bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Low-dose Spironolactone for Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Oiwa Ako , Hiwatashi Dai , Takeda Teiji , Miyamoto Takahide , Kawata Iori , Koinuma Masayoshi , Yamazaki Masanori , Komatsu Mitsuhisa
Published: March 2023

Context

Although adding spironolactone to renin-angiotensin system blockers reduces albuminuria in adults with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, it increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Objective

To assess whether a lower dose of spironolactone (12.5 mg/d) reduces the risk of hyperkalemia while maintaining its effect on reducing albuminemia.

Design

Multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial.

Setting

This study was conducted from July 2016 to November 2020 in ambulatory care at 3 diabetes medical institutions in Japan.

Patients

We enrolled 130 Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes and albuminuria (≥30 mg/gCre), estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2, and serum potassium level <5.0 mEq/L.

Interventions

The participants were randomly assigned to the spironolactone-administered and control groups.

Main outcome measures

Changes in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) from baseline over the 24-week interventional period.

Results

The spironolactone group showed a significant reduction in UACR from baseline (mean decrease, 103.47 ± 340.80 mg/gCre) compared with the control group, which showed an increased UACR (mean increase, 63.93 ± 310.14 mg/gCre; P = .0007, Wilcoxon rank-sum test and t test). Although the spironolactone group had a statistically significant increase in serum potassium levels, none of the participants had a potassium level ≥5.5 mEq/L at 24 weeks. Further, participants with a higher initial serum potassium level tended to have a smaller increase (estimate, −0.37, analysis of covariance).

Conclusions

Low-dose spironolactone administration reduced albuminuria without causing hyperkalemia. Spironolactone administration, the oldest known and most cost-effective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, at lower doses should be reconsidered.
Expanding the Phenotypic Spectrum of Kenny–Caffey Syndrome
Authors: Schigt Heidi , Bald Martin , van der Eerden Bram C J , Gal Lars , Ilenwabor Barnabas P , Konrad Martin , Levine Michael A , Li Dong , Mache Christoph J , Mackin Sharon , Perry Colin , Rios Francisco J , Schlingmann Karl Peter , Storey Ben , Trapp Christine M , Verkerk Annemieke J M H , Zillikens M Carola , Touyz Rhian M , Hoorn Ewout J , Hoenderop Joost G J , de Baaij Jeroen H F
Published: March 2023

Context

Kenny–Caffey syndrome (KCS) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by short stature, hypoparathyroidism, and electrolyte disturbances. KCS1 and KCS2 are caused by pathogenic variants in TBCE and FAM111A, respectively. Clinically the phenotypes are difficult to distinguish.

Objective

The objective was to determine and expand the phenotypic spectrum of KCS1 and KCS2 in order to anticipate complications that may arise in these disorders.

Methods

We clinically and genetically analyzed 10 KCS2 patients from 7 families. Because we found unusual phenotypes in our cohort, we performed a systematic review of genetically confirmed KCS cases using PubMed and Scopus. Evaluation by 3 researchers led to the inclusion of 26 papers for KCS1 and 16 for KCS2, totaling 205 patients. Data were extracted following the Cochrane guidelines and assessed by 2 independent researchers.

Results

Several patients in our KCS2 cohort presented with intellectual disability (3/10) and chronic kidney disease (6/10), which are not considered common findings in KCS2. Systematic review of all reported KCS cases showed that the phenotypes of KCS1 and KCS2 overlap for postnatal growth retardation (KCS1: 52/52, KCS2: 23/23), low parathyroid hormone levels (121/121, 16/20), electrolyte disturbances (139/139, 24/27), dental abnormalities (47/50, 15/16), ocular abnormalities (57/60, 22/23), and seizures/spasms (103/115, 13/16). Symptoms more prevalent in KCS1 included intellectual disability (74/80, 5/24), whereas in KCS2 bone cortical thickening (1/18, 16/20) and medullary stenosis (7/46, 27/28) were more common.

Conclusion

Our case series established chronic kidney disease as a new feature of KCS2. In the literature, we found substantial overlap in the phenotypic spectra of KCS1 and KCS2, but identified intellectual disability and the abnormal bone phenotype as the most distinguishing features.
Impaired Adipocyte SLC7A10 Promotes Lipid Storage in Association With Insulin Resistance and Altered BCAA Metabolism
Authors: Jersin Regine Å , Sri Priyanka Tallapragada Divya , Skartveit Linn , Bjune Mona S , Muniandy Maheswary , Lee-Ødegård Sindre , Heinonen Sini , Alvarez Marcus , Birkeland Kåre Inge , André Drevon Christian , Pajukanta Päivi , McCann Adrian , Pietiläinen Kirsi H , Claussnitzer Melina , Mellgren Gunnar , Dankel Simon N
Published: March 2023

Context

The neutral amino acid transporter SLC7A10/ASC-1 is an adipocyte-expressed gene with reduced expression in insulin resistance and obesity. Inhibition of SLC7A10 in adipocytes was shown to increase lipid accumulation despite decreasing insulin-stimulated uptake of glucose, a key substrate for de novo lipogenesis. These data imply that alternative lipogenic substrates to glucose fuel continued lipid accumulation during insulin resistance in obesity.

Objective

We examined whether increased lipid accumulation during insulin resistance in adipocytes may involve alter flux of lipogenic amino acids dependent on SLC7A10 expression and activity, and whether this is reflected by extracellular and circulating concentrations of marker metabolites.

Methods

In adipocyte cultures with impaired SLC7A10, we performed RNA sequencing and relevant functional assays. By targeted metabolite analyses (GC-MS/MS), flux of all amino acids and selected metabolites were measured in human and mouse adipose cultures. Additionally, SLC7A10 mRNA levels in human subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were correlated to candidate metabolites and adiposity phenotypes in 2 independent cohorts.

