bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Cell-Free Supernatants from the Symbiotic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Controlling the Colorado Potato Beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)]
Authors: Özdemir Esengül , Yüksel Ebubekir , Canhilal Ramazan
Published: November 2023

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, poses a significant threat to potato crops globally and has developed resistance to numerous insecticides. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), from the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, are promising biocontrol agents. This study aimed to identify the bacterial symbionts of ten native EPN isolates, evaluate the efficiency of cell free supernatants (CFSs) from their symbiotic bacteria against different developmental stages of CPB, and determine the effect of these CFSs on CPB developmental stages and lifespan. The recA gene region was utilized to determine the symbiotic bacteria of ten local EPNs. CFSs from these bacteria were applied orally and through contact to CPB’s various developmental stages (L1/L2, L3/L4 larval stages, and adults). Mortality rates, developmental transition times, and lifespans of adults were observed. The CFSs showed significant toxicity to CPB, with higher efficiency against young larvae. The CFSs exhibited cumulatively lethal effects over time, particularly on L1/L2 larval stages. CFSs from X. bovienii exhibited the highest efficacy. In all cases, early-stage surviving larvae failed to develop into pupae and adults. In contrast, the transition periods of old larvae to pupal and adult stages were comparable to those of the control group. Lifespans of adults differed based on bacterial isolates and application methods. This study demonstrate shows the potential efficacy of CFSs from Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus as biocontrol agents against CPB, particularly in its young larval stages. Further study is needed to unravel the mechanisms behind these effects and examine the impact on CPB mating and oviposition behaviors.
Die Hochschulbildung der Zukunft sinnstiftend gestalten
Authors: Forrer Kasteel Esther , Girschik Katja , Hess Jeannine
Published: November 2023

Sinnstiftung ist in der Hochschulbildung im Trend: Hochschulangehörige wollen sich sinnstiftend einbringen und als Teil eines größeren Ganzen erleben. Basierend auf dem philosophischen Diskurs um Sinn und Arbeit sowie den zwei Konzepten „Aufblühen“ von Seligman und „Resonanz“ von Rosa wird ein interdisziplinäres Modell zu sinnstiftender Hochschulbildung entwickelt. Dieses illustriert, wie eine solchermaßen gestaltete Hochschulbildung durch resonante Beziehungen zu Menschen, (Lern- und Arbeits-)Inhalten, innerhalb der Organisation sowie zur Welt das Potenzial aller Hochschulangehörigen zur Entfaltung bringen und so einen Beitrag zur Lösung gesellschaftlicher Herausforderungen leisten kann.
Von tätigen Studierenden: Hannah Arendts Tätigkeitsanalysen als Reflexionsinstrument für den Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz in der Hochschulbildung
Authors: Watanabe Alice
Published: November 2023

Das Themenfeld Hochschulbildung der Zukunft zeichnet sich durch Komplexität, Perspektivenvielfalt und Offenheit aus, insbesondere im Hinblick auf den Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI). Diese Charakteristika stellen einerseits eine Stärke dar und geben unterschiedliche Forschungsimpulse, andererseits können sie zu Orientierungslosigkeit in der Diskussion um zukünftige Hochschulentwicklungen führen. Der Beitrag setzt an dieser Überlegung an und arbeitet in Anlehnung an Hannah Arendts Werke Vita activa und Vom Leben des Geistes grundlegende Tätigkeiten heraus und diskutiert, inwiefern sich diese in hochschulpolitischen Zielsetzungen widerspiegeln und helfen, zukünftige Entwicklungen im tertiären Bildungs­sektor zu analysieren. Anschließend wird die exemplarische Anwendung der Arendt’schen Tätigkeitsschemata anhand eines Zukunftsszenarios zum KI-Einsatz veranschaulicht.
Die Prüfungstheke als Prüfungsstrategie der Zukunft
Authors: Albrecht Claudia , Schmidt Judith , Jantos Anne
Published: November 2023

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Konzeption und Einführung der „Prüfungstheke“ als neue Prüfungsmethode zur Förderung des selbstgesteuerten Lernens an Hochschulen beschrieben. Die Prüfungstheke bietet den Studierenden die Möglichkeit, innerhalb eines vorgegebenen inhaltlichen und methodischen Rahmens den Inhalt und das Format ihrer Prüfungsleistung selbstständig zu wählen. Als benotete Portfolio-Prüfung besteht sie aus mehreren Teilleistungen. Die Studierenden erhalten damit starke Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten für ihren eigenen Lernprozess. Beispielhaft wird der Einsatz in einer konkreten Lehrveranstaltung der Psychologie dargestellt und erste Erfahrungen in der Umsetzung werden skizziert. Daraus abgeleitet werden Handlungsempfehlungen, die einen Einsatz auch in anderen Fächern unterstützen können.
Leadership simulations as a teaching and learning tool at universities: A single-player example
Authors: Hennicke Maria , Boettcher Roland , Gieselmann Astrid , Fechtner Harri , Rybnikova Irma
Published: November 2023

