bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRATEGI KEBERLANJUTAN PENGELOLAAN SAMPAH DI KABUPATEN TAKALAR
Authors: Jaya A Hadi Indra , Syamsari Syamsari , Dullah Arif Atul Mahmuda , Lestari Ika , Andriani Irma
Published: October 2023

Penelitian tentang penentuan strategi keberlanjutan pengelolaan sampah untuk mendukung kemajuan pengelolaan sampah di suatu daerah yang ditandai dengan perolehan penghargaan sangat dibutuhkan. Ketidakjelasan strategi keberlanjutan menyebabkan daerah tersebut tidak dapat mempertahankan prestasi yang telah diraih. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan juli sampai agustus 2023 di Kabupaten Takalar. Penentuan kabupaten Takalar sebagai lokasi penelitian karena Takalar telah meraih dua kali penghargaan Sanitasi Total Berbasis masyarakat (STBM). Data primer diperoleh dari wawancara dan pengisian kuisioner oleh pakar dan 100 orang responden di Kabupaten Takalar. Data sekunder diperoleh melalui studi literatur. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan Analisis SWOT. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pada system analisis faktor strategi internal, aspek kekuatan lebih dominan daripada aspek kelemahan dan pada system analisis faktor strategi eksternal, aspek peluang lebih dominan dari aspek ancaman, sehingga posisi faktor internal dan eksternal berada pada kuadran 1. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa strategi keberlanjutan pengelolaan sampah di Kabupaten Takalar adalah strategi agresif, yaitu mengoptimalkan kekuatan yang dimiliki dan memanfaatkan secara maksimal peluang yang tersedia.
PERILAKU KONSUMEN DALAM MEMBELI HEWAN KURBAN YANG SEHAT
Authors: Hariati Hariati , Syamsari Syamsari , Puspitasari Ayu , Hardianti Hardianti
Published: October 2023

Pemilihan hewan kurban harus didasarkan pada persyaratan agama yaitu halal, tidak cacat dan sehat. Aspek kesehatan hewan memerlukan pengamatan dari petugas Kesehatan hewan, namun jumlah petugas Kesehatan hewan tidak bisa menjangkau semua lokasi pemotongan, oleh karena itu dibutuhkan keterlibatan konsumen untuk memastikan bahwa hewan kurban yang dipilih dalam kondisi sehat. Penelitian tentang perilaku konsumen dalam memilih hewan kurban yang sehat adalah tema baru dan penting untuk diketahui. Total responden yang terlibat sebanyak 100 orang yang berdomisili di Metropolitan Maminasata yaitu Makassar, Gowa dan Takalar. Data primer diperoleh dari pelaksanaan survey, wawancara dan pengisian kuisioner oleh responden pada tanggal 10,11,12, dan 13 Dzulhijjah. Data sekunder diperoleh dari studi literatur Data tersebut dianalisa menggunakan analisis deskriptif. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa latar belakang pendidikan konsumen mendukung untuk mencari tambahan pengetahuan secara mandiri mengenai hewan kurban yang sehat melalui berbagai media yang tersedia, oleh karena itu dalam memilih hewan kurban yang sehat, hanya sebagian dari konsumen yang berkonsultasi kepada petugas kesehatan hewan. Pada saat membeli hewan kurban hanya sebagian konsumen yang memeriksa langsung kondisi fisik hewan kurban sebelum membeli hewan kurban. Adapun konsumen yang tidak memeriksa langsung kondisi fisik sebelum membeli hewan kurban karena meyakini bahwa panitia kurban dan pedagang hewan kurban memilih dan menjual hewan kurban yang sehat.
The Feminine Irony of God
Authors: Battista Ludovico
Published: October 2023

It is not by chance that one of the most radical and enigmatic speeches in Erasmus’ production—the Encomium Moriae—was pronounced by a female character: Folly. This paper aims at interrogating Erasmus’ text not simply as the result of a carnivalesque spirit of suspension and derision of traditional order, or as a literary imitation of ancient satire, but as the expression of an original type of speech, serious from a religious point of view, that proposes itself as the alternative of the ‘male’ theological-philosophical logos, which it mocks. The Pauline and apocalyptic logic of the catastrophic inversion of the world’s values is reinterpreted by Erasmus in an Origenian lens as the revelation of the immense yet ‘foolish’ divine mercy that forgives everyone. Folly’s speech thus both condemns and forgives the foolishness of human sin. This paper will highlight both the corrosive and secularising potential of Erasmus’ scepticism, which harshly deconstructs the dogmatic naivety of human beliefs and attitudes, conceived as sin and therefore as foolishness; and Folly’s ironic exaltation of the world’s foolishness as redeemed by the maternal, ‘feminine’ and universal embrace of God’s forgiveness.
“The Burning Light of Phoebus”
Authors: Lauria Virginia
Published: October 2023

