bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An innovative surgical approach for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm with duodenal invasion in a pediatric patient: a case report
Authors: Tsuzuki Yukihiro , Ooshiro Kiyotetsu , Tatekawa Yukihiro , Tamashiro Rin , Yagi Takeshi , Higa Takeshi
Published: October 2024

Background

Pediatric pancreatic tumors, especially with duodenal invasion, are exceptionally rare and a strategy for their treatment has not been established. A pancreaticoduodenectomy is often the desired treatment, but may be over-invasive for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN). This study reports an innovative surgical approach for SPN with duodenal invasion using pancreatic enucleation and endoscopically guided partial duodenectomy.

Case presentation

An 11-year-old girl complained of malaise and presented with severe anemia; imaging revealed a tumor of undetermined origin, involving the pancreatic head and descending duodenum. Intraoperative findings showed tumor adherence to the pancreatic head and endoscopy revealed invasion of the duodenum. The tumor was enucleated from the pancreatic head, and partial duodenectomy was performed under endoscopically guided direct visualization. Pathology confirmed SPN with duodenal invasion, and no residual tumor. Although a Grade B pancreatic fistula occurred postoperatively, it was managed conservatively. At the 15-month follow-up, no signs of tumor recurrence, duodenal stenosis, or pancreatic dysfunction were evident.

Conclusions

Given the good prognosis of SPN, we believe that enucleation from the pancreatic head combined with an endoscopically guided partial duodenectomy could be a useful and less invasive alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy for cases with duodenal invasion.
Measuring the ecological outcomes of fire: metrics to guide fire management
Authors: Haslem Angie , Radford James Q. , Bennett Andrew F. , Watson Simon J. , Chick Matthew P. , Huang Jenny , Berry Laurence E. , Clarke Michael F.
Published: October 2024

Background

Changes to fire regimes threaten biodiversity worldwide and emphasize the need to understand the ecological consequences of fire management. For fire management to effectively protect biodiversity, it is essential to have ecologicallyrelevant metrics to plan and evaluate management interventions. Here, we describe a suite of metrics to guide fire management for enhanced biodiversity outcomes.

Results

We define five metrics that collectively provide comprehensive and complementary insights into the effect of fire regimes on ecosystem resilience and components of biodiversity. These include (1) Species Habitat Availability, a measure of the amount of suitable habitat for individual species; (2) Fire Indicator Species Index, population trends for species with clear fire responses; (3) Vegetation Resilience, a measure of plant maturity and the capability of vegetation communities to regenerate after fire; (4) Desirable Mix of Growth Stages, an indicator of the composition of post-fire age-classes across the landscape; and (5) Extent of High Severity Fire, a measure of the effect of severe fire on post-fire recovery of treed vegetation communities. Each metric can be quantified at multiple spatial and temporal scales relevant to evaluating fire management outcomes. We present a case study from Victoria, Australia, in which two metrics are applied across spatially-nested management areas. Results highlight four characteristics of metrics that enhance their value for management: (1) they quantify both status and trends through time; (2) they are scalable and can be applied consistently across management levels (from individual reserves to the whole state); (3) most can be mapped, essential for identifying where and when to implement fire management; and (4) their complementarity provides unique insights to guide fire management for ecological outcomes.

Conclusions

These metrics reflect common relationships between fire and biodiversity and are relevant to management in fire-prone ecosystems worldwide. They facilitate consistent translation of management responsibilities (planning, evaluation, reporting) across administrative levels and enable managers to strategically plan on-ground actions and transparently evaluate outcomes against strategic goals. A key next step for fire managers globally is to define “desirable” states for ecological metrics, to enable target-setting and the evaluation of management outcomes.
Behaviorally informed digital campaigns and their association with social media engagement and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Belize
Authors: Daga Giuliana , Kossuth Lajos , Boruchowicz Cynthia , Lopez Boo Florencia , Largaespada Beer Natalia
Published: October 2024

Background

Increasing vaccination coverage was key to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic globally. However, lack of trust in the vaccine and fear of side effects in regions like the Caribbean resulted in a low uptake despite enough vaccine supply.

Methods

We conducted two correlational analyses and one experiment between five sequential behaviorally informed Facebook campaigns, social media performance outcomes, and district-level vaccination data. First, we ran multivariate linear regression models to estimate the mean differences between the campaigns in (i) social media performance (“Clicks” and “Engagement”) and (ii) COVID-19 vaccination uptake at the district level. “Clicks” were measured by the number of people who clicked on the respective Facebook advert and visited the official vaccination site. “Engagements” were the number of people interacting with the advert through likes and emojis. Second, we took advantage of the experimental design during one of the campaigns to analyze the differential effect of messages conveying information about the number of people reporting vaccination side effects using words (“Few”/ “Majority) and numbers (“3 out of 100 “) on social media performance.

Results

The correlational analysis showed that the number of “Clicks” and “Engagement” was similar among campaigns, except for the campaign focusing on vaccines’ effectiveness, which had 14.65 less clicks and 19.52 less engagements per advert (including controls and district-fixed effects) compared to the base “It’s safe” campaign. Vaccination rates were highest at times coinciding with campaigns focusing on vaccination safety and effectiveness. Our experimental results showed that informational messages related to side effects that were framed using words (“Majority did not report discomfort”/ “Few persons reported discomfort”) were better at generating “Clicks” compared to those using numbers (“3 out of 100 reported discomforts”).

