bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a plant extract of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on testosterone in blood plasma and saliva in a double blind randomized controlled intervention study
Authors: Lee-Ødegård Sindre , Gundersen Thomas E. , Drevon Christian A.
Published: September 2024

Many aging men experience reduced energy and libido related to non-optimal testosterone levels. We conducted a randomized double-blind trial with TrigozimR fenugreek extract to assess impact on plasma and saliva testosterone, and some subjective effects. 95 men (40-80y) completed a 12-week intervention, taking 3 tablets daily with 0 mg (placebo; n = 22), 600 mg (n = 21), 1200 mg (n = 25) and1800 mg (n = 27) fenugreek extract and essential nutrients. Samples were collected at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12. Participants answered a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire on lifestyle and libido. We measured total testosterone (HPLC-MS/MS) and sex hormone binding globulin (ELISA), calculated free testosterone index (FTI), and measured saliva testosterone. Plasma total testosterone and FTI increased after any dose of TrigozimR vs. baseline (13.0%, p = 1.0x10-4 and 16.3%, p = 6.2x10-6), but not vs. placebo (9.0%, p = 0.122 and 11.3% p = 0.059). 1800 mg TrigozimR resulted in 12.2% increased FTI (p = 0.025). Saliva testosterone concentration increased after any dose of TrigozimR vs. baseline (31.1%, p = 2.3x10-4) and vs. placebo (37.2%, p = 0.042). 1800 mg TrigozimR for 12 weeks resulted in 19.6% (p = 0.006) increased saliva testosterone. Compliance was confirmed by enhanced plasma concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. We observed no subjective effects or side-effects of TrigozimR. TrigozimR increased saliva and plasma testosterone concentration during intervention but only for saliva vs. placebo. Saliva may be preferred for measuring free testosterone due to no protein-bound testosterone.
Cost effectiveness analysis comparing varying booster intervals of vaccination policies to address COVID-19 situation in Thailand, 2023
Authors: Mahasing Chayanit , Suphanchaimat Rapeepong , Teekasap Pard , Nittayasoot Natthaprang , Wongsanuphat Suphanat , Thammawijaya Panithee
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 booster immunization policy is cost-effective, but evidence on additional booster doses and appropriate strategies is scarce. This research compared the cost-effectiveness of annual, twice-a-year, and biennial booster dose policies. We performed stochastic modeling using compartmental susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered models and a system dynamic model. We evaluated four policy scenarios: (1) hypothetical no-booster immunization policy; (2) twice-a-year vaccination policy; (3) annual vaccination policy; and (4) biennial vaccination policy. In addition, we conducted a one-way sensitivity analysis by adjusting R0 from 1.8 to 3.0 in all scenarios (epidemic stage) and by decreasing the vaccination cost by 50% at the end of the first year to reflect the current policy direction to enhance domestic vaccine production. Compared to non-booster policies, all three booster strategies reduced the number of cases, hospital admissions, and severe infections remarkably. Without a booster, total cases would reach 16,220,615 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6,726,550–29,661,112) by day 1,460, whereas, with a twice-a-year booster, the total cases would reach 597,901 (95% CI 526,230–694,458) in the same period. Even though the no booster scenario exhibited the lowest cost by approximately the first 500 days, by day 1,460 the biennial booster scenario demonstrated the lowest cost at 72.0 billion baht (95% CI 68.6–79.4 billion). The most cost-saving policy was the biennial booster scenario. The annual booster scenario also stood as a cost-effective option for most outcomes. In the epidemic stage and in an assumption where the vaccination costs dropped, all booster policies became more cost-effective or cost-saving compared with the main assumption. This study underscores the significance of the COVID-19 vaccine booster policy. Implementing policies should take into consideration cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and public communication.
Challenges in teacher-student communication during family medicine residency: A qualitative study
Authors: Hernández-Torres Isaías , Pons-Álvarez Octavio N. , Romero-Henríquez Luisa F. , López-Ortiz Geovani
Published: September 2024

Background

Deficiencies in communication among healthcare professionals, recognized by medical educators and healthcare institutions, can negatively impact medical education and clinical practice. Analyzing teacher-resident communication difficulties shed light on this issue and propose practical strategies for its mitigation.

Objective

To identify common communication challenges between teacher and residents during Family Medicine residency and to analyze their impact on interactions with peers, the work team, and patients.

Design

Qualitative study, the critical incident technique was used to collect information of interest.

Participants

Seventy teachers, and fifty third-year residents from the Mexican Republic described critical incidents related to their communication experiences during Family Medicine residency.

Results

192 critical incidents were collected (several participants reported more than one incident), comprising 127 reports from teachers, and 65 from residents. Four themes were identified: 1) asymmetric communication, 2) assertive communication, 3) organizational communication, and 4) effective communication. The main challenges identified were abuse of power in communication, lack of communication skills, and the absence of institutional communication channels. These issues significantly impacted learning, work environment, interpersonal relationships, and medical care.

