bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symphysio-Fundal Height Nomogram In Ultrasound Dated Pregnancies
Authors: Emmanuel Stephen Mador  , Stephen Daniel Pam  , Ishaya Chuwang Pam  , Josiah Turi Mutihir  , Godwin Ichenu Adoga  , John Oluwole Ogunranti
Published: January 2025

Objective: Fundal height measurements in centimeters have always been an objective method of evaluating fetal growth in pregnancy. The accepted Mcdonald's rule refers primarily to Caucasians regrettably. Since fundal height may actually vary in an anthropological sense it was considered necessary to apply Mcdonald's rule to African subjects to see whether there is any significant difference. The aim of this study is to construct symphysio-fundal height nomogram for normal pregnant Nigerian women. Material & Methods: In a cross sectional mode, four hundred and five pregnant Nigerian women were studied to examine how their fundal height values compared with those in the literature. A regression equation was derived for the 10th and 90th centiles. Values outside the range of 10 – 90th centiles are to be used for the prediction of small-for-dates and large-for-dates babies respectively. The prediction formulae for the various centiles derived from regression analysis and their usefulness in clinical anthropological practice using fundal height measurement are highlighted. Results: The study demonstrated a significant difference in fundal height values of Nigerian women especially in late pregnancy compared with other published values in the literature. A positive linear correlation between symphysio-fundal height and fetal gestational age was found in Nigerians with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9962 (p<0.001). The relationship is best described by the second order polynomial regression equation y = – 0.0024x2 + 1.1255x – 1.8334 where y is the symphysio-fundal height in centimeters while x is the gestational age in weeks. Conclusion: Symphysio-fundal height chart is a valuable tool for assessing fetal growth in the antenatal clinic in as much as it is cautiously constructed for a given population and the same method of measurement is strictly adhered to by different observers in the same organization. Key Words: Fundal Height; Predictive formulae; Nigerian women DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.3138Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 1 (2010) 64-67
A Review of Malaria Diagnostic Tools: Microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test
Authors: Vyankatesh T Anchinmane  , Rakesh T Shedge
Published: January 2025

Objective:
Microscopic detection of parasites has been the reference standard for malaria diagnosis for decades. However, difficulty in maintaining required technical skills and infrastructure has spurred the development of non-microscopic malaria rapid diagnostic devices based on the detection of malaria parasite antigen. We evaluated the QDx MALARIA PAN/Pf rapid immunochromatograpic card test by comparing it with the conventional standard blood smear method for the detection of malaria.
 
Material & Methods:
A total of 325 specimens of blood from cases of fever (falciparum malaria 88, vivax malaria 168, mixed infection of falciparum and vivax malaria 44, controls 25) were investigated by QDx Malaria Rapid test and blood smear method.
 
Results:
The QDx Malaria Rapid test showed 96.6% sensitivity, 100% specificity and 96.9 % accuracy. However, these parameters were lower when the parasitaemia was less than 500 parasites /μL.
 
Conclusion:
QDx Malaria Rapid test was found to have enormous advantages over smear examination due to its high degree of sensitivity, specificity, speed and ease of performance.
 
 
Key Words:
Malarial parasite; QDx MALARIA PAN / Pf rapid immunochromatograpic card test; blood smear
 
 
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2965
 
 
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences
1 (2010) 75-79
Blood levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Women with Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions: A case-control study
Authors: Vipul K Singh  , M Anand  , D Rawtani  , Uday P Singh  , DK Patel  , PK Mehrotra  , N Mathur  , MKJ Siddiqui
Published: January 2025

Objective:
As part of our program to investigate the possible role of environmental pollutants in the incidence of breast cancer in India, we conducted for the first time a hospital based case-control study where blood polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels were determined in women suffering from benign and malignant breast lesions, and compared with those of disease free controls drawn from similar socioeconomic environment residing in and around New Delhi, India.
 
Material & Methods:
Anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, naphthalene, pyrene, benzo (a) pyrene, benzo (k) fluoranthene and dibenzo (a,h) anthracene were determined by HPLC-FD.
 
Results:
Level of total PAHs in control, benign and malignant groups (30 numbers in each) were 142.05 ± 50.84, 185.99 ± 61.97 and 200.74 ± 55.05 μg / L respectively. Mean levels of naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene and benzo (k) fluoranthene were higher in both malignant and benign groups than in control but the difference was not statistically significant. Of the total PAHs, 3–ringed compounds were found much higher (89%) in controls than in benign (52%) and malignant groups (54%). However, the percentage sum of 2, 4 and 5-ringed PAHs were much higher in malignant (46%) and benign (48%) groups when compared with those of controls (11%).
 
Conclusion:
Results of the present study indicate that higher levels of PAHs (especially non-carcinogenic), though statistically non-significant, were present in cases with benign and malignant breast lesions than in those of controls.
 
