bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the intervention of the school-based health promotion programme “Join the Healthy Boat” have equal or differential effects on weight status and health-related behaviours in children from a high or low socio-economic background? – A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kobel Susanne , Wartha Olivia , Steinacker Jürgen M. , Dreyhaupt Jens
Published: December 2024

Background

Worldwide, the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity increases. Children with low socioeconomic status (SES) are more often affected by overweight and obesity. SES is also associated with health behaviours. In order to avoid health disparities, school-based health promotion programmes such as “Join the Healthy Boat” can help. Intervention outcomes can differ by SES; therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the intervention had equal or differential effects both on weight status and health-related behaviours in children from high and low SES.

Methods

One thousand six hundred twenty children’s data (7.1 ± 0.6 years; 50.6% male) was analysed; anthropometric data was taken on-site, other health-related parameters, such as physical activity, nutrition, and screen media use, as well as SES were assessed subjectively. Logistic regression models and GEEs were calculated.

Results

Comparisons by SES show that there were significant differences in children’s characteristics and health behaviours such as migration background, height, weight, BMI percentiles, weight status, family education level, household income, physical activity behaviour, screen media use, soft drink intake and breakfast skipping. After one year, there were no intervention effects for overweight status, physical activity, or screen media use, but children with high SES in the intervention group skipped breakfast significantly less often than in the control group (5.34 [1.44;19.85], p = 0.01). Parental education level and household income were also assessed separately, with similar results. Interaction analysis revealed no significant effects apart from an interaction effect for breakfast behaviour (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The health-promotion programme “Join the Healthy Boat” has the potential to promote children’s health via a school-based intervention and therefore, reach all children independent from their background. This study shows vast gaps between several health behaviours of primary school children depending on their SES, favouring those children coming from more privileged families. A longer implementation may possibly show more effects.

Trial registration

DRKS00000949.
Barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising sexual and reproductive health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bolarinwa Obasanjo Afolabi , Odimegwu Clifford , Ajayi Kobi V. , Oni Tosin Olajide , Sah Rajeeb Kumar , Akinyemi Akanni
Published: December 2024

Background

Ensuring uninterrupted access and utilisation of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services remains crucial for preventing adverse SRH outcomes. However, the unprecedented emergence of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) significantly disrupted most of these services in Africa. Thus, we systematically reviewed and examined barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising SRH services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa.

Methods

We systematically searched five databases for relevant articles published between January 2020 to December 2022, and the articles were screened following the JBI and PRISMA guidelines. Meta-synthesis of barriers and facilitators to accessing and utilising SRH services during the COVID-19 pandemic were reported, while a meta-analysis of the pooled prevalence of barriers to accessing and utilising SRH services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa was analysed using R.

Results

The pooled prevalence of barriers to accessing and utilising SRH services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa was 26%. Seven themes were developed for the identified barriers (disruption of healthcare services, fear and misinformation, limited availability of resources, place & region of residence, healthcare staff attitude/manpower, limited access to transportation, and stigma and discrimination), whilst six themes were developed for the identified facilitators (support for vulnerable populations, socio-demographic characteristics, community outreach programs, policy adaptations, telemedicine and digital health, and change in choice of sexual and reproductive commodities).

Conclusion

This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted SRH service access and utilisation in Africa. We recommend that future research consider a longitudinal examination of the pandemic on African SRH services.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022373335.
Impact of pay-for-performance on hospital readmissions in Lebanon: an ARIMA-based intervention analysis using routine data
Authors: Khalife Jade , Ammar Walid , El-Jardali Fadi , Emmelin Maria , Ekman Björn
Published: December 2024

Background

The objective of this paper was to estimate the impact of country-wide hospital pay-for-performance on readmissions for a set of common conditions in Lebanon.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all hospitalizations under the coverage of the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon between 2011 and 2019. We calculated 30-day all-cause readmissions following general, pneumonia, cholecystectomy and stroke cases. We used an interrupted time series design, including the use of AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average models. This nationwide study including 1,333,691 hospitalizations was undertaken in Lebanon, using hospitalizations at about 140 private and public hospitals contracted by the Ministry. The participants included citizens across all ages under the Ministry’s coverage (52% of citizens). The intervention was the engagement of hospital leaders by the Ministry, informing them of the addition of a readmissions component to the ongoing pay-for-performance initiative. Engagement participants included hospital directors and managers, and the leadership of the Syndicate of Private Hospitals. The main outcome measure was age-adjusted monthly all-cause readmission rates for each of general, pneumonia, cholecystectomy and stroke cases. We also assessed for change in readmissions for three conditions not included in the intervention (myocardial infarction, cataract surgery and appendectomy).

Results

Across 2011–2019, the overall readmission rates were 6.00% (SD 0.24%) for general readmissions, 5.06% (SD 0.22%) for pneumonia, 2.54% (SD 0.16%) for cholecystectomy, and 6.55% (SD 0.25%) for stroke. Using ARIMA models we found a relative percentage decrease in mean monthly readmissions in the post-intervention period for cholecystectomy (5.9%; CI 0.1%-11.8%) and stroke (13.6%; CI 3.1%-24.2%). There was no evidence of intervention impact on pneumonia and general readmissions, both overall and among small, medium and large hospitals. There was also no evidence of change in non-P4P readmissions of myocardial infarction, cataract surgery and appendectomy.

