bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of genomic variants in power and endurance sports to decode the impact of genomics on athletic performance and success
Authors: Psatha Aikaterini , Al-Mahayri Zeina N. , Mitropoulou Christina , Patrinos George P.
Published: May 2024

Association between genomic variants and athletic performance has seen a high degree of controversy, as there is often conflicting data as far as the association of genomic variants with endurance, speed and strength is concerned. Here, findings from a thorough meta-analysis from 4228 articles exploring the association of genomic variants with athletic performance in power and endurance sports are summarized, aiming to confirm or overrule the association of genetic variants with athletic performance of all types. From the 4228 articles, only 107 were eligible for further analysis, including 37 different genes. From these, there were 21 articles for the ACE gene, 29 articles for the ACTN3 gene and 8 articles for both the ACE and ACTN3 genes, including 54,382 subjects in total, from which 11,501 were endurance and power athletes and 42,881 control subjects. These data show that there is no statistically significant association between genomic variants and athletic performance either for endurance or power sports, underlying the fact that it is highly risky and even unethical to make such genetic testing services for athletic performance available to the general public. Overall, a strict regulatory monitoring should be exercised by health and other legislative authorities to protect the public from such services from an emerging discipline that still lacks the necessary scientific evidence and subsequent regulatory approval.
Integrated proteomic and genomic analysis to identify predictive biomarkers for valproate response in bipolar disorder: a 6-month follow-up study
Authors: Lee Hyunju , Han Dohyun , Hong Kyung Sue , Ha Kyooseob , Kim Hyeyoon , Cho Eun Young , Myung Woojae , Rhee Sang Jin , Kim Jayoun , Ha Tae Hyon , Lee Kang Eun , Jung Hye Won , Lee Yejin , Lee Dongbin , Yu Hyeona , Lee Daseul , Park Yun Seong , Ahn Yong Min , Baek Ji Hyun , Kim Se Hyun
Published: May 2024

Background

Several genetic studies have been undertaken to elucidate the intricate interplay between genetics and drug responses in bipolar disorder (BD). However, there has been notably limited research on biomarkers specifically linked to valproate, with only a few studies investigating integrated proteomic and genomic factors in response to valproate treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to identify biological markers for the therapeutic response to valproate treatment in BD. Patients with BD in remission were assessed only at baseline, whereas those experiencing acute mood episodes were evaluated at three points (baseline, 8 ± 2 weeks, and 6 ± 1 months). The response to valproate treatment was measured using the Alda scale, with individuals scoring an Alda A score ≥ 5 categorized into the acute-valproate responder (acute-VPAR) group. We analyzed 158 peptides (92 proteins) from peripheral blood samples using multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry, and proteomic result-guided candidate gene association analyses, with 1,627 single nucleotide variants (SNVs), were performed using the Korean chip.

Results

The markers of 37 peptides (27 protein) showed temporal upregulation, indicating possible association with response to valproate treatment. A total of 58 SNVs in 22 genes and 37 SNVs in 16 genes showed nominally significant associations with the Alda A continuous score and the acute-VPAR group, respectively. No SNVs reached the genome-wide significance threshold; however, three SNVs (rs115788299, rs11563197, and rs117669164) in the secreted phosphoprotein 2 gene reached a gene-based false discovery rate-corrected significance threshold with response to valproate treatment. Significant markers were associated with the pathophysiological processes of bipolar disorders, including the immune response, acute phase reaction, and coagulation cascade. These results suggest that valproate effectively suppresses mechanisms associated with disease progression.

Conclusions

The markers identified in this study could be valuable indicators of the underlying mechanisms associated with response to valproate treatment.
Multi-density crime predictor: an approach to forecast criminal activities in multi-density crime hotspots
Authors: Cesario Eugenio , Lindia Paolo , Vinci Andrea
Published: May 2024

The increasing pervasiveness of ICT technologies and sensor infrastructures is enabling police departments to gather and store increasing volumes of spatio-temporal crime data. This offers the opportunity to apply data analytics methodologies to extract useful crime predictive models, which can effectively detect spatial and temporal patterns of crime events, and can support police departments in implementing more effective strategies for crime prevention. The detection of crime hotspots from geo-referenced data is a crucial aspect of discovering effective predictive models and implementing efficient crime prevention decisions. In particular, since metropolitan cities are heavily characterized by variable spatial densities of crime events, multi-density clustering seems to be more effective than classic techniques for discovering crime hotspots. This paper presents the design and implementation of MD-CrimePredictor (Multi- Density Crime Predictor), an approach based on multi-density crime hotspots and regressive models to automatically detect high-risk crime areas in urban environments, and to reliably forecast crime trends in each area. The algorithm result is a spatio-temporal crime forecasting model, composed of a set of multi-density crime hotspots, their densities and a set of associated crime predictors, each one representing a predictive model to forecast the number of crimes that are estimated to happen in its specific hotspot. The experimental evaluation of the proposed approach has been performed by analyzing a large area of Chicago, involving more than two million crime events (over a period of 19 years). This evaluation shows that the proposed approach, based on multi-density clustering and regressive models, achieves good accuracy in spatial and temporal crime forecasting over rolling prediction horizons. It also presents a comparative analysis between SARIMA and LSTM models, showing higher accuracy of the first method with respect to the second one.
Methylphenidate Versus Placebo for Treating Fatigue in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Stone Patrick Charles , Minton Ollie , Richardson Alison , Buckle Peter , Enayat Zinat E. , Marston Louise , Freemantle Nick
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

