bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes and perceived barriers to evidence-based practice among occupational therapists in Jordan
Authors: Alwawi Dua’a Akram , Jarrar Majd , Malkawi Somaya
Published: May 2024

Evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to the clinical decision-making process incorporating the best available evidence from research, therapists’ clinical experience, and patient values. The current study aimed to examine the experience of Jordanian occupational therapy practitioners (OTs) in using EBP and to identify the perceived barriers to implementing EBP among OTs in Jordan. The study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive study design. A questionnaire was emailed to OTs who have been working in Jordan for the last six months of their practice in a clinical setting. The majority of the participants had a positive attitude toward EBP. However, they reported several barriers to implementing EBP, including a lack of tools and equipment in clinical settings as a major barrier (65.8%). National collaborative actions are needed to develop strategies to improve the utilization of EBP in occupational therapy (OT) practice and to overcome the barriers therapists experience with implementing EBP.
Assessment of professional competencies of Peruvian physicians: A scoping review of published studies
Authors: Rojas-Miliano Cristhian , Aperrigue-Lira Shalom , Barriga-Chambi Fernanda , Huamani-Merma Edson , Taype-Rondan Alvaro
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Evaluating the professional competencies of Peruvian doctors is crucial for proposing necessary improvements. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the specific characteristics and competencies that are assessed in these studies.

Objective

The objective of this study is to characterize published studies focusing on the assessment of professional competencies among physicians in Peru.

Methods

A comprehensive scoping review was conducted, encompassing scientific journal publications that evaluated the professional competencies of physicians in Peru. The search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and SciELO, with the review period extending until 2022. The identified competencies were classified using the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the Ministry of Health of Peru (MINSA) frameworks. The findings were presented using absolute and relative frequency measures.

Results

A total of forty-nine studies focused on the assessment of professional competencies among physicians were identified, indicating an upward trend over the years. The primary focus of these studies was on evaluating competencies related to medical knowledge (79.6% according to ACGME classification) and the treatment of health problems (57.1% according to MINSA classification). However, there was a noticeable lack of emphasis on assessing behavioral competencies such as ethics, professionalism, and communication. Most of the included studies (65.3%) were exclusively conducted in Lima. Among the studies that disclosed their funding sources, 61% were self-funded.

Conclusion

Most studies primarily concentrated on evaluating knowledge-based competencies, specifically in the areas of diagnosis and treatment. There is a scarcity of studies assessing other important competencies. Additionally, centralization and limited funding appear to be areas that require improvement in the evaluation of professional competencies among Peruvian physicians.
Insights into the computer-aided drug design and discovery based on anthraquinone scaffold for cancer treatment: A systematic review
Authors: Chua Hui Ming , Moshawih Said , Kifli Nurolaini , Goh Hui Poh , Ming Long Chiau
Published: May 2024

Background

In the search for better anticancer drugs, computer-aided drug design (CADD) techniques play an indispensable role in facilitating the lengthy and costly drug discovery process especially when natural products are involved. Anthraquinone is one of the most widely-recognized natural products with anticancer properties. This review aimed to systematically assess and synthesize evidence on the utilization of CADD techniques centered on the anthraquinone scaffold for cancer treatment.

Methods

The conduct and reporting of this review were done in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guideline. The protocol was registered in the “International prospective register of systematic reviews” database (PROSPERO: CRD42023432904) and also published recently. The search strategy was designed based on the combination of concept 1 “CADD or virtual screening”, concept 2 “anthraquinone” and concept 3 “cancer”. The search was executed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and MedRxiv on 30 June 2023.

Results

Databases searching retrieved a total of 317 records. After deduplication and applying the eligibility criteria, the final review ended up with 32 articles in which 3 articles were found by citation searching. The CADD methods used in the studies were either structure-based alone (69%) or combined with ligand-based methods via parallel (9%) or sequential (22%) approaches. Molecular docking was performed in all studies, with Glide and AutoDock being the most popular commercial and public software used respectively. Protein data bank was used in most studies to retrieve the crystal structure of the targets of interest while the main ligand databases were PubChem and Zinc. The utilization of in-silico techniques has enabled a deeper dive into the structural, biological and pharmacological properties of anthraquinone derivatives, revealing their remarkable anticancer properties in an all-rounded fashion.

