bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Tribulus Terrestris Extract and Endurance Training on Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Markers in the Kidney Tissue of Rats, Poisoned with Arsenic
Authors: Farokhi Fatemeh , Peeri Maghsoud , Azarbayjani Mohammad Ali , Hosseini Seyed Ali
Published: January 2023

Background: Inorganic arsenic (As) has destructive effects on the kidneys. The exact mechanism and effects of Tribulus terrestris (TT) and endurance training (ET) on renal apoptosis and oxidative stress are not quite clear. Objectives: The effects of ET and TT on apoptotic markers and oxidative stress were examined in the kidney tissue of rats, poisoned with As. Methods: In total, 49 rats were randomly allocated to seven groups: (1) control; (2) As (68 mg/L/day for 8 weeks); (3) As + 5 mg/kg TT (As + TT5); (4) As + 10 mg/kg TT (As + TT10); (5) As + ET (running on a treadmill, five sessions each week, for eight weeks); (6) As + ET + 5 mg/kg TT (As + ET + TT5); and (7) As + ET + 10 mg/kg TT (As + ET + TT10). At the end of 8 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and levels of cytochrome-C (Cyt-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in their kidney tissues were measured. Results: Renal Cyt-C, MDA, PAB, and MGMT decreased by ET (P≤0.05). ATP levels increased in TT5, TT10, ET + TT5, and ET + TT10 groups (P ≤ 0.05), while Cyt-C, MDA, PAB, and MGMT decreased in these four groups (P ≤ 0.05). Reduction of Cyt-C, MDA, PAB, and MGMT was greater in TT10 than in TT5 group and in ET + TT10 than in ET + TT5 group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: ET and TT, synergistically and/or alone, reduced oxidative stress and apoptotic markers in the kidney tissues of rats. A dose-dependent effect was observed for TT.
EFEITOS DA PANDEMIA E GOVERNANÇA NA TEMPESTIVIDADE DOS RELATÓRIOS FINANCEIROS DE COMPANHIAS ABERTAS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Souza Paulo Vitor Souza de , Morais Henrique Carvalho Bezerra , Braga João Gabriel dos Santos
Published: January 2023

Este estudo objetivou verificar se há diferença significativa na tempestividade dos relatórios financeiros das companhias em relação ao nível de governança corporativa e início da pandemia. Selecionaram-se 575 empresas, com dados trimestrais entre 2019 e 2020, totalizando 3447 observações. Utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico da soma dos postos de Wilcoxon, devido a ausência de normalidade. Os resultados indicaram que as empresas: passaram a publicar relatórios mais tempestivos pós início da pandemia; em níveis diferenciados de governança apresentam relatórios mais tempestivos; com nível diferenciado de governança durante a pandemia forneceram relatórios mais tempestivos. Adicionalmente, não houve mudança na tempestividade das companhias listadas em níveis tradicionais de governança quando comparado o antes e depois início da pandemia.
RELATION BETWEEN CONSUMPTION AND FEAR OF COVID-19: A BRAZILIAN POST-VACCINE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Merlo Edgard , Giraldi Janaina de Moura Engracia , Berto Matheus
Published: January 2023

Seventeen months after the decree of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a different panorama about the influence of the new Coronavirus and its influence on social and consumption behavior. Thus, this study aims to verify changes in the feeling of fear of COVID-19 and in consumer relations, comparing the results of this research with those of others carried out at the beginning of the pandemic. For this research, a self-administered electronic questionnaire was answered by 246 online shoppers. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and a correlation matrix. The results showed an increase in purchases in virtual stores and local markets, but they have not proven to stock food and products for daily use, contrary to the literature. The survey also found behavioral differences between respondents up to 38 years old (among whom there was a strong perception of fear and intense nervousness with news related to COVID-19) and participants over this age (among whom there was annoyance with the pandemic, but a low sense of fear. Since we conducted this study 17 months after the declaration of the pandemic, our results reflect not only how the fear of COVID-19 changed consumer behavior but also how it varied amidst a more optimistic scenario resembling pre-pandemic scenarios. As suggestions for future studies, we highlight the analysis of the role of moderators such as gender and age.
Zipriztinen distira. Reseña de Mo Yan, Hori da umorea, maisu! Elkar, 2013
Authors: Azpirotz Larzabal Olatz
Published: January 2023

Guan Moye (Gaomi, Shandong, 1995) idazleak idatzitako Shifu yuelaiyue youmo ipuin bilduma 1999. urtean argitaratu zen jatorrizko hizkuntzan eta ordutik, hainbat hizkuntzatara itzulia izan da, tartean, euskara. Gurera Maialen Marin eta Aiora Jaka itzultzaileek ekarri zuten 2013. urtean, zehazki Mo Yanek Literatura Nobela irabazi eta urtebetera. Itzulpena, 2012. urteko Jokin Zatiegi Sariari esker egin zen, sari horren helburua Literatura Nobela irabazitako obrak euskarara ekartzea baita.
Reseña de Yan Lianke, Los besos de Lenin, Automática Editorial, 2015
Authors: Arteta Irujo Eduardo
Published: January 2023

