bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing asthma symptoms in children: qualitative research supporting the development of the Pediatric Asthma Diary—Child (PAD-C) and Pediatric Asthma Diary—Observer (PAD-O)
Authors: Bradley Helena , Trennery Claire , Jones Amy M. , Lydon Aoife , White Frances , Williams-Hall Rebecca , Arbuckle Rob , Tomaszewski Erin , Shih Vivian H. , Haughney John , Eisen Amanda , Winders Tonya , Coons Stephen Joel , Eremenco Sonya ,   the Patient-Reported Outcome Consortium’s Pediatric Asthma Working Group, Nelsen Linda , Tabberer Maggie , Mattera Maria , Lehane Asha , Morgan Lucy , Krishnan Jerry
Published: October 2023

Background

Pediatric asthma has been identified by regulators, clinicians, clinical trial sponsors, and caregivers as an area in need of novel fit-for-purpose clinical outcome assessments (COAs) developed in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) regulatory guidance for evaluating clinical benefit in treatment trials. To address this gap, the Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Consortium’s Pediatric Asthma Working Group has continued development of 2 COAs to assess asthma signs and symptoms in pediatric asthma clinical trials to support efficacy endpoints: a PRO measure, the Pediatric Asthma Diary—Child (PAD-C) for children 8–11 years old (y.o.) and an observer-reported outcome measure, the Pediatric Asthma Diary-Observer (PAD—O) for caregivers of children 4–11 y.o. This qualitative research aimed to generate evidence regarding the content validity of the PAD-C and PAD-O.

Methods

Semi-structured combined concept elicitation and cognitive interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of U.S. participants (15 children 8–11 y.o. and 30 caregivers of children 4–11 y.o.). All children had clinician-diagnosed mild to severe asthma. Interviews explored the experience of pediatric asthma and assessed the understanding and relevance of both measures. Interviews were conducted across 3 iterative rounds to allow for modifications.

Results

Concept elicitation findings demonstrated that the core sign/symptom and impact concepts assessed in the PAD-C (cough, hard to breathe, out of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and nighttime awakenings/symptoms) and PAD-O (cough, difficulty breathing, short of breath, wheezing, and nighttime awakenings/signs) correspond to those most frequently reported by participants; concept saturation was achieved. All PAD-C and PAD-O instructions and core items were well understood and considered relevant by most participants. Feedback from participants, the Pediatric Asthma Working Group, advisory panel, and FDA supported modifications to the measures, including addition of 1 new item to both measures and removal of 1 caregiver item.

Conclusions

Findings provide strong support for the content validity of both measures. The cross-sectional measurement properties of both measures and their user experience and feasibility in electronic format will be assessed in a future quantitative pilot study with qualitative exit interviews, intended to support the reliability, construct validity, final content, and, ultimately, FDA qualification of the measures.
Ceftiofur treatment of sows results in long-term alterations in the nasal microbiota of the offspring that can be ameliorated by inoculation of nasal colonizers
Authors: Blanco-Fuertes Miguel , Sibila Marina , Franzo Giovanni , Obregon-Gutierrez Pau , Illas Francesc , Correa-Fiz Florencia , Aragón Virginia
Published: October 2023

Background

The nasal microbiota of the piglet is a reservoir for opportunistic pathogens that can cause polyserositis, such as Glaesserella parasuis, Mycoplasma hyorhinis or Streptococcus suis. Antibiotic treatment is a strategy to control these diseases, but it has a detrimental effect on the microbiota. We followed the piglets of 60 sows from birth to 8 weeks of age, to study the effect of ceftiofur on the nasal microbiota and the colonization by pathogens when the treatment was administered to sows or their litters. We also aimed to revert the effect of the antibiotic on the nasal microbiota by the inoculation at birth of nasal colonizers selected from healthy piglets. Nasal swabs were collected at birth, and at 7, 15, 21 and 49 days of age, and were used for pathogen detection by PCR and bacterial culture, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and whole shotgun metagenomics. Weights, clinical signs and production parameters were also recorded during the study.

Results

The composition of the nasal microbiota of piglets changed over time, with a clear increment of Clostridiales at the end of nursery. The administration of ceftiofur induced an unexpected temporary increase in alpha diversity at day 7 mainly due to colonization by environmental taxa. Ceftiofur had a longer impact on the nasal microbiota of piglets when administered to their sows before farrowing than directly to them. This effect was partially reverted by the inoculation of nasal colonizers to newborn piglets and was accompanied by a reduction in the number of animals showing clinical signs (mainly lameness). Both interventions altered the colonization pattern of different strains of the above pathogens. In addition, the prevalence of resistance genes increased over time in all the groups but was significantly higher at weaning when the antibiotic was administered to the sows. Also, ceftiofur treatment induced the selection of more beta-lactams resistance genes when it was administered directly to the piglets.