To compare effects and side effects of 6 weeks of individually dose-titrated methylphenidate or placebo on fatigue in palliative care patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Eligible patients had advanced incurable cancer and fatigue >3/10. Principal exclusions were hypertension; psychiatric, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal, liver, or blood disorders; substance dependency; and epilepsy. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 methylphenidate or placebo starting at 5 mg twice daily. Dose of methylphenidate/placebo was titrated once per week, over 6 weeks, up to a maximum of 20 mg three times daily. Trial ended at 10 weeks. Primary outcome was the difference in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-F) scores between groups at 6 ± 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects, quality of life, and mood.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-two patients (73 men; mean, 65.8; standard deviation [SD], 10.3 years) were randomly assigned, and three were excluded from analysis. Seventy-seven were allocated placebo (baseline FACIT-F = 22 [SD, 10]); 82 were allocated methylphenidate (FACIT-F = 20 [SD, 9]). After 6 ± 2 weeks, FACIT-F scores were 1.97 points (95% CI, –0.95 to 4.90; P = .186) higher (better) on methylphenidate than placebo. Across 10 weeks of the study, FACIT-F was nominally higher in the methylphenidate group versus placebo (Diff, 2.20 [95% CI, 0.39 to 4.01]), but this did not reach the minimally clinically important difference (5-points). At 6 weeks, there were no differences between groups in quality-of-life or symptom domains except for depression scores (nominally reduced in the methylphenidate group: Diff, –1.35 [95% CI, –2.41 to –0.30]). There were no differences in mortality or serious adverse events.

CONCLUSION

After 6 ± 2 weeks of treatment, methylphenidate was not superior to placebo for treating fatigue in advanced cancer. Methylphenidate was safe and well-tolerated.
Revisiting the Civil Examinations in the Qing Dynasty: Popularization and Social Transitions
Authors: Muhui Zhang , Kyungho Kim
Published: May 2024

Recent literature has pointed out the increased stratification and narrowing of the social ladder embedded in the Qing-era civil examinations. This essay sees a clear-cut division between the diminishing opportunity for high-level degrees (above juren 舉人) and the rising exam fever in competing for the licentiate degree (shengyuan 生員) at the grassroots level. This study focuses on the popularization of civil exams in the Qing era from three perspectives: the inflation of the licentiate degree, the surging exam population across society, and the unintended by-product of expanded access to widespread education and literacy culture. Thus, this essay argues that the popularization of civil exams had far-reaching impacts on socioeconomic transitions in Qing China. In addition to the “gatekeeper” function of the civil examinations for selecting officials, the Qing exams triggered new occupations for licentiates and helped initiate self-employment orientations that contributed to accommodating the tremendous surplus population.
Anatomy of the Superstitious Mind: Subjectivity and Interiority in Two Early Twentieth-Century Rebuttals to Liaozhai's Records of the Strange
Authors: Wang Shengyu
Published: May 2024

Focusing on the issue of psychological portrayal, this essay examines two early twentieth-century rebuttals of Liaozhai's Records of the Strange published in newly founded Chinese fiction magazines. Although the two rebuttals lend themselves easily to a didactic interpretation, the essay argues that their demystification of the supernatural is equally in service of literary representation of individualized subjectivity endowed with interiority. Besides aligning itself with the ongoing efforts to recover alternative forms of modernity repressed by the May Fourth discourse, this essay endeavors to contribute to a fuller understanding of the diversity of ideologies, forms, and styles in so-called new fiction.
On Suwenxue 俗文學 and Its Status under Different Literary Views
Authors: Jing 譚靜 Tan , Xiangfei 包向飛 Bao
Published: May 2024

The connotation of suwenxue 俗文學 has an inextricable relationship with a particular view of literature. Different views of literature have their respective prescribed values, which bring different understandings of suwenxue and different evaluations of its status in literary history. Rather than defining suwenxue based on its external features, this article examines it from three representative literary views: the Chinese traditional literary view, the literary view under the Tang-Song transition hypothesis, and Zheng Zhenduo's 鄭振鐸 (1898–1958) literary view. The Chinese traditional literary view centers on articulating Confucian emotions and conveying the Confucian Dao. Accordingly, suwenxue falls within the scope of unorthodox literature and has a lower literary status. The progressive historical view of the Tang-Song transition hypothesis—that suwenxue originated from poetry and prose— represents the direction of literary development and should be accorded high status. Finally, Zheng Zhenduo takes suwenxue as a literary discipline, a fresh and original view that expands the territory of Chinese literature.
Social Fabric or Glitter Bombs?
Authors: Jakobsen Janet R.
Published: May 2024

This essay raises the question of how to understand social differences, including those indexed by trans, queer, antiracist, and feminist studies, as both intersectional and incommensurable. Through an analysis of how oscillation between the poles of binary oppositions works to reinforce hegemony and weave different issues into a hegemonic social fabric, the essay considers how methods and metaphors for trans and queer studies in religion can create counter-hegemonic possibilities. Specifically, in moving from coherent ideas of “the social” as represented by different social relations woven into a hegemonic social fabric to queer and trans ideas of moving and shimmering social relations that might touch across disjunctions, can trans and queer studies in religion contribute to social possibilities in a revolutionary hue?
Archiving Religious Piety and Trans Identity
Authors: Açıkgöz Şahin
Published: May 2024

