bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Infektion mit Mycobacterium tuberculosisund Nocardia farcinica bei einer COPD-Patientin: ein Fallbericht
Authors: Chen Yingzhu , Hu Wei
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund: Die chronisch-obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (COPD) ist eine häufige Atemwegserkrankung, die durch eine anhaltende Einschränkung des Luftstroms gekennzeichnet ist. Berichte über eine Infektion mit Mycobacterium tuberculosis oder Nocardia bei COPD-Patienten liegen vor, eine Co-Infektion mit Mycobacterium tuberculosis und Nocardia ist jedoch selten. Hier beschreiben wir einen solchen Fall einer COPD-Patientin im Krankenhaus sowie das Diagnoseverfahren. Falldarstellung: Eine 79-jährige Landwirtin mit COPD wurde seit dem 10. Januar 2022 nacheinander in 2 Krankenhäuser eingeliefert. Ihre Hauptbeschwerden waren ein sich verschlimmernder Husten, Auswurf und Schnappatmung. Die mikrobiologische Untersuchung wurde im ersten Krankenhaus aus unbekannten Gründen nicht durchgeführt, die empirische Antibiotikabehandlung war nicht wirksam. Die Patientin wurde anschließend in unser Krankenhaus überwiesen. Nach der Untersuchung auf die Infektionsquelle und den Erreger wurde in ihrem Fall Tuberkulose diagnostiziert. Die Tuberkulosebehandlung brachte der Patientin keinen Nutzen, eine Remission der Atemwegssymptome blieb aus. Proben von Rückenmarksflüssigkeit und bronchoalveolärer Lavage-Flüssigkeit wurden im Anschluss für eine mikrobiologische Untersuchung eingeschickt. Die Ergebnisse wiesen auf Mycobacterium tuberculosis und Nocardia spp. hin. Nach 4-tägiger Bakterienkultur ergab sich das Wachstum von Nocardia spp. im Medium; Nocardia farcinica wurde durch MALDI-TOF-Massenspektrometrie und 16S-RNA identifiziert. Der Patientin wurden zur Behandlung der Co-Infektion Trimethoprim und Sulfamethoxazol (TMP/SMX) in Kombination mit Antituberkulotika verschrieben. Ihr Zustand verbesserte sich allmählich, sodass sie am 19. Februar 2022 aus dem Krankenhaus entlassen wurde. Die Ergebnisse der Nachbeobachtung waren allerdings unklar. Schlussfolgerungen: Eine Co-Infektion mit Nocardia und Mycobacterium tuberculosis sollte bei COPD-Patienten in Betracht gezogen werden. Wiederholte mikrobiologische und mikroskopische Untersuchungen sind in allgemeinen Krankenhäusern unerlässlich.
Effectiveness of Water-Assisted Colonoscopy without Sedation in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Shi Haitao , Zeng Hong , Wang Mei , Jiang Jiong , Sha Sumei , Chen Fenrong , Wang Yan , Cheng Yan , Ma Shiyang , Liu Xin
Published: July 2023

Background: Studies have found that water-assisted colonoscopy (WAC) including water immersion colonoscopy (WIC) and water exchange colonoscopy (WEC) is superior to air insufflation colonoscopy (AIC) in terms of the cecal intubation rate. However, the application of WAC in ulcerative colitis (UC) has rarely been reported. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of WAC without sedation in patients with UC. Methods: One hundred and seventy-two UC patients were randomly divided into the AIC group (n = 56), WIC group (n = 58), and WEC group (n = 58). The cecal intubation rate, abdominal pain score, operator difficulty, bowel cleanliness, insertion, and total time were compared. Results: The cecal intubation rate was higher in the WIC (91.4% vs. 75.0%; mean difference = 16.4%; 95% CI: 3.0–29.8%) and WEC (93.1% vs. 75.0%; mean difference = 18.1%; 95% CI: 5.0–31.2%) compared to the AIC group, while there was no difference between the WIC and WEC groups. The abdominal pain score and operator difficulty were lower in the WIC and WEC groups than in the AIC group, while there was no difference between the WIC and WEC groups. The bowel cleanliness during withdrawal was higher in the WIC and WEC groups than in the AIC group, while the WEC was superior to WIC. Compared with the AIC and WIC groups, the insertion time and total time were longer in the WEC group, and there was no difference in the AIC group and WIC group. Conclusion: In comparison with AIC, WAC can increase the cecal intubation rate, reduce abdominal pain scores and improve bowel cleanliness in patients with UC.
A new species and endemism of Tigridia (Tigridieae, Iridaceae) in the Transmexican Volcanic Belt, Mexico
Authors: LÓPEZ-PÉREZ JORGE DAVID , RODRÍGUEZ AARÓN , MUNGUÍA-LINO GUADALUPE
Published: July 2023