Conclusion

This study highlights communication issues within Family Medicine residency in Mexico. The issues detected hindered learning and effective collaboration and negatively impacted the work environment, interpersonal relationships, and the quality of medical care. These findings underscore the urgent need to reorient the medical specialty curriculum towards an approach that includes communication skills.
Performing fashion/fashioning performance: Kansai Yamamoto, David Bowie and Ziggy Stardust
Authors: Maxwell Simeran
Published: September 2024

Kansai Yamamoto (Japan 1944–2020) was one of the first Japanese designers to break into European and American fashion markets. Following his first London showing in 1971, Kansai (as he was known) worked with David Bowie (England 1947–United States 2016) to create a wardrobe for the performer’s 1973 tour, Aladdin Sane. This article explores the pivotal role the collaboration between Kansai and Bowie played in the construction of the performative persona Ziggy Stardust. Focusing on Kansai’s designs and his approach to the western fashion industry – where he employed a similar strategy of deliberate ‘othering’ – I will demonstrate how his intimate partnership with Bowie, already personally drawn to Eastern aesthetics, was pivotal in visualizing the concept of ‘alien’ (both as ‘foreign’ and ‘from out of space’). Kansai’s work – synonymous with bold colour, flamboyant prints and dramatic silhouettes – is heavily influenced by Japanese popular art. His performative involvement in his own runway shows draws distinctive parallels with Japanese theatre. In particular, this article examines the critical influences of Japanese theatre arts, particularly kabuki traditions, and of yakusha-e (ukiyo-e-style actor prints) on Kansai’s oeuvre, and how the designer transformed the previous styling of Bowie’s androgynous Messiah-like character into one of the most internationally acclaimed glam rock icons.
Mass individualism: The snowman effect
Authors: Bellemare Jocelyn
Published: September 2024

This study critically evaluates contemporary menswear, with a particular focus on the ‘snowman effect’ and mass individualism, to understand the complex dynamics between performativity, gender and socio-styles. It is inspired by the story of ‘Frosty the Snowman’, which illustrates how garments, initially mass-produced, are given life and identity through personalization. This transformation metaphorically represents the fashion industry’s complex relationship between individual expression and societal norms. The article addresses the issue of overconsumption, arguing that it leads to uniform fashion styles despite an abundance of clothing options, thereby increasing the demand for more authentic and personalized fashion. The core of this research examines ‘mass individualism’ within the global fashion industry, exploring its potential to offer sustainable choices while highlighting the challenges and opportunities it presents to major fashion brands. It argues for a shift away from traditional marketing, emphasizing the need for tailored services that meet consumers’ desires for authenticity and individuality. The article also examines the historical constraints on menswear, the evolution of socio-styles and the impact of ‘fit’ on the appropriateness of clothing. It also examines consumer habits and the growing trend towards customization in men’s fashion, particularly in terms of performative individuality and social norms. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contemporary consumer’s desire for uniqueness and suggests mass customization as a vital strategy for revitalizing the menswear sector, reflecting the changing relationship between fashion, gender performance and socio-styles in contemporary society.
‘Keeping their shift together’: An exploratory visual analysis of a Brazilian crowd crime
Authors: Petric Marina
Published: September 2024

This study employs the identity shift theory to qualitatively analyse videos produced and published on social media by the invaders of the Brasilia governmental buildings on 8 January 2023. These videos were captured and shared by a Brazilian fact-checking agency (Lupa). Brazilian law classifies multitudinous crime, or crowd crime, as any crime committed by a group of people in a tumultuous situation, in which there is an identity shift from the self to the crowd. Employing nonverbal communication (NVC), including Ekman’s facial action coding system (FACS), the analysis of the videos identified ten large codes associated with emotions, which correspond to the stages of the attack. Results show that the crowd exhibited an identity shift through homogenous NVC from the beginning to the end of the process.
The shitposting scattergun approach: A multimodal analysis of the first wave COVID-19 social media messaging from UKGov
Authors: Jones Bernadine
Published: September 2024

This article analyses the type and style of the UK government social media messaging during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic using multimodal and social semiotic analysis. Images improve health communication by increasing comprehension of information, enhancing recall of instructions, encouraging positive self-protective attitudes and behaviour and are beneficial to those with low health literacy skills. When done well, visual material can meaningfully improve health outcomes. UKGov’s social media during COVID-19 reveals that production of mental noise and feed flooding can affect perceptions of risk. Recognizing the impact that both visuals and social media campaigns can have in crisis communication, this article first explores the steps in creating the social communication and then analyses social media posts during the first four months of the pandemic from UKGov Facebook and Instagram accounts. This article employs a multimodal social semiotic methodology to organize, code and make sense of the often contradictory and ambiguous meanings contained in a vast trove of visual data. Ultimately, this article argues that the UKGov’s ‘scattergun’ approach to the first wave COVID-19 infographics enhanced polysemic meanings and flooded social media feeds with ‘shitposting’ philosophy, which decreased clarity of understanding and potentially impacted health literacy amongst the UK populous.
Introduction to Foley sound
Authors: Talijan Emilija
Published: September 2024

