bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in domestic dogs and cats and its relationship with COVID-19 cases in the city of Villavicencio, Colombia
Authors: Jaramillo Hernández Dumar Alexander , Chacón María Clara , Velásquez María Alejandra , Vásquez-Trujillo Adolfo , Sánchez Ana Patricia , Salazar Garces Luis Fabian , García Gina Lorena , Velasco-Santamaría Yohana María , Pedraza Luz Natalia , Lesmes-Rodríguez Lida Carolina
Published: August 2023

Background: Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, different animal species have been implicated as possible intermediate hosts that could facilitate the transmission of the virus between species. The detection of these hosts has intensified, reporting wild, zoo, farm, and pet animals. The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins (IgG) in domestic dogs and cats and its epidemiological association with the frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Villavicencio, Colombia.

Methods: 300 dogs and 135 cats were randomly selected in a two-stage distribution by clusters according to COVID-19 cases (positive RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2) within the human population distributed within the eight communes of Villavicencio. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was applied in order to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in sera samples. Kernel density estimation was used to compare the prevalence of COVID-19 cases with the seropositivity of dogs and cats.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was 4.6% (95% CI=3.2-7.4). In canines, 3.67% (95% CI=2.1-6.4) and felines 6.67% (95% CI=3.6-12.18). Kernel density estimation indicated that seropositive cases were concentrated in the southwest region of the city. There was a positive association between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet animals and their habitat in Commune 2 (adjusted OR=5.84; 95% CI=1.1-30.88). Spearman's correlation coefficients were weakly positive (p=0.32) between the ratio of COVID-19 cases in November 2020 and the results for domestic dogs and cats from the eight communes of Villavicencio.

Conclusions: In the present research cats were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection than dogs. This study provides the first positive results of anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA serological tests in domestic dogs and cats in Colombia with information about the virus transmission dynamics in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and clinical outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis among male and female children with type 1 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Meregildo-Rodriguez Edinson Dante , León-Jiménez Franco Ernesto , Tafur-Hoyos Brenda Aurora Dolores , Vásquez-Tirado Gustavo Adolfo
Published: August 2023

Background: Some studies suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic increased the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, the impact of this pandemic on pediatric T1DM is still mostly unknown. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical outcomes in children with T1DM.

Methods: We systematically searched for six databases up to 31 August 2022. We included 46 observational studies, 159,505 children of both sexes with T1DM, and 17,547 DKA events.

Results: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased, in both sexes, the incidence of 1) DKA (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.44–1.96), 2) severe DKA (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.59–2.12), 3) DKA in newly diagnosed T1DM (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.51–2.03), and 4) ICU admissions (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.60–2.26). However, we did not find a significant association between this pandemic and 1) the incidence of T1DM, 2) the incidence of DKA in established T1DM, 3) the incidence of KDA complications, 4) the length of hospitalization stay, and 5) mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that the study design and the continent of origin accounted for the heterogeneity.

Conclusions: The pandemic SARS-CoV-2 raised, in both sexes, the risk of DKA, severe DKA, DKA de novo, and ICU admissions.
The realization of interpersonal meanings in cosmetic Maybelline New York in 2018 advertisements
Authors: Herman Herman , Purba Ridwin , Saputra Nanda
Published: August 2023

Background: Interpersonal meaning is the interaction between the speaker and the listener and the writer and the reader. This study aims to determine the structure of mood and how the structure of mood is found. The purposes of this study are (1) to be more sensitive to the mood structure shown in Maybelline New York cosmetic advertisement. (2) to investigate the reason of why interrogative sentences are more difficult to find than declarative sentences. Through this research, we can see the types of mood structures, and how these mood structures are used. Methods: The type of research approach used is descriptive qualitative. Research in this case describes systematically, factually and accurately facts and causal relationships of the phenomena studied. The sources of data in this study are eight cosmetic Maybelline New York products, namely the Maybelline gel pencil, L’oreal colour riche nail, Maybelline mascara and eyeliner, Maybelline creamy lipmatte and Maybelline eyeshadow, Maybelline eyeliner, Maybelline lipstick, and Maybelline clear smooth all in one. Results: In analyzing the data, the researcher of the 2014 Halliday theory revised by Mathiesse found that there are three types of manifested mood, four types of realized speech function, and mood-based realization of speech function. The moods manifested were declarative (48.64%), interrogative (5.40%) and imperative (45.94%). Speech functions that are realized are statements (48.64%), questions (5.40%), offers (18.91%) and command (24.32%). Conclusions: It can be concluded that declarative sentences are mostly found in Maybelline New York products. Researchers suggest that readers be more careful in using mood structures in cosmetic advertisements so that there are no misunderstandings.
Multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi: why should African countries move quickly toward adopting typhoid conjugate vaccine
Authors: Lubanga Adriano , Bwanali Akim Nelson
Published: August 2023

