bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Factors of Recurrence Free Survival of Patients with Luminal Breast Cancer in Southern Sri Lanka
Authors: Mudduwa Lakmini K. B. , Peiris Harshini H. , Liyanage Thushari
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

To assess the predictive factors of recurrence free survival (RFS) of luminal breast cancers in Southern Sri Lanka to bridge the existing gap in published literature on luminal breast cancers in our country.

Materials and Methods:

This was a bidirectional; retro prospective, cohort study. All breast cancer patients who sought the services of our immunohistochemistry (IHC) laboratory from 2006 to 2015 were included. Tissue micro arrays were constructed using the archives for the IHC analysis of Ki67, CK5/6 and EGFR. Details of ER, PR and Her2 expression were extracted from the laboratory records. Clinico-pathological data were retrieved from the records available in the laboratory, Oncology clinic and from patients. Pearson chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier model, log-rank test and Cox-regression model were used with SPSS for data analysis.

Results:

A total of 595 luminal breast cancers were included. Majority, were between 36–60 years of age (65.5%), Nottingham grade 2 (57.4%), TNM Stage II/III (82.0%) and had T2 tumours (53.6%). Recurrences were noted in 15.9% (n = 395, local-16.9%; distant metastasis-76.9%; second cancer-6.2%). Median follow up time was 35 months. Only 443 luminal breast cancers could be subtyped (luminal A-58.7%); luminal B Her2-negative- 22.3%; luminal B Her2-positive-19.0%). Five-year RFS of the cohort was 74.1% (luminal A-83.6%; luminal B(Her2-negative)-73.9%; luminal B(Her2-positive)-55.3%; P = 0.001). Over-expression of Her2 (P = 0.018) and CK5/6 expression (P = 0.003) had an independent effect on the RFS of the cohort.

Conclusion:

The three subtypes of luminal breast cancers are distinct in their recurrence free survival and tumor characteristics. Over-expression of Her2 and CK5/6 expression had an independent negative effect on the RFS of the luminal breast cancer cohort.
Unscheduled Treatment Breaks During Radical Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Dey Treshita , Gupta Ankita , Ballari Nagarjun Roa , Ghoshal Sushmita , Datta Avradeep
Published: August 2022

Aims:

The aim of this article was to audit radical radiotherapy practice in head and neck cancer to assess unscheduled treatment breaks and their reasons thereof.

Materials and Methods:

Records of all patients of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas registered in the year preceding the pandemic were analyzed. A total of 287 patients treated with radical intent with doses equivalent to 66 Gy in 33 fractions were eligible for final analysis.

Results:

More than half (148/287) of our patients suffered from treatment breaks during their radiotherapy treatment with primary cause being treatment-related toxicities. Radiotherapy dose of 66 Gy and above (P < 0.001), primary in the oral cavity (P = 0.009), and preceding surgery and concurrent chemotherapy (P = 0.032) were found to be significantly associated with treatment breaks as well as breaks lasting for 15 days or more. Patients having a break in their treatment were also found to have a significantly low progression-free survival (25.8 vs. 12.7 months; P = 0.012).

Conclusion:

It is in the interest of the patients that stringent patients’ selection criteria identify the ideal candidates for treatment intensification.
Impact of Covid-19 on Cancer Care – A Single Institution Experience – GoVernment Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Institute (RCC), Kanchipuram
Authors: Jarfin I. M. , Srinivasan V. , Ashok Kumar S.
Published: August 2022

Background:

COVID-19 has impacted health care all over the world. In this article, we will discuss how the pandemic has influenced daily practice and treatment protocols in cancer care in our institution, during the course of its two waves, i.e., from March to September 2020 and March to June 2021.

Materials and Methods:

Several measures were taken to ensure safety and treatment of cancer patients. Setting up of isolation wards, admission of all patients for treatment, increasing radiotherapy machine ‘on time’, periodic sanitation, treatment area hygiene, personal protection equipments for medical personnel were some of them. Changes were made in radiotherapy, medical oncology, surgical oncology and anaesthesia practices. Patients who became COVID positive were managed in a Covid Care Centre, outside the premises of our institution.

Results:

The number of patients treated and procedures done in our institution during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 was much lower compared to the same time period in 2019. But that was not the case with the second wave in 2021. Among the health care workers who tested positive for the virus during the two waves, none required hospitalization and no deaths occurred.

Conclusion:

Covid-19 has definitely influenced our cancer care for a transient period during the first wave. Modifications in treatment procedures were done only for a short period before we switched back to standard department protocols. With the onset of the second wave, taking previous wave’s experiences into consideration, measures were taken to ensure safe and continuous cancer treatment delivery.
Changing Pattern of Cancer Incidence in India
Authors: Goswami Jyotirup , Bhattacharya Samir , Gupta Arnab , Chowdhury Rahul Roy , Bhattacharjee Gautam , Ghosh Saradindu
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Cancer registries are vital for understanding incidence and prevalence of cancer, as well as appropriate funding and control measures.