Foley sound effects – those sounds that are created in post-production through live performance and then added to the sound mix of films, television, video games and animation – are ubiquitous. But effective Foley should not be heard. It is one of those creative labours in the making of a film that, to be considered successful, must erase itself. While film studies has begun to redress theory and practice’s bias towards the visual, film sound studies has yet to sufficiently acknowledge this hidden body in the sound process and fully reckon with the individual contribution made by the Foley artist to cinematic expression and cinema’s capacity to represent the world in motion and the exertion of bodies on-screen. To the extent we consider sound cinematic, what does the Foley artist contribute when they supplement images of a rock, a chair, a phone with sound or pay attention to the way paper brushes wood, metal rattles against metal, sand pushes back against a finger? This introduction establishes how refocusing attention to Foley sound extends our understanding of cinema as a medium, as well as addressing the current cultural and scholarly ‘visibility’ of Foley sound. It outlines the way the issue seeks to open up new theoretical perspectives on Foley sound and explore its interdisciplinary potential for theories of the soundtrack and film theory more broadly.
The cloth pass and soft glitch
Authors: Bower Julie Rose
Published: September 2024

In this article, sound artist Julie Rose Bower examines the relationship between the Foley ‘cloth pass’ and the ‘fabric sounds’ autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) trigger. Starting with Serres’s sensory appraisal that ‘the world is a mass of laundry’ the tactile qualities of cloth are proposed as a key component in accounting for the ‘felt rather than heard’ status of Foley sound. Writing from a practitioner perspective, Bower argues for textile manipulation as a form of embodied sound design and cloth sounds as a curiously generative media object. Through theorizing developments in the scope of attention within screen cultures, Bower develops a speculative ontology of soft glitch and conceptualizes a politics of folded listening. Alongside accounts of sound practice from industry Foley artists Vanessa Theme Ament (Die Hard, Edward Scissorhands), Joanna Fang (Sony PlayStation) and from her own ASMR work using costume and textiles (ASMR at the Museum for the Victoria and Albert Museum [V&A]), Bower argues for cloth sounds as transcendent cyberfeminist technique.
A surreal science: Guy Maddin’s Foley of the unconscious in Brand Upon the Brain! and Footsteps
Authors: Tomkinson Matthew
Published: September 2024

In 2006, Canadian director Guy Maddin premiered a semi-autobiographical film at TIFF called Brand Upon the Brain!, which featured live Foley sound and orchestral accompaniment. Adopting the aesthetics of silent film, Maddin presents a warped version of his childhood traumas, filtered through the funhouse mirror of Sigmund Freud, Fritz Lang and the Brothers Grimm. Further emphasizing the discordances of recollection and actual event, Maddin’s theatrical presentation divorces sound from screen, reimagining the film’s soundscape (and by extension, that of his childhood) as an exaggerated live reproduction, mirroring the very process of replaying a memory. Two years after this film premiered, Maddin made a faux-documentary about the original Foley process called Footsteps (2008), which centres upon the sound artists themselves. Employing the same aesthetic conventions, this short film depicts the craft of Foley as a surreal science of the subconscious, an act of symbolic projection carried out by strange figures in lab coats. If watching and listening to these films is to be momentarily trapped inside ‘the fevered brain of Guy Maddin’, as one critic puts it, then this article sets out to interrogate the role of the sound artist in enabling and enacting such fantasies within the director’s singular psychodramas. Maddin’s foregrounding of the Foley artist is, I argue, analogous to the exhumation and display of unconscious material.
Notes from the Foley Studio: On walking assemblages, messiness and the auditory x-ray
Authors: Glover Rebecca
Published: September 2024

This article is a collection of notes and reflections made over the course of a year as I learnt the art of Foley. It is practice based, drawn from my experience working at Feet First Sound, a UK-based foley studio. I reflect on the physical and practical challenges of performing foley, the collaborative nature of the job as well as more poetic aspects of the craft. The article is divided into the following sections: assemblage, performance, sonic mimicry, weight, categorization, translation, flow, materiality and messiness.
Luces y sombras. Las relaciones bilaterales entre España y Estados Unidos durante la Administración Kennedy
Authors: Rodriguez Escobar Moises
Published: September 2024

