bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TOWARDS INSTITUTIONALIZING INTERNATIONAL MEDIATION
Authors: Gashparova Vassilena 
Published: March 2024

The obligation to settle international disputes through peaceful means is one of the most fundamental principles of international relations. A variety of dispute resolution mechanisms are at the disposal of states to resolve international disputes. Mediation is undoubtedly one of the most effective dispute-resolution means. However, unlike arbitration and adjudication, there is a lack of consistency in mediation approaches and standards of practice. A careful analysis of international disputes resolved in contemporary history reveals that the facilitators who purport to be mediators do not always comply with fundamental principles of mediation, namely independence, impartiality, and neutrality.
This article calls for the institutionalization of international mediation through a permanent independent entity. It argues that institutionalizing mediation is the only way to achieve a reasonable degree of standardization of mediation practices and approaches. The proposed institutionalization will inevitably make mediation more accessible to disputing parties, resulting in a greater number of conflicts being settled through mediation. Institutionalization will also promote research and academic literature in international mediation, bringing about further professionalization of the field.
The first part of this article draws a distinction between judicial dispute resolution mechanisms and diplomatic dispute resolution mechanisms, including mediation, which continues to evolve in an organic and unsystematic manner. The second part explores well-known international conflicts that have been successfully or unsuccessfully mediated by prominent individuals, namely the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Heads of state, religious leaders, and other dignitaries. The third and last part of the article makes a case that the UN, states, international organizations, religious leaders, and other prominent individuals are rarely, if ever, suitable mediators because they are not independent, impartial, or neutral for a variety of reasons. The logical conclusion to which the analysis leads is that it is high time to institutionalize international mediation by establishing a permanent independent entity entrusted with mediating international disputes.
Demography as a priority and an integral indicator of the effectiveness of strategic planning
Authors: Ishchenko Alexander Alekseevich 
Published: March 2024

The current stage of development of the Russian Federation poses new challenges at the state level. Strategic planning is one of the foundations for the stable and full-fledged development of the state and society in various spheres of life. Demography and demographic indicators are important areas in strategic planning with strong development potential. It has been established that the Russian Federation faces many demographic problems due to various reasons. At the same time, the very concept of demography is multidimensional, related to key areas in the social sphere. In this context, demography is a priority and an integral indicator of the effectiveness of strategic planning. Solving demographic problems through the use of strategic planning tools will improve the quality of life of the population, increase the level of healthcare and other socially significant development indicators. The article uses both general scientific research methods such as system analysis, logic, deduction and induction, etc. And specifically legal ones, such as analogy of law and analysis of legislation. As a result of the work, the following conclusions were made: 1. Demography is an important national priority and can be considered as an integral indicator of the effectiveness of strategic planning. 2. Demographic problems for the Russian Federation at this stage are generally recognized and acute. It is necessary to strengthen the quality of strategic planning in this area in conjunction with the implementation of strategies in other areas. 3. Demography is a complex component phenomenon that includes many components. 4. Issues of demography, development in this area and problem solving through the implementation of strategies should be addressed, including using data on the quality of life of the population. The latter should be understood as a fairly extensive set of factors representing the living conditions of individuals and society as a whole. 5. The current legal mechanism of strategic planning in the demographic sphere should be implemented taking into account the principles of administrative law.
Association Between Altmetrics and Traditional Bibliometrics in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association and The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Authors: Casciato Dominick J. , Olivová Jana , Singh Bibi N. 
Published: March 2024

Background: As the dissemination of scientific knowledge pervades social media, appraising impact with traditional bibliometrics led to the creation of alternative metrics, termed altmetrics. Lacking existent foot and ankle surgery literature altmetric analysis, we analyzed the 10 most-cited articles in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA) and The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (JFAS) in 2013 and 2017.
Methods: Citation count, Altmetric Attention Score (AAS), Mendeley Reads, and professional society–affiliated Twitter ages were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Pearson correlation coefficient identified relationships between traditional and nontraditional metrics.
Results: The 40 articles showed a high median and large range in total citations for JAPMA (13.5 [range, 5–27]) and JFAS (28 [range, 5–69]). Media AAS Mendeley Reads also showed a high median with wide range for both JAPMA (32.5 [range, 0–135]) and JFAS (25 [range, 0–113)]. No significant correlation between total citations and AAS was seen in 2013 (r = –0.205; P = .388) or 2017 (r = –0.029; P = .903). The correlation between total citation count and Mendeley reads was significant in 2017 (r = 0.646; P = .002) but not in 2013 (r = –0.078; P = .744). Although cumulative AAS increased from 2013 to 2017 by 68.75%, with Twitter contributing most to both periods, there existed no significant correlation with Twitter age and the correlation coefficient between AAS and total citations (r = 0.655; P = .173).
Conclusions: The results of this investigation show the utility and predictivity of alternative metrics in complementing traditional bibliometrics and encourage the promotion of publications through journal-specific social media.
Association of Anatomical Location of Neuroarthropathic (Charcot’s) Destruction with Age-and Sex-Matched Bone Mineral Density Reduction
Authors: Verdin Craig J. , Botek Georgeanne G. , Miller John David , Kingsley James D. , Plyler Danny 
Published: March 2024

