bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypes and subphenotypes of delirium: a review of current categorisations and suggestions for progression
Authors: Bowman Emily M. L. , Cunningham Emma L. , Page Valerie J. , McAuley Daniel F.
Published: September 2021

Delirium is a clinical syndrome occurring in heterogeneous patient populations. It affects 45–87% of critical care patients and is often associated with adverse outcomes including acquired dementia, institutionalisation, and death. Despite an exponential increase in delirium research in recent years, the pathophysiological mechanisms resulting in the clinical presentation of delirium are still hypotheses. Efforts have been made to categorise the delirium spectrum into clinically meaningful subgroups (subphenotypes), using psychomotor subtypes such as hypoactive, hyperactive, and mixed, for example, and also inflammatory and non-inflammatory delirium. Delirium remains, however, a constellation of symptoms resulting from a variety of risk factors and precipitants with currently no successful targeted pharmacological treatment. Identifying specific clinical and biological subphenotypes will greatly improve understanding of the relationship between the clinical symptoms and the putative pathways and thus risk factors, precipitants, natural history, and biological mechanism. This will facilitate risk factor mitigation, identification of potential methods for interventional studies, and informed patient and family counselling. Here, we review evidence to date and propose a framework to identify subphenotypes. Endotype identification may be done by clustering symptoms with their biological mechanism, which will facilitate research of targeted treatments. In order to achieve identification of delirium subphenotypes, the following steps must be taken: (1) robust records of symptoms must be kept at a clinical level. (2) Global collaboration must facilitate large, heterogeneous research cohorts. (3) Patients must be clustered for identification, validation, and mapping of subphenotype stability.
Total or partial tonsillar resection (tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy) to change the quality of life for adults with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Laajala Aleksi , Tokola Paulus , Autio Timo J. , Koskenkorva Timo , Tastula Mikko , Ohtonen Pasi , Läärä Esa , Alho Olli-Pekka
Published: September 2021

Background

Tonsillar surgery has been used for decades to treat recurrent and chronic tonsillitis in adults. Recurrent and chronic tonsillitis result in disturbing symptoms, treatment costs, sick leave, and impaired quality of life (QoL). Theoretically, removing all or part of the altered pathological palatal lymphoid tissue alleviates the symptoms and enhances the QoL. Whether this is true with total or partial tonsillar resection (tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TT), respectively) has not been reported in a randomised trial yet.

Methods

We conduct a multicentre, partly blinded, randomised, 6-month, parallel-group clinical study including 285 adult participants referred to surgical treatment for chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. The participants will either have TE, TT or watchful waiting (WW). The primary outcome will be the difference between the mean disease-specific Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory-14 (QoL questionnaire) scores at 6 months. Comparison is made firstly between the combined TE+TT and WW groups (superiority analysis), and secondly between the TE and TT groups (non-inferiority analysis).

Discussion

This study will add significant new information to the effects and harms of TE and TT procedures in the treatment of adults with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04657549
Normalising comparative effectiveness trials as clinical practice
Authors: Briffa Tom , Symons Tanya , Zeps Nikolajs , Straiton Nicola , Tarnow-Mordi William Odita , Simes John , Harris Ian A. , Cruz Melinda , Webb Steven A. , Litton Edward , Nichol Alistair , Williams Christopher M.
Published: September 2021

There is a lack of high-quality evidence underpinning many contemporary clinical practice guidelines embedded in the healthcare systems, leading to treatment uncertainty and practice variation in most medical disciplines. Comparative effectiveness trials (CETs) represent a diverse range of research that focuses on optimising health outcomes by comparing currently approved interventions to generate high-quality evidence to inform decision makers. Yet, despite their ability to produce real-world evidence that addresses the key priorities of patients and health systems, many implementation challenges exist within the healthcare environment.

This manuscript aims to highlight common barriers to conducting CETs and describes potential solutions to normalise their conduct as part of a learning healthcare system.
Sporadic intra-abdominal desmoid tumor with a very unusual onset: two case reports
Authors: Kuwabara Hiroshi , Katayanagi Sou , Koganezawa Itsuki , Nakagawa Masashi , Katsumata Kenji , Tsuchida Akihiko , Kawachi Shigeyuki
Published: September 2021

Background

Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors are rare soft tissue tumors that arise mainly in the mesentery and pelvis. Their etiology may include genetic mutations, estrogen-associated changes after childbirth, and mechanical factors such as a history of abdominal surgery. However, there are cases of intra-abdominal desmoid tumors that develop in the absence of such causes. Since they are rare, diagnosis is often difficult based on clinical findings. We encountered two cases of patients with sporadic intra-abdominal desmoid tumors with a very unusual onset and contrasting features.

Case presentation

The first patient was a 51-year-old asian man who presented with sudden onset of abdominal pain. He was referred to our department because of a giant tumor detected on abdominal ultrasonography. Imaging revealed a 19-cm tumor with internal tumoral hemorrhage; however, no definitive diagnosis was made. Tumor resection was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The second patient was a 41-year-old asian man, and right hydronephrosis was detected on abdominal ultrasonography during a periodic medical checkup. We diagnosed invasion of the primary mesenteric tumor into the right ureter using diagnostic imaging and performed ileocecal resection with partial right ureteral resection for a definitive diagnosis and therapeutic purposes. Although the tumors of both patients had developed from the ileal mesentery, the tumors were substantially different from each other based on their imaging findings, macroscopic morphology, and progression pattern. Meanwhile, they showed similar pathological characteristics. Both consisted of bundles of collagen fibrils of spindle-shaped fibroblasts with low cell atypia. Moreover, they were diagnosed as desmoid tumors using positive immunohistochemical staining for β-catenin.

