bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tendencia Editorial UR Número 37 - Especial
Authors: Morales Perdomo Tatiana , Cabrera García María Isabel , Leão Delfim , Castillo Lía
Published: October 2024

Para este año, la Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara tiene como invitada de honor a España, donde mostrará la imagen de un país plural, diverso y multicultural, vínculo de comunicación privilegiado de Europa con América Latina. Así, su objetivo es consolidar aún más los fuertes lazos culturales entre ambas regiones, enmarcados y animados por el lema "Camino de ida y vuelta".
O projeto intertextual de Também guardamos pedras aqui: a retomada histórica-poética- -feminista da Guerra de Troia
Authors: Aragão dos Santos Freitas Karine , Rosetti Souza Mendes Talita
Published: October 2024

Este artigo propõe uma análise da obra Também guardamos pedras aqui, de Luiza Romão, na qual a slammer brasileira retoma a Ilíada, de Homero. Ao contemplar a guerra de Troia, os poemas traçam um percurso por temas que problematizam a representação da mulher, a literatura ocidental, a poesia, os feminismos, o poder e a política, propondo um imaginário decolonial que subverte a apreensão da colonização/ guerra como equiparada a um processo de civilização. A obra, vencedora do Prêmio Jabuti 2022 na Categoria Poesia, traz a imagem das pedras como instrumentos de autodefesa e de luta, em um jogo intertextual em que a palavra, a poesia podem representar pedras que mulheres – do passado e do presente – afiam para defesa, para resistência e para (re)existência nos diferentes contextos de opressão que seguem configurando múltiplas guerras enfrentadas, cotidianamente, por esse grupo minoritário.
Kafka on the Battlements: Fighting the Great War in “The Great Wall of China”
Authors: Paris Václav Lucien
Published: October 2024

This article reads Franz Kafka’s 1917 story, “At the Building of the Great Wall of China” (Beim Bau der Chinesischen Mauer) and the related fragment “An Ancient Manuscript” (Ein Altes Blatt) in relation to World War I. It proposes that Kafka’s story provides a hitherto neglected prism on the topic – and hence offers also a fresh way of conceptualizing and talking about war’s place in Kafka’s oeuvre and modernist literature more generally. More specifically, the article focuses on three ways in which “At the Building of the Great Wall of China” refracts the war: through its thematization of the nationalizing force of militarism; through its relations to Kafka’s office writings on war trauma; and in its treatment of mistranslation and language conflict. Typically, Kafka has been framed as uninvested in war. As this article helps to show, Kafka’s work was inescapably involved in complex ways with the conflict, both patriotic and critical.
Trends in UK contact lens prescribing 2023
Authors: Morgan Philip
Published: October 2024

Professor Philip Morgan reports on the 28th annual Eurolens Research survey into UK contact lens prescribing
Understanding network meta-analysis
Authors: Au Sunny Chi Lik
Published: October 2024

Recently, in the World Journal of Clinical Cases , studied the different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (meloxicam, celecoxib, naproxen, and rofecoxib) for juvenile idiopathic arthritis with network meta-analysis (NMA). This manuscript aims to introduce to clinicians what NMA is. NMA represents a fundamental technique for simultaneously comparing three or more interventions within a single analysis, harnessing both direct and indirect evidence derived from a network of studies. It surpasses pair-wise meta-analysis which are confined to direct comparison of two items in clinical trials. This approach can estimate the relative effects between any pair of interventions within the network, often yielding more precise estimations than those generated from single direct or indirect analyses. NMA necessitates steps akin to those of conventional meta-analysis, involving a thorough literature search, assessment of potential trial biases, statistical analysis of reported pairwise comparisons for all relevant outcomes, and evaluation of overall certainty of evidence on an outcome-specific basis. However, NMA demands substantial resources, given its propensity to address broader inquiries, typically involving a larger number of studies at each phase of the systematic review, from screening to analysis, compared to traditional meta-analyses.
Minimal rank weighted weak Drazin inverses
Authors: Mosić Dijana
Published: October 2024

The concept of a minimal rank weak Drazin inverse for square matrices is extended to rectangular matrices. Precisely, a minimal rank weighted weak Drazin inverse is introduced and its properties are investigated. Some known generalized inverses such as the weighted Drazin inverse, the weighted core-EP inverse, and the weighted $p$-WGI are particular cases of a minimal rank weighted weak Drazin inverse. Thus, a wider class of generalized inverses is proposed. General representation forms of a minimal rank weighted weak Drazin inverse are presented as well as its canonical form. Applying the minimal rank weighted weak Drazin inverse, corresponding systems of linear matrix equations are solved and their solutions are expressed. As consequences of our results, new properties of minimal rank weak Drazin inverse are obtained.
Synthesis, Characterization and Curing of Vinyl ester resin
Authors: Jyoti Chaudhary
Published: October 2024

