bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Levels of Semaphorin 4C in Breast Cancer – Assessment of Prognostic Value and Potential for Monitoring Surgical Treatment Response
Authors: Popov Ts. , Maslyankov S. , Arabadzhiev A. , Sokolov M. , Kandilarova S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction. The global burden of breast cancer (BC) has encouraged ceaseless research in exploring novel biomarkers, aiming to optimize BC management and prognosis.

Objective. To explore the prognostic value of serum SEMA4C and investigate its potential for monitoring the response to surgical treatment in patients with BC.

Materials and methods. Seventy-five (75) pre-treatment patients from the Clinic of Surgery with invasive BC without any initial treatment prior to blood sample collection were included in the study. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to measure serum levels of SEMA4C in human serum. Participants were divided based on pathological stage, nodal involvement and histological grade. Follow-up blood samples of 35 patients who underwent surgery were collected to investigate if SEMA4C could measure the response to surgical treatment.

Results. Postoperative serum levels of SEMA4C were significantly lower than preoperative levels (p p < 0.001). Regarding prognostic value, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of the pathological stage (p = 0.181), lymph node (LN) status (p = 0.752), and histological grade (p = 0.412).

Conclusion. According to our study, serum SEMA4C levels did not differ significantly in terms of pathological stage, LN status and histological grade. Notably, postoperative serum levels of SEMA4C were significantly decreased after surgical treatment compared to preoperative values, which underscores the potential of SEMA4C as a putative candidate biomarker for monitoring response to therapy in patients with BC. However, additional research is mandatory to validate the role of SEMA4C in BC.
Fasting GLP-1 Levels in Women with PCOS and CAH
Authors: Robeva R. , Kirilov G. , Elenkova A. , Zacharieva S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent condition associated with increased androgens, but some rare diseases, e.g., congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenemia. The potential role of incretin hormones has been thoroughly studied in different metabolic conditions, but data about women with PCOS and CAH are insufficient.

Aims
Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the fasting GLP-1 levels in women with PCOS and CAH compared to healthy women and to establish the possible associations with the ovarian and adrenal androgens, obesity, and hyperinsulinemia in these conditions.

Methods
Fasting GLP-1 levels were measured in 47 women with PCOS, 11 CAH patients, and 26 healthy volunteers. The associations between the GLP-1, metabolic, and hormonal characteristics in the investigated groups have been studied.

Results
GLP-1 levels did not differ between healthy women and patients with PCOS but were significantly higher in CAH patients (p = 0.025). CAH patients were similarly obese as PCOS women, but they showed increased testosterone (p = 0.009), 11-ketotestosterone (p = 0.046), 17-OH-progesterone (p < 0.001), and insulin levels (p = 0.043), and lower luteinizing hormone (p = 0.002) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels (p = 0.004). In the PCOS group, the fasting GLP-1 levels were positively related to BMI (r = +0.327; p = 0.024) but not to other hormonal or metabolic indices.

Conclusions
Our results show increased fasting GLP-1 and insulin levels in CAH individuals compared with PCOS patients but similar fasting GLP-1 levels in PCOS and healthy women. Further studies are necessary to clarify the incretin effects and the role of incretin-based therapy in women with different hyperandrogenic states and increased metabolic risk.
The Impact of Inherited Thrombophilia on First Trimester Combined Aneuploidy Screening Parameters
Authors: Kirovakov Z. , Hinkova N. , Konova E. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective. To investigate the impact of thrombophilia on pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the nuchal translucency (NT) during the first trimester of the pregnancy.

Material and Methods. A case-control research study was conducted at a prenatal outpatient unit of a tertiary referral hospital in Burgas, Bulgaria, between January 1st, 2021 and March 31st, 2023. A total of 309 pregnant women patients with congenital thrombophilia took part in the experimental research of the study, while 150 healthy pregnant women patients without evidence of thrombophilia were the control sample.

Results. A statistically significant difference in the pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), t(369) = 1.028, p < 0.05 between the two groups, with the experimental group reporting lower multiples of median (MoM) values as compared to the control group. The results showed statistically significant differences in the median values of PAPP-A and NT between the different types of inherited thrombophilia but no statistically significant difference in the median values of HCG. The results showed no statistically significant difference in age, gravidity, or parity between the experimental and control groups.