La llegada de John F. Kennedy a la presidencia de Estados Unidos provocó esperanza entre los antifranquistas españoles y cierto recelo entre los diplomáticos del régimen, quienes se reunieron con personalidades de alto rango para verificar la actitud del nuevo Gabinete. Una vez confirmado que no había riesgo para el statu quo, la diplomacia franquista negoció la renovación de los acuerdos de 1953. Conscientes de la inferioridad en la primera firma, Madrid entendía que la renovación debía lograrse con mejores condiciones. En cambio, la Casa Blanca buscaba una renovación automática sin negociaciones. Antonio Garrigues, quien reemplazó a Mariano Yturralde en la embajada española en Washington, llevó a cabo meses de negociaciones con múltiples aristas internacionales. Este artículo se basa en numerosas fuentes hemerográficas y documentales, tanto de archivos privados como públicos. Gracias a ellas, se ha verificado la ausencia de riesgo para el régimen con la llegada de Kennedy. Asimismo, el diálogo entre las fuentes permite detectar nuevos interrogantes y vacíos historiográficos que serán cubiertos en futuras investigaciones.
Clinical case of plurihormonal pituitary adenoma (STH/ACTH/TSH/FSH/LH-secreting), diagnostic pitfalls
Authors: Kostyleva D. N. , Khandaeva P. M. , Lapshina A. M. , Przhialkovskaya E. G. , Belaya Zh. E. , Grigoriev А. Yu. , Mel’nichenko G. A.
Published: September 2024

According to numerous studies, the most common pituitary tumors are prolactinomas, reaching 60% of all clinically significant adenomas, the next in order are non-functional pituitary adenomas, somatotropinomas, corticotropinomas and thyrotropinomas. Plurigormonal tumors occur in less than 1% of all pituitary adenomas. The most common form of mixed secretion adenoma in this patient population, derived from the Pit-1 cell line, produces various combinations of hormones: growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This article presents a patient with a plurihormonal two-component pituitary macroadenoma with a rare and exceptional combination of secreted hormones — GH / adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) / TSH / follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) / luteinizing hormone (LH) with minimal nonspecific clinical manifestations such as diabetes mellitus and poorly controlled arterial hypertension.
Etiopathogenetic features of bone metabolism in patients with diabetes mellitus and Charcot foot
Authors: Yaroslavceva M. V. , Bondarenko O. N. , El-Taravi Ya. A. , Magerramova S. T. , Pigarova E. A. , Ulyanova I. N. , Galstyan G. R.
Published: September 2024

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common diabetes mellitus complications associated with mediocalcinosis of the lower extremities, a significant decrease in feet bone mineral density, and a high incidence of cardiovascular disease. In most cases, calcium-phosphorus metabolism changes occur in patients with diabetic neuroarthropathy, or Charcot foot, when we can observe feet local osteoporosis, which in 90% of cases associated with a vessel’s calcification of the lower extremities in the majority of diabetes population. A large number of studies presented literature have demonstrated that patients with Charcot foot can have accelerated bone metabolism and increased bone resorption. Patients with Charcot foot often have crucial abnormalities in the calcium-phosphorus parameters, bone metabolism, and levels of vitamin D and its metabolites. In addition, the duration of diabetes mellitus, the degree of its compensation widely affects the development of its micro- and macrovascular complications, which could also accelerate the development of mineral and bone disorders in these types of patients. Multifactorial pathogenesis of these disorders complicates the management of patients with a long and complicated course of diabetes mellitus. This review discusses the peculiarities of vitamin D metabolism, the importance of timely diagnosis in phosphorus-calcium disorders, and the specifics of therapy in these patients. Special attention is paid to the timely diagnosis of the Charcot’s foots acute stage based on the bone marrow edema by MRI evaluation and the possibility of reducing the immobilization period.
Hypophisitis in pregnant women with persistent diabetes insipidus in the outcome
Authors: Dzeranova L. K. , Pigarova E. A. , Vorotnikova S. Yu. , Voznesenskaya A. A.
Published: September 2024

Autoimmune/lymphocytic hypophysitis is one of the rare causes of central diabetes insipidus in adults and is most common among women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Numerous studies have shown that lymphocytic hypophysitis is characterized by a very variable clinical signs with the development of neurological symptoms, visual disturbances and hypopituitarism with partial or complete loss of pituitary function, as well as a number of features in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Isolated lymphocytic indibuloneurohypophysitis occurs in fewer cases and involves the posterior lobe and stalk of the pituitary gland with a clinical presentation of diabetes insipidus. The above clinical case describes the development of hypophysitis in a pregnant woman with a predominant lesion of the posterior pituitary gland and an outcome in diabetes insipidus, which persists 6 years after pregnancy and childbirth. In the article some aspects of the differential diagnosis of diabetes insipidus in pregnant women, as well as instrumental diagnosis and treatment approaches of hypophysitis are discussed.
Features of the relationship of intestinal microbiota indicators with clinical and biochemical parameters in obese young people
Authors: Dushina T. S. , Suplotova L. A. , Klyashev S. M. , Nikolenko M. V. , Dorodneva E. F.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is rising dramatically worldwide. Recently, there is increasing evidence linking obesity with the functional state of the intestinal microbiota. The understanding of this relationship may provide new approaches to the treatment of obesity by manipulating the qualitative and quantitative parameters of intestinal bacterial-fungal associations.

