bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-24-mediated antitumor effects against human glioblastoma via upregulation of P38 MAPK and endogenous TRAIL-induced apoptosis and LC3-II activation-dependent autophagy
Authors: Babazadeh Seyedeh Maliheh , Zolfaghari Mohammad Reza , Zargar Mohsen , Baesi Kazem , Hosseini Sayed Younes , Ghaemi Amir
Published: June 2023

Background

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 7 (Mda-7) encodes IL-24, which can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. A novel gene therapy approach to treat deadly brain tumors, recombinant mda-7 adenovirus (Ad/mda-7) efficiently kills glioma cells. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting cell survival and apoptosis and autophagy mechanisms that destroy glioma cells by Ad/IL-24.

Methods

Human glioblastoma U87 cell line was exposed to a multiplicity of infections of Ad/IL-24. Antitumor activities of Ad/IL-24 were assessed by cell proliferation (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release analysis. Using flow cytometry, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were investigated. Using the ELISA method, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) level was determined as an apoptosis-promoting factor and Survivin level as an anti-apoptotic factor. The expression levels of TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand(TRAIL) and P38 MAPK genes were assessed by the Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT‑qPCR) method. The expression levels of caspase-3 and protein light chain 3-II (LC3-II) proteins were analyzed by flow cytometry as intervening factors in the processes of apoptosis and autophagy in the cell death signaling pathway, respectively.

Results

The present findings demonstrated that transduction of IL-24 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in glioblastoma. Compared with cells of the control groups, Ad/IL24-infected U87 cells exhibited significantly increased elevated caspase-3, and TNF-α levels, while the survivin expression was decreased. TRAIL was shown to be upregulated in tumor cells after Ad/IL-24 infection and studies of the apoptotic cascade regulators indicate that Ad/IL-24 could further enhance the activation of apoptosis through the TNF family of death receptors. In the current study, we demonstrate that P38 MAPK is significantly activated by IL-24 expression. In addition, the overexpression of mda-7/IL-24 in GBM cells induced autophagy, which was triggered by the upregulation of LC3-II.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the antitumor effect of IL-24 on glioblastoma and may be a promising therapeutic approach for GBM cancer gene therapy.
Enhancing the quality of psychological interventions delivered by telephone in mental health services: increasing the likelihood of successful implementation using a theory of change
Authors: Faija Cintia L. , Connell Janice , Gellatly Judith , Rushton Kelly , Lovell Karina , Brooks Helen , Armitage Christopher , Bower Peter , Bee Penny
Published: June 2023

Background

The implementation of new and complex interventions in mental health settings can be challenging. This paper explores the use of a Theory of Change (ToC) for intervention design and evaluation to increase the likelihood of complex interventions being effective, sustainable, and scalable. Our intervention was developed to enhance the quality of psychological interventions delivered by telephone in primary care mental health services.

Methods

A ToC represents how our designed quality improvement intervention targeting changes at service, practitioner, and patient levels was expected to improve engagement in, and the quality of, telephone-delivered psychological therapies. The intervention was evaluated following implementation in a feasibility study within three NHS Talking Therapies services through a qualitative research design incorporating semi-structured interviews and a focus group with key stakeholders (patients, practitioners, and service leads) (N = 15). Data were analysed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the ToC was examined and modified accordingly following the findings.

Results

CFIR analysis highlighted a set of challenges encountered during the implementation of our service quality improvement telephone intervention that appeared to have weakened the contribution to the change mechanisms set out by the initial ToC. Findings informed changes to the intervention and refinement of the ToC and are expected to increase the likelihood of successful future implementation in a randomised controlled trial.

Conclusions

Four key recommendations that could help to optimise implementation of a complex intervention involving different key stakeholder groups in any setting were identified. These include: 1-developing a good understanding of the intervention and its value among those receiving the intervention; 2-maximising engagement from key stakeholders; 3-ensuring clear planning and communication of implementation goals; and 4-encouraging the use of strategies to monitor implementation progress.
The indirect impacts of nonpharmacological COVID-19 control measures on other infectious diseases in Yinchuan, Northwest China: a time series study
Authors: Liu Weichen , Wang Ruonan , Li Yan , Zhao Shi , Chen Yaogeng , Zhao Yu
Published: June 2023

Background

Various nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) against COVID-19 continue to have an impact on socioeconomic and population behaviour patterns. However, the effect of NPIs on notifiable infectious diseases remains inconclusive due to the variability of the disease spectrum, high-incidence endemic diseases and environmental factors across different geographical regions. Thus, it is of public health interest to explore the influence of NPIs on notifiable infectious diseases in Yinchuan, Northwest China.

Methods

Based on data on notifiable infectious diseases (NIDs), air pollutants, meteorological data, and the number of health institutional personnel in Yinchuan, we first fitted dynamic regression time series models to the incidence of NIDs from 2013 to 2019 and then estimated the incidence for 2020. Then, we compared the projected time series data with the observed incidence of NIDs in 2020. We calculated the relative reduction in NIDs at different emergency response levels in 2020 to identify the impacts of NIPs on NIDs in Yinchuan.