Una saga familiar atípica y la historia de China del s. XX (y su proyección en el pasado). Esto sería una reseña concisa de Los besos de Lenin, de Yan Lianke, novela publicada por Automática Editorial en 2015 (el original en chino se publicó en 2004), con traducción de Belén Cuadra Mora.
Vestigios arqueológicos del Pirineo Occidental. Una frontera en guerra (1793-1813)
Authors: Zuazúa Wegener Nicolás , Zuza Astiz Carlos
Published: January 2023

El artículo aborda las huellas dejadas en el territorio en el entorno fronterizo franco-español del paso de Ibañeta, en el contexto de los conflictos de la Guerra contra la Convención (1793-1795) y la Guerra de Independencia Española (1808-1813). Se presta especial atención a los vestigios en forma de reductos artilleros y líneas de trinchera que jalonan las alturas desde Lindux-Xapelarriko Kaskoa (términos de Erro, Auritz/Burguete y Luzaide/Valcarlos) por el lado occidental, hasta Harrespila (término de Orbaizeta). Mediante el análisis del territorio y la investigación documental se realiza un acercamiento a los acontecimientos en forma de ocupación militar, batallas y escaramuzas que se dan en el contexto de ambas guerras en este estratégico paso de montaña. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el contexto de la realización de una serie de rutas turísticas promovidas por el ayuntamiento de Auritz/Burguete con apoyo de Cederna/Gurelur que puso en valor este patrimonio aunando turismo, paisaje y cultura dentro del proyecto Ruta Wellington.
The Role of the EU in the Management of the Covid-19 Crisis
Authors: Cebotari Svetlana , Bevziuc Victoria
Published: January 2023

Although the European Union's actions on the management of the Covid-19 crisis have been harshly criticized by the lack of dedicated mechanisms to protect the health of European citizens, an analysis of EU action in the field of health will give us the opportunity to know and understand the situation created in the European area as a result of the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. This Article aims to highlight the main actions taken by the EU in the field of health and in the management of the Covid-19 crisis.
Freedom to Religious Belonging and the Crime Rate Across the European Continent
Authors: Feier Eduard , Mucea Bogdan Nicolae
Published: January 2023

Over time, people have focused their attention not only on faith and atheism, but also on the concept of religious tolerance. With the founding and expansion of the Islamic State, with the establishment of terrorist groups, formed and based on religious ideologies, the above-mentioned discussion has extended considerably. The information presented in this paper is meant to strengthen intercultural religious tolerance and provide support for debates on tolerance and acceptance of the diversity of faith and human security.
The 10 November Ceasefire Agreement in the Nagorno-Karabakh Prolonged Conflict: First Step Towards Settlement or New Freezing?
Authors: Ciobanu Luminița
Published: January 2023

The common declaration signed by the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia on November 9, 2020, put an end to the one month and a half military clashes that had taken place in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone (Nagorno-Karabakh proper and the seven adjacent districts surrounding it) since September 27, 2020. The entry of the Russian troops into the region represents, in fact, a new “frozening” of the conflict on the new alignments of the troops (which are becoming the new “Line of Contact”), for an indefinite period of time. While Azerbaijan has fulfilled most of its objectives, taking back the seven adjacent districts and the southern part of Nagorno-Karabakh proper, it has not succeeded in taking back Nagorno-Karabakh entirely. Moreover, the status of Nagorno-Karabakh remains undetermined, which also leaves room to further tensions and/or negotiations.
Comprendre le conflit actuel de l‘Ituri
Authors: Urs Andreea Bianca
Published: January 2023

Depuis plusieurs siècles, les groupes ethniques Hema et Lendu s’accusent réciproquement de volonté d’extermination. L’anneé 2020 a apporté un revirement de la violence à plusieurs niveaux. Subdivisé en trois sections, ce travail adopte principalement une approche descriptive, afin de pouvoir apporter une éclaircissement sur complexité de la problématique évoquée. À travers le temps, sur le soustrait ethnique conflictuel ont été déposées des éléments tout aussi explosifs qui ont généré le conflit interminable qu’on connait aujourd’hui.
The Rights of the National Minorities in Romania from an Educational Perspective in the Interwar Period
Authors: Mocernac Alexandru Gheorghe
Published: January 2023

The educational rights of minorities have always reflected not only the degree of openness of a state, but also the regime in power in that country. Currently, the national minorities in Romania enjoy full rights, which make our state an example of good practices in this regard, but this has not always been the case. This is the reason why, in this article, I chose to focus on the interwar period, a period that offers us an overview of the stages that Romania has gone through in regard of educational rights for the national minorities.
Pinjaman Online dan Keabsahannya Menurut Hukum Perjanjian Islam
Authors: Hidayat Agung , Azizah Nur , Ridwan Muannif
Published: January 2023

