bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female empowerment to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes and prevent violence in adolescent girls and young women in Uganda: evidence reviews for policy
Authors: Lewington Jessica , Geddes Rosemary , Gabagaya Grace
Published: March 2023

Background: Adolescent girls and young women in Uganda face numerous public health challenges including high HIV prevalence, teenage pregnancies, poor sexual and reproductive health rights, child marriage, and violence.

Objectives: This evidence review explores which interventions focusing on the empowerment of adolescent girls and young women to address these challenges are suitable for Ugandan policy.

Methods: We reviewed the literature to identify experimental studies and systematic reviews of interventions which improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes and/or prevent violence in adolescent girls and young women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Two authors independently reviewed the studies identified through a comprehensive search strategy and assessed their quality. From this evidence base, two policy options were explored in depth considering benefits, harms, equity impacts, and costs, given the Ugandan context.Results: The screen yielded 47 studies, of which 12 remained after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and relevance, applicability and quality assessment. Feasible policy options included: a vertical cash-incentive approach at a national or local level to support girls’ attainment of education; and a horizontal integrated community approach focusing on skills and knowledge building. A combination of both is recommended for young female empowerment in Uganda, allowing for the full range of socio-cultural and economic drivers to be targeted.Conclusion: Research into the link between female empowerment and sexual and reproductive health outcomes is still in early development. This review contributes to evidence on this topic and outlines an approach that is potentially suitable for adoption across similar LMICs in Africa.

Keywords: Sexual health; health policy; women's health.
Knowledge and perceptions about non-communicable diseases by people living with HIV: a descriptive cross-sectional study from Chitungwiza Central Hospital Zimbabwe
Authors: Cheza Alexander , Tlou Boikhutso
Published: March 2023

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has shown a rise in morbidity and mortality due to NCDs. PLHIV have shown to be more exposed to NCDs and identifying the knowledge gaps might help the management of NCDs in PLHIV.

Objective: The study was conducted in order to determine knowledge and perceptions regarding NCDs in PLHIV from Chitungwiza Hospital.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey on 324 participants from Chitungwiza Hospital. Data collection was through a designed questionnaire. Knowledge and perceptions were evaluated, and the associated risk factors were identified using the Logistic Regression Model.

Results: Results showed a 65% level of knowledge and 80% positive perceptions on NCDs. Participants <40 years of age were more knowledgeable (p=0.003) and history of NCD in the family influenced positively on knowledge (p=0.001). Females showed a more positive perception (p=0.043), both increasing age and low education negatively impacted the perceptions (p<0.001) as well as the knowledge (p=0.020).

Conclusion: Knowledge and perception were moderately high, but reduced with decreasing levels of education and increasing age. The study recommends educational campaigns to disseminate information about NCDs in PLHIV, targeting the least educated population groups and those older than 40 years of age.

Keywords: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs); HIV; Knowledge; Perceptions.
The evaluation of risk factors related to reduced bone mineral density in young people living with HIV
Authors: Aydın Özlem , Ankaralı Handan , Ergen Pınar , Betül Baysal Naciye , Çağ Yasemin
Published: March 2023

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is one of the comorbidities that develop in people living with HIV (PLWHIV).

Objective: This study was conducted to review the frequency and risk factors of reduced BMD according to age in HIV-infected patients in Turkey.

Material and Method: This retrospective cohort study included HIV-infected patients aged 18-50. Bone density was analysed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) according to the Z-score in three different regions including the lumbar, total-hip and femoral-neck.

Results: The study included 224 PLWHIV with a mean age of 35.84-7.54, and 59.8% were ART naive. Of the patients, 40.6% had lower BMD than expected at least in one of the three examined regions including the lumbar, total hip and femoral neck. The low BMD ratios were found respectively as 11.6%, 11.6% and 28.6% in the femoral neck, total hip and lumbar regions. According to the logistic regression model, a high body mass index (p=0.003) and HIV-RNA level of ≥100.000IU/ml during the diagnosis in the ART-naive group (p=0.008) were associated with reduced bone demineralization. The low BMD frequency was high in the group that received ART for <24 months (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Performing bone demineralization screening in the naive and young patient group, independently from ART status prior to making the diagnosis of HIV is important for organizing the bone health improvement methods.

Keywords: HIV infection; bone density; antiretroviral therapy.
Diagnostic performance of chest CT findings of COVID-19 with RT-PCR negative
Authors: Wakrim Soukaina
Published: March 2023

COVID-19 presented with lung abnormalities on computed tomography (CT) scans in patient with false negative RT-PCR, which are helpful in diagnosis of this emerging global health emergency. It’s a case report the young woman of 35-year-old patient with 2019-nCoV pneumonia confirmed with IgM-IgG serology underwent thin-section Chest CT.Our patient has the Chest CT with some lung abnormalities, the Ground-glass opacities, crazy paving pattern and smooth interlobular septal thickening. The clinical findings and with conspicuous ground grass opacity lesions in the peripheral and posterior lungs on CT are highly suspected of 2019-nCoV pneumonia.