Materials and Methods:

The data of patients registered between 1996 and 2020 at a large urban cancer centre in Eastern India was used for analysis of cancer trends over time.

Results:

There were a total of 1,89,315 patients. The top 5 cancer sites over the most recent 5-year block (2016–2020) were lung, oral cavity, throat, stomach, and colorectum in males and breast, cervix, liver-gallbladder, oral cavity and ovary in females. There was a consistent rise in oral cavity cancers and lung cancer in males and a consistent rise in breast cancer and ovarian cancers in females. There was a consistent fall cervical cancers, which was overtaken by breast cancer in the mid-2000s as the leading cancer in women. Digestive cancers have doubled over the last 25 years, the commonest being stomach cancer and colorectal cancers.

Conclusion:

The data reflects India’s changing profile of cancer, with the increase of breast and ovarian cancers, as seen worldwide. Despite lack of a robust screening/vaccination programme, cervical cancer has declined. The rise in tobacco-associated cancers (lung and mouth) is a matter of concern.
Effect of local administration of bisphosphonate on orthodontic anchorage – A systematic review of animal studies
Authors: Harikrishnan Sruthi , Ramasamy Navaneethan
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Pharmacological means of anchorage control can improve patient compliance. Bisphosphonates could be helpful in orthodontic anchorage control if their actions could be localized to limit (or control) unwanted tooth movement while not interfering with the desired tooth movement.

OBJECTIVE:

This systematic review aimed to examine and evaluate the quality of all animal studies that reported the effect of locally administered bisphosphonate on limiting orthodontic tooth movement.

DATA SOURCES:

An electronic search was conducted in the PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases till May 2022, using the keywords anchorage, anchorage loss, molar movement, posterior tooth movement, incisor movement, incisor retraction, anterior retraction, unwanted tooth movement, tooth displacement, tooth movement forward, bisphosphonate, local bisphosphonate administration, bisphosphonate injection, and bbisphosphonate vestibular induction. Only studies involving localized bisphosphonate administration for anchorage purposes were taken into account.

DATA SELECTION:

Animal studies that simulated orthodontic tooth movement after localized injection of bisphosphonate and evaluated the rate of tooth movement were included in the review.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS:

The quality of the studies was assessed by using ARRIVE guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments). Bias in the studies was analyzed by SYRCLE's tool (Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) for risk of bias.

RESULTS:

The search strategy yielded 925 titles. After screening, 908 articles were discarded because they did not fulfill the inclusion/exclusion criteria based on the title and abstract. The remaining 16 articles were read entirely, of which nine were excluded as they involved systemic administration of bisphosphonates. Finally, after careful consideration, seven papers that met our inclusion criteria were included in the qualitative analysis. The majority of studies were assessed to have an uncertain risk of bias, with just one deemed low risk of bias.

CONCLUSION:

This systematic review found that bisphosphonates limit orthodontic tooth movement around the application site without affecting adjacent sites. More potent bisphosphonates in smaller doses or less potent bisphosphonates in higher frequencies have been proposed to improve outcomes. However, the data quality is insufficient to recommend a protocol for bisphosphonate administration for anchoring control. Long-term studies evaluating various types, frequencies, and dosages of bisphosphonates are required to clarify the effects on orthodontic tooth movement.

REGISTRATION NUMBER FOR PROSPERO:

CRD42021224033
Comparative evaluation and influence of new Optibond eXTRa self-etch Universal adhesive and conventional Transbond XT on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets—An in vitro study
Authors: Siddarth Bhogi , Aileni Kaladhar Reddy , Rachala Madhukar Reddy , Dasari Arun Kumar , Mallepally Jaya Priyanka , Thadisina Pooja Reddy , Navab Shaik
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

The demand by dental practitioners for adhesives led to the innovation of newer self-etched universal adhesive systems. The objectives were to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets bonded with Optibond eXTRa Universal self-etch adhesive and Transbond XT primer and also to assess the adhesive remnant index (ARI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 100 extracted human premolar tooth samples were divided into 2 groups (n = 50) according to the adhesive system employed: Transbond XT (3M Unitek) and Optibond eXTRa Universal (KaVo Kerr). In group A, Transbond XT primer was applied, and in group B, Optibond eXTRa was applied, and metal brackets (American Orthodontics) were bonded with the Transbond XT adhesive, followed by photopolymerization with LEDition. The samples were preserved in artificial saliva for 30 days. SBS was tested using a universal testing machine (DAK Series7200, India). The ARI was assessed at 10× magnification under a stereomicroscope (Meiji Techno, Japan). The SBS scores were subjected to independent sample t-test and ARI scores to Pearson's Chi-square test.

