bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financing health system elements in Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Karamagi Humphrey Cyprian , Njuguna David , Kidane Solyana Ngusbrhan , Djossou Herve , Kipruto Hillary Kipchumba , Seydi Aminata Binetou-Wahebine , Nabyonga-Orem Juliet , Muhongerwa Diane Karenzi , Frimpong Kingsley Addai , Nganda Benjamin Musembi
Published: September 2023

Countries that are reforming their health systems to progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) need to consider total resource requirements over the long term to plan for the implementation and sustainable financing of UHC. However, there is a lack of detailed conceptualization as to how the current health financing mechanisms interplay across health system elements. Thus, we aimed to generate evidence on how to utilize resources from different sources of funds in Africa. We conducted a scoping review of empirical research following the six-stage methodological framework for Scoping Review by Arksey & O’Malley and Levac, Colquhoun & O’Brien. We searched for published and grey literature in Medline, Cochrane Library, PubMed, WHO database, World bank and Google Scholar search engines databases and summarized data using a narrative approach, involving thematic syntheses and descriptive statistics. We included 156 studies out of 1,168 studies among which 13% were conceptual studies while 87% were empirical studies. These selected studies focused on the financing of the 13 health system elements. About 45% focused on service delivery, 13% on human resources, 5% on medical products, and 3% on infrastructure and governance. Studies reporting multiple health system elements were 8%, while health financing assessment frameworks was 23%. The publication years ranged from 1975 to 2021. While public sources were the most dominant form of financing, global documentation of health expenditure does not track funding on all the health system dimensions that informed the conceptual framework of this scoping review. There is a need to advocate for expenditure tracking for health systems, including intangibles. Further analysis would inform the development of a framework for assessing financing sources for health system elements based on efficiency, feasibility, sustainability, equity, and displacement.
Mechanism of spirometry associated gastro-esophageal reflux in individuals undergoing esophageal assessment
Authors: Xu Matthew , Brannan John D. , Ho Vincent , Zhou Jerry
Published: September 2023

Persistent variability observed during spirometry, even when technical and personal factors are controlled, has prompted interest in uncovering its underlying mechanisms. Notably, our prior investigations have unveiled that spirometry has the potential to trigger gastro-esophageal reflux in a susceptible population. This current study embarks on elucidating the intricate mechanisms orchestrating reflux induced by spirometry. To achieve this, we enlisted twenty-four (24) participants exhibiting reflux symptoms for esophageal assessment. These participants underwent two sets of spirometry sessions, interspersed with a 10-minute intermission, during which we closely scrutinized fluid flow dynamics and esophageal function through high-resolution impedance esophageal manometry. Our comprehensive evaluation juxtaposed baseline manometric parameters against their equivalents during the initial spirometry session, the intervening rest period, and the subsequent spirometry session. Remarkably, impedance values, serving as a metric for fluid quantity, exhibited a substantial elevation during each spirometry session and the ensuing recovery interval in the pan-esophageal and hypopharyngeal regions when compared to baseline levels. Additionally, the resting pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter experienced a noteworthy reduction subsequent to the first bout of spirometry (13.6 ± 8.8 mmHg) in comparison to the baseline pressure (22.5 ± 13.3 mmHg). Furthermore, our observations unveiled a decline in spirometric parameters—FEV1 (0.14 ± 0.24 L, P = 0.042) and PEFR (0.67 L/s, P = 0.34)—during the second spirometry session when contrasted with the first session. Collectively, our study underscores the compelling evidence that spirometry maneuvers can elicit gastro-esophageal reflux by eliciting intra-esophageal pressure differentials and inducing temporary relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Factors contributing to socio-economic inequality in utilization of caesarean section delivery among women in Indonesia: Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Srivastava Shobhit , Chaudhary Pratishtha , Muhammad T.
Published: September 2023

Background

Most of the existing literature in developing countries focused on either the rising trend of CS or its determinants. There is a paucity of population-based studies on existing socioeconomic inequalities in availing CS services by women in Indonesia. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with caesarian section (CS) delivery and explore the various factors contributing to inequalities in CS delivery rates in Indonesia.

Methods

The study utilized nationally representative cross-sectional data from the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS), 2017. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to find the factors associated with CS delivery. Concentration index and Wagstaff’s decomposition analysis were used to examine the socioeconomic inequalities in CS delivery among women and associated factors.

Results

About 17% of women in Indonesia delivered babies through CS. A concentration index of 0.31 in CS delivery rate showed a higher CS delivery rate among women belonging to rich households. About 44.7% of socioeconomic status inequality in CS delivery was explained by educational status among women who went for CS delivery. Women’s place of residence explained 30.1% of socioeconomic inequality, and women’s age at first birth explained about 11.9% and reporting ANC visits explained 8.4% of the observed inequality. Highest socioeconomic inequality was witnessed in central Sulawesi (0.529), followed by Maluku (0.488) and West Kalimantan (0.457), whereas the lowest was recorded in Yogyakarta (0.021) followed by north Sulawesi (0.047) and east Kalimantan (0.171). Education (44.7%) followed by rural-urban place of residence (30.1%) and age of first birth (11.9%) contributed most to explain the gap in CS delivery among rich and poor women.

