bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing risk factors for malnutrition among women in Bangladesh and forecasting malnutrition using machine learning approaches
Authors: Turjo Estiyak Ahmed , Rahman Md. Habibur
Published: February 2024

Background

This paper presents an in-depth examination of malnutrition in women in Bangladesh. Malnutrition in women is a major public health issue related to different diseases and has negative repercussions for children, such as premature birth, decreased infection resistance, and an increased risk of death. Moreover, malnutrition is a severe problem in Bangladesh. Data from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) conducted in 2017-18 was used to identify risk factors for malnourished women and to create a machine learning-based strategy to detect their nutritional status.

Methods

A total of 17022 women participants are taken to conduct the research. All the participants are from different regions and different ages. A chi-square test with a five percent significance level is used to identify possible risk variables for malnutrition in women and six machine learning-based classifiers (Naïve Bayes, two types of Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting Machine) were used to predict the malnutrition of women. The models are being evaluated using different parameters like accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, $$F_1$$

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1

score, and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Descriptive data showed that 45% of the population studied were malnourished women, and the chi-square test illustrated that all fourteen variables are significantly associated with malnutrition in women and among them, age and wealth index had the most influence on their nutritional status, while water source had the least impact. Random Forest had an accuracy of 60% and 60.2% for training and test data sets, respectively. CART and Gradient Boosting Machine also had close accuracy like Random Forest but based on other performance metrics such as kappa and $$F_1$$

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1

scores Random Forest got the highest rank among others. Also, it had the highest accuracy and $$F_1$$

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1

scores in k-fold validation along with the highest AUC (0.604).

Conclusion

The Random Forest (RF) approach is a reasonably superior machine learning-based algorithm for forecasting women’s nutritional status in Bangladesh in comparison to other ML algorithms investigated in this work. The suggested approach will aid in forecasting which women are at high susceptibility to malnutrition, hence decreasing the strain on the healthcare system.
Predictors of malnutrition among older residents in Qatari long-term care facilities: a retrospective study
Authors: AlFehaidi Al Anoud Ali H. Z. , Khan Shafi Hashmath Ulla , Abdelrahman Rana Albdeljubbar , Ahel Nesreen Talal , Shine Pavithra , De Ramos Monica Doroja , Skairjeh Nisreen Mazin , Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Al-Saadi Reem Khalid
Published: February 2024

Background

Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among older adults in long-term care facilities and is associated with adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Identifying the predictors of malnutrition in this population is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to malnourishment among older individuals living in long-term care facilities in Qatar.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 75 older adults from two long-term care facilities (Rumailah Hospital and Enaya Specialized Care Center) in Qatar. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, length of stay, mortality, weight, body mass index, co-morbidities, and laboratory parameters, were assessed. Data were analyzed using the most recent version of the SPSS software, version 29. Predictors of malnutrition and mortality were identified using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 75 older individuals included in the study, 85% (64) were malnourished. The average age of the participants was 74.89 years, with a standard deviation of 10.21. Of all participants, approximately 61% (46) were males, and 39% (29) were females. Most malnourished older adults were classified as either at “moderate (29.69%)” or “severe risk (37.50%),” according to the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index. Malnourished participants experienced a significant percentage of weight change within 3 months (14.01 ± 7.89); the only statistically significant predictor of malnutrition was the percentage of weight change within 3 months with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.8 (confidence interval [CI] 1.56–14.75) and p-value of 0.006. Statistically significant predictors of mortality were malnutrition (OR 24.84, CI 1.09–564) and age (OR 1.07, CI 1.00–1.14).

Conclusions

A significant predictor of malnutrition in older adults identified in this study was the sudden and recent change in weight, which can be employed to detect individuals at risk early and guide tailored interventions. Malnutrition is a significant predictor of mortality. Employing a multidimensional strategy to tackle malnutrition can improve outcomes for the older individuals.
Integrating positive psychology into an English as a foreign language teacher education program
Authors: Oladrostam Elnaz , Rahmati Teymour , Nushi Musa
Published: February 2024

Positive psychology (PP) is the study of the role of positive emotions in optimizing performance. In response to a dearth of research on harnessing the potential of PP in enriching language teacher education, the present study aimed at integrating PP into an English as a foreign language teacher education program to assess its effects on the development of positivity among teachers and possible improvement in their instructional practice. To that end, first the PERMA-Profiler was administered to 25 teachers, who were about to attend a teacher training course. The results of this phase revealed the need for an intervention to raise three focal participants’ awareness of the tenets of PP since they scored below the mean on the scale. During the second phase, the three focal participants were trained in the principles of PP for six weeks. They were also asked to write reflections about the instruction they received on a weekly basis. Thematic analysis of their reflections indicated that the teachers formed positive emotions, engagement, relationship, meaning, and accomplishment, which resulted in their enhanced instructional practice. Moreover, the participants believed that the intervention helped them actively engage with the main teacher training course. The findings imply that PP has the potential to enrich teacher education programs.
Immigrant political participation is associated with more positive majority immigration attitudes across European countries and Swiss cantons
Authors: Kende Judit , Reiter Julia , Coşkan Canan , Doosje Bertjan , Green Eva G. T.
Published: February 2024