Conclusions

This study shed light on the effect of the ceftiofur treatment on the piglet nasal microbiota over time and demonstrated for the first time the possibility of modifying the piglets’ nasal microbiota by inoculating natural colonizers of the upper respiratory tract.
Furosemide continuous infusion versus repeated injection in the management of acute decompensated heart failure in infants with left to right shunt: a randomized trial
Authors: Zarzor Marwa , Hasaneen Bothina , Abouelkheir Mohamed Magdy , El-Halaby Hanan
Published: October 2023

Background

Furosemide is the foremost drug used in the management of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). By tradition, it was administered as repeated intravenous boluses but fluctuations in intravascular volume and blood pressure were noticed in addition to the possibility of toxicity. Hence, continuous intravenous infusion was thought of as an alternative route of administration. In searching the literature, all previously published data concerning the pediatric age group was for infants and children following cardiac surgery. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of furosemide repeated injection versus continuous infusion during the management of ADHF in infants with left to right shunt.

Methods

A prospective parallel-design randomized study was conducted on 54 infants with ADHF, Ross class IV, secondary to left to right shunt. Twenty-seven infants received repeated injections of furosemide and 27 infants had furosemide continuous infusion. Patients were followed clinically for weight, urine output, hours required for resolution of failure symptoms, serum creatinine, sodium and potassium, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Non-significant differences were observed between both groups regarding preadmission oral furosemide dose and serum creatinine level. A lower daily dose of furosemide was observed in the continuous infusion arm (3.5 ± 0.6 vs 4.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.001) with less fluctuation in urine output and significantly fewer hours required for resolution of failure symptoms (42.1 ± 9 vs 56 ± 18.5, p = 0.001). At the end of furosemide infusion, serum creatinine was significantly higher in the continuous infusion group (0.39 ± 0.06 vs 0.34 ± 0.1, p = 0.030). However, before hospital discharge, non-significant differences were noticed (0.32 ± 0.05 vs 0.33 ± 0.06, p = 0.584). Non-significant differences between both groups regarding serum sodium and potassium levels at the end of furosemide injection were detected (p = 0.289, 0.890, respectively).

Conclusion

Continuous infusion of furosemide can be safely administered to infants with ADHF, Ross class IV, secondary to left to right shunt with clinical gradual alleviation of fluid overload symptoms and less hemodynamic instability than repeated injections.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Mansoura Faculty of Medicine institutional research board (MS/16.02.41) on August 3rd, 2016.
Optimizing pulsatile release of febuxostat for managing gout flares: a chronotherapeutic approach
Authors: Parekh Khyati , Thakkar Vaishali , Joshi Arjun , Sojitra Chetan , Dalwadi Saloni , Rana Hardik
Published: October 2023

Background

Chronic conditions such as nocturnal asthma, cardiac disorder, diabetes mellitus, joint pain and inflammation, and hypercholesterolemia necessitate a treatment strategy that can be planned in accordance with the disease's biological clock. The early morning spike in blood plasma uric acid was associated with gout. The treatment of these symptoms may not be feasible with immediate release formulations. Modified release formulations allow for controlled and consistent levels of medication in plasma throughout the day, but do not provide additional therapeutic levels when symptoms worsen. A chronotherapeutic system of febuxostat characterized by a time of no release (lag time) followed by a quick and complete release, can be designed to overcome this. The aim of the present study was to design a pulsincap of febuxostat to release the medication as per chronological conditions.

Results

The study commenced with the optimization of the capsule body coating to maintain its integrity over a 12-h period. Subsequently, polymers for immediate and sustained release tablets were screened, and the prepared tablets were subjected to physicochemical evaluation. For the optimization of the erodible plug, a 32 full factorial design was employed, leading to the creation of nine different polymer combinations. The response curves of HPMC K15M demonstrated a negative impact on swelling index and lag time, while displaying a positive effect on hardness. In contrast, the aloe vera, guar gum mixture exhibited significant effects on swelling index and lag time, but negatively influenced hardness. Diagnostic plots and ANOVA were utilized to confirm the significance and goodness of fit of the model. An optimized formulation was then developed based on the desirability plot. The formulated capsule, consisting of 91.71 mg of HPMC K15M and 101.56 mg of aloe vera, guar gum mixture, exhibited promising properties. Notably, it demonstrated a 70.69% swelling rate, a hardness of 5.78 kg/cm2, and an 8.57-h lag time. The pulsincap successfully met the requirement of immediate release within the first hour, followed by a pulsatile release with a lag time lasting for at least 8–10 h.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the formulation effectively reduces the threat of gout flares and enhances patient compliance due to its night-time dosing convenience.
How can the routine use of face masks by medical professionals affect hearing-impaired patients’ perception of speech? A case–control study
Authors: Nada Nashwa , Tomoum Mohamed Osama , Lasheen Reham Mamdouh
Published: October 2023

Background

Facemasks are routinely used among healthcare providers, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they negatively impact speech perception. Our study investigated how speech perception using the word discrimination score (WDS) was affected by wearing surgical and KN95 masks while dealing with hearing-impaired healthcare recipients.

