bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression as a determinant of quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Stojanov Aleksandar , Stojanov Jelena
Published: September 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which mainly affects women and young adults in their most productive years of life. Given to fact that the disease is unpredictable and has uncertain outcomes, the grater are physical and emotional efforts that an individual has to take, and that inevitably causes additional exhaustion. Assessment of disease severity based only on an objective clinical finding is not enough, because it does not give insight into the subjective experience of disease symptoms and difficulties with which these patients meet in everyday life life. Most MS sufferers most likely will experience a wide range of physical, psychological and social problems. Physical disability, fatigue, motor incapacity and sexual dysfunctions that occur with the progression of the disease, most often lead to the deterioration of the quality of life in people with MS. In addition to these factors, changes in psychological status are inevitable. Depression is the most common psychiatric comorbidity of MS that worsens the health condition of the patient. Studies on psychiatric comorbidities and ways of coping with MS generally highlight the connection between depression and alexithymia in MS. Prevalence alexithymia in MS patients goes up to 50%, it is associated with anxiety and significantly contributes to the severity and severity of depression. When it comes to the therapy of depression in MS of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) is recommended as the first line of treatment, but also the application of pharmacotherapy i.e. administration of sertraline and escitalopram with short-term use of alprazolam, and more recently, more and more studies are investigating neuroprotective effect of antidepressants, and recommend the use of fluoxetine. Directing preventive measures to improving social activities and prevention institutionalization ie. combining medical rehabilitation, psychosocial help and social support prevent that the disease from becoming a disability leading to complete isolation. It is also necessary to direct resources to adequate treatment of depression as determining factor of quality of life, mental health and prognostic factor of the clinical picture and course of MS.
Impetigo
Authors: Karanikolić Vesna
Published: September 2022

Impetigo is a contagious, superficial bacterial infection of the skin. Over 140 million people are suffering from impetigo, globally at any given time. Impetigo is the most common skin infection in children aged two to five, but it can occur at any age. The incidence decreases with growing older. Infection generally occurs in warm, humid conditions, and risk factors include poor hygiene, poverty, and scabies. There are two clinical forms of impetigo: non-bullous and bullous. Non-bullous impetigo is more common form. It usually occurs on the face, predominantly on the nose or the extremities after trauma. The change begins as an erythematous macula that rapidly evolves into a vesicle or pustule. After the vesicle or pustule ruptures, erosion occurs, covered with a honey-colored crust on an erythematous basis. The causative agents of non-bullous impetigo are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Bullous impetigo mostly occurs in newborns and children aged 2 to 5 years. It is characterized by the appearance of a flabby bulla, initially filled with serous contents, which burst easily and erosions are formed covered with brownish-yellow crusts. The changes most often occur on the trunk, extremities and wet intertriginous areas. Bullous impetigo is exclusively caused by strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Skin lesions, which occur in patients with impetigo, should be kept clean, washed with soap and warm water, and secretions and crusts removed. The use of systemic antimicrobial agents is indicated when they are affected by an infection of a deeper structure (subcutaneous tissue, muscle fascia). The use of systemic antibiotics is also indicated if fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, infections near the oral cavity, scalp infections and/or multiple lesions occur. The use of topical antibiotics in the treatment of localized impetigo has shown high efficacy. The advantages of using topical antibiotics are that they minimize the development of antibiotic resistance and avoid gastrointestinal and other systemic side effects. The duration of local treatment varies depending on the product itself, but clinical trials have shown that the duration of therapy of seven days is effective. Potential disadvantages of topical antibiotics include local allergic reactions, skin hypersensitivity, and difficulty applying to parts of the body such as the eyelids, lips and back. There are a number of topical antibiotics used to treat impetigo. The most commonly used today are mupirocin, fusidic acid, neomycin, bacitracyn, retapamulin and gentamicyn sulfate. Patients should be educated about the mode of transmission, clinical course, hygiene and precautions in case of infection. It is especially important to emphasize the need of hygienic measures in order to prevent the spread of infection. These measures include washing hands, cleaning minor injuries with soap and water, bathing regularly and avoiding close contact with infected people.
The characteristics of effective leadership on a selected sample of the human resources sector in the Serbian Ministry of Interior
Authors: Janovac Tatjana , Virijević-Jovanović Saša , Zdravković Jelena
Published: September 2022

