bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and outcomes of health-care associated infections in the medical wards at Bugando medical centre: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Kassam Maliha I. , Silago Vitus , Damiano Prisca , Wajanga Bahati , Seni Jeremiah , Mshana Stephen E. , Kalluvya Samuel
Published: December 2023

Background

The burden of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains underestimated due to diagnostic complexity and lack of quality surveillance systems. We designed this study to determine clinical diagnosis, laboratory-confirmed, associated factors and risks of HCAIs.

Methods

This hospital-based longitudinal cohort study was conducted between March and June 2022 among adults (≥ 18 years) admitted in medical wards at BMC in Mwanza, Tanzania. Patients who were negative for HCAIs by clinical evaluations and laboratory investigations during admission were enrolled and followed-up until discharge or death. Clinical samples were collected from patients with clinical diagnosis of HCAIs for conventional culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.

Results

A total of 350 adult patients with a median [IQR] age of 54 [38–68] years were enrolled in the study. Males accounted for 54.6% (n = 191). The prevalence of clinically diagnosed HCAIs was 8.6% (30/350) of which 26.7% (8/30) had laboratory-confirmed HCAIs by a positive culture. Central-line-associated bloodstream infection (43.3%; 13/30) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (36.7%; 11/30) were the most common HCAIs. Older age was the only factor associated with development of HCAIs [mean (± SD); [95%CI]: 58.9(± 12.5); [54.2–63.5] vs. 51.5(± 19.1); [49.4–53.6] years; p = 0.0391) and HCAIs increased the length of hospital stay [mean (± SD); [95%CI]: 13.8 (± 3.4); [12.5–15.1] vs. 4.5 (± 1.7); [4.3–4.7] days; p < 0.0001].

Conclusion

We observed a low prevalence of HCAIs among adult patients admitted to medical wards in our setting. Central-line-associated bloodstream infections and catheter-associated urinary tract infections are common HCAIs. Significantly, older patients are at higher risk of acquiring HCAIs as well as patients with HCAIs had long duration of hospital stays.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and operational challenges, impacts, and lessons learned: a multi-methods study of U.S. prison systems”
Authors: Novisky Meghan A. , Tostlebe Jennifer , Pyrooz David , Sanchez Jose Antonio
Published: December 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic changed U.S. prison operations and influenced the daily work of prison staff.

Methods

In collaboration with the National Institute of Corrections, we administered a survey to 31 state correctional agencies in April 2021 and conducted five focus groups with 62 correctional staff.

Results

Using a framework of bounded rationality, we find that daily operations were strained, particularly in the areas of staffing, implementing public health policy efforts, and sustaining correctional programming. While prison systems and staff were under-prepared to respond to the pandemic, they attempted to address complex problems with the limited resources they had.

Conclusions

Results underscore a need in corrections for prioritizing further developments and reviews of collaborative policies and practices for managing crisis situations. Seeking avenues for leveraging technological innovations to improve operations and facilitate enhanced communication are especially warranted. Finally, meaningful reductions in the prison population, changes in physical infrastructure, and expansions of hiring and retention initiatives are critical for positioning prisons to manage future emergencies.
Soft‐tissue tension during total hip arthroplasty measured in four patients and predicted using a musculoskeletal model
Authors: Higa Masaru , Tanino Hiromasa , Ito Hiroshi , Banks Scott A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Soft‐tissue tension around the hip joint is related to the incidence of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but it remains difficult to quantify the soft‐tissue tension during surgery. In this study, a three‐dimensional force sensor‐instrumented modular femoral head was developed and used to quantify soft‐tissue tension during THA. The forces at the hip joint were also calculated using a three‐dimensional musculoskeletal computer model to validate the measured forces.

Methods

Soft‐tissue tension was investigated by measuring the hip joint forces and directions during intraoperative trialing in four patients through passive range of motion (ROM) from 0° extension to 90° flexion. A musculoskeletal model with THA, which was scaled to one of four patients, was developed. The hip joint forces were calculated under the same motion.

Results

Through the passive ROM, the magnitude of soft‐tissue tension was greatest when the hip was extended, decreased with flexion to 34°, and progressively increased to flexion at 90°. The mediolateral force component was relatively constant, but the supero‐inferior and anterior–posterior force components changed significantly. Within‐individual variations were small during three repeated cycles of measurement, but magnitudes varied significantly among patients. Similar force patterns and magnitudes were calculated by the musculoskeletal model.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that it is possible to quantify soft‐tissue tension and direction during THA with an instrumented head. There was general agreement between the calculated and measured forces in both pattern and magnitude. Including additional subject‐specific details would further enhance agreement between the model and measured hip forces.
Behavioural relevance of redundant and synergistic stimulus information between functionally connected neurons in mouse auditory cortex
Authors: Koçillari Loren , Celotto Marco , Francis Nikolas A. , Mukherjee Shoutik , Babadi Behtash , Kanold Patrick O. , Panzeri Stefano
Published: December 2023

