bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of Objectively Measured Physical Function Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors in Comparison With Cancer-Free Controls
Authors: Luo Juhua , Carter Stephen J. , Feliciano Elizabeth M Cespedes , Hendryx Michael
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE: Aging associated with progressive declines in physical function is well-known; however, little is known about the trajectories of physical function before and after breast cancer diagnosis. The current study examined the trajectories in objective measures of physical function over 20 years for women with breast cancer and matched controls. METHODS: 2712 community-dwelling women (452 breast cancer cases and 1:5 matched cancer-free controls) aged 65 years or older at baseline (1986-1988) within the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures were followed for 20 years. Objective physical function was assessed up to 9 times, including hand-grip strength, timed chair stand, gait speed and quadriceps strength. Linear mixed models were used to model physical function changes in terms of secular time trend, group (cases or controls), period (pre-and post-diagnosis status), and their interaction terms. RESULTS: We observed all measures of physical function declined over time. While no differences in trends between cases and controls during the pre-diagnosis period were observed, after cancer diagnosis, grip strength and gait speed declined significantly faster in cases than controls. Quadriceps strength significantly decreased ~7 pounds shortly after breast cancer diagnosis, and then improved over time. CONCLUSION: Our prospective study revealed that older breast cancer survivors had significantly worse declines in grip strength and gait speed and a sharp, short-term drop followed by gradual improvement over time in quadriceps strength, compared to women without cancer. These findings suggest exercise training targeting muscle strength and mobility would be beneficial among older breast cancer survivors.
A Clinical Predictive Model for Risk Stratification of Patients with Severe Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Singh Manraj , Chiang Jayne , Seah Andre , Liu Nan , Mathew Ronnie , Mathur Sachin
Published: August 2021

Background: Lower Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding (LGIB) is a common presentation of surgical admissions, imposing a significant burden on healthcare costs and resources. There is a paucity of standardised clinical predictive tools available for the initial assessment and risk stratification of patients with LGIB. We propose a simple clinical scoring model to prognosticate patients at risk of severe LGIB and an algorithm to guide management of such patients.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, identifying consecutive patients admitted to our institution for LGIB over a 1-year period. Baseline demographics, clinical parameters at initial presentation and treatment interventions were recorded. Severe LGIB was the primary outcome measure. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors predictive of severe LGIB. A clinical management algorithm was developed to discriminate between patients requiring admission, and to guide endoscopic, angiographic and/or surgical intervention.Results: 226/649 (34.8%) patients had severe LGIB. Six variables were entered into a clinical predictive model for risk stratification of LGIB: Tachycardia (HR>100), hypotension (SBP<90mmHg), anemia (Hb<9g/dL), metabolic acidosis, use of antiplatelet/anticoagulants, and active per-rectal bleeding. The optimum cut-off score of >1 had a sensitivity of 91.9%, specificity of 39.8%, and Positive and Negative Predictive Values of 45% and 90.2% respectively for predicting severe LGIB. The Area Under Curve (AUC) was 0.77.BConclusion: Early diagnosis and management of severe LGIB remains a challenge for the acute care surgeon. The predictive model described comprises objective clinical parameters routinely obtained at initial triage to guide risk stratification, disposition and inpatient management of patients.
Characterizing the ESBL-Producing Enterobacterales Bioburden in a Neonatal Unit Using Chromogenic Culture Media: A Feasible and Efficient Environmental Sampling Method
Authors: Strysko Jonathan P , Vurayai Moses , Kgomanyane Kgomotso , Bayani One , Mokomane Margaret , Machiya Tichaona , Arscott-Mills Tonya , Goldfarb David M. , Steenhoff Andrew , McGann Carolyn , Nakstad Britt , Gezmu Alemayehu , Richards-Greenblatt Melissa , Coffin Susan
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Infections due to extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) have emerged as the leading cause of sepsis among hospitalized neonates in Botswana and much of sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia. Yet, ESBL-PE reservoirs and transmission dynamics within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment are not well-understood. This study aimed to assess the efficiency and feasibility of a chromogenic-culture-media-based environmental sampling approach to characterize the ESBL-PE bioburden within a NICU.
Methods

A series of four point-prevalence surveys were conducted at a 36-bed NICU at a public tertiary referral hospital in Botswana from January-June 2021. Samples were collected on 3 occasions under semi-sterile technique using 1) flocked swabs & templates (flat surfaces); 2) sterile syringe & tubing (water aspiration); and 3) structured swabbing techniques (hands & equipment). Swabs were transported in physiological saline-containing tubes, vortexed, and 10 µL was inoculated onto chromogenic-agar that was selective and differential for ESBL-PE (CHROMagar™ ESBL, Paris, France), streaking plates to isolate individual colonies. Bacterial colonies were quantified and phenotypically characterized using biochemical identification tests.
Results

In total, 567 samples were collected, 248 (44%) of which grew ESBL-PE. Dense and consistent ESBL-PE contamination was detected in and around sinks and certain high-touch surfaces, while transient contamination was demonstrated on medical equipment, caregivers/healthcare worker hands, insects, and feeding stations (including formula powder). Results were available within 24–72 hours of collection. To collect, plate, and analyse 50 samples, we estimated a total expenditure of $269.40 USD for materials and 13.5 cumulative work hours among all personnel.
Conclusions