Conclusion

The study highlighted the higher CS delivery rates among women from higher socioeconomic groups and thus, it is important to frame policies after identifying the population subgroups with potential underuse or overuse of CS method of delivery.
A Pilot Study Investigating Motivations for Wearing Historically-Inspired Dress
Authors: Smith Dina , Martinez Briana
Published: September 2023

A pilot study was conducted to determine the feasibility of the quantitative survey method in identifying common motivations for wearing historically-inspired dress and identifying differences in motivation between genders. A questionnaire was developed and used with 131 respondents,
and Principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation was run to determine construct validity and if there were multiple constructs that can explain respondents' motivations for wearing an everyday historically-inspired dress style. Data also were analyzed using descriptive statistics
and an independent samples t -test. The results suggested that the design of the instrument and sampling and data collection methods used in the pilot study must be adjusted to be feasible. Recommendations for future research include further scale development and increasing the pool
of qualified research participants by reframing historically-inspired dress as HistoryBounding.
Structural and morphologic characteristics of nodular goiter in chronic iodine deficiency status
Authors: Troshina E. A. , Makolina N. P. , Kolpakova E. A. , Nikiforovich P. A. , Isaeva M. P. , Abdulkhabirova F. M. , Platonova N. M.
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVES. Diffuse and nodular goiter are the most common thyroid gland (thyroid) diseases in children and adults living in iodine-deficient regions. Thyroid hormone potentiates progressive hypertrophy and hyperplasia of thyrocytes, with uneven proliferation of thyroid cells leading to nodule formation. Iodine deficiency, which promotes replication of thyroid follicular cells, also increases the incidence of TSH Receptor mutations, leading to receptor activation and autonomous functioning of follicles.AIM. To evaluate and describe ultrasound and cytologic thyroid nodes in the regions in Russia with proven iodine deficiency.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study was conducted in regions with proven iodine deficiency in the Central and North Caucasian Federal Districts. Population of conditionally healthy adult volunteers (mean age — 47.5 years) was recruited as part of visiting events to screen for the occurrence of thyroid nodes.RESULTS. The results obtained indicate a high prevalence of multinodular colloid goiter in adult patients living in conditions of chronic iodine deficiency. In the Chechen Republic, the prevalence of nodular thyroid pathology was found in 64.5% (205/318) of cases, and in the Tula region — in 40.6% (116/286). In the studied sample the results of cytologic examination confirmed the presence of colloid thyroid masses in 97% (60/62) — Bethesda category II; in 3% (2/62) of patients nodular masses had Bethesda IV. Diffuse goiter prevalence in the examined population was 20.8%.CONCLUSIONS. A study indicates a high prevalence of iodine-deficient thyroid disease — multinodular colloid goiter in regions with proven chronic iodine deficiency. The wide prevalence of goiter with colloid and cystic components is confirmed by the cytologic examination with different ultrasound characteristics according to the EU-TIRADS classification. The obtained data correspond to the official statistics demonstrating high prevalence of nontoxic goiter in adults in the examined regions, which is an important argument confirming the need for systemic iodine prophylaxis.
Non-recurrent laryngeal nerve in thyroid and parathyroid surgery
Authors: Kuprin A. A. , Vetsheva N. N. , Abuladze I. O.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: the main reason for postoperative vocal folds paresis is the variable anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. An example of such an “extreme form of embryonal development» is the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve. However, many surgeons consider this structure to be a rare anomaly with prevalence less than 0.5%. This opinion is associated with a six to seven-fold increase in the number of vocal folds paresis when a surgeon encounters with a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve. Meanwhile, in cadaveric studies a significantly higher prevalence of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve was demonstrated — 2.2%. The right aberrant subclavian artery was diagnosed during CT in 3.1% patients.

AIM: the aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of preoperative ultrasound in detecting the right aberrant subclavian artery and non-recurrent laryngeal nerve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: patients underwent thyroid and parathyroid surgery with identification of a right inferior laryngeal nerve. The preoperative neck ultrasound was performed on all patients with visualization of a brachiocephalic trunk (Y-sign) or a right aberrant subclavian artery (AL-sign). CT-angiography was performed in the postoperative period on patients who had a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve.