Computer-based simulations are important didactic tools that allow connections between theory and practice, making them particularly valuable in the field of leaderhip. However, the predominant multiplayer format hinders their widespread use in undergraduate and postgraduate business education. We present a single-player simulation in progress ‘LeadSim’ which focuses on team leadership rather than a general business context. ‘LeadSim’ aims to develop personal competence and provide feedback on the consequences of individual decisions. Moreover, its design makes it convenient to use. Here, we discuss the advantages and limitations of this format in the context of leadership education in universities.
Notgedrungen digital – Erfahrungen aus der digitalen Umstellung eines Präsenzplanspiels in der Betriebswirtschaftslehre
Authors: Rybnikova Irma , Ahrens Regina , Menzel Viktoria , Pape Monika
Published: November 2023

Im vorliegenden Beitrag schildern wir unsere Erfahrung mit einem im Jahr 2020–21 aufgrund der Corona-Pandemie notgedrungen digitalisierten Planspiel im Master BWL an der Hochschule Hamm-Lippstadt. Dabei arbeiten wir fördernde und hemmende Faktoren heraus, die zu einer erfolgreichen Durchführung des Planspiels im digitalen Format beigetragen haben, wie die Etablierung eines Unterstützungsnetzwerks, rechtzeitige Vorbereitung sowie Anpassung des Zeitplans und der Kommunikationsstrukturen.
Post-angioplasty Psychosis Following Inferior ST-segment Elevation Myocardial
Infarction: A Case Report Highlighting an Uncommon Occurrence
Authors: Shakarami Amir
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common disease. Nowadays, progress
in the rapid management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has resulted in saving time and reduction of MI complications.

Case Representation:

A 68-year-old male musician with a history of coronary artery disease
(CAD), while playing fiddle, complained of severe compressive retrosternal chest pain. In the
present study, we report a case of inferior ST-segment elevation MI with a post-angioplasty delusion of persecution.

Conclusion:

Our case report has presented a distinctive occurrence of post-angioplasty psychosis following inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The patient displayed symptoms consistent with brief psychosis, including persecutory delusions, jealousy delusions, and
second-person auditory hallucinations.
Development of a Conceptual Framework to Guide Uptake of PhD-generated Knowledge by Policymakers
Authors: Damba Florence Upenyu , Mtshali Ntombifikile Gloria , Chimbari Moses John
Published: November 2023

Background:

A few frameworks have been developed to guide the translation of research findings into policy in low-resourced countries. However, none of the frameworks are specific for PhD work and this often results in the work not being fully utilized for policy development.

Objective:

This paper aimed to develop a framework tailored to facilitate the uptake by policymakers of knowledge generated from PhD studies in countries with limited resources.

Methods:

Qualitative data were collected from 10 College of Health Sciences Leadership and 4 Department of Health personnel as well as from content analysis of 29 PhD theses. Quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 47 PhD, 11 Ph.D final year students and 21 Ph.D supervisors. The framework was inspired by and adapted in part from the KTA framework.

Results:

The conceptual framework that emerged from the study consists of three main concepts namely (a) barriers of research uptake, (b) facilitators of research uptake, and (c) stages of knowledge uptake. Each concept has several constructs. For each barrier, there is a facilitator which makes it easy for translation to take place and for each barrier and facilitator, there is a knowledge uptake stage to be followed for translation to take place.

Conclusion:

The framework can be used to facilitate the uptake of knowledge generated from PhD studies by policymakers in the South African context. We consider this framework unique as it is, to our knowledge, the first one that is specific for the translation of Ph.D work.
Association between Herbal use Behavior and Hemoglobin A1c among Ethnic Minorities in Thai Border Communities
Authors: Choowanthanapakorn Monchanok , Seangpraw Katekaew , Ong-Artborirak Parichat , Auttama Nisarat , Boonyathee Sorawit , Tonchoy Prakasit , Kantow Supakan
Published: November 2023

Background:

Herbal use is a conventional wisdom of health care that falls under complementary alternative medicine. The purpose of this research was to study factors affecting herbal-use behavior and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in ethnic minorities living in the northern border of Thailand.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the three northern border provinces located in the highlands and rural plains between May–July 2022 among ethnic groups, including Hmong, Karen, Lua, and Indigenous. A total of 413 people were recruited for the study using a convenient sampling method. The data were obtained from face-to-face interviews using questionnaires and from blood samples.

Results:

The mean age of the participant was 50.2 years. More than half of the participants had abnormal HbA1c (> 6.5) (55.7%). The mean score for herbal-use behavior was 19.2 (SD = 3.77). An analysis of Pearson’s correlation coefficient found that herbal-use behavior was positively correlated with health literacy (r = 0.918). HbA1c was negatively correlated with health literacy and health behavior (r = -0.628, r = -0.557). Factors including age and people with diabetes were statistically significantly associated with herbal-use behavior, accounting for 42.3% of the variance. When adjusted for factors, health literacy was found to be statistically significantly associated with herbal-use behavior, which affected HbA1c levels.

