bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global, regional, and national burden of HIV-negative tuberculosis, 1990–2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Zhang Shun-Xian , Miao Feng-Yu , Yang Jian , Zhou Wen-Ting , Lv Shan , Wei Fan-Na , Wang Yu , Hu Xiao-Jie , Yin Ping , Zheng Pei-Yong , Yang Ming , Wang Mei-Ti , Feng Xin-Yu , Duan Lei , Yang Guo-Bing , Wang Ji-Chun , Lu Zhen-Hui
Published: August 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major infectious disease with significant public health implications. Its widespread transmission, prolonged treatment duration, notable side effects, and high mortality rate pose severe challenges. This study examines the epidemiological characteristics of TB globally and across major regions, providing a scientific basis for enhancing TB prevention and control measures worldwide.

Methods

The ecological study used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021. It assessed new incidence cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), mortality rates (ASMRs), and DALY rates for drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB), multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) from 1990 to 2021. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was applied to project ASIR and ASMR.

Results

In 2021, the global ASIR for all HIV-negative TB was 103.00 per 100,000 population [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 92.21, 114.91 per 100,000 population], declining by 0.40% (95% UI: − 0.43, − 0.38%) compared to 1990. The global ASMR was 13.96 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 12.61, 15.72 per 100,000 population), with a decline of 0.44% (95% UI: − 0.61, − 0.23%) since 1990. The global age-standardized DALY rate for HIV-negative TB was 580.26 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 522.37, 649.82 per 100,000 population), showing a decrease of 0.65% (95% UI: − 0.69, − 0.57 per 100,000 population) from 1990. The global ASIR of MDR-TB has not decreased since 2015, instead, it has shown a slow upward trend in recent years. The ASIR of XDR-TB has exhibited significant increase in the past 30 years. The projections indicate MDR-TB and XDR-TB are expected to see significant increases in both ASIR and ASMR from 2022 to 2035, highlighting the growing challenge of drug-resistant TB.

Conclusions

This study found that the ASIR of MDR-TB and XDR-TB has shown an upward trend in recent years. To reduce the TB burden, it is essential to enhance health infrastructure and increase funding in low-SDI regions. Developing highly efficient, accurate, and convenient diagnostic reagents, along with more effective therapeutic drugs, and improving public health education and community engagement, are crucial for curbing TB transmission.

Graphical Abstract
E-learning-oriented assessment and collaborative reflection for situated learning in language teacher education
Authors: Arefian Mohammad Hossein , Esfandiari Rajab
Published: August 2024

Online teacher education programs can be more situated by engaging student teachers in Internet-based collaborative reflection (ICR) and e-learning-oriented assessment (ELOA) via Web 2.0 technology. Thus, this study explored how the role of English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) student teachers’ ICR practices and ELOA can enhance student teachers’ situated online teacher education. In this qualitative study, 15 Iranian EFL student teachers were chosen purposively within a transcendental phenomenology to conduct ICR on ELOA practices during situated learning in online teacher education. The results showed that implementing ICR on ELOA tended to enhance student-centered teacher education; collaborative and reflective teacher development; social, professional, cognitive, and emotional growth; and the connection of teaching, learning, and assessment within online teacher education. More specifically, ELOA practices allowed for meaningful tasks and authentic activities based on practical experience, triggered continuous feedback on EFL student teachers’ performance via technology, directed online learning and teaching, and enhanced a performance-based and learning-oriented assessment process. Pedagogical implications for the design of student teacher programs are discussed.
Prevalence and characteristics of and risk factors for impacted teeth with ankylosis and replacement resorption – a retrospective, 3D-radiographic assessment
Authors: Nemec Michael , Garzarolli-Thurnlackh Giacomo , Lettner Stefan , Nemec-Neuner Hemma , Gahleitner André , Stavropoulos Andreas , Bertl Kristina , Jonke Erwin
Published: August 2024

Background

Large variation in the prevalence of ankylosis and replacement resorption (ARR) is reported in the literature and most studies have relatively small patient numbers. The present retrospective study aimed to provide an overview on prevalence, location of, and associated risk factors with ARR based on a large sample of computed tomography (CT) / cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of impacted teeth. The results should allow clinicians to better estimate the risk of ARR at impacted teeth.

Methods

The CT/CBCT scans of 5764 patients of a single center in Central Europe were screened with predefined eligibility criteria. The following parameters were recorded for the finally included population: gender, age, tooth type/position, number of impacted teeth per patient, and presence/absence of ARR. For teeth with ARR the tooth location in reference to the dental arch, tooth angulation, and part of the tooth affected by ARR were additionally registered.

Results

Altogether, 4142 patients with 7170 impacted teeth were included. ARR was diagnosed at 187 impacted teeth (2.6%) of 157 patients (3.7%); 58% of these patients were female and the number of teeth with ARR per patient ranged from 1 to 10. Depending on the tooth type the prevalence ranged from 0 (upper first premolars, lower central and lateral incisors) to 41.2% (upper first molars). ARR was detected at the crown (57.2%), root (32.1%), or at both (10.7%). After correcting for confounders, the odds for ARR significantly increased with higher age; further, incisors and first/second molars had the highest odds for ARR, while wisdom teeth had the lowest. More specifically, for 20-year-old patients the risk for ARR at impacted incisors and first/second molars ranged from 7.7 to 10.8%, but it approximately tripled to 27.3–35.5% for 40-year-old patients. In addition, female patients had significantly less often ARR at the root, while with increasing age the root was significantly more often affected by ARR than the crown.

