bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of endocervical curettage during large loop excision of the transformation zone in combination with endocervical surgical margin in predicting persistent/recurrent dysplasia of the uterine cervix: a retrospective study
Authors: Scherer-Quenzer Anne Cathrine , Findeis Jelena , Herbert Saskia-Laureen , Yokendren Nithya , Reinhold Ann-Kristin , Schlaiss Tanja , Wöckel Achim , Diessner Joachim , Kiesel Matthias
Published: August 2024

Background

Cervical cancer often originates from cervical cell dysplasia. Previous studies mainly focused on surgical margins and high-risk human papillomavirus persistence as factors predicting recurrence. New research highlights the significance of positive findings from endocervical curettage (ECC) during excision treatment. However, the combined influence of surgical margin and ECC status on dysplasia recurrence risk has not been investigated.

Methods

In this retrospective study, data from 404 women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) who underwent large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) were analyzed. Records were obtained retrospectively from the hospital’s patient database including information about histopathological finding from ECC, endocervical margin status with orientation of residual disease after LLETZ, recurrent/persistent dysplasia after surgical treatment and need for repeated surgery (LLETZ or hysterectomy).

Results

Patients with cranial (= endocervical) R1-resection together with cells of HSIL in the ECC experienced re-surgery 17 times. With statistical normal distribution, this would have been expected to happen 5 times (p < 0.001). The Fisher’s exact test confirmed a statistically significant connection between the resection status together with the result of the ECC and the reoccurrence of dysplasia after surgery (p < 0,001). 40,6% of the patients with re-dysplasia after primary LLETZ had shown cranial R1-resection together with cells of HSIL in the ECC. Investigating the risk for a future abnormal Pap smear, patients with cranial R1-resection together with dysplastic cells in the ECC showed the greatest deviation of statistical normal distribution with SR = 2.6.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the future risk of re-dysplasia, re-surgery, and abnormal Pap smear for patients after LLETZ due to HSIL is highest within patients who were diagnosed with cranial (endocervical) R1-resection and with cells of HSIL in the ECC in their primary LLETZ. Consequently, the identification of patients, who could benefit of intensified observation or required intervention could be improved.
Medical management of post-sublobar resection pulmonary granulomatous lesion: a report of two cases
Authors: Endoh Hideki , Oura Nariaki , Yanagisawa Satoru , Morozumi Nobutoshi , Nishizawa Nobuhiro , Yamamoto Ryohei , Satoh Yukitoshi
Published: August 2024

Background

Automatic stapling devices are commonly utilized in pulmonary resections, including sublobar segmentectomy. Large tumors can develop around the staple line, posing challenges in distinguishing them from cancer recurrence or inflammatory changes. In this report, we present two cases of symptomatic staple granulomatous lesion effectively managed with medications.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old man presented with a persistent cough and sputum production six years post-segmentectomy for a hamartoma in the left upper lobe. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a large tumor around the staple line. Laboratory investigations and bronchoscopic examination revealed no malignancy. The patient received corticosteroids and a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor; despite experiencing adverse reactions to steroids, both tumor size and respiratory symptoms were significantly reduced. The second case involved a 78-year-old woman who underwent pulmonary resection for suspected lung cancer. Despite a non-malignant tumor diagnosis, she reported a cough six months post-surgery. Chest CT revealed extensive shadow around the surgical staple, which was diagnosed as mycobacterium granuloma. Low-dose erythromycin induced inflammatory changes but effectively reduced the lesion.

Conclusions

Granulomatous lesions around the staple can be effectively managed with medication, and monitoring the treatment response proves valuable in distinguishing them from tumor recurrence post-pulmonary resection.
The rise of bioelectronic medicine
Authors: Koutsouras Dimitrios A. , Malliaras George G. , Langereis Geert
Published: August 2024

Bioelectronic Medicine (BEM), which uses implantable electronic medical devices to interface with electrically active tissues, aspires to revolutionize the way we understand and fight disease. By leveraging knowledge from microelectronics, materials science, information technology, neuroscience and medicine, BEM promises to offer novel solutions that address unmet clinical needs and change the concept of therapeutics. This perspective communicates our vision for the future of BEM and presents the necessary steps that need to be taken and the challenges that need to be faced before this new technology can flourish.
Board expertise diversity and firm performance in sub-Saharan Africa: do firm age and size matter?
Authors: Danso Felix Kwabena , Adusei Michael , Sarpong-Danquah Beatrice , Prempeh Kwadwo Boateng
Published: August 2024

Our study delved into an analysis of 128 public companies in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria to explore the influence of diversified board expertise on firm performance. We also investigated the impact of firm size and age on this relationship. Our results indicate that a varied blend of professional experts on corporate boards significantly boosts a company's ROA, although there is no significant effect when Tobin's Q measures firm performance. Nevertheless, we discovered that combining firm size and age negatively impacts the correlation between board expertise diversity and firm performance. Our findings support the significance of integrating agency, resource dependence, and convergence theories, implying that businesses can improve their financial performance by including an appropriate mix of expertise on their boards, especially for relatively younger small-sized firms. In contrast, more prominent and ageing firms may not see the same financial benefits. Consequently, we recommend that corporate executives and practitioners consider implementing board expertise diversity to enhance their firms' financial performance.
A report on five cases of cholesterol granulomas in the thymus
Authors: Matsuda Ryosuke , Ose Naoko , Nagata Hideki , Morii Eiichi , Shintani Yasushi
Published: August 2024

