bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caring ability and its related factors in the family caregivers of patients with cancer
Authors: Rassouli Maryam , Beiranvand Samira , Karami Maryam , Dorcheh Azam Eshaghian , Ashrafizadeh Hadis
Published: September 2023

Background:

Caregivers of cancer patients experience a variety of challenges caused by the prolonged burden of care. Many of these caregivers do not have the necessary knowledge, skills and caring ability to fulfil their caring role. Therefore, healthcare providers should support them in learning to provide high-quality care. Evaluating caregivers’ ability will be the first step of this supportive programme.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the caring ability of the caregivers of cancer patients and its related factors.

Methods:

This descriptive correlational study was performed with 271 caregivers of cancer patients who were selected through convenience sampling conducted from July to December 2021 in selected hospitals in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. The data were collected using the caring ability of family caregivers of patients with cancer scale (CAFCPCS), which was developed by Nemati et al (2020) . In addition, the stability reliability coefficient was calculated to be ICC=0.93. Data analysis was performed through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 26), using descriptive and inferential statistics and correlation coefficient tests at a significance level of 0.05.

Results:

The mean score for the caring ability of the family caregivers of cancer patients in this study was 91.86±7.59. The mean total score of caring ability scale had a statistically significant correlation with the type of cancer and the duration of patient care (P-value=0.05).

Conclusion:

The results of the study demonstrated that the family caregivers of cancer patients do not have the necessary knowledge and awareness to perform their caring role effectively. Therefore, it is recommended to empower caregivers and use strategies to improve their trust, especially in caregivers who oversee patient care for a significant period of time.
Prolonged field care (austere emergency care) principles in UK paramedic practice
Authors: O'Kelly Aebhric , Mallinson Tom
Published: September 2023

Ambulance clinicians are increasingly met with significant delays in offloading patients once they reach hospital. Such delays lead to patients being cared for in backs of the ambulances for far longer than usual; this also pushes paramedics to the edge of their comfort zone in terms of providing prolonged patient care. For prehospital clinicians, this shift to providing prolonged casualty care can be daunting, and it can be easy to overlook essential parts of care when being asked to manage patients for hours rather than minutes. Through an understanding of the 12 core capabilities of prolonged care, and by using the HITMAN and SHEEP VOMIT mnemonics, prehospital clinicians can provide safe and effective prolonged casualty care in situations where onward transfer of care is delayed.
Cattle Review
Authors: Barrett David
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

In this Cattle Review we consider three open access papers looking at bovine tuberculosis, Leptospira and a study of how veterinarian–farmer nonverbal communication can influence interactions.
The digital frontier: defending the public sector against cyberthreats
Authors: Garty Anat
Published: September 2023

Public sector organisations are on the front line when it comes to cyber attacks. They are enticing targets for both criminal and nation-state threat actors. And the systems they operate, as well as the information they hold, are often critical to the safety and security of the nation and its citizens. This raises the bar for these organisations when it comes to cyber security defences. So how do they reach it?
Top of the TTPs: Malware's most common tactics, techniques and procedures
Authors: Ozarslan Suleyman
Published: September 2023

The first step in preventing malware from compromising your organisation is to understand how it works. There are many tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) employed by malware developers, but some are more common than others, and honing your security strategy, policies and systems to deal with the most frequent methods will significantly strengthen your defences.
Generative AI: security implications for business automation
Authors: Weedon Scott
Published: September 2023

AI tools such as ChatGPT certainly appear to offer significant benefits to organisations looking to save costs and improve efficiency. But the technology is being adopted with an enthusiasm that leaves little room for the careful consideration of potential security vulnerabilities. So how do you embrace this revolution without putting yourself at risk?
A Novel Process of Tungsten Flotation for Sustainable Exploitation of Tungsten Resources
Authors:   Institute of Resources Utilization and Rare Earth Development, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China, Luo Yunbo ,   Guangzhou Yueyouyan Mineral Resources Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou 510650, China,   State Key Laboratory of Separation and Comprehensive Utilization of Rare Metal, Guangzhou 510650, China, Zhang Faming ,   Institute of Resources Utilization and Rare Earth Development, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China,   Guangzhou Yueyouyan Mineral Resources Technology Co., Ltd, Guangzhou 510650, China,   State Key Laboratory of Separation and Comprehensive Utilization of Rare Metal, Guangzhou 510650, China
Published: September 2023

