bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: review of 1430 cases in Cure International Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Farda Wais , Tani Mohammad Kamal , Manning Richard G. , Fahmi Mohammad Samim , Barai Nasratullah
Published: September 2021

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for the treatment of cholelithiasis in most countries of the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of LC in the surgery department of Cure International Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 1430 LC cases performed by the general surgery department of Cure International Hospital. Data was collected from patient files and the operation theatre registry for whom LC was performed during January 2008 through December, 2019.

Results

Mean age was 45.77 ± 13.45 years (14–90 years), with male/female ratio of 1:4.7. One third (33%) had comorbidities. Most of patients (~ 97%) were classified as ASA grade I and II. Of all patients, 26.8% of males and 13.2% of females had gallbladder inflammation (OR = 2.203, 95% CI 1.56–2.61, P = 0.000). Overall mean duration of anesthesia was 75 ± 25.6 min. The conversion rate to OC was 4.6% (N = 66), most commonly dense adhesions at Callot’s triangle (3.8%). The intraoperative complication rate was 17.5% (N = 249), where bile/stone spillage was the most common indication (N = 235, 16.4%). Immediate postoperative complication rate was 2.4% (N = 35). Average length of stay (ALOS) after LC was 2.23 ± 1.43 days (1–19 days).

Conclusion

This study shows that elective LC can be performed safely in Afghanistan with comparable outcomes in terms of complications, conversion rates, and ALOS to other countries of the region and the world. Proper case selection and careful preoperative evaluation and management can decrease further conversion, intra- and postoperative complications.
Oral health seeking behaviors of adults in Nebbi District, Uganda: a community-based survey
Authors: Ocwia Juliet , Olum Ronald , Atim Pamela , Laker Florence , Okot Jerom , Sereke Senai Goitom , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Kiguli Sarah , Bongomin Felix
Published: September 2021

Background

Dental health is often neglected by the majority of the population and has contributed to the global burden of oral diseases. We assessed awareness, utilization and barriers to seeking oral health care among adults in Nebbi District, Uganda.

Methods

A community-based, cross sectional study was conducted in the central division, Nebbi District in Uganda among adults between the age of 18 years or older. An interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection on socio-demographic characteristics, oral health awareness, oral health utilization, associated factors and barriers.

Results

A total of 400 adults with a median age of 32 years (interquartile range 24–43) years were enrolled. More than half (57.5%, n = 230) of the participants were female. Participants identified smoking (42.8%, n = 171) and consumption of sugary foodstuffs (29.0%, n = 116) as risk factors for oral disease. Not brushing was also identified by 260 participants (65.0%) as the cause of tooth decay and 95.8% (n = 383) believed brushing one’s teeth could prevent tooth decay. Of the 51.5% (n = 206) who had experienced a toothache or discomfort 12 months prior to the study but only about half (52%, n = 106) had sought healthcare from a dental clinic or facility. About 89.5% (n = 94) of the participants were able to see a dentist during their last visits. Dental carries (76.6%, n = 70) and gum bleeding (14.9%, n = 14) were the most frequent reasons for visiting a dental clinic, and 73.7% (n = 70) had their tooth extracted. Barriers to seeking oral healthcare were cost of treatment (47.5%, n = 190), and long waiting time (18.5%, n = 74). The odds of seeking oral healthcare was 2.8-fold higher in participants who were being married (Odds ratio (OR): 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–6.3, p = 0.011) and 3.5-fold higher among housewives (COR: 3.5, 95% CI 1.1–11.4, p = 0.040).

Conclusion

About half of the participants had sought healthcare following a dental condition. Cost of treatment seems to be an important factor affecting utilization of oral health services. Optimization of costs, and creating awareness regarding benefits of utilizing preventive dental services are recommended.
Parental perception of neonatal transfers from level 3 to level 2 neonatal intensive care units in Calgary, Alberta: qualitative findings
Authors: Dosani Aliyah , Murthy Prashanth , Kassam Shafana , Rai Baldeep , Lodha Abhay K.
Published: September 2021

Background

Retro-transfers from level 3 to 2 NICUs in Alberta’s regionalization of neonatal care system are essential to ensure the proper utilization of level 3 NICUs for complex neonatal cases. Parents often experience distress that relates to the transfer of their neonates to another hospital. Limited information is available regarding parental perceptions of distress during transfers for neonates requiring care between NICUs in the current Canadian context. The objective of this study was to investigate: 1) what caused parents distress and could be changed about the transfer process and 2) the supports that were available to help ease parental distress during the transfer process.

Methods

Parents of singleton infants retro-transferred from level 3 to 2 NICUs in Calgary, Alberta between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, were invited to participate in the study. Questionnaires were self-administered by one parent per family. A thematic deductive approach was employed by the researchers to analyze the qualitative data.

Results

Our response rate was 39.1% (n = 140). We found three themes for causes of parental distress and supports available to ease parental distress during the transfer, including communication between staff members and parents, details about the transfer process, and the care received throughout and shortly after the transfer process.

