bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indirect Regulation of Na+, K+-ATPase by Endocrine Hormones: Participation of Endocrine Hormones in the Sodium Theory for Migraine
Authors: Biringer Roger
Published: February 2025

The European Migraine and Headache Alliance (https://www.emhalliance.org) estimates that migraine is one of the top ten leading causes of disability and affects 12-15% of the population. Migraine pathology is neurovascular. The neuroactivational aspect is strongly influenced by sodium ion concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid sodium levels' regulation primarily depends on the sodium pump Na+, K+-ATPase (NKA) in the choroid plexus. The sodium theory for migraine suggests that the dysregulation of NKA in migraineurs results in elevated CSF sodium, which is known to increase central sensitization, thereby predisposing these individuals to headaches.

The involvement of endocrine hormones in migraine pathology is well documented. Indirect regulation of NKA by endocrine hormones is well documented for many tissues including the brain. The focus of this review is to identify which endocrine hormones are involved in both migraine and NKA regulation in a manner consistent with the sodium theory for migraine. We believe that the identification of such endocrine hormones may lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals to address migraine.
Tirzepatide and Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Obesity: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Baser Onur , Lu Yuanqing , Chen Shangrui , Chen Shangrui , Baser Erdem
Published: February 2025

Background: Obesity is the leading risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Weight loss can improve both sleep quality and overall health. New anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including semaglutide and tirzepatide, offer promising options for managing obesity and may be potential treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective claims analysis using Kythera Labs data from November 2022 to June 2024. Patients with obesity and evidence of AOM utilization were identified based on diagnosis and prescription claim(s) for Zepbound or Wegovy (identification period, 1 Nov. 2023–31 Dec. 2023) and had at least 6 months to measure incidence of obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with obesity were classified into two cohorts: an AOM cohort that received tirzepatide (Zepbound) or semaglutide (Wegovy) during the identification period (index date = first AOM claim) and a non-AOM cohort with no evidence of AOM use during the study period. Random index dates were selected within the AOM cohort’s range and included a 1% random sample of eligible patients. OSA risk was assessed during the follow-up period using Cox regression.

Results: We identified 20,384 patients with obesity and AOM use (semaglutide, 17,859; tirzepatide, 2,525) and 85,018 patients with obesity in the non-AOM cohort. Compared with the non-AOM cohort, the AOM cohort had a higher percentage with a Chronic Disease Score ≥2 (52.25% vs 8.44%; p<.001). However, the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea was lower in the AOM cohort (3.12%) than the non-AOM cohort (12.56%; p<.001). Subgroup analysis of the AOM cohort showed that tirzepatide users had a slightly lower incidence of obstructive sleep apnea than semaglutide users (2.65% vs 3.18%) (p=.0303). After adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the AOM cohort showed a 40% lower likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea than the non-AOM cohort (hazard ratio=0.60, p<.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of obstructive sleep apnea between tirzepatide and semaglutide users (p=.1664).

Conclusions: This study reveals a significant association between AOM use and a lowered risk of obstructive sleep apnea after adjustment for demographic and clinical variables.
Comparative protective evaluation of curcumin and nano curcumin on the oxidative stress and other indices in the blood of experimental status epilepticus animal model
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad , Alharbi Homood , Alsadoun Ahmad , Alshehry Abdualrahman
Published: February 2025

Background: Curcumin possesses antioxidant properties against oxidative damage, exerting powerful oxygen-free radical scavenging effects. The present study compares the protective effects of pre-treatment with curcumin and nanoparticles of curcumin on lithium pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) for oxidative damages and other blood indices in adult male rats.

Methods: The pretreated rats with curcumin and nano curcumin were induced with lithium pilocarpine-induced SE, and the non-enzymatic oxidative stress indices like lipid peroxides (TBARS), reduced total glutathione (GSH), as well as the enzymatic oxidative stress indices like catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were estimated together in the blood cells with some blood indices in the serum.

Results: SE was able to induce a significant increase in TBARS and CAT and a substantial decrease in GSH, GST, and SOD levels in the blood cell tissues. The curcumin and nano curcumin pretreated groups significantly attenuated these oxidative stress indices. Furthermore, the blood indices like counts of red and white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume were also depleted due to SE. Still, they were unaffected in the curcumin and nano curcumin pretreated groups. The serum enzyme levels of alkaline phosphatase, creatinine kinase, and other serum indices like high-density lipoprotein, urea, and glucose were decreased in the SE group. However, pretreatment with curcumin and nano curcumin ameliorated these serum indices.