This essay examines a brief and little-known composition by Erasmus of Rotterdam, a poem dedicated to St. Genevieve. The presence of a votive composition dedicated to a saint is an atypical occurrence among Erasmus’ humanistic writings, which generally reduce the importance of saintly devotion and worship. However, the poem presents a captivating case that sheds light on Erasmus’ understanding of the role of women and the feminine element in his philosophy of Christ. In this context, it can be argued, women become the ideal vehicles for disseminating key tenets of his thought, including imitatio Christi, accommodatio, and Philosophia Christi. Furthermore, the text provides valuable insights into Erasmus’ stance on the veneration of saints, which consistently remains subordinate to his Christocentric perspective.
“The Place of Speaking for a Speaking That Has No Place”
Authors: Brandodoro Niccolò
Published: October 2023

The cultural environment of Charles V’s Spanish Empire, where Erasmianism met the Franciscan tradition, gave rise to an experimental quest for new religious practices that contributed to the diffusion of interiorizing meditative techniques. This essay focuses on mental prayer in the writings of Teresa of Avila, following the trail of Erasmianism and Franciscanism in spiritual literature. In order to measure the importance of such legacy, this research analyzes the relationship between the feminine discourse produced by Teresa of Avila and the male authority of different spiritual directors who watched over her camino de perfección. In particular, within a theoretical framework based on Michel de Certeau’s understanding of mysticism, it will be shown that Teresian practice is not structured as a rigorous method, but more properly as a real double bind between the need for regulated prayer and the impossibility to capture the mystical event.
Two Types of Applied History
Authors: Mens Jay
Published: October 2023

In recent years, a concerted effort has been made to build up and delineate a discipline of applied history. But there has been little discussion about what applied history is, how the discipline navigates a range of epistemological problems, and how applied history is distinct from other disciplines that use historical data and attend to matters of policy—particularly political science. This article considers some of these questions with respect to two common methods of applied history: analogy and genealogy. It applies these methods to understand two contemporary issues in the Middle East: the shadow war between Israel and Iran, and maritime tensions between Greece and Turkey.
A new species of the Chaoborus flavicans complex (Diptera, Chaoboridae) in South Korea
Authors: BANG WOO JUN , SHIN SEUNGGWAN
Published: October 2023

Using reverse taxonomy and morphological analyses, this study describes a new species belonging to the C. flavicans species complex in the Korean Peninsula, Chaoborus pseudoflavicans Bang & Shin sp. nov. Descriptions of the new species from larvae to adults are provided, and the key to the C. flavicans species complex is updated accordingly. DNA barcodes (COI partial sequences) are shown to be sufficient for molecular identification in the C. flavicans species complex. Finally, the taxonomic accounts of all species in the C. flavicans complex are completely resolved for the first time.
11. Calm in the storm
Authors: Corti Paola , Nerantzi Chrissi
Published: October 2023

In this chapter, the authors use a photograph and an audio podcast with a transcript to guide a multimodal reflection on the role of universities in the complex and diverse context offered by society at large. Through a body and mind experience, individuals are invited to close their eyes and immerse themselves in a relaxing activity that transports them into a mountainous landscape and ecosystem. The authors describe the landscape pictured in the photograph and guide listeners/readers through a high bird-eye view down to the details of the - sometimes lively, sometimes apparently quiet - ground-level life and features. The metaphor is meant to help ignite conversations around the meaning of “good” in the context of universities looking at them as part of a larger social ecosystem.
18. Advancing ‘openness’ as a strategy against platformisation in education
Authors: Amiel Tel , do Rozário Diniz Janaina
Published: October 2023

Technocritique emerging from the field of education often fails (future) educators by only providing them with ‘critical perspectives’, but no clear insight into strategies or tactics of resistance and collective action. Resisting the ever-growing techno-corporate mammoth in education, as well as extractive surveillance, demands having (1) a critical consciousness, (2) learning to engage collectively, and importantly, (3) identifying possible alternatives and strategies to deploy by both students and educators. This chapter is a reflective, practice-based narrative on the experiences of such emancipatory teaching to future educators regarding the platformization of education. Drawing on experiences from teaching, it aims to provide insight into the strategies and ideas created over time as two Brazilian educators navigated the complex landscape of teaching in a novel, collaborative format during the pandemic.
20. One-one coco full basket — on the value of critical pedagogy of caring for learning and teaching in higher education
Authors: Hordatt Gentles Carol
Published: October 2023

This chapter argues for the infusion and mainstreaming of a critical, caring pedagogy into higher education institutions in Jamaica. To achieve this, universities must stop privileging a neoliberal focus on economic and global competitiveness, and reinstate genuine concern for student wellbeing. The author advocates that it is possible to accomplish this, if faculty commit to pedagogy underpinned by critical, caring ideologies. Support for this position comes from sharing and deconstructing the author’s experiences as a teacher educator within the context of her beliefs and views about the role and purpose of university teaching and education. Invoking the notion of “intimate scholarship”, the author describes and critically analyses learning moments in her career which demonstrate that critical, caring pedagogy is possible and can make an impact on student experience.
On the Radar Detection of Cloud Seeding Effects in Wintertime Orographic Cloud Systems
Authors: Zaremba Troy J. , Rauber Robert M. , Girolamo Larry Di , Loveridge Jesse R. , McFarquhar Greg M.
Published: October 2023

