bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing HIV-related stigma among young people attending school in Northern Uganda: study protocol for a participatory arts-based population health intervention and stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Mendelsohn Joshua B. , Fournier Bonnie , Caron-Roy Stéphanie , Maina Geoffrey , Strudwick Gillian , Ojok Santo , Lim Hyun June , Sanches Marcos , Logie Carmen H. , Sommerfeldt Susan , Nykiforuk Candace , Harrowing Jean , Adyanga Francis Akena , Hakiigaba Jussy Okello , Bilash Olenka
Published: December 2022

Background

HIV-related stigma negatively impacts HIV prevention, treatment, and care, particularly among children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Interventions that are culturally grounded and relevant for addressing root causes may reduce the stigma experienced by HIV-positive and HIV-affected young people. This study, to be conducted in a post-conflict, rural setting in Omoro District, Uganda, will develop and evaluate a transformative  arts-based HIV-related stigma intervention rooted in local cultural knowledge to reduce stigma and improve HIV prevention and care for young people living with HIV. The intervention will be delivered to young people attending school by community Elders, with the support of teachers, through the transfer of local cultural knowledge and practices with the aim of re-establishing the important cultural and social role of Elders within a community that has suffered the loss of intergenerational transfer of cultural knowledge throughout a 25-year civil war.

Methods

A formative research phase consisting of interviews with students, teachers, and Elders will inform the intervention and provide data for study objectives. Workshops will be delivered to Elders and teachers in participating schools to build capacity for arts-based, educational workshops to be conducted with students in the classroom. The intervention will be evaluated using a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial. Government-funded schools in Omoro District will be randomized into three blocks, each comprised of two primary and two secondary schools (n=1800 students). Schools will be randomly assigned to a crossover sequence from control to intervention condition in 8-week intervals. A process evaluation will be implemented throughout the study to evaluate pathways between intervention development, implementation, and effects.

Discussion

This study will generate comprehensive, in-depth participatory research and evaluation data to inform an effective and sustainable protocol for implementing arts-based HIV stigma interventions for young people in school settings. Findings will have widespread implications in post-conflict settings for HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04946071. Registered on 30 June 2021.
Use of glucagon in severe hypoglycemia is scarce in most countries, and has not been expanded by new ready-to-use glucagons
Authors: Pontiroli Antonio E. , Rizzo Manfredi , Tagliabue Elena
Published: December 2022

Glucagon (traditional kits for intramuscular administration, Glucagon and Glucagen), although recommended as a remedy for severe hypoglycemia (SH), has been reported to be under-utilized, likely because of technical problems. The aims of this study were to evaluate the use of glucagon in persons with type 1 diabetes in several countries, and to investigate if the availability of new ready-to-use glucagons (Baqsimi, Gvoke, Zegalogue, years 2019 to 2021) has expanded the overall use of glucagon. The source of data was IQVIA-MIDAS (units of glucagon sold), while data on persons with type 1 diabetes in countries were derived from IDF Diabetes Atlas. The use of glucagon has been steady from 2014 to 2019, with a small but significant increase from 2019 to 2021, paradoxically only in countries where new ready-to-use glucagons were not available. The use of glucagon has always been ten fold greater in countries where new ready-to-use glucagons became available than in the other countries (population 108,000,000 vs 28,100,000, 480,291 vs 182,018 persons with type 1 diabetes). A significant correlation was observed in all years between units of glucagon and persons with type 1 diabetes. Availability of new ready-to-use glucagons was associated with a small increase of sales, due only to new ready-to-use glucagons themselves. The use of glucagon (any type) remains low, approximately 1/10 of persons with type 1 diabetes. We conclude that use of glucagon is scarce in most countries, and so far has not been expanded by new ready-to-use glucagons such as the ones considered in this study.
Metagenomic analysis of the interaction between the gut microbiota and colorectal cancer: a paired-sample study based on the GMrepo database
Authors: Chen Han , Jiao Jianhua , Wei Min , Jiang Xingzhou , Yang Ruoyun , Yu Xin , Zhang Guoxin , Zhou Xiaoying
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous evidence has shown that the gut microbiota plays a role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to provide quantitative analysis and visualization of the interaction between the gut microbiota and CRC in order to establish a more precise microbiota panel for CRC diagnosis.

Method

A paired-sample study was designed by retrieving original metagenomic data from the GMrepo database. The differences in the distribution of the gut microbiota between CRCs and controls were analysed at the species level. A co-occurrence network was established, and the microbial interactions with environmental factors were assessed. Random forest models were used to determine significant biomarkers for differentiating CRC and control samples.

Results

A total of 709 metagenomic samples from 6 projects were identified. After matching, 86 CRC patients and 86 matched healthy controls from six countries were enrolled. A total of 484 microbial species and 166 related genera were analysed. In addition to previously recognized associations between Fusobacterium nucleatum and species belonging to the genera Peptostreptococcus, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella and CRC, we found new associations with the novel species of Parvimonas micra and Collinsella tanakaei. In CRC patients, Bacteroides uniformis and Collinsella tanakaei were positively correlated with age, whereas Dorea longicatena, Adlercreutzia equolifaciens, and Eubacterium hallii had positive associations with body mass index (BMI). Finally, a random forest model was established by integrating different numbers of species with the highest model-building importance and lowest inner subcategory bias. The median value of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.812 in the training cohort and 0.790 in the validation set.

