bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The novel circSLC6A6/miR-1265/C2CD4A axis promotes colorectal cancer growth by suppressing p53 signaling pathway
Authors: Rong Zeyin , Luo Zai , Fu Zhongmao , Zhang Pengshan , Li Tengfei , Zhang Jianming , Zhu Zhonglin , Yu Zhilong , Li Qi , Qiu Zhengjun , Huang Chen
Published: October 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, further researches are required to identify novel and more effective diagnoses and to identify molecular targets in treatment of CRC.

Methods

C2CD4A expression in CRC tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The biological functions of C2CD4A were performed both in vitro and in vivo. Western blot, cDNA array, IP-MS, Co-immunoprecipitation assay, and Ubiquitination assay were used to analyze the interaction between C2CD4A and p53. Bioinformatics analysis, FISH, RNA sequencing, luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and rescue experiments, were deployed to detect upstream regulation mechanism of C2CD4A.

Results

C2CD4A was elevated in CRC tissues compared with adjacent normal colorectal tissues. C2CD4A knockdown significantly promoted cell apoptosis and with inhibited proliferation in vitro, and tumorigenicity in vivo, whereas C2CD4A overexpression led to opposite effects. Moreover, circSLC6A6 was upregulated and shown to positively regulate C2CD4A expression via sponging miR-1265. Fundamentally, C2CD4A inhibited p53 signaling pathway through interacting with p53 and increasing its ubiquitination and degradation.

Conclusion

Our results identified that circSLC6A6/miR-1265/C2CD4A axis, which was involved in CRC via the p53 signaling pathway, may serve as a therapeutic target for CRC.
Redressing the interactions between stem cells and immune system in tissue regeneration
Authors: Fang Jiankai , Feng Chao , Chen Wangwang , Hou Pengbo , Liu Zhanhong , Zuo Muqiu , Han Yuyi , Xu Chenchang , Melino Gerry , Verkhratsky Alexei , Wang Ying , Shao Changshun , Shi Yufang
Published: October 2021

Skeletal muscle has an extraordinary regenerative capacity reflecting the rapid activation and effective differentiation of muscle stem cells (MuSCs). In the course of muscle regeneration, MuSCs are reprogrammed by immune cells. In turn, MuSCs confer immune cells anti-inflammatory properties to resolve inflammation and facilitate tissue repair. Indeed, MuSCs can exert therapeutic effects on various degenerative and inflammatory disorders based on their immunoregulatory ability, including effects primed by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). At the molecular level, the tryptophan metabolites, kynurenine or kynurenic acid, produced by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), augment the expression of TNF-stimulated gene 6 (TSG6) through the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). In addition, insulin growth factor 2 (IGF2) produced by MuSCs can endow maturing macrophages oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-dependent anti-inflammatory functions. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of the immunomodulatory characteristics of MuSCs and the issues related to their potential applications in pathological conditions, including COVID-19.
Dose reduction of the new generation biologics (IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors) in psoriasis: study protocol for an international, pragmatic, multicenter, randomized, controlled, non-inferiority study—the BeNeBio study
Authors: van der Schoot Lara S. , van den Reek Juul M. P. A. , Grine Lynda , Schots Lisa , Kievit Wietske , Lambert Jo L. W. , de Jong Elke M. G. J.
Published: October 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease for which biologics are effective treatments. Dose reduction (DR) of the first generation biologics seems a promising way for more efficient use of expensive biologics. A substantial part of patients on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alfa inhibitors and ustekinumab could successfully lower their dose, after following a tightly controlled DR strategy. The objective of this study is to assess whether controlled DR of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 inhibitors in psoriasis patients with low disease activity is non-inferior (NI) to usual care (UC).

Methods

This is an international, prospective, multicenter, pragmatic, randomized, non-inferiority trial. A total of 244 patients with stable low disease activity (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≤ 5) for at least 6 months and using secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab, guselkumab, risankizumab, or tildrakizumab in the standard dose, together with stable low disease activity, defined as a PASI ≤ 5 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) ≤ 5 at the moment of inclusion, will be randomized 2:1 to DR or UC. In the DR group, dosing intervals will be prolonged stepwise to achieve 66% and 50% of the original dose. Disease activity is monitored every 3 months by PASI and DLQI. In case of disease flare (i.e., PASI and/or DLQI increase), treatment is adjusted to the previous effective dose. The primary outcome is the incidence proportion of persistent flares (PASI > 5 for ≥ 3 months), which will be compared between arms. Secondary outcomes include proportion of patients with successful DR, (course of) PASI and DLQI, serious adverse events (SAEs), health-related quality of life, costs, and pharmacokinetic profile. Outcomes of DR will be compared to UC.

