bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implantation metastasis of colorectal cancer following percutaneous biliary drainage
Authors: Nikolic Ivan , Petres Andrej , Vucaj-Cirilovic Viktorija , Solajic Nenad , Radic Jelena
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Malignant biliary obstruction represents a poor prognostic sign of metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is the procedure of choice for palliative biliary decompression, and this method has both diagnostic and therapeutic values. One of the wellknown complications following this procedure is the development of catheter tract metastases that occur in 0.6?6% of cases post-PTBD. In this case report, we present a patient with implantation metastases of colorectal cancer following PTBD. Case report. In the last six years, 89 patients underwent PTBD procedure at the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina. Among these patients, catheter tract implantation metastasis developed in one patient (1.1%). In this report, we present a patient who underwent right hemicolectomy in January 2015 at the Oncology Institute due to colon cancer located in the transverse colon. In January of 2018, a computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed metastatic disease and chemotherapy was initiated. However, 29 months following the start of chemotherapy, the patient developed jaundice, and as a result, PTBD procedure was performed. A control computed tomography scan of the abdomen in March of 2021 showed a de novo subcutaneous nodule 20 mm in diameter located at the level of ninth right rib. The nodule had been considered a part of the scar that formed at a place of catheter entry, and was still present eight months after PTBD procedure. Biopsy of the subcutaneous mass and pathohistological analysis confirmed well differentiated colon adenocarcinoma. Conclusion. Catheter tract implantation metastasis is not a rare complication following PTBD for malignant biliary obstruction. It generally has a poor prognosis. Nevertheless, literature review shows that radical surgical excision of the catheter tract tissue with hepatectomy can prolong survival in select group of patients.
The Advantages and Barries in Implementing of Industry 4.0 and Key Features of Industry 4.0
Authors: Ersoy Yusuf
Published: October 2022

Since the publication of the term "Industry 4.0" in 2011, the digital transformation required by Industry 4.0 has immediately attracted the attention of industrialists and governments around the world. Majority of the countries around the world are dealing with the difficulty of producing more goods from limited and consumed natural resources to meet the ever-increasing consumer demand worldwide with the first industrial revolution in the 18th century due to environmental and vital issues. Therefore, the sustainability impacts of Industry 4.0 and the way it contributes to sustainable economic, environmental and social development are getting more and more attention. Nowadays, Industry 4.0 is about digitalization in all industrial and consumer markets, from smart production systems to all distribution channels. Industry 4.0 digital transformation involves the digitization and integration of the entire value chain of the product life cycle. Industry 4.0 is a technological concept that contributes to the sustainability of businesses in today's conditions. Industry 4.0 changes the organization, business models, products, supply chain and strategies of companies. Industry 4.0 enables businesses to be more agile and flexible by integrating people, machines and data. Nowadays, countries such as Germany, the United States of America, India, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Brazil have been developing policies for the implementation of Industry 4.0. However, the adequacy and implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies can be difficult for both industry representatives and countries. In this research, the advantages and barriers in implementing of Industry 4.0 were expressed. In addition, Industry 4.0 and its main features have been explained.
Kurumsal Yönetim Uygulamaları ile Finansal Performans İlişkisi: BİST- Bankacılık Sektöründe Bir Araştırma
Authors: Cengiz Selim , Taşsümer Esra
Published: October 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı, kurumsal yönetim uygulamalarının bankaların finansal performansı üzerindeki etkisini tespit etmektir. Araştırmada 2010-2020 yılları arasında Borsa İstanbul A.Ş.’de kesintisiz işlem gören 11 bankanın verileri kullanılmıştır. Kurumsal yönetim göstergeleri olarak; yönetim kurulu büyüklüğü, bağımsız yönetim kurulu üye oranı, kadın yönetim kurulu üye oranı, yabancı yönetim kurulu üye oranı, denetim kurulu üye oranı, en büyük hissedar pay oranı, en büyük üç hissedar pay oranı, halka açıklık oranı ve CEO İkiliği oranları kullanılmıştır. Finansal performans göstergesi olarak ise; aktif karlılığı, öz sermaye karlılığı ve Tobin q oranları kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada ekonometrik ölçüm için IBM destekli ve 64 bit işlemcili Eviews 9.0 programı aracığıyla panel veri yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Yapılan analiz sonucunda yabancı yönetim kurulu oranı ile aktif karlılığı ve öz sermaye karlılığı arasında negatif ve anlamlı bir ilişki tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca yapılan analizler sonucunda yönetin kurulu büyüklüğünü temsil eden değişken ile ortalama varlık karlılığı değişkeni arasında da anlamlı herhangi bir ilişki olmadığı saptanmıştır.
Klassekampens antihelt
Authors: Skjeseth Alf
Published: October 2022

Eit av dei vanskelegaste spørsmåla ein redaksjon kan stå overfor, er spørsmålet om dei skal identifisere ein person som er involvert i ei straffesak, eller ikkje. Dette har vi reglar om i både presseetikken og pressejussen. I denne artikkelen blir dei presseetiske og juridiske reglane drøfta og samanlikna. Føremålet med artikkelen er å etterprøve påstanden om at presseetikken er strengare enn jussen på dette området. Konklusjonen i artikkelen er at reglane er svært like, både når det kjem til kva slags moment som blir vektlagt, og kor stor vekt dei ulike momenta har. Presseetikken kan likevel vere strengare når det gjeld identifisering på dei seinaste stadia av straffesaka. Til gjengjeld ser pressejussen ut til å gjere større skilnad enn presseetikken mellom identifisering i form av berre namn og identifisering i form av både namn og bilde.
Bostedsløse, uteliggere og tiggere – konstruksjon av «verdige trengende» og «de andre»
Authors: Dyb Evelyn
Published: October 2022

