bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beneficial role of healthy eating Index-2015 score & physical activity on COVID-19 outcomes
Authors: Hegazy Mona A , Fouad Marwa M , Abd elshafy Samah Ahmed , Abdelfatah Dalia , Lithy Rania M , Abdelghani Ahmed , Ashoush Omar Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Background

Nutritional status and physical activity are essential to maintain a strong immune system. No definite pharmacological strategies for Coronavirus disease 2019 treatment are presently available, so natural enhancement of the immune system is in need. Our goal was to assess the correlation of healthy diet and physical activity on COVID-19 disease outcome.

Methods

This cohort study was conducted on 68 adult patients who contracted mild (38) or moderate [30] cases of COVID-19, recruited via a convenience sampling technique from the outpatient clinic, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University Hospital. Patients’ Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and degree of physical activity as measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire were evaluated and linked with several inflammatory markers.

Results

Most of patients with mild COVID-19 patients (92.1%) were physically active, compared to only 50% of moderate COVID-19. The total Metabolic Equivalent Task-min/week was positively correlated with the lymphocyte percentage. The median total HEI score was significantly higher in the patients with mild COVID-19 than with moderate COVID. Significant positive correlations observed among the lymphocyte count and total HEI-2015. There was approximately a 64% reduction in the probability of acquiring moderate COVID-19 illness for each unit rise in The HEI.

Conclusion

Healthier nutrition and Physical activity correlated with reduced COVID-19 disease severity.

Trial registration

The study was registered on clinical trial.gov maintained by the US National Library of Medicine (CinicalTrials.gov identifier = NCT04447144; https://clinicaltrials.gov/) (25/06/2020).
Real-world practice patterns of eplerenone use for central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Prabhu Vishma , Joshi Aishwarya , Mangla Rubble , Singh Rishi , Wu Lihteh , Lanzetta Paolo , Kuppermann Baruch , Bandello Francesco , Cohen Francine Behar , Chhablani Jay
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To report eplerenone use by retina specialists worldwide for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR).

Methods

A self-reporting questionnaire was distributed to retina specialists worldwide to gather clinicians’ perspectives on CSCR cases treated, eplerenone dosage and duration, reasons to use it, and side effects.

Results

The survey included 241 retina specialists (122 Indian and 119 international) with an average experience of 15.69 ± 9.59 years. Oral eplerenone was used to treat CSCR by 149 (62%) participants. Only 6% (n = 9) had easy access to verteporfin dye and photodynamic therapy. 30 (20%) of the 149 respondents changed their treatment with eplerenone after VICI trial results. Eplerenone was prescribed mostly for chronic CSCR (n = 86, 58%), regardless of involvement laterality. 62% (n = 92) had fewer than 25% CSCR cases treated with eplerenone. 85 (57%) respondents used eplerenone only when other treatments failed, while 36 (24%) used it as first-line treatment. 73 (49%) respondents, prescribed eplerenone at a 50 mg daily dose and 137 (92%) retina specialists used eplerenone for 0–3 months. The drug’s efficacy dissatisfied 21 (14%) study participants. 124 (83%) study participants did not encounter any ocular or systemic side effects with eplerenone use. Eplerenone related kidney and electrolyte issues were noted by 11 (7%) study participants.

Conclusion

The treatment of CSCR varies around the world and is primarily influenced by the photodynamic therapy availability and the findings of VICI trial. Despite the limited benefit of eplerenone reported by the VICI trial, it is still used as evidenced by real-world experience.

Trial Registration Number

Not applicable.
The effect of varicella-zoster virus reactivation on the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Li Ping , Li Jingxia , Huang Haoyuan , Chen Xiongnong , Lin Yue , He Ganlin , Xu Duorong
Published: October 2023

Background

A virus infection may lead the body to produce more immune cells of particular types or stimulate the production of new ones, both of which may have anti-leukemic effects. There has been no research on whether immune cells stimulated by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection have anti-leukemic effects. The objective of this investigation is to assess the impact of VZV infection on patients' long-term survival following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

Methods

This retrospective study investigated the association between varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation and outcomes in 219 individuals who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) at the Sun Yat-sen University’s First Affiliated Hospital. According to being diagnosed with VZV infection or not, these patients were grouped into two groups. The comparison of cumulative incidence of relapse, non-recurrent mortality, and overall survival (OS) was conducted between the two groups.

Results

Analyzing multivariate data, VZV reactivation was linked to lower relapse incidence in the group containing all individuals (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12–0.64), patients suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia (HR = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01–0.83), and patients suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (HR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08–0.77). Moreover, VZV reactivation was linked with decreased non-relapse mortality in all individuals (HR = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05–0.79), but no statistical significance was found for any disease subgroup. Further, VZV reactivation was an independent predictor for improved OS in the group containing all individuals (HR = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03–0.29), patients suffering from acute myeloid leukaemia (HR = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01–0.66), and patients suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (HR = 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04–0.68).

