bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravesical urachal cyst masquerading as a bladder malignancy: a case report
Authors: Alyusuf Zahra , Hassan Ali , Maki Reem , Hasan Wafa , Alhamar Roaa
Published: August 2023

Background

Urinary bladder masses in children are extremely rare. Certain benign conditions (e.g., ureterocele) can mimic malignant bladder masses. In this report, we present a unique case of a urachal cyst masquerading as a bladder malignancy. Unlike the typical location of urachal cysts along the course of the urachal tract, the cyst in this case was unexpectedly situated within the urinary bladder, leading to diagnostic difficulties.

Case presentation

A 2-year-old Bahraini boy presented with hematuria and dysuria for 2 weeks. There was no history of fever, abdominal pain, or vomiting. Physical examination yielded normal findings. Urinalysis showed numerous red blood cells and revealed positive results for nitrites and leukocyte esterase. Abdominal ultrasound showed a well-defined soft tissue lesion with internal vascularity located at the apex of the urinary bladder. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a thick-walled cystic structure arising from the anterosuperior wall of the bladder and protruding into its lumen. The patient underwent complete excision of the bladder lesion for the presumed diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. Histopathological examination showed a fluid-filled space lined by stratified squamous epithelium with areas of intestinal metaplasia, revealing an unexpected diagnosis of a urachal cyst. The patient was discharged with complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusions

Intravesical urachal cysts are a rare type of congenital urachal anomaly that may simulate a bladder malignancy, particularly if associated with infection. This case emphasizes the importance of considering urachal cysts in the differential diagnosis of bladder masses, especially in children, and specifically when the lesion is midline in the anterosuperior wall of the bladder.
Cell-free fat extract restores hair loss: a novel therapeutic strategy for androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Cai Yizuo , Jia Zhuoxuan , Zhang Yichen , Kang Bijun , Chen Chingyu , Liu Wei , Li Wei , Zhang Wenjie
Published: August 2023

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common hair loss diseases worldwide. However, current treatments including medicine, surgery, and stem cells are limited for various reasons. Cell-free fat extract (CEFFE), contains various cell factors, may have potential abilities in treating AGA. This study aims to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and the underlying mechanism of CEFFE in treating AGA.

Methods

Sex hormone evaluation, immunogenicity assay and genotoxicity assay were conducted for CEFFE. In vivo study, male C57BL/6 mice were injected subcutaneously with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and were treated with different concentration of CEFFE for 18 days (five groups andn = 12 in each group: Control, Model, CEFFELow, CEFFEMiddle, CEFFEHigh). Anagen entry rate and hair coverage percentage were analyzed through continuously taken gross photographs. The angiogenesis and proliferation of hair follicle cells were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin, anti-CD31, and anti-Ki67 staining. In vitro study, dermal papilla cells (DPCs) were incubated with different concentrations of CEFFE, DHT, or CEFFE + DHT, followed by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry to evaluate cell proliferation cycle and apoptosis. The intracellular DHT level were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of 5α-reductase type II, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and androgen receptor were assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or/and western blot.

Results

In CEFFE-treated mice, an increase in the anagen entry rate and hair coverage percentage was observed. The number of CD31-positive capillaries and Ki67-positive cells were increased, suggesting that CEFFE promoted the proliferation of DPCs, modulated the cell cycle arrest, inhibited apoptosis caused by DHT, reduced the intracellular concentration of DHT in DPCs, and downregulated the expression of AR.

Conclusions

CEFFE is a novel and effective treatment option for AGA through producing an increased hair follicle density and hair growth rate. The proposed mechanisms are through the DHT/AR pathway regulation and regional angiogenesis ability.
Is it possible to control bovine tuberculosis without compensation? Reviewing ten years of the Chilean program and its progress
Authors: Valdivieso Nicolás , Retamal Patricio
Published: August 2023

In 2011, the Chilean bovine tuberculosis (bTB) program was launched by the Livestock and Agriculture Service (SAG) as a compulsory countrywide program based on testing and culling of bTB reactors at herd-owners expense. This review outlines the rationale and key components of the bTB program, and the dynamic changes that have occurred since 2011. The paper also examines the problems identified by stakeholders and the initiatives put in place to address the constraints to achieving progress.

To date, the program has shown progress in controlling bTB. However, in order to achieve bTB eradication it will be essential to improve the commitment of stakeholders, and to develop a framework of strong and workable regulations that will help to manage bTB outbreaks, particularly where clusters of bTB infection are recorded.
Meta-analysis of food supply chain: pre, during and post COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kafi Abdul , Zainuddin Nizamuddin , Saifudin Adam Mohd , Shahron Syairah Aimi , Razalli Mohd Rizal , Musa Suria , Ahmi Aidi
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on the food supply chain since 2020. Understanding the current trends of research and scenarios in the food supply chain is critical for developing effective strategies to address the present issue. This study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the pre, during, and post COVID-19 pandemic in the food supply chain.