Measures of functional connectivity have played a central role in advancing our understanding of how information is transmitted and processed within the brain. Traditionally, these studies have focused on identifying redundant functional connectivity, which involves determining when activity is similar across different sites or neurons. However, recent research has highlighted the importance of also identifying synergistic connectivity—that is, connectivity that gives rise to information not contained in either site or neuron alone. Here, we measured redundant and synergistic functional connectivity between neurons in the mouse primary auditory cortex during a sound discrimination task. Specifically, we measured directed functional connectivity between neurons simultaneously recorded with calcium imaging. We used Granger Causality as a functional connectivity measure. We then used Partial Information Decomposition to quantify the amount of redundant and synergistic information about the presented sound that is carried by functionally connected or functionally unconnected pairs of neurons. We found that functionally connected pairs present proportionally more redundant information and proportionally less synergistic information about sound than unconnected pairs, suggesting that their functional connectivity is primarily redundant. Further, synergy and redundancy coexisted both when mice made correct or incorrect perceptual discriminations. However, redundancy was much higher (both in absolute terms and in proportion to the total information available in neuron pairs) in correct behavioural choices compared to incorrect ones, whereas synergy was higher in absolute terms but lower in relative terms in correct than in incorrect behavioural choices. Moreover, the proportion of redundancy reliably predicted perceptual discriminations, with the proportion of synergy adding no extra predictive power. These results suggest a crucial contribution of redundancy to correct perceptual discriminations, possibly due to the advantage it offers for information propagation, and also suggest a role of synergy in enhancing information level during correct discriminations.
Elevation of tacrolimus concentration after administration of methotrexate for treatment of graft-versus-host disease in pediatric patients received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Inoue Chiaki , Yamamoto Takehito , Miyata Hiroshi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Takada Tappei
Published: December 2023

Background

Methotrexate (MTX) is used to treat graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Recently, a case was encountered in which the blood concentration of tacrolimus (TCR) at steady state increased after intravenous MTX administration for GVHD treatment (therapeutic IV-MTX administration). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of therapeutic IV-MTX administration on the pharmacokinetics of TCR.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective, observational study included patients who underwent allo-HSCT and received therapeutic IV-MTX administration during immunosuppressive therapy with continuous intravenous infusion (CIV) of TCR from April 2004 to December 2021. Here, each therapeutic IV-MTX administration was defined as a case and independently subjected to subsequent analyses. The blood concentration of TCR at steady state (Css), ratio of Css to daily TCR dose (C/D), and clinical laboratory data were compared before and after therapeutic IV-MTX administration. In addition, dose changes in the TCR after therapeutic IV-MTX administration were evaluated.

Results

Ten patients (23 cases) were included in this study. The C/D value significantly increased after therapeutic IV-MTX administration (median: 697 vs. 771 (ng/mL)/(mg/kg), 1.16-fold increase, P < 0.05), indicating a reduction in the apparent clearance of TCR. Along with the increase in C/D, significant increases were observed in aspartate transaminase level (median: 51.0 vs. 92.9 U/L, P < 0.01) and alanine aminotransferase level (median: 74.5 vs. 99.4 U/L, P < 0.01) indicating that liver injury after therapeutic IV-MTX administration contributes to the observed C/D increase. In addition, the daily dose of TCR was reduced in 11 cases (47.8%) after therapeutic IV-MTX administration, and the relative frequency of dose reduction tended to be higher than that of dose increase (median: 37.5% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.0519, permuted Brunner-Munzel test). The magnitude of dose reduction was 18.8% (7.4–50.0%) in the 11 cases with dose reduction.

Conclusions

Therapeutic IV-MTX administration cause a significant increase in C/D, which requires TCR dose reduction. Careful therapeutic drug monitoring of TCR is needed after therapeutic IV-MTX administration in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy with TCR after allo-HSCT.
Kidney tissue regeneration using bioactive scaffolds incorporated with differentiating extracellular vesicles and intermediate mesoderm cells
Authors: Cha Seung-Gyu , Rhim Won-Kyu , Kim Jun Yong , Lee Eun Hye , Lee Seung Yeon , Park Jeong Min , Lee Jeoung Eun , Yoon Hyeji , Park Chun Gwon , Kim Bum Soo , Kwon Tae Gyun , Lee Youngmi , Lee Dong Ryul , Han Dong Keun
Published: December 2023

Background

To overcome the limitations of current alternative therapies for chronic kidney disease (CKD), tissue engineering-mediated regeneration strategies have demonstrated the possibilities for complete kidney tissue regeneration. Given the challenges associated with the reproducibility of renal basal cells, the incorporation of intermediate mesoderm (IM) cells and bioactive materials to control bioactivities of cells with supported scaffolds should be considered as a viable approach to enable the regeneration of the complex kidney structure via renal differentiation.

Methods

We developed PMEZ scaffolds by combining crucial bioactive components, such as ricinoleic acid-grafted Mg(OH)
2
(M), extracellular matrix (E), and alpha lipoic acid-conjugated ZnO (Z) integrated into biodegradable porous PLGA (P) platform. Additionally, we utilized differentiating extracellular vesicles (dEV) isolated during intermediate mesoderm differentiation into kidney progenitor cells, and IM cells were serially incorporated to facilitate kidney tissue regeneration through their differentiation into kidney progenitor cells in the 3/4 nephrectomy mouse model.

