srinivas , Parameswaran Sreejith , Ganesh Rajesh Nachiappa , Keepanasseril Anish
Published: October 2024

Background

With the advances in medicine and imaging, renal biopsy is increasingly utilised for identifying pathologies during pregnancy.

Methods

This retrospective observational study aimed to assess indications and complications among 32 women who underwent native renal biopsies during pregnancy and postpartum from 2015 to 2022.

Results

The commonest indications for performing the biopsy were nephrotic syndrome and acute kidney injury during pregnancy or immediately postpartum. Most (62.5%) had biopsies performed in the antenatal period. Lupus nephritis was the most common finding on biopsy, and there were no procedure-related serious adverse effects. Most pregnancies were complicated by hypertensive disorders and preterm birth. All except six women with perinatal loss had healthy neonates.

Conclusions

Even as kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing renal pathologies, it should be reserved for women where management in pregnancy would be altered by the result.
Mirtazapine for gastrointestinal and neuropsychological symptoms in older adults with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Khan Ayesha , Menon Raakhi , Corning Brooke , Cohn Steven , Kumfa Cecil , Raji Mukaila
Published: October 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and potentially modifiable contributor to excess disability, morbidity, and poor quality of life. Clinical trials of medications for IBS have largely been in younger adults. Yet, a growing number of adults aged 65 and older are living with IBS. No data exist to guide clinicians in the safe and effective use of medications (e.g., anticholinergics, anti-spasmodics, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)) for IBS in the geriatric population. These medications—especially anticholinergics and TCAs—carry a high risk of adverse effects (ADE) in older adults because of age-associated decline in drug metabolism and the high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions. Five or more medications (polypharmacy) are frequently used to treat common psychiatric and medical comorbidities of IBS: anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraine headache, diarrhea, nausea, poor appetite, pruritus/skin atopy, and fibromyalgia. These neurological and psychiatric comorbidities reflect shared pathogenic mechanisms and bidirectional crosstalk of high inflammation, alteration of gut microbiota, and dysregulation of multiple gastrointestinal and central nervous system-active neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, neuropeptides). Currently, these IBS-associated conditions are treated with multiple medications—which increase the risk of adverse drug–drug interactions. One way to reduce the number of medications used for IBS-associated conditions is the use of one medication that treats many or all of these conditions—Mirtazapine. In this perspective article, we present evidence from basic science, case series, observational and epidemiological studies, clinical studies, and clinical trials supporting mirtazapine, a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic receptor antagonist—with 5-hydroxytryptamine-2 and 3 antagonism, as a potential pharmacotherapeutic intervention for the myriad symptoms and conditions associated with IBS. Specifically, we found evidence of mirtazapine’s role in treating diarrhea, insomnia, migraine headache, nausea, and poor appetite. We propose a large randomized controlled trial to study mirtazapine as a potential one-stop treatment for multiple IBS symptoms, with the potential to reduce polypharmacy and ADEs, especially in the geriatric population.
Lower leukocytes pretreatment as a possible risk factor for therapy-induced leukopenia in interferon-beta-treated patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Protopapa Maria , Schmaul Samantha , Schraad Muriel , Pape Katrin , Zipp Frauke , Bittner Stefan , Uphaus Timo
Published: October 2024

Background:

Interferon-beta (IFN-β) still plays a fundamental role in immunomodulation of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with low disease activity and in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). In 2014, pegylated (PEG) interferon was licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), enabling a lower dosing frequency.

Objectives:

Our retrospective study compares laboratory findings and adverse events between subcutaneous (sc.) PEG-IFN-β-1a and IFN-β-1a in RRMS and CIS patients.

Design:

Patients with CIS or RRMS fulfilling the revised McDonald criteria from 2017 visiting the neurology department of the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz from 2010 to 2019 and treated with sc. PEG-IFN-β-1a or sc. IFN-β-1a ( n = 202) were screened for eligibility. Patients who underwent regular laboratory controls in-house were included in our analysis ( n = 128).

Methods:

We evaluate disease progression through clinical examination, relapse history, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activity (gadolinium-enhancing or new T2 lesions). Relevant laboratory findings such as leukopenia (leukocyte count < 3.5/nl) and neutropenia (neutrophil count <43% of lymphocytes or <1500/µl) were assessed. Telephone interviews evaluated the side effects of the respective medication. A subgroup of patients was analyzed regarding neutrophil quantities and qualities.

Results:

Patients treated with sc. PEG-IFN-β-1a had significantly lower leukocyte counts ( p = 0.046) and higher incidences of leukopenia ( p = 0.006) and neutropenia ( p = 0.03) compared to sc. IFN-β-1a. Clinical and MRI disease activity showed no significant differences, but people treated with sc. PEG-IFN-β-1a reported more common adverse events such as joint/muscle pain, injection-site reaction, and infections. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion:

Treatment with sc. PEG-IFN-β-1a compared to unpegylated sc. IFN-β resulted in a significantly greater reduction in leukocyte and neutrophil levels with a higher incidence of side effects. We suggest mandatory monitoring of differential blood counts before and during treatment.
A Nomogram Diagnostic Model for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Patients with Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Authors: Chen Xiaoxin , Tong Michael C. F. , Chang Wai Tsz
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common disease associated with chronic otitis media. A standard diagnostic tool for ETD in patients with tympanic membrane perforation is still lacking. We developed and validated a new diagnostic model for ETD in patients with tympanic membrane perforation.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in patients who had tympanic membrane perforation from February to August 2023. We collected clinical characteristics and examination results including otoscopy, nasal endoscopy, tubomanometry, and 5-item Eustachian Tube Score (ETS-5). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent diagnostic factors. Based on this, the nomogram model was constructed. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), the C-index, the calibration curve, and the decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

A total of 40 participants were enrolled in the study. ETS-5 score and Eustachian tube opening mucosa inflammation in the nasopharynx were significant predictors in identifying ETD. Based on the above independent predictors, a diagnostic nomogram was successfully established. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic model were 80.0% and 90.0%, respectively. The AUC and the C-index of the diagnostic model were both 0.901, which suggested that the model had a good discrimination power. The calibration curve indicated a good calibration degree of the model. DCA showed that the proposed model was useful for clinical practice.