Methodology

This study used the Scopus database from 1995 to November 6, 2022, to analyse the food supply chain. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software to create knowledge maps and visualizations for co-occurrence, co-authorship, and country collaboration. Biblioshiny, a shiny app for the Bibliometrix R package, was then used to explore theme evaluation path maps in the research domain.

Results

The bibliometric analysis of 2523 documents provides important insights into present and future publication trends. Top author keywords included blockchain, traceability, food safety, sustainability, and supply chain management. The Sustainability (Switzerland) journal ranked first in productivity, and the International Journal of Production Economics received the highest citations. The United Kingdom was the most productive country, collaborating with partners in Europe, Asia, and North America. The Netherlands had the highest percentage of documents with international authors, while India and China had the lowest. The thematic evaluation maps revealed that articles focused on important research topics including food processing industry, information sharing, risk assessment, decision-making, biodiversity, food safety, and food waste.

Conclusion

This study contribute to the growing body of literature on the food supply chain by providing a comprehensive analysis of research trends during different phases of the pandemic. The findings can be used to inform policymakers and industry leaders about the measures required to build a more resilient and sustainable food supply chain infrastructure for the future. This study considered only Scopus online database for bibliometric analysis, which may have limited the search strategy. Future studies are encouraged to consider related published articles by linking multiple databases.
Effect of Contents, Tensile Strengths and Aspect Ratios of Hooked-End Steel Fibers (SFs) on Compressive and Flexural Performance of Normal Strength Concrete
Authors: Jang Seok-Joon , Park Wan-Shin , Kim Sun-Woo , Kim Dong-Hui , Wang Qi , Jeong Woo-Jin , Jin Ai-Hua , Yun Hyun-Do
Published: August 2023

This study is a part of the study to simplify the reinforcing details of reinforced concrete (RC) structural members by substituting the conventional reinforcement with hooked-end steel fibers (SFs). This paper investigates the effects of SF strength, dosage and aspect (l/d) ratio on the compressive and flexural behaviors of normal strength concrete with specified compressive strength of 30 MPa. In this study, hooked-end SFs of high strength (2000–2400 MPa) and normal strength (1100–1200 MPa) were used with three l/d ratios of 64, 67 and 80. Hooked-end SFs were incorporated with three dosages of 20 kg/m3 (0.25 vol.%), 40 kg/m3 (0.50 vol.%) and 60 kg/m3 (0.75 vol.%). Eighteen steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) mixes were mixed. To evaluate the compressive and flexural performance of each SFRC mixture, three SFRC cylindrical and prismatic specimens for each mixture were manufactured and tested, respectively. The test results that the inclusion of hooked-end SFs had little effect on the compressive strength, while it improved the toughness of concrete. Hooked-end SFs were also found to be effective in enhancing the flexural performance of concrete. The dosage and properties (strength and l/d ratio) of SFs significantly affect the residual flexural tensile strength (fR1 and fR3) at serviceability (SLS) and ultimate limit state (ULS) defined in fib Model Code 2010 (MC2010).
Gill-associated bacteria are homogeneously selected in amphibious mangrove crabs to sustain host intertidal adaptation
Authors: Fusi Marco , Ngugi David K. , Marasco Ramona , Booth Jenny Marie , Cardinale Massimiliano , Sacchi Luciano , Clementi Emanuela , Yang Xinyuan , Garuglieri Elisa , Fodelianakis Stilianos , Michoud Grégoire , Daffonchio Daniele
Published: August 2023

Background

The transition from water to air is a key event in the evolution of many marine organisms to access new food sources, escape water hypoxia, and exploit the higher and temperature-independent oxygen concentration of air. Despite the importance of microorganisms in host adaptation, their contribution to overcoming the challenges posed by the lifestyle changes from water to land is not well understood. To address this, we examined how microbial association with a key multifunctional organ, the gill, is involved in the intertidal adaptation of fiddler crabs, a dual-breathing organism.

Results

Electron microscopy revealed a rod-shaped bacterial layer tightly connected to the gill lamellae of the five crab species sampled across a latitudinal gradient from the central Red Sea to the southern Indian Ocean. The gill bacterial community diversity assessed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was consistently low across crab species, and the same actinobacterial group, namely Ilumatobacter, was dominant regardless of the geographic location of the host. Using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, we detected that these members of actinobacteria are potentially able to convert ammonia to amino acids and may help eliminate toxic sulphur compounds and carbon monoxide to which crabs are constantly exposed.

Conclusions

These results indicate that bacteria selected on gills can play a role in the adaptation of animals in dynamic intertidal ecosystems. Hence, this relationship is likely to be important in the ecological and evolutionary processes of the transition from water to air and deserves further attention, including the ontogenetic onset of this association.
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI)
Authors: Zagaria Andrea , Barbaranelli Claudio , Mocini Edoardo , Lombardo Caterina
Published: August 2023

Background

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an emerging clinical condition characterized by a pathological fixation with healthy eating. Recently, the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) has emerged as a promising tool for assessing orthorexic tendencies and behaviours, aiming to overcome the well-established limitations of existing measures for ON. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the ONI.