Conclusions

Including readmissions within pay-for-performance has the potential to improve hospital performance and patient outcomes, even in countries with more limited resources. Effects may vary across conditions, indicating the need for careful design and understanding of the particular context, both with respect to implementation and to evaluation of impact.
Clinical and genomic profiling of a patient with a de novo ring chromosome 18: a case report highlighting autoimmune and neurological implications
Authors: Montanari Annalaura , Caforio Paola , Paparella Annalisa , Casieri Paola , Nuzzi Maria Cristina , Antonucci Maria Fatima , Catacchio Claudia Rita , Tampoia Marilina , Gentile Mattia , Bucci Roberta , Cecinati Valerio , Cellamare Angelo , Antonacci Francesca
Published: December 2024

Ring chromosome 18 (r(18)) is a rare chromosomal abnormality characterized by the circular rearrangement of chromosome 18, which presents significant challenges in genotype-phenotype correlations due to variability in deletions across the 18p and 18q arms. We report the case of a pediatric patient with a de novo ring chromosome 18, diagnosed by karyotype analysis and confirmed by high-resolution SNP arrays. The patient exhibited pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) in the 18p11.32p11.22 and 18q23 regions, involving 36 and 10 OMIM genes, respectively. Clinically, the patient presented with hypothyroidism secondary to autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune hepatitis type II, and genetic predisposition to celiac disease and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) along with notable dysmorphic features. The 18q microdeletion encompasses the MBP gene, involved in the development and functionality of the nervous system, as supported by hypotonia and gliosis shown by the MRI. This case highlights the complex interplay between genetic imbalances on chromosome 18 and autoimmune phenotypes, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to elucidate underlying mechanisms and optimize clinical management for individuals with r(18).
Sexually dimorphic metabolic effects of a high fat diet on knee osteoarthritis in mice
Authors: Griffin Timothy M. , Lopes Erika Barboza Prado , Cortassa Dominic , Batushansky Albert , Jeffries Matlock A. , Makosa Dawid , Jopkiewicz Anita , Mehta-D’souza Padmaja , Komaravolu Ravi K. , Kinter Michael T.
Published: December 2024

Background

Women have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) than men, including with obesity. To better understand this disparity, we investigated sex differences in metabolic and inflammatory factors associated with OA using a diet-induced mouse model of obesity. We hypothesized that 20 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) would induce sexually dimorphic changes in both systemic and local risk factors of knee OA.

Methods

Male and female C57BL/6J mice were fed Chow or HFD from 6 to 26 weeks of age (n = 12 per diet and sex). We performed broad metabolic phenotyping, 16 S gut microbiome analysis, targeted gene expression analysis of synovium-infrapatellar fat tissue, targeted gene expression and proteomic analysis of articular cartilage, chondrocyte metabolic profiling, and OA histopathology. Two-way ANOVA statistics were utilized to determine the contribution of sex and diet and their interaction on outcomes.

Results

Mice fed HFD weighed 1.76-fold (p < 0.0001) and 1.60-fold (p < 0.0001) more than male and female Chow cohorts, respectively, with both sexes reaching similar body fat levels (male: 43.9 ± 2.2%; female: 44.1 ± 3.8%). HFD caused greater cartilage pathology (p < 0.024) and synovial hyperplasia (p < 0.038) versus Chow in both sexes. Cartilage pathology was greater in male versus female mice (p = 0.048), and only male mice developed osteophytes with HFD (p = 0.044). Both sexes exhibited metabolic inflexibility on HFD, but only male mice developed glucose intolerance (p < 0.0001), fatty liver (p < 0.0001), and elevated serum amylase (p < 0.0001) with HFD versus Chow. HFD treatment caused sex-dependent differences in gut microbiota beta diversity (p = 0.01) and alteration in specific microbiome clades, such as a HFD-dependent reduction in abundance of Bifidobacterium only in male mice. In knee synovium and infrapatellar fat tissue, HFD upregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes predominantly in female mice. In cartilage, lipid metabolism proteins were more abundant with HFD in male mice, whereas proteins involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and biosynthesis of amino acids were greater in cartilage of female mice. Sex-dependent metabolic differences were observed in cartilage from young, healthy mice prior to pubertal maturation, but not in primary juvenile chondrocytes studied in vitro.

Conclusions

HFD induced numerous sex differences in metabolic and inflammatory outcomes, especially in joint tissues, suggesting that sex-specific cellular processes are involved during development of early-stage OA with obesity.
CSearch: chemical space search via virtual synthesis and global optimization
Authors: Kim Hakjean , Ryu Seongok , Jung Nuri , Yang Jinsol , Seok Chaok
Published: December 2024

The two key components of computational molecular design are virtually generating molecules and predicting the properties of these generated molecules. This study focuses on an effective method for molecular generation through virtual synthesis and global optimization of a given objective function. Using a pre-trained graph neural network (GNN) objective function to approximate the docking energies of compounds for four target receptors, we generated highly optimized compounds with 300–400 times less computational effort compared to virtual compound library screening. These optimized compounds exhibit similar synthesizability and diversity to known binders with high potency and are notably novel compared to library chemicals or known ligands. This method, called CSearch, can be effectively utilized to generate chemicals optimized for a given objective function. With the GNN function approximating docking energies, CSearch generated molecules with predicted binding poses to the target receptors similar to known inhibitors, demonstrating its effectiveness in producing drug-like binders.

