bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 ameliorates early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage by suppressing NLRC4 inflammasome-mediated astrocyte pyroptosis
Authors: Ding Mingxiang , Jin Lei , Wei Boyang , Cheng Wenping , Liu Wenchao , Li Xifeng , Duan Chuanzhi
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00035/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiff

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is associated with high morbidity and mortality and lacks effective treatment. Pyroptosis is a crucial mechanism underlying early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Previous studies have confirmed that tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) can exert a neuroprotective effect by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, no study to date has explored whether TSG-6 can alleviate pyroptosis in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this study, a C57BL/6J mouse model of subarachnoid hemorrhage was established using the endovascular perforation method. Our results indicated that TSG-6 expression was predominantly detected in astrocytes, along with NLRC4 and gasdermin-D (GSDMD). The expression of NLRC4, GSDMD and its N-terminal domain (GSDMD-N), and cleaved caspase-1 was significantly enhanced after subarachnoid hemorrhage and accompanied by brain edema and neurological impairment. To explore how TSG-6 affects pyroptosis during early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage, recombinant human TSG-6 or a siRNA targeting TSG-6 was injected into the cerebral ventricles. Exogenous TSG-6 administration downregulated the expression of NLRC4 and pyroptosis-associated proteins and alleviated brain edema and neurological deficits. Moreover, TSG-6 knockdown further increased the expression of NLRC4, which was accompanied by more severe astrocyte pyroptosis. In summary, our study revealed that TSG-6 provides neuroprotection against early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage by suppressing NLRC4 inflammasome activation-induced astrocyte pyroptosis.
Investigating the Relationship between Early Maladaptive Schemas and Sexual Self-Confidence and Sexual Self-Efficacy in Individuals with Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Yazdkhasti Maedeh , Molaeinezhad Mitra , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Karahmadi Mojgan , Salimi Hajar
Published: September 2023

Background:

Due to the negative effects of sexual identity disorder and the lack of attention from family and society, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between Young's Early Maladaptive Schemas (YEMS) and sexual self-confidence and sexual self-efficacy in individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) after surgery.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed on 45 individuals with GD undergoing sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Three of YEMS questionnaire (YEMSQ), sexual self-confidence, and sexual self-efficacy were completed.

Results:

The YEMSQ score had a significant inverse relationship with sexual self-efficacy (correlation = -0.333, P-value = 0.025). In addition, dimensions of emotional deprivation, failure to achieve, dependence/incompetence, vulnerability to harm and Illness, insufficient self-control/self-discipline, and subjugation had an adverse effect on the self-confidence and sexual self-efficacy in these individuals (P-value <0.05).

Conclusion:

According to the results of this study, YEMSQ score, sexual self-confidence, and self-efficacy were not significantly different between the two groups of male-to-female (MF) and female-to-male (FM). Also, the formation or development of these schemas in childhood in these individuals can be influential in reducing their sexual self-efficacy.
Maternal sickle cell disease leading to placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Balakrishnan Padmapriya , Sharmila Vijayan , Arun Babu Thirunavukkarasu
Published: September 2023

Anemia in pregnancy is a common condition having a significant effect on the outcome of pregnancy. A thorough understanding of epidemiology along with proper clinical history, clinical examination and focussed investigations will help to diagnose the cause of anemia early during pregnancy. We report a case of 22-year-old primigravida who presented at third trimester with anemia complicating pregnancy with fetal growth restriction due to sickle cell disease. The sickle cell disease was suspected with histopathological examination of placenta.
Pituitary and growth disorders of pediatric survivors of head and neck tumors: a single center study
Authors: Omar Omneya M. , Aron Dotto , Haleem Abo Elwafa Reham A. , Fadel Shady H. , Raafat Shaymaa
Published: September 2023

Objective

The aim was to explore the prevalence and risk factors for pituitary and growth disorders in pediatric brain and neck tumor survivors.

Methods

203 children with brain or neck tumors that survived 2 years after tumors treatment were included. Demographic data, anthropometric assessments, characteristics of the tumors, tumor treatment modalities, and hormonal profile evaluation were reported.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 4.77 years, 62 (30.54%) survivors were diagnosed with at least one pituitary disorder. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was detected in 17.28% of survivors, moreover, thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency (TSHD), luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone deficiency (LH/FSHD), adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (ACTHD)/cortisol deficiency and central precocious puberty were detected in 10.4, 9.09, 8.06, and 1.69% of survivors, respectively. The prevalence of short stature and obesity was 9.1% and 17.05%, respectively among survivors who attended follow-up clinics during data collection. The risk of developing pituitary disorders was associated with craniopharyngioma histology (OR, 6.207; 95% CI, 1.025–37.581) and a history of hydrocephalus at cancer diagnosis (OR, 3.075; 95% CI, 1.402–6.746). Older age at the time of radiotherapy was associated with a lower risk of developing pituitary disorders (OR, 0.928; 95% CI, 0.864–0.997).