Conclusion

Parents should receive at least 24 h of notice, regular transfer updates, employ anticipatory preparation strategies, and foster more open communication between parents and health care professionals to help ensure parental satisfaction.
Cisplatin combined with capecitabine-induced chemotherapy for local nasopharyngeal carcinoma can improve the quality of life and reduce toxic and side effects
Authors: Gao Ying , Liu Zhe , Liu Yiting
Published: September 2021

Background

This study was designed to probe into the effect of cisplatin combined with capecitabine on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

A total of 136 NPC patients treated for the first time in our hospital from January 2016 to March 2017 were collected and divided into two groups: A and B. Among them, 66 in group A were treated with cisplatin intravenous drip, while 70 in group B were treated with capecitabine on the basis of group A. The efficacy, toxic and side effects, and quality of life of the two groups were observed.

Results

The short-term efficacy of group B was better than that of group A (p<0.05). The toxic and side effects of group B were lower than that of group A (p<0.05). The quality of life in group B was higher than that in group A (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Cisplatin combined with capecitabine-induced chemotherapy for local NPC can improve the quality of life and reduce the toxic and side effects.
Up-regulation of GSTT1 in serous ovarian cancer associated with resistance to TAXOL / carboplatin
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xie Suhong , Zhou Lei , Tang Xiaoyu , Guan Xiaolin , Deng Minjie , Zheng Hui , Wang Yanchun , Lu Renquan , Guo Lin
Published: September 2021

Serous ovarian cancer (SOC) is the most common women cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among the gynaecological malignancies. Although effective chemotherapeutics combined with surgery are developed for the treatment, the five-year survival rate is unsatisfactory due to chemoresistance. To overcome this shortcoming of chemotherapy, we established taxol and carboplatin resistant SOC cell lines for the understandings of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of chemoresistance. Here, we found that these chemoresistant cell lines showed less viability and proliferation, due to more cells arrested at G0/G1 phase. Glutathione-S-transferases-theta1 (GSTT1) was significantly upregulated in these chemoresistant cells, along with other chemoresistant genes. Meanwhile, GSTT1 expression was also significantly upregulated in the SOC patient tissues after taxol treatment, indicating this upregulation was physiologically relevant to chemotherapy. Further, suppression of GSTT1 expression by shRNA in SOC cell lines led to more sensitivity to drug treatment, through increasing divided cells and promoting cell death. Moreover, the expression of DNA topoisomerase 1 (Topo I) was in synergy with that of GSTT1 in the chemoresistant cells, and GSTT1 can bind to Topo I in vitro, which suggested GSTT1 could function through DNA repair mechanism during chemoresistance. In summary, our data imply that GSTT1 may be a potential biomarker or indicator of drug resistance in serous ovarian cancer.
Changes in patients’ outlook, behaviors, and attitudes toward COVID-19 after hospitalization and their experiences of discrimination and harassment
Authors: Goda Ken , Kenzaka Tsuneaki , Yahata Shinsuke , Kumabe Ayako , Katsurada Masahiro , Nishisaki Hogara
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study aims to examine changes in patients’ perspectives and outlooks regarding the disease and their health after hospitalization for COVID-19 and investigate their discrimination and harassment experiences. This prospective observational study surveyed discharged patients who had been admitted to Hyogo Prefectural Tamba Medical Center in Japan for COVID-19. Patient characteristics, changes in outlook and behaviors after discharge, and incidents of discrimination and harassment were examined. The study was conducted in two waves: March–June 2020 and July–September 2020.

Results

Responses were obtained from 27 patients aged 50 ± 17 years, including 16 men (59.3%). We found most patients feared infection before hospitalization (88.5%) and had taken some preventive measures (96.3%), however after discharge, all (100%) practiced social distancing and infection prevention. Twenty patients (80%) considered changing their lifestyles, and 19 (79.2%) decided to use sick leave when they felt ill; these trends were more prominent during the second wave. Six patients (23.1%) reported experiencing discrimination or harassment after discharge. While most patients with COVID-19 had a strong fear of infection before hospitalization, their views about health and health behaviors changed after hospitalization.
Whole genome sequencing of Enterobacter mori, an emerging pathogen of kiwifruit and the potential genetic adaptation to pathogenic lifestyle
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Zhang Yilin , Han Xue , Wang Juan , Yang Yu , Ren Biao , Xia Mian , Li Gang , Fang Rongxiang , He Hang , Jia Yantao
Published: September 2021

Members of the Enterobacter genus are gram-negative bacteria, which are used as plant growth-promoting bacteria, and increasingly recovered from economic plants as emerging pathogens. A new Enterobacter mori strain, designated CX01, was isolated as an emerging bacterial pathogen of a recent outbreak of kiwifruit canker-like disease in China. The main symptoms associated with this syndrome are bleeding cankers on the trunk and branch, and brown leaf spots. The genome sequence of E. mori CX01 was determined as a single chromosome of 4,966,908 bp with 4640 predicted open reading frames (ORFs). To better understand the features of the genus and its potential pathogenic mechanisms, five available Enterobacter genomes were compared and a pan-genome of 4870 COGs with 3158 core COGs were revealed. An important feature of the E. mori CX01 genome is that it lacks a type III secretion system often found in pathogenic bacteria, instead it is equipped with type I, II, and VI secretory systems. Besides, the genes encoding putative virulence effectors, two-component systems, nutrient acquisition systems, proteins involved in phytohormone synthesis, which may contribute to the virulence and adaption to the host plant niches are included. The genome sequence of E. mori CX01 has high similarity with that of E. mori LMG 25,706, though the rearrangements occur throughout two genomes. Further pathogenicity assay showed that both strains can either invade kiwifruit or mulberry, indicating they may have similar host range. Comparison with a closely related isolate enabled us to understand its pathogenesis and ecology.
A study on catalytic and non-catalytic sites of H5N1 and H1N1 neuraminidase as the target for chalcone inhibitors
Authors: Hariyono Pandu , Kotta Jasvidianto Chriza , Adhipandito Christophorus Fideluno , Aprilianto Eko , Candaya Evan Julian , Wahab Habibah A. , Hariono Maywan
Published: September 2021

