bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunistic cervical cancer screening for elderly women without standardized screening
Authors: Li Kemin , Yin Rutie
Published: October 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the importance of opportunistic cervical cancer screening for elderly women without standardized screening and also investigate the best opportunistic screening strategy.

Methods:

The participants were high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive elderly women, aged more than 65 years, who did not undergo standardized cervical cancer screening from June 2017 to June 2021. They had undergone an opportunistic cervical cancer screening. High-risk HPV distribution and the accuracy of different screening methods (only cytology, only HPV, HPV + cytology triage, and non-HPV 16/18 + cytology triage or HPV 16/18) for CINII + were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 848 elderly women with high-risk HPV infection were included, with 325 (38.3%) CINII + patients and 145 (17.1%) patients with invasive cancer. The top five HPV subtypes were HPV16, HPV52, HPV58, HPV53, and HPV56, and the infection rate was 31.4%, 21.9%, 19.7%, 11.6%, and 11.6%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the five screening strategies was 0.715 (0.681–0.750) (ASCUS+), 0.498 (0.458–0.538), 0.623 (0.584–0.663), 0.714 (0.680–0.748) (ASCUS+), and 0.698 (0.664–0.733) (ASCUS+).

Conclusion:

Elderly women who have not undergone standardized cervical cancer screening should be given a chance to be screened for cervical cancer; the standardized screening program is suitable for elderly women.
Lymph node metastasis risk factors in clinical stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Yuanliang , Ju Sheng , Huang Risheng , Zhao Jun
Published: October 2024

Background:

Lymph node metastasis is a poor prognostic factor for lung cancer. However, the risk of lymph node metastasis has not yet been clarified. This study was conducted to analyze the predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical-stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed all surgical patients with clinical stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to January 2022. Three hundred and thirty-four patients underwent lobectomy combined with systematic lymph node dissection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to predict the risk factors of lymph node metastasis.

Results:

Of the 334 patients eligible for this study, the overall lymph node metastasis rate was 15.3%. There were 45 cases with N1 metastasis, 11 cases with N2 metastasis, and five cases with both N1 and N2 metastasis. The lymph node metastasis rate was 18.1% in patients with a consolidation tumor ratio (CTR) of >0.75, 57.9% in those with >5 ng/mL carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and 18.0% in those with a maximum standardized uptake value of >5. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for CTR and CEA was 0.790 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.727–0.853, P < 0.001] and 0.682 (95% CI: 0.591–0.773, P < 0.001), respectively. According to multivariate regression analysis, CEA (>5 ng/mL) [odds ratio (OR) = 3.05, P = 0.016] and CTR (>0.75) (OR = 2.75, P = 0.025) were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis of clinical stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions:

CEA (>5 ng/mL) and CTR (>0.75) are two important predictors of lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical stage IA3 lung adenocarcinoma.
A combination of anti-PD-1 therapy and apatinib successfully treated a patient with EGFR mutation-negative advanced lung adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Shancheng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xikun
Published: October 2024

Here, we report the case of a patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with negative driver genes, who benefited from treatment with anti-programmed cell death-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy combined with a low dose of apatinib. From February 2020, the patient was treated with camrelizumab combined with pemetrexed disodium. The treatment regimen was adjusted to camrelizumab combined with a low dose of apatinib every 3 weeks because the patient could not tolerate the side effects of the previous chemotherapy, and camrelizumab led to reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP). After six cycles of camrelizumab plus a low dose of apatinib, the curative effect achieved was complete response (CR), with milder symptoms of RCCEP than before. Until the follow-up time of March 2021, the efficacy evaluation reached CR and the symptoms of RCCEP disappeared. This case report provides a theoretical basis for camrelizumab combined with a low dose of apatinib for the treatment ofcarcinoma patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with negative driver genes.
Evaluation of unimodal and multimodal information in health communication on GGO-related lung cancer screening: An eye-tracking study
Authors: Li Yuan , Peng Yue , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lyu Baihan , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Ji Ying , Liu Yan , Yang Linsong , Peng Zhongmin , Chen Jingxi , Zhao Liang
Published: October 2024

Aims:

To find out a better propaganda and education plan for the popularization of the ground-glass opacities-related (GGO-related) lung cancer screening.

Methods and Material:

The control group took a lung cancer screening knowledge test directly before receiving the health education. By contrast, the experimental group took the same knowledge test after receiving health education. This study designed unimodal and multimodal materials about GGO-related lung cancer. The text and graph were considered unimodal information, while the video was multimodal information. According to the different information forms they were exposed to, the experimental group was further divided into text, graphic, and video groups. An eye-tracking system was performed to record eye-tracking data synchronously.

