bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study on the clinical outcomes and prognosis of endovascular embolization and craniotomy clipping for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Li Gang , Chen Shaojun , Han Jing , Pan Wanxi , Ji Ping
Published: July 2023

Objective: To investigate the safety and outcomes of endovascular embolization and craniotomy clipping in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

Methods: We collected the clinical data of 106 patients with cerebral aneurysm who underwent surgical treatment (endovascular embolization, Group-A, n=55; craniotomy clipping, Group-B, n=51) in the First People’s Hospital of Yichang from January 2020 to May 2021. We compared surgical treatment indexes, treatment costs, neurological function before and after the treatment, incidence of postoperative complications and the prognosis after one-year follow-up between the two groups.

Results: Endovascular embolization (Group-A) was associated with a shorter mean operation time and hospital stay, a lower mean intraoperative bleeding amount, and a higher mean treatment cost than craniotomy clipping (Group-B) (P<0.05). Compared with the pre-operative neurological function scores, the scores of both groups decreased after the surgery, and the mean post-operative score of Group-A was significantly lower than that of Group-B (P<0.05). Compared with Group-B , patients in Group-A had a lower overall complication rate (P < 0.05. Higher proportion of patients in Group-A had a good prognosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Endovascular embolization for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms is safe as it can shorten the operation time and hospital stay, reduce the incidence of neurological injury and complications, and have a favorable prognosis. However, the treatment is more expensive. Endovascular embolization can be selected for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms when economic conditions allow it.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.5.7401

How to cite this: Li G, Chen S, Han J, Pan W, Ji P. Comparative study on the clinical outcomes and prognosis of endovascular embolization and craniotomy clipping for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(5):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/ 10.12669/pjms.39.5.7401

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Case Report: Successful results of direct varicose vein ablation with EVLA in chronic venous insufficiency patient in Indonesia
Authors: Taofan Taofan , Utoh Junichi , Dakota Iwan , Indriani Suci , Abdillah Choiron , Kartamihardja Achmad Hafiedz Azis , Adiarto Suko , Sukmawan Renan
Published: July 2023

Background: Varicose veins are considered a chronic venous disease. Delaying treatment might cause several late complications that contribute to a high burden on healthcare systems. It may be treated with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and stab avulsion as additional procedures. Varicose direct ablation has been promoted to replace stab avulsion in certain conditions. The purpose of this report is to describe a detailed procedure of the first successful direct varicose ablation with Utoh’s technique using EVLA without any surgical incision in a 71-year-old female presenting varicose vein.

Case report: A 71-year-old female came to the outpatient clinic with a large bulging vein in her leg. Duplex ultrasound showed that the great saphenous vein (GSV) was incompetent with a varicose vein in the medial part of proximal GSV below the knee. The patient underwent EVLA with direct varicose ablation using Utoh’s technique. Duplex sonography evaluation showed the right GSV was utterly obliterated, including the varicose vein. The patient was discharged two days after the procedure without significant complaints nor pain medication.

Conclusions: Direct varicose ablation was proposed as a better alternative than stab avulsion. The varicose vein can be managed with EVLA without a scalpel, incision, avulsion, or phlebectomy. In this case presentation, the endovascular therapeutical approach with Utoh’s ablation technique showed promising results, and no complication was found in the patient.
Reviewing the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush, Korea 2022: Qualitative content analysis
Authors: Ha Kyoo-Man
Published: July 2023

Background: The issue of crowd crushes has been not only very complicated but also uncertain. This article aimed to evaluate how situations such as the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush in South Korea in 2022 can be better managed to reduce human loss. Methods: Qualitative analysis was the key methodology used to compare emergency planning for ordinary events with contingency planning for special events, focusing on four stakeholders, namely governments, businesses, voluntary organizations, and other local communities. Results: The key finding was that all stakeholders would need to supplement emergency planning for ordinary events with contingency planning for special events for the nation. They must embody cooperation, cutting-edge technologies, routinized updates, situation awareness, political rationality, training and exercise, and others, based on inclusion. Conclusions: This is a pioneer study that examined the Itaewon crowd crush more comprehensively than others in particular by including many disaster management principles.
First case of meningoencephalitis and bacteraemia with Flavobacterium lindanitolerans
Authors: Zurbuchen Rebecca , de Roche Mirjam , Galimanis Aikaterini , Narr Kerstin , Dubuis Olivier , Resch Christiane , Ziaka Mairi
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Flavobacterium lindanitolerans is an environmental Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod which is usually not considered to be a human pathogen. Isolation from human clinical samples has been described only once. We report the first case of meningoencephalitis and bacteraemia with Flavobacterium lindanitolerans. Case description: A 76-year-old female presented with fever, headache, alteration of mental status, marked meningism and dysarthria. A lumbar puncture demonstrated cerebrospinal fluid findings consistent with bacterial meningitis, and a broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was initiated. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures revealed a growth of Flavobacterium lindanitolerans. Based on antimicrobial susceptibilities testing, antibiotic treatment was changed to levofloxacin, resulting in a remission of the clinical symptoms after 21 days of treatment. Conclusion: Flavobacterium species are extremely rare human pathogens. However, some of them have been reported to cause opportunistic infections. We describe the first case of meningoencephalitis and bacteraemia caused by Flavobacterium lindanitolerans which was effectively treated with levofloxacin for 21 days.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in AIDS patient after successful induction of virological suppression with cabotegravir/rilpivirine
Authors: Al-Handola Rami , Chinnappan Justine , Bakeer Mohammad , Osterholzer Danielle
Published: July 2023