Discussion

With this study, we aim to assess whether DR of IL-17 and IL-23 inhibiting biologics can be achieved for psoriasis patients with low disease activity, without losing disease control. Reducing the dose may lead to more efficient use of biologics.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04340076. Registered on April 9 2020.
The effect of microwave stabilization on the properties of whole wheat flour and its further interpretation by molecular docking
Authors: Qu Chenling , Yang Qiankui , Ding Lina , Wang Xueke , Liu Shengqiang , Wei Min
Published: October 2021

In order to stabilize the whole wheat flour and extend its shelf life, microwave was employed to heat the wheat bran to inactivate the lipase in this paper. The effects of microwave heating of wheat bran on the lipase activities, gluten properties, dough properties and storage stability of the stabilized whole wheat flour, and the quality of steamed bread made of stabilized whole wheat flour were investigated. Furthermore, molecular docking was applied to interpret the mechanism. The results showed that microwave can reduce lipase activity, maintain the quality of whole wheat flour dough and steamed bread, and retard rancidity. The molecular docking results displayed that the conformation of the amino acids chains near the lipase catalytic center changed, which made the substrate difficult to enter the catalytic center and prevented the hydrolysis of the fat substrate.
Comprehensive evaluation for the one-pot biosynthesis of butyl acetate by using microbial mono- and co-cultures
Authors: Lv Yang , Jiang Yujia , Lu Jiasheng , Gao Hao , Dong Weiliang , Zhou Jie , Zhang Wenming , Xin Fengxue , Jiang Min
Published: October 2021

Background

Butyl acetate has shown wide applications in food, cosmetics, medicine, and biofuel sectors. These short-chain fatty acid esters can be produced by either chemical or biological synthetic process with corresponding alcohols and acids. Currently, biosynthesis of short chain fatty acid esters, such as butyl butyrate, through microbial fermentation systems has been achieved; however, few studies regarding biosynthesis of butyl acetate were reported.

Results

In this study, three proof-of-principle strategies for the one-pot butyl acetate production from glucose through microbial fermentation were designed and evaluated. (1) 7.3 g/L of butyl acetate was synthesized by butanol-producing Clostridium acetobutylicum NJ4 with the supplementation of exogenous acetic acid; (2) With the addition of butanol, 5.76 g/L of butyl acetate can be synthesized by acetate-producing Actinobacillus succinogenes130z (ΔpflA); (3) Microbial co-culture of C. acetobutylicum NJ4 and A. succinogenes130z (ΔpflA) can directly produce 2.2 g/L of butyl acetate from glucose by using microbial co-culture system with the elimination of precursors. Through the further immobilization of A. succinogenes130z (ΔpflA), butyl acetate production was improved to 2.86 g/L.

Conclusion

Different microbial mono- and co-culture systems for butyl acetate biosynthesis were successfully constructed. These strategies may be extended to the biosynthesis of a wide range of esters, especially to some longer chain ones.
Severe re-expansion pulmonary edema despite incomplete re-expansion of the lung: a case report
Authors: Zabielna Alicja
Published: October 2021

Background

Re-expansion pulmonary edema is a rare but potentially fatal (mortality up to 20%) complication of the rapid removal of air, fluid, or other space-occupying lesion from the pleural cavity. This case report highlights the fact that this complication is much more likely to occur when treating large, chronic pneumothoraces, and can occur even if the lung fails to fully re-expand.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old white British man presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of shortness of breath 5 days prior to admission. A left-sided pneumothorax was suspected on clinical examination, and chest X-ray confirmed a large, left-sided pneumothorax. A 12 French gauge chest drain was inserted and connected to an underwater seal. Shortly after insertion of the drain, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly with tachypnea and severe hypoxemia. A diagnosis of re-expansion pulmonary edema was made, and the patient was treated with high-flow oxygen and continuous positive airways pressure.

Conclusions

This case report serves as a reminder of the morbidity and potential mortality associated with a commonly performed medical procedure, and reveals a lack of clear and precise guidance on the management of large, chronic (> 72 hours) pneumothoraces in the current British Thoracic Society pleural disease guidelines.
PSENet-based efficient scene text detection
Authors: Liao Guanglong , Zhu Zhongjie , Bai Yongqiang , Liu Tingna , Xie Zhibo
Published: October 2021

Text detection is a key technique and plays an important role in computer vision applications, but efficient and precise text detection is still challenging. In this paper, an efficient scene text detection scheme is proposed based on the Progressive Scale Expansion Network (PSENet). A Mixed Pooling Module (MPM) is designed to effectively capture the dependence of text information at different distances, where different pooling operations are employed to better extract information of text shape. The backbone network is optimized by combining two extensions of the Residual Network (ResNet), i.e., ResNeXt and Res2Net, to enhance feature extraction effectiveness. Experimental results show that the precision of our scheme is improved more than by 5% compared with the original PSENet.
Kuratowski MNC method on a generalized fractional Caputo Sturm–Liouville–Langevin q-difference problem with generalized Ulam–Hyers stability
Authors: Boutiara Abdelatif , Benbachir Maamar , Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram
Published: October 2021

In this work, we consider a generalized quantum fractional Sturm–Liouville–Langevin difference problem with terminal boundary conditions. The relevant results rely on Mönch’s fixed point theorem along with a theoretical method by terms of Kuratowski measure of noncompactness (MNC) and the Banach contraction principle (BCP). Furthermore, two dynamical notions of Ulam–Hyers (UH) and generalized Ulam–Hyers (GUH) stability are addressed for solutions of the supposed Sturm–Liouville–Langevin quantum boundary value problem (q-FBVP). Two examples are presented to show the validity and also the effectiveness of theoretical results. In the last part of the paper, we conclude our exposition with some final remarks and observations.
The new normal of web camera theft on campus during COVID-19 and the impact of anti-theft signage
Authors: Chernoff William A.
Published: October 2021

Objective

The opportunity for web camera theft increased globally as institutions of higher education transitioned to remote learning during COVID-19. Given the thousands of cameras currently installed in classrooms, many with little protection, the present study tests the effectiveness of anti-theft signage for preventing camera theft.