Keywords: COVID-19; Tomography, Spiral Computed; COVID19 serological testing; COVID-19 diagnostic testing; Thorax.
Psychological impact of Covid-19 pandemic on dentists
Authors: Bhagyashree Pramod Patil , Sannidhya Mishra , Sanjna Ramesh , Suyog Chandrashekhar Savant
Published: March 2023

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic seems to have an incessant out-turn on the people in every field in some or the other way. It has been reported that maximum number of deaths in the countries during this pandemic are caused due to a term called death anxiety or phobia. There are certain parameters such as anxiety, apprehension, depression which if influence a person can alter one’s well-being.

Objective: The steadfast intent of this review article is to narrate the psychological impact of this pandemic on dentists. The eloquence and emergence of this topic will alarm all the medicos and paramedics to have a check on this scenario.

Methods: The article consists of detailed study from several articles from PubMed publications. Articles written only in English language were referred. Various keywords such as “Covid-19 pandemic” or “Psychological Impact” were used.

Results: The Covid-19 Pandemic has adversely affected all of us physically as well as psychologically. This article signifies the psychological impact of this pandemic on dentists.

Conclusion: The current studies that are carried out till date show an extensive impact on the psychology of the dental professionals. The following review article elaborates the importance of the same.
Short-term forecasting of confirmed daily COVID-19 cases in the Southern African Development Community region
Authors: Shoko Claris , Sigauke Caston , Njuho Peter
Published: March 2023

Background: The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in complex challenges worldwide, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region has not been spared. The region has become the epicentre for coronavirus in the African continent. Combining forecasting techniques can help capture other attributes of the series, thus providing crucial information to address the problem.

Objective: To formulate an effective model that timely predicts the spread of COVID-19 in the SADC region.

Methods: Using the Quantile regression approaches; linear quantile regression averaging (LQRA), monotone composite quantile regression neural network (MCQRNN), partial additive quantile regression averaging (PAQRA), among others, we combine point forecasts from four candidate models namely, the ARIMA (p, d, q) model, TBATS, Generalized additive model (GAM) and a Gradient Boosting machine (GBM).

Results: Among the single forecast models, the GAM provides the best model for predicting the spread of COVID-19 in the SADC region. However, it did not perform well in some periods. Combined forecasts models performed significantly better with the MCQRNN being the best (Theil’s U statistic=0.000000278).

Conclusion: The findings present an insightful approach in monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in the SADC region. The spread of COVID-19 can best be predicted using combined forecasts models, particularly the MCQRNN approach.

Keywords: Combined Forecasts; LQRA; PLAQR; OPERA; Quantile Regression Neural Networks; COVID-19.
Evaluation of potential drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Paşalı Kilit Türkan , Özyiğit Filiz , Erarslan Sertaş , Onbaşı Kevser
Published: March 2023

Background: Drugs that are used in COVID-19 infection, may interact with each other, as well as with the drugs for comorbidities, used concomitantly with COVID-19 treatment.

Objectives: It is quite important to calculate and present the patients’ exposure to clinically important potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs). We aimed to investigate the pDDIs and the burden of polypharmacy in COVID-19.

Methods: The medical records of 126 consecutive inpatients with COVID-19 treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The Lexi-interact database was used to investigate pDDIs.

Results: According to the Lexi-interact database, 605 pDDIs were detected. Of these pDDIs, 23 (3.8%) were A risk category interaction, 186 (30.7%) were B risk category interaction, 339 (56%) were C risk category interaction, 54 (8.9%) were D risk category interaction, and 3 (0.5%) were X risk category interaction. Sixty-five-point five percent of pDDIs (n=396) were clinically important pDDIs (C, D, and X categories), and 69 patients (54.8%) had at least one clinically important pDDIs. The most interacting drug was hydroxychloroquine (n=171, 28.3%). Hydroxychloroquine was also the most interacting drug in the C risk category (n=101, 29.8%) and had 19 pDDIs with metformin, 16 pDDIs with beta-blockers, 13 pDDIs with acetylsalicylic acid, and 10 pDDIs with insulin in the C risk category. Enoxaparin was the most interacting drug (n=25, 46.3%) in the D risk category and most of them were with acetylsalicylic acid (n=12). The most common possible clinical manifestations of pDDIs were QT prolongation, hypoglycemia, and hemorrhage. One hundred and eighteen patients (93.6%) used five or more drugs daily. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of drugs prescribed to patients and the number of clinically important pDDIs (r=0.80, p<0.001).

Conclusions: Clinically important pDDIs are common among COVID-19 patients and the majority of pDDIs require monitoring of therapy. COVID-19 patients should be closely observed for QT prolongation, hypoglycemia, and hemorrhage due to pDDIs during treatment.

Keywords: COVID-19; drug interactions; polypharmacy.
The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant enteric bacteria in Selected Nigerian traditional dairy products
Authors: E Uzeh Roseline , Imafidon Sylvester
Published: March 2023

Background: Wara and nono are popular dairy products in Nigeria, rich in nutrients, highly exposed to microbial contaminants during processing and sale and support microbial growth.