Long-acting (LA) cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) is a complete regimen for the management of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection to replace their oral antiretroviral therapy (ART) when they have been virologically suppressed. We present a case of successful achievement of undetectable HIV RNA viral load levels in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient with long-standing virologic failure within two months of CAB/RPV LA initiation. This was later complicated by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) due to Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) infection and hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation.
Multispectral transparent electromagnetic-wave-absorbing optical window technology based on a random grid
Authors: Yang ZhiHui , Hao Qun , Zhang Shaohui , Sun Xianjun , Tian Wenming , Liu Feiliang
Published: July 2023

A multimode detection system has stringent requirements in terms of electromagnetic characteristic control and electromagnetic compatibility. To meet these requirements, we designed and manufactured a type of transparent electromagnetic-wave-absorbing optical window based on a random grid (EAOWRG) in this study. Owing to the design and regulation of the materials of the random grid and the structures of the metasurface, the optical window has excellent multispectral transparency, electromagnetic wave absorption, and electromagnetic shielding performance. The experimental results showed that the transmissivity of the EAOWRG in the optical spectral ranges of 460–800 nm and 8–12 µm is above 89.77%, the electromagnetic reflectivity in the frequency ranges of 3.6–7.2 GHz and 14.3–17.7 GHz is not more than – 5 dB, the bandwidth at which the electromagnetic reflectivity is not more than −10 dB is 4.4 GHz, the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness in the frequency range of 2–18 GHz is above 31 dB. The average radar cross section of the detection system using the EAOWRG in the ± 60° angle domain at 6 GHz is 8.79 dB lower than that before processing. The detection system has a good imaging effect in the visible and infrared bands, meeting the requirements of the electromagnetic characteristic control and electromagnetic compatibility, and has good application prospects.
Reducing the refractive index by replacing an [AlPO4]° unit with [BPO4]° in fused silica: reply
Authors: Xiang Guangbiao , Zhang Jiangbin , Xing Zhongyang , Huang Liangjin , Pan Zhiyong , Zhang Hanwei , Wang Xiaolin , Hua Weihong
Published: July 2023

We are grateful to Ballato et al. [Opt. Mater. Express 13, 2338 (2023)10.1364/OME.491887] for their comment on our recently published paper. The optical model and simulation of optical fiber materials are important to design new materials systems and to further improve the fiber laser performance. However, accurate calculation of the non-crystal fiber materials is still challenging, both from the methodology and from the needed calculating resources. The recently published paper [Opt. Mater. Express 13, 935 (2023)10.1364/OME.485138] has sparked interest, which gives us the opportunity to explain the difference between the modeled data and the well-established experimental results.
The interplay between age structure and cultural transmission
Authors: Kandler Anne , Fogarty Laurel , Karsdorp Folgert
Published: July 2023

Empirical work has shown that human cultural transmission can be heavily influenced by population age structure. We aim to explore the role of such age structure in shaping the cultural composition of a population when cultural transmission occurs in an unbiased way. In particular, we are interested in understanding the effect induced by the interplay between age structure and the cultural transmission process by allowing cultural transmission from individuals within a limited age range only. To this end we develop an age-structured cultural transmission model and find that age-structured and non age-structured populations evolving through unbiased transmission possess very similar cultural compositions (at a single point in time) at the population and sample level if the copy pool consists of a sufficiently large fraction of the population. If, however, an age constraint—a structural constraint restricting the pool of potential role models to individuals of a limited age range— exists, the cultural compositions of age-structured and non age-structured population show stark differences. This may have drastic consequences for our ability to correctly analyse cultural data sets. Rejections of tests of neutrality, blind to age structure and, importantly, the interaction between age structure and cultural transmission, are only indicative of biased transmission if it is known a priori that there are no or only weak age constraints acting on the pool of role models. As this knowledge is rarely available for specific empirical case studies we develop a generative inference approach based on our age-structured cultural transmission model and machine learning techniques. We show that in some circumstances it is possible to simultaneously infer the characteristics of the age structure, the nature of the transmission process, and the interplay between them from observed samples of cultural variants. Our results also point to hard limits on inference from population-level data at a single point in time, regardless of the approach used.
Facing old and new risks in arid environments: The case of pastoral communities in Northern Kenya
Authors: Schilling Janpeter , Werland Luise
Published: July 2023

