bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of changing one’s country of residence on the decision to become an organ donor: the experience of religious immigrant women living in Sweden
Authors: Krupić Ferid , Šadić Sahmir , Čustović Svemir , Jašarević Mahir , Fazlić Mirsad , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To explore and elucidate women's knowledge of and willingness to take part in organ donation, and to explore if their opinions were changed by coming to Sweden.
Methods
 The study was designed as a qualitative study using data from interviews with women from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Croatia and Kosovo. The inclusion criteria were women who were immigrants in Sweden and have lived in Sweden for more than 10 years. Five groups including forty-five women were invited to participate in the study and 39 agreed. The women were aged 29 to 73 years (mean 52.5 years).
Results
Regarding knowledge and information about organ donation, most women found it very important to be able to talk about such things. However, the knowledge and information about organ donation of almost all the women was at a very low level. None of the women changed their opinion on the organ donation and attitudes from their countries of origin. All women firmly emphasized and explained that by coming to another state they do not become a different person and retain all values they had and with which were born in home country.
Conclusion
 It is important to study how to find new ways to communicate and work with minorities and vulnerable groups in order to discuss organ donation with all those who could be potential donors in the Swedish health care system.
Better non-invasive endoscopic procedure: endoscopic ultrasound or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography?
Authors: Mesihović Rusmir , Mehmedović Amila
Published: April 2024

Aim
To present our experience with a diagnostic ability of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in cases of choledocholithiasis verified by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted after a collection of data involving 58 suspected choledocholithiasis patients who underwent ERCP from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients who were diagnosed with choledocholithiasis on the basis of clinical symptoms and radiological findings and who underwent ERCP were included in this study. The first group (29 patients) underwent EUS, and the second group (29 patients) underwent MRCP. The ERCP was performed in both groups. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of EUS and MRCP were determined by comparing them with ERCP, which was considered to be a gold standard.
Results
 Gender representation was in favour of males, 58:42%. The mean age was 55.5 years. In the group 1 (EUS) 22 patients were found to have choledocholithiasis using ERCP. The EUS stone detection rate was 88%. Endoscopic ultrasound showed sensitivity (97%), specificity (67%) and accuracy (88%), positive predictive value (PPV) of 88%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 80%. In the group 2 (MRCP) 16 patients were found to have choledocholithiasis by ERCP. MRCP sensitivity was 81%, specificity 40%, PPV of 74%, NPV of 50%.
Conclusion
 The EUS was a superior non-invasive tool in comparison with MRCP for detecting choledocholithiasis, which was confirmed using ERCP.
A relation of serum homocysteine, uric acid and C-reactive protein level in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Marković Boras Marijana , Čaušević Adlija , Brizić Ivica , Mikulić Ivanka , Vasilj Marina , Jelić-Knezović Nevenka
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To determine the relationship of homocysteine (HCY), uric acid (UA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) prior to application of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and their level of correlation in serum of patients with normal and elevated CRP (predictor of worse cardiovascular outcomes).
Methods
The study involved 85 patients with diagnosed AMI. Before the PCI, venous blood samples were taken into the vacuum test tubes. The analysis of HCY, UA, inflammatory markers CRP and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as well as lipoprotein status were performed on a different type of analysers and according to accepted protocols of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC).
 Results
 Elevated level of both HCY and UA in AMI patients as well as a positive correlation between HCY and UA level was observed. Classification of patients on the basis of mean UA concentration showed significant difference at the level of HCY concentration (p=0.022).
Conclusion
 Since HCY and UA participate in the atherosclerotic process and their metabolism, as well as the effects on the cardiovascular system show significant overlaps, their serum level should be analysed synchronously with the level of CRP and NLR (indicators of significant inflammatory process in vessels). Considering a potential link between all parameters observed, further research involving a greater number of patients and including the post treatment effects should be conducted.
Outcomes of intrahospital antimicrobial stewardship programs related to prevention of Clostridium difficile infection outbreaks
Authors: Mijović Biljana , Dubravac-Tanasković Milena , Račić Maja , Bojanić Janja , Stanić Slobodan , Banković Lazarević Dušica
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To synthesize evidence about the influence of individual antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) related to the prevention of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection on primary and secondary outcomes.
Methods
Relevant databases such as Medline, PUBMED, COCHRANE library and EBSCO were searched from 1 April to 27 April 2017. Additional studies were reached by the manual search for original articles in relevant journals. We included all randomized controlled, quasi-experimental and observational studies, published in the English language from 2007 onward, that evaluated effectiveness of ASP in preventing and controlling C. difficile associated disease (CDAD) among adult inpatients.
 Results
Implementation of ASP interventions was associated with CDAD incidence reduction in 62.5% studies, but no significant differences were reported for the duration of hospitalization, readmission and mortality rate. Improvements in prescribing patterns (decreased antimicrobial use or increased rational use) and microbial outcomes (decreased rates of selected antimicrobial-resistant bacteria) were reported. Evidence on the effects of ASP is mainly limited to the results of studies low in methodological quality with great heterogeneity of outcomes, interventions, and units in which CDAD incidence data were reported.
Conclusion
Despite the low strength of evidence of reviewed studies, consistency of findings suggest the positive impact of antimicrobial stewardship programs on the prevention and control of nosocomial CDAD. The significance of this problem imposes randomized control trial use as the best instrument to provide highquality evidence. Further studies need to systematically analyse changes in all antibiotic use and its outcomes.
Ethnic differences in the perception of pain: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative research
Authors: Krupić Ferid , Čustović Svemir , Jašarević Mahir , Šadić Sahmir , Fazlić Mirsad , Grbic Kemal , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To investigate existence of scientific support for linking differences in the experience of pain to ethnicity.
Methods
The study was designed as a systematic literature review of qualitative and quantitative studies. The inclusion criteria were scientific studies published in scientific journals and written in English. Studies that described children's experiences and animals were excluded. There were 10 studies, one qualitative and nine quantitative.
 Results
The result was divided into two main sections. The first section presents the results of investigated material regarding different ethnic groups, the groups' different experiences with regard to pain and its treatment focusing entirely on the patients' perspective. Several studies have revealed major differences in the way individuals perceive their pain, using various pain evaluation tools. The second section explained different coping strategies depending on ethnicity and showed that different ethnic groups handle their pain in different ways.
Conclusion
 Healthcare professionals have a duty to pay attention to and understand the patients' experience of their disease and suffering and, as far as possible, mitigate this using appropriate measures. For this purpose, ethnic, cultural and religious differences between different patients need to be understood. It is necessary to continue to study ethnic differences in reporting and predicting pain and its consequences, including the assessment of variables associated with pain, as well as examining the use of prayer as a form of dealing with pain, with an evaluation of various effects of such different influences.
Hand function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Hadžagić Ćatibušić Feriha , Užičanin Sajra , Bulja Deniz , Gasal Gvozdenović Emira
Published: April 2024

