bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial implications of unpaid clinical placements for allied health, dentistry, medical, and nursing students in Australia: a scoping review with recommendations for policy, research, and practice
Authors: Beks Hannah , Walsh Sandra , Clayden Suzanne , Watson Lucinda , Zwar Joyti , Alston Laura
Published: November 2024

Background

Investing in allied health, dentistry, medical, and nursing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifying education is critical to meet a growing demand on global health care systems. Clinical placements are an integral component of qualifying training and are conventionally unpaid. Widespread economic challenges, attributed to a post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery era and global unrest, have led to growing economic hardship for populations, even in high-income countries like Australia. Allied health, dentistry, medical, and nursing undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking unpaid clinical placements are not immune from these stressors, which has implications for education providers, ageing populations, the future health care system, and policy-makers. The purpose of this review was to better understand these stressors by scoping the financial implications of unpaid clinical placements for allied health, dentistry, medical, and nursing students in Australian research.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute’s scoping review methodology was used. This involved a search of academic databases and an extensive search of grey literature sources. Literature published from 1 January 2014 was included. Citations were independently screened by two reviewers.

Results

Thirty-three research studies were included. Most studies focused on allied health students (n = 12), followed by nursing (n = 11), and medical students (n = 5), with an additional five studies focused on multiple disciplines, including dentistry. One study had an interventional component. Findings were grouped around four concepts: reliance on self-reported measures of financial implications, costs of unpaid clinical placements for students, implications of costs for students, and an urgent need for targeted strategies to redress.

Conclusions

The financial implications of unpaid clinical placements for allied health, dentistry, medical, and nursing students in Australia are well-established in research. Impacts are significant for the future of Australia’s health workforce and health system. Research findings have been consistent over the past decade in advocating for greater financial support for students undertaking unpaid clinical placements and flexibility of placement models to mitigate the indirect costs of placements. Collaboration between state and federal government, universities, peak professional bodies, and placement host organisations is imperative to implement a suite of strategies to redress the financial burden experienced by students and secure the future of Australia’s health workforce.
Building an eDNA surveillance toolkit for invasive rodents on islands: can we detect wild-type and gene drive Mus musculus?
Authors: Piaggio Antoinette J. , Gierus Luke , Taylor Daniel R. , Holmes Nick D. , Will David J. , Gemmell Neil J. , Thomas Paul Q.
Published: November 2024

Background

Invasive management strategies range from preventing new invasive species incursions to eliminating established populations, with all requiring effective monitoring to guide action. The use of DNA sampled from the environment (eDNA) is one such tool that provides the ability to surveille and monitor target invasive species through passive sampling. Technology being developed to eliminate invasive species includes genetic biocontrol in the form of gene drive. This approach would drive a trait through a population and could be used to eliminate or modify a target population. Once a gene drive organism is released into a population then monitoring changes in density of the target species and the spread of the drive in the population would be critical.

Results

In this paper, we use invasive Mus musculus as a model for development of an eDNA assay that detects wild-type M. musculus and gene drive M. musculus. We demonstrate successful development of an assay where environmental samples could be used to detect wild-type invasive M. musculus and the relative density of wild-type to gene drive M. musculus.

Conclusions

The development of a method that detects both wild-type M. musculus and a gene drive M. musculus (tCRISPR) from environmental samples expands the utility of environmental DNA. This method provides a tool that can immediately be deployed for invasive wild M. musculus management across the world. This is a proof-of-concept that a genetic biocontrol construct could be monitored using environmental samples.
Qualitative study of the feasibility and acceptability of implementation, and potential mechanisms of Learning Together for Mental Health, a whole-school intervention aiming to promote mental health and wellbeing in secondary schools
Authors: Sundaram Neisha , Lloyd-Houldey Oliver , Michalopoulou Semina , Hope Steven , Sturgess Joanna , Allen Elizabeth , Legood Rosa , Scott Stephen , Hudson Lee D. , Nicholls Dasha , Christie Deborah , Viner Russell M. , Bonell Chris
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite high rates of adolescent mental-health problems, there are few effective whole-school interventions to address this. Whole-school interventions offer a feasible and sustainable means of promoting mental health. We previously evaluated the Learning Together (LT) intervention which was effective in preventing bullying (primary outcome), promoting mental well-being, psychological functioning, and reducing substance use (secondary outcomes). We adapted LT to develop Learning Together for Mental Health (LTMH) with a new menu of evidence-based actions to address mental health and an enhanced SEL curriculum.

Methods

We undertook a feasibility study of LTMH, a whole-school intervention featuring needs assessment, student and staff participation in decision-making via action groups selecting actions from an evidence-based menu, restorative practice, and a SEL and resilience skills curriculum between 2022 and 2023. This article examines the feasibility, acceptability, and potential mechanisms of LTMH, qualitatively, drawing on interviews and focus groups with 49 students in years 8 and 10, and 20 staff across four state secondary schools in southern England.