Immigrants are increasingly participating in politics, publicizing their political concerns and contributions. How does such political participation relate to national majorities’ immigration attitudes? Previous research suggested potential improvement of majority attitudes but also demonstrated the exacerbation of perceived threat. We investigated whether greater immigrant political participation is related to more positive or negative immigration attitudes among majority members. We implemented a cross-national and a cross-cantonal multilevel study drawing on the European Social Survey, the Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey and the Swiss Migration-Mobility Survey with 43,632 participants in 26 European countries in Study 1 and with 1058 participants in 19 Swiss cantons in Study 2. Overall, higher levels of immigrant political participation were related to more positive attitudes. This association between participation and attitudes was stronger among left-wing than among right-wing nationals. Finally, we found no evidence that larger immigrant groups’ participation evoke threat and exacerbate attitudes. We conclude that immigrant political participation is associated with more positive majority attitudes.
Curcumin piperidone derivatives induce caspase-dependent apoptosis and suppress miRNA-21 expression in LN-18 human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Razali Nur Syahirah Che , Lam Kok Wai , Rajab Nor Fadilah , Jamal A. Rahman A. , Kamaludin Nurul Farahana , Chan Kok Meng
Published: February 2024

Background

Previously, we have reported on the two curcuminoid analogues with piperidone derivatives, namely FLDP-5 and FLDP-8 have more potent anti-proliferative and anti-migration effects than curcumin. In this study, we further investigated the mode of cell death and the mechanism involved in the cell death process induced by these analogues on human glioblastoma LN-18 cells.

Results

The FLDP-5 and FLDP-8 curcuminoid analogues induced LN-18 cell death through apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner following 24 h of treatment. These analogues induced apoptosis in LN-18 cells through significant loss of mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as early as 1-hour of treatment. Interestingly, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment did not abolish the apoptosis induced by these analogues, further confirming the cell death process is independent of ROS. However, the apoptosis induced by the analogues is caspases-dependent, whereby pan-caspase pretreatment inhibited the curcuminoid analogues-induced apoptosis. The apoptotic cell death progressed with the activation of both caspase-8 and caspase-9, which eventually led to the activation of caspase-3, as confirmed by immunoblotting. Moreover, the existing over-expression of miRNA-21 in LN-18 cells was suppressed following treatment with both analogues, which suggested the down-regulation of the miRNA-21 facilitates the cell death process.

Conclusion

The FLDP-5 and FLDP-8 curcuminoid analogues downregulate the miRNA-21 expression and induce extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in LN-18 cells.
Anti-Leishmania major activity of Calotropis procera extract by increasing ROS production and upregulating TNF-α, IFN-γ and iNOS mRNA expression under in vitro conditions
Authors: Amani Shahla , Alinejad Soheila , Asadi Negar , Yousefi Elham , Khademvatan Shahram , Howarth Gordon Stanley
Published: February 2024

Background

Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, is a neglected tropical disease with 700,000 to 1,000,000 global new cases annually. Adverse effects associated with expense, long-term treatment and drug resistance have made conventional therapies unfavorable, encouraging the search for alternative drugs based on plant products. In this study, the effect of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) extract against viability of promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania major was evaluated in vitro.

Methods

The extract from the leaves of C. procera seedlings was prepared using a methanol maceration method. The colorimetric cell viability 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the growth-inhibitory effect of the extract on promastigotes. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in promastigote cultures was determined after treatment with the extract using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method and compared with untreated cultures (control). After exposure to the extract the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes were determined and compared to control in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected with L. major.

Results

Based on the MTT assay, the C. procera extract significantly reduced the proliferation of L. major promastigotes with IC50 values of 377.28 and 222.44 μg/mL for 24 and 72 h, respectively (p < 0.01). After treatment with 222.44 and 377.28 μg/mL of C. procera extract, ROS production in L. major promastigote cultures increased 1.2- to 1.65-fold and 2- to 4-fold compared to the control, respectively (p < 0.05). C. procera extract induced significant increases in gene expression of TNF-α (2.76–14.83 fold), IFN-γ (25.63–threefold) and iNOS (16.32–3.97 fold) in infected PBMCs compared to control (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

On the basis of its anti-leishmanial activity, C. procera can be considered as a promising new plant source for the potential treatment of leishmaniasis.
Assessment of lifestyle changes related to quarantine among Saudi population during the early COVID-19 pandemic: pre- and post-analysis
Authors: Abu-Elenin Mira M. , Elshora Ahmed A. , Shahin Marwa A. , El-Fatah Nesrin K. Abd
Published: February 2024

Background

The escalating emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted human life due to the ever-increasing morbidity, containment measures, and the associated emotional distress. This study examined the influence of COVID-19-related measures on the lifestyle behaviors of adults living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods

The study recruited 638 participants through convenience sampling in Jeddah and Taif cities, Saudi Arabia. Demographic characteristics and COVID-19-related information were collected through an anonymous self-reported electronic questionnaire. Lifestyle behaviors were assessed before and during the quarantine using the Healthy Dietary Habits Index (HDHI)-A and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF).