RESULTS:

The mean SBS and standard deviation of Transbond XT is 12.11 ± 2.6 MPa and that of Optibond eXTRa Universal is 11.36 ± 2.8 MPa, revealing a statistically nonsignificant difference. Transbond XT displayed higher ARI scores and was statistically significant (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION:

The Optibond eXTRa Universal adhesive appears to be preferable for orthodontic bonding as it exhibited clinically acceptable SBS and performed better in terms of the ARI.
Cranial base parameters in adults with skeletal class I and class II skeletal pattern
Authors: Dileep Soorya , Khader Maimoona Abdul , Ali Hashim , Paul K Denis , Narayan Milna , Jayan Adarsh
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE:

Cranial base parameters exhibit wide variations. This study evaluated cranial base morphological characteristics of class II and class I malocclusions to identify risk factors for class II skeletal malocclusions.

METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 30 class I adults and 30 class II adults and collected their lateral cephalograms. The cranial base length was calculated by measuring the base of the skull by determining the length of sella-to-nasion, basion to pterygomaxillary fissure, and pterygomaxillary fissure to point A. The cranial base angle was measured by the angle formed by the basion, sella, and nasion, and the base of the angle, which connects the basion and nasion, was measured.

RESULTS:

The independent t-test for combined values showed no significant differences in one angular and five linear measures between groups. However, one angular measurement was positively correlated when men and women in class I and class II groups were analyzed separately.

CONCLUSION:

Male patients with class II patterns exhibited larger cranial base angles than did those with class I patterns. Our study suggested that cranial base features have a minimal role in the development of class II malocclusions.
Pattern of Local Recurrence and Metastasis in Carcinoma Breast According to Molecular Subtype in Patients Treated with Definitive Intent
Authors: Dsouza Samantha Adriana , Rao Sandesh B. , Fernandes Donald J. , Shankar Sharaschandra , Vidyasagar M. S. , Santmayer Sheeba
Published: August 2022

Background:

Despite the advances in breast cancer treatment, it has a higher rate of mortality. The response of treatment varies significantly; this could be due to the various subtypes that determine the course of the disease. In this study, we evaluated patients who were treated definitively and had developed organ-specific metastasis and local recurrence according to biological subtype.

Materials and Methods:

Out of 856 patients who were diagnosed to have carcinoma breast from the year January 2015 to January 2020, 468 patients were treated definitively, out of which 55 patients developed recurrent or metastatic disease after completion of treatment.

Results:

The most frequent subgroup for relapse was triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) 23 (41.8%). Twenty-two (40%) had multiple metastases at the time of first distant recurrence. The most common site of distant recurrence was bone 28 patients (50.9%) with maximum incidence in Luminal B subgroup (23.6%), followed by liver metastasis 23 patients (41.81%) with the highest incidence seen among TNBC (18%), followed by lung 19 (34.5%) patients with maximum incidence in TNBC (16.3%) followed by brain 5 (9%) patients. Locoregional recurrence was observed in 13 patients, out of which 8 (61.5%) patients had TNBC molecular subgroup.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate an association between molecular subtype and pattern of recurrence.
A Hospital-Based Study on the Distribution of Ovarian Tumors in the Tribal and Nontribal Population of Ranchi, Jharkhand
Authors: Moitra Bratati , Nalini Neelam , Gupta Shivani , Singh Bijeta
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the types and management of ovarian tumors in tribal and nontribal population of Jharkhand.

Methods:

This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pathology for duration of 24 months from December 2019 till November 2021. The study included the data (age and clinical symptoms) of patients of ovarian tumors who attended the Gynecology Outpatient Department and were managed with surgery or neoadjuvant therapy. The diagnosis was confirmed through radiology investigations, tumor markers, and histopathology. Histopathological reports of samples sent to the Department of Pathology were included.

Results:

A total of 150 patients with ovarian tumors were included, among which 63 (42%) were tribal. As compared to nontribals, tribals had comparable mean age (39.05 ± 12.18 vs. 36.55 ± 11.77, P = 0.469), comparable parity, and socioeconomic status. The most common complaints were pain in lower abdomen (80%), lump in lower abdomen (34%), and abdominal distension (18%). Epithelial tumors constituted the majority of tumors, and histopathological types included mucinous adenocarcinoma (26%), dermoid cyst (16%), serous cystadenoma (10%), and simple ovarian cyst (10%). Distribution of histopathological type of tumor was comparable between nontribal and tribal (P = 0.478). Seventy-four percent of the patients were managed operatively, which included unilateral ovarian mass/cyst removal, ovarian mass removal, total abdominal hysterectomy, and opposite side salpingo-oophorectomy, whereas 26% of the patients were managed conservatively with chemotherapy. There was no mortality, and the overall outcomes were comparable between nontribals and tribals (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, histopathological type, management, and outcomes were similar among tribal and nontribal patients with ovarian tumors.
A Narrative Review of Clinical Manifestations and Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Neuropathy Induced by Radiation Therapy
Authors: Katano Atsuto
Published: August 2022