Using basic environmental sampling and laboratory techniques aided by chromogenic culture media, we identified ESBL-PE reservoirs (sinks) and plausible transmission vehicles (medical equipment, infant formula, hands of caregivers/healthcare workers, & insects) in this NICU environment. This strategy was a simple and cost-efficient method to assess ESBL-PE bioburden and may be feasible for use in other settings to support ongoing infection control assessments and outbreak investigations.
Study of Thirteen Causal Genes in Turkish Patients with Clinically Suspected Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) using a Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Panel
Authors: Dogan Mustafa , Eroz Recep , Bolu Semih , Yüce Hüseyin , Gezdirici Alper , Arslanoğlu İlknur , Teralı Kerem
Published: August 2021

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), which is the most common cause of monogenic diabetes, has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and exhibits marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The aim of the current study was to investigate molecular defects in patients with clinically suspected MODY using a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based targeted gene panel. Candidate patients with clinical suspicion of MODY and their parents were included in the study. Molecular genetic analyses were performed on genomic DNA by using NGS. A panel of thirteen MODY-related genes involving ABCC8, BLK, CEL, GCK, HNF1A, HNF1B, HNF4A, INS, KCNJ11, KLF11, NEUROD1, PAX4, PDX1 was designed and subsequently implemented to screen 44 patients for genetic variants. Ten different pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in MODY-suspected patients, with a diagnostic rate of 22.7%. Eight variants of uncertain significance were also detected. Four novel pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected in the genes GCK (c.1301G>T [p.Cys434Phe]), HNF1A (c.505_506delAA [p.Lys169AlafsTer18]), ABCC8 (c.3584C>T [p.Thr1195Ile]), and CEL (c.679-1G>A). Intriguingly, we were able to detect variants associated with rare forms of MODY in our study population. Our results suggest that in heterogenous diseases such as MODY, NGS analysis enables accurate identification of underlying molecular defects in a timely and cost-effective manner. Although MODY accounts for 1–2% of all diabetic cases, molecular genetic diagnosis of MODY is necessary for optimal long-term treatment and prognosis as well as for effective genetic counseling.
Quercetin and Vitamin E ameliorate cardio-apoptotic risks in diabetic rats
Authors: Ojo Oluwatoyin , Obaidu Ifedayo M. , Obigade Oluwatosin C. , Olorunsogo Olufunso O.
Published: August 2021

Background: Apoptosis is upregulated in all forms of diabetes, with the mitochondria acting as a target in diabetes pathophysiology. Quercetin and vitamin E have shown usefulness in the delay of progression of diabetes-induced complications. However, their effect on the apoptotic process in diabetes mellitus is unknown. We hypothesize that quercetin treatment in diabetes may decrease the propensity for cardio-myocytic death via regulation of the mitochondria permeability transition (mPT) pore opening. Methods: Hearts from normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were used for the study. Low-ionic strength heart mitochondria were used for swelling assay, and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (mLPO) activity was spectrophotometrically assessed. Levels of cytochrome c, caspase 3 and 9 were determined by immunohistochemistry, while lesions assessed by histology.Discussion: Diabetic heart mPT pore showed larger amplitude swelling than control, while mLPO levels was increased in diabetic rats relative to control, this resulted in cytochrome c release. This initiated increased caspase 3 and 9 activity in diabetic rats (p<0.05). Histology showed haemorrphagic lesions in diabetic rat hearts. Quercetin and vitamin E treatment reversed these effects, suggestive of their anti-apoptotic effect. Conclusions: Quercetin and vitamin E protection in diabetes is mediated by mPT pore inhibition and modulation of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis.
Difference Between Delayed Anastomosis and Early Anastomosis in Damage Control Laparotomy Affecting the Infusion Volume and NPWT Output volume: Is Infusion Restriction Necessary in Delayed Anastomosis? A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Tanahashi Yohta , Sato Hisaho , Kawakami Akiko , Sasaki Shusaku , nishinari Yu , Ishida Kaoru , Kojika Masahiro , Endo Shigeatsu , Inoue Yoshihiro , Sasaki Akira
Published: August 2021