Conclusion:

Health education programs among ethnic minorities should be focused on increasing health knowledge of the types and properties of herbs and herbal-use behavior to help lower blood sugar levels and understand the health effects and consequences of herbal-use.
Behavioral Activation–Based Digital Smoking Cessation Intervention for Individuals With Depressive Symptoms: Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Dahne Jennifer , Wahlquist Amy E , Kustanowitz Jacob , Natale Noelle , Fahey Margaret , Graboyes Evan M , Diaz Vanessa A , Carpenter Matthew J
Published: November 2023

Background

Depression is common among adults who smoke cigarettes. Existing depression-specific cessation interventions have limited reach and are unlikely to improve smoking prevalence rates among this large subgroup of smokers.

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether a mobile app–based intervention tailored for depression paired with a mailed sample of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is efficacious for treating depression and promoting smoking cessation.

Methods

A 2-arm nationwide remote randomized clinical trial was conducted in the United States. Adults (N=150) with elevated depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-8≥10) who smoked were enrolled. The mobile app (“Goal2Quit”) provided behavioral strategies for treating depression and quitting smoking based on Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression. Goal2Quit participants also received a 2-week sample of combination NRT. Treatment as usual participants received a self-help booklet for quitting smoking that was not tailored for depression. Primary end points included Goal2Quit usability, change in depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II) across 12 weeks, and smoking cessation including reduction in cigarettes per day, incidence of 24-hour quit attempts, floating abstinence, and 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA).

Results

In total, 150 participants were enrolled between June 25, 2020, and February 23, 2022, of which 80 were female (53.3%) and the mean age was 38.4 (SD 10.3) years. At baseline, participants on average reported moderate depressive symptoms and smoked a mean of 14.7 (SD 7.5) cigarettes per day. Goal2Quit usability was strong with a mean usability rating on the System Usability Scale of 78.5 (SD 16.9), with 70% scoring above the ≥68 cutoff for above-average usability. Retention data for app use were generally strong immediately following trial enrollment and declined in subsequent weeks. Those who received Goal2Quit and the NRT sample reported lower mean depressive symptoms over the trial duration as compared to treatment as usual (difference of mean 3.72, SE 1.37 points less; P=.01). Across time points, all cessation outcomes favored Goal2Quit. Regarding abstinence, Goal2Quit participants reported significantly higher rates of 7-day PPA at weeks 4 (11% vs 0%; P=.02), 8 (7-day PPA: 12% vs 0%; P=.02), and 12 (16% vs 2%; P=.02).

Conclusions

A mobile app intervention tailored for depression paired with a sample of NRT was effective for depression treatment and smoking cessation. Findings support the utility of this intervention approach for addressing the currently unmet public health treatment need for tailored, scalable depression-specific cessation treatments.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03837379; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03837379
The Information Needs and Experiences of People Living With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: Qualitative Content Analysis of Reddit Posts (Preprint)
Authors: Nicmanis Mitchell , Chur-Hansen Anna , Linehan Karen
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are used to treat a range of cardiovascular diseases and can lead to substantial clinical improvements. However, studies evaluating patients’ experiences of living with these devices are sparse and have focused mainly on implantable cardioverter defibrillators. In addition, there has been limited evaluation of how people living with a CIED use social media to gain insight into their condition.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze posts from web-based communities called subreddits on the website Reddit, intended for people living with a CIED, to characterize the informational needs and experiences of patients.

METHODS

Reddit was systematically searched for appropriate subreddits, and we found 1 subreddit that could be included in the analysis. A Python-based web scraping script using the Reddit application programming interface was used to extract posts from this subreddit. Each post was individually screened for relevancy, and a register of participants’ demographic information was created. Conventional qualitative content analysis was used to inductively classify the qualitative data collected into codes, subcategories, and overarching categories.

RESULTS

Of the 484 posts collected using the script, 186 were excluded, resulting in 298 posts from 196 participants being included in the analysis. The median age of the participants who reported this was 33 (IQR 22.0-39.5; range 17-72) years, and the majority had a permanent pacemaker. The content analysis yielded 5 overarching categories: use of the subreddit by participants, questions and experiences related to the daily challenges of living with a CIED, physical sequelae of CIED implantation, psychological experiences of living with a CIED, and questions and experiences related to health care while living with a CIED. These categories provided insight into the diverse experiences and informational needs of participants living with a CIED. The data predominantly represented the experiences of younger and more physically active participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Social media provides a platform through which people living with a CIED can share information and provide support to their peers. Participants generally sought information about the experiences of others living with a CIED. This was often done to help overcome a range of challenges faced by participants, including the need to adapt to living with a CIED, difficulties with navigating health care, psychological difficulties, and various aversive physical sequelae. These challenges may be particularly difficult for younger and physically active people. Health care professionals may leverage peer support and other aid to help people overcome the challenges they face while living with a CIED.
Implications for Electronic Surveys in Inpatient Settings Based on Patient Survey Response Patterns: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gregory Megan E , Sova Lindsey N , Huerta Timothy R , McAlearney Ann Scheck
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

 Surveys of hospitalized patients are important for research and learning about unobservable medical issues (eg, mental health, quality of life, and symptoms), but there has been little work examining survey data quality in this population whose capacity to respond to survey items may differ from the general population.