Background: It is well documented that diabetes has a systemic impact on bone mineral density. Recent literature has evaluated the relationship between the development of Charcot neuroarthropathy and reduced local bone mineral density; however, it is not clear if there is an association between osteoporosis/osteopenia and Charcot onset, or, even further, location of neuroarthropathic breakdown.
Methods: We retrospectively identified and assessed 39 patients with 41 feet (4 bilateral) with a history of Charcot breakdown who underwent a bone mineral density scan over a 15-year period. Demographic, radiographic, and bone mineral density information was analyzed.
Results: The average patient age at the time of bone mineral density scan was 53.44 ± 8.09 years, and 52.77 ± 8.19 years at the time of Charcot diagnosis. Four feet were considered Sanders-Frykberg I (9.3%), 17 were Sanders-Frykberg II (39.5%), ten were Sanders-Frykberg III (23.3%), and 12 were Sanders-Frkyberg IV/V (27.9%). Neuroarthropathic breakdown of the rearfoot region (Sanders-Frykberg IV/V) was found to be associated and preceded by osteoporosis and osteopenia at the hip as demonstrated by a lower Z-score (P = 0.05). Charcot neuroarthropathy was not associated with poor bone health or loss of bone mineral density at the femoral neck, forearm, or lumbar spine.
Conclusions: We believe that the present findings suggest a possible relationship between osteoporosis/osteopenia and the location of CN development. With these findings in mind, we conclude that patients with diabetic skeletal fragility may benefit from treatment of underlying poor bone mineral density to prevent the onset of Charcot neuroarthropathy.
Assessment of Ingrown Toenails Treated with Nail Fold Cryotherapy in Adolescent Patients: An Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Turan Çağrı , Metin Nurcan 
Published: March 2024

Background: Cryotherapy reduces pain by making some reversible functional changes in peripheral nerves. It has also been reported to have a positive effect on the regression of inflammation and granulation tissue. Few studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of nail fold cryotherapy in ingrown toenails (IGTN) in adults, and there are no studies in the pediatric population. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of cryotherapy applied to the nail fold in juvenile IGTN.
Methods: This study was conducted in adolescent patients aged 12 to 16 years with unilateral juvenile IGTN. Liquid nitrogen was sprayed into the nail fold for 10 to 15 seconds with a double freeze-thaw cycle. The effectiveness of cryotherapy was interpreted by the clinician’s decision, the improvement in visual analogue scale score, Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index score, and granulation tissue.
Results: According to the physician, good efficacy was achieved in 91.7% of patients (n = 22 of 24). We found that 54.5% of them (n = 12 of 22) were still in remission after 6 months. Rates of complete regression in granulation tissue were pronouncedly less in sizes larger than 5 mm (≤5 mm, 55.6%; >5 mm, 16.7%). However, adequate symptomatic relief was observed in 83.3% of stage 3 patients, even if complete granulation tissue response was not achieved yet. Significant improvements in visual analogue scale and the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index scores were observed after cryotherapy (P < .05).
Conclusions: Nail fold cryotherapy is a useful alternative among conservative methods because of its rapid and high efficiency (91.7%), especially in mild to moderate cases, despite the high recurrence rates (45.5%) in juvenile IGTN.
Winograd Wedge Resection Matrixectomy versus Partial Nail Avulsion with Chemical Cautery: A Tertiary Institution’s Clinical Outcomes and Proposed Triaging Protocol
Authors: Wong Seng Juong , Heng Marabelle Li-Wen , Kwok Siew-Keong , Koo Kevin O. T. , Yeo Nicholas E. M. 
Published: March 2024

Background: Onychocryptosis, or ingrown toenail, is a common condition affecting patients of varying age groups, although usually, younger patients are affected.
Methods: We compared two techniques used in our institution: Winograd wedge resection with matrixectomy (WG-M) versus partial nail avulsion with phenolization of the nail matrix (PNA-P).
Results: Primary outcomes of interest were presence of nail regrowth and patient satisfaction postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain (within the first 2 weeks and after 2 weeks), postoperative inflammation, and healing time. A total of 65 patients were included in this study: 44 patients (19 female and 25 male patients), with a mean age of 45.7 years (range, 16–83 years) underwent WG-M in the orthopedic surgery department, whereas a total of 21 patients (10 female and 11 male patients), with a mean age of 44.5 years (range, 13 to 75 years) underwent PNA-P in the podiatry department. In patients who underwent WG-M, there was one case of regrowth (2.3%) compared with no regrowth cases (0%) in the PNA-P group. There was no significant difference in regrowth rate between the two procedures (P = .494). The satisfaction rate was high for both procedures: 100% patients in the WG-M group rated themselves better than before surgery, compared with 95.7% in the PNA-P group.
Conclusions: From our study, we conclude that both techniques (WG-M and PNA-P) are able to achieve similar clinical outcomes, with the PNA-P procedure being less invasive and less resource intensive, and also achieving a shorter healing time.
Achilles Tendon Stiffness in the Etiology of Sever Disease: A Shear Wave Elastography Study
Authors: Sensoz Ersin , Edız Suna Sahın , Sevım Omer Faruk , Ergun Selim , Eceviz Engin 
Published: March 2024

