bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS)
Authors: Ćwikła Piotr , Machała-Ćwikła Ewelina , Szeląg Kacper , Zdziebło Piotr , Machała Dominika , Łapińska Urszula , Kujawski Antoni , Machała Kamila
Published: July 2024

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a complex set of symptoms that occur in alcohol-dependent individuals after sudden withdrawal or a significant reduction in alcohol consumption. AWS symptoms occur in about 50% of alcohol abusers. These symptoms may include restlessness, tremor, nausea, nervousness, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, hyperhidrosis, insomnia, hyperactivity, and hallucinations. In some cases, seizures may occur and delirium tremens may develop, which is life-threatening and an absolute indication for hospitalization of the patient. Effective treatment of AWS is the key to prevent complications and to reduce the risk of death. Treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome requires a complex approach that combines properly performed diagnosis, careful monitoring of the patient's condition, pharmacotherapy, equalization of electrolyte disorders, adequate hydration of the patient, supplementation of thiamine deficiencies and, in the case of symptoms of alcoholic delirium, intensive medical care. Pharmacological treatment plays a key role, with the first line of treatment being benzodiazepines, which reduce the risk of epileptic seizures and delirium tremens, and reduce mortality in the course of AWS. Individualized therapy adjustment and patient monitoring are crucial to ensure effective and safe treatment.
La filosofía como creación de conceptos: implicaciones libertarias de Deleuze mediante Leibniz.
Authors: Cabrera Romero Juan Manuel
Published: July 2024

La contribución principal de este trabajo consiste en un análisis específico de la filosofía de Gilles Deleuze que muestra cómo la creación de conceptos en la filosofía puede tener implicaciones libertarias, para ello el autor parte del supuesto de que el sistema filósófico de Deleuze se contrapone a todo emprendimiento filosófico que pretenda justificar el presente bajo su forma de sistema capitalista. En un primer momento, se analizará la filosofía en tanto que creación de conceptos y la manera de cómo esta creación se vincula cómo se vincula con las líneas de fuga, así como los procesos de subjetivación. Después, el análisis se concentrará en la lectura que hace Deleuze de Leibniz para destacar las implicaciones libertarias de la filosofía deleuziana.
La influencia de los tipos de contrato sobre el valor de las ventas en las empresas manufactureras colombianas
Authors: Beltrán-Díaz Albeiro , Hernández-Fernández Lissette , Gallardo-Figueroa Silvia Paola , Espitia-González Sandra Marcela
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre el tipo de contrato laboral y los ingresos que generan las empresas manufactureras colombianas. Metodología: Para el desarrollo de la investigación se realizó un estudio con enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo no experimental, transversal y correlacional, para el que se tomó como insumo la Encuesta Anual Manufacturera 2019, publicada por el Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadísticas (DANE), conformada por 7 631 empresas. Resultados principales: Los resultados permiten reflexionar sobre la importancia y el especial cuidado que los gerentes deben tener con el tipo de contrato que utilizan para vincular a sus trabajadores, principalmente en momentos de incertidumbre política y económica, donde los empresarios pueden optar por reducir sus costos mediante la vinculación con contratos de prestación de servicios que otorgan menos beneficios laborales y obligan a los trabajadores a  pagar de sus ingresos los aportes a salud y pensión, sin derecho a vacaciones pagas, primas ni cesantías. Conclusiones: El estudio concluye que los ingresos de las empresas pueden mejorarse si se vincula al personal mediante contratos temporales con bolsas de empleo y contratos a término indefinido directamente con la empresa; los contratos a término fijo directos con la empresa reducen los ingresos de la misma.
Patient and public involvement in liver disease management and research: insights into the development of a patient group
Authors: Grønkjær Lea Ladegaard , Lauridsen Mette Munk
Published: July 2024

Background:

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is increasingly recognised as crucial for enhancing healthcare and research relevance. This case study aimed to describe the development of a PPI group within the context of liver disease management and research, highlighting opportunities and challenges encountered.

Methods:

Patients with liver disease were recruited from a gastroenterology department through an online survey. An initial group discussion meeting was held using a nominal group technique, focusing on establishing the group's purpose, identifying areas of interest for involvement and determining practical organisational aspects. Ongoing collaboration occurred through regular meetings and communication.

Results:

A total of 18 patients actively participated in the group. Their motivations included utilising lived experiences to support others, gain knowledge about liver disease and raise public awareness. The group contributed to developing patient information, nurse-led consultations and a patient application. Additionally, they identified a need for research on improving healthcare system pathways for liver disease patients.