One of the main goals of public sector reform in the Republic of Serbia is to develop professional capacity and create effective leadership. In general, effective leadership has a very significant role in public sector functioning. In addition, it is also important for the quality of public services that are delivered to citizens and other stakeholders. The aim of this research was to investigate the association between characteristics and behaviours of managers, which are internal factors influencing the process of effective leadership in the public sector. The research was conducted in the organizational units of the Sector for Human Resources of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia on a sample of 50 respondents. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to determine the associations. The results of the research indicated that the authoritarian characteristics of managers are mostly related to directive behaviour of managers, i.e., a high positive correlation was calculated between authoritarian characteristics and directive behaviour of managers (r = 0.784, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that the charismatic characteristics of managers are mostly related to the transformational behaviour of managers, i.e., a very high positive correlation was calculated between charismatic characteristics and transformational behaviour of managers (r = 0.913, p < 0.001). The research results can provide guidelines for the development of professional capacity of the public sector and the creation of effective leadership at all levels in order to properly implement reforms.
The predictive model of citizens' attitudes about the risks of introducing death penalty in the Serbian criminal justice system
Authors: Cvetković Vladimir , Bugarski Tatjana , Martinović Jovana
Published: September 2022

This paper presents quantitative research results regarding the predictive model of citizens' attitudes about the risks of introducing death penalty in the Serbian criminal justice system. We tested the central hypothesis of which gender is predicting variable in citizens' attitudes about the risks of introducing the death penalty in the Serbian criminal justice system. The research was conducted with the use of a questionnaire that was requested and then collected online from 427 people in June 2021. A multivariate regression analysis was used, identifying the extent to which total scores of the main dependent variables (introducing the death penalty; trust in the criminal justice system; advantages of introduction; disadvantages of introduction scores) were associated with five demographic and socio-economic variables: gender, marital status, education, income, and age. The findings revealed that gender and educational level were the most effective predictors of the research variables under question. The majority of respondents support the introduction of death penalty and the most important predictor of disadvantages of introducing death penalty in the Serbian criminal justice system is age. Based on the findings that there are major differences in the citizens' attitudes about the risks of introducing death penalty in the criminal justice system, policies, strategies, and regulations must take into account these very important findings. The presented model can be used for a more detailed understanding of people's attitudes regarding the support and opposition to the introduction of death penalty in the Serbian criminal justice system.
The Work of school Educationalists in extraordinary circumstances: Pedagogy students' view
Authors: Hebib Emina
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous changes in the functioning of schools. Although their primary objective has been to ensure the conditions necessary for the uninterrupted unfolding of the process of school study in extraordinary circumstances, in the long term these changes can result in the need to reexamine well-established content and forms of cooperation within the school as well as between the school and its environment, and lead to the recognition of the need to reconceptualize the role of educationalists in schools. This paper analyzes the question of the school educationalist's role during the crisis resulting from the pandemic. After looking at the meaning and importance of cooperative relationships in schools, the paper briefly presents the provisions in the official regulations governing the functioning of schools and the work of educationalists in Serbian schools over the past two years, as well as the results of a study the aim of which was to examine school educationalists' views of school practice in that period. In a separate section of the paper, an overview is given of suggestions for school educationalists' possible activities aimed at providing assistance and support to students, teachers and parents in these extraordinary circumstances, which have been elaborated by pedagogy students as an assignment for the course Work Methodology of School Educationalists.
Positive discipline in the family as a resource in the development of self-esteem in adolescence
Authors: Zuković Slađana , Stojadinović Dušica
Published: September 2022

This paper starts with the assumption that the application of the basic principles of positive discipline in the family can provide significant potential for the development of adolescents' self-esteem. Such an assumption is based on an understanding of positive discipline as an approach to parenting which provides clear rules and equality in dialogue between parents and adolescents, thus developing responsibility in adolescents and increasing their ability to overcome risky situations. Based on this, a study has been carried out to examine the relationship between the assessment of indicators of positive discipline in the family and self-esteem levels in adolescents. The sample consisted of 195 high school students from Novi Sad. Data were obtained using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, as well as the Positive Family Discipline Indicators Scale, constructed for the purposes of this study. The results suggest that the prevalence of implementation of the basic principles of positive family discipline is rated as moderate; the items relating to orientation towards long-term parenting goals, and to an individual approach and reliance on the positive in adolescents, are rated as most prevalent. The study indicates that the adolescents in the sample generally have a high level of self-esteem, and that there is a positive correlation between the rating of indicators of positive discipline in the family and the level of adolescents' self-esteem. Moreover, the obtained results suggest that the rating of indicators of positive discipline in the family can be perceived as a good predictor of adolescents' self-esteem levels. Based on these findings, it is possible to conclude that the implementation of the basic principles of positive discipline in the family can be recognized as a resource for reinforcing and consolidating self-esteem in adolescence, which points to the significance of and need for empowering parents in this area.
Structural equation modelling (SEM) to test emotional intelligence as a mediating variable between transformation leadership and employee performance: Telecommunication sector in Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Pandurengan Vaidehi , Al-Balushi Adil , Al Subhi , Jurčić Ana
Published: September 2022