Conclusion

By harnessing the power of computational tools and leveraging the natural diversity of anthraquinone compounds, researchers can expedite the development of better drugs to address the unmet medical needs in cancer treatment by improving the treatment outcome for cancer patients.
Identifying and characterizing superspreaders of low-credibility content on Twitter
Authors: DeVerna Matthew R. , Aiyappa Rachith , Pacheco Diogo , Bryden John , Menczer Filippo
Published: May 2024

The world’s digital information ecosystem continues to struggle with the spread of misinformation. Prior work has suggested that users who consistently disseminate a disproportionate amount of low-credibility content—so-called superspreaders—are at the center of this problem. We quantitatively confirm this hypothesis and introduce simple metrics to predict the top superspreaders several months into the future. We then conduct a qualitative review to characterize the most prolific superspreaders and analyze their sharing behaviors. Superspreaders include pundits with large followings, low-credibility media outlets, personal accounts affiliated with those media outlets, and a range of influencers. They are primarily political in nature and use more toxic language than the typical user sharing misinformation. We also find concerning evidence that suggests Twitter may be overlooking prominent superspreaders. We hope this work will further public understanding of bad actors and promote steps to mitigate their negative impacts on healthy digital discourse.
Climate change: A pointer to increased small-scale fisher drowning deaths
Authors: Rasolofoson Ranaivo A. , Onyango Horace Owiti , Awuor Fonda Jane , Aura Christopher Mulanda , Fiorella Kathryn J.
Published: May 2024

Drowning is an overlooked public health concern and drowning risk is dependent on environmental risk factors. The preponderance of drowning deaths occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Small-scale fishers face high occupational risk of drowning. Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms, thereby exacerbating fishers’ risks and creating a need to examine the contribution of storms to fisher drowning deaths for the development of mitigation strategies. We examined this relationship between weather and fisher drowning deaths in Lake Victoria, which is Africa’s largest lake, a site of high fishing pressure, and where climate change is predicted to increase thunderstorms. We conducted a verbal autopsy with people knowledgeable about recent fatal fisher drowning incidents to collect information about the deceased fishers and circumstances surrounding the incidents across 43 landing sites in the Kenyan shore of Lake Victoria. Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders also elucidated community perspectives on drowning risks. Fatal drownings were often attributed to bad weather (41.8%). Other risk factors, such as non-use of life jacket and navigation equipment, co-occurred with bad weather at high rates (69.5% and 67.8%, respectively) to jointly contribute to fatal drowning incidents. Such co-occurrence of risk factors indicates that actions across multiple risk factors can help mitigate the issue. Stakeholder analysis revealed a range of opportunities for improved communication of risks and action to mitigate risks across boat operators and manufacturers, as well as multiple levels of management. Across global small-scale fisheries, limited use of safety equipment and intensive fishing pressure may coincide with increases in extreme weather events, necessitating action to address current and mitigate future drowning risks to small-scale fishers.
‘Experiencing one thing and saying another’–Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) of nursing students’ competence and challenge during clinical placements compared with retrospective interviews
Authors: Karlgren Klas , Andersson Franko Mikael , Kilström David
Published: May 2024

Clinical placements are essential to nursing education and understanding students’ challenges in the clinical context is important for educators. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated students’ experiences in the clinical context itself but rely on methods which ask participants to generalize their clinical experiences retrospectively. Objectives: This study aimed to explore nursing students’ experiences of clinical activities during and after clinical placements with a focus on feelings of competence and challenge. A particular interest was on comparing momentary assessments in the clinical context with retrospective interview data. Methods: Smartphones were used for ecological momentary assessment of students’ experiences of clinical activities during five-week placements at 21 nursing homes. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Interviews were conducted after the placements. Results: 575 responses were obtained showing final-year nursing students rated their competence significantly higher and challenge significantly lower than first-year students. An analysis of the quantitative data using the four-channel flow model showed that first-year students’ activities were to a significantly higher extent associated with flow and anxiety, compared to those of final-year students. Conversely, the final-year students’ activities were to a significantly higher extent associated with boredom than those of first-year students. The analysis of the students’ reflections resulted in five themes: Specific activities are challenging, Lack of challenge, Learning and developing, Reflects critically on competence, and Arrangement of the clinical placement. Discussion: Final-year nursing students were significantly less challenged during the placements compared to first-year students. There was overlap in how students described their clinical experiences during and after placements, but there were also striking differences. The first-year students were overwhelmed by the challenges during the placements but viewed these experiences as valuable learning experiences afterwards. The final-year students also described several challenging clinical activities during the placements but none of these challenges were brought up afterwards in the interviews and instead a lack of challenge was emphasized. Momentary assessment thus enabled capturing data about clinical activities which may be overlooked by retrospective methods.
3,3’-((3,4,5-trifluoropHenyl)methylene)bis(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Luo Wenhui , Chang Guoxin , Lin Dingmei , Xie Hongyi , Sun Huilong , Li Zhibin , Mo Shirong , Wang Ruixue , Wang Yan , Zheng Zhaoguang
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer is a major public health challenge and, despite therapeutic improvements, is the first leading cause of cancer worldwide. The current cure rate from advanced cancer treatment is excessively low. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify novel, potent and less toxic anticancer agents for the treatment of lung cancer. The aim of our research is to synthesize a new biscoumarin 3,3’-((3,4,5-trifluorop -phenyl)methylene)bis(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one) (C35) as an anticancer agent. C35 was simply prepared by 4-hydroxycoumarin and 3,4,5-trifluorobenzaldehyde under ethanol and its structure was analyzed by spectroscopic analyses. The anti-proliferation effect of C35 was detected using CCK-8 assay. Migration abilities were measured by Transwell assay. The expression of correlated proteins was determined by Western blot. The results showed that C35 displayed strong cytostatic effects on lung cancer cell proliferation. In addition, C35 possessed a significant inhibition of migration by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, C35 treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 in lung cancer cells. Moreover, in vivo experiments were carried out, in which we treated Lewis tumor-bearing C57 mice via intraperitoneal injection of C35. Results showed that C35 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the anticancer activity of C35 via suppression of lung cancer cell proliferation and migration, which is possibly involved with the inhibition of the p38 pathway.
Anthracycline-induced arrhythmias in breast cancer therapy: A meta-analysis of single-arm trials
Authors: Ran Tao , Chen Jinyao , She Qiurui , Mu Yi , Zhang Min , Mao Min , Zuo Zhong , Li Juan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