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that VZV reactivation following allo-HSCT is an independent predictor for lower relapse rates and improved OS, providing novel therapeutic approaches to improve patients’ long-term survival following allo-HSCT.
Antimicrobial peptide Mastoparan X has good activity against Escherichia coli in vitro and alleviates its pathogenicity in mice
Authors: Zhao Xueqin , Luo Weiyu , Wang Lei , Zhu Chunling , Xue Xianghong , Xia Xiaojing , Wu Xilong , Bai Yueyu , Hu Jianhe
Published: October 2023

Background

Escherichia coli is a facultative anaerobic bacterium that normally resides in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals but can cause diarrhea and enteritis. MPX is an antimicrobial peptide extracted from wasp venom and has potent bactericidal effects against many bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of MPX’s bactericidal activity against E. coli in vitro, its effect on IPEC-J2 cell apoptosis and barrier function, and its therapeutic efficacy against E. coli infection in mice.

Methods

The effects of MPX on E. coli were investigated in vitro, at the cellular level, and in vivo.

Results

The study found that the MIC of MPX against E. coli was 31.25 µg/mL, and scanning electron microscopy showed that MPX caused the bacteria to become smaller in size with leaked contents. Additionally, NPN, PI, and DiSC3(5) results showed that MPX positively correlated with the fluorescence intensity. MPX significantly inhibited E. coli biofilm formation. Furthermore, MPX effectively reduced IPEC-J2 cell apoptosis, regulated ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 expression through the Rac1 pathway, and alleviated the pathological damage in the intestine, as shown by H&E staining results. qRT-PCR results indicated that MPX increased TFF3 mRNA expression in the jejunum and colon.

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore the mechanism of MPX's bactericidal activity against E. coli in vitro, providing a foundation for developing new drugs to treat bacterial infections.

Graphical Abstract
Comparative study between open lumbopelvic fixation and percutaneous iliosacral fixation for management of sacral fractures
Authors: Elhabashy Abdelrahman Magdy , Fayed Ahmed Abdelaziz , Sorour Islam
Published: October 2023

Background

The main aim of surgical intervention for unstable sacral fractures is to obtain a solid construct across the lumbopelvic junction to allow for early mobilization. Both iliosacral screw fixation (ISF) and lumbopelvic fixation (LPF) are widely used surgical techniques used for treatment of unstable sacral fractures. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether one technique provides more favorable postoperative outcomes than the other.

Objective

To compare the three-year outcome of ISF versus LPF in patients with unstable sacral fractures as regard effectiveness and safety of both techniques.

Methods

The study included 54 patients with sacral fractures who underwent sacral fusion using either ISF or LPF at a single institution. Patients were followed up for at least 3 years. Operative and postoperative data were collected and statistically calculated.

Results

Thirty patients were included in the ISF group and 24 patients in the LPF group. The operative time was notably higher in the LPF group (mean 107 min compared to 33 min in the ISF group;p = 0.002). Blood loss was also higher in the LPF group (mean 320 ml compared to 96 ml in the ISF;p = 0.004). Assessment of pelvic fusion was done via Majeed and Matta scores (pelvic fusion outcome scores). The ISF and LPF groups had a comparable Majeed score at the end of the third year of follow-up (excellent rate = 53.3% vs. 58.3%, respectively;p = 0.93). Likewise, ISF and LPF groups had comparable Matta score at the end of the third year of follow-up (excellent rate = 66.7% vs. 70.8%, respectively;p = 0.27). The most commonly reported postoperative complications in the ISF group were screw malposition in 2 cases out of 30 cases (6.6%) and non-union in 2 cases out of 30 cases (6.6%). On the other hand, the most commonly reported postoperative complications in the LPF group were implant prominence in 3 cases out of 24 cases (12.5%) and infection in 2 cases out of 24 cases (8.3%).

Conclusion

LPF and ISF have comparable safety and efficacy in patients with sacral fractures. ISF is an excellent and safe method of fixation, especially in old age to avoid open surgery-related complications. LPF is preferred in young active patients to benefit from rapid weight bearing after surgery and in cases with ambiguous sacral anatomy as sacral dysmorphism.
Protocol for a systematic review of living labs in agricultural-related systems
Authors: Yousefi Maryam , Ewert Frank
Published: October 2023

Background

Living labs are innovative platforms that bring together stakeholders (academic and non-academic actors from diverse disciplines), to collaboratively co-create, develop and test new technologies, products, services in real-life environments. As living labs become increasingly popular in addressing sustainability challenges in agriculture, it is essential to understand the potential of living labs to support innovation in the agricultural context. However, the existing knowledge is dispersed, and uncertainties remained regarding their approaches, methods, and outcomes. To address this gap, this study outlines a systematic review protocol of the existing literature on living labs in agricultural-related contexts. This will be done through questions focusing on the contributions of living labs to agricultural sustainability and innovation, their effectiveness, and strategies for development and implementation. Additionally, it will identify areas that require further research and development to advance our understanding of these initiatives.

