bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The surveillance of plague among rodents and dogs in Western Iran
Authors: Esmaeili Saber , Mahmoudi Ahmad , Esmaeili Parisa , Yousefi Ghalejoogh Zohreh , Mordadi Alireza , Ghasemi Ahmad , Mohammadi Ali , Bagheri Amin , Sohrabi Aria , Latifian Mina , Rajerison Minoarisoa , Pizarro-Cerda Javier , Mostafavi Ehsan 
Published: November 2023

Background
The causative agent of plague, Yersinia pestis, is maintained in nature via a flea-rodent cycle. Western Iran is an old focus for plague, and recent data indicate that rodents and dogs in this region have serological evidence of Y. pestis infection. The purpose of this study was to conduct a large-scale investigation of Y. pestis infection in shepherd dogs, rodents, and their fleas in old foci for plague in Western Iran.

Materials and methods
This study was conducted in Hamadan province from 2014 to 2020. Rodents and fleas were collected from various locations throughout this region. Y. pestis was investigated in rodent spleen samples and fleas using culture, serology, and real-time PCR methods. Additionally, sera samples were collected from carnivores and hares in this region, and the IgG antibody against the Y. pestis F1 antigen was assessed using an ELISA.

Results
In this study, 927 rodents were captured, with Meriones spp. (91.8%) and Microtus qazvinensis (2.6%) being the most prevalent. A total of 6051 fleas were collected from rodents and carnivores, most of which were isolated from Meriones persicus. None of the rodents or fleas examined tested positive for Y. pestis using real-time PCR and culture methods. Meanwhile, IgG antibodies were detected in 0.32% of rodents. All serologically positive rodents belonged to M. persicus. Furthermore, none of the sera from the 138 carnivores (129 sheepdogs, five Vulpes vulpes, four Canis aureus), and nine hares tested positive in the ELISA test.

Conclusion
This primary survey of rodent reservoirs shows serological evidence of Y. pestis infection. Western Iran is an endemic plague focus, and as such, it requires ongoing surveillance.
The effects of COVID-19 mitigation measures on physical activity (PA) participation among adults in Rwanda: An online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nganabashaka Jean Pierre , Niyibizi Jean Berchmans , Umwali Ghislaine , Rulisa Stephen , M. Bavuma Charlotte , Byiringiro Jean Claude , Ntawuyirushintege Seleman , Niyomugabo Pierre Celestin , Izerimana Lambert , Tumusiime David 
Published: November 2023

Introduction
More than a third of the world’s population was under full or partial lockdown during COVID-19 by April 2020. Such mitigation measures might have affected participation in various Physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary time. This study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 mitigation measures on participation of adults in various PA types in Rwanda.

Methods
We collected data from conveniently selected participants at their respective PA sites. We assessed the variation in time spent doing in four types of PA (Work related PA, PA in and around home, transportation PA and recreation, sport, and leisure purpose) across different pandemic period. We also evaluated the sedentary time over the weekdays and on the weekends.

Results
A total of 1136 participants completed online assisted questionnaire. 71.4% were male, 83% of the study participants aged 18 to 35 years (mean = 29, (standard deviation = 7.79). Mean time spent doing vigorous PA as part of the work dropped from 84.5 minutes per day before COVID-19 to 58.6 minutes per day during lockdown and went back to 81.5 minutes per day after the lockdown. Time spent sitting on weekdays increased from 163 before COVID-19 to 244.5 minutes during lockdown and to 166.8 minutes after lockdown. Sitting time on weekend increased from 150 before COVID-19 to 235 minutes during lockdown and to 151 minutes after lockdown. Sleeping time on weekdays increased from 7.5 hours per day before COVID-19 to 9.9 hours during lockdown and to 7.5 hours after lockdown while it increased from 8 hours before COVID-19 to 10 hours during lockdown and to 8 hours per day after lockdown during weekends.