Recent studies from the Seeded and Natural Orographic Wintertime Clouds: The Idaho Experiment (SNOWIE) demonstrated definitive radar evidence of seeding signatures in winter orographic clouds during three intensive operation periods (IOPs) where the background signal from natural precipitation was weak and a radar signal attributable to seeding could be identified as traceable seeding lines. Except for the three IOPs where seeding was detected, background natural snowfall was present during seeding operations and no clear seeding signatures were detected. This paper provides a quantitative analysis to assess if orographic cloud seeding effects are detectable using radar when background precipitation is present. We show that a 5-dB change in equivalent reflectivity factor Ze is required to stand out against background natural Ze variability. This analysis considers four radar wavelengths, a range of background ice water contents (IWC) from 0.012 to 1.214 g m−3, and additional IWC introduced by seeding ranging from 0.012 to 0.486 g m−3. The upper-limit values of seeded IWC are based on measurements of IWC from the Nevzorov probe employed on the University of Wyoming King Air aircraft during SNOWIE. This analysis implies that seeding effects will be undetectable using radar within background snowfall unless the background IWC is small, and the seeding effects are large. It therefore remains uncertain whether seeding had no effect on cloud microstructure, and therefore produced no signature on radar, or whether seeding did have an effect, but that effect was undetectable against the background reflectivity associated with naturally produced precipitation.

Significance Statement

Operational glaciogenic seeding programs targeting wintertime orographic clouds are funded by a range of stakeholders to increase snowpack. Glaciogenic seeding signatures have been observed by radar when natural background snowfall is weak but never when heavy background precipitation was present. This analysis quantitatively shows that seeding effects will be undetectable using radar reflectivity under conditions of background snowfall unless the background snowfall is weak, and the seeding effects are large. It therefore remains uncertain whether seeding had no effect on cloud microstructure, and therefore produced no signature on radar, or whether seeding did have an effect, but that effect was undetectable against the background reflectivity associated with naturally produced precipitation. Alternative assessment methods such as trace element analysis in snow, aircraft measurements, precipitation measurements, and modeling should be used to determine the efficacy of orographic cloud seeding when heavy background precipitation is present.
CD8 effector T cells enhance teclistamab response in BCMA-exposed and -naïve multiple myeloma
Authors: Firestone Ross S. , McAvoy Devin , Shekarkhand Tala , Serrano Edith , Hamadeh Issam , Wang Alice , Zhu Menglei , Qin Wei Ge , Patel Dhwani , Tan Carlyn R. , Hultcrantz Malin , Mailankody Sham , Hassoun Hani , Shah Urvi S. , Korde Neha , Maclachlan Kylee H. , Landau Heather J. , Scordo Michael , Shah Gunjan L. , Lahoud Oscar B. , Giralt Sergio , Murata Kazunori , Hosszu Kinga K. , Chung David J. , Lesokhin Alexander M. , Usmani Saad Z.
Published: October 2023

Teclistamab, a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)- and CD3–targeting bispecific antibody, is an effective novel treatment for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM), but efficacy in patients exposed to BCMA-directed therapies and mechanisms of resistance have yet to be fully delineated. We conducted a real-world retrospective study of commercial teclistamab, capturing both clinical outcomes and immune correlates of treatment response in a cohort of patients (n = 52) with advanced R/RMM. Teclistamab was highly effective with an overall response rate (ORR) of 64%, including an ORR of 50% for patients with prior anti-BCMA therapy. Pretreatment plasma cell BCMA expression levels had no bearing on response. However, comprehensive pretreatment immune profiling identified that effector CD8+ T-cell populations were associated with response to therapy and a regulatory T-cell population associated with nonresponse, indicating a contribution of immune status in outcomes with potential utility as a biomarker signature to guide patient management.
Meteorin-like/Meteorin-β protects LPS-induced acute lung injury by activating SIRT1-P53-SLC7A11 mediated ferroptosis pathway
Authors: Chen Zhen , Li Jun , Peng Huan , Zhang Mengli , Wu Xian , Gui Feng , Li Wei , Ai Fen , Yu Bo , Liu Yijue
Published: October 2023

Background

Ferroptosis plays an essential role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Meteorin-like/Meteorin-β (Metrnβ) is a protein secreted by skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and plays a role in cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in acute lung injury has not been elucidated.

Methods

In this study, we used an adenovirus (Ad) delivery system to overexpress or knockdown Metrnβ in lung tissue to examine the role of Metrnβ in LPS-induced acute lung injury.