Radiation therapy for cancer treatment can cause damage to the nervous system. Although the overall survival of cancer patients has increased with advances in therapy, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. It is critical to assess the late adverse events caused by radiation therapy, such as cognitive decline, brain necrosis, and radiation-induced tumorigenesis. These adverse events are mostly irreversible and can significantly decrease the quality of life. The mechanism by which radiation therapy damages nerve cells is not fully understood, and neurons may not be as resistant to radiation as previously thought. It is important to weigh the benefits of radiation therapy in cancer treatment strategies against the possible risks of both acute and late adverse events. Long-term follow-up with these conditions is advised to improve survival and quality of life. This narrative review focused on the clinical manifestations and pathogenetic mechanisms of radiation-induced neuropathy.
Rhinogenic Contact Point Headache – a Review
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar
Published: August 2022

Headache is a universal symptom in the course of everyone's life. There are myriads of causes for headache ranging from simple migraine, tension headache, refractory errors in the eye, temporomandibular joint arthralgia, and myofascial spasm to severe form of headache by brain tumors. The anatomical variations in the nasal cavity result in mucosal contact between the opposing surface and cause rhinogenic contact point headache (RCPH). RCPH is a new type of headache in medical literature. The pathogenesis of the RCPH is still the subject of controversy. Nose has diverse anatomical variations. Deviated nasal septum or spur, middle turbinate concha bullosa, and enlarged bulla ethmoidalis are the common anatomical variation in the nasal cavity which can cause RCPH. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy and computed tomography scan are helpful to confirm the mucosal contact points inside the nasal cavity. The precise excision of the contact points with the help of endoscopic approach in patients of RCPH is very effective. Clinicians should not ignore the anatomical variation of the nasal cavity during management of the headache. There is not much literature for RCPH indicating that this clinical entity is neglected. This review article presents an overview of the current aspect of RCPH.
The boundary at infinity of the curve complex and the relative Teichmüller space
Authors: Klarreich Erica
Published: August 2022

In this paper we study the boundary at infinity of the curve complex

\mathcal{C}(S)

of a surface

S

of finite type and the relative Teichmüller space

\mathcal{T}_{\mathrm{el}}(S)

obtained from the Teichmüller space by collapsing each region where a simple closed curve is short to be a set of diameter 1.

\mathcal{C}(S)

and

\mathcal{T}_{\mathrm{el}}(S)

are quasi-isometric, and Masur–Minsky have shown that

\mathcal{C}(S)

and

\mathcal{T}_{\mathrm{el}}(S)

are hyperbolic in the sense of Gromov. We show that the boundary at infinity of

\mathcal{C}(S)

and

\mathcal{T}_{\mathrm{el}}(S)

is the space of topological equivalence classes of minimal foliations on

S

.
Algebraic Groups
Authors: De Concini Corrado , Gille Philippe , Littelmann Peter
Published: August 2022

Linear algebraic groups is an active research area in contemporary mathematics. It has rich connections to algebraic geometry, representation theory, algebraic combinatorics, number theory, algebraic topology, and differential equations. The foundations of this theory were laid by A. Borel, C. Chevalley, J.-P. Serre, T. A. Springer and J. Tits in the second half of the 20th century. The Oberwolfach workshops on algebraic groups, led by Springer and Tits, played an important role in this effort as a forum for researchers, meeting at approximately 3 year intervals since the 1960s. The present workshop continued this tradition, covering a range of topics, with an emphasis on recent developments in the subject.
Analysis, Geometry and Topology of Singular PDE
Authors: Debord Claire , Mazzeo Rafe , Piazza Paolo , Vertman Boris
Published: August 2022

This is a report on the Oberwolfach conference “Analysis, geometry and topology of singular PDE”, June 2-12, 2021. This workshop, held in an hybrid format, focused on the topology, geometry and geometric analysis of certain spaces with singularities: stratified spaces, compactifications of moduli spaces, spaces carrying a (singular) foliation, etc., and on the microlocal techniques, either in their classical forms or in more recent versions developed to handle singular PDE, or via the groupoid approach.
The Influence of School Leadership Experiences and Working Environment on Teachers’ Job Satisfaction in Kilimanjaro and Pwani Regions, Tanzania
Authors: Sospeter Mwita , Hassanal Issaya B.
Published: August 2022