Results

The intervention was feasible and acceptable to implement. In terms of feasibility, the SEL curriculum was the most challenging to implement and was not prioritised by schools that had existing social and emotional learning lessons. Training and external facilitation were well-rated. Some schools struggled with the resourcing and workload implications of implementing actions from the evidence-based menu. Some aspects were not clear. Some staff were not aware that the various components worked together. Needs reports were not easy to understand for all. Students were generally supportive of restorative practice and SEL lessons. Data supported a potential mechanism involving increased school belonging and developing practical knowledge and skills to manage emotions and relationships. The intervention has little potential for harm.

Conclusions

The intervention is ready for phase III trial with minor adaptations. A phase III trial of effectiveness is justified.

Trial registration

ISRCTN15301591 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15301591
Does Policy Uncertainty Boost Vaccine Hesitancy? Political Controversy, the FDA and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Fall 2020
Authors: Carpenter Daniel , Dardet Matthew E. , Bhaskar Anushka , Rand Leah Z. , Feldman William , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: November 2024

Context: Vaccine hesitancy is associated with political and institutional distrust, but there is little research on how people's trust responds to political events. We revisit the fall of 2020 when evaluation of new COVID-19 vaccines collided with an impending national election. Drawing on a political Bayesian perspective, we assess abrupt changes in attention to political events and test hypotheses on subpopulation response: (1) partisan, (2) educational, and (3) ethnic and racial.

Methods: Analysis of daily changes in news reporting and social media use in 2020, combined with detailed analysis of two-large scale surveys fielded at the time, focusing on questions of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and safety concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.

Findings: Vaccine hesitancy in the US spiked from late August to early October 2020. We identify several plausible triggers for this spike, all pertaining to the FDA and electoral politics. Heightened vaccine hesitancy occurred among Democrats, Asian and Black citizens, as well as college-educated respondents. Turbulence mainly affected those who were initially most trusting in government and vaccines. Asian-American vaccine confidence recovered; that of Black Americans did not.

Conclusions: Electoral politics may destabilize citizen assumptions about vaccine authorization and boost uncertainty, thereby undermining public willingness to take approved vaccines.
Higher order knowledge mining for humanistic data-generated graphs
Authors: Δρακόπουλος Γεώργιος
Published: November 2024

Τα ανθρωπιστικά δεδομένα όχι μόνο είναι εξ ορισμού σημαντικά, αλλά γίνονται σταδιακά η κυρίαρχη κατηγορία δεδομένων στους σύγχρονους πολιτισμούς οι οποίοι βασίζονται σε εξαιρετικά μεγάλο βαθμό στη γνώση. Έχουν μια πληθώρα σημαντικών ιδιοτήτων, όπως ένα δυνητικά τεράστιο μέγεθος, ολοένα και ταχύτερους ρυθμούς παραγωγής, και ίσως κατεστραμμένες ή ελλιπείς καταχωρήσεις. Παρά αυτές τις προκλήσεις, η εξόρυξη αυτών των δεδομένων είναι βέβαιο πως θα παρέχει σημαντική γνώση σε πολλές πτυχές της καθημερινής ζωής έξυπνων πόλεων, της ψηφιακής υγείας, και των ηλεκτρονικών χρηματοοικονομικών συναλλαγών. Έτσι, οι αλγόριθμοι που χειρίζονται ανθρωπιστικά συνδεδεμένα δεδομένα θα πρέπει να λαμβάνουν υπόψη αυτές τις ιδιότητες και, όπου είναι δυνατόν, να τις χρησιμοποιούν προς όφελός τους. Για το σκοπό αυτό η μηχανική μάθηση είναι κρίσιμη. Τρεις αρχιτεκτονικές νευρωνικών δικτύων, συγκεκριμένα δίκτυα στοίβας τανυστών, χάρτες αυτο-οργάνωσης και νευρωνικά δίκτυα γράφων έχουν εφαρμοστεί αντίστοιχα στην αξιολόγηση της ανθεκτικότητας γράφων, στη συσταδοποίηση εικόνων fMRI, και στην ανακάλυψη συναισθηματικών κοινοτήτων στο Twitter.
The influence of hedonism on the formation of economic theory
Authors: Δρακόπουλος Σταύρος
Published: November 2024