Tungsten as key metal in various fields is indispensable metal resource for global economy. Sustainable exploitation of tungsten resources is still challenging. This work makes attempt to solve the difficulty in flotation separation of tungsten minerals from Yaogangxian tungsten ore. Systematical analysis of mineralogical properties of tungsten ore was performed. A process for tungsten flotation from tungsten ore was developed for exploitation of tungsten resources. The major valuable element in the ore is tungsten, and the grade of tungsten is 0.22%. The distribution of scheelite is nonuniform, and it is majorly distributed in 0.02~0.32 mm. The intergrowth and inclusion of scheelite occur with other minerals such as calcite, diopside, grossularite, and fluorite. The liberation of scheelite reaches 92.40% for -0.074 mm accounting for 75.48%. Process factors including Na2CO3, flotation collector, modified sodium silicate solution, and lead nitrate are studied, and the optimized conditions are Na2CO3 1600 g/t, GY-107 (640 g/t for roughing and 240 g/t for scavenging), modified sodium silicate solution 4200 g/t, and lead nitrate 400 g/t. The open-circuit and closed-circuit flotation processes for tungsten separation are designed, and it is verified for effective separation of tungsten minerals. For the closed-circuit flotation, the grade of tungsten concentrate is 7.30%, while the recovery reaches 85.89%. This work provides technical insights into tungsten separation from tungsten ore.
O murmúrio intraduzível das coisas: profanação e testemunho (Alguns apontamentos sobre a poesia de António Franco Alexandre e Francis Ponge)
Authors: Gil Soeiro Ricardo
Published: September 2023

O presente artigo visa ensaiar uma primeira aproximação entre a poesia de António Franco Alexandre (Portugal, 1944) e a poética do poeta francês Francis Ponge (1899-1988). Tendo já sido assinalada, na fortuna crítica alexandrina, a presença tutelar de alguns vultos literários (Ovídio, Camões, Fernando Pessoa) na obra de Franco Alexandre, o trabalho em pauta pretende encetar um primeiro diálogo entre o poeta português e o autor de Le Parti Pris des Choses (1942). Privilegiando um prisma pós-humanista centrado nos entes não-humanos, procurar-se-á sobretudo equacionar o modo como a apologia do objecto, desenhado em Ponge, se revela fecundo na iluminação da poética alexandrina.
Aprendizaje-servicio y comunicación en las ONG locales: una propuesta para la ONG Maset de Frater
Authors: Ibarra-Limiñana Rafael , Mallén-Broch Fermín , Tortosa-Edo Vicent
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCCIÓN. El presente trabajo se enmarca en una experiencia de innovación docente, en la que se propone un proyecto de aprendizaje-servicio (ApS) centrado en la ONG local Maset de Frater. Esta organización está integrada por personas con discapacidad. El principal objetivo del artículo es mostrar cómo implementar una campaña de concienciación («ApS microhistorias de vida»), a realizar por alumnado del módulo formativo Marketing Digital y centrada en los integrantes de dicha ONG. Asimismo, se presenta la valoración que diferentes agentes implicados hacen de la propuesta.
MÉTODO. Se adopta una metodología cualitativa basada en la realización de entrevistas multifocales. En concreto, se entrevistó en profundidad a tres profesores del ciclo formativo Marketing y Publicidad en el IES La Mola (Novelda, Alicante) y al tutor del grupo de teatro que forma parte de la ONG Maset de Frater (Castelló). 
RESULTADOS. Se evidencia que la propuesta de ApS puede ser de utilidad para el aprendizaje del alumnado y para ofrecer un servicio a la ONG Maset de Frater.
DISCUSIÓN. La investigación contribuye académicamente al mostrar las ventajas que, según los implicados, tiene esta propuesta de innovación docente. Finalmente, se recomienda realizar este proyecto de manera interdisciplinar entre diferentes módulos del ciclo formativo.
Proper proximality in non-positive curvature
Authors: Horbez Camille , Huang Jingyin , Lécureux Jean
Published: September 2023

abstract: Proper proximality of a countable group is a notion that was introduced by Boutonnet, Ioana and Peterson as a tool to study rigidity properties of certain von Neumann algebras associated to groups or ergodic group actions. In the present paper, we establish the proper proximality of many groups acting on nonpositively curved spaces. First, these include many countable groups $G$ acting properly nonelementarily by isometries on a proper ${\rm CAT}(0)$ space $X$. More precisely, proper proximality holds in the presence of rank one isometries or when $X$ is a locally thick affine building with a minimal $G$-action. As a consequence of Rank Rigidity, we derive the proper proximality of all countable nonelementary ${\rm CAT}(0)$ cubical groups, and of all countable groups acting properly cocompactly nonelementarily by isometries on either a Hadamard manifold with no Euclidean factor, or on a $2$-dimensional piecewise Euclidean ${\rm CAT}(0)$ simplicial complex. Second, we establish the proper proximality of many hierarchically hyperbolic groups. These include the mapping class groups of connected orientable finite-type boundaryless surfaces (apart from a few low-complexity cases), thus answering a question raised by Boutonnet, Ioana, and Peterson. We also prove the proper proximality of all subgroups acting nonelementarily on the curve graph. In view of work of Boutonnet, Ioana and Peterson, our results have applications to structural and rigidity results for von Neumann algebras associated to all the above groups and their ergodic actions.
Graded quotients of ramification groups of local fields with imperfect residue fields
Authors: Saito Takeshi
Published: September 2023

abstract: We prove that the graded quotients of the filtration by ramification groups of any henselian discrete valuation field of residue characteristic $p>0$ are ${\bf F}_p$-vector spaces. We define an injection of the character group of each graded quotient to a twisted cotangent space defined using a cotangent complex.
Consolation without Previous Cause in Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises and Zen Satori : A Comparative Study
Authors: Nguyen Joseph
Published: September 2023

