bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of selective reporting of antibiotic susceptibility testing results on meropenem prescriptions for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections after 2020 EUCAST criteria update: an observational study in a university hospital
Authors: Munting Aline , Damas José , Viala Benjamin , Prod’hom Guy , Guery Benoit , Senn Laurence
Published: December 2022

Background

We previously reported an increase in meropenem prescriptions for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in our hospital after the implementation of the 10th version of the EUCAST breakpoints table for P. aeruginosa in January 2020. As a consequence, antibiotic susceptibility testing results were adapted by masking meropenem for P. aeruginosa isolates susceptible to either ceftazidime, cefepime or piperacillin-tazobactam. We aimed to assess the changes in meropenem prescriptions after the implementation of the selective reporting.

Methods

In this retrospective single-centre observational study, we analysed antimicrobial therapies prescribed for P. aeruginosa infections after the susceptibility testing results have been made available over three periods: “before EUCAST update”, “after EUCAST update without selective reporting” and “after EUCAST update with selective reporting”, at Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland. We collected epidemiological, microbiological and clinical data. The primary outcome was the prescription of meropenem to treat P. aeruginosa infections after the release of susceptibility testing results. Secondary outcomes were the use of increased dosage of non-meropenem anti-pseudomonal drugs, and IDs’ consultations rates after the release of susceptibility testing results.

Results

Among the 457 patients included, 65 (14.2%) received meropenem: 5/148 (3.4%) before EUCAST update, 51/202 (25.3%) after EUCAST update without selective reporting, and 9/107 (8.4%) after EUCAST update with selective reporting. Supervision and counselling from IDs as well as the use of increased dosages of non-carbapenem antibiotics increased in both periods after EUCAST update, compared to the first period, respectively: 40.5% (60/148) versus 61.4% (124/202) versus 51.4% (55/107) (P < 0.001), and 57.9% (84/148) versus 91.1% (183/202) versus 90.7% (97/107) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Selective reporting of antibiotic susceptibility testing results might decrease unnecessary meropenem prescriptions for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections and could be part of multimodal antibiotic stewardship interventions.
Mapping the early life gut microbiome in neonates with critical congenital heart disease: multiomics insights and implications for host metabolic and immunological health
Authors: Huang Yuan , Lu Wenlong , Zeng Min , Hu Xiaoyue , Su Zhanhao , Liu Yiwei , Liu Zeye , Yuan Jianhui , Li Li , Zhang Xiaoling , Huang Long , Hu Wanjin , Wang Xu , Li Shoujun , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2022

Background

The early life gut microbiome is crucial in maintaining host metabolic and immune homeostasis. Though neonates with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) are at substantial risks of malnutrition and immune imbalance, the microbial links to CCHD pathophysiology remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the gut microbiome in neonates with CCHD in association with metabolomic traits. Moreover, we explored the clinical implications of the host-microbe interactions in CCHD.

Methods

Deep metagenomic sequencing and metabolomic profiling of paired fecal samples from 45 neonates with CCHD and 50 healthy controls were performed. The characteristics of gut microbiome were investigated in three dimensions (microbial abundance, functionality, and genetic variation). An in-depth analysis of gut virome was conducted to elucidate the ecological interaction between gut viral and bacterial communities. Correlations between multilevel microbial features and fecal metabolites were determined using integrated association analysis. Finally, we conducted a subgroup analysis to examine whether the interactions between gut microbiota and metabolites could mediate inflammatory responses and poor surgical prognosis.

Results

Gut microbiota dysbiosis was observed in neonates with CCHD, characterized by the depletion of Bifidobacterium and overgrowth of Enterococcus, which was highly correlated with metabolomic perturbations. Genetic variations of Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus orchestrate the metabolomic perturbations in CCHD. A temperate core virome represented by Siphoviridae was identified to be implicated in shaping the gut bacterial composition by modifying microbial adaptation. The overgrowth of Enterococcus was correlated with systemic inflammation and poor surgical prognosis in subgroup analysis. Mediation analysis indicated that the overgrowth of Enterococcus could mediate gut barrier impairment and inflammatory responses in CCHD.

Conclusions

We demonstrate for the first time that an aberrant gut microbiome associated with metabolomic perturbations is implicated in immune imbalance and adverse clinical outcomes in neonates with CCHD. Our data support the importance of reconstituting optimal gut microbiome in maintaining host metabolic and immunological homeostasis in CCHD.
Prevalence of wasting and associated factors among children aged 2–5 years, southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ewune Helen Ali , Abebe Reta Kassa , Sisay Daniel , Tesfa Getanew Aschalew
Published: December 2022

Background

Wasting (acute malnutrition) is the most serious form of malnutrition for children in the near term. Malnutrition has a variety of causes, all of which are interconnected and hierarchically related. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of wasting and its associated determinants among children under the age of five in the Wonago district, Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

Community based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to 30, 2021 using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered using Epidata manager and STATA v.20 software was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics were reported to describe the study population. To identify associated factors of wasting, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were fitted. Variables having p-value < 0.05 were declared statistically significant predictors of wasting.