I løpet av to tiår er betegnelser som løsgjenger, hjemløs og uteligger erstattet av begrepet bostedsløs i forskning, offentlige dokumenter og til dels i mer uformelle sammenhenger. Begrepet bostedsløs markerer at problemet dreier seg om fravær av bolig, selv om andre merkelapper for sosiale avvik, som historisk har fulgt denne gruppa, fremdeles henger ved. Begrepsendringen, sammen med en sosial vending i boligpolitikken fra generell til sosial boligpolitikk, bidro til at bostedsløse har fått, eller har nærmet seg, en posisjon som «verdige trengende», de som moralsk sett har rett til hjelp. I løpet av denne perioden ble en nye gruppe, betegnet som fattige tilreisende og «rumenske tiggere», synlige i gatene. Denne gruppa fattige tilreisende lever som bostedsløse, men de er ikke regnet som del av populasjonen av bostedsløse her i landet. Kapittelet undersøker om og eventuelt hvordan massemediene representert ved riks- og regionavisene er med på å forme ideen om våre egne bostedsløse som verdige trengende versus ideen om fattige tilreisende, som «de andre» utenforstående. Pressa er i hovedsak positiv eller nøytral i dekningen av bostedsløshet og tigging, men gjennom innrammingen (framing) bidrar avisene til å forme og opprettholde dikotomien mellom «våre bostedsløse» og «de andre».
Strengare enn jussen? Ei samanlikning av reglane om identifisering i presseetikken og pressejussen
Authors: Hovlid Ellen Lexerød , Helleland Charlotte Loxley
Published: October 2022

Eit av dei vanskelegaste spørsmåla ein redaksjon kan stå overfor, er spørsmålet om dei skal identifisere ein person som er involvert i ei straffesak, eller ikkje. Dette har vi reglar om i både presseetikken og pressejussen. I denne artikkelen blir dei presseetiske og juridiske reglane drøfta og samanlikna. Føremålet med artikkelen er å etterprøve påstanden om at presseetikken er strengare enn jussen på dette området. Konklusjonen i artikkelen er at reglane er svært like, både når det kjem til kva slags moment som blir vektlagt, og kor stor vekt dei ulike momenta har. Presseetikken kan likevel vere strengare når det gjeld identifisering på dei seinaste stadia av straffesaka. Til gjengjeld ser pressejussen ut til å gjere større skilnad enn presseetikken mellom identifisering i form av berre namn og identifisering i form av både namn og bilde.
Å telle aviser. Bakgrunn, kilder, problemer og erfaringer
Authors: Høst Sigurd
Published: October 2022

På 1980-tallet dekket avisstatistikken bare de avisene som var medlemmer av Norske Avisers Landsforening. Derfor var det mange aviser, særlig små lokalaviser, som ikke var tatt med. Ingen visste hvor mange det var av dem, og hvor mange aviser det ble til sammen. For å skaffe mer nøyaktige tall begynte jeg å lage et register som skulle dekke alle norske aviser. Den første utgaven var ferdig i 1990, og resultatene ble blant annet brukt av det dagspresseutvalget som ble oppnevnt i 1991. Senere har registeret vært grunnlag for Avisåret, en serie med årlige tabell- og kommentarrapporter som har dekket hele perioden fra 1994 og frem til 2020.

De første utgavene av rapporten gjaldt bare vanlige aviser, det vi i dag vil kalle betalte papiraviser. Senere er rapportene utvidet med tidsserier som gjelder avisenes nyhetssider på internett (fra 1996), gratisaviser på papir (fra 1999) og betalte nettaviser (fra 2017).

Artikkelen beskriver arbeidet med registeret og statistikken, og det er lagt spesiell vekt på kildebruk og metodeproblemer. For den som er vokst opp med Google, kan det være vanskelig å forestille seg en situasjon der nesten alt kildearbeid handlet om å finne frem til, og å vurdere, informasjon på papir.
Barnevern og media: Kjeldebruk i Naustdalsaka
Authors: Flo Idar
Published: October 2022

I november 2015 overtok barnevernet i Naustdal kommune omsorga for fem barn frå den norsk-rumenske Bodnariu-familien og plasserte dei i tre fosterheimer. Foreldra i den såkalla «Naustdalsaka» blei sikta og seinare tiltalte for bruk av vald mot barna sine. Foreldra var pinsevener, og fleire av støttespelarane deira hevda at det var frykt for kristen indoktrinering som var den eigentlege grunnen til at barnevernet tok frå dei barna.

Barnevernet er pålagt ei streng teieplikt som tydeleg innskrenkar i kva grad barnevernet kan uttale seg og grunngje avgjerdene sine overfor media. Dersom barnevernet på grunn av teieplikta ikkje kan nytte seg av tilsvarsretten, kan det føre til at media verken gjev eit korrekt eller balansert bilde av barnevernsaker. Dette konfliktfylte forholdet mellom barnevern og media er tema for denne artikkelen, der to riksdekkande medium si dekning av den såkalla «Naustdalsaka» blir analysert.