Conclusions

Our study provides a novel bioinformatics approach for investigating the interaction between the gut microbiota and CRC using an online free database. The identification of key species and their associated genes should be further emphasized to determine the relative causality of microbial organisms in the development of CRC.
Middle Triassic Nautilida from the Besano Formation of Monte San Giorgio, Switzerland
Authors: Pieroni Vittorio
Published: December 2022

For the first time, nautilids from the Besano Formation (Anisian/Ladinian boundary) are documented. The extremely rare material was collected from two different outcrops at Monte San Giorgio (Southern Alps, Ticino, Switzerland). This material is represented by only five specimens described here. The three best specimens belong to the taxa Enoploceras rieberi sp. nov., Germanonautilus aff. ellipticus and Syringonautilus sp. indet., documenting the presence of the families Tainoceratidae and Syringonautilidae in the middle Besano Formation. Another nautilid specimen is described in open nomenclature, representing an additional taxon. The new species Enoploceras rieberi n. sp. is currently the only occurrence of the genus Enoploceras in the Middle Triassic. Nautilida are poorly known from the Middle Triassic Tethyan region, mostly from sediments deposited in pelagic environments. This is the first record of these nautilids from an usually anoxic depositional paleoenvironment of an intra-platform basin, where the sediments of the Besano Formation were laid down.

ZooBank LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:61CF9E69-0F12-4D63-8CD7-0F2C8BA15C7C
Snail meat consumption in Buea-Cameroon: exposures to foodborne pathogens through social practices assessed in 2019 and 2021
Authors: Tanyitiku Mary Nkongho , Nicholas Graeme , Sullivan Jon J. , Njombissie Petcheu Igor C. , On Stephen L. W.
Published: December 2022

Background

Snail meat is an important source of nutrition in Cameroon, but the food safety risks are poorly understood. We characterized public health risks from snail meat consumption as a social system in Cameroon, by examining local snail practices that expose snail meat handlers and consumers to foodborne pathogens.

Methods

We used exploratory qualitative approaches, that is, lived experience, face-to-face in-depth interviews, participant observation and a focus group, to explore fifteen key informants’ routines and lived experiences, and perceptions of two health officials on the food safety practices around snail meat consumption in Cameroon. This information was organized and interpreted using Soft Systems Methodology and Social Practice Theory, which permitted a systemic appreciation of local practices.

Results

We distinguished five kinds of actors (snail vendors, market sellers, street vendors, street eaters and home consumers), who performed seven successive practices (picking, selling, cracking, washing, cooking, hawking and eating). We then identified three worldviews about snails: family support or to reduce poverty, a source of nutrition and a food choice (taste, preference). Our findings revealed participants’ competences were based on childhood learning and ‘inborn’ experiences, and materials used in snail activities reflected participants’ parentage and ‘state of poverty’. Although most interviewees highlighted ‘unhygienic conditions’ when explaining snail picking locations, participants believed washing and cooking should kill all contaminants.

Conclusion

Several opportunities for human exposures to foodborne pathogens including snail picking in domestic wastes and sewage, the selling of unpackaged live snails, improper snail meat washing and hawking in loosely closed buckets, were apparent from our analysis. These findings suggest fruitful opportunities aimed at improving health outcomes among African snail meat handlers and consumers.
Cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of the food additive tartrazine on eukaryotic cells
Authors: dos Santos Jailson Rodrigues , de Sousa Soares Larissa , Soares Bruno Moreira , de Gomes Farias Marlene , de Oliveira Victor Alves , de Sousa Natan Antônio Batista , Negreiros Helber Alves , da Silva Felipe Cavalcanti Carneiro , Peron Ana Paula , Pacheco Ana Carolina Landim , Marques Márcia Maria Mendes , Gonçalves Juan Carlos Ramos , Montenegro Raquel Carvalho , Islam Muhammad Torequl , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Mubarak Mohammad S. , de Melo Cavalcante Ana Amélia Carvalho , de Castro e Sousa João Marcelo
Published: December 2022

Background

Among the food additives used in the food industry, food dyes are considered the most toxic. For instance, tartrazine (TRZ) is a food colorant commercially available with conflicting data regarding its cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of TRZ using different eukaryotic cells (in vitro).

Methods

This study employed 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), brine shrimp lethality, Allium cepa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae tests. Different concentrations of TRZ and different exposure times were used in this study.

Results

The results demonstrate that TRZ induced a concentration-dependent toxic effect on the test systems. It also exerted cytotoxicity in fibroblasts and human gastric cells. In addition, TRZ showed mutagenic effects on the A. cepa test system. However, its toxicogenic effects may not relate to the oxidizing activity, which was confirmed by the S. cerevisiae test model.