Conclusions:

This case study demonstrates a sustainable model for PPI in liver disease. Opportunities included empowering patients as consultants, collaborators and potential patient-led researchers. Challenges included addressing diversity within the group and ensuring adequate resources for PPI activities. This study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers seeking to implement PPI in their own settings.
Comparative study of erythrocyte sedimentation rate measurement between Celltac Alpha+ (MEK-1305) ESR Analyzer and standard Westergren method
Authors: Thangvorathum Phutanes ,   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, Tuentam Kanyarak , Pichaipong Amorntep , Duangmano Suwit ,   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand,   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand,   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
Published: July 2024

Background: The Westergren method, a gold standard method for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement, is one of the screening tests for routine clinical hematology that can be used as an inflammation marker. Since the results can be altered by numerous factors, new methodologies have been established to manage the possible pitfalls. Objective: This study compared erythrocyte sedimentation rate measurements obtained by the Celltac Alpha+ (MEK-1305) Automated Hematology and ESR analyzer with those obtained by the standard Westergren method. Materials and methods: The Celltac Alpha+ (MEK-1305) Automated Hematology and ESR analyzer was used to assess the performance of ESR measurement compared to the standard Westergren method. A total of 220 random EDTA whole blood samples from patients were included and analyzed in parallel using the automated analyzer and the standard Westergren method. Results: Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ = 0.916) obtained a good correlation between the two methods. In addition, the precision was good and acceptable according to the criteria, with a %CV of less than 10% in both intra-run and inter-run precision. There was no contamination between blood samples from using a single capillary probe. Moreover, Bland-Altman mean difference plot also indicated a good agreement, with a mean bias of -1.4 (95% CI: -0.8 to 2.1), an upper LOA of 7.6 (95% CI: 6.6 to 8.7) and a lower LOA = -10.5 (95% CI: -11.6 to -9.5). Conclusion: This comparative study indicated that the Celltac Alpha+ (MEK-1305) Automated Hematology and ESR analyzer is applicable within clinical routine practice along with proper measurement regulation. Even though the principles between these two methods are completely different, an acceptable interrelation was obtained due to the calibration process by Nihon Kohden corporation.
CONTINUOUS PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF EMPLOYEES USING AHP AND MODIFIED PUGH MATRIX METHOD: CONTRASTING WITH TOPSIS, PROMETHEE AND VIKOR
Authors: S. S. Sreejith
Published: July 2024

Applications of the AHP for employee performance evaluation in organizations are widely discussed in the literature. Contemporary organizations are increasingly discarding the traditional periodic appraisal systems and moving towards a real-time continuous process of evaluation. The existing multi-criteria decision making method (MCDM)-based employee performance evaluations are not suitable for such continuous evaluations, due to the complexity of the MCDM method. The current appraisal system is notoriously difficult to administer which prevents organizations from using it as an ongoing evaluation. There is a need for a simple yet robust multi-criteria decision making method for continuous performance evaluation of employees (CPEE). In this article, a modified version of the Pugh Matrix Method (MPMM) is proposed as a robust outranking method. The MPMM in combination with the AHP can function as an effective tool for CPEE. The MPMM is compared with other established and popular methods including TOPISIS, PROMETHEE and VIKOR. A statistical comparison using correlation validates the evaluation by the MPMM. There appears to be no significant difference in the evaluation of the MPMM with the other MCDM methods. Owing to its robustness and ease of use, the MPMM can easily be adopted by organizations for CPEE. The managerial implications and agenda for future research are also discussed.
Robust Fast Fracture Plane Orientation Angle Search Algorithm for Puck 3D Inter-Fibre Failure Criterion
Authors: Wirawan Nanda , Abuzayed Ibrahim H. , Akbar Mahesa , Curiel-Sosa Jose L.
Published: July 2024

In the present work, a novel fast fracture plane orientation angle (FPOA) search algorithm for the 3D Puck failure criterion is proposed. In the 3D Puck failure criterion, a linear search algorithm is employed to calculate the maximum inter-fibre failure (IFF) value by iterating and comparing the IFF value for each FPOA. This process itself requires a substantial amount of computational resources. The proposed fast FPOA search algorithm is implemented to substitute the linear search algorithm in order to reduce the computational time. A total of 1×105 randomised stress cases are used to analyse the accuracy of the algorithm. The result was then compared with the Puck Stepwise Seach Method (SSM) and other fast FPOA search algorithms. The results show that the proposed fast FPOA search algorithm has better accuracy compared to the other fast FPOA search algorithms and is almost 5 times faster compared to the SSM algorithm by Puck. In addition, a subroutine contains the Puck failure criterion and the proposed fast FPOA search algorithm is embedded into a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to simulate the open-hole test (OHT) experiment on the composite material.
Estimation of Passive Drag in Swimming via Experimental and Computational Means
Authors: Haskins Alex , McCabe Carla , Keating Ryan , Lennon Alex , Chandar Dominic
Published: July 2024