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of this study is to determine what factors drive response rates, survey drop-offs, and missing data in surveys of hospitalized patients.

METHODS

 Cross-sectional surveys were distributed on an inpatient tablet to patients in a large, midwestern US hospital. Three versions were tested: 1 with 174 items and 2 with 111 items; one 111-item version had missing item reminders that prompted participants when they did not answer items. Response rate, drop-off rate (abandoning survey before completion), and item missingness (skipping items) were examined to investigate data quality. Chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meyer survival curves, and distribution charts were used to compare data quality among survey versions. Response duration was computed for each version.

RESULTS

Overall, 2981 patients responded. Response rate did not differ between the 174- and 111-item versions (81.7% vs 83%, P=.53). Drop-off was significantly reduced when the survey was shortened (65.7% vs 20.2% of participants dropped off, P<.001). Approximately one-quarter of participants dropped off by item 120, with over half dropping off by item 158. The percentage of participants with missing data decreased substantially when missing item reminders were added (77.2% vs 31.7% of participants, P<.001). The mean percentage of items with missing data was reduced in the shorter survey (40.7% vs 20.3% of items missing); with missing item reminders, the percentage of items with missing data was further reduced (20.3% vs 11.7% of items missing). Across versions, for the median participant, each item added 24.6 seconds to a survey’s duration.

CONCLUSIONS

 Hospitalized patients may have a higher tolerance for longer surveys than the general population, but surveys given to hospitalized patients should have a maximum of 120 items to ensure high rates of completion. Missing item prompts should be used to reduce missing data. Future research should examine generalizability to nonhospitalized individuals.

CLINICALTRIAL
Trends in prescription of stimulants and narcoleptic drugs in Switzerland – longitudinal health insurance claims analysis for the years 2014-2021 (Preprint)
Authors: Scharf Tamara , Huber Carola A. , Näpflin Markus , Zhang Zhongxing , Khatami Ramin
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Stimulants are potent treatments for Central Hypersomnolence Disorders (CHD) or Attention Deficit Disorders (ADHD/ADD) but concerns have been raised about their potential negative consequences and their increasing prescription rates.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe stimulant prescription trends in Switzerland and to analyze the association of stimulants with hospitalization using a large health insurance claims database.

METHODS

Longitudinal and cross-sectional data from a large Swiss health care insurance were analyzed from all insurees older than 6 years. Results were extrapolated to the Swiss general population. We identified prescriptions for methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, modafinil and sodium oxybate and generated descriptive statistics for prevalence calculations of each drug prescription over the period from 2014 to 2021. For 2021 we provide detailed information on the prescribers of stimulants and evaluate the association of stimulant prescription and the number and duration of hospitalization using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We found increasing prescription rates of all stimulants in all age groups from 2014 to 2021 (0.6% to 0.8%, 43 848 to 66 113 insurees with a prescription). In 2021, 37.1% (28 057 prescriptions) of the medications were prescribed by psychiatrists, followed by 36.1% (27 323) prescribed by general practitioners (GP) and 1% (748) by neurologists. Only sodium oxybate which is highly specific for narcolepsy treatment was most frequently prescribed by neurologists (27.8%, 37 prescriptions). Most common comorbidities of stimulant receivers were psychiatric diseases with 50-60%. Patients hospitalized in a psychiatric institution in 2021 were 5.3 times (odds ratio [OR]:5.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.63-6.08, p-value <0.001) more likely to have a stimulant prescription than those without hospitalization. In contrast, there was a negative association between stimulant prescription and hospitalization in an acute medical care facility (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.73-0.82, p-value <0.001). There were no significant associations between stimulant prescription and the total length of inpatient stay (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.00, p-value = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

The prescription of stimulant medication in Switzerland increased slightly but continuously over the past years, but at lower rates compared to the estimated prevalence of CHD and ADHD/ADD. Most stimulants are prescribed by psychiatrists, closely followed by GPs. The increased odds for hospitalization to psychiatric institutions for stimulant receivers reflects the severity of disease and the higher psychiatric comorbidities in these patients.
Assessing the quality of COVID-19 messages on Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences' website (Preprint)
Authors: Salahshoori Arash , Araban Marzieh , Babaei Heydarabadi Akbar , Hatamzadeh Naser , Jasemzadeh Mehrnoush , Mohamadian Hashem
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Considering that every person in society receives their health information through the websites of medical sciences universities, the quality of the information is expected to be favorable.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of public messages related to COVID-19 available on the Website of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences.

METHODS

In this descriptive study, 20 news messages were produced on the main website of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences (WEBDA); Faculties and sub-units were randomly selected and evaluated with the help of a researcher-made checklist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS25 software, as well as Fleiss' Kappa coefficient and descriptive statistics methods.