Conclusion: The results indicate that oxidative stress indices in blood cells and other serum indices can be potential biomarkers for SE. Curcumin and nano curcumin may act as natural antioxidants for SE in the effective order of nano curcumin > curcumin. Further studies are required to ascertain the possibility of nano curcumin as an antiepileptic natural product.
Diagnostic Performance of the Japanese Version of the GAD-7 in Primary Care and Comparing its Accuracy with Other Language Versions
Authors: Muramatsu Kumiko , Maeda Shunta , Miyaoka Hitoshi , Kamijima Kunitoshi , Muramatsu Yoshiyuki , Tanaka Yutaka , Hosaka Michio , Miwa Yusuke , Fuse Katsuya , Yoshimine Fumitoshi , Mashima Ichiro , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Seino Yo , Shimizu Natsue , Saito Megumi , Kobayashi Daisuke , Kamoshida Saeko , Koiwa Kohei , Ito Hiroto , Numata Noriko , Shimizu Eiji
Published: February 2025

Objective: This research examines the diagnostic performance of the Japanese version of the GAD-7 (J-GAD-7) based on analysis of two independent studies. The first assesses the accuracy of the J-GAD-7 in identifying generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in primary care (Study 1). Next, a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies in five language versions of the GAD-7 (English, Spanish, Dutch, Turkish, and German) is conducted (Study 2), the results of which are compared with those of the J-GAD-7.

Methods：In Study 1, subjects (n=161; male=55, female=106) returned the self-rating questionnaire (J-GAD-7) to their health care professional within 48 hours and underwent a diagnostic evaluation interview based on the Japanese version of M.I.N.I-Plus. Most (n=151) also responded to the SF-8, and there were negligible missing data in either set of questionnaires. Of the 161 participants, 63 were diagnosed as suffering GAD. The meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy (MA-DTA) conducted in Study 2 focused on identifying GAD at the optimal cut-off value 10 using integration of the eight selected studies.

Results: The optimal cut-off value for the J-GAD-7 (Study 1) was determined as ≥10, which displayed sensitivity of 70.6 %, specificity of 93.5 %, and positive likelihood ratio of 10.9. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.939, with an SE of 0.019 (P <0.0001). Stratum-speciﬁc likelihood ratios (SSLRs) of the J-GAD-7 scores of 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-21 for GAD were 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01-0.14), 1.17 (95% CI: 0.68-2.01), 10.94 (95% CI: 4.29-27.8), and 10.94 (95% CI: 3.00-39.8), respectively. Findings of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant relationship between the severity of the J-GAD-7 and MCS of the SF-8 (χ２＝71.73, df=3, p ≤0.0001). In Study 2, sensitivity was 0.754 (95%CI :0.604 - 0.861), specificity was 0.816, and AUC was 0.828. The heterogeneity τ2 was 0.709 (95% CI: 0.064-1.626) for sensitivity and 1.153 (95% CI: 0.264-2.332) for specificity.

Conclusions: The Japanese version of the GAD-7 was validated as an adequate tool for identifying GAD in primary care. Moreover, its performance at the optimal cut-off value 10 was equivalent to that of the MA-DTA for five other language versions.
Latent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Acute Ascending Paralysis: A Case Report
Authors: Peiris Kachchakaduge , Egodage Udari , Uluwattage Wimalasiri
Published: February 2025

We report on a 29-year-old mother who presented with acute ascending paralysis who required mechanical ventilation due to severe hypokalaemia. She was found to have normal anion gap metabolic acidosis due to distal renal tubular acidosis. She had ACR and SLICC criteria compatible with diagnosis of latent SLE. SLE is an evolving disease over a lifetime of a patient until it fulfills criteria for clear diagnosis, which makes the management challenging. Early disease may not uncommonly show nonspecific presentation, a single classification criterion, or an unusual organ involvement contributing to frequent, often substantial diagnostic delays. This case is noteworthy for its atypical presentation of SLE. This case demonstrates how unwell and rare a patient with SLE can present. Comprehensive history and examination focusing on systemic and joint symptoms and mucocutaneous involvement, and basic tests (focusing on leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and proteinuria; followed by antinuclear antibodies and complement levels) will correctly diagnose most patients on presentation or within the following months and enable timely treatment. She was successfully treated with potassium replacement and potassium citrate and sodium bicarbonate supplementation. We also acknowledge the need to further understand and raise awareness of this uncommon presentations in SLE.
Health Emergencies in sub-Saharan Africa: Response, Challenges, and Strategies for the Future
Authors: Mensah Elizabeth , Burke Aaliya , Vasquez Rashell , Corbett Keziah , Olanlege Aishat
Published: February 2025

Health emergencies pose significant threats to countries all over the world. They arise from various hazards, such as infectious disease outbreaks, natural disasters, food contamination, humanitarian crises, and threats associated with climate change and deforestation. Risk factors for these emergencies include poverty, social determinants, weak health system infrastructure, and poor health financing. Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced numerous health emergencies over the last few decades. Events like the Ebola outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in large-scale health emergencies, suffering, significant social, economic, and political disruption. These events also tested the resilience, preparedness, and capabilities of sub-Saharan Africa countries to respond to health emergencies. To better handle future health emergencies, countries in sub-Saharan Africa need to be prepared, learn from previous emergencies they have experienced, and put in place strategies to respond rapidly and effectively to risks, in order to preserve life and their economies. This paper discusses two health emergencies that have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, their risk factors, strategies employed to address them, challenges experienced, lessons learned, and strategies to handle future health emergencies in the region.
Silicon accumulation in bioenergetic sunflower germination
Authors: Dias Gabrielen de Maria Gomes , Ferreira Daví Guilherme Bastos , Anjos David Correia dos , Mendes Iana de Paula Brito , Guimarães Marcelo de Almeida
Published: February 2025

