General Characteristics Research Articles

Administrative and Legal Ensuring the Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Separate Issues of Theory and Practice

The article is aimed at justifying the model, summarizing the principles and setting out the main directions for improving the legal basis of control in the field of banking activity. The methodological basis of the research was modern general and special methods of scientific knowledge, the systematic application of which ensured the solution of the formulated problems and the achievement of the goal of publication. Thanks to the use of the dialectical method, the general characteristics of the administrative and legal support for the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities, etc., are given. With the help of the system-structural method, the system of relevant legal norms regulating the specified group of social relations is outlined. The formal legal method made it possible to identify controversial aspects and shortcomings of the current national legislation and to formulate proposals for its improvement. The dogmatic method was applied when defining the content of such categories and concepts as "administrative and legal support", "protection", "protection". The structure and content of the legal basis for ensuring the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities are considered. The article highlights the issue of disclosure of normative legal acts on the protection of the rights of individuals using the example of children with disabilities. The demarcation of the definition of the terms "administrative and legal support" is revealed in detail; "protection"; "protection", a legal description of these categories is provided in order to determine the essence of administrative and legal support for the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities. It was established that the state should promote the realization of mental, educational, professional, and physical abilities of children with disabilities, ensuring their individual mobility, accessibility to all institutions and institutions. However, as the analysis of the actual state of affairs shows, violations of the rights of children with disabilities continue in Ukraine. The current norms of legislative acts regarding their protection do not work in practice. This leads to the fact that these subjects of administrative legal relations have to independently defend their rights and interests in administrative or judicial proceedings. The Institute of Administrative-Legal Protection of the Rights of Children with Disabilities remains a purely declarative component of administrative law due to the lack of unity in the understanding of the definitions of "protection" and "protection". Type of article: theoretical.

A blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm-like immunophenotype is negatively associated with CEBPA bZIP mutation and predicts unfavorable prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive myeloid malignancy which characteristically expresses an atypical phenotype including CD123+, CD56+, and CD4+. We are aimed to investigate the clinical and prognostic characteristics of AML patients exhibiting BPDCN-like immunophenotype and provide additional insights for risk stratification of AML. A total of 241 newly diagnosed AML patients were enrolled in this retrospective study and categorized into BPDCN-like positive (n = 125)/negative (n = 116) groups, determined by the present with CD123+ along with either CD56+ or CD4+, or both. Subsequently, an analysis was conducted to examine the general clinical characteristics, genetic profiles, and prognosis of the two respective groups. Patients with BPDCN-like immunophenotype manifested higher frequencies of acute myelomonocytic leukemia and acute monoblastic leukemia. Surprisingly, the presence of the BPDCN-like immunophenotype exhibited an inverse relationship with CEBPA bZIP mutation. Notably, patients with BPDCN-like phenotype had both worse OS and EFS compared to those without BPDCN-like phenotype. In the CN-AML subgroups, the BPDCN-like phenotype was associated with worse EFS. Similarly, a statistically significant disparity was observed in both OS and EFS within the favorable-risk subgroup, while only OS was significant within the adverse-risk subgrouMoreover, patients possessing favorable-risk genetics without BPDCN-like phenotype had the longest survival, whereas those who had both adverse-risk genetics and BPDCN-like phenotype exhibited the worst survival. Our study indicated that BPDCN-like phenotype negatively associated with CEBPA bZIP mutation and revealed a significantly poor prognosis in AML. Moreover, the 2022 ELN classification, in combination with the BPDCN-like phenotype, may better distinguish between different risk groups.

Paravertebral Muscular Neurophysiological Function as an Independent Outcome Predictor of Recurring Herniation/Low Back Pain after Radiofrequency Ablation: A Prospective Follow-Up and Case-Control Study Based on Surface Electromyography.