The epoxy resin employed in this study is synthesized by using excess of epichlorohydrin and aniline. Further the prepared diglycidyl aniline epoxy resin (DGA) is treated by crotonic acid to form vinyl ester resin (VER).The resultant resin was characterized by FT-IR spectral studies. The curing study of this resin was monitored by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The unreinforced cured resin was subjected to Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
"My Dear Children": Gender Variance, Parenthood, and Deborah Sampson's Post-Revolutionary Work
Authors: Ledoux Ellen Malenas
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Departing from the lively scholarly conversation around Deborah Sampson's gender and sexual nonconformity during the period of their enlistment, this article asks the reader to consider the important role that parenting played in Sampson's later life. Such a consideration reveals the complex gendered negotiations, especially regarding biological reproduction, that Sampson attempted both as the subject of Herman Mann's work and a chronicler of their own experience. Attending to later texts, such as an Addrss [sic] Delivered with Applause (1802) and Sampson's own diary of 1802–3 broadens the possibilities for how we can think about historical gender-nonconforming subjects and the difficulties they might have experienced in representing parenthood in public-facing documents in early America. The article argues that Sampson leveraged their gender nonconformity to provide financially for their family in ways typically foreclosed to gender-conforming middle-class women.
1.06 Tbit/s space division multiplexing self-homodyne coherent transmission with high spectral efficiency probabilistic shaping multidimensional modulation
Authors: Tian Feng , Wu Tianze , Xin Xiangjun , Li Yutian , Zhou Jianwei , Gu Yu , Zhang Qi , Gao Ran , Yao Haipeng
Published: October 2024

We propose a probabilistic shaping multidimensional (MD) modulation format for self-homodyne coherent transmission systems. The redundancy of the MD signal is separated and transmitted together with the optical pilot tone (PT). The 4D/8D/12D modulation is constructed at the transmitter based on the amplitude translation (AT)-set partitioning (SP) principle and the probabilistic amplitude shaping (PAS) structure. Moreover, the hard-decision (HD) and soft-decision (SD) decoders for MD signals are introduced. We implement 20 GBaud 4D/8D/12D probabilistic shaping (PS) 16384-level quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) transmission over 22.5 km uncoupled multicore fiber to analyze the performance. The experimental results show that it is possible for the MD signal to provide spectral efficiency (SE) gain up to 3.31 bit/s/Hz/4D-sym. The maximum SE transmitted is up to 57.29 bit/s/Hz, i.e., 17.5 bit/s/Hz/4D-sym, with a bit rate of 1.06 Tbit/s.
Orthogonal dispersion modeling of double-stage VIPA spectrometer in SBS system
Authors: Xu Jin , Liu Mingxuan , Luo Ningning , Hao Zhongqi , He Xingdao , Shi Jiulin
Published: October 2024

Brillouin microscopy enables the assessment of the mechanical properties of biological tissues by mapping the Brillouin shift in three-dimensional (3D), all-optical, label-free, non-contact, and subcellular resolution. The virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) etalon is widely utilized for measuring Brillouin spectra owing to its superior light throughput, large angular dispersion, and rapid signal acquisition capabilities. The VIPA-based spectrometer plays a significant role in Brillouin microscopy, but it is highly sensitive to factors such as the tilt angle, beam radius, lens focal length, and so on. Here, we propose an orthogonal dispersion model based on paraxial wave theory. This model is employed to explore the output intensity distribution and dispersion characteristics of a double-stage VIPA spectrometer. To validate the proposed model, we develop a stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) system by leveraging the optimal spectrometer parameters to measure the Brillouin frequency shift in pure water. We demonstrate the capabilities of this model in mitigating spectral dispersion and enhancing spectral measurement accuracy by optimizing the spectrometer's system parameters. This work is pivotal for the future deployment of the double-stage VIPA spectrometer in SBS-based microscopy applications.
Enhancement of optomechanical cooling via synthetic magnetism and frequency modulation
Authors: Wang Liang , Niu Wei , Liu Shutian , Wang Tie , Zhang Shou , Wang Hong-Fu
Published: October 2024

We propose a scheme to enhance optomechanical cooling via synthetic magnetism and frequency modulation (FM) in a three-mode loop-coupled optomechanical system. By introducing synthetic magnetism, the dark-mode effect can be broken, ensuring the simultaneous cooling of the two mechanical resonators. We find that the cooling of the two mechanical resonators is destroyed in the dark-mode-unbreaking (DMU) regime but can be achieved in the dark-mode-breaking (DMB) regime. Furthermore, FM can be used to suppress the Stokes heating process, significantly enhancing the cooling performance and greatly expanding the feasible parameter range. In particular, in the unresolved-sideband (USB) regime, ground-state cooling of the two mechanical resonators can be achieved via FM even in the unstable region. Finally, we also study ground-state cooling in a multi-mode optomechanical network by breaking the dark-mode effect. Our work paves the way for exploring macroscopic quantum manipulation in multiple systems.
Demonstration of 400 Gbit/s/λ wireless transmission for a photonic-assisted SISO integration system at 220 GHz
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Zhou Tianchi , Liu Xiang , Xin Zhigang , Li Wenbo , Zeng Hongxin , Huang Yongming , You Xiaohu , Zhang Yaxin , Zhu Min
Published: October 2024