Africa has a high burden of typhoid fever causing significant morbidity and mortality especially among children. Over the years there has been increased development of Multi-drug and Extensively drug resistance typhoid strains in the continent which threatens typhoid treatment. This is compounded by a background that most African countries have limited diagnostic capacity, leading to high empiric use of antibiotics, and worsening of antimicrobial resistance.  Access to safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation facilities also remains a significant challenge for most countries. In this policy brief, we encourage African countries to consider quick adoption of highly efficacious and cost-effective available typhoid conjugate vaccines.
Factors affecting elective cesarean section in women with multiple pregnancy in Caruban, Indonesia
Authors: Mahindra Muhammad Pradhiki , Sampurna Mahendra Tri Arif , Mapindra Muhammad Pradhika , Putri Apriska Mega Sutowo , Krisbiyantoro Aries , Aryananda Rozi Aditya
Published: August 2023

Background: Caesarean sections have become the most popular method for delivering twin babies because of the safety concerns associated with a natural birth. This study aims to identify the maternal characteristics and obstetric parameters that serve as risk factors influencing caesarean delivery in twin pregnancies by comparing women delivering via caesarean section and vaginal birth.

Methods: A retrospective chart review design was used to analyse 47 women with multiple pregnancies from the medical records at a primary referral hospital in East Java, Indonesia. Women delivering vaginally were then compared with women who underwent a caesarean section to identify any differences between the groups.

Results: In our study, more women delivered by caesarean section (n=35) than by vaginal birth (n=12). Women were more likely to undergo a caesarean section if they had a previous history of undergoing a caesarean section (OR 16.5; 95% CI 1.91-142.49; p=0.02). Similar to previous studies, we found that foetal malpresentation significantly increase the risk of caesarean delivery (OR 8.25; 95%CI 0.95-71.09; p=0.03), while labour augmentation decrease the likelihood of caesarean section (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.49-0.81; p=0.03). There was also a significant older patients in the caesarean section groups (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.09-1.45 ; p=0.00).

Conclusions: The percentage of multiple pregnancies delivered via caesarean section is quite high. Other larger cohort study are warranted, since many factors were involved in the decision of caesarean section.
Cicada minimum age tree: Cryptic speciation and exponentially increasing base substitution rates in recent geologic time
Authors: Osozawa Soichi , Wakabayashi John
Published: August 2023

We developed a new time-calibrated tree incorporating primarily endemic along with some cryptic Ryukyu islands cicada data, following the recent publication of global cicada data by Marshall et al. (2018), Łukasik et al. (2018), Simon et al. (2019), Price et al. (2019), and Hill et al. (2021).  A total of 352 specimens were analyzed using BEAST v1. X software with a relaxed clock model. Fossil calibrations as old as Triassic were adopted largely following Johnson et al. (2018) and Moulds (2018), and a Quaternary geological event calibration was adopted following Osozawa et al. (2012, 2021b) and input into BEAST v1. X. Our timetree suggests that Tettigarctidae had a cicada basal lineage as old as 200.63 Ma, with Derotettiginae the next oldest lineage at 99.2 Ma. Tibicininae is a sister of the remaining subfamilies of Tettigomyiinae, Cicadettinae, and Cicadidae, and their species level differentiation and radiation began at 40.57 Ma. The Cicadinae clade consists of specific tribes with parapheletic relationship, and the vicariance and adaptive radiation generated many cryptic species in each tribe. We estimated base substitution rate as a function of age, and the result strongly indicates an exponential increase of base substitution rate in recent geologic time. The consequent increase in cicada biodiversity, including generation of cryptic species in the Ryukyu Islands and surroundings, may have been driven by the generation and spreading of C4 grasses and coeval Quaternary climate change.
Lyrical Poetry as a Factor in the Formation of Literary Cultures
Authors: Lukas Liina
Published: August 2023

Lyrical Poetry as a Factor in the Formation of Literary Cultures
Malnutrición en el adulto mayor
Authors: Pinzón-Espitia Olga Lucía
Published: August 2023

Editorial.
Misunderstanding Myanmar
Authors: Martin Michael F.
Published: August 2023

executive summary: This article examines how, in retrospect, the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 was a foreseeable consequence of domestic political dynamics in the country and the misperceptions of the international community about the hybrid civilian-military government. main argumentOn February 1, 2021, the military in Myanmar deposed the civilian side of the hybrid civilian-military government to reassert direct military rule. The coup ignited a nationwide resistance against the new military junta, the State Administrative Council, involving many of the nation's decades-old ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), newly created People's Defense Forces (PDFs), and an opposition National Unity Government. Looking back, Myanmar's military saw the 2008 constitution and its hybrid government as the end point for political reform, not as the beginning of a transition. The military's actions during this decade reflect this. Attempts by Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy, and the international community to foster further political changes may have been contributing factors to the military's decision to stage a coup. Myanmar is now embroiled in a multifront civil war involving most of the country's largest ethnic communities, including the Bamar majority, with no end in sight. policy implications
• Peaceful resolution of the conflict in Myanmar is not likely at this time. The U.S. and other nations should consider providing limited and targeted military assistance to the EAOs and PDFs. • The Biden administration should expedite implementation of the authorities provided in the BURMA Act, including the provision of nonlethal assistance to the EAOs and PDFs. The U.S. State Department should rekindle its ties to the EAOs to facilitate nonlethal assistance and efforts to form local governments in areas "liberated" by the EAOs and PDFs. • The U.S. Agency for International Development should shift the delivery of humanitarian assistance to local organizations operating in India and Thailand to more effectively provide aid to refugees and internally displaced persons from the civil war. • The U.S. and other nations should provide financial assistance for efforts to document possible war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the junta's military forces and coordinate this effort with the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the International Criminal Court, and the International Court of Justice.
A Historian of Technology Watches "The King, His Kitchen, and Other Stories"
Authors: Kagliwal Barkha
Published: August 2023