Pastoralism is an important form of livelihood in Kenya, particularly in northern Kenya. While pastoralists have always faced risks such as political marginalization, harsh climate conditions and violent conflict, pastoral communities are increasingly exposed to new risks such as wildlife conservancies as well as large-scale wind and oil projects. The growing climate security literature has provided some insights into how changing rainfall patterns are affecting pastoralist conflicts, but we know little about the compound nature of multiple risks. This paper seeks to narrow this knowledge gap. It aims to better understand new and old risks and their combined impact on pastoral communities in the counties of Turkana, Samburu and Marsabit. The study is based on a comprehensive and structured review of the scientific literature. The findings show that all pastoral communities in northern Kenya face the old risks while the newer ones are county-specific. In Turkana, potential oil spills threaten land and water resources upon which pastoralist communities depend. In Samburu, wildlife conservancies have changed the land-use system, and in Marsabit a pastoral community is exposed to noise and visible emissions from a wind park. Common to these risks are that they: (1) are caused by top-down governance processes with little to no community involvement; (2) reduce the mobility and access to water and pasture of (some) pastoral communities; (3) change the security situation. A rethinking of wildlife conservancies and energy projects is needed that involves pastoral communities from the outset and makes them the primary beneficiaries of any measure implemented in northern Kenya.
A unique single nucleotide polymorphism in Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) gene changes coat colour of Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) to dark black
Authors: Sooriyabandara M. G. C. , Bandaranayake A. U. , Hathurusinghe H. A. B. M. , Jayasundara S. M. , Marasinghe M. S. R. R. P. , Prasad G. A. T. , Abeywardana V. P. M. K. , Pinidiya M. A. , Nilanthi R. M. R. , Bandaranayake P. C. G.
Published: July 2023

The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is an endangered subspecies restricted to isolated and fragmented populations in Sri Lanka. Among them, melanistic leopards have been recorded on a few occasions. Literature suggests the evolution of melanism several times in the Felidae family, with three species having distinct mutations. Nevertheless, the mutations or other variations in the remaining species, including Sri Lankan melanistic leopard, are unknown. We used reference-based assembled nuclear genomes of Sri Lankan wild type and melanistic leopards and de novo assembled mitogenomes of the same to investigate the genetic basis, adaptive significance, and evolutionary history of the Sri Lankan melanistic leopard. Interestingly, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in exon-4 Sri Lankan melanistic leopard, which may completely ablate Agouti Signalling Protein (ASIP) function. The wild type leopards in Sri Lanka did not carry this mutation, suggesting the cause for the occurrence of melanistic leopords in the population. Comparative analysis of existing genomic data in the literature suggests it as a P. p. kotiya specific mutation and a novel mutation in the ASIP-gene of the Felidae family, contributing to naturally occurring colour polymorphism. Our data suggested the coalescence time of Sri Lankan leopards at ~0.5 million years, sisters to the Panthera pardus lineage. The genetic diversity was low in Sri Lankan leopards. Further, the P. p. kotiya melanistic leopard is a different morphotype of the P. p. kotiya wildtype leopard resulting from the mutation in the ASIP-gene. The ability of black leopards to camouflage, along with the likelihood of recurrence and transfer to future generations, suggests that this rare mutation could be environment-adaptable.
Understanding the quality of life of people living with HIV in rural and urban areas in Indonesia
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Mwanri Lillian , Hawke Karen , Ward Paul Russell
Published: July 2023

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a major global public health issue that affects the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) globally and in Indonesia. As a part of a large-scale qualitative study investigating HIV risk factors and impacts on PLHIV and facilitators of and barriers to their access to HIV care services in Yogyakarta and Belu, Indonesia, this paper describes their in-depth views and experiences of the influence of HIV on their QoL. Ninety-two participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. In addition, the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL–HIV BREF) was also distributed to each of them to fill out prior to the interviews. Chi-Square analysis was used to analyse data from the survey and a framework analysis was applied to guide qualitative data analysis. The findings reported several factors affecting the QoL of the participants. These included (i) environmental factors, such as living in rural areas, the unavailability of HIV care services and public transport, and long-distance travel to healthcare facilities; (ii) personal beliefs associated with HIV; (iii) sexual and social relationships and their influence of the QoL of participants; and (iv) level of independence and physical health condition following HIV diagnosis. The findings indicate the need for intervention programs that address the availability and accessibility of HIV care services to PLHIV within rural communities and support various physical, psychological, and financial needs of PLHIV. These can be implemented by providing supplements and nutritious food, HIV counselling and door-to-door/community-based ART service delivery to PLHIV, which may increase their engagement in and adherence to the treatment and improve their physical and psychological condition and QoL.
The management of cognitive labour in same-gender couples
Authors: McLean Caitlan , Musolino Connie , Rose Alice , Ward Paul R.
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study explored how cognitive labour as a form of unpaid, household labour is performed by people in same-gender couples.