Spinal endoscopy radiofrequency is a minimally invasive technique for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and low back pain (LBP). However, recurring LDH/LBP following spinal endoscopy radiofrequency is a significant problem. Paravertebral musculature plays a crucial role in spine stability and motor function, and the purpose of the present study was to identify whether patients' baseline lumbar muscular electrophysiological function could be a predictor of recurring LDH/LBP. This was a prospective follow-up and case-control study focusing on elderly patients with LDH who were treated in our department between January 1, 2018, and October 31, 2021. The end of follow-up was recurring LBP, recurring LDH, death, missing to follow-up or 2 years postoperation. The surface electromyography test was performed before the endoscopy C-arm radiofrequency (ECRF) operation to detect the flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) of the lumbar multifidus (FRRLM ) and the longissimus erector spinae (FRRES ), and the other baseline parameters included the general characteristics, the visual analogue scale, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and the Oswestry Disability Index. Intergroup comparisons were performed by independent t-test and χ2 -test, and further binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Fifty-four patients completed the 2-year follow-up and were retrospectively divided into a recurring LDH/LBP group (Group R) (n = 21) and a no recurring group (Group N) (n = 33) according to their clinical outcomes. FRRLM and FRRES in Group N were much higher than those in Group R (p < 0.001, p = 0.009). Logistic regression analysis showed that only the FRRLM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.123, p = 0.011) and FRRES (OR = 0.115, p = 0.036) were independent factors associated with the ECRF outcome. Lumbar disc herniation patients' baseline FRRLM and FRRES are independent outcome predictors of recurring LDH/LBP after ECRF. For every unit increase in baseline FRRLM , the risk of recurring LDH/LBP is decreased by 87.7%, and for every unit increase in baseline FRRES , the risk of recurring LDH/LBP is decreased by 88.5%.

Heat transfer characteristics of R134a flow boiling in a microfin tube under typical ORC pressures based on comparison with a smooth tube

The experimental investigation on the flow boiling heat transfer of an organic working fluid under typical organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operating conditions is insufficient, which directly affects the performance of the ORC system. In this paper, the flow boiling characteristics of R134a in a horizontal microfin tube were experimentally investigated in the reduced pressure range 0.6 ∼ 0.9. The general convection heat transfer characteristics of R134a flow boiling, along with the effects of heat flux, mass flux, pressure, and rewetting conditions, were investigated in a microfin tube and compared with that in a smooth tube. Results show that the main flow regime in the microfin tube under typical ORC operating pressures is the stratified flow with dry-out occurring at the top surface. The microfin effectively enhances the heat transfer and restrains the wall temperature separation through inducing strong helical flow due to buoyancy and centrifugal forces. With the heat flux increasing, the micro-fin strengthens the nucleate boiling by enhancing the vaporization cores, leading to more pronounced heat transfer enhancement compared with that in the smooth tube. The heat transfer on the bottom surface shows almost negligible sensitivity to variations in mass flux. However, in regions of high vapor quality, an increase in mass flux results in higher heat transfer coefficients on the top surface. Due to the interaction between intensified nucleate boiling and weakened gas convection when pressure is increased, it slightly affects the heat transfer coefficient. Unlike the smooth tube, the rewetting in the microfin tube can be maintained within a larger range of vapor quality due to the spiral flow caused by the micro-fin.

Lockdown Drills and Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Practitioner Confidence, Experiences, and Perceptions.

Lockdown drill practice is part of the "new normal" in schools for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and educational practitioners in K-12 schools across the United States. These drills place a tremendous amount of responsibility on practitioners (i.e., teachers, paraprofessionals) that is beyond the scope of their training and typical requirements of their position in the classroom. Lockdown drills also require young children with ASD to engage in actions that are inherently hard for most young children but could be especially difficult for children with ASD who need individualized support to develop the executive function and self-regulation skills to participate in drills successfully. This study investigates practitioners' training experiences and perceptions of perceived confidence in teaching young children with ASD lockdown drills. Practitioner's self-efficacy was measured through survey analysis and their perceptions and experiences were investigated through individual interviews. Results indicated low rates of confidence to teach lockdown drills to young children with ASD and higher rates of confidence were correlated with more drill practice. Themes gleaned from interview data revealed varied training and practice experiences for children and practitioners, general characteristics of ASD that help or hinder children's participation, connections between these characteristics and aspects of lockdown drills that make them difficult to teach, and identification of practitioner responsibilities beyond following protocols.