Conclusion

The nomogram model is effective and reliable in identifying ETD in patients with tympanic membrane perforation.
Quantitative evaluation of risk factors for low back pain in young patients using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging and proton density fat fraction analyses
Authors: Yang Yuan , Lin Wu-Sheng , Wen Hui-Quan , Luo Xiao-Wen , Zhou Xiang , Zou Feng-Yun , Zhong Shuang-Shuang , Deng Ya-Yin , Shen Li-Shan , Zhang Yong , Li Qing-Ling , Guo Ruo-Mi
Published: October 2024

Background:

Lumbar intervertebral disc and paravertebral muscle degeneration are common causes of chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, the exact etiology of CLBP in young patients remains unclear. Identifying the risk factors for CLBP in young patients could expedite the development of effective preventive recommendations.

Objectives:

To identify the factors influencing the presence and severity of CLBP in young patients by analyzing the associations between the fat content of the paravertebral muscles, T2 value of the lumbar intervertebral disc (LIVD), and visual analog scale (VAS) score.

Design:

Data for 23 patients diagnosed with CLBP were compared to those of 20 healthy young individuals.

Methods:

The T2 values of the LIVD and fat content of the psoas major (PM), multifidus (MF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles for 23 young patients with CLBP and 20 healthy individuals were measured and compared using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging and proton density fat fraction analyses. Moreover, the factors (T2 values and fat content) associated with severe CLBP (assessed using the VAS score) were analyzed.

Results:

The fat content of the right MF and ES was higher in patients with CLBP than in healthy individuals ( p < 0.05). The T2 values of each LIVD in the CLBP and control groups were not significantly different ( p > 0.05). Moreover, the VAS scores did not correlate with the T2 values of the patients ( p > 0.05). The fat content of the bilateral MF and ES muscles was positively associated with the VAS score in young patients with CLBP (left MF: r = 0.506, p = 0.01; right MF: r = 0.532, p = 0.01; left ES: r = 0.636, p < 0.01; and right ES: r = 0.716, p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Degeneration of the MF and ES may contribute to CLBP in young patients. In addition, the severity of CLBP is positively correlated with the degree of fat infiltration in the MF and ES.
Cross-cultural comparison of the influence of skin-color change on facial impressions
Authors: He Yuanyuan , Sato Hiromi , Mizokami Yoko
Published: October 2024

Skin color is one of the colors we are most frequently exposed to. It contains information, such as ethnic group and health status, and numerous studies have demonstrated the influence of various facial attributes on the formation of impressions. However, no research has specifically explored the repercussions of treating changes in skin color as a singular variable. We cross-culturally examined skin color changes along with the red-yellow axis and how they influence facial impressions across six face shapes from three types of ethnicities. A 7-point scale was used for evaluation, and the observers evaluated the impression of face images according to the following six evaluation items: healthiness, preference, brightness, whiteness, transparency, and skin tone. The observers were divided into the following four groups: Japan, China, Thailand, and the Caucasus. Differences in the evaluation and association of skin color with various traits emerged between cultures. For instance, East Asian cultures associated positive attributes with reddish skin colors, whereas Caucasians often linked positive traits with yellowish skin colors. These cultural disparities emphasize the dynamic interplay between culture and perception in assessing facial impressions.
Social comparison selection in individuals with depression and the role of self-assessment and self-enhancement motives: An experimental investigation
Authors: Schlechter Pascal , Meyer Thomas , Morina Nexhmedin
Published: October 2024

Social comparison plays an important role in depression. However, the process of social comparison selection among depressed individuals remains understudied. This study investigated the choices made by individuals with elevated depression scores (assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-8) when exposed to vignettes depicting individuals with varying depression severity and coping ability. We experimentally activated either self-assessment or self-enhancement motives and had participants choose from four vignettes: (1) Mild Depression/Coping Well; (2) Mild Depression/Coping Poorly; (3) Severe Depression/Coping Well; and (4) Severe Depression/Coping Poorly. Our first hypothesis was that most participants would select the Mild Depression/Coping Well vignette, presenting a potential upward social comparison standard (H1). Additionally, we expected higher depression scores to correlate with selecting vignettes featuring greater severity (H2). We further hypothesized that those in the self-enhancement condition would prefer coping poorly vignettes more than those in the self-assessment condition (H3). We conducted a between-subject online experiment ( N = 449). Confirming H1, most participants favored the Mild Depression/Coping Well vignette, while the Severe Depression/Coping Poorly vignette was least selected. Supporting H2, higher depression levels were linked to opting for alternative comparison standards over the Mild Depression/Coping Well vignette. Contrary to H3, participants’ choices were not influenced by self-motives.