Ο πρωταρχικός στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής είναι να δείξει ότι σε αντίθεση με την κυρίαρχη πεποίθηση των ιστορικών της οικονομικής σκέψης, ο ηδονισμός έχει παίξει κεντρικό και συνεχή ρόλο στην εξέλιξη της οικονομικής επιστήμης. Κατά τη διαδικασία ανάδειξης αυτού του γεγονότος, η διατριβή ξεκινά με μια σύντομη εξέταση των απαρχών των ηδονιστικών ιδεών στα έργα των αρχαίων Ελλήνων φιλοσόφων. Το επόμενο κεφάλαιο ασχολείται με την επανεμφάνιση (μετά από μια μακρά διακοπή αρκετών αιώνων) των βασικών ηδονιστικών ιδεών κυρίως στη σκέψη του Gassendi, του Helvetius και του Hobbes, καθώς και στις μετέπειτα εισαγωγή τους στον τομέα της οικονομίας με το έργο των Bentham, Mill, Senior και Cairnes. Τα κύρια στοιχεία του ηδονισμού (αν και κάπως τροποποιημένα) παρατηρήθηκαν επίσης στην οικονομική σκέψη κορυφαίων θεωρητικών του Οριακής Σχολής που είναι το αντικείμενο του τέταρτου κεφαλαίου, Με την Οριακή Σχολή, οι ηδονιστικοί όροι έγιναν κεντρικοί στην οικονομική θεωρία και η οικονομική θεωρία χαρακτηρίζεται από έναν σαφή ηδονιστικό προσανατολισμό. Το πέμπτο κεφάλαιο εξετάζει τις προσπάθειες υποβάθμισης του ηδονισμού, όπως αυτές εντοπίζονται στο έργο των Wicksteed, Pareto και Fisher. Οι λόγοι για τις προσπάθειες αυτές ήταν οι εξής: η ετερόδοξη κριτική, και η αυξανόμενη επιρροή των θετικιστικών επιστημονικών φιλοσοφιών. Η συζήτηση υποστηρίζει την άποψη ότι στην ουσία ο ηδονισμός δεν εξαφανίστηκε αλλά ωθήθηκε στο παρασκήνιο. Στο έκτο κεφάλαιο αξιολογούνται οι σύγχρονες προσπάθειες προς μια αξιολογικά ουδέτερη οικονομική επιστήμη χωρίς ψυχολογικές ή φιλοσοφικές βάσεις. Εξετάζονται τα έργα των Robbins, Hicks, Samuelson καθώς και οι τρέχουσες εξελίξεις. Ως περαιτέρω ένδειξη της ηδονιστικής επιρροής στην ορθόδοξη οικονομική θεωρία, το έβδομο κεφάλαιο ασχολείται με τη συζήτηση των εναλλακτικών οικονομικών προσεγγίσεων που προέρχονται από μη ηδονιστικές σχολές οικονομικής.. Ο Adam Smith, ο K. Marx και ο J. M. Keynes αναφέρονται ως παραδείγματα μη ηδονιστικά προσανατολισμένων οικονομολόγων, και η λεξικογραφική επιλογή και η μη-μεγιστοποιητικές θεωρίες της επιχείρησης προτείνονται ως παραδείγματα θεωριών που είναι ανεξάρτητες από το ηδονιστικό πλαίσιο. Το γενικό συμπέρασμα της διατριβής εστιάζεται στο ότι παρά την προσπάθεια αξιολογικής ουδετερότητας, και σε αντίθεση με την κοινή πεποίθηση πολλών θεωρητικών οικονομολόγων, ο ηδονισμός εξακολουθεί να αποτελεί ένα σημαντικό υποκείμενο εννοιολογικό πλαίσιο της ορθόδοξης οικονομικής θεωρίας.
Performance of Forensic Age Estimation by Aspartic Acid Racemization and DNA Methylation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Prastyo Eko , Auerkari Elza Ibrahim , Suhartono Antonius Winoto , Pasaribu Roben Suhadi , Putra Achmad Gigih Andy , Auerkari Pertti
Published: November 2024

Background Forensic age estimation is not difficult when the body is found in good condition, but in cases of severe decomposition or damage, such as burnt or separated body parts, then the analysis can only be done with bones and teeth. There has been abundant research and development in the field of related biochemistry over the years. Various molecular changes occur in hard tissues and long-lived proteins, such as those in bones and teeth during the physiological process of aging. Aspartic acid racemization and DNA methylation are still the most frequently used age estimation methods because of their advantages in accuracy. Method This study aimed to compare the accuracy of DNA methylation and aspartic acid racemization methods for age estimation. Journal articles were searched in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Semantic Scholar of 2017-2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. Result Twelve journal articles were eligible for review. The DNA methylation method is quite simple to use because of commercially available methylation kits. Furthermore, the results can be obtained relatively quickly without requiring many samples, and the method is less sensitive to thermal and other damage than the aspartic acid racemization method. Conclusion The aspartic acid racemization method for age estimation has high accuracy, especially in determining age at death. However, temperature and the condition of the teeth affect the racemization of aspartic acid. Given that DNA methylation is generally stable in a wide range of temperatures, it provides a better approach to determining the chronological age even from charred remains.
“Unmasking the Uncommon”: A case series of multi-drug resistant Elizabethkingia meningoseptica causing late-onset sepsis and meningitis in preterm neonates
Authors: U.P. Prajnha , Fernandes Anisha Maria , Shenoy M. Suchitra , Bhat Sinchana
Published: November 2024