Method

This study will be conducted according to the RepOrting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) review protocol. We will search databases, including Scopus, Web of Science (core collection) and Google Scholar, which will be limited to titles, abstracts, and keywords in English to eliminate irrelevant literature. The quality of the method used for each selected study will be evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program, Qualitative Research Checklist. Coding and data extraction will include for example bibliographic information, types of agricultural practices tested, dominant framework (e.g. open innovation, user innovation, and participatory design), the contribution of living lab in agriculture, stakeholder roles, etc. We will use thematic analysis to synthesise our findings. We will compare descriptive and narrative sub-groups to take into account differences in living lab concepts in relation to the context, outcomes, and limitations.

Conclusions

The results of this review will provide a foundation for informing user-centred innovations in agriculture using living lab methodology. Researchers and practitioners working in areas such as co-design which incorporate user involvement, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, may also benefit from these findings.
Advances in the application of wearable sensors for gait analysis after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Feng Yuguo , Liu Yu , Fang Yuan , Chang Jin , Deng Fei , Liu Jin , Xiong Yan
Published: October 2023

Background

Wearable sensors have become a complementary means for evaluation of body function and gait in lower limb osteoarthritis. This study aimed to review the applications of wearable sensors for gait analysis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Five databases, including Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Cochrane, Medline, and PubMed, were searched for articles published between January 2010 and March 2023, using predetermined search terms that focused on wearable sensors, TKA, and gait analysis as broad areas of interest.

Results

A total of 25 articles were identified, involving 823 TKA patients. Methodologies varied widely across the articles, with inconsistencies found in reported patient characteristics, sensor data and experimental protocols. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and gait variables showed various recovery times from 1 week postoperatively to 5 years postoperatively. Gait analysis using wearable sensors and PROMs showed differences in controlled environments, daily life, and when comparing different surgeries.

Conclusion

Wearable sensors offered the potential to remotely monitor the gait function post-TKA in both controlled environments and patients’ daily life, and covered more aspects than PROMs. More cohort longitudinal studies are warranted to further confirm the benefits of this remote technology in clinical practice.
Quality evaluation of chin-chin produced from aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) and wheat flour blends
Authors: Kayode Rowland Monday-Ojo , Chia Cynthia Nguevese , Kayode Bukola Idowu , Olowoseye Adesewa Priscilla , Joshua Victoria Auhoiza
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the quality of chin-chin produced from aerial yam and wheat flour blends with the aim to improve the utilisation of aerial yam flour and reduce over-dependence on wheat flour. A portion of aerial yam tubers was sun-dried and the other was dried in a dehydrator. They were made into flour and substituted with wheat flour at varying proportions (85:15, 67.5:32.5, and 50:50). 100% wheat flour was used as the control. The flour blends were analyzed for proximate, functional, and phytochemical properties. The chin-chin produced were evaluated for their sensory properties. Wheat-aerial yam flour blends were nutritionally superior (with respect to protein, fat, fibre, and carbohydrates), and had better functional and phytochemical properties when compared to plain wheat flour used as the control. Sensory evaluation revealed that the most appealing sample among the flour blends was W85AYD15 (with 85% wheat flour and 15% dehydrated aerial yam flour) even though samples W50AYS50 (with 50% wheat flour and 50% sun-dried aerial yam flour) and W50AYD50 (with 50% wheat flour and 50% dehydrated aerial yam flour) were more nutritious. Since the findings of this study showed that highly nutritious and functional flours can be produced by including aerial yam flour in flour blends, the industrial production of aerial yam flour will increase its economic value by improving utilisation and providing cheaper alternatives to wheat flour.

Graphical Abstract
Correlation between rectus femoris muscle cross-sectional area and the severity of airflow limitation in COPD patients
Authors: Sweed Rania Ahmed , Khalil Yehya Mohamed , Elganady Anwar Ahmed , Ali Mahmoud Abdelrahman Abdelgawad
Published: October 2023

Peripheral muscle dysfunction is a well-recognized complication of COPD associated with exercise (in)tolerance and worse prognosis. The evaluation of peripheral muscle integrity is an attractive marker in COPD patients.

The aim of the study was to identify the correlation between the rectus femoris muscle cross-sectional area (RFCSA) and the severity of airway obstruction in COPD patients using ultrasound.

The study enrolled 24 outpatients diagnosed with stable COPD (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.001*. There was a significant negative correlation between RFCSA and age only in cases with very severe airflow limitation. Among COPD patients, there was a significant negative correlation between average RFCSA and mMRC score (r =  − 0.864*, p < 0.001*), but not with FEV1 (r = 0.165, p = 0.442). No significant correlation between average RFCSA and neither CRP nor heart rate in COPD patients (r =  − 0.169, p = 0.431, r =  − 0.285, p = 0.178, respectively. Among COPD, there was a significant positive correlation between RFCSA and QMVC (r = 0.881*, p < 0.001*). COPD cases showed reduced RFCSA, reduced QMVC, shorter 6MWD distance, and higher mMRC score in comparison to the control group.

