bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axon guidance gene-targeted siRNA delivery system improves neural stem cell transplantation therapy after spinal cord injury
Authors: Kim Seong Jun , Ko Wan-Kyu , Han Gong Ho , Lee Daye , Cho Min Jai , Sheen Seung Hun , Sohn Seil
Published: October 2023

Background

Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from the embryonic spinal cord are excellent candidates for the cellular regeneration of lost neural cells after spinal cord injury (SCI). Semaphorin 3 A (Sema3A) is well known as being implicated in the major axon guidance of the growth cone as a repulsive function during the development of the central nervous system, yet its function in NSC transplantation therapy for SCI has not been investigated. Here, we report for the first time that embryonic spinal cord-derived NSCs significantly express Sema3A in the SCI environment, potentially facilitating inhibition of cell proliferation after transplantation.

Methods

siRNA-Sema3A was conjugated with poly-l-lysin-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through a charge interaction process. NSCs were isolated from embryonic spinal cords of rats. Then, the cells were embedded into a dual-degradable hydrogel with the siRNA- Sema3A loaded-AuNPs and transplanted after complete SCI in rats.

Results

The knockdown of Sema3A by delivering siRNA nanoparticles via dual-degradable hydrogels led to a significant increase in cell survival and neuronal differentiation of the transplanted NSCs after SCI. Of note, the knockdown of Sema3A increased the synaptic connectivity of transplanted NSC in the injured spinal cord. Moreover, extracellular matrix molecule and functional recovery were significantly improved in Sema3A-inhibited rats compared to those in rats with only NSCs transplanted.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the important role of Sema3A in NSC transplantation therapy, which may be considered as a future cell transplantation therapy for SCI cases.

Graphical Abstract
The effect of hepatic steatosis on 18F-FDG uptake in PET-CT examinations of cancer Egyptian patients
Authors: Ali Magdi A. , El-Abd Eman , Morsi Mohamed , El Safwany Mohamed M. , El-Sayed Mohamed Z.
Published: October 2023

Background

Hepatic steatosis is the most common chronic hepatic disease. Imaging diagnosis of hepatic steatosis has been evaluated as an alternative to invasive histological diagnosis.

Study aims

The study aimed to assess the effect of hepatic steatosis on Flourine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptakes in cancer patients.

Patients and Methods

Blood samples were collected from 50 cancer patients and analyzed to calculate fatty liver index and Hepatic steatosis index (HIS). Hepatic steatosis examined using high-resolution ultrasound and positron emission tomography—computed tomography (PET-CT). Linear attenuation coefficient, standardized-uptake value (SUV) mean (SUV mean), and SUV maximum (SUVmax) were measured. Accordingly, patients were divided equally into non-fatty liver, and fatty liver groups.

Results

A significant increase in SUVmax and SUV mean was observed in the fatty liver group more than in the non-fatty liver group. HSI significantly increased in the fatty liver group compared to the non-fatty liver group. Liver tissue uptake FDG was significantly correlated with HSI values. SUV max significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) in the non-fatty group only.

Conclusion

Hepatic changes in cancer patients affect the liver metabolic activity and thus the 18 F-FDG uptake. Therefore, further corrections should be considered when the liver is used as a comparator for PET-CT scans of cancer patients.
Obsessions and suicidality in youth suffering from bipolar I disorder
Authors: Ezzat Mohammed , Younis Mohammed Atef , Khalil Mohammed A. , Gomaa Maged E. , Afifi Dina Yosri , Ayoub Doaa R.
Published: October 2023

Background

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common comorbidity with bipolar disorder, a comorbidity that is known to increase suicide risk. This study aimed to assess the presence of OCD in youth diagnosed with bipolar I disorder and to evaluate the association between OCD and suicide in the same cohort.

Eighty subjects diagnosed with bipolar I disorder were enrolled in this study; subjects were divided according to the presence or absence of OCD to group A: bipolar disorder patients with OCD (n = 26) and group B: bipolar disorder patients without OCD (n = 54).

The following scales were applied: Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DYBOCS)–Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideations (BSSI)–Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS).

Results

DYBOCS score of group A was 30.23 ± 0.43, and that of group, B was 18.50 ± 1.88 with a significant difference (p < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between BSSI and age, age of onset and YMRS in group A (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that OCD is a common comorbidity in youth with bipolar I disorder and may be associated with a greater risk of suicide than in youth with bipolar I disorder without comorbid OCD. Furthermore, comorbidity of OCD with bipolar I disorder in youth may be associated with younger age of onset and more severe symptoms profile.
Hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma masquerading as neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia: a case report
Authors: Mathews Shirbin Joe , Perveen K Athiya , Chandy Bini Mariam , Mathew Ria K.
Published: October 2023

Background

Hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma (HMH) is the second most common benign hepatic tumor in the pediatric age group. The etiology of HMH is unclear. Theories include abnormal hepatic mesenchyme, a reactive change or a proliferative lesion. The condition can present prenatally in USG as a mass, high output cardiac failure, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory distress, and abdominal distension or mass in older children. We present this case to discuss an extremely rare presentation of a comparatively rare disease and to emphasise the need for a high index of suspicion even if the patient presents with symptoms common for that age.