Family roles in informed consent from the perspective of young Chinese doctors: a questionnaire study

BackgroundBased on the principle of informed consent, doctors are required to fully inform patients and respect their medical decisions. In China, however, family members usually play a special role in the patient’s informed consent, which creates a unique “doctor-family-patient” model of the physician-patient relationship. Our study targets young doctors to investigate the ethical dilemmas they may encounter in such a model, as well as their attitudes to the family roles in informed consent.MethodsA questionnaire was developed including general demographic characteristics, the fulfillment of the obligation to fully inform, who will be informed, and the ethical dilemmas in decision-making. We recruited a total of 421 doctors to complete this questionnaire, of which 368 met the age requirements for this study. Cross tabulation and Pearson’s chi-squared test were used to analyze the differences between types of patients for categorical variables, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOur data shows that only 20 doctors (5.40%) stated “informing the patient alone is sufficient” when it comes to informing patients of their serious conditions. The rest of the participants would ensure that the family was informed. When facing elderly patients with decision-making capacity, the data was statistically different (3.8%; P < 0.001) The primary reason for ensuring that family members be informed differs among the participants. In addition, when family members asked doctors to conceal the patient’s medical condition for the best interests of patients, 270 doctors (73.4%) would agree and cooperate with the family. A similar proportion (79.6%) would do so when it comes to elderly patients.Conclusions(1) Chinese doctors pay extra attention to informing the patient’s family, which may not be in the patient’s best interests. (2) Chinese doctors treat adult (but not elderly) patients and elderly patients differently when it comes to informing family members. (3) When family members request that doctors withhold information from patients “in the best interest of the patient,” the majority choose to comply with the request, although this may cause them distress.

Short-term clinical outcomes and five-year survival analysis of laparoscopic-assisted transanal natural orifice specimen extraction versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid and rectal cancer: a single-center retrospective study.

The cosmetic benefits of natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) are easily noticeable, but its principles of aseptic and tumor-free procedure have caused controversy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted transanal NOSE or conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for sigmoid and rectal cancer at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2018. The study aimed to compare the general characteristics, perioperative indicators, postoperative complications, and five-year follow-up results between the two groups. A total of 121 eligible patients were enrolled, with 52 underwent laparoscopic-assisted transanal NOSE and 69 underwent CLS. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), TNM stage, etc. (P > 0.05). However, the NOSE group exhibited significantly shorter total incision length and longer operation time compared to the CLS group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of positive rate of bacterial culture, incidence rates of intraabdominal infections or anastomotic leakage (P > 0.05). Furthermore, during follow-up period there was no statistically significant difference observed between these two groups concerning overall survival rate and disease-free survival outcomes (P > 0.05). The management of surgical complications in CLS is exemplary, with NOSE presenting a sole advantage in terms of incision length albeit at the cost of prolonged operative time. Therefore, NOSE may be deemed appropriate for patients who place high emphasis on postoperative cosmetic outcomes.

Comprehensively Promoting the Chinese-style Modernization in the Pursuit of the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation The Epochal Significance of Modernization and the Construction of a Socialist Modernization State

Modernization is an unwavering pursuit across the globe. Chinese-style modernization possesses both the general characteristics of modernization and distinctive advantages. Advancing Chinese-style modernization in addressing the major contradictions in Chinese society contributes to the comprehensive realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Simultaneously, this process enriches contemporary Marxist theory, provides new perspectives for the development of world socialism, propels human civilization into a new stage of modernization, and contributes China's wisdom and strength to global modernization development.