Methods

A total of 879 participants (Mage = 33.22 years, SD = 9.19; 56.9% females) completed the ONI along with the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS), measures of disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD), and psychosocial impairment. To establish the factorial validity of the ONI, a competing measurement modeling approach was employed by comparing standard confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) with exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) solutions. Model-based omega coefficients were computed to examine the internal consistency of the scale. Factorial invariance tests across gender were conducted within a multi-group framework.

Results

A three-factor first-order ESEM solution provided the best and most parsimonious representation of the data: χ2(207) = 558.641, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.044 (90% CI 0.040–0.048), CFI = 0.976, TLI = 0.968, SRMR = 0.036. The three latent dimensions, labelled behaviors, emotions, and impairments, showed excellent internal consistency (ω > 0.88). Furthermore, ONI scores were found to be positively correlated with DOS scores, disordered eating, OCD symptoms, and psychosocial impairment, supporting its convergent and criterion validity. Eventually, the ONI was factorially invariant across gender.

Conclusions

Overall, the present study provides evidence for the satisfactory psychometric properties of the ONI in the Italian context, endorsing its use in both clinical and research settings.
HIV-related risk among justice-involved young African American women in the U.S. South
Authors: Browne Felicia A. , Washio Yukiko , Zule William A. , Wechsberg Wendee M.
Published: August 2023

Incarceration rates have increased exponentially among women, and racial disparities in justice involvement persist. Coupled with disparities in HIV in the US South that begin early in the life course, it is important to explicate the relationship between justice involvement, HIV-related risk (such as illicit drug use and sexual risk), and service needs for young African American women. This study examined the association of previous arrest, biological and self-reported HIV-related risk, and reported service needs at baseline among 646 African American women aged 18 to 25 who were recruited as part of an HIV-risk reduction trial. Approximately 24% of participants reported previously being arrested. In adjusted analyses, several substance use and sexual risk variables were found to be significant, including increased odds of positive screens for both cocaine (AOR: 3.09; 95% CI [1.49, 6.41]) and marijuana (AOR: 1.82; 95% CI [1.17, 2.83]), trading sex for goods (AOR: 2.23; 95% CI [1.14, 4.38]), and recent sexually transmitted infections (AOR: 1.84; 95% CI [1.03, 3.27]). Previous arrest was associated with greater service needs, including violence-related (AOR: 4.42; 95% CI [2.03, 9.64]), parenting (AOR: 2.92; 95 CI% [1.65, 5.17]), and housing (AOR: 2.38; 95% CI [1.54, 3.67)]). The study findings indicate the increased risk across both HIV-related substance use and sexual risk and the service needs for African American women in emerging adulthood who have been arrested. These disparities suggest the importance of interventions to address the specific needs of this population at a critical period to not only prevent HIV but also address social determinants.
Free from your experiences to grow: belief in free will moderates the relationship between attachment avoidance and personal growth initiative
Authors: Yang Fan , Oka Takashi
Published: August 2023

Background

Attachment theory proposes that attachment security facilitates personal growth. However, attachment security origins in relationship history, and thus, how people treat their experiences may influence the outcomes of attachment security. People differ in the degree in believing that human beings have free will, and belief in free will may influence the relationship between experiences and outcomes. The present cross-sectional study investigated the relationships between attachment security, belief in free will, and personal growth initiative.

Methods

We used the cross-sectional data of 346 Chinese college students for data analysis, including correlational analyses, regression, and moderation analyses. The nine-item Chinese version of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Scale, the sixteen-item Chinese version of the Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II, and the seven-item Free Will subscale of the Chinese version of the Free Will and Determinism Plus Scale were utilized.

Results

Results showed attachment avoidance and belief in free will, not attachment anxiety, was associated with personal growth initiative. Belief in free will moderated the association between attachment avoidance and personal growth initiative. When the centered score of belief in free will was higher than 0.64, attachment avoidance was no longer associated with personal growth initiative. 85.84% of our data were below this Johnson-Neyman significance region, and 14.16% were above. In other words, only those who scored higher than 0.64 on free will beliefs were able to pursue personal growth despite their high attachment avoidance.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that when believing in free will, avoidantly attached people may believe in their ability to pursue personal growth and think their future has more possibilities, not influenced by other factors like social support, which they think they lack.
Teaching Humanitarian Action: NOHA Joint Master’s Programme at 30
Authors: Löfquist Lars
Published: August 2023