Background

Cholesterol granuloma (CG) is a benign entity characterized by the presence of cholesterol crystals and foreign body giant cells. This condition can be attributed to cholesterol crystals that are deposited in the tissues and react with foreign body giant cells, resulting in granuloma formation. Lesions commonly develop in the otolaryngeal region, such as the middle ear. However, crystals rarely form in the thymus, accounting for 1% of all mediastinal tumors. Herein, we present five cases of mediastinal CG.

Case presentation

The patients were aged 49–61 (mean, 55.4) years. Among them, three were men and two women. One patient had fever, and four patients were asymptomatic. The patients’ lesions were detected during follow-up of other diseases or medical examinations showing the presence of abnormal chest shadows. The patients did not have a history of trauma or surgery. All lesions were located within the thymus gland. Three patients presented with multifocal lesions and two with a single lesion. Four patients had contrast effect on computed tomography scan. Four patients had abnormal fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation (mean maximum standardized uptake value, 4.67) on positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Four patients underwent complete surgical resection. The size of the resected lesions ranged from 1.8 to 5.1 (mean, 3.24) cm. Histologically, all patients presented with small nodules with cholesterol clefts and foreign body giant cells and histiocyte infiltration within the thymic tissue. The postoperative course was excellent. None of the patients who underwent complete resection presented with recurrence. Moreover, the patient who underwent partial resection did not have lesion enlargement.

Conclusions

CG in the thymus is clinically challenging to differentiate from malignant lesions, and histologic diagnosis via surgical resection is required.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers: Long-Term Follow-Up of the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Trials
Authors: Chlebowski Rowan T. , Aragaki Aaron K. , Pan Kathy , Haque Reina , Rohan Thomas E. , Song Mihae , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Lane Dorothy S. , Harris Holly R. , Strickler Howard , Kauntiz Andrew M. , Runowicz Carolyn D.
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

Menopausal hormone therapy's influence on ovarian and endometrial cancers remains unsettled. Therefore, we assessed the long-term influence of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and CEE-alone on ovarian and endometrial cancer incidence and mortality in the Women's Health Initiative randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postmenopausal women, age 50-79 years, were entered on two randomized clinical trials evaluating different menopausal hormone therapy regimens. In 16,608 women with a uterus, 8,506 were randomly assigned to once daily 0.625 mg of CEE plus 2.5 mg once daily of MPA and 8,102 placebo. In 10,739 women with previous hysterectomy, 5,310 were randomly assigned to once daily 0.625 mg of CEE-alone and 5,429 placebo. Intervention was stopped for cause before planned 8.5-year intervention after 5.6 years (CEE plus MPA) and after 7.2 years (CEE-alone). Outcomes include incidence and mortality from ovarian and endometrial cancers and deaths after these cancers.

RESULTS

After 20-year follow-up, CEE-alone, versus placebo, significantly increased ovarian cancer incidence (35 cases [0.041%]
v
17 [0.020%]; hazard ratio [HR], 2.04 [95% CI, 1.14 to 3.65];
P
= .014) and ovarian cancer mortality (
P
= .006). By contrast, CEE plus MPA, versus placebo, did not increase ovarian cancer incidence (75 cases [0.051%]
v
63 [0.045%]; HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.82 to 1.59];
P
= .44) or ovarian cancer mortality but did significantly lower endometrial cancer incidence (106 cases [0.073%]
v
140 [0.10%]; HR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.56 to 0.92];
P
= .01).

CONCLUSION

In randomized clinical trials, CEE-alone increased ovarian cancer incidence and ovarian cancer mortality, while CEE plus MPA did not. By contrast, CEE plus MPA significantly reduced endometrial cancer incidence.
Under-Representation and Under-Reporting of Minoritized Racial and Ethnic Groups in Clinical Trials on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Chua Alfredo V. , Delmerico Jennifer , Sheng Haiyang , Huang Xin-Wei , Liang Emily , Yan Li , Gandhi Shipra , Puzanov Igor , Jain Prantesh , Sakoda Lori C. , Morrow Gary R. , Ambrosone Christine B. , Kamen Charles , Yao Song
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

Minoritized racial/ethnic groups are historically under-represented in cancer clinical trials, which may be exacerbated in recent trials on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We examined the representation and reporting of the racial/ethnic composition of participants in clinical trials on ICIs.

METHODS

We examined English full-text trials on ICIs published from 2007 to 2022. Information on trial characteristics and racial/ethnic composition of participants was extracted from published papers or ClinicalTrials.gov. Differences in participation by publication year, ICI agent, and cancer site were analyzed. Enrollment-incidence ratio (EIR) was calculated to compare the proportion of minoritized racial/ethnic group patients in US-based trials against age-adjusted cancer incidence data available for the US population. An EIR > 1 signified over-representation, whereas an EIR <1 signified under-representation.