abstract: This article compares and contrasts the Ignatian concept of consolation without previous cause with the Zen Buddhist concept of satori . The aim is to underscore a unique but not commonly recognized characteristic of Ignatian contemplation and promote interreligious understanding. I argue that Ignatian prayer methods, though primarily kataphatic in their approach, share common features with apophatic spirituality and Zen meditation, even though Zen does not make any reference to God. This article consists of three main parts: In the first part, I delve into Ignatius's own religious experience, particularly the experiences he had during eleven months in Manresa, and interpret these experiences from the lens of the Ignatian consolation without previous cause. In the second part, I explore the overall goal of Zen, focusing on the discussion of Zen sunyata and satori . In the final part, I draw out points of contact and differences between the Ignatian concept of consolation without previous cause and Zen satori with an aim toward better appropriating the Ignatian consolation without previous cause from Zen satori . In doing so, I hope to make Ignatian spirituality more appealing and available to spiritual seekers across religious traditions.
Publicly Supported Family Planning Services in the United States: Likely Need, Availability and Impact, 2016
Authors:   Guttmacher Institute, Frost Jennifer J. , Zolna Mia R. , Frohwirth Lori F. , Douglas-Hall Ayana , Blades Nakeisha , Mueller Jennifer , Pleasure Zoe H. , Kochhar Shivani
Published: September 2023

Key Points Key Points In 2016, 20.6 million U.S. women were likely in need of public support for contraceptive services and supplies. Between 2010 and 2016, the number of women likely in need of public support for contraceptive services and supplies rose 8% overall. Among women below 250% of federal poverty guidelines, there was a 12% increase; among adolescents, there was a 5% decline. Between 2013 and 2016, the number of women likely in need of public support for contraceptive services who had neither public nor private health insurance fell more than one-third (36%), from 5.6 million to 3.6 million. States that implemented the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion experienced particularly large declines. Between 2010 and 2016, the overall number of women receiving publicly supported contraceptive services remained stable at about nine million women. However, the number of women served by different types of providers shifted dramatically over this period. While Title X–funded sites continued to serve the largest segment of women receiving publicly supported care, their patient load fell by 25%, from 4.7 million in 2010 to 3.5 million in 2016. The number of contraceptive patients served by other public clinics that do not receive Title X funding rose by 29% and the number of women receiving Medicaid-funded contraceptive services from private providers rose by 19%. In 2016, women who obtained contraceptive services from all publicly supported providers were able to postpone or avoid two million pregnancies that they would have been unable to prevent without access to publicly supported care. Women who obtained contraceptives from Title X–funded clinics avoided 755,000 pregnancies. Screening and vaccination services provided at family planning visits with all publicly supported providers helped patients avoid more than 12,000 cases of pelvic inflammatory disease and nearly 2,000 cases of cervical cancer in 2016. More than 100,000 chlamydia infections, 18,000 gonorrhea infections and 800 cases of HIV were prevented among the partners of women obtaining publicly funded contraceptive care.
Assessing State-Level Variations in High School Students’ Sexual and Contraceptive Behavior: The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys
Authors:   Guttmacher Institute, Lindberg Laura D. , Pleasure Zoe H. , Douglas-Hall Ayana
Published: September 2023

Key Points Sexual activity is a normal part of adolescent development, regardless of where young people live. ➔ There is greater variation between states in prescription method use than in condom use, suggesting that barriers to contraceptive care influence students’ method choice. ➔ High school students in Southern states tend to have higher rates of sexual activity but lower rates of contraceptive use than those in other U.S. regions. ➔ Recent patterns suggest that contraceptive use continues to be the main driver of declines in adolescent pregnancy. This report presents new state-level estimates of sexual activity and contraceptive use among high school students in the United States. The data are from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), which is managed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because the 2019 YRBSS included more states than in prior years, we are able to better identify differences across states and regions, as well as describe recent trends. In particular, we examine variations in adolescents’ sexual activity and their use of condoms and of other contraceptive methods, because of their important implications for exposure to STIs and pregnancy. The YRBSS offers a unique opportunity to examine sexual and reproductive health at the state level among high school students.
State-Level Estimates of Contraceptive Use in the United States, 2019
Authors:   Guttmacher Institute, Douglas-Hall Ayana , Li Naomi , Kavanaugh Megan L.
Published: September 2023

Nearly all women in the United States who have ever had sexual intercourse have used a contraceptive method at some point during their reproductive years. Estimates presented in this report, which come from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), highlight differences in the most effective contraceptive method used at last sex among U.S. women aged 18–49 who are at risk of pregnancy (i.e., those who are sexually active with one or more male partners, are not pregnant or postpartum, and have not had a hysterectomy). In every state, the majority of women of reproductive age are using some form of contraception. Use estimates for primary methods show wide variability across the states, especially for female sterilization, IUDs, oral contraceptive pills and condoms. Among states with available data, Oregon and Utah have the highest levels of contraceptive use among women at risk of pregnancy, with more than half of women at risk of pregnancy in these two states reporting use of a highly or moderately effective method at last sex. The BRFSS offers an opportunity to explore basic indicators of reproductive health among resident women in each U.S. state. A previous report examining contraceptive use prevalence with BRFSS data from 2017 represented the most comprehensive documentation of contraceptive use at the state level since 2004.2 This analysis builds from that report to provide updated state-level estimates of contraceptive use prevalence among women of reproductive age across the United States.
Photoelasticity of CNGS crystals
Authors: Mytsyk Bohdan , Erba Alessandro , Maul Jefferson , Demyanyshyn Nataliya , Shchepanskyi Pavlo , Syrotynsky Oleh
Published: September 2023