Results

The use of differentiating extracellular vesicles facilitated IM differentiation into kidney progenitor cells without additional differentiation factors. This led to improvements in various regeneration-related bioactivities including tubule and podocyte regeneration, anti-fibrosis, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation. Finally, implanting PMEZ/dEV/IM scaffolds in mouse injury model resulted in the restoration of kidney function.

Conclusions

Our study has demonstrated that utilizing biodegradable PLGA-based scaffolds, which include multipotent cells capable of differentiating into various kidney progenitor cells along with supporting components, can facilitate kidney tissue regeneration in the mouse model that simulates CKD through 3/4 nephrectomy.

Graphical Abstract
Teleophthalmology and retina: a review of current tools, pathways and services
Authors: Than Jonathan , Sim Peng Y. , Muttuvelu Danson , Ferraz Daniel , Koh Victor , Kang Swan , Huemer Josef
Published: December 2023

Telemedicine, the use of telecommunication and information technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has evolved beyond recognition since its inception in the 1970s. Advances in telecommunication infrastructure, the advent of the Internet, exponential growth in computing power and associated computer-aided diagnosis, and medical imaging developments have created an environment where telemedicine is more accessible and capable than ever before, particularly in the field of ophthalmology. Ever-increasing global demand for ophthalmic services due to population growth and ageing together with insufficient supply of ophthalmologists requires new models of healthcare provision integrating telemedicine to meet present day challenges, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic providing the catalyst for the widespread adoption and acceptance of teleophthalmology. In this review we discuss the history, present and future application of telemedicine within the field of ophthalmology, and specifically retinal disease. We consider the strengths and limitations of teleophthalmology, its role in screening, community and hospital management of retinal disease, patient and clinician attitudes, and barriers to its adoption.
APACHE IV, SAPS III, and SOFA scores for outcome prediction in a surgical/trauma critical care unit: an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghazaly Huda F. , Aly Ahmed Alsaied A. , Sayed Marwa H. , Hassan Mahmoud M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients’ outcomes in surgical/trauma intensive care units (ICUs) are still challenging to predict. There has been a lack of consensus over the efficacy of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV), Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores in predicting patient outcomes. This analytical cross-sectional study was designed to determine how well APACHE IV, SAPS III, and SOFA scores predict ICU mortality and the length of stay in a surgical ICU. APACHE IV, SAPS III, and SOFA scores were calculated on admission. The effectiveness of these scores in predicting mortality was determined using logistic regression models. The accuracy of these discriminative abilities was measured using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The Hosmer and Lemeshow calibration test was calculated to test the model fit. The agreement between APACHE IV, SAPS III, and SOFA scores in the prediction of mortality was examined using the Bland–Altman curve.

Results

A total of 148 patients met the study criteria. APACHE IV was the only significant predictor of mortality, with a 1-point increase in the APACHE IV score resulting in a 5% increase in death probability (AOR = 1.049, 95% CI 1.028–1.069) (P-value < 0.001). The APACHE IV score was superior to the SAPS III and SOFA scores regarding accuracy, with an AUC of 0.766 (95% CI, 0.670–0.862) (P-value < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between APACHE IV score and ICU length of stay (r = 0.22, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

APACHE IV outperformed SAPS III and SOFA scores in predicting mortality in a surgical/trauma critical care unit and showed a significant positive correlation with the ICU length of stay.
The ankyrin repeat-containing protein PlANK1 mediates mycelial growth, oospore development, and virulence in Peronophythora litchii
Authors: Situ Junjian , Zhang Xinning , Zhou Xiaofan , Zhang Zijing , Xi Pinggen , Kong Guanghui , Jiang Zide
Published: December 2023

Litchi downy blight, caused by Peronophythora litchii, is one of the most serious diseases in major litchi-producing regions worldwide. The ankyrin (ANK) repeat is one of the most common protein-protein interaction motifs found in all kingdoms of life proteins. ANK-containing proteins have been demonstrated to regulate various biological processes in animals, plants, and fungi. However, their functions in phytopathogenic oomycetes remain unknown. Here, we identified 284 non-redundant genes that encode ANK-containing proteins in P. litchii and classified them into 11 subfamilies. Among them, PlANK1 was found to be highly up-regulated in oospores and from zoospores to the infection process. Loss of PlANK1 in P. litchii resulted in impaired mycelial growth and cyst germination, accelerated zoospore encystment, and increased sensitivity to hyperosmotic stresses and Congo red. Furthermore, PlANK1 deletion mutants were defective in oospore formation and development. Inoculation assays showed that the absence of PlANK1 severely diminished the pathogen’s virulence on litchi leaf and fruit. Through transcriptome analysis and nitrogen source utilization assays, we demonstrated that PlANK1 modulates the pathogen’s nitrogen metabolism. Altogether, our findings indicate that PlANK1 is a key regulator of sexual and asexual development, and virulence in P. litchii.
Mothers’ personality and children with feeding and eating disorders: a nested case–control study
Authors: Al Agroudi Aml Al Marzouki , Rashed Ibrahem Hamdey , Yahia Sohier , Tobar Salwa
Published: December 2023

Background

Feeding and eating disorders are major factors in nutrition problems. Mothers have a big role in shaping feeding and eating behaviors. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of feeding and eating disorders among children in pediatric outpatient clinics (6–12 years old) and comparing personality factors among mothers of children with feeding and eating disorders versus those without feeding and eating disorders.