Results

A total of 15,711 cases of NIDs were reported in Yinchuan in 2020, which was 42.59% lower than the average annual number of cases from 2013 to 2019. Natural focal diseases and vector-borne infectious diseases showed an increasing trend, as the observed incidence in 2020 was 46.86% higher than the estimated cases. The observed number of cases changed in respiratory infectious diseases, intestinal infectious diseases and sexually transmitted or bloodborne diseases were 65.27%, 58.45% and 35.01% higher than the expected number, respectively. The NIDs with the highest reductions in each subgroup were hand, foot, and mouth disease (5854 cases), infectious diarrhoea (2157 cases) and scarlet fever (832 cases), respectively. In addition, it was also found that the expected relative reduction in NIDs in 2020 showed a decline across different emergency response levels, as the relative reduction dropped from 65.65% (95% CI: -65.86%, 80.84%) during the level 1 response to 52.72% (95% CI: 20.84%, 66.30%) during the level 3 response.

Conclusions

The widespread implementation of NPIs in 2020 may have had significant inhibitory effects on the incidence of respiratory infectious diseases, intestinal infectious diseases and sexually transmitted or bloodborne diseases. The relative reduction in NIDs during different emergency response levels in 2020 showed a declining trend as the response level changed from level 1 to level 3. These results can serve as essential guidance for policy-makers and stakeholders to take specific actions to control infectious diseases and protect vulnerable populations in the future.
Experiences, coping strategies and perspectives of people in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cheah Phaik Kin , Jalloh Mohamed Bella , Cheah Phee-Kheng , Ongkili Darlene , Schneiders Mira Leonie , Osterrieder Anne , Peerawaranun Pimnara , Waithira Naomi , Davies Alun , Mukaka Mavuto , Cheah Phaik Yeong
Published: June 2023

Background

A nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced in Malaysia on 18 March 2020 in view of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Malaysia implemented various public health measures and later raced against time to administer COVID-19 vaccines when they became available. As a result of various public health measures to curb the spread of the virus, people in Malaysia faced unprecedented circumstances and new challenges. This study addressed the knowledge gap in our understanding the experiences, coping strategies and perspectives of the people in Malaysia about infection countermeasures by investigating their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A sequential mixed method approach was used to conduct an online survey and in-depth interviews among residents in Malaysia. A total of 827 respondents participated in the online survey from 1st May to 30th June 2020. Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted online and by phone with key informants and members of the public, who were selected through maximum variation purposive sampling between 2nd May 2020 to 20th December 2021. The semi-structured interviews employed a phenomenological approach and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. The survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics in Stata 15.0.

Results

The survey reflected significant economic impacts of the pandemic, the maximum number of days that people could cope during the MCO, and their coping strategies, which generally entailed changes in lifestyle. The internet and social media were vital platforms to mitigate against the impact of public health measures. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed participant experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 and public health measures in four main themes: (1) work and business; (2) emotional impact (3) coping with change and (4) the COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the experiences, coping strategies and perspectives of people in Malaysia living through the first-ever MCO during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such insights into COVID-19-related public health measures are pertinent for successfully planning and implementing future responses to pandemics.
Psychosocial stressors and current e-cigarette use in the youth risk behavior survey
Authors: Erhabor John , Boakye Ellen , Osuji Ngozi , Obisesan Olufunmilayo , Osei Albert D. , Mirbolouk Hassan , Stokes Andrew C. , Dzaye Omar , El-Shahawy Omar , Rodriguez Carlos J. , Hirsch Glenn A. , Benjamin Emelia J. , DeFilippis Andrew P. , Robertson Rose Marie , Bhatnagar Aruni , Blaha Michael J.
Published: June 2023

Background

This study explores the association between psychosocial stressors and current e-cigarette use among adolescents in the United States.

Methods

We used data from 12,767 participants in the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavioral Survey to examine the association between psychosocial stressors (bullying, sexual assault, safety-related absence from school, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, physical altercation, and weapon threats) and past-30-day e-cigarette use using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. We examined the association for each stressor and then as a burden score (0–7). To compare the strength of the association between stressors and current e-cigarette use to current combustible cigarette use, we additionally examined the association between each stressor and current combustible cigarette use.

Results

Approximately 32.7% reported current e-cigarette use. The weighted prevalence of current e-cigarette use was higher among individuals who experienced stressors than those who did not. For example, bullying (43.9% vs. 29.0%). Similar prevalence patterns were seen among other stressors. Individuals who experienced stressors had significantly higher adjusted odds of current e-cigarette use than those who did not (OR [Odds Ratio] range: 1.47–1.75). Similarly, individuals with higher burden scores had a higher prevalence (zero [20.5%], one [32.8%], two [41.4%], three [49.6%], four to seven [60.9%]) and higher odds of current e-cigarette use (OR range: 1.43–2.73) than those with a score of zero. The strength of the association between the stressors and e-cigarette use was similar to that between the stressors and combustible cigarette use.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates a significant association between psychosocial stressors and adolescent e-cigarette use, highlighting the potential importance of interventions, such as targeted school-based programs that address stressors and promote stress management, as possible means of reducing adolescent e-cigarette use. Future research directions include exploring underlying mechanisms linking stressors to e-cigarette use and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions addressing stressors in reducing adolescent e-cigarette use.
Characterization of metabolism-associated molecular patterns in prostate cancer
Authors: Yang Bowei , Jiang Yongming , Yang Jun , Zhou Wenbo , Yang Tongxin , Zhang Rongchang , Xu Jinming , Guo Haixiang
Published: June 2023

Background

Metabolism is a hallmark of cancer and it involves in resistance to antitumor treatment. Therefore, the purposes of this study are to classify metabolism-related molecular pattern and to explore the molecular and tumor microenvironment characteristics for prognosis predicting in prostate cancer.