All piezo-optic coefficients (POCs) and elasto-optic coefficients (ELOCs) of Ca3NbGa3Si2O14 (CNGS) and Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 (CTGS) trigonal crystals of the langasite group are determined from quantum mechanical calculations based on the hybrid density functional theory, as implemented in the CRYSTAL program. The calculation results for CTGS crystals are compared with experimental data. Indicative surfaces of piezo- and elasto-optic effects are constructed based on the POC and ELOC matrices of CNGS crystals and the largest values of these effects are determined. The maximum values of the coefficient of the acousto-optic figure of merit M2 of the CNGS crystal are determined for the geometries of elasto-optic interaction, which correspond to the maxima of the elasto-optic effect. These results are compared to the corresponding results for CTGS and langasite crystals. The spectral dependence of the POCs and ELOCs of CNGS and CTGS crystals on the light wavelength is investigated in the 600–1500 nm range.
A novel panel of Drosophila TAFAZZIN mutants in distinct genetic backgrounds as a resource for therapeutic testing
Authors: Richardson Kristin , Wessells Robert
Published: September 2023

Barth Syndrome is a rare, X-linked disorder caused by mutation of the gene TAFAZZIN (TAZ). The corresponding Tafazzin protein is involved in the remodeling of cardiolipin, a phospholipid with critical roles in mitochondrial function. While recent clinical trials have been promising, there is still no cure for Barth Syndrome. Because TAZ is highly conserved, multiple animal and cell culture models exist for pre-clinical testing of therapeutics. However, since the same mutation in different patients can lead to different symptoms and responses to treatment, isogenized experimental models can’t fully account for human disease conditions. On the other hand, isogenized animal models allow for sufficient numbers to thoroughly establish efficacy for a given genetic background. Therefore, a combined method for testing treatments in a panel of isogenized cohorts that are genetically distinct from each other would be transformative for testing emerging pre-clinical therapies. To aid in this effort, we’ve created a novel panel of 10 Drosophila lines, each with the same TAZ mutation in highly diverse genetic backgrounds, to serve as a helpful resource to represent natural variation in background genetics in pre-clinical studies. As a proof of principle, we test our panel here using nicotinamide riboside (NR), a treatment with established therapeutic value, to evaluate how robust this therapy is across the 10 genetic backgrounds in this novel reference panel. We find substantial variation in the response to NR across backgrounds. We expect this resource will be valuable in pre-clinical testing of emerging therapies for Barth Syndrome.
Expression of IFN-Gamma is significantly reduced during severity of covid-19 infection in hospitalized patients
Authors: Mansoor Sajid , Butt Ayesha Raza , Bibi Asima , Mushtaq Saima , Ullah Inayat , Alshahrani Fahad , Khan Amjad , Mansoor Atika
Published: September 2023

Cytokines play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection progression and severity. A number of inflammatory cytokines have been directly associated with disease severity including IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-10, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), IFN-γ (interferon-gamma). Here, in this study, the aim was to better understand the interplay between host immune response mediated by cytokines and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection by assessing cytokine expression. Therefore, we measured expression levels of a total of 12 genes (IFNA-1, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-11, IL-13, IL-15, and IL-27) encoding inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines using QRT-PCR in hospitalized patients with severe infection compared to mildly infected. IFN-γ was identified as a potent marker of disease severity as indicated previously. Moreover, levels of IL-7 were also found to be partially reduced in patients compared to the healthy controls and linked negatively to disease severity. Identification of these cytokines may be helpful in not only understanding disease pathogenesis but also in better management of the patients after covid infection.
Decision to delivery interval for emergency caesarean section in Eastern Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Apako Teddy , Wani Solomon , Oguttu Faith , Nambozo Brendah , Nahurira Doreck , Nantale Ritah , Kamwesigye Assen , Wandabwa Julius , Obbo Stephen , Mugabe Kenneth , Mukunya David , Musaba Milton W.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The decision to delivery interval is a key indicator of the quality of obstetric care. This study assessed the decision to delivery interval for emergency cesarean sections and factors associated with delay.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study between October 2022 and December 2022 in the labor ward at Mbale regional referral hospital. Our primary outcome variable was the decision to delivery interval defined as the time interval in minutes from the decision to perform the emergency caesarean section to delivery of the baby. We used an observer checklist and interviewer administered questionnaire to collect data. Stata version 14.0 (StataCorp; College Station, TX, USA) was used to analyze the data.