The Transmexican Volcanic Belt (TVB) extends across Mexico from east to west between 18°30’ and 21°30’ latitudes. It is part of the Mexican Transition Zone consisting of several plateaus at different elevations and hundreds of volcanic structures. These have promoted diversification and endemism in several plant lineages. Here, Tigridia azufresensis is described as a new endemic species of the TVB. Morphologically, this taxon belongs to the Violacea complex and is similar to T. durangensis. Tigridia azufresensis differs from other species in its robust habit, and larger flowers. It has a cauline leaf subtending the rhipidium, so it appears to have three spathe valves. The flowers have elliptic to elliptic-lanceolate outer tepals and clawed inner tepals, which have a geniculate blade and a triangular apiculate limb. The TVB is rich in endemic species of Tigridieae: Tigridia azufresensis, T. flammea, T. gracielae, T. matudae, and T. venusta are exclusive to this biogeographical province.
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid 203K/204R mutations on the inflammatory immune response in COVID-19 severity
Authors: Shuaib Muhammad , Adroub Sabir , Mourier Tobias , Mfarrej Sara , Zhang Huoming , Esau Luke , Alsomali Afrah , Alofi Fadwa S , Ahmad Adeel Nazir , Shamsan Abbas , Khogeer Asim , Hashem Anwar M. , Almontashiri Naif A. M. , Hala Sharif , Pain Arnab
Published: July 2023

Background

The excessive inflammatory responses provoked by SARS-CoV-2 infection are critical factors affecting the severity and mortality of COVID-19. Previous work found that two adjacent co-occurring mutations R203K and G204R (KR) on the nucleocapsid (N) protein correlate with increased disease severity in COVID-19 patients. However, links with the host immune response remain unclear.

Methods

Here, we grouped nasopharyngeal swab samples of COVID-19 patients into two cohorts based on the presence and absence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid KR mutations. We performed nasopharyngeal transcriptome analysis of age, gender, and ethnicity-matched COVID-19 patients infected with either SARS-CoV-2 with KR mutations in the N protein (KR patients n = 39) or with the wild-type N protein (RG patients n = 39) and compared to healthy controls (n = 34). The impact of KR mutation on immune response was further characterized experimentally by transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of virus-like-particle (VLP) incubated cells.

Results

We observed markedly elevated expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and interferon-stimulated (ISGs) genes in the KR patients compared to RG patients. Using nasopharyngeal transcriptome data, we found significantly higher levels of neutrophils and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratio in KR patients than in the RG patients. Furthermore, transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of VLP incubated cells confirmed a similar hyper-inflammatory response mediated by the KR variant.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate an unforeseen connection between nucleocapsid KR mutations and augmented inflammatory immune response in severe COVID-19 patients. These findings provide insights into how mutations in SARS-CoV-2 modulate host immune output and pathogenesis and may contribute to more efficient therapeutics and vaccine development.
Gut–liver axis and the impact of probiotics on neonatal jaundice symptoms: a review
Authors: Milani Payam Gonbari , Nazari Armaghan , Soleimani Azar Abedi , Soleimani Roya Abedi
Published: July 2023

Neonatal jaundice, which can affect up to 60% of term and 80% of preterm babies, can have a serious detrimental effect on their health. The effects of microbiota on neonatal bilirubin are poorly understood, which creates a critical knowledge gap about how they affect the neonate's blood bilirubin levels and how the gut delicately balances close contact with the host. Prebiotics and probiotics have a significant impact on the management of hyperbilirubinemia, but their effectiveness is still being debated. To offer a compelling novel therapeutic approach for newborn hyperbilirubinemia, a thorough understanding of the process is required.
Parenting Styles and Practices in Enhancing Self-Determination of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Meral Bekir F. , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Palmer Susan B. , Ruh Anil B. , Yilmaz Engin
Published: July 2023

Parenting styles and practices are crucial in promoting the self-determination of children. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the role of parenting styles and practices in enhancing the self-determination of children with/without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The present study was carried out with a sample of 243 parents of children with/without IDD in Türkiye (Turkey). The results indicated that an authoritative parenting style and autonomy-supportive parenting practices positively affect the degree of child self-determination, whereas permissive and overprotective parenting practices may limit child opportunities in fostering self-determination. The study results also showed that urbanization, higher income, and higher education level of parents positively impacted the degree of child self-determination. Parents of typically developing children reported higher levels of overall self-determination for their typically developing children when compared with children with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. On the other hand, parents of children with mild disabilities reported a higher level of self-determination than both children with moderate and severe disabilities. The results were discussed within the cultural context of the current sample.
Impact of dominance rank specification in dyadic interaction models
Authors: Mielke Alexander
Published: July 2023

Dominance rank is a vital descriptor of social dynamics in animal societies and regularly used in studies to explain observed interaction patterns. However, researchers can choose between different indices and standardizations, and can specify dyadic rank relations differently when studying interaction distributions. These researcher degrees of freedom potentially introduce biases into studies and reduce replicability. Here, I demonstrate the impact of researcher choices by comparing the performance of different combinations of rank index, standardization, and model specification when explaining dyadic interaction patterns in sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys atys). I show that while no combination consistently performed best across interaction types (aggression, grooming, proximity, supplants), model specifications allowing for nonlinear patterns performed better than other models on average. Choices made in pre-processing and model building impacted model performance and subsequent interpretation of results. Researchers could end up describing social systems differently based on the same data. These results highlight the impact of researcher choices in the processing of behavioural data and potential limitations when using indirect species comparisons in animal behaviour research. To increase repeatability, researchers could make the impact of their processing choices more transparent and report results using a variety of indices and model specifications.
Cholinergic-estrogen interaction is associated with the effect of education on attenuating cognitive sex differences in a Thai healthy population
Authors: Chen Chen , Khanthiyong Bupachad , Charoenlappanit Sawanya , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Reynolds Gavin P. , Thanoi Samur , Nudmamud-Thanoi Sutisa
Published: July 2023