As of 2020, breast cancer has emerged as the predominant cause of cancer incidence globally. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy serves as a crucial element in the treatment regimen for breast cancer. However, these anthracycline-based drugs are associated with cardiac toxicity. This study represents the first clinical quantitative analysis aimed at accurately determining the incidences of arrhythmia and abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, thereby providing valuable data to bolster clinical drug usage and monitoring.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases including CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The incidence of combined arrhythmias in breast cancer patients and the associated heterogeneity were calculated using either a random effect model or a fixed effect model. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA16.

Results

The study encompassed a total of 37 articles, which included 5705 breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline treatment. Among these patients, 2257 developed arrhythmias. The meta-analysis revealed that the incidence of anthracycline-associated arrhythmias and abnormal ECG changes in breast cancer patients was 0.41 (0.37, 0.44). Subgroup analysis indicated that the incidence of ST-T segment change was 0.19 (0.15, 0.23), the incidence of conduction block was 0.04 (0.02, 0.05), the incidence of premature beats was 0.09 (0.07, 0.11), and the incidence of atrial fibrillation was 0.04 (0.00, 0.12). Additional results are presented in Table 3.

Conclusion

This pioneering study accurately assesses the incidence of arrhythmias in breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines. The findings provide clinicians with valuable insights into understanding and managing the cardiac toxicity associated with such treatment. Moreover, this study lays the foundation for future research exploring the mechanisms underlying these arrhythmias and potential preventative strategies.
Innovation and adaptation: The rise of a fentanyl smoking culture in San Francisco
Authors: Ciccarone Daniel , Holm Nicole , Ondocsin Jeff , Schlosser Allison , Fessel Jason , Cowan Amanda , Mars Sarah G.
Published: May 2024

Background

Illicitly manufactured fentanyls and stimulants are implicated in the escalating US mortality from drug overdose. San Francisco, California (SF) has seen declining fentanyl injection while smoking has increased. Beliefs and behaviors surrounding this development are not well understood.

Methods

The study used rapid ethnography to explore fentanyl and methamphetamine use in SF. The team conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 34) with participants recruited from syringe service programs. Video-recorded smoking sequences (n = 12), photography and daily field notes supplemented interview data.

Results

Difficulty injecting and fear of overdose motivated transitions from injecting to smoking. Fentanyl was extremely cheap—$10/gram—with variability in quality. Foil was the most commonly used smoking material but glass bubbles, bongs and dabbing devices were also popular. No reliable visible methods for determining fentanyl quality existed, however, participants could gauge potency upon inhalation, and developed techniques to regulate dosage. Several participants reported at least hourly use, some reporting one or more grams of daily fentanyl consumption. Smoking was also very social, with people sharing equipment, drugs and information. Participants raised concerns about hygiene and overdose risk to others arising from shared equipment. Reportedly potent fentanyl ‘residue’ accumulated on smoking materials and was commonly shared/traded/stolen or consumed accidentally with diverse preferences for its use.

Conclusion

Our data highlight fentanyl residue as a new overdose risk with potential mismatch between the potency of the residual drug and the recipient’s tolerance. Further, large doses of fentanyl are being consumed (estimated at approximately 50 mg of pure fentanyl/day). Smoking fentanyl has potential health benefits over injecting and may be protective against overdose, but substantial uncertainty exists. However, SF overdose mortality hit a record high in 2023. Recommendations to reduce fentanyl smoking overdose risks through pacing, greater awareness of dosages consumed and checking tolerance of residue recipients are potentially viable interventions deserving further exploration.
Recent advances in cryotolerance biomarkers for semen preservation in frozen form–A systematic review
Authors: Suo Jiajia , Wang Jieru , Zheng Yanling , Xiao Fayi , Li Ruchun , Huang Fei , Niu Peng , Zhu Wei , Du Xiaoxia , He Jianxiu , Gao Qinghua , Khan Ahrar
Published: May 2024