Conclusion

Taken together, TRZ exerted toxicogenic effects on the test systems. Therefore, it may be harmful to health, especially its prolonged use may trigger carcinogenesis.
Time-dependent suicide rates among Army soldiers returning from an Afghanistan/Iraq deployment, by military rank and component
Authors: Adams Rachel Sayko , Forster Jeri E. , Gradus Jaimie L. , Hoffmire Claire A. , Hostetter Trisha A. , Larson Mary Jo , Walsh Colin G. , Brenner Lisa A.
Published: December 2022

Background

To date, knowledge is limited regarding time-dependent suicide risk in the years following return from deployment and whether such rates vary by military rank (i.e., enlisted, officer) or component (i.e., active duty, National Guard, reserve). To address these gaps in knowledge, the objectives of this study were to determine and compare postdeployment suicide rates and trends (percent change over time), and hazard rates for Army soldiers, by rank and component (measured at the end of the deployment).

Methods

Longitudinal cohort study of 860,930 Army soldiers returning from Afghanistan/Iraq deployment in fiscal years 2008–2014 from the Substance Use and Psychological Injury Combat study. Death by suicide was observed from the end of the first deployment in the study period through 2018 (i.e., the most recently available mortality data) for up to 11 years of follow-up. Analyses were conducted in 2021–2022.

Results

Adjusting for age, lowest-ranking Junior Enlisted (E1–E4) soldiers had a suicide rate 1.58 times higher than Senior Enlisted (E5–E9)/Warrant Officers (95% CI [1.24, 2.01]) and 2.41 times higher than Officers (95% CI [1.78, 3.29]). Suicide rates among lower-ranking enlisted soldiers remained elevated for 11 years postdeployment. Overall and annual postdeployment suicide rates did not differ significantly across components. Comparisons across rank and component for females were generally consistent with the full cohort results.

Conclusions

Lower-ranking enlisted soldiers had the highest rate of suicide, underscoring the importance of understanding rank as it relates to social determinants of health. For over a decade following Afghanistan/Iraq deployment, lower-enlisted rank during deployment was associated with an elevated rate of suicide; thereby suggesting that postdeployment prevention interventions targeting lower-ranking military members are warranted.
Efficacy and safety of native type II collagen in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Luo Cheng , Su Weike , Song Ying , Srivastava Shalini
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of clinical arthritis in middle-aged and older individuals. Undenatured or native type II (TII) collagen derived from the chicken sternum has a good therapeutic effect on relieving severe pain of OA. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TII collagen (Native CT-II®) in individuals with knee OA.

Methods

We conducted a 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study on 101 participants aged 40–65 years with knee OA. The participants were randomised to receive either TII collagen, glucosamine hydrochloride + chondroitin sulfate (G + C) or a placebo. The primary outcome was an improvement in the joint health of the participants assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) compared to G + C and placebo.

Results

Compared with the placebo group (n = 27), the TII collagen group (n = 29) and G + C group (n = 29) significantly improved the overall joint health measured by the change in WOMAC total score (week 12: TII collagen = -32.47 ± 19.51 and G + C = -33.74 ± 24.64 vs. placebo = -13.84 ± 17.61; p < 0.05) and relieved knee joint pain (week 12: TII collagen = -5.69 ± 3.66 and G + C = -6.03 ± 4.72 vs. placebo = -2.71 ± 3.95; p < 0.05). The statistically significant effect was observed as early as 4 weeks after the investigational product administration. Additionally, the TII collagen was more effective in improving the quality of life than the G + C.

Conclusion

TII collagen not only has a significantly better effect and high safety profile for OA but also improves the quality of life of patients.

Level of Evidence

Level 1 – Randomized Controlled Trial.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT04470336; First submitted date: July 08, 2020; First posted date: July 14, 2020.
Inflammation context in Alzheimer’s disease, a relationship intricate to define
Authors: Novoa Catalina , Salazar Paulina , Cisternas Pedro , Gherardelli Camila , Vera-Salazar Roberto , Zolezzi Juan M. , Inestrosa Nibaldo C.
Published: December 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein aggregates. Importantly, Aβ and tau species are able to activate astrocytes and microglia, which release several proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), together with reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), triggering neuroinflammation. However, this inflammatory response has a dual function: it can play a protective role by increasing Aβ degradation and clearance, but it can also contribute to Aβ and tau overproduction and induce neurodegeneration and synaptic loss. Due to the significant role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of AD, several inflammatory mediators have been proposed as AD markers, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, Iba-1, GFAP, NF-κB, TLR2, and MHCII. Importantly, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs has emerged as a potential treatment against AD. Moreover, diseases related to systemic or local inflammation, including infections, cerebrovascular accidents, and obesity, have been proposed as risk factors for the development of AD. In the following review, we focus on key inflammatory processes associated with AD pathogenesis.
The Effects of Exercise Training on Recovery of Biochemical and Hematological Outcomes in Patients Surviving COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Assessor-Blinded Trial
Authors: Tartibian Bakhtyar , Khayat Sirwan Mohammad Amini , Maleki Behzad Hajizadeh , Chehrazi Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Background

No previous research has investigated the direct effects of exercise interventions on COVID-19 outcomes. The aim is to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of home-based moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), resistance training (RT), and combined aerobic and resistance training (CET) on biochemical and hematologic markers associated with COVID-19 symptoms and severity in COVID-19 survivors.