The need for funds or working capital will attract borrowers to use online lending and lending services. Practicality without knowing place and time and being able to use existing platforms makes interest in using these online loan services increasingly widespread. However, whether the agreement contained in the agreement and the nature of the agreement is in accordance with the rules of Islamic contract law. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method and the type of research is library research, which collects data or writings related to Islamic contract law which is library in nature. Qualitative descriptive research is a combination of descriptive and qualitative research. Qualitative descriptive research displays data results according to the original without any manipulation process or other treatment. The conclusion of this study is that online loans which are also called fintech (financial technology) are financial services in the form of loans and their applications use internet network information technology, and where agreements are made without direct meetings between the lender and the loan recipient. The principle of sharia-based lending and borrowing must be guided by the Fatwa of the National Sharia Council. Indonesian Ulama Council No: 117/DSN-MUI/II/2018 concerning Information Technology-Based Financing Services Based on Sharia Principles, in addition to the rules issued by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) as another general guideline. The validity of online loans according to Islamic contract law must meet the specified pillars and conditions, and not use the practice of usury, gambling, obscurity, bribery, and vanity. BASYARNAS is a dispute resolution institution for the field of sharia economics, in addition to the Religious Courts.
PENDIDIKAN KESEHATAN TENTANG HIPERTENSI DAN POLA HIDUP SEHAT PADA WANITA USIA SUBUR DI RT 05 RW 06 KELURAHAN LENGKONGSARI KECAMATAN TAWANG KOTA TASIKMALAYA
Authors: Rismawati Sariestya , Putri Dinda Hermalia
Published: January 2023

Hipertensi saat ini tercatat sebagai salah satu penyakit yang menyebabkan kematian dini di dunia. Umumnya ipertensi ditemukan pada orang dengan usia lanjut. Namun saat ini, hipertensi juga banyak ditemukan pada usia reproduksi, salah satunya pada Wanita Usia Subur (WUS). Data menunjukkan bahwa kejadian hipertensi pada WUS di Indonesia yaitu sekitar 36,9%. Selain karena faktor umur dan riwayat keluarga, hipertensi juga dapat terjadi karena kebiasaan hidup yang kurang sehat seperti kebiasaan merokok, kurangnya konsumsi buah dan sayur, kurangnya aktifitas fisik, penggunaan kontrasepsi hormonal dan lain sebagainya.

Tujuan kegiatan ini adalah sebagai upaya untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan tentang hipertensi dan pola hidup sehat pada Wanita Usia Subur (WUS). Metode pelaksanaan pengabdian masyarakat yang digunakan berupa pendidikan kesehatan yang dilengkapi dengan pemeriksaan dan giat kesehatan. Setelah dilakukan pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini terdapat peningkatan pengetahuan tentang hipertensi dan pola hidup sehat. Saran untuk kedepan agar wanita usia subur dapat menjaga kesehatan diri dan keluarga dengan menjalankan pola hidup sehat, pemeriksaan berkala memberdayakan diri dengan menambah pengetahuan tentang kesehatan dari berbagai sumber.
Towards a Vigilant Society
Authors: Gardenier Matthijs
Published: January 2023

Towards a Vigilant Society sheds light on the emergence of a new society of vigilance, in particular the actions of anti-migrant groups around Dover and Calais. Based on field research on both sides of the channel, it studies the dynamics of these groups – midway between a social movement and vigilantism – at these two key points in the international migration route between the European Union and the United Kingdom. In recent years, a series of anti-migrant groups have been mobilising on both sides of the Channel to counter migrations. Their actions range from demonstrations, to violence against migrants. And by staging their actions on social media, which is an extraordinary sounding board, these groups can build an online community and a mass audience, influencing public opinion and even the migration policies of states.
Hábitos de lectura y rendimiento académico en la educación general básica
Authors: Guaman Onate Maria Alexandra
Published: January 2023

La lectura es una práctica fundamental para el desarrollo educativo, además de la base para experimentar realidades a través de las letras y desarrollar las habilidades socioafectivas. Esta actividad también se ve afectada por los diversos contextos socioeconómicos y la transformación de las interacciones sociales. Por lo tanto, el presente artículo busca compartir resultados de una investigación que tuvo por objetivo determinar la motivación lectora en los estudiantes del séptimo año de Educación General Básica de la escuela Luis Godin en Quito, Ecuador. Para ello, el estudio se construyó a través de un enfoque cuasiexperimental y se aplicaron los instrumentos de recolección de datos (entrevistas y encuestas) sobre una muestra selecta de 78 estudiantes. A partir de ello, los resultados muestran que los niños tienen poco interés por la lectura, puesto que cuando leen frecuentemente lo hacen solo por cumplir una tarea u obligación, por lo que condicionan la práctica a cuestiones exógenas y no por el disfrute de la lectura en el interior del individuo. Ante esta realidad, se proponen estrategias educativas didácticas que ayuden a los docentes a promover que los niños desarrollen hábitos de lectura que les permitan mejorar sus aprendizajes.
Gestión e integración de políticas educativas según la percepción de los usuarios de la UGEL - Perú
Authors: Pena Curi Karina Marlene
Published: January 2023

El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como principal objetivo determinar la relación entre la gestión e integración de políticas educativas en la Unidad de gestión educativa local (UGEL). La investigación desarrollada presenta un diseño no experimental descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal, donde la población en estudio fue constituida por 97 trabajadores con más de tres años en diferentes condiciones de contrato laboral. La muestra fue determinada mediante fórmula estadística dando un valor de 78 usuarios de la UGEL. Esta muestra seleccionada se relacionó con las variables en estudio, usando como técnica e instrumento de recolección de información la encuesta y cuestionario respectivamente. Los métodos de análisis de datos se determinaron a nivel descriptivo, nivel inferencial y finalmente con la prueba de hipótesis. A partir de este análisis, los resultados arrojaron que el 32.1% de encuestados afirman que la gestión y políticas educativas integradas son consideradas buenas, además el 28.2% de los encuestados consideran que tanto la gestión y las políticas son regulares. A nivel inferencial, se obtuvo que la correlación de variables es directa positiva y de intensidad alta, concluyendo que la UGEL atiende las necesidades cognitivas de estudiantes y profesores al concretar las políticas educativas y permite que la gestión sea exitosa.
Servicio educativo de calidad y competencias administrativas en la percepción de los usuarios de la UGEL-Perú
Authors: Flores Chuchon Fritz
Published: January 2023

