bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Huangqi Jianzhong decoction in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Xin-Peng , Si Wen , Ding Ming-Sheng , Tian Yuan-Fen , Guo Zhuang
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy for walled-off necrosis in the retroperitoneal space of the elderly: A case report
Authors: Sato Kentaro , Shibukawa Goro , Ueda Kenta , Nakajima Yuki , Togashi Kazutomo , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Synchronous rectal adenocarcinoma and intestinal mantle cell lymphoma: A case report
Authors: Vu Kim-Van , Trong Nguyen-Van , Khuyen Nguyen-Thi , Huyen Nga Do , Anh Hoang , Tien Trung Nguyen , Trung Thong Pham , Minh Duc Nguyen
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Penile and scrotal strangulation by stainless steel rings in an human immunodeficiency virus positive man: A case report
Authors: Usuda Daisuke , Kaminishi Nobuyoshi , Kato Masashi , Sugawara Yuto , Shimizu Runa , Inami Tomotari , Tsuge Shiho , Sakurai Riki , Kawai Kenji , Matsubara Shun , Tanaka Risa , Suzuki Makoto , Shimozawa Shintaro , Hotchi Yuta , Osugi Ippei , Katou Risa , Ito Sakurako , Mishima Kentaro , Kondo Akihiko , Mizuno Keiko , Takami Hiroki , Komatsu Takayuki , Oba Jiro , Nomura Tomohisa , Sugita Manabu
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Fecal transplantation in patient with metastatic melanoma refractory to immunotherapy: A case report
Authors: del Giglio Auro , Atui Fabio Cesar
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Left hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm complicating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A case report
Authors: Li Qiao-Mei , Ye Bin , Yang Shang-Wen , Zhao Huan
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Orthogonal realizations of random sign patterns and other applications of the SIPP
Authors: Brennan Zachary , Cox Christopher , Curtis Bryan , Gomez-Leos Enrique , Hadaway Kimberly , Hogben Leslie , Thompson Conor
Published: August 2023

A sign pattern is an array with entries in $\{+,-,0\}$. A real matrix $Q$ is row orthogonal if $QQ^T = I$. The Strong Inner Product Property (SIPP), introduced in [B.A. Curtis and B.L. Shader, Sign patterns of orthogonal matrices and the strong inner product property, Linear Algebra Appl. 592: 228-259, 2020], is an important tool when determining whether a sign pattern allows row orthogonality because it guarantees there is a nearby matrix with the same property, allowing zero entries to be perturbed to nonzero entries, while preserving the sign of every nonzero entry. This paper uses the SIPP to initiate the study of conditions under which random sign patterns allow row orthogonality with high probability. Building on prior work, $5\times n$ nowhere zero sign patterns that minimally allow orthogonality are determined. Conditions on zero entries in a sign pattern are established that guarantee any row orthogonal matrix with such a sign pattern has the SIPP.
Low readmission and reattendance rate in day-case total knee arthroplasties
Authors: Fishley William G. , Paice Sarah , Iqbal Haaris , Mowat Stephen , Kalson Nicholas S. , Reed Mike , Partington Paul , Petheram Timothy G.
Published: August 2023

Aims

The rate of day-case total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the UK is currently approximately 0.5%. Reducing length of stay allows orthopaedic providers to improve efficiency, increase operative throughput, and tackle the rising demand for joint arthroplasty surgery and the COVID-19-related backlog. Here, we report safe delivery of day-case TKA in an NHS trust via inpatient wards with no additional resources.

Methods

Day-case TKAs, defined as patients discharged on the same calendar day as surgery, were retrospectively reviewed with a minimum follow-up of six months. Analysis of hospital and primary care records was performed to determine readmission and reattendance rates. Telephone interviews were conducted to determine patient satisfaction.

Results

Since 2016, 301/7350 TKAs (4.1%) in 290 patients at our institution were discharged on the day of surgery. Mean follow-up was 31.4 months (6.2 to 70.0). In all, 28 patients (9.3%) attended the emergency department or other acute care settings within 90 days of surgery, most often with wound concerns or leg swelling; six patients (2.0%) were readmitted. No patients underwent a subsequent revision procedure, and there were no periprosthetic infections. Two patients (0.7%) underwent secondary patella resurfacing, and one patient underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis after previous manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). Three patients (1.0%) underwent MUA alone. Primary care consultation records, available for 206 patients, showed 16 patients (7.8%) contacted their general practitioner within two weeks postoperatively; two (1.0%) were referred to secondary care. Overall, 115/121 patients (95%) telephoned stated they would have day-case TKA again.