Results

SLC7A10 impairment altered expression of genes related to metabolic processes, including branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism, lipogenesis, and glyceroneogenesis. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, SLC7A10 inhibition increased fatty acid uptake and cellular content of glycerol and cholesterol. SLC7A10 impairment in SAT cultures altered uptake of aspartate and glutamate, and increased net uptake of BCAAs, while increasing the net release of the valine catabolite 3- hydroxyisobutyrate (3-HIB). In human cohorts, SLC7A10 mRNA correlated inversely with total fat mass, circulating triacylglycerols, BCAAs, and 3-HIB.

Conclusion

Reduced SLC7A10 activity strongly affects flux of BCAAs in adipocytes, which may fuel continued lipogenesis during insulin resistance, and be reflected in increased circulating levels of the valine-derived catabolite 3-HIB.
Hypothalamic PACAP/PAC1R Involvement in Feeding and Body Weight Regulation
Authors: Maunze Brian , Choi SuJean
Published: March 2023

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its cognate receptor PAC1R play key roles in energy balance. Central neuropeptide systems like PACAP are critical to the neuroendocrine system that regulates energy homeostasis in regions of the hypothalamus. A thorough investigation into central PACAP's influence on energy balance presents an opportunity to reveal putative causes of energy imbalance that could lead to obesity. In this review, we provide a brief overview of preclinical studies that have examined hypothalamic PACAP's influence on feeding behavior and metabolic regulation. Notably, due to the complexity and pleiotropic nature of the PACAP system, we highlight the need for a nuanced examination of PACAP signaling that utilizes a complex intersection of signaling circuitry in energy regulation that could ultimately offer insights to future therapeutic targets relevant for treating obesity.
The fire of evolution: energy expenditure and ecology in primates and other endotherms
Authors: McGrosky Amanda , Pontzer Herman
Published: March 2023

Total energy expenditure (TEE) represents the total energy allocated to growth, reproduction and body maintenance, as well as the energy expended on physical activity. Early experimental work in animal energetics focused on the costs of specific tasks (basal metabolic rate, locomotion, reproduction), while determination of TEE was limited to estimates from activity budgets or measurements of subjects confined to metabolic chambers. Advances in recent decades have enabled measures of TEE in free-living animals, challenging traditional additive approaches to understanding animal energy budgets. Variation in lifestyle and activity level can impact individuals’ TEE on short time scales, but interspecific differences in TEE are largely shaped by evolution. Here, we review work on energy expenditure across the animal kingdom, with a particular focus on endotherms, and examine recent advances in primate energetics. Relative to other placental mammals, primates have low TEE, which may drive their slow pace of life and be an evolved response to the challenges presented by their ecologies and environments. TEE variation among hominoid primates appears to reflect adaptive shifts in energy throughput and allocation in response to ecological pressures. As the taxonomic breadth and depth of TEE data expand, we will be able to test additional hypotheses about how energy budgets are shaped by environmental pressures and explore the more proximal mechanisms that drive intra-specific variation in energy expenditure.
Electrochemically Triggered Hole-Catalytic Benzylic Substitution Reaction at a Polymer Chain Containing β-O-4 Linkage
Authors: Izumiya Rumi , Atobe Mahito , Shida Naoki
Published: March 2023

Organic electrosynthesis enables clean, sustainable, and unique molecular transformations; however, its application to polymeric materials is restricted by their sterically demanding nature, which hinders quantitative electron transfer at the electrode surface. Herein, we report, for the first time, a hole-catalytic reaction triggered via anodic oxidation as a key strategy for achieving a high degree of electrochemical transformation in polymeric materials. Careful molecular and reaction design enabled hole-catalytic benzylic substitution, with an 88% degree of substitution, in a sterically hindered polymer, via an electrolytically generated radical cation. Mechanistic studies revealed that through-space delocalization of holes between neighboring aromatic systems contributes significantly to the stabilization of the radical cation species and intra-chain hole transfer. Thus, this study establishes hole catalysis as an effective strategy for the electrochemical transformation of polymers, which may aid the design of sustainable electrosynthetic strategies for functional macromolecules.
Περί πτώσεως του ανθρώπου και αινίγματος του κακού
Authors: Γούλας Βασίλειος
Published: March 2023

Ἡ ἐν λόγῳ μελέτη ἀσχολεῖται μὲ τὴν ἑρμηνευτικὴ ὀπτικὴ τοῦ Χρήστου Γιανναρᾶ ἀναφορικὰ μὲ τὸ θέμα τῆς πτώσης. Καὶ τοῦτο διότι αὐτὴ παρουσιάζει μιὰ ἰδιάζουσα πρωτοτυπία καὶ ταυτόχρονα θίγει ἕνα καίριο θέμα τὸ ὁποῖο ἐν πολλοῖς εἶναι λησμονημένο στὸν ὀρθόδοξο χῶρο, συνάμα δὲ καὶ ἐπιβαρυμένο μὲ μεγάλο ὄγκο ἀνεπεξέργαστων κοινοτοπιῶν. Ὀφείλουμε νὰ διευκρινίσουμε ἐξ ἀρχῆς ὅτι οἱ ὑπὸ συζήτηση θέσεις ποὺ ἀναπτύσσονται στὴν παροῦσα διατριβὴ δὲν ἀφοροῦν στὰ ἁμιγῶς θεολογικὰ δόγματα, ἤτοι στὸ χριστολογικὸ καὶ τὸ τριαδολογικό, δηλαδὴ στὸ εἶναι τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ στὴν κοσμολογία καὶ στὴν ἀνθρωπολογία· οἱ ὁποῖες ἰδομένες ὡς τέτοιες ἀδυνατοῦν ὅλως ἰδιαιτέρως σήμερα νὰ γίνουν ἀποδεκτὲς ὑπὸ τὸ φῶς τῶν νέων ἐπιστημονικῶν δεδομένων, τουλάχιστον, χωρὶς μιὰ ἀναστοχαστικὴ ἐπικαιροποίησή τους.
Quantum states in materials with complex topological electronic and magnetic structure
Authors: Κοσμά Αδαμαντία
Published: March 2023