Background: Delayed anastomosis is a treatment strategy used in damage control laparotomy (DCL). During temporary abdominal closure (TAC) with DCL, infusion volume, and negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) output volume are associated with the success and prognosis of primary fascial closure (PFC). The same may also hold true for anastomosis. The aim of this research is to evaluate whether the difference between early anastomosis and delayed anastomosis in DCL is related to infusion volume and NPWT output volume.Methods: This single-center retrospective analysis targeted patients managed with TAC during emergency surgery for trauma or intra-abdominal sepsis between January 2011 and December 2019. It included patients who underwent repair/anastomosis/artificial anus construction in the first surgery and patients who underwent intestinal resection in the first surgery followed by delayed anastomosis with no intestinal continuity. The main outcomes were infusion volume, NPWT output volume and complications.Results: One hundred nine patients who underwent emergency surgery were evaluated. Seventy-three patients were managed with TAC using NPWT. In 16 patients with early anastomosis and 21 patients with delayed anastomosis, there was no difference in the infusion volume (p=0.2318) or NPWT output volume (p=0.7128) 48 hours after surgery. Additionally, there was no difference in the occurrence of surgical site infection (p=0.315) and suture failure (p=0.8428). During the second-look surgery after 48 hours, the anastomosis was further postponed for 48% of the patients who underwent delayed anastomosis. There was no difference in the infusion volume (p=0.0783) up to the second-look surgery between the patients whose delayed anastomosis was postponed and those who underwent delayed anastomosis, but there was a tendency toward a large NPWT output volume (p=0.024) in the postponed delayed anastomosis group. Anastomosis and PFC were achieved for all patients whose delayed anastomosis was postponed.Conclusions: The presence or absence of anastomosis during TAC management does not affect NPWT output volume. Delayed anastomosis may be managed with the same infusion volume as that used for early anastomosis. There is also the option of postponing anastomosis if the planned delayed anastomosis is complicated.Trial RegistrationThe retrospective protocol of this study was approved by our institutional review board (MH2018-611).
Low dose niacin versus placebo in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wakade Chandramohan , Chong Raymond , Seamon Marissa , Purohit Sharad , Giri Banabihari , Morgan John C.
Published: August 2021

BackgroundParkinson’s Disease (PD) patients have lower niacin levels compared to their spouses. The main objective was to study low-dose daily niacin supplementation versus placebo on motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease subjects.MethodsA randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, single-center clinical trial in Parkinson’s disease patients was performed in Augusta, GA, between September 2016 to September 2019. Randomized participants were 47 PD patients who received either low-dose niacin (N = 21 ) or placebo (N = 26) for the first six months (mean age 68.4 SD, 8.7; mean duration of disease 5.8 SD 4.9; H&Y scores between 0.5 to 4; 64% subjects were Veterans). The Veterans Affairs Pharmacy generated the randomized sequence. After the double-blind phase, all participants received open-label niacin for the next six months. All patients were evaluated at baseline, six months, and one year of treatment. The main outcome measure was the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS III) scores. Secondary outcome measures were depression, sleep quality, mental flexibility and cognition, and physical fatigue.Results39 subjects were analyzed with low-dose niacin (N = 18) and placebo (N = 21) for the completion of the first six months (randomized, double-blind), and 31 subjects were analyzed for the completion of the next six months (open-label) with low-dose niacin (N = 14) and placebo (N = 17). Niacin treatment was not tolerated by two subjects. The baseline mean UPDRS III score was 21.3 ± 15.8 for the niacin group and 22.4 ± 11.8 for placebo. The change with six months of placebo was 0.05 [95% CI, -2.4 to 2.32], and niacin was 1.06 [95% CI, -3.68 to 1.57]. From six to twelve months, the average UPDRS III score decreased for the placebo group by 4.58 [95% CI, -0.85 to 8.30] and the niacin group by 4.63 [95% CI, 1.42 to 7.83]. Eight subjects withdrew from the study before the 6-month time point and eight more before the one-year time point due to voluntary discontinuation, flushing, or inability to continue (SARS-CoV-2 shut-down).ConclusionLow-dose niacin supplementation may be helpful as an adjunct therapy in improving motor function in PD.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT03462680. Registered 12 March 2018- Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03462680?term=gpr109A&draw=2&rank=1
Nutritional Status and Associated Factors Among Children With Congenital Heart Disease in Selected Governmental Hospitals and Cardiac Center, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
Authors: Woldesenbet Rediet , Murugan Rajalakshmi , Moges Tamirat , Mulugeta Feven
Published: August 2021

Background: Children with congenital heart disease are at risk for poor growth and under-nutrition compared with healthy children. Inadequate energy intake, high energy requirement or both of these reasons are thought to be the reason for malnourishment of children with congenital heart disease. Therefore aim of this study to assess the nutritional status of children with congenital heart disease and associated factors in selected governmental hospitals and cardiac center Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Method: Institutional based cross sectional study was include 395 samples among children age under15years old diagnosed with CHD. Data was collected with structured questionnaire and chart review. Samples were selected by consecutive sampling method and data was collected by face to face interview. Multivariable regression model was developed after p value <0.25 in the binary logistic analysis then after p value< 0.05 was taken as significant. Result: A total of 373 children were participated in this study. The prevalence of wasting and stunting was 144(38.6%) and 134(35.9%) respectively. The prevalence of underweight and malnutrition in children under 10years was 143(43.1%). Most of the children were diagnosed with VSD (36.7%). Children age group of 13months-5years were associated with wasting and underweight [AOR=0.434, 95%CI :( 0.231, 0.816)] and [AOR=0.360, 95%CI :( 0.183, 0.711)] respectively. Children diagnosed with PAH were 1.885 times more likely to be underweight [AOR=1.885, 95%CI :( 1.094, 3.246)]. When the hemoglobin level increases by every unit per g/dl the chance to be wasting and underweight decreases by 13.1% and 18.6%[AOR=0.869, 95%CI :( 0.792, 0.955)] and [AOR=0.869, 95%CI :( 0.792, 0.955)] respectively. The level of SPO2 is associated with stunting and underweight [AOR=0.970, 95%CI :( 0.943, 0.998)] and [AOR=0.970, 95%CI :( 0.943, 0.998)] respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition in children with CHD is pretty high. The responsible bodies should act on the accessibility of early treatment; focus on working in multidisciplinary way to prevent malnutrition and its consequences.
Propagation Network of Tailings Dam Failure Risk: An Empirical Research and The Identification of Key Hazard Node
Authors: Zhen Zhixin , Ma Bo , Zhao Huijie
Published: August 2021

