bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Feasibility of Presurgical Exercise in Bladder Cancer Patients Scheduled for Open Radical Cystectomy
Authors: TAAFFE DENNIS R. , MCCOMBIE STEVE P. , GALVÃO DANIEL A. , NEWTON ROBERT U. , LA BIANCA SHANE , CHAMBERS SUZANNE K. , SPRY NIGEL , SINGH FAVIL , LOPEZ PEDRO , SCHUMACHER OLIVER , HAWKS CYNTHIA , HAYNE DICKON
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the feasibility and potential efficacy of presurgical exercise in patients with bladder cancer scheduled for open radical cystectomy with follow-up postsurgery.

Methods

Prospective single-group design with assessments at baseline, presurgery, and 3 months postsurgery was used in this study. Multimodal supervised resistance and aerobic exercise was undertaken 2–3 d·wk−1 at moderate intensity for a median of 3.5 wk (interquartile range [IQR] = 1.3–5.6). Feasibility was assessed by recruitment and completion rates, patient safety, program tolerance, adherence, and compliance. Lean and fat mass were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, physical function by a battery of tests (chest press and leg press strength, 6-min walk test [6MWT], timed up-and-go, repeated chair rise), and quality of life (QoL), psychological distress, and body image by questionnaire. Hospital length of stay (LOS) and complications were assessed by medical records.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were referred with 20 recruited (67.3 ± 12.2 yr) and a presurgery intervention completion rate of 80% (16 of 20). The individual median program adherence was 100.0% (IQR = 89.4–100.0) with compliance of 100.0% (IQR = 90.5–100.0) for resistance exercise and 81.8% (IQR = 55.0–99.5) for aerobic exercise. There were no exercise-related adverse events. Body composition did not change presurgery; however, there were improvements (P < 0.05) in leg press strength (16%), 6MWT distance (8%), timed up-and-go (12%), chair rise (10%), and multiple QoL domains including mental health. Median LOS was 8.0 d (IQR = 7.0, 15.0). Postsurgery, there were declines in components of QoL and apparent body image dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

A preradical cystectomy exercise program is feasible, safe, and well tolerated with improvements in physical function and QoL. Supervised multimodal exercise in bladder cancer patients before cystectomy can enhance physical and mental health potentially buffering the effects of surgery.
Effect of vital bleaching on surface roughness and microhardness of nanofilled and nanohybrid composite resins
Authors: Chakraborty Anindita , Purayil Tina , Ginjupalli Kishore , Pentapati Kalyana-Chakravarthy , Shenoy Neetha
Published: February 2023

Background: To compare the surface roughness and microhardness of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one and Filtek Z350 XT after in-office vital bleaching with Pola office.

Methods: A total of 20 samples of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm height of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one and Filtek Z350 XT were prepared. The samples were subjected to two bleaching sessions with 35% hydrogen peroxide (Pola office) with a seven-day interval between each session. Surface roughness and microhardness of the prepared samples prior to and after the bleaching regimen were measured using a profilometer and Vickers hardness tester, respectively.

Results: A significant reduction (p <0.001) in the surface hardness of Filtek Z350 XT from 26.67 ± 2.10 to 17.83 ± 1.36 Vickers hardness number (VHN) was observed after the bleaching whereas no significant reduction in surface hardness was observed with Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ one. However, in-office bleaching of these materials did not significantly alter their surface roughness.

Conclusions: The effect of in-office bleaching on the surface hardness of resin composites seem to vary due to variations in the composition of dental composites such as filler loading. Among the composites tested, in office bleaching of Ceram.x® SphereTEC™ did not result in significant changes in its surface hardness and roughness.
AFFECTIVE DISORDERS IN MEN WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN COMBINATION WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Yaskevich Roman A. , Moskalenko Olga L.
Published: February 2023

Purpose. To study the features of affective disorders in men with arterial hypertension in combination with metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods. 172 men with hypertension examined, including 106 patients with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome verification carried out according to the clinical recommendations of the All-Russian Scientific Society of Cardiology in 2009. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) used to identify and assess the severity of affective disorders.

Results. The study of the individual severity of anxiety among the surveyed men with hypertension showed that elevated levels of anxiety generally detected in 14.6% of the surveyed men with metabolic syndrome. Anxiety disorders subclinically pronounced in 12,2% of the surveyed men in this group, and clinically pronounced anxiety found in 2,4% of the surveyed. Elevated levels of depression in general detected in 18,3% of the surveyed men with metabolic syndrome. At the same time, almost 11,0% of the surveyed men in this group had depressive disorders of a subclinically pronounced nature, and clinically pronounced depression occurred in 7,3% of the surveyed.