Results

This study included 528 children who were screened for feeding and eating disorders using the DSM-5. For the detected children, their mothers’ personalities were assessed using Cattell’s 16 personality factor test after history was taken using a child psychiatric sheet. The resulting prevalence of feeding and eating disorders is 13%, and the major mother’s personality factor that contributed is the control factor.

Conclusions

Certain personality factors of the studied mothers (controlled, tender-minded, imaginative, forthright, and apprehensive) correlate with the prevalence of feeding and eating disorders among their children, compared with those without feeding and eating disorders. Mothers’ personalities should be assessed in children with feeding and eating disorders, especially when these factors seem likely.
Comparative effects of patient-specific 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional lumbar traction on pain and functional disability in patients with lumbar radiculopathy
Authors: Mahmood Hassan , Rafique Saba , Waheed Aleena , Sabir Nimra , Hussain Ghazal
Published: December 2023

Background

Low back pain (LBP) resides as a most common type of symptom pointing towards lumber radiculopathy. It is defined as burning sharp leg pain that originates from the back and goes all the way down your legs and extends into the toes and foot. Lumbosacral radiculopathy is caused by pathology of the intervertebral disk or associated structures. Different dimensional traction has been used to treat lumbar radiculopathy. This study aimed to compare the effects of 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional lumbar traction on pain and functional disability in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. The randomized clinical trial study of 4 weeks was carried out at the Lifeline Health Care Imaging and Pain Center and the Hamza Hospital Lahore. Twenty-six subjects were included in the clinical trial and divided into two groups after randomization. Group A received three-dimensional lumbar traction with traction force 50% of total body weight on Spine MT 3D traction machine, and group B received two-dimensional lumbar traction with traction force 50% of total body weight. Pre- and post-values of NPRS and ODI were noted.

Results

Parametric tests were used during statistical analysis because data was normally distributed. NPRS pre- and posttreatment values showed significant results with p-value < 0.05. ODI pre- and post-values were also obvious with p-value < 0.05. Independent sample T-test was used to assess across the group comparison, suggesting that both groups showed significant improvements of NPRS and ODI post-treatment with p-value (< 0.001).

Conclusion

The study concluded that 3D traction significantly reduced pain levels and improved functional impairment more effectively than 2D traction in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

Trial registration

Trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05356689.
Profiling non-nutritive sucking skills in full-term and preterm neonates
Authors: Vijay Ananya , Balasubramanium Radish Kumar , Krishnamurthy Rahul , Chilwan Uzair , Kamath Nutan , Bhat Kamalakshi
Published: December 2023

Background

Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a reflex in neonates where they suck on objects without receiving food. It aids in oral development and self-regulation. Preterm birth can affect NNS and feeding. Based on current guidelines, early evaluation is crucial for identifying any delay in normal development in this population. Hence, the current study aims to profile non-nutritive sucking skills in full-term (37 to < 42 weeks) and preterm (32 to < 37 weeks) neonates and to compare non-nutritive sucking skills between the groups.

Method

A total of 180 neonates completed this study. “The test for oropharyngeal dysphagia in Indian neonates” (TOD-IN) was used to profile non-nutritive sucking. The number of sucks, swallows, bursts, duration of sucking, suck/le per swallow, and pause duration was also assessed.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between the groups for non-nutritive sucking at p = < .001 and Cohen’s d had a large effect size (d = 1.42). Preterm neonates had a lesser number of sucks, bursts, swallows, and duration of sucking but had a higher pause duration compared to full-term neonates.

Conclusion

Non-nutritive sucking skills develop with advancing postmenstrual age and a detailed profile is imperative for a proper assessment to identify progress and delays.
Exercise Training Benefits Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Capacity during Breast Cancer Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: ANTUNES PEDRO , JOAQUIM ANA , SAMPAIO FRANCISCO , NUNES CÉLIA , ASCENSÃO ANTÓNIO , VILELA EDUARDO , TEIXEIRA MADALENA , OLIVEIRA JORGE , CAPELA ANDREIA , AMARELO ANABELA , LEÃO INÊS , MARQUES CRISTIANA , VIAMONTE SOFIA , ALVES ALBERTO , ESTEVES DULCE
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To examine the effectiveness of a supervised exercise training program (SETP) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional capacity in women with breast cancer (BC) undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Ninety-three women with early-stage BC were randomly allocated to a SETP plus usual care (exercise, n = 47) or usual care alone (UC, n = 46). The SETP included three sessions per week, combining aerobic and resistance training, conducted concurrently over the chemotherapy. The EORTC Cancer Quality-of-Life-Questionnaire-Core-30 (QLQ-C30) and the BC-specific module (QLQ-BR23) were used to assess HRQoL. Functional capacity was analyzed by maximum voluntary handgrip strength (MVHS) and by the 30-s chair sit-to-stand test (30-s CST). These endpoints were assessed at baseline (t0); middle (t1; after 8 or 12 wk of t0); and at the end of chemotherapy (t2; after 20 wk of t0). Mean changes from baseline were assessed by an intention-to-treat approach.