Aim
To assess hand function and explore the relationship between hand function and neuroimaging findings in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (US CP).
Methods
 Hand function was assessed using Manual Ability Classification System (MACS, I-V). Brain lesions were divided into five groups: brain maldevelopment (MAL), periventricular white matter lesions (PV WM), cortical/subcortical gray matter lesions (C/SC GM), nonspecific and normal findings.
 Results
 Of 114 children with US CP (77 boys and 37 girls), 56 were with right-sided and 58 with left-sided involvement. MACS I was found in 49 (42.9%), MACS II in 19 (16.7%), MACS III in 19 (16.7 %), MACS IV in 9 (7.9%) and MACS V in 18 (15.8%) children (p=0.002). Computed tomography (CT) as the only neuroimaging has been done in 18 (15.8%), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 94 (82.5%) children, whereas 2 (1.7%) children had neither CT nor MRI. The CT showed PV WM in eight (44.4%), C/SC GM lesions in six (33.3%), and normal findings in four (22.2%) children (p=0.709). The MRI showed MAL in eight (8.5%), PV WM in 46 (48.9%), C/SC GM in 28 (29.8%), miscellaneous in two (2.1%), and normal finding in 10 (10.7%) children (p=0.0001). Mild hand dysfunction (MACS I and II) was assessed in 68 (59.7%) children, of which 33 had PV WM lesions (p=0.001).
Conclusion
Mild hand dysfunction in children with US CP has been significantly associated with PV WM lesions. The type of brain lesion may help to identify its timing and predict the level of hand dysfunction.
Are the single-step resection and primary anastomosis suitable for obstructıve colorectal patients in older cases?
Authors: Kaya Selcuk , Altin Onder , Altuntas Yunus Emre , Kement Metin , Kaptanoglu Levent , Seker Ahmet , Bildik Nejdet , Kucuk Hasan Fehmi
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To investigate the efficacy and safety of the single-step surgery in elderly patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. Methods
 All patients who underwent single-step surgery and primary anastomosis for obstructive colorectal cancer in the period between January 2012 December 2017 were evaluated in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: younger than 65 (Group Young) and older than 65 (Group Old). Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (ASA) scores, comorbidities, preoperative albumin levels, type of surgery, postoperative morbidity and mortality, pathological stages, and overall survival rates were investigated.
Results
 A total of 89 patients were included: 49 (54%) were older than 65 (Group Old). In Group Old, the mean age was 75 (65-97), of which 28 (58.3%) were males. There were 41 patients younger than 65 (Group Young) with the mean age of 52.6 (41-64 years of age), of which 21 (51.2%) were males. There was no difference between groups according to albumin level. There was no statistical difference between two groups according to tumour localization, pathological stage and type of surgery, as well as according to surgical complications. The median overall survival rate was 11 months in both groups (0-66) (p=0.320).
Conclusion
 Meticulous preparation of older patients (correction of anaemia, electrolyte levels and pH) paves the road for successful surgeries, including single-step resection and primary anastomosis.
Most common, real life factors affecting effectiveness of omalizumab asthma treatment: a 10-year study
Authors: Nurkić Jasmina , Al-Ahmad Mona , Maher Ahmed , Arifhodžić Nermina , Jusufović Edin
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To assess efficacy of omalizumab in moderate to severe asthma and notable factors affecting it, such as treatment compliance during the period of ten years. This retrospective, observational real life study is the first of this kind in the Gulf region and one of the worldwide rare long term omalizumab treatment studies.
Methods
 The treatment for 35 patients started in 2008. Twenty patients (ongoing group) proceeded with treatment and were assessed annually until 2017. Reasons for treatment discontinuation in 15 patients (drop-out group) were also assessed.
Results
Before starting omalizumab the ongoing group of patients had history of ≥2 asthma exacerbations per year, which significantly decreased during the first year of the treatment (p<0.001), and for 14 (70%) patients ≤1 exacerbation stayed during the next 10 years. Since 2014 six (30%) patients had had ≥2 annual asthma exacerbations (p<0.05 in 2013; p<0.05 in 2014; p<0.001 in 2015; p<0.01 in 2016; p<0.001 in 2017). At the same time there was a significant drop in compliance index (CI) (p<0.0001).
Conclusion
 To our knowledge this is the first 10-year study of compliance and effectiveness, which may help finalize some practical suggestions to improve CI in clinical practice and to note acceptable variation in CI. It is important to recognize factors that can possibly affect effectiveness of the treatment and identify the patients who will have the best benefit from a long term omalizumab treatment.
Very first patient gift in a general practitioner’s career and the impact of this event on physician-patient relationship
Authors: Kos Vesna
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To describe experiences, feelings and reactions of general practitioners (GPs) to the very first patient gift in the career, considering the impact on physician-patient relation (PPR).
Methods
A representative sample of the Croatian GPs (N=265) filled in a supervised paper-based, researcher-led questionnaire. The response rate was 95.7%. Three independent analysts coded and analysed respondents' descriptions. The results were analysed using the descriptive statistics, χ²-test, and φ-coefficient of correlation.
Results
 The GPs received the very first patient's gift (FG) already as students (2.6%), during internship (41.5%), and at the latest after being a doctor for one year. After 2-42 years of practice, 95.1% of GPs described their FGs. Typical gifts were coffee and/or sweets (66%). Dominant feeling of GPs on receiving the FG was discomfort (33%); only 22% felt good; just 26% reacted with composure. The outcome regarding the physician-patient relationship (PPR) ranged from the debacle (9%), through mutual discomfort (13%) or a routine reaction (38%), to smiles and mutual pleasure (40%). In 18% they tried to behave properly, considering the patient's best interest, despite their own discomfort. In 29% of cases, the patient took the role of teacher, supporting the young physician. The PPR was not improved in 3/5 of cases where the FG was described. Conclusion
 Receiving the FG is an impressive and deeply touching event, remembered many years afterwards. Without prior instructions, Croatian GPs mostly reacted in a confused manner. The missed opportunity of improving PPR in 60%, and patients' help instead of teachers' suggest the need for education.
Prescription pattern among Iranian community dwelling older adults
Authors: Saboor Malihe , Momtaz Yadollah Abolfathi , Kamrani Ahmad-Ali Akbari , Sahaf Robab
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To assess prescription pattern among Iranian communitydwelling older adults.
Methods
 This cross-sectional study employed a cluster random sampling to obtain a sample of 1591 patients aged 60 years and over referred to pharmacies in Tehran, 2017. Data were collected using a questionnaire: socio-demographic characteristics, type of pharmacy visited, the municipal district, the university covering the pharmacy, the number and names of prescribed drugs, drug category, type of insurances and physician's socio-demographic profile (age, gender, type of specialization, and work experience).
Results
 The mean age of the patients was 70.51±7.84. A total of 5838 drugs were prescribed, giving an average of 3.73±2.24 drugs per patient (ranging of 1-15). Polypharmacy was noticed in 32.4% patients. Cardiovascular ‫‬ drugs accounted for 20.8% of the prescriptions, antidiabetics 8.8%, nutritional agents and vitamins 7.6%, and analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs and antipyretics accounted for 7.5%.
Conclusion
Developing educational programs on geriatric pharmacology general practitioners and more supervision among community-dwelling older adults might have effects on prescription pattern. There is a need for prescriber training and retraining with emphasis on the geriatric population.
Perinatal characteristics and prevalence of low birth weight infants in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: prospective multicentric study
Authors: Nevačinović Enida , Cerovac Anis , Bogdanović Gordana , Grgić Gordana
Published: April 2024