Conclusion

ARR at impacted teeth is indeed a rare event, i.e., only 2.6% of 7170 impacted teeth were ankylosed with signs of replacement resorption. On the patient level, higher age significantly increased the odds for ARR and on the tooth level, incisors and first/second molars had the highest odds for ARR, while wisdom teeth had the lowest.
Elevations of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein over time as a precursor to anaplastic transformation of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Sen Masaomi , Ito Ryo , Abe Takeshi , Kazusaka Hiroko , Matsui Mami , Saitou Marie , Nagaoka Ryuta , Jikuzono Tomoo , Sugitani Iwao
Published: August 2024

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma rarely undergoes anaplastic transformation. Some risk factors for anaplastic transformation of thyroid cancer are known, but such transformation is difficult to predict in practice. We report a case demonstrating elevations of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) over time as a precursor to anaplastic transformation of thyroid carcinoma.

Case presentation

The patient was an 89 year-old woman with a history of chronic aortic dissection. She was referred to our department after her local doctor detected thyroid nodules. She had previously been found to have multinodular goiter and enlarged left cervical lymph nodes on computed tomography. Her chief complaint was cervical discomfort and hoarseness. Blood tests revealed: white blood cells (WBCs), 4900 /µL; CRP, 0.29 mg/dL; neutrophils, 64.4%; and lymphocytes, 25.4%. A 21 mm mass was identified in the upper left lobe. Left III (16 mm) and left VI (16 mm) lymph node were enlarged on ultrasonography. Fine-needle aspiration cytology diagnosed malignant papillary carcinoma. However, due to the advanced age and medical history of the patient, a non-surgical policy was implemented. The primary tumor grew to 4 cm in diameter by 9 months after diagnosis, and blood tests showed: WBC, 7700 /µL; CRP, 0.18 mg/dL; neutrophils, 65.3%; and lymphocytes, 22.3%. By 10 months after diagnosis, the tumor had increased rapidly in diameter to 8 cm, with blood tests showing: WBC, 6500 /µL; CRP, 1.01 mg/dL; neutrophils, 68.2%; and lymphocytes, 19.3%. Anaplastic transformation of papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed, and the patient was placed on treatment under a policy of best supportive care. Multiple lung metastases appeared 11 months after diagnosis, and blood test results showed: WBC, 13,300 /μL; CRP, 11.28 mg/dL; neutrophils, 93.6%; and lymphocytes, 2.3%. Unfortunately, the patient died of disease progression 63 days after identification of undifferentiated metastasis.

Conclusions

Chances to see the natural history of anaplastic transformation of thyroid cancer are rare. Elevations in NLR and CRP over time may be precursors to anaplastic transformation.
A case of MERS presenting with acute motor aphasia and tetraparesis and literature review
Authors: Şahan Halime , Yabalak Ahmet
Published: August 2024

Background

Mild encephalopathy wıth reversible splenial lesions (MERS) are a clinical–radiological diagnosis that can be diagnosed with radiological imaging and can be accompanied by impaired consciousness, aphasia, headache, and paralysis. MERS can be divided into two different types based on radiological findings; Involvement of the splenium is seen in type 1, and involvement of the splenium and deep white matter is seen in type 2. MERS Type 2 is very rare in adults. Here, we describe a patient diagnosed with MERS Type 2 and our therapeutic intervention.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old woman presented with slurred speech, weakness in the extremities and headache that started 14 h ago. The patient had sore throat and fever of 37.6 °C for 2 days, and medical history or family history were unremarkable. Neurological examination revealed that she was conscious, cooperative, with no signs of meningeal irritation. Speech comprehension, naming, and repetition were preserved, motor examination revealed 5/5 left upper extremity strength, 4/5 right upper extremity strength, and 2/5 bilateral lower extremity strength. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-DWI) revealed bilateral deep white matter and splenium symmetrical diffusion restriction. Blood tests showed high C-reactive protein (CRP) and no leukocytosis. No cells were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), protein was 151 mg/dl, glucose was within normal limits. The patient, who developed quadriparesis during follow-up, was started on pulse dose steroids. Neurological examination improved to patient’s baseline at the 12th hour of treatment. In the 72nd hour control MRI-DWI, it was seen that the lesions had regressed. Culture/Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacterial/viral infection agents came back negative. After steroids were given for 5 days, patient was discharged at her baseline.