Conclusion

Day-case TKA can be safely delivered in the NHS with no additional resources. We found low incidence of contact with primary and secondary care in the postoperative period, and high patient satisfaction.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):621–627.
A NonReport: The Operative Image and the Politics of the Public Secret
Authors: Melamed Laliv
Published: August 2023

abstract: This article explores how the paradigm of operative media participates in the politics of state secrecy. Studying a failed military operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces in inland Lebanon in 1997, it analyzes investigative journalism reports of the event together with reflections offered by the event's operators. Drone footage and footage taken from aerial, thermal, and body cameras are brought as evidence in an attempt to expose what compromised the event while fueling a public desire for a candid disclosure. Operative media, this article argues, are sociotechnical constructions, catering to a dialectic of knowing and knowing not to know.
"Film Director Tanaka Kinuyo": The Challenges of Female Authorship
Authors: Murakawa Hide
Published: August 2023

abstract: In 1953, Tanaka Kinuyo, one of Japan's legendary stars, made her debut as a film director, becoming the first Japanese woman to regularly direct feature-length fiction films. In "Eiga kantoku Tanaka Kinuyo" ("Film Director Tanaka Kinuyo," 2016), Murakawa Hide explores Tanaka's early directorial career through interviews with actors and staff members who worked under Tanaka at the time. These interviews provide valuable insight into the industrial and political context in which Tanaka debuted and how she was perceived inside the industry. Included here is an original translation of Murakawa's article as well as an introduction from the translator addressing how the gendered experiences of authorship, stardom, and ageism intersect in Tanaka's directorial career.
100 Years of Insulin in Australia
Authors: Colagiuri Stephen , Wilkinson Roger , Storey Catherine , Cuthbertson Andrew , Bennett Clive N. , Lush Studley , Cox Emma (Sainsbury) , Bootcov Michelle , Coleborne Catharine
Published: August 2023

Abstract: In 1921, Frederick Banting and his colleagues in Toronto, Canada, first used insulin for managing type 1 diabetes. Insulin transformed the disease from a death sentence to a chronic condition requiring life-long management. News of the development spread fast, and Australia became an early therapeutic adoptor and manufacturer of insulin; the same year Australian physicians were experimenting with insulin. An estimated 1.8 million Australians live with diabetes; it remains a significant health problem for First Nations Australians. In this witness seminar, the achievements of the first 100 years of insulin are celebrated.
Before the Streetlights Come On: Black America's Urgent Call for Climate Solutions (An Excerpt)
Authors: Toney Heather McTeer , Dawson Marcus
Published: August 2023

Abstract: This excerpt is the chapter titled "The Cultural Appropriation of Collard Greens: Food Insecurity and the ClimateCrisis" from Before The Streetlights Come On: Black America's Call for Climate Solutions (BroadLeaf Publishing, 2023). The chapterlinks together climate crisis, policy, and food deserts. Produce inflation—like the absurd pricing of three collard green stalks in a health foods store, just miles from boundless fields of homegrown greens—is a phenomenon of global warming's effect on farming and its broad implications on the global food system. Such implications contribute to the growing number of food deserts across the US and their direct correlation to climate crisis and our current governmental food assistance program's shortcomings. Toney reveals Black Americans' response to this injustice, and how the nation at large can learn from the solutions being surfaced by the Black community, like vegan lifestyles, cruelty-free animal care, and home gardening. The very community disproportionately affected by climate crisis can lead the way in changing it.
Curved InGaAs nanowire array lasers grown directly on silicon-on-insulator
Authors: Ratiu Bogdan-Petrin , Temu Balthazar , Messina Cristian , Abouzaid Oumaima , Rihani Samir , Berry Graham , Oh Sang Soon , Li Qiang
Published: August 2023