Conclusion. The frequency of affective disorders in men with hypertension did not depend on the presence of metabolic syndrome. The most frequent variant of metabolic syndrome in the group of men with an increased level of anxiety was four–component (58,3%), and in the group with an increased level of depression - three-component (42,8%). Among men with metabolic syndrome with both elevated levels of anxiety and elevated levels of depression, 3- and 4-component combinations of metabolic syndrome more often detected.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ONLINE-INTERVENTIONS AIMED TO CORRECT EATING DISORDERS AND CHANGE WEIGHT: ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STUDYING AND IMPROVING EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Ignatova Ekaterina S. , Sevryugina Anna D.
Published: February 2023

The paper summarizes the experience of Russian and foreign researchers in studying the effectiveness of online interventions to correct eating behavior and weight change. It formulates the scientific problem of the ambiguity of the quality of existing programs to work with multifactorial eating disorders. The research notes differences between the categories of efficacy and effectiveness, which consist of the quality assessment breadth degree. A meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of structured in-person and online eating behavior interventions without specifying a behavior change model. The paper outlines research limitations on the effectiveness of intervention programs in the eating disorders area (small sample size, which reduces the probability of detecting differences; unrepresented observation period for weight maintenance; different levels and types of motivation for weight loss among participants; high cost of participation in the program; highlighting weight loss as the main parameter; lack of data on the program’s duration). It develops recommendations for overcoming these limitations (researching a sample of 60 or more people; performing measurements of body parameters before, during, after, and six months after the end of the program; consideration of participants’ motivations; establishing a reasonable price for the program; including psychological indicators in the program; specifying the duration of the program and forms of work), respectively. The analysis of online programs developed recommendations to improve the effectiveness of online interventions to correct weight and eating disorders, considering the factors affecting the effectiveness of online programs (personalized feedback, social support, the use of a large number of technologies for communication (video, audio, text), the opportunity for self-disclosure, the complexity of treatment, etc.).
Rola prawdy w wychowaniu osoby w świetle antropologii Karola Wojtyły
Authors: Olbrycht Katarzyna
Published: February 2023

Częstym dziś zjawiskiem jest analizowanie wychowania bez zatrzymywania się na specyfice tego procesu, na założeniach antropologicznych tego działania, nierzadko z lekceważeniem ich spójności, czasem nawet negowaniem ich niezbędności. Jest to skutek sceptycznego stosunku do prawdy zarówno w wymiarze ontologicznym – jako jednego z transcendentaliów, jak i wartości duchowej w wymiarze aksjologicznym. Do rozważenia roli prawdy w wychowaniu osoby wybrano tu personalizm Karola Wojtyły ze względu na ukazany w nim ścisły związek prawdy człowieczeństwa (którego istotą jest bycie osobą) z prawdą o ludzkim działaniu. Za szczególnie dziś ważne uznano bowiem przeanalizowanie roli prawdy w wychowaniu jako szczególnym działaniu człowieka. Aby dokonać analizy roli prawdy w wychowaniu osoby w świetle antropologii Wojtyły, wyodrębniono główne obszary problemowe: prawdę o człowieku i prawdę człowieka, prawdę o istocie wychowania jako specyficznego działania oraz prawdę o istocie samowychowania. Zgodnie z tą antropologią obszary te ściśle się ze sobą wiążą, wzajemnie przenikają i warunkują. Podstawą jest prawda o człowieku jako osobie i o jej działaniu, poprzez które człowiek jako osoba ujawnia się, realizuje i spełnia. Świadomość zasadniczego znaczenia prawdy w wychowaniu, w działaniach wychowawczych i samowychowawczych, jej niezbędności w rozumieniu człowieka oraz jego rozwoju wydaje się dziś nabierać coraz większej wagi. Otwiera nowe perspektywy w spojrzeniu na rzeczywistość wychowawczą, na trudne współczesne problemy, sytuacje i relacje wychowawcze, a także na odpowiedzialność uczestników procesów wychowawczych.
Inkluzja społeczna jako projekt edukacyjny. Pedagogiczne implikacje stanowiska Kościoła Ewangelickiego w Niemczech
Authors: Ernst-Milerska Renata
Published: February 2023

Inkluzja jest wielowymiarowym projektem społecznym. Włączanie możliwie wszystkich jednostek do pełnego uczestnictwa w życiu społecznym dokonuje się m.in. w obszarze edukacji i poprzez edukację. W prezentowanym artykule omówimy ideę inkluzji, jej aplikacje, uwarunkowania i ograniczenia na podstawie tekstów programowych Kościoła Ewangelickiego w Niemczech (EKD). Opierają się one na określonej koncepcji człowieka i życia wspólnoty. Z perspektywy antropologicznej inkluzja jest nie tylkokwestią polityczną, prawną, etyczną, lecz również wiąże się z określoną koncepcją edukacyjną. Dotyczy ona kształtowania nowej świadomości jednostkowej i społecznej, której podstawowym wyznacznikiem jest wrażliwość inkluzyjna jako stała praktyka życia.
Działalność opiekuńczo-wychowawcza Urszuli Ledóchowskiej i Sióstr Urszulanek Serca Jezusa Konającego (SJK) na ziemiach polskich w latach 1920–1939
Authors: Zydek Sylwia
Published: February 2023

