bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of in-home decluttering augmentation of group cognitive-behavioral therapy for hoarding disorder: the Joining Forces Trial
Authors: Jägholm Sofia , Lindstedt Sara , Andersson Erik , Mataix-Cols David , Fernández de la Cruz Lorena , Rück Christian , Ivanov Volen Z.
Published: July 2023

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a moderately efficacious treatment for hoarding disorder (HD), with most individuals remaining symptomatic after treatment. The Joining Forces Trial will evaluate whether 10 weeks of in-home decluttering can significantly augment the outcomes of group CBT.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial of in-home decluttering augmentation of group CBT for HD. Adult participants with HD (N = 90) will receive 12 weeks of protocol-based group CBT for HD. After group CBT, participants will be randomized to either 10 weeks of in-home decluttering led by a social services team or a waitlist. The primary endpoint is 10 weeks post-randomization. The primary outcome measures are the self-reported Saving Inventory-Revised and the blind assessor-rated Clutter Image Rating. Participants on the waitlist will cross over to receive the in-home decluttering intervention after the primary endpoint. Data will be analyzed according to intention-to-treat principles. We will also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this intervention from both healthcare and societal perspectives.

Discussion

HD is challenging to treat with conventional psychological treatments. We hypothesize that in-home decluttering sessions carried out by personnel in social services will be an efficacious and cost-effective augmentation strategy of group CBT for HD. Recruitment started in January 2021, and the final participant is expected to reach the primary endpoint in December 2024.

Trail registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04712474. Registered on 15 January 2021
Efficacy of beetroot juice on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (BEET-PKD): study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Sagar Priyanka S. , Munt Alexandra , Saravanabavan Sayanthooran , Vahedi Farnoosh Asghar , Elhindi James , Nguyen Beatrice , Chau Katrina , Harris David C. , Lee Vincent , Sud Kamal , Wong Nikki , Rangan Gopala K.
Published: July 2023

Background

In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) impaired nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, in part, contributes to early-onset hypertension. Beetroot juice (BRJ) reduces blood pressure (BP) by increasing NO-mediated vasodilation. The aim of this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study is to test the hypothesis that BRJ reduces systolic and diastolic clinic BP in hypertensive adults with ADPKD.

Methods

Participants with ADPKD and treated hypertension (n = 60) will be randomly allocated (1:1) to receive a daily dose of either nitrate-replete (400 mg nitrate/day) or nitrate-deplete BRJ for 4 weeks. The co-primary outcomes are change in mean systolic and diastolic clinic BP before and after 4 weeks of treatment with daily BRJ. Secondary outcomes are changes in daily home BP, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, serum and salivary nitrate/nitrite levels and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine levels before and after 4 weeks of BRJ.

Discussion

The effect of BRJ in ADPKD has not been previously tested. BRJ is an accessible, natural dietary supplement that, if effective, will provide a novel adjunctive approach for treating hypertension in ADPKD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05401409. Retrospectively registered on 27th May 2022.
The effect of the leisure activities based on chess and cards for improving cognition of older adults: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shi Xiaojuan , wang Yanrong , Wu Yueping , Li Jiangping
Published: July 2023

Background

With the increase in age, the probability of cognitive impairment in the older people is increasing. More and more evidence shows that participating in leisure activities, especially chess and cards, is beneficial to the cognition and mental state of the older people. But the evidence for causal inference is limited. There is a need to conduct a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT) and long-term follow-up to test the effectiveness of intervention measures in improving cognitive function and mental state. This paper describes the methodology of a cluster RCT designed to determine the effect of chess and cards leisure activities on the cognitive function of the older people over 60 years old.

Methods/design

A cluster RCT consisting of 8 clusters will be conducted in four regions of Ningxia, China (Helan, Litong, Qingtongxia, and Shapotou). Clusters will be randomly assigned to the advocacy intervention group, which is also delivered with free leisure activities tools (chess and cards), or the control group. A baseline survey will be conducted before the intervention. A mid-term and final survey will be carried out twelve and twenty-four months after the intervention, respectively. The primary outcome is a change in cognitive function, and the secondary outcomes are changes in anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Discussion

The results of this RCT will be helpful to (1) confirm the effectiveness of chess and cards leisure activities in improving the cognitive function of the older people over 60 years old; (2) determine the relationship between the frequency and duration of chess and cards leisure activities and cognitive function; (3) provide evidence of promoting participation in leisure activities through education campaigns and free provision of chess and cards tools; and (4) provide valuable information for successful aging.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200066817. Registered on 19 December 2022.
Characterization of protein cargo of Echinococcus granulosus extracellular vesicles in drug response and its influence on immune response
Authors: Nicolao María Celeste , Rodrigues Christian Rodriguez , Coccimiglio Magalí B. , Ledo Camila , Docena Guillermo H. , Cumino Andrea C.
Published: July 2023

Background

The Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species complex causes cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic disease of medical importance. Parasite-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are involved in the interaction with hosts intervening in signal transduction related to parasite proliferation and disease pathogenesis. Although the characteristics of sEVs from E. granulosus protoscoleces and their interaction with host dendritic cells (DCs) have been described, the effect of sEVs recovered during parasite pharmacological treatment on the immune response remains unexplored.