Assuming that higher education has a role in the professionalisation of humanitarianism, this article discusses humanitarian work as a subject in higher education. The Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA) joint master’s programme in International Humanitarian Action is used as a case study for understanding the challenges and potentials in teaching the subject. Teaching challenges are discussed in relation to three themes: interdisciplinary, work-integrated learning and intercultural competencies. These themes are an integrated part of the professionalisation of humanitarian work, since they concern how humanitarian action should be understood and implemented. The NOHA joint master’s programme incorporates a variety of approaches, such as student mobility and a range of courses, to strengthen the student’s education in each of these themes. The last part of the article discusses the future prospects of the programme in response to trends that affect higher education: online teaching and rapid technological change. It is argued that the NOHA network and the NOHA joint master’s programme are well positioned to navigate these trends and continue to be relevant for educating humanitarian professionals.
Measuring dengue illness intensity: Development and content validity of the dengue virus daily diary (DENV-DD)
Authors: Jones Amy M. , Saretsky Todd L. , Panter Charlotte , Wells Jane R. , White Frances , Smith Verity , Kendal Helen , Russell Kevin , Ruggieri Madelyn , Calhoun Shawna R. , Gater Adam , O’Hagan Justin , Anderson Kathryn B. , Paz-Soldan Valerie A. , Morrison Amy C. , Ware Lisa , Klick Michelle , Thomas Stephen , Marks Morgan A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral infection causing an estimated 50–60 million cases of febrile illness globally per year, exacting considerable disease burden. Few instruments exist to assess the patient illness experience, with most based on healthcare provider assessment, lacking standardization in timepoints and symptom assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the content validity of the novel ‘Dengue Virus Daily Diary (DENV-DD)’, designed to measure symptom intensity and disease burden within outpatient infant to adult populations.

Methods

The Dengue Illness Index Report Card was used as a foundation to create the DENV-DD, consisting of patient- and observer-reported outcome (PRO/ObsRO) instruments. In two South American dengue-endemic communities, qualitative combined concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted among individuals and caregivers of children with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed dengue. Interviews were conducted across two rounds allowing DENV-DD modifications. A small-scale quantitative assessment of the DENV-DD was also conducted with data from an independent Dengue Human Infection Model (DHIM) to generate early evidence of feasibility of DENV-DD completion, instrument performance and insight into the sign/symptom trajectory over the course of illness.

Results

Forty-eight participants were interviewed (20 adults, 20 older children/adolescents with their caregivers, 8 caregivers of younger children). A wide spectrum of signs/symptoms lasting 3–15 days were reported with fever, headache, body ache/pain, loss of appetite, and body weakness each reported by > 70% participants. DENV-DD instructions, items and response scales were understood, and items were considered relevant across ages. DHIM data supported feasibility of DENV-DD completion.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate content validity of the DENV-DD (PRO/ObsRO instruments) in dengue-endemic populations. Psychometric and cultural validity studies are ongoing to support use of the DENV-DD in clinical studies.
Potential of endophytic fungi as a pathogenic biocontrol agent and growth promoters in corn seedlings
Authors: Fauriah Ria , Djaya Ernawati , Djaenuddin Nurasiah , Muis Amran , Nonci Nurnina
Published: August 2023

Background

Use of endophytic fungi, as pathogen control of Bipolaris maydis and Curvularia sp., is an alternative method of control without the use of synthetic pesticides that are more environmentally friendly. This study aimed to determine the potential of endophytic fungi in controlling the growth of pathogens B. maydis and Curvularia sp. in vitro and in spurring the growth of corn plants. It was consisted of three types of testing three endophytic fungal species (Aspergillus_1, Fusarium_2, and Trichoderma_11), namely (1) testing the antagonistic activity of endophytic fungal against pathogens by double culture method, (2) physiological characterization of endophytic fungal as phosphate solvents and chitinase producers, and (3) testing of corn seed vigor with the blotter test method.

Results

The results of testing endophytic fungal isolates against B. maydis pathogens showed that the three isolates were able to suppress the development of B. maydis, whereas the Trichoderma_11 isolate showed higher suppression results than others. The isolate that showed the best ability to dissolve phosphates is Fusarium_2 with a dissolving index of 1.9 and their effectiveness up to 91.5%. Meanwhile, Trichoderma_11 was able to produce the highest chitinase activity index of 1.9 with an effectiveness of 90.6%. The best corn root lengths and plant height were shown on Fusarium_2 treatment. Similar outcomes were observed when Curvularia sp. was tested. The whole isolates were able to suppress the growth of the pathogen by 16.43–40.44% on the 4th day after incubation. Trichoderma sp. isolate was 72.50% more effective at suppressing than the other two isolates. On day 11, the isolate of Aspergillus sp. was suppressed by 62.50%, while Fusarium sp. showed the lowest suppression of 59.17%.