Conclusion. The first trimester combined aneuploidy screening parameters are important in prenatal detection of the pregnancy status for identification of any variations in terms of chromosomal and fetal structural anomalies. Inherited thrombophilia adversely impacts the aneuploidy screening parameters during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Prostaglandin F2A Disturbs Oogenesis by Causing Meiotic Spindle Damage
Authors: Kolarov A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
According to recent data, prostaglandin F2 alpha can have a negative influence on meiosis during oogenesis. Previously, we have found that this prostaglandin may accelerate in a dosage-dependent way the postovulatory aging in ovulated mature oocytes, compromising the integrity of their meiotic spindles.

Aim. The study aimed to investigate the effects of prostaglandin F2α on the course and outcome of oocyte meiosis in a mouse model.

Materials and Methods. Mouse oocytes were matured in vitro in the presence of prostaglandin F2α in a concentration of 100 ng/ml. Their meiotic stage, spindle morphology and chromosome arrangement were assessed by immunofluorescent labeling of tubulin and fluorescent staining of DNA.

Results. We obtained a higher percentage of immature oocytes in metaphase I after the treatment than in untreated control oocytes. In addition, there were specific morphological changes in the meiotic spindles of oocytes exposed to prostaglandin F2α associated with a reduced number of fibers.

Conclusion. It is probable that prostaglandin F2α has an impact on the microtubule dynamics of the meiotic spindle that can prevent the transition of maturing oocytes to the second meiotic division, most likely by triggering the spindle assembly checkpoint.
A Rare Case of a Patient with a Myocardial Bridge in Combination with Bicuspid Valve and Subaortic Stenosis
Authors: Stoitsev G. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Combined congenital heart defects in adults are very rare, and knowledge of their diagnostic-therapeutic approach is of interest to specialists. Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a heart disease of unclear etiology and variable clinical manifestation. In some cases, SAS is described in combination with a congenital bicuspid aortic valve, but a real rarity is the combination of the listed lesions with the non-obstructive coronary stenosis caused by a myocardial bridge. A middle-aged woman with chest pain and dyspnea during minimal physical exertion, that subsides after rest, was referred for surgery. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular hypertrophy with preserved systolic function without anomalies of cardiac wall motion. A dynamic gradient was observed in the left ventricular outflow tract reaching up to 90 mmHg. Bicuspid aortic valve was presented with high-grade regurgitation. The picture of myocardial ischemia was complemented by selective coronary angiography demonstrating a rarely presented myocardial bridge over the left anterior descending coronary artery. The diagnostic approach and surgical corrections performed are the subject of this report.
Advanced Breast Cancer: Case Reports and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Sopotenski S. , Aleksandrova E. , Petrov S. , Lytvynenko I. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Breast cancer is a pathology associated with high morbidity and mortality among women of all nations worldwide. The low efficiency or total absence of national screening programs, the presence of comorbid mental illnesses or dementia, general lack of information and underestimation of the problem among patients are factors that often lead to late diagnosis of breast cancer and, as a result, to high mortality. The article presents 2 clinical cases of advanced breast cancer in women who underwent surgical treatment in our clinic, which demonstrate the necessity of emergency reconstruction of Bulgarian national screening program. A brief statistical analysis of morbidity, mortality and effectiveness of screening in different countries is conducted.
A Clinical Case of a 10-Month-Old Child with Severe COVID-19 with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Ended Fatally
Authors: Parusheva P. , Pekova L. , Angelova S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was assumed that children were at low risk of infection and that their infection was milder than adults. With an increase in the number of pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with manifestations of hyperinflammation, the condition of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was defined. We present a clinical case of a 10-month-old male child hospitalized in the Clinic of Infectious Diseases at University Hospital in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, with a COVID-19. The patient had a number of co-morbidities, including protein-calorie malnutrition, chronic respiratory failure and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. During the hospital stay, he had an active diarrhea syndrome, with evidence of pneumonia and respiratory failure. In the clinical course, a progressive worsening of the condition with signs of multiple organ failure, increase in inflammatory markers and deterioration of coagulation indicators were observed. Placement in the ICU and the inclusion of artificial pulmonary ventilation were required, but after an 18-day hospital stay, the patient died. In conclusion, this was an acute case of COVID-19 in an infant that started with respiratory and gastrointestinal manifestations that progressed to MIS-C with multiple organ failure leading to death. We believe that the reason for this is the compromised immune status in connection with the highly damaged premorbid terrain and young age.