Conclusion

This study observed a high prevalence of pituitary disorders among survivors of pediatric brain and neck tumors. So proper screening of pituitary disorders in survivors of brain and neck tumors is warranted.
Diagnostic and prognostic role of troponin i in neonates with critical duct-dependent congenital heart diseases
Authors: Wagdy Reham , Loweis Nevein , Abdel-Wahab Omniya , Farag Marwa
Published: September 2023

Background

Cardiac troponins (cTn) are markers of myocardial injury with well established diagnostic value in adults. However, the benefits of using troponins in neonates with critical duct-dependent congenital cardiac diseases (cDD-CHDs) is questionable.

Aim

The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic role of cTnI in cDD-CHDs as a marker of myocardial injury and to explore its role in patient’s outcome.

Methods

A case-control study, conducted over 80 neonates; Group I: Forty neonates with cDD-CHDs and Group II: Forty healthy neonates. CBC, CRP, electrolytes, liver and kidney functions, cTnI and echocardiography were done for both groups in first week of life. Then serum level of cTnI were re-evaluated after 3 weeks from initial sampling.

Results

The mean value of serum cTnI was significantly higher among cases when compared to controls (0.91±1.88 ng/ml versus 0.003±0.006 ng/ml, P<0.001*). The diagnostic performance of cTn I for cardiac injury was at cut-off 0.03 ng/ml with sensitivity 65% and specificity 97.5%. However, the prognostic role of cTnI in predicting death was at serum level of 0.7 ng/ml with 61% sensitivity and 81% specificity. cTn I in cDD-CHD was positively correlated to the severity of heart failure (HF) based on Modified Ross Score. The mean value of survival of the cDD-CHDs neonates was 28.11 days when cTnI is >0.6 ng/ml.

Conclusion

Initial serum levels of cTnI of cDD-CHD neonates in first week of life might be a useful marker in predicting the 40-days-survival and outcome.
“Kidney First” Retrieval: A Viable Concept for Emerging Transplant Centers
Authors: Kolte Sanjay P. , Kriplani Akshay Mahesh , Saxena Rahul
Published: September 2023

To increase deceased donation in an organ-depleted country like India, improved understanding of the mechanisms influencing donor yield is important. Certain technical and emotional modifications in approach and methods can help in increasing donations. “Kidney first” retrieval in situations such as delay in heart/liver team’s arrival, diagnostic dilemma for quality of organ, or single surgeon for both kidney transplants can prove useful in optimizing donor maintenance quality and cost and minimizing cold ischemia time of the other kidney, without altering the structural viability of other organs. Early handover of the deceased body for cremation adds a positive perspective to the grieving family’s decision for consent. This approach can be safely suggested for emerging transplant centers yearning to increase their scope of organ transplantation amidst the constraints of time, expertise, logistics, and infrastructure.
A Rare Case of Cladophialophora Isolated in a Renal Transplant Patient after Rejection Therapy
Authors: Khan Mehvish , Tripathi Pratik , Mehta Shaurya , Khandelwal Gaurav
Published: September 2023

Cladophialophora bantiana is the most common cause of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis. A case of live-related renal allograft recipient complained of high-grade continuous fever on the 5th postoperative day (POD). No organism was isolated on cultures and no foci were found on chest X-ray. He was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. The patient thereafter developed acute antibody-mediated plus acute cellular rejection on the 7th POD. He received a high dose methylprednisolone with plasmapheresis. On the 18th POD, the patient was diagnosed with right frontotemporal and basal ganglionic region abscess on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Urgent neurosurgical intervention was done and the sample was sent for investigation. Initially, there was suspicion of Aspergillus on culture. Injection of liposomal amphotericin B was given for 14 days, after which oral voriconazole was started. The patient improved initially but multiple abscesses recurred on the 46th POD. Abscess was drained. On the final culture report, C. bantiana was isolated. 5-flucytosine was added to voriconazole as dual antifungal therapy.
Chronic Rejection Occurring Early Post Liver Transplant
Authors: Bansal Nalini , Khan Arif Ali , Wadhawan Manav , Vij Vivek
Published: September 2023

We report the case of a 36-year-old male who was referred to us with a provisional diagnosis of ethanol-related acute on chronic liver failure with ascites, encephalopathy, and altered liver function tests (LFTs). The patient underwent a living donor liver transplant. Posttransplant, he had an uneventful recovery till postoperative day (POD) day 7 when he developed tachycardia and low-grade fever. The immunosuppression has to be withheld till POD 26. The patient later developed deranged LFT and an initial liver biopsy showed features of acute cellular rejection. He also had ongoing tachycardia; thus, immunosuppression was withheld. Subsequent to that patient developed rapid progression from progressive early to chronic rejection (CR) within 78 days posttransplant. The patient initially responded to antithymocyte globulin, but finally succumbed to fungal infection. CR usually occurs over 6 months posttransplant. The occurrence of CR was noted very early in the index patients. This case highlights the importance of a basic step-wise approach to a case post liver transplant. It also highlights the importance of specialized liver histopathology aiding in early diagnosis.
Two-weight estimates for Hardy-Littlewood maximal functions and Hausdorff operators on $p$-adic Herz spaces
Authors: Dung Kieu Huu , Duong Dao Van
Published: September 2023