Conclusions

Trichoderma_11 isolate was potentially the best biocontrol agent against maydis leaf blight and Curvularia leaf spot in vitro. Meanwhile, the Fusarium_2 isolate had promoted the growth of the corn seedlings.
Titrated segmental epidural anesthesia for bilateral total knee replacement in a patient with severe aortic stenosis and severe bilateral carotid artery stenosis: a case report
Authors: Okeyemi Ajibade , Akinmade Akinola , Suleiman Aliyu Zakari , Ahmed Adeagbo Liasu , Fayose Bamidele Samuel , Olabode Akande Adekunle
Published: August 2023

Background

Total knee replacement is a major orthopedic procedure for severe, painful, and mobility-limiting knee arthritis. Aortic valve stenosis is the most frequent valvular heart disease and the most commonly performed valvular procedure. Stenosis of the valve may lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular dysfunction, myocardial ischemia, and a state of fixed cardiac output. Changes in hemodynamic parameters such as hypotension and bradycardia in patients with carotid artery stenosis may lead to cerebrovascular accidents, especially during anesthesia.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old woman with a 6-year history of bilateral knee pain. The pain was dull, aching, and severe in intensity, and it prevented her from sleeping despite optimal analgesics. A general physical examination revealed an elderly, frail woman in mild respiratory distress. She had bilateral small-volume radial pulses, positive hepatojugular reflux, and heart sounds of S1, S2, and S4 with an ejection systolic murmur, and carotid bruits were heard bilaterally. Epidural anesthesia was done by injection of 2.5 mL of 0.5% plain bupivacaine in aliquots every 5 min until the level of the block reached the suprapubic region (titrated segmental epidural anesthesia). The patient was not preloaded with intravenous fluid prior to the establishment of epidural anesthesia, and the epidural anesthesia-induced hypotension that may ensue was managed with intraoperative dopamine infusion at 5 µg/kg/min.

Conclusions

Titrated segmental epidural anesthesia with intraoperative infusion of low-dose dopamine reduces the perioperative risk of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and neurocognitive deficit in a patient with severe aortic stenosis and severe bilateral carotid stenosis.
Osteoma of the temporal bone squama: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Varghese Sunil Sam , Kumar Navneet , Paul Preethi Anni Mercy , Sethi Aashima
Published: August 2023

Background

Osteomas are benign slow-growing tumors, which typically arise on the surface of the bone. They rarely arise from the temporal bone, accounting for 0.1–1% of all benign tumors of the skull. The external auditory canal (EAC) is the most common site for osteomas in the temporal bone. Other extra-canalicular osteomas of the temporal bone are uncommon and infrequently reported. In this case report, we discuss the clinical presentation and surgical management of osteoma of the squamous part of the temporal bone. A limited review of literature is also presented.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old male presented to the outpatient department (OPD) with a chief complaint of a hard swelling above his left ear, for 4 years. He had no other complaints other than cosmetic concern. On examination, there was a solitary, smooth, bony hard swelling just antero-superior to the left pinna, and the overlying skin was unremarkable. The left EAC and tympanic membrane were normal. A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan of the head and face with 3-D reconstruction showed a16 × 18 mm exophytic, pedunculated bony lesion arising from the squamous part of the temporal bone suggestive of an osteoma. The patient was taken up for surgical excision under general anesthesia. The bony lesion was removed from its attachment to the skull using a gouge and a mallet. The base of the tumor was drilled using a polishing burr to ensure complete removal and prevent recurrence. The histopathology was confirmatory of compact osteoma. Postoperative period was uneventful, and follow-up at 18-month post-surgery did not reveal any recurrence clinically.

Conclusion

Osteoma of the temporal squama is rarely reported, and surgical excision is the definitive treatment if symptomatic. This case report highlights the surgical management of this rare tumor. A limited review of literature suggests that squamous part of the temporal bone is an unusual site for extra-canalicular osteomas, and the prognosis is good after surgery.
Updates on persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD): a review article
Authors: Moaty Asmaa Salah , Nada Nashwa
Published: August 2023

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional vestibular disorder, not a structural or psychiatric condition, presented by one or more dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo symptoms. These symptoms will worsen with upright posture, movements, and exposure to complex visual stimuli. PPDD may be precipitated by disorders that impair balance or induce vestibular symptoms, such as peripheral or central vestibular diseases, other medical conditions, or psychological illness The exact pathophysiological mechanism is unknown, and it might result from functional adjustments to the postural control systems—alterations in the way multisensory information are processed or the integration of spatial orientation and danger perception in the cortex. PPPD is usually associated with co morbidities like anxiety. Subtypes of PPPD are phobic postural vertigo, space and motion discomfort, visual vertigo, and chronic subjective dizziness. PPPD is diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria of the Barany society. Physical examination and diagnostic investigation are not pathognomic to PPPD. Treatment approaches include patient counseling, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications.
Efficient and transgene-free genome editing in banana using a REG-2 promoter–driven gene-deletion system
Authors: Hu Chunhua , Liu Fan , Sheng Ou , Yang Qiaosong , Dou Tongxin , Dong Tao , Li Chunyu , Gao Huijun , He Weidi , Liu Siwen , Deng Guiming , Yi Ganjun , Bi Fangcheng
Published: August 2023

Graphical Abstract
Performance evaluation of hybrid multilevel inverter with a high-frequency switching technique
Authors: Pragathi B. , Kumar Sonu , Kumari P Rajani , Singh Arvind R.
Published: August 2023