RESULTS

Of the 471 trials examined, racial composition was unreported in 146 (31%), whereas Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity was unreported in 278 (59%). Only 30 (6%) trials reported race/ethnicity-specific results. In US-only trials (n = 174), White patients were over-represented (EIR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.17 to 1.22]), whereas Hispanic/Latinx patients were the most under-represented (EIR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.24 to 0.48]), followed by Black/African American patients (EIR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.54 to 0.79]). Subgroup analyses consistently indicated over-representation of White patients across publication years (EIR, 1.19-1.24), ICI classes (EIR, 1.16-1.23), and cancer sites (EIR, 1.11-1.31), whereas Hispanic/Latinx patients were consistently under-represented. An upward trend of trial representation and reporting was observed for all minoritized racial/ethnic groups over time (trend P values ≤.05).

CONCLUSION

Disparities in the representation and reporting of minoritized racial/ethnic groups persist in recent trials on ICIs, necessitating collaborative efforts for improved diversity and equitable cancer treatment access.
GIP Receptor Antagonism Eliminates Paradoxical Growth Hormone Secretion in Some Patients With Acromegaly
Authors: Jensen Mette H , Gasbjerg Lærke S , Skov-Jeppesen Kirsa , Jacobsen Jens C B , Poulsen Steen S , Zhou Cuiqi , Jakubauskaite Ruta , Poulsen Frantz R , Bonde Christian , Albarazi Mahmoud , Halle Bo , Christiansen Charlotte B , Sanni Samra J , Byberg Sarah , Hoe Bjørn , Holst Jens J , Dela Flemming , Rasmussen Aase K , Knop Filip K , Arlien-Søborg Mai C , Melmed Shlomo , Jørgensen Jens Otto L , Andersen Marianne S , Hartmann Bolette , Klose Marianne C , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Sparre-Ulrich Alexander H , Rosenkilde Mette M
Published: August 2024

Context

About 30% of patients with active acromegaly experience paradoxically increased growth hormone (GH) secretion during the diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Endogenous glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is implicated in this paradoxical secretion.

Objective

We used the GIP receptor (GIPR) antagonist GIP(3-30)NH2 to test the hypothesis that GIP mediates this paradoxical response when GIPR is abundantly expressed in somatotropinomas.

Methods

A total of 25 treatment-naive patients with acromegaly were enrolled. Each patient underwent one OGTT during simultaneous placebo infusion and one OGTT during a GIP(3-30)NH2 infusion. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and regularly after infusions to measure GH. We assessed pituitary adenoma size by magnetic resonance imaging and GIPR expression by immunohistochemistry on resected somatotropinomas. For mechanistic confirmation, we applied in vitro and ex vivo approaches. The main outcome measure was the effect of GIP(3-30)NH2 on paradoxical GH secretion during OGTT as a measure of GIP involvement.

Results

In 4 of 7 patients with paradoxical GH secretion, GIP(3-30)NH2 infusion completely abolished the paradoxical response (P = .0003). Somatotrophs were available from 3 of 4 of these patients, all showing abundant GIPR expression. Adenoma size did not differ between patients with and without paradoxical GH secretion.

Conclusion

Of 25 patients with acromegaly, 7 had paradoxical GH secretion during OGTT, and pharmaceutical GIPR blockade abolished this secretion in 4. Corresponding somatotroph adenomas abundantly expressed GIPR, suggesting a therapeutic target in this subpopulation of patients. In vitro and ex vivo analyses confirmed the role of GIP and the effects of the antagonist.
18F-DOPA PET/MRI With Carbidopa for the Diagnosis of Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Anka Carine , Ponisio Maria Rosana , Dillon Patrick A , Schmitt Chelsea , Fraum Tyler J , Arbeláez Ana María
Published: August 2024

Hyperinsulinism due to focal or diffuse pancreatic lesions causing recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia is rare in mid-childhood. There is no consensus on the gold-standard imaging method to diagnose focal insulin-producing lesions beyond infancy. A 14-year-old boy with a complex medical history and refractory epilepsy, presented with blood glucose (BG) of 52 mg/dL (2.9 mmol/L) (normal reference range: 70-100 mg/dL [3.9-5.6 mmol/L]) and increased seizure frequency. He failed a fast within 4 hours, with BG of 48 mg/dL (2.7 mmol/L) and insulin level of 4.6 µIU/mL (24.6 pmol/L) (diagnostic at the time of hypoglycemia >1.25 μU/mL [8.7 pmol/L]). Conventional imaging studies showed no pancreatic lesion. Fluorine-18-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (18F-DOPA-PET/MRI) scan premedicated with carbidopa demonstrated intense focal 18F-DOPA uptake in the distal pancreatic tail. He underwent distal pancreatectomy. Histopathology showed focal pancreatic islet cell hyperplasia, with more than 90% of the neuroendocrine islet cells being positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin, with no loss of p57 staining. Genetic studies were negative for mutations in ABCC8, KCNJ11, GCK, or GLUD1 genes, multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1, and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. BG normalized after surgery. Seizure frequency improved. This case highlights the utility of 18F-DOPA PET/MRI imaging in diagnosing focal hyperinsulinism beyond infancy.
Intraoperative Intracranial Pressure Changes in Children With Craniosynostosis Undergoing Endoscopic-Assisted Strip Craniectomy
Authors: Makoshi Ziyad , Hayek Gabriel , Aquino Vincent , Arias Alondra , Guido Julia , Radenovich Violeta , Jimenez David , Yates David
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Craniosynostosis can lead to progressive cranial and skull base deformities and can be associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), ophthalmological manifestations, behavioral changes, and developmental delay. Most published data on the incidence of elevated ICP include older children undergoing open surgical correction. Endoscopic-assisted release of fused sutures with postoperative helmet therapy is an established method for managing craniosynostosis presenting at an early age; however, the immediate effect of this approach on ICP in a young cohort has not been previously reported.