Conclusions

Facebook adverts highlighting vaccine safety had a similar level of social media performance as other campaigns, except for adverts focusing on vaccine efficacy, which performed worse. Communicating side-effect information with words instead of numbers can expand social media interest in low-uptake regions like the Caribbean. Our results serve as preliminary evidence for public health officials to encourage vaccine uptake in high-hesitancy contexts.
Investigating in vivo force and work production of rat medial gastrocnemius at varying locomotor speeds using a muscle avatar
Authors: Bemis Caitlin , Konow Nicolai , Daley Monica A. , Nishikawa Kiisa
Published: October 2024

Traditional work loop studies, that use sinusoidal length trajectories with constant frequencies, lack the complexities of in vivo muscle mechanics observed in modern studies. This study refines methodology of the ‘avatar’ method (a modified work loop) to infer in vivo muscle mechanics using ex vivo experiments with mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. The ‘avatar’ method involves using EDL muscles to replicate in vivo time-varying force, as demonstrated by previous studies focusing on guinea fowl lateral gastrocnemius (LG). The present study extends this method by using in vivo length trajectories and electromyographic activity from rat medial gastrocnemius (MG) during various gaits on a treadmill. Methodological enhancements from previous work, including adjusted stimulation protocols and systematic variation of starting length, improved predictions of in vivo time-varying force production (R2=0.80–0.96). The study confirms there is a significant influence of length, stimulation and their interaction on work loop variables (peak force, length at peak force, highest and average shortening velocity, and maximum and minimum active velocity), highlighting the importance of these interactions when muscles produce in vivo forces. We also investigated the limitations of traditional work loops in capturing muscle dynamics in legged locomotion (R2=0.01–0.71). While in vivo length trajectories enhanced force prediction, accurately predicting work per cycle remained challenging. Overall, the study emphasizes the utility of the ‘avatar’ method in elucidating dynamic muscle mechanics and highlights areas for further investigation to refine its application in understanding in vivo muscle function.
Hamstrings Are Stretched More and Faster during Accelerative Running Compared to Speed-Matched Constant-Speed Running
Authors: GURCHIEK REED D. , TEPLIN ZACHARY , FALISSE ANTOINE , HICKS JENNIFER L. , DELP SCOTT L.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Hamstring injuries are common in field-based sports and reinjury rates are high. Recent evidence suggests that hamstring injuries often occur during accelerative running, but investigations of hamstring mechanics have primarily considered constant-speed running. Thus, our objective was to compare hamstring lengths and velocities between accelerative running and constant-speed running.

Methods

We recorded videos of 10 participants during six accelerative running trials and six constant-speed running trials. We used OpenCap to estimate body segment kinematics and a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model to compute peak length and step-average lengthening velocity of the biceps femoris (long head) muscle–tendon unit. We compared running conditions using linear mixed models with running speed as the independent variable.

Results

At running speeds below 75% of top speed, accelerative running resulted in greater peak lengths than constant-speed running. For example, the peak hamstring muscle–tendon length when a person accelerated from running at only 50% of top speed was equivalent to running at a constant 88% of top speed. Lengthening velocities were greater during accelerative running at all running speeds. Differences in hip flexion kinematics drove the greater peak lengths and lengthening velocities observed in accelerative running.

Conclusions

Hamstrings are subjected to longer lengths and faster lengthening velocities in accelerative running than in constant-speed running. This provides a potential biomechanical perspective toward understanding the occurrence of hamstring injuries during acceleration. Our results suggest that coaches and sports medicine staff should consider the accelerative nature of running in addition to running speed to quantify exposure to high-risk circumstances with long lengths and fast lengthening velocities of the hamstrings.
Prevalence and risk factors of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Thammasat University Hospital
Authors: Bunjoungmanee Pornumpa , Rattanapan Kornkamon , Neamkul Yamonbhorn , Tangsathapornpong Auchara , Mungkornkaew Narissara , Kulalert Prapasri
Published: October 2024

Background Acinetobacter baumannii infection (ABI) is a concerning worldwide public health matter with high levels of morbidity and mortality, particularly in critically ill patients. This study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of ABI in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) setting. Methods A retrospective review was performed on pediatric patients admitted to the PICU over an 8-year period. Demographic characteristics, infection risk factors, and clinical outcomes were compared and analyzed between patients with ABI, determined to be the case group, and patients without ABI, determined to be the control group. The study also assessed the prevalence of ABI and its antimicrobial resistance profile. Results Between June 2014 and May 2022, a total of 82 cases of ABI were identified, resulting in an overall prevalence of 5.02%. After applying the exclusion criteria, 12 cases were excluded. Consequently, 70 ABI cases in total and 140 cases in a control group were included in the study. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis identified chronic respiratory disease, mechanical ventilation lasting 3 days or more, and the use of piperacillin/tazobactam within the last 2 weeks as independent risk factors associated with ABI. The rate of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) was notably high at 93.22%. Cases of ABI were associated with higher mortality rates and prolonged hospitalization compared to non-ABI cases. Conclusion ABI remains a critical pathogen in the PICU. The presence of chronic respiratory disease, use of mechanical ventilation for at least three days, and a history of receiving piperacillin/tazobactam within the last 2 weeks are significant risk factors for ABI. The high level of antibiotic resistance, especially to carbapenems, highlights the emphasis for more stringent infection control practices and the creation of novel antimicrobial therapies.
PRÁXIS SONORA E ETNOGRAFIA DA MADRUGADA PARA A ONOMATOPEIA FUNKEIRA E PIXADORA NA ESCOLA
Authors: Lima Samuel da Silva
Published: October 2024