Method

This case–control study included 60 participants [15 with normal hearing and 45 with varied degrees of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)], for whom word discrimination scores (WDS) were evaluated under various mask conditions.

Results

On applying repeated measures of two-way analysis of variance (RM two-way ANOVA), there was statistically significant interaction (p = 0.0018), meaning that the level by which the mask affects the WDS depends on the underlying hearing level. Both main factors showed a statistically significant effect (p < 0.0001). Surgical masks had a lesser impact on speech discrimination compared to KN 95.

Conclusions

It was concluded that KN95 severely impacted the WDS among all groups relative to surgical mask and the no-mask condition. Although the high-frequency SNHL (HF-SNHL) group had mild hearing loss in the pure tone audiometry (PTA) average, they showed lower WDS relative to the mild to moderate flat SNHL (MM-SNHL). Moderately severe to severe SNHL expressed the worst values. As a result, the surgical mask is recommended over the KN95 mask since it provides better speech discrimination while giving adequate protection. These findings should be taken into consideration as they will have an impact on communication, especially in situations like hospitals where the patients must understand the instructors and healthcare providers very well.
Palliative Care in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
Authors: Johnston Emily E. , Rosenberg Abby R.
Published: October 2023

Palliative care (PC) aims to improve quality of life (QOL) for patients with serious illness and their families by recognizing and alleviating the physical, emotional, social, existential, and spiritual suffering of patients and their communities. Because adolescents and young adults (AYAs, age 15-39 years) with cancer commonly report distress across all these domains and because that distress translates to their QOL during and after their cancers, PC is particularly relevant for this population. Here, we review the evidence for PC among AYAs with cancer, including its rationale, gaps, opportunities, and implications for care delivery. For example, nearly 90% of AYAs with cancer report distressing symptoms during their treatment, those who survive report ongoing unmet psychosocial and physical health needs, and those who die from their cancers are highly likely to receive medically intense care that is discordant with their goals and values. AYA communication and decision making can be challenging because of ethical and developmental considerations regarding the patient's autonomy and competing priorities of patients and caregivers. PC interventions (including primary PC delivered by oncologists, routine PC subspecialty care, symptom tracking, advance care planning, and psychosocial programs promoting AYA resilience) are all associated with improved patient-centered outcomes. However, PC is inconsistently integrated into AYA oncology care, and access to PC programs is not equitable; marginalized groups continue to experience poorer outcomes. Ongoing and future research and clinical initiatives must continue to bridge these gaps. Improving the QOL of AYAs with cancer is a shared goal of the larger clinical oncology community, and including PC in AYA cancer care delivery can help attain that goal.
Probiotic effect in preterm neonates with sepsis - A systematic review protocol
Authors: Iqbal Faiza , Siva N , Kolibylu Raghupathy Manasa , Edward S Lewis Leslie , Barche Apurv , Purkayastha Jayashree , S Nayak Baby
Published: October 2023

Background: The microbiota in the intestine is made up of trillions of living bacteria that coexist with the host. Administration of antibiotics during neonatal infection causes depletion of gut flora resulting in gut dysbiosis. Over the last few decades, probiotics have been created and promoted as microbiota management agents to enrich gut flora. Probiotics decrease the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut of preterm neonates, reducing the frequency of nosocomial infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICUs). Methods: The systematic review will include randomized control trials (RCTs) of premier neonates with sepsis. Studies will be retrieved from global databases like Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL Plus via EBSCO host, MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Ovid, Web of Science and ProQuest Medical Library by utilizing database-specific keywords. Screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal of included research will be carried out separately by two review writers. Findings will be reported in accordance with the PRISMS-P 2020 guidelines. Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review will help to translate the evidence-based information needed to encourage the implementation of potential research output in the field of neonatal intensive care, guide best clinical practise, assist policy making and implementation to prevent gut dysbiosis in neonates with sepsis by summarising and communicating the evidence on the topic. PROSPERO registration number: This systematic review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) on 10th March 2022. The registration number is CRD42022315980.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on preoperative risk factors for failure after fixed sling implantation for post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Sacco Emilio , Marino Filippo , Gavi Filippo , Moretto Stefano , Gandi Carlo , Bientinesi Riccardo , Pierconti Francesco , Bassi Pierfrancesco
Published: October 2023