Results

The study revealed significant changes in the dietary pattern: a reduction in fish intake and increased consumption of French fries and candies. Vegetables and fruit intake increased significantly. Sedentary time > 6 h per day increased from 36.7% pre to 60.8% during the pandemic. Healthy dietary index score and physical activity MET-minutes/week values were respectively 3.5% and 37.9% significantly higher before compared to the full quarantine period.

Conclusion

The pandemic detrimentally influenced eating habits and physical activity levels that led to weight gain, and hence higher vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and negative outcomes. This analysis provides public health agencies with data to tailor nutrition interventions that mitigate the observed adverse lifestyle behaviors.
Cultural, nutritional and microbial perspectives of tuak, a traditional Balinese beverage
Authors: Wijaya Leonard , Sumerta I Nyoman , Napitupulu Toga Pangihotan , Kanti Atit , Keim Ary Prihardhyanto , Howell Kate , Sudiana I Made
Published: February 2024

Palm wine (tuak) is a traditional drink recognized worldwide as the traditional drink of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America. The history of alcoholic beverages in Indonesia is from the prehistoric era and is recorded in Borobudur, the largest Buddha temple in Indonesia, built in the eighth century. Although Indonesian society has experienced many social and cultural changes, the tradition of tuak production for daily drinks and ceremonies is strong and widespread and has been introduced as a tourism commodity in regions of Indonesia, especially in Bali. However, there are significant challenges in improving this traditional drink's quality and economic value. In this review, we conducted a desktop study and field survey to learn how tuak is part of Indonesian fermented beverage history, especially in Bali, linked to daily life in most traditional communities and supported by local regulators for the existence of this traditional heritage in society and economy. The nutritional composition of tuak comprises monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, disaccharides including sucrose and maltose, organic acids, and bioactive compounds encompassing saponins, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Additionally, tuak contains minerals, alcohols, and essential aromatic compounds. The microorganisms engaged in the fermentation process predominantly comprise ambient air microbes and plant-associated microbes, with a significant prevalence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces chevalieri, and Zymomonas mobilis. Additionally, Candida tropicalis yeast is present in the microbial consortium involved in the fermentation. This understanding will provide comprehensive information from a socio-economic perspective to preserve production, celebrate culture and to further develop the value of traditional beverages.
Development and validation of an instrument for measuring civic scientific literacy
Authors: Liu Yuemei , Wang Jian , Zhang Zhimin , Wang Jingchun , Luo Tian , Lin Shan , Li Jiaxin , Xu Sumeng
Published: February 2024

Civic scientific literacy (CSL) is a fundamental indicator of social development and national literacy and is very important for personal well-being and national competitiveness. To be in line with the technological advancements and demands of the current era, we focused on “science engagement”, which is now considered an important approach to enhance the CSL of the general public, and developed a 4-dimensional CSL assessment framework based on the crucial elements for citizens to engage in science. The 4 dimensions are scientific knowledge (SK), scientific method (SM), problem-solving (PS), and scientific thought and spirit of science (STSS). With this framework, a CSL measurement instrument including 50 items was developed. Various validity evidence, including evidence with reliability close to or exceeding 0.8 for all four dimensions, supports the use of the instrument to provide a valuation of CSL. Age, location type (urban or rural), educational background, and occupation are all significant factors associated with CSL.
Response to prone positioning in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Adawy Zeinab , Iskandarani Ayman , Alharbi Abeer , Iskandarani Yara A. , Salem Gufran , Iskandarani Dalya A. , Ali Abdul Rahman H. , Salem Mohammed A. , Sobh Eman
Published: February 2024

Background

COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure are the leading causes of death in COVID-19 patients. Prone positioning was hypothesized to improve oxygenation in ARDS patients and is being studied in COVID-19, but the current evidence is still unclear regarding survival and hospitalization. We aimed to investigate the effect of prone positioning on oxygenation in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and ARDS and to examine the factors associated with better/worse outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective record-based cohort study included all confirmed COVID-19 patients with pneumonia and ARDS who underwent prone positioning admitted to King Fahad Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia, during 2020–2021.

Results

This study included 75 cases (mean age 60.3 ± 15.7 year, 50 (66.7%) males), and all fulfilled the definition of ARDS. There was a significant improvement in oxygenation (PaO2 and PaO2/FIO2) following prone positioning (53.5 ± 6.8 vs. 60.4 ± 8.2 mmHg, p < 0.001 for PaO2 supine and prone and 120.3 ± 35 vs. 138 ± 40.2, p < 0.001 for PaO2/FIO2 supine and prone respectively). There was no significant difference in age, gender, smoking, or number of comorbidities between survivors and non-survivors. Survivors had significantly higher baseline PaO2 (p 0.018) and PF ratio (p 0.001) compared to non-survivors. They had also less severe inflammation and organ damage observed as significantly lower ferritin (p 0.001), D-dimer (p 0.026), aspartate aminotransferase (p 0.02), urea (p 0.032), creatinine (p 0.001), and higher platelet counts (p 0.001). Intubation and high-moderate comorbidity risk categories were associated with non-survival (p 0.001 and p 0.014, respectively).