Methods

Examined web camera theft at a southern, public university located in the United States of America by randomly assigning N = 104 classrooms to receive either anti-theft signage or no signage. Camera theft was analyzed using Blaker’s exact test.

Results

Classrooms not receiving anti-theft signage (control) were 3.42 times more likely to exhibit web camera theft than classrooms receiving anti-theft signage (medium effect size).

Conclusions

Using classrooms as the unit of analysis presents new opportunities for not only future crime prevention experiments, but also improving campus safety and security. Also, preventing web camera theft on campus is both fiscally and socially responsible, saving money and ensuring inclusivity for remote learners.
Development of the pharmacogenomics and genomics literacy framework for pharmacists
Authors: Rahma Azhar T. , Elbarazi Iffat , Ali Bassam R. , Patrinos George P. , Ahmed Luai A. , Elsheik Mahanna , Al-Maskari Fatma
Published: October 2021

Background

Pharmacists play a unique role in integrating genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics into the clinical practice and to translate pharmacogenomics from bench to bedside. However, the literature suggests that the knowledge gap in pharmacogenomics is a major challenge; therefore, developing pharmacists’ skills and literacy to achieve this anticipated role is highly important. We aim to conceptualize a personalized literacy framework for the adoption of genomic medicine and pharmacogenomics by pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates with possible regional and global relevance.

Results

A qualitative approach using focus groups was used to design and to guide the development of a pharmacogenomics literacy framework. The Health Literacy Skills framework was used as a guide to conceptualize the pharmacogenomics literacy for pharmacists. The framework included six major components with specific suggested factors to improve pharmacists’ pharmacogenomics literacy. Major components include individual inputs, demand, skills, knowledge, attitude and sociocultural factors.

Conclusion

This framework confirms a holistic bottom-up approach toward the implementation of pharmacogenomics. Personalized medicine entails personalized efforts and frameworks. Similar framework can be created for other healthcare providers, patients and stakeholders.
Accelerated ageing of paper: effect of lignin content and humidity on tensile properties
Authors: Małachowska Edyta , Dubowik Marcin , Boruszewski Piotr , Przybysz Piotr
Published: October 2021

Paper degradation menaces the useful lifetime of books, manuscripts, and works on paper during storage, circulation, and display in libraries, archives, and museums. Severe damages such as embrittlement, decay, and mold often occur to the paper that might threaten to lose cultural heritage. However, the shelf life of papers stored in suitable conditions can be extended by hundreds of years. The most important external factors affecting the deterioration of paper-based materials include, in particular, changes in temperature and air humidity. In this study, the effects of accelerated aging under different conditions, including substantially different relative humidity, were considered relative to the strength properties of the paper sheets. These include the mechanical strength, such as breaking length, tear resistance, and bursting strength of the paper samples before and after dry heat aging and hydrothermal aging. Samples with various content of lignin produced in neutral pH were examined to exclude the adverse influence of acidity on paper properties. The results indicate that impact of moisture on tensile properties and pH-value of paper is much greater than the effect of increased temperature. The results of this work are intended to consolidate and expand the theoretical foundation and provide technical support for the conservators and library staff on the storage of paper cultural relics.
Machine learning-based identification of patients with a cardiovascular defect
Authors: Louridi Nabaouia , Douzi Samira , El Ouahidi Bouabid
Published: October 2021

Cardiovascular diseases had been for a long time one of the essential medical problems. As indicated by the World Health Association, heart ailments are at the highest point of ten leading reasons for death. Correct and early identification is a vital step in rehabilitation and treatment. To diagnose heart defects, it would be necessary to implement a system able to predict the existence of heart diseases. In the current article, our main motivation is to develop an effective intelligent medical system based on machine learning techniques, to aid in identifying a patient’s heart condition and guide a doctor in making an accurate diagnosis of whether or not a patient has cardiovascular diseases. Using multiple data processing techniques, we address the problem of missing data as well as the problem of imbalanced data in the publicly available UCI Heart Disease dataset and the Framingham dataset. Furthermore, we use machine learning to select the most effective algorithm for predicting cardiovascular diseases. Different metrics, such as accuracy, sensitivity, F-measure, and precision, were used to test our system, demonstrating that the proposed approach significantly outperforms other models.
The impact of virtual reality meditation on college students’ exam performance
Authors: Kaplan-Rakowski Regina , Johnson Karen R. , Wojdynski Tomasz
Published: October 2021

Advocates of meditation claim that it can improve various aspects of life, including health, attention, thinking, and learning. The purpose of this empirical, quantitative, between-subject study was twofold. First, it compared the effectiveness of meditation delivered through virtual reality versus video, as measured by students’ test scores. Second, the study provided insights on the use of meditation, whether via virtual reality or video, as a way to positively affect well-being.T-test analysis showed virtual reality meditation to be significantly more beneficial than video meditation. Students reported that meditation techniques delivered using either medium to be helpful in decreasing their pre-exam anxiety. This study has practical implications and offers evidence on the beneficial impact of VR meditation on students’ exam performance and anxiety levels.
Mathematics self-concept and challenges of learners in an online learning environment during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bringula Rex , Reguyal Jon Jester , Tan Don Dominic , Ulfa Saida
Published: October 2021