Results

We enrolled 352 participants; the mean age was 25.9 years and standard deviation (SD) ±5.9 years. The median (interquartile range) decision to delivery interval was 110 minutes (80 to 145). Only 7/352 (2.0%) participants had a decision to delivery time interval of ≤30 minutes. More than three quarters 281 /352 (79.8%) had a decision to delivery interval of greater than 75 minutes. Emergency cesarean section done by intern doctors compared to specialists [Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR): 1.26; 95% CI: (1.09–1.45)] was associated with a prolonged decision to delivery interval.

Conclusion

The average decision to delivery interval was almost 2 hours. Delays were mostly due to health system challenges. We recommend routine monitoring of decision to delivery interval as an indicator of the quality of obstetric care.
Influence of scar age, laser type and laser treatment intervals on adult burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Yangmyung , Barnes Sabrina P. , Chen Yung-Yi , Moiemen Naiem S. , Lord Janet M. , Sardeli Amanda V.
Published: September 2023

Aim

The study aims to identify whether factors such as time to initiation of laser therapy following scar formation, type of laser used, laser treatment interval and presence of complications influence burn scar outcomes in adults, by meta-analysis of previous studies.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in May 2022 in seven databases to select studies on the effects of laser therapy in adult hypertrophic burn scars. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022347836).

Results

Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 491 patients. Laser therapy significantly improved overall VSS/POSAS, vascularity, pliability, pigmentation and scar height of burn scars. Vascularity improvement was greater when laser therapy was performed >12 months (-1.50 [95%CI = -2.58;-0.42], p = 0.01) compared to <12 months after injury (-0.39 [95%CI = -0.68; -0.10], p = 0.01), the same was true for scar height ((-1.36 [95%CI = -2.07; -0.66], p<0.001) vs (-0.56 [95%CI = -0.70; -0.42], p<0.001)). Pulse dye laser (-4.35 [95%CI = -6.83; -1.86], p<0.001) gave a greater reduction in VSS/POSAS scores compared to non-ablative (-1.52 [95%CI = -2.24; -0.83], p<0.001) and ablative lasers (-0.95 [95%CI = -1.31; -0.59], p<0.001).

Conclusion

Efficacy of laser therapy is influenced by the time lapse after injury, the type of laser used and the interval between laser treatments. Significant heterogeneity was observed among studies, suggesting the need to explore other factors that may affect scar outcomes.
On the comparability of frailty scores under the accumulation of deficits approach
Authors: Huffman Curtis , Nájera Héctor , Pérez Zepeda Mario Ulises
Published: September 2023

Background

While the cumulative deficit model is arguably the most popular instrument for population-level frailty screening, several questions remain unanswered regarding the comparability of the resulting scores across subpopulations.

Methods

Based on data from the five waves of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) we draw upon the alignment method to test for measurement invariance of frailty scores as per the accumulation of deficits approach.

Results

Our results show that adjusting for measurement non-invariance not only improves predictive validity of our frailty measures, but resulting scores are more consistent with what is theoretically expected from them in longitudinal research.

Conclusions

There are clear potential benefits of measurement invariance testing as a general analytical framework from which to tackle with issues of comparability in frailty research.
Expediting COVID-19 Recovery with an Orthomolecular Approach: Two Case Reports
Authors: Miranda-Massari Jorge , Gonzalez Michael , Perfetto Melissa
Published: September 2023

These case reports discuss two middle-aged patients with confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 infection that improved swiftly upon receiving orthomolecular oral and intravenous therapy. The intravenous solution provided minerals like magnesium, as well as vitamin C and B complex vitamins, among others. The patients also started iodine-based nasopharyngeal decontamination spray and oral supplements, including substantial doses of vitamins C, B complex, and D, as well as magnesium, zinc, quercetin, melatonin, and omega-3. In addition, two types of biological response modifiers, palmitoylethanolamide and specialized proresolving factor marine lipid concentrate, were used. As well as reporting on the treatment and evolution of both cases, we review the mechanisms and clinical evidence supporting each element of the treatment protocol.
Comparison of Nutritional Results of Clinic Based and Village Based Weighing Programs
Authors: Siswanto Agus Wilopo , Kusnanto Joseph Hari , Rohde I.E.
Published: September 2023

Weighing programs for young children. whether based in clinic or the village, run by health professionals or trained laymen, give comparable results to improve child nutrition.

When carried out in the village, participation of village mothers, particularly the poor and underserved is far more likely to give greater coverage to this nutritional activity.

In view of the drop in percent standard weight during the first year of life greater attention should be placed on this period in all nutrition programs.
Mother Milk and the Indonesian Economy: A Major National Resource
Authors: Rohde Jon Eliot
Published: September 2023

While a myriad of health and nutritional considerations have proven that mother milk is the ideal infant food, national policy makers have failed to recognize the great value of human milk to the economy of developing countries. Today in Indonesia, mothers produce over one billion liters of milk annually with a conservatively estimated net market value of over Rp. 252 milyard or US S 400 million. Additional monetary savings in health and fertility reduction directly attributable to lactation add a further Rp. 75.6 milyard or US S 120 million to the economy.