METHODS:

Prospective data on 52 children undergoing endoscopic-assisted release of stenosed cranial sutures were included. Individuals were excluded if they underwent open correction or had previous cranial surgery. Individuals underwent a standardized endoscopic approach for each suture type. ICP was measured using an intraparenchymal sensor both before creation of the neosuture and after complete release of the stenosed suture. An ICP reading of >10 mm Hg was considered elevated.

RESULTS:

The mean age was 5.3 months, range 1 to 32 months, and 94% was younger than 12 months. The mean opening pressure was 12.7 mm Hg, and the mean closing pressure was 2.9 mm Hg. Opening ICP ≥10 mm Hg was present in 58%, ≥15 mm Hg was present in 31%, and ≥20 mm Hg was present in 23%. No patient had an ICP above 10 mm Hg at closing. The mean percentage change in ICP among all craniosynostosis cases was a 64% decrease. Optic disk swelling was identified in 28 children preoperatively and improved in 22 children at follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Elevated ICP may occur in infants with craniosynostosis at higher rates than previously reported. Endoscopic-assisted craniectomy has an immediate effect on lowering ICP and improving postoperative ophthalmological findings.
A critical postmodernist evaluation of the policy responses to forced marriage in the UK
Authors: Swarnn Aiyesha
Published: August 2024

This paper critically evaluates the UK’s policy responses to forced marriage through a postmodernist lens. Utilising data from the UK Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), which supported 302 cases in 2022 involving possible forced marriage or female genital mutilation, this paper highlights the complexity of addressing forced marriage as a human rights violation. To begin, the paper discusses three primary policy approaches employed by the UK in combatting forced marriages, which are regulation, exit, and community engagement. Through a postmodernist analysis, this paper critiques the essentialist view of forced marriage as a cultural problem and argues for a more nuanced understanding that incorporates diverse experiences and intersecting sociological, political, and economic factors. Due to this, this paper recommends removing forced marriage from the ‘honour-based abuse’ category and advocates for the implementation of reliable data-collecting methods to better address this issue.
The effect of surface treatments on the bond strength of polyetheretherketone posts: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Boukhris Hanen , Ben Hadj Khalifa Aymen , Hajjami Hayet , Boudegga Ben Youssef Souha
Published: August 2024

Abstract* Background Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is widely used in the biomedical field due to its outstanding biological and mechanical properties. Originally employed as a temporary abutment in implantology, recent research has expanded its indications for more definitive applications, such as frameworks and dental post and core. This shift requires a thorough assessment of PEEK’s adhesion and mechanical characteristics. However, PEEK’s inert properties and intricate chemistry create difficulties in surface treatment, resulting in reduced surface energy and inadequate adhesion. Inducing specific physical and chemical changes aims to overcome these challenges and enhance adhesion for PEEK. Despite its numerous clinical trials, standardized protocols remain lacking. This systematic review aims to assess the impact of surface treatments on the bonding performance of PEEK posts. Methods A detailed search of the literature will be conducted across several databases including PubMed, Scopus and clinical trial registries. Additional databases such as Cochrane Central, EMBASE, Web of Science and EBSCO will also be included. The search strategy will target controlled randomized studies and non-randomized clinical trials evaluating the impact of surface treatments on PEEK post adhesion strength. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) will be used to assess bias in non-randomized studies, while the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB II) tool will be employed for evaluating randomized controlled trials. Data extraction will focus on study design, treatment methods, outcomes and results. This systematic review protocol will adhere to the guidelines for systematic reviews outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Discussion The discussion will explore the implications of findings on clinical practice, highlighting the importance of enhancing PEEK’s bioactivity and surface energy to improve bonding efficacy in dental procedures. Moreover, it will suggest areas for future research to advance dental materials science, aiming to optimize the utilization of PEEK in dental applications Systematic review registration PROSPERO: CRD42024529783 (Registered on 08/04/2024).
Decision-making based on Markov decision process in integrated artificial reasoning framework—Part I: Theory
Authors: Kim Junyung , Wang Xinyan , Warns Kyle , Zhao Xingang , Phathanapirom Birdy , Golay Michael W. , Kang Hyun Gook
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a decision-making framework based on an integrated artificial reasoning framework and Markov decision process (MDP). The integrated artificial reasoning framework provides a physics-based approach that converts system information into state transition models, and the analysis result will be represented by the transition probabilities that can be used with an MDP to find a traceable and explainable optimal pathway. A dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) is well suited for representing the structure of an MDP. The causality information among process variables (or among subsystems) is mathematically represented in a DBN by the conditional probabilities of the node’s states provided different probabilities of the parent node’s states. To define node states in a physically understandable manner, we used multilevel flow modeling (MFM). An MFM follows the fundamental energy and mass conservation laws and supports the selection of process variables that represent the system of interest so that causal relations among process variables are properly captured. An MFM-based DBN supports developing state transition models in an MDP to capture the effect of process variables of system having physical relations. The operators of the target system can capture stochastic system dynamics as multiple subsystem state transitions based on their physical relations and uncertainties coming from component degradation or random failures. We analyzed a simplified exemplary system to illustrate an optimal operational policy using the suggested approach.
Challenges and Considerations in Transitioning from Cobalt-60 to Linear Accelerators for Radiotherapy in LMICs Healthcare Settings: A Case Study of Nepal.
Authors: Adhikari Kanchan P.
Published: August 2024