In this mixed-methods research, the relationship between four factors of individual online learners and their mathematics self-concept was explored. In addition, the challenges the students faced in learning mathematics online during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic were determined. The participant students were from two mathematics classes offered online during the summer of 2020. Pure online classes were first offered during this period because face-to-face learning sessions were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that students owned the devices they were using for online classes. Internet connection and power interruption were the most problematic aspects of online learning. Students had positive as well as negative mathematics online learning self-concepts. Individual factors were partly related to mathematics self-concept. Qualitative data shows that students faced technological, personal, domestic, assessment, pedagogical, consultation, and test anxiety challenges. Implications and recommendations for teaching mathematics in an online environment are offered.
Evaluation of regenerated cartilage using T2 mapping methods after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy with microfracture at the cartilage defect: a preliminary study
Authors: Iida Ken , Hashimoto Yusuke , Nishida Yohei , Yamasaki Shinya , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study evaluated the regenerated cartilage after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) with concomitant microfracture by second-look arthroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping. It was hypothesised that cartilage regeneration can be achieved by HTO, but the quality of regenerated cartilage is not normal cartilage.

Methods

OWHTO was performed in eight knees of seven patients (mean age, 57.6 ± 5.2 years). Microfracture for the cartilage defect was performed followed by OWHTO, and second-look arthroscopy was performed at the time of plate removal (14.1 ± 4.5 months after OWHTO). MRI was assessed at three months and one year after surgery. The status of articular cartilage regeneration was assessed by the ICRS grade, MOCART score and T2 value.

Results

The number of subjects in ICRS grade 1/2/3/4 changed significantly from 0/0/4/4 preoperatively to 0/2/6/0 postoperatively in the medial femoral condyle (MFC) (P < 0.05) and 0/0/0/8 preoperatively to 0/0/7/1 postoperatively in the medial tibial plateau (MTP) (P < 0.05). Mean MOCART scores for MFC and MTP at one year after surgery exhibited significant increases compared with the results at three months after surgery. Mean T2 values for MFC and MTP did not differ at three months and one year after surgery.

Conclusion

The appearance and morphological evaluation by ICRS grade and MOCART score of regenerated cartilage were improved after OWHTO with concomitant microfracture. However, there were no significant qualitative differences in T2 values. This suggests that the regenerated cartilage tissue was likely to be insufficient cartilage.

Level of evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Choroidal thickness in relation to urinary albumin excretion rate in type 2 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy
Authors: Ashour Doaa Maamoun , El-Shazly Amany Abd El-Fattah , Abdelgawad Randa Hesham Ali , Saleh Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: October 2021

Background

To evaluate choroidal thickness (CT) in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR) in relation to the urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER).

Methods

This is a prospective case-control study that included a consecutive sample of 120 patients with type 2 diabetes without clinically evident DR and a group of 60 matched healthy controls. Diabetic patients were included in two groups according to their UAER (normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria). Complete ophthalmological examination was performed followed by optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for retinal and choroidal assessment. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected for UAER and blood samples for HbA1c and serum creatinine were obtained.

Results

The study included 180 eyes from 180 subjects in three groups. Patients with higher levels of albuminuria had a thinner choroid than normal controls, with decremental thinning as albuminuria progressed. Diabetics with normoalbuminuria showed no significant differences from controls. Choroidal thickness showed a significant moderate negative correlation with UAER (r  =  − 0.58, p  <  0.001). Multiple regression analyses for diabetic patients with microalbuminuria demonstrated that UAER is the most important determinant of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (p  <  0.001).

Conclusions

Decreased CT was significantly correlated with UAER in diabetic patients without retinopathy and otherwise normal kidney functions. This decrease in thickness might be a predictor of DR.
Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the management of refractory bilateral bronchial dehiscence after lung transplant: a case report
Authors: Tani Makiko
Published: October 2021

Background

Bronchial dehiscence is a life-threatening complication after lung transplant. If it is not treated by placement of stent or reanastomosis, the chance of survival will depend on the availability of a new graft. However, retransplant is not a practical management option in Japan, where waiting time for lung transplant is extensive. We described a case of refractory bilateral bronchial dehiscence managed by veno-venous extracorporeal oxygenation membrane (VV ECMO) while allowing the dehiscence to heal.

Case presentation

A 25-year-old man with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension underwent a bilateral lung transplant. The patient developed bilateral bronchial dehiscence. Open reanastomosis was not successful, and air leakage recurred under low positive pressure ventilation. VV ECMO was established to maintain oxygenation with spontaneous breathing until both dehiscence were closed by adhesions.

Conclusion

In a patient with refractory bilateral bronchial dehiscence, VV ECMO may provide bronchial rest and serve as a bridge therapy to recovery.
High-resolution neuromuscular ultrasound-based diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in a sample of Egyptian population
Authors: ElSadek Ahmed , Fathy Mai , AbdElMoneim Amr
Published: October 2021

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the commonest entrapment neuropathy. The cut-off point of cross-sectional area to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome may vary among populations. The objective of this study was to determine the best cut-off point of median nerve cross-sectional area to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome among Egyptian population and to compare the difference of median nerve cross-sectional area in diabetic patients versus healthy individuals.

Results

Mean cross-sectional area was 7.78 ± 1.260 mm2 among healthy individuals and 8 ± 1.018 mm2 among diabetics. Cut-off cross-sectional area of median nerve above which compression is anticipated is 9.5 mm2.