Case presentation

A 7-day-old male baby with an uneventful antenatal period, born by vaginal delivery, with a birth weight of 3.1 kg and normal APGAR scores, presented with jaundice, poor feeding, and labored breathing noticed on the same day itself. Examination revealed a grossly distended abdomen with a mass of size 8 × 7 cm occupying the right side down to the right iliac fossa, crossing midline and dullness continuous with liver dullness. On investigation an abnormal liver function test with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia was seen. USG and CECT abdomen were suggestive of HMH with close proximity to hepatic vessels. Exploratory laparotomy and near total excision with marsupialisation was done. Histopathology report was suggestive of HMH. A 2-year follow-up was normal.

Conclusion

This case of HMH presented as neonatal jaundice with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia which is a rarity. We had to limit our surgery to near total excision and marsupialisation due to its proximity to vascular structures.
Chylolymphatic cyst as a rare cause of acute intestinal obstruction in infants
Authors: Ali Ahmed K. , Abdelhamid Islam M. , Mohamed Abdelrahman Hamdy , Sabra Tarek Abdelazeem
Published: October 2023

Background

Chylolymphatic cysts are benign pathology in lymphatic vessels due to obstruction in the lymphatic system. Their incidence is still unknown. However, they account for approximately 3 to 9% of all pediatric lymphangiomas. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic and are discovered accidentally. They can be presented with nonspecific abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. Rarely, chylolymphatic cysts can as intestinal obstruction, volvulus or even torsion.

Case presentation

A 3-month-old male presented to our unit with manifestations of acute intestinal obstruction. Abdominal examination revealed signs of generalized peritonitis and intestinal obstruction. Abdominal ultrasound revealed minimal turbid intraperitoneal collections and no motility of bowel loops. Plain erect abdominal radiograph revealed multiple small bowel air fluid levels. Abdominal exploration revealed a large chylolymphatic cyst causing acute intestinal obstruction. Excision of the cysts was done with preservation of adjacent bowel loop. The patient was discharged in good health on the 6th day postoperative. A chylolymphatic cyst with a diameter of 5 cm was identified by histological investigation.

Conclusions

Most chylolymphatic cysts in infants are asymptomatic, but they can cause fatal complications such as intestinal obstruction, volvulus, or even torsion.
Detection and molecular characterization of virulent Newcastle disease virus (subgenotype VII.2) in broiler chickens in Northern Vietnam
Authors: Tran Thi Huong Giang , Dong Van Hieu , Le Van Truong , Vu Thi Ngoc , Dang Huu Anh , Huynh Thi My Le
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND) is a major viral disease of poultry worldwide. However, data on the molecular characterization of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in Vietnam are limited. This study aimed to identify the molecular characteristics of NDV strains from the vaccinated chickens farmed in Northern Vietnam.

Materials and Methods: We used reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to characterize NDV strains from vaccinated chicken farms in Northern Vietnam.

Results: Seven out of 72 (9.7%) chicken tissue samples collected from seven chicken farms in the four cities/provinces in northern Vietnam were positive for the NDV genome by PCR method. The complete sequences of the fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) genes of NDVs isolated in the North of Vietnam from 2021 to 2022 were further evaluated. The results indicated that all seven Vietnamese isolates obtained were reported as virulent NDV strains with the amino acid (AA) sequence of the F0 protein proteolytic cleavage site motif (112RRRKRF117). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that they were grouped with other NDV class II from subgenotype VII.2, including the two previous Vietnamese NDV (2015), the Chinese (2017), and Southern African (2013) NDV strains. In addition, some AA substitutions were observed in the neutralizing epitopes of the F and HN proteins of the current Vietnamese NDV strains.

Conclusion: The present findings provide useful information for future studies of the evolution of NDVs and improve strategies for ND-controlling programs in Vietnam.

Keywords: genetic characterization, Newcastle disease virus, Vietnam, genotype VII.2, virulent strain.
Virulence genes identification in Salmonella enterica isolates from humans, crocodiles, and poultry farms from two regions in Colombia
Authors: Petano-Duque Julieth Michel , Rueda-García Valentina , Rondón-Barragán Iang Schroniltgen
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim: Salmonella spp. is frequently found in the digestive tract of birds and reptiles and transmitted to humans through food. Salmonellosis is a public health problem because of pathogenicity variability in strains for virulence factors. This study aimed to identify the virulence genes in Salmonella isolates from humans, crocodiles, broiler cloacas, and broiler carcasses from two departments of Colombia.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 31 Salmonella enterica strains from humans with gastroenteritis (seven), crocodiles (seven), broiler cloacas (six), and broiler carcasses (12) from Tolima and Santander departments of Colombia, belonging to 21 serotypes. All samples were tested for Salmonella spp. using culture method on selective and non-selective mediums. Extraction of genomic DNA was performed from fresh colonies, DNA quality was verified by spectrophotometry and confirmed by amplification of InvA gene using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). bapA, fimA, icmF, IroB, marT, mgtC, nlpI, oafA, pagN, siiD, spvC, spvR, spvB, Stn, and vexA genes were amplified by PCR.