Conclusions

MERS is a rare diagnosis in adults and can be radiologically confused with acute toxic leukoencephalopathy. It can be distinguished clinically by the absence of prior infection, fever, and toxic agent exposure. Although there is no consensus in the literature regarding the treatment, the clinical picture improved rapidly after steroid in our case. Despite being rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with deep white matter lesions in adults.
Determinants of self-care among Jordanian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hamdan Salam , Taybeh Esra’ , Alsous Mervat M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Diabetes Self-Care Management (DSCM) is crucial for managing diabetes mellitus and improving patients’ well-being. Research on the young age group in Jordan is limited, and there is a lack of studies using an evaluation tool for understanding diabetes pharmacotherapy. This study intends to fill the information gap by examining young Jordanian patients’ knowledge and comprehension of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its treatment modalities, evaluating their psychological well-being, and examining the relationship between children’s psychological health and self-care.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jordanian Ministry of Health hospitals in Amman from June 2021 to January 2022. A convenience sampling method was used to select Arabic-speaking diabetic patients aged 11-a8 years who provided signed consent. A sample size of 400 was estimated. A self-administered questionnaire was developed based on a literature review to assess sociodemographic characteristics and diabetes and insulin knowledge, and validated scales were used to assess self-management (SMOD-A) and psychological well-being (ChilD-S).

Results

Analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed varying levels of knowledge among the participants. Approximately half of the children (49.0%) demonstrated a lack of knowledge of diabetes pharmacotherapy. Psychological well-being indicators indicated moderate levels of happiness and feeling fine. The analysis of self-management indicators highlighted areas for improvement. Positive weak but significant correlations were found between children’s knowledge about diabetes (r = 0.255, p < 0.01), diabetes pharmacotherapy knowledge (r = 0.125, p < 0.05), psychological well-being (r = 0.112, p < 0.05), and their diabetic self-management scores. A multivariate regression analysis identified predictors of self-management, including the child’s school year (p = 0.035), ability to express feelings (p = 0.039), recent HbA1c levels (p = 0.028), and diabetes knowledge score (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Participants exhibited varying levels of knowledge about diabetes pharmacotherapy and self-management. Knowledge about diabetes was identified as a predictor for effective self-management. Moreover, glycemic control and diabetes mellitus awareness majorly impact overall self-management behaviors. Tailored education programs are necessary to fill knowledge gaps and enhance diabetes management among children.
Extraction of arsenic from fine dust of copper smelters by reduction roasting with natural gas
Authors: Dosmukhamedov Nurlan , Takishov Abdilmalik , Zholdasbay Erzhan , Argyn Aidar
Published: August 2024

One of the current trends in the complex processing of fine dust from copper smelters is their direct leaching with sulfuric acid. As practical results show, high reliable technological parameters are not achieved due to the high content of arsenic in dust. During sulfuric acid leaching of dust, arsenic is distributed between the lead cake and the solution at a ratio of 40 and 60%, respectively. The redistribution of arsenic between leaching products significantly reduces the technological performance and leads to the accumulation of arsenic in the technological scheme. The paper presents the results of comprehensive studies of the elemental and phase composition of fine dust from one of the copper smelters in Kazakhstan. In the initial dust, along with the main phases presented in the form of lead and zinc sulfate, the following typical components were found: oxides of copper, lead, zinc and copper and zinc ferrites. Arsenic is found in two forms—As(III) and As(V). The laboratory installation and technique for conducting reduction roasting of dust with natural gas are presented. The influence of roasting duration, temperature and natural gas consumption on the extraction of arsenic from dust was studied. It has been established that almost complete, up to 99%, extraction of arsenic from dust is achieved with optimal technological roasting parameters: duration τ = 40 min.; natural gas consumption is 1.5 times higher than the stoichiometrically required amount for the reduction of As2O5, and temperature 500 °C.
Chemical profile, antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer activity of leaves and flowers of Markhamia lutea cultivated in Egypt: in vitro and in silico studies
Authors: Magdy Mai , Elosaily Ahmed H. , Mohsen Engy , EL Hefnawy Hala M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Nowadays Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment methods are global concerns. Patients with this disease have poor prognosis and need supportive treatment. The antioxidant activity, anti-acetylcholinesterase (anti-AChE), anti-butyryl cholinesterase (anti-BChE) and Aβ-amyloid-42 inhibition activities of the ethanolic extracts of both leaves and flowers (LEE and FEE) of Markhamia lutea were assessed. The antioxidant activity of LEE and FEE was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferrozine iron metal chelation assays. Additionally, their total flavonoids and total phenolics were determined. The phytochemicals of LEE were analysed using LC–MS/Q-TOF in both positive and negative modes. Also, molecular docking was done for phytochemicals identified in LEE.

Result

LEE exhibited higher antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer activities in all techniques due to its high flavonoids content. LEE showed better activity than donepezil in case of anti-butyryl cholinesterase than both donepezil and rivastigmine in case of Aβ-amyloid-42 inhibition. A total of 62 compounds were tentatively identified using Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC–ESI–TOF–MS), viz. 35 flavonoids, 11 phenolic acids, 2 terpenoids, 2 phenylpropanoids derivatives, 7 polyphenols, 3 coumarins and 2 organic acids. The molecular docking of some constituents showed that isorhamnetin-O-rutinoside, sissotrin, 3,5,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone (diosmetin), rosmarinic acid, kaempferol hexoside, kampferol-7-neohesperoside, acacetin, taxifolin and apigenin-O-hexoside exert a promising activity as anti-Alzheimer drugs.