La presente investigación tiene como propósito determinar la relación existente entre el servicio educativo de calidad y las competencias administrativas en la Unidad de Gestión Educativa Local (UGEL). El tipo de investigación es de carácter cuantitativo y se empleó un diseño no experimental descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal. La población fue de 110 personas entre nombrados y contratados de la UGEL de Huamanga, de los que en la muestra participaron un total de 86 usuarios. La recolección de datos se hizo mediante el uso de técnicas e instrumentos, como la encuesta y el cuestionario, respectivamente. Este último fue correctamente validado por el juicio de expertos y verificado mediante el estadístico de Alpha de Cronbach. La técnica e instrumento seleccionados fueron aplicados a la muestra calculada con la finalidad de recoger las percepciones respecto a las variables mencionadas. El procesamiento y análisis de datos se realizó a través de la estadística descriptiva e inferencial, así como la prueba de hipótesis, expuestos a través de tablas y gráficas. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el 1.2?% de los encuestados manifiestan que el servicio educativo de calidad y las competencias administrativas son deficientes; el 51.2?%, que son regulares; el 16.8?%, que son buenos, y el 2.3?%, que son excelentes. De igual manera, se obtuvo un valor estadígrafo Rho de Spearman de 0.726, que demuestra la intensidad fuerte de correlación entre las variables estudiadas.
The first impasse, a drop of darkness: Influence of gnostic teachings on Emil Cioran's antinatalistic thought
Authors: Trifunović Boban
Published: January 2023

In this paper we have shown that there are numerous Gnostic elements in the works of Emil Cioran, which have become closely interwoven with his worldview over the years. We have also shown that almost every aspect of Gnostic philosophy is present in his fragments, interpreted and elaborated in its own unique way, including the idea of a Creator, an evil demiurge responsible for the creation of this world and the universe, the idea that matter itself is evil, implying that life itself, formed from this matter, is also evil. We have found, however, that of all material things, Cioran considered man to be the worst of all creations, who should no longer reproduce in order to put an end to the suffering known by the mere fact of existence. Cioran's anti-natalist thinking is certainly a product of his preoccupation with Gnosticism and the Romanian Gnostic traditions, especially the Bogumil and Cathar heritage. By dealing with Cioran's antinatalism, we have brought his own work and antinatalist thought to the Serbian academic world, where it was previously completely unknown. We have also managed to connect Cioran's thoughts with those of the French moralists, Buddhism, Marquis de Sade, Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche.
New fragrance allergen in the international patch test series: Evernia furfuracea Recommendation for inclusion in the Hungarian standard patch test series
Authors:   Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Dermatology Venereology and Dermatooncology, Jagodich Mira , Németh Dominik , Pónyai Györgyi
Published: January 2023

Evernia furfuracea (tree moss), is a moss occurring in various pine trees, its extract is widely used in the perfume industry. It can be found in cosmetics (perfumes, lotions, shower gels, deodorants, facial cleansers, make-up products, and shaving products). According to international literature, the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis caused by Evernia furfuracea is estimated to be between 2.1 and 6.37%. The present article describes the frequency and the characteristics (age, gender, distribution by localization) of Evernia furfuracea sensitization in patients patch tested between 2018 and 2021 at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Dermatooncology of the Semmelweis University. The incidence of sensitization increased over the years. 75% of the sensitized patients were female, with an average age of 46.82 years, 25-25% of them belonged to the age group of 30-39 years and 50-59 years. Patients sensitized with Evernia furfuracea mostly developed allergic contact dermatitis symptoms on their hands and faces. The positive patch test reactions occurred mainly in the 72nd hour. The most common co-sensitizations were Pix, colophonium, methylisothiazolinone, and fragrance mix I. 17.86% of the Evernia furfuracea sensitized patients had a history of atopic dermatitis. According to our results, we recommend the inclusion of Evernia furfuracea in the Hungarian standard patch test series.
Conservative treatment of hemifacial atrophy with volume replacement of hyaluronic acid
Authors:   Dermart Clinic Budapest, Czirbesz Kata , Baranyai Fanni , Cakir Ugur , Haller Ákos , Pónyai Katinka
Published: January 2023

Idiopathic localized hemifacial atrophy or Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rare, autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, characterized by unilateral progressive atrophy of the face, which may involve the subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone. It may result in severe facial asymmetry. In the inactive, stabile stage, after the progression of the atrophy, aesthetic treatments (fat transplantation, lipo injection, botulinum toxin, fillers) can greatly improve the quality of life of patients. In our case report, we would like to present two patients in whom we successfully corrected the asymmetry caused by the disease with hyaluronic acid volume replacement and other aesthetic treatments, thus greatly improving the quality of life of these patients.
Possibilities of CTLA-4 blockade in the management of melanoma – new expectations and new challenges
Authors:   University of Debrecen – Medical Center – Department of Dermatology, Szabó Imre Lőrinc , Petró Mátyás , Ványai Beatrix , Emri Gabriella
Published: January 2023