AIM: To study the features of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the colon microbiota and to evaluate associations with anamnestic, anthropometric and biochemical parameters in young obese patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center, cross-sectional, single-stage, controlled study was conducted with the participation of 118 young people, of whom 87 were obese, and 31 people with normal body weight formed the control group. All participants underwent a biochemical blood test (total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein), as well as an assessment of the state of the colon microbiota using polymerase chain reaction in real time using a set of Colonoflor-16 (premium) reagents. The Microsoft Excel 2010 and IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 application software package was used for statistical calculations. The results were evaluated as statistically significant at a level of p<0.05.

RESULTS: Analyzing the result of Colonoflor-16 premium, the discrepancy between the obtained data of the control group and the reference values of the analysis was revealed. There was a clear tendency to decrease the content of Lactobacillus spp and Bifidobacterium spp in the obesity group. In addition, in comparison with the control group (10.3%), in the obesity group Fusobacterium nucleatum significantly prevailed (37.6%) (p=0.005), with a significant decrease in the bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (p=0.030), and an increase in the bacteria Prevotella spp (p=0.029). A lot of associations of representatives of the colon microbiota with the most important anamnestic, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were revealed in young obese patients.

CONCLUSION: There is a redistribution of microbiota phylotypes characterized by a decrease in apathogenic microorganisms and the appearance and increase of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms, which generally indicates the formation of the pro-inflammatory potential of dominants and associates in young obese patients. The presence of statistically significant correlations strongly indicates of existence of close and diverse relationships between the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the microbiota and the metabolic parameters of patients.
Endoscope Assisted Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Surgical Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Karadag Ali , Mirkhasilova Muyassar , Turkis Omer Furkan , Yuncu Mustafa Eren , Grande Andrew W. , Lopez Gilberto Gonzalez , Roser Florian , Tatagiba Marcos
Published: September 2024

Background: The cranial nerve (CN) V and adjacent neurovascular structures are crucial landmarks in microvascular decompression (MVD). MVD of CN V is the most effective treatment for patients with drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia (TN) diagnosis. The endoscope-assisted retrosigmoid approach (RSA) provides better exposure and less cerebellar retraction in the corridor towards the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Methods: Five adult cadaver heads (10 sides) underwent dissection of the MVD in park bench position. MVD was simulated using microsurgical RSA, and the anatomical landmarks were defined. Microsurgical dissections were additionally performed along the endoscopic surgical path. Additionally, we present an illustrative case with TN caused by anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) compression. The CN V and its close relationships were demonstrated. Endoscopic and microscopic three-dimensional pictures were obtained. Results: This study increases the anatomical and surgical orientation for CN V and surrounding structures. The CN V arises from the lateral part of the pons and runs obliquely upward toward the petrous apex. It has motor roots that leave from pons antero-supero-medial direction to the sensory root. The endoscopic instruments provide perfect visualization with minimal cerebellar retraction during MVD. Conclusion: MVD surgically targets the offending vessel(s) leading to TN and aims to create a disconnected area. The combination of preoperative radiographic assessment with and anatomical correlation provides safe and effective application while facilitating selection of the most appropriate approach. The RSA allows satisfactory visualization for CN V. Endoscope-assisted microsurgery through the CPA is a challenge, it should be performed with advanced anatomical knowledge.
Effect of Ni/tire rubber carbon as catalyst in the hydrodeoxygenation of used vegetable oil: biofuel evaluation in the reduction of atmospheric emissions
Authors: Sánchez-Olmos Luis A. , Sánchez-Cárdenas Manuel , Trejo Fernando , Kamaraj Sathish-Kumar , Hernández Guerrero Benito Alexis , Montes Rivera Martín
Published: September 2024