Aim
 To investigate the prevalence and obstetrical characteristics of low birth weight infants (LBWIs) in ten Cantons of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FB&H).
Methods
 The prospective study included newborns of both genders, gestational age (GA) of 22 to 42 weeks and birth weight (BW) of less than 2,500 grams in the period 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009.
Results
In the observed period, 22897 neonates were born, out of whom 669 (2.9%) had a BW less than 2500 grams (average BW was 1295 grams; SD ± 234.2; a coefficient of variation of 0.58). The average GA was 31.4 weeks of gestation. The average lifespan of mothers was 27.7 years (SD ± 1.2). The average Apgar scor (AS) in the first minute was 4.6 (SD ± 2.1) and in the fifth minute it was 6.6 (SD ± 1.9). The LBWIs were most commonly delivered by primiparas, 317 (47.5%). Of the 669 LBWIs, 411 (61.4%) were born per vias naturalis, with cephalic presentation. The highest number of LBWIs was born in Sarajevo Canton, 3.7%, and Central Bosnia Canton, 3.7%. The lowest prevalence was in Posavina Canton, 1.1%. The largest late fetal mortality was in Central Bosnia Canton, 7.7 ‰.
Conclusion
This study has determined a relatively low prevalence of LBWIs and other examined obstetrical characteristics that are in correlation with European and Global World data.
Mouse Surgery – Transplantation of human thymus into the kidney capsule of NSG mice v2
Authors: Chen Austin
Published: April 2024

This protocol details our minimally invasive approach for implanting human thymus tissue under the kidney capsule of NSG mice. In contrast to our open abdominal approach, this approach is from the dorsal aspect of the mouse and requires only two interrupted sutures and 1-2 staples to close the incision. The technique can be applied to other strains of mice, though we have found the NSG kidney capsule to be more delicate, and thus more challenging to manipulate during surgery.
Small molecules released from islets of Langerhans determined by liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry v2
Authors: O. Ogunkunle Emmanuel , Roper Michael
Published: April 2024