This proposed work deals with the implementation of a single-phase topology with using hybrid for multilevel inverters. It is observed that the proposed structure improves the performance of the hybrid multilevel inverter with high-frequency switches for positive levels and reverse voltage with negative levels. This paper studies a novel construction for an asymmetrical hybrid single-phase multilevel inverter. This paper also studies the operation of multi level inverter under depreciating sources condition due to fluctuation in input. The PWM method, i.e. APOD and CO, has been incorporated into the simulation of single-phase 7-level, 9-level, and the 11-level hybrid inverter. These two methods are compared to one another and to standard methods in terms of THD for different values of the modulation index, and they are found to be superior. Overall loss of 50% of the THD is almost equal to rated output voltage, it is observed in cascaded multilevel inverters. The working and performance of the proposed model are simulated in MATLAB Simulink software and the results are discussed in detail.
Evolution of Antidrug Antibody Assays During the Development of Anti-Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Monoclonal Antibody Marstacimab
Authors: Donley Jean , Jani Darshana , Zhu Tong , Xiang Yuhong , Gorovits Boris , Arkin Steven
Published: August 2023

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is an endogenous inhibitor of the extrinsic coagulation pathway. In patients with hemophilia A or B, inhibition of TFPI is an alternative therapeutic approach that augments the extrinsic coagulation pathway. Marstacimab is an investigational fully human monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralizes TFPI and is being evaluated as a prophylactic treatment to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in patients with severe hemophilia A or B, with or without inhibitors (antibodies against coagulation factors). However, the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of marstacimab may be affected by the induction of antidrug antibody (ADA) responses. Here, we describe the evolution and validation of three quasi-quantitative electrochemiluminescence-based methods to detect marstacimab ADAs, starting from their use in a first-in-human phase 1 study to their use in phase 2 and 3 clinical studies of patients with severe hemophilia. For all three methods, validation criteria evaluated the performance of the assays in screening and confirmatory cut points, precision, selectivity, drug tolerance, target interference, and stability. Additional criteria for validation were dilution linearity (Methods 1 and 2) and low positive control concentration, prozone effect, plate homogeneity, and robustness (Method 3). The three methods met validation criteria and are a potentially valuable tool in detecting the induction of marstacimab ADAs during treatment in patients with hemophilia.

Graphical abstract
Validation of a new Custom Polyclonal Progesterone Receptor Antibody for Immunohistochemistry in the Female Mouse Brain
Authors: Ruddenklau Amy , Glendining Kelly , Prescott Melanie , Campbell Rebecca E
Published: August 2023

Immunohistochemical visualization of progesterone receptor (PR)–expressing cells in the brain is a powerful technique to investigate the role of progesterone in the neuroendocrine regulation of fertility. A major obstacle to the immunohistochemical visualization of progesterone-sensitive cells in the rodent brain has been the discontinuation of the commercially produced A0098 rabbit polyclonal PR antibody by DAKO. To address the unavailability of this widely used PR antibody, we optimized and evaluated 4 alternative commercial PR antibodies and found that each lacked the specificity and/or sensitivity to immunohistochemically label PR-expressing cells in paraformaldehyde-fixed female mouse brain sections. As a result, we developed and validated a new custom RC269 PR antibody, directed against the same 533-547 amino acid sequence of the human PR as the discontinued A0098 DAKO PR antibody. Immunohistochemical application of the RC269 PR antibody on paraformaldehyde-fixed mouse brain sections resulted in nuclear PR labeling that was highly distinguishable from background, specific to its antigen, highly regulated by estradiol, matched the known distribution of PR protein expression in the female mouse hypothalamus, and nearly identical to that of the discontinued A0098 DAKO PR antibody. In summary, the RC269 PR antibody is a specific and sensitive antibody to immunohistochemically visualize PR-expressing cells in the mouse brain.
Fighting for the Middle: Medieval Studies Programs and Degrees within Higher Education
Authors: Rajabzadeh Shokoofeh
Published: August 2023

This essay explores the politics of disciplinarity in medieval studies by revisiting the author's own graduate medieval studies program at the University of California, Berkeley. Along with another graduate student, the author advocated for a more flexible and inclusive conceptualization of the discipline. These efforts were perceived as threatening—and so were the advocates. This essay offers an account of their “diversity work,” which the author theorizes through Sara Ahmed's critical frameworks, in order to share the greatest lesson they learned: aside from the established governing body of the degree program, the fiercest defenders of a conventional, Eurocentric conception of medieval studies were those newest to the discipline—the graduate students.
On the Structure of the Excretory Organs of Amphioxus
Authors: Goodrich Edwin S.
Published: August 2023

The excretory organs of Amphioxus were independently discovered by Weiss and Boveri in the year 1890 (1 and 13). Weiss described a series of small tubules regularly distributed at the top of each secondary tongue-bar throughout the region of the pharynx. The tubules are situated, for the most part, in the wall separating the dorsal cœlom from the atrial cavity ; they lie, therefore, between the cœlomic and the atrial epithelium, generally separated from the latter by a network of fine blood-vessels. These kidney tubules open into the atrium by a pore just opposite the dorsal end of the secondary gill-bar. Weiss suspected the presence of an internal opening, but could not find it. The physiological significance of these organs he established by means of feeding experiments with carmine and other colouring matters.
Are Social Skills Helping Women in the Brazilian Labor Market?
Authors: Neumann Sulzbach Vanessa , Stein Guilherme , De Carvalho Griebeler Marcelo
Published: August 2023