This paper is concerned with some sufficient conditions for the boundedness of Hardy-Littlewood maximal functions, rough Hausdorff and matrix Hausdorff operators on two-weighted Herz spaces on $p$-adic fields through its atomic decomposition.
Determination of phosphorus by phosphorus molybdenum blue spectrophotometry by bismuth antimony sensitization
Authors: Zhai Qing-Zhou
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT. The determination of phosphorus in rain water is of great significance. In this paper the optimum conditions of phosphorus molybdenum blue spectrophotometric method for the determination of phosphorus content were obtained. At the maximum absorption wavelength 690 nm, the apparent molar absorptivity is ε690 nm = 1.44 × 104 L·mol-1·cm-1. Beer’s law is followed over the range of 0.02-1.8 μg·mL-1 for phosphorus(V) content. Bismuth(III) and antimony(III) as the sensitizer has a sensitization effect on the phosphomolybdenum blue photometry. The addition of both simultaneously increases the sensitivity by 71.3%. The present method has been used for the determination of phosphorus in water samples. The recovery of method is between 99.20 - 100.1% and the relative standard deviation is between 1.31-1.33% for eleven determination. The results determined by the present method were in agreement with those of atomic absorption spectrometry. This method can avoid the harm of organic reagent to human body and to environmental pollution without organic solvent extraction. This method does not need heating with room temperature color development. Compared with other methods, it has the advantages that the operation is simple, fast and the sensitivity is high.

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1307-1313. 

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.1
Synthesis and characterization of a new azo quinoline ligand and its metal complexes with spectrophotometric determination and biological efficacy study of its Hg(II) complex
Authors: Radhi Esraa Rasool , Ali Fatema Jabbar , Ali Khdeeja Jabbar
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT. An azo quinoline ligand, (E)-2-((4-iodophenyl)diazenyl)-8-hydroxyquinoline (IPDHQ), was synthesized by the coupling reaction of 4-iodoaniline diazonium salt with 8-hydroxyquinoline. The synthesized ligand and its Cd(II), Pd(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) complexes were spectrally characterized by UV‒Vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR, mass spectral analysis, 1H-NMR, magnetic sensitivity and molar conductivity. The general formula of the Cd(II), Cu(II) and Hg(II) complexes is [M(L)2].Cl2.H2O with octahedral geometry, while the general formula of the Pd(II) complex is [M(L).Cl2].H2O with square planer geometry. A simple and rapid spectrophotometric procedure was suggested for the determination of Hg(II) using the synthesized ligand as a spectrophotometric reagent. By measuring the absorbance for the resulting orange complex at 430 nm, the linearity range was 0.5-15 µg mL-1, and the interfering effect was also studied. The synthesized azo ligand and its Hg(Ⅱ) complex were tested for their biological activity against four bacterial strains.

KEY WORDS: Azo quinoline ligand, 8-Hydroxy quinoline, 4-Iodoaniline, Azo metal complexes, Spectrophotometric determination, Biological efficacy study

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1459-1470. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.13
Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of two oil-bearing extracts from fresh Pistacia lentiscus
Authors: Abidi Omayma , Abdelkafi-Koubaa Zaineb , Fares-Zagrouba Nadia , Elkahoui Salem , Toumi Lamjed , Marzouki Lamjed , Souilem Ouajdi
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT. This study aims to investigate the anti-cancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Pistacia lentiscus L. (P. lentiscus) extracts, as well as their phyto-chemical profile. The GC-MS crude chemical profile provided new chemotypes of fixed oil (FO) and essential oil (EO) extracts. Secondary metabolites screened high levels of polyphenols and condensed tannins in EO, while FO had the highest flavonoids content. A potent anti-proliferative activity of both extracts was shown on two human breast cancer cells (EO-IC50 = 5.2 mg/mL MDA-MB-231 cells). The antimicrobial activity showed that only EO was active against six multidrug resistant bacteria (inhibition zone 20-8 mm) and two fungi strains (inhibition zone 3-4 mm). Also, the highest in vitro antioxidant free-radical scavenging ability was in the case of EO (125.5 μg/mL). In vivo P. lentiscus EO provided corrective effect vs the tamoxifen (Txf) induced oxidative damage in liver and kidney in C57BL/6 in female mouse. These findings confirm that EO inhibits cell proliferation, induces bacterial death and has a potential antioxidant activity.

KEY WORDS: Phytotherapy, Pistacia lentiscus, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial activity, Breast cancer

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1487-1501. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.15
Risk assessment of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ground water samples around the vicinity of an asphalt plant in north central, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed A.A. , Orosun M.M. , Okeola F.O. , Raji M.A. , Tesi G.O. , Yusuph O.J.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT. In this study, the concentration and risk of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 9 composite samples around the vicinity of an Asphalt plant in North Central, Nigeria, was evaluated. Aqua-regia wet digestion was used for heavy metals extraction in the water samples while atomic absorption spectrometry was used quantification. For PAHs, liquid-liquid extraction was used for extraction while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for quantification of PAHs in the extracts. The risk assessment was estimated using the hazard index (HI) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) in all the samples studied. The results showed that Cd and Cr were present in concentrations higher than their permissible limits in water set by World Health Organization, while Pb was not detected. Total concentration of 14 PAHs ranged between 6.47–390 mg L-1 and were within the WHO permissible limits. High molecular weight PAHs were dominant (71.54%) relative to low molecular weight PAHs (28.46%). The risk assessment results revealed that 100% ILCRtotal values recorded for heavy metals were higher than the recommended limit. While 37.5% of ILCRtotal values recorded for PAHs were higher than the recommended values, implying that residents are exposed to health risks from both metals and PAHs.