RESULTS

Of the messages, 73.4% were concerned with the prevention, and 34.9% were concerned with the treatment and control of COVID-19. 89% of messages were targeted at the public, while 14.7% were addressed to people in contact with the patient. 42% of the content of messages related to social distancing, 38.5% to hand hygiene, and 16.5% to vaccination. 92.7% of messages did not mention any specific group at all. In terms of message approach, 45% of messages had a neutral tone; 23% persuasive tone; and 9.2% had a threatening tone. Also, the most and least attention of the messages was on physical health (46.8%) and spiritual health, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the messages were not up to par in terms of content type, scientific documents and evidence, scientific strength and accuracy, fluency, simplicity of the message, and the appearance of content design. To effectively educate the public on health-related issues, decision-makers should consider employing experts in message design to provide reliable educational content. This will ensure that the target audience receives accurate and informative information that can help them improve their health and well-being. The tool used in this study offers a reliable and valid means to assess the quality of health-related messages addressing diverse topics. This tool presents an exciting opportunity to evaluate health messages objectively.
Digital dentists: A curriculum for the 21st century (Preprint)
Authors: Mun Michelle , Byrne Samantha , Shaw Louise , Lyons Kayley
Published: November 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

information technology for patient care. This viewpoint describes development of a digital health curriculum across a four-year graduate entry-to-practice dental degree. Digital health capability frameworks were selected from the literature and analysed for themes and scope to inform a detailed curricular framework, with upper bounds of desired levels of achievement in knowledge, skills and attitudes in digital health, and lower bounds representing the expected level of student knowledge on degree entry. The framework was used to derive learning outcomes across the degree, which were successfully applied to opportunities in the existing curriculum in the first year of study. Using the framework allowed for more informed curriculum decisions and more targeted and systematic alignment of learning objectives, instruction, and assessment than would have been achieved otherwise, and was especially practical for delineating the relatively new content area of digital health in dentistry.
Virtual Reality Associated with Physical Activity among in patients with Heart Failure: Validation of Technology Applied to User Satisfaction – A Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Costa Ariele dos Santos , Barbosa Caroline Bublitz , Guizilini Solange , dos Santos Vagner Rogério , Monteiro Carla Roberta , de Oliveira Júnior Múcio Tavares , da Silva Anabela Gonçalves , Moreira Rita Simone Lopes
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Digital Health has become an important field for employing innovative information technology to meet healthcare needs. Virtual Reality (VR) has been increasingly adopted in healthcare, including cardiovascular rehabilitation programs, as a potential tool to improve performance and adherence to physical activity, considering that traditional exercise programs can be challenging for this population due to physical limitations and lack of motivation. Nonetheless, digital interventions must consider the users’ perspectives and experiences to prevent VR from becoming a barrier.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the system’s usability and enjoyment with physical activity associated with VR among inpatients with heart failure.

METHODS

A prospective pilot study was conducted with ten inpatients with a clinical diagnosis of heart failure. The participants completed an exercise program on a cycle ergometer associated with immersive virtual reality to train the lower limbs. The participants’ anxiety and depression symptoms, physical activity enjoyment, and system usability were assessed using the HADS, PACES, and SUS, respectively.

RESULTS

This population’s tendency to experience anxiety and depression was scored, and the sample favorably assessed the system’s usability, with a mean score of 68.2 (±17.8); exercise enjoyment obtained a mean score of 79.6 (±7.7). No statistically significant correlations were found between the anxiety and depression profile and usability or exercise enjoyment, reinforcing the need to proceed with this study’s next phases.

CONCLUSIONS

VR can be a complementary tool in rehabilitation programs designed for this population, as this technology can potentially improve patients’ performance and adherence to exercise. However, further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of physical activity associated with virtual reality on the clinical outcomes of patients with heart failure.

CLINICALTRIAL

This study’s project is registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC) under No. RBR-4hrmkz.
EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF THE RECIPE MADE FROM THE LEAVES OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM. LINN (LAMIACEAE) AND TERMINALIA SUPERBA STEAM BARK. ENGL (COMBREATACEAE) ON LOPERAMIDE-INDUCED CONSTIPATION
Authors: DE GARDE ELION ITOU ROMARIC , ROGER PAVEL BOUKONGO , MAMBEKE MAMBEKE HONO , ARNAUD WILFRID ETOU OSSIBI , CYR JONAS MORABANDZA , ANTOINE ABENA ANGE
Published: November 2023

Objective: This study aimed to contributing to the promotion of the recipe made from the leaves of O. grastissium and the bark of T. superba used as a laxative.
Methods: Constipation was induced in rats by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg body weight) for three days. The constipated rats were treated with the aqueous extract of the recipe (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) for 7 d. In addition, the effect of the aqueous extract of the recipe was also evaluated on the secretion of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide (NO), on the accumulation of intestinal fluid, the secretion of electrolytes as well as on some biochemical parameters.
Results: The results obtained show that the aqueous extract at the doses used significantly reduced the delay (p<0.001), significantly increased (p<0.01 and p<0.001) the frequency and quantity of stools excreted in rats made constipated by the loperamide. Similarly, the aqueous extract of the recipe stimulated a significant increase (p<0.001) in the secretion of prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, water, ions such as K+, Na+, Ca2+and Cl-leading to intraluminal water retention and accumulation of intestinal fluid. Moreover, unlike castor oil, the aqueous extract of the recipe at the doses used does not cause any significant increase in biochemical parameters compared to control animals.
Conclusion: The results obtained show that the aqueous extract of the recipe has a laxative activity, which would be due to the chemical compounds highlighted. These results could justify the traditional use of this recipe.
CURRENT PERSPECTIVES ON APPLICATIONS OF NANOPARTICLES FOR CANCER MANAGEMENT
Authors: BHOSALE ROHIT R. , JANUGADE BHAGYESH U. , CHAVAN DHANASHRI D. , THORAT VANDANA M.
Published: November 2023