Results

A total of 390 respondents participated with a response rate of 92.6%. The prevalence of wasting among children aged 2–5 years in Wonago district was 36.4% (95% CI: 31.76–41.32). Moderate household food insecurity (AOR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.14–0.83), history of recurrent illness (AOR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.26–0.84), and duration of breastfeeding greater than 2 years (AOR = 0.15, 95%CI: 0.26–0.84) were significantly associated with wasting.

Conclusion

Almost one-third of the children were wasted. Household food insecurity, breastfeeding, and recurrent illness were significantly associated with wasting among children aged 24–59 months. It is recommended that interventions be designed with food security, disease prevention, and breastfeeding awareness in mind and put the spotlight on food and nutrition policy to insure children’s nutritional status.
Periosteum-inspired in situ CaP generated nanocomposite hydrogels with strong bone adhesion and superior stretchability for accelerated distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Lou Tengfei , Chen Kai , Luo Qiyu , Liu Changsheng , Yuan Yuan , Fan Cunyi
Published: December 2022

Background

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is an efficacious but lengthy procedure to reconstruct segmental bone defects under the principle of tension-stress, during which the periosteum-mediated mechanical stimulation plays a pivotal role. Inspired by the dynamic process of DO and the mechanical stimulation of periosteum, a new design of bionic periosteum was developed to simulate the mechanical transduction of natural periosteum for the application in DO procedure.

Methods

In this study, an injectable organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogel was developed based on a novel combination of the PEGylated poly (glycerol sebacate) (PEGS) polymer network and in situ formed CaP nanoparticles (ICPNs). Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and tested in vitro to evaluate biocompatibility, cell adhesion, proliferation, and pro-osteogenic and pro-angiogenic activity. In vivo experiments were conducted in the rat tibial model of distraction osteogenesis.

Results

The developed nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited excellent injectability, robust bone adhesion, superior stretchability, and enhanced osteogenic activity. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies showed that PEGS/ICPN hydrogels could promote new bone formation and mineralization during the dynamic distraction process through the synergistic effects of angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

Conclusions

This periosteum-inspired nanocomposite hydrogel represents a mechanobiology approach for effectively restoring large bone defects through the dynamic DO process.
Monitored anesthesia care and asleep-awake-asleep techniques combined with multiple monitoring for resection of gliomas in eloquent brain areas: a retrospective analysis of 225 patients
Authors: Li San-Zhong , Su Ning , Wu Shuang , Fei Xiao-Wei , He Xin , Zhang Jiu-Xiang , Wang Xiao-Hui , Zhang Hao-Peng , Bai Xiao-Guang , Cheng Guang , Fei Zhou
Published: December 2022

Background

Awake craniotomy (AC) has become gold standard in surgical resection of gliomas located in eloquent areas. The conscious sedation techniques in AC include both monitored anesthesia care (MAC) and asleep-awake-asleep (AAA). The choice of optimal anesthetic method depends on the preferences of the surgical team (mainly anesthesiologist and neurosurgeon). The aim of this study was to compare the difference in physiological and blood gas data, dosage of different drugs, the probability of switching to endotracheal intubation, and extent of tumor resection and dysfunction after operation between AAA and MAC anesthetic management for resection of gliomas in eloquent brain areas.

Methods

Two-hundred and twenty-five patients with super-tentorial tumor located in eloquent areas underwent AC from 2009 to 2021 in Xijing Hospital. Forty-one patients underwent AAA technique, and the rest one-hundred eighty-four patients underwent MAC technique. Anesthetic management, dosage of different drugs, intraoperative complications, postoperative outcomes, adverse events, extent of resection and motor, and sensory and language dysfunction after operation were compared between MAC and AAA.

Result

There was no significant difference in gender, KPS score, MMSE score, glioma grade, type, and growth site between the patients in the two groups, except the older age of patients in MAC group than that in AAA group. During the whole process of operation, there were greater pulse pressure difference (P = 0.046), shorter operation time (P = 0.039), less dosage of remifentanil (P = 0.000), more dosage of dexmedetomidine (P = 0.013), more use of antiemetics (81%, P = 0.0067), lower use of vasoactive agent (45.1%, P = 0.010), and lower probability of conversion to general anesthesia (GA, P = 0.027) in MAC group than that in AAA group. Blood gas analysis showed that PetCO2 (P = 0.000), Glu concentration (P = 0.000), and PaCO2 (P = 0.000) were higher, but SPO2 (P = 0.002) and PaO2 (P = 0.000) were lower in MAC group than that in AAA group. In the postoperative recovery stage, compared with that of AAA group, the probability of dysfunction in MAC group at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after operation was lower, which were 27.8% vs 53.6% (P = 0.003), 31% vs 68.3% (P = 0.000), 28.8% vs 63.4% (P = 0.000), and 25.6% vs 58.5% (P = 0.000), respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with AAA, it seems that MAC has more advantages in the management for resection of gliomas in eloquent brain areas, and MAC combined with multiple monitoring such as cerebral cortical mapping, neuronavigation, and ultrasonic detection is worthy of popularization for the resection of gliomas in eloquent brain areas.
Surgical outcome after using negative pressure therapy in infected leg wounds in coronary bypass grafting surgery
Authors: Shaalan Ayman M. , El Wakeel Eman E. , Shaalan Khaled M. , Alhuthaifi Abdulkareem
Published: December 2022

