bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotically periodic behavior of solutions to fractional non-instantaneous impulsive semilinear differential inclusions with sectorial operators
Authors: Alsheekhhussain Zainab , Wang JinRong , Ibrahim Ahmed Gamal
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we prove two results concerning the existence ofS-asymptoticallyω-periodic solutions for non-instantaneous impulsive semilinear differential inclusions of order$1<\alpha <2$1<α<2and generated by sectorial operators. In the first result, we apply a fixed point theorem for contraction multivalued functions. In the second result, we use a compactness criterion in the space of bounded piecewise continuous functions defined on the unbounded interval$J=[0,\infty )$J=[0,∞). We adopt the fractional derivative in the sense of the Caputo derivative. We provide three examples illustrating how the results can be applied.
Matrix computational collocation approach based on rational Chebyshev functions for nonlinear differential equations
Authors: Abd El Salam Mohamed A. , Ramadan Mohamed A. , Nassar Mahmoud A. , Agarwal Praveen , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: July 2021

In this work, a numerical technique for solving general nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with variable coefficients and given conditions is introduced. The collocation method is used with rational Chebyshev (RC) functions as a matrix discretization to treat the nonlinear ODEs. Rational Chebyshev collocation (RCC) method is used to transform the problem to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. The discussion of the order of convergence for RC functions is introduced. The proposed base is specified by its ability to deal with boundary conditions with independent variable that may tend to infinity with easy manner without divergence. The technique is tested and verified by two examples, then applied to four real life and applications models. Also, the comparison of our results with other methods is introduced to study the applicability and accuracy.
Some trapezoid and midpoint type inequalities via fractional $(p,q)$-calculus
Authors: Neang Pheak , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Tariboon Jessada , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Agarwal Praveen
Published: July 2021

Fractional calculus is the field of mathematical analysis that investigates and applies integrals and derivatives of arbitrary order. Fractionalq-calculus has been investigated and applied in a variety of research subjects including the fractionalq-trapezoid andq-midpoint type inequalities. Fractional$(p,q)$(p,q)-calculus on finite intervals, particularly the fractional$(p,q)$(p,q)-integral inequalities, has been studied. In this paper, we study two identities for continuous functions in the form of fractional$(p,q)$(p,q)-integral on finite intervals. Then, the obtained results are used to derive some fractional$(p,q)$(p,q)-trapezoid and$(p,q)$(p,q)-midpoint type inequalities.
The relative expression of miR-31, miR-29, miR-126, and miR-17 and their mRNA targets in the serum of COVID-19 patients with different grades during hospitalization
Authors: Keikha Reza , Hashemi-Shahri Seyed Mohammad , Jebali Ali
Published: July 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of four up/down-regulated inflammatory miRNAs and their mRNA targets in the serum samples of COVID-19 patients with different grades. Also, we investigated the relative expression of these miRNAs and mRNAs during hospitalization.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 5 mL of blood sample were taken from COVID-19 patients with different grades and during hospitalization from several health centers of Yazd, Tehran, and Zahedan province of Iran from December 20, 2020 to March 2, 2021. The relative expression of miRNAs and mRNAs was evaluated by q-PCR.

Results

We found that the relative expression of hsa-miR-31-3p, hsa-miR-29a-3p, and hsa-miR-126-3p was significantly decreased and the relative expression of their mRNA targets (ZMYM5,COL5A3, andCAMSAP1) was significantly increased with the increase of disease grade. Conversely, the relative expression of hsa-miR-17-3p was significantly increased and its mRNA target (DICER1) was significantly decreased with the increase of disease grade. This pattern was exactly seen during hospitalization of COVID-19 patients who did not respond to treatment. In COVID-19 patients who responded to treatment, the expression of selected miRNAs and their mRNA targets returned to the normal level. A negative significant correlation was seen between (1) the expression of hsa-miR-31-3p andZMYM5, (2) hsa-miR-29a-3p andCOL5A3, (3) hsa-miR-126-3p andCAMSAP1, and (4) hsa-miR-17-3p andDICER1in COVID-19 patients with any grade (P <  0.05) and during hospitalization.

Conclusions

In this study, we gained a more accurate understanding of the expression of up/down-regulated inflammatory miRNAs in the blood of COVID-19 patients. The obtained data may help us in the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19.

Trial registration: The ethics committee of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. (Ethical Code: IR.ZAUMS.REC.1399.316) was registered for this project.
Molecular mechanisms of growth depression in broiler chickens (Gallus Gallus domesticus) mediated by immune stress: a hepatic proteome study
Authors: Zheng Aijuan , Zhang Anrong , Chen Zhimin , Pirzado Shoaib Ahmed , Chang Wenhuan , Cai Huiyi , Bryden Wayne L. , Liu Guohua
Published: July 2021

Background

Immunological stress decreases feed intake, suppresses growth and induces economic losses. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Label-free liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) proteomics techniques were employed to investigate effects of immune stress on the hepatic proteome changes of Arbor Acres broilers (Gallus Gallus domesticus) challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Results

Proteomic analysis indicated that 111 proteins were differentially expressed in the liver of broiler chickens from the immune stress group. Of these, 28 proteins were down-regulated, and 83 proteins were up-regulated in the immune stress group. Enrichment analysis showed that immune stress upregulated the expression of hepatic proteins involved in defense function, amino acid catabolism, ion transport, wound healing, and hormone secretion. Furthermore, immune stress increased valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation pathways.