Scientific Contribution We have developed a method for effectively exploring the chemical space of drug-like molecules using a global optimization algorithm with fragment-based virtual synthesis. The compounds generated using this method optimize the given objective function efficiently and are synthesizable like commercial library compounds. Furthermore, they are diverse, novel drug-like molecules with properties similar to known inhibitors for target receptors.
Analysis of early childhood intestinal microbial dynamics in a continuous-flow bioreactor
Authors: Granato Alessandra , Renwick Simone , Yau Christopher , Kong Tiffany , Daigneault Michelle C. , Knip Mikael ,   DIABIMMUNE Study Group, Allen-Vercoe Emma , Danska Jayne S.
Published: December 2024

Background

The human gut microbiota is inoculated at birth and undergoes a process of assembly and diversification during the first few years of life. Studies in mice and humans have revealed associations between the early-life gut microbiome and future susceptibility to immune and metabolic diseases. To resolve microbe and host contributing factors to early-life development and to disease states requires experimental platforms that support reproducible, longitudinal, and high-content analyses.

Results

Here, we deployed a continuous single-stage chemostat culture model of the human distal gut to study gut microbiota from 18- to 24-month-old children integrating both culture-dependent and -independent methods. Chemostat cultures recapitulated multiple aspects of the fecal microbial ecosystem enabling investigation of relationships between bacterial strains and metabolic function, as well as a resource from which we isolated and curated a diverse library of early life bacterial strains.

Conclusions

We report the reproducible, longitudinal dynamics of early-life bacterial communities cultured in an advanced model of the human gut providing an experimental approach and a characterized bacterial resource to support future investigations of the human gut microbiota in early childhood.
Creating better internships by understanding mentor challenges: findings from a series of focus groups
Authors: Schneider Joel R. , Aaby Truls , Boessenkool Sanne , Eriksen Emma Falkeid , Holtermann Kristin , Martens Iver , Soulé Jonathan , Steele Ariel , Zazzera Susanne , van der Meeren Gro I. , Velle Gaute , Cotner Sehoya , Lane A. Kelly
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite demands to make higher education more relevant beyond academia, and a growing body of work testifying to the benefits of work-relevance programs (e.g., work-placements, or internships) for both students and the companies that host them, there is limited information available for those aiming to optimize these programs. For example, few have explored the challenges and needs of internship supervisors. Here, we focus on the experiences of supervisors in biology and geology programs across three Norwegian institutions. Specifically, through a series of focus groups, we asked internship supervisors about their motivations for serving as student mentors, any challenges they had faced, and what higher-education institutions could do to better prepare them for hosting students at their workplaces.

Results

Key challenges faced by supervisors include the need to tailor placements to individual student needs and capabilities, navigating the constraints imposed by academic structures, and addressing communication gaps between students, institutions, and workplace supervisors. Internship supervisors suggest enhancing communication strategies to better define roles and expectations, increasing support and training for supervisors, and establishing clearer, more collaborative frameworks for setting learning objectives with students.

Conclusions

The supervisors’ suggestions aim to ensure that internships are mutually beneficial, supporting both students' educational outcomes and the workplace needs. By focusing on the supervisor's perspective, we provide valuable insights into one aspect of implementing effective and rewarding internships (i.e., supervisor preparation), thereby suggesting pathways for future improvements in these high-impact educational practices.
Bioactive peptides and proteins for tissue repair: microenvironment modulation, rational delivery, and clinical potential
Authors: Hao Zhuo-Wen , Zhang Zhe-Yuan , Wang Ze-Pu , Wang Ying , Chen Jia-Yao , Chen Tian-Hong , Shi Guang , Li Han-Ke , Wang Jun-Wu , Dong Min-Chao , Hong Li , Li Jing-Feng
Published: December 2024