Background

Infection of leg wounds is a common complication following great saphenous vein harvesting (GSV) for coronary bypass grafting (CABG). This complication can result in increased risk of patient morbidity and mortality by causing septicemia, and gangrene, subjecting the patients to amputation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) compared to conventional wound care in infected leg wounds following GSV harvesting for myocardial revascularization.

Results

The NPWT group had a significantly lower rate of deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.013), osteomyelitis (p < 0.001), bed sores (p < 0.001), shorter duration of tissue edema (p < 0.001), and lesser discharge (p < 0.001). Also, the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the NPWT group (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that traditional wound care (without NPWT, p < 0.001) and wound stage IV (p = 0.001) significantly and independently prolonged the length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

The use of NPWT in advanced complicated infected leg wounds could improve patients’ outcomes and satisfaction by decreasing the rate of complications and the length of hospital stay.
Multigenerational Impacts of Childhood Access to the Safety Net: Early Life Exposure to Medicaid and the Next Generation’s Health
Authors: East Chloe N. , Miller Sarah , Page Marianne , Wherry Laura R.
Published: December 2022

We examine multigenerational impacts of positive in utero health interventions using a new research design that exploits sharp increases in prenatal Medicaid eligibility that occurred in some states. Our analyses are based on US Vital Statistics natality files, which enables linkages between individuals’ early life Medicaid exposure and the next generation’s health at birth. We find evidence that the health benefits associated with treated generations’ early life program exposure extend to later offspring. Our results suggest that the returns on early life health investments may be substantively underestimated. (JEL I12, I13, I18, I38, J13, J16)
Winners and Losers? The Effect of Gaining and Losing Access to Selective Colleges on Education and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Black Sandra E. , Denning Jeffrey T. , Rothstein Jesse
Published: December 2022

We use the introduction of the Texas Top Ten Percent rule to estimate the effect of access to a selective college on graduation and earnings outcomes for two groups of students. For highly ranked students at more disadvantaged high schools, who gained access under the policy, college enrollment and graduation increased. Less highly ranked students at more advantaged schools, who tended to lose access, shifted toward less-selective colleges under the policy, but did not see declines in overall college enrollment, graduation, or earnings. The policy thus benefited students targeted for admission without evidence of adverse effects on displaced students. (JEL I21, I23, I24, I26)
Employer Responses to Family Leave Programs
Authors: Ginja Rita , Karimi Arizo , Xiao Pengpeng
Published: December 2022

Search frictions make worker turnover costly to firms. A three-month parental leave expansion in Sweden provides exogenous variation that we use to quantify firms’ adjustment costs upon worker absence. The reform increased women’s leave duration and likelihood of separating from pre-birth employers. Firms with greater exposure to the reform hired additional workers and increased coworkers to make it coworkers’ hours, incurring wage costs corresponding to 10 full-time equivalent months in addition to replacing the workers. These adjustment costs varied by firms’ availability of internal substitutes. We also analyze a daddy-month reform and find similar employer responses to male workers’ leave, albeit smaller in magnitude. (JEL J16, J22, J32, J64, M52)
The Economic Incidence of Wildfire Suppression in the United States
Authors: Baylis Patrick , Boomhower Judson
Published: December 2022

This study measures the degree to which public expenditures on wild-fire protection subsidize development in harm’s way. We use administrative data on firefighting expenditures to measure the causal effect of nearby homes on the amount spent to extinguish wildfires. We use these estimates in an actuarial calculation yielding geographically differentiated expected implicit subsidies for homes across the western United States. The expected net present value of this subsidy can exceed 20 percent of home value, increases with fire hazard, and decreases surprisingly steeply with development density. We discuss potential behavioral responses by individuals and local governments using a simple economic model. (JEL D91, Q23, Q54, R52, R58)
The Effect of Immigration Restrictions on Local Labor Markets: Lessons from the 1920s Border Closure
Authors: Abramitzky Ran , Ager Philipp , Boustan Leah , Cohen Elior , Hansen Casper W.
Published: December 2022

In the 1920s, the United States substantially reduced immigration by imposing country-specific entry quotas. We compare local labor markets differentially exposed to the quotas due to variation in the national-origin mix of their immigrant population. US-born workers in areas losing immigrants did not benefit relative to workers in less exposed areas. Instead, in urban areas, European immigrants were replaced with internal migrants and immigrants from Mexico and Canada. By contrast, farmers shifted toward capital-intensive agriculture, and the immigrant-intensive mining industry contracted. These differences highlight the uneven effects of the quota system at the local level. (JEL J15, J18, J31, K37, N32, N42, R23)
Wage Stagnation and the Decline of Standardized Pay Rates, 1974–1991
Authors: Massenkoff Maxim , Wilmers Nathan
Published: December 2022