Influence of plate reference frames on deep-time climate simulations

Deep-time paleogeographic maps can be constructed on plate tectonic models that utilize mantle or paleomagnetic reference frames. Different reference frames result in divergence in plate positions, which are important boundary conditions in deep-time paleoclimate simulations. Here, using three early Eocene paleogeographic maps, we demonstrate the impact of reference frames on the simulated atmospheric circulations with the Norwegian Earth System Model. With these three maps, one using the paleomagnetic and the other two using the mantle reference frame, our simulations show significant differences in the simulated general climatic characteristics, especially in the Pacific region. The paleomagnetic reference frame leads to a narrower and stronger Pacific Walker Circulation, more asymmetrical Hadley Circulations, and a stronger subtropical high in the North Pacific, compared to the mantle reference frame.

How does the general population approach their pain? A cross-sectional study in Palestine.

Pain perception and management vary across cultural contexts; yet, little is known about pain approaches in the general population of Palestine. Existing research lacks specific knowledge about how pain is coped with in this region. To explore pain management among Palestine's general population, studying prevalence, characteristics, and sociodemographic influences. It aims to uncover treatment choices and understand cultural impacts on pain experiences, offering insights into Palestinian pain perception and coping strategies. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were employed to collect data from 646 adults in Palestine. Participants' sociodemographic characteristics, pain experiences, and pain management strategies were examined. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression followed by multiple logistic regressions were used for data analysis. A significant portion of participants reported experiencing pain, with chronic pain being predominant. Pain prevalence varied across age groups, with higher rates in the elderly, followed by middle-aged and younger participants. Marital status and education level were linked to pain prevalence. Participants employed diverse pain management strategies, such as self-medication, physician visits, complementary medicine, and physical therapy. Age, gender, marital status, and education level influenced choices in pain management approaches. For instance, the elderly favored traditional medical interventions, while higher education levels were associated with reduced inclination toward conventional treatments. This study underscores the complex interaction of sociodemographic factors, pain experiences, and treatment preferences in pain management. It emphasizes personalized strategies considering age, marital status, education, and gender. Integrating these aspects improves treatment and satisfaction. The findings empower healthcare providers to create precise strategies, enhancing patient experiences for better outcomes.

Utilisation of mobile phone interventions to improve the delivery of maternal health services in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol.

There has been significant progress in maternal health outcomes in the sub-Saharan African region since the early 1990s, in part due to digital and mobile health interventions. However, critical gaps and disparities remain. Mobile phones in particular have potential to reach underserved, hard-to-reach populations with underdeveloped infrastructure. In spite of the opportunities for mobile phones to address maternal mortality in the region, there is no extensive mapping of the available literature on mobile phone interventions that aim to improve access of maternal care in sub-Saharan Africa. The proposed scoping review aims to map literature on the nature and extent of mobile phones interventions designed to improve maternal care health services in the region. Conduct of this scoping review will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute approach. Literature searches will be conducted in multiple electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health, African Index Medicus, Web of Science, and Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts. Grey literature will also be identified. Keyword searches will be used to identify articles. Two reviewers will independently screen eligible titles, abstracts and full articles with a third reviewer to help resolve any disputes. We will extract data on general study characteristics, population characteristics, concept, context, intervention details, study results, gaps and recommendations. Understanding use of mobile phones among underserved, hard-to-reach populations with underdeveloped infrastructure to address maternal mortality in developing countries is very critical to informing health systems on potential effective strategies. This review will complement the evidence base on utilisation of mobile phone interventions to improve the delivery of maternal health services in sub-Saharan Africa.

Towards JPEG-Resistant Image Forgery Detection and Localization Via Self-Supervised Domain Adaptation.

With wide applications of image editing tools, forged images (splicing, copy-move, removal and etc.) have been becoming great public concerns. Although existing image forgery localization methods could achieve fairly good results on several public datasets, most of them perform poorly when the forged images are JPEG compressed as they are usually done in social networks. To tackle this issue, in this paper, a self-supervised domain adaptation network, which is composed of a backbone network with Siamese architecture and a compression approximation network (ComNet), is proposed for JPEG-resistant image forgery detection and localization. To improve the performance against JPEG compression, ComNet is customized to approximate the JPEG compression operation through self-supervised learning, generating JPEG-agent images with general JPEG compression characteristics. The backbone network is then trained with domain adaptation strategy to localize the tampering boundary and region, and alleviate the domain shift between uncompressed and JPEG-agent images. Extensive experimental results on several public datasets show that the proposed method outperforms or rivals to other state-of-the-art methods in image forgery detection and localization, especially for JPEG compression with unknown QFs.