Results:

Compared with the control group, the knowledge test scores of each experimental group were remarkably improved. Furthermore, the graphic group had a significantly higher correct rate on the No. 7 question, while the video group had the lowest. In terms of saccades, the video group had significantly higher speed and amplitude of saccades than the other two groups. In terms of fixation, the interval duration, total duration of whole fixations, and a number of whole fixations of the graphic group were significantly lower than those of the other two groups, while the video group had the highest values for these variables.

Conclusions:

It was on the unimodal information, such as text and graphics, that people can spend less time and cost to achieve effective acquisition of GGO-related lung cancer screening knowledge.
A chemotherapy-free regimen improves prognosis in elderly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients with a low-performance status score: A Chinese multi-center real-world study
Authors: Teng Yan , Huang Ling , Chen Guiping , Jiang Xinmiao , Wei Xiaojuan , Guo Hanguo , Chen Feili , Liu Sichu , Yang Shaojiang , Cai Qingqing , Wang Ning , Pan Lu , Liang Zhanli , Zhu Zhigang , Zhao Ying , Li Wenyu
Published: October 2024

Background:

Because patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) aged >80 years old typically experience dismal outcomes, it is essential to improve disease control and reduce side effects in such patients.

Methods:

This was a multi-center retrospective study. Patients aged ≥80 years with pathologically confirmed DLBCL were treated in four centers in the Guangdong province between January 2010 and November 2020. Clinical data from patients receiving different treatment modalities were extracted from electronic medical records.

Results:

Finally, 50 patients aged ≥80 years were included; four (8.0%) refused treatment, 19 (38%) patients belonged to the chemotherapy-free group, and 27 (54%) patients were in the chemotherapy group. Patients receiving chemotherapy-free treatment had more often a non-germinal center B phenotype than those treated with chemotherapy (P = 0.006). The median progression-free survival (PFS) in the chemotherapy-free group was longer than that in the chemotherapy group (24.7 vs 6.3 months, P = 0.033). Good performance status (PS <2) was associated with higher PFS and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.03; P = 0.02, respectively). In patients with PS of ≥2, the median PFS and OS did not differ between the chemotherapy-free and chemotherapy groups (P = 0.391; P = 0.911, respectively). After stratifying patients with PS <2, the PFS and OS of the chemotherapy-free group were better than those of the chemotherapy group (58.1 vs 7.7 months, P = 0.006; 58.1 vs 26.5 months, P = 0.050). However, treatment-related toxicity did not differ between groups.

Conclusion:

PS was an independent prognostic factor of elderly DLBCL patients. Accordingly, patients aged ≥80 years with a PS of <2 could benefit from a chemotherapy-free regimen.
RAD51 135G>C polymorphism in esophageal cancer and meta-analysis in gastrointestinal tract cancers
Authors: Bali Jagmohan Singh , Sambyal Vasudha , Guleria Kamlesh , Mehrotra Sanjana , Singh Neeti Rajan , Uppal Manjit Singh , Manjari Mridu , Sudan Meena
Published: October 2024

Background:

A functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 135G>C in the 5'UTR of the RAD51 gene, affects gene transcription activity with implications for the repair of damaged DNA related to tumorigenesis. Previous limited reported genetic studies to link the 135G>C polymorphism of RAD51 gene to the risk of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers, especially esophageal cancer (EC), have been inconclusive.

Materials and Methods:

The polymorphism was evaluated by RFLP-PCR in 252 EC patients and 252 healthy controls from Amritsar, Punjab, India, for case–control study. For a meta-analysis, a total of 78 studies on GIT cancers were assessed, out of which 14 eligible studies (including the present study) comprising 2842 cases and 3224 controls were included. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and Chi-square test were used to assess the association in different inheritance models.

Results:

The GC genotype (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.29–0.68) and C allele (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.36–0.75) were significantly lower (P = 0.0005) in cases as compared to controls. There was no significant association with any genetic model in the meta-analysis.

Conclusion:

C allele provides protection for EC in the studied population contrary to previous reports in Polish, Chinese population probably due to ethic differences. Compared with previous meta-analysis on individual GIT cancers, present meta-analysis included all GIT cancers but found no association.
Discussion on the necessity of bilateral inguinal lymphatic area irradiation for cervical cancer with invasion of the lower one-third of the vagina
Authors: Cheng Haiyan , Wang Lina , Wang Le , Li Qi
Published: October 2024

Context:

According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for cervical cancer, patients with cervical cancer invading the lower one-third of the vagina require bilateral inguinal lymphatic area preventive irradiation. However, it is not clear whether they need preventive inguinal area irradiation.