Nepal's move from Cobalt-60 machines to modern linear accelerators in radiation therapy presents significant challenges. Infrastructure limitations demand substantial investments for facility upgrades, particularly in retrofitting existing cobalt-60 bunkers and ensuring stable power supplies. The scarcity of skilled personnel underscores the need for comprehensive education initiatives and international collaborations. Regulatory compliance requires the establishment of robust frameworks, emphasizing the urgency of an independent regulatory authority. Collaborations with international institutions offer expertise and resources crucial for capacity building. Financial constraints necessitate innovative financing models to mitigate procurement and maintenance costs. Unforeseen circumstances, exemplified by the Covid-19 pandemic, highlight the importance of adaptability in implementation strategies. Despite challenges, Nepal's transition signifies an opportunity to enhance cancer care, emphasizing the need for a tailored, multidimensional approach addressing infrastructure, workforce, regulatory, financial, and collaborative aspects.
Selected occupational burdens of masseur’s job – research report
Authors: Lewandowski Andrzej , Siedlaczek Marcin , Piekorz Zuzanna , Zukow Walery
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Aim of the work is to analyze the burdensomeness of masseurs professional activities. Material and methods: Five massage standards were selected. The subjectively perceived level of physical and mental effort during massage was determined. The PWC170 test was used to measure physical fitness, and the intensity of physical exercise associated with the massage was determined. Statistics: Student's t-test and Fisher's test were used. Results: Women and men were characterized by medium/high levels of physical capacity  (men: 3.70±0.82 l/min, women 2.21±0.34 l/min). Men's loads during massage was low (HR=87.49±1.748, which corresponded to 44.21±1.04% HRmax, VO2max=19.03±1.48, VO2=0.69±0.14 and 2.69±0.83 MET). The women performed work with moderate heart rate  (HR=84.8±6.88, which corresponds to 44.18±3.67% HRmax, VO2max=18.99±5.24, VO2=0.43±0.162 and 2.16±0.86 MET). Respondents assessed their work as hard. The results suggest that massage and physical therapists had similar levels of fitness, but women differed significantly. Conclusions: Massage therapists of both sexes have similar opportunities to perform their profession. Difficulty in performing is caused the external working conditions and therapist strength.
Diabetic kidney disease: what we know so far - literature review
Authors: Kuczyński Piotr , Marszałek Anna , Choiński Maciej , Wasiewicz-Ciach Paulina , Marzec Marcelina Teresa , Wydra-Rojek Aleksandra , Łakoma Aleksandra , Marzec Weronika Zofia , Kutyła Katarzyna , Mokot Wojciech Jan
Published: August 2024

Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting approximately 40% of diabetic patients and representing the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This review delves into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic advancements in DKD. Key pathological mechanisms include hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Modern treatments, such as SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists, offer renoprotective benefits by improving endothelial function, reducing inflammation, and mitigating oxidative stress. The review also highlights the importance of timely initiation and optimization of therapies to slow DKD progression and explores new avenues such as epigenetic therapies and autophagy enhancement. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and optimal use of these treatments in DKD management.
The effect of multiple nutritional factors on hypothyroidism - a systemic review
Authors: Chaberska Iwona , Feruś Aleksandra , Lipska Julia , Turek Monika , Wojciechowska Klara , Piątkowska Karolina , Jaroń Aleksandra , Jastrzębska Katarzyna
Published: August 2024