Benchmarking current preslaughter management factors, welfare indicators, and meat quality outcomes at commercial fed cattle processing facilities in the United States.

Preslaughter management factors and their impacts on cattle welfare and meat quality are well documented in current literature. However, certain management factors related to transportation and lairage are underrepresented. Benchmarking preslaughter management factors that can impact welfare and meat quality outcomes will allow the industry to identify areas for improvement. The objective of the current study was to benchmark preslaughter management factors for a nationwide sample of commercial fed cattle processing facilities. Five processing facilities in the West, Midwest, and Southwest regions of the United States were sampled from March 2021 to July 2022. Data were collected on a total of n = 637 slaughter lots representing n = 87,220 head of cattle. Variables of interest included general cattle characteristics, distance traveled to the plant, truck wait times to unload, environmental conditions, lairage density, and lairage duration. Additionally, mobility was scored using a four-point locomotion scale (one being normal, not lame, and four being extremely reluctant to move). Carcasses were also observed for bruising using the following scale: no bruises, bruises smaller or larger than a deck of cards, and having multiple bruises. Descriptive statistics were performed on the data at the lot and individual animal level. On average, cattle traveled 155.8 ± 209.6 km (mean ± SD) from the feedlot to the processing facility and waited 30.3 ± 39.7min to unload. Once in lairage pens, cattle were held for 200.7 ± 195.0min. The mean lairage stocking density was 3.1 ± 2.0 m2 per head. A majority of the cattle scored a mobility score of 1 (n = 77,645, 91.8%), 7.8% (n = 6,125) were scored as a two and the remaining less than one percent of cattle were scored as either a 3 or 4 (n = 265). Carcasses with bruises less than or equal to the size of a deck of cards (n = 22,672, 27.1%) were less frequent than bruises measuring greater than the size of a deck of cards (n = 34,427, 42.6%). Of carcasses that were bruised, 65.2% (n = 39,856) had multiple bruises of varying size. This baseline data on preslaughter management factors identifies opportunities for improvement in wait times, lairage densities, and factors that cause bruising. Future studies should explore the relationships between these factors and their impacts on welfare and meat quality, report the economic value of these outcomes, and explore industry acceptability and adoptability of optimal preslaughter management practices.

Osteoporosis in psoriatic arthritis: Risk factors, insufficiency fractures and its association with the disease activity

ObjectiveThe prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) and insufficiency fractures in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of OP and insufficiency fractures in a representative cohort of patients with PsA, and to analyse its association with general risk factors and characteristics of the psoriatic disease in our geographical area. MethodsMulti-centric, descriptive study of patients with PsA. We recorded clinical characteristics, as well as protective and risk factors for OP and insufficiency fractures. Hip and lumbar densitometry and lateral X-ray of the spine were evaluated. Descriptive statistics for OP and risk factors were calculated. The patients with OP were compared to those without by univariate analyses, and results were adjusted by age and sex. The association of OP and fractures with clinical characteristics was analysed by logistic regression. Results166 patients (50 men; 116 women) were included. OP was present in 26.5%, and it was more frequent in women and patients above 50 years old. Insufficiency fractures occurred in 5.4% of the total sample. In the logistic regression, OP was associated with age over 50 [OR 3.7; 95% CI (1.2–11.6); p=.02]. No association with clinical parameters was found. The most frequent risk factors among patients with OP were vitamin D insufficiency, sedentary behaviour, low calcium intake, and active smoking. In the logistic regression, OP was associated with early menopause [OR 11.7; 95% CI (1.29–106.0); p=.029] and sedentary behaviour [OR 2.3; 95% CI (1.0–5.2); p=.049]. ConclusionsIn patients with PsA, OP is more frequent in women and patients over 50 years old. A sedentary lifestyle and early menopause may add extra risk for OP. Type, duration disease, and treatments are not associated with OP or insufficiency fractures.