 
Key Words:
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Breast cancer; Benign lesions; HPLC-FD  
 
 
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v1i2.2924
 
 
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences
1 (2010) 80-86
The Study of Cephalic Index of Andhra Region (India)
Authors: Visha Manoharrao Salve  , Naga Raghunandan Thota  , Anupama Patibandla
Published: January 2025

Objective: The cephalic index is the ratio of the maximum breadth of head to its maximum length. Cephalic index is very useful anthropologically to find out racial difference. It has also been reported that cephalic index is less than 2-3 in individual with sickle cell anemia than normal individual.
Material & Methods: The present study was carried out with 320 (160 male & 160 female) medical students of Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Foundation and Dr. Sudha & Nageswara Institute of Dental Sciences Chinnaoutpally, Krishna District (AP), INDIA.
Results: The mean cephalic index was 76.94±2.53. The mean cephalic index for male was 75.68±2.05 and for female was 78.20±2.33. The difference between male and female cephalic index was significant (p= 0.001 & difference 2.52).
Conclusion: The result of present study shows that majority of male of Andhra region are dolicocephalic or mesocephalic and female are mesocephalic. Cephalic index of the female is 2-3 point higher than the male in Andhra region population. This study will serve as basis of comparison for future studies on Andhra region population.
Key Words: Cephalic index; head length; head breadth; Andhra region of India
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.3385
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 53-55
Role of Urinary Tract Bacterial Infection in the Process of Bladder Carcinogenesis (Molecular and Biochemical Studies)
Authors: Abeer Mostafa Ashmawey  , Waleed S Mohamed  , Ibrahim M Abdel-Salam  , Saad M El-Gendy  , Ali I Ali  , Abdelbaset A El-Aaser
Published: January 2025

Objective: This work is designed to study the possible role of chronic inflammation induced by E. coli in the urinary bladder of rats, the protective role of soybean flour, in addition to the role of oxidative and nitrosative stresses during bladder carcinogenesis.
Material & Methods: This study was done on one hundred and fifty adult male albino rats (50 - 60 gm) that divided into five groups; a) Normal control group, b) Dibutyl amine and sodium nitrate treated group, c)E.Coli treated group, d) Dibutyl amine and sodium nitrate treated group plus E. coli, and e) Dibutyl amine and sodium nitrate treated group plus soy bean flour. Survival rate and histopatholgical changes during the period of treatment were recorded. Level of malondialdhyde, glutathione, catalase, hydrogen peroxide, Total anti-oxidant capacity and nitric oxide were measured. RNA extracted from bladder tissues was determined in addition to P16 level and caspase-3 expression.
Results: Survival analysis showed a significant decrease (p< 0.001) in E.Coli and dibutyl amine plus sodium nitrate treated groups in comparing with the normal and other treated groups. Also, E. coli infection in the bladder tissues increases the carcinogenic ability of nitrosamine precursors, and enhances oxidative and nitrosative stresses via increasing levels of nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdhyde. Regarding the molecular changes, extra bands have been found in E. coli and E. coli + carcinogen treated groups approximately at 16-18KD which are not present in the other groups.
Conclusion: Bacterial infection of the urinary bladder may play a major additive and synergistic role in bladder carcinogenesis. Our results have also shown that soy bean flour may have a protective action during induction of urinary tumors.
Key Words: Bladder carcinogenesis; E. Coli; Soybean; DBA; P16
DOI: 10.3126/ajms.v2i1.3542
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 31-40
Mutation Analysis of the LDL Receptor Gene in Indian Families with Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Suyamindra S Kulkarni  , Suresh Basavraj  , G S Kadakol  , Vandana T  , Amruta Markande  , Jayaraj Sindhoor  , Bhushan B Kulkarni  , S V Hiremath  , K Thangaraj  , Pramod B Gai
Published: January 2025

Objective: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a metabolic disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant trait characterized by an increased plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level. The disease is caused by several different mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene. Several mutations have been reported in this gene in patients from several ethnic groups. Early identification of individuals carrying the defective gene could be useful in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infraction by the available therapeutic methods. The techniques available for determining the number of the functional LDLR molecules are difficult to carry out and expensive. Our study presents mutation analysis of the LDLR gene in 24 Indian families with FH. Material & Methods: Peripheral blood samples were obtained form individuals after taking informed consent on the condition that each of these individuals had at least one first-degree relative affected with FH. Genomic DNA was isolated, exon-specific intronic primers were designed and used to amplify DNA samples from individuals.PCR products were directly subjected to automated DNA sequencing to detect the mutations. Along with the affected individuals, ten ethnically matched controls were also analyzed to determine the presence of the same mutations. Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome admitted to hospital were excluded from the study. Results: All the 24 patients had total cholesterol level above 300 mg/dl and LDL cholesterol level above 200mg/dl. Sequence analysis of the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene showed 3 novel mutations which have never been reported elsewhere. In exon 10 we reported g.29372_29373insC, which was found in all the 24 patients and was missence mutation coding for C (cysteine) instead of V (valine). Conclusion: Our study reported 3 novel mutations in 24 Indian families. These novel mutations are predicted to produce change in the amino acid and thus leading to the conformational changes in the structure of LDLR protein. Change in the LDLR protein makes the LDL receptor unable to transport the cholesterol in to the cell and hence cholesterol starts accumulating in the blood stream and leads to FH. Key Words: Familial Hypercholesterolemia; Mutation analysis; LDL Receptor gene
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.4573
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 82-86
The Impact of Nutritional Awareness Package (NAP) on Secondary School Students for the Improvement of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) at Rural Areas of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
Authors: Soumyajit Maiti  , Kausik Chatterjee  , Debasis De  , Kazi Monjur Ali  , Tushar Kanti Bera  , Kishalay Jana  , Debidas Ghosh
Published: January 2025