Background

Excessive performance of unpaid labour has been associated with several health impacts. Cognitive labour (anticipating needs, identifying options for meeting needs, making decisions and monitoring progress) is an underexamined dimension of unpaid labour which has centered on the experiences of heterosexual couples.

Method

Dyadic and individual interviews were carried out to explore how cognitive labour was performed in same-gender couples between March and October 2021 using an inductive methodology. Adults who were in a same-gender couple, had lived with their partner for at least six months, were not living with children were recruited largely via social media.

Results

Examining cognitive labour performance amongst same-gender couples revealed four key themes: 1) habitually fostered patterns of trust; 2) agency in redefining family; 3) barriers to cognitive harmony; and 4) facilitators to cognitive harmony. Findings regarding the relationships between themes are presented in a narrative model. Dyadic interviews allowed for deep, narratives relating to cognitive labour performance.

Conclusions

The narrative model provides new conceptual understanding of how cognitive labour is performed outside of the heteronormative sphere. Couple’s adoption of a strengths-based frame to cognitive labour performance removed the opposition inherent in gender dichotomies. These findings support calls for research to incorporate social change to build and refine theory, including how queer and feminist movements have challenged gendered and heteronormative family and household roles.
Development and validation of Medical Device Key Evidence Tool (‘MeDKET’): An evidence-based framework to explain success in selected European and US companies
Authors: Manetti Stefania , Lettieri Emanuele , Ni Melody Zhifang
Published: July 2023

Innovating in Medical Device (MD) industry is challenging. This study aims to develop and validate an evidence-based framework that helps innovators of small and large enterprises (SEs and LEs) assess their readiness for successful MD development and deployment. We conducted a key-informant process (stage 1) where 25 international experts identified a list of emergent Health Technology Assessment (HTA) themes they believed were essential to company success. A sample of 22 European and US selected companies (13 SEs and 9 LEs) then reached a consensus on a list of key themes through a robust Delphi process (stage 2). Finally, we constructed (stage 3) and validated (stage 4) the checklist for SEs and LEs. The checklist for SEs and LEs included 21 and 15 items (i.e., fundamental Yes/No questions) with nine overlapping criteria for both SEs and LEs. In both groups, MD success was driven by three major item categories: (i) R&D assessment strategy; (ii) device-outcome measures; (iii) company profiling. Alongside the retrospective validation study, we collected 40 case studies on MDs (23 successes and 17 failures) across the selected enterprises. The retrospective validation provided the proportion of successful and failed case studies that met the ’MeDKET’ criteria. We discovered that early HTA plays a pivotal role in MD industry success with different implications based on enterprise size. This study is the first of its kind to provide a holistic picture of the perceived role of early-stage HTA in MD industry success.
Deficient AMPK activity contributes to hyperexcitability in peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons and thermal hyperalgesia in lupus mice
Authors: Viatchenko-Karpinski Viacheslav , Kong Lingwei , Weng Han-Rong
Published: July 2023

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often suffer from chronic pain. Little is known about the peripheral mechanisms underlying the genesis of chronic pain induced by SLE. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how membrane properties in nociceptive neurons in the dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) are altered by SLE. We found elevation of resting membrane potentials, smaller capacitances, lower action potential thresholds and rheobases in nociceptive neurons in the DRGs from MRL/lpr mice (an SLE mouse model) with thermal hyperalgesia. DRGs from MRL/lpr mice had increased protein expressions in TNFα, IL-1β, and phosphorylated ERK but suppressed AMPK activity, and no changes in sodium channel 1.7 protein expression. We showed that intraplantar injection of Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) induced thermal hyperalgesia in normal mice while intraplantar injection of AICAR (an AMPK activator) reduced thermal hyperalgesia in MRL/Lpr mice. Upon inhibition of AMPK membrane properties in nociceptive neurons from normal control mice could be rapidly switched to those found in SLE mice with thermal hyperalgesia. Our study indicates that increased excitability in peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons contributes to the genesis of thermal hyperalgesia in mice with SLE, and AMPK regulates membrane properties in nociceptive sensory neurons as well as thermal hyperalgesia in mice with SLE. Our study provides a basis for targeting signaling pathways regulating membrane properties of peripheral nociceptive neurons as a means for conquering chronic pain caused by SLE.
Video-based interventions to improve self-assessment accuracy among physicians: A systematic review
Authors: Pattni Chandni , Scaffidi Michael , Li Juana , Genis Shai , Gimpaya Nikko , Khan Rishad , Bansal Rishi , Torabi Nazi , Walsh Catharine M. , Grover Samir C.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Self-assessment of a physician’s performance in both procedure and non-procedural activities can be used to identify their deficiencies to allow for appropriate corrective measures. Physicians are inaccurate in their self-assessments, which may compromise opportunities for self- development. To improve this accuracy, video-based interventions of physicians watching their own performance, an experts’ performance or both, have been proposed to inform their self-assessment. We conducted a systematic review of the effectiveness of video-based interventions targeting improved self-assessment accuracy among physicians.