Ultrasound measurement of RFCSA is an effort-independent, radiation-free method that relates to strength and should be applied as an assessment tool for COPD patients.
Economic impacts and management of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in smallholder agriculture: a panel data analysis for Ghana
Authors: Tambo Justice A. , Kansiime Monica K. , Mugambi Idah , Agboyi Lakpo Koku , Beseh Patrick K. , Day Roger
Published: October 2023

Background

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda; FAW), a native pest of the Americas, invaded West Africa about 7 years ago and spread rapidly across the rest of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and several countries in Asia and Oceania. Early cross-sectional studies reported that the pest causes severe damage to maize, stimulating widespread use of synthetic pesticides in smallholder farming systems. Using panel data from Ghana, this paper assessed the impact of FAW on maize productivity and the changes in the strategies adopted by smallholder farmers for the management of the pest.

Methods

Household data collected in two rounds (2018 and 2020) from 370 smallholder maize-growing households in Ghana were used. The dynamics of FAW infestation and the management practices applied by farmers were analysed descriptively, while panel data regression methods, such as fixed effects and correlated random effects models, were used to estimate the effect of FAW on maize productivity.

Results

We found evidence of reduced intensity of pesticide use, increased use of protective equipment when spraying pesticides, increased adoption of biopesticides and cultural practices for FAW management, in line with recommended integrated pest management solutions. Results from panel data regression analysis showed that after controlling for other determinants of maize productivity and unobserved heterogeneity, the negative effect of FAW infestation on maize productivity is not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that with better knowledge of FAW and the use of more sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions, the yield losses due to FAW are not as severe as initially reported.
Utilizing Cohesive Bandage to Prevent Adverse Effects of Bleomycin Sclerotherapy: A Case Report
Authors: Paluska Matthew R. , Armijo Arthur J. , Gomory Matthew , Adderley Natalia , Falcon Ricardo J. , Petersen Timothy R. , Fabre Anna , Soneru Codruta N.
Published: October 2023

Sclerotherapy with bleomycin can cause cosmetic complications, including flagellate dermatitis and hyperpigmentation, induced or exacerbated by microtrauma to the skin. We report a case of a 9-year-old pediatric patient with congenital vascular malformations in which a cohesive bandage (eg, 3M Coban) was utilized to prevent bleomycin-induced hyperpigmentation. Postoperatively and on follow-up, there were no signs of hyperpigmentation or dermatitis in our patient. This report highlights using skin protective measures during bleomycin sclerotherapy for improved postoperative outcomes. If a patient is undergoing bleomycin sclerotherapy, consider removing adhesive where possible and using cohesive bandage to secure lines, airway instruments, and monitoring equipment.
How to Make “AI” Intelligent; or, The Question of Epistemic Equality
Authors: Newfield Christopher
Published: October 2023

Critics have identified a set of operational flaws in the machine language and deep learning systems now discussed under the “AI” banner. Five of the most discussed are social biases, particularly racism; opacity, such that users cannot assess how results were generated; coercion, in that architectures, datasets, algorithms, and the like are controlled by designers and platforms rather than users; systemic privacy violations; and the absence of academic freedom covering corporation-based research, such that results can be hyped in accordance with business objectives or suppressed and distorted if not. This article focuses on a sixth problem with AI, which is that the term intelligence misstates the actual status and effects of the technologies in question. To help fill the gap in rigorous uses of “intelligence” in public discussion, it analyzes Brian Cantwell Smith's The Promise of Artificial Intelligence (2019), noting humanities disciplines routinely operate with Smith's demanding notion of “genuine intelligence.” To get this notion into circulation among technologists, the article calls for replacement of the Two Cultures hierarchy codified by C. P. Snow in the 1950s with a system in which humanities scholars participate from the start in the construction and evaluation of “AI” research programs on a basis of epistemic equality between qualitative and quantitative disciplines.
Psychometric properties of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in healthcare professionals, Ancash Region, Peru
Authors: Yslado Méndez Rosario Margarita , Sánchez-Broncano Junior , De La Cruz-Valdiviano Carlos , Quiñones-Anaya Ivette , Reynosa Navarro Enaidy
Published: October 2023

Background: Burnout syndrome (BS) among healthcare professionals in Peru demands immediate attention. Consequently, there is a need for a validated and standardized instrument to measure and address it effectively. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) among healthcare professionals in the Ancash region of Peru.

Methods: Using an instrumental design, this study included 303 subjects of both sexes (77.56% women), ranging in age from 22 to 68 years (M = 44.46, SD = 12.25), selected via purposive non-probability sampling. Appropriate content validity, internal structure validity, and item internal consistency were achieved through confirmatory factor analysis, and discriminant validity for the three dimensions was obtained. Evidence of convergent validity was found for the Emotional Exhaustion (EE) and Personal Accomplishment (PA) dimensions, with reliability values (ω > .75).

Results: The EE and PA dimensions exhibited acceptable levels of reliability (ω and α > .80). However, the Depersonalization (DP) dimension demonstrated significantly lower reliability (α < .60 and ω < .50).