Discussed is a comparison of computational and experimental evaluations of passive drag during human swimming. Experimentally, ten trials were conducted per athlete at five chosen velocities, using a commercial resistance trainer to record the tension force in a rope during a streamline position tow test. The resistive force recorded was assumed equal to the passive drag force and an average value of passive drag was found across each tow test. Mean passive drag values measured during the tow test were agreed well with existing experimental data across the range of velocities used, varying between 20 N at 1 ms−1 up to 100 N at 2 ms−1. Computationally, using the immersed boundary method in OpenFOAM, basic geometry validation cases and streamline passive drag cases were simulated. Validation cases were completed on 2D cylinders and 3D spheres with the drag coefficient found at low and high Reynolds numbers, using the simpleFoam solver within OpenFOAM. Results tended to be slightly over predictive when compared with existing simulation and experimental data in literature. The accuracy of results could potentially be improved using a finer mesh and better quality geometries. The passive drag was also computed using OpenFOAM over a range of velocities, similar to the experiments, varying from 30 N at 1 ms−1 to 120 N at 2 ms−1. Drag forces computed using simpleFoam were over predictive when compared to existing literature and the completed experiments, likely due to the inaccuracy of the geometry used in the simulations. When results were compared to existing literature for swimmers not in a perfect streamline position, more similar to the geometry used in this study, results were in better agreement. The accuracy of the results could be improved using a better quality geometry in the correct position.
Nabokov and Freud: Solus Rex vs Oedipus Rex
Authors: Kolmakov Igor
Published: July 2024

Abstract: The enigma of Nabokov's lifelong enmity with Freud perpetually attracts research attention. In this article, the author analyzes the Russian-American writer Vladimir Nabokov's demonization of Freud by surveying previous explanations of this phenomenon and proposing an alternative explanation of Nabokov perceiving Freud not as a "father figure" or a "precursor," but as a dangerous and influential rival within the field of psychology as opposed to literature. The author asserts that Nabokov's feud with Freud is centered on the question of the soul. In particular, Nabokov strives to position himself within the realm of "soul interpretation" or "soul fiction" as a "subject supposed to know" and to establish himself as a superior hermeneutical authority. Finally, the author draws a parallel between Nabokov's attitude to Freud and Freud's approach to Nietzsche.
"So called in America": Nationalism, Nativism, and the Representation of Indigenous Languages in Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Languag e (1828)
Authors: Adonis Alice
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT: This study explores Noah Webster's representation of vocabulary derived from indigenous languages in the first edition of his American Dictionary of the English Language (1828). Previous scholarship on Webster has revealed much about how his lexicography reflected his nationalist politics, but the role that his treatment of indigenous languages plays in this narrative has not been explored. By analyzing words with indigenous origins as a distinct category within the Dictionary and bringing to light new evidence of Webster's etymological theories towards indigenous languages, this study emphasizes nativism as a tool in Webster's nationalist project and explores the historic treatment of indigenous languages and cultures in American dictionaries.
The Poetics of Marginality in Israel: Ars Poetika and the Russophone Poets of the 1.5 Generation
Authors: Moshkin Alex
Published: July 2024

Abstract: The article examines contemporary Israeli poetry by post-Soviet Jews who migrated to Israel after the collapse of the USSR. Complicating the dominant assessment of post-Soviet literature in Israel as an isolated and "ghettoized" phenomenon, an analysis of the poetry by Soviet-born, Hebrew-language poets Rita Kogan, Alex Rif, and Arik Eber reveals the strong influence of Hebrew literature in general, and of the Mizrahi poets of Ars Poetika in particular. Through close textual analysis and interviews with Rif, Kogan, and Eber, the article demonstrates how their verse has adopted and adapted the dominant building blocks of Ars Poetika—resistance to Ashkenazi hegemony, protest against exclusion and discrimination, and embrace of one's own culture and identity—to the situation of Russian-speaking Jews in Israel. Ultimately, the chapter shows how the cultural affinity with poets of Ars Poetika allows post-Soviet immigrants to both construct themselves as part of the Israeli-Jewish population and at the same time express their post-Soviet particularity, thereby bringing into relief the two halves of the poets' hyphenated Russian-Israeli cultural identities. Reflecting on this cultural cross-pollination, the chapter concludes by reading the poetry of Rif, Kogan, and Eber as part and parcel of contemporary Israeli literature.
Decolonial Mood Work
Authors: Shomura Chad
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This essay develops "decolonial mood work," a political project that changes affective orientations toward crises in settler society and prospects for decolonization. Decolonial mood work is a crucial supplement to scholarship that has focused on demystifying the ideological dimensions of settler colonialism. This essay shows that the regulation of affect is a central, though less addressed, operation of settler state and society. Its case is the management of houselessness in Hawai'i, which is shown to be a settler project that further dispossesses Indigenous peoples by enforcing the affects of settler home.
Stripping Away the Masks of Identity: Adorno and Fanon's Negative Dialectics
Authors: Simpson Sid , Curnow Ryan
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This article stages a critical dialogue between Theodor Adorno and Frantz Fanon, arguing that their writings on negative dialectics and (non)identity thinking reveal the political non-identity of negative dialectics itself. First, we contend that Adorno and Fanon's negotiations of the violence inherent in identity thinking is paramount to their respective oeuvres. Second, we address criticisms of Adorno and Fanon's political response to the violence of identity thinking: that Adorno is an elitist conservative and Fanon an identitarian lover of violence. Finally, we interrogate how both exhibited their radically democratic commitment to the people's self-creation through their work on radio.
Optical router based on a phase-coding multiplexed collinear holographic storage system
Authors: Song Haiyang , Li Jianan , Jin Junchao , Lin Dakui , Lin Xiao , Tan Xiaodi
Published: July 2024