Conclusion
The study emphasizes the significance of diverse PA, including home-based programs, during pandemics like COVID-19. It suggests promoting PA types like work-related, transportation, and domestic works during lockdown and similar period.
Characteristics of patients with cystic fibrosis-dependent diabetes mellitus in childhood according to the register of patients with cystic fibrosis of the Russian Federation in 2021
Authors: Kondratyeva E. I. , Tlif A. I. , Voronkova A. Yu. , Amelina E. L. , Kashirskaya N. Yu. , Krasovsky S. A. , Starinova M. A. , Kuraeva T. L. 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the life expectancy of patients with CF has increased, which leads to an increase in the frequency of conditions associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism.AIM: to analyze the impact of cystic fibrosis-associated diabetes mellitus (CFDM) in children and adolescents on the course of cystic fibrosis according to the 2021 register of patients with cystic fibrosis of the Russian Federation (RF).MATERIALS AND METHODS: the data of the register of patients with cystic fibrosis of the Russian Federation for 2021 were analyzed. The study included 122 patients with diabetes mellitus requiring the use of insulin — 33 children (27%) and 89 adults (73%), the average age of children was 13.5±4.1, the average age of adult.patients aged 18 years and older was 27.4±6.6. To compare the course of cystic fibrosis in patients with and without diabetes mellitus, groups were formed that were comparable in age, gender, genotype — the group of patients without diabetes included 827 patients, 33 patients made up the group of patients with CFRD using insulin. Diagnostic criteria, indicators of respiratory function, microbiological status, nature of complications, volume of therapy were compared.RESULTS: Patients with CFRD have a lower FEV1 compared to children without diabetes mellitus — M±SD FEV1 (%) 85.2±27.5 in the group of patients without diabetes mellitus and M±SD FEV1 (%) 72.4±26.0 in patients with diabetes mellitus (p < 0.016), compared in the microbiological seeding groups — a trend towards more frequent chronic growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 54.50% versus 39.4% in the group without CFRD. An increase in MRSA was also more often detected — 9.1% compared with the group of children without diabetes — 3.1%. Antibacterial therapy is more commonly used — inhaled in 54.6% of patients without diabetes mellitus while children with CFRD received inhaled antibiotic therapy in 75.8% (p=0.017). There was a significant difference in the used antibacterial tablet therapy (p=0.013). A significant difference in the number of patients on oxygen therapy in the group with CFRD — 12.1%, versus 3.4% without CFRD (p=0.01) confirms a more severe course of cystic fibrosis in patients with CFRD.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CFDM with the need for insulin therapy among children in the Russian Federation is 1.3%. Cystic fibrosis-associated diabetes mellitus significantly worsens the course of cystic fibrosis in terms of lung function, the growth of gram-negative and resistant flora, the presence of severe complications and the frequent use of antibiotic therapy, which is obviously associated with frequent exacerbations of the bronchopulmonary process in cystic fibrosis in patients with developed cystic fibrosis-associated diabetes mellitus.
Endothelial dysfunction in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus or normoglycemia: assessment of specific markers
Authors: Pokrovskaya E. V. , Shestakova E. A. , Shestakova M. V. 
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND: One of the function of the endothelium is the maintenance of body's homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction is known to be profoundly implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The presence of diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risks of CVD. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often observed in obesity, however, there is a population of people with obesity, who do not develop T2DM for a long time.AIM: To compare the level of markers of endothelial dysfunction in two groups of individuals (without T2DM and with T2DM), as well as to evaluate the impact of cardioprotective medication (GPP-1 and SGLT-2) on these markers.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 2 groups of patients with obesity into this study: the 1st group with no carbohydrate metabolism disorders, the 2nd with T2DM. Several markers of endothelial dysfunction were evaluated: human von Willebrand factor (VWF), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), soluble form E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM1).RESULTS: A significant increase in sE-Selectin was seen in the group of patients with obesity and T2DM compared with those without carbohydrate metabolism disorders (46.65 [36.23; 66.66] vs 33.05 [22.1;53.31] ng/ml). There were no differences in the level of markers of endothelial dysfunction in the subgroups of patients with T2DM with HbA1c < 8% and >8%. There was also no effect of cardioprotective drugs (SGLT-2 and / or GPP-1) on any of endothelial dysfunction markers in individuals with T2DM.CONCLUSION: We suggest that an increase in sE-selectin may be an early marker of endothelial dysfunction in obese individuals and T2DM.
Management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic. Single center data from a tertiary care hospital in Germany
Authors: Andric Mihailo , Stockheim Jessica , Rahimli Mirhasan , Klös Michael , Esser Torben , Soldatovic Ivan , Dölling Maximilian , Al-Madhi Sara , Acciuffi Sara , Croner Roland , Perrakis Aristotelis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The unexpected global overload of the health system during COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in management of acute appendicitis worldwide. Whereas conservative treatment was widely recommended, the appendicectomy remained standard therapy in Germany. We aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on treatment routine for acute appendicitis at University Hospital of Magdeburg.