abstract: Public representation of Indian cuisine is important for historians of technology. It shows how progress, modernity, and innovation pervade the general public's understanding of South Asian food history. Based on a popular documentary series, this review shows that technology is an elusive category when discussing food in relation to colonialism, religion, and national identity. Analyzing various dimensions of culinary history gives us an opportunity to rethink research and teaching methodologies by foregrounding indigenous technologies and the role of nonelite actors in shaping technological history and practices.
Directive and coherent thermal emission of hybrid surface plasmon-phonon polaritons in n-GaN gratings of linear and radial shapes
Authors: Janonis Vytautas , Kacperski Jacek , Selskis Algirdas , Balagula Roman M. , Prystawko Pawel , Kašalynas Irmantas
Published: August 2023

Beaming and coherent thermal emission of the hybrid surface plasmon phonon polaritons (SPPhPs) was numerically and experimentally investigated employing the n-GaN surface relief gratings (SRGs) shaped in a linear and radial geometry. The polariton propagation losses were minimized numerically with the help of a rigorous coupled wave analysis model, while the spatial and temporal quality of selected mode radiation in a normal direction was maximized by fixing the grating period value at 17.5 µm and varying the grating filling factor from 75% to 25%. A set of optimal design linear and radial geometry SRG samples were fabricated in order to validate the emission characteristics of hybrid SPPhPs found by numerical modeling. We demonstrated that both efficient emission and beaming are possible to achieve through the excitation and interference of the same number but opposite sign hybrid polariton modes in n-GaN SRG.
Deterministic vortices evolving from partially coherent fields
Authors: Miao Wenrui , Zhang Yongtao , Gbur Greg
Published: August 2023

Optical vortices—lines of zero intensity around which the field phase has a circulating or helical structure—have become important tools for many applications such as imaging, trapping, and communications. It has long been assumed, however, that there is an intrinsic conflict between optical vortices and partial coherence, in that a vortex is a deterministic phase structure, and a partially coherent field has a randomly fluctuating phase. In most cases, a vortex imposed on a partially coherent field evolves into a singularity of the two-point correlation function. We demonstrate, however, that it is possible to construct a beam that has no deterministic vortices in the source plane yet evolves such a deterministic vortex at a specified propagation distance.
Ten simple rules for a mom-friendly Academia
Authors: Sebastián-González Esther , Graciá Eva , Morán-Ordóñez Alejandra , Pérez-Ibarra Irene , Sanz-Aguilar Ana , Sobral Mar
Published: August 2023

Women (and all gender-discriminated people) are underrepresented in science, especially in leadership positions and higher stages of the scientific career. One of the main causes of career abandonment by women is maternity, with many women leaving Academia after having their first child because of the career penalties associated with motherhood. Thus, more actions to help scientific moms to balance family and academic work are urgently needed to increase representation of women and other gender discriminated people in Academia. Besides mothers, these rules may also benefit other groups such as mothers-to-be, fathers, caregivers, and women in general. Increasing women representation in science, including mothers, is critical because equality is a fundamental right, and because more diverse working environments are more productive and get to more optimal solutions. Here, we describe 10 simple rules that can be adopted in Academia to halt the abandonment of scientific careers by women after motherhood. We strongly encourage their implementation to increase gender diversity and equality in science.
Self-application of aminoglycoside-based creams to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis in travelers
Authors: Mouri Oussama , Melenotte Cléa , Guéry Romain , Cotteret Camille , Schweitzer-Chaput Arnaud , Perignon Alice , Thellier Marc , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Kaguelidou Florentia , Siriez Jean Yves , Malvy Denis , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Duvignaud Alexandre , Ravel Christophe , Cisternino Salvatore , Ransom Janet , Caumes Eric , Lortholary Olivier , Grogl Max , Buffet Pierre
Published: August 2023

Background

In endemic foci, the use of an aquaphilic cream containing paromomycin with/without gentamicin to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is safe, painless and cures 78–82% of patients with New and Old World CL. Self-application in travelers requires evaluation.

Methods

Travelers with 1–10 lesions of confirmed CL were prospectively treated with the paromomycin-gentamicin formulation (WR279396, 2012–2017, Group 1) and carefully follow up, or treated with a locally produced paromomycin-only cream (2018–2022, Group 2). The cream was applied once under supervision, then self-applied daily for 20–30 days. A cured lesion was defined as 100% re-epithelialization at day 42 without relapse at three months.