Η σύνθετη τοπολογική ηλεκτρονική και μαγνητική δομή των υλικών είναι ένα πεδίο έρευνας που αποκτά όλο και μεγαλύτερη σημασία τα τελευταία χρόνια, λόγω της εφαρμογής του στο πεδίο της σπιντρονικής, με πιθανές προεκτάσεις στην πληροφορία της τεχνολογίας. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, κύριο στόχο αποτελεί η θεωρητική και υπολογιστική μελέτη φαινομένων μεταφοράς του σπιν σε τοπολογικές δομές. Οι προσομοιώσεις μας βασίζονται σε υπολογισμούς υλικών από πρώτες αρχές εφαρμόζοντας τη θεωρία ηλεκτρονικής σκέδασης. Αρχικά, επικεντρωνόμαστε στο φαινόμενο της ροπής στρέψης σπιν σε τοπολογικούς μονωτές εμπλουτισμένους με μαγνητικές προσμίξεις. Μελετούμε τη ροπή στρέψης σπιν που ασκείται στη μαγνητική ροπή σιδηρομαγνητικά συζευγμένων προσμίξεων, και συγκεκριμένα μετάλλων μετάβασης (Cr, Mn, Fe, και Co), στην επιφάνεια του τοπολογικού μονωτή Bi2Te3, ως απόκριση σε ηλεκτρικό ρεύματος στην επιφάνεια. Οι ιδιότητες σκέδασης των επιφανειακών καταστάσεων στις μαγνητικές προσμίξεις υπολογίζονται με τη μέθοδο Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) συναρτήσεων Green, ενώ οι υπολογισμοί της ροπής στρέψης σπιν πραγματοποιούνται συνδυάζοντας τα αποτελέσματα της KKR στην επιφάνεια Fermi και το ρυθμό σκέδασης με την ημικλασική γραμμικοποιημένη εξίσωση Boltzmann. Συζητάμε τη συσχέτιση της ροπής στρέψης σπιν με το ρεύμα σπιν, αναλύοντας τη συνεισφορά της ροής σπιν στη ροπή στρέψης σπιν στις προσμίξεις. Επιπλέον, εξετάζουμε πώς σχετίζεταιη ροπή στρέψης σπιν με την αντίσταση και την παραγωγή θερμότητας Joule. Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματά μας, τα συστήματα αυτά είναι ευνοϊκά για σπιντρονικές εφαρμογές. Ειδικότερα, προβλέπουμε ότι το σύστημα Mn/Bi2Te3 είναι το πλέον υποσχόμενο μεταξύ των συστημάτων που μελετήσαμε για εφαρμογές της ροπής στρέψης σπιν. Στη συνέχεια, επικεντρωνόμαστε στη μελέτη διδιάστατων μαγνητικών σκυρμιονίων, τα οποία είναι τοπολογικά σολιτόνια σε σιδηρομαγνητικά υμένια και τα οποία συμπεριφέρονται ως σωματίδια που δύνανται να σχηματιστούν, μεταφερθούν και ανιχνευθούν. Για τη μελέτη αυτή, βασιστήκαμε στη μέθοδο KKR και πραγματοποιήσαμε υπολογισμούς θεωρίας συναρτησιακού της μη συγγραμικής πυκνότητας σπιν για το σχηματισμό ευσταθών μαγνητικώνσκυρμιονίων σε υπέρλεπτα υμένια Pd/Fe/Ir(111). Κατόπιν, επιλύοντας την αυτοσυνεπή εξίσωση Boltzmann, εξετάζουμε το τοπολογικό φαινόμενο Hall, το οποίο προκαλείται από τη σκέδαση των ηλεκτρονίων σε συστήματα σκυρμιονίων. Η μελέτη του τοπολογικού φαινομένου Hall είναι θεμελιώδους σημασίας σε τέτοιου είδους συστήματα, καθώς το φαινόμενο αυτό αποτελεί μία από τις βασικές μεθόδους για την ανίχνευση μαγνητικών σκυρμιονίων. Παρουσιάζουμε την αντίσταση και τη γωνία Hall του συστήματος, και εξετάζουμε την εξάρτηση του τοπολογικού φαινομένου Hall από το βαθμό αταξίας του δείγματος, εισάγοντάς τον στους υπολογισμούς μας μέσω ενός επιπλέον όρου ηλεκτρονικής σκέδασης. Τα ευρήματά μας προβλέπουν μία ισχυρή εξάρτηση του τοπολογικού φαινομένου Hall από τοβαθμό αταξίας του δείγματος.
Η χρήση των τεχνητών νευρωνικών δικτύων για την εκτίμηση της εξωσωματικής λιθοτριψίας ως θεραπεία της λιθίασης του ουροποιητικού στη Θεσσαλία
Authors: Τσιτσιφλής Αθανάσιος
Published: March 2023