Methods
Adult patients with clinical and/or radiological diagnosis of acute appendicitis were included in the single center retrospective study. Data was collected to patient demographics, treatment modality and outcomes including morbidity and length of stay. The patient data related to COVID-19 period from March 22, 2020 to December 31, 2021 (649 days) were compared to the Non-COVID-19 period from June 12, 2018 to March 21, 2020 (649 days). Subgroup analysis related to conservative or surgical treatment has been performed.

Results
A total of 385 patients was included in the study, 203 (52.73 %) during Non-COVID-19 period and 182 (47.27 %) during COVID-19 period. Mean age of entire collective was 43.28 years, containing 43.9 % female patients (p=0.095). Conservative treatment was accomplished in 49 patients (12.7 % of entire collective), increasing from 9.9 % to 15.9 % during COVID-19 period (p=0.074). Laparoscopic appendicectomy was performed in 99.3 % (n=152) of operated patients during COVID-19 period (p=0.013), followed by less postoperative complications compared to reference period (23.5 % vs. 13.1 %, p=0.015). The initiation of antibiotic therapy after the diagnosis increased from 37.9 % to 53.3 % (p=0.002) during COVID-19 period regardless the following treatment modality. Antibiotic treatment showed shorter duration during pandemic period (5.57 days vs. 3.16 days, p<0.001) and it was given longer in the conservative treatment group (5.63 days vs. 4.26 days, p=0.02). The overall length of stay was shorter during COVID-19 period (4.67 days vs. 4.12 days, p=0.052) and in the conservative treatment group (3.08 days vs. 4.47 days, p<0.001). However, the overall morbidity was lower during the COVID-19 period than before (17.2 % vs. 7.7 %, p=0.005) and for conservative therapy compared to appendicectomy (2 % vs. 14.3 %, p=0.016). There was no mortality documented.

Conclusions
According to our findings the COVID-19 pandemic had a relevant impact on treatment of acute appendicitis, but it was possible to maintain the traditional diagnostic and treatment pathway. Although laparoscopic appendicectomy remains a recommended procedure, the conservative treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis with excellent short-term outcome can be a safe alternative to surgery during potential new wave of COVID-19 pandemic and in the daily routine.
Proof of concept: stabilized whole blood material suitable for external quality assessment of near-patient testing devices
Authors: Wütherich Jana , Zylla Stephanie , Bissé Emmanuel , Nauck Matthias , Petersmann Astrid 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Even though reliable glucose concentration measurements are essential in diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes mellitus, external quality assurance based on mandatory reference method values can only be conducted to a limited extent for measurements in whole blood. The reason is the lack of stabilized whole blood materials suitable for the application in glucose measurement devices used in near-patient testing.

Methods
Two patented whole blood stabilizers were tested using four commercially available near-patient testing devices and one patient self-testing device for plasma-referenced glucose measurements. Furthermore, a laboratory method for plasma-glucose measurements was included. Venous whole blood samples from 30 apparently healthy volunteers were used. Two whole blood samples (stabilizer A and B) per subject were kept at room temperature over the study period of seven days and aliquots were taken each day from the original sample for measurement on all devices. After venous puncture, left over whole blood from the collection system was used for immediate glucose measurements without stabilizer on the near-patient testing devices.

Results
Each investigated device gave stable results at least for one of the two stabilizers for a period of four days. Imprecision based on quality controls ranged between 1.7 and 4.8 % coefficient of variation for near-patient testing devices, but did not reflect observed variability in measurement results from stabilized and unstabilized whole blood in one device. In addition, a considerable deviation of 0.8 mmol/L was observed among the near-patient testing devices underlining the need for reference method values in external quality control.