We document an increase in the likelihood of women working in a good job (those with higher wages) in the Brazilian high-skilled labor market in the period of 1994-2017. We highlight the importance of social skills in explaining why the growing demand for high-skilled workers has not been equal across gender. To do so, we built a novel Brazilian Classification of Occupations (CBO) rating based on skill content compatible with the O*NET task index. Our results show a positive relationship between social skills and the female share of occupations, which suggests that women have been choosing professions intensive in this skill. We also provide results consistent with neuroscience literature, which has reported that women have a comparative advantage in performing tasks that require social skills. Finally, we find that the relevance of such skills in determining wages is higher for women than men in recent years.
Molecular docking, ADMET profiling of gallic acid and its derivatives (N-alkyl gallamide) as apoptosis agent of breast cancer MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Arsianti Ade , Nur Azizah Norma , Erlina Linda
Published: August 2023

Background

In 2020, breast cancer has become the most common cancer in the world and in Indonesia. Searching for anticancer drugs using computational methods is considered more effective and selective than other methods. Gallic acid and its derivatives (esters and amides) are compounds that have biological activities such as anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to perform in-silico and in-vitro analysis of gallic acid derivatives (N-alkyl gallamide) as apoptosis agents for MCF7 breast cancer cells.

Methods

Target proteins were selected by analysis of protein-protein and drug-protein interactions. Molecular modelling was done by molecular docking. Predictive analysis of the ADMET profile of gallic acid and its derivatives (N-alkyl gallamide) was conducted using Marvin Sketch, Swissadme, protox II, and pkCSM pharmacokinetics. The selected target proteins were JUN, AKT1, CASP3, and CASP7. The MTT method was used to assess the three best compounds for their cytotoxic activity against MCF7 cells, while annexin V-FITC/PI and flow cytometry were used to analyze apoptosis. These tests were based on in-silico research.

Results

Compounds N-octyl gallamide, N-ters-butyl gallamide, and N-isoamyl gallamide were the three best gallic acid derivatives based on molecular modelling analysis of target proteins associated with breast cancer. The ADMET profile of the N-alkyl gallamide compound is predictable and shows a good profile as a candidate for anticancer drugs. The cytotoxic activity of the three compounds was expressed by their IC50 values of 205.2 ± 0.44 μM, 372.6 ± 4.09 μM, and 441.7 ± 1.41 μM, respectively. The apoptosis activity reaches 55 to 56% compared to control cells.

Conclusion

N-octyl gallamide, N-ters-butyl gallamide, and N-isoamyl gallamide have potential as an apoptosis agent of breast cancer MCF-7 Cells
The impact of smoking status on clopidogrel responsiveness in patients with coronary artery disease who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Aldallal Ali A. R. , Mohammad Bassim I. , Rgeeb Ahmed N. , Jamil Dina A. , Al-Aubaidy Hayder A.
Published: August 2023

Background: Previous studies have pointed out the disproportionate action of clopidogrel in inhibiting platelet aggregation due to smoking more than ten cigarettes per a day. This study was designed to examine whether smoking enhances clopidogrel responsiveness in patients who are clinically diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD), following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: A total of 324 IHD participants were enrolled in a case-control study. Platelet function test was performed to all participants two hours before PCI procedure to measure clopidogrel response. Participants were then categorized into a non-responder group (case group n = 111) and responder group (control group n = 213). Each group was subdivided into a smoker group and a non-smoker group. All participants received clopidogrel loading dose equivalent to 600 mg and scheduled for elective PCI. Participants’ age, gender, family history of chronic illnesses was recorded in this study.  

Results: Smoking participants displayed a significant higher level of hemoglobin as compared to the non-smoking participants among the responder and the non-responder study groups (14.6±0.55 vs. 13.12±0.38, P < 0.029; 14.3±0.31 versus 12.96±0.39, P < 0.033) but lower AUC level (17±9 vs. 45±6, P < 0.005; 62±3 vs. 95±7, P < 0.008).

Additionally, smoking intensity enhanced clopidogrel responsiveness by odd’s ratio 0.4213 at 95% C.I. (0.259 - 0.684), P < 0.0002.

Conclusions: Current smokers had a good response to clopidogrel therapy which exerted a beneficial effect when undergoing PCI as compared to non-smokers. The marked difference in AUC between smokers and non-smokers could be related to the variance in hemoglobin level. The smokers’ paradox needs further justification to confirm this concept.
Analyzing the impact of loyalty card programs on customer behavior: insights from the Albanian market
Authors: Myftaraj Ervin , Trebicka Brunela
Published: August 2023

Background: Loyalty card programs have become prevalent in the retail industry, offering various benefits and rewards to customers. This study aims to analyze the impact of loyalty card programs on customer behavior in the Albanian market.