We experimentally demonstrate a dual-polarized, single-input single-output (SISO) photonic-electronic integrated system, achieving a single-wavelength data rate of 400 Gbit/s at 220 GHz. This system is based on a self-developed IQ mixer, orthomode transducers (OMTs), and a dual-polarized multiplexing antenna (DPMA). The IQ mixer front-end exhibits a conversion loss of over 14 dB within a 30 GHz bandwidth, and cross talk between IQ channels is better than 15 dB for most frequency points. The OMT achieves a polarization isolation of over 30 dB and an insertion loss (IL) of less than 3 dB across the entire WR-4 band (170–260 GHz). The DPMA operates in the WR-4 band, with measured in-band return loss characteristics better than 15 dB. The 50 GBaud DP-16QAM modulation is successfully transmitted over a 20 km SSMF and a 1 m wireless link. Additionally, a 125 Gbit/s real-time transparent fiber-THz-fiber SISO transmission system is demonstrated, marking a significant advancement in the development of large-bandwidth, high-speed 6G photonic-electronic systems.
Virtual X-ray critical dimension metrology via Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Liu Zhangyong , Zhou Weigang , Deng Dingxuan , Chen Xiuguo , Liu Shiyuan
Published: October 2024

X-ray critical dimension (XCD) metrology is a highly promising technique for achieving sub-nanometer precision in critical dimension measurements at advanced nodes of integrated circuit manufacturing. Compared to XCD experiments utilizing synchrotron radiation sources, those employing compact X-ray sources encounter challenges like extended testing time and increased uncertainty. To evaluate the influence of experimental conditions on measurement results, we developed an ab initio virtual X-ray critical dimension metrology via a Monte Carlo simulation (MC-VXCD). Through calibrating the system parameters of the MC-VXCD to a home-built compact XCD instrument, we achieved excellent consistency between virtual and actual measurement results. The virtual instrument effectively estimated measurement errors stemming from the reduced exposure time, which significantly influences the measurement accuracy and throughput. Furthermore, through the MC-VXCD, we establish the connection between the application scenarios of the XCD metrology and the geometry of XCD instruments, offering a versatile platform for the system design, experimental configuration optimization, data analysis, etc., in XCD metrology.
SDN-controlled multi-user NOMA–OFDM VLC system based on a resource allocation algorithm
Authors: Wang Yongxin , Li Jianhang , Hu Chengju , Hong Yang , Zhao Jian
Published: October 2024

We propose a novel, to our knowledge, resource allocation algorithm (RAA) for a multi-user non-orthogonal multiple access orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (NOMA–OFDM) visible light communication (VLC) system. The proposed algorithm considers both the interference between users and their channel diversity. Bit allocation to users in each iteration is based on the ratio between the already allocated number of bits and the demanded number of bits of users, rather than their channel gains. In this way, the inherent issue of prioritizing strong users in a conventional RAA is avoided. We implement a software-defined-network (SDN)-controlled VLC system with real-time signal generation to validate the proposed RAA. The allocation results in the SDN platform are used to configure a FPGA-based transmitter. Experiments of a two-user NOMA–OFDM system with 115–191 Mbit/s throughput show that the system can dynamically react to the change of data demand and channel responses of users. We further demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms conventional RAAs regardless of the data demand, receiving angles, and distances of users.
Evanescent point sources: application to microsphere-assisted super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Boudoukha Rayenne , Perrin Stéphane , Guessoum Assia , Demagh Nacer-E. , Montgomery Paul , Lecler Sylvain
Published: October 2024

In the rigorous electromagnetic simulation of an imaging system, the evanescent waves from a point source or from a sample are naturally mixed with the propagative waves. Therefore, their contributions are difficult to distinguish. We present a point-source model made of only the evanescent waves. To illustrate its potential, the model is applied to the study of the evanescent-wave contribution in microsphere-assisted microscopy (MAM). The contribution of the evanescent waves in the microsphere imaging process is clearly demonstrated. However, we also show that this contribution is not enough to justify the super-resolution. The destructive interference between two close point sources may be the key physical phenomenon.
Formative Evaluation digitaler Weiterbildung im Handwerk: Eine Prozessbeschreibung zur Förderung der digitalen Transformation im Tischler- und Steinmetzhandwerk
Authors: Friedrich Ina , Tasliarmut Melisa , Hoffmann Holger , Schwarzkopf Marc , Bullinger Angelika C.
Published: October 2024

Traditionell werden im Tischler- und Steinmetzhandwerk spezifische Fachkenntnisse durch das Prinzip des „learning by doing“ unter Anleitung qualifizierter Kolleg:innen oder im Fall von Maschinen durch herstellergebundene Präsenzschulungen vermittelt. Diese Art der Weiterbildung wird jedoch nur in seltenen Fällen hinsichtlich des Lernerfolgs, der Usability, der Didaktik sowie der zielgruppenspezifischen Passung systematisch evaluiert. Digitale Weiterbildungsformate gewinnen für die Vermittlung dieser Kompetenzen zunehmend an Bedeutung, da sie den Wissenszuwachs zeit- und ortsunabhängig ermöglichen und im dynamischen Arbeitsumfeld des Handwerks Unterbrechungen des Lernprozesses zulassen. In der bestehenden Literatur fehlen jedoch Vorgehensmodelle zur Entwicklung und Evaluation sowie Erkenntnisse über die konkreten Bedürfnisse von Lerner:innen im Handwerk.