Conclusion

The LEE of Markhamia lutea contains secondary metabolites that is promising to act as natural antioxidants, acetylcholinesterase, butyryl cholinesterase and Aβ-amyloid-42 inhibition inhibitors, which can aid in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

Graphical Abstract
Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening and Prostate Cancer Mortality: An Emulation of Target Trials in US Medicare
Authors: García-Albéniz Xabier , Hsu John , Etzioni Ruth , Chan June M. , Shi Joy , Dickerman Barbra , Hernán Miguel A.
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

No consensus about the effectiveness of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening exists among clinical guidelines, especially for the elderly. Randomized trials of PSA screening have yielded different results, partly because of variations in adherence, and it is unlikely that new trials will be conducted. Our objective was to estimate the effect of annual PSA screening on prostate cancer (PC) mortality in Medicare beneficiaries age 67-84 years.

METHODS

This is a large-scale, population-based, observational study of two screening strategies: annual PSA screening and no screening. We used data from 537,599 US Medicare (2001-2008) beneficiaries age 67-84 years who had a good life expectancy, no previous PC, and no PSA test in the 2 years before baseline. We estimated the 8-year PC mortality and incidence, treatments for PC, and treatment complications of PSA screening.

RESULTS

In men age 67-74 years, the estimated difference in 8-year risk of PC death between PSA screening and no screening was –2.3 (95% CI, –4.1 to –1.1) deaths per 1,000 men (a negative risk difference favors screening). Treatment complications were more frequent under PSA screening than under no screening. In men age 75-84 years, risk difference estimates were closer to zero.

CONCLUSION

Our estimates suggest that under conventional statistical criteria, annual PSA screening for 8 years is highly compatible with reductions of PC mortality from four to one fewer PC deaths per 1,000 screened men age 67-74 years. As with any study using real-world data, the estimates could be affected by residual confounding.
Correlation Between Oncotype Dx Recurrence Score and PREDICT Estimates in Early Breast Cancer: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Ibrahim Ezzeldin M. , Al-Quzi Bushra A. , Shaheen Ahmed Y. , Kulak Mohammed H. , Refae Ahmed A. , Al-Foheidi Meteb E.
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

Oncotype Dx Recurrence Score (RS) is prognostic and predictive of chemotherapy benefit in women with node-negative and node-positive in hormone receptor–positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2–) early breast cancer. Nevertheless, its direct cost may be inhibitive. This study assesses the correlation between the RS and the free online PREDICT tools' estimations of adjuvant chemotherapy benefit.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of the electronic medical records of 112 patients with tumors tested for the RS and the PREDICT tool was used to estimate survival benefits. The correlation between RS and PREDICT estimations was analyzed using Spearman rank and McNemar tests.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 53 (95% CI, 50 to 55) years, with most patients having negative axillary lymph nodes (78%). While the absolute value for RS showed significant positive correlations with adjuvant chemotherapy's benefit as estimated by PREDICT, no significant correlations were found between the two methods in the percentage of chemotherapy gain. Notably, discordance rates between 48% and 67% between RS-based risk assignments and those based on PREDICT estimates were significant across the study population and subgroups. Only one disease recurrence and one breast cancer-related death were documented over a median follow-up of 23.5 (95% CI, 19.8 to 27.2) months.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight a significant discordance between RS and PREDICT tools in predicting the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with HR+, HER2– early breast cancer. While both tools aim to personalize cancer treatment, their discordance varies, suggesting that PREDICT could not substitute RS to predict adjuvant chemotherapy benefits regardless of patient risk classification. Further studies are needed to explore these relationships and optimize precision medicine approaches in breast cancer management.
A cell-autonomous role for primary cilium-mediated signaling in long-range commissural axon guidance
Authors: Dumoulin Alexandre , Wilson Nicole H. , Tucker Kerry L. , Stoeckli Esther T.
Published: August 2024

Ciliopathies are characterized by the absence or dysfunction of primary cilia. Despite the fact that cognitive impairments are a common feature of ciliopathies, how cilia dysfunction affects neuronal development has not been characterized in detail. Here, we show that primary cilium-mediated signaling is required cell-autonomously by neurons during neural circuit formation. In particular, a functional primary cilium is crucial during axonal pathfinding for the switch in responsiveness of axons at a choice point or intermediate target. Using different animal models and in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro experiments, we provide evidence for a crucial role of primary cilium-mediated signaling in long-range axon guidance. The primary cilium on the cell body of commissural neurons transduces long-range guidance signals sensed by growth cones navigating an intermediate target. In extension of our finding that Shh is required for the rostral turn of post-crossing commissural axons, we suggest a model implicating the primary cilium in Shh signaling upstream of a transcriptional change of axon guidance receptors, which in turn mediate the repulsive response to floorplate-derived Shh shown by post-crossing commissural axons.
Professionalizing the Exercise Profession — What It Means and Why it Matters
Authors: Stack Michael
Published: August 2024

Apply It!

• Adopt the mindset of a Qualified Healthcare Professional: Exercise professionals should view themselves as integral parts of the healthcare delivery system, striving to practice in a manner consistent with other qualified healthcare professionals. This includes aligning with evidence-based practices and being accountable for producing clinically meaningful outcomes.

• Foster an atmosphere of industry unification and collaboration: Collaboration between individual professionals, academic institutions, and credentialing organizations is critical to meet the demands of the health and fitness industry professionalization effort. To achieve adequate scale and advance our professionalization agenda, we must be collaborative and unified.

• Advocate for, and participate in, policy and systems change work: Exercise professionals should be involved in advocacy efforts to shape systems and policies that recognize and integrate exercise professionals into the healthcare delivery system.