Methods

A total of 547 male and female COVID-19 survivors were screened, and 296 (aged 20–93 years) were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of four groups: MICT (n = 74), RT (n = 74), CET (n = 74), or non-exercise (NON-EX, n = 74). Blood samples were taken at baseline, at week 4, and week 8 after training.

Results

After the intervention, compared with the NON-EX group, all 3 MICT, RT, and CET interventions caused significant improvements in the levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin-I, d-dimer, creatinine, urea, potassium (K), sodium (Na), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, red blood cells (RBC), platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit concentrations (P < 0.05). CET was effectively superior to MICT and RT in the improvements in the biochemical and hematological variables studied (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, the present study demonstrates that long-term MICT plus RT interventions have a synergistic effect in accelerating and enhancing the recovery in patients surviving COVID-19.

Trial registration IRCT20160605028270N3, 6 September 2020.
Protocol for the pilot quasi-experimental controlled trial of a gender-responsive implementation strategy with providers to improve HIV outcomes in Uganda
Authors: Sileo K. M. , Wanyenze R. K. , Anecho A. , Luttinen R. , Semei C. , Mukasa B. , Musoke W. , Vermund S. H. , Dworkin S. L. , Dovidio J. F. , Taylor B. S. , Kershaw T. S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) is the most effective clinical intervention for reducing morbidity and mortality among persons living with HIV. However, in Uganda, there are disparities between men and women in viral load suppression and related HIV care engagement outcomes, which suggests problems with the implementation of ART. Gender norms are a known driver of HIV disparities in sub-Saharan Africa, and patient-provider relationships are a key factor in HIV care engagement; therefore, the role of gender norms is important to consider in interventions to achieve the equitable provision of treatment and the quality of ART counseling.

Methods

The overall research objective of this study is to pilot test an implementation strategy (i.e., methods to improve the implementation of an evidence-based intervention) to increase providers’ capacity to provide gender-responsive treatment and counseling to men and women on HIV treatment in Uganda. Delivered to HIV providers, this group training adapts evidence-based strategies to reduce gender biases and increase skills to deliver gender-specific and transformative HIV counseling to patients. The implementation strategy will be piloted through a quasi-experimental controlled trial. Clinics will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control conditions. The trial will assess feasibility and acceptability and explore barriers and facilitators to implementation and future adoption while gathering preliminary evidence on the implementation strategy’s effectiveness by comparing changes in patient (N= 240) and provider (N= 80–140) outcomes across intervention and control clinics through 12-month follow-up. Quantitative data will be descriptively analyzed, qualitative data will be analyzed through thematic analysis, and these data will be mixed during the presentation and interpretation of results where appropriate.

Discussion

This pilot intervention trial will gather preliminary evidence on the acceptability, feasibility, and potential effect of a novel implementation strategy to improve men and women’s HIV care engagement, with the potential to reduce gender disparities in HIV outcomes.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.govNCT05178979, retrospectively registered on January 5, 2022
A family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart) for infants with complex congenital heart disease: study protocol for a feasibility RCT
Authors: Mitteregger Elena , Dirks Tineke , Theiler Manuela , Kretschmar Oliver , Latal Beatrice
Published: December 2022

Background

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing open-heart surgery are at risk for developmental impairments with motor delay manifesting first and contributing to parental concerns. Only a few interventional studies aim to improve neuromotor development in infants with CHD with inconclusive results. We thus developed a family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart), which aims to promote motor development and family well-being in the first year of life after open-heart surgery.

The primary aim described in this protocol is to evaluate feasibility of EMI-Heart. The secondary aim is to describe the difference between the intervention and control group in motor outcomes and family well-being at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up.

Methods

This prospective, parallel single-center feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare EMI-Heart with standard of care in infants with complex CHD. Sixteen infants and their families, randomly allocated to EMI-Heart or the control group, will participate within the first 5 months of life. Infants assigned to EMI-Heart will receive early motor intervention for 3 months. The intervention’s key is to promote infants’ postural control to enhance motor development and partnering with parents to encourage family well-being.

Feasibility outcomes will be (a) clinical recruitment rate and percentage of families completing EMI-Heart, (b) average duration and number of sessions, and (c) acceptability of EMI-Heart using a parental questionnaire post-treatment, and descriptive acceptability of EMI-Heart to the pediatric physiotherapist.

Secondary outcomes of the intervention and control group will be infants’ motor outcomes and questionnaires assessing family well-being at 3–5 months (baseline), at 6–8 months (post-treatment), and at 12 months of age (follow-up).