Objectives: To investigate occurrence and antibiotic resistance pattern of enteric bacterial pathogens in dairy products.

Methods: Dairy products were serially diluted and cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, McConkey agar and nutrient agar at 37°C for 24 h. Characterisation and identification of isolates with API 20E kit (Biomereux, France). Antibiotic susceptibility was with agar disc diffusion. Polyvalent O and H antisera for Salmonella serotyping.

Results: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens, were identified. Dominant enteric bacterium detected was E. coli followed by Salmonella spp. Serratia marcescens was the least occurring. The isolates were most resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (96.7%), amoxicillin (83.3%), augmentin (83.3%), chloramphenicol (66.7%), streptomycin (50%). They were resistant to ≥ 4 (multiple) antibiotics, E. coli 8, Salmonella spp. 7, Serratia marcescens 6 and Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp. 4 each.

Conclusion: The presence of enteric bacterial pathogens in wara and nono and their resistance to multiple antibiotics was reported in this study.

Keywords: Nono; wara; antibiotic resistance; enteric bacteria.
Willingness-to-pay for a population-based-prostate-specific antigen screening for prostate cancer in Anambra State, Southeast, Nigeria: a contingent valuation study
Authors: Ifeoma Umeh Blessing , Onyebuchi Ogbonna Brian , Odunke Nduka Sunday , Ifeoma Nduka Jovita , Izuchukwu Ejie Loveth , Adaobi Mosanya Uchenna , Obinna Ekwunife Ikechukwu
Published: March 2023

Background: Early diagnosis of cancer precursors improves treatment outcomes. Organized screening for prostate cancer is still uncommon in Nigeria, and if it is added to the national health budget, it may necessitate additional co-financing alternatives.

Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the maximum willingness- to- pay amount and acceptability of a Population-based screening for prostate cancer among a group of Nigerian men.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey-based study conducted among men drawn from different districts of the state. The payment card elicitation format was used to estimate the average maximum WTP amount. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to evaluate the correlates of WTP.

Result: A total of 439(81.9%) participants were willing to pay for the screening while only 97(18.1%) of the participants rejected the screening. The average WTP amount was US$6.01(mean ± median ± SD 6.01±4.12±5.75). Residence and knowledge of the disease were the major predictors.

Conclusion: The findings showed that men in Anambra state Nigerian were willing to pay an average of US$6.01 for the Population-based screening. Even though the stated WTP amount seems low compared to the conventional cost of opportunistic screening (between USD 21), the majority of the participants 439(81.9%) willing to pay for the screening should be capitalized upon in finding alternative financing options for the program.

Keywords: Willingness to pay (WTP); prostate-specific antigen (PSA); Population-based screening; prostate cancer; contingent valuation study; Anambra state; Nigeria.
The effectiveness of locally-prepared peritoneal dialysate in the management of children with acute kidney injury in a south-east Nigerian tertiary hospital
Authors: R Mbanefo Ngozi , N Uwaezuoke Samuel , N Chikani Ugo , I Bisi-Onyemaechi Ada , V Muoneke Uzoamaka , I Odetunde Odutola , U Okafor Henrietta
Published: March 2023

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the preferred mode of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in children with acute kidney injury (AKI). The gold standard remains the use of commercially-prepared PD fluid. In resource-poor nations, its availability and affordability remain a challenge.Aim: This study aims to report the effectiveness of locally-prepared PD fluid in the management of AKI in a south-east Nigerian tertiary hospital.Subjects and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the paediatric ward of the University of Nigeria Teaching hospital, Enugu. The case records of 36 children seen over three years, diagnosed with AKI and requiring PD were reviewed. The retrieved information comprised biodata, aetiology of AKI, indications for PD, pre-and post-dialysis estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and patient outcomes.Results: The children (20 males and 16 females) were aged 3 to 36 months with a mean age of 9.92 ± 6.29 months. The common aetiologies of AKI were septicemia (30.6%), hemolytic uremic syndrome (19.4%), and toxic nephropathy (16.7%). The frequent indications for PD were uremic encephalopathy (58.3%) and severe metabolic acidosis (38.8%). The pre-and post-dialysis mean urine flow rate was 0.16 + 0.13 and 2.77 + 0.56 ml/kg/hour respectively. The eGFR before PD, at discontinuation, and a week later was 6.06 + 2.87, 24.44 + 15.71 and 59.07 + 22.22 mls/min/1.73m2 respectively.Conclusion: PD with locally-prepared dialysate is safe, effective and a life-saving alternative in the management of AKI in childrenKeywords: Peritoneal dialysis; renal replacement therapy; acute kidney injury; children; dialysate; developing country.
Indications for late preterm birth, and factors associated with short term maternal and neonatal outcomes at a tertiary care institution
Authors: M Deelchand Deeshah , D Naidoo Thinagrin
Published: March 2023