Η εξωσωματική λιθοτριψία (ESWL – Extracorporeal ShockWave Lithotripsy), κατά την οποία επιχειρείται κατακερματισμός των λίθων στο ουροποιητικό σύστημα με εξωτερικά μέσα (εφαρμογή κρουστικών κυμάτων) χωρίς χειρουργική πράξη, αποτελεί ιατρικό ορόσημο γενικότερα που έφερε επανάσταση στην Ουρολογία.Η εκτίμησή της ως μέθοδος επιλογής για τη θεραπεία της λιθίασης, σχεδιάστηκε στην παρούσα διατριβή να γίνει με την ανάπτυξη ενός τεχνητού νευρωνικού δικτύου. Για την πραγματοποίηση του στόχου καταγράφηκαν τα ιατρικά δεδομένα 716 ασθενών που υπεβλήθησαν σε εξωσωματική λιθοτριψία και από τα οποία προέκυψαν 2 βασικά χαρακτηριστικά: η εμφάνιση επιπλοκών στους ασθενείς με το πέρας της διαδικασίας (ασφάλεια μεθόδου) και η επιτυχία της λιθοτριψίας (αποτελεσματικότητα μεθόδου). Ως επιπλοκές της μεθόδου χαρακτηρίζονται η εμφάνιση πόνου ή φλεγμονής στον ασθενή. Η αποτελεσματικότητα της μεθόδου κρίνεται από τον επιτυχή θρυμματισμό του λίθου ή όχι.Τα ιατρικά δεδομένα των ασθενών συγκεντρώθηκαν και καταχωρήθηκαν σε βάση δεδομένων με τη βοήθεια της εφαρμογής MS Excel, από το αρμόδιο και εξειδικευμένο προσωπικό χειρισμού του εξοπλισμού του λιθοτρίπτη, στο χώρο λειτουργίας του μηχανήματος στο Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο Λάρισας, υπό την καθοδήγηση και επίβλεψη του ιατρικού προσωπικού, σε χρονικό ορίζοντα δεκαετίας. Στη συνέχεια μορφοποιήθηκαν, για τους σκοπούς της παρούσας διατριβής, προκειμένου να καταλήξουν σε μορφή επεξεργάσιμη από τα υπολογιστικά προγράμματα που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν. Η στατιστική ανάλυση στην οποία υποβλήθηκαν τα δεδομένα, κινήθηκε αρχικά στην κατεύθυνση της μονοπαραγοντικής τους ανάλυσης με στόχο την εύρεση πιθανών συσχετίσεων με το αποτέλεσμα. Στη συνέχεια έγινε πολυπαραγοντική ανάλυση μεταξύ των στατιστικά σημαντικών μεταβλητών και του αποτελέσματος. Ιδιαίτερη βαρύτητα δόθηκε στις μεταβλητές που έδειξαν συσχέτιση με το αποτέλεσμα. Για τη διαδικασία αυτή χρησιμοποιήθηκε το στατιστικό πακέτο SPSS.Τα δεδομένα εισήχθησαν σε τεχνητό νευρωνικό δίκτυο που σχεδιάστηκε για το σκοπό αυτό. Ένας μοναδικός αλγόριθμος γραμμένος σε περιβάλλον MATLAB, εκπαίδευσε το δίκτυο και στη συνέχεια το εκτίμησε, αφού προηγήθηκε κατηγοριοποίηση των ιατρικών δεδομένων των ασθενών. Η ίδια διαδικασία ακολουθήθηκε τόσο για την εκτίμηση της ασφάλειας όσο και για την εκτίμηση της αποτελεσματικότητας της εξωσωματικής λιθοτριψίας. Η συμπεριφορά του δικτύου αξιολογήθηκε και στις 2 περιπτώσεις, αρχικά με δεδομένα εισόδου το σύνολο των μεταβλητών και στη συνέχεια μόνο των στατιστικά σημαντικών μεταβλητών που προέκυψαν από τη στατιστική ανάλυση και έδειξαν ότι συσχετίζονται με το εκάστοτε αποτέλεσμα.Από τα αποτελέσματα εκπαίδευσης και εκτίμησης έγινε σαφές ότι το τεχνητό νευρωνικό δίκτυο μπορεί να δώσει αξιόλογα αποτελέσματα, κυρίως στην περίπτωση μεγάλου πλήθους δεδομένων στα οποία συμπεριλαμβάνονται οι στατιστικά σημαντικές μεταβλητές.
Prevalence of oral HPV among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Pune, India
Authors: Marbaniang Ivan , Joshi Samir , Borse Rohidas , Khaire Samir , Thakur Rahul , Deshpande Prasad , Kulkarni Vandana , Chavan Amol , Nimkar Smita , Mave Vidya
Published: March 2023

Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at an increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related head and neck cancers (HNCs). However, there is little data on the prevalence of oral HPV among PLHIV in India, limiting the planning of oral HPV preventive strategies.

Methods: We used cross-sectional data from an oral cancer screening study conducted at the antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre of Byramjee-Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College-Sassoon General Hospitals (BJGMC-SGH). PLHIV ≥21 years of age with no prior history of HNCs were enrolled. We determined the prevalence of high-risk oncogenic HPV (hrHPV) and low-risk non-oncogenic HPV (lrHPV) using real-time PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing. We used multinomial logistic regression to determine the prevalence ratios (PRs) of different sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioural predictors with hrHPV and lrHPV. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, sex, CD4 count and duration on ART.

Results: Of the 582 PLHIV enrolled, the median age was 40 years (IQR: 34–46) and 54% were male. More than a fourth (25.8%) had multiple sexual partners and 11% had given oral sex. Median CD4 counts were 510 cells/mm3 (IQR: 338–700). The prevalence of hrHPV was 4.5% and lrHPV was 3.4%. Of those with hrHPV, 77% had HPV16. There were no significant associations with any predictors for both lrHPV and hrHPV in adjusted analyses.