The development of human brain is shaped by both genetic and environmental factors. Sex differences in cognitive function have been found in humans as a result of sexual dimorphism in neural information transmission. Numerous studies have reported the positive effects of education on cognitive functions. However, little work has investigated the effect of education on attenuating cognitive sex differences and the neural mechanisms behind it based on healthy population. In this study, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was employed to examine sex differences in cognitive function in 135 Thai healthy subjects, and label-free quantitative proteomic method and bioinformatic analysis were used to study sex-specific neurotransmission-related protein expression profiles. The results showed sex differences in two WCST sub-scores: percentage of Total corrects and Total errors in the primary education group (Bayes factor>100) with males performed better, while such differences eliminated in secondary and tertiary education levels. Moreover, 11 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between men and women (FDR<0.1) were presented in both education groups, with majority of them upregulated in females. Half of those DEPs interacted directly with nAChR3, whereas the other DEPs were indirectly connected to the cholinergic pathways through interaction with estrogen. These findings provided a preliminary indication that a cholinergic-estrogen interaction relates to, and might underpin, the effect of education on attenuating cognitive sex differences in a Thai healthy population.
Effect of implantable cardiac monitors on preventing stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: He Jialing , Jiang Yaxin , Xiao Yangchun , Hao Pengfei , Li Tiangui , Peng Liyuan , Feng Yuning , Cheng Xin , Deng Haidong , Wang Peng , Chong Weelic , Hai Yang , Chen Lvlin , You Chao , Jia Lu , Fang Fang , Yu Shui , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2023

Background and aim

Implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) can facilitate the detection of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation episodes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate whether ICM can prevent stroke in patients with prior stroke and risk factors for stroke.

Methods

This study included randomized controlled trials comparing ICM with conventional (non-ICM) external cardiac monitoring in patients with prior stroke and risk factors for stroke. We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL from inception until January 5, 2022, without language restriction. Quantitative pooling of the data was undertaken using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was ischemic stroke at the longest follow-up.

Results

Four trials comprising 7237 patients were included. ICM was significantly associated with decreased risk of ischemic stroke (RR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59–0.97; moderate-quality evidence) in patients with prior stroke and risk factors for stroke. ICM was associated with higher detection of atrial fibrillation (RR 4.21, 95% CI 2.26–7.85) and use of oral anticoagulants (RR 2.29, 95% CI 2.07–2.55).

Conclusions

ICM results in a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke than conventional (non-ICM) external cardiac monitoring in patients with prior stroke and risk factors for stroke. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of study population and limited related studies, more trials were needed to furtherly explore the topic in patients with prior stroke or high risk of stroke.
Code-switching functions in online advertisements on Snapchat
Authors: Almoaily Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Code-switching is a well-researched phenomenon. However, little research has been conducted on code-switching in orally communicated advertisements on social media despite social media platforms witnessing the birth of many linguistic trends and having an impact on the linguistic behaviour of their users. To bridge this gap, the current study investigates the functions of Arabic-English code-switching in advertisements made by Saudi influencers on Snapchat. The data comprise 4000 words produced by 40 advertisers (20 male and 20 female, 100 words each). The advertisers, who belong to the same age group, advertised for a range of products and targeted mostly monolingual Saudi users of Snapchat. The sample produced 102 instances of switching from Arabic to English. The most common function in the data consisted of switching for availability (n = 78), but other functions were observed (quotation n = 9, specifying addressee n = 5, interjection n = 7, reiteration n = 1, and message qualification n = 2). The potential reasons for the higher frequency of switching for availability are discussed, and venues for future research are suggested.
Prevalence and distribution of Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein gene duplications in Sudan
Authors: Ahmed Safaa , Pestana Kareen , Ford Anthony , Elfaki Mohammed , Gamil Eiman , Elamin Arwa F. , Hamad Samuel Omer , Elfaki Tarig Mohamed , Abukashawa Sumaia Mohamed Ahmed , Lo Eugenia , Abdel Hamid Muzamil M.
Published: July 2023

Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP) is essential for interacting with Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) on the surface of red blood cells to allow invasion. Earlier whole genome sequence analyses provided evidence for the duplications of PvDBP. It is unclear whether PvDBP duplications play a role in recent increase of P. vivax in Sudan and in Duffy-negative individuals. In this study, the prevalence and type of PvDBP duplications, and its relationship to demographic and clinical features were investigated. A total of 200 malaria-suspected blood samples were collected from health facilities in Khartoum, River Nile, and Al-Obied. Among them, 145 were confirmed to be P. vivax, and 43 (29.7%) had more than one PvDBP copies with up to four copies being detected. Both the Malagasy and Cambodian types of PvDBP duplication were detected. No significant difference was observed between the two types of duplications between Duffy groups. Parasitemia was significantly higher in samples with the Malagasy-type than those without duplications. No significant difference was observed in PvDBP duplication prevalence and copy number among study sites. The functional significance of PvDBP duplications, especially those Malagasy-type that associated with higher parasitemia, merit further investigations.
Promotion and prevention regulatory focus LIWC dictionary. Polish adaptation and validation
Authors: Marszałek Magdalena , Miązek Amadeusz , Roczniewska Marta
Published: July 2023

This article describes the adaptation and validation of a Polish version of the regulatory focus (RF) Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) dictionary. RF theory proposes that there are two types of self-regulation: promotion (focus on gains, growth, and ideals) and prevention (focus on losses, security, and oughts). Apart from self-report questionnaires, one method to measure RF includes a linguistic analysis. LIWC counts the frequency of words from relevant categories and presents the output as a percentage of all words used in a writing sample. RF LIWC contains two categories: promotion (e.g., achieve, ideal) and prevention (e.g., afraid, fail). To test the psychometric properties of our Polish adaptation of the RF LIWC instrument, we performed three studies. In Study 1 (N = 10), experts in RF theory rated the extent to which each dictionary entry was related to promotion and prevention foci. Results showed that words from the promotion category were rated as more promotion than prevention-related, and the pattern was reversed for words from the prevention category. In Study 2 (N = 130) we examined the divergent validity of the instrument by experimentally manipulating RF and testing the writing patterns. When a promotion focus was activated, individuals wrote more words from the promotion than prevention category, and the pattern was reversed in the prevention group. Study 3 (N = 414) investigated whether the promotion and prevention scores obtained through RF LIWC are linked with results obtained using a self-report questionnaire that measures chronic RF. Promotion scores from RF LIWC correlated positively with chronic promotion RF and prevention scores from RF LIWC correlated positively with chronic prevention RF. These preliminary findings provide initial support for the validity of the Polish adaptation of the RF LIWC.
Government spending shocks and default risk in emerging markets
Authors: Jiang Ming , Li Jingchao
Published: July 2023

The coronavirus pandemic has revived interest in the effects of fiscal policy. This paper studies the effects of government spending on default risk in emerging economies. We first build a general equilibrium small open economy model where government spending shocks influence external debt and sovereign bond spreads. We show that external debt piles up and sovereign bond spreads increase following a government spending shock. We then develop VAR evidence based on a panel of 18 countries. We find that in response to a 10% government spending increase, (1) the real effective exchange rate appreciates by 1.0% and the current account to GDP ratio deteriorates by 0.0025 on impact; (2) external debt increases by an average of 3.5% in the year following the shock; and (3) the EMBI Global spread rises by an average of 25 basis points within two years and peaks at 132 basis points 14 quarters after the shock, suggesting a higher sovereign default risk. The empirical results confirm the theoretical predictions from the general equilibrium model.
Evolution and stages of China’s economic inequality from 1978 to 2018
Authors: Guo Yuanzhi
Published: July 2023

Regional economic inequality has long been a prominent problem in China’s national economic and social development. In this study, the centre of gravity (CG) model is employed to reveal the spatiotemporal patterns and stages of China’s economic inequality in 1978–2018, and the characteristics of different stages are explored. The results show that China’s economy achieved rapid growth at an average annual growth rate of 9.4% in 1978–2018. Due to the spatial heterogeneity of the location and the unbalanced development strategy, there was a significant economic gradient between eastern and western China. Spatially, there was a notable increase in the agglomeration of GDP and the added value of the three industries, and their CGs moved southwestward as a whole. According to the evolution of regional differentiation characteristics, combined with key historical events, China’s economic inequality from 1978 to 2018 could be divided into four stages, i.e., the stages of economic inequality led by institutional reform (1978–1991), market mechanisms (1992–2003), regional coordination (2004–2012), and socioeconomic transformation (2013–2018). The alternation of these four stages reflects how to scientifically deal with the relationship between efficiency and equity in economic development.
Bone mineral density among children living with HIV failing first-line anti-retroviral therapy in Uganda: A sub-study of the CHAPAS-4 trial
Authors: Natukunda Eva , Szubert Alex , Otike Caroline , Namyalo Imerida , Nambi Esther , Bamford Alasdair , Doerholt Katja , Gibb Diana M. , Musiime Victor , Musoke Phillipa
Published: July 2023

Background

Children living with perinatally acquired HIV (CLWH) survive into adulthood on antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV, ART, and malnutrition can all lead to low bone mineral density (BMD). Few studies have described bone health among CLWH in Sub-Saharan Africa. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with low BMD among CLWH switching to second-line ART in the CHAPAS-4 trial (ISRCTN22964075) in Uganda.

Methods

BMD was determined using dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). BMD Z-scores were adjusted for age, sex, height and race. Demographic characteristics were summarized using median interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations between each variable and low BMD.

