The Virtue of Crowds

Left alone I would

run out of excuses.

It’s a by-product of

staying too long in

the one place. That’s

the virtue of crowds.

Swept along with no

idea of where I’m go-

ing, not really caring,

too busy sharing other

people’s destinations.

So pick any arbitrary

point to turn even if

still surrounded.

Finally apologizing

if really necessary.

The First Position

Caught by an aberration

in the parameters of the

Library he paused. Stopped

for a moment by a book-

case. Noticed that the titles

were different, were now

written in a language that

was foreign to him. Became

perplexed. Uncertain if it was

a diminuition of his psyche or

simply his eyes playing tricks.

smalltown weekend

The shopping center is

Sunday empty. A State

regulation — remember the

sabbath or some such re-

fried beans. Only the bakery

& the newsagent open. Bread

rolls & Lotto, one certain

one wishful.  But I’m a

believer in musical omens,

so the fact that the left-on-

all-the-time soundsystem is

piping country music into

the passageways as I enter

signs no luck for me today.

Seasonal

Broad brushstrokes

of smoke across

the landscape. Point-

illist pain in my

head, just behind

the ear. Everything

closes in, is

focused. Nothing

I can do but

cut myself another

slice of watermelon,

lie back, &

think of England.

The Dichotomous Key

If it has these attributes

then it is this.  

Otherwise it is not this.

& if it is not this, but has

these other attributes

then it is that.  

Otherwise it is not that.

If it is neither this nor

that, but possesses another

set of characteristics

then…..

& so on

down the line, eliminating

the alternatives by

counting in turn the

wings, legs, body

segments, etc.

so that you

might start off

with the spider

& end up

with the fly.

Rhian Elizabeth’s maybe i’ll call gillian anderson speaks to the liminal spaces we experience as we transition from one role to another in our relationships. 

The book begins with the titular piece where a lonely mom says goodbye to a daughter moving away to college. Next, the same narrator has an elaborate dream of befriending an elderly stranger who comforts her after the loss of her own grandmother and father (drowning on a stranger’s couch). Other pieces depict a mom who feels needed again while caring for a drunken teenager (a new and precarious thing) and a still-grieving queer woman who remembers how in an ill-fated relationship, her lover’s snoring sounded too much like her deceased grandmother’s tea kettle (to the girl who said i’ll never be happy because i’m too picky).

Grief becomes a motif in this collection, which includes pieces referencing the losses of the narrator’s father, grandmother, and past lovers. Sometimes the losses are the focus of the poems, other times they’re mentioned as asides adding depth to a piece on another topic. The daughter’s move towards adulthood becomes a catalyst for the narrator to take stock of her life and consider how she will navigate 40 years of grief and self-discovery. 

The prose is all lower case with contractions and some punctuation shorthands (the & sign) giving the book a familiar feeling, like reading the narrator’s Instagram posts. In keeping with this, she includes tidbits of unglamorous daily life: killing spiders, vomiting, drinking soda for breakfast. 

She also speaks openly of trauma from verbal abuse at work (glasgow) and sexual abuse from a creepy older man (the photograph & the man who took it). And, of her own awkward past, complete with mornings hung over with strange women in her bed (i drank too much and woke up in sweden next to a blonde) and a relationship that made her feel like a trapped lobster in a cage (lobster). 

Dreams and dream-states serve as another motif in this collection. Characters have actual dreams, sleepwalk, get lost and knock on the wrong doors, have lengthy waking reveries, and drive through fog. Being halfway between waking and sleeping echoes the liminal spaces in which the narrator finds herself and also the dislocation of grief and of major life transitions. 

In the end, the book comes full circle, checking in with the lonely mother whose daughter left home (i didn’t call gillian anderson). Remembering that she “learned a long time ago that beautiful women aren’t the solution to [her] problems and because, you know, [she doesn’t] have her fucking phone number,” she decides against calling actress Gillian Anderson. Instead, she finds her confidence and her center, meditating, going back to school, reconnecting with friends, and nervously wishing her daughter all the best. 

Rhian Elizabeth’s maybe i’ll call gillian anderson is available here from Broken Sleep Press. 

Firelight

The firelight warmed our toes

on a frosty night.

Fall had arrived.

There was a chill in the air.

We toasted our glasses

as a cold front hit.

Rain wrapped Tornado

A rain wrapped tornado

swirls around high in the sky.

Dark clouds

hover overhead.

Taking shelter,

we are spared from the storm.

Mary Bone has been writing poetry and short stories since childhood. Some of her poems have appeared in Synchronized Chaos, Poetry Catalog, Literary Revelations, Active Muse Journal, Blaze Vox Spring Journal of Voice and other places. Upcoming poetry has been accepted at Feed the Holy and Our Poetry Archive.

When values live, the nation lives!