Mothermilk is one of Indonesia's most precious natural resources, exceeding tin and coffee in gross monetary value and approaching that of rubber. Its value exceeds twice the annual national budget for health and roughly equals the cost of imported rice, for which Indonesia has become, unenviably, the world's largest buyer. This great resource is not only renewable, but also equitably distributed, benefits consumer and producer alike and gives far ranging nonmonetery benefits to society. Positive governmental action is urgently needed to curtail private industry, professional groups and international assistance whose actions in providing and promoting milk of various kinds are insidiously depriving Indonesia of one of its greatest natural resources - Indonesian mother milk.
Tutoria entre pares: uma prática educativa aliada à permanência universitária
Authors: Mattos Hellen Cristina Xavier da Silva , Fernandes Maria Cristina da Silveira Galan
Published: September 2023

Este estudo se volta para as discussões sobre a permanência de estudantes universitários após o processo de expansão e inclusão social na educação superior pública brasileira das duas últimas décadas. Considerando as ações de apoio pedagógico, este artigo objetiva analisar a experiência da tutoria entre pares como uma prática educativa aliada à permanência universitária, examinando, em especial, as percepções de estudantes tutores e tutorados. O artigo é fruto de uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo e de campo, fundamentada em Pierre Bourdieu e pesquisadores brasileiros que adequam a análise bourdieusiana para o cenário brasileiro atual. Como instrumentos de coleta de dados, foram aplicados questionários online e realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais e grupais com estudantes universitários matriculados no Grupo de Tutoria Programa de Acompanhamento Acadêmico ao Estudante de Graduação (PAAEG) (tutorados e tutores), na Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar). Os resultados indicam que o Grupo de Tutoria PAAEG pode contribuir para o sucesso acadêmico ao proporcionar o aprendizado entre pares, situação em que os estudantes se sentem mais à vontade para tirar dúvidas com os tutores do que com os professores, além de propiciar maiores vínculos e acompanhamento acadêmico. Apesar da fragilidade encontrada na proposta, devido aos limites da formação dos tutores diante da complexa demanda estudantil, a tutoria entre pares tem sido importante estratégia estudantil e institucional para a permanência na universidade.
Effects of GLP-1 and Other Gut Hormone Receptors on the Gastrointestinal Tract and Implications in Clinical Practice
Authors: Camilleri Michael , Lupianez-Merly Camille
Published: September 2023

Agonists targeting the receptors of incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, have been well established for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. There is increasing awareness that gastroenterologists and hepatologists should be treating obesity when patients present to their clinics. In addition, gastroenterologists and hepatologists should be aware of the effects of these classes of medications prescribed by other providers. Therefore, given the widespread use of incretin agonists for obesity treatment and weight loss, it is important to recognize their effects in the gastrointestinal tract, which could constitute significant benefits in weight loss and cardiometabolic benefits, but can be associated with adverse effects that constitute a potential barrier to their use, particularly at higher doses. Multiple studies reviewed in this article document the diverse effects of these drugs on the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors that are widely expressed in the human body, including the nervous system modulating appetite, the gastrointestinal tract modifying gastric emptying, and lipid metabolism regulation leading to reduction in fat deposition. The objective of this review is to summarize the mechanism of action of incretin receptor agonists, their effects in the gastrointestinal tract, and implications in clinical practice, particularly in the practice of gastroenterology, endoscopy, and surgery.
Achieving Value by Risk Stratification With Machine Learning Model or Clinical Risk Score in Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Cost Minimization Analysis
Authors: Shung Dennis L. , Lin John K. , Laine Loren
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION:

We estimate the economic impact of applying risk assessment tools to identify very low-risk patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who can be safely discharged from the emergency department using a cost minimization analysis.

METHODS:

We compare triage strategies (Glasgow-Blatchford score = 0/0–1 or validated machine learning model) with usual care using a Markov chain model from a US health care payer perspective.

RESULTS:

Over 5 years, the Glasgow-Blatchford score triage strategy produced national cumulative savings over usual care of more than $2.7 billion and the machine learning strategy of more than $3.4 billion.

DISCUSSION:

Implementing risk assessment models for upper gastrointestinal bleeding reduces costs, thereby increasing value.
Dupilumab Can Induce Remission of Eosinophilic Gastritis and Duodenitis: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Sia Twan , Bacchus Leeon , Tanaka Riki , Khuda Raisa , Mallik Shibani , Leung John
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Non-eosinophilic esophagitis eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (non-EoE-EGIDs) have limited treatment options to induce histologic and clinical remission. Dupilumab is a human monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-4 receptor ɑ subunit, which has been reported to induce improvement in pediatric patients with non-EoE-EGIDs.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review to identify if patients with eosinophilic gastritis (EoG) and/or eosinophilic duodenitis (EoD) experience clinical and histologic remission with dupilumab.