Onomatopeias são formações de palavras para representar o barulho emitido no propósito de mostrar alguma ação, mesmo que esta seja propriamente um som. O texto aborda dois desses tipos de mimologismos existentes na escola, e conversa, de maneira compacta, sobre os fenômenos do funk e da piXação, por leituras com os impulsos corpóreos, muitas das vezes, criminalizados, reduzidos a “coisas” de bandido (FANON, 1968). Enxergar o alunato no lugar de vilão é negar a motilidade fatual de saberes analisados em investigações teórico metodológicos, como a “práxis sonora” (ARAÚJO, 2013) e a “etnografia da madrugada” (LIMA, 2018), acolhedoras de capacidades desafiadoras comumente reduzidas, mas de importância a serem pensadas. Questões étnico-raciais “resolvidas” são invocadas pela presente realidade problemática. A respectiva escrita é interessada em um futuro mais revelador do quotidiano genocida, intencionalmente para somar com as denúncias coloniais, sobretudo as racistas anti-negros (as). Enfrentando visões de uma “educação bancária” (FREIRE, 1987), anuladora da esperança escolar nascida dos conflitos manifestados no campo educacional, o texto se preocupa com a relação cultural cometida entre sussurros e gritos, presentes nas salas de aula, mas também fora dela. Assim, a cidade torna-se o lugar onde a característica do perfil paladino é incorporado por ambiguidades, após o oferecimento de outras histórias daquilo que achamos ter o total conhecimento.
TORNANDO-ME PROFESSORA: Trajetórias insubordinadas na formação com imagens, narrativas e sons
Authors: Sotero Elaine
Published: October 2024

O presente texto trata de reflexões feitas no decorrer de minha graduação no curso de Pedagogia, pensando em como as minhas redes de conhecimentossignificações (ALVES, 2011) foram tecidas até me tornar uma professora, apesar de todas as dificuldades que vivi. Através das conversas com os cotidianos (CERTEAU, 1998), busco compreender a tessitura do conhecimento em redes (ALVES, 2003), descobrindo então que todas as experiências que tive me fizeram ser a professora que hoje sou. Partindo de experiências com imagens, narrativas e sons, analiso como os filmes Preciosa (2009) e Escritores da Liberdade (2007) intercedem (DELEUZE; GUATTARI, 1992) e conversam (ALVES, CALDAS, ROSA, 2015) com minhas redes e com muitas das reflexões que tive no decorrer da minha graduação. Percebo, assim, que para se pensar em uma prática educativa emancipatória é preciso se considerar nos cotidianos escolares todas as contribuições dos “docentesdicentes” como formas de se criar um currículo (GOMES, 2012) insubordinado às mazelas da educação.
TRABALHANDO QUESTÕES DE GÊNEROS: Criando e recriando currículos para a valorização do feminino
Authors: Sepulveda Denize , Sepulveda José Antonio
Published: October 2024

A intenção deste artigo é discutir e apresentar uma proposta pedagógica que se orienta contra o machismo e a misoginia. Para isso, desenvolve-se uma argumentação que destaca o caráter conservador da atual sociedade brasileira, o qual se encontra em um processo de ascensão, tendo contribuído com a vitória do candidato da extrema direita na eleição presidencial do país em 2018. A postura conservadora do presidente pode ser observada neste trabalho a partir de exemplificações marcadas por afirmações machistas e misóginas proferidas por ele. Para discutir conservadorismo, utilizou-se como referência Mannheim (1959), Löwy (2000) e Netto (2011). Assim, optou-se por utilizar a metodologia nos/dos/com os cotidianos. O texto foi construído tendo como referência a aposta de Pascal, desenvolvida por Santos (2010), que entende que é possível se apostar na construção de um mundo melhor. Na elaboração de tal argumentação foi apresentado o quadro atual da violência contra mulher. Desse modo, justifica-se a importância de se ter uma proposta pedagógica embasada em um currículo não machista, apresentado no final do texto, permitindo ainda acreditar que é possível se construir um mundo melhor.
EXPERIÊNCIAS EDUCATIVAS EM MOVIMENTO: a Educação do Campo e a Educação Indígena no Estado do Ceará
Authors: Oliveira Adeliane Vieira de , Silva Maria do Socorro Sousa
Published: October 2024