The H1N1 pandemic in 2009 and the H5N1 outbreak in 2005 have shocked the world as millions of people were infected and hundreds of thousands died due to the infections by the influenza virus. Oseltamivir, the most common drug to block the viral life cycle by inhibiting neuraminidase (NA) enzyme, has been less effective in some resistant cases due to the virus mutation. Presently, the binding of 10 chalcone derivatives towards H5N1 and H1N1 NAs in the non-catalytic and catalytic sites was studied using molecular docking. The in silico study was also conducted for its drug-like likeness such as Lipinski Rule, mutagenicity, toxicity and pharmacokinetic profiles. The result demonstrates that two chalcones (1c and 2b) have the potential for future NA inhibitor development. Compound 1c inhibits H5N1 NA and H1N1 NA with IC50 of 27.63 µM and 28.11 µM, respectively, whereas compound 2b inhibits NAs with IC50 of 87.54 µM and 73.17 µM for H5N1 and H1N1, respectively. The in silico drug-like likeness prediction reveals that 1c is 62% better than 2b (58%) in meeting the criteria. The results suggested that 1c and 2b have potencies to be developed as non-competitive inhibitors of neuraminidase for the future development of anti-influenza drugs.
Distinct and Convergent Beneficial Effects of Estrogen and Insulin on Cognitive Function in Healthy Young Men
Authors: Krug Rosemarie , Beier Laura , Lämmerhofer Michael , Hallschmid Manfred
Published: September 2021

Context

Systematic investigations into the cognitive impact of estradiol and insulin in male individuals are sparse, and it is unclear whether the 2 hormones interact to benefit specific cognitive functions in humans.

Objective

We investigated the acute effect of estradiol and insulin and of their combined administration on divergent (creative) and convergent (arithmetical) thinking as well as short-term and working verbal memory in healthy young men.

Methods

According to a 2 × 2 design, 2 groups of men (each n = 16) received a 3-day transdermal estradiol (100 µg/24 h) or placebo pretreatment and on 2 separate mornings were intranasally administered 160 IU regular human insulin and, respectively, placebo before completing a battery of cognitive tests; we also determined relevant blood parameters.

Results

Estrogen compared with placebo treatment induced a 3.5-fold increase in serum estradiol and suppressed serum testosterone concentrations by 70%. Estrogen in comparison to placebo improved creative performance, that is, verbal fluency and flexibility, but not arithmetical thinking, as well as verbal short-term memory, but not visuospatial memory. The combination of estrogen and insulin enhanced recognition discriminability at delayed verbal memory recall; insulin alone remained without effect.

Conclusion

Estrogen specifically enhances core aspects of creativity and verbal memory in young male individuals; delayed recognition memory benefits from the combined administration of estradiol and insulin. Our results indicate that insulin’s acute cognitive impact in young men is limited and not robustly potentiated by estradiol. Estradiol per se exerts a beneficial acute effect on creative and verbal performance in healthy young men.
GRASP55 restricts early-stage autophagy and regulates spatial organization of the early secretory network
Authors: Liu Jennifer Y. , Lin Yu-Hsiu Tony , Leidal Andrew M. , Huang Hector H. , Ye Jordan , Wiita Arun P. , Debnath Jayanta
Published: September 2021

There is great interest in understanding the cellular mechanisms controlling autophagy, a tightly regulated catabolic and stress-response pathway. Prior work has uncovered links between autophagy and the Golgi reassembly stacking protein of 55 kDa (GRASP55), but their precise interrelationship remains unclear. Intriguingly, both autophagy and GRASP55 have been functionally and spatially linked to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)­­-Golgi interface, broaching this compartment as a site where GRASP55 and autophagy may intersect. Here, we uncover that loss of GRASP55 enhances LC3 puncta formation, indicating that GRASP55 restricts autophagosome formation. Additionally, using proximity-dependent biotinylation, we identify a GRASP55 proximal interactome highly associated with the ER-Golgi interface. Both nutrient starvation and loss of GRASP55 are associated with coalescence of early secretory pathway markers. In light of these findings, we propose that GRASP55 regulates spatial organization of the ER-Golgi interface, which suppresses early autophagosome formation.
Trends in per-operative parameters and postoperative complications associated with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG); A four-year retrospective study
Authors: Jan Azam , Hayat Muhammad Khizar , Khan Mohammad Ahmed Arsalan , Ullah Rafi
Published: September 2021

Objective: To determine the patterns of per-operative parameters and early outcomes of patients that underwent CABG surgery during a four-year period.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in a tertiary care of hospital from November 2020 to January 2021. All the patients that underwent the isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure were included in the study from June 2017 till June 2020. Data was collected on a data extraction form and stored in SPSS format which was analyzed for qualitative statistics keeping p<0.05 as significant. All the results were represented in the form of tables.