Results

Medical features were similar in Group 1 (17 patients), and Group 2 (23 patients). Patients were infected with either Leishmania major, L. infantum, L. killicki, L. guyanensis, L. braziliensis, or L. naiffi. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol cure rates were 82% (95% confidence interval (CI) [64.23;100.00]) and 87% (95% CI [71,29;100.00]) in Group 1, and 69% (95% CI [50.76; 88.37]) and 76% (95% CI [57.97; 94.41]) in Group 2. In the pooled Group 1&2, 75% (95% CI [61.58;88.42]) (30/40) and 81% (95% CI [68,46;93.6]) (30/37) of patients were cured in intention-to-treat and per-protocol, respectively. There were no significant differences observed in the success rates between Old World and New World CL (83.3% vs. 60%, p = 0.14). Prospective observations in Group 1 showed that adverse events were mainly pruritus (24%) and pain (18%) on lesions (all mild or moderate). No mucosal involvement was observed in either group.

Discussion

In this representative population of travelers who acquired CL either in the Old or New World, the 81% per-protocol cure rate of a self-applied aminoglycoside cream was similar to that observed in clinical trials.
Estimating the uncertain effect of the COVID pandemic on drug overdoses
Authors: Moghtaderi Ali , Zocchi Mark S. , Pines Jesse M. , Venkat Arvind , Black Bernard
Published: August 2023

Objective

U.S. drug-related overdose deaths and Emergency Department (ED) visits rose in 2020 and again in 2021. Many academic studies and the news media attributed this rise primarily to increased drug use resulting from the societal disruptions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A competing explanation is that higher overdose deaths and ED visits may have reflected a continuation of pre-pandemic trends in synthetic-opioid deaths, which began to rise in mid-2019. We assess the evidence on whether increases in overdose deaths and ED visits are likely to be related primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased synthetic-opioid use, or some of both.

Methods

We use national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on rolling 12-month drug-related deaths (2015–2021); CDC data on monthly ED visits (2019-September 2020) for EDs in 42 states; and ED visit data for 181 EDs in 24 states staffed by a national ED physician staffing group (January 2016-June 2022). We study drug overdose deaths per 100,000 persons during the pandemic period, and ED visits for drug overdoses, in both cases compared to predicted levels based on pre-pandemic trends.

Results

Mortality. National overdose mortality increased from 21/100,000 in 2019 to 26/100,000 in 2020 and 30/100,000 in 2021. The rise in mortality began in mid-to-late half of 2019, and the 2020 increase is well-predicted by models that extrapolate pre-pandemic trends for rolling 12-month mortality to the pandemic period. Placebo analyses (which assume the pandemic started earlier or later than March 2020) do not provide evidence for a change in trend in or soon after March 2020. State-level analyses of actual mortality, relative to mortality predicted based on pre-pandemic trends, show no consistent pattern. The state-level results support state heterogeneity in overdose mortality trends, and do not support the pandemic being a major driver of overdose mortality.

ED visits. ED overdose visits rose during our sample period, reflecting a worsening opioid epidemic, but rose at similar rates during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.

Conclusion

The reasons for rising overdose mortality in 2020 and 2021 cannot be definitely determined. We lack a control group and thus cannot assess causation. However, the observed increases can be largely explained by a continuation of pre-pandemic trends toward rising synthetic-opioid deaths, principally fentanyl, that began in mid-to-late 2019. We do not find evidence supporting the pandemic as a major driver of rising mortality. Policymakers need to directly address the synthetic opioid epidemic, and not expect a respite as the pandemic recedes.
Exploring facilitators and barriers of the sustainable acceptance of e-health system solutions in Ethiopia: A systematic review
Authors: Walle Agmasie Damtew , Demsash Addisalem Workie , Adem Jibril Bashir , Wubante Sisay Maru , Shibabaw Adamu Ambachew , Mamo Daniel Niguse , Kebede Shimels Derso , Muluneh Ayana Alebachew , Mengiste Muluken Belachew , Gebeyew Ayenew Sisay , Butta Fikadu Wake , Chereka Alex Ayenew , Dubale Abiy Tasew , Kassie Sisay Yitayih , Ferede Tigist Andargie
Published: August 2023

Background

eHealth is the use of information and communications technologies in support of health and health-related fields, including healthcare services, health surveillance, health literature, and health education knowledge and research, has the potential to improve the delivery and support of healthcare services by promoting information sharing and evidence-based health practice. Acceptance of e-health in Ethiopia using systematic review is uncertain. As a result, this study aimed to assess barriers and facilitators of the sustainable acceptance of e-health system adoption in Ethiopia through a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to conduct this study. Relevant articles have been searched in Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Embrace, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and empirical research done in Ethiopia is the main emphasis of the search strategy. The total number of studies that satisfied the criteria for inclusion was ten. In this research, empirical data related to e-health acceptance factors were retrieved, examined, and summarized by the authors.