Artykuł stanowi próbę analizy działalności opiekuńczo-wychowawczej, jaką prowadziła w okresie międzywojennym matka Urszula Ledóchowska oraz siostry z nowo powstałego Zgromadzenia Sióstr Urszulanek SJK (inaczej urszulanek szarych). Działania, jakie wówczas podejmowała matka Założycielka i jej zakonnice, przyczyniły się do podniesienia jakości życia dzieci i młodzieży. Sieć zakładów opiekuńczych, świetlic, burs, akademików, przedszkoli oraz działalność katechetyczna czy ta z zakresu pomocy społecznej miały ogromny wpływ na wyrównywanie szans edukacyjnych pozbawionych wszelkich możliwości rozwoju dzieci sierocych, z rodzin ubogich czy tych bez należytej troski ze strony rodziców. Mówiąc o okresie międzywojnia w kontekście pracy opiekuńczo-wychowawczej, należy zaznaczyć, że rola, jaką odegrały w niej szare urszulanki, jest niebagatelna ze względu na aspekt odtwarzania zniszczonej działaniami wojennymi infrastruktury opiekuńczo-wychowawczej na terenach Rzeczypospolitej. Urszulanki, otwierając i prowadząc placówki dla dzieci i młodzieży, wpisywały się bardzo mocno w szeroko rozumiany nurt odbudowy kraju, pogrążonego w zapaści gospodarczo-ekonomicznej, edukacyjnej, a także moralno-duchowej.
High-efficiency single-photon compressed sensing imaging based on the best choice scheme
Authors: Fan Yanshan , Bai Miaoqing , Wu Shuxiao , Qiao Zhixing , Hu Jianyong
Published: February 2023

With single-photon sensitivity and picosecond resolution, single-photon imaging technology is an ideal solution for extreme conditions and ultra-long distance imaging. However, the current single-photon imaging technology has the problem of slow imaging speed and poor quality caused by the quantum shot noise and the fluctuation of background noise. In this work, an efficient single-photon compressed sensing imaging scheme is proposed, in which a new mask is designed by the Principal Component Analysis algorithm and the Bit-plane Decomposition algorithm. By considering the effects of quantum shot noise, dark count on imaging, the number of masks is optimized to ensure high-quality single-photon compressed sensing imaging with different average photon counts. The imaging speed and quality are greatly improved compared with the commonly used Hadamard scheme. In the experiment, a 64 × 64 pixels’ image is obtained with only 50 masks, the sampling compression rate reaches 1.22%, and the sampling speed increases by 81 times. The simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed scheme will effectively promote the application of single-photon imaging in practical scenarios.
Yb:YAG diverging beam amplifier with 20 mJ pulse energy and 1.5 kHz repetition rate
Authors: Kuznetsov Ivan , Chizhov Sergey , Palashov Oleg
Published: February 2023

We have developed a laser system with a combination of record-breaking parameters for rod ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) lasers with pulse energy 20 mJ, average power 30 W, and beam quality М2 < 1.35. This record was achieved thanks to the Yb:YAG diverging beam amplifier (DBA) geometry, which allows combining efficient amplification with high average power, good beam quality, and high-energy pulse extraction.
‘Why would they spend all this money and give us these items for free?’: Exploring precarity and power in a cleaner cookstove intervention in rural Malawi
Authors: Ardrey Jane , Jehan Kate , Desmond Nicola , Kumbuyo Caroline , Nyirenda Deborah , Gordon Stephen B. , Mortimer Kevin , Tolhurst Rachel
Published: February 2023

We carried out a qualitative study to gain a deeper understanding of the social context of the Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS) and implications for implementation of clean cooking and similar interventions. Such initiatives are recognised as complex, power-laden processes, which has consequences for outcomes and uptake. However, understanding of how precarious livelihoods and unequal power differentials impact on trials of technology is limited and potentially hampers the achievement of the SDGs including SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy. An in-depth exploration of experiences and perceptions of cooking and cookstove use within CAPS was completed using qualitative methods and the participatory methodology Photovoice. Ten CAPS participants from each of five villages participated in Photovoice activities and five village representatives were interviewed. Twelve fieldworkers participated in gender specific focus groups and four were interviewed. A thematic content approach was used for data analysis. The analysis showed that economic and power inequity underpinned the complex social relationships within CAPS impacting on trial participation, perceptions of the cookstoves, and on the potential of the intervention to affect health and other benefits. Power can be understood as relational and productive within the research environment. This is illustrated by an analysis of the role of fieldworkers and community representatives who needed to negotiate resistance to trial compliance decisions, including ‘satanic’ rumours about cookstoves and blood-taking. Transformative approaches that challenge existing power inequities are needed to maximise the success and beneficence of cookstove and other health promoting interventions, and achievement of the SDGs.
Small-scale farming in drylands: New models for resilient practices of millet and sorghum cultivation
Authors: Ruiz-Giralt Abel , Biagetti Stefano , Madella Marco , Lancelotti Carla
Published: February 2023

Finger millet, pearl millet and sorghum are amongst the most important drought-tolerant crops worldwide. They constitute primary staple crops in drylands, where their production is known to date back over 5000 years ago. Compared to other crops, millets and sorghum have received less attention until very recently, and their production has been progressively reduced in the last 50 years. Here, we present new models that focus on the ecological factors driving finger millet, pearl millet and sorghum traditional cultivation, with a global perspective. The interaction between environment and traditional agrosystems was investigated by Redundancy Analysis of published literature and tested against novel ethnographic data. Contrary to earlier beliefs, our models show that the total annual precipitation is not the most determinant factor in shaping millet and sorghum agriculture. Instead, our results point to the importance of other variables such as the duration of the plant growing cycle, soil water-holding capacity or soil nutrient availability. This highlights the potential of finger millet, pearl millet and sorghum traditional cultivation practices as a response to recent increase of aridity levels worldwide. Ultimately, these practices can play a pivotal role for resilience and sustainability of dryland agriculture.
Macroscopic and microscopic study on floral biology and pollination of Cinnamomum verum Blume (Sri Lankan)
Authors: Hathurusinghe Bhagya M. , Pushpakumara D. K. N. G. , Bandaranayake Pradeepa C. G.
Published: February 2023

