bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A One-Step, Monolayer Culture and Chemical-Based Approach to Generate Insulin-Producing Cells From Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Mitigate Hyperglycemia in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Liang Ruei-Yue , Zhang Kai-Ling , Chuang Ming-Hsi , Lin Feng-Huei , Chen Tzu-Chien , Lin Jhih-Ni , Liang Ya-Jyun , Li Yi-An , Chen Chun-Hung , Wong Peggy Leh Jiunn , Lin Shinn-Zong , Lin Po-Cheng
Published: August 2022

The global population of individuals afflicted with diabetes mellitus has been increasing year by year, and this disease poses a serious threat to human health as well as the economies worldwide. Pancreatic or islet transplantations provide one of the most effective and long-term therapies available to treat diabetes, but the scarcity and quality of pancreatic islets limit their use in treatments. Here, we report the development of a one-step, monolayer culture, and chemical-based protocol that efficiently mediates the differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into insulin-producing cells (IPCs). Our data indicate that hADSCs in monolayer culture that are allowed to differentiate into IPCs are superior to those in suspension cultures with respect to insulin secretion capacity (213-fold increase), cell viability (93.5 ± 3.27% vs. 41.67 ± 13.17%), and response to glucose stimulation. Moreover, the expression of genes associated with pancreatic lineage specification, such as PDX1, ISL1, and INS (encoding insulin), were expressed at significantly higher levels during our differentiation protocol (6-fold for PDX1 and ISL1, 11.5-fold for INS). Importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that transplantation with IPCs significantly mitigated hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Our results indicate that this one-step, rapid protocol increases the efficiency of IPC generation and that the chemical-based approach for IPC induction may reduce safety concerns associated with the use of IPCs for clinical applications, thereby providing a safe and effective cell-based treatment for diabetes.
Celiac Disease With Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Young Child: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Khan Sabeen Abid , Imran Muhammad , Ali Qamar , Malik Munir Iqbal
Published: August 2022

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune condition with intestinal and extra-intestinal features. Extra intestinal features including hematological, neurological, and endocrine symptoms are seen more frequently in elder children. A 4 years 7 months old male child presented in clinic with history of abdominal pain and diarrhea on and off for 1 year. On examination, he was hemodynamically stable, pale, and malnourished with distended abdomen. He was investigated for CD, Anti TTG IgA <0.1 (positive >10), Anti TTG IgG 13 (positive >10). To confirm celiac disease, Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was done which was consistent with diagnosis of Celiac disease (MARSH Type 3a). Gluten free diet was advised. Later, after 12 days he again presented with jaundice, fever, anorexia, and dark colored urine and irritability. He was admitted for fulminant hepatic failure, his workup revealed direct hyperbilirubenemia, ANA +ve, and hyper IgG. Liver biopsy confirmed autoimmune hepatitis. Further workup for anemia showed reticulocyte count 7.1, LDH 423, direct and indirect coombs test was positive confirming autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Child responded well to Azathioprine and prednisolone with clinical improvement. We report a rare presentation of celiac disease with polyautoimmunity in a young child. Case reports of autoimmune hepatitis with CD patients have been reported in adult patients. Association of celiac disease with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and autoimmune hepatitis is a distinct and rare condition.
Too Old to Be President?
Authors: Sevi Semra
Published: August 2022

The overrepresentation of advanced age among elites is a rising concern in democracies such as the United States. In 2016, American voters elected Donald Trump—at the time the oldest president to enter office—and in 2020 Joe Biden beat that record. Theories of descriptive representation suggest that voters should be less likely to support older candidates when age becomes a salient campaign issue. Indeed, age raises questions about a candidate’s physical and mental health, and thus their fitness to serve in office. The present study reports on a survey experiment conducted during the 2020 Democratic Presidential primaries, which featured several candidates in their seventies, all running to replace an incumbent president of the same age group. Priming age did not affect voters’ assessments of any particular candidate’s ability to win the general election. These results are inconsistent with existing studies of age effects using hypothetical candidates. Possible causes of this discrepancy are addressed in the discussion.
Diffusion of heat and mass in flow of viscous fluid over a moving porous and rotating disk
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Marwat Dil Nawaz khan , Alam Aftab
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we have studied the transport of heat and mass in viscous fluid flow over a disk, rotating with variable angular velocity, whereas, both the nonuniform injection and suction velocities can take place through its porous surface. Moreover, the disk is stretched (shrunk) with variable velocity in its own plane. Besides that the temperature and concentration functions, defined at the surface of disk, are assumed nonuniform and nonlinear, whereas, their nonlinear nature can be expressed in the form of algebraic and non-algebraic functions, however, the uniform and linearly variable temperature and concentration functions at the surface of the disk are easily obtained by fixing the exponents of these functions either zero or one. Diffusion of these two quantities in flows over such disk are the fundamental objective of current investigations. Six PDE’s control the fluid motion along with the diffusion of heat and mass in flow over the rotating disk of such special characteristics. The system of PDE’s is transformed into a set of ODE’s, which is solved numerically with the help of bvp4c package of MATLAB. The present simulation and its solution are exactly matched with the solution of classical problems of rotating disk flows with the additional characteristic of diffusion of heat and mass in flows. Therefore, we have seen the individual and combined effects of all physical parameters on field variables under consideration. The higher order governing equations are nonlinear PDE’s, which are converted into the system of ODE’s in view of proper similarity transformations. Moreover, the tangential and radial shears, shaft torque, rates of the diffusion are evaluated at the surface of the disk, whereas, they are graphed against different parameters and interesting results have been presented. It is found that the nonlinear nature of surface temperature and concentration reduced the thermal and concentration boundary layers, however, the large negative values of power index parameters give rise to an overshoot in temperature and concentration profiles.
Preparing to publish: How journalists negotiate content restrictions in semi-authoritarian states
Authors: Moon Ruth
Published: August 2022