Analysen legg vekt på korleis barnevernet og andre kjelder blei brukte i NRK.no og Dagen si dekning av saka. Med utgangspunkt i framing-teori er målet å samanlikne desse to riksdekkande media si tolkingsramme av Naustdalsaka.
Medfødt instinkt eller øvingssak? En analyse av den journalistiske magefølelsen sett i lys av Polanyis begrep «taus kunnskap»
Authors: Olsen Gunhild Ring
Published: October 2022

For å beskrive journalistikkens praktiske kunnskap brukes ofte kroppslige metaforer som «en nese for nyheter», «en magefølelse» eller «en ryggmargsrefleks». Ved hjelp av Polanyis begrep «taus kunnskap», samt 69 dybdeintervjuer med studenter, journalister og journalistlærere, er målet med denne artikkelen å undersøke hva denne magefølelsen egentlig er, og hvordan den best utvikles. Et hovedfunn er at den journalistiske magefølelsen baserer seg på svært kompleks, sammensatt og situasjonsbetinget bakgrunnskunnskap. Gjennom å beskrive det journalistiske «instinktet» som evnen til å forstå og løse journalistiske utfordringer nærmest uten betenkningstid legger flere intervjuobjekter vekt på hvor personlig og kroppsliggjort denne kunnskapen er. Samtidig er særlig lærere og aktive journalister uenige om hvordan magefølelsen best tilegnes. Mens flere lærere mener at alle kan utvikle en journalistisk magefølelse så lenge motivasjonen er på plass, beskriver journalistene den tause kunnskapen som et nærmest gåtefullt instinkt man er født med – eller ikke. Gjennom å undersøke hvordan studenter, lærere og journalister beskriver taus kunnskap, samt å analysere den praktiske kunnskapens ulike bestanddeler, bidrar denne artikkelen til å dekode og avmystifisere journalistisk arbeid. En slik dekoding er avgjørende for å kunne forstå og videreutvikle journalistisk praksis. En bevisstgjøring rundt hva magefølelsen er, vil også kunne styrke posisjonen til praktisk kunnskap i journalistutdanningene og bidra til å forbedre undervisningen i praktisk journalistikk.
Post Post-Sovjet, stil og opprør: Symbolikk og subversiv nasjonalisme i Gosja Rubtsjinskijs «nye Russland»
Authors: Naterstad Tora Berge
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Post Post-Soviet, style and rebellion: Symbolism and subversive nationalism in Gosha Rubchinskiy’s ‘new Russia’This article explores the resonance enjoyed by streetwear designer Gosha Rubchinskiy among young Russians, and the extensive network that has emerged under his wings and refers to itself as ‘the new Russia’. Analysis of Rubchinskiy’s work, with Dick Hebdige’s semiotic approach as the epistemological context, supplemented by insights from Simon Reynolds, Michel Foucault and Michel Maffesoli, reveals a continuous deconstruction of the Russian regime’s hegemonic narrative of Russianness – so-called ‘Putinism’. At the same time, Rubchinskiy constructs a countercultural form of Russian national belonging, one with room to accommodate those who feel alienated by mainstream Russian nationalism. From a social science perspective, a countercultural inclusive nation-building project is in itself a paradox – so how are we to understand Gosha Rubchinskiy’s ‘new Russia’?
Teachers’ Expectations and Experiences with Processes of Reform
Authors: Qvortrup Ane , Rasmussen Hanne Fie
Published: October 2022

Since 2005, there have been three ambitious Danish upper-secondary school reforms. These reforms reflect broader international educational reform trends. In this article we apply a mixed methods approach to examine whether and how the role of teachers has changed. The article concludes that teachers encounter increasing complexity and a teaching role characterised by the need to make difficult decisions regarding prioritising tasks that, from a teacher’s perspective, all seem essential in order to ensure good teaching, with Bildung as a constant guiding light. We also conclude that reforms may be emotionally exhausting, as they risk undermining or undervaluing the moral purposes of teachers.
«Samiskheit» i Kunnskapsløftet 2020: Ei diskursanalytisk lesing av Fagfornyinga
Authors: Sem Leiv , Kolberg Asbjørn
Published: October 2022

What idea of «Saaminess» is presented and produced by the current Saami and non-Saami national curricula of the Norwegian primary school? Our discourse analysis focussing on the interpellation of pupils shows that the two curricula express different attitudes towards Saaminess, and indeed to education. Saami pupils are interpellated primarily into recognizing and strengthening their Saami identity, and less to be critically inclined and independent-minded. In contrast the non-Saami curriculum focus on disciplinary skills, and has critical method as its fundament. Both curricula may be understood as initiations to dogmatic communities of ideology. We conclude that all teachers should read both plans within their fields, as each complement the other.
En samtida diskurs om betydelsen av fysisk aktivitet för undervisning och lärande: Kritisk analys av artiklar i lärarfackliga tidskrifter
Authors: Levinsson Magnus , Norlund Anita , Johansson Jonas
Published: October 2022

This article explores how teacher union journals in Sweden construct (1) problems related to teaching and learning assumed to be caused by pupils’ physical inactivity, and (2) solutions regarding how and by whom these problems should be addressed. This is done through a critical discourse analysis of four strategically selected articles published in two teacher union journals where researchers, physicians, school leaders and teachers are interviewed about the potential of more physical activity in schools. The overall conclusion is that the examined teacher union journal articles connect physical activity to teaching and learning in ways that de-professionalise teachers.
Islamic Economic Empowerment Model During The Covid 19 Pandemic In Lazismu Surakarta
Authors: El Kemal Saiev Dzaky , Ayuniyyah Qurroh , Armen Rio Erismen , Alfani Mufti Maula
Published: October 2022