O presente trabalho se propõe a realizar uma análise investigativa a respeito de duas experiências educacionais no Estado do Ceará: a Educação do Campo e a Educação Indígena. A nossa proposta, caminha no sentido de expor essas duas experiências, apontando-as enquanto formas de resistência dos povos do campo nesse Estado. Partimos do entendimento de que devemos nos apoiar no processo histórico da sociedade para obtermos êxito no entendimento da temática estudada. Neste sentido, a fundamentação teórica desse trabalho está apoiada principalmente em autores como: Brasil (1999); Alarcão (2008); Grupioni (2003); Caldart (2009); Fernandes (2002); Gomes (2013); Silva (2012); MST (1996) dentre outros. Além disso, a visita a algumas escolas do campo e indígenas foram fundamentais para a compreensão de suas experiências.  Com essa pesquisa, chegamos ao entendimento de que a Educação do Campo e a Educação Indígena correspondem a propostas educativas, em constante movimento, que levam em consideração a vivência dos camponeses e indígenas, no processo de valorização de suas práticas, valores e costumes. Consideramos dessa forma que a luta coletiva enquanto fator de articulação dos camponeses e indígenas foi e continua sendo, a condição fundamental para a conquista e efetivação da Educação do Campo e da Educação Indígena nas escolas do campo e nas escolas indígenas presentes no Estado do Ceará.
Celebrating the contributions of Black nurses to nursing's history
Authors: Chimbiri Kandace
Published: October 2024

Kandace Chimbiri, based in London, is the author of several Black history books for children
Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Factors of Nephrotic Syndrome after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Tu Yan , Yan Mengni , Zhang Mingming , Luo Yi , Shi Jimin , Zhao Yanmin , Wang Rending , Wang Huiping , Fu Huarui , Tan Yamin
Published: October 2024

Aims/Background Although the incidence of nephrotic syndrome (NS) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is relatively low, it can significantly affect patients’ quality of life and may even be life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the clinical manifestations and prognosis of patients with NS after allo-HSCT, as well as to identify potential high-risk factors associated with this condition.

Methods We investigated the incidence rate of NS in 1457 patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between June 2007 and March 2020. Among these, we identified 12 patients who developed NS after allo-HSCT (NS group). For comparison, we selected a control group of 48 patients matched by gender and transplantation time who did not develop NS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) to identify independent risk factors for NS.

Results Among the 1457 patients, 12 (0.82%) developed post-transplantation NS, with a median onset time of 14.99 months (range: 5.39–48.43 months) after transplantation. Univariate analysis indicated that the occurrence of post-transplantation NS was significantly correlated with total cholesterol (TC) levels at 6 months post-transplantation (p = 0.041), triglycerides (TG) and TC levels at 1 year post-transplantation (p = 0.004 and p = 0.011, respectively), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that CMV infection (p = 0.004, odds ratio = 15.871; 95% confidence interval: 2.465–102.194) was independently associated with the development of NS.

Conclusion After allo-HSCT, NS may manifest as a form of chronic graft-versus-host disease. CMV infection is a risk factor for developing NS. Effective management through the administration of calcium inhibitors and corticosteroids can enable long-term survival in these patients.
High coupling efficiency polarization splitting waveguide grating couplers
Authors: Zhou Xuetong , Tsang Hon Ki
Published: October 2024

We propose and validate a new, to the best of our knowledge, approach for high coupling efficiency polarization splitting waveguide grating couplers (PSWGCs). The high coupling efficiency is achieved by using a polysilicon overlay grating, which is shifted with respect to the underlying silicon grating. The PSWGC is designed to couple the two orthogonal polarizations in different directions. The design simulations predicted the coupling efficiency to be −1.46 dB for transverse electric (TE) polarization and −1.88 dB for transverse magnetic (TM) polarization with a single grating coupler, while the experimentally measured coupling efficiency was −2.37 dB and −2.51 dB for TE and TM polarizations. The high coupling efficiency GC is achieved without using bottom metal reflectors, and the design of the PSWGC is fully compatible with large-volume manufacturing using photolithography typically available in commercial silicon photonic foundries.
Granularity of model input data impacts estimates of carbon storage in soils
Authors: Wiltshire Serge , Clemins Patrick J. , Beckage Brian
Published: October 2024

The exchange of carbon between the soil and the atmosphere is an important factor in climate change. Soil organic carbon (SOC) storage is sensitive to land management, soil properties, and climatic conditions, and these data serve as key inputs to computer models projecting SOC change. Farmland has been identified as a sink for atmospheric carbon, and we have previously estimated the potential for SOC sequestration in agricultural soils in Vermont, USA using the Rothamsted Carbon Model. However, fine spatial-scale (high granularity) input data are not always available, which can limit the skill of SOC projections. For example, climate projections are often only available at scales of 10s to 100s of km2. To overcome this, we use a climate projection dataset downscaled to <1 km2 (∼18,000 cells). We compare SOC from runs forced by high granularity input data to runs forced by aggregated data averaged over the 11,690 km2 study region. We spin up and run the model individually for each cell in the fine-scale runs and for the region in the aggregated runs factorially over three agricultural land uses and four Global Climate Models. We find that the aggregated runs systematically over-predict SOC compared to the fine-scale runs, with a mean difference of 7.2 tonnes C per hectare and a mean absolute error of 9.1% at the end of the 77 year simulation (2022–2099). We find large spatial variance in SOC across cells, reflecting variability in climate as well as other environmental drivers. We conclude that future research should focus on developing more high-granularity input datasets for SOC modeling, and we also reflect on the significant computational resources required to conduct fine-scale simulations.
Integrating climate change into state hazard mitigation plans: A five-year follow-up survey of state hazard mitigation officers
Authors: Mix Evan C. , Hamele Meg , Dannenberg Andrew L. , Freitag Robert , Errett Nicole A.
Published: October 2024