Conclusions

Neither patient had susceptibility factors for desmoid tumors, and to our knowledge, there have been very few reports to date of intra-abdominal desmoid tumors that were diagnosed because of acute abdominal pain caused by tumoral hemorrhage or asymptomatic obstructive uropathy. Furthermore, it is clinically interesting that the two patients showed contrasting progression patterns and imaging findings. Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors are rare and may present with various symptoms and findings similar to those observed in our patients. Diagnosis therefore requires experience and knowledge that is not bound by preconceptions.
Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells as a potential therapeutic agent in acute kidney injury (AKI) in felines: review and perspectives
Authors: Kraińska Magdalena M. , Pietrzkowska Natalia , Turlej Eliza , Zongjin Li , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), known from their key role in the regeneration process of tissues, and their abilities to release bioactive factors like extracellular vesicles (EVs) could be considered as a potential, modern tool in the treatment of AKI (acute kidney injury) in both human and veterinary patients. The complex pathophysiology of a renal function disorder (AKI) makes difficult to find a universal therapy, but the treatment strategy is based on MSCs and derived from them, EVs seem to solve this problem. Due to their small size, the ability of the cargo transport, the ease of crossing the barriers and the lack of the ability to proliferate and differentiate, EVs seem to have a significant impact on the development such therapy. Their additional impact associated with their ability to modulate immune response and inflammation process, their strong anti-fibrotic and anti-apoptotic effects and the relation with the releasing of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), that pivotal role in the AKI development is undoubtedly, limits the progress of AKI. Moreover, the availability of EVs from different sources encourages to extend research with using EVs from MSCs in AKI treatment in felines; in that, the possibilities of kidney injuries treatment are still limited to the classical therapies burdened with dangerous side effects. In this review, we underline the significance of the processes, in whose EVs are included during the AKI in order to show the potential benefits of EVs-MSCs-based therapies against AKI in felines.
Computation of Fourier transform representations involving the generalized Bessel matrix polynomials
Authors: Abdalla M. , Akel M.
Published: September 2021

Motivated by the recent studies and developments of the integral transforms with various special matrix functions, including the matrix orthogonal polynomials as kernels, in this article we derive the formulas for Fourier cosine and sine transforms of matrix functions involving generalized Bessel matrix polynomials. With the help of these transforms several results are obtained, which are extensions of the corresponding results in the standard cases. The results given here are of general character and can yield a number of (known and new) results in modern integral transforms.
Factors behind consumers' choices for healthy fruits: a review of pomegranate and its food derivatives
Authors: Stiletto Alice , Trestini Samuele
Published: September 2021

Due to the rising interest in healthy products, superfoods such as pomegranate have begun to spread widely on the international market in recent years. Identification of the consumer choice determinants is a key factor behind the success of innovative products. Nevertheless, to date, there has been no comprehensive analysis of consumers’ preferences for pomegranate. The aim of this study is to understand the characteristics of pomegranate and its derivatives that are most preferred by consumers and to identify the buyers’ profiles by performing a systematic review (SR). The results suggest that there is not equal interest in the literature in all areas of the review. Indeed, most efforts have been made in characterizing the products, whereas consumers’ profiles and their willingness to pay for the various products features have been scarcely investigated. The SR highlights that consumer preference is first correlated with taste and, in particular, with the sweetness (positively) and astringency (negatively) of the product. The red colour and uniform shape of the husk are attractive attributes for consumers, as is the juiciness of the arils. Some innovative methods of product storage, such as intermittent heating (for fruits) and the use of pectin methyl esterase (for arils), guarantee higher consumer acceptability due to the maintenance of product genuineness. Moreover, familiarity with the product seems to be the main driver influencing consumers’ purchase decisions; in addition, people who are more “future oriented” are more willing to pay for pomegranate because of the nutraceutical attributes stressed on the label.
Gender differences in symptom presentation and treatment outcome in children and youths with eating disorders
Authors: Coelho Jennifer S. , Suen Janet , Marshall Sheila , Burns Alex , Geller Josie , Lam Pei-Yoong
Published: September 2021

Background

To address the gaps in the literature examining eating disorders among males and gender minority youths, a prospective study was designed to assess gender differences in eating disorder symptom presentation and outcomes. Muscularity concerns may be particularly relevant for male youths with eating disorders, and were included in assessment of eating disorder symptom presentation.

Methods

All cisgender male youths who presented for specialized eating disorder treatment at one of two sites were invited to participate, along with a group of matched cisgender females, and all youths who did not identify with the sex assigned to them at birth. Youths completed measures of eating disorder symptoms, including muscularity concerns, and other psychiatric symptoms at baseline and end of treatment.

Results

A total of 27 males, 28 females and 6 trans youths took part in the study. At baseline, Kruskal–Wallis tests demonstrated that trans youths reported higher scores than cisgender male and female youths on measures of eating pathology (Eating disorder examination-questionnaire (EDE-Q) and the body fat subscale of the male body attitudes scale (MBAS)). These analyses demonstrated that there were no differences between cisgender male and female youths on eating disorder symptoms at baseline. However, repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated that males had greater decreases in eating pathology at discharge than did females, based on self-reported scores on the EDE-Q, MBAS, and Body Change Inventory.