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is an uncommon nosocomial pathogen that causes meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis in neonates and in immunocompromised individuals. It exhibits resistance to many commonly employed first-line antibiotics used to treat gram-negative pathogens. Herein, we present three cases of late-onset sepsis with multi-drug resistant (MDR) Elizabethkingia meningoseptica in high-risk neonates. Case 1 was a one-day-old preterm low-birth-weight infant who presented with respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock. The patient was intubated and administered empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungal agents. Blood culture grew Candida krusei, hence Amphotericin B was initiated. Repeat blood culture on day 27 showed gram-negative bacilli, identified as Elizabethkingia meningoseptica by MALDI-TOF . Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) revealed resistance to Piperacillin/Tazobactam, but sensitivity to Vancomycin, Levofloxacin, and Minocycline. IV Vancomycin was administered, which resulted in clinical improvement and negative blood culture results. Case 2 was an eleven-day-old preterm, low-birth-weight baby who presented with fever. Initial investigations revealed normal complete blood counts (CBC) parameters and elevated CRP levels. Blood and CSF cultures isolated Elizabethkingia meningoseptica with a similar AST pattern. Intravenous Ciprofloxacin was initiated with clinical improvement and negative follow-up blood cultures. Case 3 was a one-day-old preterm baby, appropriate-to-gestational age, presenting with respiratory distress syndrome. The infant was intubated and started on inotropic support and intravenous antibiotics. Blood cultures on day 4 showed Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Vancomycin was started. Follow-up cultures on days 6 and 14 grew Acinetobacter baumannii. A combination of Levofloxacin and Colistin was added, and blood cultures were negative after seven days, with clinical improvement. Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections, especially in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), leading to outbreaks. Clinicians must have a high degree of suspicion of E. meningoseptica for gram-negative bacilli causing sepsis and meningitis in high-risk patients. Recent technological advances have enabled accurate speciation to guide therapy and reduce morbidity and mortality rates.
Financial inclusion and stability in Ethiopia using bank-level data: A two-step system GMM estimation
Authors: Arebo Mohammed , Hando Filmon , Mekonnen Andualem
Published: November 2024

Background This paper examines the impact of financial inclusion on bank stability within Ethiopian context, using panel data from 17 commercial banks over the period 2015-2023. Given the scarcity of research focused on the relationship between financial inclusion and bank stability in Ethiopia, this paper seeks to address a crucial gap by analyzing both conventional and digital aspects of financial inclusion in relation with bank stability. Methods A two-stage principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to construct a composite financial inclusion index, integrating 10 conventional and 5 digital indicators. The study applied a two-step robust system generalized method of moments (GMM) to examine the effects of financial inclusion on bank stability, complemented by Granger causality testing to examine the directionality of this relationship. Results The result reveals a significant positive effect of financial inclusion on bank stability and Granger causality tests confirms a bi-directional relationship between financial inclusion and stability, indicating that improvements in financial inclusion foster greater stability and vice versa. Our results also highlight that while bank efficiency and GDP growth rate positively effect stability, total assets and income diversification exhibit detrimental effects. Conclusions It is essential to capitalize policy synergies to promote bank stability and to enhance financial inclusion through conventional and digital channels, while carefully managing the implications of risks associated with income diversification and asset distribution. Ensuring inclusive financial system is vital for maintaining bank stability, thus positioning it as a key priority for financial institutions.
An Active-Learning Framework for Educating Medical Students on SARS-CoV-2 Variants and COVID-19 Epidemiology
Authors: Prasad Samiksha , Chase Amanda J
Published: November 2024

Background The emergence of multiple Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants presented an escalated risk to public health globally and prompted epidemiologic monitoring and classification. Health professionals are vital for patient education regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), discussing patient concerns, and providing guidance. Students enrolled in professional healthcare programs benefit from being adept with the evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants, and a team-based learning module can be helpful for applying foundational concepts to clinical problems. Methods This team-based learning (TBL) framework was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of viral variants. It was placed at the end of a hematology block within the first semester of year one of the medical school during the academic years 2021–2022. It consists of a 7-question readiness assurance process and a four-question application exercise. Results The average score increased from 58.8% (iRAT) to 85.9% (tRAT) (n=104). The post-session survey data showed an increase in students’ understanding of the classification of COVID-19 variants and the role of genetic mutations in viral pathogenesis. Qualitative data yielded positive feedback for the session, notably in students' ability to interpret phylogenetic trees and understand the role of variants. Conclusions This TBL framework cultivates higher-order thinking skills among medical students and effectively integrates virology, epidemiology, and pathology. Additionally, it provides a framework for developing a robust and up-to-date platform for the discussion of novel variants of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.
Bogactwo uczuć moralnych. Jednostka i społeczeństwo we wzajemnych oddziaływaniach w perspektywie filozofii Adama Smitha
Authors: Markwart Anna
Published: November 2024

Badając myśl Adama Smitha, autora Teorii uczuć moralnych oraz Badań nad naturą i przyczynami bogactwa narodów, warto nie ograniczać się do poznania jedynie jego najbardziej znanych dzieł. Ten szkocki filozof był bowiem myślicielem o wszechstronnych zainteresowaniach. Rozważania przedstawione w oddawanej w ręce Czytelnika książce obejmują wiele z nich, w tym: filozofię moralną, teorię estetyczną oraz ekonomiczną, uwagi o języku, zmysłach zewnętrznych i metodologii nauk. Czynione spostrzeżenia opierają się zarówno na analizie tekstów źródłowych, jak i szeroko zakrojonym przeglądzie literatury przedmiotu. Człowiek w filozofii Adama Smitha jest istotą społeczną, która wśród innych buduje swoją tożsamość, od nich uczy się moralności i wydawania ocen, z otoczenia czerpie zwyczaje, poglądy, wzorce postępowania. Autorka postawiła sobie za cel wykazanie, że teoria Smitha opiera się na przekonaniu, że normy, instytucje, język, moda itd. są tworzone w ciągłych, wzajemnych interakcjach między jednostkami (których postępowanie wpływa na społeczeństwo, normy i instytucje) a społeczeństwem (które silnie rzutuje na jednostki).
DBS in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Szeidl Olga , Szydziak Joanna , Hrapkowicz Aleksandra , Janowska Kinga , Rehan Dominika , Wołoszczak Julia , Mioskowska Agnieszka , Dąbkowska Daria
Published: November 2024