Bioactive peptides and proteins (BAPPs) are promising therapeutic agents for tissue repair with considerable advantages, including multifunctionality, specificity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, the high complexity of tissue microenvironments and their inherent deficiencies such as short half-live and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation, adversely affect their therapeutic efficacy and clinical applications. Investigating the fundamental mechanisms by which BAPPs modulate the microenvironment and developing rational delivery strategies are essential for optimizing their administration in distinct tissue repairs and facilitating clinical translation. This review initially focuses on the mechanisms through which BAPPs influence the microenvironment for tissue repair via reactive oxygen species, blood and lymphatic vessels, immune cells, and repair cells. Then, a variety of delivery platforms, including scaffolds and hydrogels, electrospun fibers, surface coatings, assisted particles, nanotubes, two-dimensional nanomaterials, and nanoparticles engineered cells, are summarized to incorporate BAPPs for effective tissue repair, modification strategies aimed at enhancing loading efficiencies and release kinetics are also reviewed. Additionally, the delivery of BAPPs can be precisely regulated by endogenous stimuli (glucose, reactive oxygen species, enzymes, pH) or exogenous stimuli (ultrasound, heat, light, magnetic field, and electric field) to achieve on-demand release tailored for specific tissue repair needs. Furthermore, this review focuses on the clinical potential of BAPPs in facilitating tissue repair across various types, including bone, cartilage, intervertebral discs, muscle, tendons, periodontal tissues, skin, myocardium, nervous system (encompassing brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve), endometrium, as well as ear and ocular tissue. Finally, current challenges and prospects are discussed.
A-I-D for cascades: an application of the Behaviour Change Wheel to design a theory-based intervention for addressing prescribing cascades in primary care
Authors: McCarthy Lisa M. , Farrell Barbara J. , Metge Colleen , Jeffs Lianne , Toenjes Sameera , Rodriguez M. Christine
Published: December 2024

Background

Prescribing cascades, which occur when a medication is used to treat the side effect of another medication, are important contributors to polypharmacy. There is an absence of studies that evaluate interventions to address them. We describe an application of the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) to design theory-informed interventions for addressing prescribing cascades within interprofessional primary care teams.

Methods

The BCW framework was applied to guide intervention development. This report describes the first seven steps. Three behaviours were developed based on data collected from two qualitative studies exploring why and how cascades occur across practice settings. A target behaviour was selected and the COM-B model was applied to identify relevant factors for interprofessional primary care teams. Relevant intervention types, policy options, and corresponding behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were identified, and intervention examples drafted. Prioritization of behaviours and intervention examples were guided by the APEASE criteria.

Results

The three behaviours involved supporting: (1) healthcare providers (HCPs) to ask about, investigate and manage cascades, (2) the public to ask about prescribing cascades, and (3) the public to share medication histories and experiences with HCPs. The team selected the HCP behaviour, A-I-D (ask, investigate, deprescribe), for intervention development. Psychological capability and physical opportunity were the most relevant COM-B components. Ten intervention options comprised of BCTs were developed, which are ready for further prioritization by stakeholders. These can be grouped into: provision of educational materials for use by HCPs; provision of consultation or training to support HCPs; and knowledge mobilization strategies. Through the process, the team identified that development of a practice guidance tool, which assists HCPs to investigate and manage prescribing cascades, is needed to support further intervention development.

Conclusions

The BCW framework guided the design of intervention examples to support primary HCPs practicing in interprofessional teams to address prescribing cascades. When identifying interventions for future consultation, creation of a practice guidance tool was prioritized as it underpins all proposed interventions for addressing prescribing cascades in practice. Further research is needed to determine what primary HCPs would need in this practice guidance tool and how it will be used in practice, to support its development.
Time-out under scrutiny: examining the relationships among the discipline strategy time-out, child well-being and attachment and exposure to adversity
Authors: Roach Alex , McLean Rebecca , Mendoza Diaz Antonio , Hawes David , Dadds Mark
Published: December 2024

Background

Discipline is a crucial aspect of parenting, shaping child development and behaviour. Time-out, a widely used disciplinary strategy with a strong evidence-base, has recently come under scrutiny with concerns about potential adverse effects on children's emotional development and attachment, particularly for those with a history of adversity.

Aims

To contribute critical empirical insights to the current controversy surrounding time-out by exploring the associations among time-out implementation, parent–child attachment and child mental health, and whether adversity exposure moderated these associations.

Method

This cross-sectional study utilised a nationally representative sample of 474 primary caregivers in Australia, with children aged 6–8 years, who completed an online survey. Measures included the Implementation of Time-out Scale, Adverse Life Experiences Scale, Primary Attachment Style Questionnaire, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Spence Child Anxiety Scale.

Results

Appropriately implemented time-out was associated with enhanced mental health and attachment, while inappropriate time-out correlated with adverse child outcomes. Exposure to adversity moderated the relationship between time-out implementation and child well-being, such that children exposed to adversity were most likely to experience attachment enhancement from appropriately implemented time-out.

Conclusions

Despite recent concerns of harm caused by time-out, particularly for children with a history of adversity, findings support the beneficial impact of time-out on child well-being and attachment when implemented in accordance with evidence-based parameters. Combatting misinformation and disseminating evidence-based time-out guidelines is crucial for promoting child well-being and attachment, especially for children who have experienced adversity.
Potential Negative Impacts of the CCI4EU Initiative on Spain
Authors: Benitez Fuentes Javier David , Ferrandez Arias Asia , Borregon Rivilla Miguel , de Luna Aguilar Alicia , Rodriguez-Lescure Alvaro
Published: December 2024

Spain's cancer care is at a crossroads! The CCI4EU initiative promises progress, but could it widen the gap for rural and vulnerable communities? Balancing innovation with access is crucial! #CancerCare #HealthcareAccess #Spain #CCI4EU #HealthEquality
CD45RO-Positive Memory T-Cell Density in the Tumoral Core and Invasive Margin Predict Long-Term Survival in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Noma Toshiki , Makino Tomoki , Ohshima Kenji , Yamashita Kotaro , Saito Takuro , Tanaka Koji , Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Morii Eiichi , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: December 2024

Background

The association between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor immunity has long been recognized. Among T-cell types, CD45RO-positive memory T cells (CD45RO+) are reported to correlate with survival in several cancer types, but clinical evidence is lacking in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

In surgical specimens from 162 preoperatively untreated patients, immunohistochemistry for CD45RO was performed to evaluate the density of CD45RO+ in the tumor core (CT) and invasive margin (IM) using an auto-count method. Patients were classified into high- versus low-CD45RO+ groups based on CD45RO+ density in CT and IM separately and combined. The relationship between CD45RO+ density and clinicopathological factors, including prognosis, was evaluated.