Conclusions: We found the prevalence of any oral HPV (hrHPV and lrHPV) to be 7.9% among PLHIV in India. Larger studies are required to better understand risk factors for oral HPV among Indian PLHIV.
Measuring students’ ability to identify core elements in a patient-centered consultation with a new tool comprising a questionnaire and a video consultation from general practice. Guidance for the learning process.
Authors: Jorgensen Merete , Thorsen Hanne , Siersma Volkert , Bang Christine
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Diverse ways to measure course effectiveness in medical education exist, but it takes time to have the results. The authors have developed a tool consisting of a questionnaire (DanOBS) combined with a test video consultation. The students watched a consultation video and completed a questionnaire about patient-centered elements before and after the course. This study aimed to evaluate the learning process for teachers and students with the DanOBS and a consultation video.

Method: Altogether 201 students from autumn 2019 were included in this study, assigned by the university to three general practice courses and six small study groups. After introducing the patient-centered consultation model on the first day of the course, the students watched a video consultation and completed the DanOBS online on their Mobile Phones. They watched the video and completed the questionnaire again on one of the last days of the course. The number of correct answers in each item was compared before and after the course. Furthermore, effect sizes for each item were calculated.

Results: The number of students completing the questionnaire before and after the course was 161. The number of correct answers increased after the course. Items where the teaching was a success, as well as items where it needs intensifying, were identified. The DanOBS instrument reflected the effect of strengthening the learning in some elements of the patient-centered mode.

Conclusion: A tool for measuring efficacy in teaching patient-centered consultation has been implemented and has given valuable information to teachers about where the students need intensified teaching. The tool can measure the effectiveness of various educational interventions.
The impact of aesthetic medicine procedures on patient comfort in life, physical activity and mental health
Authors: Karwańska Aleksandra , Kulbat Aleksandra , Matyka Kamila , Uniłowska Izabela , Kojder Ewa , Dolenha Arsen , Dovzhuk Yuliia , Ochał Justyna , Ferschke Anna , Szymczyk Aleksandra
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Aesthetic medicine procedures significantly affect the comfort of patient's lives, their amount of physical activity and mental health. Today, medicine serves not only to eliminate the consequences of diseases or their prevention, but also aesthetic considerations, which are directly related to the quality of life in general.

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on the impact of aesthetic medicine procedures on the comfort of patients' lives. 

Methods

Literature was searched in PubMed and Google Scholarship databases. Publicly available books were searched.

Results 

People who use aesthetic medicine can improve their self-esteem and even their socioeconomic status or get a better job than before.

Conclusions

Patients’s quality of life and mental health significantly increase after aesthetic medicine procedures.
ANÁLISIS COMPARATIVO DEL APRENDIZAJE DE UNA SEGUNDA LENGUA ONLINE Y PRESENCIAL.
Authors: Bayonas Mariche
Published: March 2023

Este estudio analiza la percepción de aprendizaje de español en estudiantes de español como segunda lengua comparando el medio de enseñanza virtual (online) frente a clases presenciales antes de la pandemia. La investigación revela que los estudiantes están en general satisfechos con su aprendizaje de español tanto en clases presenciales como en virtuales, no obstante, la percepción de aprendizaje de los estudiantes en aulas virtuales es más baja que la de los estudiantes en aulas presenciales. Adicionalmente, los estudiantes presenciales tienen un nivel de satisfacción con sus clases superior al de los estudiantes online. La incorporación de más comunicación mediada por ordenador (computermediated communication, CMC) asincrónica y presencia virtual del profesor parece incrementar el nivel de satisfacción de los estudiantes tanto con el entorno (medio, online o presencial) de la enseñanza como con el propio aprendizaje. También se comparó las notas finales de los estudiantes en clases online y presenciales y los resultados indican que los estudiantes en clases presenciales obtuvieron notas significativamente más altas que los estudiantes en clases virtuales (online). Se ofrecen algunas consideraciones pedagógicas en base a los resultados
A literature review on overtourism to guide the transition to responsible tourism.
Authors: Buitrago-Esquinas Eva María , Foronda-Robles Concepción , Yñiguez-Ovando Rocío
Published: March 2023

Although the pre-pandemic tourism debate was led by Overtourism, when the pandemic erupted, the increasing literature on this topic was still in an initial stage. The mobility restrictions derived from Covid-19 stopped Overtourism, but the problem is still far from being eradicated. There is an increasingly need for a solid body of knowledge on which to build recovery to avoid making past mistakes. A comprehensive pre-pandemic literature review is carried out, by proposing an overtourism conceptual framework that integrates its causes and consequences. How the pandemic could become an opportunity to transition to a responsible tourism model is discussed.
Developing a safe and effective procedure to transfer residents between homes
Authors: Ashurst Adrian M
Published: March 2023

Adrian Ashurst discusses the importance of managing the transfer of residents between homes in a safe and effective manner.
The challenges faced by a student equine veterinary nurse and how to overcome them
Authors: Pearson Sophie
Published: March 2023

Student nurses can train to become qualified veterinary nurses via a degree route, or by acquiring a diploma while employed in practice. The training period is exciting and rewarding but presents many challenges. Both routes are stringently assessed and require student nurses to work proactively to complete a wide range of tasks for their electronic logs, prepare cases to discuss in assignments and revise for exams. In order to overcome these challenges, students can adopt time-efficient study strategies, prepare for meetings in advance, keep track of paperwork for interesting cases as they arise, and implement a strategy for managing cases required for electronic logs. Students should also ensure that they are making time for exercise, hobbies, socialisation and rest to prevent burnout, make their time studying more enjoyable and increase the likelihood of success. If they are struggling, students can turn to sources of support such as Vet Life, who help with health, mental wellbeing and financial challenges.
School Administration Through the School's Electronic Management System
Authors: Orhani Senad , Saramati Emir , Drini Lulzim
Published: March 2023