Conclusion

The data suggests that growth depression of broiler chickens induced by immune stress is triggered by hepatic proteome alterations, and provides a new insight into the mechanism by which immune challenge impairs poultry production.
Coding and noncoding variants in EBF3 are involved in HADDS and simplex autism
Authors: Padhi Evin M. , Hayeck Tristan J. , Cheng Zhang , Chatterjee Sumantra , Mannion Brandon J. , Byrska-Bishop Marta , Willems Marjolaine , Pinson Lucile , Redon Sylvia , Benech Caroline , Uguen Kevin , Audebert-Bellanger Séverine , Le Marechal Cédric , Férec Claude , Efthymiou Stephanie , Rahman Fatima , Maqbool Shazia , Maroofian Reza , Houlden Henry , Musunuri Rajeeva , Narzisi Giuseppe , Abhyankar Avinash , Hunter Riana D. , Akiyama Jennifer , Fries Lauren E. , Ng Jeffrey K. , Mehinovic Elvisa , Stong Nick , Allen Andrew S. , Dickel Diane E. , Bernier Raphael A. , Gorkin David U. , Pennacchio Len A. , Zody Michael C. , Turner Tychele N.
Published: July 2021

Background

Previous research in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) has indicated an important contribution of protein-coding (coding) de novo variants (DNVs) within specific genes. The role of de novo noncoding variation has been observable as a general increase in genetic burden but has yet to be resolved to individual functional elements. In this study, we assessed whole-genome sequencing data in 2671 families with autism (discovery cohort of 516 families, replication cohort of 2155 families). We focused on DNVs in enhancers with characterized in vivo activity in the brain and identified an excess of DNVs in an enhancer named hs737.

Results

We adapted the fitDNM statistical model to work in noncoding regions and tested enhancers for excess of DNVs in families with autism. We found only one enhancer (hs737) with nominal significance in the discovery (p = 0.0172), replication (p = 2.5 × 10−3), and combined dataset (p = 1.1 × 10−4). Each individual with a DNV in hs737 had shared phenotypes including being male, intact cognitive function, and hypotonia or motor delay. Our in vitro assessment of the DNVs showed they all reduce enhancer activity in a neuronal cell line. By epigenomic analyses, we found that hs737 is brain-specific and targets the transcription factor gene EBF3 in human fetal brain. EBF3 is genome-wide significant for coding DNVs in NDDs (missense p = 8.12 × 10−35, loss-of-function p = 2.26 × 10−13) and is widely expressed in the body. Through characterization of promoters bound by EBF3 in neuronal cells, we saw enrichment for binding to NDD genes (p = 7.43 × 10−6, OR = 1.87) involved in gene regulation. Individuals with coding DNVs have greater phenotypic severity (hypotonia, ataxia, and delayed development syndrome [HADDS]) in comparison to individuals with noncoding DNVs that have autism and hypotonia.

Conclusions

In this study, we identify DNVs in the hs737 enhancer in individuals with autism. Through multiple approaches, we find hs737 targets the gene EBF3 that is genome-wide significant in NDDs. By assessment of noncoding variation and the genes they affect, we are beginning to understand their impact on gene regulatory networks in NDDs.
Progressing our understanding of the impacts of nutrition on the brain and behaviour in anorexia nervosa: a tyrosine case study example
Authors: Hart Melissa , Sibbritt David , Williams Lauren T. , Nunn Kenneth P. , Wilcken Bridget
Published: July 2021

Anorexia nervosa is a severe and complex illness associated with a lack of efficacious treatment. The effects of nutrition on the brain and behaviour is of particular interest, though an area of limited research. Tyrosine, a non-essential amino acid, is a precursor to the catecholamines dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline. Ongoing tyrosine administration has been proposed as an adjunct treatment through increasing blood tyrosine sufficiently to facilitate brain catecholamine synthesis. The effects of tyrosine supplementation in adolescents with anorexia nervosa remain to be tested. This study had approval from the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee (06/05/24/3.06). We aimed to explore the pharmacokinetics of tyrosine loading in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (n = 2) and healthy peers (n = 2). The first stage of the study explored the pharmacological response to a single, oral tyrosine load in adolescents (aged 12–15 years) with anorexia nervosa and healthy peers. Participants with anorexia nervosa then continued tyrosine twice daily for 12 weeks. There were no measured side effects. Peak tyrosine levels occurred at approximately two to three hours and approached baseline levels by eight hours. Variation in blood tyrosine response was observed and warrants further exploration, along with potential effects of continued tyrosine administration in anorexia nervosa.
What links to psychological needs satisfaction and excessive WeChat use? The mediating role of anxiety, depression and WeChat use intensity
Authors: Gao Qiufeng , Li Yanzhen , Zhu Ziwei , Fu En , Bu Xiangyu , Peng Shan , Xiang Yanhui
Published: July 2021