The cognitive apprenticeship model as a framework for desired precepting qualities to inform preceptor development

IntroductionPositive learner perceptions of learning experiences have been linked to better learning outcomes. More information is needed on learners' desired qualities of preceptors and learning experiences to inform preceptor development. Aligning learners' perceptions with a teaching framework, such as the Cognitive Apprenticeship (CA) framework, may be useful to guide preceptor self-assessment and development. However, information is lacking regarding whether the CA framework is consistent with learners' expectations. The purpose of this study was to determine pharmacy learner perspectives on desired preceptor behaviors and qualities and to evaluate their alignment with the CA framework to inform preceptor development. MethodsTwenty-two learners (nine residents and 13 introductory and advanced pharmacy practice students) participated in nine focus group interviews. Data were analyzed qualitatively by inductive coding and pattern coding and then condensed into themes. After initial analysis, the CA framework was adapted into codes and applied to the data to explore the alignment of quality preceptor characteristics with CA. ResultsLearners identified desired general preceptor characteristics, teaching behaviors, and qualities of sites and experience structure in their discussion. All four CA dimensions (Methods, Sociology, Sequencing, and Content) were represented in the described desired preceptor qualities. Most comments were connected to the Methods dimension. ConclusionsThis study supports the use of CA as a framework to guide preceptor development and assessment for desired precepting qualities, preceptor behaviors, and learning environments. Additional research is needed for best practices in implementing CA in preceptor assessment and professional development.

A PRESENÇA DE MEMES EM PROVAS DE CIÊNCIAS DA NATUREZA

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to investigate how the multimodal meme genre has been mobilized in tests in the area of Natural Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology), using as material for analysis the traditional and serial entrance exams of state and federal public universities applied in the recent years (from 2001 to 2021), using the Revised Bloom's Taxonomy. This is a qualitative-quantitative, documentary-type research, perfomed through data collection and analysis. The results show that only five memes were present in the tests analyzed and that three of the identified memes presented the dimension of effective/factual knowledge, while the other two, in turn, expressed conceptual knowledge. The dimensions of the perceived cognitive processes concern the first three levels: remember (level 1), understand (level 2), and, finally, apply (level 3) through problematization, in a humorous way. Regarding the content covered in the memes, four are from Chemistry (acids and bases; general characteristics of the liquid state; periodic properties; covalent bonds), and one is from Biology (cytology: cytoplasmic organelles). We did not find any memes focused on the area of Physics. The study also revealed an initial number of memes in the entrance exams of the universities analyzed, thus pointing to the need for a more comprehensive promotion and investigation of this digital culture artifact.

Whither dominance? An enduring evolutionary legacy of primate sociality.

This article discusses dominance personality dimensions found in primates, particularly in the great apes, and how they compare to dominance in humans. Dominance traits are seen in virtually all primate species, and these dimensions reflect how adept an individual is at ascending within a social hierarchy. Among great apes, dominance is one of the most prominent personality factors but, in humans, dominance is usually modeled as a facet of extraversion. Social, cultural, and cognitive differences between humans and our closest ape relatives are explored, alongside humanity's hierarchical and egalitarian heritage. The basic characteristics of dominance in humans and nonhuman great apes are then described, alongside the similarities and differences between great apes. African apes live in societies each with its own hierarchical organization. Humans were a possible exception for some of our history, but more recently, hierarchies have dominated. The general characteristics of high-dominance humans, particularly those living in industrialized nations, are described. Dominance itself can be subdivided into correlated subfactors: domineering, prestige, and leadership. Various explanations have been posed for why dominance has declined in prominence within human personality factor structures, and several possibilities are evaluated. The value of dominance in personality research is discussed: dominance has links to, for instance, age, sex, aggression, self-esteem, locus of control, stress, health, and multiple socioeconomic status indicators. The piece concludes with recommendations for researchers who wish to assess dominance in personality.