Dieser Beitrag präsentiert daher einen formativen Evaluationsprozess, der auf den Prinzipien des Design-based Research und des User-centered Design basiert. Er erläutert detailliert die Planung des Evaluationsprozesses und der eingesetzten Methoden sowie die daraus resultierenden Ergebnisse. Der Evaluationsansatz fördert nicht nur die kollaborative Arbeit mit Praktiker:innen, sondern berücksichtigt auch die Bedürfnisse der Lerner:innen im Handwerk durch einen iterativen Evaluationsprozess. Im Rahmen von mehrfachen Design- und Redesign-Phasen wurden Konstrukte wie Usability, Lernmotivation und Akzeptanz durch qualitative und quantitative Methoden erhoben. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine intensive Nutzer:innenintegration und die fortlaufende Anpassung digitaler Bildungsangebote hilfreich für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung digitaler Lehr- und Lernformate im Handwerk sind. Die Resultate unterstreichen die Bedeutung einer formativen Evaluation als Instrument zur Entwicklung nutzer:innenzentrierter digitaler Bildungsressourcen und leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Evaluation von digitalen Bildungsangeboten im Handwerk.
Medical imaging utilization in migrants compared with nonmigrants in a universal healthcare system: A population-based matched cohort study
Authors: Di Giuseppe Giancarlo , Sutradhar Rinku , Pequeno Priscila , Kwan Marilyn L. , Miglioretti Diana L. , Smith-Bindman Rebecca , Pole Jason D.
Published: October 2024

Background

Medical imaging is an integral part of healthcare. Globalization has resulted in increased mobilization of migrants to new host nations. The association between migration status and utilization of medical imaging is unknown.

Methods and findings

A retrospective population-based matched cohort study was conducted in Ontario, Canada from April 1, 1995 to December 31, 2016. A total of 1,848,222 migrants were matched 1:1 to nonmigrants in the year of migration on age, sex, and geography. Utilization of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiography, and ultrasonography was determined. Rate differences per 1,000 person-years comparing migrants to nonmigrants were calculated. Relative rates were calculated using a recurrent event framework, adjusting for age, sex, and time-varying socioeconomic status, comorbidity score, and access to a primary care provider. Estimates were stratified by migration age: children and adolescents (≤19 years), young adults (20 to 39), adults (40 to 59), and older adults (≥60). Utilization rates of CT, MRI, and radiography were lower for migrants across all age groups compared with Ontario nonmigrants. Increasing age at migration was associated with larger differences in utilization rates. Older adult migrants had the largest gap in imaging utilization. The longer the time since migration, the larger the gap in medical imaging use. In multivariable analysis, the relative rate of imaging was approximately 20% to 30% lower for migrants: ranging from 0.77 to 0.88 for CT and 0.72 to 0.80 for MRI imaging across age groups. Radiography relative rates ranged from 0.84 to 0.90. All migrant age groups, except older adults, had higher rates of ultrasonography. The indication for imaging was not captured, thus it was not possible to determine if the imaging was necessary.

Conclusions

Migrants utilized less CT, MRI, and radiography but more ultrasonography. Older adult migrants used the least amount of imaging compared with nonmigrants. Future research should evaluate whether lower utilization is due to barriers in healthcare access or health-seeking behaviors within a universal healthcare system.
Evidence for endogenous hydrogen peroxide production by E. coli fatty acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
Authors: Sirithanakorn Chaiyos , Imlay James A.
Published: October 2024

Aerobic organisms continuously generate internal superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, which can damage enzymes and impair growth. To avoid this problem cells maintain high levels of superoxide dismutases, catalases, and peroxidases. Surprisingly, we do not know the primary sources of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living cells. However, in vitro studies have shown that flavoenzymes can inadvertently transfer electrons to oxygen. Therefore, it seems plausible that substantial ROS may be generated when large metabolic fluxes flow through flavoproteins. Such a situation may arise during the catabolism of fatty acids. Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (FadE) is a flavoprotein involved in each turn of the beta-oxidation cycle. In the present study the catabolism of dodecanoic acid specifically impaired the growth of strains that lack enzymes to scavenge hydrogen peroxide. The defect was absent from fadE mutants. Direct measurements confirmed that the beta-oxidation pathway amplified the rate of intracellular hydrogen peroxide formation. Scavenging-proficient cells did not display the FadE-dependent growth defect. Those cells also did not induce the peroxide stress response during dodecanoate catabolism, indicating that the basal defenses are sufficient to cope with moderately elevated peroxide formation. In vitro work still is needed to test whether the ROS evolve specifically from the FadE flavin site and to determine whether superoxide as well as peroxide is released. At present such experiments are challenging because the natural redox partner of FadE has not been identified. This study supports the hypothesis that the degree of internal ROS production can depend upon the type of active metabolism inside cells.
Synergistic phenotypic adaptations of motile purple sulphur bacteria Chromatium okenii during lake-to-laboratory domestication
Authors: Di Nezio Francesco , Ong Irvine Lian Hao , Riedel René , Goshal Arkajyoti , Dhar Jayabrata , Roman Samuele , Storelli Nicola , Sengupta Anupam
Published: October 2024