Catalyst-free, selective nano-epitaxy of III-V nanowires provides an excellent materials platform for designing and fabricating ultra-compact, bottom-up photonic crystal lasers. In this work, we propose a new type of photonic crystal laser with a curved cavity formed by InGaAs nanowires grown directly on silicon-on-insulator. This paper investigates the effect of the radius of the curved cavity on the emission wavelength, quality factor as well as laser beam emission angle. We find that the introduction of curvature does not degrade the quality factor of the cavity, thereby offering another degree of freedom when designing low-footprint multiwavelength photonic crystal nanowire lasers. The experimentally demonstrated device shows a lasing threshold of 157 µJ/cm2 at room temperature at telecom O-band wavelengths.
Modulation instability of incoherent beams revisited
Authors: Zheltikov Aleksei M.
Published: August 2023

We examine the spatial modulation instability (MI) of a partially incoherent laser beam. We show that the P < (a/rc)2P0 criterion of beam stability, with a laser peak power P, beam radius a, correlation radius rc, and critical power of self-focusing P0, is applicable only to a limited class of MIs, viz., MIs that can be described as instabilities of a pertinent transverse correlation function found as a solution to the evolution equation, where the expectation of the four-field-product nonlinear source term is factorized as a product of the field intensity and a two-point transverse correlation function. When extended to a more general class of MIs, field evolution analysis of partially coherent beams suggests that MIs can be attenuated, but never completely suppressed. We show that spatial incoherence can lower the MI-buildup rate, thus helping avoid MI-induced beam breakup in physical settings where the MI-buildup length lMI can be kept longer than the length of the nonlinear medium L. Because the lMI > L condition sets a limitation on the field intensity rather than the laser peak power, MI-induced beam breakup can be avoided, even at laser peak powers well above the critical power of self-focusing P0.
Inferring gene regulatory networks using transcriptional profiles as dynamical attractors
Authors: Li Ruihao , Rozum Jordan C. , Quail Morgan M. , Qasim Mohammad N. , Sindi Suzanne S. , Nobile Clarissa J. , Albert Réka , Hernday Aaron D.
Published: August 2023

Genetic regulatory networks (GRNs) regulate the flow of genetic information from the genome to expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and thus are critical to controlling the phenotypic characteristics of cells. Numerous methods exist for profiling mRNA transcript levels and identifying protein-DNA binding interactions at the genome-wide scale. These enable researchers to determine the structure and output of transcriptional regulatory networks, but uncovering the complete structure and regulatory logic of GRNs remains a challenge. The field of GRN inference aims to meet this challenge using computational modeling to derive the structure and logic of GRNs from experimental data and to encode this knowledge in Boolean networks, Bayesian networks, ordinary differential equation (ODE) models, or other modeling frameworks. However, most existing models do not incorporate dynamic transcriptional data since it has historically been less widely available in comparison to “static” transcriptional data. We report the development of an evolutionary algorithm-based ODE modeling approach (named EA) that integrates kinetic transcription data and the theory of attractor matching to infer GRN architecture and regulatory logic. Our method outperformed six leading GRN inference methods, none of which incorporate kinetic transcriptional data, in predicting regulatory connections among TFs when applied to a small-scale engineered synthetic GRN inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, we demonstrate the potential of our method to predict unknown transcriptional profiles that would be produced upon genetic perturbation of the GRN governing a two-state cellular phenotypic switch inCandida albicans. We established an iterative refinement strategy to facilitate candidate selection for experimentation; the experimental results in turn provide validation or improvement for the model. In this way, our GRN inference approach can expedite the development of a sophisticated mathematical model that can accurately describe the structure and dynamics of thein vivoGRN.
Laboratory evaluation of eleven rapid diagnostic tests for serological diagnosis of Chagas disease in Colombia
Authors: Marchiol Andrea , Florez Sanchez Astrid Carolina , Caicedo Andrés , Segura Maryi , Bautista Jessica , Ayala Sotelo Martha Stella , Herazo Rafael , Forsyth Colin , Bohorquez Laura C.
Published: August 2023

Background

Chagas disease is a public health challenge in Colombia, where only an estimated 1.2% of people at risk have accessed diagnosis, while less than 0.5% of affected people have obtained treatment. The development of simplified diagnostic algorithms would enable progress in access to diagnosis; however, the current diagnostic algorithm relies on at least two laboratory-based tests that require qualified personnel, processing equipment, and infrastructure, which are still generally lacking at the primary care level. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for Chagas disease could simplify diagnosis, but their performance in the epidemiological context of Colombia is not well known.

Methodology

A retrospective analytical observational study of RDTs was performed to estimate the operational characteristics of 11 commercially available RDTs designed for in vitro detection of anti-T. cruzi IgG antibodies. The study was performed under controlled laboratory conditions using human serum samples.