Climate change is making disaster events more frequent and intense, increasing the risk to economic security, ecosystem health, and human health and well-being. Hazard mitigation planning, overseen in the United States by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aims to reduce disaster risk by identifying hazards and taking action to reduce their impact. While FEMA policy requires states and territories to consider the risks of climate change in their plans, guidance remains broad. As a result, jurisdictions have taken different approaches to integrating climate change into their hazard mitigation plans (HMPs). Thirty of 56 U.S. State and Territorial Hazard Mitigation Officers (SHMOs) responded to a survey concerning climate planning, building on a similar survey conducted in 2018. A majority of respondents recognized that their jurisdictions are vulnerable to climate change and agreed that climate change is a threat to their jurisdictions both now and in the future. Respondents were motivated to integrate climate change into their HMPs by factors including increased evidence for climate change projections and disaster events in either their jurisdictions or neighboring ones. Among the most frequently reported barriers was reliance on historical patterns of hazard exposure. Most respondents had incorporated at least one climate change adaptation strategy into their HMPs but reported having insufficient resources to plan for and implement climate-related hazard mitigation activities. Findings suggest that state and territorial hazard mitigation planning programs are taking more steps to integrate climate change into their plans and that SHMOs are more aware of the risks that climate change poses than in 2018. Further research is needed to explore how best to support state-level hazard mitigation program response to climate change.
Controlling the first wave of the COVID–19 pandemic in Malawi: Results from a multi-round study
Authors: Banda Jethro , Dube Albert N. , Brumfield Sarah , Crampin Amelia C. , Reniers Georges , Amoah Abena S. , Helleringer Stéphane
Published: October 2024

We investigated behavioral responses to COVID–19 in Malawi, where a first wave of the pandemic occurred between June and August 2020. Contrary to many countries on the African continent, the Government of Malawi did not impose a lockdown or a stay-at-home order in response to the initial spread of SARS-CoV-2. We hypothesized that, in the absence of such requirements to restrict social interactions, individuals would primarily seek to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during contacts, rather than reduce the extent of their social contacts. We analyzed 4 rounds of a panel survey spanning time periods before, during and after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi. Five hundred and forty-three participants completed 4 survey interviews between April and November 2020. We found that the likelihood of attending various places and events where individuals work and/or socialize remained largely unchanged during that time. Over the same time frame, however, participants reported adopting on a large scale several behaviors that reduce the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 during contacts. The percentage of panel participants who reported practicing physical distancing thus increased from 9.8% to 47.0% in rural areas between April-May 2020 and June-July 2020, and from 11.4% to 59.4% in urban areas. The percentage of respondents who reported wearing a facial mask to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 also increased, reaching 67.7% among rural residents in August-September 2020, and 89.6% among urban residents. The pace at which these behaviors were adopted varied between population groups, with early adopters of mask use more commonly found among more educated office workers, residing in urban areas. The adoption of mask use was also initially slower among women, but later caught up with mask use among men. These findings stress the importance of behavioral changes in containing future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in settings where access to vaccination remains low. They also highlight the need for targeted outreach to members of socioeconomic groups in which the adoption of protective behaviors, such as mask use, might be delayed.
The accuracy of point-of-care C-Reactive Protein as a screening test for tuberculosis in children
Authors: Kagujje Mary , Nyangu Sarah , Maimbolwa Minyoi M. , Shuma Brian , Sanjase Nsala , Chungu Chalilwe , Kerkhoff Andrew D. , Creswell Jacob , Muyoyeta Monde
Published: October 2024