Conclusion

Prone positioning is useful in the improvement of oxygenation in intubated and awake patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and ARDS. Intubation and high comorbidity risk categories were associated with non-survival.
Affective Neuroscience: Jaak Panksepp's ‘rat tickling theory of emotion’
Authors: Hook John
Published: February 2024

This article reviews the seminal work of Jaak Panksepp: Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions. It outlines the basis of his theory of Basic Emotional Command Systems as common to all mammals and goes on to specify some of the key fields that have grown out of his research.
Rapidly Dissolving Trans-scleral Microneedles for Intraocular Delivery of Cyclosporine A
Authors: Alrbyawi Hamad , Annaji Manjusha , Fasina Oladiran , Palakurthi Srinath , Boddu Sai H. S. , Hassan Nageeb , Tiwari Amit K. , Suryawanshi Amol , Babu R. Jayachandra
Published: February 2024

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a cyclic peptide immunosuppressant drug that is beneficial in the treatment of various ocular diseases. However, its ocular bioavailability in the posterior eye is limited due to its poor aqueous solubility. Conventional CsA formulations such as a solution or emulsion permeate poorly across the eye due to various static and dynamic barriers of the eye. Dissolvable microneedle (MN)-based patches can be used to overcome barrier properties and, thus, enhance the ocular bioavailability of CsA in the posterior eye. CsA-loaded dissolvable MN patches were fabricated using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and characterized for MN uniformity and sharpness using SEM. Further characterization for its failure force, penetration force, and depth of penetration were analyzed using a texture analyzer. Finally, the dissolution time, ex vivo permeation, and ocular distribution of cyclosporine were determined in isolated porcine eyes. PVP MNs were sharp, uniform with good mechanical properties, and dissolved within 5 min. Ocular distribution of CsA in a whole porcine eye perfusion model showed a significant increase of CsA levels in various posterior segment ocular tissues as compared to a topically applied ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis®) (P < 0.001). Dissolving MNs of CsA were prepared, and the MN arrays can deliver CsA to the back of the eye offering potential for treating various inflammatory diseases.
Sodium-glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitors Causing Candida tropicalis Fungemia and Renal Abscess
Authors: Simhadri Prathap Kumar , Vaitla Pradeep , Sriperumbuduri Sriram , Chandramohan Deepak , Singh Prabhat , Murari Ujjwala
Published: February 2024

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a relatively newer class of medications, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013 to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Over the past few years, the indications for SGLT2i have been expanded to decrease the risk of kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. SGLT2i are associated with an increased risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, urinary tract infections, and genital mycotic infections. There are a few case reports of severe invasive fungal infections due to Candida in patients using SGLT2i. We present the case of Candida tropicalis fungemia and renal abscess in a patient on an SGLT2i.
Prolonged Hypokalemia Following Metyrapone Treatment for Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Cortical Disease
Authors: Kidawara Yonekazu , Kakutani-Hatayama Miki , Fukuoka Hidenori , Koyama Hidenori
Published: February 2024

Surgical treatment is generally the standard therapeutic regimen used for primary bilateral macronodular adrenal cortical disease (PBMACD). However, in cases for which surgery is difficult or in which there is mild cortisol hypersecretion, metyrapone treatment can be selected. Although hypokalemia has been occasionally noted following metyrapone administration for Cushing syndrome associated with an adrenal adenoma, all such cases have been reported to be transient. Hypokalemia induced by metyrapone treatment is thought to occur due to excessive suppression of cortisol secretion, resulting in overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary gland, ultimately leading to excessive production of 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) in the adrenal cortex. A 52-year-old man diagnosed with PBMACD and started on metyrapone treatment subsequently presented with persistent hypokalemia. Interestingly, following initiation of metyrapone, blood test findings indicated marginal changes in serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels, even when DOC levels were already markedly elevated. In addition to the effects of metyrapone, the present findings suggest a unique DOC synthesis regulatory mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of PBMACD.
Safety, Accuracy, and Efficacy of Robot-Assisted Stereo Electroencephalography in Children of Different Ages
Authors: Lu Rongrong , Wang Min , Zhang Yi , Li Hao , Zhou Yuanfeng , Wang Yi , Zhao Rui
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Aimed to investigate the safety, accuracy, and efficacy of stereo electroencephalography (SEEG) in children of various ages, with particular emphasis on those younger than 3 years. There is limited guidance regarding whether SEEG can conducted on very young children.

METHODS:

This retrospective study was conducted between July 2018 and August 2022. It involved 88 patients who underwent 99 robot-assisted SEEG procedures at our center. The patients were categorized into 3 groups based on their age at the time of the robot-assisted SEEG procedures: group 1 (3 years and younger, n = 28), group 2 (age 3-6 years, n = 27), and group 3 (older than 6 years, n = 44). Clinical data, SEEG demographics, complications, and seizure outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS:

A total of 675 electrodes were implanted, with an average of 6.82 ± 3.47 (2.00-16.00) electrodes per patient (P = .052). The average target point error for the 675 electrodes was 1.93 ± 1.11 mm, and the average entry point error was 1.30 ± 0.97 mm (P = .536 and P = .549, respectively). The overall percentage of complications was 6.06% (P = .879). No severe or long-term neurologic impairment was observed. Of the total 99 procedures included in this study, 78 were admitted for epilepsy surgery for the first time, while 9 patients were treated twice and 1 patient was treated 3 times. There were 21 radiofrequency thermocoagulation and 78 second-stage resective procedures performed after SEEG. There was no statistically significant difference in Engel class I outcomes among the patients who underwent SEEG in the 3 age groups (P = .621).