Conclusions

Gender differences in eating pathology appeared at baseline, with trans youths reporting higher levels of eating pathology than cisgender youths, though no differences between cisgender males and females emerged at baseline for eating disorder symptom presentation. Contrary to expectations, there were no gender differences in measures of muscularity concerns. Males demonstrated greater eating disorder symptom improvements than females, suggesting that male adolescents may have better treatment outcomes than females in some domains.
Tripleurospermum disciforme (C.A.Mey.) Sch.Bip., Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip, and Achillea biebersteinii Afan.: efficiency, chemical profile, and biological properties of essential oil
Authors: Ghavam Mansureh
Published: September 2021

Background

Tripleurospermum disciforme(C.A.Mey.) Sch.Bip.,Tanacetum parthenium(L.) Sch.Bip., andAchillea biebersteiniiAfan. are the most important species of the Asteraceae family that are used in traditional medicine as antiseptics, analgesics, and anti-ulcers. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the yield, chemical profile, and antibacterial and antifungal properties of the essential oils of these three species for the first time. For this purpose, plant materials were collected in June 2019 from Javinan region (Kashan, Iran).

Results

Based on the ANOVA results the species had a significant effect on yield, chemical composition, and diameter of the inhibition zone of some microorganisms (P ≤ 0.01). The highest yield belonged toT. disciformeessential oil (~ 1.433%). Analysis of essential oil compounds showed that inT. disciforme, anisole,p-1-cyclohexen-1-yl- (55.95%), modephene (10.00%), andcis-β-farnesene (11.94%), inT. parthenium, camphor (43.43%), camphene (9.40%), and bornyl acetate (6.76%), and inA. biebersteiniilinalool (34.49%),p-cymene (15.31%), and α-terpineol (7.43%) were the main and predominant compounds. The highest inhibition zone diameter by the essential oil ofT. partheniumandA. biebersteiniiagainstAspergillus brasiliensis(~ 13 mm) was observed. The strongest inhibitory and lethal activity was related toT. disciformeessential oil againstKlebsiella pneumoniae,Shigella dysenteriae,Escherichia coli(~ 8.50 mm), andCandida albicans(MIC and MBC = 62.5 μg/mL), which were equivalent to rifampin and twice as potent as nystatin, respectively.

Conclusions

Therefore, the essential oil of the studied species of Asteraceae may be a promising and potential strategy for controlling some microorganisms and a possible natural alternative to some antibiotics.

Graphic Abstract
Outcomes of neonatal hypothermia among very low birth weight infants: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Mohamed Sagad Omer Obeid , Ahmed Sara Mohamed Ibrahim , Khidir Reem Jamal Yousif , Shaheen Mutaz Tarig Hassan Ahmed , Adam Mosab Hussen Mostafa , Ibrahim Basil Abubakr Yagoub , Elmahdi Esra Osama Abdelrahman , Farah Abubaker Shadoul Mohamed
Published: September 2021

Background

Neonatal admission hypothermia (HT) is a frequently encountered problem in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and it has been linked to a higher risk of mortality and morbidity. However, there is a disparity in data in the existing literature regarding the prevalence and outcomes associated with HT in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This review aimed to provide further summary and analyses of the association between HT and adverse clinical outcomes in VLBW infants.

Methods

In July 2020, we conducted this review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A systematic database search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, World Health Organization Virtual Health Library, Cochrane Library databases, and System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SIGLE). We included studies that assessed the prevalence of HT and/or the association between HT and any adverse outcomes in VLBW infants. We calculated the pooled prevalence and Odds Ratio (OR) estimates with the corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) using the Comprehensive meta-analysis software version 3.3 (Biostat, Engle-wood, NJ, USA; http://www.Meta-Analysis.com).

Results

Eighteen studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were meta-analyzed. The pooled prevalence of HT among VLBW infants was 48.3% (95% CI, 42.0–54.7%). HT in VLBW infants was significantly associated with mortality (OR = 1.89; 1.72–2.09), intra-ventricular hemorrhage (OR = 1.86; 1.09–3.14), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR = 1.28; 1.16–1.40), neonatal sepsis (OR = 1.47; 1.09–2.49), and retinopathy of prematurity (OR = 1.45; 1.28–1.72).

Conclusion

Neonatal HT rate is high in VLBW infants and it is a risk factor for mortality and morbidity in VLBW infants. This review provides a comprehensive view of the prevalence and outcomes of HT in VLBW infants.
Clinical debriefing during the COVID-19 pandemic: hurdles and opportunities for healthcare teams
Authors: Stafford Jody L. , Leon-Castelao Esther , Klein Ikkink Albert J. , Qvindesland Sigrun A. , Garcia-Font Munt , Szyld Demian , Diaz-Navarro Cristina
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent pressures on healthcare staff and resources have exacerbated the need for clinical teams to reflect and learn from workplace experiences. Surges in critically ill patients, the impact of the disease on the workforce and long term adjustments in work and life have upturned our normality. Whilst this situation has generated a new ‘connectedness’ within healthcare workers, it also continues to test our resilience.

An international multi-professional collaboration has guided the identification of ongoing difficulties to effective communication and debriefing, as well as emerging opportunities to promote a culture of dialogue. This article outlines pandemic related barriers and new possibilities categorising them according to task management, teamwork, situational awareness and decision making. It describes their direct and indirect impact on clinical debriefing and signposts towards solutions to overcome challenges and, building on new bridges, advance team conversations that allow us to learn, improve and support each other.