KEY WORDS: Asphalt plant, Heavy metals, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,Water, Risk assessment

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1337-1349. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.4
Health Literacy, General Health, and Lifestyle among Infertile Men and Women in the Southeastern Iran
Authors: Kakhki Fatemeh Govahi , Pakdaman Fatemeh , Khaleghi Nasimeh , Seraji Maryam
Published: September 2023

Background: Infertility is a growing social problem, and health literacy is one of the factors that affects infertility, thereby affecting life  quality. On the other hand, lifestyle factors exert a considerable impact on reproductive capacity and general health. Against this  backdrop, this study aims to determine health literacy, general health, and lifestyle in infertile people in Zahedan, Iran.

Methods: In this  descriptive cross-sectional study, 86 male and 181 female participants who referred to Molod Infertility center (AliIbnAbiTalib Hospital) in  Zahedan were randomly selected. Health Literacy Standard Questionnaires (HELIA), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and the  Miller-Smith Lifestyle Assessment Inventory (LSI) were used to collect data. In addition, data were analyzed by SPSS V.22.

Results: The  participants' mean age was 30.87±7.5. Besides, 39% and 70% of the participations did not have enough health literacy and had a  moderate lifestyle, respectively. In addition, the general health of 68.9% was exposed to damage. Moreover, there was a significant  relationship between the three aforementioned factors, with the participants of higher levels of health literacy having had higher levels of  general health and lifestyle.

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the infertile people's health literacy was not enough,  and most of them had a moderate lifestyle. In addition, their general health was exposed to damage in most cases. Thus, it is necessary  to pay attention to providing proper education and health services to infertile men and women to improve their level of health literacy   and healthy fertility in order to support childbearing in the society.
Determinant Causes of Limb Amputation in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sume Bickes Wube , Geneti Soressa Abebe
Published: September 2023

Background: Most amputees suffered from lack of rehabilitation services and went on streets as glorified beggars. However, there is a  paucity of information about determinant causes of amputation in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was  conducted to estimate pooled prevalence of limb amputation and its determinant causes in Ethiopian population.

Methods: Worldwide databases such as PubMed/MedLine, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched  to retrieve pertinent articles. Grey literatures were also looked in local and national repositories. Microsoft excel was used to extract data  which were exported to stata version 14.0 for analysis. Cochrane Q and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity. Egger's and Begg's  tests were employed to assess reporting biases. Random effect meta-analysis model was applied to estimate pooled prevalence.

Results:  Twenty-one qualified studies with 18,900 study participants were reviewed. Pooled prevalence of limb amputation was 31.69%.  Lower extremity amputation (LEA) accounted for 14.41%, and upper extremity amputation (UEA) took 10.53% (6.50, 14.53). Above knee  amputations (2.50 %) were common orthopedic operations whereas ray amputations (0.03%) were the least orthopedic procedures of  LEA. Above elbow amputations (2.46%) were common from UEA while shoulder disarticulations (0.02%) were the least orthopedic surgical  procedures. The major causes of limb amputations were trauma (11.05%), diabetic foot ulcer (9.93 %), traditional bone setters  (24.10%) and burn (10.63%).

Conclusion: Lower extremity amputations were common orthopedic surgical procedures. Major  determinant causes were trauma, diabetic foot ulcer, traditional bone setters and burn.
Evaluation of anaesthetic and analgesic effects of ketamine-diazepam and ketamine-xylazine for chemical restraint in grower pigs undergoing surgical castration.
Authors: Oyenekan I. O. , Makinde O. A. , Olurode S. A. , Mustapha L. , Koleosho S. A. , Abati T. A.
Published: September 2023

Pain response during pig handling is aggravated due to difficulty in restraining them for surgical procedure and thus gives rise to more welfare concerns. This study evaluated the comparative advantage of either combination of ketamine/xylazine (KX) or Ketamine/diazepam (KD) for surgical castration in pigs. Ten client-owned grower pigs, scheduled for orchidectomy were randomly assigned to two treatment groups containing five pigs were used for the study. Group 1 were anaesthetized with simultaneous intramuscular injection of 0.3 mg/kg diazepam and 10 mg/kg ketamine while group 2 were simultaneously injected with 2mg/kg Xylazine and 10 mg/kg ketamine, intramuscularly. Orchidectomy was thereafter performed on each pig using standard procedures. Cardiopulmonary parameters and anaesthetic indices were measured before and after anaesthetic induction. Castration was successfully done in all the grower pigs and the recovery from anaesthesia was uneventful. There was no significant change in all the cardiopulmonary parameters measured throughout the procedure. Also there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in respiratory rate, heart rate and body temperature between the two groups. There was faster but insignificant(p=0.15) loss of righting reflex in pigs in group KX compared to KD group. Also, the induction time, time of standing and duration of surgery was faster in KX group than KD group although not statistically significant. Following skin incision, all the pigs in the KD and non in KX group were found to require subcutaneous lidocaine inflitration. Ketamine-Xylazine combination provided better anaesthesia and analgesia sufficient for a 30 minutes surgical procedure like castration in grower pigs.
Pathological, biochemical and hormonal changes associated with prolonged administration of methanol extract of Garcinia kola seed in adult male Wistar rats.
Authors: Alaka O. O. , Olaniyi M. O. , Mshelbwala F. M. , Oni O. O. , Adebowale O. O. , Akintunde O. G. , Faramade I. A. , Mustapha O. A. , Adeleye O. E. , Akinloye A. K. , Talabi O. A.
Published: September 2023