Using new establishment-by-occupation microdata, we show that the use of discretionary wage setting significantly expanded in the 1970s and 1980s. Increasingly, wages for blue-collar workers were not standardized by job title or seniority but instead subject to managerial discretion. When establishments abandoned standardized pay rates, wages fell, particularly for the lowest-paid workers in a job and for those in establishments that previously paid above market rates. This shift away from standardized pay rates, in context of a broader decline in worker bargaining power, accelerated the decline in real wages experienced by blue-collar workers in the 1980s. (JEL J31, J33, J52, M52, O33)
Robust Predictions for DSGE Models with Incomplete Information
Authors: Chahrour Ryan , Ulbricht Robert
Published: December 2022

We provide predictions for DSGE models with incomplete information that are robust across information structures. Our approach maps an incomplete-information model into a full-information economy with time-varying expectation wedges and provides conditions that ensure the wedges are rationalizable by some information structure. Using our approach, we quantify the potential importance of information as a source of business cycle fluctuations in an otherwise frictionless model. Our approach uncovers a central role for firm-specific demand shocks in supporting aggregate confidence fluctuations. Only if firms face unobserved local demand shocks can confidence fluctuations account for a significant portion of the US business cycle. (JEL D82, D83, E13, E31, E32)
Skilled Labor Productivity and Cross-Country Income Differences
Authors: Hendricks Lutz , Schoellman Todd
Published: December 2022

This paper revisits the question of how allowing for imperfect substitution among workers with different skill levels affects the results of development accounting. We consider a range of models that nest the approaches in the literature and calibrate them to a common set of moments, including particularly evidence on the wage gains of migrants. We obtain two main results. First, human capital accounts for between one-half and three-fourths of cross-country income gaps. Second, human capital accounts for only modest variation in the relative productivity of skilled versus unskilled labor. (JEL E24, E25, J22, J23, J24, J31, J61)
Women, Wealth Effects, and Slow Recoveries
Authors: Fukui Masao , Nakamura Emi , Steinsson Jón
Published: December 2022

Business cycle recoveries have slowed in recent decades. This slowdown comes entirely from female employment, as women’s employment rates converged toward men’s during the past half-century. But does the slowdown in the growth of female employment rates translate into a slowdown for overall employment rates? We estimate the extent to which women “crowd out” men in the labor market across US states, and find that it is small. Through the lens of a general equilibrium model with home production, we show this statistic implies that 60-75 percent of the slowdown in recent business cycle recoveries can be explained by female convergence.(JEL D13, E24, E32, J16, J21)
Fiscal Policy, Relative Prices, and Net Exports in a Currency Union
Authors: Lambertini Luisa , Proebsting Christian
Published: December 2022

The hoped-for silver lining of euro-area austerity programs was to raise external competitiveness and improve current accounts. Using product- and industry-level data for 12 countries over the period 1999–2018, we show that reductions in government spending reduce prices and wages but only for products with low import content and industries with low export shares. This leads to asymmetric expenditure switching, with net exports improving through lower imports rather than higher exports. The standard small-open-economy model fails to rationalize these findings, but home bias in government spending and frictions preventing factor prices from equalizing across sectors considerably improve the fit of the model. (JEL E31, E62, F14, F33, F45, H20, H50)
Risk factors to port-a-cat damage/removal in patients in antineoplastic chemotherapy: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Lima Karen Rayara Bezerra , Perdigão Marcela Maria de Melo , Matos Carlos Anna Clara Aragão , De Alencar Manuele Carine Maciel , Nobrega Cássia Emanuella Malta , Silva Paulo Goberlânio de Barros
Published: December 2022

Objective: To identify the prevalence and risk factors for damage or removal of fully implanted long-term catheters from patients undergoing antineoplastic chemotherapy. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study that evaluated medical records of patients undergoing placement of a fully implanted catheter for antineoplastic chemotherapy from January 2015 to December 2019. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected that were associated with catheter survival using Log-Rank Mantel-Cox and Cox Regression tests (SPSS, p<0.05). Results: Of 58 devices evaluated, most patients were higher educated married females, younger than 60 years old. The most frequent side of catheter implantation was the right side, and the most prevalent implantation site was the internal jugular vein. Less than 1/3 of patients (29.3%) had port-a-cath loss due to complications with a five-year follow-up survival of 35.73±3.76 (95% CI = 28.35-43.11). Two patients (4.7%) needed removal due to device exposure, three (7.0%) due to obstruction, and 12 (27.9%) due to infection. Female patients (p=0.019) and patients with breast tumors (p=0.049) had a shorter mean survival time. The women showed port-a-cath survival 9.25 times (95% CI = 1.35-50.25) shorter in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: port-a-cath catheter loss is around 30% and being female is a determining risk factor.
A novel NINJ1-mediated regulatory step is essential for active membrane rupture and common to different cell death pathways
Authors: Dias Catarina , Hornung Veit , Nylandsted Jesper
Published: December 2022