Silicon is considered a beneficial element for several plants, especially in crops with potential for residual biodiesel, and can provide an increase in dry matter in oilseeds. The objective of this work was to evaluate the accumulative power of silicon on sunflower germination and its development when submitted to different doses. Sunflower seeds cv. Multissol were sown in polypropylene trays in substrate incorporated at different concentrations of organic silicon, in treatments: T1 - control; T2 - 5.0; T3 - 10.0; T4 - 15.0 and T5 – 20.0 g kg-1 (BioMarkan®, 90% SiO2), totaling 128 repetitions per treatment. The germination percentage was evaluated in five periods (3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th day). On the 20th day, the seedlings were evaluated in terms of: number of leaves, shoot length, stem diameter, total fresh and dry mass. Subsequently, the analysis of chemical concentration of silicon in the seedlings and X-ray microanalysis in the leaves of the sunflower seedlings were carried out. The interaction between treatments and germination days was significant for the days in which germination was higher on the 6th day. The silicon incorporated into the substrate accelerates the germination of sunflower seeds cv. Multissol. The sunflower cv. Multissol is a silicon accumulator and improves development up to a concentration of 10 g kg-1 of silicon.
Agronomic performance of irrigated rice hybrids on the Western border of Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Follmann Diego Nicolau , Farenzena João , Schlösser Onássis , Santos Emilso Damm dos , Zanon Alencar Junior , Nardino Maicon
Published: February 2025

Rice crops are essential in World Food Security. Brazil is the largest rice producer outside Asia, with increasing research investments, including using hybrid cultivars with high productive potential. The objectives of this study were to compare the agronomic performance of three cultivars of irrigated rice, two hybrids and one conventional, in the municipality of Uruguaiana, on the western border of Rio Grande do Sul. The experiment was conducted in the 2017/2018 crop with four replicates in a completely randomized design. The three treatments consisted of the cultivar Guri Inta CL and the hybrids Titan CL and Lexus CL. Morphological characters (plant stature, panicle length, grain length, grain width, grain appearance) and yield components (weight of one thousand grains, number of grains per panicle, number of sterile grains per panicle, plant population, whole grain yield) were evaluated. The statistical analyzer S-21 was used to determine the variables of appearance and grain size. The agronomic performance of hybrid cultivars presents lower quality for whole grain yield and the percentage of chalky grains. The morphological characteristics of the plant indicate that hybrid cultivars compensate for the lower initial population by producing more branches and larger panicles without compromising grain yield. Grain yield showed no significant difference, demonstrating the lack of economic viability in this agricultural year for cultivating rice hybrids in Uruguaiana. Significant correlations were verified between the productive characteristics and rice grain quality, showing the relationships between grain productivity and rice grain quality.
Fungicides alternatives for pre-flowering linseed
Authors: Bruinsma Gabriel Mathias Weimer , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Pradebon Leonardo Cesar , Loro Murilo Vieira , Sarturi Marlon Vinicius da Rosa , Huth Caroline
Published: February 2025

Molecule rotation in the control of fungal diseases is essential to ensure sustainability and avoid the tolerance of pathogens to fungicides. Evidencing managements that promote greater efficiency in the control can contribute to increase the efficiency in the control of diseases.This work aims to reveal control alternatives for foliar diseases through different anti-fungal molecules applied in pre-flowering in the linseed crop. The experiment took place in the experimental area of Escola Fazenda, UNIJUÍ, located in the municipality of Augusto Pestana (RS). The experimental design used randomized blocks, with ten fungicide treatments in foliar application and three replications, totaling 30 experimental units. In the useful area of ​​each experimental unit, the following characteristics were measured: plant height, plants per square meter, number of grains per plant, weight of grains per plant, grain yield, normalized green red difference index, green leaf index, spectral saturation index.  The data obtained were submitted to descriptive analysis and to the assumptions of analysis of variance, such as homogeneity of residual variances by Bartlett's test and normality of errors by Shapiro Wilk. Afterwards, analysis of variance was carried out at 5% probability, with the significant variables, Tukey's test of multiple comparison of means was applied at the level of 5% of probability. In order to identify the tendency of association between the characters, Pearson's linear correlation was determined at 5% probability by t test. The active ingredient Pyraclostrobin + Fluxapyroxad can contribute favorably to the maintenance of floral units, capsules and grains per plant. The correct positioning of the use of the molecule is decisive and requires further studies in linseed culture.
Can the coloring of internal tissues of amburana-de-cheiro seeds be an indicative of vigor?
Authors: Guariz Hugo Roldi , Shimizu Gabriel Danilo , Picoli Marcelo Henrique Savoldi , Paula Jean Carlo Baudraz de , Marubayashi Rodrigo Yudi Palhaci , Ribeiro Júnior Walter Aparecido
Published: February 2025