Garcinia kola (GK) seed is believed to possess aphrodisiac properties hence its traditional use to manage erectile dysfunctions in man. However, there has been conflicting reports of its long-term effects on the male reproductive organs. In this study, the effect of varying doses of methanol extract of GK on testicular function and structure in Wistar rats was evaluated. Forty adult male rats (350-360g) were randomly divided into 4 groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 received oral doses of 600mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 100mg/kg of the extract daily, respectively for 70 days while group 4 (control group) received normal saline (0.9% NaCl). Blood samples were collected fortnightly from each rat for serum chemistry and testosterone analysis. At termination, the testes, epididymides and livers were harvested, weighed and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed for histopathology. The results were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM) and analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P< 0.05. Dose-related pathological changes were observed in the testes and epididymides. Testicular weight decreased significantly (p<0.05) in 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg groups compared to the control group. There was testicular necrosis associated with distortion of the seminiferous tubular wall and reduced seminiferous tubular diameter. Seminiferous tubules had reduced germinal epithelial thickness along with an absence of viable spermatids and spermatozoa. Serum testosterone levels decreased progressively (p < 0.01) in groups 1 and 2 while those of groups 3 and 4 remain unchanged. The results established that ingestion of methanol extracts of GK seed at the dose of 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg produced significant gonadal pathology in adult male Wistar rats despite the absence of remarkable hepatic biochemical and structural changes.
Bounding conjugacy depth functions for wreath products of finitely generated abelian groups
Authors: Ferov Michal , Pengitore Mark
Published: September 2023

In this article, we study the asymptotic behaviour of conjugacy separability
for wreath products of abelian groups. We fully characterise the asymptotic
class in the case of lamplighter groups and give exponential upper and lower
bounds for generalised lamplighter groups. In the case where the base group is
infinite, we give superexponential lower and upper bounds. We apply our results
to obtain lower bounds for conjugacy depth functions of various wreath products
of groups where the acting group is not abelian.
A Co-Planar Waveguide Ultra-Wideband Antenna for Ambient Wi-Fi RF Power Transmission and Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Nuraiza Ismail  , Ermeey Abd Kadir
Published: September 2023

This study proposes an ultra-wideband antenna for ambient radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting applications. The antenna is based on a co-planar waveguide (CPW) transmission line and incorporates a rectangular slot as an antenna harvester. The proposed antenna utilizes an evolutionary design process to achieve impedance matching of the 50 Ω CPW feeding line over the desired frequency bands. A parametric study investigates CPW elements and rectangular slot size. The harvester antenna is then connected to the primary rectifier circuit of the voltage doubler to examine the signal characteristics. The antenna covers the Industry, Science, and Medicine (ISM) Wi-Fi bands of 2.45 GHz and 5 GHz, achieving a realized gain of 3.641 dBi and 4.644 dBi at 2.45 GHz and 5 GHz, respectively. It exhibits a relatively broad frequency ranging from 2.16 GHz to 6.32 GHz, covering the ultra-wideband fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 105%.
ANK Therapeutic Prospects and Usefulness of PD-L1 and NK Activity as Biomarkers for Predicting Treatment Efficacy Revealed from the Treatment Course of Patients with HTLV-1-Associated Bronchioloalveolar Disease
Authors:   Medical Corporation Ebino Centro Clinic, Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, Nagai Kenjiro
Published: September 2023

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a peripheral T-cell neoplasm with poor prognosis that can present as HTLV-1associated bronchioloalveolar disease (HABA). Chemotherapy is recommended for ATL; however, it is not very effective against all types of ATL. Furthermore, there are no effective treatments for smoldering HABA-associated ATL. We present a case in which amplified natural killer cell (ANK) therapy was effective in a woman in her early 80s who was previously diagnosed with ATL-related smoldering HABA and presented with dyspnea and productive cough on exertion. The symptoms were suppressed for approximately 10 months after the first treatment, but then gradually worsened. About a year later, a second treatment was followed by mild side effects. Suppression of ATL cell proliferation by repeated doses of ANK therapy appears to be effective in this patient. The therapeutic effect was high even with long treatment intervals, and the efficacy and safety of repeated treatments have been demonstrated. ANK therapy is expected to be the mainstay of treatment ATL and HABA. ANK therapy has been reported to kill PD-L1 positive tumor cells and some solid tumors with excellent responses have many PDL1-positive tumor cells. ANK therapy is thought to be effective for ATL because there are many PD-L1-positive tumor cells. Furthermore, administration of activated NK cells may increase tumor-killing activity in those patients with reduced NK activity. While future studies are needed, PD-L1 positive rate and NK activity may be biomarkers for the effectiveness of ANK therapy.
GRAĐANSKI BRANILAC (OMBUDSMAN) U JEDINICAMA LOKALNE SAMOUPRAVE SA POSEBNIM OSVRTOM NA GRAD KRAGUJEVAC
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Jovanović Zoran
Published: September 2023