Journalists act strategically in response to their political environments, using practices like self-censorship to avoid negative repercussions from powerful actors. But what does self-censorship look like in practice? Grounded in theories of policy response and media sociology, this study uses journalistic narratives to examine three strategies journalists employ to publish news while safeguarding themselves in semi-authoritarian contexts with restricted media freedom. Journalists choose among these based on several factors, including the relative power available to them in a particular organizational context, story idea, or angle. The analysis shows that self-censorship is more negotiated and less one-directional than the current literature suggests. The negotiation lens also shows how power dynamics can change on a situational basis, even in contexts where one actor clearly has significantly more power than the other.
Distal Fibula Fractures—Intramedullary Fixation Versus Plating: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Raj Vikash , Barik Sitanshu , Richa
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to compare the functional scores and complications of intramedullary fixation versus plate osteosynthesis of distal fibular fractures in adults.

Methods

Study was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses format from MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane databases. The included articles were assessed according to the risk of bias assessment tool by Cochrane collaboration.

Results

A total of 5 randomized control trials were included for quantitative review. Random sequence generation and allocation concealment of the study subjects were the strengths of all the included studies. There was high heterogeneity among the included studies (I2 > 75%). There was no significant difference between the Olerud-Molander scores in both the groups but the trend favored the intramedullary nailing of distal fibula (mean difference of 3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] of 8.90). Complications were significantly lesser in the intramedullary group across the studies (odds ratio 0.26, 95% CI of 0.81).

Conclusion

Intramedullary nailing of fibula with the use of modern locking fibular nails is an alternative to fibular plating for unstable distal fibular fractures in properly selected cases. There remains the need for standardizing the method of operative treatment of distal fibular fractures which can be done by a well-planned large-scale prospective study design.

Level of Evidence:

Level 1
Global impact and contributing factors in varicose vein disease development
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Rahil , Muhammad Asif Hafiz , Ahmad Khalil , Jabbar Sana , Hayee Abdul , Sagheer Muhammad Shahid , Rehman Jalil ur , Khalid Sana , Hashmi Abdul Sattar , Rajpoot Sehrish Rana , Sharif Aamir
Published: August 2022

Varicose veins are convoluted, expanded, and stretched subcutaneous veins of the lower leg and are the most frequently reported medical condition. This condition has a higher prevalence in Western and developed countries. Inadequacy of the valves results in reflux of blood in the veins of the lower leg. The present study aims to describe the epidemiology and contributing factors (risk factors and pathological factors) in the development of varicose veins disease. PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were explored to include potential research and review articles. Finally, 65 articles were considered appropriate to include in the study. Pain, swelling, heaviness, and tingling of the lower limbs are the most common sign and symptoms caused by varicose veins while in some individuals it is asymptomatic. The Prevalence of varicose veins varies geographically. Currently, it is reported that globally about 2%–73% of the population is affected by varicose veins while the prevalence rate in Pakistan is 16%–20%. Different risk factors associated with the advancement of varicose veins are age, gender, occupation, pregnancy, family history, smoking, BMI and obesity, exercise, genetic factor, and current lifestyle. In varicose veins, some contributory elements may also play an important role in the disease development, incorporating constant venous wall aggravation, hereditary variation, and persistent venous hypertension. This condition has now turned into a curable issue that was previously viewed broadly as less important for treatment, determining the individual’s satisfaction. Moreover, the mechanisms behind the risk factors involve diet, physical work, and hormonal contribution. These are more likely to be explored.
COVID-19-associated mixed cilioretinal artery occlusion and central venous occlusion in a fit and healthy young patient
Authors: Zhou Sean , Brodie James , Jones Colin
Published: August 2022