Methods

Here, we isolated and characterized sEVs from control and drug-treated protoscoleces by ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and proteomic analysis. In addition, we evaluated the cytokine response profile induced in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) by qPCR.

Results

The isolated sEVs, with conventional size between 50 and 200 nm, regardless of drug treatment, showed more than 500 cargo proteins and, importantly, 20 known antigens and 70 potential antigenic proteins, and several integral-transmembrane and soluble proteins mainly associated with signal transduction, immunomodulation, scaffolding factors, extracellular matrix-anchoring, and lipid transport. The identity and abundance of proteins in the sEV-cargo from metformin- and albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO)-treated parasites were determined by proteomic analysis, detecting 107 and eight exclusive proteins, respectively, which include proteins related to the mechanisms of drug action. We also determined that the interaction of murine BMDCs with sEVs derived from control parasites and those treated with ABZSO and metformin increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 compared to control cells. Additionally, protoscolex-derived vesicles from metformin treatments induced the production of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10. However, the expression of IL-23 and TGF-β was downregulated.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that sEV-cargo derived from drug-treated E. granulosus protoscoleces have immunomodulatory functions, as they enhance DC activation towards a type 1 pro-inflammatory profile against the parasite, and therefore support the proposal of a new approach for the prevention and treatment of secondary echinococcosis.

Graphical abstract
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis during treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis with rituximab in the United States of America: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mendel Arielle , Behlouli Hassan , de Moura Cristiano Soares , Vinet Évelyne , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Bernatsky Sasha
Published: July 2023

Background

Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended during ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) induction. We aimed to describe the frequency, persistence, and factors associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) use in an adult population sample with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) treated with rituximab (RTX).

Methods

We identified adults with GPA treated with RTX within the Merative™ Marketscan® Research Databases (2011–2020). TMP-SMX prophylaxis was defined as a $$\ge$$
≥
28-day prescription dispensed within a month of starting RTX. We estimated TMP-SMX persistence, allowing prescription refill gaps of 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the factors associated with baseline TMP-SMX use and persistence, respectively. Covariates included age, sex, calendar year, insurance type, immunosuppressant use, hospitalization, and co-morbidities.

Results

Among 1877 RTX-treated GPA patients, the mean age was 50.9, and 54% were female. A minority (n = 426, 23%) received TMP-SMX with a median persistence of 141 (IQR 83–248) days. In multivariable analyses, prophylaxis was associated with prednisone use in the month prior to RTX ($$\ge$$
≥
20 mg/day vs none, OR 3.96; 95% CI 3.0–5.2; 1–19 mg/day vs none, OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.8–3.8), and methotrexate use (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.04–2.1), intensive care (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.4–2.7), and non-intensive care hospitalization (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.2–2.1) in the 6 months prior to RTX. Female sex (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.5–0.8) was negatively associated with TMP-SMX use.

Conclusions

TMP-SMX was dispensed to a minority of RTX-treated GPA patients, more often to those on glucocorticoids and with recent hospitalization. Further research is needed to determine the optimal use and duration of TMP-SMX prophylaxis following RTX in AAV.
Parental perceptions of a novel subsidy program to address the financial burden of milk allergy: a qualitative study
Authors: Bhamra Manvir , Harbottle Zoe , Golding Michael A , Ben-Shoshan Moshe , Roos Leslie E , Abrams Elissa M , Penner Sara J , St-Vincent Jo-Anne , Protudjer Jennifer LP
Published: July 2023

Background

Approximately 6–7% of Canadian children have food allergy. These families face substantial burdens due to the additional costs incurred purchasing allergy-friendly products necessary for management compared to families without food allergies. In the year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these costs were equivalent to an average of $200 monthly compared to families without food allergy. As food prices continue to rise, rates of food insecurity also increase, disproportionately affecting households with food allergy who have limited choices at food banks.

Methods

Families living or working in Winnipeg, Canada with an annual net income of about $70,000 or less the year prior to recruitment and a child under the age of 6 years old with a physician diagnosed milk allergy were recruited between January and February 2022. Participating families received bi-weekly home deliveries for six months, from March to August 2022, of subsidy kits containing ~$50 worth of milk allergy-friendly products. Semi-structured interviews, completed ± 2 weeks from the final delivery, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically.