Background

Excessive online social network sites (SNSs) use, such as Facebook or WeChat overuse, has become a severe problem and have caused negative consequences. It is especially important to examine what causes excessive WeChat use in the Chinese population. This study explored the critical role of affective states and WeChat use intensity in the relationship between psychological needs satisfaction and excessive WeChat use based on the self-determination theory and the emotional motivation theory.

Methods

952 Chinese college students aged 18 to 25 completed an online survey that measured psychological needs satisfaction, depression, anxiety, WeChat use intensity, and excessive WeChat use.

Results

Path analysis demonstrated that anxiety, depression, and WeChat use intensity mediated the effect of psychological needs satisfaction on excessive WeChat use. More importantly, the chain mediation model indicated that psychological needs satisfaction could influence excessive WeChat use through the “anxiety—WeChat use intensity” path, but not the “depression—WeChat use intensity” path.

Conclusion

The current study could not only contribute to theoretical development, but also guide mental health practice by showing that improving psychological needs satisfaction may restrain excessive WeChat use through regulating affective states and Wechat use intensity.
“Drugs to avoid” to improve quality use of medicines: how is Australia faring?
Authors: Vitry Agnes , Mintzes Barbara
Published: July 2021

Background

Each year, the French independent bulletin Prescrire publishes a list of medicines, “Drugs to avoid”, that should not be used in clinical practice as their risk-to-benefit ratio is unfavourable. This study assessed the market approval, reimbursement and use of these medicines in Australia.

Methods

The approval status of the medicines included in 2019 Prescrire “Drugs to avoid” list was assessed by searching the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods website. Funding status was assessed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website, the Australian public insurance system. Use levels were determined by examining governmental reports on prescribing rates including the Australian Statistics on Medicines (ASM) reports, drug use reports released by the Drug Utilisation Sub Committee (DUSC) and PBS statistics.

Results

Of the 93 medicines included in the Prescrire 2019 “Drug to avoid” list included, 57 (61%) were approved in Australia in 2019 including 9 (16%) that were sold as over-the-counter medicines, 35 (38%) were listed on the PBS, 22 (24%) were registered but not listed on the PBS. Although most of these medicines were used infrequently, 16 (46%) had substantial use despite serious safety concerns. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors were used by 22% of patients receiving a treatment for diabetes in 2016. More than 50,000 patients received an anti-dementia medicine in 2014, a 19% increase since 2009. Denosumab became the 8th medicine, in terms of total sales, funded by the Australian Government in 2017–2018.

Conclusions

Prescrire’s assessments provide a reliable external benchmark to assess the current use of medicines in Australia. Sixteen “drugs to avoid”, judged to be more harmful than beneficial based on systematic, independent evidence reviews, are in substantial use in Australia. These results raise serious concerns about the awareness of Australian clinicians of medicine safety and efficacy. Medicines safety has become an Australian National Health Priority. Regulatory and reimbursement agencies should review the marketing and funding status of medicines which have not been shown to provide an efficacy and safety at least similar to alternative therapeutic options.
A smart learning ecosystem design for delivering Data-driven Thinking in STEM education
Authors: Benita Francisco , Virupaksha Darshan , Wilhelm Erik , Tunçer Bige
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes an Internet of Things device (IoT)-based ecosystem that can be leveraged to provide children and adolescent students with STEM educational activities. Our framework is general and scalable, covering multi-stakeholder partnerships, learning outcomes, educational program design and technical architecture. We highlight the importance of bringing Data-driven Thinking to the core of the learning environment as it leads to collaborative learning experience and the development of specific STEM skills such as problem-finding and solving, cognitive, analytical thinking, spatial skills, mental manipulation of objects, organization, leadership, management, and so on. A successful case study in Singapore involving tens of thousands of students is presented.
Determination of emergency roads to emergency accommodation using loss analysis results
Authors: Ganjehi Sajad , Norouzi Khatiri Khadijeh
Published: July 2021