Methods

The mRNA expression profiles and the corresponding clinical information for prostate cancer patients from TCGA, cBioPortal, and GEO databases. Samples were classified using unsupervised non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering based on differentially expressed metabolism-related genes (MAGs). The characteristics of disease-free survival (DFS), clinicopathological characteristics, pathways, TME, immune cell infiltration, response to immunotherapy, and sensitivity to chemotherapy between subclusters were explored. A prognostic signature was constructed by LASSO cox regression analysis based on differentially expressed MAGs and followed by the development for prognostic prediction.

Results

A total of 76 MAGs between prostate cancer samples and non-tumorous samples were found, then 489 patients were divided into two metabolism-related subclusters for prostate cancer. The significant differences in clinical characteristics (age, T/N stage, Gleason) and DFS between two subclusters. Cluster 1 was associated with cell cycle and metabolism-related pathways, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), etc., involved in cluster 2. Moreover, lower ESTIMATE/immune/stromal scores, lower expression of HLAs and immune checkpoint-related genes, and lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values in cluster 1 compared with cluster 2. The 10 MAG signature was identified and constructed a risk model for DFS predicting. The patients with high-risk scores showed poorer DFS. The area under the curve (AUC) values for 1-, 3-, 5-year DFS were 0.744, 0.731, 0.735 in TCGA-PRAD dataset, and 0.668, 0.712, 0.809 in GSE70768 dataset, 0.763, 0.802, 0.772 in GSE70769 dataset. Besides, risk score and Gleason score were identified as independent factors for DFS predicting, and the AUC values of risk score and Gleason score were respectively 0.743 and 0.738. The nomogram showed a favorable performance in DFS predicting.

Conclusion

Our data identified two metabolism-related molecular subclusters for prostate cancer that were distinctly characterized in prostate cancer. Metabolism-related risk profiles were also constructed for prognostic prediction.
Pattern and trends of the total and age-specific fertility rates during 1990–2018 in Pakistan
Authors: Naz Lubna , Kamal Asifa , Kamran Adan , Trueha Kassahun
Published: June 2023

Background

Pakistan has an inadequate vital event registration system, leading to fewer than half of all births being registered, and this issue is further exacerbated by systematic recall errors and omission of births. This study aims to evaluate direct and indirect methods of fertility estimation to analyze the trends and patterns of fertility rates in Pakistan from 1990 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Indirect methods are utilized in this study to evaluate the direction and extent of changes in total and age-specific fertility rates, and these findings are compared to direct estimates. The study draws data on livebirths from four waves of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey that took place between 1990 and 2018. To ensure the quality of data, graphical methods and Whipple and Myers indices are employed. Additionally, the Brass Relational Gompertz model was used to analyze the data.

Results

The Relational Gompertz model revealed that total fertility rates (TFRs) were higher than direct estimates by 0.4 children and age-specific fertility rates (ASFR) were higher for all age groups except the oldest. The difference was more significant among younger women aged 15–24, and less so for age groups 29 and above. The gap in estimated fertility between direct and indirect methods decreased with age.

Conclusion

The indirect method is an invaluable tool in situations where direct measurement of fertility rates is challenging or impossible. By utilizing this method, policymakers can gain important insights into the fertility patterns and trends of a population, which is crucial for making informed decisions on fertility planning.
Infection prevention and control for COVID-19 response in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh: an intra-action review
Authors: Apolot Rebecca Racheal , Kaddu Simon Ssentamu , Evers Egmond Samir , Debashish Paul , Mowla S. M. Niaz , Ahmed Sabbir , Das Aritra , Bhuiyan Abu Toha M. R. H. , Rahman Md Mahbubur , Barua Anupam , Maina Allen Gidraf Kahindo , Sultan Murad , Nyawara Marsela , Willet Victoria , Von Harbou Kai
Published: June 2023

Background

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is critical in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and is one of the pillars of the WHO COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan 2020. We conducted an Intra-Action Review (IAR) of IPC response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, to identify best practices, challenges, and recommendations for improvement of the current and future responses.

Methods

We conducted two meetings with 54 participants purposively selected from different organizations and agencies involved in the frontline implementation of IPC in Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh. We used the IPC trigger questions from the WHO country COVID-19 IAR: trigger question database to guide the discussions. Meeting notes and transcripts were then analyzed manually using content analysis, and results were presented in text and quotes.