Materials and methods

The authors performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, EBM reviews, and Scopus databases from inception to August 23, 2022, using combinations of terms for “self-assessment”, “video-recording”, and “physician”. Eligible studies were empirical investigations assessing the effect of video-based interventions on physicians’ self-assessment accuracy with a comparison of self-assessment accuracy pre- and post- video intervention. We defined self-assessment accuracy as a “direct comparison between an external evaluator and self-assessment that was quantified using formal statistical analysis”. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and evaluated quality of evidence. A narrative synthesis was conducted, as variable outcomes precluded a meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 2,376 papers were initially retrieved. Of these, 22 papers were selected for full-text review; a final 9 studies met inclusion criteria for data extraction. Across studies, 240 participants from 5 specialties were represented. Video-based interventions included self-video review (8/9), benchmark video review (3/9), and/or a combination of both types (1/9). Five out of nine studies reported that participants had inaccurate self-assessment at baseline. After the intervention, 5 of 9 studies found a statistically significant improvement in self-assessment accuracy.

Conclusions

Overall, current data suggests video-based interventions can improve self-assessment accuracy. Benchmark video review may enable physicians to improve self-assessment accuracy, especially for those with limited experience performing a particular clinical skill. In contrast, self-video review may be able to provide improvement in self-assessment accuracy for more experience physicians. Future research should use standardized methods of comparison for self-assessment accuracy, such as the Bland-Altman analysis, to facilitate meta-analytic summation.
Global phylogeographical distribution of Gloeoporus dichrous
Authors: Cho Yoonhee , Seo Chang Wan , Jung Paul Eunil , Lim Young Woon
Published: July 2023

Phylogeographic analyses are efficient in ecological and evolutionary studies to discover the origin of a lineage, its dispersal routes, and the divergence of ancestral traits. Studies on widespread wood-decay fungi have revealed the phylogenetic division of several polypores based on geographical distribution. In this study, specimens of Gloeoporus dichrous, a cosmopolitan polypore species, were collected globally and analyzed for their geographic distribution. Multi-marker Bayesian molecular clock and haplotype analyses revealed a clear division of G. dichrous populations by continent. The species diverged from its neighboring clades 10.3 (16.0–5.6) million years ago, with Asian and North American populations at the center of divergence. Possible dispersal mechanisms and pathways are predicted and discussed based on the evaluated transfer routes. The biogeography of G. dichrous analyzed in this study represents a fraction of the polypore evolution and may advance the understanding of the overall evolution of wood-decay fungi.
Perceived antimicrobial dispensing practices in medicine outlets in Ghana: A maximum difference experiment design
Authors: Nyarko Eric , Akoto Francisca Mawulawoe , Doku-Amponsah Kwabena
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Antimicrobials are consumed among patients globally, but in developing and middle-income countries, these drugs can be obtained without a prescription from pharmacies and licensed drug stores due to inadequate regulation in the pharmaceutical sector. This study aimed to assess antimicrobial dispensing practices in medicine sales outlets (i.e., pharmacies and licensed drug stores) to provide quantitative evidence for policy discussions to enhance patient safety and care quality in Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry.

Method

The data for this study were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in the Greater Accra region between July and August 2022. The survey was conducted through interviewer-administered questionnaires, and 200 staff members from medicine sales outlets were randomly selected using a two-stage cluster and random sampling technique. The maximum difference experiment model, rooted in random utility theory, was used to analyze their antimicrobial dispensing practices.

Result

We found that medicine sales outlet staffs were highly concerned about following the drug act and not dispensing antimicrobials without a prescription, and usually refer a patient to get a prescription from a doctor if the patient has complications (like high fever, generalized malaise, fatigue as symptoms, sinusitis). Stronger concerns were also observed for medicine outlet staff not dispensing antimicrobials without a prescription if the patient is pediatric or geriatric with a severe infection. They also evaluated patients and dispensed antimicrobials based on symptoms, not their age or gender. However, they tended not to dispense antibiotics if the patient had a mild fever and requested it without a prescription.