RESULTS: the study included 1476 patients. The Y-sign was determined among 1338 (90.7%) patients. In these cases a typical anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was observed. In 138 (9.3%) cases, the Y-sign was not detected. In this subgroup of patients, in 20 (1.4%) cases, a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve and a right aberrant subclavian artery were noted. Thus, the sensitivity of the Y-sign in confirming the normal anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve was 100%, specificity — 91.9%, positive prognostic value — 14.5%, negative prognostic value — 100%. On the contrary, AL-sign was notedall 20 (1.4%) patients with non-recurrent laryngeal nerve and right aberrant subclavian artery. False positive and false negative results were not observed. Three variants of the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve were identified: type I (superior type) — located behind the upper third of the thyroid lobe, has a direct descending way and forms an angle to the larynx of 30–50°; type III (inferior type) — has a direct ascending way (simulates the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve) and forms an angle to trachea in 30–50°; type II (middle type) — all variants of the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve located between types I and III.

CONCLUSION: the preoperative ultrasound detection of brachiocephalic trunk (Y-sign) confirms the presence of a recurrent laryngeal nerve (sensitivity 100%), and visualization of the right aberrant subclavian artery (AL-sign) determines a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (sensitivity and specificity 100%).
Insulinoma: analysis of prevalence and incidence in the world
Authors: Yukina M. Yu. , Elfimova A. R. , Troshina E. A. , Melnichenko G. A. , Mokrysheva N. G.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are no data on the prevalence and incidence of insulinoma in Russia. The published world data on the epidemiology of the tumor are largely variable. Thus, it is important to systematize information on the prevalence and incidence of insulinoma in the world, including in Russia. AIM: To assess the prevalence and incidence of insulinoma in the world.

TASKS

Analysis of literature data.

Analysis of the database of the Endocrinology Research Centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To implement Task 1, an analysis of foreign and Russian articles published in the PubMed and eLIBRARY.RU databases from 1927 was carried out until June 1, 2023, including the following keywords: «Insulinoma», «Epidemiology», «Frequency», «Incidence», «Nationwide», «Database». Based on the obtained results, an analysis of the prevalence and incidence of insulinoma in the world and in Russia was made. To implement Task 2, the analysis of patient records and the electronic database of the Endocrinology Research Centre was carried out.

RESULTS: Based on data in individual countries the prevalence and incidence of insulinoma for the world population amounted to: an average of 16.4 per 1 million population and 0.9 per 1 million population per year, respectively. If extrapolating the world data, the number of patients with insulinoma in Russia can be 1066–2362 and 72–173 new cases are diagnosed annually (11.9 per 1 million population and 0.9 per 1 million population per year, respectively). The largest number of patients with insulinoma in Russia was recorded in the Endocrinology Research Centre and amounted to 275 cases for the period 2006–2022.

CONCLUSION: In the Russian Federation, it is important to create a register of patients with insulinoma on the basis of the existing electronic database of the Endocrinology Research Centre in order to obtain accurate information about the current needs of patients with insulinoma in medical care and drug provision, as well as to conduct full-fledged scientific research.
Redefining Entrepreneurial Education in Africa through Africanisation: A Review of the Igbo Apprenticeship System
Authors: Umemezia Evelyn I. , Ojukwu Henry S.
Published: September 2023

Despite having abundant natural resources, Africa has consistently experienced high rates of poverty and unemployment. Enormous efforts have been exerted to raise living standards by integrating entrepreneurial education into the curriculum of higher institutions. Tragically, these exertions have not yielded the desired dividends. The goal of this study is to examine and evaluate how Africans can develop an Africanised philosophical framework on which their identity and worldview can be incorporated into an entrepreneurial curriculum that has been appropriated from Western nations. The conceptual research review approach was used to achieve the research objective. The findings from the review of extant literature show a paucity of empirical studies on the Africanisation of entrepreneurship education curriculum; the Igbo Apprenticeship system; a misfit between the present academic curriculum and Africa’s identity; and how the Igbo Apprenticeship System (IAS) has influenced economic, social, and environmental development in Nigeria’s Eastern region. Resulting from the failure of the present entrepreneurial education to provide the desired outcome on the continent, this study, therefore, proposed a framework that will ensure the infusion of the IAS model into the curriculum of institutions of learning in Nigeria.
Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development in Nigerian Universities: Moving beyond vocational skills teaching
Authors: Daniel Agbi Babatunde , Olatunbosun Adeniyi
Published: September 2023