Introduction 

Uzbekistan, like a paradise, is a phrase that everyone understands differently. For some, a peaceful and quiet land with a clear sky comes to mind, while for others, warm and delicious bread baked in a tandoor and delicious delicacies are pictured. Just as every country has its own history and future, Uzbekistan has overcome many difficulties to become “Uzbekistan”. Currently, many young people are interested in European culture, pay more attention to foreign languages, and strive to enter Europe. However, we, the youth, must respect European cultures, constantly remember our Uzbek national values, customs, and our ancestors who have amazed the world, and set an example for the whole world. “What are national values?” The question is also often asked.

 Main part

Our national values and traditions are understood as the heritage left by our ancestors, religious beliefs, hospitality, love for language and homeland. In particular, respect for our national values, respect for our native language, and the history of our past should be known to everyone and we should all be proud of it. We should proudly present our national clothes, including atlases, adras and Uzbek skullcaps, to the whole world. My dear President Sh.M. Miromonovich declared every Friday in our country as “National Clothing” Day in order to prevent our national values from disappearing and developing. We have set an example for young people and are celebrating this day with pride, appreciating our national clothes and making them feel our national values.

 Conclusion

We, the youth, will further elevate our New Uzbekistan with our own thinking and potential, taking our national values as an example, taking our ancestors Amir Temur, Al-Bukhari, Al-Khwarizmi, and Al-Farghani as an example. Today’s youth are the successors and promoters of our national values. If every young man and woman deeply studies these values and applies them in society, spiritual upliftment will be ensured in society.

Dilnura Khahhorova was born in 2011. She is currently an 8th grade student at school No. 338 in the Mirzo Ulugbek district of Tashkent city. Due to her interest in her native language and literature, she has won honorable places and major prizes in many creative works at the school and district levels. At the same time, she has her place in every competition and event held at the school. Her creative work is published in the book “Ilhom tomchilari”.

Motivation

Sometimes I created mornings, in the embrace of darkness, 

And I groaned and sighed in the heart of pain, 

All the time my hand prayed in my heart, 

For today’s happiness, God gave me patience. 

My happiness has become higher than the UXUT mountain, 

My father and mother always gave me support

Yesterday my tears flowed and were my confidant, 

Today my fateful sun conquered the sky. 

The nightingale that grew from under the thick snow, 

Why should we bow to the losses that have come,

We came to live smiling and laughing

Shining like the moon in the sky of trials.

Please don’t put the bird of luck in a cage,

Be with your brothers before the opportunity is too late,

Let each person create a melody of happiness for themselves,

Let the melody they have created surround their home.

Born on June 2, 2005 in the city of Karshi, Kashkadarya region. She received secondary education at school No. 31 in the city, graduated from school with a “Gold Medal”. Currently, she is a 2nd year student at the Faculty of Journalism and Uzbek Philology of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek. She has been engaged in creativity since her youth, her creative works have been published in Uzbek and world newspapers and in several collection anthologies. Author of the collection anthology “Tafakkur yulduzlari”. Participant of the “China Fest” festival in the field of literature and science, organized jointly with Uzbekistan and China, participant of the international anthology “Создатели новой науки Узбекистан”, participant of the “Ma’rifat elchisi” project, organized jointly with Georgia, holder of the “Ma’rifat elchisi” badge.

Hyperglycemia: Pathophysiological Causes, Clinical Consequences, and Laboratory Diagnosis

Author: Davlatyorova Iqbol Alisher qizi

Institution: Tashkent Medical Academy, Urganch Branch – Advanced Training in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics

Abstract

Hyperglycemia is a clinical and laboratory sign of many systemic metabolic disorders. This article aims to investigate the underlying causes, short- and long-term consequences, and the role of clinical laboratory diagnosis in the early detection and management of hyperglycemia. Key laboratory tests such as fasting glucose, OGTT, HbA1c, and their interpretation in different clinical settings are discussed.

1. Introduction

Glucose is the primary energy source for most cells in the human body. Its level in blood is tightly controlled by a complex hormonal system, mainly insulin. Hyperglycemia refers to an abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood, typically above 7.0 mmol/L when fasting, and may signal the presence of diabetes mellitus or other endocrine or stress-related disorders.

2. Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia may result from different mechanisms: decreased insulin production, increased resistance to insulin at the cellular level, or excessive hepatic glucose output. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells, while type 2 is linked to peripheral insulin resistance. Temporary hyperglycemia can also occur during severe infections, trauma, myocardial infarction, or treatment with corticosteroids.

3. Clinical Manifestations and Complications

Early symptoms of hyperglycemia include polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, blurred vision, and weight loss. Chronic untreated hyperglycemia leads to serious complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Acute decompensation may present as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).