Retinal artery occlusion is an unusual phenomenon in younger patients without background of diseases leading to hypercoagulable states. COVID-19 infection is increasingly recognised as being associated with thrombotic conditions. We present a case of a young female who is otherwise fit and well apart from recent COVID-19 infection, who presented with a mixed cilioretinal artery and venous occlusion.
You Won’t Believe What They Just Said! The Effects of Political Deepfakes Embedded as Vox Populi on Social Media
Authors: Hameleers Michael , van der Meer Toni G. L. A. , Dobber Tom
Published: August 2022

Disinformation has been regarded as a key threat to democracy. Yet, we know little about the effects of different modalities of disinformation, or the impact of disinformation disseminated through (inauthentic) social media accounts of ordinary citizens. To test the effects of different forms of disinformation and their embedding, we conducted an experimental study in the Netherlands ( N = 1,244). In this experiment, we investigated the effects of disinformation (contrasted to both similar and dissimilar authentic political speeches), the role of modality (textual manipulation versus a deepfake), and the disinformation’s embedding on social media (absent, endorsed or discredited by an (in)authentic citizen). Our main findings indicate that deepfakes are less credible than authentic news on the same topic. Deepfakes are not more persuasive than textual disinformation. Although we did find that disinformation has effects on the perceived credibility and source evaluations of people who tend to agree with the stance of the disinformation’s arguments, our findings suggest that the strong societal concerns on deepfakes’ destabilizing impact on democracy are not completely justified.
Work-Related Use of Information and Communication Technologies After Hours (W_ICTs) and Work-Family Conflict: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Wang Haixia , Liu Pei , Zhao Xiaoying , Li Aimei , Xiao Chenjie
Published: August 2022

Work-related use of information and communication technologies after hours (W_ICTs) has significant impacts on both organizations and individuals. However, limited research has explored the detrimental effects of W_ICTs behavior on work-family conflict. To fill this gap, based upon the job demands-resources (JD-R) model and daily diary design with a multilevel model method, we collected 76 employees who completed a 5-day investigation, resulting in 380 observations. Our study found that engaging in W_ICTs behavior positively influenced employees’ own work role overload, which led to an increase in work-family conflict. Furthermore, we found that the positive relationship between work role overload and work-family conflict is stronger when employees’ job autonomy is at lower levels. Our findings provide strong support for the proposed moderated mediation model and extend our understanding of W_ICTs behaviors consequences.
A Research Participant and End-User Approach to Research Collaboration and Co-Development in the Torres Strait
Authors: Shibasaki Sanchia , Harvey A. , Mat L. Ah , Lui F. Watkin
Published: August 2022

Like many communities worldwide, those in the Torres Strait Islands face several severe social and environmental challenges. Torres Strait Islanders compete against the impacts of colonisation, globalisation and climate change to find sustainable solutions to ensure they survive and thrive in this rapidly changing world. This article describes the outcomes of workshops involving representatives from community-based non-government organisations on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait. It describes an approach to proactively kickstart research and identify grassroots innovations for complex social and environmental challenges. The findings suggest workshop participants obtained an increased awareness and understanding of research, the steps involved in research and their rights as participants. The researchers anticipate the findings from this project will contribute towards a better understanding of how to collaborate and co-develop research that is meaningful and beneficial to local contexts.
The prognosis of different types of pleural tags based on radiologic-pathologic comparison
Authors: Meng Yao , Gao Jie , Wu Chongchong , Xie Mei , Ma Xidong , Zang Xuelei , Song Jialin , Zhou Meng , Guo Shikun , Huang Yemei , Deng Hengyu , Li Hongli , Wei Bo , Xue Xinying
Published: August 2022

Objectives

There are increasing numbers of studies of pleural tags (PTs). The purpose of this case series was to classify the PTs in patients with peripheral pulmonary adenocarcinoma based on radiologic-pathologic comparison and to study the prognosis.

Methods

The clinical, imaging, pathological and prognostic data of 161 patients with peripheral pulmonary adenocarcinoma in three hospitals were analyzed retrospectively. We classified PTs using computed tomography (CT) for pathologic comparison.

Results

According to the relationship between tumors and pleural on CT images, PTs were classified into four types: type 1, one or more linear pleural tag; type 2, one or more linear pleural tag with soft tissue component at the pleural end; type 3, one soft tissue cord-like pleural tag; type 4, directly abutting the visceral pleura, pulling or pushing the visceral pleura. In these PTs, the incidence of visceral pleural invasion (VPI) was high in type 2 (46.88%) and type 3 (56.41%) of PTs. Our prognostic analysis showed that micropapillary or solid histological subtype (HR = 5.766, 95% CI: 1.435–23.159, P = 0.014) and type 3 of PTs (HR = 11.058, 95% CI: 1.349–90.623, P = 0.025) were two independent risk factors for tumor progression.