Aims:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the necessity of bilateral inguinal lymphatic area irradiation for patients with cervical cancer with invasion of the lower one-third of the vagina.

Settings and Design:

Patients without inguinal lymph node metastasis were divided into preventive radiotherapy and nonpreventive radiotherapy groups. The occurrence of inguinal skin damage, lower extremity edema, and femoral head necrosis was observed during and after treatment.

Methods and Material:

In total, 184 patients with cervical cancer with invasion of the lower one-third of the vagina were selected. A trial and control method was used to select 180 patients without inguinal lymph node metastasis.

Statistical Analysis:

Comparison between groups was performed using a t test. Data were enumerated using frequency (percentage), and comparison between groups was performed using a Chi-square test.

Results:

Imaging examination revealed inguinal lymph node enlargement in 7.07% of patients, and only four cases (2.17%) were further confirmed by pathology. The inguinal lymph node metastasis rate in these patients was very low. The prophylactic irradiation group showed a high occurrence rate of side injury. In the follow-up of both groups, no recurrence was detected in the inguinal lymph nodes.

Conclusions:

Prophylactic irradiation of inguinal lymph nodes is not essential for patients without pathological metastasis.
Safety Evaluation of the Novel Cocktail of Monoclonal Antibodies for Postexposure Prophylaxis in Category III Animal Exposures
Authors: Shankaraiah Ravish Haradanahalli , Masthi N. R. Ramesh , Poornima M. K. , Kiruffi Vinitha , Sowmyashree S. , Dutta Trayambak , Mahajan Manish , Desai Samir
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Rabies monoclonal antibody (mAb) is a life-saving immune-biological for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in all Category III animal exposures. A novel cocktail of mAbs derived using recombinant DNA technology is presently available for usage. The WHO recommends monitoring the clinical use and outcomes of mAb products.

Methods:

An open-label, postmarketing study was conducted at the anti-rabies clinic in the southern part of India. PEP was provided to all the study participants per the national guidelines. All the subjects were assessed for any adverse events (AEs) following PEP up to 35 days; if any, were treated free of cost at the study center.

Results:

The present study included 309 subjects across all age groups, 59.2% were adults, 33.3% of children, and 7.5% elderly. Majority of the patients were exposed to dogs (89.6%) and most of them had lacerations (86.3%) in different parts of their body. A total of 19 (6.2%) AEs were reported. All the AEs were local reactions, namely pain (2.6%), erythema (1.4%), tenderness (1%), induration (0.6%), and swelling (0.6%). All reported AEs were mild (Grade 1 severity) and resolved completely with symptomatic treatment.

Conclusion:

The novel cocktail of mAbs was safe for PEP in Category III animal exposures across all the age groups and supports its continued and improved usage for Universal Health Coverage to prevent rabies.
Impact of Low Altitude-Hilly Terrain on Pulmonary Health in Young Adults: A Gender-Based Spirometric Analysis
Authors: Goyal Madhav A. , Agarwal Kanishka , Garg Kashika , Jheetay Himani M. , Jheetay Sanket , Bhardwaj Aman
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

This study explores the pulmonary function of young adults living in hilly terrains at low altitudes (around 1,800 ft), assessing the impact of elevation on lung health and potential gender-based differences using digital spirometry.

Materials and Methods:

Pulmonary functions, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow rate, were measured in individuals aged 18–24 years. Differences between males and females were examined using independent t-tests and Pearson correlation tests to analyze the relationships between various pulmonary metrics.

Results:

Males demonstrated higher mean values in FVC and FEV1 compared to females, though the FEV1/FVC ratio remained consistent across genders. Correlation analysis within the total sample and across genders revealed significant relationships among the tests.

Conclusion:

The study highlights low altitude’s physiological effects on lung function, with gender differences in pulmonary findings. These findings necessitate gender-specific approaches in health interventions and emphasize the importance of altitude consideration in respiratory health research.
Evaluation of the Wound Healing Potential of Aloe Vera Leaf Extract Containing Carbopol 934 as a Gelling Agent and Comparing with Sodium CMC and HPMC on Surgically Induced in Wound Wister Rats: A Preclinical Study
Authors: Raj Barani , Ingole Nishikant , Ambad Ranjit
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The restricted injury can occur in any tissue or organ and is caused by an external source. The toughness and adaptability of the delivery system are enhanced by the synthetic hydrophilic, biocompatible, and biodegradable stable polymer known as carbopol 934. Aloe vera is a plant belonging to the Liliaceae family that releases anthraquinones, a bitter liquid that has medicinal qualities.

Aim:

The current study is to determine if aloe vera gel containing Carbopol 934 can cure wounds in animal models used in experiments.