Results

We found that ferroptosis was increased during LPS-induced ALI. The expression of Metrnβ was reduced in ALI lung tissue. Overexpression of Metrnβ in lung tissue alleviated LPS-induced lung injury, inflammation, and ferroptosis. Moreover, Metrnβ knockout in lung tissue accelerated LPS-induced ALI, inflammation, and ferroptosis. We also cultured MLE-12 cells and transfected the cells with Ad-Metrnβ or Metrnβ siRNA. Metrnβ overexpression ameliorated LPS-induced MLE cell death, inflammation and ferroptosis, while Metrnβ knockdown aggregated cell survival and decreased inflammation and ferroptosis. Moreover, we found that Metrnβ enhanced ferroptosis-related Gpx4 expression and reduced ferroportin and ferritin levels. Furthermore, we found that Metrnβ positively regulated SIRT1 transcription thus inhibited P53, increased SLC7A11 expression. When we used the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1, the deteriorating effects of Metrnβ knockout were abolished in ALI mice. Moreover, SIRT1 knockout also abolished the protective effects of Metrnβ overexpression in vivo.

Conclusions

Taken together, Metrnβ could protect LPS-induced ALI by activating SIRT1-P53- SLC7A11 mediated ferroptosis inhibition.
Autophagy and autophagy signaling in Epilepsy: possible role of autophagy activator
Authors: Ali Naif H. , Al-kuraishy Hayder M. , Al-Gareeb Ali I. , Alnaaim Saud A. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: October 2023

Autophagy is an explicit cellular process to deliver dissimilar cytoplasmic misfolded proteins, lipids and damaged organelles to the lysosomes for degradation and elimination. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is the main negative regulator of autophagy. The mTOR pathway is involved in regulating neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, neuronal development and excitability. Exaggerated mTOR activity is associated with the development of temporal lobe epilepsy, genetic and acquired epilepsy, and experimental epilepsy. In particular, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is mainly involved in epileptogenesis. The investigation of autophagy’s involvement in epilepsy has recently been conducted, focusing on the critical role of rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, in reducing the severity of induced seizures in animal model studies. The induction of autophagy could be an innovative therapeutic strategy in managing epilepsy. Despite the protective role of autophagy against epileptogenesis and epilepsy, its role in status epilepticus (SE) is perplexing and might be beneficial or detrimental. Therefore, the present review aims to revise the possible role of autophagy in epilepsy.
Combined single-step evaluation of functional longevity of dairy cows including correlated traits
Authors: Maugan Laure-Hélène , Rostellato Roberta , Tribout Thierry , Mattalia Sophie , Ducrocq Vincent
Published: October 2023

Background

For years, multiple trait genetic evaluations have been used to increase the accuracy of estimated breeding values (EBV) using information from correlated traits. In France, accurate approximations of multiple trait evaluations were implemented for traits that are described by different models by combining the results of univariate best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) evaluations. Functional longevity (FL) is the trait that has most benefited from this approach. Currently, with many single-step (SS) evaluations, only univariate FL evaluations can be run. The aim of this study was to implement a “combined” SS (CSS) evaluation that extends the “combined” BLUP evaluation to obtain more accurate genomic (G) EBV for FL when information from five correlated traits (somatic cell score, clinical mastitis, conception rate for heifers and cows, and udder depth) is added.

Results

GEBV obtained from univariate SS (USS) evaluations and from a CSS evaluation were compared. The correlations between these GEBV showed the benefits of including information from correlated traits. Indeed, a CSS evaluation run without any performances on FL showed that the indirect information from correlated traits to evaluate FL was substantial. USS and CSS evaluations that mimic SS evaluations with data available in 2016 were compared. For each evaluation separately, the GEBV were sorted and then split into 10 consecutive groups (deciles). Survival curves were calculated for each group, based on the observed productive life of these cows as known in 2021. Regardless of their genotyping status, the worst group of heifers based on their GEBV in 2016 was well identified in the CSS evaluation and they had a substantially shorter herd life, while those in the best heifer group had a longer herd life. The gaps between groups were more important for the genotyped than the ungenotyped heifers, which indicates better prediction of future survival.

Conclusions

A CSS evaluation is an efficient tool to improve FL. It allows a proper combination of information on functional traits that influence culling. In contrast, because of the strong selection intensity on young bulls for functional traits, the benefit of such a “combined” evaluation of functional traits is more modest for these males.
Multichromosomal mitochondrial genome of Punica granatum: comparative evolutionary analysis and gene transformation from chloroplast genomes
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Wang Zenghui , Wang Chuanzeng , Yang Xuemei , An Mengmeng , Yin Yanlei
Published: October 2023

Background

Punica granatum is a fundamentally important fruit tree that has important economic, medicinal and ornamental properties. At present, there are few reports on the mitochondrial genome of pomegranate. Hence, in this study the P. granatum mitogenome was sequenced and assembled to further understanding of organization, variation, and evolution of mitogenomes of this tree species.

Results

The genome structure was multi-chromosomes with seven circular contigs, measuring 382,774 bp in length with a 45.91% GC content. It contained 74 genes, including 46 protein-coding genes, 25 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes. There were 188 pairs of dispersed repeats with lengths of 30 or greater, primarily consisting of reverse complementary repeats. The mitogenome analysis identified 114SSRs and 466 RNA editing sites. Analyses of codon usage, nucleotide diversity and gene migration from chloroplast to mitochondrial were also conducted. The collinear and comparative analysis of mitochondrial structures between P. granatum and its proximal species indicated that P. granatum ‘Taishanhong’ was closely related to P. granatum ‘Qingpitian’ and Lagerstroemia indica. Phylogenetic examination based on the mitogenome also confirmed the evolutionary relationship.