This paper analyzes the distribution characteristics of crosstalk in a phase-coded multiplexed collinear holographic storage system and realizes an optical router by this characteristic. The system employs collinear holographic storage technology to cache the signals of the optical router in the holographic storage material. Different routing addresses are represented by the phase code. The system reads the signals in the holographic storage material and accomplishes the routing function. The benefit of this approach is that it minimizes the loss of optical signal and possesses robust anti-interference capability, offering an efficient solution in the development of optical routing.
MFLUnet: multi-scale fusion lightweight Unet for medical image segmentation
Authors: Cao Dianlei , Zhang Rui , Zhang Yunfeng
Published: July 2024

Recently, the use of point-of-care medical devices has been increasing; however, many Unet and its latest variant networks have numerous parameters, high computational complexity, and slow inference speed, making them unsuitable for deployment on these point-of-care or mobile devices. In order to deploy in the real medical environment, we propose a multi-scale fusion lightweight network (MFLUnet), a CNN-based lightweight medical image segmentation model. For the information extraction ability and utilization efficiency of the network, we propose two modules, MSBDCB and EF module, which enable the model to effectively extract local features and global features and integrate multi-scale and multi-stage information while maintaining low computational complexity. The proposed network is validated on three challenging medical image segmentation tasks: skin lesion segmentation, cell segmentation, and ultrasound image segmentation. The experimental results show that our network has excellent performance without occupying almost any computing resources. Ablation experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed encoder-decoder and skip connection module. This study introduces a new method for medical image segmentation and promotes the application of medical image segmentation networks in real medical environments.
Multi-layer resource scheduling architecture and algorithm for a service-oriented optical network based on a fine grain OTN
Authors: Zhao Yang , Lin Yi , Li Yunbo , Zhang Dechao , Liu Yucong , Zheng Yu , Wang Dong , Liu Sheng , Cao Shan , Feng Haoyu , Li Han , Liu Xiang
Published: July 2024

With the development of service, there are demands for flexible connection scheduling based on customer-side services, fast connection response, and efficient scheduling of line-side resources in an optical transport network (OTN). This article proposes a service-oriented multi-layer resource scheduling architecture and algorithm based on the introduction of OTN fine grain technology. Specifically, we propose a service awareness scheme that enables OTNs to better match service requirements. Based on a centralized distributed collaborative architecture, we extend a path computation element communication protocol (PCEP) to achieve more efficient connection distribution. We further design a resource scheduling strategy and an algorithm based on multi-layer collaboration to perform differentiated scheduling for services with different priorities. Through the mechanisms and algorithms proposed, it is technically feasible to achieve precise matching of customer-side services, flexible scheduling of connections and resources, and efficient service response, and promote the evolution of the OTN service supply from traditional fixed point-to-point connections to flexible service-oriented optical network (SOON) connections.
High-efficiency, single-frequency, polarized thulium-doped silica fiber lasers
Authors: Bolingbroke Georgia N. , Oermann Michael , Ng Sebastian W. S. , Hemming Alexander , Stepanov Dmitrii , Munch Jesper , Veitch Peter
Published: July 2024

We report on single-frequency, linearly polarized, high-concentration thulium-doped silica fiber-distributed Bragg reflector lasers operating at wavelengths between 1908 and 2050 nm with high efficiencies up to 48% and high powers up to 1 W. Low relative power noise and frequency noise are demonstrated using a low-noise pump diode.
High performance simple differential transimpedance amplifier for detecting high-frequency weak optical signals
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Wen Zeyang , Li Wenqiang , Yang Gongliu
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a differential transimpedance amplifier (TIA) with low noise, low cost, high sensitivity and a simple structure. The TIA requires only one op-amp for differential amplification, eliminating the DC bias and common-mode noise, which is suitable for detecting high-frequency weak optical signals. The gain bandwidth product of the TIA is approximately 140 (GHz*Ω) with a single AD8065 op-amp and approximately 600 (GHz*Ω) with a single OPA847 op-amp. This paper also shows the specific application of the TIA in the fiber optic gyro, which can effectively suppress the relative intensity noise (RIN) of the light source and improve the detection accuracy of the fiber optic gyro.
Deep brain stimulation of the Tbr1-deficient mouse model of autism spectrum disorder at the basolateral amygdala alters amygdalar connectivity, whole-brain synchronization, and social behaviors
Authors: Hsu Tsan-Ting , Huang Tzyy-Nan , Wang Chien-Yao , Hsueh Yi-Ping
Published: July 2024