• Actively utilize the roadmap provided: This themed issue provides a roadmap for the professionalization effort. The roadmap is only effective if it leads us to our destination. Use this roadmap to determine where you can take an active role in the professionalization effort.
Κυπριακό δεν ξεχνώ
Authors: Παρθύμου Μαρία
Published: August 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματεύεται τον ρόλο που διαδραμάτισε ο ελληνοκυπριακός τύπος στην εξέλιξη και στην περαιτέρω διαμόρφωση της ήδη υπάρχουσας εθνικιστικής ιδεολογίας και της εθνικής ταυτότητας των Ελληνοκυπρίων με σημείο αναφοράς το κυπριακό ζήτημα την περίοδο από το 1960 έως το 1974.Σκοπός της μελέτης είναι να καταδείξει αν και σε ποιο βαθμό οι εφημερίδες Αλήθεια, Πατρίς, Χαραυγή και Φιλελεύθερος, συνέβαλαν συνειδησιακά στην τροφοδότηση του συγκρουσιακού κλίματος που αναπτύχθηκε στο εσωτερικό του κυπριακού κράτους από την ανακήρυξη της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας έως και την τουρκική εισβολή το 1974.Η μεθοδολογία που εφαρμόστηκε στη διατριβή ήταν η ποιοτική έρευνα και συγκεκριμένα, η θεματική ανάλυση περιεχομένου. Το δείγμα της έρευνας αποτέλεσαν άρθρα των προαναφερόμενων τεσσάρων εφημερίδων, τα οποία βρίσκονται στο ψηφιακό αρχείο του Γραφείου Τύπου και Πληροφοριών στη Λευκωσία της Κύπρου. Η αρθρογραφία που εξετάστηκε είχε ως σημείο έναρξης την ανακήρυξη της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας και ως σημείο λήξης την τουρκική εισβολή. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας κατέδειξαν ότι ο ρόλος του τύπου ήταν κομβικός στις κοινωνικές και πολιτικές συγκρούσεις που έλαβαν χώρα την εξεταζόμενη περίοδο, τόσο μεταξύ των Ελληνοκυπρίων και των Τουρκοκυπρίων, όσο και στο εσωτερικό της Ελληνοκυπριακής Κοινότητας, μεταξύ των Αντιμακαριακών και Μακαριακών. Διαπιστώθηκε ότι στο σύνολο τους οι εφημερίδες που διερευνήθηκαν ανεξαρτήτως ιδεολογικής τοποθέτησης, με σημείο αναφοράς το κυπριακό ζήτημα, οδήγησαν στη διαμόρφωση διχαστικών αντιλήψεων, μεταφέροντας στην κοινή γνώμη εθνικιστικά σύμβολα τα οποία επηρέασαν την ερμηνεία της κυπριακής πραγματικότητας. Η απουσία ανοχής, η επιθετική αρθρογραφική διάθεση, η σκόπιμη συκοφαντία των αντιπάλων, η προώθηση και η συντήρηση της εθνικιστικής ιδεολογίας σε όλες τις διαστάσεις της, η καλλιέργεια της ελληνοκυπριακής ιστορικής μνήμης, η προσκόλληση στο δίκαιο και απαράγραπτο αίτημα της ένωσης, είχαν σαν αποτέλεσμα η ελληνοκυπριακή κοινή γνώμη να παραμείνει εγκλωβισμένη σε στερεότυπα και προκαταλήψεις που δεν της επέτρεψαν να ακολουθήσει τις εξελίξεις της εποχής, με συνέπεια τη διχοτόμηση της Κύπρου και τα δραματικά επακόλουθα που αυτή επέφερε για το σύνολο των Κυπρίων πολιτών.
VIVALDI Cohort Profile: Using linked, routinely collected data and longitudinal blood sampling to characterise COVID-19 infections, vaccinations, and related outcomes in care home staff and residents in England
Authors: Krutikov Maria , Bone David , Stirrup Oliver , Bruton Rachel , Azmi Borscha , Fuller Chris , Lau May , Low Juliet , Rastogi Shivika , Monakhov Igor , Tut Gokhan , Fink Douglas , Moss Paul , Hayward Andrew , Copas Andrew , Shallcross Laura
Published: August 2024