Spermatozoa cryopreservation has been practiced for decades and is a very useful technique for long-term preservation of sperm fertility. The capability for semen cryopreservation varies across species, seasons, latitudes, and even for different ejaculates from the same animal. This article summarizes research results on sperm cryotolerance biomarkers in several species, focusing on three areas: spermatozoa cryotolerance biomarkers, seminal plasma proteins cryotolerance biomarkers, and other cryotolerance biomarkers. We discovered that sperm cryoresistance biomarkers are primarily related to sperm plasma membrane stability, the presence of antioxidant substances in sperm or seminal plasma, sperm cell energy metabolism, water and small molecule transport channels in the sperm plasma membrane, and antistress substances in sperm or seminal plasma. The research conducted using diverse livestock models can be employed to enhance the basic and applied reproduction of other mammals through the study of sperm cryotolerance biomarkers, as well as the substantial similarities between livestock and other organisms, including endangered species.
Predicting black ice-related accidents with probabilistic modeling using GIS-based Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Hong Seok Bum , Yun Hong Sik
Published: May 2024

Black ice, a phenomenon that occurs abruptly owing to freezing rain, is difficult for drivers to identify because it mirrors the color of the road. Effectively managing the occurrence of unforeseen accidents caused by black ice requires predicting their probability using spatial, weather, and traffic factors and formulating appropriate countermeasures. Among these factors, weather and traffic exhibit the highest levels of uncertainty. To address these uncertainties, a study was conducted using a Monte Carlo simulation based on random values to predict the probability of black ice accidents at individual road points and analyze their trigger factors. We numerically modeled black ice accidents and visualized the simulation results in a geographical information system (GIS) by employing a sensitivity analysis, another feature of Monte Carlo simulations, to analyze the factors that trigger black ice accidents. The Monte Carlo simulation allowed us to map black ice accident occurrences at each road point on the GIS. The average black ice accident probability was found to be 0.0058, with a standard deviation of 0.001. Sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulations identified wind speed, air temperature, and angle as significant triggers of black ice accidents, with sensitivities of 0.354, 0.270, and 0.203, respectively. We predicted the probability of black ice accidents per road section and analyzed the primary triggers of black ice accidents. The scientific contribution of this study lies in the development of a method beyond simple road temperature predictions for evaluating the risk of black ice occurrences and subsequent accidents. By employing Monte Carlo simulations, the probability of black ice accidents can be predicted more accurately through decoupling meteorological and traffic factors over time. The results can serve as a reference for government agencies, including road traffic authorities, to identify accident-prone spots and devise strategies focused on the primary triggers of black ice accidents.
KLRG1-expressing CD8+ T cells are exhausted and polyfunctional in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Li , Liao Fangli , Yang Liping , Jiang Linshan , Duan Liang , Wang Bo , Mu Di , Chen Juan , Huang Ying , Hu Qin , Chen Weixian
Published: May 2024

Killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) has traditionally been regarded as an inhibitory receptor of T cell exhaustion in chronic infection and inflammation. However, its exact role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains elusive. CD8+ T cells from 190 patients with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed ex vivo for checkpoint and apoptosis markers, transcription factors, cytokines and subtypes in 190 patients with chronic hepatitis B. KLRG1+ and KLRG1− CD8+ T cells were sorted for transcriptome analysis. The impact of the KLRG1-E-cadherin pathway on the suppression of HBV replication mediated by virus-specific T cells was validated in vitro. As expected, HBV-specific CD8+ T cells expressed higher levels of KLRG1 and showed an exhausted molecular phenotype and function. However, despite being enriched for the inhibitory molecules, thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX), eomesodermin (EOMES), and Helios, CD8+ T cells expressing KLRG1 produced significant levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, perforin, and granzyme B, demonstrating not exhausted but active function. Consistent with the in vitro phenotypic assay results, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data showed that signature effector T cell and exhausted T cell genes were enriched in KLRG1+ CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, in vitro testing confirmed that KLRG1−E-cadherin binding inhibits the antiviral efficacy of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Based on these findings, we concluded that KLRG1+ CD8+ T cells are not only a terminally exhausted subgroup but also exhibit functional diversity, despite inhibitory signs in HBV infection.
Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in pastoralist communities of Kenya: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kihoro Richelle W. , Mulewa Damaris , Okoyo Collins , Ayaa Dominic , Korir Agnes , Njomo Doris W. , Mwandawiro Charles , Masaku Janet
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, the National School Based Deworming Program (NSBDP) was launched in 2012 with a goal of reducing STH prevalence in school-aged children (SAC) to <1%, however monitoring and evaluation results have consistently showed > 20% prevalence in Narok County. We conducted a study to investigate factors associated with STH infections among SAC in Narok County.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 SAC from five schools in Trans Mara West sub-county, Narok County. The sub-county was selected because it had participating schools within the NSBDP with a high prevalence of STH infection. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Stool samples collected from participants were examined for STH eggs using Kato-Katz technique. An open data kit questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographics, household, and STH knowledge information from 139 of the 514 SAC. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data, prevalence and mean intensity of infections were calculated, and logistic regression used to determine factors associated with STH infections.