This pandemic has brought clinical professionals together; nevertheless, it is essential to invest in further developing and supporting cohesive teams. Debriefing enables healthcare teams and educators to mitigate stress, build resilience and promote a culture of continuous learning and patient care improvement.
Deficiency in civil registration and vital statistics reporting in remote areas: the case of Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Lai Siow Li , Tey Nai Peng
Published: September 2021

Malaysia has a well-established civil registration system dating back to the 1960s. Birth registration is virtually complete at the national level. However, the quality of civil registration in some remote areas is doubtful, as evidenced by the abnormally low birth and death rates in several districts. This study focuses on identifying districts in Sabah, where the reporting of births seems problematic. Sabah is the least developed state in Malaysia, and it is sparsely populated, despite being the second most populous state in the country. Sabah’s civil registration lags behind the other states, to the extent that birth and death statistics were not reported for the state in the vital statistics report for the period 2000 to 2009. A 2016 study found that death registration is almost 100%, except for Sabah (88%). The plausible reasons behind the ultra-low birth rate reported in several remote districts in Sabah include misreporting of the place of occurrence as the usual residence, delayed reporting, non-coverage, ignorance of the law, inaccessibility, presence of a large number of migrants, miscommunication, and errors in data entry. The under-reporting of births may have serious consequences, such as misallocation of resources and deprivation of services to those affected. In line with the transformative promise of “leaving no one behind,” the Sustainable Development Goals urge all countries to strive to improve data quality for planning; this includes complete birth registration for creating effective development programs to reach target groups more effectively.
Evaluation of the effects of 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide on Lathyrus sativus L.
Authors: Sarkar Priyadharshini , Samanta Aveek , Maity Tilak Raj , Datta Siraj
Published: September 2021

Background

The effect of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and cyclophosphamide (CP) on grass pea (Lathyrus sativusL.) has been studied.

Results

The effect of the selected drugs on radicle length, colchicine induces polyploidy and in vitro callus growth has been studied (concentration used: 5-Fluorouracil—0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mM; Cyclophosphamide—1, 10, 20 and 30 mM). The biochemical studies on superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidase activity also studied. Radicle length, polyploidy percentage and callus growth decrease in both the drugs in a dose-dependent manner. The SOD, catalase and LP activity decrease with the increase in drug concentration except for low dose (for 5FU—0.01 mM and 1 mM for CP). Induced polyploidy (Control B) than water germinated seedling (Control A) shows higher enzyme activity but a decrease in the increased dose of drugs.

Conclusions

The present work has been done to assess the effective potentiality of two anticancerous drugs 5FU and CP with an objective to establish plant system as a model for preliminary screening of anticancerous lead compounds. The result of the present work would pave the way for the screening of unknown lead compounds with the potentiality to act as base analogue and DNA cross-linking drugs. This system is faster, cost-effective and convenient than animal model.
Strong synergistic effect of cationic hydrocarbon surfactant and novel nonionic tri-block short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant mixtures on surface activity, wettability and solubilization
Authors: Zhou Yutang , Jin Yong , Shen Yichao , Shi Liangjie , Lai Shuangquan , Tang Yujia
Published: September 2021

Mixing hydrocarbon surfactants with fluorocarbon surfactants is still an important strategy to improve the economic benefits and performances of fluorocarbon surfactants and expand their range of application. Herein, we prepared a novel kind of hydrocarbon-fluorocarbon surfactant mixtures via mixing a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), with a tri-block nonionic short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant (F9EG13F9) in aqueous solution. The results showed that adding a small CTAB amount to F9EG13F9 (the molar fraction of CTAB in the mixture (x1) was 0.2) could greatly reduce its critical micelle concentrations (cmc) from 0.408 mmol/L to 0.191 mmol/L. At this x1, the contact angle of the mixture was the minimum (57.7 °) at 100 s on polytetrafluoroethylene film, which was even lower than that of F9EG13F9. Besides, CTAB/F9EG13F9 mixtures possessed better colloidal stability and solubilization ability toward hydrophobic dye (Sudan І) than F9EG13F9. The outstanding performances of binary surfactant mixtures benefited from the non-ideal mixing and strong synergistic effect evidence that CTAB/F9EG13F9 surfactant mixtures could be used in practical applications instead of individual F9EG13F9, thereby reducing the used cost of F9EG13F9.

Graphical abstract
Could native T1 mapping replace late gadolinium enhancement in the assessment of myocardial fibrosis in patients with cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Elsafty Hend G , El Shafey Mohammed , El Arabawy Reda , Mahrous Mary Rabea , Dawoud Tamer Mahmoud
Published: September 2021

Background

Cardiomyopathy is a myocardial disease, which usually demonstrates improper ventricular morphology, function, or both. It is classified into two classes based on the organ involved. Primary cardiomyopathy is confined mainly to the myocardium and can be genetic, non-genetic, or acquired. Secondary cardiomyopathy is caused by generalized systemic disorder. Myocardial fibrosis produces abnormal myocardial stiffness and increases arrhythmias risk. Native T1-mapping is an innovative technique that provides quantitative assessment of edema, diffuse myocardial fibrosis, and inflammation in a number of disease states. Furthermore native T1 mapping provides a future method for quantifying myocardial fibrosis in advanced chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients without the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. So our aim is to assess the potential value of segmental quantification of myocardial fibrosis using native T1 mapping in different types of cardiomyopathy in comparison to late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging.