The objective of the study is to investigate the role of emotional intelligence as a mediating variable to improve the effectiveness of a transformational leader in accentuating employee performance using Structural Equation Modeling. The study used a convenience sample method and an exploratory and descriptive research methodology. The total population of the study is 554 employees of 2 main telecom companies in Oman. Sample respondents are 211. Structural Equation Modelling was used to empirically test the proposed conceptual model. The results suggest that emotional intelligence does play a mediating effect in helping the leader lead to a better performance of the employee. Emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee performance. The study's goal is to show how crucial it is for a transformational leader to be emotionally intelligent and aware of non-tangential aspects in order to improve staff performance. The findings imply that emotional intelligence is a key strategy used by transformational leaders to develop a strong result-oriented team.
Labour law in front of digital ecenomy challenges
Authors: Jašarević Senad , Božičić Darko
Published: September 2022

Digital technologies aren't knocking on our doors, they are already in our homes. They have changed the way how we communicate, travel, how we do our shopping, using cars, listening music… and there are countless examples. But, they have changed the way how we work as well. Digital technologies make work easier, safer and work markets are more accessible. On the other hand, some of us do not enjoy so much in presence of digital technologies because they represent " job killers" or potential for violation on privacy at work. These are just few of challenges for Labour law in new digital era.
Application of the precautionary principle in the WTO: Reaches and perspectives
Authors: Divljak Drago
Published: September 2022

The paper discusses the legal basis for the application of the precautionary principle in the WTO law, and determines the specifics of its application in relation to the basic concept of the precautionary principle. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the reach of this application in terms of opening up the optimal environmental protection. The paper also presents proposals for future normative solutions in this area with the aim of achieving an appropriate balance between the interests of international trade liberalization and environmental protection and accomplishing of the concept of sustainable development. With all the limitations related to the lack of adequate legal basis, but also the incompleteness and incoherence of the dispute resolution practice in the WTO, it can be concluded that the derived concept of application of the precautionary principle and its interpretation in the dispute resolution practice reduce the scope of its application in relation to the basic concept. Such a situation cannot meet in particular the needs of technological development, which inevitably leads to an increased risk in terms of impact on the environment, human health and flora and fauna. In such circumstances, when the importance of the application of this principle grows, it is necessary to find appropriate legal solutions that will ensure its optimal application. In this context, different models of action are possible, with all their limitations, the realization of which is quite questionable.
Early release of convicts
Authors: Drakić Dragiša , Milić Ivan
Published: September 2022

One of the modes of "release ahead of time" from a penitentiary institution, or from a place of residence in which a convict may be serving his sentence, is early release. Early release can not be approved for every convict. There are exceptions to the rule that convicts are eligible for early release based on good behaviour. Early release may be granted by the director of the Administration for Execution of Prison Sentences or by a judge for enforcement of criminal sanctions. The author's attention in this paper is precisely the early release of convicts - those serving their sentence in penitentiary institutions as well as those serving them in their place of residence.
Light child work in international standards and comparative legislation
Authors: Jašarević Senad , Božičić Darko
Published: September 2022

The protection of children at work was one of the first topics addressed by labor legislation in the world. However, the regulation of child labor remains one of the insufficiently regulated areas in labor law. Within that, one of the newer topics is light work of children. This form of child labor has existed since time immemorial, especially in the family and household, so it is considered useful for acquiring work habits and experience. However, it can be both dangerous and harmful. In this paper, we present the light work topic, with an emphasis on the existing regulations in the world and the possibilities for a best solutions for regulation of this form of work.
Child's habitual residence in the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union
Authors: Stanivuković Maja
Published: September 2022

This article examines decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union interpreting the concept of child's habitual residence. The study of those decisions is essential for proper understanding of this key concept which appears in the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Co-operation in respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children, Protocol on the Law Applicable to Maintenance Obligations, Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance and the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. Correct determination of the child's habitual residence is a precondition for the correct and uniform application of these instruments which are all in force in Serbia. Since 2007, the Court has been asked on numerous occasions to provide answers to questions that were raised regarding the interpretation of habitual residence. Out of this rich practice, four judgments have been selected for presentation and analysis (Case A, Case Mercredi, Case C v M and Case HR).The practice of the Court of Justice focuses on the circumstances that need to be taken into account by the judge in case the parties are in dispute about the child's habitual residence and on the guiding principles for assessing the relative value of these circumstances. Although the Court interprets the terms of Brussels II bis, those decisions have had significant and unifying impact on the interpretation of the Hague Child Protection Conventions, not only in the member states of the Union but also in other member states of the Hague conventions. The Court's views have influenced the practice of the highest courts in Australia, Canada, UK and USA. It will therefore be of benefit to judges in Serbia to get acquainted with them and understand them, which is the main purpose of this article.
Civil procedure in Montenegro at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century: General outline
Authors: Kulauzov Maša
Published: September 2022