Results

Mixed linear model analyses showed that Exercise group experienced less deterioration in several domains of QLQ-C30 at t2, including in global health status/QoL (Δ = 9.39 units; P = 0.034), QLQ-C30 summary score (Δ = 8.08 units; P < 0.001), physical (Δ = 15.14 units; P < 0.001), role (Δ = 21.81 units; P < 0.001), cognitive (Δ = 9.16 units; P = 0.032) and social functioning (Δ = 11.67 units; P = 0.038), compared with the UC group. Similarly, Exercise group exhibited significant lower levels of fatigue (Δ = −20.19 units; P < 0.001) and appetite loss (Δ = −13.69 units; P = 0.034), compared with the UC group. Significant between-group differences were observed on MVHS of the tumor/surgery upper limb side (Δ = 2.64 kg; P < 0.001) and contralateral limb (Δ = 2.22 kg; P < 0.001), and on the 30-s CST score (Δ = 3.56repetitions; P < 0.001), favoring the Exercise group. No differences were observed on QLQ-BR23 domains.

Conclusions

Exercise training was an effective complementary therapy to prevent the deterioration of HRQoL and functional capacity during chemotherapy in women with early-stage BC.
A Ketone Monoester with Carbohydrate Improves Cognitive Measures Post-Exercise, but not Performance in Trained Females
Authors: Waldman Hunter S. , O’Neal Eric K. , Barker Gaven A. , Witt Craig R. , Lara David A. , Huber Anna K. , Forsythe Valerie N. , Koutnik Andrew P. , D’Agostino Dominic P. , Staiano Walter , Egan Brendan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Acute ingestion of a ketone monoester with co-ingestion of a carbohydrate (KME + CHO) compared to carbohydrate (CHO) was investigated on cycling performance and cognitive performance in trained females.

Methods

Using a two condition, placebo-controlled, double-blinded and crossover design, twelve trained females (mean ± SD: age, 23 ± 3 y; height, 1.64 ± 0.08 m; mass, 65.2 ± 12.7 kg) completed a baseline assessment of cognitive performance (psychomotor vigilance testing (PVT), task switching, and incongruent flanker), followed by 6x5-min intervals at 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65% of their maximal power output (Wmax) and then a 10-km time trial (TT), concluding with the same assessments of cognitive performance. Participants consumed either 375 mg·kg-1 body mass of KME with a 6% CHO solution (1 g·min-1 of exercise) or CHO alone, across 3 boluses (50:25:25).

Results

Blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations averaged 1.80 ± 0.07 mM and 0.13 ± 0.01 mM during exercise in KME + CHO and CHO, respectively. Blood glucose decreased following drink 1 of KME + CHO (~15%; P = 0.01) but not CHO, and lactate concentrations were lower in KME + CHO at 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65%Wmax (all P < 0.05), compared to CHO. Despite these changes, no differences were found between conditions for TT finishing times (KME + CHO, 29.7 ± 5.7 min; CHO, 29.6 ± 5.7 min; P = 0.92). However, only KME + CHO resulted in increases in PVT speed (~4%; P = 0.01), and faster reaction times (~14%; P < 0.01), speed (~15%; P < 0.01), and correct responses (~13%; P = 0.03) in the incongruent flanker during post-testing compared to CHO.

Conclusions

Acute ingestion of a KME + CHO elevated blood β-hydroxybutyrate and lowered glucose and lactate across multiple timepoints during exercise compared to CHO. Although these changes did not affect physical performance, several markers of cognitive performance were improved by the addition of a KME in trained females.
Why medical professionals must learn mathematics and computing?
Authors: Aijaz Javeria
Published: December 2023

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8952

How to cite this: Aijaz J. Why medical professionals must learn mathematics and computing?. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(2):-S106.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8952
Proxy wars in the Middle East in the 21st century
Authors: Νικοπούλου Αλεξάνδρα
Published: December 2023