Entrepreneurship and enterprise development in Nigerian universities have been on the increase considering their potential to create jobs and reduce the rise of unemployment. This approach that universities have embraced is largely focused on the teaching of vocational skills which has a thin impact on reducing graduate unemployment and meeting the strategic objective of repositioning the universities. The focus of this study is to examine whether entrepreneurial and enterprise teaching in Nigerian universities is slanted toward the acquisition of vocational skills. The study adopts the theory of Planned Behaviour and Kolb experiential learning theory to explain the concepts of entrepreneurship and enterprise development in stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit. The study adopts a descriptive research design and data was collected using a structured questionnaire that was administered physically and online to elicit information from respondents. The sample size for the study is 300 students that were randomly selected from 10 universities made up of 5 public and 5 private universities in South West Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using regression analysis. Findings revealed that the current practice of teaching vocational skills is not effective as shown by the perennial increase in graduate unemployment. The study recommends the teaching of entrepreneurship and enterprise development anchored on value addition, opportunity, and wealth creation with a view to repositioning university graduates for the 21st century’s challenges and opportunities.
Examination of ELT Lecturers’ Digital Technology Integration Levels Via SAMR Model During Emergency Remote Education
Authors: Demirkol Orak Suheyla , Alagözlü Nuray
Published: September 2023

the present study investigated the digital technology integration levels of the English Language Teaching lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency remote education conditions via SAMR Model. The study employed a correlational design by employing a Likert-type questionnaire with 243 English Language Teaching lecturers employed at 20 universities geographically dispersed into the seven districts of Turkey. Universities were selected by depending on the statistical data of the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics. The results showed that synchronous teaching platforms were mainly employed as overhead projectors, which underlined the dominant usage of Substitution level without lecturers’ effective interferences to the activities. Transforming either the frame or content of the original materials was also promoted largely under the Modification level but placed after the Redefinition level, which is time and effort-demanding, and promoted densely after the Substitution level. The Augmentation level was the least promoted one since participants were of the opinion that increasing or decreasing the number of robotic activities is less useful than Modification and Redefinition level-appropriate practices. Apart from that, while participants’ digital technology integration levels were found related to their gender, background education, and online teaching experiences; seniority and age were not found to be significant indicators of the participants’ digital technology integration levels.
Cardiovascular reflex contributions to sympathetic inhibition during low intensity dynamic leg exercise in healthy middle‐age
Authors: Notarius Catherine F. , Badrov Mark B. , Tobushi Tomoyuki , Keir Daniel A. , Keys Evan , Floras John S.
Published: September 2023

Aging augments resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and sympatho‐inhibition during mild dynamic 1‐leg exercise. To elucidate which reflexes elicit exercise‐induced inhibition, we recruited 19 (9 men) healthy volunteers (mean age 56 ± 9 SD years), assessed their peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and, on another day, measured heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and MSNA (microneurography) at rest and during 1‐leg cycling (2 min each at 0 load and 30%–40% VO2peak), 3 times: (1) seated +2 min of postexercise circulatory occlusion (PECO) (elicit muscle metaboreflex); (2) supine (stimulate cardiopulmonary baroreflexes);and (3) seated, breathing 32% oxygen (suppress peripheral chemoreceptor reflex). While seated, MSNA decreased similarly during mild and moderate exercise (p < 0.001) with no increase during PECO (p = 0.44). Supine posture lowered resting MSNA (main effect p = 0.01) BP and HR. MSNA fell further (p = 0.04) along with diastolic BP and HR during mild, not moderate, supine cycling. Hyperoxia attenuated resting (main effect p = 0.01), but not exercise MSNA. In healthy middle‐age, the cardiopulmonary baroreflex and arterial chemoreflex modulate resting MSNA, but contrary to previous observations in young subjects, without counter‐regulatory offset by the sympatho‐excitatory metaboreflex, resulting in an augmented sympatho‐inhibitory response to mild dynamic leg exercise.
Understanding micro-blogging users’ translanguaging in Chinese language play: a qualitative phenomenological approach
Authors: Lin Zhong , Wang Feifei , Mao Yifei , Wang Feng
Published: September 2023

Whilst existing studies have investigated ludic translanguaging practices in diverse contexts, little knowledge is available on dad jokes, a common language play phenomenon in Chinese online contexts. To fill this gap, focusing on dad jokes on the Weibo platform, this paper investigates how and why translanguaging practices operate in the Chinese language play by micro-blogging users. Drawing upon a theoretical framework of translanguaging and a qualitative phenomenological approach, four types of boundary-transcending language play: interlingual, image-based, trans-semiotic, and intercultural translanguaging play are identified in the current study. Results from semi-structured online interviews with voluntary participants revealed that such creative translanguaging further facilitated the ludic effects of dad jokes and ultimately constructed a humorous translanguaging space for viewers as a source of enjoyment. The findings enrich research literature on ludic translanguaging by demonstrating that the Weibo platform with multimodal semiotic resources provides new sociolinguistic affordances for inclusive, digital literacy practices in language play.
Regularity for convex viscosity solutions of Lagrangian mean curvature equation
Authors: Bhattacharya Arunima , Shankar Ravi
Published: September 2023