Amburana cearensis (Allemão) A. C. Sm. is a forest species with multiple uses, whether landscape, timber, or medicinal, however, with the advance of the destruction of the Caatinga and the predatory exploitation of this species, it is necessary to guarantee greater production of seedlings in quality and quantity, in order to avoid the exclusion of seed lots with low germination content, thus, we aimed to analyze the emergence of different groups of scarified seeds with light and dark colored cotyledons. The seeds came from the region of Guanambi/BA, and were sown in sand, with daily irrigation. The design used was completely randomized, with 4 replications of 20 seeds each, distributed in three treatments, being: intact seeds, scarified seeds with light cotyledons, and scarified seeds with dark cotyledons. At the end of the test, using the daily data of the number of emerged seeds, the following variables were calculated: percentage of emergence, emergence speed index (ESI), average emergence time, and average speed. Seeds with light cotyledons were viable for seedling production, with 86% emergence, in addition to presenting the highest ESI value, on the other hand, seeds with dark cotyledons had 100% losses. A. cearensis seeds present higher germination potential when submitted to the mechanical scarification process. In addition, analysis by means of the coloring of the internal tissues of the seed is an effective method for indicating the vigor of the seeds, generating greater efficiency in the yield of seed lots.
Plant diversity impacts forage mass of pastures established after soybean harvest in integrated crop-livestock system
Authors: Silva Francine Damian da , Rodrigues Karoline Yasmin Ramos , Anunciação Sérgio Inocêncio , Mota Lucas Gimenes , Santos Vivian Ionara Oliveira , Cabral Carlos Eduardo Avelino
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar se a produtividade do capim-paiaguas (Urochloa brizantha cv. Paiaguas) é suprimida em sistemas com múltiplas espécies forrageiras estabelecidas após a colheita da soja e, identificar se a espécie utilizada em pastagem mista melhora a massa de forragem total e a morfologia e composição bromatológica. Os tratamentos consistiram de diversidade de espécies: sem diversidade (capim-paiaguas em monocultivo), baixa diversidade (capim-paiaguas com Vigna unguiculata), média diversidade (capim-paiaguas com Vigna unguiculata e Guizotia abyssinica) e alta diversidade (capim-paiaguas com Vigna unguiculata, Fagopyrum esculentum, Raphanus sativus e Stylosanthes capitata e Stylosanthes macrocephala). As pastagens foram estabelecidas em março, em sucessão à soja, e avaliadas em junho. Não houve redução na massa de forragem com o aumento da diversidade, porém, houve redução na participação do capim-paiaguas na massa de forragem, sem alterar a composição morfológica. O aumento da diversidade de espécies reduziu os teores de cinzas e proteína bruta. Assim, o capim-paiaguas é suprimido devido ao aumento de espécies na pastagem mista, sem alteração da composição morfológica, mas com alteração da composição bromatológica.
Seed germination and initial development of rice seedlings inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense
Authors: Vitto Deise Cadorin , Schiller Andréia da Paz , Hendges Camila , Manfrin Jéssica , Buss Lenir Aparecida , Guimarães Vandeir Francisco
Published: February 2025

The rice crop is annual, adapted to highlands, floodplains or flooded, representing high importance for human consumption, requiring research for the optimization of cultivation and its initial development. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the germination and vigor of rice seeds, with the application of inoculant with bacteria of the species Azospirillum brasilense. The experimental design used was completely randomized, using six inoculant doses containing A. brasilense, with 4 replications of 50 seeds each, using the SCS 121 CL cultivar. Germination evaluations were carried out daily up to 14 days, the first count test on the 5th day and the second count on the 14th day after sowing. The germination speed index and the biometric parameters were also performed at the end of the experiment. The dose of 4.0 mL 1000-1 seeds of inoculant was the treatment that resulted in a percentage of germination in the rice seed. Root length increased with higher doses, however there was no significant difference in root dry mass. The different inoculant doses do not interfere with the development of the rice aerial part.
Tillering capacity and nitrogen fertilization in white oat
Authors: Follmann Diego Nicolau , Silveira Marcelo Santos , Pereira Anderson Crestani , Da Rosa Guilherme Bergeijer , Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Lucio Alessandro Dal'Col
Published: February 2025

Nitrogen fertilization enhances the tillering capacity of white oats and a greater number of fertile tillers is directly related to the increase in grains per area, which is related to grain yield. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the tillering capacity and the linear relationships between characters of white oat cultivars, associated with the use of nitrogen fertilization. The experiment was carried out in Santa Maria - RS, in a randomized block design, with the main plot comprising five white oat cultivars and the subplot comprising four doses of nitrogen applied as a top dressing when the crop had 3 developed leaves (0 kg ha-1, 50 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, and 150 kg ha-1). Six hundred plants were sampled when the crop was at the full tillering stage and the characters were assessed: plant height (cm), height of first leaf insertion (cm), number of fully expanded leaves, number of tillers, stem diameter (cm), and dry matter phytomass (g). Nitrogen had a positive effect on the number of tillers, with the most effective doses being between 101.67 and 122.14 kg ha-1. The 122.14 kg ha-1 dose is recommended in order to achieve maximum technical efficiency for the production of tillers in the white oat crop, with emphasis on the URS Altiva cultivar, which had the highest number of tillers. The number of tillers and plant height have a positive linear relationship with dry matter phytomass and can be used for indirect selection.
Employment in the US Agricultural Sector: Structure, Dynamics, Trends
Authors: Korotkikh Alla
Published: February 2025