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are considered neural dysconnectivity syndromes. To better understand ASD and uncover potential treatments, it is imperative to know and dissect the connectivity deficits under conditions of autism. Here, we apply a whole-brain immunostaining and quantification platform to demonstrate impaired structural and functional connectivity and aberrant whole-brain synchronization in a Tbr1+/– autism mouse model. We express a channelrhodopsin variant oChIEF fused with Citrine at the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to outline the axonal projections of BLA neurons. By activating the BLA under blue light theta-burst stimulation (TBS), we then evaluate the effect of BLA activation on C-FOS expression at a whole brain level to represent neural activity. We show that Tbr1 haploinsufficiency almost completely disrupts contralateral BLA axonal projections and results in mistargeting in both ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres, thereby globally altering BLA functional connectivity. Based on correlated C-FOS expression among brain regions, we further show that Tbr1 deficiency severely disrupts whole-brain synchronization in the absence of salient stimulation. Tbr1+/– and wild-type (WT) mice exhibit opposing responses to TBS-induced amygdalar activation, reducing synchronization in WT mice but enhancing it in Tbr1+/– mice. Whole-brain modular organization and intermodule connectivity are also affected by Tbr1 deficiency and amygdalar activation. Following BLA activation by TBS, the synchronizations of the whole brain and the default mode network, a specific subnetwork highly relevant to ASD, are enhanced in Tbr1+/– mice, implying a potential ameliorating effect of amygdalar stimulation on brain function. Indeed, TBS-mediated BLA activation increases nose-to-nose social interactions of Tbr1+/– mice, strengthening evidence for the role of amygdalar connectivity in social behaviors. Our high-resolution analytical platform reveals the inter- and intrahemispheric connectopathies arising from ASD. Our study emphasizes the defective synchronization at a whole-brain scale caused by Tbr1 deficiency and implies a potential beneficial effect of deep brain stimulation at the amygdala for TBR1-linked autism.
Prevalence and severity of physical intimate partner violence during pregnancy among adolescents in eight sub-Saharan Africa countries: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nyemgah Caroline Adjimi , Ranganathan Meghna , Nabukalu Doreen , Stöckl Heidi
Published: July 2024

Globally, intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable, especially during pregnancy. This study examines the prevalence and severity of physical IPV among pregnant adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We analyzed data from Demographic Health Surveys collected between 2017–2021 from eight SSA countries, involving 2,289 ever-pregnant adolescents aged 15–19. Physical IPV during pregnancy was defined as experiencing physical harm while pregnant by a husband, former partner, current boyfriend, or former boyfriend. Severity of physical IPV included experiences such as kicking, choking, weapon threats, and serious injuries. Logistic regression analysis was conducted, with results presented as unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The prevalence of physical IPV during pregnancy among adolescents in the eight SSA countries ranged from 2.9% to 12.6%, with 5.6% experiencing severe lifetime physical IPV and 6.3% severe physical injuries. We found a strong association between physical IPV during pregnancy and severe lifetime physical IPV (aOR: 6.8, 95% CI: 4.5–10.4) and severe injuries (aOR: 9.2, 95% CI: 6.0–14.2), even after adjusting for covariates. Physical IPV during pregnancy is common among adolescents in SSA and is associated with severe physical lifetime IPV. Addressing this issue in low-resource settings requires collaborative efforts among community stakeholders, health system practitioners, and policymakers to protect vulnerable adolescent girls during pregnancy.
Educational priorities of low-and middle-income country medical diaspora organisations: A critical discourse analysis
Authors: Hussain Ishrat , Haruna-Cooper Lois , Isiramen Sharon , van der Mark Nina , Khan Mishal , Rashid Mohammed Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Rising global migration levels have led to growing diaspora populations. There has been interest in the role of diaspora healthcare professionals (HCPs) from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in development aid to their origin countries, although there has been comparatively less focus on their educational activities. This study examined the stated educational priorities of LMIC medical diaspora organisations, with a particular focus on the tension between promoting professional opportunities afforded by medical migration and contributing to healthcare workforce shortages due to migration away from LMICs.We gathered a textual archive from webpages and public documents of 89 LMIC medical diaspora organisations in high income countries, predominantly the US and UK. We employed Foucauldian critical discourse analysis to examine presented rationales around educational policies and practices, with a focus on encouragement towards, and discouragement from, medical migration. Two discourses dominated this archive. The first was ofpreservationand framed the educational work of these organisations as a means of providing unity and social networks to diaspora HCPs, with a focus on maintaining their cultural identity and heritage, and medical connections with their origin countries. The second was ofaspirationand framed their educational work as providing support to diaspora HCPs to advance their careers and maximise training opportunities, often through directly enabling and supporting migration to high income countries. There was a discursive absence aroundbrain drainwith no policies or practices that overtly sought to deter against, or offset the negative effects of, medical migration. Notwithstanding the valuable contributions that LMIC medical diaspora organisations make in global health, the discursive framings that shape their educational work are linked primarily to protecting and progressing diaspora HCPs rather than on LMIC workforce challenges. Further research is needed to examine potential impacts of these positions on HCP migratory behaviours.
Nature portrayed in images in Dutch Brazil: Tracing the sources of the plant woodcuts in the Historia Naturalis Brasiliae (1648)
Authors: Alcantara-Rodriguez Mireia , Van Andel Tinde , Françozo Mariana
Published: July 2024