Conclusion

The results offered crucial information on the evolutionary biology of pomegranate and highlighted ways to promote the utilization of the species’ germplasm.
Social Prescribing Schemes in Primary Care in Spain (EvalRA Project): a mixed-method study protocol to build an evaluation model
Authors: Pola-Garcia M. , Carrera Noguero A. M. , Astier-Peña M. P. , Mira J. J. , Guilabert-Mora M. , Cassetti V. , Melús-Palazón E. , Gasch-Gallén A. ,   Consortium EvaLRA, Enríquez Martín N. , Asencio Aznar A. , Gimeno-Monterde C. , Cheikh-Moussa K. , Lou Alcaine M. L. , Benedé Azagra C. B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Social Prescribing is a Primary Health Care service that provides people with non-clinical care alternatives that may have an impact on their health. Social Prescribing can be more or less formal and structured.

Social Prescribing Schemes are formal Social Prescribing of health assets by Primary Health Care teams in coordination and follow-up of patients with providers.

The emerging evidence suggests that this service can improve people’s health and well-being, create value and provide sustainability for the healthcare system. However, some evaluations note that the current evidence regarding social prescribing is insufficient and needs further investigation.

The EvaLRA project aims to elaborate an evaluation model of Social Prescribing Schemes in Primary Health Care based on a set of structure, process, and outcomes indicators.

Methods

In the region of Aragon, the Community Health Care Strategy aims to promote the development of social prescription schemes in Primary Health Care teams.

This study is divided into two stages. Stage 1: identification of primary health care teams that implement social prescribing schemes and establish a first set of indicators to evaluate social prescribing using qualitative consensus techniques with experts. Stage 2 evaluation of the relevance, feasibility and sensitivity of selected indicators after 6 and 12 months in primary health care teams. The results will provide a set of indicators considering structure, process and outcomes for social prescribing schemes.

Discussion

Current evaluations of the application of social prescribing schemes use different criteria and indicators. A set of agreed indicators and its piloting in primary health care teams will provide a tool to evaluate the implementation of social prescription schemes. In addition, the scorecard created could be of interest to other health systems in order to assess the service and improve its information system, deployment and safety.
Alcohol increases treatment failure for Helicobacter pylori eradication in Asian populations
Authors: Yu Jing , Lv Yiming , Yang Peng , Jiang Yizhou , Qin Xiangrong , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Whether alcohol intake is associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication failure remains controversial, and this meta-analysis was aimed at investigating the effect of alcohol on the risk of H. pylori eradication failure.

Methods

Relevant studies were systematically screened for and retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science (updated to January 2022), and relevant references were manually reviewed. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Subgroup, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

Results

A total of 40 studies were included in the meta-analysis. No significant association was found between alcohol consumption and the risk of H. pylori eradication failure (OR = 1.09, 95% CI, 0.94–1.26). However, in subgroup analyses stratified by region, a positive association was found in Asian patients (OR = 1.23, 95% CI, 1.03–1.47). In Asian patients, alcohol consumption was associated with the risk of H. pylori eradication failure when the duration of therapy was > 7 days (OR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.10–1.25), when the treatment regimen included nitroimidazoles (OR = 1.16, 95% CI, 1.09–1.24), and when patients were treated with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (OR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.10–1.25). Alcohol intake > 40 g/day was associated with H. pylori eradication failure (OR = 3.17, 95% CI, 1.56–6.41). Moreover, in Asian patients who were administered a vonoprazan (VPZ)-based therapy regimen, alcohol consumption had no effect on H. pylori eradication rates (OR = 1.73, 95% CI, 0.98–3.05).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis clearly showed that a higher daily alcohol intake was associated with a higher risk of H. pylori eradication failure in Asian populations. Moreover, a VPZ-based treatment regimen can prevent this effect.
Antibiotics susceptibility patterns of uropathogenic bacteria: a cross-sectional analytic study at Kanifing General Hospital, The Gambia
Authors: Kebbeh Abou , Dsane-Aidoo Paul , Sanyang Kawsu , Darboe Sheriffo M. K. , Fofana Nuha , Ameme Donne , Sanyang Abdoulie M. , Darboe Kalifa Sanneh , Darboe Saffiatou , Sanneh Bakary , Kenu Ernest , Anto Francis
Published: October 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance poses a public health threat for the treatment of community-acquired urinary tract infections. This study determined the susceptibility patterns of uropathogens and associated risk factors among outpatients diagnosed with urinary tract infections at the Kanifing General Hospital in the Gambia.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among patients with suspected urinary tract infections at Kanifing General Hospital from March to May 2021. Data on socio-demographic and other risk factors were collected from the study participants using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. Mid-stream urine samples were collected, and bacteria identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing done using standard microbiological methods. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were done to determine factors associated with urinary tract infection at 95% confidence level and a p -value < 0.05.