Isolating microorganisms from natural environments for cultivation under optimized laboratory settings has markedly improved our understanding of microbial ecology. Artificial growth conditions often diverge from those in natural ecosystems, forcing wild isolates into distinct selective pressures, resulting in diverse eco-physiological adaptations mediated by modification of key phenotypic traits. For motile microorganisms we still lack a biophysical understanding of the relevant traits emerging during domestication and their mechanistic interplay driving short-to-long-term microbial adaptation under laboratory conditions. Using microfluidics, atomic force microscopy, quantitative imaging, and mathematical modeling, we study phenotypic adaptation of Chromatium okenii, a motile phototrophic purple sulfur bacterium from meromictic Lake Cadagno, grown under laboratory conditions over multiple generations. Our results indicate that naturally planktonic C. okenii leverage shifts in cell-surface adhesive interactions, synergistically with changes in cell morphology, mass density, and distribution of intracellular sulfur globules, to suppress their swimming traits, ultimately switching to a sessile lifeform. A computational model of cell mechanics confirms the role of such phenotypic shifts in suppressing the planktonic lifeform. By investigating key phenotypic traits across different physiological stages of lab-grown C. okenii, we uncover a progressive loss of motility during the early stages of domestication, followed by concomitant deflagellation and enhanced surface attachment, ultimately driving the transition of motile sulfur bacteria to a sessile state. Our results establish a mechanistic link between suppression of motility and surface attachment via phenotypic changes, underscoring the emergence of adaptive fitness under laboratory conditions at the expense of traits tailored for natural environments.
Sulfate activation of wheat straw ash to enhance the properties of high-performance concrete with recycled aggregates and waste tire steel fibers
Authors: Althoey Fadi , Zaid Osama , Elhadi Khaled Mohamed
Published: October 2024

A sustainable alternative to conventional concrete involves using recycled aggregates (RA) instead of natural aggregates (NA) and incorporating wheat straw ash (WSA) as a partial replacement for Portland cement. The demand for high-performance concrete (HPC) is rising due to the need for architecturally complex structures and long-span bridges, but HPC’s low ductility necessitates reinforcement. Waste tire steel fibers (WTSFs) are gaining popularity for their tensile strength. However, WSA-RA concrete’s low early strength is a challenge. Chemical activators like sodium sulfate can enhance early-age strength. This study evaluated the durability and strength of fiber-reinforced concrete with both inactivated and activated WSA. Tests included compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), acid attack resistance, chloride penetration, sorptivity, and water absorption. Activated WSA-RA concrete showed significantly improved early strength. The mixture with 30% RA, 40% WSA, WTSFs, and activator exhibited the highest strength at 90 days. At 60% RA content, activated concrete with 40% WSA and 2.5% WTSFs outperformed the control. Durability was enhanced with a 14–17% reduction in water absorption and sorptivity and a 25.2% decrease in chloride penetration. Acid resistance improved by 26%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed these findings with elevated hydration product peaks. This study demonstrates that chemical activation of WSA optimizes the engineering properties of WSA-modified HPC with WTSFs and RA, providing a sustainable solution to their challenges.
Regional variations in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction patients: A trajectory analysis using the national claims database in Japan
Authors: Itoshima Hisashi , Shin Jung-ho , Sasaki Noriko , Goto Etsu , Kunisawa Susumu , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: October 2024

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated geographical disparities regarding the quality of care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was two-fold: first, to calculate the proportion of patients with AMI who received primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCIs) by secondary medical areas (SMAs), which provide general inpatient care, as a quality indicator (QI) of the process of AMI practice. Second, to identify patterns in their trajectories and to investigate the factors related to regional differences in their trajectories.

Methods

We included patients hospitalized with AMI between April 2014 and March 2020 from the national health insurance claims database in Japan and calculated the proportion of pPCIs across 335 SMAs and fiscal years. Using these proportions, we conducted group-based trajectory modeling to identify groups that shared similar trajectories of the proportions. In addition, we investigated area-level factors that were associated with the different trajectories.

Results

The median (interquartile range) proportions of pPCIs by SMAs were 63.5% (52.9% to 70.5%) in FY 2014 and 69.6% (63.3% to 74.2%) in FY 2020. Four groups, named low to low (LL; n = 48), low to middle (LM; n = 16), middle to middle (MM; n = 68), and high to high (HH; n = 208), were identified from our trajectory analysis. The HH and MM groups had higher population densities and higher numbers of physicians and cardiologists per capita than the LL and LM groups. The LL and LM groups had similar numbers of physicians per capita, but the number of cardiologists per capita in the LM group increased over the years of the study compared with the LL group.

Conclusion

The trajectory of the proportion of pPCIs for AMI patients identified groups of SMAs. Among the four groups, the LM group showed an increasing trend in the proportions of pPCIs, whereas the three other groups showed relatively stable trends.
"Atherosclerotic" phenotype of rheumatoid arthritis. What do we know about it?
Authors: Gordeev A. V. , Matyanova E. V. , Pozhidaev E. V. , Zotkin E. G. , Lila A. M.
Published: October 2024

Several studies have shown that systemic rheumatoid inflammation may cause induction and accelerated progression of atherosclerotic vascular lesions, which in turn may lead to more frequent development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to the general population.

Objective. To evaluate the presence, nature and role of conventional and RA-specific risk factors for the development of CVD in patients with active RA in real-life clinical practice.

Material and methods. Data from 967 patients with confirmed active RA were analyzed. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or targeted DMARDs were prescribed/switched due to the ineffectiveness of previous therapy. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without CVD. In addition, comparable age subgroups of elderly (60–74 years) and middle-aged (45–59 years) patients were formed in each group. In all patients, clinical and laboratory parameters of RA activity, presence of extra-articular manifestations, the severity and progression of RA and characteristics of pharmacotherapy were analyzed. In addition, concomitant diseases and several traditional risk factors for the development of CVD were analyzed in all RA patients.