This study explored the influence of school leadership and working environment on teachers’ job satisfaction in Tanzania. The study was guided by  two questions: how school leadership influences teachers’ job satisfaction and how the working environment influences teachers’ job satisfaction.  Herzberg’s two-factor theory guided the study. A mixed method approach was employed where both qualitative and quantitative data were  collected and analysed using a concurrent research design in which. The study focused on public secondary schools in Tanzania and involved 244  respondents who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. questionnaires and interviews were used in data collection for the  study. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis while quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and linear regression analyses .  The study findings reveal that school leadership influences teachers’ satisfaction with the job. Importantly, the linear regression results revealed  that teachers’ collaboration significantly predicted commitment to the job (β=0.24, t (4, 239)= 3.77, p=0.000). the findings imply that the increase in  teachers’ collaboration in various school matters stimulated their passion and engagement in school activities. On the other hand, a safe working  environment at school accounts for 51.5 per cent in predicting teachers’ satisfaction with the job (p≤ 0.01). Therefore, collective leadership and a  conducive environment at school help in increasing employees’ satisfaction with the job. It is recommended that school leaders should continuously  be trained on collective leadership and improvement of the working environment.
Coping strategies amongst patients with spinal cord injuries in Zimbabwe
Authors: Muteti K , Mlambo T , Chikwasha V , Chigonda B
Published: August 2022

Background: Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is one of the most common disabling neurological conditions managed by Occupational therapists in Zimbabwe. The coping strategies adopted by these SCI survivors and the factors associated with the adjustment have not been fully explored.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was done to determine the coping strategies used by SCI patients adjust to their condition. The Brief Cope Inventory and Spinal Cord Lesions Coping Strategies Questionnaire were used to gather data from SCI patients in three institutions that rehabilitate people with SCI in Zimbabwe. Ethical procedures were followed.

Results: Forty three patients with SCI participated in the study. Seventy-seven percent were male and median age was 35 years (IQR 27-43). The most common cause of injury was road traffic accident (63%) followed by mining related falls. The most used coping strategies were religion (91%), acceptance (79%), positive reframing (70%) and use of emotional support (67%) which are all positive in nature. Least used coping strategies were substance abuse (2%), denial (7%) and behavioural disengagement (16%) which are all negative in nature. Male gender (p=0.034) and receiving rehabilitation at a rehabilitation centre (p=0.041) were associated with use of a positive coping strategy.

Conclusion: SCI generally affect a young male population. There is a need to capitalize on the commonly used positive coping strategies and to support women and those in hospitals. There is also need to further explore factors associated with the coping strategies adopted so SCI survivors are assisted to cope positively with their injury.
Haematological features in babies with perinatal asphyxia in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mabaera N , Mubaira S , Mandisodza A
Published: August 2022

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is failure to establish breathing at birth. It is a common cause of neonatal mortality in developing countries. Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is the major complication of asphyxia, resulting in permanent neurological and other multi-organ damages. Some haematological changes have also been observed in patients with this disease.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the haematological features in babies with perinatal asphyxia in Zimbabwe.

Methodology: A prospective laboratory based cross sectional study was carried out at the Sally Mugabe Hospital Neonatal Unit from December 2018 to April 2019. Routine full blood counts on samples from babies with perinatal asphyxia on their first day of life. Peripheral blood smears were examined on all those with abnormal full blood count results.

Results: Full blood counts were done on 180 babies with perinatal asphyxia of whom 103 (57%) and 77 (43%) were females and males respectively. The median white cell count and nucleated red cell count were elevated. The platelet and red cell count were decreased. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) were within normal range. The Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) were increased. There was a correlation between increased nucleated red blood and white cell counts with the severity of perinatal asphyxia in the order of Asphyxia Without Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (AWHIE), Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE I), HIE II, and HEI III. The most common haematological abnormalities were thrombocytopaenia 52(29%), anaemia 51(28%) and leukopaenia 28(16%). Twenty-four (47%) of anaemia patients had microcytic hypochromic anaemia. Thirty-one (47%) of 65 blood films examined exhibited immature granulocytes and 28(43%) had burr red blood cells.