Purpose of the Study: This review examines the role of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a therapeutic intervention for advanced PD, focusing on indications, patient selection criteria, and potential complications. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing 37 studies from the PubMed database (English-language, up to October 2024) that assess the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of DBS in managing advanced PD symptoms. Basic results: DBS has proven effective in enhancing motor function and quality of life in advanced PD cases. Although generally safe, DBS can present risks, including infections, dyskinesia, and psychiatric side effects. Conclusions: DBS is well known and constantly improving technology. Appropriate patient selection is essential; DBS is generally reserved for patients meeting specific criteria, including a confirmed PD diagnosis, disease duration of more than four years, a positive response to levodopa, and the absence of severe cognitive or unmanaged psychiatric disorders. Emerging research on genetic factors may enhance patient selection in the future.
Impact of Gut Microbiota on the Development of Diseases
Authors: Winiarek Karolina , Michalska Martyna , Wardyn Wiktor , Guzowski Cezary , Murawska Joanna Anna , Ziemińska Daria , Burczyk Rafał , Kędziora-Kornatowska Kornelia
Published: November 2024

Aim: The aim of this article is to review the latest scientific research on the influence of intestinal microbiota on the development of diseases. In this article we will discuss the importance of the intestinal microbiota, the differences in the composition of the microbiota between healthy and sick people and the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: The gut microbiota plays a key role in human health by influencing the development and progression of various diseases. Numerous studies have shown that an imbalance in gut microbiota, called dysbiosis, may be linked to a number of conditions. Intestinal microflora interacts with the immune system, modulates inflammation and influences metabolic pathways, which emphasizes its importance in the development of diseases.
Conclusions: Intestinal microflora is crucial to health, regulating immune, metabolic and neurological functions. Dysbiosis, i.e. disturbance of the balance of intestinal microflora, is associated with diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, autoimmune diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. Healthy microflora, influenced by diet, pH and nutrients, are essential for metabolism, immune system regulation and neuronal communication. Recently, scientists have become interested in the possibility of using this knowledge in treatment. Appropriate dietary management, probiotic supplementation and fecal microflora transplantation show promising potential. Future research should focus on elucidating the specific mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences disease processes and developing targeted therapies to exploit the therapeutic potential of the microbiota.
Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin: Multifaceted Applications in Muscle Health, Metabolic Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Dydyk Martyna , Wójcik Jakub , Błaszczak Ewa , Malinowski Piotr , Kopczyńska Urszula , Kopczyński Cezary , Gurdak Kinga , Michalska Martyna , Małachowski Aleksander , Zając Aleksandra
Published: November 2024

Melatonin, a hormone primarily synthesized by the pineal gland, is traditionally associated with the regulation of circadian rhythms. However, recent research has unveiled its broad spectrum of biological effects, positioning it as a valuable therapeutic agent in diverse health contexts. Known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, melatonin plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and protecting cellular integrity. This review explores melatonin’s therapeutic applications across multiple medical domains, including muscle health, metabolic disorders, chronic pain management, and cardiovascular health. In muscle health, melatonin facilitates muscle hypertrophy and regeneration by mitigating oxidative stress and enhancing the activity of satellite cells responsible for muscle repair. This action is particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing intense physical exertion, recovering from injuries, or combating age-related muscle. In metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, melatonin improves insulin sensitivity and reduces cellular oxidative damage, which supports beta-cell function and glucose regulation, potentially minimizing diabetes-related complications. Furthermore, in fibromyalgia - a condition marked by widespread pain and sleep disturbances - melatonin has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating pain and improving sleep quality, thus enhancing the overall quality of life for patients. In cardiovascular health, melatonin has shown promise in preventing and managing heart failure by reducing oxidative damage, modulating inflammatory pathways, and supporting endothelial function, which collectively contribute to improved cardiac health and reduced disease progression. This comprehensive review underscores melatonin’s emerging role as an integrative therapeutic agent in modern medicine.
Overview Of The Main Viral And Protozoan Infections In Humans
Authors: Padkowska Aleksandra , Pieniążek Jakub Maciej , Arciszewska Klaudia , Dobosz Mateusz , Buczkowski Jakub , Mataczyńska Anna , Paprocki Michał
Published: November 2024

Both viral and protozoan infections pose a serious health risk worldwide, e.g. due to their varied intensity of symptoms - from mild to even lethal. This overview focuses on some of the most important infections caused by these pathogens that still remain a huge concern in some parts of the world. Viral and protozoan infections contribute significantly not only to morbidity, but also mortality, for the most part in regions with limited access to healthcare with low vaccination coverage. Diseases on their own sometimes are mild or even asymptomatic, but the complications or the infections during pregnancy are the reasons why those diseases still remain a huge concern because they may result in serious conditions.
Information searches were carried out in online databases, scientific and educational editions, including PubMed, Elsevier, Research Gate, Springer, CDC, WHO.
Understanding the biology, transmission routes and severity of those infections as well as pathogenesis of agents that cause them are essential for effective treatment and decline in severe cases and complications.
The role of vegetarian diet in Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Zinkow-Krzemyk Karolina
Published: November 2024

Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stone disease, is a prevalent condition with significant morbidity worldwide. Notably, this medical condition is strongly influenced by nutritional habits. Dietary choices play a critical role in both the formation and prevention of kidney stones, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition in managing this disease. This review explores the impact of a vegetarian diet on nephrolithiasis. Evidence suggest that plant-based diets, which excludes animal protein, may contribute to a reduced risk of kidney stone formation. 
Vegetarian diet could be also considered as higher in fruits and vegetables, so in conclusion, people on plant-based diet have a water-rich food intake. Not only the fluid intake, but also the balance of calcium and oxalates is very important in managing risk of forming kidney stones. This diet typically result in lower acid load, higher urinary pH and increased urinary citrate levels. Everything mentioned is a key preventive strategy against kidney calculi.
Nephrolithiasis has undenyable colligation with diet. Patients dietary choices and their lifestyle could strongly influence the course of this disease.  Overall, well-planned vegetarian diet may offer protective benefits against nephrolithiasis. It should be individualized and preferably prepared by a professional dietitian. In this case, it is important to remember that our diet plays role similarly in genesis as in recurrence of kidney stone disease. Changing eating habits aims to reduce lithogenic risk factors.
Non-invasive neurostimulation: an emerging therapeutic modality in veterinary neurology
Authors: Charalambous Marios
Published: November 2024

Non-invasive neurostimulation involves techniques that stimulate the nervous system without penetrating the skin. These techniques, which range from electrical and magnetic to other types of stimulation, are designed to alter the activity of nerve cells and the broader networks they form. Although these methods have proven effective and safe for treating certain neurological conditions in humans, their success varies significantly from one individual to another. This variability can be because of the lack of standardised stimulation protocols, biological differences among individuals and the particular state of the neural areas being targeted. Various non-invasive neurostimulation techniques have been investigated, particularly in human medicine, including transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on various nerves, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Of these, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has emerged as the leading technique in research for human and veterinary medicine because of its potential in treating a wide range of neurological disorders. In the field of veterinary medicine, the use of non-invasive neurostimulation as a treatment approach is still in its early phases, with only a few reports documenting its application in managing seizures and behavioural issues in animals.
Read to learn
Authors: Barclay Meg
Published: November 2024

Meg Barclay, education consultant, shares ways to incorporate reading non-fiction into settings, to encourage children who may naturally feel more at home reading for information, and celebrate all things non-fiction in time for non-fiction November.
The Association Between Periodontitis and Respiratory Diseases: A Comprehensive Review
Authors:   Division of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Thailand, Wongkamhaeng Kan , Henprasert Pantip ,   Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, USA, Krauvattanavej Chayanit ,   Sichiangmai Hospital, Thailand, Orankijpaiboon Phantira ,   Private Dental Clinic, Thailand, Phansaichua Phattariya ,   Yasothon General Hospital, Thailand, Pugdee Kamolparn ,   Division of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Thailand
Published: November 2024

Periodontal disease is a significant factor in periodontal destruction, primarily initiated by a multi-bacterial infection that progresses through a cascade of chronic inflammatory responses. This persistent inflammation not only affects periodontal tissues but also has systemic implications, heightening the risk of various systemic diseases. Among these, respiratory diseases—which are closely linked to inflammatory processes, are of particular concern. Conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer have been increasingly associated with the chronic inflammatory state induced by periodontitis. The aim of this review was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association between periodontitis and respiratory diseases. Chronic periodontitis creates a state of systemic inflammation that can disseminate through the bloodstream, impacting distant organs, including the lungs. Emerging evidence from recent studies highlights the role of periodontitis in both the initiation and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. Microbial pathogens associated with periodontitis, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, can be aspirated into the lower respiratory tract, leading to either direct infection or modulation of the local immune response. This can increase susceptibility to respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and exacerbate pre-existing diseases like COPD and asthma. In summary, the relationship between periodontitis and respiratory diseases is complex and multifaceted, involving direct microbial interactions, systemic inflammation, and immune modulation. Understanding these connections is crucial for developing integrated therapeutic strategies that address both oral and respiratory health.
Beyond the negativity of the emotion of fear: religious fear as a case in point
Authors: Berlin Yair
Published: November 2024

Fear is regularly cited as a typical example of a ‘negative emotion’. The present article considers alternative perspectives, seeking to develop a theoretical framework that takes into account the possibility of perceiving fear as an emotion that can carry ‘positivity’. As a test case of a possible positive function of fear, I analyse the religious discourse surrounding fear in Israeli ultra-Orthodox society, where fear is often regarded as a positive emotion. I argue that the ‘positive’ traits that the ultra-Orthodox ascribe to fear can be employed as a model for elucidating the ‘positive’ functions of fear in other contexts as well.