Results

Eight interviews, averaging 32 min (range 22–54 min), were completed with mothers from all different families. On average, mothers were 29.88 ± 4.39 years old and children were 2.06 ± 1.32 years old. All children reported allergies in addition to milk. Based on the data from these interviews, we identified 3 themes: food allergy causes substantial burden for families, “I have to get his allergy-friendly food first before getting to my basic needs”, and perceived emotional and financial benefits of a milk allergy-friendly food subsidy program.

Conclusions

This study, along with previous research, suggests that there is a need for assistance for families managing milk allergies. It also provides important information to inform development of programs which can address these financial challenges. Our in-kind food subsidy was perceived as having a positive impact on food costs and stress associated with food allergy management, however, parents identified a need for more variety in the food packages. Future programs should strive to incorporate a greater variety of products to address this limitation.
Autoimmune gastritis as an unexpected cause of diarrhea in a young adult with type I diabetes: a case report
Authors: Meyers Taylor M. , Reeves Patrick T. , Lombardo Jamie L. , Anisowicz Sarah K. , Larson Noelle S. , Rogers Philip L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a lifelong diagnosis that involves immune-mediated damage of pancreatic beta cells and subsequent hyperglycemia, manifesting as: polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss. Treatment of type 1 diabetes centers on insulin administration to replace or supplement the body's own insulin with the goal of achieving euglycemia and preventing or minimizing complications. Patients with T1DM are at risk for developing other autoimmune conditions, most commonly thyroid or celiac disease.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old African American female with T1DM was referred by her endocrinologist to pediatric gastroenterology for 2 months of nocturnal, non-bloody diarrhea, left lower quadrant pain, and nausea; she was also being followed by neurology for complaints of lower extremity paresthesias and pain. The patient’s initial lab-workup was remarkable for a low total Immunoglobulin A (IgA) level of < 6.7 mg/dL. As IgA deficiency is associated with an increased risk of celiac disease, the patient underwent upper and lower endoscopy, which was grossly unremarkable; however, histology revealed a pattern consistent with autoimmune gastritis. Subsequent serum evaluation was remarkable for an elevated fasting gastrin level and an elevated parietal cell antibody level without macrocytic anemia, iron deficiency, or vitamin B12 depletion. The patient was diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis (AIG) and subsequently initiated on parenteral B12 supplementation therapy with improvement in her neurologic and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of recognition of red flag findings in a patient with known autoimmune disease. Following well-established health maintenance recommendations for individuals with T1DM ensures that common comorbidities will be detected. Autoimmune gastritis, while a rarer pathology in the pediatric population, deserves consideration in patients with pre-existing autoimmune conditions and new gastrointestinal or neurologic symptoms, as AIG can be associated with poor outcomes and risk of malignancy. Initial lab findings associated with an eventual diagnosis of AIG typically include anemia, iron deficiency, or Vitamin B12 deficiency. However, as demonstrated in this case, symptoms of AIG can rarely present before anemia or Vitamin B12 deficiency develops. To prevent permanent neurological damage, parenteral Vitamin B12 therapy must be considered even in the absence of Vitamin B12 deficiency, especially in those patients already experiencing neurological symptoms.
Tolvaptan for water retention in heart failure: a systematic review
Authors: Pan Yujing , Li Haoyang , Gao Jin , Mi Zishuo , Chen Hao , Li Ying
Published: July 2023

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review is to collect, appraise, and synthesize existing evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on the effectiveness of tolvaptan for water retention in heart failure.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, web of science, Cochrane reviews for SRs/Mas published between the databases’ establishment to November 17, 2021. All the records were managed with Endnote 20. Standardized forms were used to extract data. Revman 5.3 was used to make forest plots to show the characteristics of outcomes. The methodological and evidence quality were respectively evaluated by AMSTAR-2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2) and GRADE (Grading of Recommendation of Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system.

Results

A total of 9 SRs/Mas between 2015 to 2020 met inclusion criteria. Serum sodium concentration and urine output were considered as primary outcomes and body weight change and all-cause mortality as second outcomes. Through conducting forest plots, it appeared that tolvaptan brought more positive effect than conventional therapies. It was pessimistic when it comes to the quality of the 9 studies. all the 9 articles were rated as low-quality because AMSTAR 2 evaluation showed that they each had at least one critical item (items 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15) defect. Besides, every article had a few non-critical item defects too. The result of GRADE assessment was not optimistic, so the overall quality of the evidences was low as well.

Conclusion

Tolvaptan can be recommended for water retention in HF patients, but more evidence is needed.
Resistome expansion in disease-associated human gut microbiomes
Authors: Fredriksen Simen , de Warle Stef , van Baarlen Peter , Boekhorst Jos , Wells Jerry M.
Published: July 2023

Background

The resistome, the collection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in a microbiome, is increasingly recognised as relevant to the development of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance. Many metagenomic studies have reported resistome differences between groups, often in connection with disease and/or antibiotic treatment. However, the consistency of resistome associations with antibiotic- and non-antibiotic–treated diseases has not been established. In this study, we re-analysed human gut microbiome data from 26 case-control studies to assess the link between disease and the resistome.