Conclusion: Babies with perinatal asphyxia may present with haematological abnormalities such as anaemia, thrombocytopaenia, leukocytosis and elevated nucleated red cell count as complications of sever hypoxia. Full blood count may be a useful in the effective management of perinatal asphyxia.
Trends of Intergenerational Support towards Elderly Parents in Coast Region, Tanzania
Authors: Deusetus Mfungo Bahati , George Victor
Published: August 2022

This study sought to establish the trend of intergenerational support amid current social and economic changes in the Coast region, Tanzania. The study was specifically conducted in Kibaha Town Council (TC) and Mkuranga District Council (DC). The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A total of 394 respondents composed of older people aged 60 years and above out of the 15,919 older people obtained in Kibaha TC and Mkuranga DC were selected to participate in this study. Data was collected through a questionnaire, interview schedule and  FGD. The findings revealed that despite social and economic changes which affect the relationship between parents and adult children, financial support was largely provided to the majority of older people. Indeed the study has noted that despite the reception of support from their adult children, there was a lack of filial obligation among adult children. In addition, though the majority of older people were receiving support, older women, illiterate and those living with their adult children were more likely to demand and receive support than others. As a result of poor economies among adult children, the support received by older people, especially financial assistance was largely inadequate and untimely. It is therefore recommended that the government and the community need to raise awareness among the young people on the importance of helping older parents as part of the strategies to enhance informal protection mechanisms. To reduce a huge burden on adult children, the government needs to re-think and put in place a non-contributory universal pension for all older people. Similarly, the government needs to put a high priority on older women since they are the ones who are most in need of support. To ensure that the support provided is adequate and reliable, the government needs to create more employment opportunities for adult children.
Succession Planning in Ghana’s Nascent Technical Universities: The Case of Cape Coast Technical University
Authors: Egyimba Gorman Gladys , Sarpong Dwumoh Joseph
Published: August 2022

This paper investigated on succession planning in Ghana’s Technical Universities with the Cape Coast Technical University as a case. In this study, the researchers interviewed nine purposively sampled senior managerial and administrative personnel. The interview transcripts were content-analysed using the Taguette computer-aided qualitative data analysis software. The study uncovered that the CCTU has neither a succession policy nor a formal arrangement for training and mentoring personnel to fill leadership roles. Personnel interviewed demonstrated a positive perception of succession planning even though it was based on basic knowledge of the concept. Further, interviewees expressed a desire to see succession planning given a try at the CCTU.  However, they wanted such a program to be transparent, inclusive, and coherent. They also would like to see any such policy have adequate top-level backing. The challenges to a potential succession planning policy included the risk of it being abused as a tool for cronyism, the risk of people selected and sponsored under the policy leaving the organization and the risk of it only existing on paper without full implementation The authors recommend that the dominant coalition at CCTU should study feasibility of formal succession planning and formulate a unique solution that is based in local context. They also recommend that researchers expand on this study across HEIs in Ghana. Finally, the researchers recommend that it would be insightful to examine the prevalence and nature of succession planning in various Ghanaian organizations. Such research may uncover practices and leadership development philosophies that are rooted in Ghanaian culture and which may be further developed.
Demystifying Research Article Writing: Addressing the Needs of Novice Authors
Authors: Jackson Nyamubi Gilman
Published: August 2022

Writing a research article to any audience entails sharing findings the researcher has found while focusing on evidence-based results. It brings about new insights of research outcomes to add the latest knowledge, hence making the paper outstanding rather than becoming a collection of experts’ conveyed ideas. This paper reflected the way apprentice writers could learn how to communicate research findings to a wider audience, explaining their desire to focus on the work’s theme and structure to support the author’s knowledge claim in demonstrating personal views. The Literature Review section demonstrates the author’s ability to present ideas on what is written through positioning these ideas in the context of the study. It is organized in the context of the author’s central focus of the study. The Methodology segment of the article explains the research process regarding how data were collected and analysed, to form the basis of argumentation regarding new knowledge. The results section is organized in a clear and logical order. Key results are a central focus upon which the article is built. They are emphasized using visual elements and respondents’ direct quotes. The discussion section of an article depends on the nature of research findings. The writer embeds the data, methods and the literature to argue and strengthen the article’s claims using evaluative descriptions, considering the significance of earlier research findings in the context of new findings. The way results are presented and discussed in the article, gives the writer the basis to provide concluding remarks and recommendations in relation to research objectives.
Effectiveness of Inclusivity in Technical Education: A Case of Visually Impaired Learners in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe
Authors: Sithole Silas , H. Mukawu Lawrence , Matsvange Melody , Bandera Theresa
Published: August 2022

The study investigated on effectiveness of inclusivity in the teaching and learning of technical subjects in high schools of Mashonaland East Province in Zimbabwe. A descriptive survey research design was adopted while the questionnaire and the interview guide were used to receive data for the study.  Analysis was done using descriptive statistics in terms of mean scores. Based on the findings, the study concluded that the inclusion of learners with low vision in the teaching of technical subjects in the main stream was not effectively conducted as most teachers were not trained to handle learners with special educational needs such as the visually impaired at colleges or universities. Specialist teachers did not get time to professionally develop their colleagues and hence subject teachers remained ineffective and incompetent. It is therefore recommended that school authorities should periodically initiate staff development programs for subject teachers on how to effectively help learners with low vision in the respective schools. Technical teachers’ colleges in the country should include Special Needs Education (SNE) courses for student teachers to effectively discharge their duties in the classroom. High schools managers in the province should ensure that learners with low vision get adequate time per week for assistance and remediation.
Editorial
Authors: Davy Jonathan
Published: August 2022