Islets of Langerhans are the endocrine tissue within the pancreas that secrete hormones for maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis. A variety of small molecules including classical neurotransmitters are also released from islets. While the roles of most of these small molecules are unknown, some have been hypothesized to play a critical role in islet physiology. To better understand their role on islet function, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to separate and quantify 39 small molecules released from islets. Benzoyl chloride derivatization of analyte molecules was used to impart retention and facilitate electrospray ionization efficiency. Separation was achieved on a 2.1 × 150 mm column packed with 2.7 μm core–shell C18particles. Calibration curves showed excellent linearity between the concentration and analyte response, with relative standard deviations of the analyte responses below 15% and limits of detection from 0.01–40 nM. The method was applied to examine small molecules released from murine and human islets of Langerhans after static incubation and perfusion with glucose. Results showed a decrease in secretion rates with increasing glucose concentration for most of the analytes. Secretion rates were found to be higher in human islets compared to their murine counterpart. This method will be useful in understanding the roles of small molecules in biological systems.
Flow Cytometry ECS Surface Antigens v2
Authors: Betts Michael
Published: April 2024

High-parameter flow cytometry enables identification and characterization of a wide range of cell populations within a biological sample. Analysis of cell-surface epitopes using a collection of fluorophore-labeled antibodies, or extracellular stain (ECS), sufficiently labels population-identifying markers for further analysis with flow cytometry. Importantly, ECS can be applied to cryo-preserved cell suspensions recovered in tissue culture media, enabling samples to be conveniently analyzed after collection and proper cryopreservation. However, consistent cryopreserved sample recovery and ECS procedures are critical to data comparison across multiple experiments. Herein, we describe a standardized protocol for cryopreserved sample recovery and ECS procedures for cell-surface epitope labeling.
narración deconstruida: un contexto de investigación para el aprendizaje artístico a partir de técnicas de simulacro
Authors: González Agudo Iluminada , García Roldán Ángel
Published: April 2024

Este artículo se centra en la contribución de nuevas estrategias para la descodificación de la información visual. Puesto que las circunstancias actuales comprenden una democratización de la imagen y su problemático dogmatismo como documento informativo, planteamos el trabajo en torno a un medio de alfabetización visual, extensamente explotado a mediados del siglo XX por su implementación narrativo-visual en el ámbito de la industria cultural del momento (la fotonovela) y recuperando con ello este formato editorial para su tratamiento didáctico en torno a la creación de narrativas visuales con distintos fines educativos.

Desde nuestro enfoque, las aplicaciones de los nuevos dispositivos telefónicos son también un instrumento competente que ha de incluirse en el contexto de una educación artística contemporánea. Este planteamiento supera el propio medio y nos aproxima a nuevas consideraciones artístico-sociales, entre otras el fenómeno de la posfotografía, que nos obliga a analizar nuevos espacios de interrelación y mediación educativa y aprendizaje artístico.

Por lo tanto, este trabajo recapitula una experiencia educativa que plantea una re-interpretación de la identidad a través del hecho fotográfico actual, ante la exposición a las diversas formas de simulacro, subyacente en la cultura contemporánea, con el objetivo de activar nuevas estrategias para la deconstrucción de la iconosfera, personal y colectiva.
Difusión, reconocimiento y representatividad artística femenina en las exposiciones museísticas temporales en el año 2023
Authors: Abad de los Santos Belén
Published: April 2024

Pese a vislumbrarse lo que aparentan ser signos de igualdad, el sistema del arte se resiste todavía a incorporar plenamente en su relato a los “Otros” artistas. De hecho, la asimétrica representación de mujeres artistas en los museos de Artes Visuales continúa ilustrando la tendencia predominante, si se atiende a las estadísticas. En este artículo se ponen de relieve percepciones sobre la desigualdad real tomando como estudio de caso las exposiciones de carácter temporal celebradas en museos. El seguimiento de prácticas curatoriales concretas desarrolladas durante 2023 permitirá contrastar si las grandes narrativas del arte siguen constituyendo discursos de discriminación, o, por el contrario, se han introducido giros discursivos para tratar de reestablecer el equilibrio de género entre las creadoras y sus equivalente varones.
Diyabetik ayak yarası iyileşmeside plantago majör flovonoidlerin etkinliğinin in-silico olarak araştırılması
Authors: Keleş İsmail , Bayrakdar Alpaslan , Olgun Nermin
Published: April 2024