This article proposes a nonsecular transfeminist critique to interrogate how labels such as political, strategic, and activist are deployed in ways that reproduce exclusionary transgender archives in Turkey. It analyzes the section on religion and spirituality from the South African Gabrielle Le Roux’s activist documentary Proudly Trans in Turkey (2012) as well as Rüstem Ertuğ Altınay’s article “Reconstructing the Transgendered Self as a Muslim, Nationalist, Upper-Class Woman” (2008), which focuses on the statements and performances of Bülent Ersoy, who has been a very popular trans public figure in Turkey since the eighties and who has, to the surprise of many, publicly embraced Islam in the last three decades. Through this analysis, this article demonstrates how a Western secular framework persistently disciplines and limits trans studies in a Turkish context by foregrounding trans people whose agency can be described in terms of resistance or subversion, thus excluding those pious Muslim trans people whose approaches differ.
The question of values and the concept of the “person” in the Byzantine thought of the Palaeologan Renaissance
Authors: Petridou Lydia
Published: May 2024

In this article we focus on the third chapter of George Pachymeres’ Paraphrasis of Dionysius the Areopagite’s De divinis nominibus, emphasizing the second and third paragraphs. The aim is to highlight the concept of “person” and “personality” in the context of the theological atmosphere of Eastern Christianity and, specifically, of the Dionysian tradition. Taking into account what the Byzantine thinker elaborates on Hierotheus, we shed light on the way whereby the question of values in human beings as “persons” who decide to follow a certain example is defined. This question derives from the degree of participation in the divine mystery and revelations. In any case, it is not a matter of class distinction but of different degrees of understanding divine reality, which is shaped by how divine gifts are assimilated by human “persons”.
Κοροπλαστικά εργαστήρια της κλασικής και ελληνιστικής εποχής στην περιοχή της αρχαίας Αγοράς των Αθηνών
Authors: Δημητρακοπούλου Βασιλεία
Published: May 2024

Η διατριβή έχει ως αντικείμενο την κοροπλαστική παραγωγή της Αρχαίας Αγοράς των Αθηνών και τους συναφείς με αυτήν εργαστηριακούς χώρους. Η έρευνα επικεντρώνεται στη μελέτη δύο κοροπλαστικών συνόλων της ύστερης Κλασικής και Ελληνιστικής περιόδου, τα οποία προέρχονται από τις εργαστηριακές αποθέσεις C20:2 και F17:4 που βρίσκονται στην περιοχή νοτιοδυτικά της Αγοράς. Η διατριβή οργανώνεται σε δύο τόμους. Ο Α΄ τόμος χωρίζεται σε δύο μέρη: το κυρίως σώμα του κειμένου, το οποίο διαρθρώνεται σε έξι κεφάλαια, και τον Κατάλογο των αντικειμένων. Το Κεφάλαιο 1 αποτελεί μία εισαγωγή στην τέχνη της κοροπλαστικής και στην ιστορία της έρευνας. Το Κεφάλαιο 2 πραγματεύεται ζητήματα που αφορούν στο ευρύτερο κοινωνικό και χωρικό πλαίσιο της έρευνας, και ειδικότερα στη σημασία της Αρχαίας Αγοράς ως οικονομικό και εμπορικό κέντρο και την παρουσία των τεχνιτών και εμπόρων στην ευρύτερη περιοχή της. Στο ίδιο κεφάλαιο, γίνεται αναφορά στο ανασκαφικό πλαίσιο του υπό εξέταση υλικού μέσα από την παράθεση των σημαντικότερων ανασκαφικών δεδομένων για τις δύο αποθέσεις. Στο Κεφάλαιο 3, εξετάζονται αναλυτικά οι τεχνικές κατασκευής των υπό μελέτη αντικειμένων, ενταγμένες στην περιγραφή των σταδίων και μεθόδων κατασκευής και διακόσμησης της κοροπλαστικής. Ακολουθεί μία σύντομη αναφορά στον πιθανό καταμερισμό των εργασιών, όπως αυτός εντοπίζεται μέσα από την παραπάνω μελέτη της τεχνικής. Στο Κεφάλαιο 4 ολοκληρώνεται η μελέτη του υλικού με την τυπολογική ομαδοποίηση και εξέτασή του μέσα από εικονογραφικά και στιλιστικά κριτήρια. Το Κεφάλαιο 5 επικεντρώνεται στο ζήτημα των εργαστηριακών χώρων και στη σύνδεση του ενός εκ των δύο εργαστηριακών αποθετών (C 20:2) με παρακείμενες οικίες. Στο Κεφάλαιο 6 γίνεται η σύνθεση των συμπερασμάτων που προέκυψαν και αφορούν αφενός το υπό μελέτη κοροπλαστικό υλικό και αφετέρου συνολικά την κοροπλαστική παραγωγή της Αρχαίας Αγοράς των Αθηνών. Ακολουθεί ο λεπτομερής Κατάλογος των αντικειμένων. Ο Β΄ τόμος αποτελείται από το εποπτικό υλικό που συνοδεύει το κείμενο (κατόψεις, ανασκαφικές φωτογραφίες και εικόνες) και από τους ανασκαφικούς καταλόγους των αντικειμένων.
Συμβολή στην μελέτη της ελαστικής ευστάθειας επιπέδων ορθογωνικών πλαισίων εκ ράβδων μεταβαλλομένης ακαμψίας
Authors: Ερμόπουλος Ιωάννης
Published: May 2024