Background: Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) is a bothersome complication affecting patients undergoing prostate surgery that in up 10% of cases will require an invasive treatment with fixed slings or artificial urinary sphincters (AUS). Although fixed slings have several advantages over AUS, failure rates after slings range between 15% and 45% while current knowledge of predictors of sling efficacy remains limited. By systematically combining and summarizing all relevant literature, the present review and meta-analysis aim to address this research need assessing the association between preoperative risk factors and sling failure. Methods: Studies pertaining to fixed synthetic male perineal slings as treatment for adult male suffering from PPI, will be included. A systematic search will be conducted in PubMED, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane databases, and in the reference lists of retrieved articles. Independent reviewers will conduct study selection and data extraction. Outcomes will include failure to achieve the continence cure and overall success (cure plus improvement), measured as per included studies. Exposures will include any preoperative variables evaluated for association with sling failure. The QUIPS tool will be used for study quality assessment and a random-effects DerSimonian-Laird model, with Hartung-Knapp adjustment, will be used to pool adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios separately. Sensitivity analysis will be performed using the leave-one-out methodology and subgroup meta-analyses based on pre-specified studies’ characteristics will be conducted to explain the heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence will be assessed according to GRADE methodology and review reporting will comply with the PRISMA-P statement. Discussion: By summarising all relevant literature in the field, our results will help to incorporate available evidence into clinical practice assisting healthcare professionals managing PPI patients in treatment decision-making. The present review will also provide researchers with the necessary, evidence-based groundwork to perform future high-quality prognostic studies in the field. Registration: CRD42022307160.
Comparative evaluation of platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) membrane and collagen membrane with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in the treatment of mandibular class II furcation defects: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Subhadarsanee Dr. Chitrika , Dhadse Dr. Prasad , Bajaj Dr. Pavan , Chimote Dr. Mosami , Sethiya Dr. Kiran , Bhombe Dr. Komal , Hassan Dr. Safiya , Oza Dr. Ranu
Published: October 2023

Aim- The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) membrane with collagen membrane (Colo Gide) in combination with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in the treatment of mandibular Class II furcation defects.

Methods- This randomized, parallel designed, controlled, clinical investigation was conducted in 24 subjects (15 male and 9 female) having Class II furcation defects either buccally or lingually. The test group was treated with DFDBA and PRFM membrane while the control group was treated with DFDBA and collagen membrane. The clinical measurements such as plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), pocket probing depth (PPD), relative attachment level (R-CAL) and relative gingival marginal level (R-GML) were measured at baseline and six months. Radiographic parameters, such as vertical defect depth (VDD), horizontal defect depth (HDD) and defect width (DW) were measured using cone beam computed tomography taken at baseline, three and six months. Student’s paired t-test was utilized to analyse data from the day of surgery to six months. A comparison of both groups at baseline and six months was achieved by student’s unpaired t-test.

Result-10 sites in test group (83.33%) showed the advancement from class II to class I compared to eight sites in control (66.66%). Remaining defects in test group n=2 (16.66%) and control group n=4 (33.33%) showed marked reduction in horizontal defect depth compared to baseline. No complete closure of the defect was seen in either group.

Conclusion- When treating class II furcation defects, the use of PRFM membrane combined with DFDBA seems to be advantages with regards to collagen membrane. The presented set up seems feasible with regards to randomization, acceptance, retention and achievement of satisfactory outcomes.
Assessment and comparison of age-related three-dimensional variation in the anterior loop of the inferior alveolar nerve for pre-surgical planning
Authors: Waghadkar Abhilasha Ramesh , Lohe Vidya K
Published: October 2023

Background: The mental foramen (M.F.) is crossed anteriorly by the mental neurovascular bundle, then does a U-turn to leave M.F.  The anterior loop is a section of the inferior alveolar nerve. Prior to deciding how to operate on the anterior mandible, it is essential to take this anatomic variation into account.

Methods: This study will be carried out by studying 70 cone-beam computed tomography scans. The anterior loop will be measured using the PLANMECA proMax Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) measuring tool. Its measurement specifications include a cylinder-shaped field of view with a voxel size of 300, a voltage in tubes of 90 kV, 6.3 mA tube current, and a 12-second exposure period. The field of view will be the same for all scans to standardize the criteria for selecting images from scans.

Conclusions: Compared to multi-slice computed tomography, C.B.C.T. has a number of advantages, including the ability to analyze craniofacial features in three dimensions without distortion or overlapping images. Furthermore, C.B.C.T. is considered the gold standard for assessing bone tissue. Correctly identifying and protecting neurovascular bundles is crucial to preventing sensorineural damage in the interforaminal area. This is because there are significant individual anatomical differences present to varying degrees. Therefore, the present study is undertaken with the objectives of recognizing the Antecedent Inferior Alveolar Nerve loop, evaluating the dimensions of the A.L. for pre-surgical planning, and comparing the age-related three-dimensional variations in A.L. of the Inferior Alveolar nerve.
A stability indicating method development and validation of a rapid and sensitive RP-HPLC method for Nintedanib and its application in quantification of nanostructured lipid carriers
Authors: Velagacherla Varalakshmi , Nayak Yogendra , Bhaskar K Vijaya , Nayak Usha Yogendra
Published: October 2023

Background: Nintedanib (NTB) is a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, been investigated for many disease conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NTB is available as oral capsule formulation, but its ability to detect degradants formed through oxidative, photolytic and hydrolytic processes makes it difficult to quantify. In the current work, a novel reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated.