Results

A total of 159 children were enrolled (50% male) with median age (IQR) 10 (7–12) years, median duration of first -line ART 5.2(3.3–6.8) years; CD4 count 774 (528–1083) cells/mm3, weight—for–age Z-score -1.36 (-2.19, -0.65) and body mass index Z-score (BMIZ) -1.31 (-2.06, -0.6). Low (Z-score≤ -2) total body less head (TBLH) BMD was observed in 28 (18%) children, 21(13%) had low lumbar spine (LS) BMD, and15 (9%) had both. Low TBLH BMD was associated with increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.37; 95% CI: 1.13–1.65, p = 0.001), female sex (aOR: 3.8; 95% CL: 1.31–10.81, p = 0.014), low BMI (aOR 0.36:95% CI: 0.21–0.61, p<0.001), and first-line zidovudine exposure (aOR: 3.68; 95% CI: 1.25–10.8, p = 0.018). CD4 count, viral load and first- line ART duration were not associated with TBLH BMD. Low LS BMD was associated with increasing age (aOR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.16–1.74, p = 0.001) and female sex: (aOR 3.41; 95% CI: 1.18–9.8, p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Nearly 20% CLWH failing first-line ART had low BMD which was associated with female sex, older age, first-line ZDV exposure, and low BMI. Prevention, monitoring, and implications following transition to adult care should be prioritized to identify poor bone health in HIV+adolescents entering adulthood.
Optimization of infectious bronchitis virus-like particle expression in Nicotiana benthamiana as potential poultry vaccines
Authors: Sepotokele Kamogelo M. , O’Kennedy Martha M. , Wandrag Daniel B. R. , Abolnik Celia
Published: July 2023

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious, acute respiratory disease in chickens, with a severe economic impact on poultry production globally. The rapid emergence of regional variants of this Gammacoronavirus warrants new vaccine approaches that are more humane and rapid to produce than the current embryonated chicken egg-based method used for IB variant vaccine propagation (chemically-inactivated whole viruses). The production of virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing the Spike (S) glycoprotein, the major antigen which induces neutralizing antibodies, has not been achieved in planta up until now. In this study, using the Agrobacterium-mediated Nicotiana benthamiana (tobacco plant) transient expression system, the highest levels of VLPs displaying a modified S protein of a QX-like IB variant were obtained when the native transmembrane (TM) domain and cytoplasmic tail were substituted with that of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) fusion glycoprotein, co-infiltrated with the NDV Matrix protein. In comparison, the native IB modified S co-infiltrated with IB virus membrane, envelope and nucleocapsid proteins, or substituted with the TM and CT of an H6-subtype influenza A virus hemagglutinin glycoprotein yielded lower VLP expression levels. Strong immunogenicity was confirmed in specific pathogen free chickens immunized intramuscularly with VLPs adjuvanted with Emulsigen®-P, where birds that received doses of 5 μg or 20 μg (S protein content) seroconverted after two weeks with mean hemaggluttination inhibition titres of 9.1 and 10 log2, respectively. Plant-produced IB VLP variant vaccines are safer, more rapid and cost effective to produce than VLPs produced in insect cell expression systems or the traditional egg-produced inactivated whole virus oil emulsion vaccines currently in use, with great potential for improved IB disease control in future.
The role of critical care nurses in shared decision-making for patients with severe heart failure: A qualitative study
Authors: Inagaki Noriko , Seto Natsuko , Lee Kumsun , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Nakayama Takeo , Hayashi Yuko
Published: July 2023

Aim

Patients with severe heart failure undergo highly invasive and advanced therapies with uncertain treatment outcomes. For these patients, shared decision-making is necessary. To date, the nursing perspective of the decision-making process for patients facing difficulties and how nurses can support patients in this process have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to clarify the perceptions of critical care nurses regarding situations with patients with severe heart failure that require difficult decision-making, and their role in supporting these patients.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 certified nurse specialists in critical care nursing at nine hospitals in Japan. A qualitative inductive method was used and the derived relationships among the themes were visually structured and represented.

Results

The nurses’ perceptions on patients’ difficult situations in decision-making were identified as follows: painful decisions under uncertainties; tense relationships; wavering emotions during decision-making; difficulties in coping with worsening medical conditions; patients’ wishes that are difficult to realize or estimate; and difficulties in transitioning from advanced medical care. Critical care nurses’ roles were summarized into six themes and performed collaboratively within the nursing team. Of these, the search for meaning and value was fundamental. Two positions underpin the role of critical care nurses. The first aims to provide direct support and includes partnerships and rights advocacy. The second aims to provide a holistic perspective to enable necessary adjustments, as indicated by situation assessments and mediation. By crossing various boundaries, co-creating, and forming a good circular relationship in the search for meaning and values, the possibility of expanding treatment and recuperation options may be considered.