Objective: Nutritional problem in school age children is common throughout the India. Occurrence of nutritional problems like anaemia, scurvy, ricket and protein energy malnutrition (PEM) may develop due to lack of knowledge and awareness. Poor knowledge on nutrition among children can lead to unhealthy community. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of school-based nutrition awareness package on the development of nutritional knowledge of school children at rural areas of West Medinipur district. Material & Methods: Total 827 secondary school children were selected randomly from class VII to IX of three different schools of West Medinipur comprising 433 boys and 394 girls. To access the awareness level, a peer-reviewed, scoring system questionnaire was applied. The nutrition education was imparted through lectures, audiovisual aids and demonstrations for three months in school settings. Before and after imparting nutrition education, the changes in knowledge, attitude and practices regarding good nutrition was evaluated by questionnaire method. Results: After delivery of nutrition education, a significant improvement in their nutritional knowledge was observed. Nutritional knowledge was improved significantly on anaemia (p≤0.001), scurvy (p≤0.001), ricket (p≤0.001) and PEM (p≤0.001) at post-awareness stage. The analysis of data also inferred that the students scoring more marks in management part of deficiency diseases which is important during their future life. The study was successful in identifying certain gaps in their knowledge, attitude and practices before imparting nutrition education. Conclusion: It is concluded that a school-based comprehensive nutritional programme has significant effect on cognitive and attitudinal variables to increase the level of knowledge and to follow-up appropriate dietary behaviours. The findings support the importance of knowledge in nutrition of the children in connection with the development of healthy dietary behaviours. Key Words: School Children; Nutritional diseases; NAP; KAP DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.3976Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 87-92
Association of Genetically Related Escherichia coli Strains with Ulcerative Colitis - A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ritu Agarwal  , Chaman Deep  , Saurabh K Patel  , Ashok K Jain  , Gopal Nath
Published: January 2025

Objective: To explore the genetic relatedness among the Escherichia coli isolates recovered from rectal mucosa of patients with Ulcerative Colitis(UC) as well as from non specific diarrhoea patients by using ERIC PCR (whole genome analysis). Material & Methods: A total of 44 strains of E coli, each from patients suffering from UC with exacerbation while on maintenance therapy, were isolated to see if there is any association with specific genotype of E coli with the clini-cal condition. For comparison, 20 strains of E coli were also isolated from patients suffering from non specific diarrhoea. These isolates were subjected to ERIC PCR for analysing similarity/ dissimilarity with each other based on the distribution of ERIC sequences in the whole genome of the bacterial species. Results: The dendrogram prepared on the basis of banding pattern showed that majority of UC patients (39/44, 88.6%) grouped in to one major cluster while second major cluster comprised mostly strains isolated from patients with non specific diarrhoea i.e. controls (17/18, 94.4%). Moreover, in the cluster representing UC patients, a total of 11 strains were observed to be genotypically similar followed by 8 strains by ERIC PCR. Conclusion: Our results strongly indicate that specific Escherichia coli strains may be involved/ associated with UC and its relapse. Key Words: Ulcerative colitis; Escherichia coli; ERIC; PCR DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.4769Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 93-96
Efficacy of Stretching Exercises in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Study in Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Manoj Kumar Chakraborty  , Pratendra Raj Onta  , Brijesh Sathian
Published: January 2025

Objective: Chronic plantar fasciitis developed in ten percent of cases with poor response. Specific plantar stretching exercises alone improves the patient with better outcome. It is self limited process with resolution of symptoms within one year but five percent cases may require surgical intervention in intractable cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long term outcomes of the plantar fascia specific stretching exercise only for chronic plantar fasciitis.
Material & Methods: 50 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis for more than three month duration were enrolled in our study for post treatment follow up with effect from Jan 2010 to Jan 2011 in Department of Orthopedics of Manipal College of Medical Sciences. All patients received plantar specific stretching exercise protocol for twelve months interval of one week, three week, two months, six months and twelve months.
Results: Out of 50 patients, 36(72%) were female and 14 (28%) were male. 36(72%) were left sided and 14 (28%) were right. Mean age of patients were 46.12±SD7.11 years. The pre treatment mean visual analogue scale score for all patients is significantly higher than every follow up (p=0.0001).
Conclusion: This stretching of the plantar fascia is a modification of the traditional stretch weight bearing to tissue specific plantar fascia stretching protocol to optimize tissue tension through a controlled stretch of plantar fascia by recreation of windlass mechanism with high rate of satisfaction in regards to decrease of pain and functional limitations.
Key Words: Chronic plantar fasciitis; stretching; windlass mechanism
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.4218
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 97-101
A Rare Case of Cephalic Tetanus with Infranuclear Facial Palsy Following Foot Injury
Authors: Srikanth Paleti  , Srinivasa Rao B  , Umakanth Venkat Kodali  , Ranjith Kumar N  , Suresh Babu P
Published: January 2025