CONCLUSION:

Robot-assisted SEEG were demonstrated to be safe, accurate, and efficient across different age groups of children. This technique is suitable for children younger than 3 years who have indications for SEEG placement.
Counting Nemo: anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris identify species by number of white bars
Authors: Hayashi Kina , Locke Noah J. M. , Laudet Vincent
Published: February 2024

The brilliant colors of coral reef fish have received much research attention. This is well exemplified by anemonefish, which have distinct white bar patterns and inhabit host anemones and defend them as a territory. The 28 described species have between 0 and 3 white bars present, which has been suggested to be important for species recognition. In the present study, we found that Amphiprion ocellaris (a species that displays three white bars) hatched and reared in aquaria, when faced with an intruder fish, attacked their own species more frequently than other species of intruding anemonefish. Additionally, we explicitly tested whether this species could distinguish models with different numbers of bars. For this, 120 individuals of A. ocellaris were presented with four different models (no bars, and 1, 2 and 3 bars) and we compared whether the frequency of aggressive behavior towards the model differed according to the number of bars. The frequency of aggressive behavior toward the 3-bar model was the same as against living A. ocellaris, and was higher than towards any of the other models. We conclude that A. ocellaris use the number of white bars as a cue to identify and attack only competitors that might use the same host. We considered this as an important behavior for efficient host defense.
From Allies to Adversaries: The potential impacts of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis on Russian-Indian relations
Authors: Saaida Mohammed B. E.
Published: February 2024

This study presents the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict on the relationship between Russia and India, finding that both countries remain committed to maintaining good relations despite challenges posed by the conflict and economic sanctions. The article explores several scenarios for the future of Russian-Indian relations and suggests that the most likely scenario is that relations will remain positive and productive based on shared interests and strategic partnerships. The study highlights the importance of continued research on the relationship between Russia and India and suggests areas for future research.
ROSJA W „WIADOMOŚCIACH” (1946–1953). SPORY I DYSKUSJE PUBLICYSTÓW
Authors: Sucharski Tadeusz
Published: February 2024

W prezentowanym artykule podejmuję próbę zrekonstruowania rosyjskiego tematu w „Wiadomościach” w latach 1946–1953 w epoce „reakcji” stalinowskiej. Analizą zostały objęte liczne szkice publikowane w tygodniku aż po artykuły obwieszczające śmierć Stalina. Problematyka rosyjsko-sowiecka była jednym z dominujących zagadnień w pierwszym okresie powojennych „Wiadomości”. Publikacjom pierwszych tekstów poświęconych doświadczeniom polskim w sowieckim „domu niewoli” towarzyszyły fundamentalne szkice polityczne, socjologiczne, etyczne, historiozoficzne najwybitniejszych publicystów emigracyjnych, w których ujawniło się najszersze z możliwych polskie spektrum myślenia o Rosji, w których wyartykułowany został stosunek do niej: od bezpardonowej wrogości po jawną sympatię. Na tych sporach i dyskusjach skupiam uwagę, wyławiam z mnogości tekstów i tematów najistotniejsze problemy, wokół których koncentrowały się polemiki: podobieństw i różnic między Rosją i Związkiem Sowieckim, ciągłości bądź przeciwstawności obu systemów politycznych, dziedzictwa Rosji w Sowietach, relacji pomiędzy rusyfikacją a sowietyzacją, wreszcie stosunku do Rosjan, polskiego „programu wschodniego”.
W CIENIU… (NIE)ZAPOMNIANY RAFAŁ MALCZEWSKI
Authors: Geraga Magdalena
Published: February 2024

W tekście została omówiona biografii Rafała Malczewskiego. Ukazano w nim poszczególne etapy jego życia (krajowy i emigracyjny), nakreślono niełatwe relacje z rodziną oraz przyjaciółmi. Pokazano także, jak malarz-pisarz był postrzegany przez swoje otoczenie i odbiorców, które z jego zamierzeń artystycznych i życiowych się powiodły, a które zakończyły klęską. Wykazano, że jego spuścizna nadal czeka na odkrycie i opracowanie.
PANI STEFANIA Z TWÓRCZOŚCIĄ W TLE
Authors: Kruszewski Eugeniusz S.
Published: February 2024

Tekst wpomnieniowy.
Analiza psychometryczna kwestionariusza asertywności nauczyciela
Authors: Zubrzycka-Maciąg Teresa , Kirenko Janusz
Published: February 2024