We will evaluate feasibility using descriptive statistics. Non-parametric statistical analysis of secondary outcomes will assess differences between the groups at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up.

Discussion

This feasibility RCT will provide information about a newly developed family-tailored early motor intervention in infants with complex CHD. The RCT design will provide a foundation for a future large-scale interventional trial for infants with CHD after open-heart surgery.

Trial registration

This study protocol (version 1.3, 01.02.2022) was approved by the Cantonal Ethics Commission Zurich (BASEC-Nr. 2019–01,787) and is registered by Clinicaltrials.gov (NCTT04666857).
Prevalence, causes and treatments of allergic rhinitis in Malaysia: a literature review
Authors: Prasad Vivek , Abdullah Maha , Nordin Fazlina , Subha Sethu Thakachy
Published: December 2022

Recently, allergic rhinitis (AR) cases have been surging rapidly in many developing countries. However, the prevalence, risk factors and treatment modalities for AR within the Malaysian population have not been thoroughly evaluated. The present study aimed to provide a complete review of literature on allergic rhinitis in Malaysia. Available data indicated that the prevalence of AR varied across different age groups and regions in Malaysia, but there is an increasing trend among the younger population. The key contributing factor is exposure and sensitization towards several airborne allergens, mainly house dust mites, cat fur and fungi, with possible genetic predispositions. In addition, variations in the symptom severity may be associated with racial orientations. For management of the disease, standard prescriptions of conventional drugs (antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids and nasal decongestants) remain as the treatment of choice. A small proportion of the native residents tend to resort to alternative approaches of self-healing through aromatherapy and natural food consumption such as tiger’s milk mushroom andTualanghoney. In conclusion, the increase in the cases of AR in Malaysia is due to environmental and genetic factors which requires proper medical intervention as treatment strategies. The utilization of holistic approaches requires further studies and clear understanding prior to their integration into the standard of care. There are still many gaps in the knowledge and management of allergic rhinitis which demands further attention from the research community.
Investigation of proarrhythmic effect of high sugammadex doses: an experimental animal study
Authors: Demir Emin Tunç , Erbaş Mesut
Published: December 2022

Background

Studies on higher doses of sugammadex effect on QT interval and leading arrhythmia have been limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate possible proarrhythmic effect of higher doses of sugammadex in conditions that required urgent reversal of neuromuscular blockade during general anesthesia in an experimental animal model.

Methods

It was experimental animal study. Total of 15 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups for low (4 mg/kg, n = 5), moderate (16 mg/kg, n = 5), and high dose of sugammadex (32 mg/kg, n = 5). All rabbits were premedicated by intramuscular ketamine 10 mg/kg, and general anesthesia was inducted by intravenous injection of 2 mg/kg of a propofol, 1 mcg/kg fentanyl, and 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium injection. Airway was provided by V-gel rabbit and connected to anesthetic device and ventilated at about 40 cycle/min and 10 ml/kg; oxygen 50% plus air 50% mixture was used with 1 MAC isoflurane to maintain anesthesia. Electrocardiographic monitorization and arterial cannulation were provided to follow-up mean arterial pressure and for arterial blood gas analyses. Intravenous sugammadex in three different doses were injected at 25th min of induction. After observing adequate respiration of all rabbits, V-gel rabbit was removed. Parameters and ECG recordings were taken basal value before induction and at the 5th, 10th, 20th, 25th, 30th, and 40th min to measure corrected QT intervals and were stored on digital media. QT interval was calculated as the time from the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the T wave. Corrected QT interval was calculated according to the Bazett’s formula. Possible adverse effects were observed and recorded.

Results

In all three groups, there was no significant statistical difference in mean arterial blood gases parameters, arterial pressures, heart rates, and Bazett QTc values, and no serious arrhythmia was recorded.

Conclusion

We found in animal study that low, moderate, and high doses of sugammadex did not significantly altered corrected QT intervals and did not cause any significant arrhythmia.
Prediagnostic Vitamin D Status and Colorectal Cancer Survival by Vitamin D Binding Protein Isoforms in US Cohorts
Authors: Kim Hanseul , Yuan Chen , Nguyen Long H , Ng Kimmie , Giovannucci Edward L
Published: December 2022

Context

Lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels have consistently been associated with higher mortality among participants with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objective

To investigate whether the association between 25(OH)D and CRC mortality differs according to vitamin D binding protein (also known as Gc) isoforms.

Methods

We examined the association between prediagnostic 25(OH)D levels and overall and CRC-specific mortality among participants with CRC within 2 prospective US cohorts. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

588 participants with CRC were observed until the date of death or last follow-up (2018), whichever came first. Deficient vs sufficient 25(OH)D concentrations (<30 vs ≥50 nmol/L) were associated with higher overall mortality (HR 2.06; 95% CI 1.34-3.18) but not with CRC-specific mortality (HR 1.51; 95% CI 0.75-3.07). The HRs for overall mortality comparing deficient vs sufficient concentrations were 2.43 (95% CI 1.26-4.70) for those with the Gc1-1 isoform (rs4588 CC) and 1.63 (95% CI 0.88-3.02) for those with the Gc1-2 or Gc2-2 (rs4588 CA or AA) isoform (P for interaction = .54). The HRs for CRC-specific mortality were 1.18 (95% CI 0.27-5.14) for those with the Gc1-1 isoform and 1.41 (95% CI 0.62-3.24) for those with the Gc1-2 or Gc2-2 isoform (P for interaction = .94).