The prevalence of melanoma is increasing worldwide, resulting in rising numbers of advanced cases demanding complex management. In the last decade, novel treatment options have become available that can achieve complete regression in patients with metastatic melanoma. Successful basic and clinical research partly focused on the development of inhibitors targeting identified mutant proteins that play a significant role in tumour progression. Nevertheless, the effects of these targeted therapies do not benefit patients without specific mutations. However, enhancing anti-tumour immune response by immune checkpoint inhibitors may be promising independently of tumour mutation status. In this paper, we describe CTLA-4-based treatment options, moreover we also report three cases representing possibilities of their practical application.
Prevention and treatment of periwound complications in the treatment of chronic non-healing leg ulcers
Authors:   Dél-Pest Center Hospital - National Institute of Hematology and Infectology, Dermatology Specialist clinic and Caregiver, Budapest, Rédling Marianna , Telkes Márta
Published: January 2023

Chronic non-healing lower extremity ulcers represent a significant burden for the patient and society. Periwound breakdown delays wound healing, worsens patients’ quality of life, and increases the costs of wound treatment. Damage to the periwound area may result from moisture-associated skin damage, medical-adhesive related skin injury, contact dermatitis, and infections. Essential elements of preventing periwound complications are identifying predisposing risk factors for periwound damage, regular assessment of the condition of the periwound area, proper wound treatment technique, and exudate control. Timely detection and rapid multidisciplinary treatment of complications are necessary
Participation in the nationwide cervical cancer screening programme in Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic: An observational study
Authors: Olesen Tina Bech , Jensen Henry , Møller Henrik , Jensen Jens Winther , Waldstrøm Marianne , Andersen Berit
Published: January 2023

Background:

In contrast to most of the world, the cervical cancer screening programme continued in Denmark throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the cervical cancer screening participation during the pandemic in Denmark.

Methods:

We included all women aged 23–64 y old invited to participate in cervical cancer screening from 2015 to 2021 as registered in the Cervical Cancer Screening Database combined with population-wide registries. Using a generalised linear model, we estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs of cervical cancer screening participation within 90, 180, and 365 d since invitation during the pandemic in comparison with the previous years adjusting for age, year, and month of invitation.

Results:

Altogether, 2,220,000 invited women (in 1,466,353 individuals) were included in the study. Before the pandemic, 36% of invited women participated in screening within 90 d, 54% participated within 180 d, and 65% participated within 365 d. At the start of the pandemic, participation in cervical cancer screening within 90 d was lower (pre-lockdown PR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.56–0.59 and first lockdown PR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.75–0.77) compared with the previous years. A reduction in participation within 180 d was also seen during pre-lockdown (PR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.88–0.90) and first lockdown (PR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.91–0.93). Allowing for 365 d to participation, only a slight reduction (3%) in participation was seen with slightly lower participation in some groups (immigrants, low education, and low income).

Conclusions:

The overall participation in cervical cancer screening was reduced during the early phase of the pandemic. However, the decline almost diminished with longer follow-up time.

Funding:

The study was funded by the Danish Cancer Society Scientific Committee (grant number R321-A17417) and the Danish regions.
Perspectives of the Saudi medical students toward the impact of lockdowns on their physical activity level and lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alrushud Asma , Alamam Dalyah , Almurdi Muneera , Dablan Ghaliah A. , Alghamdi Alanoud A. , Almazyad Fatimah K. , Alhamdani Malak A. , Alqarni Khlood A. , Alzahrani Hosam
Published: January 2023

Background

Physical activity (PA) level is affected by various factors in university students. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, the Saudi Ministry of Education announced the closure of schools and universities as a preventive measure. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on PA levels and other lifestyle aspects among the Saudi medical students and to explore their perspectives toward it.

Methods

Three hundred ninety-six medical students have completed the survey, which consisted of three sections: (1) participant’s demographic data; (2) five statements about the PA and the lockdown; and (3) the International PA Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF).

Results

About 63.9% of the participants were female, and 60.4% were of normal weight. Approximately 80% of participants were classified as inactive. Regarding the perspective of the students, 52.8% reported that they were not exercising regularly in the gym before the lockdown, and 46.9% reported that the lockdown and transition to online learning affected their compliance with exercise. During the lockdown and shift to online learning, the majority of participants experienced decreased PA levels, 42.4% experienced weight gain, and 53.6% reported a negative impact on their psychological status.

Conclusion

Generally, the results of this study showed that the COVID-19 had a negative influence on the PA level, as well as other lifestyle aspects (e.g., gaining weight) and psychological status of medical students. This study highlights aspects where universities and institutions delivering medical education can use resources to improve students’ well-being during pandemics.
Enzyme Activities in Tissues of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Mullet Fish (Liza falcipinus) and Crab (Callinectes amnicola) from Oil Impacted Abuloma and Woji Jetties, Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: George M. S. , Nwaichi E. O. , Monago-Ighorode C.
Published: January 2023