Results

Average CD45RO+ density was 133/mm2 in CT and 372/mm2 in IM. No significant differences in clinicopathological factors according to high- versus low-CD45RO+ scores were identified. Using CT scores, the CD45RO+-high group had a better 5-year overall survival (OS) rate (77.2% vs. 54.7% CD45RO+-low, P = 0.0433), but OS rates did not differ statistically between the two groups by IM scores (75.7% vs. 50.3%, P = 0.0576). Using immunohistochemical scores for CT+IM, the survival difference was significant, with a 5-year OS rate of 73.7% for the CD45RO+-high group versus 46.3% for the CD45RO+-low group (P = 0.0141). Multivariate analysis identified CD45RO+ CT+IM density as an independent prognostic variable in OS (hazard ratio 2.27, 95% confidence interval 1.43-3.62, P = 0.0006).

Conclusions

Density of CD45RO+ expression in the CT and IM might be a predictor of long-term survival in ESCC.
The Economics of Social Media
Authors: Aridor Guy , Jiménez-Durán Rafael , Levy Ro’ee , Song Lena
Published: December 2024

We provide a guide to the burgeoning literature on the economics of social media. We first define social media platforms and highlight their unique features. We then synthesize the main lessons from the empirical economics literature and organize them around the three stages of the life cycle of content: (i) production, (ii) distribution, and (iii) consumption. Under production, we discuss how incentives affect content produced on and off social media and how harmful content is moderated. Under distribution, we discuss the social network structure, algorithms, and targeted advertisements. Under consumption, we discuss how social media affects individuals who consume its content and society at large, and explore consumer substitution patterns across platforms. Throughout the guide, we examine case studies on the deterrence of misinformation, segregation, political advertisements, and the effects of social media on political outcomes. We conclude with a brief discussion of the future of social media. (JEL D12, D72, D83, D91, I31, L82, M37)
Η διαχείριση του τελωνειακού κινδύνου και ο τελωνειακός έλεγχος προϊόντων ειδικού φόρου κατανάλωσης
Authors: Κανηρά Καλλιόπη
Published: December 2024

Η διατριβή μελετά τη διαχείριση του τελωνειακού κινδύνου και τους τελωνειακούς ελέγχους για προϊόντα ειδικού φόρου κατανάλωσης (ΕΦΚ). Το πρώτο μέρος αναλύει την έννοια της διαχείρισης κινδύνου, με αναφορές στα διεθνή και ευρωπαϊκά πρότυπα. Περιγράφει τη διαδικασία διαχείρισης κινδύνου, τα στάδια εκτίμησης, ανάλυσης, αντιμετώπισης και παρακολούθησης. Εξετάζει τη σύνδεση τελωνειακού ελέγχου και διευκόλυνσης του εμπορίου, ενώ αναλύονται οι διαδικασίες, τα κριτήρια, και τα είδη τελωνειακών ελέγχων. Το δεύτερο μέρος επικεντρώνεται στα προϊόντα ΕΦΚ, με κατηγορίες όπως ενεργειακά, αλκοολούχα και καπνικά προϊόντα. Περιγράφονται τα συστήματα παρακολούθησης, οι μέθοδοι ανάλυσης κινδύνου, και οι διαδικασίες για τη διενέργεια ελέγχων. Εξετάζεται επίσης το λαθρεμπόριο και προτείνονται μέτρα για την αντιμετώπισή του. Η διατριβή τονίζει τη σημασία της διαχείρισης του τελωνειακού κινδύνου στην ισορροπία μεταξύ του τελωνειακού ελέγχου και της διευκόλυνσης του εμπορίου.
Addressing common inferential mistakes when failing to reject the null-hypothesis
Authors: Schmidt Amand
Published: December 2024

Failure to reject a null hypothesis may lead to erroneous conclusions regarding the absence of an association or inadequate statistical power. Because an estimate (and its variance) can never be exactly zero, traditional statistical tests cannot conclusively demonstrate the absence of an association. Instead, estimates of accuracy should be used to identify settings in which an association and its variability are sufficiently small to be clinically acceptable, directly providing information on safety and efficacy. Post-hoc power calculations should be avoided, as they offer no additional information beyond statistical tests and p-values. Furthermore, post-hoc power calculations can be misleading because of an inability to distinguish between results based on insufficient sample size and results that reflect clinically irrelevant differences. Most multiple testing procedures unrealistically assume that all positive results are false positives. However, in applied settings, results typically represent a mix of true and false positives. This implies that multiplicity corrections do not effectively differentiate between true and false positives. Instead, considering the distributions of p-values and the proportion of significant results can help to identify bodies of evidence unlikely to be driven by false-positive results. In conclusion, rather than attempting to categorize results as true or false, medical research should embrace established statistical methods that focus on estimation accuracy, replication, and consistency.
Promising images of love: a qualitative-ethnographic study about the mediatised memories of weddings
Authors: Mäder Marie-Therese
Published: December 2024