Results

This systematic review identified a total of 25 predictors that have been found in the ten studies. The identified facilitators were effort expectancy, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influences, attitude, computer literacy, participant age, perceived enjoyment, and educational status, duration of mobile device use, organizational culture, and habit. Moreover, technology anxiety was the most barrier to sustainable acceptance of e-health systems in Ethiopia.

Conclusions

The most common facilitator identified from the predictors was effort expectancy, which played a major role in the adoption of the e-health system in Ethiopia. Therefore, eHealth implementers and managers in those settings should give users of the system priority in improving the technical infrastructure by regularly providing them with basic facilitating conditions. They should also pay attention to the system they want to implement because doing so will improve the users’ perception of the system’s value and attitude.
Traditional medicine consumption in postpartum for HBV-infected women enrolled in the ANRS 12345 TA PROHM study in Cambodia
Authors: Moeung Sotheara , Chassagne François , Goyet Sophie , Nhoeung Sovann , Sun Lynecta , Yang Dorina , Vilhem Steve , Dim Bunnet , Ly Socheat , Sov Linda , Sreng Vouchleang , Chorn Sokda , Chhun Samsorphea , Borand Laurence , Kim Sothea , Segeral Olivier
Published: August 2023

In Cambodia, traditional medicine was commonly described as being used by pregnant women at two time points: one month before birth and during early postpartum. The present study aims to describe traditional medicine consumption during postpartum phase for women enrolled in the TA PROHM study and to investigate the possible association between traditional medicine consumption and acute liver toxicity. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 2 groups of HBV-infected pregnant women (with and without postpartum hepatocellular injury) enrolled in the study. Hepatocellular injury was defined by having Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) > 2.5 times the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN = 40 U/L) at the 6th week postpartum visit. Interviews were done using a standardized questionnaire. Plant samples were collected and later identified by two traditional healers. Chi-square test was used to find the association between hepatocellular injury and traditional medicine consumption or a specific plant species. In total, 75 women were enrolled and 52 (69.3%) used at least one traditional remedy composed of 123 different plants and 12 alcoholic macerations of porcupine stomach. Orally consuming at least one remedy with alcohol was significantly associated with hepatocellular injury (33% vs 13%, p = 0.034). Among the 123 plants species identified, four were found to be associated with hepatocellular injury, namely Amphineurion marginatum (Roxb.) D.J.Middleton [Apocynaceae] (p = 0.022), Selaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring [Selaginellaceae] (p = 0.048), Mitragyna speciosa Korth. [Rubiaceae] (p = 0.099) and Tetracera indica (Christm. & Panz.) Merr. [Dilleniaceae] (p = 0.079). Consumption of traditional medicine in postpartum is a common practice for women enrolled in the TA PROHM study. Alcohol-based remedies may exacerbate the risk of acute hepatocellular injury in HBV-infected women already exposed to immune restoration. The complex mixtures of herbs need to be further evaluated by in vitro and in vivo studies.
Elucidation of composition of chlorine compounds in acidic sodium chlorite solution using ion chromatography
Authors: Kishimoto Ayuta , Ohtsubo Ryosuke , Okada Yuta , Sugiyama Kenta , Goda Hisataka , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Kohno Masahiro , Fukui Koji
Published: August 2023

With the spread of coronavirus infections, the demand for disinfectants, such as a sodium chlorite solution, has increased worldwide. Sodium chlorite solution is a food additive and is used in a wide range of applications. There is evidence that chlorous acid or sodium chlorite is effective against various bacteria, but the actual mechanism is not well understood. One reason for this is that the composition of chlorine-based compounds contained in sodium chlorite solutions has not been clearly elucidated. The composition can vary greatly with pH. In addition, the conventional iodometric titration method, the N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate (DPD) method and the absorption photometric method cannot clarify the composition. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the composition of a sodium chlorite solution using absorption spectrophotometry and ion chromatography (IC). IC is excellent for qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace ions. Through this, we aimed to develop an evaluation method that allows anyone to easily determine the bactericidal power of sodium chlorite. We found that commercially available sodium chlorite solution is 80% pure, with the remaining 20% potentially containing sodium hypochlorite solution. In addition, when sodium chlorite solution became acidified, its absorption spectrum exhibited a peak at 365 nm. Sodium chlorite solution is normally alkaline, and it cannot be measured by the DPD method, which is only applicable under acidic conditions. The presence of a peak at 365 nm indicates that the acidic sodium chlorite solution contains species with oxidizing power. On the other hand, the IC analysis showed a gradual decrease in chlorite ions in the acidic sodium chlorite solution. These results indicate that chlorite ions may not react with this DPD reagent, and other oxidizing species may be present in the acidic sodium chlorite solution. In summary, when a sodium chlorite solution becomes acidic, chlorine-based oxidizing species produce an absorption peak at 365 nm. Sodium hypochlorite and sodium chlorite solutions have completely different IC peak profiles. Although there are still many problems to be solved, we believe that the use of IC will facilitate the elucidation of the composition of sodium chlorite solution and its sterilization mechanism.
Risk factors for recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery in a quaternary care center in southern Thailand
Authors: Ngernprom Pongpan , Klangsin Satit , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Peeyananjarassri Krantarat
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To determine the 2-year recurrence rate of endometriosis after conservative surgery and the risk factors for recurrence.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed women with endometriosis who underwent conservative surgery and had at least a 2-year follow-up at a quaternary care hospital in southern Thailand from January 2000 to December 2019. Recurrent endometriosis was defined as either presence of endometrioma with a diameter ≥ 2 cm for more than three consecutive menstrual cycles or relapse of pelvic pain with the same or higher visual analog scale (VAS) score as before surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for recurrence.