Results

The human gut resistome is highly variable between individuals both within and between studies, but may also vary significantly between case and control groups even in the absence of large taxonomic differences. We found that for diseases commonly treated with antibiotics, namely cystic fibrosis and diarrhoea, patient microbiomes had significantly elevated ARG abundances compared to controls. Disease-associated resistome expansion was found even when ARG abundance was high in controls, suggesting ongoing and additive ARG acquisition in disease-associated strains. We also found a trend for increased ARG abundance in cases from some studies on diseases that are not treated with antibiotics, such as colorectal cancer.

Conclusions

Diseases commonly treated with antibiotics are associated with expanded gut resistomes, suggesting that historical exposure to antibiotics has exerted considerable selective pressure for ARG acquisition in disease-associated strains.
ASSESSMENT OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN CRIMEAN FORESTS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF CROWN AND SURFACE FIRES
Authors: Kobechinskaya Valentina G. , Yarosh Olga B. , Apostolov Valery L.
Published: July 2023

We present results of studies carried out from 2007 to 2020 on the assessment of the emission of the main greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide, mono- and nitrogen dioxide, emitted during top and bottom fires in the forests of the Republic of Crimea.

The aim of the work was to monitor greenhouse gas emissions as a result of fires according to ground-based studies in the forests of the peninsula.

Materials and methods. The objects of study were uneven-aged burnt forests of pine plantations and oak forests in the foothill zone (Simferopol forestry), as well as pine and oak forests of the reserve located on the southern macroslope of the Crimean Mountains. The weight indicators of carbon emissions from fires for forest stand, undergrowth, undergrowth and litter are calculated taking into account conversion factors.

Results. The total emissions of greenhouse gases from fires of different intensities in the foothill zone during this period reached 1575.6 t in (9.87 t/ha), and the contribution of carbon dioxide to the total volume was 6.1 t/ha. In the nature reserve, the total emissions were 23227.8 t in (20.98 t/ha) and 12.8 t/ha for carbon dioxide. These higher values are due to greater age, density and stock of the forest stand. The contributions of various greenhouse gases to the total emissions were: 61.2% for carbon dioxide, 28.5% for nitrogen dioxide, 8.5% for carbon monoxide, and less than 1.8% for methane and nitrous oxide in total.

Conclusions. The method used in this study for calculating greenhouse gas emissions released during fire impact on forest ecosystems can be considered as a good toolkit for a detailed assessment of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated during fires of various intensities.
DETERMINATION OF IRIDOID, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS BY HPLC METHOD IN PLANTS GENTIANA CRUCIATA L. FROM DIFFERENT GROWTH PLACE
Authors: Bimenyindavyi Estella , Timofeeva Olga A.
Published: July 2023

Background. The ecological and geographical conditions of the habitat may be responsible for the synthesis and accumulation of various bioactive compounds and, therefore, for biological effects, including the antioxidant properties of medicinal plants. Understanding the impact of environmental factors on bioactive compounds in medicinal plants have great importance for choosing a place for growing and harvesting plants with a high content of bioactive compounds, as well as providing the highest quality raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry.

Objective. To study the accumulation of iridoids, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in G. cruciata plant samples, depending on the growing conditions.

Results. The regions of the Republic of Tatarstan with the best quality of medicinal raw materials, as well as factors contributing to the accumulation of various groups of biologically active substances in G. cruciate plants, were identified. Humidity and soil type played a decisive role in the accumulation of iridoids; the synthesis of phenolic compounds was more influenced by humidity than the type of soil. However, since the change in antioxidant activity did not correspond to concentration of phenolic compounds, this may be due to the presence of iridoids, which are considered to be the main substances of the plant of the genus Grecian. Their antioxidant activity has been shown in previous studies. In our studies, soil properties seem to have great influence on the production of studied compounds.