The tailings dam system is complex, and the dam structure changes continuously over time, which makes it difficult to identify hazards and analyze the causes of failure accidents. This paper uses hazards to represent the nodes, and the relationship between hazards to represent the edges. Based on the complex network theory, the propagation network of tailings dam failure risk is constructed. The traditional identification methods usually focus on one aspect of the information of the network, while it cannot take into account to absorb the advantages of different methods, resulting in the lack of information, which will lead to a certain difference between identified key hazards and real key hazards. In order to solve this problem, by absorbing the advantages of different methods under different hazard remediation (deleted) ratios, combined with the characteristics of multi-stage propagation of tailings dam failure risk, this paper proposes a multi-stage collaborative hazard remediation method (MCHRM) to determine the importance of hazard nodes. When the important nodes of this network that affect the network efficiency are found, by consulting the monitoring data, daily inspection results and safety evaluation information of each hazard before the dam failure, we can determine the real cause of the accident from the above important nodes according to the grading standards of hazard indicators. In the application example of Feijão Dam I, this article compares the key hazards obtained by the above methods with the conclusions of the accident investigation team. It can be found that the above method has a very good effect on finding the key causes of tailings dam failure.
Barriers to meeting the Global Nutrition Target 2025 for Exclusive Breastfeeding: an analysis of three decades (1990, 2000, 2010) in six Latin American and Caribbean countries
Authors: Meira Camila Abadia Rodrigues , Buccini Gabriela dos Santos , Azeredo Catarina Machado , Conde Wolney Lisboa , Rinaldi Ana Elisa Madalena
Published: August 2021

Background: The World Health Organization set a global nutrition target to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among infants younger than 6 months to at least 50% by the year 2025. Yet, the early introduction of solid food (before 6 months of age) occurs in approximately one in three infants, making it a major barrier to EBF. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of the early introduction of foods offered to infant under the age of six months in Latin American and Caribbean countries in the last three decades (1990, 2000,2010).Method: This is a time series study with data from Demographic and Health Surveys carried out between 1990 and 2017 in six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean: Bolivia (1994 to 2008); Colombia (1995 to 2010), Guatemala (1995 to 2015), Haiti (1994/1995 to 2016/2017), Peru (1996 to 2012) and the Dominican Republic (1996 to 2013). The total sample consisted of 20,633 infants under the age of six months. Surveys were grouped in three decades as following: 1990s for surveys from 1990 to 1999; 2000s for surveys from 2000 to 2009; and 2010s for surveys from 2010 to 2017. EBF, predominant breastfeeding (PBF), mixed breastfeeding (mixed BF), supplemented breastfeeding (supplemented BF) and non-breastfeeding (non-BF), and individual foods (water, liquids, milk, formula and semi-solid/solid) were analyzed. Mean prevalence rates of breastfeeding and food indicators were calculated for all countries, according to monthly age groups and decade of survey.Results: Between 1990s and 2010s, there was an increase in the mean prevalence of EBF (38.6% and 46.2%, respectively) and a reduction in the mean prevalence of PBF (50.8% and 43.0%, respectively). There was a reduction in the means of liquids (1990s=40.4%,2010s=15.9%) and milk (1990s=20.3%,2010s=8.4%) and an increase in water (1990s=31.7%,2010s=37.5%), and formula (1990s=16.4%, 2010s=25.8%).Conclusions: In the last three decades, n all age groups, there was an increase in the prevalence of EBF, as well as a significant reduction in fluids and milk. The increased supply of water and infant formula are the main barriers to achieving the Global Nutrition Target 2025 for EBF.
Brain CT Registration Using Hybrid Supervised Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Yuan Hongmei , Yang MingLei , Qian Shan , Wang WenXin , Jia XiaoTian , Huang Feng
Published: August 2021