Background Digital and electronic media play a central role in weddings, capturing everything from the preparation to the ceremony itself and beyond. These media make specific moments of the wedding day memorable. But how do couples manage their wedding photos and videos, and what role do these media play in evoking memories of the event's religious and secular dimensions? These questions are explored within the theoretical framework of mediatisation and memory processes. This paper argues that the mediatization of weddings evokes emotions that strengthen the impact of these memories. Media shape how these events are recalled, leading to a partial homogenization of memories, where cultural and religious differences, as well as sexual orientation, become less prominent. Methods This interdisciplinary qualitative-ethnographic research is based on twenty-seven semi-structured video recorded interviews conducted in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland with homo- and heterosexual married couples from different cultural-religious backgrounds. The couples shared their wedding album or video and developed their wedding narrative by looking at the photographs and videos. Results Taking photos during the wedding becomes an important part of the ritual, independent of any cultural or religious background, gender and sexual orientation. The ceremony itself is emphasized in the photos and the videos. This homogenisation of the rite of passage equally occurs in the photographic representations of weddings and in turn influences how the wedding is remembered. The findings further confirm that heterosexual marriage representations reinforce gender stereotypes. The brides/wives of heterosexual couples are significantly more invested in the production and reception of wedding media, whereas homosexual couples participated in the conversation rather equally. Conclusions The homogenization of representation and memory becomes part of the rite of passage’s cultural-collective memory that connects the individual couples. The mediatisation of weddings strengthens the feeling of belonging to a community that transcends cultural-religious identities.
NOVEL INVENTION OF SPORE INDUCTION IN A SISTER SPECIES TO GROUP 4 DICTYOSTELIA
Authors: Schaap Pauline
Published: December 2024

Background Dictyostelia are soil amoebas that aggregate to form fruiting bodies with spores and stalk cells in response to starvation. Where known, species across the dictyostelid phylogeny use secreted cAMP, detected by cAMP receptors (cARs) to induce the differentiation of spores and to organize fruiting body construction. However, recent deletion of the single cAR of Polyspondylium violaceum (Pvio) left both its fruiting bodies and spores intact. Methods To investigate whether Pvio sporulation can occur in the absence of secreted cAMP and to explore alternative inducers in a bioassay, three prespore genes were identified and gene fusions of their promoters with the LacZ reporter gene were transformed into Pvio cells. After assessing the spatial expression pattern of the genes and the stage at which prespore gene expression initiated, the effect of cAMP and other Dictyostelium discoideum (Ddis) signal molecules were tested on prespore gene expression in vitro. Results Pvio genes g4562 (psp1), g2696 (psp2) and g2380 (psp3) were identified as homologs of Ddis spore coat genes. They were first expressed around 4 h of starvation in aggregation centres and later in the posterior 4/5th of emerging sorogens and the spore head of early fruiting bodies. Cells from dissociated 4 h aggregates and shaken in suspension for 6 h increased prespore-LacZ reporter activity 4-fold for psp1 and 6-fold for psp2, but this increase was at least 5-fold higher when cells were plated on solid substratum for 6 h to develop normally. cAMP had no effect on prespore gene induction and neither had the Pvio chemoattractant glorin nor the Ddis chemoattractants and differentiation inducers folate, c-di-GMP, DIF-1, GABA, cGMP and 8Br-cAMP. Conclusions The Pvio lineage uniquely evolved a novel genetic network for synthesis, detection and processing of the signal that triggers its main survival strategy.
Epistolae historico-familiares Andrzeja Chryzostoma Załuskiego jako wydawnictwo źródeł historycznych do dziejów Rzeczypospolitej lat 1667–1710
Authors: Matwijów Maciej
Published: December 2024

Artykuł poświęcony jest polskiemu wydawnictwu źródeł historycznych dotyczących dziejów Rzeczypospolitej lat 1667–1710 Epistolae historico-familiares (t. 1–3, Brunsbergae 1709–1711; t. 4, Vratislaviae 1761). Omówiono podstawową zawartość dzieła, jakość opracowania redakcyjnego i wartość źródłową zawartych w nim materiałów. Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na obecne w Epistolae historico-familiares fikcyjne listy i relacje Andrzeja Chryzostoma Załuskiego stworzone przez niego na potrzeby wydawnictwa. Na podstawie literatury naukowej i zachowanych roboczych, fragmentarycznych wersji dzieła ukazano przejawy ich preparowania przez Załuskiego.
Dwanaście dokumentów i listów do historii kolegiaty łęczyckiej z XIV–XV w.
Authors: Jurek Tomasz
Published: December 2024