Results

A total of 422 patients were enrolled with 82.5% (348/422) being females. The prevalence of community acquired urinary tract infection was 12.8% (54/422). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent isolate (74.1%, 40/54), followed by Klebsiella spp (8.5%, 10/54). Antimicrobial resistance was highest for Ampicillin (87.0%, 47/54), Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (77.8%, 42/54) and Tetracycline (75.9%, 41/54). Uropathogens sensitivity was 77.8% (42/54) for Nitrofurantoin and 75.9% (41/54) for Ceftazidime. Being female (aOR 5.90 95% CI = 1.48–23.67), previous history of urinary tract infection (aOR 2.34, 95% CI = 1.06–5.14), use of unprescribed antibiotics (aOR 2.0, 95% CI = 1.05–3.62) and having no formal education (aOR 8.02, 95% CI = 1.04–62.0) were significant factors associated for having uropathogenic bacterial infection.

Conclusion

E. coli was the most prevalent uropathogen isolated. Ciprofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin and Ceftazidime were the most sensitive antibiotics. Routine surveillance of susceptibility of uropathogenic bacteria would be helpful to update clinicians on the choice of antibiotics.
Diagnostic delay, treatment duration and outcomes since the implementation of integrated model of tuberculosis control and their associated factors in a county in East China
Authors: Xie Yuanxiang , Shum Ting Ting , Tian Zhenming , Lin Chuanheng , Chen Lingyuan , Chen Bin , Huang Dajiang , Zhu Lei , Zou Guanyang
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study assesses the diagnostic delay, treatment duration and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis (TB) patients since the implementation of the integrated model of TB control in a county in eastern China. It further identifies factors associated with diagnostic delay and treatment duration in the integrated model.

Methods

We collected data through the Chinese Tuberculosis Information Management System (TBIMS) for Cangnan County in Zhejiang Province. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were adopted to identify factors associated with duration of treatment and treatment delay for TB patients within the integrated model. Multiple regression analysis was subsequently performed to confirm the identified factors.

Results

In the integrated model from 2012 to 2018, the median health system delay was maintained at 1 day, and the median patient delay decreased from 14 to 9 days and the median total delay decreased from 15 to 11 days. In addition, the proportion of patients who experienced patient delay > 14 days and total delay > 28 days decreased from 49% to 35% and from 32% to 29% respectively. However, the proportion of patients who had health system delay > 14 days increased from 0.2% to 13% from 2012 to 2018. The median treatment duration increased from 199 to 366 days and the number of TB patients lost to follow-up showed an overall upward trend from 2012 to 2018. The multivariable regression analysis indicated that migrant TB patients and TB patients initially diagnosed in hospitals at the prefectural level and above tended to experience total delay > 28 days (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis confirmed that new TB patients>60 years tended to have longer treatment duration (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

While our study may suggest the potential of the integrated model in early detection and diagnosis of TB, it also suggests the importance of strengthening supervision and management of designated hospitals to optimize the treatment duration and improve retention of patients in TB care. Enhancing health education for TB patients, especially amongst migrant patients, and training in TB identification and referral for non-TB doctors are also key for early TB detection and diagnosis in the integrated model.
Evaluation of cervical cancer screening program in Gondar city administration public health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: mixed method approach
Authors: Tsegaye Ketemaw , Hagos Asebe , Kindie Hailemichael , Minyihun Amare , Teshale Getachew
Published: October 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most malignancies in women all over the world. Over 90% of cases occurred in low and middle-income countries with limited resources. Even though cervical cancer is preventable, the Sub-Saharan countries are the most burdened. In Ethiopia 27.19 million women are at risk of acquiring cervical cancer. Although the prevalence of cervical cancer screening among women aged 18 to 69 was around 14%, due to COVID 19 and internal conflict the screening prevalence was lowered to 0.2% by 2022.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate cervical cancer screening program implementation at Gondar city administration public health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Single case study design with mixed method evaluation was employed in eight public health facilities of Gondar city administration from March 29 to May 30, 2021. The quantitative data were collected through exit interviews and resources inventory observations. While qualitative data were collected through Key informant interviews, non-participatory observation and document review. A total of 310 clients, 14 key informants, 30 non-participatory observations and six months retrospective document reviews were included in this evaluation. Quantitative data were entered into EPI-data version 4.6 and exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. For qualitative data; records were transcribed, translated and analyzed in themes. Variables with P-value < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval and adjusted odds ratio were used to declare associated variables with client satisfaction.

Results

The overall implementation of cervical cancer screening program with visual inspection with acetic acid was 64.5%. The availability of program resources, compliance of healthcare providers and satisfaction of mothers were 52.3%, 64.3% and 77.1% respectively.

Being educated, having information on cervical cancer screening and the number of lifetime sexual partners were positively associated variables with client satisfaction.

Conclusion

The cervical cancer screening program was judged as partially-implemented and needs urgent improvement based on pre-determined judgment parameters. To implement the program properly and serve more women; human and material resources should be available, providers shall be trained and the health facilities should equip with full infrastructures like electric power supply and separate procedure rooms.
Changing trajectory of daily physical activity levels among at-risk adolescents: influences of motivational mechanisms
Authors: Deng Anqi , Zarrett Nicole , Moon Jongho , Sweeney Allison M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the purpose of this study was to determine changes in the 16-week moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) trajectory of underserved adolescents who participated in the Connect through PLAY afterschool program intervention and the effects of changes in participating adolescents’ intrinsic and autonomous extrinsic motivations on their MVPA trajectory over the 16-week intervention.