Results: The most prevalent gene was bapA (100%), followed by marT (96.77%), mgtC (93.55%), and fimA (83.87%). Likewise, IroB (70.97%), Stn (67.74%), spvR (61.29%), pagN (54.84%), icmF (54.8%), and SiiD (45.16%) were positive for more than 50% of the strains. Furthermore, none of the isolates tested positive for the vexA gene. Salmonella isolates presented 26 virulence profiles.

Conclusion: This study reported 14 virulence genes in Salmonella spp. isolates from humans with gastroenteritis, crocodiles, and broiler cloacas and carcasses. The distribution of virulence genes differed among sources. This study could help in decision-making by health and sanitary authorities.

Keywords: broilers cloaca, carcasses, crocodiles, gastroenteritis human, polymerase chain reaction, virulence genes.
Leptospirosis in horses: Sentinels for a neglected zoonosis? A systematic review
Authors: Díaz Eduardo A. , Arroyo Gabriela , Sáenz Carolina , Mena Luis , Barragán Verónica
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is considered a neglected tropical zoonosis in low-income countries due to surveillance system limitations and non-specificity of symptoms. Humans become infected through direct contact with carrier animals or indirectly through Leptospira-contaminated environments. Conventionally, equines have been considered an uncommon source of leptospirosis, but recent publications in Latin America suggest that their role in the maintenance and dispersion of the bacteria could be more relevant than expected, as horses are susceptible to a wide variety of zoonotic Leptospira spp. from domestic and wild animals with which they share the environment. A systematic review of the published literature was conducted to compile the available information on Leptospira spp. in Ecuador, with a special focus on equine leptospirosis, to better understand the epidemiology of the bacterium and identify possible knowledge gaps.

Materials and Methods: : A systematic review of the published literature was conducted in PubMed, SciELO and Web of Science databases to compile the available information on Leptospira spp. in Ecuador, with a special focus on equine leptospirosis, to better understand the epidemiology of the bacterium. We used a combination of the terms (Leptospira OR Leptospirosis) AND Ecuador, without restrictions on language or publication date.

Results: Our literature review reveals that published scientific information is very scarce. Eighteen full-text original scientific articles related to Leptospira or leptospirosis cases in Ecuador were included in the systematic review. Most of the studies reported data obtained from one of the four regions (Coast), and specifically from only one of the 24 Provinces of Ecuador (Manabí), which evidence a large information bias at the geographical level. Furthermore, only the studies focused on humans included clinical signs of leptospirosis and there is only one study that analyzes the presence of Leptospira spp. in water or soil as a risk factor for pathogen transmission. Finally, only one study investigated Leptospira in horses.

Conclusion: Since sentinel species can provide useful data on infectious diseases when epidemiologic al information is lacking, and horses could be considered excellent sentinel species to reveal circulating serovars, we propose developing a nationwide surveillance system using horses. This cost-effective epidemiological survey method provides a baseline for implementing specific prevention and control programs in Ecuador and neighboring developing countries.

Keywords: Ecuador, equine leptospirosis, neglected tropical zoonosis, one-health, sentinel species, systematic review.
Metaphorıc perceptıons of pre-school students on the concept of music
Authors: Pektaş Songül , Göktaş Gülsüm , İlhan Serap Yağmur
Published: October 2023

Music is an important interest and need for every age group. What music, which is a remarkable learning tool especially for preschool children who are in their most inquisitive and questioning period, means for this age group also arouses curiosity. The aim of the research is to determine the perceptions of pre-school students towards the concept of "music" by using the metaphor/metaphoric perception technique, which is defined as explaining the abstract by giving concrete examples. The study group of the research consists of 159 pre-school students studying in the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. In the research, the phenomenology model, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The data of the research were asked by the students, “What is music like/similar to? So, why is Music…like/similar?” collected by answering the question. In the analysis of the data, the data obtained by using content analysis, one of the qualitative data analysis approaches, were collected and presented under categories and themes. As a result of the research, preschool students produced 21 (count again) metaphors. These produced metaphors were handled with their common features and similar aspects and gathered under a theme and four categories were obtained. When the metaphors obtained were examined, it was noted that the students mainly gathered in the categories of song, dance and game.
(Extended English summary is at the end of this document)
Özet
Müzik, her yaş grubu için önemli bir ilgi ve ihtiyaçtır. Özellikle en meraklı ve sorgulayıcı dönemlerinde olan okul öncesi çocukları için dikkat çekici bir öğrenme aracı olan müziğin yine bu yaş grubu için ne ifade ettiği de oldukça merak uyandırmaktadır. Araştırmanın amacı, en basit şekliyle, somut örnekler verilerek soyutun anlatılması olarak tanımlanan metafor/metaforik algı tekniğini kullanarak, okul öncesi öğrencilerinin “müzik” kavramına yönelik sahip oldukları algıları tespit etmektir.
Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, 2022-2023 eğitim öğretim yılı, güz döneminde öğrenim gören 159 okul öncesi öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada, nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olgubilim deseni kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri öğrencilerin, “Müzik ne gibidir/neye benzer. Peki, Müzik, niçin……gibidir/benzer?” sorusunu cevaplamaları ile toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde, nitel veri analizi yaklaşımlarından, içerik analizi kullanılarak elde edilen veriler, kategoriler ve temalar altında toplanmış ve sunulmuştur. Araştırmanın sonucunda, okul öncesi öğrencileri 21 metafor üretmişlerdir. Üretilen bu metaforlar ortak özellikleri ve benzer yönleri ile ele alınarak bir tema altında toplanmış ve dört kategori elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen metaforlar incelendiğinde, öğrencilerin ağırlıklı olarak şarkı, dans ve oyun kategorilerinde toplandığı dikkat çekmiştir.
Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Cultivated Valeriana officinalis
Authors: Mohammadi Zinat , Pishkar Leila , Eftekhari Zohre , Barzin Giti , Babaeekhou Laleh
Published: October 2023