Cinnamomum verumBlume (synCinnamomum zeylanicum) commonly known as Ceylon cinnamon, has gained worldwide attention due to its health benefits and its unique quality. Therefore, maintaining the yield quality and quantity is essential, especially for high-end value-added products. Knowledge on floral behaviour and reproductive biology is essential for breeding superior varieties and is critical for commercial cultivation efforts. However, limited literature is available on the floral biology ofC.verum. Here in this study, we assessed the seasonal flowering, floral development and pollination of two cultivars ofC.verum. Both macroscopic and microscopic data were collected on floral biology, pollination, and male and female floral organs before and after pollination.Cinnamomum verumis morpho-anatomically, structurally, and physiologically adapted for cross-pollination, possible between the two cultivars; type A (Sri Gemunu) and type B (Sri Wijaya) flowers; naturally evolved with Protogynous Dichogamy. However, due to changes in environmental conditions, female and male stages in the same tree overlap for about 45–60 min suggesting possible close-pollination within the same plant. During this event some of the pollens were observed hydrated even during self-pollination. In mean time, 4–8% of the flowers formed fruits after natural close and hand pollination which is between male and female phases of the same tree. AlthoughC.verumis adapted for cross-pollination, natural close-pollination is also possible. The data suggest the complex nature of the sexual reproduction ofC.verum. Well-managed breeding attempts with controlled factors like temperature and humidity will help to develop superiorC.verumvarieties.
Diversification of spiny-throated reed frogs (Anura: Hyperoliidae) with the description of a new, range-restricted species from the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Lawson Lucinda P. , Loader Simon P. , Lyakurwa John V. , Liedtke H. Christoph
Published: February 2023

The spiny-throated reed frog species group is a small radiation of Hyperolius frogs from East Africa. Unlike many members of the genus which have relatively wide distributions, these species tend to be small-range endemics found in montane and submontane forests. Recent discovery of a golden-hued frog with the clade-specific traits of spines on their gular discs prompted a morphological and genetic exploration of the distinctness of this new lineage and relationships to other members of the clade. Genetic (mitochondrial and nuclear loci) results resolved many sister-relationships, but deeper nodes in the phylogeny were poorly resolved. A reduced-representation genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) dataset was able to fully resolve the phylogenetic relationships within this clade, placing this new lineage, here named after the mountain range in which is it found–H. ukaguruensis sp. nov., as an early diverging lineage within the group. This new species is distinct from all other spiny-throated reed frogs, necessitating further understanding as a single-mountain endemics vulnerable to habitat loss and potential decline. Morphometric analyses identify clear morphological characteristics that are distinct for the herein described species, most noticeably in that the eyes are significantly smaller than other members of the genus for which we have samples.
Fast-onset effects of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) hydroethanolic leaf extract on behavioral alterations induced by chronic mild stress in mice
Authors: Adongo Donatus Wewura , Mante Priscilla Kolibea , Kukuia Kennedy Kwami Edem , Benneh Charles Kwaku , Biney Robert Peter , Boakye-Gyasi Eric , Amekyeh Hilda , Harley Benjamin Kingsley , Tandoh Augustine , Okyere Prince Dagadu , Woode Eric
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Pseudospondias microcarpa (Anacardiaceae) is a plant widely used traditionally for treating various central nervous system disorders. A previous study in our laboratory confirmed that the hydroethanolic leaf extract (PME) of the plant produces an antidepressant-like effect in rodent models of behavioral despair. However, its effect on depressive-like behavior induced by chronic mild stress (CMS) and its time course of action are still unknown. In this context, the long-term effects of PME on cognitive function and depressive- and anxiety-like behavior caused by CMS were assessed.

Methods

Male ICR mice were exposed to CMS for nine weeks and anhedonia was evaluated by monitoring sucrose intake (SIT) weekly. PME (30, 100, or 300 mg kg-1) or fluoxetine (FLX) (3, 10, or 30 mg kg-1) was administered to the mice during the last six weeks of CMS. Behavioral tests—coat state, splash test, forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), novelty suppressed feeding (NSF), EPM transfer latency, and Morris water maze (MWM)—were performed after the nine-week CMS period.

Results

When the mice were exposed to CMS, their SIT and grooming behavior reduced (splash test), their coat status was poor, they became more immobile (FST and TST), more anxious (OFT, EPM, and NSF), and their cognitive function was compromised (EPM transfer latency and MWM tests). Chronic PME treatment, however, was able to counteract these effects. Additionally, following two (2) weeks of treatment, PME significantly boosted SIT in stressed mice (30 mg kg-1, P<0.05; 100 mg kg-1, P<0.05; and 300 mg kg-1, P<0.001), as compared to four (4) weeks of treatment with FLX.

