bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic inequalities in the use of drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases in Italy
Authors: Di Filippo A. , Perna S. , Pierantozzi A. , Milozzi F. , Fortinguerra F. , Caranci N. , Moro L. , Agabiti N. , Belleudi V. , Cesaroni G. , Nardi A. , Spadea T. , Gnavi R. , Trotta F.
Published: November 2022

Background

Since the use of medicines is strongly correlated to population health needs, higher drug consumption is expected in socio-economical deprived areas. However, no systematic study investigated the relationship between medications use in the treatment of chronic diseases and the socioeconomic position of patients. The purpose of the study is to provide a description, both at national level and with geographical detail, of the use of medicines, in terms of consumption, adherence and persistence, for the treatment of major chronic diseases in groups of population with different level of socioeconomic position. 

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used to define the “prevalent” users during 2018. A longitudinal cohort study design was performed for each chronic disease in new drug users, in 2018 and the following year. A retrospective population-based study, considering all adult Italian residents (i.e. around 50.7 million people aged ≥ 18 years). Different medications were used as a proxy for underlying chronic diseases: hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Only “chronic” patients who had at least 2 prescriptions within the same subgroup of drugs or specific medications during the year were selected for the analysis. A multidimensional measures of socio-economic position, declined in a national deprivation index at the municipality level, was used to identify and estimate the relationship with drug use indicators. The medicine consumption rate for each pharmacological category was estimated for prevalent users while adherence and persistence to pharmacologic therapy at 12 months were evaluated for new users.

Results

The results highlighted how the socioeconomic deprivation is strongly correlated with the use of medicines: after adjustment by deprivation index, the drug consumption rates decreased, mainly in the most disadvantaged areas, where consumption levels are on average higher than in other areas. On the other hand, the adherence and persistence indicators did not show the same trend.

Conclusions

This study showed that drug consumption is influenced by the level of deprivation consistently with the distribution of diseases. For this reason, the main levers on which it is necessary to act to reduce disparities in health status are mainly related to prevention. Moreover, it is worth pointing out that the use of a municipal deprivation indicator necessarily generates an ecological bias, however, the experience of the present study, which for the first-time deals with the complex and delicate issue of equity in Italian pharmaceutical assistance, sets the stage for new insights that could overcome the limits.
Single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing reveal ligands and receptors associated with worse overall survival in serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Carvalho Robson Francisco , do Canto Luisa Matos , Abildgaard Cecilie , Aagaard Mads Malik , Tronhjem Monica Søgaard , Waldstrøm Marianne , Jensen Lars Henrik , Steffensen Karina Dahl , Rogatto Silvia Regina
Published: November 2022

Background

Serous ovarian carcinoma is the most frequent histological subgroup of ovarian cancer and the leading cause of death among gynecologic tumors. The tumor microenvironment and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have a critical role in the origin and progression of cancer. We comprehensively characterized the crosstalk between CAFs and ovarian cancer cells from malignant fluids to identify specific ligands and receptors mediating intercellular communications and disrupted pathways related to prognosis and therapy response.

Methods

Malignant fluids of serous ovarian cancer, including tumor-derived organoids, CAFs-enriched (eCAFs), and malignant effusion cells (no cultured) paired with normal ovarian tissues, were explored by RNA-sequencing. These data were integrated with single-cell RNA-sequencing data of ascites from ovarian cancer patients. The most relevant ligand and receptor interactions were used to identify differentially expressed genes with prognostic values in ovarian cancer.

Results

CAF ligands and epithelial cancer cell receptors were enriched for PI3K-AKT, focal adhesion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathways. Collagens, MIF, MDK, APP, and laminin were detected as the most significant signaling, and the top ligand-receptor interactions THBS2/THBS3 (CAFs)—CD47 (cancer cells), MDK (CAFs)—NCL/SDC2/SDC4 (cancer cells) as potential therapeutic targets. Interestingly, 34 genes encoding receptors and ligands of the PI3K pathway were associated with the outcome, response to treatment, and overall survival in ovarian cancer. Up-regulated genes from this list consistently predicted a worse overall survival (hazard ratio > 1.0 and log-rank P < 0.05) in two independent validation cohorts.

Conclusions

This study describes critical signaling pathways, ligands, and receptors involved in the communication between CAFs and cancer cells that have prognostic and therapeutic significance in ovarian cancer.
Long-term atorvastatin improves cognitive decline by regulating gut function in naturally ageing rats
Authors: Xu Tian-Ce , Lv Yan , Liu Quan-Ying , Chen Hui-Sheng
Published: November 2022

Background

Statins have been widely used to prevent cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and elderly populations; however, the effect of long-term treatment on cognitive function is controversial. To simulate clinical conditions, middle-aged rats were given atorvastatin for 9 consecutive months to investigate the effect on natural cognitive decline and the possible mechanisms.