Results

The native T1 values of a total 1152 segments (16 segments in 72 patients of cardiomyopathy), 192 segments in 12 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), 800 segments in 50 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 80 segments in 5 patients with infiltrative cardiomyopathy, and 80 segments in 5 patients with non-compaction were assessed. These were compared with 160 segments of 10 healthy volunteers. Native T1 values were significantly higher in most of myocardial segments with LGE than in those without including the control group; non-contrast T1 values in mid LV septal segments were found the most significant (1130.85 ± 79.79 ms vs 1047.74 ± 42.74 ms; P = 0.001). Also the current study showed T1 values were significantly higher than normal even in segments unaffected by LGE (P<0.01) in both HCM and DCM groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed the required cutoff value of 1070 ms for detecting myocardial fibrosis with a sensitivity 66% and specificity of 68%.

Conclusion

Contrast-free T1-mapping is a new technique for detecting myocardial fibrosis objectively with a high diagnostic performance especially in patients who cannot afford gadolinium contrast agents as patients with end-stage renal disease.
Comparing inductive and deductive analysis techniques to understand health service implementation problems: a case study of childhood vaccination barriers
Authors: Bonner Carissa , Tuckerman Jane , Kaufman Jessica , Costa Daniel , Durrheim David N. , Trevena Lyndal , Thomas Susan , Danchin Margie
Published: September 2021

Background

Effective implementation requires a comprehensive understanding of individual, organisational and system determinants. This study aimed to compare inductive and deductive analysis techniques to understand a complex implementation issue. We used childhood vaccination as a case study, an issue with wide-ranging barriers contributing to low-vaccine uptake internationally.

Methods

The study is based on the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, which was derived from several levels of theory: the 3 components of the COM-B framework (capability, opportunity and motivation) can be mapped to the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which is based on 84 underlying constructs. We first conducted a review of systematic reviews of parent-level barriers to childhood vaccination. Subsequently we (1) inductively coded these barriers into a data-driven framework, using thematic analysis, and (2) deductively mapped the barriers to COM-B and TDF domains and constructs. These processes were undertaken by two authors independently, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Inductive and deductive results were compared.

Results

The inductive process coded 583 descriptions of barriers identified from the literature into a framework of 74 barriers in 7 categories. The initial definitions used to map the barriers to deductive domains/constructs led to 89% agreement at the domain level. Resolving discrepancies required further definitions at the construct level. Of the 14 TDF domains, 10 were clearly identified in the data from the barrier reviews. Some domains were not specific enough to differentiate between types of barriers (e.g. Environmental Context and Resources), while other domains were not represented in the review data (e.g. Behavioural Regulation).

Conclusions

Using both inductive and deductive analysis techniques can help achieve a more comprehensive understanding of barriers to health service implementation. The inductive categories represented the review data in a clearer way than the theoretical domains, with better differentiation; but the missing deductive domains were useful as a way to identify additional issues to investigate further. Both analysis techniques resulted in a comprehensive list of barriers to vaccination that would not have been achieved using either approach alone. We recommend a hybrid approach combining TDF with broader frameworks, for future researchers conducting evidence syntheses.
The Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1/Programmed Cell Death-1 Pathway Mediates Pregnancy-Induced Analgesia via Regulating Spinal Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Tan HuiLing , Ding ZhenDong , Zhang ChengLiang , Yan JianQin , Yang Yong , Li Ping
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND:

The maternal pain threshold gradually increases during pregnancy, especially in late pregnancy. A series of mechanisms underlying pregnancy-induced analgesia have been reported. However, these mechanisms are still not completely clear, and the underlying molecular mechanisms need further investigation. We examined the relationship between the antinociceptive effect and the expression level of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) during pregnancy and further observed the changes in pain thresholds and expression levels of cytokines in late-pregnant mice before and after blockade of PD-L1 or programmed cell death-1 (PD-1).

METHODS:

Part 1: Female mice were assigned to 3 groups (nonpregnant, late-pregnant, and postpartum). Part 2: Late-pregnant mice were assigned to 3 treatment groups (control [phosphate buffer solution], RMP1-14 [mouse anti–PD-1 antibody], and soluble PD-1 [sPD-1]). Behavioral testing (mechanical and thermal) and tissue (serum and spinal cord) analysis were performed on all groups. PD-L1, interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6 expression levels in tissue were examined via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS:

The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were significantly increased in late pregnancy and decreased after delivery. PD-L1 expression was also elevated in late pregnancy and decreased after delivery. In addition, in the late stage of gestation, the maternal inflammatory microenvironment was dominated by anti-inflammatory factors. After administration of RMP1-14 or sPD-1, the pain thresholds of late-pregnant mice were significantly reduced. In late-pregnant mice, the high level of IL-10 was obviously reduced, and the low levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PD-L1/PD-1 pathway mediates pregnancy-induced analgesia, partially via the regulation of cytokines.
The Political Realignment of Health: How Partisan Power Shaped Infant Health in the United States, 1915–2017
Authors: Rodríguez Javier M. , Bae Byengseon , Geronimus Arline T. , Bound John
Published: September 2021