ÖZET

Diyabet, insülin eksikliğine bağlı olarak tüm dünyada hızla artan kronik bir hastalıktır. Diyabetik ayak ülserleri diyabetin en önemli komplikasyonlarından biridir. Bu yaralar için birçok sentetik ve doğal tedavi yöntemi bulunmaktadır. Sentetik ilaçların olası yan etkileri arasında quercetin gibi doğal flavonoidlerin kullanımı diyabetik yaraların tedavisinde tercih edilmektedir. Bu çalışmada quercetin'e alternatif olabilecek Plantago major flavonoidleri in-silico olarak araştırılmıştır. Plantago major ve flavonoidlerinin quercetin ile benzer özellikler gösterip göstermediği AutoDockTools yazılımı yardımıyla in-silico olarak araştırılmıştır. Flavonoidlerin ADME çalışması, açık erişimli bir web aracı olan SwissAdme yardımıyla araştırılmıştır. Plantago major flavonoidleri ve quercetin'in diyabetik yara iyileşmesinde rol oynayan SIRT 1 reseptörlerinden biri olan 4ZZJ'nin in-silico çalışmasının sonuçları, Plantago major flovonoidleri luteolin (-4.81 kcal/mol), apigenin (-4.74 kcal/mol) ve hispidulin'in (-4.58 kcal/mol) quarcetin'den (-4.56 kcal/mol) daha iyi olduğunu göstermiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu in-silico çalışma Plantago major flavonoidleriden luteolin, apigenin ve hispidulinin diyabetik yara iyileşmesi için quercetin’e doğal alternatifler olabileceğini göstermiştir.
EVALUATION OF THE CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVES OF SME EXECUTIVES TOWARDS THE INDUSTRY 4.0 PROCESS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH THE SWARA METHOD
Authors: Çevik Aka Damla
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to determine the perspectives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Turkey towards the digital transformation that comes with Industry 4.0 and to determine the potential development and orientation of the information they had. In this study, the questions asked to thirty-two SME executives five years ago with a semi-structured interview were again directed to the same individuals. According to the results, it’s been seen that the executives have more knowledge of the Industry 4.0 process and have more information about the relevant technologies compared to the answers in 2017. In addition, executives have started to take more part in activities in this field. During the five-year period, the most concerned issue of executives was identified as cyber security and budget planning. In the second application of the study, it’s also aimed to determine the importance levels of some opportunities that are predicted to be caused by the Industry 4.0 transformation process on SMEs. In order to realize this aim, Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) application was made with five experts, and the first three opportunities with the highest level of importance were determined as low-cost production, competitiveness and improvement in production defects.
BIREYSEL EMEKLILIK SISTEMI’NIN FINANSAL PIYASALARA ETKILERI: 2006-2023 TÜRKIYE ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Tanyıldızı Halil , Yiğiter Şule Yüksel
Published: April 2024

Son yirmi otuz yıl içerisinde artan yaşlı nüfus ve yükselen refah beklentileri ülkelerin sosyal güvenlik sistemlerinin finansal sürdürülebilirliğini risk altına sokmuştur. Bu riskten korunmak için bireysel emeklilik sitemleri genel kabul gören bir çözüm yolu olarak ortaya çıkmış ve birçok ülke tarafından benimsenmiştir. Günümüze kadar geçen süre içerisinde bireysel emeklilik sistemleri, devasa fonların birikmesi sonucunda alternatif bir emeklilik imkânı sunmanın ötesine geçerek kurumsal yatırımcı kimliği kazanmıştır. Bu açıdan ekonomik bir unsur olarak değerlendirilen özel emeklilik fonları sermaye piyasalarının derinleşmesine çok önemli katkılarda bulunmaktadır. Türkiye’de, idari yapılanma tarafından çeşitli yöntemlerle teşvik edilen Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi ile toplanan katkı payları, emeklilik fonları aracılığı ile yatırıma yönlendirilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, söz konusu katkı paylarının finansal piyasalara olan etkisi kurulan regresyon modelleri ile test edilmiştir. Ulaşılan bulgulara göre, pay piyasalarında anlamlı bir nedensellik ilişkisi tespit edilememiştir. Borç piyasalarında ise toplanan katkı payları ile gösterge faiz arasında negatif katsayılı(ters yönlü) anlamlı bir nedensellik ilişkisi tespit edilmiştir. Bu duruma, fonların varlık dağılımlarında borçlanma araçlarına ayrılan payın diğer yatırım araçlarına nazaran yüksek olmasının neden olduğu düşünülmektedir.
BÜYÜKŞEHİR BELEDİYELERİNİN STRATEJİK PLANLARINDA ŞEFFAFLIK ARAYIŞI
Authors: Taş İbrahim Ethem , Durgun Sadegül , Avşar Yeter
Published: April 2024

Bu çalışmada otuz büyükşehir belediyesinin stratejik planları bağlamında şeffaflık düzeyleri, 2019 yılında Cumhurbaşkanlığı Strateji ve Bütçe Başkanlığı bünyesinde “Belediyeler İçin Stratejik Planlama Rehberi” nde bulunan alanlar çerçevesinde ele alınmıştır. Çalışmanın amacı, büyükşehir belediyelerinde değişen yönetim anlayışı ve çağın gereği ile toplumun talebi olan şeffaflığın düzeyini stratejik planlar doğrultusunda ortaya koymaya çalışmaktır. Bu doğrultuda büyükşehir belediyelerinin stratejik planları rehberde yer alan ve şeffaflık düzeylerini ortaya koyan 26 alan kapsamında içerik analizi yöntemi ile tek tek incelenmiştir. İncelenen alanlarda “0”, “0.5” ve “1” şeklinde puanlamaya gidilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda iki önemli bulguya ulaşılmıştır. Bunlardan ilki incelenen stratejik planların şeffaflık düzeylerinin maksimum puana yakın olduğudur. Diğer bulgu ise, stratejik planların önemli bir alanı olan ve şeffaflık açısından ciddi önem arz eden izleme ve değerlendirme kısmının hemen hemen tüm belediyelerde eksik olduğudur.
A Protocol for Patients' Education Based on Andragogy: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Ghaffari Mohtasham , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , Negarandeh Reza , Niksadat Negin , Ramzankhani Ali , Vasheghani Farahani Ali
Published: April 2024