The article sheds light on regulations regarding civil procedure issued in Montenegro at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. They deal with various subjects, above all with jurisdiction of civil courts, with deadlines for filing an appeal and with the issue of the finality of judgments as these are the most important questions in civil lawsuits, and, as such, above-mentioned rules were carefully scrutinized in the paper. These first written procedural rules adopted by the Ministry of Justice, the State Council and the Grand Court were very important considering the fact that they introduced modern principles in civil litigations, such as the principles of orality, immediacy, publicity, contradiction, material truth and free judicial evaluation of evidence. However, without the unification of procedural law a speedy and efficient trial and adequate protection of the subjective rights of parties to the proceedings could not be ensured. Only a proper Code of civil procedure could entirely meet these requirements. Montenegrin lawmakers had been fully aware of this fact and so in November 1905 the Code on Judicial Proceedings in Civil Lawsuits for the Principality of Montenegro was enacted. When the aforementioned Code entered into force, the codification endeavor in the field of civil procedural law was completed. Its content, structure and general features were meticulously analyzed in the study.
Co-ownership of apartment owners with regard to the land on which the building is built
Authors: Cvetić Radenka , Midorović Sloboda
Published: September 2022

The focus of this paper rests on the right of apartment owners on the land on which the building is built and the land that serves to its regular use. The paper aims at identifying the 1) type of that right; 2) over which land that right streches, and, eventually, 3) which legal rules are relevant for that right. The answers to these questions require a systematic interpretation of solutions from several legal sources, most notably the Law on Foundations of Property Law Relations, the Law on Housing and Maintenance of Apartment Buildings and the Law on Planning and Construction. With regard to the legal regime of that right, the paper concludes that special rules establish numerous deviations from the general regime that, in the absence of special rules, would otherwise be applicable to it. Deviations are detected with regard to the: 1) authority to dispose of the share in the ownership right over that land; 2) management of that land; 3) dissolution of the co-ownership community that exists among apartment owners in relation to that land, and 4) covering of costs incurred by the use and maintenance of that land. Theoretical considerations have been supplemented by an analysis of a case from a recent domestic jurisprudence that underlines a practical dimension of the elaborated subject matter.
A Deep Neural Network to Predict the Residual Hull Girder Strength
Authors: La Ferlita Alessandro , Di Nardo Emanuel , Macera Massimo , Lindemann Thomas , Ciaramella Angelo , Koulianos Nikolaos
Published: September 2022

The main purpose of this study is to apply a Deep Neural Network (DNN) method to linear systems and to predict in a relatively short time span the ultimate vertical bending moment (VBM) for damaged ships. A Deep Neural Network approach, which is composed of multiple fully connected layers with a Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) which is a non-linear activation function, has been applied to more than 6000 samples and validated using leave-one-out technique. The ultimate strength has been predicted for a set of completely new damage scenarios of different cross sections, enhancing that the deep neural network method can estimate the residual hull girder strength for a correlated damage index general (DIG). The predicted residual hull girder strength as well as the shift of the neutral axis are validated against Smith’s method-based results.
Influence of Media Framing on Cognition of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness: The Mediating Role of Emotions
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yang Xinrui , Tao Kexin , Zhu Yanchun , Zhang Mei
Published: September 2022