The US two-party system was transformed in the 1960s when the Democratic Party abandoned its Jim Crow protectionism to incorporate the policy agenda fostered by the civil rights movement, and the Republican Party redirected its platform toward socioeconomic and racial conservatism. The authors argue that the policy agendas promoted by the two parties through presidents and state legislatures codify a racially patterned access to resources and power detrimental to the health of all. To test the hypothesis that fluctuations in overall and race-specific infant mortality rates (IMRs) shift between the parties in power before and after the political realignment (PR), the authors apply panel data analysis methods to state-level data from the National Center for Health Statistics for the period 1915 through 2017. Net of trend, overall, and race-specific IMRs were not statistically different between presidential parties before the PR. This pattern, however, changed after the PR, with Republican administrations consistently underperforming Democratic ones. Net of trend, non-Southern state legislatures controlled by Republicans underperform Democratic ones in overall and racial IMRs in both periods.
Depletion of a Toxoplasma porin leads to defects in mitochondrial morphology and contacts with the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Mallo Natalia , Ovciarikova Jana , Martins-Duarte Erica S. , Baehr Stephan C. , Biddau Marco , Wilde Mary-Louise , Uboldi Alessandro D. , Lemgruber Leandro , Tonkin Christopher J. , Wideman Jeremy G. , Harding Clare R. , Sheiner Lilach
Published: September 2021

The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is a ubiquitous channel in the outer membrane of the mitochondrion with multiple roles in protein, metabolite and small molecule transport. In mammalian cells, VDAC protein, as part of a larger complex including the inositol triphosphate receptor, has been shown to have a role in mediating contacts between the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We identify VDAC of the pathogenic apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii and demonstrate its importance for parasite growth. We show that VDAC is involved in protein import and metabolite transfer to mitochondria. Further, depletion of VDAC resulted in significant morphological changes in the mitochondrion and ER, suggesting a role in mediating contacts between these organelles in T. gondii.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Cdc42 reactivation at growth sites is regulated by local cell-cycle-dependent loss of its GTPase-activating protein Rga4 in fission yeast
Authors: Rich-Robinson Julie , Russell Afton , Mancini Eleanor , Das Maitreyi
Published: September 2021

In fission yeast, polarized cell growth stops during division and resumes after cytokinesis completes and cells separate. It is unclear how growth reactivation is timed to occur immediately after cell separation. We uncoupled these sequential events by delaying cytokinesis with a temporary Latrunculin A treatment. Mitotic cells recovering from treatment initiate end growth during septation, displaying a polar elongation simultaneous with septation (PrESS) phenotype. PrESS cell ends reactivate Cdc42, a major regulator of polarized growth, during septation, but at a fixed time after anaphase B. A candidate screen implicates Rga4, a negative regulator of Cdc42, in this process. We show that Rga4 appears punctate at the cell sides during G2, but is diffuse during mitosis, extending to the ends. Although the Morphogenesis Orb6 (MOR) pathway is known to promote cell separation and growth by activating protein synthesis, we find that, for polarized growth, removal of Rga4 from the ends is also necessary. Therefore, we propose that growth resumes after division once the MOR pathway is activated and the ends lose Rga4 in a cell-cycle-dependent manner.
The Effect of Hegel’s Philosophy of History on Goldziher’s Method for Evaluating Hadiths
Authors: Kızılkaya Yılmaz Rahile
Published: September 2021

The West is known to have had interest in Islam since the 18th century through the transformative effect of the methods developed to examine religious sources within the framework of this interest in Islamic studies. Revealing the academic background and historical, ideological, psychological, religious, political and socio-cultural factors that have led orientalists working in the field of Islamic sciences is important for this field. This study will reveal in the context of Goldziher’s method for evaluating hadiths how Orientalists had been influenced by the culture and civilization they emerged from and how these influences directed their studies on Islam. Studies that have drawn attention to how Goldziher adopted his method for evaluating hadiths and took inspiration from Hegel’s philosophy of history prepared the intellectual background for the writing of this article. The study will first point out Goldziher’s postition within the Orientalist tradition and then present his method for dating hadiths alongside his Muhammedanische Studien, which is considered the most important work upon which Goldhizer based his method. Hegel’s philosophy of history will be explained in terms of the subject of the study, followed by a look into how Hegel’s philosophy of history affected Goldziher’s method for evaluating hadiths.
CAPACITAÇÃO PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO DE COMPETÊNCIAS PROFISSIONAIS NO PROCESSO DE ANÁLISE SOCIOECONÔMICA DOS ESTUDANTES DE GRADUAÇÃO
Authors: Simon Lilian Wrzesinski , Armanini Marcel Eduard , Medeiros Jucelio Kulmann de
Published: September 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é propor estratégias de capacitação das equipes técnicas responsáveis pelo processo de Análise Socioeconômica (AS) dos estudantes de graduação. A pesquisa é de natureza aplicada, caracterizada como descritiva e de abordagem qualitativa. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, baseada em fontes de dados secundários. A análise realizada na Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul (UFFS) apontou a necessidade de revisão do processo de AS e da elaboração de trilhas de capacitação para os profissionais de serviço social e administrativo, especialmente no que se refere à análise de renda e à avaliação de bens patrimoniais. As carências de profissionais observadas dificultam o afastamento desses profissionais por longos períodos. Portanto, essas ações de capacitação precisam ser ofertadas como programas de capacitação em serviço. A unificação da metodologia de análise de renda da matrícula e da AS também poderá reduzir etapas no processo de avaliação cadastral, conferindo maior agilidade e evitando retrabalhos.
VIDAS RESGATADAS: VULNERABILIDADE E POBREZA NAS VÍTIMAS DO TRABALHO ESCRAVO NO BRASIL
Authors: Oliveira Juliana Barbara Silva , Oliveira Cintia Rodrigues de
Published: September 2021