Results

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 34 (29, 38) years in 362 cases and nearly three-quarters (74.2%) were nulliparous. Cyclic pain was the most common clinical presentation (48.9%) and the median (IQR) VAS score of pelvic pain was 6 (5, 9). Ovarian cystectomy was the most common procedure (68.1%). The 2-year recurrent endometriosis rate after conservative surgery was 23.2%, and the overall recurrence rate was 56.4%. The risk factors of recurrence were preoperative moderate to severe pelvic pain (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–3.34; p = 0.017), adhesiolysis/ablation/ovarian cystectomy without unilateral oophorectomy (aOR 2.71; 95% CI, 1.40–5.23; p = 0.002), and duration of postoperative hormonal treatment < 24 months (aOR 10.58; 95% CI, 5.47–20.47; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The 2-year recurrence rate after conservative surgery for endometriosis was 23.2%. Preoperative moderate to severe pelvic pain, procedures except unilateral oophorectomy, and postoperative hormonal treatment < 24 months were risk factors for recurrence.
The lived experiences and caring needs of women diagnosed with cervical cancer: A qualitative study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Chona Emmanuel Z. , Msengi Emanueli Amosi , Gosse Rashid A. , Ambikile Joel S.
Published: August 2023

Background

Cervical cancer continues to be a major global public health concern affecting the lives of many women and resulting in financial burdens. In 2020, cervical cancer was the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer among all cancers worldwide and Tanzania was ranked fourth among the countries with the highest incidence rates (59.1 new cases per 100,000 women) of cervical cancer. The lived experience and caring needs of patients and their families provide insights into the psychosocial aspects of healthcare among the affected population. However, there is inadequate information concerning the lived experiences of cervical cancer patients in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa in general. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and caring needs of cervical cancer patients at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was carried out among cervical cancer patients at ORCI in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Using a purposeful sampling technique, 12 cervical cancer patients were interviewed with the principles of saturation guiding sample size determination. A semi-structured face-to-face interview guide was employed to collect the information. A conventional content analysis approach was used to analyze data after translation with the aid of NVivo 12.0 computer software.

Results

Five themes emerged after data analysis: knowledge and attitude about cervical cancer, sufferings from a disease process, socio-economic disruptions, psychological problems, and sexual and reproductive concerns.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide insights into the life experiences and caring needs of cervical cancer patients and call for response from healthcare stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive and culturally consonant approaches in providing care to the affected population. More qualitative studies are required to ascertain the lived experiences of advanced cervical cancer patients and those of long-term cervical cancer survivors.
Fact-finding survey of doctors at the departments of pediatrics and pediatric surgery on the transition of patients with childhood-onset chronic disease from pediatric to adult healthcare
Authors: Kikuchi Ryota , Sato Iori , Hirata Yoichiro , Sugiyama Masahiko , Iwasaki Miwa , Sekiguchi Hiromi , Sato Atsushi , Suzuki Seigo , Morisaki-Nakamura Mayumi , Kita Sachiko , Oka Akira , Kamibeppu Kiyoko , Ikeda Mari , Kato Motohiro
Published: August 2023

Background

The number of adult patients with childhood-onset chronic diseases is increasing. However, the process of transitioning these patients from child- to adult-centered medical services faces many difficulties. Despite the key role that doctors in the pediatric field are considered to play in transition, few fact-finding surveys about transition have been conducted among these doctors.

Objective

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the current status and challenges in the transition of patients with childhood-onset chronic diseases by a fact-finding survey of pediatricians and pediatric surgeons at a university hospital.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Seventy-six doctors of pediatrics and pediatric surgery (excluding junior residents) in a university hospital were asked to answer an anonymous self-report questionnaire. A multidisciplinary research team selected items related to the transitional process.

Results

Sixty (79%) doctors participated, of whom 52 (87%) showed awareness of transition. No doctor answered that “Transition is conducted smoothly.” Doctors with shorter pediatric department experience had lower awareness and poorer experience with transition. In contrast to pediatric surgeons, pediatricians explained “job-seeking activities” and “contraceptive methods” to the patient, and reported a higher patient age at which to initiate explanation of transition to the patient and his/her family. Among factors inhibiting transition, 39 (65%) respondents selected “The patient’s family members do not desire transition” and 34 (57%) selected “Although a relevant adult healthcare department is available, it will not accept the patient.” The medical providers most frequently considered to have responsibility for playing a central role in the transition process were “pediatrician/pediatric surgeon,” “medical social worker,” and “regional medical liaison office.”