In recent years, our schools have faced the necessity of creating a new school administration system, which would provide a good basis for electronic management. In this article, we will show how an electronic school management system works, and we will track the teachers’ opinions from our school regarding the use of the electronic school management system. Our research method is survey research, with quantitative and qualitative data. The selected sample is a total of 25 teachers from the primary and lower secondary school "Heronjtë e Lumës" in the village of Vërmicë, municipality of Prizren, Republic of Kosovo. Data were collected using a questionnaire. In conclusion, the findings from this study showed that the participants have a positive opinion of the school's electronic management system and it met the teachers' expectations, and they think that this system should be continued in the future. The entire school and our pedagogical staff have benefited from the use of this system.
Maternal immunisation against Group B Streptococcus: A global analysis of health impact and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Procter Simon R. , Gonçalves Bronner P. , Paul Proma , Chandna Jaya , Seedat Farah , Koukounari Artemis , Hutubessy Raymond , Trotter Caroline , Lawn Joy E. , Jit Mark
Published: March 2023

Background

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) can cause invasive disease (iGBS) in young infants, typically presenting as sepsis or meningitis, and is also associated with stillbirth and preterm birth. GBS vaccines are under development, but their potential health impact and cost-effectiveness have not been assessed globally.

Methods and findings

We assessed the health impact and value (using net monetary benefit (NMB), which measures both health and economic effects of vaccination into monetary units) of GBS maternal vaccination in an annual cohort of 140 million pregnant women across 183 countries in 2020. Our analysis uses a decision tree model, incorporating risks of GBS-related health outcomes from an existing Bayesian disease burden model. We extrapolated country-specific GBS-related healthcare costs using data from a previous systematic review and calculated quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to infant mortality and long-term disability. We assumed 80% vaccine efficacy against iGBS and stillbirth, following the WHO Preferred Product Characteristics, and coverage based on the proportion of pregnant women receiving at least 4 antenatal visits. One dose was assumed to cost $50 in high-income countries, $15 in upper-middle income countries, and $3.50 in low−/lower-middle-income countries. We estimated NMB using alternative normative assumptions that may be adopted by policymakers.

Vaccinating pregnant women could avert 127,000 (95% uncertainty range 63,300 to 248,000) early-onset and 87,300 (38,100 to 209,000) late-onset infant iGBS cases, 31,100 deaths (14,400 to 66,400), 17,900 (6,380 to 49,900) cases of moderate and severe neurodevelopmental impairment, and 23,000 (10,000 to 56,400) stillbirths. A vaccine effective against GBS-associated prematurity might also avert 185,000 (13,500 to 407,000) preterm births. Globally, a 1-dose vaccine programme could cost $1.7 billion but save $385 million in healthcare costs. Estimated global NMB ranged from $1.1 billion ($−0.2 to 3.8 billion) under the least favourable normative assumptions to $17 billion ($9.1 to 31 billion) under the most favourable normative assumptions.

The main limitation of our analysis was the scarcity of data to inform some of the model parameters such as those governing health-related quality of life and long-term costs from disability, and how these parameters may vary across country contexts.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that maternal GBS vaccination could have a large impact on infant morbidity and mortality. Globally, a GBS maternal vaccine at reasonable prices is likely to be a cost-effective intervention.
Molecular characterizations of genes in chloroplast genomes of the genus Arachis L. (Fabaceae) based on the codon usage divergence
Authors: Yang Shuwei , Li Gun , Li Hao
Published: March 2023

Studies on the molecular characteristics of chloroplast genome are generally important for clarifying the evolutionary processes of plant species. The base composition, the effective number of codons, the relative synonymous codon usage, the codon bias index, and their correlation coefficients of a total of 41 genes in 21 chloroplast genomes of the genus Arachis were investigated to further perform the correspondence and clustering analyses, revealing significantly higher variations in genomes of wild species than those of the cultivated taxa. The codon usage patterns of all 41 genes in the genus Arachis were AT-rich, suggesting that the natural selection was the main factor affecting the evolutionary history of these genomes. Five genes (i.e., ndhC, petD, atpF, rpl14, and rps11) and five genes (i.e., atpE, psbD, psaB, ycf2, and rps12) showed higher and lower base usage divergences, respectively. This study provided novel insights into our understanding of the molecular evolution of chloroplast genomes in the genus Arachis.
Prevalence and predictors of suicidal behaviours among primary and secondary school going adolescents in Botswana
Authors: Forty James , Navaneetham Kannan , Letamo Gobopamang
Published: March 2023

Background

There is a scarcity of studies on the prevalence and predictors of suicide behaviors among primary and secondary school going adolescents aged 10–19 years in Botswana hence, this study would fill that gap.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional secondary data from Botswana Youth Risk Behavior and Biological Surveillance Survey (BYRBBSS), 2010. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to investigate the predictors of suicide behaviours.

Results

The study shows that 51.5% of the respondents reported having ever contemplated suicide while 40.1% of the respondents attempted suicide in the last 12 months before the survey. The study found that male learners (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44–0.83), learners who were not attacked or threatened or injured by someone (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17–0.72), who were not bullied (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.13–0.39), and who were confident of themselves (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.39–0.76) were less likely to contemplate suicide. Whereas learners with primary school level education were more likely to contemplate suicide (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.14–3.95). Males were less likely than their female counterparts to attempt suicide (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47–0.97). Regarding attempt, learners who had self-confidence (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.24–0.50), not being bullied (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.11–0.35), not being attacked or threatened or injured by someone (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.18–0.69), not engaging in a physical fight that led to injury (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.19–0.61) were less likely to attempt suicide. Whereas being at primary school (AOR = 5.29, 95% CI = 2.58–10.86), and missing classes once or more in a week (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.05–2.76) were associated with increased likelihood of suicide attempt.