Conclusion

The present findings demonstrate that PME produces a rapid and sustained antidepressant-like action and reverses behavioral changes induced by chronic exposure to mild stressors.
Molecular forms of the Indian Anopheles subpictus complex differ in their susceptibility to insecticides and the presence of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel
Authors: Sindhania Ankita , Lohani Himanshu P. , Kona Madhavinadha Prasad , Kaur Taranjeet , Kaushal B. R. , Singh Om P.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To investigate the differential insecticide-susceptibility of two molecular forms of Anopheles subpictus complex (A and B) against DDT and pyrethroids, the occurrence of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in these forms, and the association of kdr mutations with insecticide resistance.

Methods

Insecticide susceptibility tests of An. subpictus s.l., collected from coastal and inland areas of mainland India, were performed against DDT, permethrin and deltamethrin using the WHO standard insecticide susceptibility test kit. The mosquitoes were characterized for molecular forms using a diagnostic PCR developed in this study. Representative samples of An. subpictus molecular forms A and B were sequenced for a genomic region encompassing the IIS4-5 linker to the IIS6 segments of the voltage-gated sodium channel to identify kdr mutations. A common PIRA-PCR was developed for identifying L1014F-kdr mutation and used for genotyping in both molecular forms of An. subpictus.

Results

Molecular form A of An. subpictus was resistant to all three insecticides, i.e., DDT, Permethrin and deltamethrin, whereas Form B was categorized as ‘possibly resistant’ to these insecticides. Significantly higher mortalities in WHO insecticide susceptibility tests were recorded in Form B compared to Form A in sympatric populations. Molecular characterization of the IIS4-5 linker to IIS-6 segments of the voltage-gated sodium channel revealed the presence of two alternative nucleotide transversions at L1014 residue in Form A, both leading to the same amino acid change, i.e., Leu-to-Phe; however, such mutations could not be observed in Form B. PIRA-PCR-based kdr-genotyping of field populations revealed high frequencies of L1014F-kdr mutations in Form A and the absence of this mutation in Form B. The proportion of L1014F mutation was significantly higher in resistant mosquitoes following insecticide-bioassay with DDT (p<0.0001), permethrin (p<0.001) and deltamethrin (p<0.01) as compared to their susceptible counterparts.

Conclusions

Significant differences in insecticide susceptibility were found between two molecular forms of An. subpictus complex in sympatric populations. The L1014F-kdr mutation was observed in Form A only, which was found to be associated with DDT, permethrin and deltamethrin resistance.
Impact of soil surface properties on soil swelling of different soil layers in collapsing wall of Benggang
Authors: Zhang Zhi , You Lexing , Lin Jinshi , Wu Yunbo , Zhong Honglin , Chen Jie , Jiang Fangshi , Zhang Yue , Wang Ming-Kuang , Huang Yanhe
Published: February 2023

Benggang is one of the most serious soil erosion problems in tropical and subtropical areas in southern China. Little work has been reported on the surface properties of soil colloidal particle and its influence on soil swelling of different soil layers in collapsing wall of Benggang. In this present work, the effects of sodium concentration on soil swelling, and the correlations between soil swelling rates and soil colloidal surface properties were comprehensively evaluated by carefully examining soil physicochemical properties and soil colloidal surface properties of red, sandy and detritus soil layers from a collapsing wall. Our results showed that the soil swelling rates of red, sandy and detritus soil layers all exponentially decreased with increasing initial water contents. The relationship between soil swelling rate and the thickness of shear plane showed an extremely significant negative correlation for red soil layer and no correlation for sandy and detritus soil layers. Moreover, the elevating sodium concentrations reduced the thickness of shear plane from 39.69 to 0.76 nm for red soil layer, followed from 22.56 to 0.79 nm for sandy soil layer and from 18.61 to 0.64 nm for detritus soil layer. These findings indicated that the soil particle interactions played a crucial role in the development and occurrence of Benggang. This work will be helpful in understanding the mechanisms of soil mass loss on the gully head and collapsing wall of Benggang.
Patient satisfaction among persons living with HIV/AIDS and receiving antiretroviral therapy in urban Uganda: A factor analysis
Authors: Sekandi Juliet Nabbuye , Castellanos Maria Eugenia , Woldu Henok , Kakaire Robert , Mutembo Simon , Mutanga Jane Namangolwa
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Patient satisfaction is an important predictor of health outcomes among patients in HIV/AIDS treatment and care, yet it is rarely measured in routine clinic settings in most of Africa. The aims of our study were to evaluate the internal validity and reliability of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems instrument for measuring satisfaction, assess the general level of patient satisfaction, and identify the factors associated with the level of satisfaction among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Uganda.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 475 HIV/AIDS-infected patients from July to August 2015 in Kampala, Uganda. Eligible participants were 18 years or older, consented to the study and receiving antiretroviral therapy and outpatient care at the selected public health clinic. This study used a modified version of the validated Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) instrument to assess the level of satisfaction among HIV/AIDS patients receiving outpatient care. We collected data on socio-demographics, clinical variables and 18-items adapted from the CAHPS instrument rating satisfaction with aspects of health services. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis to assess the internal validity of the 18 items and multiple linear regression analysis of factors associated with patient satisfaction with care.