Conclusions

PT is a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with peripheral pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the presence of which on CT images can remind us to provide patients with a more reasonable treatment.
Initiating antiretroviral therapy within 2 weeks of anti-Pneumocystis treatment does not increase mortality or AIDS-defining events in patients with HIV-associated moderate to severe Pneumocystis pneumonia: results of a prospective observational multicenter study
Authors: Zeng Yan-Ming , Li Yao , Lu Yan-Qiu , Liu Min , Nie Jing-Min , Yuan Jing , Harypursat Vijay , Zhou Yi-Hong , Qin Yuan-Yuan , Chen Xiao-Hong , Zhang Yu-Lin , Zhang De-Fa , Wang Ni , Chen Hui , Tian Qun , Zhou Yang , Qin Ying-Mei , Yang Xin-Ping , Chen Yao-Kai
Published: August 2022

Background

The mortality rate remains high among patients with coinfection with Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and HIV. The timing for initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) after a diagnosis of moderate to severe PCP remains controversial, however. We therefore designed the present study to determine the optimal timing for ART initiation in AIDS-associated PCP (AIDS/PCP) patients.

Methods

This was a multicenter, observational, prospective clinical trial. Eligible participants were recruited from 14 hospitals in mainland China, and assigned to an Early ART arm (initiation of ART ≤ 14 days after PCP diagnosis) and a Deferred ART arm (initiation of ART > 14 days after PCP diagnosis). The primary outcomes were death and the incidence of AIDS-defining events at week 48. The secondary outcomes were the changes in CD4+ T-cell counts from baseline values at weeks 12, 24, and 48, the virological suppression rate at week 24 and week 48, the rate of development of PCP-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PCP/IRIS), and the rate of adverse events over 48 weeks.

Results

The present study was performed using the data of 363 participants, with 169 participants in the Early ART arm, and 194 participants in the Deferred ART arm. Immunological and virological outcomes were found to be similar in both treatment arms. At week 48, there were no significant differences for the incidence of mortality (20 vs. 26, p = 0.860), and AIDS-defining events (17 vs. 26, p = 0.412). Over 48 weeks, the rates of PCP/IRIS (2 vs. 3, p = 1.000), adverse events (70 vs. 72, p = 0.465), and grade 3 or 4 adverse events (28 vs. 34, p = 0.919) did not reach statistical significance. A significant difference observed between two study arms was that 11 participants (55.0%) in the Early ART arm compared to 23 participants (88.5%) in the Deferred ART arm (p = 0.026) succumbed before ART had ever been started.

Conclusions

Early ART initiation results in no increase in mortality, AIDS-defining events, IRIS, adverse events, and immunological or virological outcomes. These results support the early initiation of ART in patients with moderate to severe AIDS/PCP.

Clinical trial registration

The present trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900021195). Registered 1 February 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=35362.
The effect of interprofessional education on interprofessional professionalism behaviors of the surgical team members
Authors: Hosseinpour Azam , Keshmiri Fatemeh , Jambarsang Sara , Jabinian Fatemeh , Shiryazdi Seyed Mostafa
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Interprofessional professionalism (IPP) has been introduced as one of the critical sub-competencies of interprofessional collaboration. This study aimed to assess the effect of interprofessional education on the behavior of interprofessional professionalism among the surgical team in the intervention compared to the control group.

Methods

This is a quasi-experimental study. The participants were nurses in anesthetist and surgical technology and surgical residents of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital (n = 150) who were included in the study by the census. The intervention employed an interprofessional case-based learning strategy to explore themes of interprofessional professionalism. Two assessors used the Interprofessional Professionalism Assessment (IPA) tool to measure learners’ performance while observing them in practice prior to the intervention, one and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests (mean and SD) and RM-ANOVA.

Results

In this study, the participants in the intervention (n = 78) and the control (n = 72) groups entered the study. The Baseline IPA scores of participants were reported as 1.25 (0.12) and 1.21 (0.1) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The IPA score of the participants in the intervention group (2.59 (0.26) and 2.54 (0.24)) was higher than the control group (1.17 (0.08) and 1.12 (0.07)) after one and three months of the intervention (P = 0.0001). The effect of educational interventions was reported at the large level (Eta Square = 0.89).