The COVID 19 pandemic is a new challenge for the Islamic economy to be able to be a solution to various problems that arise due to the impact of the spread of the COVID 19 virus in every community. The impact caused by the pandemic is not only on the health aspect but also on the economic aspect. This study aims to find out what are the models of economic empowerment in the Islamic Economy that can be done during the COVID 19 pandemic. The research method used is qualitative descriptive. This method explains the phenomena that occur in society and then a conclusion is drawn. The results of this study are the first, the empowerment model carried out by LAZISMU Surakarta during the pandemic has been in accordance with government rules, namely the funds are distributed to those who are entitled to receive it legally Islamic and also pay attention to the scale of community priorities. Second, the category of consumptive empowerment is 11% greater than productive empowerment. Third, the benefits obtained by the community from consumptive empowerment are greater when the number of pandemic cases is increasing, while when the trend of confirmed case numbers is falling, productive empowerment is more expected by the community. Fourth, the Islamic Economy is still able to play a role in tackling emergencies such as the COVID 19 pandemic. This is evidenced through LAZISMU Surakarta which has been able to empower people's funds professionally.
Islamic Financial Literacy: Evidence From Indonesian Urban Middle-Class Women
Authors: Rahmatia Alfina , Wijaya Andy Putra , Saputra Arief Dwi , Ma’ruf Muhammad Imam
Published: October 2022

Issues related to Islamic financial literacy are always interesting to study, mainly because financial literacy has a close relationship with inclusive finance, including women's intelligence which is often questioned in terms of financial literacy. As if only women are the only gender whose abilities and intelligence are always questioned. The paradigm of women is being left behind as if it has been ingrained in some Indonesians. This study uses an explanatory sequential mixed method, in which qualitative data is taken from the study literature, then analyzed using the Nvivo 12 application. Quantitative data is taken from a questionnaire, then analyzed using the SPSS application. The result from qualitative data analysis would explain more the findings. This study proves that gender does not affect financial literacy, it can be said that women in Indonesia urban middle-class are not left behind. Everyone has the same rights in learning about Islamic financial literacy.
Local Halal Cosmetic Products Purchase Intention: Knowledge, Religiosity, Attitude, and Islamic Advertising Factors
Authors: Najib Moh Farid , Kusdiana Wawan , Razli Izyanti Awang
Published: October 2022

The demand for halal cosmetic products in various parts of the world has increased, especially in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia. The potential demand for halal cosmetic products will continue to increase in the future. Indonesia has the opportunity to become the world's largest producer and consumer of halal cosmetic products. Therefore, Indonesia must be able to take advantage of these opportunities by maximizing its potential. This study aims to determine the effect of knowledge, religiosity, attitudes, and Islamic advertising factors on the purchase intention of local halal cosmetic products. In addition, it also aims to find out the reasons for the purchase intention of Muslim consumers towards local halal cosmetic products and to determine the purchase intentions of Muslim consumers towards imported cosmetic products in the future. This study uses 400 respondents who are Muslim and domiciled in West Java. Then to test the model and hypothesis using Smart PLS Software. The results of this study indicate that all hypotheses are accepted. Knowledge and religiosity have a positive and significant influence on attitudes and purchase intentions. Then attitude and Islamic advertising have a positive and significant influence on the purchase intention of local halal cosmetic products. Thus, in building the intention to buy local halal cosmetic products, the company must know and understand what factors underlie consumers' intentions to buy local halal cosmetic products.
The Effectiveness of Sharia Economic Dispute Resolution Between Religious Court and National Sharia Arbitration Board
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Abdul , Sasongkojati Fardan Bintang Agung
Published: October 2022

Sharia economic dispute is a conflict of interest or loss for either party to the business or activities carried out by individuals, groups of people, or business entities that are legal or not legal entities to meet the needs of a commercial and non-commercial nature according to sharia principles. Furthermore, it can be resolved through litigation or judicial and non-litigation, or out-of-court lines. Resolution disputes through religious courts always takes a long time and complicated administration, but until now is it still in high demand by justice seekers. There is dispute resolution outside the judiciary, one of which is arbitration through National Sharia Arbitration Board (BASYARNAS) which can be the solution. This paper is a qualitative research study with a case was taken from Religious Court Class 1A Sleman and BASYARNAS Representative In Yogyakarta. The findings of this study provide the results dispute resolution in religious courts is more desirable because it has more executive powers than BASYARNAS, and also religious courts hold the absolute authority of sharia economic dispute resolution and religious courts spread throughout districts in Indonesia, so religious courts are very easy to find, in contrast to BASYARNAS whose existence is still in every capital of several provinces in Indonesia. Religious courts are superior because of the quality of judges, their presence in every district in Indonesia, and the culture of the people.
DA ESCOLA PARA O ZOOLÓGICO: A INTERDISCIPLINARIDADE DENTRO E FORA DA SALA DE AULA
Authors: Alberto Elias Marcelo , Santos Lembi Gorla Grasielle Cristina dos , Moizés de Oliveira Adeilson , Mendonça Heitor Luciano
Published: October 2022