This research was carried out to examine the distribution of enzymatic activities of some tissues (liver, muscles and gills) of selected aquatic organisms (Nile tilapia, Mullet fish and Crab) collected from some crude oil polluted rivers (Abuloma Jetty and Woji Jetty) and Ojimba-ama a non-oil polluted area which served as control. The aquatic organisms were obtained from rivers which are used as jetty for transportation of petroleum products and other industrial activities like welding, dredging, refuse dump, etc. Enzyme activities of fish and crab tissues (liver, muscles and gills) were measured for some biomarker enzymes such as catalase, rhodanase and glutathione S-transferase. Results were shown in means of triplicate values which were subjected to statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Enzyme activity in Nile tilapia across the three locations ranged from 44.39±0.01 μ/mgprotein to 171.45±0.01 μ/mgprotein with GST in gills having the lowest value and rhodanase in the liver recording the highest value. Enzyme activity in Mullet across the three locations ranged from 18.58±0.10 μ/mgprotein to 120.37±0.02 μ/mgprotein with catalase in muscles having the lowest value and rhodanase in the liver recording the highest value.  Enzyme activity in Crab across the three locations ranged from 40.79±0.03 μ/mgprotein to 130.72±0.01 μ/mgprotein with GST in gills having the lowest value and rhodanase in the liver recording the highest value.  Rhodanase showed the highest level of enzyme activity in all the tissues. Liver recorded the highest enzyme activity across all samples from the three locations which may be as a result of the liver being the principal detoxification organ for xenobiotic substances. From this study, there was an increase in the enzyme activities of the biomarkers across all the tissues which indicate a contamination from pollutants capable of causing oxidative stress in the organisms.
Macronutrient Status and Soil Chemical Properties as Influenced by Methods and Schedule of Fertilization in Karnal Alfisols under Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Cultivation
Authors: Kamboj Ankush , Khokhar Kiran , Chand Mehar , Vikas . , Kumar Satender , Singh Udaypal
Published: January 2023

An experiment was conducted at the Regional Research Station , Uchani (Karnal) of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India during 2020-21 to assess the effect of the method and schedule of fertilizer application on macronutrient status viz. available Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and potassium(K) and soil chemical properties i.e. soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC)  and soil organic carbon (SOC) at different intervals of the crop growth period. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with two methods of fertilizer application (B1-broadcasting and B2- band placement) as main plot treatments and four sub plot treatments consisting of the application of recommended doses of  N and K fertilizer (RDF) in the different number of splits at different number of days after planting (DAP) i.e. T1(five splits), T2(six splits), T3(seven splits) and T4(three splits). Results elucidated that the availability of all the macronutrients was significantly affected by  both sub and main-plot treatments at different stages of crop growth period. Available N content was found to be significantly higher in B2 compared to B1 at all the time intervals from 75 DAP (131.86 Kg ha-1 ) to harvest (145.91 Kg ha-1 ) reaching the maximum at 180 DAP (142.80 Kg ha-1). Among the sub plot treatments, T4 and T1 respectively reported significantly higher values of available N from 75 DAP (134.51 Kg ha-1 ) to 90 DAP (147.08 Kg ha-1) and 90 DAP(153.10 Kg ha-1) to 150 DAP(162.11 Kg ha-1). At 180 DAP and at the time of harvesting, significantly higher values of available N (159.21 Kg ha-1  and  157.01Kg ha-1 ) were observed in treatments receiving fertilizer in T2 and T3 splits respectively. Available K content was significantly higher in B1 compared to B2 at all the time intervals except at 0, 150, 180 DAP and at harvest where the difference was not significant. Higher values of available K were reported under T4 upto 75 DAP (225.30 Kg ha-1) and thereafter, T1 exhibited significantly higher available K values upto 150 DAP (222.06 Kg ha-1). At 180 DAP and at the time of harvesting, significantly higher values of available K (225.10 Kg ha-1  227.48 Kg ha-1) were observed in T2 and T3 respectively. Available P content was significantly higher (24.63 Kg ha-1) in B1 compared to B2 at the time of harvesting.  Soil pH, EC and SOC did not registered any significant change under any treatment. Overall treatment B2 and T1 emerged out be best among main and sub-plot treatments respectively. Availing the suitable methods and schedule of fertilization improved the status of micronutrients in soil during the active growth stage of crop.
Comparative Roles of HBB5 Biosurfactant and Poultry Wastes in Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon Biodegradiation of Crude Oil-contaminated Sediment
Authors: Nkwocha I. L. , Odokuma L. O. , Ogugbue C. J.
Published: January 2023