The sustainable valorization of discarded resources remains a challenge, and their requirements are crucial for long-term development. In this sense, we characterize biofuels of the diesel range obtained with used vegetable oils subjected to hydrodeoxygenation with Ni supported on tire rubber carbon obtained by the pyrolysis of waste tires. Under optimal reaction conditions, the vegetable oil conversion was 81.2 % with a selectivity of 82.3 % to C10–C18 alkanes, which is supported by the results of the catalyst characterization. A vertical direct injection engine was used to compare the behavior of the renewable biofuel and petroleum diesel blends. In comparison to petroleum diesel, the blends with renewable biofuel showed minimal power loss. In addition, the use of blends containing biofuels allowed a reduction of 25 % of CO and HC, as well as a decrease of 48 % is smoke compared to petroleum diesel, due to the fact that renewable biofuels improved evaporation after injection, reduced the density, and did not contain aromatic components.
Efficacy and safety of 2-drug regime dolutegravir/lamivudine in pregnancy and breastfeeding – clinical implications and perspectives
Authors: Rohr Irena , Hoeltzenbein Maria , Weizsäcker Katharina , Weber Christoph , Feiterna-Sperling Cornelia , Metz Charlotte K.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of a two-drug regimen (2DR) with dolutegravir (DTG) and lamivudine (3TC) in maintaining viral suppression during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and to evaluate its potential as an alternative to the recommended three-drug regimen (3DR) in preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV.

Methods

We present a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman who, after discontinuing 3DR due to side effects and poor adherence, was switched to DTG/3TC at gestational week 23. Maternal viral load (VL) and infant HIV status were monitored throughout pregnancy and a ten-month breastfeeding period. Data on pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy and the risks associated with 2DR were reviewed.

Results

The patient’s VL remained suppressed (<20 copies/mL) from gestational week 23 until the end of the breastfeeding period. A healthy HIV-negative baby was born at 39 weeks, and the child remained HIV-negative after ten months of breastfeeding. The 2DR was well-tolerated, improved adherence, and reduced fetal drug exposure. Despite limited experience with 2DR in pregnancy, no viral rebound occurred, and no adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

Although 3DR remains the preferred therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding, this case indicates that DTG/3TC may be an effective alternative for patients experiencing intolerance or poor adherence to 3DR. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy on 2DR efficacy and to confirm its safety and role in preventing MTCT.
Reliability of two-dimensional steady magnetized Jeffery fluid over shrinking sheet with chemical effect
Authors: Almheidat Maalee , Zeeshan  , Althobaiti Ali , Iqbal Naveed , Mahnashi Ali M. , Shah Rasool
Published: September 2024

A numerical framework is established for a two-dimensional steady flow of the magnetized Jeffery fluid model over elongated/shrinking sheets, with potential applications such as coating sheets, food products, fiber optics, drilling fluids, and the manufacturing processes of thermoplastic polymers. The model also demonstrates the influence of chemical reaction, magnetic field, and stability analysis which provide a novel contribution to this study. To ensure the ease and effectiveness of this analysis, we transform the set of difference equations governing the system into ordinary equations using the similarity transformation. The reliability of the solution is examined by using stability analysis. The Navier–Stokes equations have been transformed into self-similar equations by adopting appropriate similarity transformations and subsequently solved numerically using the bvp4c (three-stage Labatto-three-A formula) approach. The comparison between the derived asymptotic solutions and previously documented numerical results is quite remarkable. The self-similar equations display a duality of solutions within a limited range of the shrinking parameter, as observed from the data. For each stretching scenario, there is a unique solution. Hence, an examination of temporal stability has been conducted through linear analysis to establish the most fundamentally viable solution. The determination of stability in the analysis is based on the sign of the smallest eigenvalue, which indicates whether a solution is unstable or stable. The analysis of stability reveals that the first solution, which describes the primary flow, remains stable. Through the utilization of graphs, we thoroughly examine and discuss the influence of emerging factors. The numerical results obtained from this analysis demonstrate multiple solutions within a certain range of

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Associations between Thyroid Hormones and Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Peng Yingying , Zhu Lan , Bai Qingling , Wang Limin , Li Qian
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore the correlation of serum thyroid hormone levels to cognitive impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. In this retrospective study, 106 Chinese patients without cognitive impairments and 94 patients with cognitive impairments, including 55 with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and 39 with PD dementia (PDD), were analyzed. Clinical data regarding the PD assessments, including disease duration, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part 3 scores, and Hoehn and Yahr (H–Y) staging, were analyzed. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3), were measured using ELISA. Significantly altered H–Y staging, disease duration, and UPDRS Part 3 scores were observed in PD patients with cognitive impairment compared with those without. Serum levels of FT3 were significantly decreased, while FT4 and TSH levels were significantly elevated in PD patients with cognitive impairment compared with those without. Combined detection of TSH, FT3, and FT4 showed value in distinguishing PD patients with and without cognitive impairment. Furthermore, a comparison of serum levels between PD-MCI and PDD patients revealed significant association between thyroid hormone levels and the degree of cognitive impairment in PD patients. Our findings suggest a relationship between changes in serum thyroid hormone levels and cognitive impairments in PD patients. Thyroid hormone levels, particularly FT3, may serve as potential markers for cognitive dysfunction in PD.
No Future in Retrospect
Authors: Grinnell George
Published: September 2024