In the realm of cancer diagnostics, imaging and therapeutics, nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have gained extensive importance owing to their promising attributes and potential to enhance therapeutic effectiveness. The primary area of research revolves around formulating innovative intelligent nanocarriers such as nanoparticles (NPs) which are capable of selectively responding to cancer-specific conditions and efficiently delivering medications to target cells. These nanocarriers, whether operating in a passive or active manner, can transport loaded therapeutic cargos to the tumor site while minimizing drug elimination from the drug delivery systems. This review primarily focuses on presenting recent advancements in the development and utilization of nanoparticles in the treatment of various cancer types, such as pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer.
Effectiveness of the Topical Application of 4% Chlorhexidine on Umbilical Cord Bacterial Colonization – A Non-Randomized Control Study
Authors: Prasanna B.P. , Baliga Kiran , Saralaya K. Vishwas , Nayak P. Anupama , Ravikiran S.R.
Published: November 2023

Newborns have the highest risk of death in the first 4 weeks of their life. Umbilical cord of a child is an important site for microorganism colonization and also forms a portal of entry for invasive pathogens. This study focuses on the bacterial colonization with 2 separate cord care regimens: dry cord and 4% chlorhexidine care group. This is a randomized control time-bound study conducted at a tertiary health care centre in Mangalore. A total of 144 newborns fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included and then divided randomly into two groups: dry cord care and 4% chlorhexidine. Two swabs were collected, baseline swab (swab 1) within 3 hours of birth and second swab (swab 2) at 120± 10 hours of birth and these samples were cultured for gram negative and positive organisms. Results were evaluvated with Chi-Square test. Out of 144 samples, in 115 showed no growth at the baseline and only 29 showed growth. In the dry cord care group, 38.9% showed growth of microorganism in comparison with chlorhexidine group which was 1.4% in swab 1 (baseline) and in swab 2, 87.5% in dry cord care group and 18.1% in chlrohexidine group in swab 2 respectively. It was observed that methicilin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were the most common microorganisms isolated with others being Pseudomonas species, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS), Enterobacter species and Citrobacter species. Use of 4% chlorhexidine is effective in reducing colonization of bacteria and infection in comparison with dry cord care method. Therefore, decontamination of the umbilical cord with 4% of chlorhexidine should be recommended in a newborn child. However, both cord care methods did not lead to any infections.
Effects of Neurodynamics Versus Neurodynamic Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide in Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
Authors: Pradhan Anwesh , Jothilingam Muthukumaran , Agarwal Shabnam
Published: November 2023

Lumbosacral radiculopathy is a frequently reported health issue in middle-aged people, with a prevalence varying fromabout 2.2% to 8%. Neurodynamic mobilization (NM) and Neurodynamic sustained natural apophyseal glide (N-SNAG) techniqueswere proven effective for Lumbosacral radiculopathy. But controversies are prevalent regarding the effectiveness of their treatmentin previous studies. N-SNAG is also a comparatively new technique that is clinically being used around, but more literature is neededto analyze its effectiveness. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of N-SNAG in comparison with NM and conventional generalexercises in treating lumbosacral radiculopathy on pain, mobility, disability, muscle activation, and health-related quality of life(HRQL). One hundred and twenty-seven patients aged between 30 and 50 years were randomly allocated into 3 different treatmentgroups, where the first and second groups received N-SNAG and NM with general exercises, and the third (control) group receivedgeneral exercises only. Range of motion of lumbar and hip flexion, active straight leg raising, low back pain, radiculopathy pain, muscleactivation of biceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscles, disability, and HRQL were evaluated at baseline, and the end of 1st week, 2ndweek, 7th week and 18th week for all the groups. Two-way repeated measure ANOVA with Bonferroni’s t-test revealed significant(p<0.05) improvement in the range of lumbar and hip flexion, LBP, radiculopathy pain, active SLR, disability, and HRQL in both withingroups and between groups. Muscle activation of biceps femoris and gastrocnemius also improved significantly (p<0.05) in all threegroups, but no significant (p>0.05) differences were seen between groups. The study concludes that N-SNAG is more efficient thanNM and general exercise in improving pain, lumbar and hip flexion range, SLR, disability, Muscle activation, and HRQL in Lumbosacralradiculopathy patients.
O GOOGLE WORKSPACE FOR EDUCATION (GWE): MERCADORIA E HEGEMONIA NA EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Braga Lúcio , Rummert Sonia
Published: November 2023