Results

Best practices included: assessments, a response plan, a working group, trainings, early case identification and isolation, hand hygiene in Health Facilities (HFs), monitoring and feedback, general masking in HFs, supportive supervision, design, infrastructure and environmental controls in Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Isolation and Treatment Centers (SARI ITCs) and HFs and waste management. Challenges included: frequent breakdown of incinerators, limited PPE supply, inconsistent adherence to IPC, lack of availability of uniforms for health workers, in particular cultural and gender appropriate uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Recommendations from the IAR were: (1) to promote the institutionalization of IPC, programs in HFs (2) establishment of IPC monitoring mechanisms in all HCFs, (3) strengthening IPC education and training in health care facilities, and (4) strengthen public health and social measures in communities.

Conclusion

Establishing IPC programmes that include monitoring and continuous training are critical in promoting consistent and adaptive IPC practices. Response to a pandemic crisis combined with concurrent emergencies, such as protracted displacement of populations with many diverse actors, can only be successful with highly coordinated planning, leadership, resource mobilization, and close supervision.
dsSurvival 2.0: privacy enhancing survival curves for survival models in the federated DataSHIELD analysis system
Authors: Banerjee Soumya , Bishop Tom R. P.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Survival models are used extensively in biomedical sciences, where they allow the investigation of the effect of exposures on health outcomes. It is desirable to use diverse data sets in survival analyses, because this offers increased statistical power and generalisability of results. However, there are often challenges with bringing data together in one location or following an analysis plan and sharing results. DataSHIELD is an analysis platform that helps users to overcome these ethical, governance and process difficulties. It allows users to analyse data remotely, using functions that are built to restrict access to the detailed data items (federated analysis). Previous works have provided survival modelling functionality in DataSHIELD (dsSurvival package), but there is a requirement to provide functions that offer privacy enhancing survival curves that retain useful information.

Results

We introduce an enhanced version of the dsSurvival package which offers privacy enhancing survival curves for DataSHIELD. Different methods for enhancing privacy were evaluated for their effectiveness in enhancing privacy while maintaining utility. We demonstrated how our selected method could enhance privacy in different scenarios using real survival data. The details of how DataSHIELD can be used to generate survival curves can be found in the associated tutorial.
ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular tachycardia revealing coronary artery ectasia: a case report
Authors: Tlohi Imane , Karim Fatiha , Elamraoui Asmaa , Drighil Abdenasser , Habbal Rachida
Published: June 2023

Background

Coronary artery ectasia is a rare angiographic finding and results from a disease process that compromises the integrity of the vessel wall. Its prevalence ranges between 0.3% and 5% of patients undergoing coronary angiography (Swaye et al. in Circulation 67:134–138, 1983). Coronary artery ectasia in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and death after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 50-year-old male Caucasian patient, admitted for ventricular tachycardia at 200 beats per minute hemodynamically not tolerated that was reduced by external electric shock. Electrocardiogram after cardioversion showed a sinus rhythm with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Thrombolytic therapy was chosen after exposure to dual antiplatelet therapy and heparin since the expected time to percutaneous coronary intervention was greater than 120 minutes from first medical contact and the patient presented within 12 hours of onset of ischemic symptoms. The electrocardiogram after thrombolysis showed the resolution of the ST segment. The echocardiogram showed a dilated left ventricle with severe dysfunction with left ventricle ejection fraction at 30%. Coronary angiography revealed non-obstructive giant ecstatic coronaries without any thrombus. A check-up to look for possible etiologies for coronary artery ectasia was carried out and returned normal. Since no etiology for coronary artery ectasia was found at the limit of available exams in our center, the patient was discharged with antiplatelet therapy (aspirin 100 mg once a day) and heart failure treatment with an indication for an implantable cardiac defibrillator.

Conclusions

Coronary artery ectasia in the context of acute myocardial infarction is a rare condition that may have dangerous complications, especially when an optimal treatment for ecstatic culprit vessels is still controversial.
The return of inflation
Authors: Baltensperger Ernst
Published: June 2023

For a quarter of a century, the western world has enjoyed a macroeconomic environment characterized by low and stable inflation. Over the last two years, this benign state has dramatically changed. In America and Europe, inflation has resurged with unexpected vigor. Treated at first by central banks and most of their observers as a mere temporary aberration, which would soon fade again without much need for action, it has since assumed a virulence which has forced central banks to tighten their policies much more forcefully than was initially expected. How did all this come about? How are central banks and their monetary policies to be judged?
Reading Guillory's Cultural Capital in South Africa
Authors: Jeppie Shamil
Published: June 2023

This article opens with the 2015 Rhodes Must Fall protests at the University of Cape Town, when a student poured feces on a statue of Cecil Rhodes. This moment exemplifies the ambivalent relationship between symbolic politics and demands for institutional transformation in postapartheid South Africa. The essay considers two sites of tension: the appropriation of this antiapartheid, decolonial rhetoric outside of South Africa (as in the Rhodes Must Fall campaigns at the University of Oxford) and the borrowing of US discourses of racial identity in South African universities. In both cases, specific social and political contexts and their attendant challenges tend to disappear. In South African universities, this has the effect of occluding class, class inequality, and class struggle. To address the South African context, the essay suggests that the writing of Antonio Gramsci, whose work spans literature as cultural production and practical political mobilization, might provide a more useful politics of reading and writing.
The Ball of La Laguna
Authors: Galdo-González Diego
Published: June 2023