Legal practice in developed countries showed that ombudsman might play a very useful role regarding the improvements in local government mechanism and human rights protection, both on national and regional level. The fact that the function of ombudsman, no matter how difficult to perform, bears special importance for countries involved with such comprehensive reform process as ours - by enabling the ombudsman to notice irregularities, holes or inefficiencies within the system, point them out and give suggestions for improvement - is rightfully emphasized. However, when introduced for the first time to certain environments, it may provoke much concern – in regard to its purpose, jurisdiction and results expected. The institution of ombudsman in the City of Kragujevac could not avoid confronting with such concerns. But, as the time passed, this institution have started producing visible results in not so long a period of its functioning. Throughout the next period, the office of city ombudsman should, by means of mass media and instructional lectures, contribute to the affirmation of this institution in the public, because it's sole aim is to serve the citizens and be by the citizens.
ULOGA POKRAJINSKOG ZAŠTITNIKA GRAĐANA-OMBUDSMANA U STVARANjU I KOORDINACIJI MREŽOM „ŽIVOT BEZ NASILjA"
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Law, Ćorić Dragana , Knežević Snezana
Published: September 2023

The provincial protector of citizens - ombudsman (in the following text PZGO) has noticed the need for a change in the approach of institutions to the problem of domestic violence since its establishment. Working on the complaints of citizens, it became clear that there were omissions in the work of the competent institutions, especially when dealing with cases of domestic violence. The reasons for those omissions and errors in acting of institutions are rather different: inadequate personnel training, attitudes and prejudices of employees in institutions that come from entrenched traditionalist patterns of division of gender roles, to untimely response to deviant behavior in general amid lack of interest in actions and inadequate performance of work tasks in general . The consequences of such bad and inadequate treatment were manifold. One of the more serious consequences is creating an image in the public that committing violence in this sensitive sphere of domestic violenceis acceptable and permissible. The mild penal policy did not contribute to the whole milieu of the problem, nor did the absence of appropriate mechanisms to help and support victims of domestic violence. The vagueness and opposition of the regulations, and the insufficient coverage of various behaviors that qualify as domestic violence, as well as the absence of institutional mechanisms and obligations to respond in such situations, have created an extremely dangerous area, increased distrust in the institutions, and created a climate of fear. In the paper, the authors present an example of good practice, created even before the Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence from 2016, resulting from the work of the PZGO. It is a network of institutions focused on work and assistance to victims of domestic violence and prosecution of perpetrators of violent crimes, called "Life without violence", which was founded in 2005.
OMBUDSMAN I MEDIJACIJA – BUDUĆNOST ALTERNATIVNOG REŠAVANjA SUKOBA U JAVNOM SEKTORU
Authors: Petrović Ivan , Pejović Igor
Published: September 2023

In the paper, the authors deal with mediation and the institution of the ombudsmasector, with a special focus on the historical relationship between mediators and ombudsmen. In this regard, the authors first point out the key segments of the currently valid mediation procedure. In addition to this, the work also deals with how the advantage of applying mediation through the institution of the ombudsman is reflected. In the final part of the paper, the authors present their view of the mediation procedure in the ombudsman institution, as well as possible directions for its further development.
OMBUDSMAN – INFORMISANjE – MEDIJI
Authors: Nešić Miladin
Published: September 2023

The institution of the local ombudsman, or ombudsman in general, in the Republic of Serbia is a recent one. Insufficiently elaborated legal arrangement, i.e. definition, of the institution of local ombudsman creates certain problems for local self-government units when making decisions on establishment, and thus there are many uneven approaches in practice. Also, the practice of twenty years has not yet provided clear enough solutions for the successful functioning of this institution. We consider one of the important issues in the work of the local ombudsman institution to be the relationship with information and the media. Our opinion is that these are areas that are of great importance for the visibility of the institution, and thus the improved degree of protection of human, civil and minority rights, and thus the development and promotion of democracy.
MOĆ AUTORITETA LOKALNOG OMBUDSMANA NASPRAM PRINUDE KONAČNE SUDSKE PRESUDE
Authors: Stojković Sokolović Jelena
Published: September 2023