Conclusions. Almetevsky and Laishevsky districts can be chosen as the optimal place for growing and collecting medicinal plants G. cruciata L.
WOOL PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF RUSSIAN MEAT MERINO SHEEP FROM INTRA- AND INTERLINE SELECTION
Authors: Chernobai Evgeny N. , Surov Alexander I. , Rezun Natalya A. , Onishchenko Olga N. , Oleinik Sergey A.
Published: July 2023

Line breeding is often used in purebred animal husbandry, although the combination of lines may affect undesirable result. Therefore, it is very important for animal breeders to know which lines of animals can be combined to produce highly productive offspring with high meat and wool properties. This article studies the influence of interline selection of Russian meat merino breed on wool productivity, quality and skin histostructure. We found that the highest clipping was in the animals of group III obtained from ME-50 line rams and AS-30 line ewes. Ewes exceeded their peers of group II from the intraline AC-30 selection and peers of group IV from AS-30 line rams and ME-50 line queens. At the same time, ewes of group III insignificantly exceeded peers of group I from intraline selection of ME-50 line animals by 2.0% (P>0.05). Animals of group III had rather high fleece indices in terms of the wool condition due to the influence of ME-50 rams. Moreover, they had the highest ratio of “fat:sweat” (0.84), which confirms the high technological wool properties of this genotype. The quality of sheepskins depends on the nature of the connection of collagen fibers in the reticular layer. In terms of the thickness of the skin reticular layer young ewes of the group III exceeded their peers in groups I, II and IV by 5.3% (P> 0.05), 21.9% ( P<0.01) and 12.0% (P<0.05) respectively.
COGNITIONS AND EMOTIONS OF PATIENTS DURING POST-COVID REHABILITATION
Authors: Borisov Oleg V. , Hartfelder Denis V. , Zakharova Anna N. , Komarova Evgenia S. , Dulina Galina S.
Published: July 2023

Background. A lot of scientific articles have been published since the global COVID-19 pandemic was officially announced by WHO. Although different aspects of COVID-19 impact on the mental sphere were studied, some issues regarding the psychological characteristics of those who have had a coronavirus infection are still not fully revealed. It is noted by many authors that even when the main symptoms of the disease are subsided, symptoms of anxiety, depression, cognitive & mood disorders are still persistent even after the treatment.

Purpose: to study cognitive and emotional spheres of patients who are recovering from coronavirus infection and currently undergoing rehabilitation procedures.

Materials and methods. The study involved 100 patients undergoing medical rehabilitation, 55 of them are recovering from traumatological, neurological and cardiovascular disorders (27 male and 28 female patients, aged 57±10) and 45 patients are recovering from pneumonia caused by coronavirus infection (11 male and 34 female patients, aged 58±12). The study was conducted using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS), and the Health-Activity-Mood Scale (SAN). Statistical analysis of raw data had included calculation of descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Student’s t-test for independent groups, Fisher’s φ* transformation and significance of correlation coefficients differences with Fisher’s transformation & Student T-distribution, and was processed with Microsoft Office Excel 2016 build-in data analysis package.

Results. Analysis of MoCA results showed that ratio of severe impairments of memory functions and attention span is higher in post-COVID group of patients. This group also had higher rate of anxiety symptoms and sub-clinical depression state. In both groups more than a half of the patients have average level of anxiety and depression, however patients from post-COVID group are more likely to experience more symptoms of anxiety than non-COVID patients. Patients from post-COVID group are significantly more likely to have a higher scores of anxiety compared to patients in the other group and at the same time they are less likely to have average anxiety level. Differences between groups were discovered for “Health” and “Mood” scales of SAN with higher scores among post-COID patients as well as lower scores for “Activity” scale.

Conclusion. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found; common and specific correlations were found for both groups. The results may be useful for healthcare professionals working with post-COVID patients, and can also be used by psychologists who deal with the problems of social and psychological rehabilitation of post-COVID patients.
HEMOGRAM INDICATORS ASSESSMENT FOR EARLY PREDICTING THE MIXED INFECTION OF THE ERYTHEMA MIGRANS FORM OF LYME BORRELIOSIS AND TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS
Authors: Ilyinskikh Ekaterina N. , Filatova Evgenia N. , Reshetova Alina V.
Published: July 2023

Background. It is difficult to confirm the diagnosis of the mixed infection of the erythema migrans form of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis at the onset of the disease because of delayed seroconversion.

Purpose. Assessment of hemogram predictors to develop a model for early diagnosis of the mixed infection of the erythema form of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis.

Materials and methods. The study involved 21 patients with the mixed infection of the erythema form of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (Group 1) and 25 patients with the erythema form of borreliosis monoinfection (Group 2), who were hospitalized no later than the 7th day of the disease. The hemogram parameters, the leukocyte intoxication index and the body resistance index were analyzed. ROC analysis was used. The logistic regression model was developed using STATISTICA 12.0 modules.

Results. The Group 1 patients compared with Group 2 demonstrated significant increases in the levels of the leukocyte intoxication index, and neutrophils, but decreases in the levels of the body resistance index, eosinophils, basophils and platelets. The leukocyte intoxication index was a “very good” predictor of the mixed infection, and the body resistance index, the number of eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils and platelets in peripheral blood had a “good” predictive values. The model included the body resistance index, the number of eosinophils and basophils.