The Ball of La Laguna was an infamous cross-dressing ball that ended in a police raid, media scandal, and public uproar on the night of January 31, 1959, in Lima, Peru. Hundreds of maricón (queer) couples attended the ball sporting masculine and feminine attire — unaware of the moral panic that would soon unfold across the city. How did class, race, and gender inequalities shape La Laguna? How did they shape heteronormative reactions to the ball? How can we understand the meanings of (homo)sexuality and cross-dressing at the ball? This essay answers these questions by conducting a content analysis of five newspapers, two magazines, a cartoon, an invitation to the ball, a video advertisement, and three oral history interviews. The Ball of La Laguna reveals that the class, race, and gender inequalities that have structured Peruvian society since colonial times also structured maricón social worlds and the policing of their communities. All attendees experienced homophobic treatment in the aftermath of the ball, but Indigeneity, femininity, and a lower-class status compounded these inequalities. La Laguna enables us to describe maricón social worlds in mid-twentieth-century Lima from an intersectional class, race, and gender perspective, which contributes to the growing literature on cross-dressing practices in twentieth-century Latin America and, more broadly, to the hemispheric turn in queer studies.
Politics of the Poisoned Belly
Authors: Raidoo Renugan
Published: June 2023

This article argues that homophobia should be read as a political engagement with social and economic uncertainty and its perceived causes through an extended analogy with the work on the modernity of witchcraft. “Figuration” is theorized as a way to account for, first, how senses of moral peril are given a human form, and second, why certain signifiers of deviance become more convincing than others at particular historical moments. The content of the myths that animate homophobia in Sierra Leone point to the gay man as a figuration of deviance that rehearses anxieties about illicit appropriation through patron-client networks at a time of heightened awareness of corruption, exploitation, and fears of foreign meddling in the politics and economics of African postcolonies. The article makes the case that the homosexual man becomes a more convincing signifier of contemporary social anxiety than the witch because of his connections with Western modernity not only in the minds of Sierra Leoneans but also in global pro-queer discourse. This insight places discourses about homosexuality more generally, whether positive or negative, in a field of contestation over who gets to speak for Sierra Leone, what the future of the country is, and its inclusion in Western modernity. The question of modernity is used to explain the state's marked irresoluteness on the subject of homosexuality, challenging dominant explanations of homophobia as state led.
Species composition in assemblages of the family Unionidae Rafinesque, 1820 (Mollusca: Bivalvia) as an indicator of ecological changes in water bodies of Central Polissia, Ukraine
Authors: Bilina Liliya , Shevchuk Larisa , Urbańska Maria
Published: June 2023

Though Ukraine is one of the countries with insufficient water supply, the northern region of central Polissia has a dense river network. The region’s major rivers – Teteriv, Sluch, Ubort, and Uzh – have undergone significant anthropogenic change. Water pollution has adversely affected their fauna, including the Unionidae (Mollusca: Bivalvia). This study has monitored these changes, and was conducted in two stages. A total of 78 sites with habitats typical for the Unionidae were examined; 45 in 1998–2013, of which 24 were resampled in 2019–2020, and a further 33 were sampled at the same time. Six native species generally characteristic of Ukraine (Unio pictorum Linnaeus, 1758, U. tumidus Philipson, 1788, U. crassus Philipsson, 1788, Anodonta anatina Linnaeus, 1758, A. cygnea Linnaeus, 1758, and Pseudanodonta complanata Rossmassler, 1835) were recorded. While nearly all sites examined in 1998–2013 held some unionids, by 2019–2020, they were recorded in only 62.5% out of the total number of sites in Sluch River basin, 80% in Teteriv River, 40% in Ubort River, and 62.5% in Uzh River. The species richness at sites where unionids were recorded had also declined. Pseudanodonta complanata, recorded in every surveyed basin in 1998–2013, was not observed at any of the sites examined in 2019–2020. In 23 out of the 24 re-examined sites, the extinction of one or more Unionidae species was recorded. It is evident that the role of these large mussels as ecosystem engineers is being compromised.
Οι αντιλήψεις των εκπαιδευτικών καλλιτεχνικών μαθημάτων δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης για την επαγγελματική τους ταυτότητα και το διδακτικό τους έργο στο δημόσιο καλλιτεχνικό σχολείο
Authors: Λιντζεράκου Ελισσάβετ , Αργυροπούλου Ελευθερία , Σπυριδάκης Αντώνιος
Published: June 2023