Drug resistance refers to the reduction in the effectiveness of a drug in treating a disease or improving the stability of symptoms. It can occur in various types of pathogens, including bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells. This experimental study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 in an area with an annual mean rainfall of 130mm. The sowing date was September 10th, and 2-3 seeds were planted per cell. MTT assays (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) were used to determine the percentage of viability in adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) and Medical Research Council cell strain 5 (MRC5) cell lines incubated with methanolic extract and valerenic acid for 48 hr. The methanol extract was prepared by adding 1000 mg of rhizomes to 100 mL of methanol, followed by sonication for 30 minutes, stirring, and centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and agar gel diffusion were used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the methanol extract of valerian against two important pathogenic microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. However, valerenic acid did not reveal antimicrobial activity at doses of 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 µg/mL. The methanolic extract of V. officinalis contains high quantities of sesquiterpenes, specifically valerenic acid, which did not show cytotoxic effects on A549 and MRC5 cell lines as assessed by the MTT assay. In vivo evaluation of the extract in mice and guinea pigs did not reveal any toxic effects based on histopathological and clinical symptom assessments. Our study confirms that Valeriana officinalis has dose-dependent potential to improve existing treatment approaches for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans infections.
Lemon basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.) a new distribution record from North East India with notes on its identity
Authors: Kalita Mamita , Devi Nilakshee
Published: October 2023

The odoriferous Citronbasilika, also known as lemon basil, possesses a distinctive lemony sweetness amidst all the Ocimum L. members. While native to India, it has not been formally recognized in India's North Eastern (N.E) region until now. This investigation marks the first documented occurrence of lemon basil specifically O. africanum Lour., in N.E India. This new record has been established through meticulous investigation, comparison, diagnosis, verification using herbarium specimens, and a thorough review of existing literature. The report includes a morphological description, careful scrutiny, identification keys, taxonomic notes, and photographic images of the species. The previously existing confusion regarding its identification alongside O. americanum L. and O. basilicum L. has been clarified. This study aims to facilities the accurate identification of these three Ocimum L. species.
The LEAP checklist for laboratory evaluation and analytical performance characteristics reporting of clinical measurement procedures
Authors: Loh Tze Ping , Cooke Brian R. , Tran Thi Chi Mai , Markus Corey , Zakaria Rosita , Ho Chung Shun , Theodorsson Elvar , Greaves Ronda F.
Published: October 2023

Reporting a measurement procedure and its analytical performance following method evaluation in a peer-reviewed journal is an important means for clinical laboratory practitioners to share their findings. It also represents an important source of evidence base to help others make informed decisions about their practice. At present, there are significant variations in the information reported in laboratory medicine journal publications describing the analytical performance of measurement procedures. These variations also challenge authors, readers, reviewers, and editors in deciding the quality of a submitted manuscript. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Method Evaluation Protocols (IFCC WG-MEP) developed a checklist and recommends its adoption to enable a consistent approach to reporting method evaluation and analytical performance characteristics of measurement procedures in laboratory medicine journals. It is envisioned that the LEAP checklist will improve the standardisation of journal publications describing method evaluation and analytical performance characteristics, improving the quality of the evidence base that is relied upon by practitioners.
The European Union and Achieving Peace in Ukraine
Authors: Corneo Giacomo
Published: October 2023

The war between Ukraine and Russia does not only harm their respective populations: the rest of Europe is heavily affected. While some welfare losses for the EU are salient, the most significant one is not: it is the risk that the war escalates into a major nuclear conflict. A promising policy to minimize those losses exploits the desire of both Ukrainians and Russians to join the EU. I propose that they should if they immediately cease all fighting and subscribe to a distinctive, incentive-compatible, peace agreement brokered by the EU. Such an agreement would come at small costs to the EU, costs that would vanish in comparison to the risk of nuclear holocaust.
Creativity, Auto-Ethnography, and the Reinvention of Sacred Space in New Age Spirituality and Healing during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Roussou Eugenia
Published: October 2023