Objective: The study aims to investigate the impact of various supplements, namely selenium, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, iodine, L-carnitine, and proteolytic enzymes, on the management of hypothyroidism, with a particular focus on Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Materials and Methods: The PubMed database was searched using the keywords „Hashimoto,” „hypothyroidism,” „sport,” „physical activity,” and „diet.”
Results: Several studies show that supplements can help manage hypothyroidism. Vitamin D lowers TSH levels, with varying effects on thyroid hormones. Selenium reduces TPOAb, TGAb, and TSH levels, and boosts antioxidant activity, indicating potential immune benefits. Zinc is crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis, with supplementation improving fT3 levels. Magnesium and vitamin A together enhance thyroid function and reduce inflammation. Adequate iodine intake supports thyroid function, while both deficiency and excess can cause thyroid issues. L-carnitine reduces fatigue by enhancing energy metabolism, and proteolytic enzymes have anti-inflammatory effects, aiding autoimmune thyroid disease management.
Conclusions: The study highlights the potential benefits of supplementing mentioned nutrients in managing hypothyroidism by improving thyroid function, reducing inflammation, and better overall health in hypothyroid patients. Further large-scale, long-term studies are required to confirm these findings and determine optimal dosages and combinations for better effectiveness.
PCOS – The Importance of Diet, Physical Activity, and Other Non-Pharmacological Methods in Treatment
Authors: Turek Monika , Wojciechowska Klara , Jaroń Aleksandra , Jastrzębska Katarzyna , Wiklińska Agata , Witkowska Maria , Skotnicka Joanna , Błaszczak Karolina , Borkowski Adrian , Sawicki Mateusz
Published: August 2024

Purpose of research: PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders. It is estimated to affect about 5-10% of women of reproductive age. This paper aims to highlight the challenges faced by those with PCOS and to demonstrate the importance of non-pharmacological methods in treating this condition.
Methods: Databases such as PubMed, Medline, and ResearchGate were used.
Basic results: PCOS is associated with menstrual irregularities and leads to reduced fertility, while commonly occurring hyperandrogenism causes unpleasant changes in appearance, such as hair loss, hirsutism, and acne. Women with PCOS also have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers.
Conclusions: The first line of treatment for PCOS is lifestyle modification. Appropriate diet and weight loss aim to reduce inflammation, regulate the menstrual cycle, restore ovulation, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. An important aspect is the intake of vitamins D and E, as well as inositol. Research shows that probiotics may also have a positive effect.
The impact of using electronic applications on controlling the course of diabetes
Authors: Konaszczuk Adrian , Bochenek Oliwia , Koper Mateusz , Nowak Aleksandra , Kałuża Jessica , Ratyna Klaudia , Kozyra Oliwia , Szypuła Zofia , Paluch Katarzyna , Skarbek Małgorzata
Published: August 2024

Physical activity is a fundamental element in managing diabetes. In preventing complications of this condition, along with pharmacological treatment, key factors include an appropriate diet, sports, weight reduction, and the ability to cope with stress. In recent years, the use of mobile applications in the treatment of diabetes has gained significant importance. Research has shown that these applications play a crucial role in improving patients' daily lives by offering features that make it easier to control this disease, such as advice on healthy eating, monitoring physical activity (including adjusting appropriate workouts), and assessing sleep quality and recovery.
This review discusses the current research on the impact of electronic applications used in various aspects of life on health-promoting behaviors and their effectiveness in patients with diabetes.
In summary, studies indicate that the use of these applications often helps participants maintain better self-control and increase self-awareness of the disease. The results of the studies also encourage further development and improvement of new possibilities made possible by the use of electronic applications. Further studies focusing on this topic are also recommended to validate the conclusions and gain new knowledge in this area.
Issue of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in intensive care units (ICUs) – epidemiology, risk factors and prevention. Literature review.
Authors: Choiński Maciej , Wasiewicz-Ciach Paulina , Marzec Marcelina Teresa , Kuczyński Piotr , Marszałek Anna , Wydra-Rojek Aleksandra , Marzec Weronika Zofia , Kutyła Katarzyna , Mokot Wojciech Jan , Łakoma Aleksandra
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs) present significant challenges for modern medicine. ICU patients are particularly vulnerable to HAI due to: severe conditions, frequent invasive procedures and extensive antibiotic use. It is estimated that about 9-20% of patients in intensive care units are affected by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and half of all hospital-acquired infections occur in the ICU. The antibiotic resistance is becoming a widespread issue. The incidence of HAIs caused by multi-dtug pathogens, especially Gram-negative bacteria, is dramatically rising. Uderstanding risk factors, epidemiology, routes of transmission, preventive measures may form the basis for limiting the spread of health-associated infections (HAI) caused by multidrug-resistance pathogens. Effective prevention measures comprise proper antibiotic management, personnel control and elimination of risk factors. Additional strategies like selective digestive decontamination (SDD), pathogen screening and isolation of infected patients may be considered to the successful control of outbreaks. Further studies are needed to better understand the transmission, epidemiology and prevention of multidrug-resistance infections. This review summarizes current knowledge on antibiotic resistance, risk factors, epidemiology and prevention methods of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in ICUs.
A study of the validity of Oppenheim's inequality for Hurwitz matrices associated with Hurwitz polynomials
Authors: Alsaafin Fatimah , Al-Saafin Doaa , Garloff Jürgen
Published: August 2024