Objectives: From the perspective of media framing, this paper explores how factual frame and influence frame affect the cognition of vaccine effectiveness among Chinese netizens, and how emotions vary in the process and act on the cognition. Methods: We first discuss
the theoretical framework and propose hypotheses. Drawing on the cognitive theory of emotions and the Pleasure- Arousal-Dominance (PAD) model, the scale and questionnaire were designed, and used to test the influence of media framing over the cognition of vaccine effectiveness by 2-factor
ANOVA and Bootstrap methods. Results: The proposed hypotheses were verified. The perceived effectiveness of domestic vaccines corresponding to the factual frame group was on average 0.19 (95% CI 0.641-0.642) higher than that of the influence frame. The impact on audience cognition from
reports of positive tendency was on average 0.642 (95% CI 0.641-0.642) higher than that of negative tendency. The indirect effect of the media frame on the perceived effectiveness through the mediating variable emotion was -0.0923, at the 95% level. Conclusions: The audience can understand
the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines better if the factual frame with actual data and authoritative opinions is adopted, rather than reports of the effects of the vaccines on the virus, the vaccinated, and society. Moreover, media reports should be more positive to mitigate the negative
emotions, stimulate the arousal of public opinions, and improve audience cognition of report contents, thereby encouraging vaccine uptake.
Mixed-methods Analysis of Adults Likely versus Unlikely to Get a COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Van Scoy Lauren J. , Costigan Heather , Smith Rachel A. , Snyder Bethany , Martin Molly A. , Myrick Jessica G. , Small Meg L. , Lennon Robert P. , The Data4action Research Group
Published: September 2022

Objectives: This mixed-methods study compared perspectives of those 'very likely' versus 'very unlikely' to receive a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: We used an explanatory, sequential, mixed- methods design to analyze quantitative data from a rural Pennsylvania
sample. Of the 976 participants, 67 selected 'very unlikely' to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Responses to open-ended questions: "What worries you the most about the COVID 19 pandemic?" and "What are your thoughts about a potential COVID 19 vaccine?" were qualitatively compared to answers from
the 67 participants who selected 'very likely' to get the COVID-19 vaccine. We used descriptive content analysis to compare themes across the 2 groups. Results: Both groups had thematic commonalities related to their concerns. Themes that were more common among those 'very unlikely'
to get vaccinated included concern for politics overriding vaccine safety and rushed vaccine development timeline, whereas themes related to hope and optimism about vaccination were exclusive to the 'very likely' group. Conclusions: Shared beliefs existed across groups with different
intents to vaccinate; yet, identification with vaccine spokespersons differed. Messaging campaigns can use these commonalities to address vaccine hesitancy.
Predictors of Coping with Health-related Expectation Violations among University Students
Authors: Gesualdo Chrys , Pinquart Martin
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Individuals often experience expectation violations related to the consumption of healthy food and physical activity and they may cope with expectation-disconfirming information by (1) ignoring the discrepancy (immunization), (2) increasing efforts to fulfill them
(assimilation), or (3) changing their expectations (accommodation). We investigated whether valence, discrepancy magnitude, and controllability of the expectation disconfirming event predicted coping with expectation violations. Methods: A 2 (valence: positive vs negative) x 2 (discrepancy:
larger vs smaller) x 2 (controllability: control vs no control) experimental design was implemented. Overall, we presented 297 university students with vignettes describing expectation violations and present different combinations of predictor levels. Results: Regarding physical activity,
participants showed significantly higher accommodation when experiencing a better-than-expected event and showed significantly higher immunization when experiencing a worse-than-expected event. Regarding food consumption and physical activity, individuals experiencing lower discrepancy showed
significantly higher immunization; individuals with control over the source of expectation disconfirmation showed significantly higher assimilation; and individuals without control over the source of expectation disconfirmation showed significantly higher accommodation.Conclusions:
To promote the maintenance of healthy expectations, despite expectation violations, interventions could foster the perception of control as well as assimilative behavior.
ЕМИ ПИКЛЕР – ЖИВОТ И РАД
Authors: Бркљач Тања С. , Павлов Србислава В.
Published: September 2022

У фокусу рада су принципи и методи Еми Пиклер, са освртом на њен живот и рад. Еми Пиклер је мађарска лекар- ка-педијатар која је осмислила и заговарала иновативне принципе и практичне методе неге и васпитања деце најранијег узраста, чиме је значајно унапредила дотадашња знања о њиховом развоју. Средиш- на одредница Пиклер приступа је неометано и стваралачко кретање новорођенчета, ослобођено наметања и интервенисања родитеља, односно примарне одрасле особе, формирање и развијање индивиду- алног идентитета детета и афирмација везаности детета са при- марном одраслом особом. Специфичне практичне методе Еми Пиклер подразумевају примарну негу, слободу кретања и поштовање самоу- верености и компетентности детета. Пиклер је развила уверење да дететово искуство компетентности зависи од самостално иници- ране активности и промена проистеклих из реакција које подразуме- вају мускулатурне сензације. Свакодневно искуство је, заправо, оно што у детету слаби или јача веру у сопствене капацитете – сваки акт телесне неге, кретања или другог начина истраживања околине развија дететов доживљај себе као компетентног бића.
Photonic hyperthermia of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors at the third near-infrared biowindow
Authors: Gu Yihui , Wang Zhichao , Wei Chengjiang , Li Yuehua , Feng Wei , Wang Wei , Chang Meiqi , Chen Yu , Li Qingfeng
Published: September 2022