Results: A total of 1,613 patients were operated upon for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) procedure during the study period with 1,222 (75.8%) males and 391 (24.2%) females. Dyslipidemia (71.8%) was the most common risk factor. The average perfusion time decreased only slightly (~1 minute) from 96.01 minutes to 95.07 minutes (2017 to 2020). This change however was not significant (p=0.301). The rate of Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA) use stayed relatively stable over the 4-year period fluctuating between 88.7% and 92.9% (p=0.360). The average initial ICU stay (in hours), drain at 12 hours and 24 hours stays almost the same. The rate of mortality peaked in 2018 (4.76%) and subsequently fell to 3.57% by 2020.

Conclusion: More males underwent CABG surgery at this tertiary care hospital and the overall complication rate and per-operative parameters improved over the years. The non-risk stratified mortality in this study was found to be higher than developed nations.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.7.4315

How to cite this:Jan A, Hayat MK, Khan MAA, Ullah R. Trends in per-operative parameters and postoperative complications associated with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG); A four-year retrospective study. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(7):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.7.4315

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Budowniczowie kamiennych mostów w łacińskiej Europie (XI–XIV wiek) w świetle źródeł pisanych
Authors: Jóźwiak Sławomir
Published: September 2021

Budowa kamiennego mostu na rzece (zwłaszcza szerokiej) w pełnym średniowieczu była przedsięwzięciem bardzo skomplikowanym technicznie i logistycznie. Niestety, źródła sprzed połowy XIV w. prawie wcale nie informują o kosztach takich prac, musiały być one jednakże niebagatelne. Wybór materiału budowlanego przeznaczonego do realizacji projektu mostowego był uzależniony od jego dostępności, warunków geograficznych i charakteru (wielkość, głębokość) rzeki. Informacje zawarte w przeanalizowanych przekazach pisanych (w sumie dość nielicznych) prowadzą do wniosku, że w charakterze projektanta i bezpośredniego realizatora danego mostu zatrudniano wówczas najlepszych fachowców specjalizujących się przede wszystkim w budownictwie sakralnym i warownym. Co więcej, można pokusić się o tezę, że byli oni nierzadko sprowadzani z daleka, nawet z innych krajów. Nie powinno to dziwić, wszak w niektórych źródłach akcentowano expressis verbis techniczną i architektoniczną wyjątkowość mostowego przedsięwzięcia oraz ponadregionalną sławę osiągniętego efektu końcowego.
CUERPOS SICARIADOS: EL ESPACIO DE LA VIOLENCIA EN LA VIRGEN DE LOS SICARIOS DE FERNANDO VALLEJO.
Authors: Peña Steel Estefanía
Published: September 2021

El presente estudio explora las relaciones y significaciones del cuerpo en el espacio de la violencia, en la novela La virgen de los sicarios (1994) del escritor colombiano Fernando Vallejo. En esta obra la violencia expresa su naturaleza territorial; necesita espacios simbólicos, físicos, corporales que demarcar, rasgar, fracturar. Esta configuración socioespacial y corporal, no puede sino ser entendida en relación a la materialidad del poder ejercido sobre el cuerpo (Foucault; 1980). Y es precisamente, en la figura del sicario en donde esta materialidad da forma a subjetividades que devienen en sujeción (Butler 2010), en un espacio cercado por lo que podríamos definir como “micropolíticas de la violencia”.
Mastitis in meat sheep
Authors: Page Phillipa , Evans Mike , Phythian Clare , Vasileiou Natalia , Crilly JP
Published: September 2021

Mastitis in meat sheep occurs in all flocks, but incidence can vary. It can be a severe disease, resulting in ewe deaths, but chronic and subclinical cases also occur. It is a costly disease, but accurate assesments of the impact, especially of chronic and subclinical disease, are lacking. The most commonly involved pathogens are Mannheimia haemolytica and Staphylococcus aureus. The most important risk factors relate to compromise of teat defences, and increased transmission, but environmental cases do occur. Treatment of acute clinical cases requires systemic antibiosis and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration, and, where required, supportive care. Prevention involves tackling the risk factors, and using vaccination and breeding to reduce ewe susceptibility.
La revolució vitivinícola del Priorat: l'exemple de Porrera
Authors: Abelló Esteve , Planas Jordi
Published: September 2021

Després de gairebé cent anys de decadència, la regió vinícola del Priorat inicià a partir dels anys 1980 una autèntica revolució vitivinícola per convertir-se en una de les regions vinícoles més destacades del món. Aquest article explica aquesta evolució tot centrant l’atenció en el municipi de Porrera, que n’ha esdevingut un exemple paradigmàtic. Fou precisament en aquesta localitat on l’any 1893 es detectà per primera vegada al Priorat la plaga de la fil·loxera que va marcar l’inici de la decadència. Avui, però, és el municipi de la regió vinícola que té un major nombre de cellers i que produeix més vi.
Multifunctional metasurface for broadband absorption, linear and circular polarization conversions
Authors: Li Zhaohua , Yang Rongcao , Wang Jiayun , Zhao Yijia , Tian Jinping , Zhang Wenmei
Published: September 2021