Background: Brain computed tomography (CT) image registration is an essential step in the image evaluation of acute cerebrovascular disease (ACVD). Due to the complexity of human brain morphology, low brain CT soft-tissue resolution, low gray/white matter contrast, and the large anatomy variation across individuals, it is still a great challenge to perform brain CT registration accurately and rapidly. This study developed a hybrid supervised convolutional neural network (HSCN-Net) which may be used for assessment of ACVD in brain CT.Method: HSCN-Net generates synthetic deformation fields by a simulator to solve the lack of registration gold standard. The simulator are used to generate multi-scale deformation fields to overcome the registration challenge of large deformation. HSCN-Net adopts a hybrid loss function constituted by deformation field and image similarity to improve registration accuracy and generalization ability. In this work, one hundred and one brain CT images were included for HSCN-Net training and evaluation, and the results were compared with Demons and VoxelMorph. Qualitative analysis by visual evaluation, as well as quantitative analysis by Endpoint Error (EPE) between deformation fields, image Normalized Mutual Information (NMI), and Dice coefficient were carried out to access the model performance.Results: Qualitative analysis of HSCN-Net was similar to that of Demons, and both were superior to that of VoxelMorph. Moreover, HSCN-Net was more competent for large and smooth deformations. For quantitative evaluation, the EPE mean of HSCN-Net (3.29 mm) was lower than that of Demons (3.47 mm) and VoxelMorph (5.12 mm); the Dice mean of HSCN-Net was 0.96, which was better than that of Demons (0.90) and VoxelMorph (0.87); and the NMI mean of HSCN-Net (0.83) was slightly lower than that of Demons(0.84) but higher than that of VoxelMorph (0.81). In addition, the mean registration time of HSCN-Net (17.86 s) was lower than that of VoxelMorph (18.53 s) and Demons (147.21 s).Conclusion: The proposed hybrid supervised convolution registration network can achieve accurate and rapid brain CT registration. It is helpful for improving image evaluation of ACVD, thereby assisting clinicians in diagnosis and treatment decision-making.
Effect of Helicobacter Pylori Infection on Malignancy of Undifferentiated-type Gastric Cancer
Authors: TANAKA MASAMI , Hoteya Shu , Kikuchi Daisuke , Nomura Kosuke , Ochiai Yorinari , Okamura Takayuki , Hayasaka Junnosuke , Suzuki Yugo , Mitsunaga Yutaka , Dan Nobuhiro , Odagiri Hiroyuki , Yamashita Satoshi , Matsui Akira
Published: August 2021

Background: Although almost all cases of gastric cancer are caused by Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, there are some rare exceptions. Furthermore, the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer may differ depending on HP infection status. This study aimed to determine the clinicopathological characteristics of undifferentiated-type gastric cancer (UD-GC) according to HP status.Methods: The study involved 83 patients with UD-GC who were selected from 1559 patients with gastric cancer who underwent endoscopic resection at our hospital and whose HP infection status was confirmed. Clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated according to HP status (eradicated, n=28; infected, n=32; not infected, n=23).Results: In patients without HP infection, UD-GCs were <20 mm and intramucosal with no vascular invasion. In patients with eradicated HP, there was no correlation between development of UD-GC and time since eradication. Furthermore, 75% of patients with a tumor detected ≥5 years after eradication had undergone yearly endoscopy. Submucosal or deeper invasion was observed in 50% of patients and vascular invasion in 75% of patients whose UD-GC was detected ≥10 years after eradication. The proportion of patients with UD-GC and submucosal or deeper invasion was zero in the group without HP infection, 14.3% in the group with eradicated HP, and 10.5% in the HP-infected group.Conclusion: The clinicopathological characteristics of UD-GC were similar between HP-infected patients and HP-eradicated patients. Patients with eradicated HP whose UD-GC developed long after eradication had high rates of vascular and submucosal invasion. In contrast, UD-GC was curable by endoscopic resection in all patients without HP infection.
COVID-19 myth-busting: an experimental study
Authors: Challenger Aimée Rebecca , Sumner Petroc , Bott Lewis
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCOVID-19 misinformation is a danger to public health. A range of formats are used by health campaigns to correct beliefs but data on their effectiveness is limited. We aimed to identify A) whether three commonly used myth-busting formats are effective for COVID-19 myths, immediately and after a delay, and B) which is the most effective.MethodsWe tested whether three common correction formats could reduce beliefs in COVID-19 myths: (i) question-answer, ii) fact-only, (ii) fact-myth. n = 2215 participants (n=1291 after attrition), UK representative of age and gender, were randomly assigned to one of the three formats. n = 11 myths were acquired from fact-checker websites and piloted to ensure believability. Participants rated myth belief at baseline, were shown correction images (the intervention), and then rated myth beliefs immediately post-intervention and after a delay of at least 6 days. A partial replication, n = 2084 UK representative, was also completed with immediate myth rating only. Analysis used mixed models with participants and myths as random effects.ResultsMyth agreement ratings were significantly lower than baseline for all correction formats, both immediately and after the delay; all β’s > 0.30, p’s < .001. Thus all formats were effective at lowering beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation.Correction formats only differed where baseline myth agreement was high, with question-answer and fact-myth more effective than fact-only immediately; β=0.040, p=.022 (replication set: β = 0.053, p = .0075) and β = -0.051, p = .0059 (replication set: β=-0.061, p < .001), respectively. After the delay however, question-answer was more effective than fact-myth, β = 0.040, p =. 031, and fact-only marginally so, β = .025, p = 0.10.ConclusionOur results imply that COVID-19 myths can be effectively corrected using materials and formats typical of health campaigns. Campaign designers can use our results to choose between correction formats. When myth belief was high, question-answer format, in which the reader is invited to consider whether a myth is true, had a more lasting effect than a traditional fact-myth format.
Demonstrating the potential of Regional Ocean Model System in simulating the upper ocean characteristic over Arabian Sea: impact of horizontal resolution
Authors: Kushwaha Prabha , Pandey Vivek Kumar
Published: August 2021