Conclusion

The study shows that suicide behaviours as big challenges in Botswana among primary and secondary school going adolescents aged 10–19 years. Thus, the study recommends policy interventions aiming at including education on peer bullying or fighting or attack at primary and secondary education levels if not already in existence. There should also be interventions aiming at educating guardians and teachers on consequences of bullying or fighting so that they should consistently remind their children not to bully and for them to open up if they are being bullied. The study further recommends that schools and communities at large should have a psychosocial system for bullying or fighting reporting, follow-up, and appropriate corrective interventions for the offenders. There should also be self-confidence instilling education as well as sex/gender-specific interventions for instance girls can be given platform (private if necessary) to express peculiar problems to them that need specific help.
Effects of different cardiopulmonary resuscitation education interventions among university students: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chang Yu-Tung , Wu Kun-Chia , Yang Hsiang-Wen , Lin Chung-Yi , Huang Tzu-Fu , Yu Yi-Chi , Hu Yih-Jin
Published: March 2023

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education for the public may improve bystander intention to perform CPR on cardiac arrest patients. Studies have shown that different CPR education intervention methods can improve learning performance, with key indicators including attitude toward to CPR, intention to perform CPR, and degree of CPR knowledge and skills. The present study compared the traditional face-to-face method to hybrid and virtual reality (VR) methods to observe difference in learning performance and length of performance retention. This study adopted randomized controlled trial to compare CPR learning performance between traditional face-to-face, hybrid, and VR methods. Participants from each intervention group completed a pretest and 2 posttests. The measurement tools included an attitude and intention questionnaire, knowledge examination, and skill examination with a RESUSCI ANNE QCPR ® manikin. The performance among all participants in pretest showed no significant difference between the intervention groups, indicating no difference in their background attitude, knowledge, and skill level. Significant differences were observed in the average degree of intention to perform CPR between the hybrid and traditional groups in 1st and 2nd posttest. Compared to the pretest results, the posttests revealed significantly higher attitude toward CPR, intention to perform CPR, knowledge examination results, accuracy of overall chest compression, accuracy of CPR procedure, accuracy of AED usage, accuracy of chest compression rate, and accuracy of chest compression depth. The average time to reattending CPR learning and practice session was 11–12 weeks reported by participants. The hybrid and VR methods to CPR education resulted in the same level of improvement in learning performance as traditional face-to-face teaching. The suggested frequency for renewing CPR knowledge and skills is 12 weeks which may be considered in new strategies aimed at promoting CPR education and exposure to the public.
Climate change alters slug abundance but not herbivory in a temperate grassland
Authors: Weber Daniel , McGrail Rebecca K. , Carlisle A. Elizabeth , Harwood James D. , McCulley Rebecca L.
Published: March 2023

Climate change will significantly impact the world’s ecosystems, in part by altering species interactions and ecological processes, such as herbivory and plant community dynamics, which may impact forage quality and ecosystem production. Yet relatively few field experimental manipulations assessing all of these parameters have been performed to date. To help fill this knowledge gap, we evaluated the effects of increased temperature (+3°C day and night, year-round) and precipitation (+30% of mean annual rainfall) on slug herbivory and abundance and plant community dynamics biweekly in a pasture located in central Kentucky, U.S.A. Warming increased slug abundance once during the winter, likely due to improving conditions for foraging, whereas warming reduced slug abundance at times in late spring, mid-summer, and early fall (from 62–95% reduction depending on month). We found that warming and increased precipitation did not significantly modify slug herbivory at our site, despite altering slug abundance and affecting plant community composition and forage quality. Climate change will alter seasonal patterns of slug abundance through both direct effects on slug biology and indirect effects mediated by changes in the plant community, suggesting that pasture management practices may have to adapt.
Társadalmi szerződés válságidőszakban
Authors: Szabó Dorottya
Published: March 2023

Az elmúlt egy-két év globális gazdasági kihívásai rámutattak a szociális hálóink hiányosságaira, a háztartási szinten megmutatkozó hatalmas egyenlőtlenségekre az ellenálló képesség tekintetében. Ennek eredményeképpen rengeteg háztartás számára vált egyre nehezebbé a gazdasági sokkokkal való megbirkózás, ez pedig tovább mélyítette az egyenlőtlenségeket, nemcsak gazdasági, de egészségügyi, vagy az oktatáshoz való hozzáférés dimenziójában is. Ezek a folyamatok társadalmi feszültségeket szültek, és aláásták az egyenlőtlenségek csökkentésében tett elmúlt évtizedes előrelépéseket. Az IMF és a Világbank októberben megrendezett 2022-es éves ülésének egyik panelbeszélgetése azt a kérdést járta körül, hogy a fentiekben vázolt problémák és folyamatok miként írták/írják újra a társadalmi szerződést, ami elméletben mindenki számára biztosítja a méltó élet lehetőségét.
Az aktív foglalkoztatáspolitikai eszközök fontosságáról
Authors: Szabó Dorottya
Published: March 2023

A közgazdászok körében sokszor vitatott téma az olyan passzív foglalkoztatáspolitikai eszközök hatása a munkaerőpiaci mutatókra, mint a minimálbér, a munkanélküli segély időtartama, vagy annak helyettesítési aránya az átlagbérhez képest. A sztenderd közgazdaságtani elmélet szerint a magas minimálbér az alacsony képzettségűek foglalkoztatottságát csökkenti, a magas és hosszabb időtartamra járó munkanélküli segély pedig az önkéntes (és hosszú távú) munkanélküliséget ösztönzi. Európában a passzív foglalkoztatáspolitikai eszközöknek nagyobb szerepük van a munkaerőpiac szabályozásában, mint az Egyesült Államokban. A fentiek mellett a foglalkoztatottak védelme (a magas elbocsátási költségek révén), a szakszervezetek alkupozíciója, és a jövedelmet terhelő adórendszer is hozzájárul ahhoz, hogy általánosságban elmondható, hogy az európai országokban bár alacsonyabb a munkanélküliségi ráta, nagyobb az aránya azoknak, akik hosszú távon küzdenek a munkanélküliség problémájával.
Nutritional efficiency in sunflower cultivars under dosages of potassium in semiarid region
Authors: Santos Gisele Lopes dos , Santos Allysson Pereira dos , Santos Manoel Galdino dos , Lins Hamurábi Anizio , Souza Almir Rogerio Evangelista de , Tartaglia Francilene de Lima , Silveira Lindomar Maria da , Júnior Aurélio Paes Barros
Published: March 2023