Το παρόν άρθρο διερευνά τις αντιλήψεις των εκπαιδευτικών καλλιτεχνικών αντικειμένων (θεάτρου, χορού, κινηματογράφου, εικαστικών και μουσικής) σχετικά με την επαγγελματική τους ταυτότητα και το διδακτικό τους έργο στα δημόσια καλλιτεχνικά σχολεία δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Η διερεύνηση των αντιλήψεων γίνεται μέσω της διατύπωσης της ικανοποίησής τους από το εργασιακό τους συγκείμενο και της αποτύπωσης των απόψεών τους για την αποτίμηση των προσόντων τους και του πλαισίου διδασκαλίας του γνωστικού τους αντικειμένου. Πρόκειται για πρωτότυπη ποσοτική έρευνα με τη χρήση ερωτηματολογίου κλειστών ερωτήσεων τύπου Likert και περιγραφική και επαγωγική στατιστική επεξεργασία  των δεδομένων με χρήση του προγράμματος SPSS23. Τα ευρήματα κατέδειξαν ότι το μείζον πρόβλημα της επαγγελματικής τους ταυτότητας είναι η μη ισότιμη αντιμετώπισή τους με τους καθηγητές γενικών μαθημάτων και η μη διευθέτηση ζητημάτων επίσημης αναγνώρισης και κωδικοποίησης του γνωστικού αντικειμένου συγκεκριμένων κατηγοριών εκπαιδευτικών καλλιτεχνικών μαθημάτων (χορού- κινηματογράφου) από το Υπουργείο Παιδείας. Οι ιδιαίτερες παράμετροι της αντίληψης της επαγγελματικής ταυτότητας από τους εκπαιδευτικούς καλλιτεχνικών μαθημάτων φαίνεται ότι συμφωνεί με ευρήματα προηγουμένων ερευνών σε εκπαιδευτικούς. Η έλλειψη ερευνών σχετικά με την συγκεκριμένη κατηγορία εκπαιδευτικών σε εθνικό και διεθνές επίπεδο δεν παρέχει περιθώρια συγκρίσεων. Ωστόσο, η παρούσα έρευνα φιλοδοξεί να  ανοίξει μια επιστημονική  συζήτηση που μπορεί να προσφέρει σημαντικά ευρήματα τόσο αναφορικά με τους εκπαιδευτικούς καλλιτεχνικών μαθημάτων, όσο και με ευρύτερους προβληματισμούς αναφορικά με τον ρόλο της διδασκαλίας της τέχνης στην δημόσια εκπαίδευση, αλλά και τη βιωσιμότητα των ήδη λειτουργούντων δημοσίων δευτεροβάθμιων καλλιτεχνικών σχολείων και την πιθανή αύξηση του αριθμού τους σε όλη την επικράτεια.
Delphi: A social survey (2022) and some proposals for the sustainable development of the area
Authors: Kosmopoulos Panos
Published: June 2023

This project aims at the sustainable development of the area of Delphi under the scope of Environmental Design. Delphi is a historic place with multiple points of interest due to its natural beauty, archaeological importance and its traditional character. The project focuses upon the renovation and re-creation of a sustainable settlement, where all elements that concern the built environment and the urban area of Delphi, integrate morphologically as a whole. The proposal includes the traditional buildings’ restoration and the environmental and aesthetic upgrading of the buildings, the public open spaces and their partial elements. The project’s success depends on each place’s comparative advantage and on the promotion and protection of both the natural environment and the cultural heritage.
ERCP-induced perforation: review and revisit after half a century
Authors: A. Al Manasra Abdel Rahman A. , Mesmar Zaid , Manasreh Tarek , Hammouri Hanan M . , Husein Anas , Jadallah Khaled , Bani hani Mohammed , Abu Farsakh Niazy , K. Shahwan Shatha , Al-qaoud Doaa , Fataftah Jehad
Published: June 2023

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive procedure. We aimed to investigate ERCP-induced perforations at our institution and conduct a comprehensive review of literature on ERCP-induced perforations (EIP) since the introduction of this procedure as a therapeutic intervention.

Methods: This was a case-control study, in which charts of all patients diagnosed with ERCP-induced duodenal perforation were reviewed and compared to a control group without perforation. Patient’s sociodemographic and clinical data, including ERCP procedure-related data, were gathered.

Results: A total of 996 ERCP procedures were performed; only 13 patients proved to have EIP. Obstructive jaundice was the most common indication for ERCP. The main predisposing factor was difficult cannulation (P = 0.003). In total, five patients required surgical treatment; the majority of them had type I perforation, whereas type IV was the most common in patients who were treated conservatively. The overall mortality rate was 15%, the surgical group had a slightly higher mortality rate.

Conclusions: Fifty years after the introduction of ERCP for therapy, it remains an invasive procedure that carries significant morbidity and mortality, even in skilled hands or at high- volume units. Conservative management of perforation yields favorable outcomes in selected patients.
Proteomics analysis of carcinogenesis in a rat model of mammary cancer induced by DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene)
Authors: Pratama Dyah Ayu Oktavianie Ardhiana , Cahyati Anggun Nur , Kustiati Ulayatul , Hardian Andreas Bandang , Permata Fajar Shodiq
Published: June 2023

Background: Mammary cancer, called breast cancer in humans, results from the abnormal growth of cells in the mammary glands that attack the surrounding tissue. The process of carcinogenesis at the molecular level can be monitored through the production of proteins as biomarkers for carcinogenesis. 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) is a known carcinogenic compound. This study aimed to analyze the proteomic profile as critical data regarding DMBA-induced carcinogenesis in Sprague‒Dawley rats.