Discussion

To promote transition, pediatric and adult healthcare departments should share concerns about and cooperate in the establishment of more effective methods of transition, and provide multidisciplinary collaboration to support patients and their families.
Voices in and Out of Place: Misplaced, Displaced, Replaced and Interlaced Voices, Francesco Venturi, Virtual Conference, 6–7 September 2022
Authors: Venturi Francesco
Published: August 2023

Review of: Voices in and Out of Place: Misplaced, Displaced, Replaced and Interlaced Voices, Francesco Venturi, Virtual Conference, 6–7 September 2022
On the analytic commutator for Λ−Ω differential systems
Authors: Zhou Zhengxin
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we give the necessary and sufficient conditions for some
Ω
differential systems to have an analytic commutator, use these properties to judge the origin point of the
Ω
differential systems to be an isochronous center.
Difficulties in diagnosing subacute thyroiditis during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Titova V. V. , Demidova T. Yu. , Chernysheva I. S.
Published: August 2023

Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland. Clinical manifestations include pain or discomfort in the neck, a painful diffuse goiter, and a transient episode of hyperthyroidism. We describe the case of a 48-year-old woman who had no symptoms characteristic of subacute thyroiditis. The test results were consistent with a clinical diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism. The patient had a history of asymptomatic COVID-19 episode 6 months ago and neck pain one month ago. This case demonstrates the importance of a detailed history, comprehensive examination, and correct interpretation of laboratory and instrumental findings in making the diagnosis.
Teologi Modernitas : Muhammad Syahrur dan Gagasan-gagasan Fundamental Ketuhanan Untuk Rekonstruksi Islam
Authors: Arfi Arfi Hidayat , Samsul Samsul Wathani
Published: August 2023

Secara historis, teologi dibangun dari konsepsi pembacaan Kitab Suci agama. Maka, produksi pemahaman mengenai teologi tidak pernah tunggal dan final, sebaliknya akan ada pembacaan dan reinterpretasi yang berkelanjutan. Atas dasar itu, melalui karyanya, al-Iman wa al-Islam Mandzumah al Qiyam, Muhammad Syahrur bermaksud mengkritik teologi klasik yang terlalu disakralkan dan melahirkan ortodoksi, sembari melakukan pembacaan ulang atas teologi Islam hari ini yang dibasiskan pada kesadaran akan adanya realitas kehidupan yang obyektif. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan membangun argumen pada apa yang penulis sebut sebagai teologi modernitas. Artikel ini menjadikan karya Syahrur, al-Iman wa al-Islam Mandzumah al Qiyam sebagai data utama dengan menggunakan pendekatan filsafat dan teori analisis hermeneutika menggunakan model analisis interpretatif-filosofis. Temuan dalam artikel ini menunjukkan gagasan dalam membangun teologi Islam modern yang lebih bersahabat dengan kehidupan kontemporer serta menjadikannnya sebagai spirit perubahan kehidupan ummat Islam. Syahrur memiliki gagasan fundamental mengenai teologi: 1) Tuhan sebagai dasar bagi kehidupan dunia: 2) Teologi berarti pembacaan dengan menjuktaposisikan wahyu, akal dan kehidupan: 3) Rukun dan syarat Islam ada tiga: meyakini adanya Tuhan, hari akhir dan beramal shaleh, amal soleh adalah manifestasi dari kehadiran Tuhan dalam kehidupan di dunia: dan 4) ketuhanan memainkan peran pada kehidupan ruhiyyah (al-hayat al-ruhiyyah) dan kehidupan material (al-hayat al-madiyyah), maka doktrin ketuhanan mesti dianalisis dengan nalar modernitas yang objektif.
 
Kata Kunci: Teologi Modernitas, Muhammad Syahrur, al-Iman wa al-Islam Mandzumah al-Qiyam,  Realitas Obyektif.
The Asian American teaching method? An overview of language education, social justice issues, and challenging ‘Oppressed’ versus ‘Model’ minority binary discourse
Authors: Chang Benjamin “Benji”
Published: August 2023

Amidst the backdrop of anti-Asian violence and the COVID-19 pandemic, this article addresses key social justice issues and praxes in language education with Asian American populations, especially with regards to pedagogy and K–12 schooling contexts. The article’s structure utilises four main sections, with the first section presenting key demographics and typology on who is considered ‘Asian American’ in the US schooling system. The second section provides an overview of major historical developments in language education with Asian American students, teachers, and researchers, over a time period spanning the past 50 years. The third section addresses the falsely essentialised binary of being an ‘Oppressed Minority’ versus a ‘Model Minority’ which Asian Americans often have to contend with, and effects of that binary in schooling. The fourth section presents some promising approaches to improving research methodology and classroom pedagogy with Asian American students, teachers, and families. Ultimately this papers seeks to make a contribution, along with the other papers in this special issue, towards more equitable research, policy and practice concerning communities of Asian heritage in North America.
Research progress on gas signal molecular therapy for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Linlin , Dan Qing , Xu Bingxuan , Chen Yun , Zheng Tingting
Published: August 2023