Conclusions

Patients with severe heart failure have difficulty participating in shared decision-making. Critical care nurses should collaborate within the nursing team to improve interprofessional shared decision-making by providing decisional support to patients that focuses on values and meaning.
Discussing internet platform policy and regulation in Latin America
Authors: Bizberge Ana , Mastrini Guillermo , Gómez Rodrigo
Published: July 2023

This article discusses policy and regulation of internet platforms in Latin America. It first addresses how internet platformization brings back to the political agenda the centrality of communication public policy and communication governance at a global scale. The article presents some global policy concerns on internet governance, while also analysing the regional specificities. It offers an overview of the tradition of communication policies in Latin America, to show continuities and shifts in the debates on internet governance highlighting key aspects, including the peripheral positioning and recognition of power asymmetries, and the role of states and the participation of society in the discussions. The presentation also portrays some of the current regulatory debates in the region and identifies at least three different approaches (and their pitfalls): taxation perspective; platform funding initiatives and content moderation regulatory projects under debate which, in many cases, jeopardize human right principles. Finally, an overview of the six articles comprised in this Special Issue is presented.
Trabalho decente e redução das desigualdades
Authors: Klein Junior Paulo , Do Carmo Gomes Luiz Geraldo
Published: July 2023

Este artigo pretende explanar a inter-relação dos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável (ODS) 8 e 10 da Agenda 2020 das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável com aparatos teóricos interconectados ao trabalho decente e à redução das desigualdades abordados por Van Parijs e Vanderborght, Seyla Benhabib e Martha Nussbaum (renda básica, capabilidades e “direitos dos outros”). Isto é, como estas teorias contribuem na perspectiva da redução das desigualdades, mote da Agenda. Para tanto, se estudará acerca da ruptura do projeto filosófico da modernidade, o advento da sustentabilidade multidimensional, os ODS 8 e 10 e os aparatos teóricos interconectados ao trabalho decente e à redução das desigualdades. Como resultados, entende-se que malgrado a crise do projeto filosófico da modernidade, o Estado ainda é um ator importante na implementação de políticas para promoção de igualdade e redução da pobreza, e que instituições sólidas e justas, que garantam os direitos e não discriminem nacionais e não nacionais são pilares de novo paradigma que coloque em prática os ODS 8 e 10, promovendo trabalho decente aliado ao crescimento econômico.
Verlagerung des Internationalen Verkehrsflughafens Oslo
Authors: Aring Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Das norwegische Parlament hat nach einem langen Diskussionsprozeß die Verlagerung des Flughafens Oslo aus dem Kernraum der Region nach Nordosten beschlossen. Der neue Flughafenstandort wurde vorwiegend aus regionalpolitischen Gründen gewählt. Mit der Flughafenverlagerung verbindet sich die Hoffnung, einen wirtschaftlich schwachen Teilraum Ostnorwegens an der insgesamt positiven Wirtschaftsentwicklung der Hauptstadtregion stärker teilhaben zu lassen, um so in Richtung einer räumlich ausgeglicheneren Entwicklung zu steuern.Der vorliegende Beitrag vollzieht in groben Zügen den Planungs- und Entscheidungsprozeß nach. Die wichtigsten erwarteten Effekte werden dargestellt, und abschließend werden kritische Positionen zur Flughafenverlagerung zusammengefaßt.
Structure and properties of some natural cellulosic fibrils
Authors: Subramanian Ramjee , Kononov Alexey , Kang Taegeun , Paltakari Jouni , Paulapuro Hannu
Published: July 2023

This study examines the properties of cellulosic fibrillar fines manufactured from different pulp raw materials, bleached softwood kraft (BSWK), thermomechanical pulp (TMP), and non-wood sisal. Chemical characterisation showed that the carbohydrate and lignin contents of sisal were between those of BSWK and TMP. Sisal was found to contain about three times more calcium than showed that the solids content after immobilization was highest for the sisal suspension, followed by TMP and BSWK. This indicates that the dewatering ability of the fines suspension increased in the order BSWK, TMP and sisal. The loss modulus (G'') was maxmium with BSWK, indicating that the greatest viscous dissipation before immobilisation took place in the BSWK suspension. The strength properties of fines sheets decreased in the order BSWK, TMP and sisal. This is due to the highly fibrillated nature of BSWK fines, as illustrated by fibre saturation point (FSP), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and hydrodynamic specific volume (HSV) measurements.
The role of climate change and food supply on winter populations of seed-eating birds
Authors: Askeyev Arthur , Askeyev Oleg , Askeyev Igor , Sparks Tim
Published: July 2023

We studied the populations of four seed-eating bird species throughout the winter during a 30-year study in the forests of the Tatarstan Republic, Russia. Numbers of all species fluctuated from year-to-year by several orders of magnitude but with a significant underlying trend for increased numbers associated with rising temperatures and a greater food supply. We question whether the traditional view that such birds move further south only after exhausting the food supply is too simplistic. We believe that the severity of winter, or lack of it, is highly influential on the mortality and movements of these characteristic birds of the boreal forest zone.
An ML-based Cancer Genome Profile Drug Prediction Framework
Authors: Chauhan Rahul
Published: July 2023