We present here a rare case of cephalic tetanus with infranuclear facial nerve palsy following injury to the left foot with progression to generalized form, recovered completely in 6 weeks. There were few reports that cranial nerve palsies may occur in tetanus when the site of injury is other than in the head and neck, and indeed when there is no apparent site of entry of infection. In cephalic tetanus the prognosis is generally worse but here patient recovered completely without any residual paresis
Key Words: Cephalic tetanus; Facial palsy; Foot injury
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v2i2.4409
Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 2 (2011) 131-133
Health Impacts of Climate Change on Precarious Outdoor Workers in Urban Asia: A Systematic Review of Vietnamese-Language and Vietnam-Based Studies
Authors:   SocialLife Research Institute, Nguyen Loc , Vo An ,   SocialLife Research Institute, Vu Anh ,   UK National Centre for Social Research, Rigg Jonathan ,   University of Bristol
Published: January 2025

Climate change poses increasingly severe challenges to nations worldwide, with developing countries being the most vulnerable due to their lack of socio-economic resources for adaptation. When discussing climate change adaptation, outdoor workers, who are directly exposed to abnormal weather phenomena in their daily work, are the most vulnerable group in terms of health impacts.
This working paper presents a systematic review of Vietnam-based literature on the health impacts of climate change on urban outdoor workers in Asia. By synthesising empirical evidence from Vietnam and comparing it with a parallel study of English-language research, we aim to identify potential gaps in the English-language literature regarding health impacts on precarious outdoor workers in Vietnamese megacities.
Our search yielded four peer-reviewed articles and four doctoral dissertations studying the health effects of weather and climate change on outdoor workers. Seven of these were in Vietnamese language, and one was in English language published in a Vietnam-based journal. Despite expanding our search string to include publications across Asia, all eight studies we found focused on Vietnam.
Our systematic review revealed that heat stress and air pollution emerged as the main climate-related health concerns for outdoor workers, causing heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and respiratory diseases. We found no comparative evidence on health vulnerabilities across different outdoor occupations, with studies largely examining formal sector workers and only one addressing informal workers. There was limited research on workers' adaptation strategies to extreme weather. Studies focused on employer-provided protective equipment, while individual coping mechanisms and government social support, particularly for informal workers, received little attention.
This working paper contributes to the broader understanding of climate change impacts on vulnerable populations and highlights the importance of considering diverse linguistic and geographical perspectives in climate change research.
“Tragedia en Collins Avenue. El desastre que conmocionó a Miami”, de Juan Manuel Robles
Authors: Cabello Candela * Javier Aurelio
Published: January 2025

A cuatro años del derrumbe de un edificio de 13 pisos frente a las playas de Miami (EE.UU.), el periodista y escritor Juan Manuel Robles decidió relatar las historias de algunas de las familias que perdieron la vida en la catástrofe. Un paciente trabajo de investigación reporteril que busca dar indicios de lo que pudo haber ocurrido una madrugada de luna llena y donde murieron 98 personas. Un libro de vidas humanas, historias de presagios y sobre todo de entender la fragilidad de la vida.
Using Cartoon: An integrative approach to teaching multiculturism and second language
Authors: Islam Farzana Sharmin Pamela
Published: January 2025