Principal findings

Eleven RDTs were assessed, ten using 585 serum samples and one using 551 serum samples. Employing the current national diagnostic algorithm as a reference standard for serological diagnosis of chronic infection, the sensitivity of the assessed RDTs ranged from 75.5% to 99.0% (95% CI 70.5–100), while specificity ranged from 70.9% to 100% (95% CI 65.3–100). Most tests (7/11, 63.6%) had sensitivity above 90%, and almost all (10/11, 90.9%) had specificity above 90%. Five RDTs had both sensitivity and specificity above 90%.

Conclusions/Significance

The evaluation of these 11 commercially available RDTs under controlled laboratory conditions is a first step in the assessment of the diagnostic performance of RDTs in Colombia. As a next step, field studies will be conducted on available RDTs with sensitivity and specificity greater than 90% in this study, to evaluate performance in real world conditions, with the final goal to allow simplified diagnostic algorithms.
Scabies prevalence after ivermectin-based mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis, Samoa 2018–2019
Authors: Willis Gabriela A. , Kearns Therese , Mayfield Helen J. , Sheridan Sarah , Thomsen Robert , Naseri Take , David Michael C. , Engelman Daniel , Steer Andrew C. , Graves Patricia M. , Lau Colleen L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Scabies is a common skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabei mite. Ivermectin, one of three drugs used in mass drug administration (MDA) for lymphatic filariasis, is also effective for treating scabies. Ivermectin-based MDA was first conducted in Samoa in August 2018, with ivermectin being offered to those aged ≥5 years. Here, we report scabies prevalence in Samoa after MDA.

Methods

We conducted household surveys 1.5–3.5 months (Survey 1) and 6–8 months (Survey 2) after the 2018 MDA in 35 primary sampling units. We conducted clinical examination for scabies-like rash and used International Alliance for the Control of Scabies classification criteria. We estimated scabies prevalence by age, gender and region. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with prevalence.

Results

We surveyed 2868 people (499 households) and 2796 people (544 households) aged 0–75 years in Surveys 1 and 2, respectively. Scabies prevalence increased from 2.4% (95% CI 2.1–2.7%) to 4.4% (95% CI 4.0–4.9%) between surveys. Scabies was associated with younger age (0–4 years: aOR 3.5 [2.9–4.2]; 5–15 years: aOR 1.6 [1.4–1.8] compared to ≥16 years), female gender (aOR 1.2 [95% CI 1.1–1.4]; region (aOR range from 1.4 [1.1–1.7] to 2.5 [2.1–3.1] between regions), large households (aOR 2.6 [2.0–3.4] households ≥13), and not taking MDA in 2018 (aOR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1–1.6]).

Conclusions

We found moderate prevalence of scabies in two population-representative surveys conducted within 8 months of the 2018 MDA for lymphatic filariasis. Prevalence appeared to increase between the surveys, and ongoing surveillance is recommended, particularly in young children.
Novel on-site follow-up and enhancement program (FEP) improves knowledge, clinical skills and enabling environment of skilled birth attendants in Nepal
Authors: Thapa R. , Nikolli K. , McMahon D. , Blakemore S. , Tamang S. , Bhatta S. , Gautam P. , Shrestha R. , Rajbhandari R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Although great strides have been made in maternal and newborn health in Nepal, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is still high at 186 per 100,000 births. Many maternal deaths are preventable if there is access to a skilled birth attendant (SBA). The Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal launched the in-service SBA training program in 2007 and has trained over 10,000 SBAs to date. Evidence shows that one episode of training is not enough to retain skills. Therefore, the Nick Simons Institute (NSI) in collaboration with National Health Training Center (NHTC) devised a Follow-Up and Enhancement Program (FEP) in 2011 where the knowledge, clinical skills, and working environment of SBA graduates were assessed directly at their worksites. FEP allows on-site coaching and feedback so that graduates may continue to improve upon any gaps in their knowledge, skills, and working environment. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of FEP.

Methods

We used a mixed-methods research design. A total of 73 SBAs who had a pre-FEP assessment in 2016 were followed up for a post-FEP assessment in 2017. We also collected data from 3 additional districts (115 SBAs) that had not previously had FEP, to compare SBAs in FEP versus non-FEP districts. Qualitative data was collected from 16 health facilities on the perceptions, motivation, and satisfaction of stakeholders.