New Age practices and their ritualized actions have been primarily based on the creation of sacred spaces through immediate interaction, proximity, affect, healing, bodily engagement, and emotional exchange. In the COVID 19 pandemic context, however, such spiritual intimacy has been challenged if not compromised. New Age practitioners have faced the necessity to become ritually and spiritually innovative and establish new forms of sacred spaces to accommodate their performances. Drawing on long-term fieldwork on the theme of New Age spirituality and healing in Lisbon, Portugal, and Athens, Greece, this article offers an account of how New Age spiritual creativity was performed in the context of the pandemic, while exploring how different yet intertwined sacred spaces are created, and the role that (auto)ethnographic embodiment and research knowledge plays in this process.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of physical therapy with ischemic heart disease
Authors:   Kharkiv .State Academy of Physical Culture, Solovyov V.O. , Kalmykov S.A. ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Kalmykova Yu.S. ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture
Published: October 2023

Purpose: to consider the main existing methods of evaluating the effectiveness of physical therapy in coronary heart disease. Material and methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of the main modern methods of evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation means for ischemic heart disease. Results: the main modern methods of evaluating the effectiveness of physical therapy in coronary heart disease are considered. Conclusions: to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation means in physical therapy for coronary heart disease, the results of the assessment of the general condition, hemodynamic parameters, functional state of the respiratory system, functional tests and the reaction of the cardiovascular system to dosed physical load are used.
Distance education in physical education during the quarantine period
Authors:   Kharkiv National Pedagogical University named after H.S. Skovoroda, Kryventsova I.V. , Klymenchenko V.G. ,   Kharkiv National Pedagogical University named after H.S. Skovoroda, Ivanov O.V. ,   Kharkiv National Pedagogical University named after H.S. Skovoroda
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the work is to find adequate ways and methods of involving student youth in physical exercises in the conditions of distance learning. Material and methods: 55 students of the 1st-3rd year of the Faculty of Foreign Philology of the Pedagogical University, who were on distance learning, took part in the study. Results: the topics and forms of distance learning in physical education were outlined, the activity of students during face-to-face and distance learning was assessed. The role, place and possibilities of distance learning in physical education for students and teachers have been determined. Conclusions: remote classes in physical education help in the formation of a more voluminous theoretical baggage, contribute to the preservation of health, motivate to a healthy lifestyle, provided that the student is consciously self-organized.
INTERACTIVE EDUCATION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Ilieva – Sinigerova S.
Published: October 2023

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to improve the theoretical knowledge of Taekwon-Do athletes during the Covid-19 pandemic by applying interactive teaching methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the period 01.01.2021-28.02.2022 year. Nine videos have been prepared and published to present some of the obligatory theoretical knowledge in Taekwon-Do in an accessible and interesting way. Frequency and SWOT-analysis were applied. RESULTS: Graphic images and the presence of so. An avatar who comments was perceived positively and directs the athletes' attention to the key moments in the video. The questions asked help to establish a "virtual dialogue" and provoke athletes to think about the issues under consideration. CONCLUSION: The use of interactive methods for presenting the theoretical material helps for better absorption by athletes.
PROJECTIONS OF THE ACADEMIC PROFILE OF THE PEDAGOGUE AS A SPORTS ANIMATOR
Authors: Zheleva-Terzieva D.
Published: October 2023

One of the modern challenges facing society is finding ways to counteract hypodynamia. This article discusses the ability of educational institutions to enrich the forms and means of extracurricular physical activity through sports-animation practice, in order to stimulate the active participation of adolescents and increase the volume of their motor activity. Presented is the regulatory conditioning for the formation of professional-pedagogical competence for the realization of sports-animation activity. The authors justify the fact that maximising the engagement of the free time of the younger generation will regressively affect its activities with negative health dependencies.
Non-informative Bayesian estimation in dispersion models
Authors: SADOK Ibrahim , ZRİBİ Mourad , MASMOUDİ Afif
Published: October 2023

The estimation of parameters for a distribution function is a significant and prominent field within statistical inference. This particular problem holds great relevance in various domains, including industries, stock markets, image processing, and reliability studies. There are two recognized approaches to estimation: point estimation and interval estimation, also known as confidence intervals. In this study, our primary focus lies in the point estimation of parameters associated with an exponential dispersion distribution function. In this process, we consider one of the parameters as a random variable that requires estimation. To tackle this, we adopt a Bayesian inference approach utilizing a one-parameter dispersion distribution. We explore non-informative priors, such as uniform and Jeffrey's priors, and provide evidence of the effectiveness of our method through simulation studies.
OSU TriState SenNet H&E staining of Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue sections v1
Authors: Rosas Lorena , L Mora Ana , not provided mauricio.rojas
Published: October 2023

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains are essential for recognizing the different tissue types and morphologic changes that contribute to the diagnosis of many diseases. The presence of two-component dye gives the advantage of differentially stains tissue components. Hematoxylin stains nucleic acid and ribosomes in blue, while eosin is stains proteins, such ascollagen and elastin in pink. This protocol describes manual H&E staining of tissue sections from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) block.
ABP y Competencias Investigativas en un Entorno Virtual: Resultados y Percepción del Estudiante
Authors: Perdomo Bexi
Published: October 2023