Conclusion

Interprofessional professionalism in surgical teams has been recognized as a critical element of team-based care. The present study used an interprofessional education strategy to develop IPP behavior. All professions benefited from interprofessional education. It is suggested that all surgical team professionals participate in interprofessional education.
A case of early onset adenocarcinoma associated with colorectal polyposis with an unknown germline mutation
Authors: Zenitani Masahiro , Inagaki Hidehito , Kurahashi Hiroki , Oue Takaharu
Published: August 2022

Background

Typically, in cases of adenomatous polyposis, colorectal cancer develops in the third or fourth decade of life. We report the case of a female patient with colorectal polyposis who developed adenocarcinoma at 8 years of age.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old girl was admitted with a 4-year history of occasional bloody stools. Colonoscopy revealed colon polyposis and histopathological assessment confirmed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the adenomatous polyps, so laparoscopy-assisted proctocolectomy was performed in the lithotomy position by a simultaneous abdominal and anal approach. To completely resect the rectal mucosa, excision was commenced just distal to the dentate line. After the mucosal resection up to the peritoneal reflection level, an inverted muscular cuff was cut circumferentially, and the terminal ileum was pulled through the muscular cuff and anastomosed to the anal canal. Histopathology revealed multiple adenomatous polyps and scattered well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinomas (tub1) in the adenomatous polyps and the non-polypoid mucosal lesions. Because complete resection was achieved, additional adjuvant chemotherapy was not administered. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-direct sequencing of the entire coding region and the exon–intron junctions, and real-time PCR of DNA extracted from blood cells, revealed no mutations of either APC or MUTYH. No deletions, duplications, translocations or inversions of APC, MUTYH and GREM1 genes were found using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and G-banding analysis. Multi-gene panels sequencing for polyposis syndromes or hereditary colorectal cancers, and trio-whole exome sequencing was conducted. However, no candidate pathogenic variants of genes were detected in de novo dominant or autosomal recessive model. Somatic mutation of APC was not detected in 4 polyps by loss of heterozygosity analysis at a single nucleotide polymorphism in intron 14. The patient has remained disease-free for 5 years. Currently, the patient is on loperamide and passes stool 5 times/day without any soiling.

Conclusions

The genetic analysis suggests that she may have a germline mutation at unscreened region of these genes or in unidentified FAP gene. The patient will be carefully followed up for residual rectal carcinoma and for the development of other cancers.
Revisiting the overlooked role of recycled sewage water in high-income countries in adenoviral outbreaks such as the “2022 pediatric hepatitis’ outbreak”
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine , Kamel Aya , Zaki Ali Mohamed , Aboudeif Ayten , Emad Clara , Ramadan Dina , Gaber Hanya , Bastorous Harvey , Shaker Mehraiel , Salah Nancy , Hany Nourhan , El-Mestkawy Nur , Sawiris Rana Adel Naguib , Mamdouh Rana , Atalla Sandy , Abozeid Sara , Ghazi Sarah Ismail , Youssef Steven A. , ElMaghraby Youssef , Khudhair Zainab , Hozaien Rafeef , El Husseiny Nadine , El Shershaby Meryam
Published: August 2022

Background

On the 5th of April 2022, cases of adenovirus-induced hepatitis were reported in Scotland and then reached multiple parts of the world. While adenovirus normally presents with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, these novel cases also resulted in the development of fulminant hepatitis in non-immunocompromised cases.

Main body

The responsible pathogen “Adenovirus 41” is an enterovirus. Enteroviruses are spread by the fecal-oral route and are resistant to drying. As such, they predominate in sewage water. Hepatitis is normally restricted to poorer countries, yet this new wave seems to be confined to mostly high-income countries in Europe and the USA. These countries treat and recycle a higher percentage of sewage water. We also propose that the fulminant nature of this strain could be due to either a cross-species mutation or the general decrease in trained immunity post-COVID-19 lockdown.

Short conclusion

Evidence strongly suggests that the link between these new hepatitis cases is recycled sewage water. This should warrant further investigations on the origin of this outbreak by re-visiting the role of recycled sewage water in causing such outbreak.
Adaptive potential and productivity of two Salix viminalis L. clonal varieties grown in North Central Bulgaria
Authors: Stankova Tatiana , Gyuleva Veselka , Tsvetkov Ivaylo , Popov Emil , Kalmukov Kancho , Dimitrov Dimitar N. , Andonova Ekaterina , Stefanova Penka
Published: August 2022