Conclusions: A correlated three-factor model was confirmed, with most items presenting satisfactory factor loadings and inter-item correlations. Nonetheless, convergent validity was not confirmed for the DP dimension.
Tapping into the plasticity of plant architecture for increased stress resilience
Authors: Rahmati Ishka Maryam , Julkowska Magdalena
Published: October 2023

Plant architecture develops post-embryonically and emerges from a dialogue between the developmental signals and environmental cues. Length and branching of the vegetative and reproductive tissues were the focus of improvement of plant performance from the early days of plant breeding. Current breeding priorities are changing, as we need to prioritize plant productivity under increasingly challenging environmental conditions. While it has been widely recognized that plant architecture changes in response to the environment, its contribution to plant productivity in the changing climate remains to be fully explored. This review will summarize prior discoveries of genetic control of plant architecture traits and their effect on plant performance under environmental stress. We review new tools in phenotyping that will guide future discoveries of genes contributing to plant architecture, its plasticity, and its contributions to stress resilience. Subsequently, we provide a perspective into how integrating the study of new species, modern phenotyping techniques, and modeling can lead to discovering new genetic targets underlying the plasticity of plant architecture and stress resilience. Altogether, this review provides a new perspective on the plasticity of plant architecture and how it can be harnessed for increased performance under environmental stress.
Changes in the fatty acid profile of fish oil derived from Pangasius catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) processing waste due to variations in fish size and heating temperatures
Authors: Aryani Netti , Suharman Indra , Heltonika Benny , Edison Edison , Diharmi Andarini
Published: October 2023

Background: During the last decade, the demand for fish oil as a feed component has increased. Therefore, identifying sources of fish oil from processed catfish waste is an important task. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between fresh weight and mesenteric weight in each group of fish and determine how variations in the size of catfish (Pangasianodon hypophtalmus) and heating temperature affect fatty acid profiles.

Methods: The primary source of raw material used to produce fish oil is the mesenteric organ, specifically the belly fat of catfish. This material was obtained from catfish in the following categories: Group A (290-390 g), Group B (440-685 g), and Group C (890-1,100 g). The fish oil was subjected to four different levels of heating temperature (45oC, 60oC, 75oC, and 90°C). The parameters that were analysed included biometry measurements, the correlation between fish weight and mesenteric tissue, and fatty acid content.

Results: Significant positive linear correlations were found between body weight and mesenteric tissue in Group A (p < 0.001, r2 = 0.65), Group B (p < 0.001, r2 = 0.72), and Group C (p < 0.001, r2 = 0.64). Notably, significant differences in fatty acid composition were observed among fish groups and varied heating temperatures. Within the fish group, unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 51.25% to 56.61%, n-3 fatty acids from 1.44% to 1.77%, n-6 fatty acids from 9.04% to 10.1%, and n-9 fatty acids from 35.35% to 37.43%. Temperature fluctuations led to unsaturated fatty acid contents of 52.06% to 55.55%, n-3 fatty acids of 1.28% to 1.46%, n-6 fatty acids of 8.14% to 8,45%, and n-9 fatty acids of 34.9% to 36.92%.

Conclusions: The best fatty acid composition in fish oil was found in Group B (with a weight between 440 g to 685 g) through a heating process at 45°C
A feasibility study of controlled human infection with intradermal Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) injection: Pilot BCG controlled human infection model
Authors: Carter Emma , Morton Ben , ElSafadi Dima , Jambo Kondwani , Kenny-Nyazika Tinashe , Hyder-Wright Angela , Chiwala Gift , Chikaonda Tarsizio , Chirwa Anthony E. , Gonzalez Sanchez Jonathan , Yip Vincent , Biagini Giancarlo , Pennington Shaun H. , Saunderson Paula , Farrar Madlen , Myerscough Christopher , Collins Andrea M. , Gordon Stephen B. , Ferreira Daniela M.
Published: October 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) caused 1.5 million deaths in 2020, making it the leading infectious killer after COVID-19. Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the only licensed vaccine against TB but has sub-optimal efficacy against pulmonary TB and reduced effectiveness in regions close to the equator with high burden. Efforts to find novel vaccines are hampered due to the need for large-scale, prolonged, and costly clinical trials. Controlled human infection models (CHIMs) for TB may be used to accelerate vaccine development by ensuring only the most promising vaccine candidates are selected for phase 3 trials, but it is not currently possible to give participants Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a challenge agent.

This study aims to replicate and refine an established BCG CHIM at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Participants will receive an intradermal injection with licensed BCG vaccine (Statens Serum Institut strain). In phase A, participants will undergo punch biopsy two weeks after administration, paired with minimally invasive methods of skin sampling (skin swab, microbiopsy, skin scrape). BCG detection by classical culture and molecular methods will be compared between these techniques and gold standard punch biopsy. Techniques meeting our pre-defined sensitivity and specificity criteria will be applied in Phase B to longitudinally assess intradermal BCG growth two, seven and fourteen days after administration. We will also measure compartmental immune responses in skin, blood and respiratory mucosa in Phase B.

This feasibility study will transfer and refine an existing and safe model of BCG controlled human infection. Longitudinal BCG quantification has the potential to increase model sensitivity to detect vaccine and therapeutic responses. If successful, we aim to transfer the model to Malawi in future studies, a setting with endemic TB disease, to accelerate development of vaccines and therapeutics relevant for underserved populations who stand to benefit the most.