Results

Majority of the respondents were females (76.8%), and the mean age was 37 years (SD = 10). The modified CAHPS instrument had high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) for measuring satisfaction with HIV/AIDS care. Female sex (p = 0.016), perceived providers’ technical and interpersonal skills (p = 0.022), emotional health (p = 0.032), and quality of reception services (p<0.001) were significantly associated with satisfaction in this urban HIV/AIDS public clinic.

Conclusion

The reliability of the CAHPS instrument was high for measuring satisfaction. Providers’ technical and interpersonal skills, and the quality of reception services are key to achieving patient satisfaction. Health system interventions to address the gaps identified will enhance the quality of patient-centered HIV/AIDS care in the Ugandan setting.
Association of pro-inflammatory cytokines with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder visiting a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu
Authors: Koirala Rishav , Aass Hans Christian D. , Søegaard Erik Ganesh Iyer , Dhakal Hari Prasad , Ojha Saroj Prasad , Hauff Edvard , Thapa Suraj Bahadur
Published: February 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can occur after trauma. Although inflammatory markers such as cytokines are found altered in trauma and PTSD, there is no consensus regarding which can be considered as biomarkers. Studies from South Asia region is also rare. We studied cytokines among trauma affected patients and matched healthy controls. Fifty patients (cases) with trauma, visiting the University hospital in Kathmandu and thirty-nine healthy controls were selected, and the levels of cytokines were determined using a Luminex IS 200. We compared the levels of the cytokines in thirty-four age and gender matched pairs of case and control among three groups: healthy volunteers, cases diagnosed as PTSD, and cases without PTSD. Among the 34 pair-matched cases and controls, IL-6 was significantly higher in both PTSD positive cases [2.43 (0.00–14.54) pg/ml; p = 0.004] and PTSD negative cases [3.00 (0.92–3.86) pg/ml; p = 0.005], than in controls [0.39 (0.00–11.38) pg/ml]. IL-1β was significantly higher in PTSD positive cases [0.17 (0.00–5.27) pg/ml; p = 0.011] than in controls 0.00 (0.00–0.12) pg/ml. Other cytokines did not show significant differences. IL-6 was higher in both the trauma affected groups and IL-1β was higher in the trauma affected group with PTSD when compared to healthy controls. This supports the immune system activation hypothesis after trauma.
Truth or lie: Exploring the language of deception
Authors: Sarzynska-Wawer Justyna , Pawlak Aleksandra , Szymanowska Julia , Hanusz Krzysztof , Wawer Aleksander
Published: February 2023

Lying appears in everyday oral and written communication. As a consequence, detecting it on the basis of linguistic analysis is particularly important. Our study aimed to verify whether the differences between true and false statements in terms of complexity and sentiment that were reported in previous studies can be confirmed using tools dedicated to measuring those factors. Further, we investigated whether linguistic features that differentiate true and false utterances in English—namely utterance length, concreteness, and particular parts-of-speech—are also present in the Polish language. We analyzed nearly 1,500 true and false statements, half of which were transcripts while the other half were written statements. Our results show that false statements are less complex in terms of vocabulary, are more concise and concrete, and have more positive words and fewer negative words. We found no significant differences between spoken and written lies. Using this data, we built classifiers to automatically distinguish true from false utterances, achieving an accuracy of 60%. Our results provide a significant contribution to previous conclusions regarding linguistic deception indicators.
Pharma-cartography: Navigating the complexities of antibiotic supply to rural livestock in West Bengal, India, through value chain and power dynamic analysis
Authors: Hennessey Mathew , Ebata Ayako , Samanta Indranil , Mateus Ana , Arnold Jean-Christophe , Day Dominic , Gautham Meenakshi , Alarcon Pablo
Published: February 2023

Antibiotic resistance threatens provision of healthcare and livestock production worldwide with predicted negative socioeconomic impact. Antibiotic stewardship can be considered of importance to people living in rural communities, many of which depend on agriculture as a source of food and income and rely on antibiotics to control infectious diseases in livestock. Consequently, there is a need for clarity of the structure of antibiotic value chains to understand the complexity of antibiotic production and distribution in community settings as this will facilitate the development of effective policies and interventions. We used a value chain approach to investigate how relationships, behaviours, and influences are established during antibiotic distribution. Interviews were conducted with key informants (n = 17), value chain stakeholders (n = 22), and livestock keeping households (n = 36) in Kolkata, and two rural sites in West Bengal, India. Value chain mapping and an assessment of power dynamics, using manifest content analysis, were conducted to investigate antibiotic distribution and identify entry points for antibiotic stewardship. The flow of antibiotics from manufacturer to stockists is described and mapped and two local level maps showing distribution to final consumers presented. The maps illustrate that antibiotic distribution occurred through numerous formal and informal routes, many of which circumvent antibiotic use legislation. This was partly due to limited institutional power of the public sector to govern value chain activities. A ‘veterinary service lacuna’ existed resulting in livestock keepers having higher reliance on private and informal providers, who often lacked legal mandates to prescribe and dispense antibiotics. The illegitimacy of many antibiotic prescribers blocked access to formal training who instead relied on mimicking the behaviour of more experienced prescribers–who also lacked access to stewardship guidelines. We argue that limited institutional power to enforce existing antibiotic legislation and guide antibiotic usage and major gaps in livestock healthcare services make attempts to curb informal prescribing unsustainable. Alternative options could include addressing public sector deficits, with respect to both healthcare services and antibiotic provision, and by providing resources such as locally relevant antibiotic guidelines to all antibiotic prescribers. In addition, legitimacy of informal prescribers could be revised, which may allow formation of associations or groups to incentivise good antibiotic practices.
Infestation patterns of Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor variabilis on dogs and cats across Canada
Authors: DeWinter Sydney , Bauman Cathy , Peregine Andrew , Weese J. Scott , Clow Katie M.
Published: February 2023