By the mid-seventeenth century, images of natural elements that originated in Dutch Brazil circulated in Europe. These were often included in art collections (the Libri Picturati) and natural history treatises (the Historia Naturalis Brasiliae and the India Utriesque re Naturale et Medica, 1658). The plant woodcut images in these books constituted (icono) type specimens and played a significant role in disseminating scientific botanical knowledge. We present a systematic analysis of their origins by cross-referencing the visual and textual sources related to Dutch Brazil. To do so, we used our previous botanical identifications of the portrayed plants, published sources, and digital archival material. The plant woodcuts accounted for 529 images, which corresponded to 426 taxa. We created a PDF booklet to visualize the (dis-) similarities of the woodcuts with the Libri Picturati and other visual sources. Substantial differences in the visual-making methodology exist between the two treatises (1648, 1658). In the first book, most of the images were available from Dutch Brazil and carved into the woodcuts, while most of these woodcuts were reused in the second one. The Indigenous Tupi-based plant names accompanying the images were crucial when arranging the sources, and portraying as much botanical information as possible was commonly the goal. Freshly picked, living plants, dried branches, fruits, and seeds were used to represent the megadiverse Brazilian flora, even when these belonged to species originating from other regions. Despite not being recognized for their contribution, Indigenous Brazilians and enslaved Africans were essential in the visual knowledge-making processes that later resulted in these natural history collections. As several sources remain lost and many histories yet untold, further archival studies and collaborative projects are pertinent to reveal the missing pieces of this conundrum.
Pharmacokinetics of isavuconazonium sulfate and its active metabolite isavuconazole in healthy dogs
Authors: McQuinn Erin , Mochel Jonathan P. , Borts David , Hanzlicek Andrew S. , Allenspach Karin , Palerme Jean-Sébastien
Published: July 2024

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are growing in importance in veterinary and human medicine. IFIs such as aspergillosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis remain challenging to treat in dogs. Isavuconazole is a novel antifungal medication that, when compared to currently used azoles, has an expanded spectrum of antifungal activity Rudramurthy (2011), Pfaller (2013), Spec (2018), has more predictable pharmacokinetics in humans Desai (2016), Cojutti (2021) and may cause fewer side effects such as liver and renal toxicity Maertens (2016), DiPippo (2018). The pharmacokinetic profile and safety of isavuconazole in dogs has not yet been characterized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole in healthy dogs that received a single dose of the prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate. Using full crossover design, six healthy beagle dogs received isavuconazonium sulfate at a mean (+/- SD) dose of 20.6 (+/- 2.8) mg/kg orally and 21.8 (+/- 4.2) mg/kg intravenously. Plasma was collected for batched pharmacokinetic analysis of prodrug and metabolite, isavuconazole, by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The median (Q1-Q3) maximum isavuconazole peak plasma concentration was estimated at 3,876.5 (2,811.0–4,800.0) ng/mL following oral administration, with a median (Q1-Q3) peak level at 1.3 (1.0–2.0) hours. Following intravenous administration, the median (Q1-Q3) isavuconazole peak plasma concentration was estimated at 3,221.5 (2,241.5–3,609.0) ng/mL, with a median (Q1-Q3) peak level at 0.4 (0.3–0.6) hours. The median (Q1-Q3) half-life of isavuconazole was 9.4 (7.0–12.2) hours and 14.0 (8.1–21.7) hours for oral and intravenous routes, respectively. One dog received inadvertent subcutaneous drug administration without any apparent adverse effects. Another dog experienced an anaphylactic reaction following accidental rapid drug infusion. No other drug-related adverse events were observed. At dosages used in this study, healthy dogs achieved isavuconazole plasma levels comparable to human therapeutic targets, and when properly administered the drug was well-tolerated.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Larebo Yilma Markos , Anshebo Abebe Alemu , Abdo Ritbano Ahmed , Behera Sujit Kumar , Gopalan Natarajan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Africa exhibits a considerably high prevalence of the hepatitis B virus among pregnant women. Furthermore, there is a discernible lack of a well-established surveillance system to adequately monitor and comprehend the epidemiology of the hepatitis B virus, particularly among pregnant women. The eradication efforts of the virus in Africa have been impeded by the significant disease burden in the region, and there is a lack of evidence regarding the pooled prevalence of the hepatitis B virus in Africa. Consequently, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Africa.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search using reputable databases such as PubMed, Advanced Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The search spanned from July 2013 to July 2023 and included all relevant articles published within this period. To identify potentially eligible articles, we conducted a comprehensive manual review of the reference lists of the identified studies. Our review encompassed articles from the African Journal Online. The analysis focused on observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals that reported the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive testing among pregnant women. We utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa critical appraisal checklist to assess the methodological quality of each paper. Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