Need of the Study:

This review will offer a thorough examination of recent studies on the medicinal use of Aloe vera gel. Further study is required to establish the mechanism of action because certain areas, such as wound healing, have not received much attention in the scientific community. However, these biological materials must first be appropriately isolated and identified.

Materials and Methods:

Various centralizations of Carbopol 934, sodium CMC, and HPMC will be attempted, and lastly, gel that showed great spreadability and consistency will be chosen for wound mending properties of homegrown Aloe vera gel.
Impact of Dental Treatment Simulation App on Anxiety of Pediatric Dental Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Rahaman S. K. Mahboob , Maiti Niladri , Harish Sonali , Achanur Mahantesh , Pramanik Michael S. , Ahmed Adnan
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:

The study aimed to investigate the effect of a dental treatment simulation app on the anxiety levels of pediatric dental patients.

Materials and Methods:

Forty children, aged 4–8 years and with no prior dental experience, were randomly assigned to either the control group (group I) or the dental app group (group II). The children’s anxiety levels were measured before and after undergoing restorative dental treatment, using the Chota Bheem Chutki pictorial scale.

Results:

The initial anxiety levels were similar across both groups. Post treatment, the dental app group exhibited a significant reduction in anxiety compared to the control group. This suggests that the simulation app has a beneficial effect in lowering dental anxiety in children.

Conclusion:

The dental treatment simulation app can effectively reduce pre and postoperative anxiety in pediatric patients, potentially enhancing their overall dental experience.
The Evaluation of Anti-Osteoclastic Activity of the Novel Calcium Hydroxide Biodegradable Nanoparticles as an Intracanal Medicament
Authors: Gautam Nandita , Bohra Sonam S. K. , Upadhyay Rutvi , Rakesh N. , Patri Gaurav , Roshni R. S. , Shetty Suneeth
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:

The present investigation looked into PLGA micron-sized particles or NPs, loaded with calcium hydroxide for canal disinfecting processes which have antimicrobial properties, given the significant rejection probabilities related to these kinds of treatments.

Methodology:

The MIC and inhibitory growing zones (n = 5) were found using the broth dilution and agar diffusion tests, accordingly. Employing confocal microscopy and live/dead labelling, cell viability was evaluated (n = 5). ANOVA was used to evaluate, and post hoc analysis came next.

Results:

Ca(OH)2 NPs showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 5 μg/mL for Fn and 10 μg/mL for Pg and Ef (P < 0.001), following a 24-hour incubation period.

Conclusion:

To sum up, Ca(OH)2-contained PLGA NPs show encouraging ability to kill microbes during canal cleaning treatments.z
A Large Brown Tumor of Mandible as First Manifestation of Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Mondal Animesh , Sarkar Pratik , Bhattacharjee Tathagata , Ghose Sandip , Ray Jay G
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Brown tumor is a lesion that develops in patients with hyperparathyroidism. It can be described as the terminal stage of bone remodeling process where abnormal bone metabolism takes place. Hyperplasia or adenoma of the parathyroid glands is the main etiology of primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). Due to overproduction of parathyroid hormone in hyperparathyroidism bone resorption takes place, which appear as cyst-like lesions, commonly known as osteitis fibrosa cystica or brown tumor. Any skeletal bones, including jawbones can be affected in this disorder. Most of the time brown tumor is detected after confirmatory diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. Presentation of brown tumor as the first manifestation of this disorder is rare. In this present report, a large proliferative growth in left jaw with multilocular radiolucency in 23 years aged female was described as an unusual first manifestation of hyperparathyroidism.
A Comprehensive Overview of Internet of NanoThings and its Applications
Authors: Padmavathy V. , Sakthiivanitha M. , Balajikannan  , Poornima V. , Maruthi R.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION:    Internet of  NanoThings (IoNT) is regarded as the next generation of the Internet of Things due to its bright future and wide range of applications . According to the global "Internet of Nanothings (IoNT) Market" research, there has been good growth in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue until 2030. IoNT is basically the Internet of Things on a nanoscale.  IoNT essentially describes how nanoscale devices are connected to one another within current networks. A high-speed network can be used to connect different nanodevices through the IoNT. This study  provides a comprehensive overview of the architecture, benefits and applications of IoNT.
OBJECTIVES: The objective is to provide  insights into IoNT framework and it applications in fields like healthcare, food industry, agriculture , environment monitoring etc,
METHODS:  This study explored the IoNT architecture and its applications. The exploration involves reviewing the articles, journals and other web resources. 
RESULTS: Highlights the aspects of IoNT and emphasizing the importance of its applications in various fields. The need to combine this research and emphasize the IoNT related applications stems from the dearth of research in the field.
CONCLUSION: The world is becoming increasingly developed as a result of ongoing technological advancements. Future developments, which are expected to peak in the next one to two decades, will be led by IoT and nanotechnology. IoNT offers potential and means to enhance numerous facets of individuals' lives. Its primary characteristics are monitoring and diagnostic services, which support and improve decision-making and outcomes across a range of application domains.
Chronic hepatitis B: Prevent, diagnose, and treat before the point of no return
Authors: Marrapu Sudheer , Kumar Ramesh
Published: October 2024