Los objetivos del estudio fueron conocer los resultados de la aplicación del ABP y la percepción de los estudiantes en atención su implementación en un curso de metodología de la investigación con estudiantes de Marketing y Diseño Gráfico en el contexto de la Enseñanza Remota de Emergencia (ERE). Fue una investigación mixta de diseño explicativo secuencial (Cuanti-Cuali) con igual énfasis para ambos enfoques. En la primera fase se describieron los resultados de la aplicación del ABP y la percepción de los estudiantes sobre este. La segunda profundizó en la percepción y permitió explicar mejor los resultados cuantitativos obtenidos. Los resultados muestran que el ABP favorece el desarrollo de las competencias investigativas en la modalidad virtual; además, los estudiantes lo percibieron de forma positiva. Se concluye que es beneficioso usar el ABP en estas carreras creativas, incluso en entornos virtuales, para promover la autonomía y pensamiento crítico que permita resolver problemas asociados a la investigación científica.
Resources mobilisation challenges in rural schools of South Africa: What can we learn?
Authors: Mkhize Themba  Ralph , Davids Mogamat Noor
Published: October 2023

Government efforts to provide equal and quality education in rural schools has yielded minimal change in South Africa since the dawn of democracy in 1994.Growing inequalities and recent economic constraints exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic have further exposed and deepened resource scarcity among rural communities and schools. The South African Schools Act (1996) is clear that, through school stakeholders such as School Governing Bodies (SGB’s), schools are required to supplement resources provided by the State. However, there is a paucity of research that explores resource mobilisation challenges experienced by school stakeholders in rural schools of South Africa.  The article is based on a qualitative research study, supported by the Asset-based theory and Resource mobilisation theory. To collect data, we used participatory approaches such as the Free Attitude Interviews (FAI) and SWOT analysis. Four main findings emerged from the data, which were used to make recommendations to address and improve the quality of education in rural communities.
School Principal Leadership, Teachers’ Commitment and Morale in Remote Elementary Schools of Indonesia
Authors: Werang Basilius Redan
Published: October 2023

This study was intended to explain how principal’s leadership predicts organizational commitment and morale of teachers within the remote elementary schools of Southern Papua, Indonesia. This study was guided by two problem statements as the following: (a) does the principal’s leadership significantly positively predicts the organizational commitment of teachers within the remote elementary schools of Southern Papua, Indonesia? and (b) does the principal’s leadership significantly positively predicts the morale of teachers within the remote elementary schools of Southern Papua, Indonesia? Three surveys using a four-point Likert scale were administered to 376 teachers, conveniently induced from amongst the remote elementary school teachers of Southern Papua. Using the SPSS as the tool of data analysis, this study showed that the organizational commitment and morale within the remote elementary schools of Southern Papua, Indonesia, were significantly positively predicted by the principal’s leadership. The result of this study would be advisable for the government of Southern Papua, Indonesia, to create different programs of providing principals with the suitable knowledge and skills to effectively promote teachers teaching commitment and morale. Well-educated and trained school principals will be able to inspire all the school elements to continuously improve the learning of all.
CARİ AÇIK VE BÜYÜME İÇİN PANEL NEDENSELLİK ANALİZİ: KIRILGAN SEKİZLİ ÜLKE GRUBU ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: GÜR Betül
Published: October 2023

Özellikle gelişmekte olan ülkelerde, cari açık bir yandan ulusal ekonomilerin kırılganlığını arttırırken diğer yandan ekonomik büyümenin en önemli kaynaklarından biridir. Son yıllarda cari açık ile ilgili tartışmalar artış göstermiş, cari açığın ülkeden ülkeye farklılık gösterdiği ve o ülkenin ekonomisinin kırılganlığı ve krize yatkınlığı ile ilişkili olduğuna vurgu yapılmıştır. Cari işlemlerin yaratacağı bir kırılganlığa bağlı olarak ülkenin bir şok karşısında finansal krize girmesi büyümeyi de negatif yönlü olarak etkileyeceğinden cari işlemler dengesinin önemi ülke ekonomileri için büyük olmaktadır. Kırılganlığı artıran üç temel sonuç özellikle gelişmekte olan ülkeler için cari açık, enflasyon ve dış borç olarak söylenebilir. Buradan hareketle, kırılgan sekizli ülkeleri için cari açık ve büyüme ilişkisine yönelik Kónya (2006) panel nedensellik testi uygulanmış ve büyümeden cari açığa doğru tek yönlü nedensellik olduğu belirlenmiştir.
YABANCILARA TÜRKÇE ÖĞRETİMİ İÇİN HAZIRLANAN DERS KİTAPLARININ KİP VE ZAMAN AÇISINDAN İNCELENMESİ: YENİ İSTANBUL ULUSLARARASI ÖĞRENCİLER İÇİN TÜRKÇE DERS KİTABI ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Sarıtiken Hakan
Published: October 2023