Methods

A subsample of 113 adolescents (56.64% female; 61.06% African American; average age = 11.29) provided complete data throughout the 16-week intervention were examined. Adolescents’ objective daily MVPA was measured using 7- day accelerometer data. Changes in adolescents’ intrinsic motivation and autonomous extrinsic motivation were assessed using subscales from the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory [1] and the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire [2] respectively. A hierarchical linear model was built and tested to address the research aims.

Results

The results of hierarchical linear models showed that, on average, youth daily MVPA increased 6.36 minutes in each 8-week period. Intrinsic motivation change, but not autonomous extrinsic motivation, was a positive and significant level-2 predictor of daily MVPA changes.

Conclusion

The findings provide significant evidence suggesting a benefit of integrating SDT-based approaches and further suggest that nurturing intrinsic motivation can be an effective approach to supporting youth daily MVPA in under-resourced afterschool programs.

Trial registration

Connect Through PLAY: A Staff-based Physical Activity Intervention for Middle School Youth (Connect). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03732144. Registered November 6th, 2018.
A joint survival model for estimating the association between viral load outcome and survival time to death among HIV/AIDS patients attending health care and treatment centers in Tanzania
Authors: Luvanda Habiel Benjamin , Mukyanuzi Elevatus Nkebukwa , Akarro Rocky R. J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Globally, HIV/AIDS is one of the diseases that have a huge burden in terms of cost and health of individuals; and Sub-Sahara Africa is the highly affected region by the pandemic. Tanzania is among the countries that have a higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS-related mortality. This study aimed at using the joint survival model to estimate the association between viral load outcome and survival outcome to death adjusting for age, sex, adherence, and visit date.

Methods

Secondary data from a retrospective cohort of HIV patients attending health care and treatment centers were used to analyze the association between the longitudinal viral load and time-to-death outcomes. The three-step analysis was based on the individual mixed effects linear model and the Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the significance of the independent outcomes, and the joint survival model as a final model. The joint model was used to estimate the factors affecting the average change in log viral load over time and the risk factors for the survival time of HIV patients. The exposures for both models were ART adherence status, age, male, and visit date whereas the outcome for the LMM was log viral load and the outcome for the Cox PH model was time-to-death in years.

Results

The joint survival model results revealed that a 10-year increase in age was associated with a 37% increased risk of death (HR = 1.369, 95% CI: 1.253–1.844), and being male was associated with a 49% higher risk of death (HR = 1.489, 95% CI: 1.202–1.844) compared to females. The results also provided evidence of an association between the longitudinal log viral load and the survival time to death ) whereby a unit increase in the log viral load was associated with a 26% increase in the risk of death (HR = 1.262, 95% CI: 1.226–1.301).

Conclusion

The joint survival model analysis provided valuable insights into the associations between time to death and log viral load with adherence to ART, age, visit date, and sex of the patients. This implies that viral load suppression, as well as sex and age-specific interventions, are necessary for reducing HIV/AIDS-related deaths.
Lifestyle changes are burdensome with my body broken by pain and obesity: patients’ perspectives after pain rehabilitation
Authors: Storm Elin , Bendelin Nina , Wessman Kim Bergström , Johansson Maria M , Björk Mathilda , Dong Huan-Ji
Published: October 2023

Background

Despite the existing evidence regarding the interrelated relationship between pain and obesity, knowledge about patients’ perspectives of this relationship is scarce, especially from patients with chronic pain and obesity after completing Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Program (IPRP).

Aims

This qualitative study expands the understanding of patients’ perspectives on how chronic pain and obesity influence each other and how the two conditions affect the ability to make lifestyle changes.

Method

A purposive sample of patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 and who had completed an IPRP were recruited for individual semi-structured interviews. The transcribed interviews were analysed using latent content analysis and a pattern of theme and categories was constructed based on the participants’ perspectives.

Results

Sixteen patients (aged 28–63 years, 11 female, BMI 30–43 kg/m2) shared their experiences of chronic pain, obesity and lifestyle changes after IPRP. The analysis revealed one overall theme (lifestyle changes are burdensome with a body broken by both pain and obesity) and four categories (pain disturbing days and nights worsens weight control, pain-related stress makes lifestyle changes harder, a painful and obese body intertwined with negative emotions and the overlooked impact of obesity on chronic pain). Most participants perceived that their pain negatively impacted their obesity, but they were uncertain whether their obesity negatively impacted their pain. Nevertheless, the participants desired and struggled to make lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

After IPRP, patients with chronic pain and obesity perceived difficulties with self-management and struggles with lifestyle changes. They experienced a combined burden of the two conditions. Their perspective on the unilateral relationship between pain and obesity differed from the existing evidence. Future tailored IPRPs should integrate nutritional interventions and address the knowledge gaps as well.
Arthrodesis of the interphalangeal joints of the hand by two-dimensional intraosseous wiring
Authors: Suzuki Tomoaki , Kawamura Daisuke , Matsui Yuichiro , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: October 2023

Background

Numerous techniques for arthrodesis have been described to fix interphalangeal (IP) joints, and the fixation method should be considered on a case-by-case basis. This study aimed to investigate the availability of IP joint arthrodesis of the hand, using a two-dimensional intraosseous wiring (two-DIOW) method.