The article analyzes the employment in US agriculture, its structure, dynamics, indicates the factors that influence the formation of these indicators, and provides demographic characteristics of each category of employees. The study allowed to identify and formulate the main trends in farm employment. In particular, it noted an increase in the number of farmers and a decrease in the number of hired workers and members of farmers' families, a decrease in the number of farms with one farmer and an increase in the number of farms with two or more farmers, an increase in the number of young farmers and women in US agriculture. The growing difficulties in finding and employing labor force, the negative economic consequences of its deficiency are forcing farmers to seek alternative options to maintain production at a competitive level. Among them are the transition to less labor-intensive crops, the transfer of production abroad, the use of innovative agricultural technologies, including robotics.
Party dynamics in shaping Canada's China policy
Authors: Solyanova Maria
Published: February 2025

The modern world is characterized by increasing global interdependence and aggravation of geopolitical contradictions. One of the most striking examples of such confrontation is the rivalry between the United States and China, which forces states to reconsider their foreign policy strategies, which, in turn, affects domestic political processes. Canada, as a key partner of the United States and an important trading partner of China, finds itself at the epicentre of these geopolitical transformations. Its position in international relations is determined by many factors, including domestic political dynamics, which are becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted. The evolution of the political parties’ positions reflects not only the dynamics of bilateral relations, but also domestic political processes in Canada, as well as global trends in the country's domestic policy. In the context of uncertainty and growing tensions in international relations, understanding how the positions of Canadian parties towards China have changed and continue to change is becoming increasingly relevant for analyzing Canada's foreign policy and its future place in the global system.
Nursing in the USA after the pandemic: episodes of change
Authors: Shvedova Nadezhda
Published: February 2025

Health care is an eternal topic - in the focus of attention of the population of any country, and in every period of historical development. The intensity of passions in connection with the topic of health protection depends on many circumstances, which develop in different ways, but commonplaces are often and densely epidemics or their threats, as well as cyclical political events (for example, election campaigns), which sharply increase the need for votes of the electorate, and the topic of health is a win-win trump card for attracting the attention of numerous voters.
In the United States, the urgency of health care topics is always fueled by election campaigns at various levels, which is quite logical and normal, since every person is always in the health care paradigm as an active or potential patient. The degree of state attention to this area is determined primarily by the severe need to prevent sharp imbalances in resources, material and political, both within the medical industry itself and in relationships with others in the country. At the same time, the necessary conditions must be created and maintained for the medical care of a country that is diverse and complex: medical care as an economic unit is equal to a fifth of the American economy, patient care is the largest segment of the working market for medical services, nursing staff is the largest health care profession. The pandemic has had a significant impact on all aspects of health care delivery in the United States, and the nursing analysis sheds light on how the industry will evolve in the future.
D. Trump's judicial victories on his way to the White House
Authors: Antonov Evgeniy
Published: February 2025

The article examines the key decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court, which made it possible for D. Trump to participate in the presidential election of 2024 without convictions in criminal cases at the federal level, which, according to the Democrats' plan, should have disqualified him from the electoral race. Special attention is paid to the alleged transformation of the status of criminal cases in connection with the election of D. Trump for a second term.
Young politicians of the Biden’s presidency
Authors: Golovko-Okhremenko Aleksandra
Published: February 2025

Despite the preservation of gerontocracy in the executive and legislative authorities of the federal and regional levels, over the past 10 years, there has been a gradual entry into politics of the representatives of American youth born after 1981. Election of J. Biden to the post of the President of the United States was also accompanied by the electoral successes of young politicians from both major parties. In this paper, the demographic and party-ideological structure of youth in federal and regional authorities will be considered. An assessment of the degree of influence of young politicians on the development and adoption of power decisions at the federal level will also be given.
US Claims to the Continental Shelf: Disputed Legitimacy
Authors: Gudev Pavel
Published: February 2025

In December 2023, the United States unilaterally announced the establishment of the outer limits of its continental shelf in various areas of the World Ocean. This was done without contacting the relevant Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf and receiving official recommendations from the latter. The legitimacy of such a step was justified by the fact that the United States has not yet signed and ratified the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which means it should not submit its scientific data on this issue to the Commission. However, since the norms and provisions of article 76 on the definition of the external limits of the continental shelf, from their point of view, have long become established norms of customary international law, the United States can fully use them. The United States stated that it fully relied on all the methodological rules for the definition of the extended continental shelf, enshrined both in Article 76, including the collection of bathymetric and seismic data, and in the Scientific and Technical Recommendations of the Commission itself.
Despite the presented legal arguments for the legitimacy of its actions, US policy in this regard raises many legal and political issues, as it again puts American national interests above existing international practice and erodes the current convention regime by applying a selective approach to its implementation. The purpose of this work in this regard is to identify the most controversial points of the American position and show why the Russian Federation cannot fully agree with such claims of the United States.
Issues and debates surrounding the NPT’s implementation
Authors: Selezneva Daria
Published: February 2025