Conclusion

Our results provide insight into the need for a national surveillance system for monitoring antimicrobial prescribing and dispensing practices at medicine sales outlets. Therefore, the selection of antimicrobials for treating infectious diseases may be informed by evidence-based antimicrobial prescribing and dispensing surveillance data and will help policymakers to know the pattern of commonly consumed antimicrobials in the medicine sales outlets.
Comparison of visual performance between bifocal and extended-depth-of-focus intraocular lenses
Authors: Tabuchi Hitoshi , Tanabe Hirotaka , Shirakami Tomoki , Takase Kosuke , Shojo Tomohiro , Yamauchi Tomofusa
Published: July 2023

We compared the visual performance of a bifocal intraocular lens (IOL) (ZMB00) and an extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOL (ZXR00V) by evaluating postoperative parameters at 10 weeks after the last surgery in cataract patients who underwent bilateral ZMB00 or ZXR00V implantation between 2011 and 2020. The right and left lenses were implanted within 3 months of each other. The study enrolled 1536 eyes of 768 patients; the ZMB00 group comprised 1326 eyes of 663 patients (age: 67.0 ± 7.8 years; female/male, 518/145), and the ZXR00V group comprised 210 eyes of 105 patients (age: 67.8 ± 6.9 years; female/male, 39/66). A linear mixed-effects model using data for both eyes, with strict adjustments for sex, age, subjective refraction spherical equivalent, subjective refraction cylinder, corneal astigmatism, axial length, corneal higher-order aberrations and pupil diameter, ensured statistical validity. Uncorrected near visual acuity, corrected near visual acuity, and near spectacle independence were significantly better in the ZMB00 group (p<0.00068, Wald test) than in the ZXR00V group. Contrast sensitivity (visual angle of the test target: 4.0°/2.5°/1.6°/1.0°/0.7°) and contrast sensitivity with glare (4.0°/2.5°/1.6°/1.0°/0.7°) were significantly better in the ZXR00V group (p<0.00068, Wald test) than in the ZMB00 group. Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity, contrast sensitivity with glare (6.3°), and 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) scores for General Vision were slightly but significantly better in the ZXR00V group than in the ZMB00 group (p<0.05, Wald test). At high-performance levels, the two IOL groups had different characteristics regarding various visual performance parameters.
Validity and reliability of upper body push and pull tests to determine one-repetition maximum
Authors: Sigvaldsen Eirik , Loturco Irineu , Larsen Fredrik , Bruusgaard Jo , Kalhovde John Magne , Haugen Thomas
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the validity and reliability of three different strength testing approaches to determine one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press and prone bench pull.

Methods

Twenty-eight recreationally active subjects (25 ± 2 years, 178 ± 8 cm, 78 ± 9 kg) were assessed for load-velocity (L-V) relationship, 1RM, maximal isometric force (MIF), and maximal repetitions to failure (MRF) in a Smith Machine on three separated sessions. Linear regression was used for L-V relationship, MIF, and MRF to predict 1RM. Level of significance was set to ρ ≤ 0.05.

Results

Reliability analyses of the varying 1RM estimations revealed mean differences from 0.6 to -1.3 kg (mainly trivial effects) between test days 1 and 2, intraclass correlation coefficient was > 0.96, and coefficient of variation (CV) was in the range 2.3–8.3% for all tests. Regarding validity, all 1RM predictions exhibited a mean difference ≤ 1.3 kg (trivial), except for the L-V relationship method that underestimated the predicted 1RM by 5 kg (small) compared to the actual bench press 1RM. However, the L-V relationship method showed the least mean absolute errors. CVs were in the range 4.5–13.2%. Standard error of the estimate was in the range 3.2–9.7 kg. Change scores for all tests were significantly correlated with change scores in actual 1RM, except for MIF in the prone bench pull. Smallest deviations in 1RM predictions were observed for the L-V relationship approach.

Conclusions

All 1RM prediction methods were highly comparable to the traditional 1RM test. However, given the high variability associated with individual predictions for each method, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Glycolytic interference blocks influenza A virus propagation by impairing viral polymerase-driven synthesis of genomic vRNA
Authors: Kleinehr Jens , Schöfbänker Michael , Daniel Katharina , Günl Franziska , Mohamed Fakry Fahmy , Janowski Josua , Brunotte Linda , Boergeling Yvonne , Liebmann Marie , Behrens Matthias , Gerdemann Andrea , Klotz Luisa , Esselen Melanie , Humpf Hans-Ulrich , Ludwig Stephan , Hrincius Eike R.
Published: July 2023

Influenza A virus (IAV), like any other virus, provokes considerable modifications of its host cell’s metabolism. This includes a substantial increase in the uptake as well as the metabolization of glucose. Although it is known for quite some time that suppression of glucose metabolism restricts virus replication, the exact molecular impact on the viral life cycle remained enigmatic so far. Using 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) we examined how well inhibition of glycolysis is tolerated by host cells and which step of the IAV life cycle is affected. We observed that effects induced by 2-DG are reversible and that cells can cope with relatively high concentrations of the inhibitor by compensating the loss of glycolytic activity by upregulating other metabolic pathways. Moreover, mass spectrometry data provided information on various metabolic modifications induced by either the virus or agents interfering with glycolysis. In the presence of 2-DG viral titers were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner. The supplementation of direct or indirect glycolysis metabolites led to a partial or almost complete reversion of the inhibitory effect of 2-DG on viral growth and demonstrated that indeed the inhibition of glycolysis and not of N-linked glycosylation was responsible for the observed phenotype. Importantly, we could show via conventional and strand-specific qPCR that the treatment with 2-DG led to a prolonged phase of viral mRNA synthesis while the accumulation of genomic vRNA was strongly reduced. At the same time, minigenome assays showed no signs of a general reduction of replicative capacity of the viral polymerase. Therefore, our data suggest that the significant reduction in IAV replication by glycolytic interference occurs mainly due to an impairment of the dynamic regulation of the viral polymerase which conveys the transition of the enzyme’s function from transcription to replication.
Wildlife Documentaries in Southern Africa: From East to South, Ian Glenn (2023)
Authors: Mututa Addamms
Published: July 2023