With the development of metasurfaces and the improvement of manufacturing technology, it is important and imperative to design novel metasurfaces that can flexibly manipulate terahertz (THz) waves. In this paper, a multifunctional metasurface (MFMS) based on graphene and photosensitive silicon (Si) is proposed, which integrates three functions: broadband absorption, broadband linear and circular polarization conversions in THz band. For absorption mode, the MFMS can absorb above 90% energy in the frequency band of 1.74-3.52 THz with the relative bandwidth of 67.6%. For both linear-linear and circular-circular polarization conversion modes, the relative bandwidth with over 90% polarization conversion rates (PCRs) reaches 49.3% in the frequency band of 1.54-2.55 THz. The working mechanism of the MFMS is analyzed by the surface current distributions, and its properties of the absorption and polarization conversion under oblique incident angles are investigated, respectively. The proposed metasurface has promising prospects in terahertz devices such as modulators, smart switches and other terahertz devices.
Associations between self-efficacy, distress and anxiety in cancer patient-relative dyads visiting psychosocial cancer support services: Using actor-partner interdependence modelling
Authors: Lingens Solveigh P. , Schulz Florian , Müller Isabell , Schulz Holger , Bleich Christiane
Published: September 2021

Background

Patients with cancer and their relatives often suffer from psychosocial burdens following a cancer diagnosis. Psychosocial cancer support services offer support for cancer patients and their relatives. Only a few studies have focused on associations of psychological factors within patient-relative dyads. This study aims to assess associations between the patients’ or relatives’ self-efficacy and their levels of distress and anxiety who seek help together at psychosocial cancer support centres.

Methods

Participants were recruited at two psychosocial cancer support centres in a major city in Germany. Patients with cancer and their relatives seeking support together received the questionnaire before their first support session. Self-efficacy was assessed with the Pearlin sense of mastery scale, distress with the distress thermometer and anxiety with the General Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-7). For the analysis, the actor-partner interdependence model was applied.

Results

The data analysis was based on 41 patient-relative dyads (patients: 39% women, mean age 53.5; relatives: 66% women, mean age 52.16). A significant actor effect from self-efficacy to distress was found for patients (r= -0.47) but not for relatives (r= -0.15). Partner effects from self-efficacy to distress were not significant (r= -0.03,r= -0.001). The actor effect from self-efficacy to anxiety for patients (r= -0.61) as well as relatives was significant (r= -0.62), whereas the partner effect was significant for patients (r= 0.16) but not for relatives (r= -0.46).

Conclusion

The results suggest that patients’ and relatives’ self-efficacy is associated with their distress and anxiety. Partner effects were visible for patients’ self-efficacy and relatives’ anxiety. These findings suggest that self-efficacy is an important factor for the psychological well-being of patients and relatives and that it may additionally be associated with the partners’ well-being. Longitudinal research with larger samples is needed to support the findings.
Trends of adult height in India from 1998 to 2015: Evidence from the National Family and Health Survey
Authors: Choudhary Krishna Kumar , Das Sayan , Ghodajkar Prachinkumar
Published: September 2021

Aim

The aim of the study is to investigate the trends in adult height between two consecutive surveys of NHFS and explore differences across variables such as gender, wealth, social groups etc.

Methods

We used the NFHS-II (1998–99), NFHS–III (2005–2006) and NFHS-IV (2015–16) (all three for women and last two for men) data to examine the trends in average height. Comparison was done between the two age strata of 15–25 and 26–50 years, across both male and female, to assess the trends.

Results

Between NFHS-III and NFHS-IV, the average height of women in the age group of 15–25 showed a decline by 0.12 cm [95% CI, -0.24 to 0.00, p-0.051] while in the 26–50 years age strata it demonstrated significant improvement in the mean height by 0.13 cm [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.023, p-0.015]. However, Between NFHS III and IV, the average height of women in the poorest wealth index category registered a significant decline [-0.57cm, 95% CI, -076 to -0.37, p-0.000]. Between NFHS III and IV, the average height of Scheduled Tribe (ST) women in the age group of 15–25 years also exhibited a significant decline by 0.42 cm, [95% CI, -0.73 to -0.12, p-0.007]. Among men, between the two surveys, both the age groups of 15–25 years and 26–50 years showed significant decline in average height: 1.10 cm [95% CI, -1.31 to -.099 cm, p-0.00] and 0.86 cm [95% CI, -1.03 to -0.69, p-0.000], respectively.

Conclusion

In the context of an overall increase in average heights worldwide the decline in average height of adults in India is alarming and demands an urgent enquiry. The argument for different standards of height for Indian population as different genetic group needs further scrutiny. However, the trends from India clearly underline the need to examine the non-genetic factors also to understand the interplay of genetic, nutritional and other social and environmental determinants on height.
Effect of warm-up and muscle fatiguing exercise on knee joint sounds in motion by vibroarthrography: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Tenberg Sarah , Kalo Kristin , Niederer Daniel , Vogt Lutz
Published: September 2021