Podręcznik zawiera kolejną część efektów pracy nad budową Kwestionariusza Asertywności Nauczyciela (KAN) autorstwa Teresy Zubrzyckiej-Maciąg i Janusza Kirenki. Przygotowywane narzędzie ma strukturę modułową i służy do badania asertywności nauczycielskiej ujawnianej w czterech obszarach funkcjonowania społecznego,tj. w kontakcie z uczniami, z rodzicami uczniów, z innymi nauczycielami i z przełożonym, jak również do badania ogólnego poziomu asertywności nauczycieli. Pierwszaczęść narzędzia została opublikowana w 2021 roku pod tytułem Analiza psychometryczna Kwestionariusza Asertywności Nauczyciela (obszar A – przejawianie asertywności w kontakcie z uczniami) (Zubrzycka-Maciąg, Kirenko, 2021). W niniejszym opracowaniu w przestrzeni analiz psychometrycznych zaistnieją: KAN (obszar C),dotyczący asertywności nauczyciela przejawianej w kontakcie z innymi nauczycielami, oraz KAN (obszar D), badający asertywność nauczycieli w kontakcie z dyrektorem szkoły. Ostatnia część kwestionariusza – KAN (obszar B) – jest w przygotowaniu.Za teoretyczną podstawę opracowywanego narzędzia przyjęto behawioralno-kognitywno-fenomenologiczną koncepcję asertywności Ryszarda Poprawy, opisującąją jako dyspozycję osobowościową. Badania przeprowadzono w grupie 754 nauczycieli oraz w grupach mniejszych zgodnie z przyjętymi procedurami. Dokonane oceny rzetelności i trafności narzędzia, w tym analiza związków z innymi narzędziami (COPE – C.S. Carver, M.S. Scheier i J.K. Weintraub; INTE – N.S. Schutte, J.M. Malauff, L.E. Hall, D.J. Haggerty, J.T. Cooper, C.J. Golden i I. Dornheim; SOC-29 – A. Antonovsky; NEO-FFI – P.T. Costa i R.R. McCrae oraz SES – M. Rosenberg), pozwoliły uznać KAN (obszary C i D, analogicznie do obszaru A) za narzędzie trafne kryterialnie.
¿Cómo nombrar nuestra violencia? La lucha por las denominaciones de la guerra en Colombia
Authors: Trejos Rosero Luis Fernando , Bravo Hernández Amparo , Badillo Sarmiento Reynell
Published: February 2024

En este artículo intentamos recopilar las diferentes respuestas que se han dado al interrogante: ¿cuál es la naturaleza del conflicto armado colombiano? Para ello, hemos identificado seis denominaciones distintas: i) conflicto anti/ comunista; ii) conflicto agrario; iii) conflicto criminalizado; iv) guerra civil/ guerra contra la sociedad; v) conflicto internacionalizado; vi) amenaza terrorista. Para cada corriente, hemos analizado sus postulados, sus contextos de significación y los desafíos argumentativos que las sucedieron. Primero, concluimos que los cambios de los actores armados, sus repertorios de violencia y del contexto internacional son respondidos por masas críticas con nuevas denominaciones. Las denominaciones, así como el conflicto, son dinámicas. Segundo, mostramos que, aunque el conflicto armado ha sido considerado por varios analistas como muy único para ser comparado, en realidad sus definiciones han estado marcadas tanto por el contexto internacional (tres guerras globales), así como la literatura internacional desde la economía, la ciencia política y las relaciones internacionales.
Operações de estabilização e prolongamento dos conflitos armados: estudo de caso do retorno do M23 na República Democrática do Congo
Authors: Rosas Duarte Geraldine , Carvalho Letícia
Published: February 2024

Neste artigo, discutiremos os limites do modelo de estabilização empregado nas operações da Organização das Nações Unidas para construção da paz de longo prazo. Nosso argumento é que a estratégia política da estabilização, por ser baseada no uso robusto da força para combater grupos armados e apoiar governos no restabelecimento da autoridade estatal, acaba perdendo de vista os esforços de resolução dos conflitos, o que, no limite, contribui para o prolongamento da violência. Metodologicamente, o artigo se baseia no estudo do caso do combate ao grupo armado M23 pela MONUSCO na RDC, por meio da análise de dados e documentos que nos permitam avaliar dois aspectos principais: (i) os níveis de violência armada; e (ii) a condução de um processo político de resolução do conflito.
Feijoo ante el debate patriótico ilustrado
Authors: Artime Omil Manuel
Published: February 2024

La cuestión nacional en Feijoo ha sido abordada, como otras reflexiones sobre patriotismo ilustradas, bajo el prisma del imaginario liberal posterior, esto es, por sus aportaciones (o déficits) a una conciencia social propiamente moderna. De acuerdo a este prisma, sus contribuciones a la comprensión histórica de España permanecerían lastradas por compromisos teológicos y estamentales todavía no depurados. En este trabajo nos proponemos examinar estas reflexiones patrióticas de Feijoo, no tanto a la vista de lo que está por venir como de lo que deja atrás, de la cultura barroca que le precede. Feijoo invoca aquí el escepticismo hacia uno de los usos de oscurantismo más perniciosos, la especulación sobre el designio providencial de las naciones y su favoritismo divino. Aboga por una comprensión histórica de los pueblos que atienda a una causalogía inmanente y por forjar sus lazos de reconocimiento en virtud de un cristianismo ecuménico.
Por un orden anárquico. La crítica de Hedley Bull al cosmopolitismo
Authors: Ruschi Filippo
Published: February 2024