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo mapear características comuns aos trabalhadores vítimas da escravidão contemporânea no Brasil, e, particularmente, expõe práticas inaceitáveis de gestão do trabalho. Para tanto, considera o agrupamento por regiões, faixas etárias, grau de escolaridade e outras categorias, o que nos permite criar um cenário para futuras abordagens políticas, econômicas e culturais. Os dados analisados foram obtidos pela pesquisa documental no Observatório Digital do Trabalho Escravo, na Secretaria de Inspeção do Trabalho, e de ONGs como Instituto Pacto Nacional pela Erradicação do Trabalho Escravo (InPACTO) e Repórter Brasil. Os resultados apontam que determinadas características, como a força física necessária para enfrentar jornadas exaustivas, fatores geográficos e, sobretudo, a vulnerabilidade econômica e social do trabalhador facilitam seu aliciamento, podendo-se vislumbrar uma relação entre pobreza e trabalho mão o.
UM OLHAR ALTERNATIVO SOBRE A AVALIAÇÃO DA INVESTIGAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA: A PERSPECTIVA DO IMPACTO SOCIETAL PELA ANÁLISE DAS VIAS DE IMPACTO
Authors: Santos Fernanda Laura Medeiros Justino Lima dos
Published: September 2021

Este ensaio tem como objetivo apresentar uma ótica diferente sobre a avaliação da investigação científica, abordando questões relacionadas aos impactos originados pelo processo de geração e disseminação do conhecimento. Para embasar a proposta por um olhar alternativo, foi apresentada uma discussão teórica sobre a avaliação do impacto da pesquisa, seguida pela avaliação de impacto societal e a abordagem das vias de impacto. A primeira parte trata da importância em observar e seguir os elementos que baseiam os processos avaliativos, bem como o propósito pelo qual eles são estabelecidos. Na segunda etapa, entra-se na temática de orientação para o impacto, que é essencial para o argumento central por um olhar alternativo, e trata de questões que vão além da exposição de resultados, como a articulação entre atores e a existência de diferentes dimensões de impacto. Finalizando a discussão, apresenta-se a abordagem da análise das vias de impacto da pesquisa, uma perspectiva que permite uma avaliação rica e robusta da investigação e suas características. Em conclusão, defende-se que avaliar o impacto societal por meio da análise das vias de impacto é uma alternativa relevante e positiva para esfera científica. Como sugestão de estudos futuros, propõe-se que sejam explorados métodos e ferramentas que possam retratar a realidade por meio desse prisma, bem como os aspectos relacionados às diferentes áreas do conhecimento.
O COMÉRCIO PRATICADO POR CHINESES NA CAPITAL DA FÉ CARIRENSE
Authors: Pereira Joaquim Feitosa , Brasil Marcus Vinicius de Oliveira
Published: September 2021

Os empreendimentos de chineses instalaram-se na região do Cariri, já que isso fica evidenciado pela expansão do número de lojas e na chegada de novos imigrantes chineses em Juazeiro do Norte-CE. Nesse sentido, cabe a seguinte indagação: como vem sendo praticado o comércio por chineses na cidade de Juazeiro do Norte? O objetivo geral é identificar a prática comercial realizada por chineses em Juazeiro do Norte. É uma pesquisa exploratória; na coleta de informação, foi utilizado um questionário, para entrevistar os sujeitos da pesquisa. Foram analisados, em uma perspectiva qualitativa, os seguintes aspectos: 1) atratividade do comércio juazeirense; 2) principais produtos chineses comercializados; 3) definição de preços; 4) instalação do comércio chinês na cidade e 5) avaliação do comércio juazeirense. Existem semelhanças nas práticas comerciais chinesas e brasileiras, como a negociação dos preços, o uso de promoções, a busca por uma área de grande movimentação para instalação de seus comércios. A parceria comercial Brasil-China pode trazer benefícios para ambos os países, para o Brasil com a venda de commodities, para a China com a venda de produtos manufaturados e investimentos em áreas de transporte e energia. Os resultados apontam que o comércio de microempresas e pequenos estabelecimentos praticados por chineses possui alguma semelhança à prática comercial brasileira, principalmente quanto ao amadorismo financeiro. Ainda se pode concluir que o comércio praticado por chineses no interior não tem muita sofisticação já que seu público-alvo demanda mais preço do que qualidade.
RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL UNIVERSITÁRIA LEVINASIANA E A FORMAÇÃO DA CONSCIÊNCIA SOCIAL SOB O OLHAR DE DISCENTES DE SECRETARIADO EXECUTIVO
Authors: Barros Conceição de Maria Pinheiro , Gonçalves Sara Costa
Published: September 2021