Vibroarthrography measures joint sounds caused by sliding of the joint surfaces over each other. and can be affected by joint health, load and type of movement. Since both warm-up and muscle fatigue lead to local changes in the knee joint (e.g., temperature increase, lubrication of the joint, muscle activation), these may impact knee joint sounds. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of warm-up and muscle fatiguing exercise on knee joint sounds during an activity of daily living. Seventeen healthy, physically active volunteers (25.7 ± 2 years, 7 males) performed a control and an intervention session with a wash-out phase of one week. The control session consisted of sitting on a chair, while the intervention session contained a warm-up (walking on a treadmill) followed by a fatiguing exercise (modified sit-to-stand) protocol. Knee sounds were recorded by vibroarthrography (at the medial tibia plateau and at the patella) at three time points in each session during a sit-to-stand movement. The primary outcome was the mean signal amplitude (MSA, dB). Differences between sessions were determined by repeated measures ANOVA with intra-individual pre-post differences for the warm-up and for the muscle fatigue effect. We found a significant difference for MSA at the medial tibia plateau (intervention: mean 1.51 dB, standard deviation 2.51 dB; control: mean -1.28 dB, SD 2.61 dB; F = 9.5; p = .007; η2 = .37) during extension (from sit to stand) after the warm-up. There was no significant difference for any parameter after the muscle fatiguing exercise (p > .05). The increase in MSA may mostly be explained by an increase in internal knee load and joint friction. However, neuromuscular changes may also have played a role. It appears that the muscle fatiguing exercise has no impact on knee joint sounds in young, active, symptom-free participants during sit to stand.
Editorial: Anti-Trafficking Education: Sites of care, knowledge, and power
Authors: Fukushima Annie Isabel , Hill Annie , Suchland Jennifer
Published: September 2021

This article introduces a Special Issue on anti-trafficking education. The past decade has seen a dramatic increase in the sites for anti-trafficking education and the range of educators who shape how the public and institutions understand and respond to human trafficking. Thus, there is a need to analyse the formalised and informalised practices that facilitate teaching and learning about trafficking. We argue that anti-trafficking education can perpetuate misinformation and myths about trafficking as well as legitimise carceral systems that lead to dehumanisation and violence. At the same time, critical approaches to teaching trafficking can encourage and inform endeavours to create structural change, social justice, and individual empowerment. We conclude that if the expansion of anti-trafficking education is divorced from longstanding movements for equity, then it runs the risk of teaching about trafficking while upholding practices and systems of oppression, exclusion, and expropriation, as well as diverting attention and resources from global work toward social and structural change.
Una explicación neurobiológica informacional a propósito de la poética de Notas sobre la ceguera (2016)
Authors: Moya-Salazar Jeel , Cañari Betsy , Contreras-Pulache Hans
Published: September 2021

Sobre la gradual desaparición de la visión y los recuerdos de John Hull, contada en Notas sobre la ceguera (2016), planteamos una explicación informacional de los cambios neurológicos a los que les conlleva la ceguera. El cerebro, en tanto un sistema de reorganización, puede adaptarse a la pérdida de funciones, como la vista, y sobre esta asentar el desarrollo de nuevas capacidades de adaptación. En John Hull, la actividad epiconsciente se mantiene sobre la base de una actividad perceptual que se orienta esencialmente desde lo auditivo y lo táctil, y ya no desde la modalidad visual. La memoria visual se va desvaneciendo, mientras que la actividad psíquica consciente se sostiene sobre la memoria auditiva y la memoria táctil. Las áreas primarias occipitales, fueron envueltas, desde arriba (cinéticamente) en las áreas paleocorticales, logrando un procesamiento no típico: como la activación en la percepción del sonido y el tacto. La actividad epiconsciente nunca se ve alterada. John Hull siempre imagina y piensa, siempre actúa y percibe. Lo esencial que le ocurre es que debe aprender a percibir no visualmente sino, y de modo esencial: auditiva y táctilmente. John Hull, entonces, ha aprendido a ver con sus sensaciones auditivas y táctiles.
Characterization and functional properties of gelatin from goat bone through alcalase and neutrase enzymatic extraction
Authors: Matulessy Dellen Naomi , Erwanto Yuny , Nurliyani Nurliyani , Suryanto Edi , Abidin Mohammad Zainal , Hakim Thoyib Rohman
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim: Gelatin is a dissolved protein that results from partial extraction of collagen, commonly from pig and bovine skin. There was no study on gelatin production from Kacang goat bones through enzymatic extraction. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical, physical, and functional properties of gelatin from bones of Kacang goat using alcalase and neutrase enzymes.

Materials and Methods: Male Kacang goat bones aged 6-12 months and two commercial enzymes (alcalase and neutrase) were used for this study. Descriptive analysis and completely randomized design (one-way analysis of variance) were used to analyze the chemical, physical, and functional properties of gelatin. Kacang goat bone was extracted with four concentrations of alcalase and neutrase enzymes, namely, 0 U/g (AG-0 and NG-0), 0.02 U/g (AG-1 and NG-1), 0.04 U/g (AG-2 and NG-2), and 0.06 U/g (AG-3 and NG-3) with five replications.