This study presents a method to identify safe places to build temporary accommodation and accessible relief routes using the results of damage analysis for an earthquake within the bounds of probability for the city of Shiraz in Iran. The commonly used HAZUS damage estimation method was used. The most influential factors on the location of safe temporary accommodation in Shiraz were determined by use of the damage results, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, and Expert Choice software. A map for the resulting optimal locations of temporary accommodation was prepared. Subsequently, all of the parameters influencing the safety of emergency evacuation efforts and the relief network were identified and the impact rate of each one was determined based on expert opinions through AHP. Based on the resultant importance of each index, roads were weighted and coded. The optimally safe routes for relief and emergency evacuation were determined. The results suggested that different indices suggest different relief routes and the optimal route was obtained through overlapping the data layers according to the importance of each parameter. This optimal route could provide maximum services in the minimum time and subsequently create capacity building in urban crisis management.
Possible spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma with unique histopathological features confirmed by surgical resection: a case report
Authors: Kimura Toshihisa , Goi Takanori , Yokoi Shigehiro , Ohnishi Kenji , Togawa Tamotsu , Iida Atsushi , Ishida Makoto , Sato Yasunori
Published: July 2021

Background

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare event, and its clinicopathological features and underlying mechanism are not fully understood.

Case presentation

An 84-year-old female with hepatitis C virus infection and diabetes mellitus was referred to our hospital for further examination. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a 3.4-cm solid tumor with a heterogeneous irregular center and no fibrous capsule in liver segment 8 (S8). An enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a tumor in S8 with heterogeneous enhancement in the arterial phase and washed out insufficiently in the portal and equilibrium phase. The enhanced pattern on magnetic resonance imaging was similar to that of CT. Although the imaging findings were not typical for HCC, liver resection (S8) was performed with HCC as the most probable diagnosis. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed that the tumor was well to moderately differentiated HCC with unique features. Approximately half of the tumor was composed of well-differentiated HCC that was focally accompanied by dense lymphocyte infiltration. The other half of the tumor was fibrotic tissue that resembled an inflammatory pseudotumor. Several foci of moderately differentiated HCC were scattered within the tumor with a nodule-in-nodule appearance, and the foci totally showed coagulative necrosis. On immunostaining, lymphocytes in the tumor stroma were positive for CD8 and programmed death 1. The expression of programmed death-ligand 1 was observed in carcinoma cells and macrophages specifically within the lymphocyte-rich area of HCC.

Conclusions

We consider this case representative of spontaneous regression of HCC, and the immune response against HCC might contribute to tumor regression, leading to complex histopathological appearances. This case may provide insight into the mechanism of spontaneous regression of HCC.
Safety and influence of a novel extract of fenugreek on healthy young women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Khanna Aman , Thomas Jestin , John Febi , Maliakel Balu , Krishnakumar I. M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed is a popular kitchen spice and medicinal herb with wide applications in Indian folklore. Earlier studies have shown that the hydro-ethanolic extracts of fenugreek are efficient in the management of a number of hormone related disorders in women, including post and peri-menopausal discomforts, sexual dysfunctions, lactation and even in amenorrhea. However, systematic informations on their safety and influence on hormonal balance are limited.

Results

Forty-eight healthy menstruating women aged 20 to 48 were randomized either to FHE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) and supplemented with 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days. FHE did not produce any side effects or adverse events. It offered significant (P < 0.05) beneficial effects to sexual problems (41.6%) and irritability (40%) among the participants who had higher sexual dysfunctions scores (> 1) when monitored by the validated Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) scale. Further, hormone analysis indicated an enhancement in estradiol (P = 0.040), free testosterone (P = 0.025), and total testosterone (P = 0.012) in FHE group in comparison to placebo. There were no significant changes in progesterone (P = 0.174) and FSH (P = 0.879) upon FHE supplementation. The hematological and biochemical safety parameters were also at par with the safety of the extract.

Conclusion

Thus, the supplementation of FHE may be considered as a natural alternative for sexual issues in women.

Trial registration

CTRI/2018/09/015614dated 05/09/2018.
Capture silk scaffold production in the cribellar web spider
Authors: Sun Yan , Lee Seung-Min , Ku Bon-Jin , Park Eun-Ah , Moon Myung-Jin
Published: July 2021

Spider capture silk is a natural scaffolding material that outperforms most synthetic materials in terms of its combination of strength and elasticity. Among the various kinds of silk threads, cribellar thread is the most primitive prey-capturing type of spider web material. We analyzed the functional organization of the sieve-like cribellum spigots and specialized calamistral comb bristles for capture thread production by the titanoecid spider Nurscia albofasciata. The outer cribellar surface is covered with thousands of tiny spigots, and the cribellar plate produces non-sticky threads composed of thousands of fine nanofibers. N. albofasciata cribellar spigots are typically about 10 μm long, and each spigot appears as a long individual shaft with a pagoda-like tiered tip. The five distinct segments comprising each spigot is a defining characteristic of this spider. This segmented and flexible structure not only allows for spigots to bend individually and join with adjacent spigots, but it also enables spigots to draw the silk fibrils from their cribella with rows of calamistral leg bristles to form cribellar prey-capture threads.
QbD approach to HPLC method development and validation of ceftriaxone sodium
Authors: Patel Krunal Y. , Dedania Zarna R. , Dedania Ronak R. , Patel Unnati
Published: July 2021

Background

Quality by design (QbD) refers to the achievement of certain predictable quality with desired and predetermined specifications. A quality-by-design approach to method development can potentially lead to a more robust/rugged method due to emphasis on risk assessment and management than traditional or conventional approach. An important component of the QbD is the understanding of dependent variables, various factors, and their interaction effects by a desired set of experiments on the responses to be analyzed. The present study describes the risk based HPLC method development and validation of ceftriaxone sodium in pharmaceutical dosage form.