Results and discussion. In patients with similar RA activity and duration, there is a parallel, tatistically significant accumulation of traditional CVD risk factors with increasing age-related CVD. The incidence of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, thyroid pathology, anemic syndrome, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia and obesity was significantly higher in the group of elderly RA patients with CVD than in the group of middle-aged patients.

Conclusion. It seems appropriate to identify a specific variant of RA that is closely associated with atherosclerosis.
Clinical characteristics of patients with chronic post-traumatic pain: data from a prospective study
Authors: Bialik A. A. , Karateev A. E. , Makarov M. A. , Nesterenko V. А. , Bialik V. E. , Bialik E. I.
Published: October 2024

Chronic post-traumatic pain (CPTP) is diagnosed when pain persists for ≥3 months after injury. This is a serious condition that significantly limits patients' quality of life and ability to work and is one of the predictors of the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Objective. To investigate the clinical features of CPTP after knee injury.

Material and methods. The study group comprised 103 patients (mean age 39.4±12.5 years, 51.5% women). All patients had a knee injury with diagnosed involvement of the anterior cruciate ligament and/or meniscus and suffered from pain ≥1 month after the injury ≥4 points on the numerical rating scale (NRS, 0–10). Patients were assessed after 3 and 6 months. Pain intensity during movement, at rest and at night and functional impairment were assessed using NRS. KOOS, EQ-5D, PainDETECT, CSI, Pain Catastrophizing, HADS, FIRST and FACIT questionnaires.

Results and discussion. After 3 months, the number of patients with CPTP was 33 (32.0%). After 6 months, these patients had significantly more severe symptoms than patients with knee injuries without CPTP (control group, n=70). In the CPTP and control groups, the median pain during movement was 5.0 [4.0; 6.0] and 1.0 [0.0; 1.0] respectively, p12 was found in 24.2 and 2.9% of cases, p <0.001 ; pain at rest – 2.0 [2.0; 3.0] and 0.0 [0.0; 1.0], p <0.001 <0.001;; pain at night – 2.0 [1.0; 3.0] and 0.0 [0.0; 0.0], p <0.001; KOOS score – 4.0 [1.0; 5.5] and 2.0 [1.0; 3.5], p <0.001; quality of life according to EQ-5D – 0.65 [0.52; 0.73] and 0.89 [0.69; 1.0], p <0.001; according to EQ-5D scale – 64.0 [50.0; 70.0] and 80.0 [70.0; 90.0], p <0.001 ; a PainDETECT score of >12 was found in 24.2 and 2.9% of cases, p< 0.0037; according to HADS, depression ≥11 – in 21.2 and 2.9%, p< 0.001, according to HADS, anxiety ≥11 – in 24.2 and 4.3%, p=0.0038; CSI ≥40 – in 9.0 and 0%, p=0.03; pain catastrophizing ≥30 – in 12.1 and 0%, p=0.005; FIRST ≥5 – in 6.1 and 0%, p=0.358; FACIT <30 – in 15.2 and 2.9%, p=0.004. After 6 months, statistically significant differences were found between the CPTP group and the control group in all sections of KOOS questionnaire (p <0.001 for all parameters).

Conclusion. Three months after knee injury, 32.0% of patients developed CPTP. All had moderate/severe pain with impaired function and reduced quality of life, one in five patients had symptoms of neuropathic pain, signs of depression and anxiety. Patients with CPTP showed significant changes in all sections of KOOS questionnaire.
Comparative analysis of the frequency of comorbid diseases in axial psoriatic arthritis and other variants of axial spondyloarthritis. Data from a hospital cohort
Authors: Yanushonite A. A. , Korsakova Yu. L. , Korotaeva T. V. , Gubar E. E. , Loginova E. Yu. , Urumova M. M. , Dimitreva A. E. , Glukhova S. I.
Published: October 2024

Objective: to compare the frequency of comorbid diseases in axial psoriatic arthritis (axSpA) and in other variants (OV) of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Material and methods. We studied 60 patients, 30 with axPsA (15 men and 15 women, mean age – 49.1±10.4 years, disease duration – 12.6±6.9 years) and 30 with OV axSpA (16 men and 14 women, mean age – 42.9±9.7 years, disease duration – 16.30±8.3 years). All patients underwent a standard rheumatological examination. The diagnosis of comorbid diseases was confirmed using ICD-10 codes. The Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and the weighted version of Functional Comorbidity Index (w-FCI) were used to assess comorbidity.