VIVALDI (ISRCTN14447421) is a government-funded longitudinal open observational cohort study of staff and residents in care homes for older people in England. The study aimed to describe epidemiology (including seroprevalence) and immune responses to COVID-19 in a subset of care homes, in the context of extremely high mortality in this setting, in the first 12-18 months of the pandemic. Data linkage to routine health data was undertaken for all staff and residents and a subset of individuals who consented to sequential blood sampling to investigate SARS-CoV-2 immunity. This paper aims to describe the samples stored within the VIVALDI biobank and associated linked data, available for use by researchers. Over 70,000 individuals from 346 care homes were included in the data linkage cohort (1st March 2020–31st March 2023). 4971 samples from 2264 individuals (1415 staff, 827 residents) collected between 29th October 2020 and 10th March 2023 are stored. Amongst these samples, there was a maximum of seven per participant however, 217 (26.2%) residents and 551 (38.9%) staff participated in one round only. Key study findings include high COVID-19 seroprevalence among surviving residents, exceeding rates in community-dwelling peers. COVID-19 vaccinations generated robust immune responses in staff and residents which waned, supporting the need for booster vaccination, particularly in response to new variants. Prior infection significantly improved vaccine-induced immune responses, however protection from infection declined following Omicron variant emergence. This is a unique cohort of pre- and post-infection samples linked to data on COVID-19 infections, vaccinations, and outcomes. The cohort spans host immune response evolution to infection and vaccination in this rarely sampled population of frail older care home residents who are especially vulnerable to infection and severe outcomes. These samples can be used to investigate biological mechanisms behind disparate infection responses in older people and make a valuable contribution to research into ageing.
An Analysis of the Health Effects of Physical Activity due to Active Travel Policies in Rennes, France
Authors: Fremont Henry , Younkin Samuel , Roué Le Gall Anne , Levine Natalie , Patz Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Background Rennes, a midsize city in France, features many opportunities for active travel. City officials seek to increase walking and cycling by 2030 to improve public health. Physical inactivity, a leading risk factor for premature mortality around the globe, has been shown to be associated with many chronic diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Methods Using the 2018 household travel survey of Rennes residents, we apply the Health-Oriented Transportation statistical model to assess health impacts associated with population-level rates of walking and cycling. We consider two proposed mobility and climate objectives which outline sustainable transportation goals by 2030. These include a shift in transportation mode share to increase walking and cycling trips, as well as a broad reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) across the metropolitan area. Results Our regression analysis demonstrated that factors of household car access and inner-city residency were predictors of prevalence (observed one-day proportion engaging in walking or cycling), participation (weekly proportion), and intensity (mean individual physical activity achieved through walking/cycling) of active travel. Age and education were additionally associated with prevalence. The 2030 mobility objective (mode share: 9% cycle, 35% walk) was associated with a reduction of 1,051 DALYs (disability-adjusted life-years), translating to $73 million USD ($23-$177) in averted costs. The climate objective (10% reduction in VMT) was associated with a reduction of 369 DALYs when replaced entirely by walking and 714 DALYs with cycling, translating to $26 million ($8-$62) and $50 million ($15-$121) saved, respectively. Conclusions Rennes residents experience high participation in active travel, particularly those in the inner city. If residents achieve the city’s active travel goals for 2030, there is potential for a large reduction in health burden and subsequent costs. Reaching these goals may require significant investment in transportation programming and infrastructure to improve active travel opportunities.
Accounting the Detours from Normative Expenses on Production of the Product, Work, Services
Authors: Polenova S.
Published: August 2024

In the article an attempt is executed to consider the most actual questions of the accounting the detours from rates of the expenses, forming prime cost to product, work, services, in condition of the normative method of the account production and the other methods of the account of the production expenses, under which possible its conduct on rate and detours from rates.
Theoretical Aspects of Liquidity Management in the Budget System
Authors: Sidel'nikov Aleksandr
Published: August 2024

This study observes microeconomic and macroeconomic interpretations of “liquidity”; gives definitions of the “budget liquidity” and “budget account liquidity” concepts, determines their key differences and interconnectedness; analyses the main features and goals of budget liquidity management and presents a definition of such a phenomenon.
Psychological and Pedagogical Potential of Animation in the Education of Primary School Students: Analysis of Modern Approaches
Authors: Kreslavskaya T.
Published: August 2024

The article considers the current problem of implementing the psychological and pedagogical potential of animation in the education of children of primary school age. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, the problems, conditions and prospects for the development of the psychological and pedagogical potential of animation in teaching children at the stage of primary general education are revealed. The criteria for selecting cartoons for viewing are defined. Both the positive influence that animated films have on children of primary school age and the risks of their use are highlighted and described.
Achieving Personal Results by Students During the Course of Mastering the Primary General Education Program in the Subject “Russian Language”
Authors: Kuznetsova M.
Published: August 2024

The article considers the possibility of implementing the educational function of Russian language lessons. The ways of achieving the requirements set forth in the Federal State Educational Standard of Primary General Education of 2021 concerning the initial understanding of the diversity of languages and cultures in the territory of the Russian Federation, of language as one of the main spiritual and moral values of the people are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to students’ awareness of the importance of the Russian language as the state language of the Russian Federation, understanding its role as the language of interethnic communication. The conditions for achieving personal learning outcomes set forth in the Federal Work Program for the Subject “Russian Language” of 2023 are revealed. Various tasks are proposed that allow realizing the subject’s potential for spiritual, moral and civic-patriotic education of primary schoolchildren.
The Gospel is Not an Event of the Past but of the Present. Actualization of the Sacred Scripture in the Homiletic Preaching of Pope Francis
Authors: Chrzanowski Damian
Published: August 2024

Pope Francis treats the Sacred Scriptures as an experience rather than merely doctrine, striving through his ministry of the word to make listeners contemporaries of Jesus. The actualization of God’s word in Francis’ preaching involves adapting the salvific message to the current situation of the community, which requires the use of language that corresponds to the mentality and issues of the listeners. The aim of this article is to present, using selected homilies of the Pope as examples, the use of simple and understandable language that highlights the past deeds of God (signum memorativum), their present significance (signum representativum), and the future awaiting the faithful (signum prognosticum). This is essential for an authentic witness of faith, underscoring the truthfulness of homiletic preaching and the relevance of God’s word in the daily lives of believers.
The arguments of John Duns Scotus in defence of Mary’s Immaculate Conception
Authors: Salvador-Gonzalez José María
Published: August 2024