Background: The preterm birth rate is rising mainly because of the marked increase in late preterm deliveries.Objectives: To evaluate the indications for LPTB and the factors associated with the short term maternal and neonatal outcomes.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary health care institution. The study sample included 191 women who delivered between October 2019 to November 2020.Results: The majority (81%) were medically indicated LPTB, and mainly for maternal indications (77%). The most common maternal indication for LPTB was for hypertensive disease of pregnancy (HDP) (82.5%). There was a significant increase in the high care/ ICU admission for maternal indication of LPTB, maternal age < 20 years, and patients with HDP. There was 1 maternal death and 1 neonatal death. 48% of the neonates were admitted to NICU and 53% had neonatal complications. Neonates born by caesarean delivery were more likely to have respiratory complications and be admitted to NICU.Conclusion: These maternal/ neonatal factors should be used to identify patients at risk of adverse maternal and neonataloutcomes.Keywords: Late preterm birth; indications; hypertensive disorder of pregnancy; short term maternal outcomes; short term neonatal outcomes; factors.
Effects of Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Population in Urban Centers on Land Use Arrangement: A Case of Nakuru Town, Kenya
Authors: Mogire Dennis Annan , Kagendo Jane , Kweyu Raphael
Published: March 2023

The study addressed the effects of spatiotemporal dynamics of urban of human population on land use arrangement in Nakuru town. Nakuru town attained its municipal status in 1952. Since then, its population has been growing steadily from 152289 in 1991 to 472126 in 2021 posing pressure on already limited urban land use arrangement. The study was guided by Hoyt Theory which assumes that urban land use arrangements are influenced by historical, economic and concentration of similar land use. The researcher used descriptive research design. Through Remote sensing, the study showed that area under settlement use increased from 7.66 to 54.78 km2, Lake increased from 36.02 to 44.01 km2 while area under Agricultural use decreased from 117.94 to 112.01 km2 and area under 'Others' decreased from 163.38 to 114.20km2. Field data from A sample size of 400 households showed that Settlement increased from 32. 67 to 42.34 km2, Lake increased from 36.02 to 44.01 km2, 8Others9 decreased from 35.44 to 29.42 km2 and Agricultural decreased from 195.95 to 158.72 km2. Fragmentation and zonal use mix-ups were cited by 24.9% and 46.9% of the respondents respectively. Pearson9s Correlation between spatiotemporal dynamics of urban human population and Urban Land Use Arrangement disruptions was r=0.94. The study concluded that urban population affects urban land use arrangements. The study recommended that human population in urban centres should be checked in order to promote sustainable urban land use arrangements. In addition, there is a need to eliminate factors that affecting urban zoning policy implementation.
Factors affecting digital media uses in higher education: the case of the university of Tlemcen
Authors: Grari Yamina
Published: March 2023

This research aims essentially at the study of the factors that determine the pedagogical integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) by teachers at the University of Tlemcen (Algeria). Our work was built around the theoretical concepts relating to the educational uses of ICT and the factors that influence ICT integration in pedagogical tasks. This work starts from this standpoint and seeks to propose objective solutions that are expected to provide relevant elements of thinking about the problematic of the pedagogical integration of ICT in the Algerian universities. That is why we have chosen the University of Tlemcen, among the first Algerian universities and the main promoter institution of higher education in the country, as our main field of research. We propose a conceptual model encompassing the factors that affect ICT integration. The empirical study is conducted with 700 teachers (permanent, temporary and partners) of different fields and faculties of the University of Tlemcen.
La place des compétences transversales dans la formation des ingénieurs en Algérie
Authors: Djennadi Lydia , Benguerna Mohamed , GARDELLE Linda
Published: March 2023

On évoque de plus en plus les compétences transversales depuis une décennie, dans le monde de l’éducation et de la formation, en Algérie et ailleurs. En théorie, elles sont considérées comme essentielles dans toutes les formations, et en particulier dans les formations d’ingénieurs du fait de leur vocation professionnalisante. Basé sur une enquête qualitative menée entre 2018 et 2020 et constituée de l’analyse des curricula et d’une campagne d’entretiens avec des enseignants et des responsables pédagogiques dans trois écoles d’ingénieurs algériennes, cet article ambitionne d’identifier les différentes compétences transversales visées par les écoles d’ingénieurs en Algérie. Il vise également à saisir les objectifs et les enjeux recherchés à travers la mise en place de ces compétences à travers les discours les acteurs interviewés. Cette étude montre que les écoles introduisent des compétences transversales afin de former des ingénieurs généralistes, mais leur pourcentage reste faible et leur présence timide. Elle montre aussi, que l’environnement dans les écoles n’est pas vraiment capacitant et met en lumière le problème du manque de moyens (humains et financiers) dans les écoles d’ingénieurs algériennes pour pleinement atteindre les ambitions de formation exprimées.
Effect of genre-based approach on secondary school students’ achievement in English narrative writing in Toro LGA, Bauchi State
Authors: Usman Ya’u , Muktar M. Rabiu , Muhammad A. Amin
Published: March 2023