O presente trabalho objetivou investigar a prática interdisciplinar em um curso técnico em edificações integrado ao ensino médio. Assim, para o estudo foram escolhidos os componentes curriculares de biologia e projeto técnico, unindo, dessa forma, um componente da área técnica profissional e outro da área de formação geral. A intervenção interdisciplinar, aconteceu em dois bimestres, na forma de projeto, e envolveu ainda a participação de acadêmicos de dois cursos superiores. Como produto interdisciplinar, os estudantes realizaram uma visita técnica e, posteriormente a essa visita, elaboraram propostas de readequações em recintos dos animais de um zoológico na região sul do país. Os resultados da pesquisa foram produzidos a partir da análise de conteúdo e demostraram que a interdisciplinaridade apresenta grande potencial para a significação de conceitos por parte dos estudantes, porém o planejamento e organização docente representam um grande desafio para a consolidação dessa prática no espaço escolar.
Clinical outcomes of remdesivir-treated COVID-19 patients in South Korea
Authors: Yu Mi , Kim Bryan Inho , Kim Jungyeon , Gwack Jin
Published: October 2022

Objectives: This study analyzed the clinical outcomes of remdesivir treatment in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in South Korea.Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved the secondary analysis of epidemiological data. Among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from July 2, 2020 to March 23, 2021 (12 AM), 4,868 who received oxygen therapy and were released from isolation after receiving remdesivir treatment were assigned to the treatment group, and 6,068 patients who received oxygen therapy but not remdesivir were assigned to the untreated group. The study subjects included children under the age of 19. The general characteristics and severity were compared between the groups. Differences in the time to death and mortality were also compared.Results: In the untreated group, the hazard ratio [HR] for mortality was 1.59 among patients aged ≥70 years and 2.32 in patients with severe disease in comparison to the treatment group. In a comparison of survival time among patients with severe disease aged ≥70 years, the HR for mortality before 50 days was 2.09 in the untreated group compared to the treatment group.Conclusion: Patients with remdesivir treatment showed better clinical outcomes in this study, but these results should be interpreted with caution since this study was not a fully controlled clinical trial.
An Overview of Ondine’s Curse and its Diagnostic Options in the Medical Field
Authors:   Vinayaka Missions College of Pharmacy, Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation (DU), Yercard Adivaram, Saiem, Tamil Nadu, India., Rajappa Margret Chandira
Published: October 2022

One of the most captivating mythical tales in the realm of medicine is Ondine’s curse. Ondine was an eternal water spirit who became human after falling in love, marrying, and having a child with a man. When she saw her husband sleeping with another woman, she cursed him to stay awake to control his breathing, according to one version of the story. The unusual illness marked by loss of autonomic breath control while voluntary breathing remains intact was cleverly called “Ondine’s curse” during the nineteenth century. Nowadays, Ondine’s curse is most commonly connected with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome; nevertheless, it is also used to describe a variety of respiratory illnesses in the medical literature.
Otogenic Thalamic Abscess - An Unusual Presentation
Authors:   Senior Resident, Department of ENT, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India, Dhanasekaran Balaji
Published: October 2022

This case report presents a case of a very rare scenario of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), atticoantral (squamosal) type presenting with thalamic abscess and isolation of a rare microorganism Streptococcus sanguinis.
A Comparative Study on Influence of Stress on Diurnal Variations in Salivary Cortisol Levels among Selected Employed and Unemployed Women
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar, India, Thabassum Anees Fathima
Published: October 2022

Background: Secretion of stress hormone cortisol correlates with the intensity of stressors and their period of occurrence, and may have serious implications on health in the long run. Aim: This study explores the diurnal variations of the salivary cortisol levels among selected employed and unemployed women. Method and Material: From a population of 400 employed and 272 unemployed women, 40 women (20 employed and 20 unemployed) were selected. In order to compare the cortisol levels between women without stress and with stress, 5 each from employed and unemployed groups with normal stress scores and 15 from each group with mild to moderate stress scores based on the DAS (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Score) were included in the study. Results: Employed women exhibited two peaks in the hormonal profile, a sharp peak in the early morning (CAR-cortisol awakening response) with the mean cortisol level of 14.7 ± 5.9 nmol/l which slowly dropped to 10.1 ± 4.7 nmol/l in the noon and increased again by evening to 11.8 ± 4.6 nmol/l. Among the unemployed women, a single peak appeared for CAR that is 12.6 ± 3.5 nmol/l, which gradually declined to 8.1 ± 2.3 nmol/l by evening time. Conclusion: The extent of stress is exhibited by multiple peaking of cortisol levels among employed women. Unemployed women with stress had markedly high levels of cortisol compared with their counterparts with no stress. It is of greater concern that the employed women with stress have markedly high cortisol levels which could be an indication of health issues in the longer run.
An Evaluation of the Public Healthcare Services and COVID-19 in the North-Eastern States of India: A Quantitative Study
Authors:   PhD Research Scholar, Department of Economics, North-Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya, India, Rymbai Motika Sinha
Published: October 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 has caused an impending disaster with combined social and economic effects. The socio-economic effects of the pandemic are devastating whereby millions of the population drove towards poverty; with nearly 690 million population left undernourished. COVID-19 has demanded efficient healthcare to combat the disease, however, the millions of reported deaths indicate insufficient and unprepared public healthcare. Objective: To analyse the relationship between public healthcare services and COVID deaths. Methodology: The study used basic descriptive methods: averages, percentages, and correlation. To analyse the effects of healthcare infrastructure and healthcare services on COVID deaths, a multivariate linear regression model was used. Results: A high positive correlation was found between COVID deaths and healthcare infrastructure and services. Sub-centres and district hospitals have a negative yet insignificant effect on COVID deaths with parameter estimates of -1.07108 and -166.458 respectively. Community Health Centre and Primary Health Centre have positive and insignificant effects on COVID deaths with parameter estimates of 10.28023 and 11.60391 respectively. Nurses and pharmacists (PHC andCHC) have a negative and insignificant effect with parameter estimates of -1.4027 and -3.38527 respectively. Doctors (PHC) and laboratory technicians (PHC and CHC) have a positive and insignificant effect with parameter estimates of 6.124071 and 5.347605 respectively. F-statistic value was found to be significant in both models. Conclusion: Healthcare infrastructure and services have been insignificant at reducing the recovered COVID cases and COVID deaths.
A magyar felnőtt lakosság egészségműveltsége
Authors: Bíró, Éva , Szabó, Pálma , Kósa, Karolina
Published: October 2022