Conclusion. The developed model had a “very good” predictive value for the mixed infection early diagnosis of the erythema migrans form of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF NITROPYRIDINES
Authors: Ivanova Evgeniya V. , Surova Irina I. , Nikishina Maria B. , Mukhtorov Loik G. , Shahkeldyan Irina V. , Atroshchenko Yuri M.
Published: July 2023

Background. Pyridines are one of the most common heterocycles, the derivatives of which are widely used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemistry, and also in the production of new materials. Therefore, a comprehensive study of the chemical behavior of various pyridine derivatives will continue to be an urgent task of organic chemistry. This literature review is devoted to the systematization and analysis of the chemical properties of pyridine nitro derivatives, starting from the first half of the 20th century and up to the present. The paper considers both reactions proceeding through the nitro group (reduction under the action of various chemical agents, substitution, condensation) and reactions through the pyridine cycle. The main areas of application of nitropyridines are also shown.

Purpose. Generalize and systematize the main types of reactions characteristic of nitropyridines, show the features of their chemical properties associated with the transformation of the nitro group, its effect on the mobility of substituents in the pyridine ring, as well as on the activity of the heterocycle as a whole.

Materials and methods. To achieve the goal of the study, a review of the scientific literature was made on the main types of chemical reactions characteristic of pyridine nitro derivatives and the most significant areas of their application.

Results. This paper summarizes the results of experimental studies on the chemical properties and application of nitropyridines from the beginning of the last century to the present.

Conclusion. Thus, as a result of the analysis of sources devoted to the chemical properties and application of nitropyridines, a brief literature review was compiled, including the main types of reactions characteristic of the compounds under study, and their main areas of application were identified.
LEGAL SITUATION REGARDING ASSESSED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES IN MUSLIM COUNTRIES
Authors: Shestak Viktor A. , Tsyplakova Alyona D. , Kholikov Ivan V.
Published: July 2023

Background. The assessed reproduction technologies (ART) often involve a range of controversial ethical and legal issues that are inspiring for research.

Purpose. Comprehensive study on ways to use certain types of technologies.

Materials. This paper provides with research of a legal framework of the ART based on the legislation of 13 Muslim countries: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Morocco, Jordan, the UAE, Malaysia, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Turkey.

Results. Due to a range of religious, ethical, legal and social reasons access to the ART was prohibited, but in recent decades mujtahids and fakihs have come to conclusion that for the sake of national prosperity and sustainable development of the ummah medically assisted reproduction may be permissible under certain conditions and must be regulated by laws and correspond to fatwas. The limits of usage of certain technologies have common tendency in gulf countries and the Northern Africa. Nevertheless, some other Muslim countries (e.g., Iran and Malaysia) address this issue in a more detailed and open-minded way.

Conclusion. Although there’re legal mechanisms and tools for a broader interpretation and a wider interpretation despite critical opinion of theologies and restricted nature of so-called «gates of al-ijtihad», because they are based on established years ago institutes an, in fact, don’t contradict the foundations of Qur’an and Sunnah. However, features of Muslim law remain.
COMPREHENSIVE GEOECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE FEATURES OF URBANIZED TERRITORIES
Authors: Lomova Lyudmila A. , Istomina Olga B. , Dooranov Almazbek , Aleshko Roman A. , Tsuglenok Olga M.
Published: July 2023

Objective. The aim of the study is to identify important features of the geoecological study of cities, as well as to consider the main approaches and methods that are used in the geoecological analysis of morphologically heterogeneous indicators.

Materials and methods. The object of research is geosystems in geography and ecosystems in ecological science. It is this systematic approach that brings ecology and geography closer together.

Results. As a result of the interaction of society with the natural environment, one can see a new branch of knowledge - geoecology. So, it is necessary to take into account spatial or territorial patterns. The science of geoecology is the link between geography and ecology for solving various problems of the natural environment. Exactly, we can talk about the spatio-temporal features that have the interaction of organisms with the environment and territorially differentiated systems of relationships.

Conclusion. At the present time, the modern interest of society in environmental science is quite explainable. Its main problem is survival in those conditions of the natural environment, which are greatly changed as a result of human economic activity. All over the world, a large role is assigned to the health of the population due to the problem of anthropogenic pollution of the environment. It causes significant damage in the geographical, biological, economic spheres, as well as its individual enterprises. There is a serious threat of violations not only of the biosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, but, in general, the entire geographic envelope. The first area is the subject of environmental research, and the second area is geography. As a result of these events, one can undoubtedly speak of a huge similarity and overlap between these sciences.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma complicated by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a case report
Authors: Medeiros Teresa , Sequeira Sofia , Mendes Manuela , Hierro Fátima , Duarte Sara
Published: July 2023