We show that convex viscosity solutions of the Lagrangian mean curvature equation are regular if the Lagrangian phase has Hölder continuous second derivatives.
Validation of two measures for assessing English vocabulary knowledge on web-based testing platforms: brief assessments
Authors: Drown Lee , Giovannone Nikole , Pisoni David B. , Theodore Rachel M.
Published: September 2023

Two measures for assessing English vocabulary knowledge, the Vocabulary Size Test (VST) and the Word Familiarity Test (WordFAM), were recently validated for web-based administration. An analysis of the psychometric properties of these assessments revealed high internal consistency, suggesting that stable assessment could be achieved with fewer test items. Because researchers may use these assessments in conjunction with other experimental tasks, the utility may be enhanced if they are shorter in duration. To this end, two “brief” versions of the VST and the WordFAM were developed and submitted to validation testing. Each version consisted of approximately half of the items from the full assessment, with novel items across each brief version. Participants (n = 85) completed one brief version of both the VST and the WordFAM at session one, followed by the other brief version of each assessment at session two. The results showed high test-retest reliability for both the VST (r = 0.68) and the WordFAM (r = 0.82). The assessments also showed moderate convergent validity (ranging from r = 0.38 to 0.59), indicative of assessment validity. This work provides open-source English vocabulary knowledge assessments with normative data that researchers can use to foster high quality data collection in web-based environments.
The crystal structure of methyl 5-nitro-2-(tosyloxy)benzoate, C15H13NO7S
Authors: Deng Shao-Wen , Yuan Lin , Li Zhong-Yan
Published: September 2023

C15H13NO7S, triclinic, P

1
‾

$\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 6.5990(11) Å, b = 7.7259(13) Å, c = 16.428(3) Å, α = 79.1416(18)°, β = 79.4782(16)°, γ = 81.1835(18)°, V = 802.6(2) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt
(F) = 0.0340, wRref
(F
2) = 0.0960, T = 296(2) K.
“Normal Is What We Make It, Right?” Ordinary Aesthetics and Uncanny Twists in Contemporary TV Series
Authors: Gerrits Jeroen
Published: September 2023

Contemporary TV shows, characterized by their complex narrative form, are designed to reveal the simple. They enable characters and viewers alike to discover the ordinary by coupling the everyday to an underworld populated by criminals, demons, vampires, and other kinds of “lowlifes.” I will argue here that the structure of the Möbius strip, or Escher twist, draws a particular aesthetic appeal at the intersection of these worlds. I call these twists uncanny in the Cavellian sense that the underworld, looking strangely familiar, has the capacity of making the ordinary look unfamiliar, inherently strange, and unstable. Rather than allowing us to judge the demonic or illegal, they disclose what is normally inaccessible to us precisely because it is so ordinary and simple, so familiar and in plain sight. I will support this idea of Escher-twisting from one world to another by analyzing examples fromTwin Peaks(ABC 1990-2, Showtime 2017),The Sopranos(HBO 1999-2007),Awake(NBC 2012), andOzark(Netflix 2017–2022).
Influence of betalain natural dye from red beet in gum acacia biopolymer: optical and electrical perspective
Authors: Mullick Himadri
Published: September 2023

In this study, the development and characterization of a plant-derived biopolymer, gum acacia, chemically modified by an herbal dye, red beetroot (Latin Beta vulgaris) has been presented. Red beetroot, a flowering plant with abundant phytochemicals, prevents diseases and produces colorful chromophores. Chromophores interact with incident intense electromagnetic field and thereby absorb radiation in ultraviolet and/or visible region of the spectrum, promoting low to high-level electron excitation between different energy states. Such transition influences variation in optical and electrical properties of the system. Optical properties of both biopolymer unmodified gum acacia specimen and after modification with red beet induced chromophore are investigated by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Pronounced light absorption is observed in the visible range of the spectrum compared to the unmodified specimen in which absorption is found to be observed in the deep ultraviolet range. Electrical characterization of the modified biopolymer with red beetroot extract suggests eviation from ideal dielectric relaxation obeying Debye mechanism. Electrical conductivity is found to be enhanced over pure specimen. These properties are eligible for application in energy storage devices, especially as a sensitizer in photovoltaic material which are ongoing extensive research area.
Dietary flavonoid myricetin 3-O-galactoside suppresses α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells by regulating PKA and ERK1/2 activation
Authors: Oh Jung Hwan , Karadeniz Fatih , Seo Youngwan , Kong Chang-Suk
Published: September 2023