En la reconstrucción de la génesis del debate sobre la globalización, hay que conceder un papel destacado al politólogo australiano Hedley Bull. Su análisis del papel del Estado en la sociedad internacional, basado en un sofisticado instrumental epistemológico abierto a la interdisciplinariedad, ha tenido el mérito de cuestionar ese binomio soberanía/conflicto: un binomio que, paradójicamente, ha unido tanto al realismo político como a la tradición cosmopolita. Más que intentar eliminar la soberanía estatal, según Bull, hay que potenciar la dinámica cooperativa y solidaria de la sociedad internacional. Esta orientación es tanto más necesaria en un momento en que el paradigma estatal ha experimentado una proliferación excepcional. Al escribir tras la descolonización, Bull subrayó cómo precisamente la noción de soberanía ha sido un instrumento importante para salvaguardar la pluralidad de culturas y el politeísmo de valores.
Do constitucionalismo do comum às lutas cosmotécnicas: constituição do comum e lutas cosmotécnicas
Authors: Bolzan de Morais Jose Luis , Hoffmam Fernando
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo tem como escopo compreender a passagem de um constitucionalismo do comum – já proposto anteriormente – para o campo das lutas cosmotécnicas, no sentido de que não seria mais possível pensar e constituir um projeto cosmopolítico a não ser a partir das mesmas. Para tanto, o que se propõe, a partir dos limites e crises do Estado e do constitucionalismo que o acompanha, buscar a construção de projetos cosmopolíticos através do redimensionamento do constitucionalismo, proposto isso no trabalho pelo viés do comum e dos direitos humanos, é imprescindível constituir o comum para além dos limites do constitucionalismo – estatalista ou não – pois, a constituição do comum na atualidade se dá em um campo em disputa por práticas tecnopolíticas através de lutas cosmotécnicas e processos de insurreição, tendo como pano de fundo os impactos das globalizações neoliberais e da disrupção da era digital.
The commercialization of the Internet in Spain and its impact on communication between 1980 and 2000
Authors: Olivares-García Francisco J. , Méndez-Majuelos Inés , Román-San-Miguel Aránzazu
Published: February 2024

Although the first Internet experiences in Spain are related to e-mail and the use of some functionalities, such as file exchange or access to institutional directories, the popularization of the Internet coincides in time with the arrival of the Web in the second half of the last century. The media professionals and technology companies that lived through this historical moment witnessed the transformation of communication and of the citizens’ model for relating to their environment and the world as a whole. This paper analyzes the arrival of the Internet in Spain and its evolution until it became a marketable product, turning it into a global and omnipresent means of communication, as it is today.
Loneliness in older adults
Authors: da Silva Tiago Horta Reis
Published: February 2024

This article aims to provide an overview on loneliness in older people, with an emphasis on how insights from this body of literature can significantly contribute to the enhancement of care provided by community nurses. This review aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to loneliness, its impact on the physical and mental health of older individuals, and the role community nurses can play in mitigating and addressing loneliness.
Reoperation risk of periprosthetic fracture after primary total hip arthroplasty using a collared cementless or a taper-slip cemented stem
Authors: Lynch Wong Matthew , Robinson Mark , Bryce Leeann , Cassidy Roslyn , Lamb Jonathan N. , Diamond Owen , Beverland David
Published: February 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine both the incidence of, and the reoperation rate for, postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (POPFF) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) with either a collared cementless (CC) femoral component or a cemented polished taper-slip (PTS) femoral component.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 11,018 THAs over a ten-year period. All POPFFs were identified using regional radiograph archiving and electronic care systems.

Results

A total of 11,018 THAs were implanted: 4,952 CC femoral components and 6,066 cemented PTS femoral components. Between groups, age, sex, and BMI did not differ. Overall, 91 patients (0.8%) sustained a POPFF. For all patients with a POPFF, 16.5% (15/91) were managed conservatively, 67.0% (61/91) underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and 16.5% (15/91) underwent revision. The CC group had a lower POPFF rate compared to the PTS group (0.7% (36/4,952) vs 0.9% (55/6,066); p = 0.345). Fewer POPFFs in the CC group required surgery (0.4% (22/4,952) vs 0.9% (54/6,066); p = 0.005). Fewer POPFFs required surgery in males with a CC than males with a PTS (0.3% (7/2,121) vs 1.3% (36/2,674); p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Male patients with a PTS femoral component were five times more likely to have a reoperation for POPFF. Female patients had the same incidence of reoperation with either component type. Of those having a reoperation, 80.3% (61/76) had an ORIF, which could greatly mask the size of this problem in many registries.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(2):144–150.
Down-expression of miR-494-3p in senescent osteocyte-derived exosomes inhibits osteogenesis and accelerates age-related bone loss via PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Yao Chen , Sun Jie , Luo Wanxin , Chen Hao , Chen Tianhao , Chen Cao , Zhang Bo , Zhang Yafeng
Published: February 2024

Aims

To investigate the effects of senescent osteocytes on bone homeostasis in the progress of age-related osteoporosis and explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

In a series of in vitro experiments, we used tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) to induce senescence of MLO-Y4 cells successfully, and collected conditioned medium (CM) and senescent MLO-Y4 cell-derived exosomes, which were then applied to MC3T3-E1 cells, separately, to evaluate their effects on osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, we identified differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) between exosomes from senescent and normal MLO-Y4 cells by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Based on the key miRNAs that were discovered, the underlying mechanism by which senescent osteocytes regulate osteogenic differentiation was explored. Lastly, in the in vivo experiments, the effects of senescent MLO-Y4 cell-derived exosomes on age-related bone loss were evaluated in male SAMP6 mice, which excluded the effects of oestrogen, and the underlying mechanism was confirmed.