Results

The overall prevalence of any STH infection was 24.6% (95%CI: 21.1–28.6). Trichuris trichiura 14.4% (95%CI: 11.7–17.8), Ascaris lumbricoides 12.5% (95%CI: 9.9–15.7) and hookworm 0%. From multivariable analysis the only factors significantly associated with increased risk of STH infection were, children attending Karda and Nkarano schools with aOR = 5.29 (95%CI: 1.45–19.24); p = 0.011 and aOR = 4.53 (95%CI: 1.29–15.97); p = 0.019 respectively. For A. lumbricoides, children attending Nkarano School were associated with a significant risk of infection with aOR = 7.81 (95%CI: 1.81–33.63); p = 0.006.

Conclusions

Despite the ongoing work of NSBDP, the STH prevalence is still ≥ 20% in Trans Mara West sub-county Narok County, among SAC. This underscores the need for continued annual MDA. Additionally, if possible, drug combinations may effectively manage T. trichiura, the region’s most common helminth. The study found a correlation between children attending specific schools and STH infection risk, suggesting the importance of health education and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices holistically both in schools and associated catchment areas that can act as STH reservoirs to alleviate the burden of STH.
Transitus issue 2: Embodiment and affect in a transitional moment in illustration research
Authors: Shapiro Carolyn
Published: May 2024

This editorial gathers together a transitional moment within the field of illustration research and pedagogy, as well as within larger daily contexts that presume our physical transaction with screen technologies as interfaces to practices of illustration. Curiosity comes through as a motivation for our movement as bodies through time and space. We find many examples in contemporary cultural production, including and especially in examples of illustration, of a turn towards the body and its senses as being a more aware, more divergent and more vibrant site of reception and potential. Underlining what I have noticed as the reckoning of embodiment that characterizes current directions in illustration practice, research and pedagogy, I introduce Affect Theory as a backdrop to graphic medicine, but it is a theory that also seems compatible with other examples of embodied illustration. As it relates to our theme of ‘transitus’, crossing over is, I propose, an embodied action, a ‘shimmering passage’ through which we journey towards an ‘ethico-aesthetics’, a ‘bloom space’ of the body’s and illustration’s potentials.
Transitioning from suffering to drawing alopecia: A classroom experience through illustration
Authors: Dey Subir
Published: May 2024

In modern higher education, students are more vocal about their preferences and lifestyles. This attribute has allowed educators to introduce subjects that were previously considered taboo in the classroom. Students’ expressive and experimental nature also calls for new ways to blend pedagogy with their interests. This article focuses on my course, ‘Sequential art for mental health’, offered to post-graduate design students at a university. One student, Monika, who suffers from severe alopecia, shared her journey of transitioning from being a patient to an author of her condition by creating a graphic narrative in the form of a zine. This article highlights the essential factors that educators should consider to facilitate successful transitions in the classroom. As mental health disorders continue to affect more students, medical interventions are being implemented to address the issue. However, those suffering from these disorders still face many challenges in their daily lives. Mental health remains a top priority in universities, particularly for students. While an artist’s depiction of mental illness may differ from that of a patient’s personal experience, this article stresses the importance of using illustrations and sequential art to promote mental health. Co-creative learning and collaborative participation methods are recommended in this article as effective strategies for achieving this goal. Additionally, fundamental skills such as drawing are highlighted as valuable tools for self-improvement and awareness. Ultimately, this article explores the intersection of pedagogy, illustration and expression, paving the way for new directions in education and learning.
Sharing meaning across the neurodivide: Research through illustration alongside people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD)
Authors: Roehr Johanna
Published: May 2024

The perspectives of people labelled with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) remain significantly underrepresented in academic research. This article introduces a developing research methodology that explores how illustration-based methods might assist researchers in attuning to, and amplifying, non-linguistic contributions to knowledge made by people who do not use conventional language to communicate. As a medium that champions alternative forms of communication and aims to make complex subjects accessible to a wide range of audiences, illustration offers additional opportunities to open up the research arena to people with PIMD. This potential is discussed here within the framework of the author’s ongoing Ph.D. research. The methodology outlined in this article is developed within the Sensory Studio, a mobile workspace purpose-built for artistic exchange and co-creation between artists with PIMD and Frozen Light Theatre, a Norwich-based organization creating multi-sensory shows specifically for PIMD audiences. Reflecting on the ethical considerations that shaped the design of this methodology, the author shares some of the unanticipated findings that research through illustration has so far brought to light.
Curious transcriptions: Turning online meetings into illustrated spatial atmospheres1
Authors: Cardoso Tânia A.
Published: May 2024