This study attempted to demonstrate the skill of the regional ocean model system (ROMS) is simulating the hydrographic property of the Arabian Sea (AS). Additionally, the impact of horizontal resolution is investigated. In this regard, ROMS is integrated over AS covering [30˚E-80˚E; 5˚N-30N˚] at two different horizontal resolutions 1/6˚(~ 17km) and 1/4˚(~ 25km) for ten years. The comparison of model results with available observation and reanalysis indicates reasonable resemblances in reproducing the spatial-temporal distribution of surface and subsurface hydrographic property i.e. sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface salinity (SSS), sea surface currents, and subsurface temperature and salinity at both resolutions. The increasing resolution shows minimal improvement, indicating the fact that its not always guaranty to enhance the performance towards increasing resolution for every aspect.
Unravelling the Role of Temperature and Photoperiod on Poinsettia Heat Delay
Authors: Alden Michael , Faust James E.
Published: August 2021

The effects of day temperature (DT), night temperature (NT), and night length (NL) were evaluated on the flowering responses of heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) cultivars Orion Red and Prestige Red, respectively. Plants were placed under 60 DT × NT × NL treatments that consisted of three DT (20, 24, 28 °C), four NT (16, 20, 24, 28 °C), and five NL (10, 11, 12, 13, 14 hours) for the first 17 days of the experiment. After 17 days, all plants were consolidated to one greenhouse with an inductive environment (14-hour NL, 24 ± 2.0 °C DT and 21.2 ± 1.4 °C NT), and the timing of first color, visible bud, and anthesis were recorded. ‘Orion Red’ reached anthesis 8 to 10 days faster than ‘Prestige Red’ across all NLs; however, in both cultivars, days to anthesis decreased in a sigmoidal pattern as NL increased. The relative rate of progress to anthesis (1/days to anthesis) under a 12-hour NL was approximately half that of plants grown at a 13- or 14-hour NL. At a 12-hour NL, the relative rate of progress to anthesis decreased linearly as DT increased for both cultivars. At 13- to 14-hour NL, DT had relatively little effect on the relative rate of progress to anthesis. Thus, high DT delayed flowering of both heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive cultivars when flower initiation occurred under NL, typical of naturally occurring NLs in September and early October (i.e., 12-hour NL), whereas high DT did not delay flowering for either cultivar under a 14-hour NL, which is typically provided under black cloth systems. In contrast, the flowering responses to NT were quite different for the two cultivars. The heat-tolerant cultivar showed relatively little change in the relative rate of progress to anthesis as NT increased from 16 to 28 °C within each NL treatment; however, the heat-sensitive cultivar displayed a large decrease in the relative rate progress to anthesis as NT increased from 20 to 28 °C within each NL treatment. Although the delayed flowering that occurred at 28 °C and 14-hour NL was significant, the relative rate of progress to anthesis at this treatment was significantly higher than the 28 °C and 12-hour NL treatment. This suggests that artificially shortening NL to 14 hours with a black cloth system does not prevent heat delay of poinsettia, but it allows for more rapid flowering than if flower initiation took place under natural NL (≈12 hours). To summarize, high DT affected flowering when flower initiation took place at 12-hour NL for heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive poinsettia cultivars, whereas high NT uniquely delayed flowering of the heat-sensitive cultivar at NL from 12 to 14 hours.
Investigación de fenómenos psicosociales. Una aproximación para el encuentro con el otro
Authors:   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Carmona Toro Paola Andrea , Ospina Alvarado María Camila ,   Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Niñez y Juventud, CINDE, Montoya Arroyave Luz Amparo ,   Institución Educativa Rural Giovanni Montini, Espinosa Herrera Gretel ,   Universidad de Caldas, Valdés Henao Carolina ,   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Bustamante Laura Andrea ,   Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Sánchez Agudelo Paula Vanessa ,   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Lugo Agudelo Victoria ,   Universidad de Caldas, Aguirre Álvarez Nathalia ,   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Arcia Grajales John Harvy ,   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó
Published: August 2021

El libro Investigación de fenómenos psicosociales. Una aproximación para el encuentro con el otro es una iniciativa de algunos investigadores del programa de Psicología del Centro Regional Manizales de la Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, en virtud del crecimiento exponencial de la investigación en fenómenos que configuran la realidad social de nuestro contexto y el interés de problematizar la investigación como una opción de encuentro con personas y comunidades, replanteando nociones tradicionales y extractivistas en la construcción de conocimiento. Con esta iniciativa se evidencia que los procesos de investigación realizados a través de los años de existencia del programa de Psicología, se han visto interlocutados, acompañados y retroalimentados por agentes académicos de otras instituciones, lo que ha nutrido significativamente las discusiones. Además, la producción presenta un común denominador, y es la investigación cualitativa, como diseño recurrente en los diferentes estudios, convirtiéndose en un dispositivo para la problematización del texto.
Moderating effect of internal control system to determinants influencing the financial statement disclosure
Authors: Aswar Khoirul , Jumansyah Jumansyah , Mulyani Sri , Sumardjo Mahendro
Published: August 2021