Methods: Experimental animals were divided into two groups: a treatment group given DMBA at a dose of 10 mg/kg (intramammary) at intervals of 48 hours for a total of 10 doses, and a negative control group that was not given any treatment. Measurement of the total protein concentration was carried out using a spectrophotometer, and the data were analyzed using a t-test, while the characterization of protein profiles was carried out based on molecular weight data using SDS‒PAGE. Mammary gland histopathology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.

Results: The results showed a significant (p<0.05) increase of 27% in the total protein concentration in the rat mammary cancer model. The results of proteomic characterization showed a protein profile containing proteins of 187, 169, 68, 64, 53, 41, 24, 18, and 14 kDa, which were suspected to be HER-2, Nischarin, COX-2, Albumine, Vimentin, ACTB, TNF, p16, and fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3), respectively. Histopathology of the mammary glands showed an irregular and indistinct arrangement of the alveoli and extensive epithelial cell proliferation from the surface to the lumen of the mammary ducts, and the mammary stroma showed the formation of new epithelial cells, which were cancer cells that spread to surrounding tissue.

Conclusions: The proteomic profile was strongly associated with morphological alterations in mammary carcinogenesis in a rat model of DMBA-induced mammary cancer.
Human brain organoid transplantation: ethical implications of enhancing specific cerebral functions in small-animal models
Authors: Harary Paul M. , Blue Rachel , Castellanos Mackenzie , Dedhia Mehek , Hamimi Sarah , Jgamadze Dennis , Rees Benjamin , Seshadri Nitin , Singh Shikha , Moreno Jonathan , Wolf John , Song Hongjun , Ming Guo-li , Chen H. Isaac
Published: June 2023

Brain organoids are self-organizing, three-dimensional tissues derived from pluripotent stem cells that recapitulate many aspects of the cellular diversity and architectural features of the developing brain. Recently, there has been growing interest in using human brain organoid transplantation in animal models as a means of addressing the limitations of in vitro culture, such as the lack of vascularization, and to explore the potential of organoids for neural repair. While there has been substantial debate on the ethical implications of brain organoid research, particularly the potential for organoids to exhibit higher-order brain functions such as consciousness, the impact of human organoid grafts on animal hosts has been less extensively discussed. Enhancement of host animal brain function may not be technically feasible at this time, but it is imperative to carefully consider the moral significance of these potential outcomes. Here, we discuss the ethical implications of enhancing somatosensation, motor processes, memory, and basic socialization in small-animal models. We consider the moral implications of such outcomes and if safeguards are needed to accommodate any increased moral status of animals transplanted with human brain organoids.
Narrative interview in the study and support of adolescent adaptive identity development
Authors: Haertlé Izabella
Published: June 2023

Cel pracy

Celem badań było sprawdzenie czy metoda wywiadu narracyjnego wpływa korzystnie na przystosowanie i funkcjonowanie młodych osób w ryzyku nieprzystosowania.

Metoda

Z podopiecznymi młodzieżowych ośrodków socjoterapii (wiek 18–20, 16 kobiet), przeprowadzono 30 wywiadów narracyjnych Historia życia według koncepcji McAdamsa [1, 2] kontrolując zmienne opisujące emocje w relacji z sobą samym i z innymi, zgodnie z modelem proponowanym przez Hermansa w Metodzie Konfrontacji z Sobą [3]. Badania miały charakter ilościowy i jakościowy. Część badań ilościowych w modelu eksperymentalnym z grupą kontrolną została opisana przez Haertlé i Oleś [4].

Wyniki

Wywiad narracyjny sprzyja lepszemu przystosowaniu i przyczynia się do wzrostu poczucia własnej wartości i poprawy relacji z innymi poprzez wspomaganie procesu konstruowania tożsamości narracyjnej. Pozwala również prześledzić proces kształtowania tożsamości pod kątem zmian w zakresie nieprzystosowania i przystosowania. Badani relacjonują większe poczucie wglądu we własną historię życia, oraz zwiększoną świadomość celu i sensu życia.

Wnioski

Wywiad może stanowić część oddziaływań terapeutycznych kierowanych do młodych ludzi zagrożonych nieprzystosowaniem wspierając ich rozwój tożsamości i osobowości.
MY PEDAGOGY – AN OUTLINE OF THE IDEA
Authors: Szulz Roman
Published: June 2023

The text includes: a) a presentation of original idea of pedagogy; b) a presentation of the specifics of the author’s personal contribution to the development of pedagogy. Pedagogy is defined and characterised as a component and tool of the information system of education. The specifity of the author’s contribution to the development of pedagogy is showing the possibility of usingthe anthropological perspective in building the world-view foundation of education.
THE MISSION AND VISION OF PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCE
Authors: Furmanek Waldemar , Tomaszewska Renata
Published: June 2023