Results

The results showed that compared with the control group, long-term atorvastatin treatment naturally improved cognitive decline. Furthermore, long-term treatment regulated intestinal retinoic acid (RA) metabolism and storage by altering retinol dehydrogenase 7 (Rdh7) expression in the intestine, while RA metabolism affected the proliferation of intestinal Treg cells and inhibited IL-17+γδ T-cell function. In addition, long-term atorvastatin increased intestinal flora richness and decreased IL-17 expression in hippocampal tissue.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings provide the first evidence that long-term atorvastatin intervention may prevent cognitive decline in naturally ageing rats by inhibiting neuroinflammation via the gut-brain axis.
Personalized genome assembly for accurate cancer somatic mutation discovery using tumor-normal paired reference samples
Authors: Xiao Chunlin , Chen Zhong , Chen Wanqiu , Padilla Cory , Colgan Michael , Wu Wenjun , Fang Li-Tai , Liu Tiantian , Yang Yibin , Schneider Valerie , Wang Charles , Xiao Wenming
Published: November 2022

Background

The use of a personalized haplotype-specific genome assembly, rather than an unrelated, mosaic genome like GRCh38, as a reference for detecting the full spectrum of somatic events from cancers has long been advocated but has never been explored in tumor-normal paired samples. Here, we provide the first demonstrated use of de novo assembled personalized genome as a reference for cancer mutation detection and quantifying the effects of the reference genomes on the accuracy of somatic mutation detection.

Results

We generate de novo assemblies of the first tumor-normal paired genomes, both nuclear and mitochondrial, derived from the same individual with triple negative breast cancer. The personalized genome was chromosomal scale, haplotype phased, and annotated. We demonstrate that it provides individual specific haplotypes for complex regions and medically relevant genes. We illustrate that the personalized genome reference not only improves read alignments for both short-read and long-read sequencing data but also ameliorates the detection accuracy of somatic SNVs and SVs. We identify the equivalent somatic mutation calls between two genome references and uncover novel somatic mutations only when personalized genome assembly is used as a reference.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that use of a personalized genome with individual-specific haplotypes is essential for accurate detection of the full spectrum of somatic mutations in the paired tumor-normal samples. The unique resource and methodology established in this study will be beneficial to the development of precision oncology medicine not only for breast cancer, but also for other cancers.
A prospective cohort study of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in three sites of Western Kenya
Authors: Ondeto Benyl M. , Wang Xiaoming , Atieli Harrysone , Zhong Daibin , Zhou Guofa , Lee Ming-Chieh , Orondo Pauline Winnie , Ochwedo Kevin O. , Omondi Collince J. , Muriu Simon M. , Odongo David O. , Ochanda Horace , Kazura James , Githeko Andrew K. , Yan Guiyun
Published: November 2022

Background

Malaria in western Kenya is currently characterized by sustained high Plasmodial transmission and infection resurgence, despite positive responses in some areas following intensified malaria control interventions since 2006. This study aimed to evaluate long-term changes in malaria transmission profiles and to assess patterns of asymptomatic malaria infections in school children aged 5–15 years at three sites in western Kenya with heterogeneous malaria transmission and simultaneous malaria control interventions.

Methods

The study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 and is based on data taken every third year from 2005 to 2014 during a longitudinal parasitological and mosquito adult surveillance and malaria control programme that was initiated in 2002 in the villages of Kombewa, Iguhu, and Marani. Plasmodium spp. infections were determined using microscopy. Mosquito samples were identified to species and host blood meal source and sporozoite infections were assayed using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Plasmodium falciparum was the only malaria parasite evaluated during this study (2018–2019). Asymptomatic malaria parasite prevalence in school children decreased in all sites from 2005 to 2008. However, since 2011, parasite prevalence has resurged by > 40% in Kombewa and Marani. Malaria vector densities showed similar reductions from 2005 to 2008 in all sites, rose steadily until 2014, and decreased again. Overall, Kombewa had a higher risk of infection compared to Iguhu (χ2 = 552.52, df = 1, P < 0.0001) and Marani (χ2 = 1127.99, df = 1, P < 0.0001). There was a significant difference in probability of non-infection during malaria episodes (log-rank test, χ2 = 617.59, df = 2, P < 0.0001) in the study sites, with Kombewa having the least median time of non-infection during malaria episodes. Gender bias toward males in infection was observed (χ2 = 27.17, df = 1, P < 0.0001). The annual entomological inoculation rates were 5.12, 3.65, and 0.50 infective bites/person/year at Kombewa, Iguhu, and Marani, respectively, during 2018 to 2019.