Review of: Wildlife Documentaries in Southern Africa: From East to South, Ian Glenn (2023)

London: Anthem Press, 271 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-83998-150-0, h/bk, £80.00
Chromogenic in situ hybridization technique for detecting porcine circovirus 3 in lung and lymphoid tissues
Authors: Tan Chew Yee , Lee Kah Chun , Chiou Ming-Tang , Lin Chao-Nan , Ooi Peck Toung
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim: Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) was recently reported in Malaysian commercial pig population in 2020 by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), revealing a molecular prevalence of 17.02% in the sampled domestic pig population. This study aims to describe a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) technique using digoxigenin (DIG)- labeled cloned PCV3 open reading frame 1 (ORF1) fragment DNA to detect and localize the PCV3 antigen in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung, and lymphoid tissue specimens.

Materials and Methods: Since PCV3 was mainly detected in lung and lymphoid tissues, we obtained tissue specimens from these organs from the previous Malaysian PCV3 study. Digoxigenin-labeled ISH probes were designed to target a 69 bp region of PCV3 ORF1 spanning from the nucleotide positions (282–350).

Results: Light microscopy analysis revealed that chromogenic staining of PCV3 antigens was visualized within the cytoplasm of pneumocytes and lymphocytes, indicating positive ISH results. The results of molecular detection of PCV3 using PCR and ISH showed a high agreement of 90.91%, including for the negative PCV3 status for all samples.

Conclusion: This study reports a chromogenic ISH technique using DIG-labeled probes targeting PCV3 ORF1 to detect PCV3 antigens in lung and lymphoid tissues. Despite the limited availability of PCV3 antibodies, ISH remains relevant for investigating PCV3 replication and pathogenesis and can be used complementarily with PCR for evaluating the localization of antigens in infected tissues.

Keywords: chromogenic in situ hybridization, in situ hybridization, porcine circovirus type 3, porcine circoviruses, pigs.
Panorama das pesquisas dos programas de pós-graduação em extensão rural brasileira, com foco nos atores sociais e institucionais
Authors: Bahiense Douglas Vianna , Bahiense Suelen Vianna , De Camargo William Silvano
Published: July 2023

Busca-se, com este trabalho, estudar a situação dos programas de pós-graduação em extensão rural e a influência deles no entendimento científico focalizado nos principais atores sociais e institucionais. Metodologicamente, valendo-se da pesquisa analítica qualitativa, optou-se por utilizar o estado da arte, o qual interage com a produção acadêmica por meio da quantificação e da identificação de dados bibliográficos. Compuseram o corpus de análise dissertações e teses de três programas de pós-graduação do Brasil: Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria e Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. De modo geral, nos três programas, as principais categorias de análise dos grupos os quais demandaram suas pesquisas acadêmicas são Agricultura Familiar e Políticas Públicas em Geral.
Obliterative bronchiolitis in rheumatoid arthritis (clinical case)
Authors: Petrachkova T. N. , Trofimenko I. N. , Dudina E. N. , Petrachkova A. O. , Kulkova M. E.
Published: July 2023

Obliterative (constrictive) bronchiolitis (OB) is a rare disease characterized by destruction of the bronchiolar epithelium and subsequent progressive airway obstruction. OB is most common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to other systemic rheumatic diseases. Clinical manifestations of OB are found mainly with a long duration of RA and the absence of adequate therapy for articular manifestations. We present a clinical observation, demonstrating the distal respiratory tract involvement in a patient with RA during the first year of the disease, which is observed in no more than 10–20% of cases. The nonspecificity of respiratory symptoms on the background of immunosuppressive therapy led to a diverse differential diagnostic spectrum of pulmonary pathology. For timely diagnosis and optimization of therapeutic approaches, clinical suspicion for respiratory lesions in patients with RA and interdisciplinary cooperation are necessary.
The use of anakinra in a patient with gout and long-term follow-up of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cheremushkina E. V. , Eliseev M. S. , Semashko A. S. , Alekseeva A. V. , Lila A. M.
Published: July 2023

Gout is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy, caused by articular and periarticular sodium monourate (MUN) crystals deposition on the background of chronic hyperuricemia. Gout belongs to the group of autoinflammatory diseases characterized by activation of the innate immune system. In some cases, especially in women, with a long course of the disease and absence of adequate therapy, chronic arthritis is detected, which has little difference from that in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). At the same time, until recently, the combination of RA and gout was considered casuistry due to the inhibition of crystal formation by specific factors associated with RA, what is more mechanisms of inflammation development characteristic of these diseases are completely different. However, according to the latest data, the coexistence of these two diseases in one patient is possible, and the therapy of both, gout and RA (in some patients) can be successful when prescribing biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, in particular inhibitors of the interleukin 1 receptor (IL1r).