Yabancılara Türkçe öğretiminde önemli bir unsur olan dil bilgisi yapıları, doğru, tutarlı bir biçimde ve yabancılara Türkçe öğretim ilkeleri çerçevesinde öğretilmeyi gerekli kılmaktadır. Yabancılar için hazırlanan ders kitapları incelendiğinde, dil bilgisinde önemli bir başlık olan kip ve zaman yapıları ile alanyazında yer alan dilbilgisi kaynakları arasında çeşitli açılardan farklılıklar olduğu görülmektedir. Bu nedenle bu çalışmanın amacı, Yabancılara Türkçe öğretimi için hazırlanan Yeni İstanbul Uluslararası Öğrenciler İçin Türkçe Ders Kitabı’nda kip ve zamanların, Türkçe dil bilgisi ve yabancılara Türkçe öğretimi ilkeleri açısından incelenmesi olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu Türkçe öğretim setinden 5 farklı ders kitabı incelenerek kip ve zaman yapıları tespit edilmiş, bu yapılar; işleniş biçimleri, kip, zaman, kişi ekleri açısından alanyazında yer alan dil bilgisi kaynaklarıyla karşılaştırılmıştır. İncelenen kitaplarda kip ve zaman yapılarının kullanımı ile alanyazındaki dil bilgisi kaynakları arasında çeşitli farklılıkların olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca yabancılara Türkçe öğretimi ilkeleri açısından da bir değerlendirme yapılmaya çalışılmış, tespit edilen sonuçlardan yola çıkarak bazı öneriler ortaya konmuştur.
Comparison between Intravitreal Injection of Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab as Preoperative Measure for Diabetic Vitrectomy
Authors: Omar Mohammed A. , Elamin Abdallah M. , Dabour Sherif A. , Elbarawy Ahmed A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose: In order to examine the parameters of surgical operation between intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab as adjuvant therapy before pars plana vitrectomy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Patients & methods:A randomized clinical study on 68 eyes, the patients are classified into two groups, group A (n = 34), and group B (n =34), both groups injected by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor before vitrectomy operation, group A injected by Bevacizumab and group B injected by Ranibizumab, the duration between injection and the operation was 3-6 days, the basic data of each patient include vision, type of DM, duration of DM, level of HbA1c, during the operation we record the following parameters diathermy application number, breaks, bleeding, bottle height, and type of tamponade. Results: The mean BCVA was improved from base line to post- operative in both groups without statistically difference between the groups p value =0.231, diathermy application was one application in 30.3% in group A and 32.4% in group B, and two applications in 15.2% in group A and 2.9% in group B. break was one break in 23.5% in group A and 20.6% in group B. two breaks in 2.9% in each group. Bleeding was in 16 cases in group A and 17 cases in group B. tamponade was silicon in 58.8% in group A and 52.9% in group B, fluid tamponade was 38.3% in group A and 44.2% in group B, air tamponade was one case in each group. without statistical difference between groups. Conclusion: When administered preoperatively during a diabetic vitrectomy procedure, there is no difference between bevacizumab and ranibizumab.
Comparative Antibacterial Efficacy of Formulated and Commercial Hand Sanitizers: Formulation and Evaluation
Authors: Shahtaghi Navid Raza , Bigdelitabar Samira , Thakur Shubham , Kaur Manjot , Shivgotra Riya , Soni Bindu , Jain Subheet Kumar
Published: October 2023

Background: Hand hygiene is crucial to preventing infections in hospitals and communities. However, many hand sanitizer products are on the market, raising questions about their effectiveness and safety. The objective of this study was to develop and assess two laboratory-developed gel-based hand sanitizers, followed by a clinical trial. Methodology: The laboratory test used the European standard for chemical disinfectants and antiseptics (EN 14885; 2006) and different bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). The clinical trial involved 300 healthcare workers who volunteered for the study and used the developed or commercial hand sanitizers. The hand samples were collected before and after treatment and analyzed for bacterial load. The logarithmic reduction factor of the bacterial load measured the antibacterial efficacy of the hand sanitizers. Results: The developed hand sanitizers achieved a 6-log reduction (99.9999%) of all bacterial strains in the laboratory test. In the clinical trial, they achieved a 4-log reduction (99.99%) of the bacterial load on the hands of the healthcare workers. Conclusions: The hand sanitizers developed in this study were found to be equally or more effective and safer than the WHO formulation. The results showed that the developed hand sanitizers exhibited desirable physical properties, and strong antimicrobial activity against five common microorganisms responsible for infections while also being deemed cost-effective and well-tolerated by the volunteers. This could lead to improved health for both healthcare workers and patients, as well as a reduction in nosocomial infections.
Impact of AI on Healthcare with Specific Reference to Nurses' Education
Authors: P Ashwini , Padhy Prabir Chandra
Published: October 2023

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare has revolutionized the industry by enhancing patient care, optimizing clinical workflows, and improving healthcare professionals' education and training. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of AI on healthcare delivery, specifically focusing on its influence on nurse education. AI-driven technologies have ushered in a new era of personalized learning, enabling nurses to acquire essential skills, stay current with medical advancements, and adapt to dynamic healthcare environments. Additionally, AI-powered tools have streamlined administrative tasks, allowing nurses to allocate more time to patient care. However, this transformation has challenges, including concerns about job displacement, data privacy, and the need for effective AI curriculum integration. This abstract provides a glimpse into the broader discussion surrounding AI's role in healthcare delivery and its implications for nurse education, highlighting its promises and challenges in shaping the future of nursing practice.
Evaluation of the Effect of Maternal Education on Toddler Dental Plaque Removal Based on a Health Belief Model
Authors: Sarraf-Shirazi Alireza , Saharkhiz Parisa , Movahhed Taraneh , Charmeh Alieh
Published: October 2023