Salix viminalis L. is a broadly cultivated willow species that has been intensively used for breeding purposes, particularly in selection of clones and hybrids for biomass production. The present study aimed to explore and compare growth and adaptability of two basket willow (Salix viminalis L.) clonal varieties - rubra and purpurea - at the specific edaphic and climate conditions and cultivation practice presented in an experimental plantation in North Central Bulgaria. The influence of spacing, genotype, root age and rotation on their productivity were also investigated and allometric relationships for non-destructive estimation of woody plant biomass were suggested. The trial plantation was established in the spring of 2018 as 4 sectors of a Nelder wheel plot with 15 nearly-square spacings, ranging from 0.25 to 9.80 m2 (40000–1020 plants per hectare). The two varieties were arranged in 4 four-spoke sectors (2 sectors per clone). Data collection took place from 2018 to 2020 and comprised 1- and 2-year rotations. The study showed that Salix viminalis var. rubra was more susceptible to desiccation-causing adverse climatic changes, poorly adapted to the specific conditions of the study site and gradually died out during the second and the third year. Salix viminalis var. purpurea exhibited steady survival rate (97 - 77%) and annual biomass productivity varying from 3 to 17 Mg/ha/year across the densities, sectors and years. During the first year of growth purpurea variety had a significantly higher plant weight and sprout number than rubra variety. Growing space affected positively the number of shoots and tree dendromass, and sprouting was reinforced by coppicing that doubled the shoot number during the subsequent rotation. This was reflected in the development of the stump-level allometric models that were differentiated according to rotation. The stump-level allometric model of higher predictive power was based on the main shoot length and shoot number. An exponential relationship to the breast-height shoot diameter was also suggested for biomass estimation of each sprout separately.
Neuro-immunological complications post COVID-19 vaccination: two case reports
Authors: Aljamea Dana , Al Sadah Zhra , Alokley Alia , Altaweel Hassan , Alabdali Majed , AlQarni Mustafa
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To add to the growing literature regarding the possible link between the onset of Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS) and Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis (BBE) and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines.

Case reports: The first patient is a 38-year-old man that presented muscle weakness and an unsteady gait for a duration of one week. Initially, he developed an unsteady gait, then gradually worsening generalized muscle fatigue and ascending weakness in all limbs. He tested positive for GM1 and GQ1D antibodies, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine with contrast and nerve conduction study (NCS) results were both suggestive of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN).

The second patient is a 54-year-old man that developed generalized fatigue and subjective fever associated with headache and blurry vision followed by bulbar dysfunction. During hospitalization, his consciousness level started to be affected and he developed ataxia with ophthalmoparesis. A diagnosis of BBE was made based on clinical, imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings.

Conclusion: Since temporal relationships do not signify causation, we cannot draw any conclusions regarding the association between COVID-19 vaccines and these neurological disorders. However, it is vital that new cases are reported so that the knowledge base is built upon, and to increase healthcare workers’ vigilance for early signs of GBS or BBE.
Advancing South-South cooperation in education: Indonesian experience with South Africa
Authors: Heryadi R. Dudy , Darmastuti Shanti , Rachman Ayu Anastasya
Published: August 2022

Education collaboration is important to increase the quality of human capital. South-South cooperation is conducted to exchange resources, technology, skills, and knowledge between southern countries. The purpose of this research is to investigate the collaboration between Indonesia and South Africa toward advancing South-South Cooperation in education. The data collection used in this qualitative research is an interview and literature study with 9 purposive informants from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesia Ministry of Education and Culture, and the Embassy of South Africa. The data were obtained within six months. The interview was primarily used to explore the roles and practices of government institutions and universities in fostering education collaboration and human resources development. In this study, the South-South Cooperation helps Indonesia address its educational needs. The result showed that most international education cooperation between both countries is agreed upon at the University-to-University level through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), facing less sustainable challenges and low impact. Therefore, an investment-led model, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and a tool to monitor and evaluate this process are needed to improve South-South Cooperation to achieve its goals.
The roles of self efficacy and sharia financial literacy to SMES performance: business model as intermediate variable
Authors: Srisusilawati Popon , Malik Zaini Abdul , Silviany Irma Yulita , Eprianti Nanik
Published: August 2022

Background: SMEs have made a major contribution to the national economy, but Pandemic covid-19 made the decline of SMEs which directly affected the economy in Indonesia. The purpose of this research focus to explore the innovation of business models the novelty of the research model in the business model of innovation research models is to include the variable self-efficacy. This research emphasizes self-efficacy and Islamic financial literacy as independent variables, business model innovation as an intermediate model and business performance variables as dependent variables, with the focus of research on SMEs. Methods: This quantitative study uses partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and a questionnaire survey to analyze the 40 Street Vendors which is categorized as SMEs around Unisba. In the initial stages, the Questionnaire was tested with the Validity and Reliability test. In the PLS-SEM analysis, the validity of the indicators / items forming latent variables is based on the significance value of t arithmetic obtained from the loading factor value divided by the standard error. After being collected, the data is then processed and analyzed. The analytical method used in this study is the simultaneous equation model, namely Partial Least Square (PLS). The statistical tool used to test the hypothesis is Smart PLS. Results: The results showed that self-efficacy and Islamic financial literacy through business model innovation, had a positive effect on SMEs business performance simultaneously or partially.  Conclusion: So that by having good self-efficacy and good Islamic financial literacy plus an appropriate business innovation model, it will improve the business performance of SMEs.
Older adults identified as frail by Frailty Index and FRAIL scale who were intensively treated for hypertension were at increased risk of 2-year adverse health outcomes in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)
Authors: O'Donoghue Patrick , O'Halloran Aisling , Kenny Rose Anne , Romero-Ortuno Roman
Published: August 2022

Background: Frailty is associated with adverse health outcomes. In frail older adults, blood pressure (BP) treated intensively may result in adverse events. We hypothesised that frail older adults, with BP treated below the threshold of the 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (ESC/ESH) guideline (<130/70 mmHg), could be associated with adverse health outcomes.