Efficacy of Dan'e Fukang Soft Extract in Moderate Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome for Concurrent Treatment of Blood and Fluid Guided by the "Triple Prevention" Principle.

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Dan'e Fukang soft extracts in moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) for the simultaneous treatment of blood and fluid, guided by the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "triple prevention". This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from outpatients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryo transfer (ICSI-ET). A total of 2245 cases were included and divided into a treatment group (1002 cases) and a control group (1243 cases). Patients in the treatment group were administered Dan'e Fukang soft extracts orally in addition to conventional Western medicine. Comparative assessments were made between the two groups on pelvic ascites volume, maximum ovary diameter, dysmenorrhea incidence post-oocyte retrieval, and safety indicators. There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the control group in terms of general characteristics or the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), or progesterone (P) at the time of gonadotropin (Gn) initiation. The groups did not differ significantly when we compared the levels of LH, E2, or P on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection and during ovarian hyperstimulation protocols (P > 0.05 for all indicators). The differences in the volume of pelvic ascites, the maximum ovarian diameter, and the incidence of dysmenorrhea after oocyte retrieval were statistically significant between the treatment group and the control group (P < 0.05 in both). There were no instances of adverse reactions in either group. Based on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "triple prevention", the use of Dan'e Fukang soft extracts for the simultaneous treatment of blood and fluid in moderate OHSS significantly improved the absorption of pelvic ascites, promoted ovarian recovery, and reduced the incidence of dysmenorrhea after oocyte retrieval.

Application of mathematical methods to solving problems of digitization of population movement

This article is devoted to the development of algorithms and mathematical methods for digitalization of population movement. An algorithm for digitalization of demographic flows is proposed. It becomes possible at any time to obtain a complete description of both a specific person and a general characteristic of the state of the economic system in a given context (for example, age, gender, place of residence, type of settlement, level of education, level of health, level of culture). Within the framework of the problem, four tasks are identified, which the research is aimed at solving. The first task is constructing a scheme of a person's digital trace. The second task is aggregating digital traces and structuring demographic flows and related flows of human capital using Big Data technology. The next task is studying the characteristics, properties and qualities of the said flows using Data-analysis technology. The final task is analyzing and forecasting demographic and human capital flows using Data Science technology. When implementing Data Science technology, the use of mathematical methods of statistical data processing, methods of correlation and regression analysis, mathematical models, forecasting methods, artificial intelligence algorithms, including neural network models, is proposed to solve the task.

Usefulness of tissue Doppler-derived left ventricular isovolumic contraction velocity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a group of diseases classified by left ventricular (LV) EF, a measure of pump function. However, LVEF does not reflect LV contractility. Previous studies have shown that tissue Doppler-derived LV isovolumic contraction velocity (IVCv) correlates well with the LV peak dP/dt, an index of LV contractility. We explored whether LV IVCv is associated with 1-year post-discharge outcomes in HFpEF. We enrolled 113 patients (median age, 86 years, 45 male) with HFpEF (EF on admission ≥ 50%) who were admitted to our hospital for the treatment of acute HF. Clinical characteristics including echocardiographic data were obtained before discharge. IVCv was obtained from the tissue Doppler waveforms of both the septal and lateral mitral annulus of the apical 4-chamber view and averaged data were used. Primary outcomes were all-cause death or unplanned hospitalization due to HF within the first year. Among all patients, median LVEF was 61%, left atrial diameter was 47mm, E/e' was 17.5, and IVCv was 4.5cm/sec; mean tricuspid regurgitation velocity was 2.6m/sec. Regarding laboratory data, the median plasma B-type natriuretic peptide level was 185pg/mL. Thirty-four events occurred (15 deaths, 19 unplanned hospitalizations due to HF) within the first year. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses, IVCv was significantly associated with outcomes (hazard ratio .68, 95% confidence interval .50-.89, p=.0095), independent of general characteristics, echocardiographic measures and pertinent laboratory parameters. LV IVCv was independently associated with 1-year outcomes in patients with HFpEF.