Bevezetés: Az egészségműveltség fogalma az elmúlt két évtizedben került az egészségügy fókuszába. Többféle koncepciója ismert, ennek megfelelően mérésére is többféle teszt használható. Hazánkban az elmúlt néhány évben nőtt meg ezen a területen a kutatások száma, ezért a magyar nyelven elérhető publikált kérdőívek és országos felmérések száma is csekély. Kutatásunkban a magyar lakosság egészségműveltségét vizsgáltuk két különböző, külföldi kutatásokban gyakran használt eszköz alkalmazásával.

Módszertan: A keresztmetszeti adatgyűjtés 2019-ben, 1 200 fő részvételével a magyar felnőtt lakosságra kor, nem, valamint lakóhely szerint reprezentatív mintán zajlott. Az egészségműveltség mérésére a „Rövid Egészségműveltségi Szűrő Teszt” (Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool, BRIEF) és az „Átlagos Tápérték Teszt” (Newest Vital Sign, NVS) magyar nyelven validált változatait használtuk. A leíró elemzések a nem, kor és lakóhely szerinti súlyozott adatokon történtek a 95%-os megbízhatósági tartományok megadásával. Az egészségműveltség meghatározó elemeit bináris logisztikus regresszió segítségével állapítottuk meg.

Eredmények: Az NVS kérdőív kérdéseire adott válaszok alapján a lakosság 17,9%-nak nagy valószínűséggel inadekvát (elégtelen), 28,1%-nak valószínűleg limitált (korlátozott) és 54,0%-nak nagy valószí-nűséggel megfelelő a funkcionális egészségműveltsége. A BRIEF teszt alapján a válaszadók közel egyharmada került az elégtelen, 35,9%-a a marginális (problémás) és 29,8%-a az adekvát (megfelelő) szubjektív egészségműveltségű kategóriába. Az NVS kérdőívvel mért funkcionális egészségműveltség esélyét növelte a magasabb iskolai végzettség, a kedvezőbb egészségi állapot és az erős társas támasz, ugyanakkor a BRIEF teszttel mért szubjektív egészségműveltség megfelelő mértékének esélyét csak a felsőfokú végzettség emelte. A két különböző teszttel mért eredmények pozitív kapcsolatban voltak egymással, azaz a megfelelő szubjektív egészségműveltség növelte a megfelelő funkcionális egészségműveltség esélyét és fordítva.

Következtetések: Mindkét teszt eredményei alapján indokoltnak tartható az egészségműveltséget javító beavatkozások tervezése és kivitelezése a hazai népesség körében. Tekintettel arra, hogy az egészségműveltséget befolyásoló tényezők közül csak az iskolai végzettséggel volt egyértelműen kimutatható kapcsolat, így az egészségműveltséget növelő beavatkozások legfontosabb színterei az iskolák lehetnek. Mivel az eredmények szerint a lakosság közel felének nem megfelelő az egészségműveltsége, ajánlott lenne a felnőtteknek szóló, egészséggel kapcsolatos tájékoztatók és betegedukációs anyagok vizsgálata, illetve szükség esetén átdolgozása annak érdekében, hogy azokat az alacsonyabb iskolai végzettségű személyek is megértsék, tartalmukat hasznosítsák. Az eredmények alapján az a megállapítás is felvethető, hogy az egészségműveltség szintje függ attól, hogy milyen eszközt használnak annak mérésére.
Long noncoding and micro-RNA expression in a model of articular chondrocyte degeneration induced by stromal cell-derived factor-1
Authors: Wang Guoliang , He Lu , Xiang Yaoyu , Jia Di , Li Yanlin
Published: October 2022

Background

Gene regulatory network analysis has found that long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Objectives

To determine the differential expression of lncRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) in normal chondrocytes and those from a model of articular chondrocyte degeneration.

Methods

Chondrocytes were cultured from cartilage obtained from patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) was used to induce their degeneration. Total RNA was extracted, analyzed, amplified, labeled, and hybridized on a chip to determine expression. The set of enriched differentially expressed miRNAs was analyzed by gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to describe the functional properties of the key biological processes and pathways. We conducted a bioinformatics analysis using Cytoscape to elucidate the interactions between miRNAs and proteins.

Results

We found that the expression of 186 lncRNAs was significantly different in the model of chondrocyte degeneration, in which 88 lncRNAs were upregulated, and 98 were downregulated. Expression of 684 miRNAs was significantly different. Analysis of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network indicated that the genes for CXCL10, ISG15, MYC, MX1, OASL, IFIT1, RSAD2, MX2, IFI44L, and BST2 are the top 10 core genes, identifying the most important functional modules to elucidate the differential expression of miRNAs.