Methods: Data was gathered from participants in Wave 1 (W1) of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) who were aged ≥65 years and on treatment for hypertension. Frail classifications as per a 32-item Frailty Index (FI) and FRAIL (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses & Loss of Weight) scale were compared in their ability to predict W2 (2-year) adverse outcomes associated with intensive BP control (‘below threshold (BT)’: <130/70 mmHg vs. ‘above threshold (AT)’: ≥130/70 mmHg). We created eight participant groups based on frailty-BP status. W2 outcomes were analysed using adjusted binary logistic regression models.

Results: In W1, 1,920 participants were included. Of these 1,274 had complete FI-BP and 1,276 FRAIL-BP data. The frail by FI treated BT and frail by FRAIL treated BT had increased risk of hospitalisation, heart failure and falls/fracture by W2. The frail by FRAIL treated BT also had increased risk of mortality by W2. The frail by FI treated AT had increased risk of syncope and falls/fractures. The non-frail by FI or FRAIL did not have any increased risk of the adverse outcomes studied.

Conclusions: FI and FRAIL captured increased risk of adverse health outcomes when BP was treated below the current ESC/ESH threshold. FI and FRAIL could be more useful than other frailty identification tools to signal risks associated with tighter BP control in frail older adults. Future hypertension management guidelines should consider incorporating specific frailty identification tools to help guide clinicians in making personalised BP medication treatment decisions.
Using Machine Learning Methods Incorporating Individual Reader Annotations to Classify Paediatric Chest Radiographs in Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Mwaniki Paul , Kamanu Timothy , Akech Samuel , Eijkemans M. J. C
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Epidemiological studies that involve interpretation of chest radiographs (CXRs) suffer from inter-reader and intra-reader variability. Inter-reader and intra-reader variability hinder comparison of results from different studies or centres, which negatively affects efforts to track the burden of chest diseases or evaluate the efficacy of interventions such as vaccines. This study explores machine learning models that could standardize interpretation of CXR across studies and the utility of incorporating individual reader annotations when training models using CXR data sets annotated by multiple readers.

Methods: Convolutional neural networks were used to classify CXRs from seven low to middle-income countries into five categories according to the World Health Organization's standardized methodology for interpreting paediatric CXRs. We compared models trained to predict the final/aggregate classification with models trained to predict how each reader would classify an image and then aggregate predictions for all readers using unweighted mean.

Results: Incorporating individual reader's annotations during model training improved classification accuracy by 3.4% (multi-class accuracy 61% vs 59%). Model accuracy was higher for children above 12 months of age (68% vs 58%). The accuracy of the models in different countries ranged between 45% and 71%.

Conclusions: Machine learning models can annotate CXRs in epidemiological studies reducing inter-reader and intra-reader variability. In addition, incorporating individual reader annotations can improve the performance of machine learning models trained using CXRs annotated by multiple readers.
Vonoprazan - a new drug for inhibiting gastric acid secretion
Authors: Niewęgłowski Kacper , Wilczek Natalia , Rycharski Michał , Niewęgłowska Julita
Published: August 2022

Introduction and purpose 

Vonoprazan is a potassium-competent acid blocker (P-CAB). It has the potential to be an alternative to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as it inhibits hydrochloric acid secretion. The mechanism of action is different than PPIs - vonoprazan reversibly inhibits gastric H+, K+-ATPase, while PPIs irreversibly. Vonoprazan is approved for use in Japan and the US. The aim of the study was to review articles on the use of vonoprazan instead of PPIs in the treatment of acid-related gastrological diseases and to present the results obtained. 

 

A brief description of the state of knowledge 

Vonoprazan is used in the treatment of acid-related gastrological diseases. The 20 mg dose is suitable for most diseases, such as treatment of ulcers during low-dose aspirin treatment, post-endoscopic submucosal dissection (post-ESD) ulcers, erosive esophagitis (EE) in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Helicobacter pylori eradication. 