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of an educational intervention, guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), on promoting preventive behaviors among mothers to combat early childhood caries (ECC) in toddlers aged 12 to 18 months.
Materials and Methods: This single-blind interventional study evaluated 92 toddlers between 12 to 18 months and their mothers, who were selected by stratified random sampling. Data regarding demographic and nutritional factors were collected using a questionnaire. The dental status of children was evaluated by clinical examination and measuring the plaque index (PI) of maxillary central incisors and the dmfs index. A pamphlet designed according to the HBM was used for oral hygiene instruction in both the intervention and control groups. All of the mothers in the intervention group received a music file to listen to when brushing their children’s teeth. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher exact, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxson tests. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: No significant correlation was noted between the daily frequency of sugary substance intake and primary PI in the intervention or control group with/without dental plaque (P>0.05). In the intervention group, PI significantly decreased after the intervention compared to baseline (P<0.001). However, there was no significant change in PI after the intervention in the control group compared with baseline (P=0.1).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that a combination of educational intervention and incentives, such as using age-appropriate music for toddlers, can significantly enhance mothers' effectiveness in removing dental plaque.
Evaluation of miR-let-7f, miR-125a, and miR-125b expression levels in sputum and serum samples of Iranians and Afghans with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Neamatollahi Ali Nour , Tarashi Samira , Ebrahimzadeh Nayereh , Vaziri Farzam , Birgani Mohammad Ali Zaheri , Aghasadeghi Mohammadreza , Fateh Abolfazl , Siadat Seyed Davar , Bouzari Saeid
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tuberculosis infection is well established. As microR- NAs are able to change expression profiles according to different conditions, they can be useful biomarkers. Iranians and Afghans with tuberculosis were studied for three immune-related miRNAs (miR-let-7f, miR-125a, and miR-125b).
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Iranian and Afghan patients with active pulmonary TB were enrolled in the Pulmo- nary Department of the Pasteur Institute of Iran. Serum and sputum samples were collected simultaneously from all partici- pants. A Real-time PCR was conducted to detect differentially expressed miRNAs.
Results: Iranian (P<0.0001) and Afghan (P<0.0001) serum samples and Afghan (P<0.0001) sputum samples overexpressed miR-125a, whereas Iranian sputum samples showed downregulation (P=0.0039). In both Iranian (P<0.0001; P=0.0007) and Afghan (P<0.0001; P<0.0001) serum and sputum samples, miR-125b was overexpressed. Furthermore, miR-let-7f down- regulation was observed in serum and sputum samples (P<0.0001), whereas Iranian sputum samples had no statistically significant differences (P=0.348).
Conclusion: Overexpression of miR-125a and miR-125b has been detected in Iranian and Afghan samples. In both races, miR-let-7f downregulation has been confirmed. Identification of miRNA profiles under different conditions opens the door to evaluating potential new biomarkers for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapeutic markers in TB infection.
A new nanobiotic: synthesis and characterization of an albumin nanoparticle with intrinsic antibiotic activity
Authors: Hosseini Mehrnaz Sheikh , Moosavi-Nejad Zahra , Mohammadi Parisa
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: With entering the “post-antibiotic era”, antibiotic resistance is one of the most important prob- lems in food security, health and medicine. Invention of nanoparticles with intrinsic antimicrobial activity has been provided a new tool to combat the problem, including some metal nanoparticles. But protein nanoparticles have been often used as nano-carrier for antibiotic drugs, not for their own antibiotic activity. In this article we have fabricated a very small BSA-NP without any chemical modification on BSA molecules showing antibacterial activity.
Materials and Methods: Bovine serum albumin nanoparticle (BSA-NP) was synthesized using botton-up approach, by dissolution of BSA in urea-containing Tris buffer for 60 min at 60°C. Then, the BSA solution was dialyzed against distilled water in order to nanoparticle formation. The resulted BSA-NP has been characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission surface electron microscopy (FESEM), SDS-PAGE, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-spectrophotometery. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method was used for evaluation of antibacterial activity of BSA-NP against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Results: The results obtained by DLS technique indicated that BSA molecules were self-assembled into small aggregates with a hydrodynamic diameter of 23.23 ± 2.1 nm. With a small polydispersity index (PDI=0.522), the nanoparticles had good spherical uniformity. The nanoparticles made from a single type of protein molecule (BSA) and have a relatively transparent appearance. The BSA-NPs caused a decrease in cell growth of both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Moreover, they had a bac- teriostatic effect on P. aeruginosa (MIC=112×10-5 μM).
Conclusion: In this study, using a green synthesis method, we succeeded in synthesizing a very small uniform BSA nanopar- ticles without any chemical modification on BSA molecules. It also has bacteriostatic properties against P. aeruginosa. Therefore, it is hypothesized that our BSA-NPs may be effective as a new approach to combat antibiotic resistance.