This study examines whether the internal control system moderates the relationship among budget expenditure, government size, legislative size, and audit findings on financial statement disclosure in Indonesia. This is a quantitative study that uses the purposive sampling technique to collect data from 240 local governments in Indonesia. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Smart PLS. The results show that government size, legislative size, and audit findings had a positive and significant effect on financial statement disclosure, whereas budget expenditure does not. In addition, the findings revealed that the internal control system moderates the relationship between government size and legislative size and financial statement disclosure, but not by audit findings. The study contributed to extending the institutional and agency theory that explains these factors toward disclosure in the local government in Indonesia. The findings suggest that Indonesia’s local governments consider potential factors regarding increasing pressure to carry out disclosure of financial statements, as well as increasing the proper disclosure required by applicable Indonesian regulations.
SDG 3 and financing instruments in Austria and Ukraine: Challenges and perspectives
Authors: Situm Mario , Plastun Alex , Makarenko Inna , Serpeninova Yuliіa , Sorrentino Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the SDG in healthcare achievement in Austria and Ukraine and to determine possible lessons for Ukraine based on best EU and world experiences. To identify existing challenges and perspectives a comparative analysis of key indicators of healthcare expenditures and health financing systems in Austria and Ukraine was carried out. Results indicate that in Ukraine there is a substantial lack of public funding for healthcare (only 682 US dollars per capita in 2018), a poor share of voluntary health insurance (less than 1%), significant amounts (on average 50%) of expenditures of the population in general spending on health. On the contrary, in Austria, there is sufficient public funding for healthcare (5,879 US dollars per capita in 2018), more than 5% share of voluntary health insurance, moderate amounts (on average 25%) of expenditures of the population in general spending on health. Austria’s experience as an EU-member country with a successful example of a financing strategy for the healthcare system is a sound example for Ukraine. The alternative financing tools (e.g. result-based financing, impact investment, public-private partnership) can be used as an additional financing mechanism of healthcare funding in Ukraine. The use of these instruments along with the improvement of the fiscal policy, social security, and governance based on Austrian experience can cut the existing financing gap to achieve SDG targets in healthcare in Ukraine. AcknowledgmentThis study is financed equally by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
Magnetically synthesized MnFe2O4 nanoparticles as an effective adsorbent for lead ions removal from an aqueous solution
Authors: Hassan Mohamed R. , Aly Mohamed I.
Published: August 2021

The adsorption behavior of lead(II) using a new magnetic adsorbent is investigated. The facile synthesis of MnFe2O4 was carried out using the co-precipitation method. The different parameters that affected the adsorption process were investigated such as contact time, metal ion concentration, pH, temperature, and the adsorbent dosage. The maximum lead(II) sorption capacity was found to be 75.75 (mg/g) and obtained using 1 g/L MnFe2O4 when pH equals 5.3, a temperature of 25 °C, and contact time as 60 min. The adsorption isotherm study indicated that the Langmuir model was the best model that described the adsorption process using 1 g/L MnFe2O4. Based on the values of correlation coefficient data (R2), the kinetic adsorption parameters were well defined by the second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, the temperature effect findings have been confirmed that the removal of lead ions was endothermic. The desorption efficiency reached more than 88% when used 0.01 M NaOH as an eluent.
An ecological perspective in the evolutionary theology
Authors: Grygiel Wojciech P.
Published: August 2021

A new paradigm in theology, termed evolutionary theology, supports the understanding of ecology as the proper ordering of the relations between living organisms and their environment. It is argued that evolutionary theology yields a unique conceptual framework in which the human species share a common history with the entire Universe and respecting nature’s integrity means securing a common destiny to everything that exists. This is a powerful motivation for adopting a balanced ecological attitude aimed at respecting nature’s inherent integrity. Furthermore, proposing theological arguments to substantiate ecological claims will help neutralize the objections that religion as such promotes anti-ecological attitudes. Such objections become more pressing when religion focuses exclusively on the afterlife in the immaterial and eternal world to come, and neglects the well-being of the material and temporal Universe.

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Received: 30/08/2020. Reviewed: 07/10/2020. Accepted: 12/11/2020
Exploring AT2R and its Polymorphism in Different Diseases: An Approach
to Develop AT2R as a Drug Target beyond Hypertension
Authors: Sharma Bhanu , Hussain Tahir , Khan Mohammed A. , Jaiswal Varun
Published: August 2021