Registration: ISRCTN: ISRCTN94098600 and ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT0582059
STUDY OF THE INTERACTION OF A SPRING-LOADED PLOUGHSHARE WITH SOIL LAYER PARTICLE BASED ON THE SOLUTION OF THE LAGRANGE EQUATION OF THE SECOND TYPE
Authors: Yudaev Yuriy , Abramov Yuriy , Ivankina Olga , Uglanov Mikhail , Baigildeeva Ekaterina
Published: October 2023

Potato harvesting is an important process in crop growing technology. When implementing it, it is not necessary to completely crumble the surface layer of the soil, but only to break up its clods, which is achieved by introducing a spring into the design of the ploughshare. During translational movement, a force arises directed in the opposite direction, which compresses the spring. When the force acting on the ploughshare decreases, it expands, and when it increases, it contracts. The resulting vibrations are transmitted to the soil clods and, with sufficient force, their destruction occurs. Vibrations of the share lead to a change in its kinetic energy. Instantaneous energy increases and decreases, while the average energy remains constant. More complete information about the interaction of the ploughshare with the surface layer can be obtained through mathematical modeling. The purpose of the study is to determine the compression coefficient of the spring. The simulation is based on solving Lagrange equations of the second type in the Cartesian coordinate system with initial and boundary conditions determined by the design of the ploughshare. When compiling a mathematical model, the following were taken into account: – the gravity of the ploughshare; – gravity of the soil layer; – the elastic force of the spring, which creates additional vibrations; – cutting force of the soil layer; – the friction force of the soil layer on the surface of the ploughshare, – the normal reaction of the supporting surface of the ploughshare and the angle of its entry into the surface layer. Modeling made it possible to determine changes in the instantaneous value of kinetic energy, which ranges from 0 to 3.6 J. The optimal amplitude of oscillation of the share during forward motion at a speed of 6 km/h was 0.02 m. The spring stiffness coefficient for loamy soils of the Ryazan region should be in the range of 2200…3000 N/m.
Features of Recreation in Children with Impaired Vision
Authors: Rybakova A. , Artemyeva S. , Aralova E. , Hromov S.
Published: October 2023

A slight slowdown in the overall development of a child with visual impairment is caused by smaller visual representations, limited mastered space, and most importantly, less activity in learning about the world around. Speech, thinking develop faster in children with impaired vision, and movements, mastery of space more slowly. Experimental studies were carried out during 6 months of physical development and functional state of 24 boys from 14 to 15 years old with impaired vision. The main means of conducting classes were exercises and motor tasks of varying complexity.
Histórias de luta, histórias de mulheres: relatos de lideranças pela regularização fundiária do bairro Vale Verde, Juiz de Fora – MG.
Authors: Gomes Glaucy , Camilo Sant'Ana Mariana , Dominato Abrahão Mariana
Published: October 2023

A história oficial da conformação dos territórios está consolidada a partir de documentos, registros, livros, bem como se vê retratada em espaços públicos, edifícios e monumentos. Mas, como disse Walter Benjamin, essa é uma história dos vencedores sobre os vencidos, portanto esses são os elementos que promovem a manutenção de estruturas sociais baseadas na dominação de um povo sobre outro. Embora essa história tenha determinado uma invisibilidade às mulheres e um furto da sua construção ativa dos espaços, nota-se através de uma releitura feminista dos processos de regularização fundiária, a presença massiva das mulheres encabeçando esses movimentos sociais. Diante disso, este estudo busca promover uma pesquisaregistro, tendo como objeto de estudo o movimento de luta por moradia no bairro Vale Verde, em Juiz de Fora (MG). Por meio de uma pesquisa documental sobre o tema, somada a duas entrevistas com lideranças comunitárias - Dona Izaura e Balbina - discute-se a problemática das relações sociais de gênero nos processos históricos de reivindicação de moradia e regularização fundiária, e a dinâmica de apagamento das mulheres presentes nessa luta. A apresentação dessas narrativas, com o foco em suas histórias de vida durante e após o movimento, evidencia as condições ainda mais dramáticas das dificuldades do acesso à terra e moradia enquanto mulher, e também, as barreiras impostas pela sua condição feminina à construção de uma continuidade na vida pública e política. Busca-se também com esse trabalho, utilizar do espaço de divulgação acadêmica, para registrar a memória e as histórias de vida dessas mulheres.
La periferia urbana desde una perspectiva de género.
Authors: Gallegos Rodríguez Reyes
Published: October 2023