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma is a rare and aggressive primary neoplasm that comprises a small proportion of brain tumours and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We present a case report of a 64-year-old woman with CNS lymphoma, who exhibited cognitive changes, weight loss and neurological symptoms. Imaging scans revealed multiple lesions in the brain and thrombosis in the venous sinuses. A diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the CNS was confirmed through histological examination. The patient underwent treatment with corticosteroids and chemotherapy, but experienced clinical deterioration with thrombocytopenia and disease progression. Despite efforts to manage complications and provide targeted therapy, the patient passed away. Primary CNS lymphoma typically responds well to chemotherapy, and prognostic factors such as age and functional status play a significant role in patient outcomes. However, complications such as thromboembolism pose challenges during treatment due to the hypercoagulable state induced by chemotherapy agents. The pathophysiology of thromboembolic events in the context of malignancy remains uncertain but may involve direct tumour compression, vascular invasion and alterations in coagulation factors. The diagnostic process for CNS lymphoma can be complex, and the information obtained from cerebrospinal fluid analysis, including flow cytometry, may be limited in cases with low cell counts. Ongoing research exploring genetic tests and biomarkers shows promise for improving diagnostic accuracy in such cases. This case underscores the need for comprehensive management strategies that address both the neoplasm and its associated complications, to optimise patient outcomes.
Radio Sky
Authors: Chancellor Bryn
Published: July 2023

Abstract: "She listened for the phantom hum and squeal that probably was tinnitus but that she liked to believe was a frequency she could tune into like a dog or a bat."
Storied
Authors: McLarney Rose
Published: July 2023

Abstract: A poet investigates how the architecture of I-houses shapes the narratives we tell about ourselves and each other.
My Father's Remedy
Authors: Schwartz David Lerner
Published: July 2023

Abstract: "The husband's hand caught briefly on the thick baubles dangling from Becca's lobe. How many fires did those earrings pass through only to be lost in Paradise?"
In the Pines
Authors: Villagra Analía
Published: July 2023

Abstract: "Only her brother knew she'd been alone in the woods. Te busqué , he said when he still knew how. I looked and looked, but you were gone. In the memory, he says these things in English because neither of them remember their Spanish anymore. They don't even remember to call each other."
A Plague of Locusts
Authors: Wade Julie Marie
Published: July 2023

Abstract: A woman in love finds truth in the apocryphal stories of intimacy, pool games, and swarms of honeymoon flies.
Person of Heart
Authors: Wang Lei
Published: July 2023