Current Development of Virotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Brief Review
Authors: Sasmana I. , Putri P. , Dewi N. , Supadmanaba I. , Wihandani D. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Breast cancer is the cancer with the greatest incidence in the world by 2020. This cancer has a high mortality rate, has the capability of metastasizing, and causes damage to important organs of the human body. Therefore, a lot of studies have been done to find the best therapy to overcome this problem. However, cancer has various special abilities that make it survive and continue to invade its host body, for example, the ability to evade its host immune system by several mechanisms. One of the potential cancer therapies is virotherapy. Virotherapy is a therapeutic method using viruses to destroy cancer cells. Several mechanisms can be provided by viruses, such as stimulating the host immune system and inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. Especially for breast cancer, there are 4 groups of viruses based on their genome that have oncolytic capability, such as the dsDNA, dsRNA, + ssRNA, and -ssRNA groups. Currently, there are several therapeutic virotherapy-based modalities for breast cancer that are in clinical trial phases. Each trial has shown positive results in developing virotherapy for breast cancer.
High Colchicine Doses Are Really Silver Bullets Against COVID-19
Authors: Mitev V. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The numerous attempts to prove a therapeutic effect of low-dose colchicine for the treatment of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) have been discouraging. Increase of doses, however, leads to accumulation in leukocytes and inhibition of the cytokine storm thus preventing COVID-19 complications and hospitalizations. Hospital mortality drops up to 7-fold, while outpatients practically do not reach hospitalization.
A review of the red mud utilization possibilities
Authors: Vuković Jelena , Perušić Mitar , Stopić Srećko , Kostić Duško , Smiljanić Slavko , Filipović Radislav , Damjanović Vladimir 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Red mud, a voluminous industrial waste produced during the Bayer process in the alumina industry, has numerous application possibilities across various fields. Its potential uses are diverse, ranging from the construction industry and metallurgy to environmental protection and agriculture. There are three main aspects of red mud utilization. First, it can be analyzed from the point of view of resource utilization, where it could be applied as raw material mostly in the construction industry. Second, it could be a useful source of valuable components, such as rare earths and metals, especially iron. Third, red mud could have different environmental applications, in wastewater treatment, soil remediation, etc.The paper summarizes current data on red mud utilization methods and aims to emphasize the potential for red mud utilization in various fields.
Generational Perspectives and Motivations within the Gig Economy in Slovenia
Authors: Huđek Ivona 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper aims to examine how the gig economy, as a global trend that is transforming labour markets worldwide, manifests itself in a smaller economy such as Slovenia. Specifically, the paper focuses on how this trend is manifested among Slovenian freelancers, with an emphasis on generational differences. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square test, were used in the study to explore perceptions and generational differences and to determine whether they are statistically significant. The results show that both younger and older individuals are likely to choose freelance work due to the need for flexibility and independence in project selection, reflecting their desire for greater control over their personal and professional lives. In addition, the research reveals a perception of insufficient support for such new types of careers and a need for educational programmes to improve skills and awareness of the digital labour market. The findings suggest the need for targeted policy measures to support freelancers of different age groups by implementing comprehensive government programs that promote lifelong learning and upskilling, enable the development of local coworking spaces, provide digital market information and include entrepreneurship education and digital literacy in school curricula to strengthen freelance careers, making them sustainable and contributing economically to regional development.
Digital Transformation in Tourism: The Role of E-Booking Systems
Authors: Vlahović Olivera , Rađenović Žarko , Perović Djurdjica , Vujačić Vesna , Davidović Kristina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The tourism industry has undergone significant transformation with the rise of digital technologies, particularly online booking systems. E-booking platforms have revolutionised how customers plan and book their travel, offering convenience, cost-efficiency, and the ability to access real-time information through smartphones and other digital devices. These systems not only streamline administrative and operational tasks for businesses but also provide valuable insights by analysing customer data to tailor services and predict trends. This study explores the critical role of e-booking in the digital era of tourism, employing cluster analysis to group countries by their adoption and performance of e-booking services. The findings highlight the growing global reliance on e-booking platforms and their potential to enhance the customer experience and optimise business operations.