Hepatitis B remains a significant global health challenge, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Approximately 254 million people worldwide live with Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), with the majority of cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and the Western Pacific regions. Alarmingly, only about 13.4% of the individuals infected with this disease have been diagnosed, and awareness of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status is as low as 1% in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022, CHB led to 1.1 million deaths globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target of eliminating hepatitis B as a public health concern by 2030; however, this goal appears increasingly unattainable due to multiple challenges. These challenges include low vaccination coverage; a large number of undiagnosed cases; a low proportion of patients eligible for treatment under current guidelines; limited access to healthcare; and the costs associated with lifelong treatment. Treatment of HBV can yield significant clinical benefits within a long window of opportunity. However, the benefits of therapy are markedly diminished when the disease is detected at the advanced cirrhosis stage. This editorial aim to highlight the current challenges in hepatitis care and the necessary steps to achieve the WHO's hepatitis elimination goals for 2030.
Advances in immunotherapy for hepatitis B virus associated hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Cao Wei-Hua , Zhang Ya-Qin , Li Xin-Xin , Zhang Zi-Yu , Li Ming-Hui
Published: October 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection plays an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the rate of HBV infection in liver cancer patients in China is as high as 92.05%. Due to long-term exposure to chronic antigens from the gut, the liver needs to maintain a certain level of immune tolerance, both to avoid severe inflammation caused by non-pathogenic antigens and to maintain the possibility of rapid and violent responses to infection and tumors. Therefore, HBV infection interacts with the tumor microenvironment (TME) through a highly complex and intertwined signaling pathway, which results in a special TME in HCC. Due to changes in the TME, tumor cells can evade immune surveillance by inhibiting tumor-specific T cell function through cytotoxic T-lymphocy-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Interferons, as a class of immune factors with strong biological activity, can improve the TME of HBV-HCC through various pathways. In recent years, the systematic treatment of HCC has gradually come out of the dilemma. In addition to the continuous emergence of new multi-target anti-vascular tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors have opened up a new avenue for the systematic treatment of HCC. At present, immunotherapy based on PD-1/L1 inhibitors has gradually become a new direction of systematic treatment for HCC, and the disease characteristics of patients included in global clinical studies are different from those of Chinese patients. Therefore, whether a group of HCC patients with HBV background and poor prognosis in China can also benefit from immunotherapy is an issue of wide concern. This review aims to elucidate the advances of immunotherapy for HBV related HCC patients with regard to: (1) Immunotherapy based on interferons; (2) Immunotherapy based on PD-1/L1 inhibitors; (3) Immunotherapy based on CTLA4 inhibitors; (4) Adoptive cell transfer; (5) Combination immunotherapy strategy; and (6) Shortcomings of immunotherapy.
Complement activation targeted inhibitor C2-FH ameliorates acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Li Chun-Mei , Sun Tian , Yang Mou-Jie , Yang Zhi , Li Qing , Shi Jia-Lin , Zhang Chong , Jin Jun-Fei
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Complement activation is recognized as an important factor in the progression of liver damage caused by acetaminophen (APAP). However, the role of the complement inhibitor C2-FH in APAP-induced liver injury remains unclear.

AIM

To explore C2-FH in protecting against APAP-induced liver injury by inhibiting complement activation.

METHODS

A model of APAP-induced liver injury was used to study the protective effect of C2-FH on liver injury. C2-FH was administered through intraperitoneal injection 30 minutes after APAP treatment. We detected the effects of C2-FH on liver function, inflammatory response and complement activation. Additionally, RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis was conducted to understand the mechanism through which C2-FH provides protection against APAP-induced liver injury.

RESULTS

C2-FH inhibited the increase in serum alanine aminotransferase activity, aspartate aminotransferase activity and lactate dehydrogenase, and reduced liver tissue necrosis caused by APAP. Moreover, it attenuated the inflammatory response and inhibited complement activation in APAP-induced liver injury. RNA-Seq analysis provided additional explanations for the protective role of C2-FH against APAP-induced liver injury.