Results

An efficient experimental design based on central composite design of two key components of the RP-HPLC method (mobile phase and pH) is presented. The chromatographic conditions were optimized with the Design Expert software 11.0 version, i.e., Phenomenex ODS column C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μ), mobile phase used acetonitrile to water (0.01% triethylamine with pH 6.5) (70:30, v/v), and the flow rate was 1 ml/min with retention time 4.15 min. The developed method was found to be linear with r2 = 0.991 for range of 10–200 μg/ml at 270 nm detection wavelength. The system suitability test parameters, tailing factor and theoretical plates, were found to be 1.49 and 5236. The % RSD for intraday and inter day precision was found to be 0.70–0.94 and 0.55–0.95 respectively. The robustness values were less than 2%. The assay was found to be 99.73 ± 0.61%. The results of chromatographic peak purity indicate the absence of any coeluting peaks with the ceftriaxone sodium peak. The method validation parameters were in the prescribed limit as per ICH guidelines.

Conclusion

The central composite design experimental design describes the interrelationships of mobile phase and pH at three different level and responses to be observed were retention time, theoretical plates, and peak asymmetry with the help of the Design Expert 11.0 version. Here, a better understanding of the factors that influence chromatographic separation with greater confidence in the ability of the developed HPLC method to meet their intended purposes is done. The QbD approach to analytical method development was used for better understanding of method variables with different levels.
Submandibular ectopic thyroid gland: an uncommon presentation
Authors: Riahi Inès , Fradi Rim , Ben Nacef Ibtissem , Blel Ahlem
Published: July 2021

Background

Ectopic thyroid is a developmental anomaly of the thyroid gland of embryological origin. Instead of having a pretracheal situation, thyroid tissue is elsewhere, most commonly in the median cervical line along the course of the thyroglossal duct. Lingual thyroid is the most common presentation. Ectopic thyroid tissue in the submandibular region has been rarely reported.

Case presentation

We report herein a case of a 65-year-old man admitted to our department with a complaint of a painless swelling in the left submandibular region.

Conclusions

Thyroid gland ectopia should be considered among the differential diagnoses of submandibular swelling. Ectopic thyroid tissue can present with the same pathology affecting the normal thyroid gland such as malignancy and hyperthyroidism.
Temporal bone rhabdomyosarcoma mimicking otitis media complicated by facial nerve palsy
Authors: Galal Ahmed , Ahmed Omneya , Rizk Azza M. , Tayel Hanan Yehia , Aly Rania G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma is common in childhood, especially, the head and neck region, yet involvement of the temporal bone is rare.

Case presentation

We reported a case of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a 4.5-year-old boy presenting with external auditory canal polyp and purulent otorrhea that later developed grade 6 facial palsy. Imaging showed soft tissue mass involving the middle ear, mastoid cavity, parotid gland, and parapharyngeal space. Subtotal petrosectomy with blind closure of the external auditory canal was performed with facial nerve decompression and debulking biopsy followed by combined chemoradiation.

Conclusion

Middle ear rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare pathology, usually present in childhood by symptoms similar to suppurative otitis media not responding to medical treatment leading to delayed diagnosis and development of complications.
Risk perception and adherence to preventive behaviours related to the COVID-19 pandemic: a community-based study applying the health belief model
Authors: Kamran Aziz , Isazadehfar Khatereh , Heydari Heshmatolah , Nasimi Doost Azgomi Ramin , Naeim Mahdi
Published: July 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), now a global pandemic, is a new, highly contagious, and preventable disease that has caused many deaths across the world. Correct understanding of the risks and following health instructions are among the most important self-care parameters.

Aims

To assess people's perception of the risks and their adherence to recommended preventive behaviours regarding COVID-19 infection.

Method

This descriptive–analytical study was conducted with 1861 people residing in Ardabil province in 2020. The data were collected electronically and included four elements: demographic details; health belief model (HBM) constructs (perceived sensitivity, perceived severity and perceived benefits); beliefs about the effectiveness of disease prevention strategies; and complying with health behaviours. The data was analysed using SPSS-21 software.

Results

Significant differences were found in the mean scores for beliefs about the effectiveness of preventative measures, the constructs of the health belief model, and compliance with preventive behaviours relating to the participants’ gender, age, marital status and level of education. Beliefs and intention to stay at home, collectively predicted 54.7% of the variance in preventive behaviours.