Results: The highest yield of gelatin extraction with alcalase obtained on AG-3 was 9.78%, and that with neutrase on NG-3 was 6.35%. The moisture content of alcalase gelatin was 9.39-9.94%, and that of neutrase gelatin was 9.15-9.24%. The ash and fat content of gelatin with alcalase was lower than that without enzyme treatment with higher protein content. The lowest fat content was noted in AG-1 (0.50%), with protein that was not different for all enzyme concentrations (69.65-70.21%). Gelatin with neutrase had lower ash content than that without neutrase (1.61-1.90%), with the highest protein content in NG-3 (70.89%). The pH of gelatin with alcalase and neutrase was 6.19-6.92 lower than that without enzymes. Melting points, gel strength, and water holding capacity (WHC) of gelatin with the highest alcalase levels on AG-1 and AG-2 ranged from 28.33 to 28.47°C, 67.41 to 68.14 g bloom, and 324.00 to 334.67%, respectively, with viscosity that did not differ, while the highest foam expansion (FE) and foam stability (FS) were noted in AG-1, which were 71.67% and 52.67%, respectively. The highest oil holding capacity (OHC) was found in AG-2 (283%). FS and OHC of gelatins with the highest neutrase levels in NG-2 were 30.00% and 265.33%, respectively, while gel strength, viscosity, FE, and WHC of gelatins with the highest neutrase levels did not differ with those without enzymes at all enzyme concentrations. B chain was degraded in all gelatins, and high-intensity a-chains in gelatin with alcalase and peptide fraction were formed in gelatin with neutrase. Extraction with enzymes showed loss of the triple helix as demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the Kacang goat bone was the potential raw source for gelatin production. Enzymatic extraction can increase the quality of gelatin, especially the alcalase (0.02-0.04 U/g bone) method. This can be used to achieve the preferable quality of gelatin with a higher yield.
Changes in National Google Trends and Local Healthcare Utilization After High-Impact Gastroenterology Publications
Authors: Kamboj Amrit K. , Agarwal Siddharth , Chedid Victor G. , Iyer Prasad G. , Bailey Kent R. , Harmsen William S. , Katzka David A.
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION:

We examined national Google Trends and local healthcare utilization after 3 high-impact gastroenterology publications.

METHODS:

Changes in US Google Trends and Olmsted County health utilization were studied.

RESULTS:

Publication views within 30 days were 51,458 (Imperiale), 49,759 (Pimentel), and 18,750 (Gomm). Colonoscopy searches (P = 0.04) and Cologuard tests performed (P < 0.01) increased while colonoscopies decreased (P < 0.01). Searches for rifaximin (P = 0.05), irritable bowel syndrome (P < 0.01), diarrhea (P < 0.01), and rifaximin prescriptions (P = 0.02) increased. Increase in hydrogen-2 blocker searches (P = 0.02) and prescriptions (P < 0.01) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (P < 0.01) and dementia office visits (P < 0.01) occurred.

DISCUSSION:

High-impact gastroenterology publications influence Google searches and local population-based healthcare utilization.
Gastroenterology Clinical Trials Transparency: An Analysis of Publication Rates From the ClinicalTrials.gov Database
Authors: Garg Shashank , Rizvi Anam , Wee Diana , Sreenivasan Aditya , Suchman Kelly , Thomas Sheila Louise , Inamdar Sumant , Trindade Arvind J.
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION:

There is limited information on the transparency of gastroenterology clinical trials.

METHODS:

The ClinicalTrials.gov database was searched for trials focused on most common gastrointestinal diseases up to August 2018. Adherence to reporting of results to the database or in publication form was recorded for each trial along with trial characteristics.

RESULTS:

Of the 2,429 trials included in the final analysis, 1824 (75%, 95% confidence interval: 73.4%–76.8%) had results on ClinicalTrials.gov or in the form of a publication. However, only 534 (29%) had results posted on ClinicalTrials.gov.

DISCUSSION:

Improvement of clinical trial transparency is needed in gastroenterology.
Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Mobile Sources in Jombang Urban Area during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Niam Achmad Chusnun , Handriyono Rachmanu Eko , Hastuti Indah Puji , Kusuma Maritha Nila
Published: September 2021

Pada Desember 2019, wabah penyakit pneumonia yang disebabkan oleh coronaviruse ditemukan Wuhan, China. Penyakit ini telah menyebar ke seluruh dunia hingga saat ini. Pemerintah Indonesia mengeluarkan kebijakan agar masyarakat tidak berkegiatan di tempat umum. Beberapa kawasan perkotaan mengalami penurunan jumlah kendaraan secara signifikan. Penelitian ini menganalisis emisi gas rumah kaca (GRK) dari sumber bergerak di Kabupaten Jombang ketika penerapan kebijakan PSBB di masa pandemi COVID-19. Metode analisis emisi gas rumah kaca menggunakan metode Tier 2 (Vehicle Kilometer Traveled) yang menggunakan pendekatan berdasarkan panjang perjalanan. Data primer diambil dengan traffic counting pada wilayah adminsitrasi kawasan perkotaan Jombang. Hasil penelitian menujukkan terdapat pengurangan kendaraan terutama angkutan umum seperti bus baik bus antar kota maupun antar provinsi. Berdasarkan wilayah administratif, Kecamatan Jombang memiliki emisi gas rumah kaca CO2eq tertinggi sebesar 119372,29 ton/tahun, diikuti oleh Kecamatan Perak sebesar 46.679,04 ton/tahun  dan Kecamatan Diwek 52799,15 ton/tahun. Ruas jalan nasional di kawasan perkotaan jombang menjadi penyumbang emisi gas rumah kaca CO2eq tertinggi yaitu 113877,99 ton/tahun. ABSTRACTIn December 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus was found in Wuhan, China. This disease has spread throughout the world until this time. The Indonesian government issued a policy so that people do not carry out activities in public places. Several urban areas have experienced a significant decrease in the number of vehicles. This study analyzes greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from mobile sources in Jombang urban area during the implementation of the PSBB policy in COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing greenhouse gas emissions method uses the Tier 2 (Vehicle Kilometer Traveled) method that uses an approach based on the length of the trip. Primary data was taken by traffic counting on the administration area of Jombang urban area. The results depicted that there was a reduction in vehicles, especially public transportation such as buses, both inter-city, and inter-provincial buses. Jombang District has the highest CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions of 119372.29 tons/year, followed by Perak District at 46679.04 tons/year and Diwek District 52799.15 tons/year. National roads in the Jombang urban area are the highest contributor to CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions, namely 113877.99 tons/year.
Prahy svobody (přel. J. Joseph)
Authors: Lojkine Ulysse , Worms Frédéric
Published: September 2021