The article’s first two parts are devoted to clarifying the relativist stance regarding the essence of fear and presenting the test case of religious fear. In the following parts I isolate three perspectives offered by the religious approach that may also shed light on a general understanding of how fear operates as a ‘positive’ emotion: (1) broadening the range of reactions to fear beyond the ‘fight or flight’ response; (2) the epistemological function of fear in constructing truth and knowledge; (3) the possibility that the very experience of fear can be framed and felt as positive. In conclusion, I will argue that the case of fear shows that the broad categorisation into ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ within the emotional realm may impair the theoretical and scholarly understanding of emotions, and I will propose an alternative approach to this categorisation.
Intellectual Formation for Professionalism in Catholic Education: The Sister Formation Conference
Authors: Anello Robert L.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The Sister Formation Conference originated as a movement of Catholic women's religious community leaders to improve a new member's understanding of her spiritual compatibility with her religious community and her training in the professional apostolate(s) engaged in by her community. This study documents the pre-history and first two decades of the Sister Formation Conference as it sought to advance professionalism within the ministries of women religious. During those years, Sister Formation influenced both regionally and nationally the standards for training and certifying religious sisters, especially those engaged in teaching.
"It Feels Like Being in Jail All Over Again": Staging the Criminalized Liminality of Sex Offenders
Authors: Donovan Ryan
Published: November 2024

Abstract: Two plays focusing on the postincarceration experiences of sex offenders opened in 2018: Life Jacket Theatre Company's America Is Hard to See and Bruce Norris's Downstate . Both plays ask spectators to recognize the humanity of sex offenders while also keeping in mind the harm they caused. The questions at the heart of these plays are ultimately about ethics and space: how close do we as a society want to allow sex offenders? These plays stage the movement, space, and time—the spatiotemporality—of postincarceration carceral geographies and the embodied state of what I term "criminalized liminality." In this article, I pursue a two-pronged approach to examine how these plays explore the spatiotemporality of criminalized liminality: primarily, I employ critical spatial perspectives to address how the focus on the ethics of space in America and Downstate emphasizes theatre itself as a space of ethical engagement for artists and audiences; and, secondarily, that as a result of their content and form, each play invites spectators to consider what it means to act on and offstage. I ultimately conclude that although these plays invite consideration of alternatives to the criminal punishment system like abolition, their real power lies in their ultimate ambivalence. Each unsettles spectators without providing clear answers. The spatiotemporality of criminalized liminality and the slippage created by acting produce a certain generative uncertainty.
Win, lose, or draw: Evaluating dynamic thermal niches of northeast Pacific groundfish
Authors: Ward Eric J. , Anderson Sean C. , Barnett Lewis A. K. , English Philina A. , Berger Halle M. , Commander Christian J. C. , Essington Timothy E. , Harvey Chris J. , Hunsicker Mary E. , Jacox Michael G. , Johnson Kelli F. , Large Scott , Liu Owen R. , Richerson Kate E. , Samhouri Jameal F. , Siedlecki Samantha A. , Shelton Andrew O. , Somers Kayleigh A. , Watson Jordan T.
Published: November 2024

Understanding the dynamic relationship between marine species and their changing environments is critical for ecosystem based management, particularly as coastal ecosystems experience rapid change (e.g., general warming, marine heat waves). In this paper, we present a novel statistical approach to robustly estimate and track the thermal niches of 30 marine fishes along the west coast of North America. Leveraging three long-term fisheries-independent datasets, we use spatiotemporal modeling tools to capture spatiotemporal variation in species densities. Estimates from our models are then used to generate species-specific estimates of thermal niches through time at several scales: coastwide and for each of the three regions. By synthesizing data across regions and time scales, our modeling approach provides insights into how these marine species may be tracking or responding to changes in temperature. While we did not find evidence of consistent temperature-density relationships among regions, we are able to contrast differences across species: Dover sole and shortspine thornyhead have relatively broad thermal niche estimates that are static over time, whereas several semi-pelagic species (e.g., Pacific hake, walleye pollock) have niches that are both becoming warmer over time and simultaneously narrowing. This illustrates how several economically and ecologically valuable species are facing contrasting fates in a changing environment, with potential consequences for fisheries and ecosystems. Our modeling approach is flexible and can be easily extended to other species or ecosystems, as well as other environmental variables. Results from these models may be broadly useful to scientists, managers, and stakeholders—monitoring trends in the direction and variability of thermal niches may be useful in identifying species that are more susceptible to environmental change, and results of this work can form quantitative metrics that may be included in climate vulnerability assessments, estimation of dynamic essential fish habitat, and assessments of climate risk posed to fishing communities.
Occupational exposures in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
Authors: Quintero Santofimio Valentina , Amaral Andre F. S. , Feary Johanna
Published: November 2024

Exposure to high levels of harmful agents in the workplace can significantly impact workers’ health, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Levels of these exposures are often measured in high-income countries in research studies and, in some places, to monitor levels in line with health and safety regulations. However, less is known about workplace exposure levels in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our aim was to describe the quantitative exposure measurements of different occupational agents across industries within LMICs. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications available on Web of Science and PubMed from inception to 1 September 2023. Our search focused on quantitative occupational exposure measurements across industries in LMICs. We identified a total of 8,676 publications. After screening, 58 studies from 25 countries were retained for final review. China, Iran, and Tanzania contributed the greatest number of studies. Manufacturing, mining, and agriculture were the most studied sectors, with factory workers and miners being the most common job titles. Exposure measurements included vapour, gases, dust, and fumes (VGDF), solvents, metals, pesticides and particulate matter. Occupational exposure levels for the same industry varied widely across geographical regions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of occupational exposures in LMICs and highlights the absence of data in certain geographical areas and industries. The study contributes valuable insights for directing future research, and the need to optimise the assessment of occupational exposures in LMICs with the aim ultimately of reducing disease.
Energia aurrezpena eta jasangarritasuna: aplikazioa ikastetxeetan eta Eraikinen Kalitatea Kontrolatzeko Laborategian
Authors: Picallo-Perez Ana , Hernandez-Arizaga Arrate , Hidalgo JuanMaria , Aldasoro Joseba , Sarriugarte-Onandia Paulo
Published: November 2024