Results

Of the total 188 SBAs that were sampled, a one-time FEP increased knowledge scores by 9%, clinical skills scores by 29%, and enabling environment scores by 7%. The number of deliveries conducted improved with a one-time FEP, although this increase was not statistically significant. We found a trickle-down effect of working in a facility that has had prior FEP, with SBAs that have never had FEP improving their clinical skills. FEP was found to be a highly accepted program and is beneficial to SBAs, trainers, and the Hospital Management Committee (HFOMC). However, a one-time FEP is not sufficient in retaining clinical skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

FEP is a highly effective program by both quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Our study suggests that FEP should be frequent and continuous to retain the knowledge and clinical skills of SBAs, motivate them through on-site coaching, and improve their working environment through direct feedback to the Ministry of Health and Population.
Development of a Core Outcome Set for the research and assessment of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction
Authors: Bravington Alison , Obita George , Baddeley Elin , Johnson Miriam J. , Murtagh Fliss E. M. , Currow David C. , Boland Elaine G. , Nelson Annmarie , Seddon Kathy , Oliver Alfred , Noble Simon I. R. , Boland Jason W.
Published: August 2023

Background

Malignant bowel obstruction is experienced by 15% of people with advanced cancer, preventing them from eating and drinking and causing pain, nausea and vomiting. Surgery is not always appropriate. Management options include tube or stent drainage of intestinal contents and symptom control using medication. Published literature describing palliative interventions uses a broad range of outcome measures, few of which are patient-relevant. This hinders evidence synthesis, and fails to consider the perspectives of people undergoing treatment.

Aims

To develop a Core Outcome Set for the assessment of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction with clinician, patient and caregiver involvement, using COMET methodology (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials).

Methods

A systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies, a rapid review of the qualitative literature and in-depth patient and clinician interviews were conducted to identify a comprehensive list of outcomes. Outcomes were compared and consolidated by the study Steering Group and Patient and Public Involvement contributors, and presented to an international clinical Expert Panel for review. Outcomes from the finalised list were rated for importance in a three-round international Delphi process: results of two survey rounds were circulated to respondents, and two separate consensus meetings were conducted with clinicians and with patients and caregivers via virtual conferencing, using live polling to reach agreement on a Core Outcome Set.

Results

130 unique outcomes were identified. Following the independent Expert Panel review, 82 outcomes were taken into round 1 of the Delphi survey; 24 outcomes reached criteria for critical importance across all stakeholder groups and none reached criteria for dropping. All outcomes rated critically important were taken forward for re-rating in round 2 and all other outcomes dropped. In round 2, all outcomes were voted critically important by at least one stakeholder group. Round 2 outcomes were presented again at online consensus meetings, categorised as high ranking (n = 9), middle ranking (n = 7) or low ranking (n = 8). Stakeholders reached agreement on 16 core outcomes across four key domains: Symptom control, Life impact, Treatment outcomes, and Communication and patient preferences.

Conclusion

Use of this Core Outcome Set can help to address current challenges in making sense of the evidence around treatment for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction to date, and underpin a more robust future approach. Clearer communication and an honest understanding between all stakeholders will help to provide a basis for responsible decision-making in this distressing situation in clinical practice.
Mutations in microRNA-128-2-3p identified with amplification-free hybridization assay
Authors: Slott Sofie , Krüger-Jensen Cecilie Schiøth , Ferreira da Silva Izabela , Pedersen Nadia Bom , Astakhova Kira
Published: August 2023

We describe a quantitative detection method for mutated microRNA in human plasma samples. Specific oligonucleotides designed from a Peyrard-Bishop model allowed accurate prediction of target:probe recognition affinity and specificity. Our amplification-free tandem bead-based hybridization assay had limit of detection of 2.2 pM. Thereby, the assay allowed identification of single-nucleotide polymorphism mismatch profiles in clinically relevant microRNA-128-2-3p, showing terminal mutations that correlate positively with inflammatory colitis and colorectal cancer.
Exploring the gelling properties of Plantago ovata-based Arabinoxylan: Fabrication and optimization of a topical emulgel using response surface methodology
Authors: Mahmood Arshad , Erum Alia , Tulain Ume Ruqia , Malik Nadia Shamshad , Saleem Aneeqa , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Malik Muhammad Zubair , Siddiqui Mahwish , Safdar Asif , Malik Abdul
Published: August 2023