Background:

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive sarcomas that typically carry a dismal prognosis. Given the insensitivity of these tumors to traditional chemotherapy and the absence of effective targeted drugs, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Photothermal therapy (PTT) including near-infrared laser at the third biowindow (NIR-III) has demonstrated significant potential in cancer theranostics due to its minimally invasive nature and excellent therapeutic outcomes. However, the passive utilization of photothermal agents (PTAs) with poor target specificity and biocompatibility substantially hinders the clinical translation and application of this method.

Methods:

We evaluated the efficiency, safety, and underlying mechanisms of NIR-III without PTAs in the treatment of MPNSTs. The photothermal performance and tissue penetration capability of the NIR-III laser were evaluated in human MPNST cell lines using CCK-8, Calcein-AM and propidium iodide (PI) staining, and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays. The tumor xenografted mice model was used for evaluating the efficacy and biosafety of NIR-III photothermal ablation. Finally, the underlying mechanisms of NIR-III treatment, explored by whole-transcriptome sequencing, are further verified by RT-qPCR.

Results:

We found that although the NIR-III photothermal treatment efficiency varied among individuals, which was possibly influenced by different endoplasmic reticulum stress responses, the expected antineoplastic effect was ultimately achieved after adjustment of the power density and radiation duration.

Conclusions:

The present study provides an intriguing noninvasive therapy for MPNSTs that accelerates the clinical translation of PTT while avoiding the biocompatibility issues arising from PTAs.

Funding:

This work was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (82102344; 82172228); Shanghai Rising Star Program supported by Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (20QA1405600); Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (22ZR1422300); Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (19JC1413) ; “Chenguang Program” supported by Shanghai Education Development Foundation (SHEDF) (19CG18); Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty (shslczdzk00901); Innovative research team of high-level local universities in Shanghai (SSMU-ZDCX20180700).
A partially nested cortical hierarchy of neural states underlies event segmentation in the human brain
Authors: Geerligs Linda , Gözükara Dora , Oetringer Djamari , Campbell Karen L , van Gerven Marcel , Güçlü Umut
Published: September 2022

A fundamental aspect of human experience is that it is segmented into discrete events. This may be underpinned by transitions between distinct neural states. Using an innovative data-driven state segmentation method, we investigate how neural states are organized across the cortical hierarchy and where in the cortex neural state boundaries and perceived event boundaries overlap. Our results show that neural state boundaries are organized in a temporal cortical hierarchy, with short states in primary sensory regions, and long states in lateral and medial prefrontal cortex. State boundaries are shared within and between groups of brain regions that resemble well-known functional networks. Perceived event boundaries overlap with neural state boundaries across large parts of the cortical hierarchy, particularly when those state boundaries demarcate a strong transition or are shared between brain regions. Taken together, these findings suggest that a partially nested cortical hierarchy of neural states forms the basis of event segmentation.
Microtubules restrict F-actin polymerization to the immune synapse via GEF-H1 to maintain polarity in lymphocytes
Authors: Pineau Judith , Pinon Léa , Mesdjian Olivier , Fattaccioli Jacques , Lennon Duménil Ana-Maria , Pierobon Paolo
Published: September 2022

Immune synapse formation is a key step for lymphocyte activation. In B lymphocytes, the immune synapse controls the production of high-affinity antibodies, thereby defining the efficiency of humoral immune responses. While the key roles played by both the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons in the formation and function of the immune synapse have become increasingly clear, how the different events involved in synapse formation are coordinated in space and time by actin–microtubule interactions is not understood. Using a microfluidic pairing device, we studied with unprecedented resolution the dynamics of the various events leading to immune synapse formation and maintenance in murine B cells. Our results identify two groups of events, local and global, dominated by actin and microtubules dynamics, respectively. They further highlight an unexpected role for microtubules and the GEF-H1-RhoA axis in restricting F-actin polymerization at the lymphocyte–antigen contact site, thereby allowing the formation and maintenance of a unique competent immune synapse.
Mobilome-driven segregation of the resistome in biological wastewater treatment
Authors: de Nies Laura , Busi Susheel Bhanu , Kunath Benoit Josef , May Patrick , Wilmes Paul
Published: September 2022