This study was designed to determine the effects of genre-based approach on secondary school students’ achievement in narrative composition writing in Toro LGA, Bauchi State. The study adopted quasi-experimental research design consisting of two groups of SS 2 students, experimental and control. All conditions were similar in the two groups except that the students of the experimental group were exposed to the treatment of genre-based approach. Purposive sampling techniques of 79 SS2 students ware used. Narrative test instruction was adopted from past WAEC narrative questions which were administered at the end of series of narrative composition writing lessons. Data collected were analyzed using t-test statistics observed at 0.05 level of significance. The null hypotheses of no significant difference were tested and rejected while the alternate hypotheses were accepted. The result revealed that experimental group performed significantly better than the control group. This means that genre-based approach has a significant effect when taught narrative composition writing. It is therefore recommended that genre-based approach should be adopted in order to improve SS2 students’ achievement in narrative writing.
What words best capture the symptom of breathlessness in Uganda?
Authors: Vianney Jjukira , Nakitende Immaculate , Kalema Henry , Namuleme Sylivia , Kellett John
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Anecdotal experience suggests that Ugandan patients complain infrequently of breathlessness. The Luganda language, spoken in Uganda, does not have one word to express breathlessness but uses various phrases. Therefore, many of these patients may not be able to express what they feel  when they are breathless by a single English word. Our aim was to determine the frequency and severity of the symptoms captured by a Luganda  translation of the Dyspnea-12 (D12) questionnaire, a well validated measure of different dimensions of breathlessness.

Method: All alert non-pregnant adult patients fluent in Luganda who presented to the hospital’s combined outpatient and emergency department were  asked to complete the D12 questionnaire.

Results: Out of 466 patients, 137 (29.4%) had at least one D12 symptom. Patients’ D12 responses expressed as a numerical severity score was only weakly  associated with a respiratory rate >20 bpm. Two questions (“My breathing requires more work” and “My breathing is uncomfortable”) identified  >90% of patients likely to be breathless.

Conclusion: For patients whose first language is Luganda a translation of the D12 questionnaire captures the  symptom of dyspnoea.
Teaching and learning in the clinical workplace
Authors: Bregazzi Rich , Bussey Sonia
Published: March 2023

Participation in clinical practice is key to the development of clinical skills, and so the goal of clinical work is both to deliver healthcare and facilitate  learning. Four factors shape learning in the workplace: safe access to practical experience; the role of talk in the workplace; teaching opportunities; and  the learning climate. The challenge is to structure and carry out work so that support for learning is built into normal work routines.
Knockdown of FK506-binding proteins 14 enhances tamoxifen-sensitivity of breast cancer through PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling
Authors: Ma Yongqiang , Zhao Mingchuan , Gong Chengcheng , Miu Haitao
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effect of FK506-binding proteins 14 (FKBP14) in the development of chemoresistance of breast cancer.

Methods: Breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D) were exposed to 4-hydroxytamoxifen over a long period to establish tamoxifen-resistant (TamR) cells. Cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays, while Transwell assay was used to investigate cell migration and invasion.

Results: TamR cells showed resistance to 4-hydroxytamoxifen through increase in IC50 for 4-hydroxytamoxifen in MCF-7 and T47D. The FKBP14 was significantly up-regulated in TamR cells (p < 0.05). Knockdown of FKBP14 reduced the IC50 for 4-hydroxytamoxifen in TamR cells. The number of colony formation in TamR cells was also significantly decreased by silencing of FKBP14 (p < 0.01). Knockdown of FKBP14 inhibited the migration and invasion of TamR cells. Protein expression of p-AKT, p-PI3K and p-ERK in TamR cells were down-regulated by silencing of FKBP14.

Conclusion: Loss of FKBP14 enhances sensitivity to tamoxifen in TamR MCF-7 and T47D cells through inactivation of PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling. The role of FKBP14 in tamoxifen-resistant animal models needs further investigation.
Anethole suppresses the growth of human skin cancer cells by targeting microRNA498/STAT4 axis
Authors: Li Jiahang , Mao Yingqiu , Li Wei
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effects of anethole on human skin cancer cells.

Methods: Cell viability was determined using CCK-8 and colony formation assay, while AO/EB and Annexin V/PI assays were used to assess apoptosis. The mRNA expressions of genes were assayed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results: The growth of skin cancer cells was significantly reduced by anethole (p < 0.05). On the other hand, normal human skin cells were marginally affected by anethole. Furthermore, anethole significantly suppressed the colony formation potential of CRL-6475 skin cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Results from AO/EB and annexin V/PI staining assays revealed that anethole induced apoptosis in skin cancer cells, while qRT-PCR results indicate that anethole significantly up-regulated microRNA-498 in skin cancer cells (p < 0.05). However, anethole had no effect on the expression levels of miR-7, miR-9, miR-145, miR-31, miR-27, miR-498 miR-1298, miR-1299, 1179, miR-375, miR-508 and miR-23. CCK-8 assay results confirmed that miR-498 up-regulation significantly mimicked the anti-proliferative effects of anethole. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay led to identification of STAT4 as the regulatory target of miR-498. Furthermore, silencing of STAT4 significantly mimicked the effects of anethole administration (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These results indicate that anethole inhibits skin cancer cell growth by targeting the miR-498/STAT4 axis, and therefore, has potentials for use in the management of skin cancer.
A network pharmacology-based investigation of the mechanism involved in the anti-gastric cancer effect of Oldenlandia diffusan, a traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Ma Zhenchi , Zhao Peng
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the potential mechanism underlying the anti-gastric cancer (GC) effect of Oldenlandia diffusa using network pharmacology, and to provide scientific guidance for subsequent pharmacological and clinical translational studies.