Lan honen xedea da unibertsitateko ezagutzak eta praktikak eraikinen energia-esparruan integratzea, bigarren hezkuntzako ikasleekin batera. Hala, bigarren hezkuntzaren eta unibertsitate-ikasketen arteko harremana sendotzeko energia-estrategiak definitzen dira, Deustuko Ikastolan "proiektu pilotu" bat gauzatuz, eta gaztetxoen artean Zientzia, Teknologia, Ingeniaritza eta Matematikako (STEM) bokazio zientifikoak sustatuz, bereziki emakumeengan. Proiektuan ikastetxearen energia-erabilpena aztertzen da, unibertsitateko ikertzaileen eta bigarren hezkuntzako ikasleen laguntzarekin, bai eta Eusko Jaurlaritzako Eraikinen Kalitatea Kontrolatzeko Laborategiko (EKKL) profesionalekin ere. Helburua STEM irakaskuntzan ikasleak motibatzea eta indartzea da, interesa eta hurbiltasuna pizteko eta eraikinen energia-eraginkortasunaren ezagutza sustatzeko. Funtsezkoa da bigarren hezkuntzako ikaslegoa eremu horiekin lotzea, etorkizun profesionala aukeratzean oinarri bat izateko eta euren buruak horrelako lanbideetara bideratzeko. Garatutako jarduera nagusien artean (1) Ikastetxeen energia-kontsumoaren egungo egoera aztertu da; (2) Ikastetxeetarako dibulgazio-hitzaldiak diseinatu eta inplementatu dira; (3) Saiakuntza esperimentalak egin dira in-situ ikastetxeetan; (4) Ikasleek ikastetxeetako energia-eraginkortasuna hobetzeko proiektuak garatu dituzte. (5) EKKL bisitatu da, eraikuntzako energia-arloko errealitate profesionala ezagutzeko; eta, bukatzeko, (6) Ikasleentzako kongresu bat diseinatu eta inplementatu da. Ondorio gisa nabarmentzen da, ikasleentzat oso aberasgarria izan dela energia-eraginkortasunaren ezagutzak dituzten profesionalekin lan egitea, auditoretza-saiakuntza errealetan oinarrituz.
Discourse and Context
Authors: Pardo Abril Neyla Graciela , Rodríguez Páez Aleyda
Published: November 2024

En este trabajo se elabora una reseña de uno de los libros recientemente publicados por el profesor Teun A. van Dijk.(2008) Discourse and context. Cambridge University Press, The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge. El propósito es familiarizar a los lectores con una de las más recientes reflexiones sobre el concepto de contexto. La tesis central de Teun A. van Dijk en Discourse and Context es que “la situación social no influye ni es influida por el discurso, sino por la forma en que los participantes definen tal situación”, en consecuencia, “los contextos no se entienden como condiciones objetivas o causas directas, sino como constructos intersubjetivos, diseñados y actualizados en la interacción por los participantes”. Esta tesis, y el texto que la contiene sintetizan el trabajo que por más de una década ha venido desarrollando el autor, y consolida el trabajo de gran cantidad de discusiones e intercambios académicos, así como la consolidación de muchos de los avances presentados en artículos para revistas científicas
Elvira Narvaja de Arnoux, El discurso latinoamericanista de Hugo Chávez, Buenos Aires, 2008, Editorial Biblos,173 páginas, ISBN 978-950-786-679-1
Authors: Dalmasso María Teresa
Published: November 2024

Elvira Narvaja de Arnoux, El discurso latinoamericanista de Hugo Chávez, Buenos Aires, 2008, Editorial Biblos,173 páginas, ISBN 978-950-786-679-1.
Török közigazgatás kiépítése a Szerémségben és a szerémi szandzsák 16. századi bégjei
Authors: Fóti Miklós
Published: November 2024

In the aftermath of the battle of Mohács (1526) the Turks conquered the area between the Danube and the Sava rivers, however did not establish a new sancak for a while. Szerém county (Serbian Srem/Turkish Sirem) became part of the north Serbian sancak of Semendire/Smederevo. The study examines the formation of the Ottoman adminstration in the area, which resulted in the creation of the sancak of Sirem in the mid-1540s. It provides a detailed list of its governors in the 16th century, using Ottoman sources, like various defters, sultanic orders, and chronicles. The focus of the research is on the family ties and clan affiliations of the sancakbeyis, tracing their positions before and after the sancak in question. Thus, archontological data not just provide an auxiliary tool for historians, but can help us to understand how the Ottoman provincial elit ruled Hungary, increasing its influence and welth through their family networks.