The article delves into the key controversies surrounding the interpretation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), with a particular focus on the concept of the “grand bargain.” The article meticulously the interconnections between the NPT’s core elements: disarmament and non-proliferation, as well as non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It also delves into differing interpretations of the Treaty’s provisions and the challenges associated with their implementation, focusing on three specific articles: I and II, which define the obligations not to transfer or acquire nuclear weapons, and X.1, which outlines the conditions for withdrawal from the Treaty.
Single-source procurement and the principle of competition in the public procurement law
Authors: Wiklański Bartłomiej
Published: February 2025

Niniejsze opracowanie dotyczy problematyki funkcjonowania trybu udzielania zamówienia publicznego z wolnej ręki w obecnym porządku prawnym pod kątem oceny jego zgodności z istotą zasady konkurencyjności. Głównym celem pracy jest weryfikacja tezy mówiącej o tym, że tryb zamówienia z wolnej ręki jako tryb zamówienia klasycznego jest trybem przeczącym istocie funkcjonowania zamówień publicznych.
W tym celu opracowanie podzielono na sześć podpunktów. We wprowadzeniu do rozważań zawarto krótką charakterystykę omawianego trybu udzielania zamówienia publicznego. Następnie przedstawiono tezę i antytezę związane z tematem rozważań. Kolejno przeprowadzono polemikę z przedstawioną we wstępie tezą i antytezą. Całość zaś zwieńczyło podsumowanie, w którym odniesiono się do poruszonych w artykule problemów. Metodologią badawczą zastosowaną w pracy była analiza literatury oraz orzecznictwa z zakresu zamówień publicznych, w szczególności zaś dotyczących trybu zamówienia z wolnej ręki. Przeprowadzona
analiza pozwoliła wskazać wiele problemów związanych z zachowaniem zasady konkurencyjności.
Features of using Markov decision-making processes when modeling attacks on artificial intelligence systems
Authors: Vetrov I. A. , Podtopelny V. V.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we study the features of modeling attacks on artificial intelligence systems. Markov decision-making processes are used in the construction of the model. A multilevel approach to the interpretation of system states is proposed, which includes several stages of detailing the states. This approach is based on the MITRE ATLAS methodology and the FSTEC Threat Assessment Methodology. When forming the vector, the specifics of the intruder model are taken into account, and two main modeling modes are considered: on-time and off-time. The procedure for the formation of awards at the abstract level (without specifying the actions of the attacker) of building a model is described.
Experimental assessment of determining the average size of speckles
Authors: Sergeev R. N.
Published: February 2025

The paper proposes a method for estimating the average speckle size using experimentally recorded images of speckle fields on a CMOS matrix. This method can be useful when used in speckle interferometry methods when determining their metrological parameters.
Investigating the Insights of Nursing Students About Clinical Pharmacology Courses
Authors: Fekri Kiarash , Mojarad Fereshteh Araghian , Alishah Mehrrooz , Babaei Seyed Robabe , Yaghoubi Tahereh
Published: February 2025

Nursing education, requires critical attention to the science of pharmacology as well as employment of the relevant clinical skills. Therefore, the present study intends to investigate the insights of nursing students about clinical pharmacology courses. This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on a community consisted of all nursing students who selected their clinical pharmacology course. The researcher-built questionnaire was the tool for collecting the data. Descriptive (percentage, mean and standard deviation) and analytical (t-test and Mann-Whitney non-parametric test) statistics were utilized to analyze the data using SPSS-22. The ethical considerations of the research were observed. Based on the findings, the variables of gender and the pharmacology grade achieved in the second semester predicted the level of satisfaction with clinical pharmacology course among the students as well as studying about the medicines before starting the internship. Regarding the relative satisfaction in this study, 85% of the students found the applications employed for learning clinical pharmacology contents effective to boost their skills and knowledge so that it would be recommended to use the novel educational methods for better learning of the course.
Elements of Success After Metatarsectomy Healing of Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Hemmati Hossein , Motamed Behrang , Taramsari Sedighe Masoudi , Ashoobi Mohammad Taghi , Farzin Mohaya , Kenarsari Habib Eslami , Hosseinzaeh Rastin , Ranjbar Zahra Abbasi , Sarafi Milad
Published: February 2025