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as contribuições da participação em ações de Responsabilidade Social Universitária, na perspectiva levinasiana, para a formação da consciência social, na percepção de discentes de Secretariado Executivo. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva, por meio de um levantamento teórico e um estudo de campo com a participação de quatro representantes discentes do curso de Secretariado Executivo da Universidade Federal do Ceará. Como técnica de pesquisa, definiu-se a entrevista reflexiva e utilizou-se um roteiro, como instrumento de coleta de dados.   Para a análise das informações, recorreu-se à técnica de análise reflexiva. Concluiu-se que participar de ações de Responsabilidade Social Universitária proporciona contato com o diferente e, dessa forma, o sujeito amplia sua visão sobre a sociedade, gera alteridade e respeito às diferenças e senso de responsabilidade para com o Outro, culminando no desenvolvimento de uma consciência social.
Αλληλεπίδραση μεταβατικών μετάλλων με φάρμακα που έχουν καρβοξυλικές δομικές ομάδες
Authors: Ταρούση Αλκέτα
Published: September 2021

Στα πλαίσια της διδακτορικής διατριβής πραγματοποιήθηκε η σύνθεση και οφυσικοχημικός 65 νέων συμπλόκων ενώσεων και μελετήθηκε η βιολογική συμπεριφορά τόσοτων ελεύθερων ligands όσο και των συμπλόκων ενώσεων του Zn(ΙΙ), Cu(ΙΙ) και Mn(ΙΙ) ήMn(III), με κινολόνες πρώτης, δεύτερης, τρίτης και τέταρτης γενιάς, με ΜΣΑΦ της τάξης τωνφαινυλαλκανοϊκών οξέων και των ανθρανιλικών οξέων παρουσία ligands δοτών ατόμωνοξυγόνου ή/και αζώτου, καθώς και μεταλλοκορονοειδείς ενώσεις με οξίμες ως μόρια-υποδοχείς συμπλόκων των ΜΣΑΦ.Ο φυσικοχημικός χαρακτηρισμός των συμπλόκων ενώσεων περιλαμβάνει τη μελέτημε φασματοσκοπία υπερύθρου, υπεριώδους-ορατού, ηλεκτρονικού παραμαγνητικούσυντονισμού και πυρηνικού μαγνητικού συντονισμού (1H-NMR), με κυκλική βολταμμετρία(CV), C, H, N στοιχειακές αναλύσεις, μετρήσεις μοριακής αγωγιμότητας, καθώς καιμαγνητικές μετρήσεις σε θερμοκρασία δωματίου και σε μεταβλητές επίσης θερμοκρασίες.Eπιλύθηκαν με κρυσταλλογραφία ακτίνων-Χ 34 κρυσταλλικές δομές συμπλόκων ενώσεωντου Ζn(ΙΙ), Cu(II) και Mn(II)/(III), όπου οι κινολόνες συναρμόζονται διδραστικά ενώ ταΜΣΑΦ μονο- ή/και διδραστικά με δυνατότητα σχηματισμού γέφυρας προς σχηματισμό μονο-και πολυπυρηνικών ενώσεων. Στις κρυσταλλογραφικά χαρακτηρισμένες σύμπλοκες ενώσειςο Ζn εμφανίζει οκταεδρική, τετραεδρική ή τετραγωνική πυραμιδική γεωμετρία και ο Cu καιτο Μn οκταεδρική ή τετραγωνική πυραμιδική γεωμετρία. Μεταξύ των ενώσεων των οποίωνεπιλύθηκε η κρυσταλλική δομή περιλαμβάνονται 8 μεταλλοκορονοειδείς ενώσεις πουανήκουν στις inverse[9-ΜC-3] (για Cu), inverse[12-ΜC-4] (για το Ζn), “step-ladder”inverse[9-ΜC-3]2 (για το Μn) και [24-MC-6] (για το Ζn, αποτελεί το πρώτο παράδειγμα).Η μελέτη της βιολογικής συμπεριφοράς των συμπλόκων ενώσεων οδήγησε στοσυμπέρασμα ότι οι ενώσεις παρουσιάζουν βελτιωμένη δράση σε σχέση με τα ελεύθεραφάρμακα. Πραγματοποιήθηκε μελέτη της αλληλεπίδρασης των ενώσεων με DNA μεφασματοσκοπία UV και φθορισμού καθώς και μετρήσεις ιξώδους. Τα σύμπλοκα εμφανίζουνμεγαλύτερη τιμή σταθεράς σύνδεσης στο CT DNA σε σχέση με τα ελεύθερα φάρμακα και ηπαρεμβολή θεωρείται ως ο πιθανότερος τρόπος σύνδεσης με το DNA. Μελετήθηκε μεφασματοσκοπία φθορισμού η αλληλεπίδραση των συμπλόκων με αλβουμίνες ορού αίματος.Στο σύνολό τους οι σύμπλοκες ενώσεις εμφανίζουν μεγαλύτερη συγγένεια προς τιςαλβουμίνες απ’ό,τι ελεύθερα φάρμακα και, ειδικότερα για τη ΒSA. Επίσης οι σύμπλοκεςενώσεις με κινολόνες παρουσιάζουν ικανοποιητική αντιμικροβιακή δράση. Από την εξέτασητης αντιοξειδωτικής δράσης των συμπλόκων προέκυψαν υποσχόμενα αποτελέσματα . Για τις ενώσεις που επιλέχθηκαν για μελέτη της in vitro κυτταροτοξικότητας σε καρκινικέςκυτταρικές σειρές έχουν προκύψει ενθαρρυντικά αποτελέσματα τόσο για μονοπυρηνικάσύμπλοκα ([Zn(flmq)(phen)Cl]), όσο και για μεταλλοκορονοειδείς ενώσεις([Μn6(O)2(indo)2(sao)6(H2O)4]).