The comparative study of poultry wastes- and HBB5 biosurfactant-mediated polyaromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation in sediment polluted with crude oil were investigated. The experiments were carried out for a period of 28 days by monitoring pH, nitrate, phosphate, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and microbiological parameters using standard procedures. The pH values obtained ranged between 6.21 and 6.93 in days 1 and 28 for the most effective treatment recipes. Generally, there was depletion in the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate for all set ups, but the most effective recipe witnessed highest reduction. For the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the recipe with highest limiting nutrients depletion also recorded the most hydrocarbon loss, and yet highest increase in density of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria and fungi. The sample containing polluted sediment + poultry wastes + HBB5 biosurfactant recorded PAH values of 1932.6472ppm on day 1 and 481.2272ppm on day 28. Total hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial counts ranged from 1.48×104 cfu/g to 9.70×106 cfu/g, while hydrocarbon-utilizing fungal counts ranged between 2.30×103 cfu/g and 3.90×105 cfu/g. From the results obtained, poultry wastes combined with HBB5 biosurfactant recorded the highest efficiency in the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments, and HBB5 biosurfactant in isolation recorded higher degradation efficiency for polyaromatic hydrocarbons than the degradation effect mediated by poultry wastes alone. It is therefore recommended that a combination of surface-active agent, nutrient amendment source and viable microbial biomass be adopted and employed as potent recipe for the degradation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in crude oil-contaminated sediments.
Association Between Early Return to School Following Acute Concussion and Symptom Burden at 2 Weeks Postinjury
Authors: Vaughan Christopher G. , Ledoux Andrée-Anne , Sady Maegan D. , Tang Ken , Yeates Keith Owen , Sangha Gurinder , Osmond Martin H. , Freedman Stephen B. , Gravel Jocelyn , Gagnon Isabelle , Craig William , Burns Emma , Boutis Kathy , Beer Darcy , Gioia Gerard , Zemek Roger ,   PERC 5P Concussion Team, McGahern Candice , Mikrogianakis Angelo , Farion Ken , Barlow Karen , Dubrovsky Alexander S , Meeuwisse Willem , Meehan William , Kamil Yael , Beauchamp Miriam , Hoshizaki Blaine , Anderson Peter , Brooks Brian L. , Vassilyadi Michael , Klassen Terry , Keightley Michelle , Richer Lawrence , Dematteo Carol , Barrowman Nick , Aglipay Mary , Grool Anne
Published: January 2023

Importance

Determining how the timing of return to school is related to later symptom burden is important for early postinjury management recommendations.

Objective

To examine the typical time to return to school after a concussion and evaluate whether an earlier return to school is associated with symptom burden 14 days postinjury.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Planned secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter observational cohort study from August 2013 to September 2014. Participants aged 5 to 18 years with an acute (<48 hours) concussion were recruited from 9 Canadian pediatric emergency departments in the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada Network.

Exposure

The independent variable was the number of days of school missed. Missing fewer than 3 days after concussion was defined as an early return to school.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was symptom burden at 14 days, measured with the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI). Symptom burden was defined as symptoms status at 14 days minus preinjury symptoms. Propensity score analyses applying inverse probability of treatment weighting were performed to estimate the relationship between the timing of return to school and symptom burden.

Results

This cohort study examined data for 1630 children (mean age [SD] 11.8 [3.4]; 624 [38%] female). Of these children, 875 (53.7%) were classified as having an early return to school. The mean (SD) number of days missed increased across age groups (5-7 years, 2.61 [5.2]; 8-12 years, 3.26 [4.9]; 13-18 years, 4.71 [6.1]). An early return to school was associated with a lower symptom burden 14 days postinjury in the 8 to 12-year and 13 to 18-year age groups, but not in the 5 to 7-year age group. The association between early return and lower symptom burden was stronger in individuals with a higher symptom burden at the time of injury, except those aged 5 to 7 years.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of youth aged 5 to 18 years, these results supported the growing belief that prolonged absences from school and other life activities after a concussion may be detrimental to recovery. An early return to school may be associated with a lower symptom burden and, ultimately, faster recovery.
Comparison of Cardiovascular Procedure Rates in Patients With Supplementary vs Basic Insurance in Switzerland
Authors: Struja Tristan , Suter Flurina , Rohrmann Sabine , Koch Daniel , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp , Kutz Alexander
Published: January 2023

Importance

Switzerland’s mandatory health insurance provides universal coverage, but residents can opt for supplementary private insurance for nonessential, nonvital amenities. It is debated whether people with supplementary private insurance receive overtreatment due to financial incentives.

Objective

To assess whether incidence rates of cardiovascular procedures in people with supplementary private insurance are higher than in those with basic insurance only.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A population-based weighted cohort comparative effectiveness study, using administrative claims data from Switzerland assessing incidence rates (IRs), was conducted in adults undergoing a nonemergency cardiovascular inpatient procedure from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2020. Analysis included primary or secondary discharge procedure codes for 1 of the following: percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion, patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), mitral valve clip implantation, cardiac pacemaker implantation, and atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter ablation.

Exposures

Supplementary private health insurance.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence rates of cardiovascular procedures between insurance groups calculated by negative binomial regression adjusted by inverse probability weights.

Results

Of 590 919 admissions (median age, 68 years; IQR, 57-77 years), 55.5% male, 15.7% non-Swiss nationality), 70.1% had basic insurance only. Independent of insurance status, IR for all cardiovascular procedures steadily increased over the study years. In general, people with supplementary private insurance received cardiovascular procedures more frequently (IR ratio [IRR], 1.11; 99% CI, 1.10-1.11) than people with basic insurance only. There was also an increase for every procedure: PTCA (IRR, 1.12; 99% CI, 1.12-1.13), LAA closure (IRR, 1.15; 99% CI, 1.13-1.16), mitral valve clip implantation (IRR, 1.08; 99% CI, 1.07-1.09), TAVR (IRR, 1.04; 99% CI, 1.03-1.06), PFO closure (IRR, 1.01; 99% CI, 1.00-1.02), pacemaker implantation (IRR, 1.08; 99% CI, 1.07-1.09), and atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter ablation (IRR, 1.12; 99% CI, 1.11-1.12). Sensitivity analyses, including side procedures, stratification by length of stay, and propensity score matching, suggested robustness of the results.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found an association between supplementary private insurance and a higher likelihood of receiving nonemergency cardiovascular procedures. Whether this higher rate of procedures in people with supplementary private insurance is based on clinical reasoning or due to financial incentives warrants further exploration.
Evaluation of generalization ability for deep learning‐based auto‐segmentation accuracy in limited field of view CBCT of male pelvic region
Authors: Hirashima Hideaki , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Imanishi Keiho , Nakao Megumi , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate generalization ability of segmentation accuracy for limited FOV CBCT in the male pelvic region using a full‐image CNN. Auto‐segmentation accuracy was evaluated using various datasets with different intensity distributions and FOV sizes.