Background: Patients' education is a key factor in patients' care. The purpose of this study is to design a protocol for a convergent parallel mixed methods study to explore the experiences of patients about their received educations based on andragogy model.
Methods: This convergent parallel mixed method study includes two parallel quantitative and qualitative phases. During the quantitative phase, a cross-sectional survey will be conducted on 350 adult patients who had the history of hospitalization and received patient education from selected hospitals of Tehran, Iran. Sampling method will be random, and data collection tool will be a researcher-made questionnaire based on the principles of andragogy. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability are also measured, and data will be analyzed using SPSS 16. The qualitative phase will be conducted on adult patients who will be recruited purposively with maximum variation from the selected hospitals. Data will be gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by directed content analysis. With regard to mixed method and using aligning convergence method, the results of the two sets of data will be compared or merged to see if the findings confirm or disconfirm each other. In this parallel section, the similarities between quantitative and qualitative results for assessing patient education are discussed and adapted to suit each other based on andragogy.
Conclusions: The findings of this study will provide information regarding defects in patient education, suggesting that the principles of andragogy will develop patient education programs.
Da origem ao desfecho da solicitação: análise de sobrevivência aplicada ao contexto de acesso à informação pública
Authors: Nasu Vitor Hideo , Silva Breno Gabriel da , Borges Yana Miranda , Melo Brian Alvarez Ribeiro de
Published: April 2024

Este estudo objetivou analisar o tempo de resposta dos órgãos e entidades públicas aos pedidos de acesso à informação considerando os canais pelos quais são realizados. Os dados foram coletados da plataforma Fala.BR, reunindo, ao todo, 147.201 observações referentes ao período de um ano (segundo semestre de 2020 ao primeiro semestre de 2021). Além das estatísticas descritivas, foi empregada a análise de sobrevivência (AS) em decorrência do seu alinhamento ao objetivo e às características dos dados. Especificamente, foram utilizados o Estimador de Kaplan-Meier e um modelo de regressão log-normal. Como principais resultados, constatou-se que a probabilidade de sobrevivência (probabilidade de um pedido receber resposta) é maior nos primeiros dias, decaindo ao longo do tempo até atingir zero. Foi observado que o tempo mediano de resposta de um pedido feito pela Internet é 45% maior do que quando feito presencialmente. Por outro lado, um pedido feito via WhatsApp tem um tempo de resposta 11% mais rápido do que um feito presencialmente. Isto é, há maior agilidade. Espera-se que o avanço tecnológico dos meios de comunicação colabore com o provimento de respostas mais ágeis com o propósito de atender a lei e as necessidades informacionais dos cidadãos.
Soya, from research to viable action plan - a commentary
Authors: Kiambi John
Published: April 2024

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of USA has already confirmed soya's beneficial effects on blood cholesterol levels. Thus, processors can legally (FDA approved) claim that “daily inclusion of at least 25g. of soya protein in a diet low in saturated fat will significantly lower blood cholesterol levels in patients with moderate to moderately high blood cholesterol levels”. And that soya protein specifically lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) while not affecting beneficial levels of HDL (good cholesterol).
The dilemma of iron supplements/fortification: link to degenerative diseases
Authors:   Egerton University, Kenya, Lokuruka Michael
Published: April 2024

The most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in the world is lack of iron [1]. Iron is an essential mineral and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport and metabolism, and is also an essential cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Meats, cereals, legumes and vegetables are major dietary sources of iron [2]. Their relative contribution depends on the amounts consumed and other variables discussed herein. When cereals flours are consumed in large quantities as for Ugali in agrarian communities in Kenya, because they are cheaper staples than meats, they are likely to make a greater contribution than the better iron sources, meats and liver. In Sub-Saharan Africa, pastoralist nomads are more efficient in the use of a slaughtered animal than the agrarian communities. The livestock-keeping Turkana of Kenya use animal blood to raise the iron in “eengol,” the pulp of the fruit of the Turkana doum palm, Hyphaene coriacea. In doing so, protein, the essential amino acids and other minerals are increased in the composite meal unintentionally; similar to the Maasai of Kenya and the Karimojong of Uganda, they also drink fresh animal blood sometimes alone, or mixed with milk, ghee or sugar, with good nutritional results. Despite the body utilizing absorbed iron efficiently, only a small portion of the iron present in the diet is absorbed. Adults absorb only about 15% of dietary iron, although individuals who have a special need for iron, such as growing children or pregnant and lactating women, are able to absorb more [3].
Metody badania komunikacji i mediów. Perspektywa teoretyczna i analityczna
Authors: Worsowicz Monika , Fiołek-Lubczyńska Bogumiła , Grzegorzewski Krzysztof , Siekiera Rafał , Kowalska-Elkader Natalia , Bachura-Wojtasik Joanna , Sygizman Kinga , Filipczak-Białkowska Anita , Filanowski Błażej
Published: April 2024