Biological wastewater treatment plants (BWWTP) are considered to be hotspots for the evolution and subsequent spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) promote the mobilization and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and are thereby critical mediators of AMR within the BWWTP microbial community. At present, it is unclear whether specific AMR categories are differentially disseminated via bacteriophages (phages) or plasmids. To understand the segregation of AMR in relation to MGEs, we analyzed meta-omic (metagenomic, metatranscriptomic and metaproteomic) data systematically collected over 1.5 years from a BWWTP. Our results showed a core group of 15 AMR categories which were found across all timepoints. Some of these AMR categories were disseminated exclusively (bacitracin) or primarily (aminoglycoside, MLS and sulfonamide) via plasmids or phages (fosfomycin and peptide), whereas others were disseminated equally by both. Combined and timepoint-specific analyses of gene, transcript and protein abundances further demonstrated that aminoglycoside, bacitracin and sulfonamide resistance genes were expressed more by plasmids, in contrast to fosfomycin and peptide AMR expression by phages, thereby validating our genomic findings. In the analyzed communities, the dominant taxon Candidatus Microthrix parvicella was a major contributor to several AMR categories whereby its plasmids primarily mediated aminoglycoside resistance. Importantly, we also found AMR associated with ESKAPEE pathogens within the BWWTP, and here MGEs also contributed differentially to the dissemination of the corresponding ARGs. Collectively our findings pave the way toward understanding the segmentation of AMR within MGEs, thereby shedding new light on resistome populations and their mediators, essential elements that are of immediate relevance to human health.
Stödpraktiker i relation till arbetsplatsförlagt lärande i svensk gymnasial lärlingsutbildning
Authors: Paul Enni
Published: September 2022