How We Stopped and Listened to the Birds is an ongoing urban illustrated reportage that follows my artistic practice as research in Amsterdam during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is based on informal online interviews with inhabitants and specialists in urban studies. Through this illustrated reportage, I wondered how the illustrator-researcher could embody urban space through digital/online mediums and online interviewing. Transcription refers to creating a written record of spoken or musical expressions. However, it falls short when it comes to interpreting these online conversations in illustration. Besides transcribing, the process of creating the illustrated reportage dealt with imagining the entanglement of memories, stories and geographies provided in the participants’ words and expressions in hopes of creating a sense of place in an affective storyworld. The transcribing of these online interviews in illustration reflects the interviewees’ perspectives and experiences and, simultaneously, my interpretation and reconceptualization of space. Consequently, How We Stopped and Listened to the Birds becomes a privileged space for discussion where the urban illustrations can disrupt official narratives of urban space by containing simultaneous traces of reality and imagination and creating a unique affective atmosphere between both.
Ideologías y criminalidad
Authors: Gutiérrez Hinojosa Tomás Darío
Published: May 2024

Las ciencias buscan la causa de un fenómeno o diversos factores que inciden en la gestación de éste, conforme se trate de fenómenos naturales o sociales, esto es indispensable para predecir y, de este modo, poder implementar medidas preventivas. Se plantea en este artículo que existe un factor nunca señalado, y que, no obstante, ha contribuido a la gestación de la criminalidad, a través de la historia de manera dramática y permanente, son las ideologías de diferentes naturalezas, mismas que forjan un tipo particular de criminal ideológicamente alienado y, como tal, fanático nunca dispuesto a arrepentirse de sus acciones a las que, además, considera benéficas.
ANÁLISE DA ESPACIALIZAÇÃO INTRAURBANA DOS CASOS CONFIRMADOS DE COVID-19 EM TRÊS LAGOAS-MS NO ANO DE 2020
Authors: Dubos-Raoul Marine , Ferreira Jhiovanna Eduarda Braghin , Borges Diego da Silva , Silva Mauro Henrique Soares , Decco Hermiliano Felipe
Published: May 2024

A pandemia de Covid-19 rapidamente se alastrou pelo mundo, Governos adotaram medidas de restrição e de distanciamento social com intuito de conter a propagação do vírus e assim evitar a sobrecarga dos sistemas de saúde, onde tais medidas não foram tomadas, ou foram tomadas de maneira parcial, o que teve como consequências uma circulação maior do vírus. O presente trabalho propõe analisar a espacialização dos casos confirmados de Covid-19 nos diferentes bairros da cidade de Três Lagoas-MS em função das características socioeconômicas de cada. Foram tabulados e organizados dados notificados e comunicados pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde (SMS) de Três Lagoas-MS. Foram escolhidos os dados relativos ao ano 2020 (05/2020 até 01/2021), referente aos casos positivos, óbitos e incidência na escala dos bairros. Para entender e explicar tal espacialização, buscamos cruzar com os dados disponibilizados pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), no que se referem a demografia por bairros, rendimento nominal mensal per capita e situação por cor ou raça. Com a realização de uma espacialização da taxa de incidência foi possível visualizar os bairros onde as taxas de incidência se destacaram mais. Cruzando com os dados de renda e raça foi possível verificar que o vírus atingiu primeiro os bairros onde residem classes sociais mais altas para depois se espalhar mais amplamente. Desta forma, foi possível verificar que as características próprias ao território definem a difusão do vírus no espaço e que a organização territorial urbana acaba criar desigualdades espaciais e por consequente se repercutir nos grupos sociais menos favorecidos na expansão da Covid-19.
POLUIÇÃO DO AR E COVID-19: ANÁLISE DA MORTALIDADE NA REGIÃO NORTE DO BRASIL
Authors: Silva Reizane Maria Damasceno da , Dias Mariana Andreotti , Barbosa Vitória Rodrigues Ferreira , Castelhano Francisco Jablinski , Réquia Weeberb João
Published: May 2024

A poluição do ar é problemática presente em muitos contextos socioespaciais afetando milhões de pessoas anualmente no mundo. A intensa urbanização e os riscos socioambientais estão atrelados a mortalidade por doenças cardiorrespiratórias agravadas por contextos atípicos, como o da pandemia da Covid-19. Por meio de dados de mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde e poluentes atmosféricos buscou-se identificar a relação entre a exposição à poluição do ar e os óbitos por Covid -19 na região Norte do Brasil. Utilizamos um modelo estatístico misto binomial negativo com inflação de zero (ZINB) para os óbitos por Covid-19 em nível de município como desfecho, e para a média de longo prazo, poluentes atmosféricos (PM2,5, NO2 e O3). Foram incluídos variáveis-controles - climáticas, demográficas e oferta de equipamentos e profissionais de saúde. Os resultados evidenciam associação positiva entre as mortes por Covid-19 e material particulado (PM2,5) com incremento de cerca de 1,15 µg/m³ no modelo principal, assim como, para os modelos bipoluentes (O3 e NO2) e (PM2,5 e O3). A análise geral confirma o incremento de poluentes atmosféricos no agravamento e consequente mortalidade por Covid-19 para todos os municípios da Região Norte. Contexto atrelado também a baixa escolaridade, a baixa renda, a baixa oferta de leitos e profissionais de saúde, indicando a seletividade espacial existente, principalmente, para populações vulnerabilizadas.
National Report on Automation in Decision-Making in Civil Procedure in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sedláček Miroslav
Published: May 2024