In this paper, Hurwitz polynomials, i.e., real polynomials whose roots are located in the open left half of the complex plane, and their associated Hurwitz matrices are considered. New formulae for the principal minors of Hurwitz matrices are presented which lead to ($ i $) a new criteria for deciding whether a polynomial is Hurwitz, ($ ii $) an inequality of a type of Oppenheim's inequality for the Hurwitz matrices up to order $6 $, and ($ iii $) a necessary and sufficient condition for the Hadamard square root of Hurwitz polynomials of degree five to be Hurwitz.
Drainage Water Management: A Review of Nutrient Load Reductions and Cost Effectiveness
Authors: Frankenberger Jane , McMillan Sara K. W. , Williams M. R. , Mazer Katy , Ross Jared , Sohngen Brent
Published: August 2024

Highlights

Reductions of nitrogen due to drainage water management were synthesized from 290 plot-years.

Nitrate reduction was 13.3 kg N/ha/yr (46%) based on a mixed effects modeling analysis.

Dissolved reactive phosphorus and total phosphorus load reductions were 0.04 kg/ha (34%) and 0.06 kg/ha (36%).

Cost of nitrogen reduction was $1 to $11 per kg N removed, with a net benefit if yield increased by 3%.

Abstract.
Drainage water management (DWM) is the practice of seasonally adjusting the drainage outlet elevation with a control structure and is implemented to decrease nutrient loss in drained agricultural landscapes. In this study, we review the effect of DWM on annual nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loads compared to free drainage and examine its cost-effectiveness using data from around the world published between 1979 and 2022. Studies included in the review were limited to row-crop agriculture without irrigation, with controlled drainage and free drainage compared during the same year. A total of 290 plot-years for N were compiled and analyzed using a mixed effects linear model to assess differences in flow, load, and concentrations and account for within and among site variability. Few studies examined dissolved reactive P (n=7) or total P (n=3); thus, only DRP results from these studies were statistically evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Analysis of N data showed that DWM reduced N loss on average by 13.3 kg/ha/yr (95% confidence interval: 9.4-17.3 kg/ha/yr), which corresponds to a 46% load removal efficiency (95% confidence interval: 37.4%-54.5%). Drainage water management decreased annual DRP and TP load compared to free drainage by an average of 0.04 kg/ha/yr (mean=34%; range=-35% to 80%) and 0.06 kg/ha/yr (mean=36%; range=7% to 72%), respectively. Economic analysis showed that the cost of N reduction would range from $1 to $11 per kg N removed assuming no yield benefit, while a 3% yield increase would lead to a likely net economic benefit to the producer. Findings indicate that DWM can be an effective practice for decreasing nutrient loading from drained landscapes, however, losses through unmeasured flow paths such as seepage and surface runoff may lead to overestimating the effectiveness of DWM. Additionally, complex interactions among soil organic matter, soil nutrient levels, and water table depths need to be accounted for to ensure both N and P removal is achieved. Recommendations for monitoring discharge and nutrient loads in future DWM studies are provided to better understand the processes influencing nutrient load reductions and/or increases and further quantify the effectiveness of DWM implementation in drained landscapes. Keywords: Agricultural conservation practices, Controlled drainage, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Subsurface drainage, Water quality.
Exploring feminist egalitarian discourse and sex work for the social work curriculum: a critical pedagogy
Authors: Sweeney Leigh-Ann , Flynn Susan
Published: August 2024

This article presents a theoretical exposition of feminist egalitarian discourse for social work education by drawing on research findings from interviews with 15 sex workers in the Republic of Ireland. The study claims that feminist social work is not considered mainstream across social work programmes despite social work’s commitment to human rights and social justice. The article presents the complexities of a feminist standpoint when discussing sex work in Ireland in its current binary context of the neo-abolitionist perspective. We argue for a revised critical feminist egalitarian pedagogical approach to the social work curriculum. We apply a feminist standpoint epistemology and an interpretivist/feminist qualitative framework to examine: (1) feminist social work; (2) feminist theory and sex work; and (3) feminist egalitarian discourse for social work education. The positionality of feminist egalitarian discourse within the social work curriculum has the capacity to improve social work’s commitment to social justice.
Sobre el impacto político y social de la masonería de las Antillas Españolas
Authors: Romeu Jorge Luis
Published: August 2024