Conclusion

In these 2 US cohorts, we found that lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with higher overall mortality, but this association did not differ by Gc isoforms.
Monolayer Formation and Chiral Recognition of Binaphthyl Amphiphiles at the Air–Water Interface
Authors: Negi Shigeru , Hamori Mami , Kubo Yoshiyasu , Kitagishi Hiroaki , Kano Koji
Published: December 2022

In this study, we designed a new monolayer-forming material, 2, 2′-bis(octadecyloxy)-1, 1′-binaphthyl-6, 6′-dicarboxylic acid (BNOC), which has axial chirality derived from the binaphthyl moiety with two COOH groups. Because the axial chirality of the binaphthyl group occupies a larger asymmetric space than the central chirality, the arrangement of the binaphthyl derivative is expected to show a characteristic structure at the air–water interface. In addition, BNOC has two carboxyl groups, which may form intermolecular hydrogen bonds. We carried out the structural analyses of racemic and optically active BNOC monolayers using surface pressure–area isotherms in parallel with Brewster angle microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our results indicated that (±)-BNOC forms a solid film while (S)-BNOC forms a liquid film. Moreover, AFM structural analysis revealed that the real lattices of both monolayers differ significantly. These structural differences are attributed to the steric regularity resulting from the axial chirality, which causes a difference in the mode of intermolecular interaction between the two monolayers.
Synthesis of Pyridine-SF4-Alkynes via Light-Promoted Radical Coupling of Pyridine-SF4-Chlorides and EBX Reagents
Authors: Mahmoud Elsayed M , Iwasaki Hiroto , Hada Kenshiro , Murata Yusuke , Sumii Yuji , Shibata Norio
Published: December 2022

Pyridine-tetrafluoro-λ6-sulfanyl-alkynes have emerged as building blocks for synthesizing linearly-linked pyridine-heterocycles. They are prepared via a two-step procedure comprising the radical addition of pyridine-tetrafluoro-λ6-sulfanyl-chlorides and alkynes and subsequent base-promoted elimination of HCl. Herein we developed a straightforward alternative synthesis via the radical coupling of pyridine-tetrafluoro-λ6-sulfanyl-chlorides with ethynylbenziodoxolone reagents under LED irradiation.
Detection and identification of cyclops in well’s water, Jabal Awliya locality, Khartoum, Sudan 2021
Authors: Salah Eldin Moustafa Athar , Mohamed Nour Saada , Mahmoud Idris Gihan , Mohamed Hussein Babiker , Karar Ahmed Mohamed Muaiad , Mohamedelrasheed Salma Mohamed Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background: Dracunculus medinensis or "Guinea-worm" is the parasitic worm that causes Dracunculiasis disease. The Cyclops (Meso and Micro Cyclops), which is only spread through drinking from water sources in endemic areas, carries this worm. This study aimed to detect and identify Cyclops in wells water, Jabal Awliya locality Khartoum state, Sudan 2021

Methods: This is a cross sectional study held in Jabal Awliya locality which is located in Khartoum state Sudan from 2021-2022. The locality is one of the seven localities in the state which is considered as the main gate for the refugees from South Sudan, Chad and Ethiopia where Dracunculus medinensis has not been eradicated yet. The population is 274,321.

Results: A total of 264 samples were collected,132 from well’s water and 132 from post wells water sources. Well’s water contamination with cyclops was found to be 2.4% while post well’s contamination was found to be 8.9%. The species reported by microscopy are: Afrocyclops, Mesocyclops and Microcyclops. Significant statistical difference between well’s and post well’s contamination was found (p-value 0.02).

Conclusions: In conclusion, it is apparent that well’s water as well as dam water are contaminated with copepods (Afro-, Meso- and Microcyclops). Hence Residents in the research regions are at hazard for Dracunculus infection whenever larvae make their way to the water sources since mesocyclops and microcyclops are recognized Guinea worm vectors. Since no apparent water treatment system has been found in the areas under study, it is crucial that water sources in this area be treated before consumption in order to reduce the risk of illness.  Awareness by the worm as well as the disease should be raised in order to ensure that the larvae from the hosts will not be carried to the wells.
The chemotherapeutic activity of areca nut extract increased stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in 4-nutriquinoline-1-oxide-tumor-induced Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Sari Liza Meutia , Novita Cut Fera , Andriany Poppy , Sari Dina Keumala
Published: December 2022

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common oral cancers with a high mortality rate. The biodiversity source in Indonesia makes areca nut a potential antioxidant in treating disease. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the chemotherapeutic effect of areca nut extract in 4-nutriquinoline-1-oxide (NQO)-tumor-induced rats.