Metody badania komunikacji i mediów to pierwsza w Polsce publikacja naukowa, w której nie tylko wyczerpująco scharakteryzowano wybrane metody nauk o komunikacji i mediach, lecz także precyzyjnie i przystępnie pokazano ich zastosowanie w praktyce badawczej. W opisie każdej metody w rozdziale teoretycznym przedstawiono założenia i postulaty metodologiczne, a w rozdziale praktycznym zilustrowano je poprzez analizy materiałów z prasy, radia, telewizji, Internetu lub szeroko rozumianego dyskursu publicznego.
Na polskim rynku wydawniczym brakuje monografii metodologicznych, poświęconych analizie mediów i zapośredniczonej technologicznie komunikacji, które miałyby charakter praktyczny oraz ukazywałyby sposoby badania na materiale empirycznym. Prezentowana książka tę lukę satysfakcjonująco wypełnia. Istotne i wartościowe jest również podjęcie przez Autorki i Autorów próby używania metod wypracowanych w innych naukach społecznych i humanistyce oraz dopasowania ich do celów poznawczych nauk o komunikowaniu, czym z sukcesem wpisują się w tendencje metodologicznego rozwoju tych nauk.
Publikacja może zainteresować medioznawców i komunikologów, a także badaczy analizujących media z wnętrza innych paradygmatów badawczych (takich jak językoznawstwo, kognitywistyka, antropologia, socjologia). Atrakcyjna będzie również dla studentów i doktorantów kierunków medioznawczych i okołomedialnych, stanowi bowiem przewodnik użyteczny, napisany zrozumiale i przystępnie.
Z recenzji prof. dr hab. Małgorzaty Lisowskiej-Magdziarz
Effectiveness Counseling Technique Applied Thinking, Feeling, and Acting on Anxiety in Appendicitis Pre-Operating Patients
Authors: Wahyu Purwanza Sena , Priantoro Cesario Tesa , Putra Fetreo Negeo , Rofi'i Muhammad , Erman Wicaksono Kurniawan
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Anxiety has been studied as the common finding in preoperative patients.  For the most recent, nursing interventions aim to reduce anxiety were rely on counseling method. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of counseling applied thinking, feeling dan acting (TFA) on the level of anxiety in appendicitis pre-operative patients.
Method: This study was a Pre experimental one Group Pre-Test and Post Test Design. An Accidental Sampling, was applied to recruit 34 respondents. Data collection using the Anxiety Questionnaire The-Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) for pretest before treatment with TFA and Post Test after the TFA approach counseling treatment. Data analysis using Statistical Test Paired Sample T-Test to determine the effectiveness of counseling with the TFA approach on reducing anxiety in appendicitis pre-operative patients.
 
Results: Counseling by approach TFA on the level of anxiety in patients with pre-operation appendicitis with value p=0.000 or p < 0.05 which means it effectively reduces anxiety levels. Counseling applied thinking, feeling, and acting (TFA) effectively reduced the anxiety level of appendicitis pre-operative patients.
Conclusions: Counseling with approach TFA on the level of anxiety in preoperative patients with appendicitis. Patients were able to express their feelings properly, have more rational thinking and prioritize useful actions so that anxiety can be reduced or even eliminated. Further studies should provide a comprehensive assessment of mechanisms anxiety realising in appendicitis pre-operative patients.
An Overview of Quality of Nursing Work-Life In The Inpatient Ward
Authors: Fioren Gabriela , Mustamu Nathania Aurelya , Sahertian Viona Fransin , Patrisia Ineke , Pramusita Santa Maya
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Quality of nursing work life (QNWL) is the satisfaction of nurses with personal and organizational life, which is gained through working experience to achieve organizational goals. Low QNWL might result in a high willingness to move to another ward or other departments. This study aimed to identify the dimension and quality of nursing work life in the inpatient ward.
Methods: This study was quantitative descriptive, and the population in this study were nurses who worked in the inpatient ward, as much 146 respondents. Total sampling technique used in this study. The data were self-reported and analyzed using univariate tests.
Results: The results also showed that most respondents (96.6%) had a good quality of nursing work life. The dimensions of work life/ home life have a good category (97.9% of respondents). Most of the work design dimension respondents are in a good category (79.7% of respondents). In the work context dimension, almost all respondents were in a good category as much as 97.9%. Meanwhile, in the work world dimension, 85.6% of respondents were in the good category.
Conclusions: The results of the study obtained an overview of the QNWL in a private hospital in western Indonesia.  Almost all respondents reported the QNWL was in a good category. This study underlines the highest dimension of QNWL, the strongest impact on job satisfaction. Future researchers can identify the quality of work life of nurses in a wider scope in other clinical settings.
Remote Learning in Clinical Nursing Education: A Lesson Learned from The Pandemic Covid-19
Authors: Khasanah Uswatun , Karyadi Karyadi , Senjaningrum Ayu Putri , Sari Dianis Wulan
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The clinical education program offers students a chance to gain practical experience, enabling them to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to provide safe and effective nursing care. However, During COVID-19, modifying clinical education programs is essential to ensure continuity of nursing training while adapting to safety protocols and limitations on in-person interactions.  This study aims to investigate how educational institutions modify and innovate nursing clinical education during pandemic situation.
Method: The study employed a descriptive exploratory design. The informants included ten mentors from various nursing education institutions in Indonesia who guide professional nursing students. The data were collected through in-depth, unstructured video call interviews. The data were collected through in-depth, unstructured video call interviews.  Data analysis was conducted using content analysis.
Results: The research found themes with 15 subthemes. These themes are: 1) learning constrain, 2) student challenges, 3) clinical educator challenges, 4) teaching and learning opportunities.
Conclusions: Professional education processes during a pandemic require better preparation in developing educational content, mastering various information technologies to support enhanced learning and the periodic evaluation of student competencies. This evaluation is necessary to ensure that students achieve the minimum competencies set by professional organizations.
The addition of duck egg yolk in skim milk – fructose extender maintains sperm motility and viability of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) at 5°C storage
Authors: Isti Annisa Ramahtia  , Tatik Hernawati  , Tri Wahyu Suprayogi  , Tjuk Imam Restiadi  , Djoko Legowo  , Samuel Inioluwa Akeju
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to determine the addition of duck egg yolk in skim milk – fructose extender on sperm motility and viability of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) at 5°C storage. Ejaculates of Muscovy duck were divided into four portions equally. The first portion was for the control group (diluted in skim milk – fructose extender), and the second, third, and fourth portions were for the treatment groups of T1, T2, and T3 (diluted in skim milk – fructose extender added with 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% v/v duck egg yolk). Sperm motility and viability were evaluated two hourly until the motility percentage reached 40%. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan test. The result showed that the highest percentage of spermatozoa motility and viability (p<0.05) was in the T2 group compared to the other groups. It could be concluded that the Muscovy duck semen extended in skim milk - fructose with 2.5 to 7.5% egg yolk of duck qualified for artificial insemination at storage up to 10 hours in 5°C storage.
Prostat kanserinin tanısında beyaz küre, nötrofil, lenfosit ve trombosit sayılarının birbirine oranlarının prediktif rolü
Authors: Yıldız Ali Kaan , Kaçan Turgay , Koç Aykut , Özgür Berat Cem
Published: April 2024