Conclusion

Ultrasound can be used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by measuring the median nerve cross-sectional area.
Multidetector computed tomography for patients with congenital heart disease: a multi-center registry from Africa and Middle East; patients’ characteristics and procedural safety
Authors: Ezzeldin Dina Adel , Hafez Mohamed Saber , Mansour Amr
Published: October 2021

Background

We aimed to establish a clinical registry for patients with congenital heart disease who referred to multidetector computed tomography in our country, to describe the pattern and clinical profile of such patients and document the safety and efficacy of the procedure in our daily practice.

Results

A total 2310 studies were analyzed after excluding studies with missed, and lost data. Half of our study population—1215 patients—52.5% were males. The median age of the patients was 12 months (IQR 37 months), and the youngest patient was 3 days old. The eldest patient was 50 years old. 68.27% of the patients were less than 2 years old, and two-third of the whole studied population 66.7% had cyanotic heart disease. Minor local access complications, complications related to anesthetic drugs, and allergic reactions were the most commonly encountered complications, with only single mortality mainly due to multiple associated multisystem congenital malformation.

Conclusions

Most of our patients with congenital heart disease referred for MDCT study were infants and young children. The majority of them had complex cyanotic heart disease. The study is safe, with excellent diagnostic yield and safe with very low incidence of complications.
Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir safety and efficacy for HCV patients with haemodialysis and liver cirrhosis: a small retrospective study
Authors: Boushi Ebtisam , Cheha Khaled , Hedar Noha , Almokdad Rasha , Alassi Mohammed Waleed , Kakaje Ameer
Published: October 2021

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a high prevalent disease. Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) can successfully treat HCV and it was until recently that SOF/LDV was approved by the FDA in haemodialysis patients, but not in patients with liver cirrhosis. This study reports patients on haemodialysis and compensated liver cirrhosis who used this regiment. This is a retrospective study on patients who were on haemodialysis and used SOF/LDV for HCV treatment in one secondary health care facility (a hospital). Treatment consisted of 400g SOF and of 90g LDV once daily. Patients were assessed for HCV RNA at the end of treatment after 12 weeks and after 24 weeks for patients. New symptoms were also assessed.

Results

Our sample contained 16 males and 5 females with a mean age of 40.9 years. Nineteen patients had no cirrhosis of the liver, and the other two had clinical and radiological cirrhosis and had Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) type B. Full follow-up was for only 20 patients and they all had HCV resolved as one patient had died from a stroke. Other factors were assessed such as HCV genotypes, but treatment had the same results with no difference in symptoms development (p>0.05). Twelve patients had HCV genotype 1, eight patients had HCV genotype 4, and one patient had HCV genotype 5.

Conclusion

Despite the small sample size, SOF/LDV combination is suggested to be effective in patients on haemodialysis and who had compensated cirrhosis and CTP type B without the need of dose adjustment or increase duration of treatment, and there were no major complications overall.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of ethyl acetate root bark extract of Strychnos innocua (Delile)
Authors: Ibrahim Hamisu , Uttu Ahmed Jibrin , Sallau Muhammad Sani , Iyun Ogunkemi Risikat Agbeke
Published: October 2021

Background

Majority of phytochemicals have been known to bear valuable therapeutic activities such as insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, anticonstipative, spasmolytic, antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities. Strychnos innocua is straight-stemmed tree belonging to the family Loganiaceae and can grow up to 18 m tall. The plant is used for various pharmacological purposes. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract of root bark of S. innocua using GC–MS analysis. The root bark was collected, air-dried and then crushed to powder. Standard extraction method (maceration) was used to obtain the ethyl acetate extract. The GC–MS was carried out on the extract using GC 7890B, MSD 5977A, Agilent Tech.

Results

Thirty-seven compounds were identified among which dibutyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate showed the highest peak area (31.03%) and monomethyl pimelate showed the lowest peak area (0.39%). The major compounds identified were cyclooctane (methoxymethoxy), 2,4-dimethylheptanedioic acid dimethyl ester, azelaic acid, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester, dibutyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate, butyl 8-methylnonyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate, 9,15-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, cis-vaccenic acid, linoleic acid ethyl ester and ethyl oleate.

Conclusions

In conclusion, these phytoconstituents might be responsible for the medicinal efficacy of the root bark of S. innocua and can be used as a source therapeutic drug.
Images of Tigers in Late Chosŏn Stories: In Relation to the Ecological Crisis of Chosŏn Tigers
Authors: Kim Youme , Kim Kyungmi
Published: October 2021

This study examines the images of tigers in late Chosŏn stories as they relate to ecological changes during the late Chosŏn period. As a popular literary topic, tigers have held various and sometimes conflicting roles, ranging from Heaven’s sacred agents to brutal beasts. The increase in human population and the expansion of farmland caused the loss of tigers’ habitats and narrowed their food sources, which eventually increased tiger-human encounters and intensified state-led tiger extermination policies. This study shows that the images of tigers generally shifted from formidable and mysterious beings to controllable, wounded, and even obedient animals over time. The frequent descriptions of tigers killed by women, tigers asking for people’s help, and porridge-eating tigers in late Chosŏn stories reflect people’s modified view of tigers, even though actual tigers remained a threat during that period. A consideration of the ecological factors depicted in tiger stories over time suggests that changes in the societal point of view regarding these animals impact how tigers’ characters were portrayed.
Ambiguous Founding Father: Tan’gun as a Korean-Japanese God
Authors: Kim Nuri
Published: October 2021