Zbiorek zawiera 12 dokumentów i listów pochodzących głównie z lat 1374–1452 (jeden list z 1482 r.). Wszystkie pochodzą z metryki kapituły kolegiackiej w Łęczycy (obecnie Biblioteka Naukowa PAU i PAN w Krakowie, rkps sygn. 6558). Dokumenty ilustrują życie kapituły, przynoszą informacje o sołectwach, erekcji altarii, instytucjach na prebendy, są także dwa listy. We wprowadzeniu opublikowanych zostało również kilka zapisek ze wspomnianej metryki kapitulnej, dających wyobrażenie o niezwykle interesującej zawartości całego tego rękopisu.
Control postural estático y estabilidad del Core en deportistas de alto rendimiento
Authors: Villaquiran Hurtado Andres Felipe , Rivera Rujana Diana María , Portilla Dorado Enmanuel Fernando , Vernaza Pinzón Paola
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: el propósito fundamental del presente estudio fue determinar la relación entre el control postural estático y la estabilidad del Core en deportistas de alto rendimiento del departamento del Cauca. Método: Estudio descriptivo, realizado a 20 deportistas de alto rendimiento con proyección a Juegos Deportivos Nacionales 2019, a los que se les realizó evaluación del control postural estático en tercera dimensión y valoración de la estabilidad del Core mediante registro electromiográfico de superficie. Resultados: Se encontró en los planos sagital y frontal presencia de cifosis por debajo de los 30° y curvaturas escolioticas por debajo de los 10°, al igual que asimetría en la alineación del calcáneo.  Respecto al Core, se encontró un déficit en la estabilidad de la zona central, además se evidencio una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la estabilidad del core, la alineación de columna, la pelvis y el tobillo (p≤0,05) con alta magnitud de asociación. Conclusiones: La estabilidad del core está relacionada con el control postural estático en columna, pelvis y tobillo, evidenciando la necesidad de implementar programas preventivos para los deportistas que permitan cuidar su salud y disminuir la incidencia de lesión.
Hematoma espontáneo de pared abdominal asociado al uso de anticoagulantes orales de acción directa
Authors: Amado Garzon Sandra Brigitte , Ruiz Talero Paula Andrea , Serrano Maria Natalia
Published: December 2024

Introducción: El hematoma espontáneo de la pared abdominal (HEPA) es un evento infrecuente y potencialmente fatal; Se describe  la anticoagulación como el principal factor de riesgo, en especial con el uso de warfarina. Son pocos los casos reportados con el uso de anticoagulantes orales de acción directa (ACOD) y la mayoría reportan otro factor precipitante asociado. Se presenta un caso de HEPA asociado al uso de ACOD en quien no se identificó otro factor precipitante diferente a la anticoagulación.
Presentación del caso: Mujer de 74 años , consultó a un hospital de IV nivel en Bogotá por dolor abdominal y masa palpable de inicio súbito no asociada a trauma. Tenía antecedente de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa recurrente y venia anticoagulada con rivaroxabán. Al examen se palpaba masa dolorosa en flanco izquierdo, sin irritación peritoneal. Se realizó angiotomografía de vasos abdominales que mostro un hematoma del músculo recto abdominal izquierdo con sangrado activo de la arteria epigástrica inferior. No se encontraron otros factores relacionados diferentes a la anticoagulación como posible etiología.  Se realizó embolización arterial selectiva  con control del sangrado, lo que permitió el reinicio temprano de la anticoagulación.
Discusión: El HEPA es una entidad  potencialmente fatal, se reporta la anticoagulación como el principal factor asociado, aunque, es un evento infrecuente con ACOD. La mayoría describen también factores desencadenantes como  accesos de tos y vomito y requerirá un manejo expectante, sin embargo, se debe considerar el manejo endovascular temprano para mejores desenlaces.
Palabras clave: hematoma, pared abdominal, anticoagulantes, rivaroxabán, reporte de caso.
Changing Face of Pediatric Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis in the Pre and Post Pandemic Period: A Comparison Study
Authors: Uzun Kenan Bahriye , Kargın Çakıcı Evrim , Güngör Tülin , Karakaya Deniz , Çelikkaya Evra , Çaltık Yılmaz Aysun
Published: December 2024

Objective: Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is the leading cause of acute glomerulonephritis in children. APSGN often develops after pharyngitis due to the activation of antibodies and complement proteins to streptococcal antigens by an immune complex-mediated mechanism. In this study, we aimed to analyze APSGN patients diagnosed before and after the pandemic, with their demographic characteristics , clinical and laboratory findings.

Material and Methods: In this study, patients diagnosed with APSGN in a tertiary children’s hospital between October 2022 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were compared with a large cohort followed up with the same diagnosis between 2010-2022. The patients were divided into two groups: group I (n=153, pre-pandemic) and group II (n=28, post-pandemic). Clinical, radiologic, and laboratory findings were compared between the two groups.

Results: The mean age at diagnosis in the group I (2010-2022) was 7.36±2.92 years, and in the group II 8.69±2.51 years. More than three-fourths of the cases [group I/group II; 106 (69.3%) / 21 (71.4%)] were male in both studies. As macroscopic hematuria was the most common finding in the group I, hypertension was the most common finding in group II. Complement 3 (C3) levels were significantly lower in the group I and C3 recovery time was significantly shorter in the group II. Five (19.4%) of patients in group I and only one patient in group II progressed to RPGN.