Methods: The developed method is simple, precise, reproducible, stable and accurate. The inherent stability of NTB was evaluated using the proposed analytical method approach and force degradation studies were carried out. NTB was separated chromatographically on the Shimadzu C18 column as stationary phase (250 ×4.6 mm, 5 µm) using an isocratic elution method with 0.1% v/v triethyl amine (TEA) in HPLC grade water and acetonitrile (ACN) in the ratio 35:65% v/v. The mobile phase was pumped at a constant flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, and the eluent was detected at 390 nm wavelength.

Results: NTB was eluted at 6.77±0.00 min of retention time (tR) with a correlation coefficient of 0.999, the developed method was linear in the concentration range of 0.5 µg/ml to 4.5 µg/ml. The recovery rate was found to be in the range of 99.391±0.468% for 1.5 µg/ml concentration. Six replicate standards were determined to have an % RSD of 0.04.

Conclusion: The formulation excipients didn't interfere with the determination of NTB, demonstrating the specificity of the developed method. The proposed approach of the analytical method developed can be used to quantify the amount of NTB present in bulk drugs and pharmaceutical formulations.
The impact of energy releasing B-vitamin intake on indices of obesity and cardiac function: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Agraib Lana M. , Al-Shami Islam , Alkhatib Buthaina , Hasan Hanan
Published: October 2023

Background: B vitamins play a crucial role in the balance and metabolism of energy. Energy metabolism mainly benefits from the B-complex vitamins. Specifically, decarboxylation, transamination, acylation, oxidation, and reduction of substrates that are ultimately employed in energy intake require thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. Vitamin deficiency could lead to chronic disease occurrence.

Objectives: To assess the impact of energy-releasing B-vitamins intake (B1, B2, B3, and B6) on selected indices of obesity and cardiac function.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 491 apparently healthy adults (18-64 years old) between January and May 2019 at Hashemite University, Jordan. Anthropometric measurements were taken, lipid profiles were analyzed, and indices of obesity and cardiac function were calculated. The typical dietary intake of B1, B2, B3, and B6 vitamins was calculated.

Results: Conicity index (CI) and abdominal volume index (AVI) scores significantly decreased with the increased adjusted vitamin B1 and B6 intake. Also, body roundness index (BRI), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) scores were decreased with the increase of adjusted B6 intake (p<0.05). The total sample showed a significant inverse weak correlation between energy-adjusted intake of B1 and AVI (r= -0.156, p=0.001) and BRI (r= 0.111, p=0.014). Similar correlations were detected among male participants between energy-adjusted B1 intake and BAI, AVI, and BRI. Female participants had a significant weak inverse correlation between BAI and energy-adjusted B2 (r= -0.180, p=0.029) and B6 intake (r= -0.212, p=0.010). Only B1, the vitamin, significantly explained 2.43 and 1.24% of changes observed in the AVI and BRI scores, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Increasing the intake of B1, B2, and B6 may significantly lower indices of both obesity and cardiac function regardless of sex differences. Thus reducing the occurrence of obesity and related coronary heart diseases.
Self emulsifying drug delivery system: norfloxacin model drug
Authors: Abdulkareem Noor , Sahib Mohanad Naji
Published: October 2023

Background Norfloxacin is a synthetic antibacterial fluoroquinolone that is poorly water soluble and active against a wide spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic bacteria. The goal of this work was to create a self-nanoemulsion (SNE) as a colloidal dispersed drug delivery system for increasing norfloxacin dissolving rate, while also assuming intestinal lymphatic transport participation for such a nano-size system that would increase norfloxacin oral bioavailability. Methods Depending on the solubility of norfloxacin in various components, several formulations of liquid SNEDDS of the antibiotic were created using oleic acid (oil), tween20 (surfactant), and PEG200 (co-surfactant). To assess the presence of a nanoemulsion region, phase diagram was generated at various oil: surfactant: co-surfactant ratios. Results The in-vitro dissolution profile suggested an optimum norfloxacin SEDD formulation (F1) comprised of oleic acid (10%), tween 20 (45%), and PEG200 (45%), as opposed to commercially available traditional tablets. The F1 formula exhibited thermodynamic stability with a zeta potential of +60.78mV and a droplet size of 57.4nm. The F1 formula revealed an improved dissolving profile as compared to the commercial Tablet of norfloxacin. Conclusion Based on the findings, this study indicated that preparing norfloxacin as a liquid self-nanoemulsifying system improved the solubility and drug release of norfloxacin counteract the inconsistent bioavailability of the commercial tablet.
Navigating techno-stress: A qualitative exploration of university faculty's experiences and perspectives in the Peruvian context amidst the return to classes and the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Suyo-Vega Josefina Amanda , Meneses-La-Riva Monica Elisa , Fernández-Bedoya Víctor Hugo
Published: October 2023