Resumen: El presente trabajo examina cómo la masonería de las Antillas Españolas ha incidido en la vida nacional, y explica por qué la historia y la política de estas islas esta tan mezclada con la labor de sus logias masónicas, a partir del Siglo XIX. Investiga las características y posibles orígenes de las dos vertientes social e introspectiva de la masonería, ilustrándolas a través de un ejemplo de dicha vertiente política: una ponencia inédita, dada en su logia por un masón cubano-puertorriqueño, en 1928. Abstract: The present article examines how freemasonry in the Spanish Antilles has affected national life, explaining the close relationship between politics, history, and freemasonry after the mid-nineteenth century. It explores the characteristics and possible origins of the controversy between the social and introspective masonic philosophies through a case study of political and social action: an unpublished lecture, given in 1928 to his lodge by a Cuban–Puerto Rican freemason. Résumé: Cet article examine comment la franc-maçonnerie dans les Antilles espagnoles a influencé la vie politique et sociale de ces îles. Nous examinons les caractéristiques et les origines possibles de la controverse entre les philosophies sociales et introspectives de la franc-maçonnerie, ce qui explique la relation étroite entre la politique et la franc-maçonnerie dans les Antilles espagnoles. Nous présentons une étude de cas de la philosophie de l'action politique à partir d'une conférence donnée dans une loge cubaine en 1928.
A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Pandemic: The 1977 “Russian flu”
Authors: Burke Donald S. , Schleunes Amy
Published: August 2024

Surprisingly, the 1977 “Russian flu” H1N1 pandemic influenza virus was genetically indistinguishable from strains that had circulated decades earlier but had gone extinct in 1957. This essay puts forward the most plausible chronology to explain the reemergence of the 1977 H1N1 pandemic virus: (1) in January–February 1976, a self-limited small outbreak of a swine H1N1 influenza virus occurred among Army personnel at Fort Dix, New Jersey; (2) in March 1976, the US launched a nationwide H1N1 swine influenza vaccine program; (3) other countries then also launched their own H1N1 R&D efforts; (4) a new H1N1 outbreak, genetically unrelated to the Fort Dix swine virus but indistinguishable from previously extinct H1N1 viruses, was detected early in 1977 in China; (5) the leading Chinese influenza virologist later disclosed that the Chinese military had conducted large H1N1 vaccine R&D studies in 1976. It is likely that the resurrected H1N1 influenza viruses were laboratory-stored strains that were unfrozen and studied as part of the emergency response to a perceived epidemic threat, and that accidentally escaped. The fear of a possible H1N1 pandemic was the critical factor that gave rise to the actual H1N1 pandemic, resulting in an avoidable “self-fulfilling prophecy pandemic.”
Art, Sex, and Science: Talking about Horses in Hans Baldung's 1534 Woodcuts
Authors: Cuneo Pia F.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Hans Baldung's woodcuts depicting horses at liberty in a forest setting have long puzzled art historians. This article suggests that Baldung's prints may have been informed by a spirit of scientific inquiry that animated certain intellectual circles and that resulted in the publication of illustrated texts with which the artist was likely familiar. The study of plants and animals may have influenced not only the prints' subject matter and mode of depiction but also their function: to provoke conversation, in this case about horses, not only as demonstrations of artistic ingenuity and symbols of sexuality, as has been previously suggested, but also as subjects unto themselves.
Emotions Embodied: The Physicality of Style in Elizabethan Epyllia
Authors: Hernández-Santano Sonia
Published: August 2024

Abstract: The key to persuasion, according to classical rhetoricians, was the transfer of the speaker's emotions to the audience, both through body language (actio) and the ornamentation of discourse with tropes and figures of speech (elocutio). In this light, the practice of rhetorical action and the imitation of the elaborate style of Latin authors became two of the pillars of Elizabethan schooling, on the grounds that the cult of words and the mastery of physical eloquence made competent citizens. Humanist poetics thus coined an analogy between style and the human body, based on the idea that words were as efficient as gestures in creating vivid images of emotion (enargeia). This article suggests that the English epyllia convey the Elizabethan poets' interrogation of assumed rhetorical precepts through the dialogue of two of their most prominent discursive features: the excessive attention to the rhetoric of the body and the accumulation of stylistic resources. Focusing on the Ovidian poems of Thomas Lodge, William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and John Marston, I argue that it is through the problematic dialogue between these two prominent features of Elizabethan minor epic that their authors satirise the humanist reliance on bodies and words as bearers of eloquence.
Positioning spherical nanoantennas with picometer precision
Authors: Ma Haixiang , Feng Fu , Qiao Jie , Gan Jiaan , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: August 2024

Accurate positioning of nanoantennas is critical for their efficient excitation and integration. However, since nanoantennas are subwavelength nanoparticles, normally smaller than the diffraction limit, measuring their positions presents a significant challenge. This is particularly true for locating the nanoantenna along the z-direction, for which no suitable method currently exists. Here, we have theoretically developed and experimentally validated a novel light field capable of measuring the 3D positions of nanoantennas accurately. This field’s polarization chirality transitions from right-handed to left-handed along a predefined 3D direction at a subwavelength scale. For a spherical single-element nanoantenna, the polarization components of the scattering field change significantly as the nanoantenna moves, due to the rapid polarization transformation in the excitation light field. By analyzing the polarization components of the scattering field, we can achieve positional accuracy of the nanoantenna along the specified direction close to 20 pm. This work improves the accuracy of transversely distinguishing nanoantennas from 100 pm in conventional methods to 20 pm. Moreover, the positioning of the nanoantenna along three dimensions is all available as polarization transitions can be predefined along arbitrary 3D direction, which is significant for precision measurement and nanoscale optics.