Methods: A survey was conducted among a diverse sample of customers from different retail sectors in Albania. The survey collected data on awareness, satisfaction, loyalty, and customized benefits. The survey was distributed between March and May 2023, and responses were collected electronically. The survey responses were analyzed to address the research questions and test the hypotheses.

Results: The findings indicate a significant level of awareness among respondents regarding loyalty card programs. Higher satisfaction with specific benefits, such as discounts and accumulating points, is associated with higher levels of customer loyalty. Customers who reported higher frequencies of loyalty card usage demonstrated greater loyalty. Customized benefits, particularly discounts and accumulating points, significantly influenced customer satisfaction. However, other benefit categories did not show statistically significant associations with loyalty.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of promoting loyalty card programs to enhance awareness among customers. Improving and optimizing loyalty card benefits based on customer feedback is recommended. Encouraging frequent usage of loyalty cards and personalizing benefits to align with customer preferences are key strategies to foster customer loyalty. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners in the retail sector to enhance customer engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.
Social psychology
Authors: GRAChEV ALEKSANDR , ZhURAVLEV ANATOLIY , KITOVA DZhUL'ETTA , SOSNIN VYaChESLAV , POZNYaKOV VLADIMIR , EMEL'YaNOVA TAT'YaNA , HASchENKO VALERIY , KOVALEVA YuLIYa , SMIRNOV ALEKSANDR , RUSALINOVA ALLA
Published: August 2023

The textbook examines the problems of social psychology at three relatively traditional psychological levels — personal, group and social (macropsychological). Personality-psychological features reflect the specifics of needs and motives, emotions and feelings, personal characteristics, psychological resources of a person that contribute to his interaction in the social environment and adaptation to it. The study of group psychological processes is associated with the analysis of various factors, which include, first of all, common collective meanings and social needs of certain groups. The macropsychological level involves consideration of the role played by psychological phenomena in the development of modern Russian society.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is addressed to students of higher educational institutions of both psychological profile and socio-humanitarian areas of training and specialties in general, teachers and graduate students of the departments of Psychology and Pedagogy, Sociology and Political Science, practical psychologists and anyone interested in social psychology
An Interactive Approach to Teaching Students of the Digital Generation
Authors: Kalnitskaya Irina , Maksimochkina O.
Published: August 2023

From the perspective of preserving traditional forms of teaching and using innovations in the educational process, the educational tracks of students of the digital generation should be determined taking into account their cognitive, communicative and personal characteristics. The use of an interactive approach meets the above requirements. It is one of the innovative approaches to learning and is considered the best educational practice. The article examines the role of an interactive approach to teaching students of the digital generation, highlights their key features that teachers should take into account in the educational process, identifies the priorities in teaching students of the digital generation, taking into account their characteristics. It was concluded that the use of an interactive approach to teaching students of the digital generation enables to maximize the positive effects of their features, increases the effectiveness of training due to the opportunities provided to students in their interaction with each other and with the teacher in the learning environment.
Strategies of organizations
Authors: Antonov Gennadiy , Ivanova Ol'ga , Tumin Valeriy , Daneykin Yuriy , Kostromin Petr
Published: August 2023

The textbook discusses the formation and use of the most popular and widespread in practice strategies for the development of organizations and their management.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students studying in the areas of "Economics", "Management", "State and Municipal Administration", "Housing and communal infrastructure", "Trade", "Quality Management", as well as in engineering and technological areas of training and specialties studying the disciplines of economic, organizational and managerial cycles; for graduate students, students of business schools and the system of advanced training and retraining of personnel. It can be useful for university teachers, employees of research and consulting firms, business structures, managers and specialists of organizations.
Droga do domu
Authors: Bobula Joanna
Published: August 2023

GOING HOME: UKRAINIAN THEATRICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE PUBLIC SPACE AFTER 1991 ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE CONTEMPORARY ART PROFECT GOGOLFEST
Along with gaining independence, in Ukraine festival tendencies were revived, including theatrical art: the exchange of experiences has been intensified, tendencies to present social- and historical topics forbidden during the USSR times along with the search for new means of bringing theatrical art closer to the audience became more visible and prominent. In the early 1990s, festival movement became key to Ukrainian theatre’s revival, enabling its adaptation to the new socio-political, economic and cultural reality. The aim of the article is to present the GogolFest festival in the context of various directions of the festival movement after 1991. The idea and initiative to create this multidisciplinary project came from the director, producer and artistic manager of the ‘Dach’ Center for Contemporary Art. As a result, activities of GogolFest and its evolution have a broader culture-forming scope: through the integration of various fields of art and creators, they aim at modernizing Ukraine in the space of art. This, in turn, is the basic condition of forming or increasing the awareness and conducting social discussion on current and historical topics brought by the reality of contemporary Ukraine.