This article discusses predictive modelling for individualised cancer therapy. We employ machine learning to predict pharmaceutical reactions, drug synergies, drug target-interactions, and cancer classification. This work aims to construct machine learning prediction models for drug sensitivity prediction, medicine combination therapy, drug target interaction prediction, and cancer classification. C-HMOSHSSA, a cancer classification framework using multi-objective meta-heuristic and machine learning, predicts both recognised and new cancer biomarkers. A hybrid feature selection algorithm (HMOSHSSA) for gene selection improves on the multi-objective spotted hyena optimizer (MOSHO) and salp swarm algorithm (SSA). Four classifiers are trained using the HMOSHSSA dataset. The approach uncovers informative gene groupings. KSRMF also predicted missing drug response values. The BE-DTI framework uses dimensionality reduction and active learning to predict drug-target interactions. Active learning helps under-sampling bagging ensembles. High-dimensional data demands unique dimension reduction strategies. Five existing (RF, SVM) feature-based approaches are compared to the proposed framework's performance..
IoT Storage Optimisation Security Framework Based on a Secure Hash Algorithm
Authors: Agnihotri Aditiya
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this research is to examine the risks that IoT applications encounter throughout operational operations, data routing, and energy utilisation, as well as potential solutions to these problems utilising Blockchain technology. This study is broken up into four parts: finding a secure hash technique for the huge volumes of data produced by IoT devices; improving storage; using cluster-based routing to keep out unwanted visitors; and safeguarding IoT programmes. The trust of the blockchain node to existing applications for the Internet of Things cannot be assured, and a sizable amount of communication assets would be used in the process of achieving consensus using the proposed security evolution method of Hybrid Cryptographic Hash Function (HCHF). Private Consensus Bitcoin with Hybrid Cryptographic Hash Function (HCHF) Enhanced Trust on Multilink was a newly developed consensus method in this study. The following are some of the key features of the IoT applications that make use of the suggested HCHF method: 1) The confidence of the nodes in the IoT application grew as a result of the development of the trust attribute mechanism, leading to the formation of a grouping structure within the network. The trust in the system is boosted by the grouping adjustment mechanism. Second, the complexity of communication is considerably simplified by categorising nodes according to their level of trust. The experimental findings show that the system's communication effectiveness and overall trust may be greatly increased by the blockchain's application of the upgraded method.
Association Between Personal Hygiene and Nutritional Status in School-Age Children
Authors: Andromeda Andromeda , Rafshanzany Muhammad Luthfi , Buntoro Joseph Dharmadi
Published: July 2023

Malnutrition is a global health problem often found in children and adolescents. This condition can inhibit growth and development in children. Soil transmission helminth (STH) infection absorbs nutrients in the host's digestive system, affecting the host's nutritional status. One of the risk factors for STH infection is poor personal hygiene. This study aims to analyze the association of STH infections and personal hygiene with the nutritional status of elementary school children. This research is a cross-sectional study with primary data conducted in August – September 2022 on 92 children aged 6 – 12 years at Neglasari Elementary School, Cilame Village, District Bandung. Nutritional status was assessed by measuring height and weight to calculate body mass index and then putting it into the WHO 2007 Z-Score plotting curve. STH infections were determined by microscopic examination of helminth eggs from feces using the Kato-Katz method. Personal hygiene was assessed through direct interview methods. The results showed that there was no STH infection in all research respondents. The distribution of nutritional status was dominated by normal nutrition, with 66 (71.7%) respondents and the majority had implemented good personal hygiene behavior habits (78 (84.8%) respondents). It can be concluded that there was a significant relationship between personal hygiene and nutritional status in students (p= 0.000). The average score of children who had implemented good personal hygiene was in normal nutritional status.
Geoparque Mundial UNESCO Mixteca Alta (GMA) como espacio de construcción y aplicación de metodologías participativas
Authors: Orozco López Efrén , Lorenzen Matthew
Published: July 2023

Este artículo inicia ofreciendo un panorama general de las epistemologías y metodologías participativas desarrolladas durante la segunda mitad del siglo xx en Latinoamérica. En este contexto, se plantea por objetivo posicionar la asamblea como espacio de construcción y aplicación de metodologías participativas con el fin de crear conocimiento enfocado en el cuidado del territorio. El caso de estudio es el Geoparque Mundial unesco Mixteca Alta, ubicado en Oaxaca, México. Los resultados visualizan cómo se construye una estructura de apropiación territorial comunitaria que beneficia a los habitantes locales. Las conclusiones resaltan el diseño y aplicación de los procesos de investigación participativa en dos niveles de análisis: el epistemológico y el metodológico.
Resenha Heranças escravistas e ambiguidade política
Authors: Guerra Gutemberg Armando Diniz
Published: July 2023

Resenha de livro publicado por José Alberto Bandeira Ramos.
Efek Penggunaan Teknologi Informasi dalam Pembelajaran Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Irsyadillah Nasla Sajida , Putri Retno Imeldha , Amori Moniqa rindri Brillian , Wati Sonia , Afriyanti Safira Aliya , Haidlor Muhammad , Afandi Ahmad
Published: July 2023