No Abstract.
Talent Management: A Case Study of Namibia’s Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) in Securing Talent for Aviation Safety
Authors: Simataa George , Pearse Noel J.
Published: August 2022

This study presents a deductive case study of the initiatives undertaken by the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) of Namibia over the period 2008 to  2014 in securing talent for aviation safety. The aim of the research is to analyse this talent management programme from the perspective of the  literature on talent management, with a focus on strategic positions in organisations. The results of the study describe and analyse the talent  management activities that were adopted. Some of the findings of the study were in line with this strategic positions approach to talent  management, while this theoretical perspective also identified a number of shortcomings of the programme. However, certain challenges that were  encountered in carrying out the talent management programme could not be addressed from this perspective, thereby exposing the limits of this  approach to talent management in an emerging economy like Namibia. Recommendations are made for practice and further research, including  organisations like the DCA taking responsibility for developing talent beyond organisational boundaries.
Do we really learn from railway occurrence investigations? A South African railway industry perspective
Authors: Hutchings Jessica , Thatcher Andrew
Published: August 2022

In South Africa, railway occurrence numbers have remained unchanged over recent years despite stakeholder goals aiming for zero occurrences,  suggesting that there is an important need to examine why the numbers have not decreased. This is despite accidents being investigated by the  various stakeholders in the rail socio-technical system. A failure to properly identify the underlying causes for incidents may be a possible reason for  the number of recurrences. If occurrences are being investigated, why then do the number of occurrences remain largely unchanged? It is  proposed that perhaps there are systemic factors within the railway system that influence the investigation process and therefore its effectiveness.  Rasmussen’s (1997) Risk Management Framework is used to illustrate the South African railway system and to determine the systemic factors for  each level of the system impacting on the effectiveness of occurrence investigations. A qualitative, multi-method approach was adopted. The  research highlighted that there are indeed systemic factors that hinder the system’s ability to facilitate a learning culture. Results suggest that there  is a distinct lack of mutual trust, transparency, feedback, and sharing of information, and no just culture across the entire system. The results of this  research indicate that in the railway system, learning from previous accidents does not always happen. This is largely attributed to a number of  systemic factors inherent in the larger railway system that influence the effectiveness of the entire investigation process. It is concluded that failure  to identify what really happened during an occurrence and therefore the validity of the recommendations impacts on the system’s ability to learn  from such events.
The responsibility associated with being a pathfinder and inclusive power of authentic relationships
Authors: Mlilo Sifiso
Published: August 2022

No Abstract.
The Identity of Who/What Is Greater than the Temple in Matthew 12:6
Authors: Appiah John , Berchie Daniel
Published: August 2022

What is greater than the Temple is an ongoing debate among New Testament (NT) scholars. Scholars interpret what is greater than the Temple either as the kingdom of God/heaven, the superior service of the disciples of Jesus, love/mercy, or Jesus. However, though some of the literature so far reviewed considered Matthew’s usage of comparative adjectives in his Gospel, it is not exhaustive. This article intends to investigate Matthean style of using the comparative adjective to help interpret the one on 12:6. This article uses the text-centred approach of exegesis to unravel the identity of what is greater than the Temple in Matt. 12:6. The study concludes that what is greater than the Temple would be a temple or something relating to the Temple. We conclude that what is greater than the Temple is Jesus’ ministry.
Assessment of the Level of Awareness of Households and Institutions on the Impacts of Premature End-of-Life Vehicles in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Authors: Okoth Selelah , Nyukur Elvin , Mulwa Richard
Published: August 2022

Over the years, Kenya has recorded an increase in the volumes of vehicles shipped into the country. Some of these vehicles end up being premature end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) mainly due to road accidents. These premature ELVS are poorly managed mostly parked in police station yards, garages, and some residential estates causing public health and environmental harm thus undermining achievement of sustainable development. There have been scattered efforts on their management through policies and legislation such as the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999; the umbrella law on environment which is both generic and unable to sufficiently address premature ELVs. This paper provides findings from a study whose objective was to assess the level of awareness of households, public and private institutions on the impact of poor management of premature ELVs on social concerns, public health, and the environment; and implores on the need for responsive policy and legal frameworks. To this end, structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 170 households in Nairobi County while key informant interviews (n=88) were conducted in relevant government agencies viz. policy making institutions; regulators and enforcement agencies; and, garages, salvage companies, and insurance firms. A Likert scale (1-5), with 1 being totally unaware and 5 highly aware was used to gauge the level of awareness. The mean level of awareness was 3.87 and most respondents were above this level of knowledge about social impacts such as degradation of the aesthetic values associated with poorly managed premature ELVs. However, another majority was below the average awareness level of 3.87 on awareness of the environmental and public health impacts associated with poor management of the premature ELVs. The results of this study indicate the need for enhanced awareness programs and development of policy and legal frameworks for effective management of premature ELVs in Kenya.