Life-writing by punks has grown at a remarkable rate and constitutes a significant new addition to the canon of punk cultural production that deserves an equal place alongside music, fashion, and zines. Punk has always sought to document itself in the form of recordings, film, photography, fanzines, and video. It is time to add memoirs to these archival impulses and examine how punk culture is now mediated and sustained by autobiography. Whereas punk life writing might be dismissed as so many nostalgic trips down memory lane, this article begins from the premise that writing about a life involves more than nostalgia. Considering punk memoirs as works that offer new ways of thinking about a life attached to punk, this article surveys a broad range of punk memoirs and asks questions that reframe some punk scholarship by emphasizing how individuals live within and outside of punk simultaneously. What are some of the dominant features of punk memoirs? What kinds of interventions do they make? How do they introduce and develop particular ways of documenting and thinking about punk culture and its legacies? How does life writing about the past transform punk in the present? What ways of thinking, lines of inquiry, understanding, and feelings do memoirs establish and examine as central to the thought of punk, in particular, and the study of culture more broadly? The article seeks to demonstrate how these trajectories might shift and renovate work undertaken by scholars of punk.
Management of Competitiveness of Entrepreneurial Structures in the Context of Economic Transformation in Ukraine: Challenges of Today and Strategic Aspects
Authors:   Odesа Polytechnic National University, Filyppova Svitlana , Chernyshova Liliya ,   Odesа Polytechnic National University
Published: September 2024

The article examines the concept of "entrepreneurial structure", analyzes various approaches and provides the author's own interpretation of it. The challenges affecting the competitive development of entrepreneurial structures are considered, the understanding and consideration of which will allow business entities to adapt and develop more effectively in the current transformational conditions. It is noted that the process of competitiveness management must be considered comprehensively in terms of gaining competitive advantages and potential, and the formation of competitive strategies that determine the competitive position and status of an entrepreneurial entity in the market. The article highlights the profile of an effective business structure that ensures its strategic development. The author proposes an algorithm of actions for managing the competitiveness of an entrepreneurial structure, which allows to make managerial decisions in stages in order to achieve effective results in the context of transformation of the Ukrainian economy.
Types of Digital Business in Retail
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Kalinin Ivan , Fedorchak Oleksiy ,   SMSWords (USA)
Published: September 2024

Analyzing various aspects of digital business in the context of European integration processes, it is substantiated that digitalization plays a key role in the modern economy, facilitating the transformation of traditional business approaches. It has been proven that European integration processes provide a powerful impetus for the development of digital business, opening new markets and promoting the establishment of unified standards in e-commerce, data protection, and consumer protection. This creates conditions for seamless cross-border interaction between companies and consumers, ensuring high competitiveness and innovative development. It is argued that the use of digital technologies and online platforms allows businesses to adapt to changing market conditions, optimize internal processes, and enhance customer satisfaction through personalized offers and high-quality service. At the same time, digital businesses face challenges related to the need to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure cybersecurity, and protect personal data. However, these challenges also encourage companies to innovate and seek new solutions for effective risk management. Overall, European integration processes significantly contribute to the development of digital business in Europe, opening up broad prospects for growth and international cooperation.
The Influence of Work Discipline and Job Characteristics on Employee Performance Through Motivation as an Intervening Variable
Authors:   University of Prima Indonesia, Pasaribu Asrul Alamsyah , Sofiyan Sofiyan ,   University of Prima Indonesia, Ariesa Yeni ,   University of Prima Indonesia, Sutanto Alex Tribuana ,   University of Prima Indonesia
Published: September 2024

Employee performance can be used as a measure of the success of a company. In supporting the success of a company in carrying out its operational activities, one of the things that needs to be considered is how the management of a company manages human resources, in this case employees, to be able to remain consistent in producing performance in accordance with company procedures Sanjaya and Saputra (2020). According to Steers in Kuntjoro (2002), organizational commitment is defined as a sense of identification (belief in organizational values), involvement (willingness to try as best as possible for the benefit of the organization) and loyalty (desire to remain a member of the organization concerned) expressed by a person. employee. towards his organization. In other words, organizational commitment is an attitude that reflects employee loyalty to the organization and an ongoing process in which organizational members divert their attention to the organization and its continued success and progress.
Formation of the Product Structure of Ukraine's Exports in the Conditions of Globalization Challenges
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Puzrakov Anatoliy
Published: September 2024