Methods: The potential bioactive compounds in Oldenlandia diffusa and their related targets were obtained through TCMSP online platform. The GeneCards and MalaCards databases were used to search for GC-related disease targets. The targets shared by the two databases were entered into STRING protein interactions online database to obtain the interaction network of potential therapeutic targets. These were further screened for potential core targets through MCODE plugin. Cytoscape 3.2.1 software was used to construct the "component-target-disease" and PPI network, while GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID v6.8 online software.

Results: Seven bioactive components and 180 drug targets were screened in Oldenlandia diffusa, out of which 167 targets were co-activated with GC, and 28 potential core targets were identified. The results of GO function enrichment analysis of the hub targets showed that they were related to gene transcription and expression, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway and inflammation response. The results of KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis showed that they were mainly associated with cancer signaling, IL-17-related signaling and TNF signaling pathways.

Conclusion: Oldenlandia diffusa exerts its therapeutic effect on GC through multi-component, multi-target and multi-signaling pathways. This finding provides novel evidence for the application of Oldenlandia diffusa in GC treatment.
Synthesis of 2-[2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides as anti-diabetic agents
Authors: Abbasi Muhammad Athar , Parveen Sobia , Rehman Aziz-ur- , Siddiqui Sabahat Zahra , Irshad Misbah , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To synthesize a series of new 2-[2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl(phenylsulfonyl)amino]-N-(un/substituted-phenyl) acetamides, and evaluate their anti-diabetic potentials.

Methods: Synthesis of the parent compound N-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide (3) was carried out by reacting 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-amine (1) with benzenesulfonylchloride (2) in aqueous basic medium under definite pH controls. After that 3 was further treated with various 2-bromo-N-(un/substituted-phenyl)acetamides (6a-l) to yield new compounds (7a-l) in polar aprotic solvent, DMF (dimethylformamide), using LiH as activator. The proposed structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and infra-red spectroscopy (IR), and CHN analysis. Their anti-diabetic potential was evaluated by α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory studies.

Results: All the new compounds demonstrated weak (7a-h, 7j and 7l) to moderate (7i and 7k) inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase enzyme. IC50 (50 % inhibition concentration) values for 7i and 7k were 86.31±0.11 μM and 81.12±0.13 μM, respectively relative to acarbose (reference standard) with IC50 of 37.38±0.12 μM.

Conclusion: All the synthesized compounds have weak to moderate activity against α-glucosidase enzyme. These compounds can thus be considered as possible therapeutic entrants for type-2 diabetes.
Effects of aerosolized inhalation of N-acetylcysteine combined with high flow nasal cannulae oxygen therapy on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cognitive function in patients with severe pulmonary infection complicated with respiratory failure
Authors: Lin Shining , Wang Qiuting , Wang Fahui , Shi Huifang
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the effects of aerosolized inhalation of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) combined with high-flow nasal cannulae oxygen therapy on serum inflammation, oxidative stress, and cognitive function in patients with severe pulmonary infection complicated with respiratory failure.

Methods: A total of 50 patients diagnosed with severe pulmonary infection complicated with respiratory failure were randomly divided into the study and control groups, respectively. Serum oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive function were determined after treatment intervention. The effect of aerosol inhalation of NAC combined with high flow-nasal cannulae oxygen therapy was assessed.

Results: General clinical data such as age, lung function, etc, did not show any difference between the study and control groups (p > 0.05). Dyspnea was scored in the Study group after treatment. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased (p < 0.05), while cognitive scores and serum total antioxidant capacity of the Study group increased (p < 0.05); There was no significant difference in serum superoxide dismutase levels between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Aerosolized inhalation of NAC combined with high-flow nasal cannulae oxygen therapy has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can improve cognitive dysfunction in patients with severe pulmonary infection complicated with respiratory failure, and may provide a new clinical treatment strategy for severe pulmonary infection complicated with respiratory failure.
Effect of combined use of orthokeratology and atropine eye drops on correction of myopia in young children, and its influencing factors
Authors: Ruan Yimeng , Qian Lu , Chen Siming
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To investigate the corrective effect of combined use of orthokeratology and atropine eye drops on myopia of young children, as well as the factors involved.