Methods

A total of 171 CBCT datasets from patients with prostate cancer were enrolled. There were 151, 10, and 10 CBCT datasets acquired from Vero4DRT, TrueBeam STx, and Clinac‐iX, respectively. The FOV for Vero4DRT, TrueBeam STx, and Clinac‐iX was 20, 26, and 25 cm, respectively. The ROIs, including the bladder, prostate, rectum, and seminal vesicles, were manually delineated. The U2‐Net CNN network architecture was used to train the segmentation model. A total of 131 limited FOV CBCT datasets from Vero4DRT were used for training (104 datasets) and validation (27 datasets); thereafter the rest were for testing. The training routine was set to save the best weight values when the DSC in the validation set was maximized. Segmentation accuracy was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated between the ground truth and predicted ROIs in the different testing datasets.

Results

The mean scores ± standard deviation of visual evaluation for bladder, prostate, rectum, and seminal vesicle in all treatment machines were 1.0 ± 0.7, 1.5 ± 0.6, 1.4 ± 0.6, and 2.1 ± 0.8 points, respectively. The median DSC values for all imaging devices were ≥0.94 for the bladder, 0.84–0.87 for the prostate and rectum, and 0.48–0.69 for the seminal vesicles. Although the DSC values for the bladder and seminal vesicles were significantly different among the three imaging devices, the DSC value of the bladder changed by less than 1% point. The median MSD values for all imaging devices were ≤1.2 mm for the bladder and 1.4–2.2 mm for the prostate, rectum, and seminal vesicles. The MSD values for the seminal vesicles were significantly different between the three imaging devices.

Conclusion

The proposed method is effective for testing datasets with different intensity distributions and FOV from training datasets.
Scalable Manufacturing of Mechanical Robust Bioinspired Ceramic–Resin Composites with Locally Tunable Heterogeneous Structures
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Bang , Gao Huai‐Ling , Wen Shao‐Meng , Pang Jun , Zhang Si‐Chao , Cui Chen , Wang Ze‐Yu , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: January 2023

Lightweight structural materials with a unique combination of high stiffness, strength, toughness, and hardness, are highly desired yet challenging to be artificially fabricated. Biological structural materials, on the other hand, ingeniously integrate multiple mutually exclusive mechanical properties together relying on their hierarchically heterogeneous structures bonded with gradient interfaces. Here, a scalable bottom‐up approach combining continuous nanofiber‐assisted evaporation‐induced self‐assembly with laminating, pressure‐less sintering and resin infiltration is reported to fabricate bioinspired heterogeneous ceramic–resin composites with locally tunable microstructure to fulfill specific properties. A gradient interlayer is introduced to provide a gradual transition between adjacent heterogeneous layers, effectively alleviating their property mismatch. The optimized heterogeneous nacre‐like composite, as a demonstration, exhibits an attractive combination of low density (≈2.8 g cm−3), high strength (≈292 MPa), toughness (≈6.4 MPa m1/2), surface hardness (≈1144 kgf mm−2) and impact‐resistance, surpassing the overall performance of engineering alumina. This material‐independent approach paves the way for designing advanced bioinspired heterogeneous materials for diverse structural and functional applications.
Sunlight Stimulated Photochemical Self‐Healing Polymers Capable of Re‐Bonding Damages up to a Centimeter Below the Surface Even Out of the Reach of the Illumination
Authors: Li Yan Mei , Zhang Ze Ping , Rong Min Zhi , Zhang Ming Qiu
Published: January 2023

The development of photochemical self‐healing polymers faces the the following bottlenecks: i) only the surface cracks can be restored and ii) materials’ mechanical properties are lower. To break these bottlenecks, cross‐linked poly(urethane‐dithiocarbamate)s carrying photo‐reversible dithiocarbamate bonds covalently linked to indole chromophores and benzyl groups are designed. The conjugated structure of the chromophore and benzyl enhances the addition reactivity of thiocarbonyl moiety and facilitates photo‐cleavage of CS bond, so that transfer of the created radicals among dithiocarbamate linkages is promoted. Accordingly, reshuffling of the reversibly cross‐linked networks via dynamic exchange between the activated dithiocarbamates is enabled in both surface layer and the interior upon exposure to the low‐intensity ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. It is found that the damages up to a centimeter below the surface can be effectively recovered in the sunshine, which greatly exceeds the maximum penetration distance of UV light (hundreds of microns). Besides, tensile strength and failure strain of the poly(urethane‐dithiocarbamate) are superior to the reported photo‐reversible polymers, achieving the record‐high 33.8 MPa and 782.0% owing to the wide selectivity of soft/hard blocks, multiple interactions, and appropriate cross‐linking architecture. The present work provides a novel paradigm of photo self‐healing polymers capable of re‐bonding cracks even out of the reach of the illumination.