4. Laboratory Diagnosis of Hyperglycemia

Laboratory testing is the cornerstone of diagnosing hyperglycemia. Commonly used tests include:

– Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): ≥7.0 mmol/L indicates diabetes.

– Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): 2-hour value ≥11.1 mmol/L confirms diagnosis.

– HbA1c: ≥6.5% supports chronic hyperglycemia diagnosis.

– Random Blood Glucose: ≥11.1 mmol/L in symptomatic patients.

5. Preanalytical and Analytical Considerations

Proper sample collection (venous plasma, fasting state), avoidance of glycolysis by timely processing, and accurate calibration of analyzers are essential for valid glucose results. Point-of-care testing (glucometers) is useful for self-monitoring, but should not replace lab-based tests for diagnosis.

6. Laboratory Role in Monitoring and Prevention

Laboratory follow-up is key in managing patients with diabetes. Periodic HbA1c testing, renal function tests (creatinine, urine albumin), and lipid profile help prevent complications. Mass screening programs in high-risk populations (obese, hypertensive, family history) are recommended.

7. Conclusion

Hyperglycemia is a complex metabolic condition that requires timely and accurate laboratory diagnosis. Understanding the laboratory parameters, their clinical interpretation, and integration into patient care pathways can significantly reduce the disease burden and improve health outcomes.

Ian the Black Sheep

The second of four Fleming
brothers with a hero father
an über-wealthy grandfather
an overbearing mother
oh, Ian the black sheep
moody, withdrawn, long
hair slicked back exuding
the promise of something
dashing or daring, risks

in his piercing blue eyes
great laugh all the girls
flocked to him, his friends
lost out to him at Eton
his future spy network
fatherless boys whose dads
had died in World War I
he learned German, French
a bit of Russian he decided
he wanted to write novels
but held off, his older brother
a young author and Ian
flunked the diplomat exam

became a writer for Reuters
charming, persuasive, magnetic
an iconoclast people liked him
in Moscow to cover a sham
trial of two English businessmen
when he saw the dark hand
of Russia murderous, devious
in his future spy novels and
his book collection growing
he treated women the same way:
hunt, acquire, shelve

oh, the seductive playboy
a smooth rock against which
so many reckless women
dashed themselves.

Ian the Spy

Left out of his grandfather’s estate
the only heir without funds
he worked for a living
for newspapers, banks
and a job as a personal aid
to the director of Naval Intelligence
laying the groundwork
for the greatest intel alliance
in history he helped build
the CIA as well
but never talked
about what he did he did
start to drink too much
during the war
his 450 operatives
captured Enigma machines
to decode Nazi plans

the life or death drama, the risks
he recreated while managing
a newspaper syndicate
during the Cold War
a global cadre
of reporter spies
saving the world
from Russian aggression

he rose to the challenge
for the rush, oh the rush
that incandescent high
one only experiences
in a moment of greatness
he was able to recapture
with his writing
in his novels
on the risks, the wins
against the evil empire
by the glamorous Brit
the dapper super-spy
double-oh seven
James Bond.

Ian at Goldeneye

He fell in love with
a rum punch on arrival
fresh fruits, fresh fish
the colors, scents, trees
swaying palms and mangos
warm rain on warm waves
caressing the white sand
on the island of Jamaica.

He’d lost his first love
a sweet Swiss girl
at his mother’s demand
then Muriel, his love
a motorcycle dispatcher
killed in the war
his married older lover
Maud warned him
no, not Ann
Lady Ann, chaos Ann
but he liked her because
of her independence
her toughness he said
she was such a bitch.

On fourteen acres north
of Montego Bay
he built his home
with money from Maud
no glass in the windows
big sky, turquoise sea
blue floors and birds
flying in and out
natural and peaceful
he called it Goldeneye

Ann visiting, leaving
a son her husband
believed was his own
divorce and a marriage
Ian didn’t want, violent
whippings he maybe did.

Ian as James Bond

Swimming in clear water
above parrot fish, barracuda
escaping into a hidden world
under deadline he sits down
at his battered Royal typewriter
with the mind of a sexy boy scout

introducing a British ultra-hero
attractive to men and women
dangerous, exciting, patriotic
the ultimate suave spy
himself but romanticized
a fast car fantasy life:
sharp clothes, fine foods
whiskey, gin, martinis
a string of bedworthy girls
a chain of cigarettes
in solitude, darkness
Scottish melancholy.

After the first sale
a Bond every year
all done the same way:
an early morning swim
then hours in the study
two months in Jamaica
editing in Manhattan
retyping in England
one after another until
even JFK would ask:
“What would Bond do?”

Finishing the first book
the bang-bang, kiss-kiss
he hands in the manuscript
in time to marry Ann
and suffers for twelve years
writing eleven more books
smoking, drinking, escaping
her mockery, his depression
before the final chapter
of his filmworthy life:
a glass of whiskey and
dead at the height of fame.