Αντικείμενο της πραγματείας αυτής είναι η μελέτη της ελαστικής ευστάθειας επιπέδων ορθογωνικών πλαισίων, τα οποία συντίθενται από ράβδους μεταβαλλόμενης δυσκαμψίας.Πιο συγκεκριμένα, μελετώνται πλαίσια από ράβδους μεταβαλλόμενης μονομελούς (π.χ. μορφής διπλού ταυ) ή πολυμελούς διατομής (δικτυωτής ή πλαισιακής μορφής), που χρησιμοποιούνται κύρια στις μεταλλικές κατασκευές. Αρχικά διατυπώνονται οι εξισώσεις της μεθόδου των μετατοπίσεων, λαμβανομένης υπόψη συγχρόνως της αξονικής επιπονήσεως για απλές ράβδους της παραπάνω μορφής. Ακολούθως υπολογίζονται οι θεμελιώδεις ροπές τους, για διάφορες εγκάρσιες φορτίσεις. Τέλος εφαρμόζονται τα αποτελέσματα αυτά για τον υπολογισμό σε ευστάθεια με βάση την μη γραμμική θεωρία ελαστικής ευστάθειας απλών πλαισίων και με βάση την γραμμική ανάλυση για πολυόροφα-πολύστυλα πλαίσια. Η μόρφωση των σχετικών εξισώσεων ισορροπίας έγινε με χρήση της άλγεβρας των πινάκων και καταρτίστηκαν σχετικά προγράμματα Η/Υ για την επίλυση επιπέδων ορθογωνικών πλαισίων με ράβδους μεταβαλλόμενης διατομής, τα οποία φορτίζονται από επικόμβια ή εγκάρσια ενδιάμεσα φορτία. Η μη γραμμική θεωρία ευσταθείας που εφαρμόσθηκε είναι εκείνη των μετρίως μεγάλων μετατοπίσεων, που συνδέεται με μη γραμμικές κινηματικές σχέσεις, μετρίως μεγάλες στροφές και μικρές αξονικές ανηγμένες παραμορφώσεις. Βασική παραδοχή της μελέτης αυτής είναι, ότι η αστοχία των παραπάνω πλαισίων θα προέλθει λόγω ελαστικού λυγισμού. Για την περίπτωση του ανελαστικού λυγισμού καθώς και άλλων επί μέρους θεμάτων (π.χ. η επιρροή της διάτμησης), έχει ήδη αρχίσει σχετική έρευνα και ελπίζεται ότι στο εγγύς μέλλον θα ολοκληρωθεί.
Reliability, validity, and minimal clinically important differences for the Thai-version of the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ-Thai) in patients with chronic venous disease
Authors: Siribumrungwong Boonying , Noorit Pinit , Reanpang Termpong , Pornwaragorn Chaowanun , Wilasrusmee Chumpon , Wongsuwanich Suchat , Srikuea Kanoklada , Orrapin Saritphat , Benyakorn Thoetphum , Garratt Andrew Malcolm , Rerkaserm Kittipan
Published: May 2024

Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential for assessing the health of patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). Therefore, we aimed to translate the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire into Thai language (AVVQ-Thai) and evaluate its reliability and validity. Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) of the AVVQ-Thai also be estimated. Methods International standards for PROM translation were followed including the forward-backwards translation of the AVVQ. Patients with Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) C2-C6 with truncal reflux were prospectively included. Venous interventions were used to treat reflux and varicosities. Patients’ characteristics, venous clinical severity scores (VCSS), EuroQol EQ-5D, and AVVQ-Thai were collected pre- and one-month post-intervention. AVVQ-Thai was also collected one to two weeks after the initial visit by reply-paid postal questionnaire. Results The study included 119 patients (30% C2, 29% C3, 28% C4, 11% C5, and 2% C6). The AVVQ-Thai had good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.783 and moderate reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.67 (95%CI: 0.50, 0.79). The AVVQ-Thai was significantly correlated with VCSS and was able to discriminate patients with different levels of health problems as assessed by EQ-5D at both pre-and post-intervention, demonstrating good construct and discriminative validity. The median AVVQ scores improved significantly after intervention from 15.4 (IQR 8.3, 24.2) to 4.2 (IQR 1.3, 8.4) in C2-C3, and 18.9 (IQR 14.1, 25.5) to 7.3 (IQR 4.6, 16.3) in C4-C6. The MCID of the AVVQ was 6.21 on the 0-100 scale, which equates to the level of difference necessary to be clinically meaningful. Conclusions AVVQ-Thai has satisfactory evidence for internal consistency, reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change and is recommended for application in Thailand.
The “House of Trust”. A framework for quality healthcare and leadership.
Authors: Vanhaecht Kris , Lachman Peter , Van der Auwera Charlotte , Seys Deborah , Claessens Fien , Panella Massimiliano , De Ridder Dirk ,   FlaQuM research group
Published: May 2024