The article examines the composition of the commodity structure of export and the factors of its formation in the conditions of globalization. It is proposed that the concept of commodity structure of exports should be understood not only as the distribution of a country's exports by different categories of goods and services in the structure of its output, but also as the distribution by their innovation, complexity and difference. As a result of the classification of the factors of the internal (national) and external (global) environment, their features for different countries were determined. The main internal factors were classified into three categories: economic, institutional and innovative. External factors that form global, political and technological factors are analyzed, each of which also consists of several elements. It was considered how the existing models of the formation of the commodity structure of exports for Ukraine are influenced by globalization factors, which were grouped into ecological, geopolitical and crisis (pandemic) factors. Methods of taking globalization challenges into account have been developed and ways of forming the commodity structure of exports during the Russian-Ukrainian war have been proposed.
Anti-Crisis Directions of Development of Post-War Entrepreneurship in Ukraine
Authors:   Odesа Polytechnic National University, Brahina Olha , Bondarchuk Marіia ,   Odesа Polytechnic National University
Published: September 2024

In the article, the authors researched the priority areas of development of post-war entrepreneurship in Ukraine. In order to assess entrepreneurial activity in the conditions of martial law, profitability indicators of enterprises were studied and their dynamics were determined. A special place in the research process is occupied by the analysis of registered legal entities and individual entrepreneurs. The analyzed indicators of the volume of industrial products sold and indexes of industrial products are quite significant and indicative in the assessment of business activity. State and donor programs, private initiatives of the EU to support entrepreneurs in war conditions are characterized in the work, and anti-crisis directions of entrepreneurship development are determined.
The Basic Aspects of Development an Organizational and Economic Model of Interaction Between Consumers and Producers of Energy Sector Goods in the Context of the Ukraine Recovery
Authors:   Sumy State University, Gapych Andrii , Zmiievskyi Serhii ,   Sumy State University
Published: September 2024

The article analyzes the systemic problems that hinder the development of the energy (power) industry in Ukraine. It is proposed to consider producers and consumers of energy products as a single integral system with common approaches to the organization of activities. The author analyzes the latest research and publications of scientists, experts and specialized institutions that study the problems of the industry; unresolved issues are highlighted. The key priority areas for the effective use of the strengths of the existing internal scientific and technical potential for the successful implementation of recovery projects are identified. The author proposes to develop an organizational and economic model of interaction between producers and consumers of energy sector goods using the principles of business process reengineering, and forms a corresponding list of key aspects for successful post-war recovery of the country.
The Role of Tourism for People with Disabilities in Social Integration
Authors:   Odesa National University of Technology, Dobrіanska Natalia , Kurchenko Denys ,   Odesa National University of Technology, Nestercuk Оleksandra ,   Odesa National University of Technology
Published: September 2024

The article explores key aspects related to inclusive tourism and its impact on the social integration of individuals with disabilities in Ukraine during the period from 2017 to 2021. It highlights the increase in the number of people with disabilities and defines the concept of inclusive tourism, its development, and its purpose to facilitate the inclusion of the target audience into society. The interconnection between inclusive tourism and social integration is investigated, emphasizing the importance of the participation of individuals with disabilities in tourist events and programs. The article also analyzes the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on inclusive tourism and explores possibilities for overcoming difficulties arising from travel restrictions. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the significance of inclusive tourism as a tool for social integration and addresses pertinent issues related to the development of this field, considering not only the demand for such services but also the challenges arising from external factors, such as the pandemic.
Analysis of Import Dependence and Institutional Support of Selective Import Substitution in Agro-Food Markets of Ukraine in Conditions of Instability
Authors:   State Institution ", Nikishyna Oksana ,   Institute of Market and Economic & Ecological Research of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine"
Published: September 2024

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of indicators of import dependence of the national economy and agro-food markets in the context of a security approach. The trends of import consumption in the agricultural and food sectors in peacetime and wartime, the influence of imports on the functioning of relevant markets, as an analytical basis for the strategy of selective import substitution, are established. An analysis of institutional support in the sphere of import substitution was carried out; it was established that it does not have sufficient legal and instrumental support. The expediency of introducing selective import substitution as one of the directions of neo-protectionism policy is substantiated. The basic characteristics of the concept of selective import substitution in relevant markets, which contains target mechanisms and measures, have been developed, directions for institutional modernization of the sphere of import substitution in markets have been proposed.
Public Regulation of Small Businesses Development in the Context of the Odesa Region’s Territorial Communities Restoration
Authors:   Odesа Polytechnic National University, Shepel Maryna
Published: September 2024

To date it is difficult to predict how small businesses will function in the post-war period. Thus, public regulation and support for small businesses in the post-war period becomes an extremely important issue. The article aims to propose the ways to improve public regulation of small businesses development in the context of the Odesa region’s territorial communities recovery. The author analyzes the research literature on the topic, makes a SWOT analysis of the Odesa region’s small businesses development. The ways for improving public regulation of small businesses development in the form of a model are proposed. The model includes the following components such as creating a small businesses support infrastructure; administrative procedures simplification; financial support; education and training; entrepreneurial ethics and culture development; partnership with local authorities and NGOs; stimulation of innovation and technological development.