The article presents a rare clinical case of chronic tophi gout in an elderly patient who was followed up for a long time with a diagnosis of RA, a significant improvement was achieved on therapy with the IL1r antagonist anakinra.
Identification of Novel QTLs for BPH Tolerance in Rice Using Resistant Donor BM 71
Authors: Suneel Kumar G , Ravi Kumar B.N.V.S.R , Vijaya Lakshmi B , Nanda Kishore M , Ramana Rao P. Venkata , Singareddy Vasavi , Srinivas T
Published: July 2023

Rice is the most widely grown crop in the world, feeding half of the world’s population. Brown plant hopper (BPH) is a considerable risk to rice fields carrying 20-90% yield losses. Hopper burn can be effectively managed by the recognition and use of BPH genes. Marker based genetic analysis of 136 RILcollected from a high yielding susceptible variety, MTU 3626 and BM 71, a BPH donor developed at RARS, identified 3 minor novel QTLs viz; qmbph2.1,qmbph4.1 and qmbph12.1 on chromosomes 2, 4 and 12 and two other QTLson chromosome 5 and 7, namelyqmbph5.1 and qmbph7.1. The phenotyping of RIL’s revealed that ten RIL’s (2711 – 31, 2711 – 37, 2711 – 50, 2711 – 69, 2711 – 84, 2711 – 88, 2711 – 94, 2711 – 100, 2711 – 168 and 2711 – 191) recorded yields comparable to checks, Swarna and Pushyami along with BPH score similar to donor. The BPH resistance lines recognised will be further evaluated, and the confirmed lines can be employed in rice breeding programs.
Environmentally friendly synthesis and computational studies of novel class of acridinedione integrated spirothiopyrrolizidines/indolizidines
Authors: Raju Rajesh , Raghunathan Raghavachary , Arumugam Natarajan , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Kumar Raju Suresh , Vivekanand P. A. , Ebenezer Cheriyan , Solomon Rajadurai Vijay , Perumal Karthikeyan
Published: July 2023

An efficient and environmentally benign synthesis of a new class of acridinedione embedded spirooxindolo/acenaphthenothiopyrrolizidines and spirooxindolo/acenathenoindolizidines has been synthesized in good to excellent yields employing ionic liquid accelerated one-pot [3 + 2]-cycloaddition strategy. The pre-requisite starting substrates, O-acryloyl acridinediones were prepared from dimedone in three good yielding steps, while the 1,3-dipole was derived in situ from isatin/acenaphthenequinone and thiazolidine-4-carboxylc acid/l-pipecolinic acid via decarboxylative condensation. The cycloadduct possesses three stereogenic carbons, one of which is a spiro carbon through the formation of two C–C and one C–N bonds in one-pot synthetic transformation. Geometrical parameters of the synthesized compounds were calculated using the B3LYP/6-311g(d,p) level of theory. The activity of these molecules was evaluated against main protease of COVID-19 to screen them for their inhibitor efficiency. In order to get a broad understanding of the interactions of these synthesized ligands, a detailed molecular docking analysis was performed. Molecular docking analysis shows that compound 8b has the highest binding affinity toward the protein. The compound can be a potential candidate for the treatment of COVID-19.
Decommodifying Spanish-English bilingualism: aggrieved whiteness and the discursive contestation of language as human capital
Authors: Subtirelu Nicholas
Published: July 2023

Over the past few decades in the United States, a powerful consensus has emerged around the value of bi-/multilingualism as human capital, including as an advantage for individuals on the labor market. In this article, I consider how the advantage that Spanish-English bilingualism affords some Latinxs on the labor market might be contested, especially by whites who feel disadvantaged by employers’ preferences for bilingual workers. I explore data from an online petition opposing the use of bilingualism in hiring decisions. Drawing on insights from critical discourse analysis, linguistic anthropology, and the sociology of race, I analyze the discursive strategies that petition signers use to contest the economic advantages afforded by Spanish-English bilingualism. I show that signatories draw on a set of strategies that includes reproducing a naturalized one nation, one language ideology; constructing English as equal opportunity language; decommodifying Spanish; and racializing Spanish and its speakers. My analysis suggests that the apparent economic advantages afforded by Spanish-English bilingualism are a salient target for white racial resentment. Thus, I argue that discussions centering around bi-/multilingualism as human capital should consider how neoliberalism and aggrieved whiteness both, in different ways, undermine the labor market advantages bilingualism offers some Latinxs.