This article explores educational support practices during workplace-based learning in upper secondary apprenticeship education in Sweden. Many students in need of educational support attend upper secondary VET, but how they are supported in relation to workplace-based learning has not been investigated in any extensive way. 15 semi-structured interviews with upper secondary VET-school personnel were conducted. Through the use of concepts from the theory of practice architectures three different support projects embedded within three practices were identified: a workplace socialization project; a qualification project; and a social-pedagogical project. These support practices were conditioned by how students were viewed; the allocation of resources at the local schools, and the schools’ possibilities to influence the workplaces. The study concludes that support for workplace-based learning is shaped as a one-sided responsibility falling on the schools. Although apprenticeship education might fit some students in need of support, many of them are left without any support during the workplace-based learning part.
Correlation between NEWS, CT Severity Score and RT-PCR Cycle Threshold Value among Mild and Moderate COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Vijayakumar Sricharan , Garg Sandeep , Garg Anju , Aggarwal Sunita , Manchanda Vikas , Singh Ranvijay , Kumar Sanjit
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 is supplemented by clinical severity indices. These indices are the National Early Warning Score (NEWS, which aids in risk stratification), CT severity score (radiological severity score), and Reverse TranscriptionPolymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) cycle threshold (Ct value, which provides a semi-quantitative measure of viral load). Aim: To assess the correlation between NEWS at admission, RT-PCR Ct value and CT severity score in mild and moderate COVID-19 patients. Methods and Materials: This prospective cohort study was conducted in Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak hospital, New Delhi, from January to June 2021. The study included 50 subjects (25 with mild COVID-19 and 25 with moderate COVID-19). NEWS was calculated at admission and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Ct value was estimated using real-time RT-PCR. CT severity score was calculated based on High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) chest findings. The correlation among the parameters was determined using Pearson correlation formula. Results: The mean age of subjects in the mild and moderate COVID-19 groups were 49.52 years and 51.84 years, respectively. The mean RT-PCR Ct value of E gene was 24.48 and Rdrp gene was 24.56 in the mild COVID-19 group; while in the moderate group it was 23.72 for both E gene and Rdrp genes. The correlation between NEWS and Ct value of E gene (r-value=-0.06, p-value=0.68), Ct value of Rdrp gene (r-value=- 0.03, p-value=0.79) and the correlation between CT severity score and Ct value of E gene (r-value=-0.05, p-value=0.73), Ct value of Rdrp gene (r-value=-0.06, p-value=0.68) was negative and insignificant. The mean CT severity score in mild COVID-19 group was 3.92, and in moderate COVID-19 group was 9.88. A significant positive correlation was found between the CT severity score and NEWS at admission. Conclusion: The clinical severity of COVID-19 as estimated by NEWS corroborates with CT severity score while the relationship between RT-PCR Ct value and clinicoradiological severity needs to be ascertained by further research.
Prescription Pattern for Antimicrobials and the Potential Predictors for Antibiotics among Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Chindhalore Chaitali Ashish , Dakhale Ganesh Natthuji , Gajbhiye Snehalata Vijayanand , Gupta Ashish V
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Long-term repercussions of Coronavirus Disease2019 (COVID-19) on antimicrobial resistance have been raised as a grave concern due to the rampant use of antibiotics in the management of COVID-19. As per meta-analysis, the prevalence of antibiotic prescribing was 74.6% which was significantly higher than the estimated prevalence of bacterial co-infection. World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended that antibiotic therapy should not be used in patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 unless there is any bacterial suspicion. Also, the guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, does not recommend systematic empiric antibiotic therapy in patients hospitalised with COVID-19. Despite not being recommended, antimicrobials are still given in clinical practice. Aim: To analyse prescriptions for antimicrobials and to identify potential predictors for antibiotic prescription. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching institute. Data (demographic profile, co-morbidities, disease category, prescribed antimicrobials, laboratory investigations, and duration of hospital stay) were collected from case files of patients with laboratoryconfirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These patients were admitted in the institute from January 2021 to May 2021. Logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with the empirical use of antimicrobial agents. Results: A total of 184 case files were analysed. The mean age of patients was 55.84±15.72 years, with a male preponderance (70.10%). Among antimicrobials, antivirals were prescribed in 159 (86.41%) patients, and antibiotics in 152 patients (82.6%). Antivirals prescribed include Remdesivir [109(68.55%)] and Favipiravir [70(44.02%)]. Ceftriaxone was found to be the highest prescribed antibiotic, with a median duration of administration of six days. An association was found between disease severity and CRP level with antibiotic prescription. On multivariable analysis, the odds of receiving antibiotics were 6.7 times higher in patients with severe disease. Conclusion: More than 80% of COVID-19 patients received antibiotics. Duration of hospital stay was similar among patients whether they received antibiotics or not. Disease severity and raised CRP level were strong predictors for prescribing antibiotics for COVID-19.
Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Risk of Psychological Distress among Frontline Healthcare Workers Towards COVID-19 in Second Wave
Authors: Prasot Ram Milan , Ahmad Malik Faizan , Bihari Anand , Srivastava Ankit , Khan Madhu
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Frontline Healthcare Workers (F-HCWs) are at the front position for medical care against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which has life-threatening potentials. Poor level of knowledge, practices and negative attitudes as well as highrisk of psychological distress among F-HCWs can directly lead to delayed diagnosis, treatment and poor infection control practices. Aim: To assess the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) as well as risk of psychological distress among F-HCWs for COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, hospital-based, crosssectional study was conducted at Government Medical College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, located in tertiary care centre in rural area) from October 2021 to December 2021 among 223 F-HCWs using convenient sampling technique. To assess the level of KAP as well as risk of psychological distress among F-HCWs a prevalidated structured questionnaire was used consisting 15 knowledge questions, six attitude questions, 15 practices questions and six questions on risk of psychological distress. Chi-square test was performed to examine the association between risk of psychological distress and level of KAP as well as with demographic characteristics of F-HCWs. Results: Out of total 223 participants more than half of physicians (52.9%) and one-third of staff nurses (35.9%) were from age group of 25-35 years, respectively. Majority of both physicians (57.1%) and staff nurses (87.6%) were married and had nuclear type of family as of 64.3% and 74.5%, respectively. Most of the physicians (92.9%) had good level of knowledge but they had less positive attitude (84.3%) compare to staff nurses (92.8%). Majority of both physicians (64.3%) and staff nurses (58.2%) had no or low risk of psychological distress while only few of them had its high level. Conclusion: In this study majority of F-HCWs reported overall ‘good’ level of knowledge, attitude and practices for prevention of COVID-19. As for as risk of psychological distress was concerned, majority of F-HCWs had its no or low risk.
Chronic Meningitis Due to Otitis Media With Cholesteatoma in a Five-Year-Old Child With a Cochlear Implant
Authors: van Oorschot Hanneke D. , Helleman Hiske W. , Smit Adriana L.
Published: September 2022

Cochlear implants (CIs) restore hearing in patients with severe-to-profound deafness. Post-CI meningitis is a rare but redoubted complication. We present the case of a five-year-old CI recipient who experienced an episode of chronic meningitis caused by chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma encasing the electrode lead. We hypothesize that the cholesteatoma led to an ascending infection to the cochlea, passing through the labyrinths, resulting in chronic meningitis. Although positive neural responses were initially noted on cochlear electrical stimulation, these responses resolved a few weeks after reimplantation. Our report highlights the importance of careful otoscopic examination and diagnostic work-up in patients presenting with otogenic meningitis to rule out cholesteatoma formation and to ensure prompt surgical exploration if warranted.