In healthcare, improvement leaders have been inspired by the frameworks from industry which have been adapted into control systems and certifications to improve quality of care for people. To address the challenge to regain trust in healthcare design and delivery, we propose a conceptual framework, i.e. the “House of Trust”. This House brings together the Juran Trilogy, the emerging concept of co-production in quality management and the multidimensional definition of quality, which describes core values as an integral part of the system to deliver person- and kin-centered care. In the “House of Trust” patients, their kin, healthcare providers, executives and managers feel at home, with a sense of belonging. If we want to build a care organization that inspires and radiates confidence to all stakeholders, highlighting the basic interactions between front- and back-office is required. An organization with both well-organized back- and front-offices can enable all to benefit from the trust each of them needs and deserves. A quality system does not depend on government inspection and regulations nor on external accreditation to develop itself into a House of Trust. Success will only be achieved if all involved continuously question themselves about the technical dimensions of quality and their core values during the “moment of truth”.
GARCOM: A user-friendly R package for genetic mutation counts
Authors: Sariya Sanjeev , Tosto Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled analysis of rare and uncommon variants in large study cohorts. A common strategy to overcome these low frequencies and/or small effect sizes relies on collapsing strategies, i.e. to bin variants within genes/regions. Several tools are now available for advanced statistical analyses; however, tools to perform basic tasks such as obtaining allelic counts within defined gene/region boundaries are unavailable or require complex coding. GARCOM (“Gene And Region Count Of Mutations”) library, an open-source freely available package in R language, returns a matrix with allelic counts within genes/regions per sample. GARCOM accepts input data in PLINK or VCF formats, with additional options to subset data for refined analyses.
Twelve tips for peer teaching by a medical education student society
Authors: Prasanna Kumar Menon Sowmya , Sokhal Balamrit Singh , Rao Vittal , O'Mahony Fidelma , Lefroy Janet
Published: May 2024

University societies are student-led organisations which provide excellent opportunities for students to collaborate in a shared interest. Peer teaching is gaining recognition as an effective method of medical education. Peer teaching also provides student tutors with core educational skills and provides students with approachable peer mentors. This article offers practical guidance on organising, planning, executing and sustaining peer teaching via a medical education society at university and outlines the supporting literature.
Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin D in Asthma Control
Authors: Pażyra Aldona , Stanicki Paweł , Szarpak Julita , Kusak Natalia , Żak Natalia , Jaworska Barbara
Published: May 2024

In 2019, according to WHO estimates, 262 million people were affected by asta, resulting in 455,000 deaths. Asthma, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes reversible bronchoconstriction, making it difficult for patients to breathe. Exacerbations of the disease can be caused by a variety of factors but share similar symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Severe asthma exacerbations are defined as symptoms that do not respond to inhaled medications and improve only after oral or intravenous steroid administration. Asthma-related deaths often occur during exacerbations. Vitamin D, which is produced naturally in the body and found in some foods, is a steroid-derived vitamin. Adequate doses of this vitamin, administered through medication or supplements, can be used to maintain its proper levels in the organism. Vitamin D is essential for regulating calcium levels in the body and for bone remodeling. It also has immunomodulatory effects, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. This partly explains its association with changes in the airway epithelium that occur as a result of inflammation in asthma.
The study aims to summarize the current knowledge on the relationship of vitamin D with asthma symptom control.
The present study is based on literature available in scientific databases from 2013-2016, such as PubMed, Corchane Library and Google Scholar, using the following keywords: "vitamin D" and "asthma."
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in children and adults worldwide. A critical analysis of the literature reveals that the therapeutic administration of vitamin D has no apparent advantage in treating asthma, especially in children. Nevertheless, for adults with mild asthma, vitamin D supplementation shows promise for improved outcomes. However, there is a pressing need for large-scale clinical trials to determine the efficacy and safety of this therapeutic approach for both age groups.
Strategies for Treating Acute Migraines and Identifying Triggers. Literature review
Authors: Kotowicz Zuzanna , Pabiś Jakub , Podgórski Piotr , Górecka Sandra , Olszański Miłosz , Bogusz Aleksander , Kwiatkowski Oskar , Kołodziej Anna , Król Anita
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Migraine, a prevalent neurological disorder affecting a substantial portion of the global population, poses a significant burden on individuals' overall quality of life. While the exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine headache attacks remain elusive, the involvement of trigeminal pathway activation is well-documented. A multitude of factors, collectively termed triggers, have been identified as capable of precipitating migraine episodes, ranging from dietary components to environmental stimuli such as bright lights and weather fluctuations. Migraine headaches typically manifest as throbbing pain localized predominantly on one side of the head and are often accompanied by a constellation of additional symptoms including photophobia, phonophobia, and nausea. The management of migraine involves a diverse array of therapeutic modalities tailored to the specific characteristics of the pain experienced. These may include the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, triptans, and antiemetics, among others. This study endeavors to explore the most prevalent triggers implicated in migraine onset, as well as contemporary treatment strategies, with an emphasis on incorporating the latest research findings and therapeutic advancements in this evolving field.
Aim of the study
This review aims to identify symptoms, triggers of acute migraine and solutions in its treatment process, including latest developments.
Material and method
This article presents the current state of knowledge about acute migraine, triggers and treatment options in various scientific articles. Publications describing acute migraine attacks and treatments including the most recent reports in the field were reviewed using the PubMed platform. The search included the keywords ‘migraine, 'migraine triggers', 'triptans', 'migraine with aura'.
Pleomorphic adenoma of the nasal cavity in a 21 – year – old patient – case report
Authors: Pomianek Malwina , Ziajor Seweryn , Bednarski Artur , Piasecki Tomasz , Makara Katarzyna , Celarek Victor , Rogalski Paweł , Makara Karolina
Published: May 2024