Prime objective of the current research was to develop a stable nimesulide emulgel with the help of arabinoxylan, a natural gelling agent extracted from Plantago ovata. The response surface methodology was used by a Design Expert 10 software to formulate and optimize the emulgel. The experimental design approach evaluated the impact of independent and dependent variables. Independent variables were different concentrations of arabinoxylan, span 80 and tween 20, whereas, dependent variables were viscosity, pH, and content uniformity. FTIR demonstrated the compatibility of nimesulide with the excipients. Stability study indicated no phase separation and no change in pH for formulation F1, F3 and F4. The negative values of zeta potential revealed the excellent stability of emulgel. Viscosity, spreadability and extrudability values were in desired range. Ex-vivo permeation study illustrated 86%, 55% and 66% release of the drug over a period of 24 h from the formulations F1, F3 and F4, respectively. Analgesic effect of the optimized emulgel was significantly higher in test group as compared to control and did not produce any sort of irritation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the newly developed emulgel based on arabinoxylan, as gelling agent, appear to be an effective drug delivery system.
Effects of coenzyme Q10 and N-acetylcysteine on experimental poisoning by paracetamol in Wistar rats
Authors: da Silva Rayanne Henrique Santana , de Moura Mariana , de Paula Larissa , Arantes Kelly Carolina , da Silva Marina , de Amorim Jaqueline , Miguel Marina Pacheco , Martins Danieli Brolo , de Melo e Silva Daniela , Melo Marília Martins , Botelho Ana Flávia Machado
Published: August 2023

Paracetamol (PAR) is a drug widely used in human and veterinary medicine as an analgesic and antipyretic, often involved in cases of intoxication. The most common clinical signs result from damage to red blood cells and hepatocytes, and this intoxication is considered a model for the induction of acute liver failure. In the present study, the hepatoprotective effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against experimental paracetamol (PAR) poisoning were analysed. Thirty-five adult Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus albinus) were randomly assigned to five groups, and thirty-one of these survived the treatments. Negative control group (CON-) received 1mL of 0.9% NaCl orally (PO). Other groups received 1.2g/kg of PAR (PO). Positive control group (CON+) received only PAR. NAC group received 800 mg/kg intraperitoneally (IP) of NAC 1h after the administration of PAR and at 12 h received 1mL of 0.9% NaCl, IP. The fourth group (CoQ10) received 1h and 12 h after intoxication, CoQ10 (10mg/kg IP). And the fifth group (NAC+CoQ10) received NAC (800mg/kg, IP) and CoQ10 (10mg/kg, IP). After 12 hours, the rats were euthanized and necropsied to collect liver and kidney tissues for histopathological evaluation and electronic microscopy. A single dose of PAR caused severe acute hepatitis. NAC couldn’t reverse the liver and kidney damages. The group that received CoQ10 and NAC had moderate liver damage, while the group that received only CoQ10 had lower values of liver enzymes and mild liver and kidney damage. Animals that received treatment with CoQ10 or NAC+CoQ10 presented normal hepatocyte mitochondria and nuclei. Although CoQ10 couldn’t reverse PAR organ damage, results indicate promising hepatoprotection in Wistar rats.
Színház a multietnikus térben
Authors: Góli Kornélia
Published: August 2023