The paper focuses on the issue of automated decision-making in civil proceedings. First of all, attention is given to procedural institutes that direct and facilitate automated decision-making, in particular the digital court file and the legal framework of videoconferencing equipment, without focusing on electronic service of documents, which should be a separate paper. Asingle case of legal regulation of automated decision-making in the form of an electronic payment order is then analyzed (cf. Section 174a of the Code of Civil Procedure). For each of these fields, an analysis of digitalization to date is given, which is followed by a consideration of further developments. It also outlines the limits encountered by the use of modern technologies and the potential risks proposed adjustments.
Influence of Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonate Antivirals on Gene Expression of Chemokine Receptors CCR5 and CXCR4
Authors: Potměšil Petr , Holý Antonín , Zídek Z.
Published: May 2024

Acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs) are potent antiviral agents effective against replication of DNA viruses and retroviruses including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Prototype compound 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (tenofovir) is a principal component of drugs widely used in the treatment of HIV infection (Viread, Truvada). Besides their antimetabolic mode of action, ANPs possess immunomodulatory properties. A number of them have been previously found to stimulate secretion of cytokines and anti-HIV effective chemokines. In the present pilot experiments we analysed the in vitro effects of ANPs on the expression of chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 that are co-receptors of HIV-1 entry in cells. The impact of ANPs was investigated at the level of gene transcription of mRNA in mouse lymphocytes and macrophages using the RT-PCR method. The following compounds were included in the study: 9-(R)-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (tenofovir), N6-cyclopropyl-(R)-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]2,6-diaminopurine, N6-cyclopentyl-(R)-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]2,6-diaminopurine, N6-dimethylaminoethyl-(R)-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]2,6-diaminopurine, N6-cyclopentyl-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]2,6-diaminopurine, N6-isobutyl-9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]2,6-diaminopurine. Gene transcription of chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 was not affected after application of these acyclic nucleoside phosphonate antivirals.
Histomorphometrical and Electron Microscopic Study of Adrenocorticocytes Following Surgically Induced Extrahepatic Biliary Obstruction in Adult Female Albino Rats
Authors: Soliman Hala Mahmoud , Abd El-Haleem M. R. , El Tarhouny S. A.
Published: May 2024

Cholestasis, which is a component of many liver diseases, is often associated with symptoms that resemble clinical adrenal insufficiency. This work aimed to study the histomorphometrical and electron microscopic structure of adrenocorticocytes after surgical induction of bile duct resection (BDR) in adult female albino rats. Sixty rats were randomly divided into control, BDR and sham-operated groups. Six weeks after surgery, the blood serum of the rats was examined biochemically, and the suprarenal cortexes were prepared for histological, morphometrical and statistical studies. The BDR group showed a highly significant increase in bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase levels, whereas aldosterone and cortisol levels were highly significantly decreased. The area percentages of positive immunoreactions for P53, cyclooxygenase II (COX-II) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS) revealed highly significant increases in the BDR group. Electron microscopic examination of the BDR group showed marked cytoplasmic vacuolations, large lipid droplets, swollen mitochondria and many small dark nuclei in the adrenocorticocytes. The zona fasciculata had heterogeneously electron-dense mitochondria and dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Some of the zona reticularis cells contained lipofuscin pigments. The surgical induction of BDR produced deleterious effects on the structure and function of the adrenocorticocytes. A long-term study using different animal species is recommended for further examination.
Antioxidant Status in Blood of Gynaecological Patients: Influence of Diagnosis and Reproductive Factors
Authors: Pejić Snežana , Stojiljković V. , Todorović A. , Gavrilović L. , Popović N. , Pavlović I. , Pajović S. B.
Published: May 2024

Cancer of the reproductive tract is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. In this study we evaluated the influence of diagnostic categories, age and reproductive factors on antioxidant enzymes and lipid hydroperoxides in the blood of gynaecological patients diagnosed with endometrial polyp, myoma, hyperplasia simplex, hyperplasia complex and endometrial adenocarcinoma. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the association of diagnosis, age, parity, abortions and abnormal uterine bleeding with the examined parameters. Diagnosis provided the best predictive model for superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities, and also for the lipid hydroperoxide level. Abortions fitted the best predictive model for superoxide dismutase activity. A significant correlation was also found between the predictor variables themselves. This study showed that reproductive and other factors may be associated, at least partially, with antioxidant capacity and ability to defend against the oxidative damage in gynaecological patients with various diagnoses.
Evaluation of the alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of Euclea natalensis extracts used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus: An experimental and in silico approach
Authors: Bati Keagile , Baeti Phazha Bushe , Gaobotse Goabaone , Kwape Tebogo E.
Published: May 2024