Melanogenesis is the process where skin pigment melanin is produced through tyrosinase activity. Overproduction of melanin causes skin disorders such as freckles, spots, and hyperpigmentation. Myricetin 3-O-galactoside (M3G) is a dietary flavonoid with reported bioactivities. M3G was isolated from Limonium tetragonum and its anti-melanogenic properties were investigated in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. The in vitro anti-melanogenic capacity of M3G was confirmed by inhibited tyrosinase and melanin production. M3G-mediated suppression of melanogenic proteins, tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP)-1 and TRP-2, were confirmed by mRNA and protein levels, analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Furthermore, M3G suppressed Wnt signaling through the inhibition of PKA phosphorylation. M3G also suppressed the consequent phosphorylation of CREB and nuclear levels of MITF. Analysis of MAPK activation further revealed that M3G increased the activation of ERK1/2 while p38 and JNK activation remained unaffected. Results showed that M3G suppressed melanogenesis in B16F10 cells by decreasing tyrosinase production and therefore inhibiting melanin formation. A possible action mechanism was the suppression of CREB activation and upregulation of ERK phosphorylation which might cause the decreased nuclear levels of MITF. In conclusion, M3G was suggested to be a potential nutraceutical with anti-melanogenic properties.
Age Is Not Just a Number: The Intersection of Age, Orthopedic Injuries, and Worsening Outcomes Following Low-Energy Falls
Authors: Ranson Rachel , Esper Garrett W. , Covell Nicole , Dedhia Nicket , Ganta Abhishek , Egol Kenneth A. , Konda Sanjit R.
Published: September 2023

Background:

The purpose of this study is to stratify the age at which older adults are most likely to sustain injuries and major complications resulting from low-energy falls so that fall prevention strategies may be targeted to more susceptible age groups.

Methods:

A consecutive series of 12 709 patients older than 55 years enrolled in an orthopedic trauma registry from October 2014 to April 2021 were reviewed for demographic factors, hospital quality measures, and outcomes. Patients were grouped by age brackets in 5-year intervals. Comparative analyses were conducted across age groups with an additional post hoc analysis comparing the 75- to 79-year-old cohort with others. All statistical analyses were conducted utilizing a Bonferroni-adjusted alpha.

Results:

Of the 12 709 patients, 9924 patients (78%) sustained a low-energy fall. The mean age of the cohort was 75.3 (range: 55-106) years and the median number of complications per person was 1.0 (range: 0-7). The proportion of females increased across each age group. The mean Charlson Comorbidity Index increased across each age group, except in the cohort of 90+ years of age. There was a varied distribution of fractures among age groups with the incidence of hip fractures most prominently increasing with age. Complication rates varied significantly between all age groups. Between the ages of 70 to 74 years and 80 to 84 years, there was a 2-fold increase in complication rate, and between the ages of 70 to 74 years and 75 to 79 years, there was a near 2×/1.5×/1.4× increase in inpatient, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rate, respectively. When controlling for confounding demographic variables between age groups, the rates of complications and mortality still differed.

Conclusions:

Fall prevention interventions, while applicable to all older adult patients, could improve outcomes by offering additional resources particularly for individuals between 70 and 80 years of age. These additional resources can help minimize excessive hospitalizations, prolonged lengths of stay, and the detrimental complications that frequently coincide with falls. Although hip fractures are the most common fracture as patients get older, other fractures still occur with frequency, and fall prevention strategies should account for prevention of these injuries as well.
Neuropeptide Y Signaling Regulates Recurrent Excitation in the Auditory Midbrain
Authors: Silveira Marina A. , Drotos Audrey C. , Pirrone Trinity M. , Versalle Trevor S. , Bock Amanda , Roberts Michael T.
Published: September 2023

Neuropeptides play key roles in shaping the organization and function of neuronal circuits. In the inferior colliculus (IC), which is in the auditory midbrain, Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is expressed by a class of GABAergic neurons that project locally and outside the IC. Most neurons in the IC have local axon collaterals; however, the organization and function of local circuits in the IC remain unknown. We previously found that excitatory neurons in the IC can express the NPY Y1receptor (Y1R+) and application of the Y1R agonist, [Leu31, Pro34]-NPY (LP-NPY), decreases the excitability of Y1R+neurons. As NPY signaling regulates recurrent excitation in other brain regions, we hypothesized that Y1R+neurons form interconnected local circuits in the IC and that NPY decreases the strength of recurrent excitation in these circuits. To test this hypothesis, we used optogenetics to activate Y1R+neurons in mice of both sexes while recording from other neurons in the ipsilateral IC. We found that nearly 80% of glutamatergic IC neurons express the Y1receptor, providing extensive opportunities for NPY signaling to regulate local circuits. Additionally, Y1R+neuron synapses exhibited modest short-term synaptic plasticity, suggesting that local excitatory circuits maintain their influence over computations during sustained stimuli. We further found that application of LP-NPY decreased recurrent excitation in the IC, suggesting that NPY signaling strongly regulates local circuit function in the auditory midbrain. Our findings show that Y1R+excitatory neurons form interconnected local circuits in the IC, and their influence over local circuits is regulated by NPY signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTLocal networks play fundamental roles in shaping neuronal computations in the brain. The IC, localized in the auditory midbrain, plays an essential role in sound processing, but the organization of local circuits in the IC is largely unknown. Here, we show that IC neurons that express the Neuropeptide Y1receptor (Y1R+neurons) make up most of the excitatory neurons in the IC and form interconnected local circuits. Additionally, we found that NPY, which is a powerful neuromodulator known to shape neuronal activity in other brain regions, decreases the extensive recurrent excitation mediated by Y1R+neurons in local IC circuits. Thus, our results suggest that local NPY signaling is a key regulator of auditory computations in the IC.
Has COVID-19 affected the organisational culture of non-governmental organisations?
Authors: Mikušová Marie , Rydvalová Petra , Klabusayová Naděžda , Konečný František
Published: September 2023