The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. Among the pathological manifestations is the progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, leading to massive loss of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and dopamine (DA) depletion. Therefore, the current drug treatment is primarily based on DA supplementation and delaying the progression of the disease. However, as patients’ symptoms continue to worsen, the drug effect will gradually decrease or even disappear, thereby further aggravating clinical symptoms. Gas signaling molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2), exhibit pleiotropic biological functions and play crucial roles in physiological and pathological effects. In common neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and PD, gas signal molecules can prevent or delay disease occurrence via the primary mechanisms of antioxidation, anti-inflammatory response, and antiapoptosis. This article reviews the therapeutic progress of gas signaling molecules in PD models and discusses the possibility of their clinical applications.
Diagnostic errors in uncommon conditions: a systematic review of case reports of diagnostic errors
Authors: Harada Yukinori , Watari Takashi , Nagano Hiroyuki , Suzuki Tomoharu , Kunitomo Kotaro , Miyagami Taiju , Aita Tetsuro , Ishizuka Kosuke , Maebashi Mika , Harada Taku , Sakamoto Tetsu , Tomiyama Shusaku , Shimizu Taro
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To assess the usefulness of case reports as sources for research on diagnostic errors in uncommon diseases and atypical presentations.

Content

We reviewed 563 case reports of diagnostic error. The commonality of the final diagnoses was classified based on the description in the articles, Orphanet, or epidemiological data on available references; the typicality of presentation was classified based on the description in the articles and the judgment of the physician researchers. Diagnosis Error Evaluation and Research (DEER), Reliable Diagnosis Challenges (RDC), and Generic Diagnostic Pitfalls (GDP) taxonomies were used to assess the factors contributing to diagnostic errors.

Summary and outlook

Excluding three cases in that commonality could not be classified, 560 cases were classified into four categories: typical presentations of common diseases (60, 10.7 %), atypical presentations of common diseases (35, 6.2 %), typical presentations of uncommon diseases (276, 49.3 %), and atypical presentations of uncommon diseases (189, 33.8 %). The most important DEER taxonomy was “Failure/delay in considering the diagnosis” among the four categories, whereas the most important RDC and GDP taxonomies varied with the categories. Case reports can be a useful data source for research on the diagnostic errors of uncommon diseases with or without atypical presentations.
An experimental evaluation of green surfactants to stabilize silica nanofluids in saline conditions and its application in CO2 absorption
Authors: Singh Alpana , Raghav Chaturvedi Krishna , Sharma Tushar
Published: August 2023

Conventionally, it has been established that the salt ions have the tendency to reduce the surface charge of nanoparticles (NPs) and render them unstable, regulating the stability of nanofluids in a saline environment has been an issue for a long time. To overcome this problem, our work presents the application of a novel green surfactant obtained from Fenugreek seeds of an anionic nature for use as a stabilizing agent for 0.1 wt% silica nanofluids prepared using in DI water. To prevent phase separation, it is imperative to stabilize silica nanofluid solution during their use for subsurface applications. Thus, salt tolerant nanofluids can be prepared and utilized for further applications in enhanced oil recovery and carbon storage etc. The surfactant was extracted from fenugreek seeds by using Soxhlet extraction technique. The liquid solution of extracted surfactant thus derived was dried in hot air oven in order to get the powdered surfactant. The results obtained from dynamic light scattering and zeta-potential, the use of the green surfactant, even in limited concentration (0.2 wt%) not only increases the stability of the nanofluid (from 2 to 12 h) but also lowers the influence of salt, if it is present in moderate concentration (up to 2 wt% NaCl). In addition, when 4 wt% NaCl is dissipated in the solution, the presence of surfactant allows the nanofluid to remain stable for up to 4 h. Furthermore, the surfactant-enriched silica NPs showed higher CO2 absorption than conventional NPs due to higher surface area and better bubble breakage, paving the way for future field deployment of green-surfactant stabilized silica nanofluids for gas storage and enhanced oil recovery applications.
Distributed new energy information acquisition model of distribution network based on Beidou communication
Authors: Liao Lirong , Li Beibei , Wang Yiping , Wang Wenchao , Ni Jin
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the low efficiency of distributed new energy information collection in distribution network and the poor encryption of information transmission process, a distributed new energy information collection model based on Beidou communication is proposed. The new energy information acquisition terminal, data acquisition and transmission equipment, Beidou satellite communication module and dispatching master terminal are designed respectively to form the hardware module of the distribution network distributed new energy information acquisition model. Use Beidou communication to collect new energy information, realize the encrypted transmission of new energy information based on Beidou short message, and complete the construction of distribution network distributed new energy information collection model based on Beidou communication. The experimental results show that the bandwidth allocation effect of the Beidou benchmark station of the model is good, the Beidou communication distance is long, the data encryption can be completed in a small space by using the model, the transmission efficiency of new energy data is high, and the data integrity can be effectively guaranteed.