Results and discussion. Comparative analysis of the two groups revealed that axPsA patients were older than OV axSpA patients (p <0.05). Occurrence of back pain before the age of 40 was observed in 60% of axPsA cases, compared to 86.7% in OV axSpA (p<0.05). The limitation of spinal and hip mobility was less severe in axPSA than in OV axSpA. The median side flexion was 12.3 [10; 15] and 9.5 [8; 11] cm, the Schober test was 4.2 [3; 5] and 3.0 [2; 4] cm and intermalleolar distance was 95.9 [86; 102] and 83.0 [75; 100] cm, respectively (p<0.05). Patients with axPsA were more likely to have peripheral arthritis compared to patients with OV axSpA: 27 (90%) and 11 (36.7%) cases, respectively (p<0.05) and higher laboratory indices of activity: median ESR, 31.9 [10; 38] and 20.4 [5; 14] mm/h, and CRP, 20.5 [2.8; 20.7] and 13.6 [0.9; 12.0] mg/L, respectively (p<0.05). In the axPsA and OV axSpA groups, circulatory system diseases were found in 50 and 50% of patients, metabolic disorders in 76.6 and 76.6%, and gastrointestinal diseases in 46.7 and 70 %. Obesity was more common in axPsA than in OV axSpA – in 40 and 16.7% of patients, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusion. A high frequency of comorbidities, mainly cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, was found in both groups. These data should be considered in the choice of therapy and optimization of existing treatment algorithms.
Tumor-induced phosphopenic osteomalacia: modern approaches to diagnostics and treatment
Authors: Kondrashov A. A. , Andriyashkina D. Yu. , Demidova N. A. , Sahakyan Yu. M. , Klimenko A. A.
Published: October 2024

Phosphopenic osteomalacia (PPOM) is a rare variant of paraneoplastic syndrome caused by tumor synthesis of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). FGF23 secretion leads to a decrease in phosphate reabsorption and calcitriol levels, which leads to the development of severe hypophosphataemia and hypocalcaemia. FGF23 synthesis is predominantly associated with benign mesenchymal tumors, but has also been described in malignant neoplasms. The main clinical manifestations of PPOM are generalized myalgias and myopathy, ostealgia, pathological fractures, etc. The diagnosis of the disease requires a step-by-step investigation using somatostatin receptor-based imaging techniques, as these have the highest sensitivity for the detection of neoplasms causing osteomalacia. Surgical intervention is clearly the treatment of choice. Promising non-surgical methods include treatment with burosumab and somatostatin analogues.
Clinical and immunologic abnormalities in COVID-19
Authors: Karibova A. K. , Akhmedkhanov S. S. , Kudae M. T. , Malaev H. M.
Published: October 2024

Objective: to find approaches to improve diagnostics of the debut of rheumatic manifestations, associated with COVID-19.

Material and methods. Data from 1000 patients from the COVID-19 registry were included in the prospective cohort study. In all patients, the diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Of these patients, 380 (41.8% men and 58.2% women, mean age 47.0±2.5 years) had rheumatic manifestations. Patients were examined using routine clinical methods. Immunological markers of rheumatic diseases were determined, including antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide, rheumatoid factor, antiphospholipid antibodies and antinuclear factor (ANF), and an immunoblot for antinuclear antibodies was performed if ANF titer was >1:160.

Results and discussion. Patients had the following rheumatic manifestations: arthralgias (in 342), myalgias (in 23), skin rashes (in 15). ANF titers >1:160 were found in 57.6% of patients. No reliable data indicating the development of an antiphospholipid syndrome were found in the study group. Lupus anticoagulant was detected in 5.7% of cases, antibodies against β2-glycoprotein in 5.7%, antibodies against cardiolipin in 3.8%. High ANF titers were found in 63.9% of patients with arthralgia. Gender-specific differences were found when analyzing the correlation between ANF titers and rheumatic manifestations: in men, high ANF tires were associated with myalgias, and in women with arthralgias. The presence of rheumatic manifestations depended directly on the severity of the disease. A correlation between arthralgia and leucopenia was also found – leucocyte count < 3,9 ‧109 /L was a predictor of arthralgias. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 99.3 and 91.2%, respectively.

Conclusion. The results suggest that COVID-19 can provoke the development of immunological abnormalities that may subsequently lead to the development of an autoimmune diseases (AID). The optimal approach to prevention and early detection of AID in patients with coronavirus infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 is to monitor laboratory parameters – leukocyte count and CRP level. If rheumatic manifestations are present, the use of immunological and imaging examinations is also recommended.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation. Current concepts on the role of betahistine in the complex treatment of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Parfenov V. A. , Zamergrad M. V. , Zaitseva O. V. , Guseva A. I. , Lilenko S. V. , Melnikov O. A. , Baybakova E. V. , Voronov V. A.
Published: October 2024

The treatment of patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an urgent issue in modern medicine.

Expert Council on the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV was held in Moscow on June 1, 2024. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment play a key role in the management of patients with BPPV, reduce the risk of falls and related injuries, prevent the development of emotional disorders and impairment of daily activities. Accurate patient routing and selection of appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the duration of disability and the burden on the healthcare system. Relatively simple positional tests aimed at detecting involvement of various semicircular canals have been found to be of paramount importance in the diagnosis of BPPV. Repositioning maneuvers are of paramount importance in the treatment of patients with BPPV. They vary depending on the canal affected and aim to move the otoliths out of the semicircular canals to the vestibule of the labyrinth. If repositioning maneuvers can not be performed, effective methods of vestibular gymnastics can be used. When discussing drug therapy, it was found that the use of betahistine in addition to repositioning maneuvers or vestibular gymnastics increases the efficacy of therapy, accelerates the recovery process and prevents the development of residual non-positional vertigo.
Addiction to analgesics in patients with chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache
Authors: Golovacheva V. A. , Golovacheva A. A.
Published: October 2024

Patients with medication-overuse headache (MOH) and chronic migraine (CM) have varying degrees of addiction to painkillers (PK), which complicates treatment and leads to relapses. Development of addiction to PK is associated with various clinical and psychological characteristics and disorders in patients with MOH.