Keywords: Premature end-of-life vehicle; Awareness level; ELV management; Nairobi City County; sustainable development
Characterization, stability and solubility of co-amorphous systems of glibenclamide and L-arginine at different pH
Authors: Aragón-Aburto Salma O , Mondragón-Vásquez Karina , Valerio- Alfaro Gerardo , Domínguez-Chávez Jorge G
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the stability and solubility of co-amorphous systems of glibenclamide (GBC) with L-arginine (L-Arg) at different pH values.

Methods: Three co-amorphous solids of GBC and L-Arg were obtained by fast solvent evaporation using 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometries. All co-amorphous systems were characterized by XRPD, FTIR, RAMAN and NMR-solid state as well as thermal techniques such as DSC and TGA. The stability of coamorphous systems was evaluated by indicative stability and stability in relevant physiological media was measured at different pH values.

Results: The chemical characterization suggest that there was no proton transference between L-Arg and GBC indicative of co-amorphous solids. Stability studies showed that all the co-amorphous solids are unstable under humid conditions and only the co-amorphous system of GBC: L-Arg 1:2 was stable in all the pH values tested. Solubility studies at different pH values showed that the co-amorphous GBC: L-Arg 1:1 and 1:2, showed increasing solubility values even at pH < 7 (0.6468 mg/mL at pH 1.2 for coamorphous GBC: L-Arg 1:2 at the first hour) where free GBC was not soluble.

Conclusion: Co-amorphous systems of GBC and L-Arg, is an interesting strategy to increase the solubility of poorly-soluble drugs at acidic pH values

Keywords: Co-amorphous; Glibenclamide; L-Arginine; Solubility; Stability
Effect of rPMS on N-type calcium channel in rats with neuropathic pain
Authors: Cai Xianbin , Xu Xuefen
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on N-type calcium channel of rats with neuropathic pain (NP).

Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into control, mock surgical, model, and rPMS groups. For the model and rPMS groups, rat NP models were made based on chronic constriction injury (CCI) model from January 2018 to June 2019; the mock surgical group was treated to expose the sciatic nerve, while the control group received no treatment.

Results: Compared to the control group, the model group demonstrated a prominent increase in spontaneous pain-like behaviors, threshold of claw withdrawal in reaction to mechanical stimulation, substance P, glutamic acid, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and calcium current, with a decrease in paw withdrawal thermal latency (PwTL) (p < 0.05). In comparison to the model group, alleviated spontaneous pain-like behaviors, reduced threshold of claw withdrawal in reaction to mechanical stimulation, substance P, glutamic acid, CGRP, and calcium current rPMS, with increased PwTL were observed in the rPMS group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: rPMS alleviates NP syndromes and inhibits the activity of N-type calcium channel in rats. This finding provides a theoretical basis and reference for the clinical application of rPMS in the treatment of NP.

Keywords: Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS); Neuropathic pain; N-type calcium channel; Paw withdrawal thermal latency
Influence of cilostazol on thromboangiitis obliterans in rats and the mechanism involved
Authors: Zhu Weiliang , Ying Jianyue
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To study the effect of Cilostazol on rat thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), and the mechanism of action involved.

Methods: Rats (N = 45) were injected with sodium laurate to establish the model of TAO, and then divided into Sham group (n = 15), TAO group (n = 15) and TAO + cilostazol group (n = 15). After administration of cilostazol, TAO lesions in the rats were graded, and the femoral arteries were stained by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) to determine the degree of vascular lesions. The status of vascular endothelial cells was determined using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the expression and transcription levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins were evaluated by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively.

Results: In contrast to Sham group, TAO group exhibited symptoms such as changes in skin temperature and color, and limb swelling and thanatosis, while in the TAO + cilostazol group, the damage was reversed, vascular and vascular endothelial cell lesions were significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05), and the transcription and translation levels of HIF-1α and VEGF significantly suppressed (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Cilostazol alleviates sodium laurate-induced TAO lesions in rats via HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. This study may provide new insights for the treatment of TAO.

Keywords: Cilostazol; Hypoxia-inducible factor/vascular endothelial growth factor pathway; Thromboangiitis obliterans; Limb swelling; Thanatosis