Systematic screening for TB in children, especially among those at high risk of TB, can promote early diagnosis and treatment of TB. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently recommended C-Reactive Protein as a TB screening tool in adults and adolescents living with HIV (PLHIV). Thus, we aimed to assess the performance of point-of-care (POC) CRP as a screening tool for TB in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 2 primary health care facilities in Lusaka, Zambia between September 2020 –August 2021. Consecutive children (aged 5–14 years) presenting for TB services were enrolled irrespective of TB symptoms. All participants were screened for the presence of TB symptoms and signs, asked about TB contact history, and undertook a POC CRP test, chest X-ray, and sputum Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test. The accuracy of CRP (≥10 mg/L cutoff) was determined using a microbiological reference standard (MRS) and a composite reference standard (CRS). Of 280 children enrolled and with complete results available, the median age was 10 years (IQR 7–12), 56 (20.0%) were HIV positive, 228 (81.4%) had a positive WHO symptom screen for TB, 62 (22.1%) had a close TB contact, and 79 (28.2%) had a positive CRP POC test. Five (1.8%) participants had confirmed TB, 71 (25.4%) had unconfirmed TB, and 204 (72.3%) had unlikely TB. When the MRS was used, the sensitivity of CRP was 80.0% (95%CI: 28.4–99.5%) and the specificity was 72.7% (95%CI: 67.1–77.9%). When the CRS was used, the sensitivity of CRP was 32.0% (95%CI: 23.3% - 42.5%), while the specificity was 74.0% (95%CI: 67.0% - 80.3%). Using the CRS, there were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity and specificity of CRP in the HIV positive and HIV negative individuals. Among children in Zambia, POC CRP had limited utility as a screening tool for TB. There remains a continued urgent need for better tools and strategies to improve TB detection in children.
Exploring galactagogue use among breastfeeding women: Insights from an observational study
Authors: Garbacz Agnieszka , Juszczak Paweł , Nowicki Marcin , Łukasz Kowalczewski Przemysław , Człapka-Matyasik Magdalena
Published: October 2024

Breastfeeding is the optimal form of infant nutrition and remains a critical topic of discussion. In the case of lactation problems, women can be assisted by plant galactagogues designed to induce, sustain, and increase lactation. Reports on the popularity, awareness and knowledge of galactagogues are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the use of galactagogues in the diet among breastfeeding women. The online survey was conducted using anonymized questionnaires, with results collected in the Spring of 2021. Fifty-two women aged 20 to 50 who fed naturally participated in the study, with 69% of respondents being familiar with galactagogues and 42% having used them. The most often indicated herbs were fennel (68%) and anise (45%). Galactagogues were used as ready-to-use herbal lactation mixes (73%). Women found them effective in stimulating lactation (82%) and purchased them in pharmacies (64%) or herbal stores (36%). Respondents were encouraged to use galactagogues by media (32%) and family and friends (45%). Women reported that greater knowledge (57%) would be essential to effectively encourage galactagogues. Breastfeeding women were positive about using plant-based galactagogues and considered them effective. A critical barrier identified by those not using galactagogues was their need for knowledge. The information campaign for pregnant women should include galactagogues as lactation-stimulating herbs.
Identification of a partnership model between a university and not-for-profit organization to address health professions education and health inequality gaps through simulation-based education: A scoping review
Authors: Siraj Samyah , Momand Beheshta , Brunton Ginny , Dubrowski Adam
Published: October 2024

Simulation-based education is a key aspect of health professions education used to aid healthcare providers in developing and maintaining clinical skills. Rural and remote healthcare providers have limited access to skills development opportunities. Training tools such as simulators are primarily limited to university and hospital-based research centers in urban areas. This scoping review aimed to examine current literature to identify a partnership model involving academic institutions and non-profit organizations (NPOs) that focuses on facilitating the wider distribution of simulators. The five-stage Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis was used to guide the scoping review. The search was conducted on five literature databases, three grey literature databases and through manual reference searching with an applied time frame of 2000 to 2022. The search identified 15 articles that met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Analysis of the articles revealed that no partnership model currently exists that facilitates the production and distribution of simulators through a partnership between academic institutions and NPOs. Establishing the partnership, acquiring funding, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and dissemination were identified as key stages of a multi-institutional partnership. Further research is necessary to fill the gaps of the partnership process pertaining to the development and production of simulators to train healthcare providers.
Does voluntary practice improve the outcome of an OSCE in undergraduate medical studies? A Propensity Score Matching approach
Authors: Tsikas Stefanos A. , Afshar Kambiz , Fischer Volkhard
Published: October 2024

In Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), students have to demonstrate proficiency in a wide array of medical knowledge and different skills, ranging from physical examinations to medical-practical skills and doctor-patient interactions. In this study, we empirically test the concept ‘assessment drives learning’ and investigate whether an OSCE motivates extracurricular, voluntary free practice (FP) of specific skills in a Skills Lab, and whether this has positive treatment effects on exam success in the respective parts of the OSCE. To explore causal inference with observational data, we used Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to generate a control and a treatment group that only differed in their practice behavior. For internal examinations and practical skills such as venous catheter placement and IM injections, we find strong, positive effects of FP that can result in a grade-jump. We further show that the presence and strength of effects depends on the complexity and type of the task. For instance, we find no effect for practicing venipuncture, and performance in communicative skills is associated with the willingness to repeatedly engage with instructional contents inside and outside the Skills Lab, and not with targeted practice of specific skills. We conclude that the anticipation of the complex OSCE is effective in motivating students to engage with a wide range of competencies crucial to the medical profession, and that this engagement has positive effects on exam success. However, consistent practice throughout the study program is necessary to sustain and nurture the acquired skills.
Spatial and multivariate assessment of access to water for sustainable agriculture intensification in semi-arid Ghana
Authors: Boateng Ebenezer N. K. , Atampugre Gerald , Mariwah Simon , Mensah Ishmael , Johnson Fiifi Amoako , Furst Christine , Nyarko Benjamin K.
Published: October 2024

Climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization, shifting dietary patterns, and economic development pose significant challenges to food security, particularly in the Global South. Addressing these challenges involves efforts aimed at sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI), especially for smallholder farmers in marginalized regions. However, knowledge gaps persist regarding smallholder farmers’ access to water for SAI, particularly in arid and semi-arid agroecological zones. This study investigates smallholder farmers’ access to water for SAI in the Guinea and Sudan Savannah Agroecological Zones (SSAZ) of Ghana. Data were collected from 698 smallholder farmers across 25 communities using a structured questionnaire and geospatial techniques. The analysis employed cost distance analysis, factor analysis, and multinomial-ordered logistic regression. Findings indicate that the average distance travelled to access water from a dam or a river was 11 km and 9 km, respectively. Most respondents reported low to moderate water access for SAI. Key factors influencing water access included soil type, vegetation, and the distances to dams and rivers. To improve water access, it is recommended that smallholder farmers be educated on effective soil and water conservation techniques. Additionally, both government and non-governmental organizations should focus on building community-level dams to increase water availability for sustainable agricultural intensification.
Frequency and temperature-dependent dielectric behaviour of fresh Aloe vera at 1 to 20 GHz microwave frequency using time domain reflectometry
Authors: Itolikar Ashish B. , Joshi Anand S. , Deshmukh Avadhut R. , Kumbharkhane Ashok C.
Published: October 2024

Aloe vera (AV), known for its gel-filled leaves, is potentially known for its therapeutic properties and has created an interest in its applications in agriculture, medicine, cosmetics, materials science, and sensors. Understanding the dielectric behaviour at different frequencies is crucial and significant to see the possibility of the use of potential biomaterials like AV for sensor development and for studying the electric response.  The present study explores the dielectric behaviour of freshly cut AV leaf with its natural moisture within the microwave frequency range of 1 to 20 GHz using the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technique. The variation of complex dielectric constant i.e. dielectric constant and dielectric loss of AV leaf as a function of frequency and temperature has been discussed in this paper. The Cole-Cole diagrams also have been presented. This is a unique effort to study the comprehensive analysis of the dielectric response of AV in microwave region which offers new insights into the electrical characteristics of AV.
Die politische Wende 1989–1991 und die Zusammenarbeit der Bibliotheken in Ostmitteleuropa mit LIBER
Authors: Häkli Esko
Published: October 2024

Die Perestrojka von Michail Gorbatschow 1986 und der Fall der Berliner Mauer bedeuteten einen tiefen Umbruch in der europäischen Bibliothekslandschaft und enthüllten die Probleme der Bibliotheken in den ehemaligen sozialistischen Ländern. Mit Unterstützung des Europarates übernahm LIBER die Aufgabe, den Austausch der Information zwischen Ost und West zu organisieren und das Know-how des Westens nach Osten zu vermitteln und auf diese Weise die Einheit Europas zu fördern.
Effects of exogenous 2,4-epibrassinolide on photosynthetic traits of 53 cowpea varieties under NaCl stress
Authors: Hu Zhihui , Liang Xiaoping , Gong Zuyun , Wang Yanjie , Wu Chunxing
Published: October 2024

This study examined the effects of exogenous 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) on photosynthetic traits of 53 cowpea varieties under NaCl stress. The results of different analysis and correlation analysis showed that these 53 germplasm resources had rich genetic diversity, and significant correlations existed among various photosynthetic traits. Under NaCl stress, Pn was highly significantly positively correlated with Gs and Tr and extremely significantly negatively correlated with Ci. Under EBR treatment, Pn was extremely significantly positively correlated with Gs, Ci, Tr and it was significantly negatively correlated with Chla, Chlb, Chl(a + b), and Y(II). Under EBR treatment and NaCl stress, Pn was extremely significantly positively correlated with Tr, and significantly positively correlated with Gs and carotenoid reflectance index. Principal component analysis shows that in CK group and EBR treatment group, cowpea photosynthesis traits can be summarized as six principal components, contributing 82.298 and 83.046%, respectively, can replace 19 photosynthetic traits to evaluate 53 cowpea varieties; under NaCl stress group and EBR + NaCl stress group, photosynthesis traits can be summarized as seven principal components, with cumulative contribution rate of 84.564 and 85.742%, respectively. In the untreated case, the cluster analysis was used to screen 32 cowpea varieties exhibiting the strongest photosynthetic capacity. Under salt stress, six of these varieties were classified as salt-tolerant. Under EBR spraying + salt stress, all four varieties showed strong photosynthetic capacity, and EBR showed the best relief of salt stress. The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for the application of exogenous EBR to alleviate cowpea salt stress damage.
Artificial Intelligence Through the Lens of Metaphor: Analyzing the EU AIA
Authors: Ye Zhanglei , Li Jian
Published: October 2024