Each local self-government can establish a local ombudsman as independent. The basis of authorization of local ombudsmen is authority, so it is based on the assumption that human rights cannot be protected or improved with authority. This is due to the fact that the institution is optional, so many local governments have not established a local ombudsman, as well as because the authority does not have the power to unequivocally, firmly and finally protect human rights. On the other hand, an independent judiciary has the power to protect the human rights of a specific individual - person - party to court proceedings with the finality of its judgments. Examples from the long-term practice of the Local Ombudsman of the city of Pancevo point to a slightly different picture. Due to their differences, but also their similarities, the aforementioned authorities serve to comprehensively protect human and minority rights, and such a topic can be interesting, where the professional work was limited to the characteristics of the jurisdiction of regular courts and the powers of the Local Ombudsman of the city of Pancevo.
Qualitative Content Analysis Related to the Use of Instagram @pertamina as Communication Technology in Responding to the Post-Fire Crisis of the Plumpang Depot in March 2023
Authors: Cornelius Maria Adeline
Published: September 2023

On March 3 2023, a fire occurred at the Pertamina Plumpang Depot, Koja, North Jakarta. Transparency and good communication regarding Pertamina's responsibilities are important steps in maintaining trust and minimizing negative impacts on the company's reputation.Situational Crisis Communication Theory can be applied in managing communication in crisis situations. The Instagram account @pertamina shows empathy and concern in dealing with the crisis caused by this fire. This article aims to analyze the use of Instagram as a crisis response strategy after the Plumpang Depot fire on March 3 2023, with a focus on the content on the @pertamina account. The qualitative content analysis method was used in this research, with the unit of analysis being content on Instagram @pertamina in the post-Plumpang Depot fire period, namely between the 4th and March 8, 2023. Data collection was carried out through observation of content, including uploads, captions on images, and captions on posts, and there were ten pieces of content studied. In this research, it was found that Pertamina used a crisis response strategy model in the form ofdeal response strategy in responding to the crisis that occurred. The @pertamina Instagram account is used as communication technology that becomes a bridge to the public in dealing with crises with consistency and in accordance with community expectations, such as providing compensation, apologizing and showing regret, without trying to prove the truth or alluding that the crisis originates from factors outside the organization's control
Tratamento da limitação de abertura bucal com laserterapia de baixa potência
Authors: Chami Vitória de Oliveira , Assaf Débora do Canto , Maracci Lucas Machado , Tomazoni Fernanda , Ferrazzo Vilmar Antônio , Marquezan Mariana
Published: September 2023

A disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é composta por um conjunto de sinais e sintomas envolvendo músculos mastigatórios, articulação temporomandibular e estruturas orofaciais. Devido à etiologia multifatorial da DTM e à variedade de apresentações clínicas, o tratamento desse distúrbio é extenso e diversificado. Entre as modalidades de tratamento de DTM, o uso de laser de baixa intensidade alcançou grande popularidade devido à sua natureza conservadora, porém na literatura, existe grande variedade de protocolos de irradiação e grande variedade nas amostras, portanto não há consenso sobre o protocolo ideal. Este estudo avaliou os resultados de um protocolo rápido de duas sessões para o tratamento com laser em pacientes com dor miofascial e limitação de abertura de boca. Dez pacientes adultos, de ambos os sexos foram avaliados e diagnosticados pelos Critérios de Diagnóstico para Pesquisa em Disfunção Temporomandibular (RDC/TMD) e anamnese básica. Os pacientes foram tratados com o dispositivo de laser de baixa intensidade, ponta infravermelha, Photon Lase III (DMC Equipamentos LTDA, São Carlos, SP, Brasil), padronizado nas seguintes especificações: AsGaAl, λ = 808 nm, potência de 100 mW, modo contínuo e fluência de 80 J / cm2 e aplicação de 22 segundos por ponto dolorido conforme palpação prévia. Duas sessões de laserterapia foram realizadas com intervalo de 48 horas entre elas. A abertura da boca foi significativamente maior após 30 dias da primeira sessão (p = 0,04). O protocolo de tratamento rápido mostrou-se eficaz em aumentar amplitude de abertura bucal em pacientes com dor miofascial e limitação de abertura de boca.
Guía de Práctica Clínica sobre Cuidados Paliativos en Pediatría
Authors: Armero Paula , Arroyo María José , Estébanez Belén , Gállego Alba , Gamboa Fernando Miguel
Published: September 2023

El objetivo de esta GPC es ofrecer una herramienta útil a los profesionales, los pacientes y sus familias que dé respuesta a las preguntas clínicas más relevantes relacionadas con la atención paliativa en la edad pediátrica y les ayude en la toma de decisiones. Ofrece recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento farmacológico del dolor, la evaluación de los síntomas, la comunicación, la participación del menor en la toma de decisiones, o el lugar preferido para los cuidados al final de la vida.
Social Distancing is Equals to Cultural Distancing an Analysis on the Bereavement Process during COVID 19 Pandemic in Zimbabwe
Authors:   ZESA Holdings Megawatt Samora Machel, Zimbabwe, Mapayi Eunice , Maunganidze Levison ,   Midlands State University, Department of Psychology, Gweru, Zimbabwe, Zirima H. ,   Great Zimbabwe University, Department of Psychology, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Published: September 2023