Conclusions

Although a majority of participants had positive attitudes towards the effectiveness of preventive measures and adhered to them, some people who were not adherent with these healthy behaviours could be key participants in the next wave of the disease.
The relationship between attention and avoidance coping in anorexia nervosa: functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Noda Tomomi , Isobe Masanori , Ueda Keita , Aso Toshihiko , Murao Ema , Kawabata Michiko , Noma Shun'ichi , Murai Toshiya
Published: July 2021

Background

Numerous studies have demonstrated attentional control difficulties and high avoidance coping in patients with anorexia nervosa. Attention is a critical coping resource because it enables individuals to demonstrate self-control and complete goal-directed behaviours.

Aims

We aimed to examine whether attentional control difficulty is related to high avoidance coping, and investigate the neural underpinnings of attentional control difficulties in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Method

Twenty-three patients with anorexia nervosa and 17 healthy controls completed questionnaires that assessed attention and coping, and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while performing a go/no-go task.

Results

Patients with anorexia nervosa showed weaker attentional control, higher omission error rates and higher avoidance coping compared with healthy controls. Attentional control difficulty was associated with higher avoidance coping in both groups. Functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed less deactivation in regions representing internal mental processing, such as the praecuneus, cuneus and left lingual gyrus, during the no-go condition. Moreover, weakened deactivation of the left lingual gyrus was associated with higher commission error rate in the anorexia nervosa group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients with anorexia nervosa may have difficulty in maintaining attention to external ongoing events because of disturbance from internal self-related thought, and support the notion that attentional control difficulties underlie the frequent use of avoidance coping in anorexia nervosa.
Calling Attention to the Role of Race-Driven Societal Determinants of Health on Aggressive Tumor Biology: A Focus on Black Americans
Authors: Ashing Kimlin T. , Jones Veronica , Bedell Fornati , Phillips Tanyanika , Erhunmwunsee Loretta
Published: July 2021

Blacks have the highest incidence and mortality from most cancers. The reasons for these disparities remain unclear. Blacks are exposed to adverse social determinants because of historic and contemporary racist polices; however, how these determinants affect the disparities that Blacks experience is understudied. As a result of discriminatory community policies, like redlining, Blacks have higher exposure to air pollution and neighborhood deprivation. Studies investigating how these factors affect tumor biology are emerging. We highlight the literature that connects racism-related community exposure to the tumor biology in breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Further investigations that clarify the link between adverse social determinants that result from systemic racism and aggressive tumor biology are required if health equity is to be achieved. Without recognition that racism is a public health risk with carcinogenic impact, health care delivery and cancer care will never achieve excellence. In response, health systems ought to establish corrective actions to improve Black population health and bring medical justice to marginalized racialized groups.
Decolonizing Memory
Authors: Jarvis Jill
Published: July 2021

The magnitude of the legal violence exercised by the French to colonize and occupy Algeria (1830–1962) is such that only aesthetic works have been able to register its enduring effects. In Decolonizing Memory Jill Jarvis examines the power of literature to provide what demographic data, historical facts, and legal trials have not in terms of attesting to and accounting for this destruction. Taking up the unfinished work of decolonization since 1962, Algerian writers have played a crucial role in forging historical memory and nurturing political resistance—their work helps to make possible what state violence has rendered almost unthinkable. Drawing together readings of multilingual texts by Yamina Mechakra, Waciny Laredj, Zahia Rahmani, Fadhma Aïth Mansour Amrouche, Assia Djebar, and Samira Negrouche alongside theoretical, juridical, visual, and activist texts from both Algeria’s national liberation war (1954–1962) and war on civilians (1988–1999), this book challenges temporal and geographical frameworks that have implicitly organized studies of cultural memory around Euro-American reference points. Jarvis shows how this literature rewrites history, disputes state authority to arbitrate justice, and cultivates a multilingual archive for imagining decolonized futures.
Esophagectomy or Total Gastrectomy for Siewert 2 Gastroesophageal Junction (GEJ) Adenocarcinoma? A Registry-Based Analysis
Authors: Kamarajah Sivesh K. , Phillips Alexander W. , Griffiths Ewen A. , Ferri Lorenzo , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Markar Sheraz R.
Published: July 2021

Backgrounds

Due to a lack of randomized and large studies, the optimal surgical approach for Siewert 2 gastroesophageal junctional (GEJ) adenocarcinoma remains unknown. This population-based cohort study aimed to compare survival between esophagectomy and total gastrectomy for the treatment of Siewert 2 GEJ adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2010 to 2016 was used to identify patients with non-metastatic Siewert 2 GEJ adenocarcinoma who received either esophagectomy (n = 999) or total gastrectomy (n = 8595). Propensity score-matching (PSM) and multivariable analyses were used to account for treatment selection bias.