Perkembangan  ilmu  pengetahuan  dan  teknologi  telah  mendorong  kemajuan  pada  semua bidang,  termasuk  kemajuan  dalam  bidang  teknologi  informasi.  Teknologi  informasi  pada sistem pembelajaran di sekolah bagi anak usia dini dimasa pandemi Covid-19 saat ini sangat dibutuhkan, karena   proses   pembelajaran   yang   dilakukan   secara daring atau belajar dari rumah yang mengharuskan  anak  bergantung  pada  teknologi dengan menggunakan teknologi  seperti  misalkan smartphone. Dengan  menggunakan  metode penelitian  berupa pendekatan kajian pustaka dengan serangkaian tindakan pengumpulan data. Penelitian ini juga   menggunakan   metode pendekatan  kualitatif,  bersifat  deskriptif  analisis terhadap tulisan atau kata-kata yang nampak. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa teknologi informasi ini memberikan kemudahan dan kemanfaatan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari khusunya  dalam  proses  pembelajaran  pada  anak  usia dini. Selain memiliki manfaat positif terdapat juga dampak negatifnya. Oleh karena itu, pada saat menggunakan sebuah   teknologi   harus   dalam   pengawasan   orangtua, agar   anak   mampu menggunakan teknologi secara tepat dan sesuai perkembangan anak
On the study of the Neumann problem for elliptic system of two sixth order equations on the plane
Authors: Оdinabekov Jasur M.
Published: July 2023

As it is known, on the basis of the methods of the theory of singular integral equations, fine results were obtained in the theory of partial differential equations. In this paper, we study the question of solvability of the Neumann problem for an elliptic system of two six order equations with two independent variables in a bounded domain. During the study of this problem, the method developed by Boyarsky is used. The essence of this method is to construct a matrix function on base of the main part of the given system and split polynomials into homotopy classes. Using this approach, the ellipticity of the system under consideration is proved. It is also shown that, in accordance with homotopy classes, an elliptic system of two sixth order equations with two independent variables can be equivalently reduced to a singular integral equation over a bounded domain. Using the method of passing to an equivalent singular integral equation over a bounded domain, effective Noetherian conditions are found, and a formula for calculating the index of the problem is obtained.
Determinant of functional disability in instrumental activities of daily living among elderly living in a rural area in Bali: a crosssectional study
Authors: Suyasa I Gede Putu Darma , Sutini Ni Kadek , Kamaryati Ni Putu , Nuryanto I Kadek
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Little do we understand about factors associated with functional disability in instrumental activities of daily living among the elderly living at home. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and determinant factors of functional disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among the elderly living in a rural area in Bali.

Method: Using a cross-sectional design, 1,053 elderly aged 60 years and above living in a rural area in Bali were recruited. A structured interview by trained data collectors was conducted.  Questionnaires used were the Lawton IADL Scale, the 5-item of Geriatric Depression Scale, and the adoption of questionnaires for vision, hearing, and communication problems from the Washington Group Short Set of Questions on Disability. A logistic regression model was applied to explore determinant factors.

Results: Findings indicated that 26.1% of participants aged 75+ and 52.3% were female. Eight percent (8%) experienced functional disability in IADL, 1.9% lived alone, 11.8% indicated depression, 5.1%, 4.7%, and 1.6% of them had vision loss, hearing impairment, and communication problems, respectively. The strongest determinant factor for functional disability in IADL was depression (OR 7.869; 95% CI 4.657-13.296), followed by age (OR 4.602; 95% CI 2.764-7.663), and hearing impairment (OR 2.903; 95% CI 1.190-7.083).

Conclusions: Depression is the strongest determinant factor for functional disability in IADL. Health professionals in rural areas should actively screen for depression to increase the ability of the elderly to fulfill their IADLs.

Keywords: aged, depression, epidemiology, Indonesia
Health Impact and Ecosocial Safety in Romanian Metallic Materials Industry
Authors: Nicolae Avram , Sohaciu Mirela , Gherghescu Ioana , Dumitrescu Ruxandra , Berbecaru Andrei , Coman George
Published: July 2023

In the context of the industrial evolution towards Industry 5.0 concept, there is an increase in the industrial processes automation and digitization which can bring several benefits but also challenges for human health protection. Thus, it is important that governments and industrial companies take a series of measures to detect health problems that may be related to harmful substances exposure during industrial processes.
The paper deals with a subject of industrial ecosociology represented by the interactions of three systems: natural-ecological (particulate matters pollution of the atmosphere), technological (polluting particulate matters in processing of metallic materials), social (health status under negative impact of polluting particulate matters).
The negative influence of particulate matters on human health is investigated with regard to the particle characteristics, namely size, dp [m], concentration, cp [g/m3], granulometric fractions, fg [%], elemental chemical composition and granulometric structure. The following aspects are approached: the importance of industrial ecosociology concerns for sustainable development of human existence; the need of engineers to know the industrial ecosociology targets; the ranking of metallurgy sectors (sintering plant, blast furnace, LD converter, electrical arc furnace – EAF, rolling mills) according to the impact of pollutants particulates that may affect human health induced diseases is assessed.
JEL Classifications F64, I15, J81, O14, Q57