Unveiling the cognitive patterns that underpin linguistic expressions, conceptual metaphor serves not only as an effective means for speakers to convey their values but also as a crucial tool for listeners to comprehend unfamiliar topics. This study undertakes a corpus-based analysis of conceptual metaphor expressions within the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act. Utilizing a corpus derived from the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act and employing both Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Critical Metaphor Analysis Theory, this research examines metaphors in terms of their types, orientations, and underlying rationales. The study identifies the most-use semantic domains of Journey, Human, War, and Object metaphors, indicating that the overall orientations are characterized by Tool, Dependency, Human, and Risk, reflecting both the aspirations and concerns of humanity. This study addresses a gap in metaphor research regarding the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, offering valuable insights for policymakers and AI developers in understanding and shaping public perception of AI technologies.
Acute Endocrine Responses With Long-Term Weight Lifting in a 51-Year-Old Male Weightlifter
Authors: Eserhaut Drake A. , Fry Andrew C. , Stone Michael H. , Kraemer William J.
Published: October 2024

Eserhaut, DA, Fry, AC, Stone, MH, and Kraemer, WJ. Acute endocrine responses with long-term weightlifting in a 51 year old male weightlifter. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2024—To study the effects of long-term (>35 years) competitive weightlifting on acute endocrine activity, a 51-year-old male two-time Olympian in weightlifting (Subject A) was compared with highly trained young male weightlifters (controls, n = 23; age = 17.7 ± 0.3 years). Between 1400 and 1700 hours, subjects performed 15 maximum effort vertical jumps, a series of single repetitions of the snatch progressing to a maximal effort, and 3 × 10 snatch pulls at 60% 1 repetition maximum. Blood sampling occurred at 0700 hours, pre-exercise, and +5 and +15 minutes postexercise. Exercise performances were comparable between Subject A and controls and elicited similar lactate responses at +5 minutes (mmol·L−1; A = 9.2; controls = 8.1 ± 0.4). Resting testosterone at 0700 hours was lower for Subject A than for the controls (nmol·L−1; A = 13.9; controls = 25.4 ± 2.0), although acute responses at +5 minutes were comparable (A = 21.6; controls 18.3 ± 1.5). Cortisol responses (nmol·L−1; A = 468.4, controls = 540.6 ± 32.3) and testosterone:cortisol ratio (A = 0.0461; controls = 0.0376 ± 0.004) were similar at +5 minutes. Subject A showed no 22 kDa growth hormone response at +5 minutes, while controls exhibited a substantial increase (µg·L−1; A = 0.4; controls = 16.7 ± 2.6). β-endorphin responses were no different at +15 minutes for Subject A relative to controls (pmol·L−1; A = 30.1; controls = 33.8 ± 3.7). Resting and exercise-induced endocrine physiology is partially modified with aging despite long-term participation in competitive weightlifting. Importantly, Subject A's testosterone response was largely preserved.
THE EFFECTS OF ETHYLENE SCAVENGING-ACTIVE PACKAGING AND STORAGE TEMPERATURE ON QUALITY AND SHELF LIFE OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS L.)
Authors: Tiribolulu Tuncay , Haskaraca Güliz , Ayhan Zehra
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to determine the effects of ethylene scavenger incorporated active packaging and storage temperature on the shelf life of cucumbers. For this purpose, cucumbers were packaged using modified atmosphere packaging (5% O2-10% CO2-85% N2) in two different low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packages, with and without ethylene scavenger, and stored at 4ºC and 10ºC for 20 days. The group of cucumbers without packaging was prepared as the control. Throughout the storage period, changes in physical, chemical, and sensory quality parameters of the cucumbers were monitored through analyses of headspace gas analysis, weight loss, color, texture, soluble solid content (%brix), pH, titratable acidity, and sensory evaluation. Due to cold injury at 4ºC, equilibrium atmosphere could not be achieved, and the %O2 level dropped below the critical limit (2%) by the end of storage. At 10ºC, the products packaged without ethylene scavenger exhibited higher ethylene concentration during storage, negatively affecting the quality parameters, whereas the group with ethylene scavenger had lower ethylene accumulation and reduced cold injury, preserving product quality better. The cucumbers packaged with ethylene scavenger and stored at 10ºC was sensorially acceptable for the entire storage of 20 days suggesting the shelf life of 20 days only for this application.
Null variant homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: genetic analysis and 34 years follow-up
Authors: Van Heyningen Charles
Published: October 2024

A seven-year-old girl presented with lack of energy, a systolic heart murmur, total cholesterol of 18.7 mmol/L and skin xanthomas. During aortic valve surgery, atheroma was found in the ascending aorta. Initial treatments were diet, lipid-regulating medication and lipoprotein apharesis followed by aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting.
At age 17 years she had a combined heart and liver transplant. Thirteen years later she developed a recurrence of ischaemic heart disease symptoms and autoimmune chronic liver disease and hence was given a second liver transplant. She died from a cardiac arrest at the age of 41 years caused by cardiac allograft immune vasculopathy.
Genome analysis showed two mutations in the LDL receptor gene, confirming a diagnosis of homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Complete loss of LDL receptor function was demonstrated on fibroblast bioassay. New LDL receptor- independent therapies for homozygous familial hyper- cholesterolaemia have recently become available.
Aspectos iconográficos del tímpano de Anzano (Huesca)
Authors: Melero Moneo María Luisa
Published: October 2024

Anuario del Departamento de Historia y Teoría del Arte