Introduction and aim: Adenoma pleomorphum (multiform adenoma) is the most popular bening tumor, that originates from the salivary glands. Neoplasm develops mainly from large salivary glands and its occurrence in the nasal cavity is rare and falls mainly in the 3-6 decade of life. Only 1% of all pleomorphic adenomas develop in the nasal and sinus cavities. Despite being a benign tumor, malignant transformation can occur in 2-10% of cases.
Description of the case: We report a case of a 21-year-old female ethnically Polish patient with nasal multiform adenoma with initial diagnosis, which indicated a polyp. The final diagnosis was based on the histopathological examination of the resected lesion. The tumor was removed by an endoscopic method with no tissue margins, which may increase the risk of recurrence.
Conclusions: Our case demonstrates that despite pleomorphic adenomas typically occurs in the 3rd to 6th decade of life,  clinical symptoms are nondistinctive with a polyp and nasal cavity is a very rare location there should be always be increased vigilance leading to choosing best diagnostic measures to form right diagnosis.
Modern Approaches and Future Perspectives on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Strategies in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers: A Literature Overview
Authors: Sarnacka Sandra , Kordialik Jakub , Koćwin Julia , Bieganek Paula , Sadłowski Bartosz , Łukaszewicz Stanisław , Pawłowski Piotr , Rybak Julia , Tokarski Michał , Banasiak Angelika
Published: May 2024

Individuals with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations face significantly heightened likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancers.  Besides some lifestyle recommendations, like maintaining physical activity, healthy BMI, possibly early parenthood and breastfeeding, the management of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers includes gene mutation early-detection, screening, risk-reducing surgeries, and chemoprevention. Various prevention strategies exist, all aimed at monitoring patients and mitigating the cancer risks. However, even with the existence of national and international guidelines to direct prevention efforts, there is no ideal protocol that would be universally applicable for all individuals with mutated BRCA gene. This article aims to delve into the currently available surveillance and preventive strategies and explore the potential future avenues for early detection and risk reduction in BRCA mutation carriers.
Obesity - an epidemic of the 21st century – literature review
Authors: Kułak Klaudia , Sztybór Izabela , Kamińska Katarzyna
Published: May 2024

Introduction and purpose: The article deals with the problem of obesity, which significantly increases the number of cases among children, adolescents and adults all over the world, leading to the occurrence of systemic disorders. A noticeable increase in the incidence of atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome and diabetes leads to a reduction in life expectancy. The main aim of the work is to emphasize the seriousness of the contemporary problem, which causes impairment of the functioning of many systems. A secondary goal is to indicate the current standards of obesity treatment and how to deal with overweight.
 
Brief description of the state of knowledge: Obesity is a disease that affects nearly 800 million people around the world and affects every fourth Pole. Uncontrolled weight gain is caused; lifestyle changes, consumption of highly processed foods, and genetic and endocrine factors. It is a chronic disease with a tendency to relapse, with serious consequences and in need of diagnostics, personalized treatment, and often associated with psychological support.
 
Material and methods: The article analyzes the research to date and the latest treatment methods, which show that a person struggling with obesity is at risk of over 200 complications, including, for example, fatty liver, stroke, type 2 diabetes or cancer.
 
Results and conclusion:  According to our analysis, obesity is a pathological condition that is truly life-threatening. Despite the society's downplay of the problem, people affected by this disease struggle with many comorbidities that worsen their quality of life.
Classification, Symptoms, Treatment and Preventive Strategies of Diabetes. A guide to the basic
Authors: Madoń Magda , Proszowska Patrycja , Sieniawska Daria , Orzeł Adrianna , Pich-Czekierda Aleksandra , Kotowicz Zuzanna , Sieniawska Julia
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin secretion and action. Risk factors for diabetes include age, obesity, low physical activity, hypertension, lipid disorders, and genetic predisposition. Symptoms of diabetes typically include frequent urination, weight loss, excessive thirst, weakness, fatigue, susceptibility to fungal infections and recurrent boils. Diabetes is a prevalent and significant societal concern, often causing anxiety, uncertainty and a sense of danger upon diagnosis.
Aim of the study
The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of diabetes, including its classification, characteristic symptoms, the most frequently occurring diabetes-related complications, and preventive strategies. Through a detailed discussion of these issues, our goal is to increase public awareness of diabetes and provide readers with comprehensive knowledge about this disease.
Material and method
This article presents the current state of knowledge about diabetes. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases, utilizing keywords such as "diabetes", "diabetes mellitus", "diabetes complications".
Results
The number of people with diabetes has continued to rise. Scientists predict that in a few decades, this number could reach more than half a billion globally. Many individuals may not realize that they are at risk for this civilization disease, often due to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Early initiation of treatment is crucial in preventing serious complications. Despite living with diabetes for years, some patients still report insufficient knowledge about their condition. Therefore, educating patients about the nature of the disease and its treatment is essential for improving their quality of life.
Bertha von Suttner: el movimiento pacifista internacional, el derecho internacional humanitario y el ius contra bellum en la novela ¡Abajo las armas! (1889)
Authors: Arévalo-Ramírez Walter , Alihusain Candice
Published: May 2024