Translation of the interview.
Řeč na rozloučenou s Ivanem Havlem
Authors: Chvatík Ivan
Published: September 2021

Obituary of Ivan Havel.
Spinoza’s Monism II: A Proposal
Authors: Primus Kristin
Published: September 2021

An old question in Spinoza scholarship is how finite, non-eternal things transitively caused by other finite, non-eternal things (i. e., the entities described in propositions likeE1p28) are caused by the infinite, eternal substance, given that what follows either directly or indirectly from the divine nature is infinite and eternal (E1p21–23). In “Spinoza’s Monism I,”“Spinoza’s Monism I,” in the previous issue of this journal. I pointed out that most commentators answer this question by invoking entities that are indefinite and sempiternal, but argued that perhaps we should not be so quick to assume that in Spinoza’s system, an infinite and eternal substance could cause such indefinite, sempiternal entities. But if such eternal-durational causation is denied, then it seems harder to see how Spinoza’s system could be coherent: if Spinoza holds that the infinite, eternal substance cannot causeanythingthat is not infinite and not eternal, then how can he also hold thatallthings are modes immanently caused by substance (E1p15,E1p18,E1p25)? In this essay, I explain how Spinoza’s system could be understood in light of a denial of eternal-durational causation. On the interpretation I offer, God is the cause of all things and all things are modes because theessencesofallthings follow from the divine nature andallessences enjoy infinite, eternal reality as modes immanently caused by the infinite, eternal substance. The same non-substantial essences can also be conceived as enjoying non-infinite, non-eternal reality, but so conceived, they are enduring, finite (or sempiternal, indefinite) entities that cannot be conceived as modes caused by and inhering in the one infinite, eternal substance. I conclude by pointing out that if we take this interpretive route, we do have to understand Spinoza as committed to acosmism, or a denial of the reality of the world – at least the world of enduring, finite things.
Collateral Constraints, Wage Rigidity, and Jobless Recoveries
Authors: Föll Tobias
Published: September 2021

The Great Recession has drawn attention to the importance of macro-financial linkages. In this paper I explore the joint role of imperfections in labor and financial markets for the cyclical adjustment of the labor market. I show that jobless recoveries emerge when, upon exiting a recession, firms are faced with deteriorating credit conditions. On the financial side, collateral requirements affect the cost of borrowing for firms. On the employment side, hiring frictions and wage rigidity increase the need for credit, making the binding collateral constraint more relevant. In a general equilibrium business cycle model with search and matching frictions, I illustrate that tightening credit conditions calibrated from data negatively affect employment adjustments during recovery periods. Wage rigidity substantially amplifies this mechanism, generating empirically plausible fluctuations in employment and output.
A liquid-culture-based screening approach to study compounds affecting inflammatory processes in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Nguyen Vu Thu Thuy , Meyer Sarah Christina , Rieger Hanna , Endres Kristina
Published: September 2021

Discovery of biomedical drugs makes use of novel biological sources of limited availability and is often in need of fast, small-scale initial screening approaches. Here, we present a screening, based on the reporter Caenorhabditis elegans strain IG692, for identification of anti- and pro-inflammatory properties. The elaborated workflow is based on cultivation in fluid and by this, allows fast and reproducible seeding in 96 well plates. LPS and dexamethasone served as reliable controls, comparable to application in the human cell line THP-1. This in vivo approach offers a first step for selection of e.g. natural products or for repurposing of compounds from drug libraries and by this can serve as a tool in drug discovery for inflammatory human diseases.
Estimating causal effects with the neural autoregressive density estimator
Authors: Garrido Sergio , Borysov Stanislav , Rich Jeppe , Pereira Francisco
Published: September 2021

The estimation of causal effects is fundamental in situations where the underlying system will be subject to active interventions. Part of building a causal inference engine is defining how variables relate to each other, that is, defining the functional relationship between variables entailed by the graph conditional dependencies. In this article, we deviate from the common assumption of linear relationships in causal models by making use of neural autoregressive density estimators and use them to estimate causal effects within Pearl’s do-calculus framework. Using synthetic data, we show that the approach can retrieve causal effects from non-linear systems without explicitly modeling the interactions between the variables and include confidence bands using the non-parametric bootstrap. We also explore scenarios that deviate from the ideal causal effect estimation setting such as poor data support or unobserved confounders.