Amaç: Çalışma prostat spesifik antijeni (PSA) değerleri 4,0–20,0 ng/mL olan ve transrektal prostat biyopsisi yapılan hastalarda, prostat kanseri saptanmasında prediktif olabilecek hematolojik kriterleri araştırmayı hedeflemektedir.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Ocak 2022 ile Aralık 2022 tarihleri arasında PSA değerleri 4,0–20,0 ng/mL olan, transrektal prostat biyopsisi yapılan hastaların biyopsi sonuçlarına göre retrospektif analiz yapıldı. Çalışmaya biyopsi sonucu prostat kanseri (26) ve benign prostat dokusu (41) tanısı alan, iki grupta toplam 67 hasta dahil edildi. Prostat kanserini predikte edebilecek toplam beyaz küre (WBC), nötrofil, lenfosit, trombosit sayısı ve birbirine oranları tek ve çok değişkenli analizler ile incelendi. Ayrıca eğri altında kalan alanı hesaplamak ve parametrelerin tanısal performansını değerlendirmek için ROC eğrileri üretildi ve en iyi limit değeri belirlendi.
Bulgular: WBC/nötrofil ve trombosit/nötrofil oranı prostat kanseri grubunda anlamlı yüksek (sırasıyla p=0.004 ve p=0.001), nötrofil/lenfosit oranı prostat kanseri grubunda anlamlı düşük olarak saptandı (p=0.048). Anlamlı fark bulunan bu faktörler ile yapılan çok değişkenli lojistik regresyon analizinde, WBC/nötrofil (odds ratio [OR] 0.00, %95 GA: 0.00–0.29; p = 0.001), nötrofil/lenfosit (OR 0.12, %95 GA: 0.03-0.48; p = 0.003) ve trombosit/nötrofil (OR 0.94, %95 GA: 0.89-0.98; p = 0.013) prostat kanseri ile ilişkiliydi. ROC analizinde WBC/nötrofil için AUC 0.712 (%95 CI 0.582-0.843) bulundu. En iyi limit değeri 1.69 olarak belirlendi ve ≥ 1.69 olan değerler için sensivite 0.69, spesifite 0.68 ve tanısal verimlilik 0.68 saptandı. ROC analizinde trombosit/nötrofil için AUC 0.705 (%95 CI 0.573-0.838) bulundu. En iyi limit değeri 58.4 olarak belirlendi ve ≥ 58.4 olan değerler için sensivite 0.69, spesifite 0.73 ve tanısal verimlilik 0.71 saptandı.
Sonuç: PSA’sı 4,0–20,0 ng/mL olan hastalarda WBC/nötrofil ve trombosit/nötrofil oranlarının prostat biyopsisinde kanser saptanmasını öngörebilecek basit, klinikte rutin uygulanan ve başarılı parametreler olabileceği gösterilmiştir.
FİZYOTERAPİSTLERDE BEL AĞRISI PREVALANSI VE BEL AĞRISINI ETKİLEYEN FAKTÖRLERİN BELİRLENMESİ
Authors: Aslan Mehmet , Arca Muhammed , Aksoy Bülent
Published: April 2024

Amaç: Fizyoterapistlerin bel ağrısı sıklığını saptamak ve bel ağrısını etkileyen faktörlerle ilişkisinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Kesitsel tipteki araştırma, Diyarbakır’da çalışan 156 fizyoterapistle yürütülmüştür. Araştırma anket çalışması şeklinde olup, çalışmada sosyodemografik bilgiler, bel ağrısı ve mesleki ilişkiyle alakalı sorulardan oluşan bir form ve Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) kullanılmıştır.
Bulgular: Çalışmadaki fizyoterapistlerin yaş ortalaması 29,71±4,85, %64,7’si erkek, %51,3’ü evli, %84,6’sı lisans eğitimi almış ve %57,7’si devlet kurumlarında çalışmaktaydı. Fizyoterapistlerin bel ağrısı sıklığı %69,8 olarak belirlenmiştir. Sigara içenlerde, gece vardiyasında çalışanlarda, işe isteksiz gidenlerde, çalışma ortamında strese maruz kalanlarda, çalışırken fazla yorulanlarda, hastaları yürütmeye yardımcı olanlarda, hastalara yatak içi egzersiz yaptıranlarda, hastaları tekerlekli sandalyeye transfer edenlerde ve sürekli eğilerek çalışmak zorunda kalanlarda bel ağrısı sıklığı anlamlı olarak daha yüksek bulunmuştur (p