Results

The CM and exosomes collected from senescent MLO-Y4 cells inhibited osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. RNA sequencing detected significantly lower expression of miR-494-3p in senescent MLO-Y4 cell-derived exosomes compared with normal exosomes. The upregulation of exosomal miR-494-3p by miRNA mimics attenuated the effects of senescent MLO-Y4 cell-derived exosomes on osteogenic differentiation. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-494-3p targeted phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which is a negative regulator of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. Overexpression of PTEN or inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway blocked the functions of exosomal miR-494-3p. In SAMP6 mice, senescent MLO-Y4 cell-derived exosomes accelerated bone loss, which was rescued by upregulation of exosomal miR-494-3p.

Conclusion

Reduced expression of miR-494-3p in senescent osteocyte-derived exosomes inhibits osteogenic differentiation and accelerates age-related bone loss via PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(2):52–65.
Investigation of the Role of Shear Deflection in the Flexural Performance of Structural Insulated Panels
Authors: Shmulsky Rubin , Senalik Christopher Adam , Khademibami Laya , Mohammadabadi Mostafa , Seale Roy Daniel , Williamson Thomas , Ross Robert J.
Published: February 2024

As a material used in building construction, structural insulated panels (SIPs) deflect under flexural loading and creep over time. This work examines the deflection behavior of full-scale SIPs that were tested in bending. Approximately half of the matched specimens were tested after production and the other half were tested after a 90-day creep test. Of primary interest was the deflection behavior of the SIPs under load. After testing, the deflection was apportioned between the bending stiffness of the oriented strand board (OSB) and the shear modulus of the foam. Results indicated that when the known OSB modulus of elasticity values of 664,000 psi and 931,000 psi were considered among the different SIP thickness and treatments (with and without creep testing), the shear-based deflection from the foam ranged from 44 to 73 percent of the overall deflection. The calculated foam modulus of rigidity decreased slightly but significantly after creep testing. Also, the shear-based foam deflection increased slightly but significantly after creep testing.
Guo Xiang's Conception of Xing and the Reconciliation of Individuality With Social Hierarchy
Authors: Chiu Wai Wai
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This paper examines the idea of xing 性 in Guo Xiang's Commentary on the Zhuangzi in order to show the distinctiveness of Guo's thought. I argue that, for Guo, xing is individualized and subject to no external standard, not even to the "normal" condition proposed by the primitivists in the Zhuangzi . Regarding the debate about xing's changeability, I argue that one's xing can change over time, even by learning, although this change is constrained within certain boundaries. The individualization of xing and the need of holding to one's boundaries serve to explain the emergence of social norms, which can and should be established in a way that respects different xing . This dynamic between individuality and social organization contributes to our thinking about fundamental tensions in human life.
The Role of Pre-Socratics in Ṣadrā's Philosophy
Authors: Erdt Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This article analyzes Ṣadrā's (d. 1045/1635–1636) use of historical sources on pre-Socratics in his discussions devoted to the two correlated problems of the origination of the world and the theory of chance. His overall attitude to pre-Socratics is that of an Illuminationist philosopher. This is facilitated by the fact that the sources he consults present Neoplatonic interpretations of a number of pre-Socratic views that he finds easy to reconcile with his own doctrines. In his discussion on the material world's origination, Ṣadrā sees them as precursors of his own doctrine of substantial motion. However, when it comes to chance Ṣadrā has to address Ibn Sina's refutation of the views of Democritus and Empedocles. Ṣadrā's discussion is based on Rāzī's summary treatment of Ibn Sina's critique but intertwined with assertions (which trace back to Suhrawardī) that pre-Socratic views were misunderstood or even fabricated.
Water at the Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa during the Early Modern Era
Authors: Campos Pablo Gumiel
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa, located in the Alentejo, was one of the most important architectural projects in sixteenth-century Portugal. Its construction was the responsibility of the fourth and fifth Dukes of Bragança, Jaime I (1483–1532) and his son Teodósio I (1510–1563). Water was essential to this palace, especially for the irrigation of gardens and orchards, a fundamental characteristic of the humanist residence. This article will analyse the supply system and the different water uses within the palace site. A GIS map has been drawn to recreate this infrastructure. Resumo: O Paço Ducal de Vila Viçosa, situado no Alentejo, foi um dos projetos arquitetónicos mais relevantes do século XVI em Portugal. A sua construção foi da responsabilidade dos quarto e quinto duques de Bragança, Jaime I (1479–1532) e seu filho Teodósio I (1532–1563). A água era essencial neste palácio, sobretudo na rega de jardins e pomares, característica fundamental da residência humanista. Neste artigo, serão analisados o sistema de abastecimento e as diferentes utilizações da água no palácio. Foi elaborado um mapa GIS para recriar estas infraestruturas.