The Angiotensin II type 2 Receptor (AT2R) is one of the critical components of the renin-
angiotensin system (RAS), which performs diverse functions like inhibiting cell differentiation,
cell proliferation, vasodilatation, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. AT2R is relatively
less studied in comparison to other components of RAS despite its uniqueness (sex-linked) and diverse
functions. The AT2R is differentially expressed in different tissues, and its gene polymorphisms
are associated with several diseases. The molecular mechanism behind the association of
AT2R and its gene polymorphisms with the diseases remains to be fully understood, which hinders
the development of AT2R as a drug target. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AT2R are
found at different locations (exons, introns, promoter, and UTR regions) and were studied for association
with different diseases. There may be different mechanisms behind these associations as
some AT2R SNP variants were associated with differential expression, the SNPs (A1675G/
A1332G) affect the alternate splicing of AT2R mRNA, A1332G genotype results in shortening of
the AT2R mRNA and subsequently defective protein. Few SNPs were found to be associated with
the diseases in either females (C4599A) or males (T1334C). Several other SNPs were expected to
be associated with other similar/related diseases, but studies have not been done yet. The present review
emphasizes on the significance of AT2R and its polymorphisms associated with the diseases
to explore the precise role of AT2R in different diseases and the possibility to develop AT2R as a
potential drug target.
Pharmacodynamic Stance of Phytoconstituents as a Gastric Ulcer
Protective Mechanism: An Overview
Authors: Singh Manish Pal , Chawla Viney , Kaushik Darpan , Chawla Pooja A , Sisodia Siddhraj Singh
Published: August 2021

:

Various traditional herbal plants have been associated with unique
pharmacological actions. Natural parts as well as processed plant parts are known to
possess gastro-protective and gastro- mucosal healing property. Motive of this review
analysis is to explain the gastro-protective and gastro-mucosal healing property of
different herbal plants and their constituents indigenous to various regions of the globe
and elucidate mechanisms of the healing by their metabolic extracts. Moreover, an
attempt shall be made to explicate the possible molecular pharmacological targets
responsible for healing gastric ulcer activity. A thorough survey of literature has been
carried out from various scientific resources and using keywords like peptic ulcer
mechanism, gastro-protective agents, gastro-mucosal healing property, natural and
processed herbal drugs preventing peptic ulcers. This article will present a running
commentary on the prospects and potential of herbal plants exhibiting gastroprotective
activity and gastro-mucosal healing property.
Molecular Regulatory Roles of Long Non-coding RNA HOTTIP:
An Overview in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Hamid Ummi Zulaiqha , Sim Maw Shin , Guad Rhanye Mac , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Sekar Mahendran , Fuloria Neeraj Kumar , Fuloria Shivkanya , Choy Ker Woon , Fareez Ismail Muhamad , Bonam Srinivasa Reddy , Wu Yuan Seng
Published: August 2021

:

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers presented an alarmingly high number of new
cancer cases worldwide and are highly characterised by poor prognosis. The poor
overall survival is mainly due to late detection and emerging challenges in treatment,
particularly chemoresistance. Thus, the identification of novel molecular targets in GI
cancer is highly regarded as the main focus. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)
have been discovered as potential novel molecular targets for combating cancer, as they
are highly associated with carcinogenesis and have a great impact on cancer
progression. Amongst lncRNAs, HOTTIP has demonstrated a prominent oncogenic
regulation in cancer progression, particularly in GI cancers, including oesophageal
cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal
cancer. This review aimed to present a focused update on the regulatory roles of
HOTTIP in GI cancer progression and chemoresistance, as well as deciphering the
associated molecular mechanisms underlying their impact on cancer phenotypes and
chemoresistance and the key molecules involved. It has been reported that it regulates
the expression of various genes and proteins in GI cancers that impact cellular
functions, including proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion, apoptosis,
chemosensitivity, and tumour differentiation. Furthermore, HOTTIP was also discovered
to have a higher diagnostic value as compared to existing diagnostic biomarkers.
Overall, HOTTIP has presented itself as a novel therapeutic target and potential
diagnostic biomarker in the development of GI cancer treatment.
Structural and Functional MRI Brain Changes in Patients with Schizophrenia
Following Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jiang Yuchao , Duan Mingjun , He Hui , Yao Dezhong , Luo Cheng
Published: August 2021

Background:

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder typically characterized
by multidimensional psychotic syndromes. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment option
for medication-resistant patients with SZ or treating acute symptoms. Although the efficacy of ECT
has been demonstrated in clinical use, its therapeutic mechanisms in the brain remain elusive.

Objective:

This study aimed to summarize brain changes on structural magnetic resonance imaging
(sMRI) and functional MRI (fMRI) after ECT.

Methods:

According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
(PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was carried out. The PubMed and Medline databases
were systematically searched using the following medical subject headings (MeSH): (electroconvulsive
therapy OR ECT) AND (schizophrenia) AND (MRI OR fMRI OR DTI OR DWI).

Results:

This review yielded 12 MRI studies, including 4 with sMRI, 5 with fMRI and 3 with multimodal
MRI. Increases in volumes of the hippocampus and its adjacent regions (parahippocampal
gyrus and amygdala), as well as the insula and frontotemporal regions, were noted after ECT. fMRI
studies found ECT-induced changes in different brain regions/networks, including the hippocampus,
amygdala, default model network, salience network and other regions/networks that are thought to
highly correlate with the pathophysiologic characteristics of SZ. The results of the correlation between
brain changes and symptom remissions are inconsistent.

Conclusion:

Our review provides evidence supporting ECT-induced brain changes on sMRI and
fMRI in SZ and explores the relationship between these changes and symptom remission.