Background: Sever disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain in growing children and adolescents. There is no consensus about etiology of Sever disease.
Methods: The study comprised 41 participants aged 8 to 13 years who visited the orthopedic outpatient clinic: 17 patients with Sever disease and 24 asymptomatic children. The middle third segment of the body of the Achilles tendon and the calcaneal insertion zone were separately assessed. Five measuring points for the quantitative value of each point were randomly selected. The color scale used in the Young’s modulus shows the lowest values in blue and the highest values in red. The mean values were used for the statistical analysis.
Results: Less elasticity was detected at the insertional site for the control group (4.02 kPa versus 3.65 kPa), the situation was reversed in the body of the Achilles tendon and the elasticity of the study group was less than that of the control group (241.0 kPa versus 260.5 kPa). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups.
Conclusions: In conclusion, no difference was found in Achilles tendon elasticity between patients with Sever disease and healthy individuals in both the tendon body and the calcaneal insertionof the tendon. Achilles tendon elasticity has not been found to play a role in the etiology of Sever disease.
Evaluation of In vitro Antioxidant Activities and In vivo Antidiabetic Activity of Hygrophila schulli (Buch.-Ham.) Leaf Extract
Authors: Ahmed Md. Sohan , Ashhab Md. Atiq , Haque Md. Muhaimanul , Raji Md. Mehebub Al , Rohman Mokhleshur , Juthi Zakia Sultana , Islam Mohammad Amirul 
Published: March 2024

Background: Hygrophila schulli, a medicinal herb, has traditionally been used to treat a wide range of ailments such as diarrhoea, dysentery, and cough. The aim of this experiment was to seek the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of the methanolic extract of H. schulli leaf (MEHL) by in vitro and in vivo study.
Methods: Methanol was used as a solvent to extract H. schulli leaves. In vitro antioxidant activity of MEHL was determined by DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assay and in vitro antidiabetic activity was revealed by α-amylase inhibition assay and α-glucosidase inhibition assay. To explore in vivo antidiabetic properties, diabetes was induced in Swiss albno mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight. Swiss albino mice were separated into five groups (normal and diabetic) and orally treated with normal pellet diet, water (normal control and diabetic control), glibenclamide (5 mg/kg BW), and MEHL (100 and 200 mg/kg BW).
Results: MEHL showed significant scavenging activity in DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assay (IC 50 value is 105.80 µg/mL and 27.47 µg/mL respectively). In the α-amylase inhibition assay, MEHL at a concentration of 120 g/mL inhibited α-amylase activity by 23.13%, furthermore, at 100 g/mL concentration of MEHL, 55.62% inhibition of α-glucosidase activity was detected. Diabetic mice treated with MEHL exhibited a significant decrease in blood glucose levels by 12.66%-33.45% from the 5th to the 21st day in the in vivo assay at a concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight. MEHL significantly reduced the activity of serum SGPT and SGOT in diabetic mice as compared to the control group. In diabetic mice, the extract improved TG, TC, LDL, HDL, and VLDL levels as compared to untreated mice.
Conclusion: The current study indicated that H. schulli leaf extract is a natural source of antioxidants, has substantial antidiabetic effects and enhances lipid profile markers in diabetic mice and may be utilized as an alternate therapy for diabetes control.
Chlamydia Infection among Women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and Association with Socio-Demographic Factors
Authors: Ikpeama Roseanne Adah , Ogbonnie Enyinnaya Stella , Nyenke Clement Ugochukwu , Nwankwo Lovina , Onosakponome Evelyn Orevaoghene 
Published: March 2024