 

Summary 

Researches suggest that the drug is an alternative for PPIs and can be used instead of them. The main advantage of this drug over PPIs is that it works faster, more potent and long-lasting. Studies suggest that vonoprazan can be use to treatment of the acid-related diseases and may be a better choice than PPIs. Vonoprazan may have a particular use in the treatment of PPI-refractory GERD. In post-ESD ulcers, a significant benefit in treatment effects of vonoprazan over PPIs cannot be clearly concluded.
Eating disorders as a consequence of improperly managed weight reduction - a study among women with moderate physical activity
Authors: Grajek Mateusz , Sobczyk Karolina , Kurdyś Małgorzata , Szlacheta Patryk , Sas-Nowosielski Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

Background: Eating disorders are a growing public health challenge. They are characterized by complexity, requiring a wide spectrum of treatment due to the diseases present, somatic complications, body dissatisfaction, and communication difficulties. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of eating disorder risk associated with poorly managed weight loss. Material and methods: the study was conducted on a group of 214 women using a questionnaire by indirect survey method through a form provided online. A proprietary survey questionnaire supplemented by two standardized questionnaires was used: EAT-26 and ORTO-15. Results: The body mass index of 149 respondents (70%) remained normal, while overweight and obese women accounted for a total of 23% - 14% (31 subjects) and 7% (19 subjects), respectively. The study using the EAT-26 questionnaire showed that among the 214 respondents, 98 women were at risk for eating disorders, accounting for 46% of the study group. A cutoff score of 20 was taken as the threshold. A statistically significant difference was noted between BMI and the risk of eating disorders (χ2=26.447; p<0.05), as well as a statistically significant difference between relationships with food and the risk of eating disorders (χ2=31.393; p<0.05). A study using the ORTO-15 questionnaire showed a risk of orthorexia among 184 female respondents (86%) in the study group when a 40-point cutoff is adopted. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the occurrence of orthorexia risk and eating disorders (χ2=4.980; p<0.05). In the group of female respondents with an identified risk of eating disorders, almost half of the respondents show a risk of orthorexia. Conclusions: The occurrence of eating disorders and symptoms indicative of orthorexia does not depend on sociodemographic factors. The appearance of ED may be influenced by the BMI of the subjects. The risk of eating disorders is influenced by relationships with food.
Analysis of the bacterial flora of periodontal pockets and evaluation of the diagnostic value and the validity of using the PET test in the detection of Sockransky’s red complex pathogens at various stages and degrees of periodontitis
Authors: Adamus Aleksandra , Cabon Julia , Mrożek Martyna , Rudzińska Iwona , Sekuła Sylwia , Wilk Anna , Wierucka-Młynarczyk Beata
Published: August 2022

Introduction: In microbiological diagnostics, a significant role is played by the PET test based on a polymerase chain reaction developed thanks to medical engineering methods, which, by amplifying specific fragments of genetic material, enables the identification of microorganisms. As a consequence, it is possible to quantify and qualify a sample of biological material under study, which has found application in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis.

Aim:The following paper shows the validity of carrying out the PET test in people with clinically diagnosed chronic periodontitis who also suffer from other loads, such as smoking or systemic diseases, as well as the physiological state of pregnancy.Another goal is also to confirm the presence of Sockransky's red complex bacteria responsible for the development of periodontitis.Material and Methods:The research was carried out at the Clinic of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontal Diseases, performing an examination of 4 patients, and then after determining the deepest periodontal pockets, biological material was collected from them and sent to a bacteriological laboratory, where it was analyzed.Results:The quantitative and qualitative determination of the samples of biological material collected from the pockets of the patients showed the presence of the red complex bacteria according to Sockransky, especially the species: Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis.Conclusions: In the studied clinical cases, the PET test confirmed the presence of bacteria responsible for periodontitis. The legitimacy of its use was also confirmed, emphasizing that it is a tool that can be used by a dentist in implementing therapeutic decisions in the treatment of periodontitis.
VLA15 - a potential Lyme disease vaccine
Authors: Czarnota Jakub , Dobrzyński Michał , Skubel Tomasz , Drozd Małgorzata , Dudek Iga , Rybak Natalia
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Lyme disease is the most common disease transmitted by ticks. In Poland, over 20,000 cases of this disease were diagnosed in 2019. The first vaccine approved to prevent this condition was Lymerix. Currently, we do not have any preparation registered for this purpose. Data from Phase 2 trials of VLA15 show strong immunogenicity in both adults and children, with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile in both study populations

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to present the current state of the art in research into the VLA15 vaccine.

Results: Phase 3 of the VALOR study has started. Ultimately, about 6,000 participants aged 5 and older are to take part in it. The experiment is conducted in a dozen or so sites located in areas where Lyme disease is highly endemic. Participants will receive three doses of VLA15 180 µg or a placebo in saline as the first series of vaccinations, followed by one booster dose of VLA15 or placebo in 0.9% NaCl (1: 1 ratio).

Conclusion: Phase 2 studies on VLA15 showed promising results. Phase 3 of the research is ongoing.

Key words: VLA15, Lyme disease, Borrelia