Due to recent climatic and land use changes, Canada has experienced changes in tick populations, leading to an increased risk of tick bites and tick-borne pathogen exposure, especially in eastern Canada. Preventative recommendations for companion animals from veterinary professionals include regular use of tick prevention products and tick checks. Tick checks, specifically, should target regions of an animal’s body which are deemed to be high risk for tick attachment. However, tick species-specific infestation patterns on dogs and cats are largely understudied, and additional research is needed to help guide targeted tick checks. The objective of this study was to identify tick species-specific infestation patterns on dogs and cats. Ticks were collected for one year (April 2019 –March 2020) from 94 veterinary clinics across Canada as part of the Canadian Pet Tick Survey. All ticks were identified to species, and data on the location of tick attachment were ascertained with each submission. To examine the association between location of attachment (outcome) and tick species (explanatory variable), specifically Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor variabilis, mixed effects univariable models were built. Two thousand three hundred and six submissions were received from 1925 dogs and 381 cats across Canada. Of these submissions, 1377 comprised Ixodes scapularis, and 620 comprised Dermacentor variabilis. Clear tick species-specific infestation patterns for dogs were present, with I. scapularis being significantly more likely to be found on the shoulders, and D. variabilis more likely to be found on the ears and neck. Dermacentor variabilis was more likely to be found on the cranial aspect of cats’ limbs, compared to I. scapularis. Up-to-date information on infestation patterns can be used to inform veterinary professionals and pet owners of common attachment sites based on established ticks in their region and thus conduct targeted tick checks.
Does male gonopodial morphology affect male-female mating positioning in the livebearing fish Xenophallus umbratilis?
Authors: Nielsen Mary-Elise , Johnson Erik S. , Johnson Jerald B.
Published: February 2023

Xenophallus umbratilis is a freshwater livebearing fish that exhibits unique antisymmetry in the male gonopodium, which terminates in either a dextral or sinistral twist. This asymmetry in the gonopodium suggests that males might exhibit side-biased behavior when interacting with females to mate. We conducted two assays to assess the laterality of male and female mating interactions based on gonopodial morphology. We observed lateralized mating behavior in one test where males with sinistral gonopodial morphology interacted with a single female. However, we did not find lateralized mating behavior in males with dextral gonopodial morphology. We also examined male and female positioning in trials that placed a single female with five males, all with the same morphology. These trials also showed no evidence of lateralized body positioning.
Desarrollo y empleo femenino en América Latina. Un análisis político
Authors: Díaz Munoz Anyela Gabriela , Miranda Delgado Rafael Gustavo
Published: February 2023

El objetivo de la investigación es analizar la importancia que tiene el desarrollo y el empleo para la equidad de género y la autonomía de la mujer, con énfasis en América Latina. La investigación se enmarca dentro de la tradición de la política crítica, ya que no solo se conforma con la identificación de las injusticias, sino que adicionalmente reflexiona sobre las acciones a ejecutar para reparar las discriminaciones. La hipótesis de investigación es que el discurso de género androcéntrico ha entretejido las inequidades materiales y de identidades, y que el desarrollo y el empleo son un buen punto de partida para una orientación aglutinadora que busque la equidad de género, la autonomía y el empoderamiento de la mujer. En el artículo se argumenta que la inequidad de género y la instrumentalización de la mujer tienen su origen en la imposición de identidades y roles homogéneos a las mujeres, y que la reflexión sobre género hace evidente la necesidad de abordar la Política desde un enfoque más amplio, donde las fronteras de lo privado y lo público sean más fluida y permeable.
Reseña de: Klinenberg, Eric (2021). Palacios del pueblo. Políticas para una sociedad más igualitaria. Capitán Swing.
Authors: Català-Oltra Lluís , Osorio Rauld Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Cuando uno acomete la lectura de un libro que lleve por título el sugerente Palacios del pueblo y como subtítulo el esperanzador Políticas para una sociedad más igualitaria, consciente o inconscientemente las expectativas se elevan desde la primera página. Más aún porque fue para nosotros una lectura a ciegas, en el marco del Club de Lectura Activista de la asociación cultural La Teixidora de Alcoi, y sin recomendación previa que llevara acompañada un esbozo de lo que podíamos esperar. Incluso cuando se echa a andar la lectura y, con recursos novelescos, se nos retrata el norteño Chicago anómalamente semitropical del verano de 1995, con sus consecuencias en el medio social de los barrios populares, el interés se mantiene por todo lo alto. Es cuando se constata que el relato se construye precisamente a partir de un amplio anecdotario, y que ese surtido de anécdotas seleccionadas tiene el objetivo de corroborar a toda costa la hipótesis de partida (la infraestructura social, las condiciones físicas de los espacios urbanos, tienen la capacidad de mejorar la vida de sus habitantes), cuando uno decae en el interés y se asume que el libro no va a cumplir las expectativas que promete...
Reading Doris Lessing’s Short Story “England vs England” through the Lenses of Space, Trauma, and History
Authors: Berio Maria Eugenia
Published: February 2023