Methods

A total of 43 joints (19 thumb IP joints, 9 proximal finger interphalangeal (PIP) joints and 15 distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints in 29 patients with a mean age of 66 years (range, 24–85 y) were retrospectively analyzed. All operations were performed with two-DIOW method. We evaluated the bone union rate, correction loss, presence of any surgical complications, and oral steroid use in cases of joint fixation using the two-DIOW method.

Results

Of these 43 digits, 42 achieved bone union (97.7%). Non-union was seen in a thumb IP joint of mutilans rheumatoid arthritis. Mean correction loss of deviation was 1.0°, and flexion or extension angulation was 1.6° in the direction of extension. Surgical complications included mild nail deformity in 2 digits and wire irritation necessitating wire removal in 2 digits. Oral steroids were used for 18 of the 43 digits, including 2 digits complicated by nail deformities. There was no infection and skin necrosis in all digits with or without steroid use.

Conclusions

The two-DIOW method appears to offer an effective method of IP joint fixation, but caution should be exercised in digits of severe joint destruction and in the treatment of wire knot.
Anti-atherosclerotic effects of naringenin and quercetin from Folium Artemisiae argyi by attenuating Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)/ matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9): network pharmacology-based analysis and validation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Zhihui , Li Xinyi , Hua Yunqing , Fan Guanwei , He Feng
Published: October 2023

Effective components and related target genes of Folium Artemisiae argyi were screened from Traditional Chinese Medicines for Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The therapeutic targets of atherosclerosis were searched in the MalaCards and OMIM databases. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed in WebGestalt online and verified according to ClueGo and Pedia apps in Cytoscape. Then, the protein-protein interaction network was analyzed using the STRING database and constructed using Cytoscape. Differential expression of target genes was identified in GSE9128 and GSE71226 by GEO2R. And then, molecular docking was performed using the Molecular Operating Environment. Finally, we validated the protein expression of Interleukin-6 (IL-6)/IL-1β /MMP9 by qRT-PCR and Western blot in Raw264.7 which was induced by LPS. A total of 232 potential target genes and 8 ingredients of Folium Artemisiae argyi were identified. Quercetin and naringenin are potential candidate bioactive agents in treating atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), MMP9 and IL-1β could be potential target genes. KEGG analysis demonstrated that the fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway play a crucial role in the anti-atherosclerosis effect of Folium Artemisiae argyi. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) validation demonstrated that VEGFA was downregulated, while MMP9 and IL-1β were upregulated in patients with atherosclerosis. Molecular docking suggested that only MMP9 had a good combination with quercetin. The cell experiment results suggested that naringenin and quercetin have strong anti-inflammation effects, and significantly inhibit the expression of MMP9.

Practical Applications

Artemisiae argyi is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been widely used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This research demonstrated the bioactive ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of Folium Artemisiae argyi in treating atherosclerosis. It also suggests a reliable approach in investigating the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in treating Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
A new histone deacetylase inhibitor remodels the tumor microenvironment by deletion of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells and sensitizes prostate cancer to immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Zude , Yang Xiaoshuang , Chen Zugen , Li Minzhao , Wang Wei , Yang Riwei , Wang Zuomin , Ma Yuxiang , Xu Yulong , Ao Shan , Liang Leqi , Cai Chao , Wang Changning , Deng Tuo , Gu Di , Zhou Hongqing , Zeng Guohua
Published: October 2023

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy diagnosed in men. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) alone showed disappointing results in PCa. It is partly due to the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) could not be reversed effectively by ICB alone.

Methods

We used PCa cell lines to evaluate the combined effects of CN133 and anti-PD-1 in the subcutaneous and osseous PCa mice models, as well as the underlying mechanisms.

Results

We found that CN133 could reduce the infiltration of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs), and CN133 combination with anti-PD-1 could augment antitumor effects in the subcutaneous PCa of allograft models. However, anti-PD-1 combination with CN133 failed to elicit an anti-tumor response to the bone metastatic PCa mice. Mechanistically, CN133 could inhibit the infiltration of PMN-MDSCs in the TME of soft tissues by downregulation gene expression of PMN-MDSC recruitment but not change the gene expression involved in PMN-MDSC activation in the CN133 and anti-PD-1 co-treatment group relative to the anti-PD-1 alone in the bone metastatic mice model.

Conclusions

Taken together, our work firstly demonstrated that combination of CN133 with anti-PD-1 therapy may increase the therapeutic efficacy to PCa by reactivation of the positive immune microenvironment in the TME of soft tissue PCa.