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most significant and destructive complications in diabetic patients. It is not only the main cause of patients' foot amputation but is also related to their mortality rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of metatarsectomy in the recovery of diabetic-resistant foot neuropathic wounds to evaluate its clinical effectiveness. This quasi-experimental, before-and-after study was done on 16 diabetic patients with refractory neuropathic ulcers, who were referred to the vascular surgery ward undergoing metatarsectomy. Patients were followed up for two weeks, one month, and three months after surgery and were evaluated for complete recovery, partial recovery, and no response. Of 16 diabetic patients with 16 refractory diabetics plantar fasciitis, 12 (75%) were male and 4 (25%) were female. The mean age of patients was 56.63. There were 5 patients with type 1 diabetes and 11 patients with type 2 diabetes. 10 patients (62.5%) had the underlying non-diabetic disease. 50% of patients had had a history of amputation. The mean duration of diabetes in 16 patients was 18.06 years. All wounds healed completely with an average healing time of 4 months (100% epithelialization). The results of the present study demonstrate that metatarsectomy can be used as a primary technique for offloading in the treatment of diabetic-resistant neuropathic wounds in the soul instead of non-surgical methods. The results prove that this method with a high recovery rate and significant clinical effectiveness can be used as an effective method in the first line of treatment of diabetic-resistant neuropathic wounds of the sole.
Pericardial Involvement in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Derbel Abir , Snoussi Mouna , Salah Raida Ben , Frikha Faten , Abid Leila , Frikha Imed , Marzouk Sameh , Bahloul Zouhir
Published: February 2025

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is a rare disease characterized by cutaneo-mucous and visceral arteriovenous malformations. Cardiac involvement is uncommon and was presented primarily by hyper-output heart failure. Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, although is extremely rare, can occur during HHT. We report the case of a 48-years-old woman which was hospitalized in 2015 in internal medicine department, Sfax, Tunisia in 2015 for anicteric cholestasis. She noticed a personnel and familial history of recurrent epistaxis. Biologic findings revealed anemia and moderate cholestasis. Viral investigations and immunologic tests were negative. Abdominal tomography showed multiple arterio-venous shunts of the liver. Liver involvement due to Rendu Osler Weber disease was retained. She was treated by ferrous iron, but she was lost to follow up. She was presented in February 2021, with severe anemia (5 g/dL). Physical examination revealed signs of global heart failure. Biological investigations found anemia, inflammatory biological syndrome, cytolysis and cholestasis. Heart ultrasound revealed an abundant pericardial effusion. Only 500cc of hemorrhagic fluid could be aspirated before the needle became blocked. Unfortunately, one week after, re-accumulation of pericardial fluid and worsening occurred. She underwent a partial surgical pericardial excision with pleuropericardial opening. Analysis of the fluid ruled out any infectious cause of this effusion.  Histological examination confirmed the vascular dysplasia with signs of hemorrhage and inflammation. The patient was discharged 1 month after surgery with no other bleeding episodes. For her anemia, she received a transfusion of red blood cells. Then, the patient was treated by iron treatment.
Patient Reported Outcome (PROMs) and Experience Measures (PREMs) for Indigenous Peoples:
Authors: Ziabakhsh Shabnam , D’Agincourt-Canning Lori , Joolaee Soudabeh , Hwang Julia , Jinkerson-Brass Sharon , Morgan Jenny
Published: February 2025

Documenting Indigenous patient voices through safe and culturally appropriate patient-reported outcome (PROMs) and experience measures (PREMs) is essential for monitoring impacts of health care programming and policies. We explored the literature in order to understand the current landscape of PROMs and PREMs that have been developed for and with Indigenous Peoples in Canada, United States, Australia and New Zealand. From our exploration a number of key themes regarding the development of PROMs and PREMs emerged including, applying a wholistic perspective, a relational framework with an emphasis on the role of the family, ensuring cultural fit (reflecting a resilience, strength-based and cultural approach to health), being sensitive to the ethics of survey tools, and ensuring decolonizing approaches in their development. In addition, the scarcity and the need for developing Indigenous-specific PREMs are highlighted.
Municipal-Indigenous Relations in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Heritz Joanne
Published: February 2025

The significant increase in the urban Indigenous identity population in Atlantic Canada in the past ten years warrants an investigation of urban Indigenous policies that asks, to what extent are municipalities in Atlantic Canada bridging relations with urban Indigenous Peoples? Over half of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples reside in urban centres, yet no one level of government has taken responsibility for developing policies regarding urban Indigenous Peoples. Since the new millennium, municipalities are bridging relations with urban Indigenous Peoples. Not only are these initiatives in Western and Central Canadian municipalities varied, but they are also understudied. An analysis of Municipal-Indigenous relations in Charlottetown, Fredericton, Halifax, and St John’s addresses the following: municipal capacity for Indigenous inclusion; urban Indigenous policy initiatives; and the extent to which municipalities are responding to the Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Ética não-humana e o habitar do ensinar e do aprender no paradigma da educação OnLIFE
Authors: Schlemmer Eliane , Di Felice Massimo
Published: February 2025