Plasma membrane rupture (PMR), the final event in lytic cell death that is in part responsible for the release of pro-inflammatory signals, was believed to be a passive event that followed osmotic swelling. Kayagaki et al. have discovered that PMR is, in fact, mediated by ninjurin-1 (NINJ1), adding a novel regulatory step that is conserved across different types of lytic cell death, such as pyroptosis, necroptosis, and apoptosis. PMR is dependent on NINJ1 oligomerization, which is mediated by its highly conserved putative N-terminal α-helix. In vivo data suggest that the NINJ1-dependent secretome that is released upon PMR is likely to modulate antimicrobial host defense, suggesting this additional regulatory step also has physiological relevance.
Relationes 10-12 of Quintus Aurelius Symmachus as an Elogium to Commemorate Vettius Agorius Praetextatus
Authors: Mleczek Anna
Published: December 2022

Relationes 10−12 stand out from Q.A. Symmachus’ reports written to give an account of his activities at the position of the prefect of Rome (praefectus urbis Romae). These three relationes were written and sent by Symmachus to Roman emperors to inform them of the death of V.A. Praetextatus, who was a famous and influential Roman dignitary as well as Symmachus’ close friend. Rel. 10−12 are not only thematically related, but also – unlike the rest of the reports − clearly marked with personal and laudatory accents and thus their nature significantly differs from the formal documents sent to emperors from the chancellery of an imperial administrative dignitary. In this paper, we aim at presenting Rel. 10−12 as an elogium, in which in three separate reports Symmachus included a coherent eulogy of Praetextatus and presented his idealized portrait tinged with his own personal feelings, underpinned by the aspects of conservative ideology cultivated then within the circles of the Roman senatorial aristocracy.
Professionalisierung und Ethnographie – Xenophon Über die Thraker
Authors: Speich Malte
Published: December 2022

Ethnography from the 4th century BCE after the Peloponnesian War and up to Alexander’s campaign has so far been underrepresented in ancient historical research. This article attempts to fill in the gap by examining the multi-layered functions of ethnographic writing, using the Thracians in the Xenophontic Anabasis as an example. Thereby, it will be shown that expert knowledge of the 4th century in particular played a formative role in describing foreign ethnic groups. Finally, ethnographic information about the Thracians significantly supports Xenophon’s self-representation as ideal military leader and philosopher.
Rescue and Firefighting Operations During Incidents Involving Vehicles with Alternative Propulsion. Electric Vehicles
Authors: Jacek Zboina  , Jan Kielin  , Grzegorz Bugaj  , Jacek Zalech  , Damian Bąk
Published: December 2022