Although Tan’gun, Korea’s mythical founding father, is often depicted as an undisputed symbol of Korean nationalism, this article sheds light on a more complex history in which Tan’gun stands at the center of contesting forces and ambiguous understandings. In fact, besides his nationalist deployment, he was also mobilized as a symbol of Korean-Japanese affinity, which, in turn, was based on centuries of Japanese engagements with the mythical progenitor. As a more cosmopolitan conceptualization of Tan’gun obtained imperialist dimensions in the early twentieth century, it also interacted with and stimulated Korean nationalist utilizations of the founding father. By investigating Tan’gun’s “other” history, this article complicates our understanding of how the figure of Tan’gun evolved into the prime symbol of Korean nationalism and how Koreans negotiated their historical identity within the Japanese empire.
Ανάπτυξη εννοιολογικού ολιστικού μοντέλου για την ενσωμάτωση των ΤΠΕ στο δημοτικό σχολείο
Authors: Λαγού Αικατερίνη
Published: October 2021

Οι μεταβολές που επέφερε η ανάπτυξη και η εξέλιξη των Τεχνολογιών της Πληροφορίας και των Επικοινωνιών (ΤΠΕ), σε κοινωνικοοικονομικό, επιστημονικό και τεχνολογικό επίπεδο, σε συνδυασμό με την ταχύτατη παλαίωση της γνώσης, επιδρούν καθοριστικά στην επιστημολογική οπτική για την ουσία της γνώσης και οδήγησαν στην ανάγκη ουσιαστικής ενσωμάτωσης των ΤΠΕ στα εκπαιδευτικά συστήματα και ειδικότερα στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο. Η έρευνα αυτή αποσκοπεί στην εμπειρική διερεύνηση των διαδικασιών ενσωμάτωσης των ΤΠΕ στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο στη χώρα μας και ειδικότερα στην κατασκευή ενός ολιστικού μοντέλου των παραγόντων που επιδρούν στη διαδικασία της ενσωμάτωσης των ΤΠΕ, εντός του κοινωνικού πλαισίου του Δημοτικού Σχολείου. Από την άποψη του θεωρητικού υπόβαθρου και των αντίστοιχων μεθοδολογικών επιλογών υιοθετείται μια ολιστική-πολυπαραγοντική προσέγγιση στην κατεύθυνση της σχολικής βελτίωσης (school improvement). Κατασκευάστηκε ένα θεωρητικό εννοιολογικό πλαίσιο των παραγόντων που εμπλέκονται στην ενσωμάτωση των ΤΠΕ στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο, με βάση τη σχετική βιβλιογραφία, συνεκτιμώντας τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά του Δημοτικού Σχολείου στη χώρα μας. Αυτό το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο ελέγχθηκε ερευνητικά, μέσω ποσοτικής έρευνας, με τη χρήση ενός κατάλληλου ερευνητικού εργαλείου (ερωτηματολόγιο), το οποίο κατασκευάστηκε από την ερευνήτρια. Η ανάλυση των ερευνητικών δεδομένων βασίστηκε στη στατιστική τεχνική της παραγοντικής ανάλυσης (Factor Analysis), ώστε να διερευνηθεί ο βαθμός προσαρμογής των ερευνητικών δεδομένων σε κάθε παράγοντα του θεωρητικού πλαισίου, προκειμένου να προκύψει ένα στατιστικά επικυρωμένο ολιστικό μοντέλο των παραγόντων, οι οποίοι επηρεάζουν άμεσα ή έμμεσα τη διαδικασία ενσωμάτωσης των ΤΠΕ στο Δημοτικό Σχολείο στη χώρα μας. Από τη διαδικασία αυτή κατασκευάστηκαν, επίσης, και οι αντίστοιχες κλίμακες μέτρησης για καθέναν από τους παράγοντες του ολιστικού μοντέλου. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας επιβεβαιώνουν την ισχύ του θεωρητικού-υποθετικού πλαισίου. Ωστόσο, όπως προκύπτει από τα ευρήματα της έρευνας οι παράγοντες που σχετίζονται με τα ατομικά χαρακτηριστικά των δασκάλων και ιδιαίτερα η επιμόρφωση σε θέματα παιδαγωγικής αξιοποίησης των ΤΠΕ, αναδεικνύεται ως ο σημαντικότερος παράγοντας του εμπειρικού μοντέλου. Η έννοια της ετοιμότητας του Δημοτικού Σχολείου για ενσωμάτωση των ΤΠΕ σχεδόν ταυτίζεται με τη χρήση των ΤΠΕ από τους δασκάλους, ενώ καταγράφεται η ανάγκη για βελτίωση των όρων και των προϋποθέσεων που σχετίζονται με τη σχολική βελτίωση και την εκπαιδευτική αλλαγή.
A ciberpublicidade presente na promoção da transparência na indústria da moda: uma análise da campanha #quemfezminhasroupas no Instagram
Authors: Danni Danielle Correia. N. Abreu , De Sousa Lacerda Juciano
Published: October 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar como marcas brasileiras ligadas ao universo da moda integraram a campanha, coordenada pelo movimento Fashion Revolution, #quemfezminhasroupas no Instagram. Para isso, foi feito um mapeamento da respectiva hashtag, durante o mês de abril de 2019 na rede social digital Instagram. Desse modo, através dessas postagens, foi possível refletir um pouco a respeito dos bastidores da cadeia produtiva da moda nacional. Nesse sentido, foi possível vislumbrar a partir das publicações encontradas, como as marcas cumpriram os objetivos da campanha #quemfezminhasroupas. Assim, foram encontradas 297 postagens que somaram 650 imagens, as quais foram submetidas à análises quantitativas e qualitativas. Portanto, após uma análise de conteúdo (Bardin, 2016) da respectiva hashtag, os resultados indicaram que as marcas estavam mais envolvidas em promover a interatividade, a relevância e a experiência (Atem et al., 2014) em detrimento dos principais objetivos da campanha #quemfezminhasroupas impulsionada pelo Fashion Revolution Brasil.
Una geografía de México en Netflix: recomendaciones automatizadas y diversidad de contenidos ofertados
Authors: SUED GABRIELA ELISA
Published: October 2021