This article aims to specify the theoretical approaches through which the conspicuous Scottish Franciscan theologian John Duns Scotus (c.1265/66–1308) became the leader of the defenders of the belief in the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception. The article is structured in two parts. The first relates summarily the authors and works that have dealt with Duns Scotus’s doctrine on Mary’s Immaculate Conception to a greater or lesser extent. The second part (much more critical) develops Duns Scotus’s arguments to defend the belief in the Immaculate Conception of Mary. In this sense, the author of the article exposes step by step the argumentative structure of the Scottish theologian, based on the traditional model of medieval Scholasticism, namely: first, he exposes and refutes the arguments and objections of the deniers of Mary’s Immaculate Conception; then he subtly explains his personal arguments with which he supports his fervent defence of the thesis of the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception.
Rywalizacja mocarstw regionalnych i globalnych w pogrążonej wojną domową Libii
Authors: Jarząbek Jarosław
Published: August 2024

RIVALRY OF REGIONAL AND GLOBAL POWERS IN CIVIL WAR-RIDDEN LIBYAThe aim of the article is to analyse the role that the conflict in Libya plays in the politics of regional and global powers. The theory of regional security complexes was adopted as a theoretical perspective for considerations. The analysis focuses on the impact of threats within the Middle Eastern regional security complex, with particular emphasis on the North Africa sub-complex, and the impact that global powers have on this complex in connection with the conflict in Libya. The research problem under consideration is how the Libyan civil war fits into the architecture of regional security. The conditions of the conflict in Libya, such as the geostrategic location, tribal and regional divisions, weakness and breakdown of state structures, make it easy for both regional and global powers to influence its course. The clear division of the state into two strong and competing political and territorial units means that external actors are forced to take sides and get involved in the internal strife. The involvement of external actors has deepened and perpetuated the existing political, geopolitical and social divisions. Both sides of the conflict, with the support of regional and global powers, are entrenching their positions, stiffening their negotiating stances and thus limiting the chances of reaching a political agreement.
Dyplomacja Chińskiej Republiki Ludowej w okresie pandemii COVID-19 wobec państw Afryki
Authors: Dębska Marta
Published: August 2024

DIPLOMACY OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TOWARDS AFRICAN COUNTRIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
COVID-19 pandemic has been a real challenge and severe test of International Relations. It has been also a chance to gain or lose points in inter-power rivalry in Africa, which is full of contradictions. On the one hand, rich in human and natural resources, including energy ones. On the other hand, full of poverty, poor infrastructure (including health infrastructure), internal conflicts and political and economic instability what have a bad influence on the world economy and security. China, which nowadays is perceived as one of the most aggressive competitors in Africa, seems to conduct highly consistent policy towards this continent without any break, even in time of COVID-19 pandemic. This paper is an attempt to analyse Chinese activities in Africa at that time in context of global competition in this area and to evaluate how much they can influence China’s position there. Thus, after a brief historical background, it presents the most significant formal events and declarations between both partners, along with Chinese “mask and vaccine diplomacy” towards Africa from early 2020 until the beginning of 2023. The elements like soft power actions were especially under consideration in this analysis as these ones that are the most effective in the contemporary global policy, or at least equally fruitful as hard power.
Róg Afryki jako pole rywalizacji pomiędzy państwami regionu Zatoki Perskiej w latach 2014-2023
Authors: Hryhorowicz Ernest , Kural Muzaffer
Published: August 2024

THE HORN OF AFRICA AS THE FIELD OF RIVALRY BETWEEN THE GULF STATES 2014-2023
The Horn of Africa region gained particular importance for the Gulf states after the Arab Spring, and especially after the outbreak of the civil war in Yemen. While the Gulf states mainly sought to use their financial resources to pursue security interests and strengthen their position in the international arena, the governments of the Horn of Africa countries cooperated primarily for the benefit of domestic policy. Building on the theory of regional security complexes, the article attempts to answer the question of how the rivalry between the Gulf states influenced their policies towards the countries of the Horn of Africa and what effects it had on the stability and security in this region.
Queue Configurations and Operational Performance: An Interplay Between Customer Ownership and Queue Length Awareness
Authors: Song Hummy , Armony Mor , Roels Guillaume
Published: August 2024

Problem definition: Contrary to traditional queueing theory, recent field studies in B2C services indicate that pooled queues may be less efficient than dedicated queues. Methodology/results: We use two online experiments in the healthcare delivery context to replicate this finding and assess the interplay of servers’ customer ownership and queue length awareness as potential underlying mechanisms. We operationalize customer ownership as the extent to which servers feel ownership toward their customers and queue length awareness as the extent to which servers are able to accurately quantify their number of customers. We find that, following a change in queue configuration, dedicated queues outperform pooled queues with respect to processing speed without sacrificing quality. The reduction in speed is partially mediated by the servers’ queue length awareness and partially suppressed by their ownership of customers in queue. The former is because servers turn out to be less likely to underestimate their load, which makes them work faster. The latter is because ownership of customers in queue may distract servers from the customer in service. When the queue configuration changes from a dedicated to a pooled one, the shorter processing times and higher levels of queue length awareness persist across the change, unlike the higher ownership of customers in the queue. Managerial implications: In discretionary service settings, switching to a dedicated queue is often beneficial in terms of operational performance, partly because the increased queue length awareness motivates servers to work faster; however, the increased degree of customer ownership of those in queue may distract them and result in a slowdown.