Conclusions
Our study provides proof of concept that for each investigated device at least one stabilizer of glucose in whole blood shows a good performance for at least four days. Therefore, these stabilizers appear to be suitable candidate materials for external quality assessment of near-patient testing devices.
The North (ṣāpôn) in the Book of Jeremiah
Authors: Crouch C. L. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The »foe from the north« is a well-known trope in the book of Jeremiah. In 1989 David Reimer argued that this enemy should be understood as a nonspecific earthly enemy, with mythical overtones deriving from the location of Yhwh’s divine abode on Mount Zaphon. Contemporary historiographical debates, together with Otto Eißfeldt’s arguments for an Israelite tradition of a »mythischen Nordberg«, exerted significant influence on Reimer’s discussion. This article examines these presuppositions, reconsiders the evidence, and argues that Jeremiah’s enemy »from the north« is a simple geographical reference to the Babylonian Empire.
Is Azekah Really the Hometown of Micah the Morasthite?
Authors: Gass Erasmus , Zissu Boaz 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In a recent article, Oded Lipschits and Jakob Wöhrle argue for Tel Azekah as the hometown of the biblical prophet Micah of Moresheth Gath. However, the main arguments are not convincing and can easily be refuted. Above all, the overall rejection of the patristic sources is methodologically questionable and cannot stand up to scrutiny since the alleged contradictoriness does not exist within the Christian topographical tradition. Moreover, it can be shown that geographical, epigraphical, etymological and archaeological data were used in a one-sided and erroneous way.
Incertidumbre institucional y preferencias por forma de gobierno: la polarización en la elección presidencial de julio 2006 y la consolidación de la democracia en México
Authors: Sánchez y Sánchez Carlos Luis 
Published: November 2023

En este artículo se demuestra que existió una relación de correspondencia entre la polarización que, expresada en percepciones de certidumbre e incertidumbre institucional, surgió sobre la confiabilidad de la elección Presidencial de julio del 2006 y sus resultados y la preferencia o no por la democracia como forma de gobierno. Por otra parte se analizan los precedentes que llevaron a un resurgimiento de las percepciones de incertidumbre institucional en el contexto de la sucesión Presidencial. La evidencia principal proviene de la encuesta postelectoral realizada por el Proyecto de Elecciones Nacionales Comparadas. El trabajo concluye que la relación que se presenta tiene implicaciones para el proceso de consolidación democrática en México, el cual no puede trascender aún la etapa de la estabilización de las reglas electorales.Palabras clave: Consolidación Democrática, Polarización,Percepciones de Incertidumbre Institucional, Elecciones Presidenciales en México.
Relación entre el Poder Ejecutivo y el Poder Legislativo en materia de política exterior, el caso de Vicente Fox (2000-2006)
Authors: Reyes Díaz Roberto Rafael 
Published: November 2023

Este documento tiene por objetivo presentar la interrelación en materia de política exterior entre el poder ejecutivo y el poder legislativo durante el periodo 2000-2006. En ésta se manifestó una compleja relación entre poderes derivada de las facultades constitucionales de cada institución que participa en la elaboración, ejecución y evaluación de la política exterior. Además, se expondrá el control legislativo en la materia a través de los resultados del análisis de comparecencias, puntos de acuerdos e iniciativas de modificaciones jurídicas para el consenso de la política internacional. Palabras clave: Política exterior, relación entre poderes, presidencialismo, legislaturas, control legislativo.
Consideraciones en torno a los partidos políticos en México, sus procesos internos de selección y las elecciones de 2011 en el Estado de México
Authors: Castillo Vaquera Jorge G. , Montes de Oca Vázquez J. Policarpo 
Published: November 2023

El presente artículo analiza someramente el funcionamiento estructural de los partidos políticos, estableciendo una reflexión en particular en torno del principio de entidades de interés público y su congruencia, de lo cual se desprenden, como consecuencia, los ejercicios de coaliciones político-electorales entre partidos ideológicamente opuestos, partiendo de la hipótesis que tales fenómenos revelan actitudes e intereses de cúpulas partidarias y no de los ciudadanos. El eje conductor de estudio, a través del cual se generan los argumentos principales de este trabajo, es el Estado de México, donde se analizan tanto los procesos y estrategias de los partidos políticos para realizar su selección de candidatos como a los actores políticos que por intereses personales cambian de partido para obtener candidaturas. Este trabajo pretende ser a la vez analítico y propositivo para contribuir con la conformación de un mejor sistema de partidos en México. Palabras clave: Partidos políticos, selección de candidatos, coaliciones políticas, Entidades de interés público, sistema de partidos, Estado de México.
¿Por qué tenemos malos gobiernos en México?
Authors: Arellano Gault David 
Published: November 2023