Results

Comparison of the unmatched cohort’s baseline demographics showed that the patients who received esophagectomy were younger, had a lower burden of medical comorbidities, and had fewer clinical positive lymph nodes. The patients in the unmatched cohort who received gastrectomy had a significantly shorter overall survival than those who received esophagectomy (median, 47 vs. 68 months [p < 0.001]; 5-year survival, 45 % vs. 53 %). After matching, gastrectomy was associated with significantly reduced survival compared with esophagectomy (median, 51 vs. 68 months [p < 0.001]; 5-year survival, 47 % vs. 53 %), which remained in the adjusted analyses (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.35; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this large-scale population study with propensity-matching to adjust for confounders, esophagectomy was prognostically superior to gastrectomy for the treatment of Siewert 2 GEJ adenocarcinoma despite comparable lymph node harvest, length of stay, and 90-day mortality. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials with robust surgical quality assurance are the next step in evaluating the prognostic outcomes of these surgical strategies for GEJ cancer.
Enhancement of pyocyanin production by subinhibitory concentration of royal jelly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Amly Dina Auliya , Hajardhini Puspita , Jonarta Alma Linggar , Yulianto Heribertus Dedy Kusuma , Susilowati Heni
Published: July 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterium, produces pyocyanin, a virulence factor associated with antibiotic tolerance. High concentrations of royal jelly have an antibacterial effect, which may potentially overcome antibacterial resistance. However, in some cases, antibiotic tolerance can occur due to prolonged stress of low-dose antibacterial agents. This study aimed to investigate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of royal jelly on bacterial growth, pyocyanin production, and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa.

Methods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 and clinical isolates were cultured in a royal jelly-containing medium to test the antibacterial activity. Pyocyanin production was observed by measuring the absorbance at 690 nm after 36 h culture and determined using extinction coefficient 4310 M-1 cm-1. Static microtiter plate biofilm assay performed to detect the biofilm formation, followed by scanning electron microscopy.

Results: Royal jelly effectively inhibited the viability of both strains from a concentration of 25%. The highest production of pyocyanin was observed in the subinhibitory concentration group 6.25%, which gradually decreased along with the decrease of royal jelly concentration. Results of one-way ANOVA tests differed significantly in pyocyanin production of the two strains between the royal jelly groups. Tukey HSD test showed concentrations of 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125% significantly increased pyocyanin production of ATCC 10145, and the concentrations of 12.5% and 6.25% significantly increased production of the clinical isolates. Concentrations of 12.5% and 6.125% significantly induced biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145, in line with the results of the SEM analysis.

Conclusions: Royal jelly concentrations of 25% or higher can inhibit bacterial growth; however, subinhibitory concentrations could increase pyocyanin production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. It is advisable to determine the appropriate concentration of royal jelly to obtain beneficial virulence inhibiting activity.
Biological effects of electromagnetic fields
Authors: Es'kov Evgeniy
Published: July 2021

The monograph, based on the use of literary information and research materials of the author, attempts to systematize the influence of natural and anthropogenic electric fields on biological objects of different levels of complexity. The origin of cosmic and terrestrial magnetism is described and the influence of this factor on the physiological state, viability and development of plant and animal objects is analyzed. The biological effects of magnetic storms are investigated. The mechanisms of generation, perception and use of electric fields in signaling and spatial orientation of animals are analyzed. Much attention is paid to the analysis of specific reactions of animals to electromagnetic fields. The prospects of using electromagnetic fields to control the behavior of animals and direct influence on the growth processes of plant objects are considered.
For a wide range of readers interested in the possibilities of controlling animal behavior and influencing plant growth.
Banking supervision in the Russian Federation
Authors: Rozhdestvenskaya Tat'yana , Guznov Aleksey
Published: July 2021

The textbook highlights the theoretical and practical problems of banking supervision in Russia, including its goals, objects and forms. Special attention is paid to the requirements for bank risk management and enforcement measures applied by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation to credit institutions.
For undergraduates of law schools, graduate students and teachers.
Spór o powołanie Kościoła narodowego w Koronie w okresie soboru trydenckiego (1545-1563)
Authors: Godlewski Łukasz
Published: July 2021

Debate on the Creating of the Polish National Church in the Times of the Council of Trent (1545-1563) In the time of the Council of Trent, the Polish nobility often and loudly demanded the forming of the Polish National Church, which would enable them to execute state control over the clergy, its activity, and church property. Popular Protestant ideas coherent with such an idea fulfilled the role of useful weapon in their struggle against the clergy. Even though the idea of the church reform converged with many changes postulated by the contemporary noble reform movement, the state finances, homogeneity of Crown lands and the Polish-Lithuanian union took predominance over church matters. Appropriate conduct of debate, disabling discussion about a reform, was promoted by the clergy itself, which was not interested in loosening their dominant position in the society and becoming subject to civic laws. Protestant deputies to the parliament, who constituted the majority in the lower chamber, could have acquired more benefits, were it not for their reluctance to impose certain solutions on the Catholics, who still dominated in the society. The clergy, in particular bishops, sought some compromise with Protestants, until the Catholic Church itself undertook mild reforms in the third phase of the Council of Trent. The stand of the Polish monarch, Sigismundus Augustus, who – having been raised as a Catholic – opposed the forming of new church and his attitude was also important.
„Najsławniejsza pracująca matka na całej planecie”
Authors: Misztal Mariusz
Published: July 2021