Objective: to investigate the relationship between PK addiction and individual clinical and psychological characteristics in patients with CM and MOH.

Material and methods. The study included 156 patients with CM and MOH (61 men and 95 women, mean age 34.1±8.9 years). Clinical and psychological characteristics were assessed in all patients using a clinical interview, tests and headache diaries. The relationship between PK addiction (according to the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire – LDQ) and clinical and psychological characteristics (duration of migraine and CM, frequency and intensity of headaches, duration of MOH, frequency of PK use, number of PK doses, personal and situational anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, beliefs about the body and health, coping strategies for stressful situations, daily activities during headache, insomnia) was investigated using regression analysis.

Results. All patients had misconceptions and wrong behavior regarding PK. The majority (59%) of patients had moderate degree of PK addiction according to the LDQ. Twenty six percent of patients had other forms of addictive behavior (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overeating, excessive use of sleeping pills), and 52.6% of patients had relatives with addictive behavior. There was a statistically significantly positive correlation (R≥0.45; p<0.05) between PK addiction and smoking, alcohol consumption, use of sleeping pills, body mass index (BMI), frequency of PK use, attitudes towards pain, body and health (pain catastrophizing, hopelessness about pain, intolerance of body sensations, overestimation of symptom severity, catastrophizing in the interpretation of body symptoms), depression, personal anxiety and avoidance (maladaptive coping behavior). Adequate treatment of CM and MOH was provided in only 7.7% of patients.

Conclusion: A positive association was found between PK addiction and smoking, alcohol consumption, use of sleeping pills, BMI, frequency of PK usage, attitudes towards pain, body and health, depression, personal anxiety and avoidance behavior.
Assessment of human relationships with other animal species
Authors: Páramo Pablo , Burbano Andrea
Published: October 2024

Few worksexplore the assessments that laypeople make about practices that involve animals. This study tests the multiple sorting tasks (MST) as a method to explore perceptions of animals. 115people of different genders, and age groups, and the condition of owning a pet or not, assessedpractices that make use of animals. Theinquiry was made throughan interview based on a conceptualisation ofthe freesortingsof18 cardswith text and18 images that contain practices involving animals, and whether the conditionof having a pet or notinfluenced their conceptualisations. A multidimensional scaling analysis(MSA), indicates that people classify the practices based on the function animals have for society, however are worriedaboutthe conditions in which animals are used. The results discuss the importance that laypeople giveto the ethics of animal uses, and therole ofhaving apet or not,showing that young people are more sensitive to the welfare of animals.The results concludethat the participants conceptualise imagesdifferently according to whether they are asked to evaluate the practice representedonly by text; using images induces more moral conceptualisations than text. This demonstrates the utility of the MST and provides theoretical and practical implications for exploring people’sperceptions and educating them on animal welfare.
Alternatívne prístupy k štúdiu územných identít obyvateľstva
Authors: Richard Nikischer
Published: October 2024

Local consciousness represents the attachment of inhabitants to the smallest regional units (municipality, city district, neighbourhood, etc.); the concept of local consciousness thus falls under the broader concept of regional consciousness. From the viewpoint of social constructivism, regional consciousness is simultaneously both a source for regions and an output of regions; therefore, its scrutiny is an important component of the research on regional identities. Social network websites are an important channel of communication used by many individuals for the presentation of their personal identities, including their local identities. In this paper, the author analyses the degree of the local consciousness of the inhabitants of municipalities in Northern Slovakia, and does so on the basis of a conceptual analysis of the profiles of social network websites users. Based on the results of the analysis, the author explores the spatial disparities in the local consciousness of the inhabitants of Northern Slovakia, which is defined as the territory of the Zilina and Presov Regions. The article is therefore a demonstration of the utilisation of an alternative method of territorial consciousness research.
Jana Nosková – Jana Čermáková (eds.): „Měla jsem moc krásné dětství.“ Vzpomínky německých obyvatel Brna na dětství a mládí ve 20. až 40. letech 20. století.
Authors: Sulitka Andrej
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Jana Nosková and Jana Čermáková.
László Mednyánszky
Authors: Putna Martin C.
Published: October 2024

This article offers an analysis of the diaries of Hungarian Painter László Mednyánszky. The diaries document how Mednyánszky’s visual creativity was influenced by a conundrum of his religious, philosophical and political views and also of his contradictory social and personal identities. Mednyánszky was (1) a Hungarian living in an ethnically Slovak neighbourhood; (2) an aristocrat reflecting the decadence of his class; (3) an adherent of alternative religiosity (theosophy); (4) a homosexual creating a personal myth of paranormal coexistence with his dead friend. Standing in this complex mental crossroads, Mednyánszky represents a unique case in his social and cultural environment. The only possible contextualization of personality and creativity, both artistic and religious, leads to the cultural anthropology of Edward Carpenter and to the trans-cultural archetype of “myths of divinised dead friends”.
Ivan Murin: Neverbálna komunikácia v ritualizovanom správaní
Authors: Trnka Radek
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Ivan Murin.