Η διατριβή εξετάζει το φαινόμενο του πολέμου δι’ αντιπροσώπων όπως αυτό εκδηλώνεται στο πλαίσιο των σύγχρονων εμφυλίων πολέμων. Το φαινόμενο εξετάζεται υπό το πρίσμα της σταδιακής απομάκρυνσης των μεγάλων δυνάμεων από στρατηγικά υποσυστήματα, γεγονός το οποίο έχει ευνοήσει την ανάπτυξη περιφερειακών ανταγωνισμών. Η έρευνα εστιάζει στην περιοχή της Μέσης Ανατολής, μετά την περίοδο της Αραβικής Άνοιξης, όπου οι πόλεμοι δι’ αντιπροσώπων έχουν κυριαρχήσει και διαδραματίζουν καθοριστικό ρόλο στην περιφερειακή ισορροπία ισχύος. Η διατριβή εξετάζει τον αντίκτυπο του ανταγωνισμού μεταξύ Ιράν και Σαουδικής Αραβίας στους εμφυλίους πολέμους στη Συρία και την Υεμένη, υιοθετώντας μια συγκριτική προσέγγιση για τον καθορισμό των κινήτρων των περιφερειακών δυνάμεων. Ακόμη, αξιοποιείται η θεωρία των πολέμων δι’ αντιπροσώπων για να εξεταστεί η χρήση των τελευταίων ως μέσο άσκησης εξωτερικής πολιτικής. Τέλος, η έρευνα παράγει χρήσιμες παρατηρήσεις για την αλληλεπίδραση και τις σχέσεις ισχύος που δημιουργούνται μεταξύ των περιφερειακών και των παγκόσμιων δυνάμεων, και συγκεκριμένα των Η.Π.Α. και της Ρωσίας. Η καθοριστική συμβολή της διατριβής έγκειται στο να εξηγήσει τους λόγους για τους οποίους οι εμφύλιες διαμάχες μετατρέπονται σε πολέμους δι’ αντιπροσώπων, επιτρέποντας στους περιφερειακούς δρώντες να τους αξιοποιήσουν ως μέσα άσκησης πολιτικής και να αλλάξουν την ισορροπία ισχύος σε ένα περιφερειακό υποσύστημα. Κατ’ αυτό τον τρόπο, η έρευνα παρέχει ένα συνεκτικό πλαίσιο κατανόησης των πολέμων δι’ αντιπροσώπων τον 21ο αιώνα, μια περίοδο που έχουν λάβει κυρίαρχο ρόλο στον τρόπο με τον οποίο διεξάγεται ο πόλεμος, και καθορίζουν τη νέα παγκόσμια τάξη.
The genome sequence of a tachinid fly, Thelaira solivaga (Harris, 1780)
Authors: Falk Steven , Smith Matthew N. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual maleThelaira solivaga(a tachinid fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Tachinidae). The genome sequence is 429.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.09 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Adkins Patrick , Mrowicki Rob ,   Marine Biological Association Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual Ostrea edulis (the European flat oyster; Mollusca; Bivalvia; Ostreida; Ostreidae). The genome sequence is 894.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.35 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the nine-spined stickleback, Pungitius pungitius (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Hänfling Bernd , Smith Alan ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Pungitius pungitius (the nine-spined stickleback; Chordata; Actinopteri; Gasterosteiformes; Gasterosteidae). The genome sequence is 480.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.57 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of a solider beetle, Cantharis nigra (DeGeer, 1774)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , McCulloch James ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Cantharis nigra (a soldier beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Cantharidae). The genome sequence is 397.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.81 kilobases in length.
Depilatory Practices and the Dichotomization of Sexes in Twentieth-Century America
Authors: Marsh Kaetlin
Published: December 2023

Depilatory practices (hair removal) have become commonplace for many in the United States, especially women. Although depilatory practices are now entrenched in American culture, their social enforcement has a surprisingly recent history. I review U.S. advertisements from the period 1915-1945 and situate the rise in popularity of hair removal in its historical context: the increased popularity of more revealing women’s clothing, changing conceptions of modesty, and stocking shortages. I then jump back further in history, and examine ancient  Roman depilatory practices to further denaturalize and historicize hair removal. Finally, I reflect on how this history has shaped the present, through an empirical review of modern body hair perceptions. I assert that hair removal in America was originally, and remains, a tool for dichotomizing sexes amid fears about changing gender roles. Deviations from expected depilatory practices have become a social marker of queerness. These beliefs surrounding hair removal have created a unique and undue pressure for conformity in American women and men.
Randomized Pilot Study Examining the Impact of an Online Diet Among Working Adults
Authors: Kolb Diana
Published: December 2023

The term “diet” is often associated with restricting certain foods or caloric intake; however, diet quality is defined as nutritional epidemiology to evaluate the population’s dietary habits and the efficacy of dietary interventions. There is a growing interest in diet quality, specifically increased intake of fruits and vegetables (F&V), as a more appropriate approach for improving health outcomes. This study aimed to test an online, non-restrictive diet among the working population. Participants were randomized to complete an 8-week diet program using an online application or waitlist control that would receive the diet program after an 8-week waiting period. The diet program consisted of a technical application (app) that included ways to incorporate 800g of F&V in their daily diet. The program included a competitive and gamified component to compare with others using a leaderboard. The primary research questions were if there was a differential change in body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), fat mass (FM), and work impairment between the control and intervention groups. Participants were asked to complete 2 study visits (Baseline & 8 weeks). During each visit, the participants were asked to complete a standard Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) protocol measuring BMI, SMM, and FM and questionnaires including the Lam Employment Absence and Productivity Scale (LEAPS) as a measure of work impairment. A two-way ANOVA was performed to compare BMI, SMM, and FM between the groups over time. There was no significant difference in BMI [F (20) = 0.83, p= .78], FM [ F (20) = 0.30, p= .59] between groups following the 8-week intervention. There was a significant difference in SMM [F (20) = 5.39, p= .03] following the 8-week intervention favoring the intervention group. There was no significant difference in work impairment [F (19) = 1.70, p= .21] between the groups following the 8-week intervention. More research should be conducted on whether a non-restrictive diet intervention focused on F&V intake effectively improves overall health in adults.
Composición social de las cofradías en Jerez de la Frontera a finales de la Edad Media (1392-1520)
Authors: Ruiz-Berdejo Beato Alberto
Published: December 2023