Cel: The aim of the article is to review information about motor vehicles that use alternative propulsion systems (in this case, electric propulsion) and the risks associated with their use. The discussion of these issues is crucial for undertaking rescue and firefighting operations during incidents (fires, local emergencies) involving alternatively powered vehicles and the effectiveness of these operations. Knowledge in the areas of: hazard identification, improvement of rescue technologies, necessary devices and equipment for effective rescue and firefighting operations during traffic incidents, including fires, with the involvement of vehicles with alternative propulsion systems can be gained from both theoretical and empirical studies. Wprowadzenie: Technical and technological advances in the area of drives used in vehicles and machinery pose new challenges for fire protection. They concern, among other things, the technology of rescue operations during fires and traffic accidents involving such vehicles, as well as ensuring fire safety when operating and storing them in buildings, garages and parking areas, and during charging. Metodologia: The article was prepared based on national and foreign sources, literature on the subject, research results and the authors’ diverse experiences. It describes the current state of knowledge in terms of hazards and how to deal with them during rescue and firefighting operations against incidents involving alternatively powered vehicles. Wnioski: The number of motor vehicles in Poland and other countries continues to grow, and together with it also the number of vehicles equipped with alternative drives to internal combustion engines (gasoline, diesel). An analysis of the literature on the subject, available research results, as well as individual incidents, lead to the reasonable conclusion that the risks during rescue and firefighting operations associated with the incidents involving electric and hybrid vehicles are no greater than for conventionally powered vehicles. They are different to some extent, which is due in particular to the used power system, which is based on energy storage devices – batteries. Słowa kluczowe: alternative propulsion, CNG, LNG, methane, LPG, ethane, propane, hybrid propulsion, electric vehicles, fuel cell, rescue, rescue and firefighting operations
Effects of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking Dual Use Experience on Culturally Diverse Adolescents’ Suicidal Behaviors: Using Date from the 15~17th Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey
Authors: Lee Hyun Jung , Si Euna
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between smoking and alcohol consumption on the risk of suicide among culturally diverse adolescents.Methods: This is a secondary data analysis study using data derived from the 15~17th (2019~2021) Youth Health Behavior Online Survey. Data from 2,922 culturally diverse adolescents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Rao-Scott x2 test, and hierarchical logistic regression.Results: After controlling for demographic and individual, family, and social factors as compounding variables, the suicide attempt of culturally diverse adolescents with smoking and alcohol consumption dual use experience was a 1.91 odds ratio (95% CI: 1.02~3.55) compared to culturally diverse adolescents without smoking and alcohol consumption experiences.Conclusion: Our study findings indicate a need to prevent suicide among culturally diverse adolescents with smoking and alcohol consumption experiences. Suicidal prevention programs would greatly benefit from the experiences from culturally diverse adolescents who are smoking and consuming alcohol to better their programs on decreasing suicide attempts.
The Effect of Self-Esteem, Stress, Family Support, and Resilience on Interpersonal Relationship Competence in Depressive Disorder Patients
Authors: Moon Hee Jin , Han Kuem Sun
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the interpersonal relationship competence level of depressive disorder patients and to analyze the correlation among factors determining support, and resilience, and how such factors might affect interpersonal relationship competence of depressive disorder patients.Methods: This study included 137 patients with depressive disorder at the Gyeonggi-do hospital who consented to participate. Data were collected from September, 2019 to June, 2020. Descriptive analysis, t-test, Cronbach's coefficient, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression were conducted using SPSS 24.0 program.Results: The interpersonal relationship competence of patients with depressive disorder showed positive correlations with self-esteem, family support, and resilience. The factor affecting interpersonal relationship competence of patients with depressive disorder was resilience (β=.52, p<.001), and the overall explanatory power of this factor was 28%.Conclusion: This study showed that resilience was an important variable which influenced interpersonal relationship competence of patients with depressive disorder. To enhance the interpersonal relationship competence of patients with depressive disorder, it is necessary to develop and implement training programs which would enhance resilience and educational programs in order to help patients with depressive disorder increase interpersonal relationship competence.
The Effectiveness of Group Logotherapy for the Self-reliance of the Homeless Person
Authors: Son Jung A
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The homelessness problem in Korea has developed into a social structural and economic problem, as the number of homeless people continues to increase. The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of self-reliance on the homeless by applying group logotherapy.Methods: This study used a Nonequivalent control group pretest‐ posttest design. 74 participants were used for analysis. Intervention group, 37 homeless people participated in the logotherapy for 5 weeks, and the effect was measured through pre, post, and 4 weeks follow-up tests. The research results were analyzed using a Repeated measure ANCOVA.Results: As a result, the difference in intervention variables according to the interaction between time * groups was significant. The meaning in life and self efficacy significantly increased in the intervention group than in the control group, and depression significantly decreased.Conclusion: As a result, it can be seen that the logotherapy program is effective in increasing the meaning in life and self efficacy of homeless people's lives and reducing depression. Based on the results of this study, it is expected that the group logotherapy program will be actively used as a program for self‐reliance of the homeless person.
Let's go to…: the National Maritime Museum
Authors: Horn Abigail
Published: December 2022

In a new series on early years programmes at cultural spaces across the country, atelierista and EYT Abigail Horn and her cohort explore a lighthouse
Business: Buy now, pay later
Authors: Wong Helen
Published: December 2022

Corporate solicitor Helen Wong provides a buyers' and sellers' guide to deferred consideration
Multifunctional Role of Phyllanthus Acidus L. as a Therapeutic Agent for Management of Diabetes and Associated Complications: A Review
Authors: Siddiqui Zeba , Khan Mohammad Irfan , B Badruddeen , Akhtar Juber , Ahmad Mohammad.
Published: December 2022

Background: Plant based medicines have been used in traditional system of medicines since time immemorial for the treatment of diabetes due to relatively low prevalence of side effects and ease of access in developing countries. Objective: The review compiles and analyses the scientific data to accentuate the role of Phyllanthus acidus also known as star gooseberry, as a promising treatment for the management of diabetes and related complications. Method: Several electronic databases like Google Scholar, Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct etc. and other published data in books and dissertations were utilised to compile this review. Result: Both in-vitro and in-vivo research have indicated that the phytoconstituents present in Phyllanthus acidus may affect the various biomarkers of diabetes. The mode of action behind antidiabetic property of the plant and its biologically active components are mainly due to inhibition of 𝛼-glucosidase, suppression of PPAR-𝛾, and elevate production of insulin. Conclusion: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory studies pertaining to Phyllanthus acidus also strengthen its claim as an effective antidiabetic agent. Therefore, Phyllanthus acidus shows promising therapeutic potential to be used in the treatment of diabetes and its co morbidities.
Effect of HbA1c Level on Hearing Sensitivity Among Patients with Diabetic Mellitus
Authors: G Tamil selvan , Samayan Kala , J S Kumar , P Venkataraman , G Muthukumaran , Ambethkar S Ambethkar S , D Balakrishnan
Published: December 2022