Methods: 84 young children with adolescent myopia who were admitted to Ningbo First Hospital from March 2019 to January 2021, were enrolled in this study. Forty (40) of the patients were treated with orthokeratology (control group, CG); while 44 patients were treated with a combination of orthokeratology and 0.01 % atropine (study group, EG). Clinical efficacy, pupil diameter, vision recovery, and incidence of adverse reactions were determined in both groups before and after treatment. Based on post-treatment clinical efficacy, patients in markedly effective and effective categories were regarded as improved status, while those whose treatments were ineffective were categorized in unimproved status. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors.

Results: There was no significant difference in total treatment effectiveness between the two groups. However, post-treatment diameter of eye axis and axial growth of RG were lower in EG than in CG (p < 0.05). There were no marked differences in naked eye vision and incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age and course of disease were the risk factors that significantly affected treatment effectiveness (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Combined treatment with orthokeratology and atropine eye drops relieves myopia in young children, and early treatment improves treatment effectiveness. However, further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice.
Comparative assessment of the impacts of artisanal trolling and industrial longlining on yellowfin tuna exploited off the Kenyan coast
Authors: Abubakar Almubarak A. , Okemwa Gladys M. , Kimani Edward N.
Published: March 2023

The Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna stock has been classified as overfished and remains subject to overfishing by industrial and artisanal fleets despite the implementation of catch reduction measures to rebuild the stocks. This study assessed the impacts of artisanal trolling and industrial pelagic longlining on the population structure of yellowfin tuna exploited in Kenyan waters. Catch data including fork length, sex and gonad maturity was examined for the two fisheries between April 2019 and April 2021. Selection patterns were then compared using eight length-based indicators and a suite of indicator ratios. Results showed that artisanal trolling caught smaller individuals ranging from 32−177 cm with a mean of 76 ± 0.5 cm and a mode of 71 cm. The industrial fishery caught significantly larger individuals (p > 0.05) ranging from 52 – 204 cm with a mean of 137 ± 0.7 cm and a mode of 160 cm. Length at first capture (Lc) for artisanal trolling was estimated at 36 cm and 80 cm for the industrial fishery. Statistical tests further revealed significant differences in length distribution and selectivity curves. It was clear that the fisheries consistently captured distinct components of the yellowfin tuna population structure. The industrial fishery was dominated by mature individuals above length at 50 % maturity (>100 cm, L50) constituting 90 % of the sampled catch of which 56 % were large mega-spawners above the optimum length (> Lopt + 10%). On the other hand, 92 % the artisanal trolling fishery constituted small individuals below L50 and no mega-spawners. Overall, the average monthly sex ratio was skewed to males (F:M ratio = 1: 1.14). Deviations from the expected 1:1 sex-ratio were not significant; however, industrial longline catches were skewed towards large males, and artisanal trolling catches towards small females. The study illustrates application of widely used lengthbased approaches to derive insights on fishery interactions in data limited scenarios.
Retained fish catches of artisanal fishers is dependent on fishing area, season and fishing gear type: A case study from the south coast of Kenya
Authors: Mwakaribu Athman , Munga Cosmas , Dzoga Mumini , Njihia Paul , Mulala Danny
Published: March 2023

The artisanal fishery is one of the sources of livelihood along the Kenya coast. Catches of retained fish of artisanal fishers between two fishing areas on the south coast of Kenya were compared. Artisanal fishers usually retain a portion of their daily catch which is reserved for family consumption while the rest is traded for cash to meet other family needs. This study hypothesized that retained fish catches were influenced by fishing area, fishing gear type and season. Daily fish landings and retained fish catches among artisanal fishers were monitored between August 2020 to July 2021 covering the South East Monsoon (SEM) and North East Monsoon (NEM) in Msambweni and Vanga fishing areas. A total of 60 fishers (30 for each area) were randomly selected and their retained catch monitored on a daily basis. The overall total fish landings were 23.3 tons and 210 tons in Msambweni and Vanga, respectively. The mean catch rate at Msambweni was 3.3 ± 0.12 kg.fisher-1day-1 in the NEM season and 2.2 ± 0.09 kg.fisher-1day-1 in the SEM season. Fish catch rates in Vanga was 8.5 ± 0.28 kg.fisher-1day-1 in the NEM season and 7.9 ± 0.29 kg.fisher-1day-1 in the SEM season. A total of 0.98 tons (only 4.2 %) of fish was retained versus 22.32 tons (95.8 %) not retained by the artisanal fishers in Msambweni, while in Vanga a total of 1.64 tons (only 0.78 %) was retained versus 208.36 tons (99.22 %) not retained. Retained fish catch varied significantly with season and type of fishing gear used (p < 0.05). Among the retained species in Msambweni, Siganus sutor made the highest contribution (53 %), followed by Lethrinus mahsena, (5.08 %). The species Euthynnus affinis and Sphyraena obtusata were mostly retained in Vanga with a contribution of 10.4 % and 10.2 %, respectively. The same retained fish species represented the most abundant species in the overall fish landings, however sizes were significantly smaller than those not retained by fishers (p < 0.05). Results of non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) ordination showed differences in species composition between fishing areas, seasons and fishing gear types with implication on fishers’ retained catches.
The whole truth? Hypothetical questions and the (de)construction of knowledge in expert witness cross-examination
Authors: Szczyrbak Magdalena
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the relation between hypotheticals and epistemic stance in jury trials, and it reveals how hypothetically framed questions (HQs) are used in cross- examination to construct “the admissible truth” (Gutheil et al. 2003) which is then turned into evidence. It looks at a selection of interactional exchanges identified in the transcripts and video recordings which document two days of expert witness cross- examination in two high-profile criminal cases. In the study, two approaches to data analysis were combined: a bottom-up approach focusing on markers of HQs offering “points of entry” into discourse through a corpus-assisted analysis and a top-down approach looking at cross-examination as a complex communicative event, providing a more holistic view of the interactional context in which HQs are used. The paper explains the role which such questions play in the positioning of opposing knowledge claims, as well as discusses the effect they create in hostile interaction with expert witnesses. As is revealed, HQs are used to elicit the witness’s assessments of alternative scenarios of past events and causal links involving the facts of the case; to elicit the witness’s assessments of general hypothetical scenarios not involving the facts of the case, or to undermine the validity of the witness’s method of analysis. In sum, the paper explains how the use of HQs aids cross-examining attorneys in deconstructing unfavourable testimony and constructing the “legal truth” which supports their narrative.
Mierzanowice culture site in Dobranowice Kraków district
Authors: Oberc Tomasz , Podsiadło Michał , Szczepanek Anita , Wilczyński Jarosław , Włodarczak Piotr
Published: March 2023