A doktori értekezés témája a szabadkai Kosztolányi Dezső Színház (KDSZ) története, és jelenlegi igazgatójának, Urbán Andrásnak rendezői munkássága. A KDSZ 1994-ben alakult a magyar nyelvű színjátszás megmentése érdekében a kisebbségi politikum és a színházi alkotók kezdeményezésére, egy igen összetett színháztörténeti és történelmi időszak közepette, melyet a dolgozat részletesen taglal; valamint bemutatja azokat a folyamatokat, melyek befolyásolták az intézmény jelenlegi arculatának kialakulását. A vizsgált periódus korszakolásának megfelelően az értekezés három főfejezetre tagolódik. Az első az 1985 és 1995 közötti szabadkai színházi életben bekövetkezett változásokkal foglalkozik: a Ljubiša Ristić igazgató nevével fémjelzett korszak legfontosabb kérdése a Népszínház magyar társulatának formális megszüntetése. Ez a fejezet ismerteti azokat a színházi kezdeményezéseket, melyek a magyar nyelvű színjátszás folytonosságának megőrzése érdekében jöttek létre; ide tartozik továbbá a KDSZ első bemutatóját megelőző szervezési és adminisztrációs folyamatok bemutatása. A második rész a színházalapítást követő időszak három igazgatói mandátumát tárgyalja, és arra keresi a választ, hogyan alakítja a közönség és a kritikai visszhang a színház repertoárpolitikáját; mennyire jellemző a kísérleti útkeresés az első tizenkét év intézményvezetőinek színházi gondolkodására; milyen nehézségek jelentkeznek egy sem társulattal, sem játszóhellyel nem rendelkező színház mindennapi tevékenységében. A harmadik rész Urbán András igazgató rendezői munkásságára koncentrál. Ez a fejezet mellőzi az intézményi működés kérdéseinek részletezését, helyette konkrét előadások vizsgálatával foglalkozik, melyek közös jellemzője a kortárs problémákra kiélezett, gondolatébresztő, provokatív képi és verbális kommunikáció, mely szembesíti a nézőt a valósággal. A három korszak három különböző módszerrel való megközelítése egy olyan komplex képet igyekszik megrajzolni, mely a színház – mint intézmény – születésétől az előadás létrejöttéig kíséri végig a működési mechanizmusokat, a hatásokat és a reflexiókat.
Measuring Complex Problem Solving in Jordanian Higher Education
Authors: Alrababah Saleh Ahmad
Published: August 2023

A disszertáció keretein belül végzett kutatások célja annak feltérképezése, hogy releváns, megbízható és megvalósítható-e harmadik generációs, számítógépalapú tesztek alkalmazása a Jordán felsőoktatásban, különös tekintettel egy 21. századi képesség, a komplex problémamegoldás mérésére. A MicroDYN modell alkalmazásával fejlesztett problémamegoldó képességet mérő teszt az eDia online mérés-értékelési platform segítségével került felvételre. A kutatás során alkalmazott mérőeszköz 10 különböző komplexitású problémát tartalmazott. A problémák felfedezése és megoldása során alkalmazott interakciók rögzítésre kerültek. A logadatok formájában rendelkezésre álló viselkedés adatokat elemeztük a célból, hogy feltérképezzük a különböző felfedező, problémamegoldó és tesztmegoldó stratégiák hatékonyságát és azok problémamegoldó teljesítményre gyakorolt hatását. A szakirodalomban elérhető hasonló elemzések mind európai országokban tanuló diákokra vonatkoztak, arab diákok problémamegoldó viselkedésének elemzésére eddig nem került sor. Az invarianciaelemzések eredménye alapján megállapítható volt, hogy az arab felsőoktatásban tanuló diákok azonos módon értelmezték a problémákat, azaz a komplex problémamegoldó képesség kétdimenziós modellje – ami megkülönbözteti a tudás elsajátításának és alkalmazásának fázisát – megerősítésre került. A nemzetközi összehasonlító elemzés eredménye (Jordánia és Magyarország) nagy különbségeket azonosított a tanulók tesztmegoldási viselkedésében, amely különbségek a probléma megoldása során alkalmazott felfedező stratégia hatékonyságában, a problémák megoldásával töltött időben, illetve a kattintások (próbálkozások) számában volt azonosítható. A felfedező stratégia hatékonyságát monitorozó címkézett viselkedési adatokat elemző látens profil elemzés eredménye mind a jordán, mind a magyar mintában négy csoportot azonosított. A vizsgált viselkedési indikátorok nem bizonyultak invariánsnak a különböző látens profillal rendelkező csoportokban, azaz nemzetközi szinten a különböző látens profilú csoportok között szignifikáns különbséget azonosítottunk a végrehajtott manipulációk számát, a feladatra fordított időt és az alkalmazott stratégia típusát tekintve. A kutatás eredményei alapján megállapítható, hogy az online számítógép-alapú mérés-értékelés megvalósítható, releváns és megbízhatóan alkalmazható a jordániai felsőoktatási környezetben. Az eredmények hozzájárultak annak megértéséhez, hogyan viselkednek a különböző oktatási környezetből érkező diákok komplex problémák megoldása közben.
The Diasporic Sublime in the Works of Bharati Mukherjee, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Authors: Bera Shreya
Published: August 2023