Background: Technology serves as a potent tool that enhances the quality of teaching and learning experiences. However, when educators lack proficiency in utilizing technology, it leads to obstacles in providing effective education, resulting in emotions of frustration, diminished self-assurance, and uncertainty regarding their teaching abilities. This study aims to investigate the experiences of university faculty members in relation to the impact of technology on their mental well-being. Methods: For this qualitative study, ten professionals engaged in university-level teaching, encompassing research domains, were selected for interviews. Inclusion criteria were based on teaching experience, tenure, specific courses or subjects taught, and active involvement during the research phase. The guiding question for the study was framed as follows: "What are the experiences and perceptions of university faculty members concerning techno-stress?" Additionally, the study identified four subcategories: work overload, social and emotional interaction, adaption to new technologies, and expectations and teaching quality. Results: Techno-stress is a composite of emotional and physical reactions triggered by the improper use of technology. Faculty members’ encounters with techno-stress have substantial implications for their quality of life. The subcategories shed light on different aspects of the faculty’s experiences, including the burden of excessive workload, the influence of social and emotional interactions, the process of adapting to evolving technologies, and the connection between expectations and the quality of their teaching. Conclusions: This research underscores the significance of technology in higher education, highlighting its potential to positively impact teaching and learning. Nevertheless, faculty members’ struggles with techno-stress indicate a pressing need for effective training and support. Establishing limits on connectivity with technology and others emerges as a crucial step in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Ultimately, addressing techno-stress and providing appropriate guidance are essential for safeguarding the well-being of university faculty members and, consequently, enhancing the overall educational experience.
Expanding options for HIV testing: A process evaluation of a community-led HIV self-testing intervention among men who have sex with men in Kenya
Authors: Melon Memory , Kombo Bernadette , Mugambi Mary , Njiraini Margaret , Olango Kennedy , Migot Manas , Kuria Samuel , Kyana Martin , Mwakazi Peter , Kioko Japheth , Kaosa Shem , Mensah Maria , Thomann Matthew , Musimbi Janet , Musyoki Helgar , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Lorway Robert , Lazarus Lisa
Published: October 2023

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kenya continue to face barriers to HIV testing, which leads to delays in HIV prevention and care. An HIV self-testing (HIVST) intervention was implemented in three Kenyan counties to increase coverage and frequency of HIV testing among MSM communities with high HIV prevalence. The evaluation study examined how HIVST can increase testing among MSM who are unaware of their status by increasing coverage, frequency, and early uptake of testing and support linkages to prevention and treatment. We share results from the process evaluation of the intervention implemented in partnership with MSM-led organizations. Methods For a 12-month period between August 2019 and July 2020, the project team conducted in-depth interviews with HIVST users, monthly meetings with programme implementation teams, and monthly monitoring data reviews. Polling booth surveys were also conducted with participants. The process evaluation explored the fidelity, feasibility, coverage, acceptability, quality, and effectiveness of the HIVST intervention. Results An average of 793 MSM received 1,041 HIVST kits on a monthly basis through different distribution channels. Of those who received HIVST kits, 67% were distributed to infrequent testers and non-testers. Testing frequency among users increased to 82% for those who had a recent test during the previous three months, compared to 58% of HIVST non-users. There was a high linkage to care and treatment services (84%) among those who tested reactive for HIV at endline. MSM shared preferring HIVST kits because of its convenience and privacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, adaptations to the intervention were made to support ongoing HIV testing and linkages to services. Conclusion The introduction of HIVST in MSM-led HIV prevention programmes was feasible with high acceptability. The involvement of the MSM community in the design, implementation and evaluation of the intervention was a key factor to intervention success.
Prioritisation of research challenges in software technologies : A multi-factor approach
Authors: Alonso Juncal , Ostolaza Elixabete , Sanchez Begoña
Published: October 2023

Background: Current and future key emerging technologies, e.g. quantum computing, augmented human, advanced Artificial Intelligence, sensing and mobility are linked by software technologies. Software is therefore spanning across a huge number of application domains, as it links and connects to diverse digital infrastructures and it opens up significant challenges in terms of security and privacy, behavioural optimisation, self-adaptation and reliability to mention some.

Methods: This article presents one of the main results from the European project SWForum.eu (https://www.swforum.eu/), that focuses on the implementation of a multi-factor methodology to develop research and innovation roadmaps for software

technologies.

Results: The article also discusses the selection and prioritisation research and

innovation challenges and topics on software technologies, cyber security and digital infrastructures through the implementation of a multi-phase, multi-source and multi-factor methodology.