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder with increasing global prevalence, poses a significant public health concern, necessitating the development of safe and effective drugs. This study specifically assessed the inhibitory effects of Euclea natalensis leaf extracts on alpha-amylase through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods. The extracts were sequentially obtained using solvents of graded polarity. alpha-amylase inhibition studies were conducted through spectrophotometric methods, while in vivo assessments were performed using a starch tolerance test on rats. Molecular docking was carried out using Autodock 4.2.6, and SwissADME, along with ADMETlab 2.0, were employed to determine the drug-likeness and toxicity properties of the literature-mined compounds. The extracts demonstrated significant in vitro inhibition of alpha-amylase, with the methanol extract exhibiting the highest percentage of inhibition at 27% ± 4.2, followed by hexane and aqueous extracts at 18% ± 2.5 and 18% ± 3.7, respectively. In vivo, the extracts lowered blood glucose levels, with acarbose reducing peak blood glucose levels by 42%, while both the aqueous and methanol extracts reduced it by 19% each after 30 min. The overall glucose-lowering effect, based on the area under the starch tolerance curve, ranked as follows: acarbose > methanol > aqueous > hexane > dichloromethane extract. Molecular docking identified 20(29)-lupene-3 beta-isoferulate C3 as the most promising compound with the lowest binding energy of -11.4 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics revealed that C3 loses stability as it diverges from the active site. Additionally, while all other compounds passed the Lipinski drug-likeness criteria, 20(29)-lupene-3 beta-isoferulate C3 did not. Therefore, the present study suggests that E. natalensis exhibits antidiabetic properties through the inhibition of alpha-amylase and may serve as a source of potential antidiabetic drug molecules.
New records and range expansion in tribe Paniceae (Poaceae: Panicoideae) from Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Jaiswal Shubham , Yadav Rekha , Sharma Sangam , Prasad Dileshwar , Madhukar Virendra K. , Agnihotri Priyanka
Published: May 2024

In the present communication, new distribution ranges of three species of the tribe Paniceae (Poaceae) have been recorded from the western Himalayas of India, i.e., Moorochloa eruciformis, Sacciolepis indica and Setaria homonyma for the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, respectively. In addition, the geographical range expansion of the endemic species Paspalum canarae from the eastern Himalaya to the western Himalaya is also presented. A detailed taxonomic description, notes on the habitat with updated distribution, and taxonomic notes along with photo plates are provided. Additionally, an updated distribution map of the above species is also included.
Penetration of anthropophytes into alluvial phytocoenoses of the Skawica river valley (western Carpathians)
Authors: Uziębło Aldona K.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, data on penetration of anthropophytes into alluvial phytocoenoses, collected in the years 2006-2007, were analysed with reference to the level of their disturbance, community structure and localization of patches. The investigation was carried out in the whole Skawica valley (in the area comprising villages Zawoja, Skawica and Białka). On the basis of 106 phytosociological relevés, eight associations were distinguished: Rorippo-Agrostietum, Phalarido-Petasitetum hybridi, Filipendulo ulmariae-Menthetum longifoliae, Phalaridetum arundinaceae, Glycerietum plicatae, Thyphetum latifoliae, Alnetum incanae, Salicetum albo-fragilis. It was stated that phytocoenoses undisturbed or less disturbed are penetrated with anthropophytes in smaller degree while riparian forest associations are more threated by anthropophytes. Invasive species – Impatiens glandulifera, Impatiens parviflora and Reynoutria japonica – most frequently penetrate phytocoenoses of Alnetum incanae, Salicetum albo-fragilis, Phalarido-Petasitetum hybridi and Filipendulo ulmariae-Menthetum longifoliae. Communities which are free from penetration by anthropophytes in this area include rush associations: Glycerietum plicatae and Typhetum latifoliae.
Milk exosomes and a new way of communication between mother and child
Authors: Papakonstantinou Eleni , Dragoumani Konstantina , Mitsis Thanasis , Chrousos George P , Vlachakis Dimitrios
Published: May 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of lipid-bound vesicles released by cells into the extracellular space. EVs are an important mediator of intercellular communications and carry a wide variety of molecules that exert a biological function, such as lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, ions, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Extracellular vesicles are classified into microvesicles, exosomes, and apoptotic bodies depending on their biogenesis and size. Exosomes are spherical lipid-bilayer vesicles with a diameter of about 40 to 100 nm. Exosomes originate from intracellular endosomal compartments, while microvesicles originated directly from a cell’s plasma membrane and apoptotic bodies originate from cells undergoing apoptosis and are released via outward blebbing and fragmentation of the plasma membrane. Specifically, exosomes have garnered great attention since they display great potential as both biomarkers and carriers of therapeutic molecules.