Past armed conflicts and their aftermaths left everlasting traces hidden in the physical places as well as in the spaces generated by the survivors. The present article examines the treatment of traumatic spaces in the British author Doris Lessing’s short story “England vs England” (1963) set in the years following the end of the Second World War. Even though Lessing’s works have been studied from different perspectives–as the abundant scholarship shows–the poetics of space in her short stories set in European places other than London has not been widely analysed. This paper argues that the immediate past is present in Lessing’s literature embedded in the spaces where the characters lead their everyday lives. The primary corpus includes the story under analysis and is supported by studies by scholars who have extensively researched the subjects of space and trauma and of literary critics who have examined the use of spatiality in Lessing’s oeuvre. Analysing the traumatic spaces of post-war Europe in the narration, firstly, gives visibility to a narrative that seems to have been overlooked by the critics and, secondly, allows the study of its spatiality in its physical, psychological, and sociohistorical division. Scrutinising the physical places of the story and the atmosphere generated in them, I have found that they represent the trauma endured by the countless anonymous people who suffered the horrors of the wars and their devastating consequences and who have only been made visible by the author’s skilled pen. In so doing my contribution adds another perspective to approaching the study of Doris Lessing.
Contradictions and Regularities in Webster’s Works
Authors: Meirelles Virginia
Published: February 2023

Noah Webster believed that a pure, regular and better form of the language existed, usually represented by a former variety that is more appropriate. However, he also believed that British English was not a model for American English because it did not follow “the analogy of the language.” Accordingly, he started a search to find the “true principles” of the English language. At that moment, his writings became more descriptive than prescriptive, but, because he was a successful textbook writer, he could not use the same model when he wrote schoolbooks. Consequently, his language analyses and his educational material became contradictory. Moreover, his earlier works and his later works are also inconsistent. This paper investigates the many inconsistencies found in Webster’s writings and tries to interpret them under the light of linguistics historiography. The results show that the contradiction in Webster’s work originates from his continued development as a language scholar and from his uncertainties arising from the linguistic practices of the time.
Cabeza colosal de Colonia Patricia
Authors: Márquez Moreno Carlos
Published: February 2023

Se estudia en profundidad una cabeza colosal elaborada en mármol procedente de Córdoba que ha sido considerada como Hermes o Marte; tras un análisis en detalle de la pieza y de diversas características que pueden apreciarse en la misma, se concluye que, con toda probabilidad, la cabeza ha sido reelaborada a partir de una cabeza de Minerva; la constatación de otras cabezas de esta diosa, o de carácter ideal en cualquier caso, que también han sufrido esta reelaboración en diversos periodos nos conduce a aportar algunos datos sobre un tema poco tratado por la crítica como es la reelaboración de esculturas que representan a dioses y diosas; la conclusión a la que nuestro estudio llega es que estamos ante una representación de Mercurio –con toda probabilidad del tipo Ludovisi– que formaría parte del programa ornamental de uno de los espacios oficiales de la Córdoba romana, muy cercano al teatro romano. De ese modo se concluye la presencia, detectada por primera vez en esta ciudad, de una escultura colosal en la primera mitad del s. ii, probablemente en el periodo adrianeo.
Phase Angle for Nutritional Risk Screening in Cardiac Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Tenório Danielle Mitchell , Rodrigues Isa Galvão , Júnior José Gildo de Moura Monteiro , Pinho Cláudia Porto Sabino
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The phase angle has been listed as a nutritional marker and its useful role in critically ill patients, but its role as a patient-to-patient tool has not yet been tested. This study sought to evaluate the phase angle as a proposal to determine nutritional risk in critically ill patients hospitalized in cardiac intensive care units.
Methods: Transversal study, coupled to a prospective analysis variable (hospitalization outcome) and involving adult and elderly male and female patients in cardiac intensive care units. The nutritional risk was determined by using the NUTRICscore, the phase angle was obtained through bioelectrical impedance analysis and other data, through the clinical record. A significance level of p <0.05 was used for all statistical analysis.
Results: 79 patients were included and resulted in homogeneous distribution among the sexes and an average age of 67.2 ± 13.7 years. Most of the sample had malnutrition according to the body mass index (BMI) (46.7%; CI: 36.0-57.8) and due to the adequacy of the arm circumference (40.8%; CI: 34.0-52.0). According to the NUTRIC score, 59.5% (CI: 48.5-69.3) had a high nutritional risk, and 68.4% (CI: 57.4-77.6) had a low phase angle (≤5.5 °). Correlation between the phase angle and age (p = 0.010) and BMI (p = 0.023) was verified. A good sensitivity (72%; CI: 55.6-81.9) and specificity (68%; CI: 42.5-77.5) of the low phase angle were obtained to detect nutritional risk by NUTRIC.
Conclusions: The PhA had good results of sensitivity and specificity but should be used with caution to determine the nutritional risk in critically ill cardiac patients.