El propósito de este capítulo es redescubrir los vínculos entre su novela, universalmente reconocida como fundadora del movimiento pacifista internacional, y las bases del derecho internacional humanitario y el ius contra bellum, exaltando su uso de la literatura para promover la educación para la paz y analizar su activismo jurídico-literario y su contribución al derecho internacional moderno mediante la literatura. En seis secciones, el capítulo analiza su rol en el movimiento pacifista internacional, su rol como líder de distintas campañas jurídicas en la Europa del siglo XIX, presenta una sinopsis de su caracterización de las atrocidades de la guerra en su obra ¡Abajo las armas!, discute los aportes de esa novela al desarrollo del derecho internacional humanitario, su aporte como obra fundamental de la época a la educación para la paz y la lucha contra el militarismo, y la relación entre el derecho y la literatura mediante el análisis de la obra como un ejemplo de activismo jurídico y literario.
El horror que unió al Congo con la Amazonía: el papel constitutivo del imperialismo en el derecho internacional descrito en la literatura
Authors: Prieto-Ríos Enrique , Tamayo-Álvarez Rafael , Cárdenas Rodríguez Laura Catalina , Pontón-Serra Juan P.
Published: May 2024

En este capítulo, acudiremos a la literatura para ilustrar la mutua correspondencia que ha existido entre el imperialismo y el derecho internacional. Para tal fin, nos valdremos de dos novelas que retratan los horrores de la explotación colonial y la voracidad con la que el capital transnacional operó en ese contexto. Nuestro propósito es ubicar en estas dos novelas la función legitimadora del derecho internacional en relación con el proyecto colonial que facilitó la explotación de recursos naturales en la periferia usando estrategias macabras en contra de comunidades indígenas para buscar una mayor eficiencia empresarial. Las novelas son, por un lado, El sueño del celta, del escritor peruano Mario Vargas Llosa y, por otro, Lavorágine, del colombiano José Eustasio Rivera.
Dimensiones éticas y jurídicas del endeudamiento: la tragedia de don Simeón Torrente, un consumado deudor insolvente
Authors: Hernández-Zambrano David , López-Castro Yira
Published: May 2024

Este capítulo abordará una institución y un sujeto emblemáticos en el derecho privado: el crédito y el deudor. Estas figuras serán consideradas a la luz del libro Don Simeón Torrente ha dejado de… deber, de Álvaro Salom Becerra (1969). Mediante esta pieza de literatura podemos observar cómo el derecho configura posiciones sociales y subjetividades, y cómo un personaje, don Simeón Torrente, trata de lidiar con las reglas del sistema jurídico de diferentes maneras para evadir a sus acreedores. En nuestro caso, el hombre intrascendente, “de los que viven y mueren sin dejar huella”, es un sujeto idóneo para considerar carices de la ley ocultos a los ojos de estudios jurídicos tradicionales.
La transición en lo rural: una lectura del proceso de restitución de tierras desde El Llano en llamas, de Juan Rulfo
Authors: Soto Hoyos Juan Francisco
Published: May 2024

Este capítulo ilustra esta tensión de la transición rural a partir de una lectura del proceso de restitución de tierras colombiano desde El Llano en llamas, de Juan Rulfo. Esta obra que transita también entre las voces y los recorridos de personajes del campo mexicano en el contexto de la reforma agraria, las violencias de la Revolución mexicana y de las guerras cristeras, entre el abandono o la presencia inocua del Estado y entre la pobreza y la esperanza de la tierra campesina. Este escenario supone un mundo literario capaz de ilustrar a través de su lectura los siguientes aspectos del proceso de restitución: a) el contexto del despojo y abandono forzado de tierras, b) la esperanza y promesa de transitar de ese contexto hacia una paz en la que se retorna a la tierra y c) los obstáculos y las dificultades que impiden que esa esperanza se concrete y que terminan por estancar la transición en la ruralidad.
Narración y derecho, derecho y narración
Authors: Alviar García Helena
Published: May 2024

Este capítulo tendrá como objetivo proponer distintas formas a través de las cuales la literatura ha entendido el lugar del derecho en la región: derecho como ausencia, islas sin derecho para promover la dominación y derecho como dominación. Por otra parte, uno de los temas comunes en el derecho y la literatura es el objetivo de describir, traducir y plasmar la realidad por medio de las palabras. Este objetivo es casi siempre inalcanzable, pues el lenguaje no puede aprehender la exuberancia, crueldad o particularidad de América Latina. Se concluirá con una breve reflexión sobre esta imposibilidad.
Trends in the Rainfall Pattern Over the Gangetic Plain
Authors: Tiwari Devendra Kumar , Sarthi P. Parth
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the Gangetic Plain of India has witnessed a noticeable decline in the number of rainy days48. This study explores this phenomenon by analysing meteorological data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), specifically utilizing the IMD's grid with a resolution of 0.25 degrees by 0.25 degrees dataset. Through rigorous data analysis and statistical methods, we reveal a significant and quantifiable reduction in how frequently rainy days in49 this agriculturally crucial region. We calculated the rainy days decadal-wise that is 1901-10 to 2011-20 and found the decrease in rainy days. This declination in rainy days is more in the month of August (sen’s slope = -0.125) while June and September have less while July has no such declination type trends(sen’s slope = 0.0). This decline in rainy days has raised concerns about its potential impact on agriculture, water resources, and the livelihoods of the millions of people dependent on the Gangetic Plain's agrarian sector. Also, we found that the eastern part of Gangetic Plain receives more amount of rain while the western part less. So, this study emphasizes the need to comprehend how climate change is affecting rainfall patterns and the necessity of taking proactive steps to solve the problems brought about by fewer rainy days in the Gangetic Plain48.
Efficacy of Modified Magnolia champaca Bark Powder in Sequestration of Divalent Ions from Aqueous Matrices
Authors: Andal N Muthulakshmi , Indhumathy P
Published: May 2024