CONCLUSION

C2-FH attenuates APAP-induced liver injury by inhibiting complement activation.
Educational aspects in the constitutional and legal provision of democratic governance under martial law: A comparative study
Authors: Berch Veronika , Lankevych Andriy , Naturkach Ruslana , Bysaha Yurii M. , Bysaha Yurii Y.
Published: October 2024

Within the framework of this scientific article, an analysis of various approaches to the constitutional and legal regulation of governance in conditions of martial law in different countries is carried out. The integration of democratic governance under martial law includes an educational perspective, emphasizing the need for citizens and leaders to understand the constitutional and legal frameworks that support democratic principles during crises. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze various approaches to the constitutional and legal regulation of governance under conditions of martial law in different countries taking into account the educational aspect. The study integrates an educational perspective, emphasizing the need for both citizens and leaders to understand the constitutional and legal frameworks that support democratic principles during crises. Research methodology includes historical method, method of legal hermeneutics, method of systemic approach, synthesis, method of modeling, comparative method and statistical method. The conclusions emphasize the importance of understanding and using constitutional and legal provisions to ensure openness, transparency, and participation in public processes, even under martial law. This section outlines educational strategies that can support these goals, such as incorporating constitutional education into formal curricula and providing continuous learning opportunities for citizens and officials.
Performance and cholesterol of quail egg yolks fed with rice bran raw material with mangosteen peel flour enrichment
Authors: Ralahalu Tabita Naomi , Fredriksz Shirley , Matatula Michel J.
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to examine the use of rice bran with enriched mangosteen rind in feed on the performance and cholesterol of quail egg yolks. The cage as a research tool was modified with ram wire on four sides, and a base with dimensions per box, length 59 cm, width 55 cm, height and base 30 cm. 15 food containers made of zinc measuring 48 x 6 x 6 cm were placed outside the cage. Using 15  bottles plastic at 800cc brand Medion as drinking bottles, Harnic HL3650 digital scales with an accuracy 1 gram for weighing feed, and HWH DJ602B digital scales with an accuracy of 0.01 gram for weighing eggs. The study used a completely randomized design with  3 treatments  and  5 replications, with ten quails in each unit. The treatments tested were DP0 = control feed, DP1 = feed plus rice bran enriched with mangosteen peel flour without storage, and DP2 = feed plus rice bran enriched with mangosteen peel flour which is stored for 1 month. The mean differences between treatments were analyzed using the BNT test. The variables observed were feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion, and egg yolk cholesterol. The results showed that the treatment given was significantly different (P<0.05) on feed intake, while body weight gain, feed conversion, and egg yolk cholesterol were not significantly different (P>0.05). The amount of feed consumed by quail fed rice bran with enriched mangosteen peel flour had different responses. The smallest amount consumed was found in the DP1 test feed. However, regarding weight gain, feed conversion and egg yolk cholesterol, the experimental feed did not show a good response. Homemade feed is 40.9% more expensive than commercial BR I broiler chicken feed.
Effect of Cooperative Learning on High School Students’ Performance in Economics in Ghana
Authors: Yaw Sekyi Acquah Bernard , Boachie Agyemang Godfred
Published: October 2024

The study sought to establish the impact of cooperative learning on economics students’ performance in Senior High School in Ghana, using a quasi-experimental design that included pre-tests and post-tests. The study engaged 164 senior high school economics students (81 in the control group and 83 students in the experimental group). The study used a 50-item performance test and a 29-item perception questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (independent sample t-test and paired sample t-test). The study revealed that senior high school economics students positively perceived the use of cooperative learning strategies in teaching economics. It revealed that economics students in the experimental and control groups had the same level of poor performance in economics before conducting the intervention. A significant difference emerged in the post-test performance of students in the experimental group, revealing improved performance after teaching the group using cooperative learning strategies. This suggests that cooperative learning strategies significantly affected the students’ performance. The study, recommends that senior high school economics teachers need to incorporate cooperative learning strategies in teaching economics topics to improve students’ performance.
Evaluation of E-Learning Platforms under the EASTRIP Project: Enhancing Competency-Based Education and Training through Holographic Technology in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Inon Kumbo Lazaro , Bakari Juma Shabani , Michael Sikumbili Robert
Published: October 2024