Se presenta un estudio centrado en información brindada por usuarios sobre las lógicas automatizadas de recomendación de contenidos asociados a México en Netflix. Se propone determinar si estos contribuyen a la diversidad audiovisual, así como identificar los parámetros de la plataforma para efectuar recomendaciones. Mediante un instrumento basado en técnicas de auditoría algorítmica, se comprueba que las fuentes que se priorizan son de origen norteamericano, que los contenidos son poco diversos y se orientan según el género —femenino o masculino— de los usuarios, que la personalización es baja y que la audiencia presenta una alta aceptación a las recomendaciones, excepto en tematizaciones del narcotráfico y estereotipos de género.
Factores de riesgo biomecánico lumbar por manejo manual de cargas en el reparto de productos cárnicos
Authors: Ibarra Villanueva Carlos , Astudillo-Cornejo Pamela
Published: October 2021

Introducción: Identificar los factores de riesgo de trastornos musculoesqueléticos (TME) lumbares asociados al manejo manual (MMC) de productos cárnicos en las actividades de carga y descarga de camiones.

Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal con enfoque mixto, basado en el análisis ergonómico de la actividad de trabajo. Participaron los 4 trabajadores de los puestos de cargador y cargador-conductor. Se realizaron análisis cinemáticos y dinamométricos para determinar las fuerzas de compresión y cizallamiento y el riesgo biomecánico musculoesquelético en la zona lumbar. Se realizaron entrevistas y observaciones para analizar tareas y determinar los tiempos involucrados en cada operación, tipo de exposición y los determinantes de la actividad de trabajo.

Resultados: El contexto de trabajo es sumamente variable durante la carga y descarga del camión, considerando la variabilidad en cada punto de entrega las características de los estacionamientos, las condiciones climáticas, la presencia de animales y otros obstáculos durante el transporte manual de la carga. El MMC produce fuerzas sobre los 4000 N de compresión discal en los niveles L4-L5 y L5-S1, las fuerzas iniciales de empuje y arrastre fueron de 51.2 kg*f y 27.3 kg*f respectivamente, lo que evidencia el riesgo de TME. La actividad de trabajo está determinada por el tipo de jornada, la organización del reparto y la falta de medios mecánicos de apoyo para la carga y descarga de los camiones.

Conclusiones: Las tareas de MMC en esta industria son físicamente muy exigentes y mejorar estas condiciones de trabajo representa un desafío importante para la prevención.
Factores de Riesgo de Contagio de la Covid-19 en Personal Sanitario
Authors: Ciorba Ciorba Florin , Flores Benítez Javier , Hernandez Iglesias Raul , Inglés Torruella Joan , Olona Cabases Mª Montserrat
Published: October 2021

Objetivos: El personal sanitario se sitúa en la primera barrera en la lucha contra la Covid-19, constituyendo un colectivo con una alto riesgo de infección. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir los factores de riesgo asociados en una población de profesionales que trabajan en un consorcio sanitario que incluye diferentes centros relacionados con la atención a la salud.

Métodos: Estudio observacional analítico retrospectivo; población 2.620 trabajadores sanitarios; desde el inicio del Estado de Alarma en España (15/03/20) hasta 21/06/2020. Se calcula la asociación entre las variables independientes sexo, edad, años de antigüedad, categoría profesional y lugar de trabajo con la presencia de Covid-19 mediante la prueba Chi-Cuadrado y el cálculo de la Odds Ratio (OR) e intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC95%) simple y ajustado mediante Regresión Logística Múltiple. Límite de significación aceptado ≤0,05.

Resultados: El personal sanitario, en todas las categorías, presenta siempre más riesgo respecto al no sanitario. Enfermería mostró los riesgos más altos -OR:14,03 (3,19-61,66)-. En el lugar de trabajo, Hospitalización-Médico-Quirúrgica -OR:13,43 (1,7-106,12)- y Sociosanitario -OR:17,77 (2,19-144,04)- presentaron más riesgo respecto a los que no tienen contacto con pacientes.

Conclusión: El riesgo más elevado de contagio se presentó entre los profesionales que tienen mayor contacto con pacientes y en los lugares en los que se detectaron por PCR positivos para Covid-19 entre los pacientes ingresados por otras patologías, teniendo un riesgo mayor los profesionales que atienden estos pacientes que aquellos que atienden zonas destinadas a Covid-19.
Respuesta vacunal frente a SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de un hospital
Authors: Sabater Vidal Susana , Bellido-Cambrón Mª Carmen , Arnedo-Pena Alberto , Palomares-Gallego Mª Isabel , Larrea-González Rosa María , Carballido-Fernández Mario , Moreno-Muñoz Rosario
Published: October 2021

Introducción: Evaluar la inmunidad de los trabajadores de un hospital tras haber completado la vacunación Pfizer-BionTech, y su relación con factores individuales. También describir los efectos adversos de la vacuna.