Conclusions: Software is pervasive and from the analysis it is concluded that several challenges are to be addressed in the upcoming years impacting software value chain, namely, generative AI, quantum computing, Edge and constrained re-

sources, or DevSecOps. This article identifies these main challenges and prioritises them towards a set of relevant factors for Europe.
Parent attitudes towards data sharing in developmental science
Authors: Begum Ali Jannath , Holman Rebecca , Goodwin Amy L. , Heraty Siofra , Jones Emily J.H.
Published: October 2023

Background Data sharing in developmental science is increasingly encouraged, supported by funder and publisher mandates for open data access. Data sharing can accelerate discovery, link researchers with high quality analytic expertise to researchers with large datasets and democratise the research landscape to enable researchers with limited funding to access large sample sizes. However, there are also significant privacy and security concerns, in addition to conceptual and ethical considerations. These are particularly acute for developmental science, where child participants cannot consent themselves. As we move forward into a new era of data openness, it is essential that we adequately represent the views of stakeholder communities in designing data sharing efforts. Methods We conducted a comprehensive survey of the opinions of 195 parents on data sharing in developmental science. Survey themes included how widely parents are willing to share their child’s data, which type of organisations they would share the data with and the type of consent they would be comfortable providing. Results Results showed that parents were generally supportive of curated, but not open, data sharing. In addition to individual privacy and security concerns, more altruistic considerations around the purpose of research were important. Parents overwhelmingly supported nuanced consenting models in which preferences for particular types of data sharing could be changed over time. This model is different to that implemented in the vast majority of developmental science research and is contrary to many funder or publisher mandates. Conclusions The field should look to create shared repositories that implement features such as dynamic consent and mechanisms for curated sharing that allow consideration of the scientific questions addressed. Better communication and outreach are required to build trust in data sharing, and advanced analytic methods will be required to understand the impact of selective sharing on reproducibility and representativeness of research datasets.
SEVUparin as a potential Adjunctive Treatment in children with severe malaria: A phase I trial safety and dose finding trial (SEVUSMAART)
Authors: Maitland Kathryn , Hamaluba Mainga , Obonyo Nchafatso , Oguda Emmanuel , Mogoka Christabel , Williams Thomas N. , Chaponda Mike , Miti Sam , Kamavu Luc Kambale , Connon Roisin , Gibb Diana M. , Dondorp Arjen , Day Nick , White Nick , Walker A. Sarah , George Elizabeth C. ,   Severe Malaria in African Children A Research and Trials (SMAART) consortium
Published: October 2023

Background Even on the best antimalarial treatments (injectable artesunate) African children with severe malaria have poor outcomes with most deaths occurring early in the course of hospital admission (<24hours). Lactic acidosis, largely due to impairment of the microcirculatory flow due to parasite sequestration, is a main risk factor for poor outcome. There are no adjuvant treatments for severe malaria that target this complication. Sevuparin, a heparin-like drug, binds to Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein blocking merozoite invasion, preventing cytoadherence and transiently de-sequestering infected erythrocytes. Leading to improved microcirculatory flow by reversing/preventing parasite sequestration. If given early during admission this could result in improvements in outcomes . Sevuparin has been shown to be safe and well tolerated in adults with only some mild transient effects on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were reported, without clinical consequences. Methods A Phase I trial designed to provide data on safety, dosing, feasibility of sevuparin as an adjuvant therapy in Kenya and Zambian children with severe malaria complicated by lactic acidosis (> 2mmol/l). Three intravenous doses will be given at admission (0 hours), 8 and 16 hours. APPT will be measured 1 hour after each dose (to assess maximum toxicity). Studying 20 children will allow sufficient data on safety to be generated across a range of doses to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) using the Continual Reassessment Method, which adapts or informs subsequent doses for each child based on the data from previously enrolled children. The MTD will be identified based on the dose-toxicity model updated by each previous patient’s APTT results using standard methods. Conclusions The results of the Phase I trial will identify the final dose to be tested in a Phase II trial in terms of both efficacy and safety outcomes. Registration PACTR number: 202007890194806 (date 20/07/2020) ISRCTN32271864 (date 28/07/2021)
The genome sequence of a tachinid fly, Panzeria rudis (Fallén, 1810)
Authors: Falk Steven , Smith Matthew N. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual Panzeria rudis (tachinid fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Tachinidae). The genome sequence is 852.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.41 kilobases in length.
Sonhar-se outro: Um messianismo ameríndio de Franz Kafka
Authors: Sawala Wojciech
Published: October 2023