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) appears to be a risk factor for hearing loss. Meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies reported that diabetes had a greater risk of hearing impairment. Hearing loss and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a glycemic management biomarker, have been linked in a few studies. HbA1c and hearing impairment as measured by a pure-tone average threshold of frequencies (500 Hz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz), while the other two found a link between HbA1c and high-frequency hearing impairment. The goal of this study is to see if the amount of HbA1c level is linked to the occurrence of hearing loss. Participants were 430 of both genders between the ages of 21 to 60 years and based on the duration of HbA1c level. Results indicated that the higher HbA1c level patient had high-frequency hearing loss when compared to speech frequencies in both ears. As the HbA1c level increases an increase in the high-frequency hearing loss was also noticed. A positive correlation exists between the duration of diabetics and high-frequency hearing loss. Moreover, when diabetic duration increases, the hearing loss is more affected in extended high frequency, high frequency followed by speech frequency among uncontrolled DM than controlled DM in both ears. These findings suggest that proper glycemic management might help avoid diabetic hearing loss.
Pharmacogenetics of CYP2C19*17: Functional and Clinical Implications of CYP2C19*17 - rs12248560 (c.-806C>T) in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Elfaki Imadeldin , Mir Rashid , J Tayeb Faris , Barnawi Jameel , Alalawy Adel Ibrahim , Mirghani Hyder , Alshammari Sanad E , Dabla Pradeep Kumar
Published: December 2022

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide including Saudi Arabia. DM increases mortality rate, morbidity and vascular complications, accompanied by poor general health status and low quality of life. CYP2C19*17 polymorphism in CYP2C19 gene is associated with the clinical outcome of drugs that are substrates of CYP2C19. CYP2C19*17 confers reduced susceptibility to certain illnesses. This research was conducted to develop a robust method to genotype the rs12248560 single nucleotide variation (SNV). We enrolled 206 subjects: 100 subjects were clinically confirmed cases of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and 106 subjects were healthy controls in this study. Samples from all subjects were screened for the CYP2C19 rs12248560 (c.-806C>T) by the amplification-refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR). The frequencies of CYP2C19*17 TT, CT, CC genotypes in T2D cases were 12%, 21%, and 67%, respectively whereas those in healthy controls were 70.75%, 26.41%, and 2.83%, respectively. The difference was significant (p < 0.035). T allele (fT) prevalence was found to be substantially greater in T2D cases compared to healthy controls (0.22 vs. 0.16). Results indicated that the CYP2C19*17 - TT genotype is associated with increased susceptibility to T2D with OR = 4.47, RR = 2.64, (p < 0.024). Moreover, the ARMS-based assay proved to be an easy method for the determination of CYP2C19*17 genotypes with reduced cost and good accuracy. In addition, this result helps in the detection and stratification of the individuals who are at risk for the development of T2D. Nevertheless, this finding needs to be validated in molecular genetic studies with increased specimen size and in different ethnicities.
In silico Analysis of Common Autism Spectrum Disorder Genetic Risk Variations
Authors: Patel Sabritee , Sharma Poonam
Published: December 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a chronic neurological and developmental disability characterised by inability to develop social relationships, trouble expressing feelings, and repeated behaviours - clinically defined as stereotyped behaviour - that affect how people interact, learn, and behave. Because of the vast range of types and severity of symptoms, it is classified as a "spectrum" disorder. Over the last two decades, the prevalence of ASD has progressively increased, and one out of every 160 children worldwide is estimated to have an ASD. Over 75 percent of ASD patients show psychiatric disorders like depression, stress, bipolar disorder, Tourette syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the present study, in silico analysis was done to identify different rare mutations in genes implicated in ASD. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in ADNP, ARID1B, ASH1L, CHD2, CHD8, DYRK1A, POGZ, SHANK3, and SYNGAP1 genes were identified to be associated with ASD aetiology. A single mutation in these genes can result in defective chromatin remodeling, altering the function of several genes and potentially causing intellectual impairment and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding and analyzing these SNPs linked to ASD as risk factors can aid in the early detection and diagnosis of the disorder.
Impact of Poria Cocos Nanoparticles Extract Against Ehrlich Solid Tumour Induced Toxicity, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Female Mice Kidney
Authors: Tousson Ehab , El Sayed Ibrahim E. , El-Aleim H. Abd , Elabd Mervat , Karhib Mustafa , Gebreel Doaa T.
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The field of cancer nano therapeutics is quickly evolving, and it is being used to address a number of issues with traditional drug delivery techniques. The goal of this study was to find out more about the impact of novel bioactive Poria-loaded sun flowers nanoparticles (Poria Nps) as anti-carcinogenic agent for Ehrlich solid tumour (EST). Methods: A total number of 40 adult female mice were divided into 4 groups included control group, Poria Nps group, EST group, and EST treated with Poria Nps group. Results: EST induced toxicity, apoptosis and oxidative stress while treatments of EST with Poria Nps improved this alteration in kidney functions and structure. Moreover, Poria Nps could scavenge free radicals producing beneficial effects against EST induced renal toxicity through activation of oxidative stress and apoptosis. The constructed novel oral nanoparticles developed have promising features in vivo as well as a high level of safety for efficient cancer treatment. Conclusion: Poria cocos nanoparticles (Poria Nps) kill the cancer cells through apoptosis which thereby regulates the proliferation of cancer cells and inhibits its spread to other organs.
Regenerative Properties of Polypropylene Mesh Coated with Thiotriazoline and L-arginine
Authors: Maslennikov S. O. , Belenichev I. F. , Golovakha M. L. , Makyeyeva L. V.
Published: December 2022