Este artículo es fruto de una investigación que traslada el concepto de “La ciudad de los 15 minutos” a los barrios de la periferia de Sevilla, con el objetivo de su transformación en nuevos nodos o centros urbanos. Para llevarlo a cabo, la metodología fue la de seleccionar diez barrios en base a una serie de parámetros (antigüedad, morfología, densidad habitacional), y obtener resultados específicos de cada uno de ellos a partir del cálculo de indicadores urbanos definidos previamente. La evaluación de los resultados se hizo en base a un extenso trabajo de campo y análisis comparativo. El hallazgo principal que surge de dicho trabajo de campo y que aquí se presenta es el proyecto Ellas en la ciudad, cuya hipótesis plantea la necesidad de hacer emerger e incorporar a la cultura urbana la experiencia de una generación de mujeres, las primeras pobladoras de la periferia urbana, como patrimonio inmaterial fundamental de análisis y estudio hacia un planteamiento urbano completo sobre nuestros barrios. Ellas en la ciudad constituyen un colectivo que, además de haber liderado importantes luchas vecinales, dibujan hoy la vida cotidiana de nuestros barrios: donde compran, donde caminan, o donde se reúnen. Son las principales usuarias del transporte público, de los mercados de abastos, del comercio local, de las plazas… y sin embargo, aún hoy, predomina el asfalto, los coches y la escasez de vegetación, de mobiliario y de sombra. Ellas son las más sostenibles en una ciudad inaccesible e insegura que a menudo les da la espalda
Arquitectura, cuidados y género. Análisis crítico del proyecto Centro Sociocomunitario de la Cañada Real Galiana (2019) de Recetas Urbanas
Authors: Arrojo Naveira Inés
Published: October 2023

El urbanismo feminista es una disciplina crítica –denuncia las dinámicas urbanas patriarcales y capitalistas que desplazan a las mujeres de la ciudad– y productora –genera políticas, diseños y espacios que favorecen su participación y empoderamiento–, cuyos objetivos se han ampliado progresivamente mediante la incorporación de otras perspectivas, como la interseccionalidad, que atienden a la pluralidad de voces y experiencias excluidas de reivindicaciones previas. Para ello, las intervenciones con perspectiva feminista e interseccionalidad persiguen generar procesos participativos y espacios urbanos adecuados para colectivos segregados o invisibilizados, con especial atención a la dimensión colectiva de los cuidados. Se han observado vínculos entre los objetivos y estrategias de Recetas Urbanas y los principios y la metodología del urbanismo feminista. La hipótesis de partida es si el proyecto y el proceso de construcción comunitaria del Centro Sociocomunitario, desarrollados en el asentamiento informal de la Cañada Real, convergen con los presupuestos y recursos del urbanismo feminista interseccional.
Peregrynacje kielicha mszalnego do katedry krakowskiej
Authors: Perzanowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

Three noble coats of arms are displayed on the fields of the hexafoil base of a silver,gilded late-Gothic chalice from the Cracow Cathedral: Trąby, engraved along with theplant decoration of the base, and on two added small shields – Abdank and Sulima with the initials “P N S D.” In 1959, Adam Bochnak referred to it as a “chalice with theAbdank coat of arms of Bishop Jan Konarski” from the first quarter of the 15th century.However, this origin is contradicted by the fact that the original coat of arms placedon the chalice base was Trąby with the initials “A I,” attributed by Magdalena Adamskaand Krzysztof Czyżewski to Anna Jordan. However, the initials visible next to Trumpetcoat of arms were actually those of Achacy Jordan, the owner of the town of Bobowa.In 1529, at his request, Bishop Piotr Tomicki established a collegiate church witha chapter in Bobowa, for which Jordan funded rich paraments: 12 chasubles, a bell,and silver items – a monstrance and chalices (a golden one and several silver ones).In the 1560s, Achacy’s son, Mikołaj, converted the church in Bobowa into a Protestanttemple. In 1581, Bobowa was devastated by a fire, and the visitation of the church in1608 merely mentioned the loss of the rich paraments. The fate of the chalice remainedunknown for about 100 years until 1663, as were the owners of the coats of arms fromboth added shields. Only in 1663 the cathedral vicar, Grzegorz Czerwinko, placedan inscription on the inner side of the base, stating that the chalice was made for thealtar of St. Catherine in the Cracow Cathedral, as confirmed by the visitation of 1670.Later inventories of the cathedral treasury and visitations do not mention this chalice,however, they provided summary data on the number of liturgical vessels without anydistinguishing characteristics. A 1940 catalog of artworks considered German andintended to be sent to Germany includes a photograph of the chalice with a brief description,without mentioning the coats of arms on it. From 1949 to 1981, the chalicewas kept in the National Museum in Warsaw. The facts of the chalice’s looting and itsreturn were recorded in Wawel Cathedral Chronicle by Fr. Kazimierz Figlewicz.
Konserwacja jedwabnego obicia ze ścian kapitularza Archiwum Krakowskiej Kapituły Katedralnej – strategia zarządzania projektem ochrony
Authors: Krupa Natalia
Published: October 2023

The primary protected values of historic objects include authenticity, integrity, andlegibility of historical communication. By analyzing a monument’s state of preservation,we can interpret the passage of time through the traces of its use, patina, ordamage. The protection of a monument must be preceded by a thorough understandingof its historical message and by defining the values it carries, as well as byidentifying the role of the object within a broader contextual framework. Only inthis manner can the value of the object be determined, along with its features andelements requiring protection.The implementation of the conservation project for the silk wall hanging from theChapter House of the Cracow Cathedral Chapter’s Archive provides a background fordiscussing the main principles of the preservation process management strategy, basedon the identification of threats, care plans, and monitoring of the risk of deteriorationof the monument. A proper preservation strategy for the accumulated material assetsentails responsibility for the quality of work and research aimed at reconstructinghistorical facts and narratives. This responsibility takes on particular significance in thedays of ongoing debate within relevant communities regarding the current position onthe contemporary heritage conservation model.
Helena Modrzejewska i suflerzy, czyli gwiazda i „męczennicy budy”
Authors: Maresz Barbara
Published: October 2023