Conclusions

Malaria prevalence in western Kenya remains high and has resurged in some sites despite continuous intervention efforts. Targeting malaria interventions to those with asymptomatic infections who serve as human reservoirs might decrease malaria transmission and prevent resurgences. Longitudinal monitoring enables detection of changes in parasitological and entomological profiles and provides core baseline data for the evaluation of vector interventions and guidance for future planning of malaria control.

Graphical abstract
Rural household perception and adaptation strategies to climate change and variability: in the case of Libo-kemkem Woreda, Ethiopia
Authors: Megabia Tesfa Tilahun , Amare Zerihun Yohannes , Asmare Abraham M.
Published: November 2022

Studying Libo-kemkem Woreda households’ perceptions and responses to climate change and variability was the primary focus of this study. A cross-sectional and primary data collection method was used in this study to address its main objective. Based on stratified and straightforward random selection methods, 216 rural households were selected for the study. Through the household survey, data was collected on perceptions of climate change, variability, and adaptation methods. To analyze the collected data, beta regression models, F-tests, and chi-squared tests were employed. The results showed that only 3.2% of respondents did not recognize the occurrence of climate change or variability, which means that 96.8% of respondents are aware of the phenomenon. According to the sample of respondents, temperatures grew by 91.9% and rainfall decreased by 88.8%. A total of 96.2% of the respondents noted that rainfall distribution was uneven in the study area. A survey revealed that almost 96.7% of respondents said climate change negatively impacts agriculture, animal output, water quality, and epidemic disease outbreaks. Additionally, the model showed that, rather than respondents’ ages, factors like educational attainment, income earned on and off the farm, farm size, access to extension services, and weather information impacted climate change adaptation measures statistically significantly and favorably. Policymakers, woreda agricultural offices, and development staff need to take statistically significant factors into account when developing and implementing adaptation plans for climate change and variability.
Advances in the design of a methodology for the identification, characterization, and assessment of and intervention in the industrial landscape
Authors: Alba Dorado María Isabel , Romero de Oliveira Eduardo
Published: November 2022

The process of degradation and abandonment to which many landscapes generated by industrial decay are currently exposed, together with the lack of conceptual and methodological means required for the study of and intervention in these landscapes, would suggest that the existing approach requires revision. In this context, the aim of this article is to detail the progress being made by a research project, the objective of which is to design a methodology for the analysis and enhancement of and intervention in these industrial heritage landscapes. The project proposes a series of methodological improvements and innovations that take into account, among other issues, the specificity and identity of these landscapes, their dynamic, highly anthropized nature, the diversity of scales involved, and so forth, using a method that integrates an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizes citizen participation and incorporates the use of digital tools.
Value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) in differentiating orbital lymphoma from idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor
Authors: Abdelgawad Mohamed Saied , Mohamed Walid Mohamed Ahmed , Aly Rasha Abdelhafiz
Published: November 2022

Background

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging can provide physiological information complementing morphological findings from conventional MRI. It detects early tissue changes associated with changes in water content, such as changes in the permeability of cell membranes, cell swelling or cell lysis. Areas of diseased tissue are highlighted with increased signal intensity on diffusion-weighted MR imaging. A decrease in the ADC is expected with increased intracellular tissue caused by either cell swelling or increased cellular density. DWI can be performed without the need for the administration of exogenous contrast medium, so it may of use when contrast administration is contraindicated. It yields quantitative and qualitative information that reflects changes at the cellular level and indicates the integrity of cell membranes. The purpose of this study was mainly to assess the diagnostic value of DWI for the discrimination of orbital lymphoma from idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor.

Results

Of our 53 cases presented with proptosis or visual disturbances, 32 cases (60.4%) had found to be present with idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor and 21 cases (39.6%) had orbital lymphoma. On conventional MR imaging, ill-defined tumor margin and orbital preseptal space involvement had a significant association with orbital lymphoma, whereas intense post-contrast enhancement of lesion and radiologic evidence of sinusitis were associated with orbital inflammatory pseudotumor. The mean ADC value of orbital lymphoma was significantly lower than those of benign inflammatory pseudotumor, yielding 100% sensitivity, 99% specificity, and 90.5% accuracy for differentiating both entities.