Restoration and strengthening of soft tissue structures of the musculoskeletal system underlie the principles of regenerative medicine to improve treatment results and prevent possible complications. Influencing various parts of the regenerative process, it is possible to correct the recovery time, the morphological properties of the scar, and, as a result, the clinical results of treatment. We have proposed using a polypropylene mesh (PM) impregnated with a metabolitotropic solution to restore damaged and strengthen weakened structures. The work aimed to study the effect of PM with metabolite impregnation on the regeneration process of soft tissues. A series of morphological and biochemical studies were carried out on laboratory animals. The degree of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression was studied as indicators of tissue ischemia and their trophism in correlation with morphological changes in the zone of mesh implantation. Using a PM with a metabolitotrope increases the expression of eNOS mRNA by 10.8 times, and iNOS mRNA - reduces by 3.6 times. Morphologically coated PM causes a pronounced inflammatory effect, followed by a pronounced proliferation of connective tissue fibers around the mesh elements. Particular attention is drawn to the growth of the microvasculature and the increase in the number of anastomoses - 10.3% of the relative area compared to 8.8% in the group using PM without a metabolite. The metabolitotropic impregnation improves oxygenation and trophism of damaged soft tissues, which helps to stimulate regeneration.
Moringa oleifera Mouthwash Reinforced with Silver Nanoparticles - Preparation, Characterization and its Efficacy Against Oral Aerobic Microorganisms - In Vitro Study
Authors: Kumar G. Kishore , Ramamurthy Shanmugapriya , Ulaganathan Arunmozhi , Varghese Sheeja , Praveen Arockia Antony , V Saranya V
Published: December 2022

Moringa oleifera (MO) commonly known as drumstick plant, is recognised by modern medicine for its distinctive therapeutic benefits. One of those benefits being its antimicrobial activity. Silver nanoparticles, known for its pharmacological effects as well as synergistic action with various agents have gained popularity in recent years. The aim of this research work was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of 5% Moringa oleifera mouthwash reinforced with silver nanoparticles against oral aerobic organisms. Aqueous extract of 5% Moringa oleifera was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles and prepare the mouthwash. Characterization was done using scanning electron microscopy analysis and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. The antibacterial activity of the mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans was investigated using agar well diffusion assay. 5% MO - silver nanoparticles mouthwash had a stronger impact on Staphylococcus aureus and a comparable effect on Streptococcus mutans. The maximum zone of inhibition was 28 mm at 100 µL for Staphylococcus aureus and minimum zone of inhibition was 16mm for Candida albicans. There was a dose dependent effect of MO - silver nanoparticles mouthwash on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Of these, the antimicrobial effect was more appreciable on plaque colonizers like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Thus, these characteristics of phytomedicine and nanomedicine prove to be a safer alternative in the management of Plaque associated Gingival diseases.
Non-Cardiac Medications Induced QT Prolongation in Cardiac patients: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Duraivel M Duraivel M , R Arunkumar R , Ruckmani A Ruckmani A
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Cardiac patients are generally treated with cardiac medications but, when they develop other common conditions, they may have to be given the necessary non-cardiac medications. There are few such medications which, when given to the cardiac patients produces a potentially lethal drug interaction. Aim: The main aim of the study was to evaluate the prescription of non-cardiac medications that could cause QT interval prolongation among cardiac patients. Materials and methods: The medical records of 100 cardiac patients were collected from both the outpatients and inpatients of cardiology department. The list of medications prescribed to each subject was recorded and classified as cardiac and non-cardiac medications. The ECG changes reported in the literature for both cardiac & non-cardiac medications were collected. Frequency analysis of these medications having effect on QT interval was analyzed. Results: Among the 100 cardiac patients, there were 70 males and 30 females. 86 of them were inpatients and 14 were outpatients. Majority of the patients (63%) were in the age group between 51-70 years. Aspirin (80%) and paracetamol (20%) were found to be the most commonly prescribed cardiac and non-cardiac medications respectively. Conclusion: Many cardiac patients received non-cardiac medications which are known to cause changes in ECG. Hence, wherever possible these medications should be replaced by an appropriate alternative drug which does not cause ECG changes. In situations where prescription of these medications becomes unavoidable, they should be used with caution in recommended doses and for the optimal period to prevent adverse cardiac effects.