This study delved into the use of hologram technology to bridge the practical learning gaps in the Competency-Based Education and Training framework when using E-learning platforms. The study utilized a convergent mixed-method, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study focused on 26 public tertiary learning institutions located in Dar es Salaam. It selected 14 widely used e-learning platforms for a comprehensive analysis, ensuring diverse representation. The study's statistical treatment included descriptive statistics and content analysis. The study concluded that the platforms are crucial in delivering content and in teaching, uploading lecture notes and administering tests. However, the use of technology in final examinations and practical assignments indicates notable gaps that need addressing, requiring advanced technologies such as hologram. Addressing these gaps will require technological advancements and continuous professional development for academic staff to optimize the use of e-learning platforms and ensure they meet the comprehensive needs of modern education. This holistic approach will strengthen the alignment of e-learning practices with the CBET framework, fostering a more effective and inclusive learning environment.
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Paradigm Shift towards Organizational Care for Employees’ Wellbeing
Authors: Ganu Josephine
Published: October 2024

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained significant attention in recent years, with organizations increasingly focusing on their impact on society and the environment. However, while many organizations prioritize external stakeholders, the well-being of internal stakeholders, particularly employees, is often overlooked. This article contends that an authentic socially responsible organization should care for the well-being of both external and internal stakeholders equally. Through a literature review, this study examined the concept of CSR in the context of employees’ well-being. It developed a conceptual framework to theorize how deliberate organizational initiatives can improve employees' overall well-being, ultimately contributing to their quality of work life and life satisfaction. The study highlights the importance of responsible organizations demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility towards their employees through organizational care and implementing sound workplace practices and policies. This study emphasizes the need for increased attention to the internal dimensions of CSR and greater transparency in reporting structured practices that support employees’ well-being.
Adolescent Students’ Sexual Behaviors: Experiences from the Eastern Ghana Special Schools for the Deaf
Authors: Wisdom Kwasi Kloh Frank , Acheampong Frank
Published: October 2024

This study assessed adolescent students’ sexual behaviors in eastern region schools for the deaf in Eastern Ghana. The study used the descriptive survey design, which describes, analyzes and interprets conditions that exist. The population of the study was 125 adolescent students from three selected Junior High Schools (JHS) for the deaf in the Eastern region of Ghana. The study sampled 95 (52 Boys and 43 girls) students to participate through a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The study established that the majority of the adolescent students with deafness were sexually active as they had had sexual intercourse before the study took place. They engaged in risky sexual behaviors in various ways, such as having sex with more than one regular partner. The study’s recommendations include that the school leadership should encourage teachers to sensitize the adolescent students on safer practices to avoid the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.
Challenges Facing Ward Community Policing in Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania
Authors: Ali Mussa Mussa
Published: October 2024

This study investigated challenges facing the Ward community policing in Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania. The study used the explanatory design, sampling 100 subjects who filled a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics analyzed the data through mean score and standard deviation. Based on the results, the study concludes that the Ward community policing initiatives operate very well in the Morogoro Rural District. The community policing had sufficient resources in implementing their daily routines and there was effective communication between police officers and other stakeholders, including community members. Both the law enforcement team and member of the community possessed awareness of the importance of the Ward community policing. Furthermore, community cooperation supported the policing initiatives just as higher policy authorities supported the Ward community policing. Finally, the policy officers were disciplined and citizenship behavior prevailed among the community members. These conclusions imply that community policing is an effective way to maintain peace and harmony in Tanzanian communities.
ZAPADNI NAUČNI UTICAJI NA BEOGRADSKOM UNIVERZITETU 1945–1960.
Authors:   Institute for Contemporary History, Belgrade, Serbia, Bondžić Dragomir
Published: October 2024

Higher education and science in Serbia developed during the 19th century on the basis of West- ern European scientific influences, which enabled the establishment of the Belgrade University in 1905. The subsequent development of the University was based on the knowledge and methodology of Western European science. The end of the Second World War and the coming to power of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia put this direction of the Belgrade University in danger. Creating a one-party system, the Com- munists strove to implement their scientific policy and put Belgrade University on a new ideological basis. That is why Western “bourgeois” influences at the University were suppressed and Soviet influences were en- couraged, which at the same time meant the permeation of science with the ideology of Marxism-Leninism. The firmly rooted traditions of West European science represented a main obstacle to the implementa- tion of such a policy. After the war, the old “bourgeois” teachers trained in European universities strongly resisted the spread of the influence of Soviet science imbued with Marxism-Leninism. After Yugoslavia’s conflict with Comminform in 1948, the pressure to accept Soviet scientific influence subsided. During the 1950s, despite the Cold War mistrust, the scientific cooperation of the Belgrade University with West Europe and USA and Western influences on the teaching and science strengthened. These influences were realized through the visits of European and American scientists, departures of Belgrade teachers to scientific conferences in the West and departures of students, assistants and younger teachers for specialization in Western universities. The article is based on archival materials and relevant literature.
CONTEMPORARY DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES ON THE TERRITORY OF THE TRSTENIK MUNICIPALITY
Authors:   University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Geography, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia, Milosavljević Saša
Published: October 2024