This paper focuses on how cartoon can be used as a potential tool to teach multilingual learners and be incorporated as a language teaching material in the curriculum. In addition, the study also discusses that through cartoons, teaching and learning a language will not be the only target to achieve, but also to give exposure to multiculturalism and sharing cultural aspects with the learners at the same time. In this context, multiculturalism is going to be focused in the light of linguistics and language policy and psychological aspects. For this paper, four cartoon videos have been the primary sources of data to establish the importance of cartoons in teaching and learning of a language.
Furthermore, for the purpose of analysis four cartoons from four different countries have been selected. The cartoons are in German and Spanish languages produced in Germany and Spain respectively; and Japanese and Swahili languages produced in Japan and Kenya respectively. The study has observed that cartoon can be utilized as an important tool in learning a language, and has found that appropriate employment of cartoons can be a useful strategy to teach and exchange multiculturalism, which, in turn, will assist learners to understand the target language in the context of target culture.
Mobilizing Metacognitive Strategies Through Zoom for EFL Classrooms: An Innovative Practice Amidst Covid 19
Authors: Cardoso Luís Miguel , Aeni Nur , Muthmainnah Muthmainnah
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The goal of this study is to investigate student’s metacognitive skill online learning via Zoom app during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The online lectures are the primary method of instruction. Lecturers and students mostly used Zoom apps to deliver lectures amidst Covid 19 pandemic.
Methodology
This study used quantitative research and the data collection was conducted through questionnaires on student’s metacognitive skill spread by google form to the EFL students at a private university completed a questionnaire via Google Form. There were 24 students in total.
Results/Findings
This study results showed students perception online learning via Zoom was used its highly involved student’s metacognitive skill. It is considered as an effective platform to enhance students’ interactions and engagement.
Implications
This study result in Zoom class lecturer develops metacognitive strategies to support higher order thinking skill and 21th century skill of students. This result of the study can be used by other educators in mobilizing metacognitive strategies.
The Future Of Monetary Economics And Financial Institutions
Authors: Nur Masitoh Fitria , Rohmah Miftakhur
Published: January 2025

Digitalisasi dan inovasi teknologi finansial (fintech) telah membawa transformasi mendalam pada sistem keuangan dan kebijakan moneter. Sistem moneter dan keuangan telah mengalami perubahan signifikan dalam beberapa dekade terakhir, terutama dengan kemunculan teknologi digital seperti cryptocurrency dan Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Potensi untuk meningkatkan efisiensi sistem pembayaran dan memungkinkan akses yang lebih luas ke sistem keuangan, untuk itu tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah bagaimana Bank Indonesia dapat memimpin perubahan ini dan memastikan stabilitas serta efisiensi sistem keuangan di era digital dan globalisasi. Metode Penelitian ini adalah deskriftif kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data berupa data primer dan skunder. Sedangkan teknik analisis data Reduksi data, Penyajian data dan triangulasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa cryptocurrency dan CBDC dapat meningkatkan efisiensi sistem pembayaran dan memungkinkan akses yang lebih luas ke sistem keuangan. Namun, perluasan penggunaan cryptocurrency juga telah menimbulkan tantangan baru dalam hal regulasi dan stabilitas moneter. Selajutnya kebijakan moneter yang lebih fleksibel dan responsif terhadap perubahan teknologi dapat meningkatkan kemampuan sistem keuangan untuk menangani krisis.
The Planned Reforms of the American and European Deposit Insurance Systems: Similarities and Differences
Authors:   University of Warsaw, Szeląg Konrad
Published: January 2025

Last year, at around the same time, two reforms of deposit insurance systems were announced – one in the United
States and the other in the European Union. The American proposal of the reform was triggered by the banking
crisis of March 2023 (bank runs and failures) and it was put forward by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
in May 2023. In Europe, the European Commission published in April 2023 its legislative proposal to reform the
current EU framework for crisis management in the banking sector (including both deposit insurance and bank
resolution). The EU proposal for the reform was the culmination of a few years of preparatory work based on
practical experience from the functioning of the EU crisis management framework which is part of the Banking
Union established ten years ago.
This article examines key problems that have to be addressed by the proposed reforms as well as potential policy
options. The American options include various levels of deposit insurance coverage (limited, targeted, unlimited),
while the European approach covers changes to resolution scope and funding (slight or substantial) as well as a broad
reform including a common deposit guarantee scheme in the Banking Union. The article discusses advantages and
disadvantages of these policy options, presents arguments for and against them, makes an attempt to evaluate the
proposed reforms, and indicates how both of the reforms differ from each other and how they are similar.
A model of implementation for the family check-up in community mental health settings
Authors: Stormshak Elizabeth , Mauricio Anne Marie , McWhirter Anna Cecilia , Reiter Lisa
Published: January 2025

Introduction: The Family Check-Up (FCU) is an evidence-based treatment program that has been developed in over 25 years of rigorous clinical research. The FCU is associated with long-term outcomes including improved mental and behavioral health that lead to lifelong adjustment and has been implemented in various countries, including the United States of America, Sweden, Canada, and the Netherlands.
Method: In this paper, we review the theoretical model that guided our research, the clinical model for service delivery, and the implementation model that guides our dissemination of the FCU in diverse community service settings in the United States. The FCU is grounded in a developmental, ecological model in which contextual stressors predict parenting skills and family relationships, which are key mediators and targets of the intervention. The FCU in-person program includes a 3-session, strength-based assessment that culminates in a feedback session which then leads to tailored parenting support for families. Our community implementation model occurs in 4 phases that include exploration of community need, consultation, training, and ongoing support for sustainment. A combination of e-learning, virtual trainings, provider consultation and certification, and supervisor training is included in the implementation model.
Results: Results across studies demonstrated improvements in parent self-efficacy, stress, emotion regulation, anxiety, depression, and parenting behaviors (positive and proactive parenting, limit-setting), and reductions in negative parenting, family conflict, and child emotional problems.
Conclusion: Our goal is to expand the reach of mental health prevention around the world by increasing dissemination of the FCU in community settings through a collaborative, community-engaged process, and integrating our new digital health program into a range of mental health service settings.
Acciones pedagógicas desde el trabajo social y la teoría del género entorno al stalking: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Rodríguez Otero Luis Manuel , Del Real-García María Fernanda
Published: January 2025