As profundas transformações globais deste século: pandemia do Covid-19, mudanças climáticas e inovações tecnológicas evidenciam a interdependência entre humano, natureza e tecnologia, desafiando a visão antropocêntrica predominante e redefinindo a compreensão do mundo. Esse contexto afeta a educação e consequentemente as pesquisas em educação que são instigadas a repensar o paradigma e a ética que orienta suas formas de operar. O objetivo é compreender como as transformações globais recentes desafiam o paradigma antropocêntrico predominante e provocam uma redefinição do paradigma educacional e da ética que fundamenta a educação e a pesquisa em educação, com foco na interdependência entre humanos, natureza e tecnologia. O procedimento metodológico envolve revisão teórica das contribuições de autores como Serres, Latour e Di Felice, que destacam a interconectividade entre humanos, natureza e tecnologia, o que contribui para pensar a educação no terceiro milênio. Os resultados sugerem que a educação permanece pouco permeável às mudanças globais e aos desafios para habitar o terceiro milênio. Perspectivas inovadoras, como o Paradigma da Educação OnLIFE, apresentam-se como alternativas que incorporam a conectividade digital e a hibridização dos espaços, tempos, tecnologias, presenças, linguagens e modalidades educacionais, na composição de novos espaços a serem habitados pelo ensinar e pelo aprender. Esse paradigma - ao operar na problematização e na invenção - refere-se a uma formação em ecossistemas ecologicamente conectados, onde humanos e não-humanos co-criam conhecimento em ambientes digitais e físicos, interligados, enfatizando a necessidade de uma nova política cognitiva na educação e, portanto, de uma ética que ultrapasse o antropocentrismo e adote uma perspectiva ecológica e conectiva.
Deficiência, interseccionalidade e suas inflexões teóricas: outras perspectivas para a pesquisa educacional e desafios à educação inclusiva
Authors: Pagni Pedro Angelo
Published: February 2025

Este artigo analisa os limites e discute as possibilidades de a ferramenta analítica da interseccionalidade e de teorias queer e CRIP minimizarem os efeitos  éticos da “indignidade de falar pelo outro”, presentes tanto em parte das pesquisas sobre a deficiência quanto na elaboração das políticas públicas e na efetuação da educação inclusiva. Com tal análise, discussão e circunscrição a essas referências teóricas, objetiva-se ampliar a compreensão sobre a deficiência corrente na apropriação de seu modelo social pelas pesquisas educacionais e situá-la junto a outros marcadores sociais das diferenças, considerando sua singularidade e os desafios que esse outro olhar traz para a educação inclusiva. Para tanto, será problematizado o referido modelo, a partir dos efeitos éticos enunciados pelos filósofos da diferença e, mediante as variações do desenvolvimento da analítica do poder da ferramenta analítica e das teorias circunscritas, serão discutidos os seus limites e possibilidades para o alcance dos objetivos propostos. Pretende-se assinalar, com isso, a radicalidade da interseccionalidade e das teorias que a interseccionaram, a fim de fazer ouvir a voz desse outro, indicando um dos caminhos possíveis, quer para as pesquisas sobre o tema, quer para a educação inclusiva.
Does conservative or arthroscopic management of canine medial coronoid disease lead to improved outcomes?
Authors: Banerjee Anant Andy
Published: February 2025

Question
In dogs diagnosed with medial coronoid disease, does arthroscopic surgical intervention, compared with conservative management, result in improved mobility and reduced pain?
 
Clinical bottom line
Category of research:
Treatment.
Number and type of study designs reviewed:
Three studies were identified directly addressing the PICO question. One paper was a retrospective cohort study, another study was a prospective randomised control trial, and the third was a non-randomised non-blinded observational study.
Strength of evidence:
Weak.
Outcomes reported:
The first study was a prospective non-randomised study that did not identify a difference in gait evaluation at the 52 week recheck in dogs treated conservatively compared to those treated arthroscopically, with lameness exacerbated in the arthroscopic treatment group until the 26 week recheck. The second study, a retrospective non-randomised cohort study, showed greater, but not statistically different, owner-reported clinical metrology scores in dogs treated arthroscopically compared to those treated conservatively. Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) and Pain Severity Scores (PSS) were higher but not statistically significant, yet Pain Interference Scores (PIS) were statistically significantly higher at 52 weeks in arthroscopically treated dogs compared to conservatively treated dogs. Age at diagnosis and at time of questionnaire completion were statistically significant for LOAD, PSS, and PIS, with older dogs having higher scores. The third study performed a non-blinded observational study assessing canine patients with bilateral medial coronoid disease, with unilateral arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy performed on the most clinically affected limb. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) imaging were performed at diagnosis, with radiographs taken at follow-up. At the time of follow-up, arthroscopically treated limbs had a higher radiographic score than those treated conservatively, although a significant improvement in lameness was seen at the walk in arthroscopically treated limbs. Conservatively managed dogs showed an unchanged (non-significant) gait. Radiographic changes did not appear to correlate to severity of clinical signs.
Conclusion:
The quality of the published evidence available to answer the PICO question is weak, due to the design of the three reviewed studies. Low patient populations in these three studies also hinder the statistical power of any recommendations made. None of the three studies assesses the complex nature of medial coronoid disease to clearly answer the question posed. The decision to recommend arthroscopy over conservative management therefore depends on the judgement and experience of the veterinary surgeon attending the case. Additionally, assessment of the imaging findings is important when discussing prospective treatment options.