El presente ensayo propone una reflexión respecto de la razón principal por la que en México podemos decir que se tienen, en general, malos gobiernos. La reflexión propone que no es por razones de fallas técnicas o de capacidad. Estas son cuestiones que pueden ser importantes pero no las definitivas. La idea que se propone es que los gobiernos en una democracia deben tener capacidad de lograr resultados en una contexto de competencia electoral, conflicto e intervención política permanente.Es por ello que los “buenos gobiernos” son en realidad técnicamente capaces pero dentro de un contexto plural y conflictivo, incierto y por lo tanto, alejado de soluciones tecnocráticas unilaterales. ¿Cómo lograr resultados, atenderlas necesidades de la ciudadanía y resolver problemas públicos? La primera y más importante lógica es cómo crear gobiernos políticamente capaces, abiertos, que debaten las ideas y explican las razones a un amplio espectro de actores y en un contexto político que no es olvidado ni negado, sino atendido y procesado administrativamente.Palabras clave: Gobierno, Gestión Pública, Ethos burocrático, Organizaciones públicas
Democracia y participación en los gobiernos locales: su importancia para la gestión pública y gobernanza locales en Méixico
Authors: García del Castillo Rodolfo 
Published: November 2023

Este trabajo parte de reconocer un estrecho vínculo entre la democracia participativa, la gestión y la gobernanza. Con las transformaciones políticas del país, en buena medida impulsadas desde los gobiernos locales, se identifica la necesidad de fortalecer los espacios de participación para otorgar sentido y legitimidad a la acción pública. Para acceder a una condición de auténtica gobernanza, se requiere de una ciudadanía con eficientes instrumentos participativos e involucrada en los procesos de decisión y acción públicos. La pregunta de fondo es saber hasta qué punto los municipios y sus gobiernos pueden cubrir estaexpectativa en el México de hoy.Palabras clave: Democracia participativa, gobernanza, participación, gestión y política pública local
¿Neo o post-neoliberalismo en la política social de México? Una comparación entre las estrategias de política seguidas durante la década del 2000 y la ¿nueva? estrategia del sexenio priísta (2012- 2018)
Authors: Rodríguez Gómez Katya 
Published: November 2023

En este artículo se discute el caso de la política social en México para preguntarse si la estrategia de política social que ha sido planteadas en el actual sexenio (2012-2018) constituye un cambio radical respecto a la estrategia de política de la década anterior, y resulta por tanto diferente al modelo de política social neo-liberal, para considerarse políticas posneoliberales. O si, por el contrario, no se haproducido ruptura alguna. Para ello, la primera parte discute brevemente las lógicas de política social que pueden situarse en una u otra estrategia. La segunda parte del documentoanaliza las características de las políticas sociales en México durante el período de 2000 a 2012 bajo los sexenios panistas. La tercera parte del documento describe y analiza el planteamiento de política social y los primeros intentos de implementación de la misma en el sexenio (2012-2018). La última parte responde a la pregunta enunciada.Palabras Clave: Política social, México, Neoliberalismo, Post-neoliberalismo, pobreza
Equilibrios de poder en las entidades federativas. Estudio longitudinal de las legislaturas locales en México en el periodo 2000-2014
Authors: Montero Bagatella Juan Carlos 
Published: November 2023

Las entidades federativas reprodujeron el diseño institucional del presidencialismo mexicano. Sin embargo, no han reproducido de la misma manera el proceso de democratización. Este artículo analiza los incentivos que tiene el poder legislativo en las entidades federativas en México para servir de contrapeso frente al ejecutivo, a partir de una revisión teórica sobre los incentivos que genera el diseño del sistema presidencial. Entre los principales hallazgos se identifica que en la mayoría de los estados existen contextos que incentivan el fortalecimiento de los legislativos, así como la identificación de casos excepcionales en donde los contextos plurales se constituyen como amenazas para la gobernabilidad o los de bajo nivel de pluralidad que generan incentivos para la concentración del poder en los gobernadores.Palabras Clave: Democratización, Presidencialismo,Equilibrios políticos, Gobiernos subnacionales.