Noxious effluents let out from large cum small- scale industries has led to acute adverse environmental impact over a time period. In spite of various types of pollutants present in the discharges, heavy metals have been proven to be lethal to all living organisms, whilst exceeding the tolerance levels. In this regard, their confiscation has become inevitable by adoption of varied suitable methodologies. The current inquest is engrossed on probing the efficiency of an eco-derived material, Magnolia champaca Barks (MCB) to trap Zn(II) / Cd(II) ions from laboratory aqueous medium. This ecofriendly material is acid treated (TMCB), so as to improve its surface nature, evidently favoured by microscopic image study. Fourier Transformation Infra-Red and Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis spectra are recorded for sorbent characterization. The factors which influence the sorptive effectiveness of TMCB include particle sizes, initial concentrations of the sorbate molecules, agitation time frames, dosages, pH values and temperatures. The concentrations of divalent ions in the pre and post run samples are assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Maximum chelation of 98% Zn(II) and 96% Cd(II) had occurred under aligned parametric conditions, with variations in dosage, concentration and contact time interval. The aforementioned observations support the promising nature of the identified bark to adsorb toxic metal species.
Groundwater Contamination in Perspective of Different Elements, Water Quality Index and Health Implications
Authors: Sarkar Lovely
Published: May 2024

The physico-chemical properties of groundwater and its plausible health threats are of enormous significance at the current situation worldwide. The present research work determines the degree of pollution in addition to accompanied health menaces to the local inhabitants at Aiho village of Malda district, West Bengal, India. In the present study wetlands and groundwater sources in the locale vicinity have been associated with common health issues among the local populace who consume aquatic animals and drink groundwater is a cause for concern. In view of that, overall 17 samples of groundwater were selected from distinct sources from the studied village. The physico-chemical analysis results in presence of various ions like Calcium (Ca2+), Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Bicarbonate (HCO3-), Sulphate (SO42-), Chloride (Cl-), Nitrate (NO3-), Fluoride (F-) and few elements; Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) in the samples. Few ions; Ca2+, Mg2+ and F- are detected to surpass the acceptable border in some investigated samples. Some physical parameters; pH and TH were not found to be within the allowable range but TDS range was suitable for all the samples. Excess amount of different elements in the groundwater samples results in health threats to local inhabitants, though, the hazards due to Mn and Zn are inconsequential. Since water quality index (WQI) signifies the excellence of surface as well as ground water especially water used for domestic purpose, WQI was measured ranging from 69.29682 to 175.40829 for the experimental samples indicating good to poor quality but not excellent or very poor to unsuitable for domestic use. Further, Dermal acquaintance was found to be quiet hazardous for all occupants, however, the oral contact was supposed to be precarious to some extent. Children and youths are prone to both the ions NO3- and F- as contaminants, and adult persons are affected by NO3- pollutants comparatively.
Navigating financial management challenges in the Scottish charity sector: insights and strategic approaches
Authors: Finkel-Gates Adam
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates financial management within Scottish charities, emphasising the challenges faced in external scrutiny, comparative financial information, and accounting practices. It employs a survey and a review by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator to assess impacts on smaller charities, highlighting issues with transparency and compliance. The study advocates for policy interventions and capacity building to improve sector resilience and transparency, thus enhancing effectiveness and sustainability in the voluntary sector.
(Dis)connection between curriculum, pedagogy and learners’ lived experience in Nepal’s secondary schools: an environmental (in)justice perspective
Authors: Paudel Mohan , Singh Ashik , Sharma Sushil , Singh Ganesh Bahadur , Wilder Rachel
Published: May 2024

This paper offers a novel analysis of how Nepal is delivering its commitment to secondary education provision that is advancing environmental sustainability, tracing a trajectory that begins with national policies relating to environmental sustainability and incorporating the national curriculum framework, textbooks, pedagogies used in classrooms, and learner experiences and anticipated actions. We consider Nepal’s education about and for environmental sustainability in the context of theories of environmental justice, and question if and how secondary provision might promote the behavioural change that Nepal recognises is vital for environmental sustainability. Qualitative data were generated through policy analysis, critical content analysis of secondary-level curriculum and textbooks, classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with 15 teachers and 4 headteachers, and a range of in-person activities with 24 students in purposively selected four community secondary schools in the three diverse locations across Nepal. The results illuminate pronounced disconnections across modalities that indicate incoherence and unresolved debates in the underlying narrative of what environmental sustainability is and the role of education in addressing it. Our findings suggest that learners’ ideas, opinions, thinking and experiences should be encouraged and celebrated in the classroom to aid learners in translating conceptual learning into practical, sustainable behaviours, as well as to contribute to environmental justice. The findings appeal to the concerned stakeholders for their consideration of future policy and programme development that promotes environmental justice through education and establishes a connection between classroom learning and students’ lived experiences through a participatory approach, collaboration, and critical and creative thinking.