El presente artículo estudia la composición social de las cofradías jerezanas a finales de la Edad Media a partir del análisis de los protocolos notariales conservados en el Archivo Histórico de Protocolos Notariales de Jerez de la Frontera para el período comprendido entre 1392 y 1520. La interpretación de los datos se realiza desde una doble perspectiva: por una parte, desde el punto de vista del sexo de los cofrades; por otro, desde la óptica de su ocupación profesional y su pertenencia a los distintos sectores de la economía. De este modo, se pone en valor el componente humano de las cofradías, más allá de otros aspectos más usuales como los patrimoniales y devocional, gracias al cual pueden ser consideradas como verdaderas herramientas para el estudio de las sociedades del Antiguo Régimen.
Sobre los límites del poder real en el Reino de Valencia: interpretaciones de la estricta observancia de los fueros en la doctrina valenciana (siglos XVI y XVII)
Authors: Fuertes Broseta Miquel
Published: December 2023

La teoría política y el derecho valenciano obligaban al rey a gobernar según los fueros y privilegios del reino. Aunque tal afirmación sea correcta, los juristas valencianos de los siglos XVI y XVII se preocuparon por definir una serie de herramientas jurídicas mediante las cuales el monarca podía superar las limitaciones que le ponía la normativa foral. Este trabajo explica algunas de las circunstancias y mecanismos a través de los cuales los reyes de Valencia podían situarse por encima de la legislación del reino.
EL ESCULTOR ANTONIO POLO PEREIRA.
Authors: Báñez Simón José
Published: December 2023

Antonio Polo es un artista en activo de la ciudad de Sevilla, que en los últimos lustros ha adquirido una manifiesta relevancia por su forma de trabajar el hierro y el metal, en una escultura que pretende y consigue renovar las ya superadas (sólo por cronología) vanguardias de las primeras décadas del siglo XX. Aportamos un estudio individual sobre el escultor inscribiéndolo en el panorama artístico de la segunda mitad del siglo XX y las dos primeras décadas del XXI, centrándonos en los caracteres y fundamentos más interesantes de sus esculturas.
Pembuatan dan Pelatihan Penggunaan Aplikasi Permohonan Surat Keterangan Berbasis Website di Desa Sariwangi
Authors: Vauzia Farrah , Kirana Nurista Wahyu , Rosulindo Parisya Premiera , Wusqo Urwatul , Akmal Muhammad
Published: December 2023

Salah satu pelayanan administratif yang diselenggarakan pada tingkat desa adalah penerbitan surat keterangan. Di Desa Sariwangi, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, proses pengajuan surat keterangan masih dilakukan secara manual. Proses ini dianggap kurang efektif karena memerlukan waktu yang agak lama serta adanya biaya untuk fotokopi dokumen dan formulir. Oleh karena itu, dalam kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat (PKM) ini dibuat suatu aplikasi permohonan surat keterangan berbasis website yang dapat diakses secara mandiri oleh warga sewaktu-waktu. Pelaksanaan kegiatan PKM dibagi menjadi beberapa tahapan yaitu pengumpulan data, perancangan dan pembuatan aplikasi, serta pelatihan penggunaan website. Pada saat pelatihan, peserta mendemonstrasikan penggunaan aplikasi dan mengisi survei terkait kualitas layanannya. Berdasarkan hasil survei tersebut diperoleh data bahwa aplikasi ini mudah digunakan dan fitur yang dimiliki sudah sesuai dengan kebutuhan desa. Aplikasi ini efektif dalam pelayanan permohonan surat keterangan namun masih memerlukan pengembangan. Dengan demikian, kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini perlu dilakukan secara berkelanjutan untuk meningkatkan kualitas dan kecepatan dalam layanan administrasi desa.
Pemberian Hibah dan Pelatihan Penggunaan Peralatan Praktikum Fisika Interferensi dan Difraksi Cahaya di SMA Negeri 3 Magetan
Authors: Bustomi M. Arief , Saifuddin Saifuddin , Muntini Melania Suweni , Yudoyono Gatut , Suasmoro Suasmoro , Yuwana Lila , Astuti Fahmi , Pratapa Suminar
Published: December 2023