W artykule przedstawiono refleksje na temat misji i wizji nauk pedagogicznych, koncentrując się na ich humanistycznym i personalistycznym, a nie naturalistycznym, fundamencie. Stosując metodę rekonstrukcji pozytywnej, przyjęto, że istotą nauk pedagogicznych jest wypracowywanie efektywnych oraz godziwych systemów strategii i procesów wspomagania człowieka w jego dążeniach do osiągnięcia pełni człowieczeństwa. Z tak sformułowanego zapisu wyprowadzono kategorie pojęciowe wymagające wyjaśnienia i interpretacji. Autorzy szczególną uwagę poświęcili zagadnieniom: człowieka, człowieczeństwa oraz wspomagania – kluczowym dla szeroko rozumianej działalności pedagogicznej realizowanej we współczesnych uwarunkowaniach społeczno-kulturowych. Analizy te zostały zaprezentowane na takim poziomie ogólności, aby tematy dopełniające ich treść mogły być zaakceptowane przez przedstawicieli wszystkich subdyscyplin naukowych będących częścią systemu nauk pedagogicznych.
POTRZEBA WSPARCIA POKOLENIA Z W SZKOLE I NA RYNKU PRACY W SYTUACJI PANDEMII COVID-19
Authors: Dacka Monika
Published: June 2023

Aktualna rzeczywistość bywa postrzegana z jednej strony jako nieprzewidywalna, różnorodna, z drugiej jako dynamiczna i ambiwalentna. Procesy globalizacji, przemiany świata społeczno-kulturowego, postęp naukowo-techniczny przyczyniają się do przeobrażeń stylu życia, systemu wartości i codziennego funkcjonowania współczesnych młodych ludzi. Dodatkowo, jak pokazał ostatni czas, oprócz wyzwań technologicznych i społecznych młodzi muszą się również zmagać z doświadczeniami i następstwami kryzysu COVID-19. Badania prowadzone przez Shuxian Jin i współpracowników1 wykazały, że pandemia COVID-19 miała największy negatywny wpływ na osoby w wieku 18–24 lata. W tej grupie dostrzegalny był wzrost samotności, niepewność pracy oraz trudnościekonomiczne. Sytuacja przygotowania zawodowego oraz aktywność pokolenia Z na rynku pracy będzie miała znaczenie dla funkcjonowania wielu społeczeństw. Sposób radzenia sobie młodych osób na rynku pracy, pokonywanie trudności spowodowanych pandemią COVID-19 będą niewątpliwie zależały od ich wykształcenia, rozwijania posiadanych umiejętności i doświadczeń zawodowych. Celem tego artykułu jest ukazanie cech pokolenia Z oraz trudności napotykanych przez osoby z tej generacji na rynku pracy. Ważne jest również przedstawienie form wsparcia umożliwiających przygotowanie do rozpoczęcia aktywności zawodowej, jak i jej kontynuację w sytuacji trudnych warunków pandemicznych.
DZIECIĘCA METEOROLOGIA. EWOLUCJA SPOSOBU OCENIANIA STANU POGODY U DZIECI 6- I 9-LETNICH
Authors: Jelinek Jan Amos
Published: June 2023

Umiejętność oceny i kodowania stanu pogody należy do elementów dbania o własne bezpieczeństwo. W artykule przedstawiono zmiany, jakie zachodzą w sposobie dokonywania tej oceny i traktowania przez dzieci kończących przedszkole i uczniów klasy III obrazków stanów pogodowych. Ustalono, że młodsze dzieci traktują obrazki stanów pogody jako elementy rysunku, a pogodę za oknem oceniają za pomocą listy pytań, podczas gdy uczniowie szkolni obrazki stanów pogody traktują jako symbole, a oceny pogody dokonują na podstawie wnioskowania ze stanów rzeczy. Podczas analizy zwrócono uwagę na budowane przez dzieci własne symbole oraz konsekwencję we wskazywaniu zjawisk współtowarzyszących opadom i tęczy. Artykuł zawiera odniesienia do praktyki pedagogicznej.
Taming The Wilds: tactical urbanism and creative placemaking in the revitalisation of a nature reserve in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Gregory James J.
Published: June 2023

Th e use of tactical urbanism and creative placemaking in the revitalisation of public space has received growing research interest. In Johannesburg, there is evidence of these approaches in the revitalisation of Th e Wilds, a nature reserve located near the inner-city. Th e Wilds experienced neglect and decline due to increased crime. By the mid-2010s, an artist championed the bottom-up revitalisation of Th e Wilds through routine maintenance, the introduction of public art, and events to encourage engagement with the space. Th is study draws on personal communication and semi-structured interviews with key informants and utilises netnography. It was found that the use of public art and social media resulted in an increase in visitor numbers and volunteers who assisted in the maintenance, restoration and engagement with the space. Th e use of tactical urbanism and creative placemaking, however, has brought volunteers into conflict with the city over the usage and co-management of The Wilds.
Polish electoral space aft er 2001 against the background of rivalry between the two main actors of the political scene
Authors: Kavetskyy Igor
Published: June 2023

Th e aim of the paper is to specify the main patterns – and identify the basic determinants – of the formation of the Polish electoral space aft er 2001, with particular emphasis on factors of a geographical nature, against the background of the rivalry between the two main actors of the political scene, i.e., Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska, PO) and Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS). Using spatial econometric tools, it was found that the PO–PiS oligopoly on the Polish political party market results in increasing spatial clustering and geographical polarisation of voters of both parties in the form of urban–rural heterogeneity and east–west divergence. Th ese phenomena are explained by processes of alignment and convergence of individuals' views according to the logic of localised entrenchment of dominant opinions and consolidation of preferences within historically shaped regional arrangements according to the path dependency principle.