Método: Estudio transversal de una muestra de los trabajadores del Hospital General Universitario de Castellón vacunados con dos dosis en enero y febrero de 2021. Un mes después se detectaron: anticuerpos IgG frente a la proteína N (IgG-NP), de IgM frente a la proteína S (IgM-S) y detección cuantitativa de IgG frente a la proteína S (IgG-Quant). Se utilizó un cuestionario para recoger datos demográficos, factores de riesgo y efectos secundarios. En el análisis estadístico se utilizaron modelos de regresión múltiple.

Resultados: La participación fue del 96,8% (275/284). Presentaron IgG-Quant el 99,6%, 14,9% IgM-S, y 4,4% IgG-NP. El nivel ajustado de IgG-Quant aumentó significativamente con la obesidad, en no fumadores y con positividad IgM-S y/o IgG-NP. La prevalencia de IgM-S era mayor en varones, y se asociaba con los mismos factores que la IgG-Quant. De los infectados por COVID-19, el 42,9% no presentaron IgG-NP. Un 86,5% sufrió algún efecto secundario que se asoció a tener IgG-NP, mayores niveles de IgG-Quant, y fue más frecuente en jóvenes y mujeres.

Conclusiones: Todos los participantes desarrollaron inmunidad humoral excepto uno. Tuvieron mayores niveles de anticuerpos los que habían padecido la COVID-19. Un porcentaje alto desarrolló efectos secundarios leves, más frecuentes en los que habían padecido la enfermedad.
Metodología para evaluar la exposición ocupacional a contaminantes químicos en altitud
Authors: Zamora Saa Margarita , Zamora-Saa Jilberto
Published: October 2021

Este artículo examina el actual método para evaluar la exposición a contaminantes químicos en altitud usando los Threshold Limit Value (TLV). Estos valores son establecidos para trabajos a nivel del mar en jornadas de 8 horas diarias y 40 horas semanales. Se analiza este problema aplicándolo a un grupo específico de mineros chilenos que trabaja sobre los 3000 m con jornadas excepcionales de 12 horas diarias. Se comparan dos alternativas para evaluar la exposición a contaminantes químicos: ajustes al TLV en altitud, y el cálculo de la dosis inhalada. Puesto que la ventilación por minuto es el parámetro fisiológico que cambia en altitud se propone y fundamenta como método de evaluación el cálculo de la dosis inhalada del contaminante químico.
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of cluster headache: a retrospective review of prescribing in England
Authors: Silver Nicholas , Bradley Carl , Stuckey Rebecca , Murphy Madeleine , Greenwood Fiona , Abdallah Angela , Weatherby Stuart , Lambru Giorgio , Ahmed Fayyaz , Liebler Eric , Edey Paul , Strickland Iain , Goadsby Peter
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims

Beginning in April 2019, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation was included in the NHS Innovation and Technology Payment programme. The programme guaranteed reimbursement of at least a 3-month course of treatment using gammaCore, through a prescription refill card, authorised by a headache specialist for patients with cluster headache who reported a clinically meaningful benefit. This study evaluated prescribing and refill trends to assess the use of gammaCore in England since the beginning of this programme.

Methods

Data regarding gammaCore prescriptions and refills from 1 April 2019 to 31 December 2020 were collected and tabulated. Patients were categorised into three groups: those who initiated gammaCore therapy under the programme (new starters), those who were prescribed ≥1 refill, and those who were prescribed ≥2 refills. One refill corresponds to 3 months of gammaCore therapy.

Results

In total, 52 NHS sites submitted 2092 prescriptions for gammaCore devices, including 655 for new starters. Among new starters, 46.3% received ≥1 refill and 30.9% received ≥2 refills. Those who started using gammaCore after its inclusion in the Innovation and Technology Payment programme received up to seven refills during the data collection period, representing 21 months of therapy.

Conclusions

This is one of the largest clinical audits of patients with cluster headache. Patients' continued use of gammaCore treatment through multiple 3-month refills in this audit suggests that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is efficacious, tolerable and practical for patients with cluster headache.
In good hands
Authors: Francis Emily
Published: October 2021

There have been transitions for the children in the last few months with new settings, classes and teachers. It is important to recognise that staff in early years settings also undergo transitions, Emily Francis addresses this with her team.
The wellbeing of leaders
Authors: Davis Emma
Published: October 2021

Leaders of early years settings have enormous responsibility and pressures, which have multiplied during the pandemic. What does this mean for the wellbeing of leaders and what actions can and should be taken?
The new Level 5
Authors: Bradbury Aaron
Published: October 2021

With its recent launch, Aaron Bradbury talks about the need to embrace the Level 5 early years lead practitioner apprenticeship. Believeing that we have a chance to support avenues into developing different structures to progress towards that graduate led workforce in the early years, once again.
A human rights approach to primary care
Authors: Halliwell Amanda
Published: October 2021

How should primary care providers promote equality and human rights? Amanda Halliwell reviews the Care Quality Commission's expectations
Parental leave across the world: How does it compare?
Authors: Roberts Delilah Kealy
Published: October 2021

While many countries still stick to traditional gender roles, with mothers entitled to more time on leave than fathers, some are challenging this norm. Are parenting roles across the world evolving?