Pengajaran optika dalam kurikulum SMA/MA sering kali menjadi tantangan bagi siswa, terutama dalam pemahaman konsep optika fisis. Salah satu faktor utama yang berkontribusi pada kesulitan ini adalah keterbatasan pengetahuan guru dalam melakukan praktikum mengenai interferensi dalam optika fisis. Hasil dari diskusi dengan guru-guru SMA/MA juga menunjukkan bahwa praktikum fisika, terutama yang terkait dengan optika fisis seperti difraksi dan interferensi, sering kali menjadi kendala di banyak sekolah akibat kurangnya peralatan praktikum yang memadai dan kurangnya kreativitas guru dalam menciptakan alat peraga sederhana yang dapat menjelaskan konsep fenomena optika fisis. Dalam upaya mengatasi permasalahan ini, Departemen Fisika FSAD ITS melaksanakan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat di SMA Negeri 3 Magetan untuk memperkenalkan konsep optika fisis melalui kegiatan praktikum interferensi dan difraksi cahaya menggunakan peralatan sederhana. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat berhasil meningkatkan pemahaman siswa dan guru tentang konsep optika fisis. Para guru dapat mengintegrasikan peralatan praktikum ini ke dalam proses pembelajaran fisika. Lebih jauh lagi, para guru diharapkan mampu berinovasi membuat peralatan praktikum sederhana dari bahan-bahan yang ada di sekitar mereka.
Capturing Linking Sites: A Relational Reading of Alice Cherki and Sonia Amazit's Narratives for Memorial Parcours
Authors: Marks Emily
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This article draws on Alice Cherki's psychoanalytic concepts to trace impacts of silences surrounding France's colonial past and Algeria's War of Independence on intergenerational memory transmission. It proposes a relational reading of two narrative texts and their configuration of memory dynamics outside linear narratives of History. It brings together a clinical vignette in Cherki's La Frontière invisible: Violences de l'immigration (2006), with the psychologist Sonia Amazit's short story "Ébauche d'une voi(x)e voluptueuse" in the collection Lire Assia Djebar ! (2012). Ultimately, by examining the narratives' shared "symptomologies" of plurality and movement, the article concentrates on three memorial horizons amplified by reading the texts in dialogue and through the lens of Cherki's terminology. Finally, it raises questions about the contours and salience of an "an-archival" network of clinical and narrative texts that trace memory dynamics. It explores their potential to offer narrative representations for a historiography that takes into account diverse sites of remembrance and repair in process ("parcours") across Algeria's generational, linguistic, and memorial borders. Abstract: Cet article, en s'appuyant sur les notions psychanalytiques d'Alice Cherki, permet d'examiner les impacts des silences qui occultent le passé colonial français en Algérie et la guerre d'indépendance algérienne sur la transmission intergénérationnelle de la mémoire. Il propose une lecture relationnelle de deux textes narratifs afin d'observer la configuration des phénomènes de mémoire en dehors des récits linéaires historiques. Il regroupe une vignette clinique racontée par Cherki dans La Frontière invisible : Violences de l'immigration (2006) ainsi qu'un récit de la psychologue clinicienne Sonia Amazit, « Ébauche d'une voi(x)e voluptueuse » dans Lire Assia Djebar ! (2012). En examinant les « symptomatologies » de pluralité et de mouvement partagé par ces deux textes, l'article se focalise sur trois axes mémoriels mis en parallèle avec la terminologie de Cherki. Ainsi, il soulève des questions sur les contours d'un réseau « an-archivistique » des textes narratifs et cliniques. Ces sources pourraient offrir des éclairages narratifs à une historiographie qui s'intéresse aux lieux et aux processus de mémoire ainsi qu'au procédé de réparation à travers les frontières générationnelles, linguistiques et mémorielles de l'Algérie.
De la voix à la mémoire : Témoignage de la poésie populaire sur l'enrôlement des « indigènes » algériens dans les deux Guerres Mondiales
Authors: Haddar Safa Ouled
Published: December 2023

Abstract: La poésie populaire peut être un précieux support pour l'écriture ou la réécriture de l'histoire. Elle est souvent considérée comme une archive alternative surtout quand les documents d'archive manquent ou deviennent inaccessibles. Dans cet article, nous avons choisi d'interroger des chants populaires produits pendant la période coloniale en Algérie, offrant un témoignage authentique sur l'enrôlement des « indigènes » algériens dans la Première et la Seconde Guerres mondiales. Cette étude voudrait attirer l'attention sur une partie de l'histoire coloniale qui représente une zone d'ombre et reste peu étudiée, à savoir la mobilisation des Algériens dans la guerre au service de la France coloniale. Abstract: Traditional poetry can be a valuable resource for writing or rewriting History. It is often considered an alternative archive, especially when official archives are missing or become inaccessible. In this article, we have chosen to examine some traditional poems produced during the colonial period in Algeria, which offer authentic testimony of the enlistment of Algerian "Indigenous" populations in the First and Second World Wars. This study aims to shed light on this mobilization, which is a less studied aspect of the colonial history.
How Black Lives Matter: Alice Walker, Alasdair Macintyre, and the Moral Significance of Enacted Narrative
Authors: Beasley Brett
Published: December 2023

Abstract: What does it mean to claim that "lives" should be the cornerstone of ethical analysis and reflection? This question has been raised by the Black Lives Matter movement. However, public discussions of the movement have often devolved into rhetorical battles that elide the movement's central moral claims. This paper investigates the question by examining the role of "lives" in the Black womanist ethical tradition and in neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics. I argue that these two traditions, despite their differences, can illuminate one another, and I explain and defend my position through a reading of Alice Walker's The Color Purple .
Toirrdelbach Ua Conchobair and the politics of church reform in Connacht
Authors: Cooke Jessica , Goaley Michael
Published: December 2023

Abstract: The scholarship on twelfth-century Ireland often repeats that Toirrdelbach Ua Conchobair, king of Connacht and high-king of Ireland with opposition, was a stalwart supporter of Augustinian monastic reform, though not of the Cistercians. By studying the evidence of several disciplines including architectural history, art history and some literary testimony, this essay instead argues that while Toirrdelbach accepted episcopal reform, he opposed monastic reform in Connacht, both Augustinian and Cistercian alike, fearing it would devolve power away from him and the Uí Dubthaig, his hereditary clerics. A possible inauguration ode suggests he travelled as a youth to France and England, where exposure to the European investiture controversy may have influenced his subsequent relationship with reformers. Toirrdelbach's acquisition at the 1152 synod of Kells of an archdiocese at Tuam for Connacht was not an unqualified success, as the largely Cistercian-controlled synod took pains to reduce his grip on the Connacht church.