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterium invades "wet" (mucous membranes) bodily parts such as the epididymis and genital tracts. It can also infect the throat, anus and rectum. In addition, it can infect the eyes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of chlamydia infection among women and its association with socio-demographic factors in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) , Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out using the samples of randomly selected 450 female participants of reproductive age to assay for chlamydial infection using ELISA method. The participants were classified into four groups; HIV patients (HP), pregnant women (PTW), out-patient (OP) and healthy volunteer (HV). Socio-demographic data (age, education, occupation and marital status) were obtained from well-structured questionnaires that were distributed to the participants who volunteered to partake in the study. The questionnaires entailed questions on selected sociodemographic characteristics. The result showed there no significant association (p>0.05) between chlamydiosis and age. Similarly, there was no significant relationship between education and chlamydiosis. Again, there was no connection between occupation and chlamydiosis. Finally, there was no link between marital status and chlamydiosis. This study has shown that there is no association between selected socio-demographic factors and chlamydial infection among women attending RSUTH.
Distribution of water quality parameters in two cross‐sections of the river Elbe measured with high local, temporal, and analytic resolution
Authors: Böhme Michael 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe river Elbe is a large eutrophic lowland river with high primary production and high phytoplankton biomass in the growing season. The objective of the study was to gain basic knowledge of the role of dead zones for phytoplankton distribution and the oxygen balance of the river Elbe. At two sampling stations water temperature, oxygen concentration, conductivity, pH value, turbidity, and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured with high precision to learn about the distribution of these parameters across the cross‐sections. The structures indicate differences in the intensity of physical and biological processes between the shallow waters near the shores, which are characterized by groyne fields, and the deep bulk flow. The conductivity clearly shows the high transverse mixing intensity in the groyne fields in contrast to the bulk flow. Groyne fields and the first, the groyne head near margin lamella of the bulk flow can be regarded as a unit. Groyne field results indicate higher primary production of phytoplankton, oxygen release, and higher pH. The turbidity of water entering the groyne fields decreases rapidly because of sedimentation within a short time. The groyne head lamella of the bulk flow sometimes shows higher chlorophyll fluorescence than the central lamella of the bulk flow and the water of the groyne field. The processes which contribute to the observed distribution are discussed, but could not yet be quantified. A modification of the dead zone model is proposed.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection for initially irresectable colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Capussotti L , Muratore A , Mulas M M , Massucco P , Aglietta M 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Hepatic surgery is the treatment of choice for resectable colorectal liver metastases. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can downstage the tumour and enable surgery in up to 38 per cent of patients whose tumours were initially considered irresectable.

Methods
This prospective study included 150 patients who underwent hepatic resection over a 4-year period. One hundred and sixteen patients had resection without neoadjuvant chemotherapy (group 1) and 34 had chemotherapy before liver surgery (group 2). Perioperative features, survival and pattern of recurrence were compared.

Results
Median follow-up was 35·1 months. The in-hospital mortality rate was zero. Three-year overall survival in the two groups was comparable (P = 0·232). The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 21 per cent in the neoadjuvant group compared with 50·5 per cent in the immediate resection group (P &lt; 0·001). Recurrence rates were 94 per cent (32 of 34) in group 1 and 66·4 per cent in group 2 (P = 0·001); extrahepatic recurrence, alone or associated with recurrence in the liver, was significantly more common in group 2 than in group 1 (78 versus 55 per cent; P = 0·016). Multivariate analysis revealed that resection of the recurrence was the most important independent prognostic factor for improved disease-free survival (relative risk 0·2; P &lt; 0·001). Patients in group 2 had reduced disease-free survival (RR 1·8; P = 0·012).

Conclusion
The recurrence rate among patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery for initially irresectable liver metastases was extremely high. Re-resection should be attempted whenever feasible.
Nicotine modulation of stress‐related peptide neurons
Authors: Loughlin Sandra E. , Islas Michelle I. , Cheng Michelle Y. , Lee Alex G. , Villegier Anne‐Sophie , Leslie Frances M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractNicotine has been shown to activate stress‐related brain nuclei, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA), through complex mechanisms involving direct and indirect pathways. To determine the neurochemical identities of rat brain neurons which are activated by a low dose (0.175 mg/kg) of nicotine given 30 minutes before sacrifice, we have used single‐ and double‐label in situ hybridization. Neuronal activation was quantified by localization of 35S‐labeled probe for the immediate early gene, c‐fos. Corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), enkephalin (ENK), and dynorphin (DYN) mRNAs were colocalized using a colorimetric, digoxigenin‐labeled probe. Film autoradiographic studies showed that nicotine significantly increased c‐fos mRNA expression in both PVN and CEA. Pretreatment with the centrally acting nicotinic antagonist, mecamylamine (1 mg/kg), blocked nicotine's effects, whereas pretreatment with the peripherally acting antagonist, hexamethonium (5 mg/kg), did not, indicating that c‐fos induction was mediated by a central nicotinic receptor. Double labeling studies showed that nicotine induced c‐fos expression within CRF cells in the PVN, as well as in a small population of ENK cells, but not in PVN DYN cells. In contrast, there was no significant nicotine‐induced increase in c‐fos expression in CEA CRF or DYN cells, whereas nicotine treatment did increase c‐fos expression within CEA ENK cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 497:575–588, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.