Este ensaio propõe uma reflexão sobre o miniconto de Franz Kafka “O desejo de ser índio”, inscrita num duplo contexto: por um lado, aquele da catástrofe climática e o postulado de Viveiros de Castro de “nos tornarmos um pouco como os índios” e, por outro lado, aquele mais clássico, do messianismo judaico, pautado pela também clássica leitura de Walter Benjamin. Dedicamos especial atenção à simbologia da imagem do cavalo e à figura paradoxal de galopar a cavalo em ausência do cavalo mesmo. Tentamos desvendar as implicações políticas e éticas do texto de Kafka, analisando-o comparativamente junto ao romance Desaparecido ou Amerika e fazendo referência a vários textos de Clarice Lispector.
The Usage of Antimicrobials in Pediatric Dentistry- A Narrative Review
Authors: Setty Jyothsna V , S Shilpa , Srinivasan Ila
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobials play a crucial role in pediatric dentistry, helping to manage and prevent infectious diseases. However, their indiscriminate use and misuse can have significant consequences, including the development of antimicrobial resistance. This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of antimicrobials in pediatric dentistry, discussing their appropriate use, common indications, potential adverse effects, and the importance of judicious prescribing. It also highlights the significance of antimicrobial stewardship programs in promoting responsible antimicrobial use and mitigating the emergence of resistance in dental set up.
"Children Obviously Don't Make History": Historical Significance and Children's Modalities of Power
Authors: Gleason Mona
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Sarah Maza has argued that "children obviously don't make history" given they are marginal to more meaningful, adult-driven change over time. In her response to Maza's claims, Nara Milanich encourages historians of children and youth to explore children's unique modalities of power, rather than focusing on their agency, to help unearth youthful contributions to historical change. Here, I engage with two of these four modalities of power as outlined by Milanich, namely children's temporariness and their ostensible malleability (via a reciprocal process I call "negotiated malleability") to social reproduction, using examples from my research on the Elementary Correspondence School (ECS) that operated in the western Canadian province of British Columbia between 1919 and the late 1950s. Rather than searching for children's agency in this history, however, I think through their entanglements with temporariness and malleability in relation to adults. In so doing, I demonstrate how and why young people wielded power and how they effected powerful responses from adults—primarily the parents, teachers, and administrators associated with the ECS. I argue that analyzed through a framework that privileges children's modalities of power in relation to adults, children emerge as significant contributors to change over time.
Optical proximity correction by using unsupervised learning and the patch loss function: publisher’s note
Authors: Yuan Pengpeng , Xu Peng , Ma Le , Wei Yayi
Published: October 2023

This publisher’s note contains corrections to Appl. Opt. 61, 3924 (2022)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.454357.
Ultra-broadband solar absorber based on TiN metamaterial from visible light to mid-infrared
Authors: Pan Y. Z. , Li Y. C. , Chen F. , Cheng S. B. , Yang W. X. , Wang B. Y. , Yi Z. , Yao D. Z.
Published: October 2023

We study and design an ultra-broadband absorber based on TiN metamaterial. The proposed structure consists of a rectangle pillar, two rectangle rings, an Al2O3 substrate, and a TiN substrate. The average absorption in the range of 300–4962 nm is 97.02%. The physical mechanism is illustrated by electric-field and magnetic-field distributions, including the dielectric lossy property of TiN itself in shorter wavelengths, Fabry–Perot resonance, and local surface plasmon resonance in longer wavelengths. The result indicates that the energy absorption spectrum can be well matched with the standard solar spectrum under AM 1.5 over the full range of 300–5000 nm, and then we compare the solar absorption spectrum of different structures. In the end, the influence of different materials and geometrical parameters on absorption is investigated. The absorber can achieve ultra-broadband perfect absorption, and has a simple structure that is easy to manufacture. The result of this work can be applied in many potential fields, for example, thermal photovoltaic power generation, infrared imaging, solar cells, and other optoelectronic devices.
Nonlinear photocarrier dynamics in multilayer W
S
e
2 induced by intense terahertz pulses
Authors: Guay Viela , Johnson Nathan , Zhang Yue , van der Zande Arend M. , Thorp Spencer G. , Graham Matthew , Lee Yun-Shik
Published: October 2023

Non-equilibrium photocarriers in multilayer WSe2 injected by femtosecond laser pulses exhibit extraordinary nonlinear dynamics in the presence of intense THz fields. The THz absorption in optically excited WSe2 rises rapidly in the low THz field regime and gradually ramps up at high intensities. The strong THz pulses drive the photocarriers into sidebands of higher mobility and release trapped charge carriers, which consequently enhance the transient conductivity of WSe2. The spectrally analyzed conductivity reveals distinctive features, indicating that the photocarriers undergo resonant interactions such as carrier-photon scattering.
Spherical Gauss-Laguerre beam propagation in 4D space-time
Authors: Zhou Junhe , Hu Qingsong
Published: October 2023

In this paper, what we believe to be a novel class of beams, which are referred to as the spherical Gauss-Laguerre beams, are proposed. The beams propagate stably in the anomalous dispersive media, within which the second order derivative with respect to t could be combined with the two-dimensional (2D) Laplacian operator in the transverse direction and forms a three-dimensional (3D) Laplacian operator, which describes the beam propagation in the z direction within the four-dimensional (4D) x-y-z-t space-time. The wave equation is solved by the variable separation method and the analytical expression for the spherical Gauss-Laguerre beams is derived. The beams have a 3D Gaussian field distribution with a variable beam waist with respect to the propagation distance. Unlike any 2D spatial vortex beams, the 3D beams could possess either the spatial vortex or the spatiotemporal optical vortex (STOV) by choosing the vortex plane in the 3D x-y-t space-time. The derived spherical Gauss-Laguerre beam expression in the 4D space-time is verified by the numerical simulations with excellent agreement.