Conclusion: The incidence of APSGN increased rapidly after the Covid-19 pandemic when the use of face masks was discontinued. Although the patients presented with a serious clinic, their prognosis was better.
Unsilencing the Student Voice: Detecting and Addressing ChatGPT-Generated Texts Presented as Student-Authored Texts at a University Writing Centre
Authors: Coetzer Zonnike , Aardt Peet van
Published: December 2024

The convergence of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence writing tools at tertiary learning institutions has raised concerns for lecturers and academic practitioners, particularly regarding the significant impact that overreliance on these tools can have on students’ development of critical thinking and academic integrity (Lo, 2023, p. 420). The greatest concern—according to the authors of this article—seems to be the possible loss of the student voice and academic opinion. This is because of the evident increase in students who submit AI-generated texts as their own (McDade, 2023). In the African context, where the critical voice of student scholars is extolled as one of the main spearheads for decolonialisation (Charles, 2019, p. 8), this erasure of the student voice through the overreliance on AI is particularly disconcerting. Therefore, the researchers propose and discuss strategies to be used in university classrooms and writing centres to determine if a text is AI-generated and to reinvite students to formulate their own academic opinions and, therefore, reclaim their own critical academic voice. In addition, techniques to promote fundamental learning skills that can be implemented by lecturers and writing centre consultants will be explored. Approaching the topic from the perspective of university writing centre practitioners, one of the research goals is to raise awareness of the characteristics and limitations of AI-generated texts to distinguish these writings from student-written texts. This will be done by juxtaposing examples of both—highlighting characteristics like (lack of) creativity, (un)reliability of citations, cohesion, sentence length and consistency. The text analyses will provide readers with relatable examples to assist them in identifying the lack of student voice. Finally, the researchers will explore how the merging of Critical Theory, socio-constructivism, and Socratic questioning techniques, as proposed by Argendien, Pillay, Dube and Masinga (2022, p. 69), can be implemented in the University of the Free State’s Writing Centre and Academic Literacy Unit, in order to encourage students who overly relied on AI to regain their agency as academic writers.
Changing Sounds and Forms in Israeli Hebrew
Authors: Bolozky Shmuel
Published: December 2024

Abstract: The article starts with a characterization of Israeli Hebrew, and its development from a conglomeration of written sources going back to classical Hebrew, including ones from about 17 centuries when it was not spoken. As a result, what became accepted as Israeli Hebrew is a merged grammatical (and lexical) system, built upon written sources regarded as the normative standard that should dictate speech norms as well, and that any deviation from it would be detrimental. Some Hebraists question whether a language that was not spoken for so long can still be regarded as "Hebrew," or even as a Semitic language. The average Israeli fails to recognize the inevitability of change in language development through history, and the existence of multiple levels of language uses (registers) side-by-side, each of which is just as legitimate as the other. We follow with illustrations of the expansion of new word formation from existing bases through linear derivation by means of suffixes, a most transparent process, alongside discontinuous (root+pattern) derivation. We will also explore the changing treatment of possessive and existential sentences, the neutralization of numeral gender, the maintenance of fixed stress in certain classes of words, and a certain tendency towards rhythmic alternation of stressed and unstressed syllables. Some of these have precedents in earlier stages of Hebrew, and demonstrate that change is a natural result of Israeli Hebrew's being a living language, and should not be regarded as evidence of its deterioration, becoming non-Semitic, an artificial hybrid language, or creole .
Distinguishing Loanwords and Short Code-Switches in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic
Authors: Thambyrajah Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This article seeks to establish parameters for determining whether something should be treated as a loanword or a short code-switch in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. Such classifications are increasingly being used to support different exegetical or historical claims but without any clear basis for classification. In fact, even in the study of modern languages and contact linguistics it is not readily agreed whether a single word code-switch can truly be distinguished from a loanword (or to what extent). These problems are exacerbated by the fact that Biblical Hebrew is an ancient language with a limited and unbalanced corpus, comprised entirely of literary texts. By examining a number of cases (from uncontroversial cases to more liminal ones) this article proposes a set of six principles to be taken into consideration when trying to determine whether something is a loanword or a short code-switch in Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic.
Resonant conversion of THz waves with orthogonal polarization upon transmission through a woven mesh
Authors: Abrahamyan Tigran , Parsamyan Henrik , Manukyan Davit , Nerkararyan Khachatur
Published: December 2024

The possibility of resonant conversion of wave fields oriented along the orthogonal sinusoidal conductors forming a woven mesh structure has been experimentally investigated using THz time-domain spectroscopy. This coupling, which enables the conversion of wave energy between surface waves appearing at co- and cross-oriented wires, results in a 90° rotation of the polarization of the waves transmitted through the woven mesh. A strong dependence of the phenomenon on the orientation of the woven mesh relative to the propagation direction and polarization of the incident THz waves has been shown and discussed. We believe that such properties of the metallic woven meshes can open up new prospects for investigating the interaction of THz waves with structured-wire grids.