A doktori kutatás célja a fenséges elméletének újrafogalmazása Bharati Mukherjee, Jhumpa Lahiri és Chitra Banerjee munkáiban fellelhető transzkulturális identitásokon keresztül. Az indo-amerikai nők migrációban való részvételét és felemelkedését nem hangsúlyozták kellőképen a kényszermunka, globalizáció és kulturális kisajátítás hatásainak tárgyalása során. A német esztétikai hagyományok figyelembevételével, különös tekintettel Immanuel Kant Megfigyelések a szép és a fenséges érzéséről (1764/2011) című munkájában lévő fenségesről szóló elméletére, a disszertáció arra összpontosít, hogy megkérdőjelezze Kant elképzelését, miszerint a nők alkalmatlanok arra, hogy önálló és emelkedett (fenséges) alanyok legyenek. A „diaszporikus fenséges” tehát rávilágít az indiai bevándorló nők Amerikai Egyesült Államokban bejárt és a fenséges testi-lelki állapota felé vezető útjára és az eközben rájuk váró konfliktusokra. A disszertáció a posztkoloniális félelem, hatalom és cselekvőképesség fogalomalkotásait strukturálja a test, az étel és az otthon változásai mentén, így bizonyítandó a fenséges megnyilvánulásait. A disszertáció Christina Battersby, Bonnie Mann és Barbara Claire Freeman kortárs munkáit követve a fenséges fogalmát a bevándorló nők alázatos identitásával és elembertelenedett társadalmi-gazdasági állapotával történő szembenézés folyamataként tárgyalja újra.
Evaluation of Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of Gluten in Male Albino Mice
Authors: El-Alfy Nagla Z. , Mahmoud Mahmoud F. , AbdElfatah Hend M. , Emam Asmaa  Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Gluten is a protein commonly found in daily diets in the form of wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. It serves as the structural component in flour, providing the binding qualities that maintain the shape and texture of food items. This study aimed to investigate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of gluten on bone marrow chromosomes and DNA of male albino mice. The animals were divided into four groups: a control group, a negative control group that received an oral dose of 0.02M glacial acetic acid, and two groups that were treated with gluten dissolved in 0.02M glacial acetic acid at doses of 1.5 g/kg and 3.0 g/kg body weight. The treated animals received oral doses with non-consecutively three times a week for a period of four weeks. The study evaluated chromosomal aberrations in the bone marrow, micronucleus test, and DNA damage using the comet assay. The results of the study showed that treatment with 1.5 and 3.0g/kg body weight of gluten induced chromosomal aberrations and damage in DNA content, with an increase in the severity of effects at a higher dose of gluten. The chromosomal aberrations seen included deletion, fragment, centromeric attenuation, centric fusion, ring formation, end to end association, chromosomal gap, beaded chromosomes, and polyploidy. The micronucleus test revealed toxicity in the bone marrow, as shown by appearance of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes and a reduction in the ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes. The comet assay showed a significant increase of DNA damage in the tail length of the comet cells. This study concluded that the treatment with gluten has detrimental effects on the bone marrow chromosomes and DNA of mice, as demonstrated by the increased chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei, and DNA damage observed in the treated mice. So, the use of gluten should be within an acceptable and safe range.
The influence of different culture media on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation
Authors: Lopes Leonardo Quintana Soares , Henrique Fortes Guerim Pedro , Christ Vianna Santos Roberto , Marquezan Flavia Kolling , Marquezan Patrícia Kolling
Published: August 2023

Microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus are frequently isolated in samples of urinary, blood, intestinal, and respiratory infections, among others. These bacteria are also associated with microbial biofilm formation. E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus biofilm infections are particularly hard to manage and often associated with nosocomial problems. This study investigated the influence of different culture media on E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus biofilm formation. Bacterial performance was evaluated in brain heart infusion broth, Mueller-Hinton broth, or tryptic soy broth, with or without supplementing with different glucose levels (1-5%). The study quantified biofilm biomass and the count of viable biofilm colonies. This is the first study that compares the biofilm formation of E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in polystyrene using different culture media and with different glucose concentrations. The most robust growth of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus occurred in brain heart infusion broth supplemented with 5% glucose, Mueller-Hinton broth without glucose, and tryptic soy broth with 2% glucose, respectively. Our data demonstrate that behavioral and morphological characteristics of each bacterium require a specific broth to enhance the growth of these microorganisms. These findings will contribute to future tests for therapeutic alternatives with anti-biofilm potential.