O artigo, derivado de pesquisa documental, objetiva compartilhar elementos que concorrem para o entendimento do processo pelo qual a GOOGLE LLC, através de sua mercadoria para a educação, o Google Workspace for Education (GWE), vai incidir nas decisões sobre políticas educacionais do Estado Integral. Fundamentamo-nos no materialismo histórico, especialmente em Gramsci, para investigar o objeto e a forma como ele atua na conformação de um trabalhador de novo tipo, influenciando a direção da educação de filhos e filhas da classe trabalhadora e impactando sua vida cotidiana e seu futuro.
Palavras-chave: Mercadoria; Capital-educador; Estado Integral; Hegemonia.
Differential expression of gasdermin family of proteins between triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-TNBC, and based on ER, PR and HER2 status.
Authors: BERKEL Caglar
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide, with
incidence expected to increase by more than 46% by 2040. Breast cancer
is classified into various subtypes based on the status of estrogen
receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2 (ERBB2). These
subtypes have huge differences in both treatment and prognosis. TNBC
(triple-negative breast cancer) is the most lethal among breast cancer
subtypes. Pyroptosis is a programmed pro-inflammatory cell death
mechanism leading to the formation of membrane pores mediated by
gasdermin (GSDM) proteins. I first explored how the transcript levels of
gasdermin family of genes (GSDMA-E and PJVK) differ between TNBC and
non-TNBC. I found that the expression of GSDMC and GSDME is increased;
but, the expression of GSDMD is decreased in TNBC compared with
non-TNBC. I further investigated ER-, PR-, and HER2-dependent changes in
the expression of GSDMC, GSDMD and GSMDE. I observed decreased GSDMC
mRNA expression in breast tumors with ER-positive and PR-positive status
than in those with ER-negative and PR-negative status, respectively. In
contrast, HER2-positive breast tumors have higher expression of GSDMC
compared to HER2-negative breast tumors. Unlike GSDMC, the expression of
GSDMD was higher in ER-positive and PR-positive breast cancer samples
than in ER-negative and PR-negative samples, respectively. I found that
GSDME expression is lower in ER-positive breast tumors compared to
ER-negative breast tumors. Lastly, I showed that breast tumors from
premenopausal women have slightly higher transcript levels of GSDME than
breast tumors from postmenopausal women. Combined, this study points to
the possible differences in pyroptotic cell death between TNBC and
non-TNBC, and also between different breast cancer subgroups based on
receptor status (ER, PR or HER2).
Dose reduction does not impact the precision of CT-based RSA in tibial implants: a diagnostic accuracy study on precision in a porcine cadaver
Authors: Øhrn Frank-David , Engseth Lars H W , Pripp Are H , Röhrl Stephan M H , Schulz Anselm
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose: Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is the gold standard for evaluation of migration of implants. CT-RSA has been shown to have precision at the level of RSA in hip, shoulder, and knee joint replacements. We aimed to assess the impact of dose reduction on precision of CT-RSA on tibial implants, comparing it with previously published data on precision of standard dose CT-RSA on tibial implants.Material and methods: We performed a total knee arthroplasty on a porcine knee cadaver, and subsequent CT-RSA with low effective doses (0.02 mSv). We compared the results with previously published CT-RSA data with standard (0.08 mSv) dose. The primary outcome variable was the difference in precision of the maximum total translation (MTT). Secondary variables included ratios of variances and standard deviations, and precision of peripheral point translations, center-of-mass translations, and rotations. A difference of more than 0.1 mm in precision was defined as clinically relevant. Our hypothesis was that precisions of low and standard CT-RSA doses were equal.Results: Low dose (mean 0.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06–0.08) and standard dose CT-RSA (0.08, CI 0.07–0.09) achieve similar precision, with difference in precision of MTT of 0.01, CI 0.00–0.02 mm. The F-statistic (0.99, CI 0.63–1.55) and sdtest (1.05, CI 0.43–2.58) also supported this.Conclusion: We conclude that the precision of low dose CT-RSA for tibial implants on a porcine cadaver is equal to standard dose CT-RSA. However, these findings should be confirmed in clinical trials.
Negotiating positionality within institutional ethnography as a non-native researcher in Norway
Authors: Kimathi Eric
Published: November 2023

This book chapter builds on my reflections as a non-Norwegian speaker and a non-native researcher studying the role of Education and Care (ECEC) centres as arenas for integrating refugee children and parents in Norway. Guided by institutional ethnography as an approach and a method of inquiry, I explore Dorothy Smith’s concept of ‘people’s standpoint’ in relation to the entry into the lived experiences of ECEC professionals and refugee parents. I elucidate the evolution of my research project from the motivation behind it, my arrival in Norway as a graduate student and my interest in political debates on refugees and immigrants, which has led to the development of my research study. I discuss how I entered the research site and the processes of recruiting participants, the interviews with ECEC professionals as the first point of entry into the research and later the interviews with refugee parents. From these activities, I reflect on my positionality and how I discovered that I occupied a hybrid position rather than fitting into a typical insider-outsider dichotomy. The chapter shows that from the ‘outsider within’ position, I interacted with the participants from a position of both relative familiarity and unfamiliarity. I will also show how this position influenced my analysis.
Legitimeringsarbeid på steroider? Refleksjoner over å starte institusjonell-etnografisk forskning basert på egne erfaringer
Authors: Jordal Maiken Marie
Published: November 2023