Potassium (K) participates in critical processes in sunflower cultivation, such as osmotic regulation and translocation of photosynthesis. However, the absorption or accumulation of this nutrient occurs differently owing to edaphoclimatic factors or between cultivars. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional efficiency of sunflower cultivars as a function of different dosage K dosages in a semiarid region. To this end, two experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017. The treatments consisted of five dosages of K at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1 K2O and four sunflower cultivars, Aguará 6, Altis 99, Multissol, and BRS 122. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and subdivided plots. The characteristics evaluated were agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, recovery efficiency, utilization efficiency, and accumulation of total K in the plant. Sunflower cultivars responded to K dosages in the two crops, with variations in efficiency parameters. Crop 2 showed better nutritional efficiency compared to crop 1. Aguará 6 showed greater nutritional efficiency than the other two crops. The use of dosages between 75 and 91 kg ha-1 of K2O provided better efficiency in K usage for the cultivars.
Doxycycline hyclate may damage testicular germinal epithelium in Wistar rats
Authors: Lopes-Ferreira João Vitor , Machado Jullyana Costa , Dias Fernanda Carolina Riberio , Altoé Luciana Schulthais , Vilela Reggiani Gonçalves , Matta Sérgio Luis Pinto da , Gomes Angelica de Oliveira , Gomes Marcos de Lucca Moreira
Published: March 2023

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial doxycycline acts as an inhibitor of protein synthesis and it is widely used in the clinical treatment of various infections by microorganisms that are sensitive to the drug, as well as in animal feed. Its liposolubility guarantees its high tissue bioavailability, being associated with several biochemical changes in the organism and potentially adverse effects on reproduction. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the action of doxycycline on spermatogenesis to provide a complete analysis of the tubular and interstitial compartments and to identify possible changes in the testicular parenchyma. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: one control (water), and two treated with doxycycline at the doses of 10mg/kg and 30mg/kg, for 30 days. After euthanasia and sample processing, the following parameters were evaluated: a) tubular diameter and height of the seminiferous epithelium; b) volumetric proportions (%) and volumes (mL) of the components of the testicular parenchyma; c) counting testicular germ cell populations; d) evaluation of cell viability. The results of the comparative evaluation between the experimental groups demonstrated a significant increase in the diameter and area of the tubular lumen and a reduction in the count of spermatogonia in the experimental group that received doxycycline hyclate at a dose of 30mg/kg. In the same experimental group, an increase in the overall yield of spermatogenesis was found as a consequence of the increase in the mitotic index.
Antimicrobial activity of comfort related properties of silk treated with herbal extracts in making of reusable masks
Authors: Sadaf Shama , Munir Neelma , Saeed Ayesha , Hassan Komal , Ahmad Zeeshan
Published: March 2023

The study was aimed at divulging an eco-friendly antimicrobial finish on 100 % silk woven fabric. The leaves’ extract of Azadirachata indica, Butea monosperma and Litche chinensis were used as the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial finish. The antimicrobial property and comfort related property were checked before and after applying antimicrobial finish. In comfort related property absorbency & air permeability were checked. The ASTEM E2149 Shake Flask method was used to check antimicrobial finish and AATCC method was used for checking fabric property. One way ANOVA statistical test was applied for analysis of results. The FTIR and SEM results showed the presences of finish on fabrics. In comfort related property, absorbency and air permeability was increased. The results showed that antimicrobial finish made 100% reduction against microorganism up to 25 washes which can be used in making reusable masks fight against COVID- 19.
The probable radioprotective role of Acacia nilotica L. against biochemical and cytogenetic disorders induced in gamma irradiated male rats
Authors: Tawfik Sameh Soliman , El khouly Wael Aly , Montaser Sherien Abdelwhab , Mohammed Manal Ramadan
Published: March 2023

Gum Arabic (Acacia nilotica L.) is a respected plant that has many nutrients and curative practices. It hinders, improves, or manages many disorders. The radio-protective activity of Acacia nilotica was investigated against γ-rays-induced testicle damage in rats. Twenty-four rats were correspondingly distributed into 4 groups; control, Acacia nilotica (15mg/kg, daily for 30 days), γ-irradiated (5Gy γ-rays, single dose) and Acacia nilotica plus γ-rays treated groups. The plasma testosterone and total antioxidant status (TAS) were estimated. Lipid peroxidation; malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), also glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), were determined in the testicle tissues. A testis weight, sperm count and motility, peripheral-blood and bone-marrow micronuclei (PMN and BMN), and frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CAs) were scored. A significant decline in the levels of plasma testosterone with TAS observed in the γ-irradiated rats. The results also showed significantly increased levels of testicle MDA, inflammatory markers, PMN, BMN and CAs frequencies and decrease in testes weight, sperm count and motility and levels of testicle antioxidants markers in gamma irradiated group. All these biochemical and fertility indices results were significantly enhanced in the Acacia nilotica plus γ-rays treated groups. However, the possible alleviate activity of Acacia nilotica on γ-rays-induced testicle injury in rats has not previously conversed, and this is the topic of this study.