Results

Out of the 774 studies identified, 31 studies involving 33,967 pregnant women were selected for the meta-analysis. According to the random-effects model, the combined prevalence of hepatitis B virus among pregnant women was 6.77% [95% CI: 5.72, 7.83]. The I2 statistic was calculated to be 95.57% (p = 0.00), indicating significant heterogeneity among the studies. The high I2 value of 95.57% suggests a substantial degree of heterogeneity. A subgroup meta-analysis revealed that factors such as time-dependent bias, sample size dependence, or individual variation among study participants contributed to this heterogeneity (p-difference < 0.05).

Conclusion

According to the findings of this study, the pooled prevalence of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women in Africa was found to be intermediate-high. It is recommended that policymakers implement hepatitis B virus immunization programs targeting pregnant women and their new-born babies at higher risk of exposure.
CRY2 mediates the cognitive decline induced by sleep deprivation in 5xFAD mice
Authors: Luo Sumei , Guo Lizhe , Chen Na , Guo Qulian , Xie Yongqiu , Wang Yunjiao , Wang E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Cryptochrome-2 (CRY2) is a core rhythm gene that plays a crucial role in DNA damage repair. The present study investigated the potential role of CRY2 in mediating sleep deprivation-induced cognitive decline in 5xFAD mice.

Methods

To assess the effects of SD on different brain regions of the mouse brain, we used 18F FDG PET-CT. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris water maze test and Y-maze. Lentivirus was used for the overexpression of CRY2, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used for the downregulation of CRY2 to verify the effect of CRY2. We used qRT‒PCR and Western blotting to identify the downstream factors of CRY2 and evaluated the cognitive function of mice to confirm the effects of these factors.

Results

The AD mice exhibited cognitive decline after 21 days of SD and had higher expression of CRY2 compared to AD mice with normal sleep. Overexpression of CRY2 led to decreased cognitive function in AD mice, and the downregulation of CRY2 attenuated the SD-induced cognitive decline in AD mice. CRY2 reduced the expression and function of CISH, which reduced the inhibition of STAT1 phosphorylation and led to synaptic dysfunction. CISH overexpression attenuated the impairing effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive function in AD mice. Furthermore, 18F FDG PET-CT revealed that SD significantly reduced glucose metabolism in different brain regions of AD mice.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that sleep deprivation upregulated CRY2 in the hippocampus of AD mice, which resulted in synaptic dysfunction by decreasing CISH-mediated STAT1 phosphorylation.
Effect of inspiratory muscle training in esophageal cancer patients receiving esophagectomy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Su Jianhua , Huang Wei , Yu Pengming
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To identify the clinical effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) among esophageal cancer patients undergoing esophagectomy based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Several databases were searched for relevant RCTs up to August 23, 2023. Primary outcomes were respiratory muscle function, including the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and pulmonary function, including the forced expiratory volume in one second % (FEV1%), forced vital capacity% (FVC%), maximal ventilator volume (MVV), FEV1/FVC% and FVC. The secondary outcomes were exercise performance, including the six-minute walk distance test (6MWT) and Borg index; mental function and quality of life, as evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) score; and postoperative complications. All the statistical analyses were performed with REVMAN 5.3 software.

Results

Eight RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, with 368 patients receiving IMT and 371 control subjects. The pooled results demonstrated that IMT could significantly enhance respiratory muscle function (MIP: MD = 7.14 cmH2O, P = 0.006; MEP: MD = 8.15 cmH2O, P<0.001) and pulmonary function (FEV1%: MD = 6.15%, P<0.001; FVC%: MD = 4.65%, P<0.001; MVV: MD = 8.66 L, P<0.001; FEV1/FVC%: MD = 5.27%, P = 0.03; FVC: MD = 0.50 L, P<0.001). Furthermore, IMT improved exercise performance (6MWT: MD = 66.99 m, P = 0.02; Borg index: MD = -1.09, P<0.001), mental function and quality of life (HADS anxiety score: MD = -2.26, P<0.001; HADS depression score: MD = -1.34, P<0.001; NHP total score: MD = -48.76, P<0.001). However, IMT did not significantly decrease the incidence of postoperative complications.