Organisational culture, as one of the key features of any organisation, is related to its performance. This is also true for non-governmental organisations. The purpose of this research is to identify changes in the dimensions of the organisational culture of these organisations caused by the pandemic. Data from 586 respondents, identified through an online OCAI questionnaire, were collected for pre-COVID-19, current, and preferred state. Statistically significant representation of the dimensions was identified in the types of culture. It was found that hierarchy culture was prevalent in pre-COVID-19. The hypothesis of trying to increase competitiveness in times of threat was not confirmed. After COVID-19, clan culture prevailed. It can be noted that individual dimensions of organisational culture changed their location dramatically during the reporting period. But the dimensions in the preferred organisational culture returned mostly to the pre-pandemic state. According to McNemar’s test at an overall significance level of 0.05, there was a difference between the now and preferred periods for dominant characteristics in hierarchy type, organisational leadership in market and hierarchy type, management of employees in clan and hierarchy, strategic emphases in adhocracy type. Of the 24 options, a statistically significant difference was confirmed in six cases. The respondents do not significantly experience feelings of exhaustion or disruption of work-life balance in a post-pandemic situation. The practical findings emphasise the necessity for managers to know the location of dimensions, not only the type of organisational culture. Confirmed facts can help managers, leaders, and policy makers in choosing strategies for shaping organisational culture in non-governmental organisations to achieve the required performance.
Is banking and finance education producing sector-relevant personnel? Stakeholders’ psychological perceptions toward employment
Authors: El Sayed Ranim , Özgit Hale
Published: September 2023

While many studies have examined factors affecting graduate employability, few have examined the effects of stakeholders’ psychological perceptions. Uncovering the moderating effects of employability skills and experience becomes critical. This study examines the psychological perceptions of graduate programs, graduate employability modelling, interpersonal competencies, and the employability skills and experience required to produce sector-relevant personnel for the banking sector. Using structural equation modelling, we examine the relationships between the subject variables. 453 students and 33 lecturers were surveyed, and data sheets from a skills inventory were given to a random sample of 23 bank human resource managers in North Lebanon. The findings support the theory of beneficial interaction effects between interpersonal competencies and graduate employability.
Thin and transient meltwater layers and false bottoms in the Arctic sea ice pack—Recent insights on these historically overlooked features
Authors: Smith Madison M. , Angot Hélène , Chamberlain Emelia J. , Droste Elise S. , Karam Salar , Muilwijk Morven , Webb Alison L. , Archer Stephen D. , Beck Ivo , Blomquist Byron W. , Bowman Jeff , Boyer Matthew , Bozzato Deborah , Chierici Melissa , Creamean Jessie , D’Angelo Alessandra , Delille Bruno , Fer Ilker , Fong Allison A. , Fransson Agneta , Fuchs Niels , Gardner Jessie , Granskog Mats A. , Hoppe Clara J. M. , Hoppema Mario , Hoppmann Mario , Mock Thomas , Muller Sofia , Müller Oliver , Nicolaus Marcel , Nomura Daiki , Petäjä Tuukka , Salganik Evgenii , Schmale Julia , Schmidt Katrin , Schulz Kirstin M. , Shupe Matthew D. , Stefels Jacqueline , Thielke Linda , Tippenhauer Sandra , Ulfsbo Adam , van Leeuwe Maria , Webster Melinda , Yoshimura Masaki , Zhan Liyang
Published: September 2023