Results:

Twelve patients were included (2 patients with EoG and EoD, 4 patients with EoG only, and 6 patients with EoD only). All patients experienced improvement of at least one symptom on dupilumab, 3 patients (25%) had no change in severity of one or more of their symptoms, and no patients had worsening symptoms. On dupilumab, 2 EoG patients (40%) and 3 EoD patients (33.3%) were completely asymptomatic. Histologic changes were investigated in a subanalysis including 8 patients (2 patients with EoG and EoD, 2 patients with EoG only, and 4 patients with EoD only). Median peak gastric eosinophil counts in EoG patients reduced from 80.5 eos/hpf (min-max 32-150, Q1-Q3 45.5-111) to 7.5 eos/hpf (min-max 0-28, Q1-Q3 1.5-16.8). Median peak duodenal eosinophil counts in EoD patients reduced from 39 eos/hpf (min-max 30-50, Q1-Q3 37.3-46.3) to 16.5 eos/hpf (min-max 30-50, Q1-Q3 37.3-46.3). All 4 patients (100%) with EoG, and 4 patients (66.6%) with EoD had histologic remission on dupilumab.

Discussion:

In this retrospective case series, we show preliminary evidence that dupilumab may be effective in inducing histologic and symptomatic remission in patients with non-EoE-EGIDs.
Fear of Covid-19, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic: A network analysis
Authors:   Department of Psychology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Brazil, Faro Andre , Tejada Julian ,   Department of Psychology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Brazil, Lisboa Walter ,   Department of Psychology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Brazil, Ferreira Diogo Conque Seco ,   Department of Psychology, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Brazil
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Covid-19 has generated several psychological impacts on people’s lives and brought new challenges for dealing with the pandemic’s repercussions. Objective: The objective was to analyse the relationship between the symptoms of fear of Covid-19, anxiety, and depression using different samples extracted at three distinct time-points. This study performed a network analysis of the fear of Covid-19 and anxiety- and depression-related symptoms based on data collected during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: Three yearly cross-sectional surveys were conducted based on independent samples (2020–2022) of Brazilian adults (Time-point 1, Time-point 2, and Time-point 3 with 1,520, 1,523, and 1,517 participants, respectively). The Fear of Covid-19 Scale, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (7 items), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (9 items) were applied. The network structure invariance, the global strength invariance, and the strength of centrality index between the samples were compared. Results: Items from the three instruments had high values (>70%) in all samples (excluding the fear of Covid-19 at Time-point 3). Depression and anxiety symptoms increased, while fear-related behaviours decreased. Network analysis indicates that networks became progressively more parsimonious, and few edges connected different scales. Network comparisons revealed similar structures,but key differences were found: Time-point 1 showed significantly higher global connectivity,and changes in edge weights were observed only within the scales. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the pandemic had a greater disorganising impact at its beginning, with a continuous increase in the mental health symptomatology and a reduction in the ratio between fear and anxiety and/or depression.
Anticancer effect of metformin alone and in combination with 2-deoxy-D-glucose on mouse T cell lymphoma EL4 cells
Authors: Kim Si-Yeon , Joo Hong-Gu
Published: September 2023

Metformin is a treatment used widely for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with few side effects and acts by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Lymphoma is one of the most common hematological malignancies in dogs. Chemotherapy is used mainly on lymphoma, but further research on developing anticancer drugs for lymphoma is needed because of its severe side effects. This study examined the anticancer effects of metformin alone and in combination with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glucose analog, on EL4 cells (mouse T-cell lymphoma). Metformin reduced the metabolic activity of EL4 cells and showed an additive effect when combined with 2-DG. In addition, cell death was confirmed using a trypan blue exclusion test, Hochest 33342/propidium iodide (PI) staining, and Annexin V/PI staining. An analysis of the cell cycle and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) to investigate the mechanism of action showed that metformin stopped the G2/M phase of EL4 cells, and metformin + 2-DG decreased MMP. Metformin exhibited anticancer effects as a G2/M phase arrest mechanism in EL4 cells and showed additive effects when combined with 2-DG via MMP reduction. Unlike cytotoxic chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs, metformin and 2-DG are related to cellular glucose metabolism and have little toxicity. Therefore, metformin and 2-DG can be an alternative to reduce the toxicity caused by chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs. Nevertheless, research is needed to verify the in vivo efficacy of metformin and 2-DG before they can be used in lymphoma treatments.
Assessment of Sensorimotor Behaviour in Konzo-Induced Rats Using the Irvine, Beattie Bresnahan Forelimb Scale
Authors: David Lekpa Kingdom , Uahomo Precious Ojo , Idung Victor Hogan , Dakoru Rachael Data
Published: September 2023