Conclusion

IMT improves clinical outcomes, such as respiratory muscle function and pulmonary function, in esophageal cancer patients receiving esophagectomy and has potential for broad applications in the clinic.
Efficacy of commercial recombinant HVT vaccines against a North American clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in chickens
Authors: Lee Jiho , Lee Chang-Won , Suarez David L. , Lee Scott A. , Kim Taejoong , Spackman Erica
Published: July 2024

The outbreak of clade 2.3.4.4b H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in North America that started in 2021 has increased interest in applying vaccination as a strategy to help control and prevent the disease in poultry. Two commercially available vaccines based on the recombinant herpes virus of turkeys (rHVT) vector were tested against a recent North American clade 2.3.4.4b H5 HPAI virus isolate: A/turkey/Indiana/22-003707-003/2022 H5N1 in specific pathogen free white leghorn (WL) chickens and commercial broiler chickens. One rHVT-H5 vaccine encodes a hemagglutinin (HA) gene designed by the computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen method (COBRA-HVT vaccine). The other encodes an HA gene of a clade 2.2 virus (2.2-HVT vaccine). There was 100% survival of both chicken types COBRA-HVT vaccinated groups and in the 2.2-HVT vaccinated groups there was 94.8% and 90% survival of the WL and broilers respectively. Compared to the 2.2-HVT vaccinated groups, WL in the COBRA-HVT vaccinated group shed significantly lower mean viral titers by the cloacal route and broilers shed significantly lower titers by the oropharyngeal route than broilers. Virus titers detected in oral and cloacal swabs were otherwise similar among both vaccine groups and chicken types. To assess antibody-based tests to identify birds that have been infected after vaccination (DIVA-VI), sera collected after the challenge were tested with enzyme-linked lectin assay-neuraminidase inhibition (ELLA-NI) for N1 neuraminidase antibody detection and by commercial ELISA for detection of antibodies to the NP protein. As early as 7 days post challenge (DPC) 100% of the chickens were positive by ELLA-NI. ELISA was less sensitive with a maximum of 75% positive at 10DPC in broilers vaccinated with 2.2-HVT. Both vaccines provided protection from challenge to both types of chickens and ELLA-NI was sensitive at identifying antibodies to the challenge virus therefore should be evaluated further for DIVA-VI.
Synthesis of Formic Acid Catalyzed and Cyclized Novel Modified Route for N,7-diphenyl-7H-benzo[7,8]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-8-amine Derivatives and Study of their Antimicrobial Profile
Authors: Bhola Y. , Dodeja K. , Dholaria P. , Naliapara Y.
Published: July 2024

A new series of N,7-diphenyl-7H-benzo[7,8]chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-8-amine derivatives was synthesized using formic acid as catalyzed and solvent. The structures of new derivatives were confirmed by the spectral data and elemental analyses. Moreover, antimicrobial and antifungal activities has been carryout using S. aureus, S. pyogenes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, A. niger and drugs nystatin, greseofulvin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol for all the present compounds.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Thiopyrimidine-Glucuronide Compounds with Promising Biological Activities
Authors: K. Wanare Rajendra
Published: July 2024

3-Methyl-5-acetyl-7-[(2-sulfanylidene-6-aryl-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)amino]-1,2-benzisoxazoles (2a-n) were obtained from N-(5-acetyl-3-methyl-1,2-benzoxazol-7-yl)-3-arylprop-2-enamides (1a-n) and thiourea. Products (2a-n) oxidized with KMnO4 to afford 5-acetyl-7-[(2-sulfanylidene-6-aryl-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)amino]-1,2-benzisoxazole-3-carboxylic acids (3a-n). Reaction of 3a-n with D-gluconic acid and pyridine yielded β-D-glucuronosyl-5-acetyl-7-[(2-sulfanylidene-6-aryl-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-4-yl)amino]-1,2-benzisoxazol-3-carboxylates (4a-n). The present synthesis featured the formation of dihydropyrimidine skeleton through ring closure of key intermediates and installation of pyrimidine ring with amino group. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by analytical data, IR, 1H NMR and mass spectrometry.
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Authors: Isaacs James
Published: July 2024

The rise of mobile trading applications (“MTAs”) has largely been facilitated by the Financial Conduct Authority's (“FCA”) competition mandate and has democratized access to financial markets. However, the increased competition has led MTAs to deepen gamification techniques, ultimately encouraging impulsive trading behaviour amongst retail investors. This article examines how gamification, coupled with social media influence, poses significant financial risks, including market volatility and systemic risk. It suggests a proactive regulatory approach, emphasizing investor education to mitigate risks. While such efforts can reduce risks, they cannot eliminate them entirely and as such, the FCA faces a crossroads in how they wish to deal with their competing mandates of competition and consumer protection.