El stalking refiere a las conductas de vigilancia y de control reiteradas y sin consentimiento de un sujeto respecto a otro, que producen efectos negativos en el bienestar de las personas y representan una forma de ejercer la violencia en pareja. Se realizó una revisión sistemática con el objetivo de caracterizar las acciones pedagógicas a partir de la teoría del género que se realizan desde el trabajo social entorno al stalking. Para ello se aplicó el protocolo PRISMA y se utilizaron las palabras clave (stalking & “social work”), (stalking & “trabajo social”), (control & “trabajo social”) y (vigilancia & “trabajo social”) en las bases de datos de Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, Dialnet y PubMed. Se incluyeron un total de 17 documentos publicados entre 2005 y 2023. Los resultados revelaron que el trabajo social fundamenta las intervenciones a partir de una perspectiva epistemológica principalmente positivista y una perspectiva ontológica basada en las capacidades de los sujetos y la violencia de género. En este sentido, los estudios analizados denotan propuestas de intervención respecto al stalking basadas principalmente a partir de los modelos psicodinámicos y sistémicos. No obstante, también se incluyen propuestas pedagógicas desde los diferentes ámbitos sociales, especialmente a partir de modelos cognitivo-conductuales.
La formación especializada de educadoras y educadores sociales en el sistema educativo
Authors: Jiménez-Jiménez Rubén , Martín-Cuadrado Ana María , Pérez-Sánchez Lourdes
Published: January 2025

El presente artículo expone el origen y desarrollo de un programa de formación continua, categoría de posgrado, modalidad de enseñanza a distancia enriquecida con tecnología digital, estructura modular, con diferentes itinerarios y niveles de especialización en el área de la Educación Social y en el ámbito del sistema educativo. La necesidad surge en los contextos escolares, debido al creciente interés por implementar estrategias y actuaciones relacionadas con profesionales que no son docentes, pero que son pertinentes por la variedad de situaciones de carácter socioeducativas que surgen de forma constante y sistemática. Los profesionales de la educación social que trabajan en el sistema educativo precisan niveles de formación específica en diferentes momentos de su carrera profesional. La creación de un marco de competencias ad hoc entre profesionales del área y profesorado universitario de educación fue el primer paso en el origen del modelo de formación especializada para responder a las carencias formativas del profesional que trabaja en los centros educativos. La conclusión de esta experiencia es la necesidad de diseñar, desarrollar y evaluar procesos de formación continua en colaboración entre el ámbito académico y el ámbito profesional. Finalmente, se propone la adaptación del modelo de formación a otros ámbitos de la Educación Social.
Gestão municipal da escola rural em Londrina/PR (1949-1992)
Authors: Sacchelli Gabriela da Silva , Honorato Tony
Published: January 2025

O objetivo consiste em compreender as ações de gestão do município de Londrina, Paraná, voltadas à escolarização rural e empreendidas por órgãos do poder executivo (1949-1992). A pesquisa foi documental, tendo como fonte histórica registros (atas, fotografias, relatórios, termos de visita) das atividades da gestão da educação municipal. Para a análise contou com a categoria historiográfica municipio pedagógico proposta por Justino Pereira de Magalhães, Wenceslau Gonçalves Neto e interlocutores. Como resultado, a escola rural em Londrina, ao longo do processo histórico, foi gerida por três órgãos do poder executivo local: Departamento de Educação Pública e Assistência Social (Depas), Secretaria Municipal de Educação e Cultura (SMEC) e Secretaria Municipal de Educação (SME) e as ações estiveram voltadas ao pedagógico, ao comportamento docente, à formação do sujeito do campo e às políticas educacionais em escalas local, regional e nacional.
Go with the flow? Professor, Influencer e a crise no sistema de peritos
Authors: Pinto Neto Moysés
Published: January 2025

Este artigo explora as diferenças entre as figuras do professor e do influenciador digital no contexto do capitalismo de plataforma. Discute-se como a autonomia do professor em abordar temas complexos contrasta com a restrição do influencer, que se vê limitado pela necessidade de adaptação aos algoritmos e à manutenção do engajamento de seu público. Além disso, analisa-se a ecologia da atenção, enfatizando a profundidade e reflexão no aprendizado, em oposição à superficialidade e imediatismo promovidos pela ansiedade algorítmica. O artigo conclui que, embora exista uma sobreposição entre os papéis de professores e influencers, é o contexto e as ferramentas disponíveis que definem as práticas e limitações de cada um.
Vietnam's place in the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative: Bringing out for Russia
Authors: Parfenov Danil Valer'evich , Selin Ivan Borisovich
Published: January 2025