Children’s Creative Storytelling Processes: A Cross-Cultural Study in the United States and Spain
Authors: Hoffmann Jessica D. , Ivcevic Zorana , Lin Shengjie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Creativity is contextual; opportunities for and ways of being creative vary by culture. While studies have documented the differences between creative behavior in Eastern and Western cultures, comparisons between the United States and Western European nations have been much rarer. This paper presents research comparing the creative storytelling of children in the United States and Spain. Moreover, instead of focusing only on differences in mean scores, we ask a different question—what predicts ratings of children’s creative storytelling from different cultures? Results show that in the U.S., only novelty predicted ratings of creativity, but in Spain, novelty and the use of emotions independently predicted ratings of story creativity. Several explanations for these observed differences are discussed, including differences in overall culture, as well as possible differences in socialization at school. We discuss how cultural values and national identity contribute to how children approach creative tasks.
Theologie der Taufe bei Thomas von Aquin: “Das zur Gnade befähigende Prägemal”
Authors: Osb Martin Kammerer 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In einer zunehmend säkularisierten westlichen Welt stellt sich die pastorale Frage nach der Sinnhaftigkeit der Taufe von Kleinkindern. Das Bekenntnis der Eltern und Paten muss gleichsam für die Täuflinge garantieren. Im fortgeschrittenen Umbruch von der Volkskirche zur Bekenntniskirche erscheint dies herausfordernd. Soll den Kleinkindern die Taufe gespendet werden, wenn das Bekenntnis der Eltern unklar ist oder nur formell ausgesprochen erscheint? Die Tauftheologie des Thomas von Aquin hilft bei der Beantwortung dieser Frage. Die Taufe setzt nach dem Doctor Angelicus einerseits den Glauben voraus und kann andererseits als Prägemal zur Gnade des Glaubens befähigen. Das Prägemal verlangt gleichsam nach einer Hinführung zum Glauben, die Befähigung nach dem Vollzug.
The Goodness of Creatures in Aquinas‘ Reading of the Wisdom Books
Authors: Ang Kenny 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article explores Aquinas’ conception of the goodness of creatures in the light of his commentaries on wisdom literature. Leveraging the Index Thomisticus, relevant passages from Aquinas’ commentaries on wisdom books and their corresponding scriptural verses related to creation are identified. His non-exegetical works are also scrutinized for references to these verses. Through this examination, Aquinas emerges as affirming that God’s love encompasses all creatures, including the devil. Aquinas associates God with all that is good but also emphasizes the original goodness of demons and attributes the source of evil to the will of rational beings.
The Logic of the Identity of Being and Goodness and a Moral Argument for Theism
Authors: Mosteller Timothy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In section 1 of this paper, I consider the logical validity of four versions of Aquinas’ arguments to this conclusion that being and good are identical, as presented by Stump and Kretzmann. Subsequently, I formalize the arguments in order to make their validity logically explicit. In section 2, I show how the formal reality of the identity of being grounds moral arguments for theism. In section 3, I then consider the application of this formal reality, to a simplified contemporary “moral argument” for theism. I argue that Aquinas’ arguments for the identity of being and goodness should play a vital role in moral arguments for theism to militate against atheistic objections to them.
The Motion of the Soul: Thomas Aquinas and Albert the Great on the Passions
Authors: Matsumura Ryosuke 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper examines Aquinas’ and Albert’s respective interpretations of the term “motion” in Damasecene’s definitions of the passion. Although they have a common understanding of the term within an Aristotelian context, they hold differing attitudes toward it: Albert denies that passion is motion, saying that it is quality left from motion, whereas Aquinas affirms the notion of passion as motion. In this paper I expound on the difficulties Albert has with the term and how Aquinas resolves them. I argue that Aquinas successfully addresses the Albert’s difficulties, thus establishing a foundation for a more refined understanding of human psychology in relation to ethical behaviour.
Proceedings of the Second Symposium of the Dionysius Circle: Beauty and Divine Processions: Synthesizing Dionysius, Thomas Aquinas and their Interpretive Traditions
Authors: Spencer Mark K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Dionysius’ account of God’s processions has been interpreted in a range of ways. Thomas Aquinas interprets divine processions as created likenesses of God. The Byzantine tradition interprets them as ἐνέργειαι in God. Neoplatonist readers of Dionysius read them as both divine self-differentiations and activities performed by creatures. Each reading can accommodate some of Dionysius’ claims, but not others. After considering reasons for and against each interpretation, I show how Dionysius’ texts on beauty, which present a phenomenological metaphysics of beauty, provide grounds for synthesizing significant aspects of each. The paper closes with a presentation of that synthesis.