Helena Modjeska met many prompters throughout her acting career. The articleattempts to describe the relationship between the outstanding actress andprompters of Polish provincial theaters as well as those from the Cracow, Warsaw,Lviv and Poznan stages. Apart from the newspapers and scarce memoirs,of greatest help were theater scripts, which attest to the work of the promptersand oftentimes to guest performances of the Polish star as well. The mainfocus of the article is on the two prompters that were the longest-standingassistants of Modjeska: Marceli Czechowski (Cracow) and Piotr Wiśnicki(Warsaw).
Analysis of marketing strategies to maximize product sales at "Won.dis Cokelat"
Authors: Latifah Nurul , Hidayah Nurul
Published: October 2023

As time progresses, the structure within a business entity changes. Intense competition and business development are factors contributing to these changes. Consequently, each business entity formulates strategies to enhance sales in the competitive market. In this specific practical work, we analyzed the marketing strategy at Won.dis Chocolate to understand how their marketing approach contributes to increased product sales. Data collection techniques employed in this study included qualitative methods such as observation, participation, interviews, literature review, and questionnaires. The data analysis methods included the IFE (Internal Factor Evaluation) matrix, EFE matrix (External Factor Evaluation), SWOT Cartesian diagram analysis, and SWOT matrix. The analysis and observations yielded three key findings. Firstly, Won.dis Chocolate boasts two significant strengths: innovation in new product development and possessing product legitimacy, including halal certification from MUI and intellectual property rights registration. However, its most significant weakness lies in its less strategic location and limited production machine capacity. Secondly, the major opportunity for Won.dis Chocolate lies in its strong relationships with content creators and several universities, while a potential threat is posed by competitors with more strategic locations. Thirdly, Won.dis Chocolate is positioned to pursue both "Grow" and "Build" strategies.
Keywords: SWOT analysis, IFE and EFE matrices, Won.dis Chocolate
Analysis of the application of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOP) for products "Emping Singkong Super Telur Bu Siti" in Bantul, Yogyakarta
Authors: Alghaniya Aliyya , Fitriani Aprilia
Published: October 2023

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is used by Mrs. Siti to be processed into cassava chips. In processing a food product, it is mandatory to implement employee sanitation and hygiene to ensure food safety. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) analysis based on the Regulation of the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia No. 75 of 2010 and evaluation analysis of the implementation of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures. (SSOP) based on Head of BPOM Regulation Number HK.03.1.23.04.12.2207 of 2012 to determine the implementation of GMP and SSOP. The data collection methods used in this practical work report are observation, interviews, and literature studies. The analysis technique is by the fishbone method. The analysis results of GMP implementation show six aspects of critical (critical) deviations, including buildings, materials, final products, employees, and elimination of nuisance pests from processing units. The results of the analysis of SSOP implementation show that there are three aspects that are not in accordance with the provisions, which should include the condition and cleanliness of surfaces in contact with food ingredients, preventing cross-contamination, and eradicating nuisance pests. Based on the results of the fishbone diagram analysis, it can be concluded that there is a need for improvement in the cassava chip production process. Namely, employees are required to wash their hands before and after the production process, clean up trash around the factory, and maintain the cleanliness of raw materials, such as washing vegetables before use. So, there needs to be socialization regarding GMP and hygiene.
Keywords: GMP, SSOP, Sanitation, Hygiene, Fishbone
Potential economic feasibility of suweg flour production as a high carbohydrate food ingredient
Authors: Permadi Adi , Wulandari Annisa Desna
Published: October 2023

Tubers are high-carbohydrate food ingredients that are widely available in Indonesia. However, not all tubers in Indonesia are used and developed optimally. Suweg is a tuber plant that can grow in yards or fields without special maintenance. Some farmers in Java, Sumatra, and Eastern Indonesia already know Suweg. Suweg is a very potential source of food. Suweg has prospects to be developed into tuber flour and starch. Suweg, which belongs to the taro tribe, is being looked at by several groups in the food and health supplement industry as a raw material because of its nutritional content. In this study, tubers of suweg were processed into intermediate products in the form of suweg flour using a modified salt solution immersion method and fermentation using a lactic acid bakery starter (BAL). The resulting suweg flour is brownish-white powder, clean from other impurities, with a distinctive suweg odor and a slightly characteristic suweg taste and passes through an 80-mesh sieve. The economic simulation results in producing 85.8 kg of suweg flour for 1 month packaged in 1 kg obtained a base price of Rp. 4,290,000, R/C ratio of 1.3, BEP volume of 39.55 packages, BEP price of Rp. 1,977,660.
Keywords: tubers, suweg flour, intermediate products, lactic acid bacteria