Conclusions

These data may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of chondrocyte degeneration in osteoarthritis, and the identification of lncRNAs and miRNAs may provide potential targets for the differential diagnosis and therapy of osteoarthritis.
Promoter methylation analysis of DKK2 may be a potential biomarker for early detection of cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Xian , Li Aihua , Wu Jie , Wu Yu , Ma Xiaoping , Liu Yanjun , Chen Qingfa , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2022

Background

Dickkopf 2 (DKK2) plays an important role in multiple cancers. Its potential value in the clinical diagnosis of cervical cancer has remained unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the expression and promoter methylation levels of DKK2 in cervical cancer and their clinicopathological associations.

Methods

We used the Gene Expression Omnibus, Oncomine, Cancer Genome Atlas, and University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis databases, reverse transcription-PCR, and methylation-specific PCR analysis to predict and examine the expression of DKK2 mRNA and DKK2 methylation levels in cell lines and cervical cancer tissues from 79 patients with cervical cancer and 63 with cervical precancerous lesions including 25 with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 38 patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL).

Results

DKK2 mRNA expression was downregulated in all cancer cell lines and cervical cancer tissues, whereas hypermethylation of DKK2 was higher in cervical cancer tissue samples. DKK2 methylation in cervical cancer was significantly higher than that in HSIL (χ2 = 8.346, P = 0.004), whereas DKK2 methylation in HSIL was significantly higher than that in normal cervical samples (χ2 = 7.934, P = 0.005) and in LSIL samples (χ2 = 4.375, P = 0.037). DKK2 silencing caused by its promoter hypermethylation was confirmed by treatment with the methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-dC in cell lines. Patients with lymph node metastasis exhibited increased promoter methylation frequency (χ2 = 5.239, P = 0.022) and low DKK2 mRNA expression (χ2 = 3.958, P = 0.047) compared with patients with no lymph node metastasis. Patients with high-risk human papillomavirus infection exhibited increased promoter methylation frequency (χ2 = 6.279, P = 0.015).

Conclusions

DKK2 epigenetic changes of DKK2 may play a key role in the development of cervical cancer, suggesting that DKK2 hypermethylation could be used as a triage test for screening, early diagnosis, or risk prediction of cervical cancer.
An 85-amino-acid polypeptide from Myrmeleon bore larvae (antlions) homologous to heat shock factor binding protein 1 with antiproliferative activity against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells in vitro
Authors: Ding Rui , He Ming , Huang Huoying , Chen Jing , Huang Mingxing , Su Yonghui
Published: October 2022

Background

Venomous arthropods have substances in their venom with antiproliferative potential for neoplastic cells.

Objectives

To identify a polypeptide from Myrmeleon bore (antlion) with antiproliferative activity against neoplastic cells, and to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the activity.

Methods

We used gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography to purify a polypeptide with antiproliferative activity against MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells from a proteinaceous extract of antlion. The polypeptide was sequenced and the stability of its antiproliferative activity was tested under a range of conditions in vitro. An 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the antiproliferative activity of the polypeptide against the MG-63 osteosarcoma cells and MC3T3-E1 mouse calvarial osteoblasts, which were used as a non-neoplastic control. We used western blotting to compare the levels of expression of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and protein kinase B alpha (ATK1) in MG-63 osteosarcoma cells and their mouse homologs in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts after their treatment with the antlion antiproliferative polypeptide (ALAPP).

Results

The 85-amino-acid ALAPP has a 56% sequence identity with the human heat shock factor binding protein 1 (HSBP1). The antiproliferative activity of the polypeptide is relatively insensitive to temperature, pH, and metal ions. ALAPP has a strong concentration-dependent antiproliferative activity against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells compared with its effect on MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. ALAPP significantly upregulates the expression of HSF1 in MC3T3-EL osteoblasts, but not in MG-63 osteosarcoma. ALAPP significantly downregulated the expression of HSP90, CDK4, and AKT1 expression in MG-63 osteosarcoma, but not in the osteoblasts.

Conclusions

ALAPP has significant antiproliferative activity against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, but not nonneoplastic MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. We speculate that non-neoplastic cells may evade the antiproliferative effect of ALAPP by upregulating HSF1 to maintain their HSP90, CDK4, and AKT1 expression at a relatively constant level.
Therapeutic alliance impact on analgesic outcomes in a real-world clinical setting: An observational study
Authors: Barrachina Jordi , Margarit César , Andreu Blanca , Zandonai Thomas , Ballester Pura , Muriel Javier , Cutillas Esperanza , Peiró Ana M.
Published: October 2022