The article examines the political and economic meaning of the Chinese Belt and Road initiative, which is aimed at expanding China's economic and, as a result, political influence through the expansion of infrastructural and trade ties. Vietnam is a key strategic partner of China in the Southeast Asian region, a direct neighbor and one of the main beneficiaries of the Chinese initiative at this stage. However, the article emphasizes the duality of such interaction: Vietnam is in danger of becoming unconditionally dependent on China, which Vietnam seeks to avoid. Vietnam sees its partial support in diversifying the areas of cooperation. The authors of the article believe that this aspiration can be used by Russia to strengthen its own positions, both directly with Vietnam and with the entire region of Southeast Asia. The authors used qualitative and comparative analysis of sources, content analysis of data to determine trends; synthesis and historical-descriptive methods for a comprehensive presentation of the subject of research. The main conclusions of this article are the inevitability of economic cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road of Vietnam and China. Geographical proximity and diverse contacts force Vietnam and China to interaction. The comprehensive analysis shows that the Belt and Road still raises many questions and suspicions from various participants, including Russia. However, for Russia, this may be a chance to expand economic cooperation with Vietnam, even despite the sanctions pressure. The article can serve as a basis for further comprehensive research of the factors influencing Russian-Vietnamese relations in particular, and the structure of multilateral cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road, in general. The Belt and Road has laid the foundation for the expansion of China's economic and political expansion, and there is still no clear understanding of how other players on the world stage will react.
The process of forming the linguistic and cultural competence of the translator
Authors: Makarova Viktoriya Valerievna
Published: January 2025

The subject of the research is the basics of the general theory of translation, the theoretical foundations of written and oral translation and the methodology of teaching a translator through the prism of the formation of his linguistic and cultural competence. Thus, the linguistic and cultural competences of the translator are fundamentally necessary to ensure interlanguage and intercultural correspondence, embodied through the text, and allowing to compare the national cultural characteristics of the communicants. Linguistic and regional expertise presuppose, on the one hand, that the translator has regional background knowledge, on the basis of which a specifically reproduced lexical unit is associated with the same information that a native speaker presents. On the other hand, linguistic and cultural competencies cannot be studied in isolation from the personal qualities of the translator, which allow for more complete intercultural cooperation between multilingual communicants. The main methods used in the research process were the dialectical method, which made it possible to identify the features of the formation of the linguistic and cultural competence of the translator; a systematic approach based on which linguistic and cultural competencies were considered through the prism of linguistic, technical, and communicative elements. The main conclusions of the study are that, on the one hand, this type of translator's competence includes his professional qualities, translation practice in a real environment, and a policy of continuous training in interpretation and translation. On the other hand, personal and communicative qualities and openness to new knowledge, attached to the knowledge of the native language, are fundamental. According to the results of the study, it is proposed to talk about the following elements that reproduce the linguistic and cultural competencies of the translator – these are linguistic, technical, communicative competencies, as well as the translator's perception of his place in the translation being performed. In the first case, it means a set of idioms, phraseological units, connotative and background vocabulary. In the second – an accumulated information reserve of at least the third degree, allowing to ensure the completeness of linguistic and background knowledge in the source and translating languages. Thirdly, the ability to edit the translation depending on the communicants' pre-information reserves. Finally, the translator's understanding of his place in the translation chain is associated with the adapted translation not only of linguistic units from native speakers, but also of the cultural and national connotation implied by them.
The Drosophila hematopoietic niche assembles through collective cell migration controlled by neighbor tissues and Slit-Robo signaling
Authors: Nelson Kara A , Lenhart Kari F , Anllo Lauren , DiNardo Stephen
Published: January 2025

Niches are often found in specific positions in tissues relative to the stem cells they support. Consistency of niche position suggests that placement is important for niche function. However, the complexity of most niches has precluded a thorough understanding of how their proper placement is established. To address this, we investigated the formation of a genetically tractable niche, the Drosophila Posterior Signaling Center (PSC), the assembly of which had not been previously explored. This niche controls hematopoietic progenitors of the lymph gland (LG). PSC cells were previously shown to be specified laterally in the embryo, but ultimately reside dorsally, at the LG posterior. Here, using live-imaging, we show that PSC cells migrate as a tight collective and associate with multiple tissues during their trajectory to the LG posterior. We find that Slit emanating from two extrinsic sources, visceral mesoderm and cardioblasts, is required for the PSC to remain a collective, and for its attachment to cardioblasts during migration. Without proper Slit-Robo signaling, PSC cells disperse, form aberrant contacts, and ultimately fail to reach their stereotypical position near progenitors. Our work characterizes a novel example of niche formation and identifies an extrinsic signaling relay that controls precise niche positioning.
Opening and closing of a cryptic pocket in VP35 toggles it between two different RNA-binding modes
Authors: Mallimadugula Upasana L , Cruz Matthew A , Vithani Neha , Zimmerman Maxwell I , Bowman Gregory R
Published: January 2025