Abstract: A writer reflects on the life, loves, and literary traditions of the title character in The Tale of Genji , noticing the nuances of seasons passing and the complications of lost canons.
Advice without Consent?: Assessing the Advisory Jurisdiction of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Authors: Odinkalu Chidi Anselm
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: Despite enduring prolonged skepticism, Africa’s regional human rights has a complex architecture of institutions, norms, procedures, and jurisprudence. A major entity among these institutions is the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In existence for over one and a half decades, the Court remains an institution in transition. With an identity defined mostly by its contentious jurisdiction, the significance of its advisory jurisdiction has been neglected. Three hundred eight cases (95.36 percent) of the 323 cases received by the court in its first fifteen years were contentious. The remaining fifteen (less than 5 percent) were advisory. Notwithstanding its relative rarity, the initial evidence suggests that advisory jurisdiction of the African Court could potentially play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of human rights norms in Africa. This article explores the mechanics and potential impact of the advisory jurisdiction of the African Court for the future of human rights in Africa.
Forum-Shifting and Human Rights: Prospects for Queering the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
Authors: Hagen Jamie J. , O’Rourke Catherine
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: The adoption of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda by the UN Security Council constituted a forum-shift by women’s rights advocates away from the human rights system. As queer critique of the WPS agenda gathers pace, this article reflects on the antecedents of the queer exclusions of the WPS agenda in international human rights law. The article thereby reveals the consequences in other international law regimes of human rights law’s queer exclusions. The article concludes with some tentative proposals to utilise the pluralism of international human rights law to expand queer possibilities for both human rights and WPS.
Agents with Principles? Preventing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence with Human Rights Laws and Norms
Authors: Overton Kathryn L. , Sharif Sally
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: Focusing on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), we posit that behavioral expectations in the form of norms and laws have a visible impact on government militaries. Using data from over 2,000 actor-incidents between 1989 and 2015, we find a robust negative relationship between physical integrity norms and CRSV. CRSV is often a gendered act, but its prevention is not. Our analysis suggests that CRSV prevention rests with the imperative to respect physical integrity rights. This inherent respect restrains government actors even when elements of formal military control are absent or only inconsistently enforced.
The Image of a Lesser God: Imago Dei and the Human Rights of Children
Authors: Hiskes Richard P.
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: Since the time of Augustine, and continuing today, it is common for religious believers to say that humans are created in the “image of God.” This imago dei idea was also commonly invoked, beginning in the seventeenth century, by Liberal theorists like Locke and Jefferson, as the foundation for natural or human rights. In this article, I will argue that for centuries, the dominant interpretations of imago dei were used by religious philosophical and political leaders to deny rights to both women and non-white men. More centrally to my thesis, this theological idea is still invoked today to deny human rights to children. However, taking children’s human rights seriously offers both a new foundation for human rights generally, and a different interpretation of what it means for humans to reflect the divine image.
Clashing Globes: Images of the Earth and Heidegger’s Thinking of Modernity
Authors: Ferdinand Simon
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Visual representations of the whole earth permeate modern cultures, shaping how societies imagine globalization and planetary ecological derangement. To explore the complex ways in which these images configure human attitudes toward environments, this essay attends to a series of hegemonic representations of the earth from diverse situations and stages of modernity in conjunction with ideas drawn from Martin Heidegger’s ontological philosophy. I proceed from the insight that for Heidegger modernity is not a singular condition, but entails two contrary determinations of being: “machination,” in which detached subjects reshape an objectified world, and “enordering,” in which fungible and flexible resources circulate endlessly around a closed global space. Taking up these divergent concepts, my argument accentuates basic differences in how the earth has been disclosed in representation over the course of modern history. Through close analyses of world maps from the early modern Netherlands; chalkboard globes from nineteenth-century schoolrooms; and the contemporary geospatial application Google Earth, I show how global visions both articulate and complicate Heidegger’s thinking of machination and enordering. Far from being the culmination of a singular modernity, images of the earth reveal and reinforce a discordant global condition, riven by clashing, equally total disclosures of the world.
Wild Design: Gambiarra, Complexity and Responsibility
Authors: De Paula Antunes Monaí
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This paper proposes different approaches to design, referring to gambiarra practices and artifacts and their relation to complexity theory, evoking critical theorists that take undecidability into account in order to link gambiarra to operations that breed complexity and responsibility. The word gambiarra comes from Brazilian slang and describes an intervention or artifact meant to provide a provisory solution to an unexpected event or crisis. This kind of alternative design differs radically from conventional design because it does not come from formally trained, engineer-minded, projects. Instead, it lacks control, stability and durability. As it offers no permanent solution, it opens room for further accidents and is messy, especially if compared to a conservative model for creation that praises human predominance, soundness and efficiency. Therefore, gambiarra often has negative connotations that this analysis aims to challenge, by relating it to principles of complexity theory. Complexity theory is a transdisciplinary field for research aimed at the organization of living systems, with a vast understanding of networks and what life and govern are. It gathers insights from different disciplines to explore the interconnectivity between individuals, their systems and environment. It unveils how ambivalent information/noise relationships are fundamental for the increase of diversity in a system. It also displays the intelligent dynamics resulting from seemingly insignificant neighborhood relations that collectively make it possible to adapt and continuously change structures. With that in mind, the “deficient” aspect of gambiarra becomes more valuable, as it hints at a potential to generate new information and structures beyond entropic models that perpetuate the same logics across time. Michel Serres’s information theory presented in the book The Parasite is brought up in comparison to gambiarra, in order to explore the potential of interdependent ambiguous relationships that may not fit in dominant forms of discourse. Concomitantly, Vilém Flusser’s notion of responsibility reinforces the argument that a fabric of dynamic differences can emerge out of mutual engagement and indeterminacy. Underlying, this paper concerns with drafting ecological discourses and practices that can embrace contradictions and the plurality of worlds, noticing complex phenomena that have been pushed to the margins, while also decentralizing from hegemonic models. It questions the predominance of the prevailing design paradigm in the search for non-eurocentric and non-anthropocentric human-environment relationships and forms of provision of human needs.
Neural Network-based Inverse Model for Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Lan Qing , McClarren ryan , Vishwanath Karthik
Published: July 2023

In diffuse optical spectroscopy, the retrieval of the optical properties of a target requires the inversion of a measured reflectance spectrum. This is typically achieved through the use of forward models such as diffusion theory or Monte Carlo simulations, which are iteratively applied to optimize the reconstruction of the optical parameters. In this paper, we propose a novel neural network-based approach for solving this inverse problem, and establish its performance using experimentally measured diffuse reflectance data from a previously reported phantom study. Our inverse model was developed from a neural network forward model that was pre-trained with data from Monte Carlo simulations. The neural network forward model then creates a lookup table to invert the diffuse reflectance to the optical coefficients. We describe the construction of the neural network-based inverse model and test its ability to accurately retrieve optical properties from experimentally acquired diffuse reflectance data in liquid optical phantoms. Our results indicate that the developed neural network-based model achieves comparable accuracy to traditional Monte Carlo-based inverse models while offering improved speed and flexibility, potentially providing an alternative for developing faster clinical diagnosis tools. This study highlights the potential of neural networks in solving inverse problems in diffuse optical spectroscopy.