Konzo is a neurological disorder of selective upper motor neurons. It is an irreversible paralytic disease associated with prolonged consumption of Cassava. It contains cyanogenic glycosides metabolized to hydrogen cyanide, which has been shown by studies to affect the motor neurons of the central nervous system. The Irvine, Beattie Bresnahan (IBB) scale is a recently developed forelimb scale for the assessment of fine control of the forelimb and digits after cervical spinal cord injury such as Konzo. 20 Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to 4 experimental groups (i) control n=5, (ii) konzo-induced group n=5, (iii) induced + Complan n=5 (iv) Induced + Bambara Nut (Okpa). The bitter cassava foods were taken by oral ingestion for a period of 4 weeks. The assessment of the forelimb and digits were done using the Irvine, Beattie Bresnahan (IBB) with specific parameters such as Predominant Elbow Joint movement, Contact Volar Support, and Grasping method. The body weight of the animals was also recorded every week. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA. The result obtained showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the body weight of the animals induced with Konzo and rehabilitated with Complan milk and Bambara nut when compared to the unrehabilitated Konzo-induced group. There were differences in the results of the parameters being tested for the Irvine, Beattie Bresnahan (IBB) scaling. The IBB scale confirmed that there was a high level of cyanide content in the cassava which affected the behavioral attributes of the induced group and it also confirmed that the induced group can be ameliorated with the use of Complan and Bambara Nut (Okpa) which was shown in the parameters being tested such as Predominant Elbow Joint movement, Contact Volar Support, and Grasping method. It was concluded that insufficiently processed bitter cassava is toxic and has neurotoxicity effects on the Spinal Cord especially on the upper motor neurons and IBB scale is capable of measuring gradual improvements in motor forelimb functions in this model and may be a new and effective assessment tool for peripheral nerve injury.
Proximate and Mineral Composition of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and Atlantic Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus)
Authors: Sanni Joseph Adaviruku , Sanni Grace Omayoza , Awoniyi Rufus Ranmilowo , Osanyinlusi Remi , Richards Yvonne Ego
Published: September 2023

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), locally known as kote, are fishery species consumed in Nigeria due to their high nutritional values. This research determined the nutritional composition of the local dried fish, Scomber scombrus and Trachurus trachurus. Results for Scomber scombrus shows the mean value of the moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, and crude protein contents in percent (%) as: 5.260.00, 5.200.10, 35.600.00, 2.900.10 and 46.300.01 respectively. For Trachurus trachurus, the moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, and crude protein contents in percent (%) were 9.520.00, 32.260.01, 24.140.00, 11.910.85 and 40.950.00 respectively. The mineral composition of Scomber scombrus was as follows: Sodium (Na) had the highest mineral composition with 78.90 mg/100g, followed by magnesium (Mg) with 15.90 mg/100g, manganese (Mn) with 0.86 mg/100g, zinc (Zn) with 0.282 mg/100g, and iron (Fe) with 0.10 mg/100g. Trachurus trachurus has magnesium (Mg) at 27.00 mg/100g as its highest mineral composition, followed by sodium (Na) at 22.50 mg/100g, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) at 0.17 mg/100g, and manganese (Mn) at 0.09 mg/100g. It is concluded from the study, that Scomber scombrus and Trachurus trachurus are good sources of essential nitrates, fat, proteins containing essential amino acids, and other micronutrients that are beneficial to human health.
Combination of Barrier Corp, Chitosan, Bougaivillea Leaf Extract to Manage Virus on Soybean
Authors: Cahyati Iwe , Damayanti Tri Asmira , Santoso Sugeng
Published: September 2023

Infeksi virus menjadi salah satu pembatas produksi kedelai di Indonesia. Penelitian bertujuan menguji efektivitas kitosan, ekstrak daun bugenvil, dan kombinasinya, serta insektisida dalam mengendalikan infeksi virus pada kedelai di lapangan. Efektivitas perlakuan diuji dalam petak utama tanpa dan dengan pembatas jagung. Peubah penyakit, populasi serangga, dan peubah agronomi diamati mingguan. Populasi kutudaun pada perlakuan kontrol dengan tanaman pembatas lebih rendah daripada perlakuan kontrol tanpa tanaman pembatas, menunjukkan tanaman pembatas mampu menghalangi kutudaun masuk ke pertanaman kedelai. Inkorporasi perlakuan kitosan, ekstrak daun bugenvil, dan kombinasinya mampu menekan populasi kutudaun sebanding dengan perlakuan insektisida pada kedua petak utama. Area under population progress curve (AUPPC) kutudaun selaras dengan lebih rendahnya area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), insidensi dan keparahan penyakit serta AUDPC secara nyata dibandingkan dengan kontrol tanpa perlakuan. Efektivitas perlakuan pada petak dengan tanaman pembatas mampu menurunkan populasi kutudaun, insidensi dan keparahan penyakit lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan perlakuan yang sama pada petak tanpa tanaman pembatas. AUDPC antarperlakuan kitosan, ekstrak daun bugenvil, kombinasi, dan insektisida secara umum berbeda nyata lebih rendah pada kedua petak utama dibandingkan dengan kontrol tanpa perlakuan. Hasil panen kedelai menunjukkan lebih tinggi secara signifikan daripada perlakuan kitosan, ekstrak daun bugenvil, dan kombinasinya dibandingkan dengan perlakuan kontrol pada kedua petak utama. Penggunaan tanaman pembatas yang disatukan dengan salah satu perlakuan kitosan dan ekstrak daun bugenvil dapat menjadi paket pengelolaan yang ramah lingkungan untuk mengendalikan infeksi virus pada tanaman kedelai di lapangan.