The rapid melt of snow and sea ice during the Arctic summer provides a significant source of low-salinity meltwater to the surface ocean on the local scale. The accumulation of this meltwater on, under, and around sea ice floes can result in relatively thin meltwater layers in the upper ocean. Due to the small-scale nature of these upper-ocean features, typically on the order of 1 m thick or less, they are rarely detected by standard methods, but are nevertheless pervasive and critically important in Arctic summer. Observations during the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition in summer 2020 focused on the evolution of such layers and made significant advancements in understanding their role in the coupled Arctic system. Here we provide a review of thin meltwater layers in the Arctic, with emphasis on the new findings from MOSAiC. Both prior and recent observational datasets indicate an intermittent yet long-lasting (weeks to months) meltwater layer in the upper ocean on the order of 0.1 m to 1.0 m in thickness, with a large spatial range. The presence of meltwater layers impacts the physical system by reducing bottom ice melt and allowing new ice formation via false bottom growth. Collectively, the meltwater layer and false bottoms reduce atmosphere-ocean exchanges of momentum, energy, and material. The impacts on the coupled Arctic system are far-reaching, including acting as a barrier for nutrient and gas exchange and impacting ecosystem diversity and productivity.
Sociodemographic aspects and functional capacity associated with physical violence in hospitalized elderly people
Authors: Brandão Bárbara Maria Lopes da Silva , Araújo-Monteiro Gleicy Karine Nascimento de , Santos-Rodrigues Renata Clemente dos , Souto Rafaella Queiroga , Gomes Idalina Delfino , Reis Igor de Oliveira
Published: September 2023

Objective: to analyze the association between sociodemographic aspects and functional capacity and physical violence in hospitalized elderly people. Methods: this was a multi-center, cross-sectional study of 323 elderly people treated at two university hospitals. The Conflict Tactics Scales, the scales for assessing basic and instrumental activities of daily living and a questionnaire adapted for assessing advanced activities of daily living were used. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: individual activities of daily living were associated with major physical violence through the regression model, indicating an inversely proportional relationship between the variables, and independent elderly people for these activities are those who do not experience major physical violence (p=0.037). Conclusion: the functional independence for instrumental activities of elderly inpatients is related to a lower probability of being a victim of physical violence. Contributions to practice: the study points to unique findings in the relationship between physical violence and functional capacity, so that each type of activity of daily living can result in a different outcome for physical violence. It also confirms the importance of individual and contextualized assessments in the hospital environment, which can influence the conditioning factors for this condition.
The constructive path of the manager nurse: a grounded theory
Authors: Pestana Sandra Maria da Cruz , Martins Maria Manuela Ferreira Pereira da Silva , Rodrigues Cecília Maria
Published: September 2023

Objective: to understand how nurses experience the succession planning of manager nurses. Methods: qualitative study using grounded theory as a theoretical and methodological reference, with a sample of 20 nurses. Data collection took place through interviews, content analysis, and the conceptual model originated from the coding process. Results: the process of succession planning is informally implemented in the diagnosis of head nurses, but there are some gaps in the systematization of the process. The selection processes, the leadership profile, and experience stand out in the diagnosis, and a casual experience in management is relevant for the preparation of head nurses. Although this is necessary, there are still obstacles, such as the resistance of managers, the turnover of hospital administration councils, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: nurses interviewed highlighted many benefits from the planning of succession, but find obstacles to its implementation, which contributes to the reluctance of head nurses to actively participate. Contributions to practice: the theoretical-conceptual model can contribute to change and systematically structure the constructive path of manager nurses, allowing the identification of conditions that promote or limit the diagnosis, education, and development of these professionals.
Intramuscular drug administration: characterization of Brazilian videos on YouTube®
Authors: Alves Luana Gabriele Souza , Magnabosco Patricia , Godoy Simone de , Toneti Bruna Franciele , Marchi-Alves Leila Maria
Published: September 2023

Objective: to characterize videos that contain a demonstration of the procedure for administering drugs intramuscularly to adults. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study, 44 Brazilian videos available on YouTube® were selected which addressed the procedure of intramuscular drug administration. Results: the majority of the videos selected are of personal origin (86.4%), were made by a Nursing technician (59.1%), used the dorsal gluteal region as the injection spot (54.5%), and were produced in a healthcare environment using a patient to demonstrate the procedure (52.3%). No video showed the completeness of the procedure, and a high frequency of errors was identified at all stages of the procedure. There was a statistically significant difference between the reliability and popularity tests of the videos (p=0.042). Conclusion: the videos on intramuscular drug administration available on the YouTube® platform were considered to be up-to-date, of little relevance, produced by unreliable sources, of low accuracy, and with a weak purpose. Contributions to practice: the videos available on the YouTube® platform on intramuscular drug administration should not be used as educational material for professional training or updating.
FT-IR Spectroscopic Study of the Radiation-Chemical Decomposition of n-Hexane on Nano-ZrO2
Authors: Agayev T.N. , Gadzhieva N.N. , Melikova S.Z. , Musayeva Sh.Z. , Aliyev A.G.
Published: September 2023

The radiation-chemical decomposition of n-hexane in the nano-ZrO2 +n-hexane system under the action of gamma radiation at room temperature is studied by the method of Fourier-IR spectroscopy. The molecular and dissociative form of adsorption of n-hexane in zirconium nanodioxide was revealed. The intermediate products of the radiation-heterogeneous decomposition of n-hexane were analyzed.