W 2019 r. minęła 200. rocznica urodzin królowej Wiktorii. Z tej okazji ukazują się wznowienia klasycznych już biografii2 oraz nowe pozycje dotyczące królowej i jej panowania3. Wśród nich najczęściej jest ostatnio wspominana książka Victoria: The Queen. An Intimate Biography of the Woman who ruled an Empire4, którą napisała Julia Baird.
The storm that was delayed: the deterioration of an in-hospital diabetes process-of-care metric during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Barmanray Rahul D , Tsan Joshua , Kyi Mervyn , Gorelik Alexandra , Fourlanos Spiros
Published: July 2021

Background/Aims

Networked glucose blood monitoring has been demonstrated as a useful process of care for improving glycaemia and clinical outcomes in hospital inpatients. However, these benefits are partly reliant on the accurate entry of patients' medical record numbers by healthcare staff. This study assessed the accuracy of such data entry, comparing the periods before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analysed glucose meter medical record number entries at a large hospital in Victoria, Australia. The study period spanned from September 2019, when the networked blood glucose monitoring system was introduced, to July 2020. The proportion of inaccurate entries were presented as a percentage of the total number of entries and comparisons were made between the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 onset periods. Data were analysed using an interrupted time series methodology and presented using a Quasipoisson distribution.

Results

A gradual decrease in the percentage of accurate medical record number entries was observed following the introduction of the networked blood glucose monitoring system. This decline in accuracy decreased further following the onset of COVID-19, despite the hospital serving a relatively low number of patients with the virus.

Conclusions

The ongoing decrease in accuracy of data entry into the networked blood glucose monitoring system is thought to be a result of insufficient training and time constraints, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic because of protocol changes and furloughed staff. It is recommended that accurate use of the networked blood glucose monitoring system is allocated more regular training in hospital wards.
Is it civic duty? An exploratory study of factors that influenced the public's decision to download the NHS COVID-19 app
Authors: Phillips Peter , Darby Iain , Phillips Louise , Wicks Ashley
Published: July 2021

Background/Aims

The UK Government piloted a COVID-19 digital contact tracing smartphone app on the Isle of Wight, England, in June 2020 in attempt to contain the spread of the virus. This study aimed to investigate the factors that affected the decision to download the app among individuals in the Isle of Wight.

Methods

Online questionnaires were distributed over social media to the sample population. Quantitative data were analysed, both descriptively and using a Chi-square or Fisher's test. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis.

Results

Overall, 74.2% of participants downloaded the COVID-19 app, citing compliance, protection and fighting the pandemic or returning to normal as their main reasons. There was a significant negative correlation between having concerns about the app and downloading the app (P=<0.01). Concerns were split into the three themes of privacy or data security concerns, technology issues and increased complacency. There was a significant negative correlation between being in a COVID-19 high-risk group and downloading the app (P=0.042).

Conclusions

Concerns about the COVID-19 app, particularly in terms of its security, significantly affected whether participants were likely to download it. The results provide insight into factors influencing mass public health behaviours and can form the basis for future research into app-based interventions.
Social prescribing: the future of healthcare?
Authors: Williamson Lucy
Published: July 2021

The concept of social prescribing has amassed both excitement and controversy in healthcare. In this balanced discussion, Lucy Williamson delves into this complex issue and what it could mean for people with long-term conditions, with a particular focus on diabetes.
Management of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: Webb Philip , King Jenny , Baxter Caroline , Lord Robert W
Published: July 2021

Bronchiectasis is a common respiratory condition, characterised by abnormal bronchial dilatation, that often leads to recurrent airway infection and inflammation. It is an increasingly recognised respiratory condition, both as a primary lung disease but also co-existing with other respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Diagnosis can have important treatment implications. There are shared systematic approaches to treatment, such as sputum clearance techniques, prompt treatment of exacerbations and, in certain circumstances, regular antibiotic therapy. It is vital to target antibiotic therapy appropriately, and knowledge of the patient's airway microbiology can assist with this. Certain infective and colonising organisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, cause worse patient outcomes and so need prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics. In addition to this general management approach, there are many different underlying causes of bronchiectasis that should be identified wherever possible, to support more targeted therapy and prevent disease progression.

This article provides a guide to the key principles of diagnosing and managing bronchiectasis, and outlines situations where more specialist respiratory support is required.
How stakeholders have responded to the 10-point plan for safer regulation in the aesthetics sector
Authors: Sines David
Published: July 2021

David Sines details the responses from the 10-point plan, which was published in March 2021