A good therapeutic alliance is relevant for healthcare providers exposed to patients’ suffering, especially since patients and physicians may understand the painful experience differently. Our aim was to explore the impact of therapeutic alliance on analgesic outcomes in a real-world interdisciplinary pain unit (PU). A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on outpatients (n = 69) using opioids on a long-term basis for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain, where clinical pharmacologists and pharmacists advised patients about their opioid treatment. Responses to the patient-doctor relationship questionnaire (PDRQ), sociodemographic and clinical information (pain level, quality of life and hospital use) were collected, whereas pharmacology data (analgesic prescription, adverse events, and compliance) were obtained from electronic health records. Patients were predominantly middle-aged (75 % women, 72 % retired), experiencing moderate pain (VAS 40–70 mm) on average, and under a high morphine equianalgesic dosage (95 ± 88 mg per day, mainly tapentadol or fentanyl). Patients with better PDRQ outcomes, and therefore better therapeutic alliance, showed lower pain intensity than patients with worse PDRQ outcomes (pain intensity: high scores 60 ± 47 mm and medium scores 60 ± 45 mm vs. low scores 80 ± 75 mm, p < 0.01). Along with this, pain intensity was lower when patients affirmed that, thanks to the health-care providers, they “gained new insight”, “felt better”, or “felt content with their doctor’s treatment”. What´s more, patients who affirmed “I benefit from the treatment” experienced increased pain relief (benefit 40 ± 30 vs. non-benefit 19 ± 26 mm, p = 0.010) and improved quality of life (benefit 33 ± 25 vs. non-benefit 18 ± 16 mm, p = 0.031). However, there was a percentage of patients who did not fully understand the provided information, which is something to be taken into account to improve in clinical routine. Therapeutic alliance supported by pharmacist experts on pain management can be an effective strategy to improve analgesic outcomes. Further efforts are needed to improve communication strategies for pain management. Future directions of research should include the analysis of the role of the pharmacist in poly-professional consultations as related to the advice of patients about their medication, and the mutual trust with the patients.
Anti-inflammatory effects of NaB and NaPc in Acinetobacter baumannii-stimulated THP-1 cells via TLR-2/NF-κB/ROS/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Shu Chen , Yan-Yan Zhang , Hai Zhang , Long-Kun Ding , Yue Xi , Man Yan , Chang Sun , Liang Wu , Hao Hu
Published: October 2022

This study evaluated the anti-inflammation effect of the three main short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on Acinetobacter baumannii-induced THP-1 cells. The three main SCFAs could inhibit A. baumannii-stimulated THP-1 cell NF-κB pathway activity and the expressions of NLRP3 inflamma-some and GSDMD, and increase autophagy. The three main SCFAs, especially the sodium butyrate (NaB), had the effect of down-regulation of ROS and TLR-2 expression in THP-1 cells. NaB and sodium propionate (NaPc), but not sodium acetate (NaAc), dramatically suppressed IL-1β and IFN-γ expression. The results indicated that NaB and NaPc could significantly inhibit the inflammation of THP-1 cells induced by A. baumannii, and the inhibitory effect was in the order of NaB > NaPc > NaAC. NaB and NaPc may inhibit inflammation through TLR-2/NF-κB/ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Synergistic action between a synthetic cannabinoid compound and tramadol in neuropathic pain rats
Authors: Quiñonez-Bastidas Geovanna Nallely , Osuna-Martínez Ulises , Reda-Licea Ana Laura , López-Ortíz Manuel , Regla Ignacio , Navarrete Andrés
Published: October 2022

In the present study the interaction of cannabinoid, PhAR-DBH-Me [(R, Z)-18-((1S,4S)-5-methyl-2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-18-oxooctadec-9-en-7-ylphenyl-acetate] and tramadol in two neuropathy models, as well as their possible toxic effects, was analyzed. The anti-allodynic effect of PhAR-DBH-Me, tramadol, or their combination, were evaluated in neuropathic rats. Furthermore, the effective dose 35 (as the 35 % of the anti allodynic effect) was calculated from the maximum effect of each drug. Moreover, the isobolographic analysis was performed to determine the type of interaction between the drugs. A plasma acute toxicity study was carried out to assess the hepatic, renal, and heart functions after an individual or combined administration of the drugs, as well as histology using the hematoxylin-eosin or Masson-trichome method. PhAR-DBH-Me, tramadol, and their combination produced an antiallodynic effect on spinal nerve ligation (SNL) and cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Moreover, PhAR-DBH-Me and tramadol combination showed a synergistic interaction in neuropathic pain rats induced by SNL but not for cisplatin-induced neuropathy. On the other hand, changes in renal and hepatic functions were not observed. Likewise, analysis of liver, kidney and heart histology showed no alterations compared with controls. Results show that the combination of PhAR-DBH-Me and tramadol attenuates the allodynia in SNL rats; the acute toxicology analysis suggests that this combination could be considered safe in administered doses.
Punicalagin attenuated allergic airway inflammation via regulating IL4/IL-4Rα/STAT6 and Notch- GATA3 pathways
Authors: Yu Li , Li Jianying
Published: October 2022

Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways which has a complex etiology. Punicalagin, a major polyphenol present in pomegranates, is reported to possess various biological properties including antioxidant and antiproliferative effects. The current research aimed to evaluate the antiasthmatic effects of punicalagin in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced experimental model of asthma in female BALB/c mice. Treatment group animals received punicalagin (12.5, 25 or 50 mg kg−1 body mass) per day for 21 days from day 1 of OVA injection. Dexamethasone (DEX) was administered to a separate group of mice, as the standard drug control. Inflammatory cell infiltration into the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was substantially decreased in punicalagin-treated mice. Punicalagin reduced Th2-derived cytokines and OVA-specific IgE levels. The IL-4/STAT6 and Notch/GATA3 signalling pathways were regulated on punicalagin administration. The data obtained illustrate the potency of punicalagin as an anti-asthmatic drug. Conclusively, the study’s observations suggest the potential therapeutic efficiency of punicalagin in allergic asthma.