The municipality of Trstenik is situated in the central part of Serbia. The territory of municipality covers the area of 448 km² with the population of 35,875. The average population density is 80 inhabitants per km². The current demographic conditions in the municipality of Trstenik are an expression of demographic changes in the past, especially in the second half of the 20th century, which, in addition to general development factors and conditions, were influenced by many specific factors (economic, social, health, political). The process of depopulation, along with the process of demographic aging, are the main processes that mark the demographic changes in the municipality of Trstenik. The reduction of the natural increase in population has been strongly influenced by the intensively changing birth rate. Since the nineties, the fall of natural increase in population has been accelerating because the birth rates have been getting less while the death rates have been increasing. Negative demographic trends are particularly present in the rural areas of the municipality. It is necessary to stimulate marriage and birth rate with adequate measures of population policy.
COMPARING HOUSING POLICIES FOR ROMA COMMUNITIES IN SERBIA AND PORTUGAL
Authors:   Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” SASA, Belgrade, Serbia, Vuksanović-Macura Zlata , Alves Sónia ,   University of Lisbon, Institute of Social Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal
Published: October 2024

Comparisons are needed to assess the successes and failures of today’s public policies, as well as to promote policy learning. This is particularly important in the case of policies for low-income and disadvantaged groups such as the Roma, Europe’s largest ethnic minority, whose housing conditions starkly contrast with those of the general population wherever they reside. Roma families often live in precarious housing in segregated neighborhoods, and face significant obstacles to accessing essential services. The European Union (EU) Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion, and participation sets common (horizontal and sectorial) objectives and headline targets to monitor the achievement of these objectives. Within the four sectorial objectives, one objective is to increase the Roma’s access to adequate desegregated housing and essential services, and address segregated settlements, closing the gap with other populations. This is to be done by reducing housing deprivation, cutting overcrowding, and ensuring access to tap water. Correspondingly, the Western Balkan countries endorsed the Roma integration declaration, committing, by the time of their accession, to tangible progress in education, employment, health, housing, civil registration and non-discrimination. This comparative study investigates the approaches of two European countries: Serbia (an EU candidate) and Portugal (an EU member) in relation to the Roma’s access to adequate housing and essential services. To do so we use the so-called integrated EU strategic framework on Roma equality, inclusion and participation to compare the range of housing programmes that have been formulated across different local settings, trying to assess whether they follow the EU recommendation for Roma inclusion. The research consists of analysis of relevant academic literature, key communication journals and reports. The study will draw out the implications of its findings for urban politics and housing policy.
CONSUMER MOBILITY IN CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL CITY NEIGHBOURHOODS
Authors:   Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” SASA, Belgrade, Serbia, Todorić Jovana , Doljak Dejan ,   Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” SASA, Belgrade, Serbia
Published: October 2024

Consumer activities include shopping, entertainment and recreation and they play an important role in determining the urban economy, the city landscape, and the lifestyle of inhabitants. The spatial distribution of consumer locations in the city follows spatial patterns of shopping, entertainment and recreation activities. In contrast to the urban outskirts, the city center usually represents an attractive zone for all consumer activities. However, there are other hot spots for shopping, entertainment and recreation beside the city center. Studies have shown that local (neighborhood) orientation in shopping and leisure activities is one of the most important regularities in consumer spatial behaviour. This research aims to shed light on the similarities and differences in the spatial behavior of both, the residents of the central and peripheral areas in Belgrade (Serbia). Residents living in the city center and those from the outskirts differ in their socio-economic status (educational level, income, car ownership etc.) and consequently in their way of life. Additionally, the central and peripheral city areas are characterized by numerous specificities related to the population density, types of housing, area development, infrastructure, the presence of shops, services and places for leisure and recreation activities in the neighborhood, traffic connections with the surrounding areas, and the like. The research assumes that the most attractive consumer zones, regardless of their position, are equally appealing to the residents of the entire city. The research is based on the analysis of movements of the residents living in two Belgrade municipalities—Stari grad in the city core and Grocka with peripheral location. The survey included a total of 1,765 respondents, who had 1,774 movements in total. Their primary movements (to work and school) and consumer movements (with the purpose of shopping, entertainment and recreation) by all modes (on foot, by car, by public transport) were observed. The key indicator is the destination of each movement, that shows the connection between the place of residence and the place of consumption. The basic method applied is the spatial analysis of movements, with the thematic movement maps as a main result. The maps enabled the visual interpretation of the results, that helped to define the spatial mobility patterns and the underlying rules of the primary and consumer mobility in two municipalities.