Methods:  Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 served as the control group, group 2 was 4NQO-induced rats without treatment, and groups 3 and 4 were given 4NQO-tumor inducer with 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW of areca nut extract, respectively. The rats in groups 2,3, and 4 received 30 ppm of 4NQO tumor inducer in drinking water for 12 weeks. In the end, all rats were euthanized and the tongue was removed. The body, liver, kidney, heart, and lungs weights were measured. Tongue tumor volume and dysplasia lesions were analyzed. The tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the tumor and stromal area were scored semi-quantitatively associating the infiltrate grade (0-3) and analyzed histologically.

Results: There were significant differences in body weight loss between the initial and final phases in groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). The areca nut at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW significantly reduced the tumor size compared with groups 1 and 2 (p<0.05). The incidence of OSCC in rats with 500 and 1000 mg/kg BW of areca nut extract after 22 weeks was 0%, but the dysplasia lesions were observed at 28.57% and 85.71%, respectively. The highest mean of stromal TILs was in group 3 and there were significant differences in stromal TILs between groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Areca nut extract exerts a chemotherapeutic activity in 4NQO-induced rats by inducing infiltrating lymphocytes in the stromal tumor area on the OSCC lesion of the tongue.
IMITATION AND SIMULATION OF THE MEDIEVAL NARRATIONS IN MODERN MEDIEVALISM: FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURE AND ITS (DE)CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Kyrchanoff Maksym W.
Published: December 2022

Goal. The goal of the article is to analyze the constructed “medieval” narrative in the texts of George Martin and other American authors, who form synthetic versions of the political, social, cultural and religious history of the Seven Kingdoms.

The novelty of the article lies in the study of the features of the historical narrative in the texts of George Martin in contexts of its imitation and simulation of the medieval narrative structure of the text in combination with elements and techniques of postmodern prose.

Methodology. Methodologically, the article is based on the principles of interdisciplinary historiography proposed in intellectual and cultural history, as well as in the study of medievalism as a synthetic form of mass ideas about the Middle Ages in the modern consumer society.

Results. It is assumed that George Martin and his co-authors proposed a successful model for imitation of the medieval historical narrative, simulating the style and narrative techniques of medieval historical writings. This article analyzes the problems of historical narrative in the contexts of imagination, invention, simulation, imitation, construction and deconstruction. The author analyzes the systemic themes that form the historical narrative of George Martin. The author believes that chronology, religiosity, the heterogeneous nature of the text, images of Otherness, the presence of a hero of history form the basis of the simulated medieval historical narrative. It is shown that George Martin’s texts formally imitate the style of medieval narration, but actually actualize the potential of simulation and imitation of modern postmodern culture.

Conclusions. The article shows that 1) George Martin and his co-authors reproduce a conditional “medieval” text, which is actually a construct, 2) the analyzed text can be interpreted in the categories of construction, deconstruction, assimilation, simulation and imitation, 3) the analyzed narrative is a form of deconstruction of the past, constructing alternative and parallel images of the Middle Ages, 4) George Martin’s texts can be described as attempts to assimilate academic medievalism and mass cultural medievalism.
(DE)CONSTRUCTION OF THE HISTORICAL NARRATION OF MODERN AMERICAN MEDIEVALISM: THE “INVENTION” OF THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS OF WESTEROS
Authors: Kyrchanoff Maksym W.
Published: December 2022

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to deconstruct the constructed “historical” narrative in contexts of the social, political and economic features of the feudalism of the world of the Seven Kingdoms, imagined in the imitated narration of the American writer George Martin, presented in his novels that make up the “A Song of Ice and Fire” cycle.

The novelty of the article lies in the study of the features of the social and economic history of the imagining medieval world of the Seven Kingdoms.

Methodology. Methodologically, the article is based on the principles of interdisciplinary historiography proposed in intellectual and cultural histories, as well as in the study of medievalism as a synthetic form of mass ideas about the Middle Ages in modern consumer society.

Results. It is assumed that George Martin proposed a model for the development of medieval society. The political relations and institutions described by G. Martin have parallels with those social forms of organization that arose and developed in the Medieval West. Therefore, in contexts of social history, the society described by George Martin can be defined as feudal. Critically analyzing George Martin’s texts as sources and deconstructing the narratives that form them, the author presumes that in the Seven Kingdoms the processes of feudal revolution led to the formation of a system of relations of vassalage and suzerainty. George Martin’s texts are a source on the history of the institutions of royalty, describing both the history of regional dynasties and the features of their subordination and integration into the state established as a result of the conquest of Westeros by Aegon I.