Cryptic pockets are of growing interest as potential drug targets, particularly to control protein-nucleic acid interactions that often occur via flat surfaces. However, it remains unclear whether cryptic pockets contribute to protein function or if they are merely happenstantial features that can easily be evolved away to achieve drug resistance. Here, we explore whether a cryptic pocket in the Interferon Inhibitory Domain (IID) of viral protein 35 (VP35) of Zaire ebolavirus aids its ability to bind double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We use simulations and experiments to study the relationship between cryptic pocket opening and dsRNA binding of the IIDs of two other filoviruses, Reston and Marburg. These homologs have nearly identical structures but block different interferon pathways due to different affinities for blunt ends and backbone of the dsRNA. Simulations and thiol-labeling experiments demonstrate that the homologs have varying probabilities of pocket opening. Subsequent dsRNA-binding assays suggest that closed conformations preferentially bind dsRNA blunt ends while open conformations prefer binding the backbone. Point mutations that modulate pocket opening proteins further confirm this preference. These results demonstrate the open cryptic pocket has a function, suggesting cryptic pockets are under selective pressure and may be difficult to evolve away to achieve drug resistance.
Systematic evaluation of intratumoral and peripheral BCR repertoires in three cancers
Authors: Krasik Sofia V , Bryushkova Ekaterina A , Sharonov George V , Myalik Daria S , Shurganova Elizaveta V , Komarov Dmitry V , Shagina Irina A , Shpudeiko Polina S , Turchaninova Maria A , Vakhitova Maria T , Samoylenko Igor V , Marinov Dimitr T , Demidov Lev V , Zagainov Vladimir E , Chudakov Dmitriy M , Serebrovskaya Ekaterina O
Published: January 2025

The current understanding of humoral immune response in cancer patients suggests that tumors may be infiltrated with diffuse B cells of extra-tumoral origin or may develop organized lymphoid structures, where somatic hypermutation and antigen-driven selection occur locally. These processes are believed to be significantly influenced by the tumor microenvironment through secretory factors and biased cell-cell interactions. To explore the manifestation of this influence, we used deep unbiased immunoglobulin profiling and systematically characterized the relationships between B cells in circulation, draining lymph nodes (draining LNs), and tumors in 14 patients with three human cancers. We demonstrated that draining LNs are differentially involved in the interaction with the tumor site, and that significant heterogeneity exists even between different parts of a single lymph node (LN). Next, we confirmed and elaborated upon previous observations regarding intratumoral immunoglobulin heterogeneity. We identified B cell receptor (BCR) clonotypes that were expanded in tumors relative to draining LNs and blood and observed that these tumor-expanded clonotypes were less hypermutated than non-expanded (ubiquitous) clonotypes. Furthermore, we observed a shift in the properties of complementarity-determining region 3 of the BCR heavy chain (CDR-H3) towards less mature and less specific BCR repertoire in tumor-infiltrating B-cells compared to circulating B-cells, which may indicate less stringent control for antibody-producing B cell development in tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, we found repertoire-level evidence that B-cells may be selected according to their CDR-H3 physicochemical properties before they activate somatic hypermutation (SHM). Altogether, our work outlines a broad picture of the differences in the tumor BCR repertoire relative to non-tumor tissues and points to the unexpected features of the SHM process.
Deconstructing esports
Authors: Legierse Tom , Ruotsalainen Maria
Published: January 2025

Branding competitive gaming as esports, part of a process known as sportification, has contributed greatly to the wider acceptance of competitive gaming as legitimate leisure and professional activity. However, the social effects of sportification remain largely overlooked in current research. In this paper we argue that in order to understand the normative and formative social effects of sportification of competitive gaming, we need to forefront the bodies in esports. Building on scholarship that highlights inequities in (competitive) gaming and esports, we identify four ways in which bodies are made relevant in esports: 1) the obscuring of the playing body and establishment of an idealized and normative masculine athletic body; 2) the ‘visibility’ of women's bodies as deviant from the norm; 3) the invisibility (and impossibility) of disabled bodies through design (embodied nature of design of both games and gameplay); and 4) the embodied nature of infrastructural issues that cannot be reduced to materiality. We argue for a deconstruction of esports as a social practice that forefronts bodies. Understanding exactly how bodies become relevant will allow us to deconstruct the structural conditions of participation that dictate which bodies are possible or not in esports and move towards more equitable esports practices.
World War Two Simulated: Digital Games and Reconfigurations of the Past by Curtis D. Carbonell (University of Exeter Press, 2023)
Authors: Hammond Phil
Published: January 2025

A review of Curtis D. Carbonell's monograph World War Two Simulated: Digital Games and Reconfigurations of the Past. Published by University of Exeter Press, 2023. ISBN: 978-1-804-13060-5, 264 pages.