In 2019, two partially damaged features linked to the late phase of the Mierzanowice culture were examined during a short rescue survey in Dobranowice, Kraków district. A fragmentarily preserved human skeleton was discovered at the bottom of one of the pits. Aerial prospection established that the two examined features are part of an extensive Early Bronze Age settlement, perfectly legible in a highly eroded ploughed field. The site had not been previously recorded. It belongs to a settlement micro-region abundant in settlement and funerary finds of the Mierzanowice culture. The results of the research indicate that the archaeological resources of the Lesser Poland Upland are still insufficiently known and that systematic surveys using aerial photography should be undertaken.
PhysiCOOL: A generalized framework for model Calibration and Optimization Of modeLing projects
Authors: Gonçalves Inês G. , Hormuth David A. , Prabhakaran Sandhya , Phillips Caleb M. , García-Aznar José Manuel
Published: March 2023

In silico models of biological systems are usually very complex and rely on a large number of parameters describing physical and biological properties that require validation. As such, parameter space exploration is an essential component of computational model development to fully characterize and validate simulation results. Experimental data may also be used to constrain parameter space (or enable model calibration) to enhance the biological relevance of model parameters. One widely used computational platform in the mathematical biology community is PhysiCell, which provides a standardized approach to agent-based models of biological phenomena at different time and spatial scales. Nonetheless, one limitation of PhysiCell is the lack of a generalized approach for parameter space exploration and calibration that can be run without high-performance computing access. Here, we present PhysiCOOL, an open-source Python library tailored to create standardized calibration and optimization routines for PhysiCell models.
Joseph Cornell’s Cosmos: An Artist’s Modern Interpretations of Astronomical
Myths
Authors: Hoving Kirsten
Published: March 2023

The American artist Joseph Cornell (1903–1972) devoted his career to making
collages and box constructions touching on a dizzying assortment of personal interests,
reflected in an eclectic array of materials. Among his wide ranging obsessions was the
history of astronomy, especially myths of the constellations. Throughout his career,
these stories provided the foundation for works that allude to modern advances in
science, his own personal traumas, and popular culture. For instance, he employed the
story of Andromeda to explore to new theories about the size and age of the universe; he
labored for two decades on a Duchampian boite en valise devoted to his desire for an
imaginary little girl astronomer named Berenice, embodied in the constellation Coma
Berenices; upon the death of Marilyn Monroe he produced a commemorative assemblage with
Custos Messium playing the part of a custodian to guard the deceased actress. Cornell's
creative process offers a case study of the complex relations between myth and art, and
the ways in which psychological myth theory can be applied to personalized
reconfigurations of established tales of the stars.
Water Quality Assessment of Wenyu River with Variable Weight Cloud Model
Authors: Guojiao Li , Baohui Men , Lehao Wang
Published: March 2023

The water resource is an important guarantee of social and economic sustainable development. The improvement of water’s ecological carbon sequestration ability is a direct response to the goal of “double carbon”. Water quality directly affects its carbon sequestration capacity. So it is necessary to understand the water quality of rivers. In view of the fuzziness and uncertainty in water quality evaluation, this paper uses the cloud model to realize the qualitative to quantitative transformation of water quality in Wenyu River. By combining moment estimation theory with critic weight, AHM weight, and variable weight theory. A water quality evaluation method integrating a variable weight cloud model is constructed. And the temporal and spatial changes in water quality in Wenyu River are studied. The results show that the combined weights balance the influence of each index while retaining the advantages of subjective and objective weights. The results of the water quality evaluation are consistent with the practice, which verifies the feasibility and applicability of the method.