This chapter is based on the beginning of my PhD work in which I explored and reflected on doing institutional ethnographic research motivated by my own experiences of raising a child who was unable to attend school. In the chapter, I reflect on how to draw productively on these experiences and at the same time avoid “institutional capture”, utilizing autoethnography to provide concrete glimpses into my process towards constructing a query for my study. Analysing my experiential knowledge alongside concepts from institutional ethnography and other parents’ knowledge led me to see the “legitimation work” parents do to be considered trustworthy caregivers in situations where their children, for a variety of reasons, fail to attend school. The autoethnographical reflexivity work helped me discover that the legitimation work I did myself as a parent in this situation is closely linked the legitimation work I now do as a PhD scholar. The two are both related to hierarchies in which generalized knowledge (production) carries more weight than experiential knowledge (production). Informed by Bourdieu’s concept of “radical doubt”, I also discovered that I might be caught up in discourses used by parents.
Fra handlingsrom til forhandlingsrom. Nav-veilederes samarbeid med arbeidsgivere om oppfølging av sykmeldte arbeidstakere
Authors: Stray Karianne Nyheim
Published: November 2023

From the standpoint of frontline workers in the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (Nav), this chapter investigates their collaboration with employers in return-to-work processes for employees on sick leave. The chapter focuses on how I applied institutional ethnography to explore frontline workers’ experiences and how this method of inquiry was useful to handle my dual role as both a researcher and a Nav employee. By tracing informants’ use and understanding of the concept “room for action”, institutional ethnography was helpful to explicate how the ruling relations of Norwegian activation policies shape the everyday working lives of Nav employees.
Quality in Norwegian Early Childhood Music Education – An Ecological Perspective on Structural and Processual Aspects of Music Practice
Authors: Ørjan B. Kines , Tone Rove Nilsen
Published: November 2023

This article discusses the quality criteria of musical practice in Norwegian early childhood education and care (ECEC). Much of the current discussion on quality has been shaped by the increased policy demand for evidence-based quality measurements. Demand has led to multiple large-scale quantitative studies on quality that include music as an area of study. Using the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised, the research project Better Provision for Norway’s Children found that many children have limited access to music materials in ECEC. According to the ECERS-R, this indicates low-quality musical practice. Using an ecological framework, including the theory of affordances and of musical and teacher agency, we analyse findings from ECERS-R and discuss the complex relations between teachers, children, and the environment and the materials they share. Our findings indicate how facilitating high-quality environments for musical practice in Norwegian ECEC are shaped not only by structural aspects, such as access to music materials, but also processual aspects for quality, such as interactions between children and adults and facilitating playful activities that foster musicality. This study has implications for how high-quality musical environments for children can be understood.
Kulturskole–grunnskole-samarbeid som diskursivt felt: En undersøkelse av skoleslagenes plandokumenter med fokus på musikk
Authors: Bjørn-Terje Bandlien
Published: November 2023

This article examines how the curriculums of the compulsory school and the kulturskole can be understood as expressions of different positions in a common discursive field that revolves around collaboration on music education. The two school types’ governing documents are examined with regard to how the two plans refer to the opposite party, how the textual structure of each plan can be understood as discursive expression, what the nodal points in each of the discourses are, and what constitutes dislocations in the discursive field. Some important results show that the curriuculum of the compulsory school ignores the kulturskole, while the framework of the kulturskole assigns the kulturskole1 higher academic and pedagogical quality than the primary school. The analysis sees “education” (Bildung) as a nodal point in the discourse of the compulsory school, and “high quality and competence” as a nodal point in the discourse of the kulturskole. Furthermore, the difference between a kulturskole organized as a differentiated step-by-step progression and a compulsory school where the inclusion of everyone is a leading principle appears as a dislocation in the discursive field.
Can you hear me? Om pianofortellinger som samkunstlig forskningsformidling
Authors: Solveig Salthammer Kolaas
Published: November 2023

This article is about research dissemination – popular science research dissemination – where I offer a self-study of my own experiences of research dissemination in different ways and to different target groups. My reflections on mixed methods and arts-based research form the methodological backdrop for this article, and the theoretical perspective is the concept “co-arts.” With a narrative and explorative approach, in text, sound and video, I reflect on the development of what I refer to as “piano stories,” and further how these can be understood as “co-artistic research dissemination.” Piano stories are research-based narratives performed together with piano. Co-artistic research dissemination is understood as dissemination of research using different kinds of arts in interaction, and in my specific context I use the modalities of text and music. My own experiences with piano stories as a location for political influence are presented through four textual narratives and three piano stories in video format. The article caters to those interested in research dissemination, arts, and education.