Background: Millions around the world have experienced the loss of a loved one due to COVID 19, other various illnesses or natural death (Mortazavi, Assari, Alimohamadi, Rafiee & Shati, 2020). However given the restrictive lockdown regulations due to COVID 19 pandemic most of these individuals did not have the opportunity to bid farewell to their loved ones or bury them properly. The World Health Organisation (2020) warned that the COVID-19 restrictive measures disrupted the regular grief cycle that enables individuals to rapidly adjust to the situation and recover from their loss. For example, social distancing restricts collective mourning. Research suggests that people who mourn alone are likely to experience anxiety, depression, ambiguous loss, acute and complicated grief, which is when people struggle to integrate their loss into their identity. This study analysed the bereavement process of 15 participants whose loved ones died during the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Harare. Materials and Methods: Data for the study was collected using in-depth interviews and qualitative questionnaires. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the data. Results: The findings of the study revealed that the deceased mostly died in isolation with no one around. Mourning the loss was also highly challenging with participants receiving less in social support thus leading to mourning in isolation. The inability to perform last rites added yet another layer of grief which resulted in prolonged grief among the bereaved and impacted their overall wellbeing. A multi-layered approach is effective in mitigating the psychological effects of mourning in isolation, ranging from case finding to increasing access to public education. Use of the existing structures to better deal with the emerging phenomenon. For example, holding ceremonies, such as virtual memorials in the form of virtual groups, adapting some religious and cultural customs to the structure of the virtual networks, and inviting the bereaved to write letters to the dead person and express their feelings.
Solutions to Protect and Promote Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Capital Hanoi (Vietnam) Facing the Pressure of Urbanization
Authors:   University of Labor and Social Affairs, Thuy Dr. Doan Thanh , Thi Thu Dr. Nguyen ,   University of Labor and Social Affairs, Thi Hong Dr. Dong ,   University of Labor and Social Affairs
Published: September 2023

Hanoi is a major cultural center of Vietnam with a diverse, rich and unique intangible cultural heritage system built up over thousands of years of history. Recently, Hanoi has made many efforts to promote the value of cultural heritage to develop cultural industries, making important contributions to the socio-economic development of the Capital. However, under the current pressure of urbanization, many of Hanoi's intangible cultural heritages are at risk of being eroded, or even disappearing. Therefore, preserving and promoting Hanoi's intangible cultural heritage is an urgent and important task to preserve the traditional identity of the "Capital of a thousand years of civilization".
Supply Chain Integration and Marketing Success of Agricultural Producers in South-East Nigeria
Authors:   University of Nigeria Business School, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria., Christian Ifekanandu Chukwudi , Uyiosa Asemota Kingsley ,   Department of Business Administration, Edo State Polytechnic, Benin City, Edo, Nigeria, Tochukwu Obalum Lawrence ,   Commercial Banking Division, Access Bank Plc., Chukwudi Ifekanandu Ihuoma ,   National Open University of Nigeria.
Published: September 2023

This study examined the relationship between supply chain integration and marketing success of agriculture producers in Nigeria. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and the correlational research design. The population of this study is made up of all the agricultural producers in South-East Nigeria. The exact population of agricultural producers in the South-East Geopolitical Zone is unknown, hence the Cochran’s formula was used to arrive at a sample size of 384 agricultural producers. The 384 agricultural producers were drawn from the five (5) states in the South-East Geopolitical Zone. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed statistically while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) was used to test the hypotheses. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) was computed using SPSS 23.0 version. The findings revealed that internal integration has significant relationship with sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also found a significant relationship between internal integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. A significant relationship was reported between supplier integration and sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also confirmed a significant relationship between supplier integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. The study equally found a significant relationship between customer integration and sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also discovered a significant relationship between customer integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. Based on these findings, it was concluded that supply chain integration is a significant predictor of marketing success of agricultural producers in South- East Nigeria. In line with the findings and conclusion, it was recommended that agricultural producers and marketers should embrace supply chain integration as it would enable them achieve marketing success.
Aspects of Life Insurance Agents' Performance in Vietnam: A Study from the Impact of Customer-Oriented Behavior
Authors:   University of Labor and Social Affairs, Hanoi, Vietnam, Dung Do Thuy , Huong Mai Thi ,   University of Labor and Social Affairs, Hanoi, Vietnam, Huong Nguyen Xuan ,   University of Labor and Social Affairs, Hanoi, Vietnam, Ban Mai Van ,   Hanoi University of Business and Technology, Vietnam
Published: September 2023

This study examined the influence of life insurance agents' customer-oriented action research on aspects of agents' personal sales performance. In particular, the agent's performance is considered in terms of behavioral effectiveness and outcome performance. The research was conducted through interviews and surveys of insurance agents of life insurance businesses in Hanoi city, with 158 feedback forms received. Data collection is group processed through supporting software support SPSS and PLS-SEM. The study results show that customer-oriented behavior substantially impacts life insurance agents' behavioral performance more than outcome performance. At the same time, behavioral performance also plays a mediating role in providing the performance of customer-oriented behavior to the performance outcomes of life insurance agents. The research results are the basis for the authors to propose some key tips for life insurance businesses in the current context of Vietnam's insurance market.