Funding: This work was supported by the Wharton Behavioral Lab, the Claude Marion Endowed Faculty Scholar Award, the Wharton-INSEAD Alliance, and the Wharton Dean’s Research Fund.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0202 .
A successful laparoscopic appendectomy for an adult male patient with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Farid Mohamed I. , Baz Azza , El-Dein Hemdan Mohamed Emad , Abdelhamid Taghreed , Ebrahim Diyaa , Fayed Fadl , Abdel-Haleem Emad
Published: August 2024

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic connective tissue disease defined by the loss of bone mass and density, which makes the bones more brittle and more likely to fracture over time. Bone deformity and articular instability are the subsequent symptoms. Case report: This 25-year-old man had malformed lower limbs and trouble walking due to OI and dwarfism. He arrived complaining of fever, nausea, vomiting and diffuse peri-umbilical pain. During ultrasonography a blinded, oedematous lobe formation containing an appendicolith was discovered. Acute suppurative appendicitis was diagnosed, necessitating a laparoscopic appendectomy. Because the patient had previously undergone general anaesthesia, anaesthesia was thought to be attainable. Pneumoperitoneum and a 10 mm optical port inserted into the umbilicus were used in the surgical procedure. A diagnostic laparoscopy revealed faecolith obstruction and an acute suppurative appendicitis. After an hour, a laparoscopic appendectomy was performed effectively with little blood loss. Without experiencing any difficulties because of the surgery position, the patient was discharged. Conclusion: We present a case of an OI dwarf patient with acute suppurative appendicitis. It highlights the possibility of performing laparoscopic surgery in general and a laparoscopic appendectomy in particular on OI patients.
MATERIAIS DIDÁTICOS ADAPTADOS PARA AS AULAS DE CIÊNCIAS E BIOLOGIA: POSSIBILIDADES PARA A INCLUSÃO DOS ALUNOS COM DEFICIÊNCIA VISUAL
Authors: Caruzo Xavier Ana Leticia , Viégas Vianna Aline
Published: August 2024

Este artigo é um recorte de uma tese de Mestrado Profissional. O campo de estudo foi estruturado através de um curso de extensão, no formato EaD, ministrado através de 05 encontros síncronos e 05 encontros assíncronos, através da Plataforma Moodle para um grupo de 14 cursistas, tendo uma carga horária de 25 horas no seu total. Os dados construídos, ao longo do curso, foram analisados sob a luz da análise de conteúdo de Bardin (2016) e a metodologia utilizada foi o estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa. Para a construção dos dados recorreu-se a um questionário inicial, aos fichamentos realizados pelos participantes, às transcrições dos diálogos audiogravados e ao caderno de campo construído pela pesquisadora, ao longo do curso que teve como objetivo analisar as possibilidades da inclusão de alunos com deficiência visual através da utilização de materiais didáticos adaptados para o ensino de Ciências e Biologia. Os resultados evidenciaram que a construção dos materiais didáticos e a utilização destes, ao longo do curso de extensão, criam possibilidades tanto para a inclusão dos alunos com deficiência visual quanto para o atendimento às diversidades dos alunos em geral, bem como contribuem para a formação docente sobre o tema em questão.
FORMAÇÃO DOS CONCEITOS DE CIDADE E URBANO NA LICENCIATURA EM GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Tavares Felipe , Barciela Pimenta Arthur
Published: August 2024

Problematizar o papel do conhecimento da cidade na escola é um ponto fundamental para um ensino de Geografia comprometido com a formação de cidadãos críticos, principalmente, ao vincular o espaço vivido dos discentes – e suas referências culturais – ao currículo e práticas desenvolvidas em sala de aula. Para isso, o desenvolvimento de raciocínios geográficos em contextos urbanos deve levar em consideração diferentes escalas de análise e múltiplas dimensões da espacialidade, porque a cidadania é marcada por essa multidimensionalidade. O presente trabalho apresenta os percursos pedagógicos trilhados na formação de discentes do curso de licenciatura em Geografia, nos anos de 2020 e 2021, a partir da proposta de construção dos conceitos de cidade e de (espaço) urbano, no âmbito da disciplina Geografia Urbana. Essa proposta consistiu em cinco etapas: 1) “Coletando saberes prévios”;  2) Estudo dirigido e “construção descendente” do conceito; 3) Caminho avaliativo 1: texto dissertativo; 4)  Caminho avaliativo 2: Proposta de Planejamento urbano participativo; e 5) Retorno dos discentes sobre os processos de construção a partir de um formulário. Verificamos que não é possível prescindir da construção de conceitos no contexto da formação de professores, sendo necessária uma abordagem metodológica e didática que supere a memorização de conteúdos e que transcenda o currículo formal, as ementas, contemplando as dinâmicas sócio-espaciais efetivamente vividas e significativas aos licenciandos.