Conclusions. The article shows that 1) George Martin became constructor of a parallel version of the social and political histories of the Middle Ages and feudalism, 2) George Martin proposed an image of the Middle Ages, genetically ascending in the history of Medieval Europe, 3) the analyzed texts can be identified as a source on the social, economic and political history of the Seven Kingdoms.
Coexistence of type 1 diabetes mellitus, autism and blindness – narrative review and
case report
Authors: Cyranka Katarzyna , Dudek Dominika , Pilecki Maciej , Matejko Bartłomiej , Krzyżowska Sabina , Małecki Maciej , Klupa Tomasz
Published: December 2022

The paper presents a case of 25 female patient, who is a clinical example of a triple
comorbidity – she was a preterm child in which at the age of 2 autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was diagnosed, and at the age of 3 type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The described case is special because autism coincides not only with diabetes, but also with blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity. In such a situation, the choice of the right treatment method has become a clinical challenge.
Considering the patients’ health status and life conditions (comorbidity of T1DM, autism and blindness, abusive, not engaged father, difficult financial situation) very good treatment results as far as T1DM is concerned were achieved: her HbA1c values available from last 3 years ranged from 6.5-7.3% Also, regardless of many obstacles and life crises, the patient maintains possibly the best in her conditions, psychological well-being.
The paper can be a source of knowledge and inspiration, presenting challenges and possibilities in treatment of people with T1DM, autism, and other comorbidities. From the therapeutic point of view, it indicates that well planned, individualized therapy may be the basis for creating optimal conditions for the development and improvement of the quality of life of patients.
Fibromyalgia in the light of different methods of treatment
Authors: Szota Maciej , Modlińska Aleksandra , Rogacka Karolina , Kędziora–Kornatowska Kornelia
Published: December 2022

Introduction and purpose: Fibromyalgia is a disease with many symptoms that are difficult to treat. The most troublesome element is muscle, bone or joint pain. Importantly, the diagnosis of this disease is based on the physical examination and the subjective examination, which shows that there are no laboratory tests to confirm its presence. Public awareness of fibromyalgia is negligible, while more research is needed on the treatment of this disease and the possible alternatives associated with it. The aim of this study was to analyze the available literature on the basis of the PubMed scientific database, considering only scientific articles that were published within the last 5 years. The following keywords were used: fibromyalgia and physiotherapy, fibromyalgia and cannabis, fibromyalgia and cytokines.

Description of the state of knowledge: Treatments related to cannabinoids and physiotherapy are still developing fields of knowledge. More than 40 papers related to the topic of the study were used for the review. The need for further research is apparent, especially randomized studies in which allocation to an experimental or control group is completely random. The question of investigating the long-term effectiveness of a given treatment is also not negligible, as many studies do not have a so-called follow-up.

Conclusion: Cannabinoids are effective in the treatment of complaints associated with fibromyalgia. Exercise, laser therapy and acupuncture reduce pain and improve quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. More research on this disease is needed, especially with larger patient groups.
Editorial: Marketing’s Role in the Evolving Discipline of Product Management
Authors: Shulman Jeffrey D. , Toubia Olivier , Saddler Raena
Published: December 2022

Product managers have tremendous power to change lives by setting the priorities for innovation. As the product management discipline continues to evolve and grow in popularity, there is an opportunity to strengthen mutually beneficial connections between the practice of product management and academic marketing research. For product managers, marketing academia can be an untapped knowledge resource. For marketing academics, there is an opportunity to directly influence product managers through creating rigorous and relevant research that will shape the courses taught on this increasingly popular topic. This editorial highlights the opportunity to shape the product management discipline, demonstrates that the marketing literature has a body of knowledge on which further contributions to product management can be based, and shares knowledge gaps that the Marketing Science community is capable of addressing.
Inventory Sharing for Perishable Products: Application to Platelet Inventory Management in Hospital Blood Banks
Authors: Zhang Can , Ayer Turgay , White Chelsea C. , Bodeker Joy N. , Roback John D.
Published: December 2022

A Simple and Provably Good Inventory Policy Led to a Significant Reduction in Platelet Outdates

Platelets are critical blood products. The management of platelet inventory is particularly challenging because of its perishable nature with a short shelf life. This paper studies how the wastage of platelets and, more broadly, perishable products can be reduced through inventory sharing. The authors derive structural results on the optimal ordering and transshipment policies for a two-location perishable inventory system and prove that an easy-to-implement myopic transshipment policy is optimal for a few special cases relevant to practice and serves as a lower bound on the optimal transshipment policy for more general settings. This policy has been successfully implemented by the Emory University Hospital System, which led to a reduction of approximately 20% in platelet outdates. Moreover, this paper also sheds light on how the presence of inventory sharing affects the optimal ordering quantities and provides insights that significant depart from existing findings for nonperishable inventory systems.
Beating the burnout
Authors: Lever Charlotte
Published: December 2022

Charlotte Lever stresses the importance of avoiding the perils of professional exhaustion.
Tips from the top!
Authors: Starkey Gemma
Published: December 2022

Social media consultant Gemma Starkey offers some top tips to get your social media off the ground.
Par excellence!
Authors: Hayes Cheryl
Published: December 2022

Cheryl Hayes hails the importance of excellent patient care all year round.
Enjoying the journey
Authors: Byanjankar Rajani
Published: December 2022

Rajani Byanjankar details her journey from dental nurse to thriving orthodontic therapist.