Conclusions

Diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) is valuable in discriminating orbital inflammatory pseudotumor from malignant orbital lymphoma that help patients to initial management.
Does shockwave therapy have a role on trigger thumb?—a single-case design
Authors: Verma Pankaj , Pradhan Deepak Kumar , Singh Sandeep
Published: November 2022

Background

The trigger thumb is a clinically unusual and rare phenomenon. The trigger finger is most observed on the ring or middle fingers. Clinical signs include reduced tendon excursion and the formation of nodules at the base of the metacarpals. As a result, grip strength may be reduced, making gripping tasks uncomfortable. Many treatments have been proposed to treat trigger finger symptoms; however, the effectiveness of shockwave therapy is still being contested. As a result, the purpose of this trigger thumb case study is to assess the effect of shockwave therapy on grip performance.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old housewife reported to the outpatient department with pain at the base of her right thumb, recurring locking episodes, morning pain and stiffness, and a 10-year history of diabetes. Based on the clinical presentation and physical examination of the patient, an orthopedic sports physician diagnosed it as a trigger thumb. Analgesics were initially administered, and the patient was then referred to physiotherapy for rehabilitation. All outcomes improved substantially during the follow-up after six sessions of physical therapy, which included shockwave therapy and an exercise program.

Conclusion

This study concluded that the protocol developed specifically for the treatment of the trigger thumb is efficacious. Therefore, future research with a larger number of participants is required to validate this approach.
On Learning to Heal
Authors: Cohen Ed
Published: November 2022

At thirteen, Ed Cohen was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease—a chronic, incurable condition that nearly killed him in his early twenties. At his diagnosis, his doctors told him that the best he could hope for would be periods of remission. Unfortunately, doctors never mentioned healing as a possibility. In On Learning to Heal, Cohen draws on fifty years of living with Crohn’s to consider how Western medicine’s turn from an “art of healing” toward a “science of medicine” deeply affects both medical practitioners and their patients. He demonstrates that although medicine can now offer many seemingly miraculous therapies, medicine is not and has never been the only way to enhance healing. Exploring his own path to healing, he argues that learning to heal requires us to desire and value healing as a vital possibility. With this book, Cohen advocates reviving healing’s role for all those whose lives are touched by illness.
Sex Differences in Renal Cell Carcinoma: The Importance of Body Composition
Authors: Dahlmann Sebastian , Bressem Keno , Bashian Behschad , Ulas Sevtap Tugce , Rattunde Maximilian , Busch Felix , Makowski Marcus R. , Ziegeler Katharina , Adams Lisa
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To examine sex-specific differences in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in relation to abdominal fat accumulation, psoas muscle density, tumor size, pathology, and survival, and to evaluate possible associations with RCC characteristics and outcome.

Methods

A total of 470 patients with RCC who underwent nephrectomy between 2006 and 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Specific characteristics of RCC patients were collected, including sex, height, tumor size, grade, and data on patient survival, if available. Abdominal fat measurements and psoas muscle area were determined at the level of L3 (cm2).

Results

Women had a higher subcutaneous (p < 0.001) and men had a higher visceral fat area, relative proportion of visceral fat area (p < 0.001), and psoas muscle index (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed an association between higher psoas muscle index and lower grade tumors [women: odds ratio (OR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.99, p = 0.011; men: OR 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99, p = 0.012]. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated an association between psoas muscle index and overall survival (women: OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.03–1.93, p = 0.033; men: OR 1.62 (95% CI, 1.33–1.97, p < 0.001). In contrast, there were no associations between abdominal fat measurements and tumor size, grade, or survival. Also, there were no sex-specific differences in tumor size or tumor grades.

Conclusions

A higher preoperative psoas muscle index was independently associated with overall survival in RCC patients, with a stronger association in men compared with women. In addition, the psoas muscle index showed an inverse association with tumor grade, whereby this association was slightly more pronounced in women than in men.
Interrupted inferior vena cava with deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Kraus Matan , Tau Noam
Published: November 2022

A 22-year-old healthy man presented to the emergency department with worsening left flank and testicular pain. Lower abdominal pain and lower urinary tract symptoms, were also noted.

Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated several vascular malformations: both common iliac veins converging to an infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) with an absent cephalad IVC. Multiple collateral veins were noted, and both the Azygos and Hemiazygos veins were seen dilated, serving as an alternative venous drainage path due to the interrupted IVC.

The patient’s CT was also notable for several pathologies: bilateral iliac vein thrombosis and left-sided testicular vein thrombus with surrounding fat stranding, suggestive of testicular vein thrombophlebitis.

The patient was admitted, and received antibiotic and anticoagulation treatment, with clinical improvement.

Hypercoagulability work-up was obtained, and the patient was found to be heterozygous for Factor V Leiden.

Interrupted IVC with azygos continuation is an uncommon, and mostly a benign vascular malformation, resulting from abnormal development of IVC-contributing segments during embryogenesis. It is associated with lower limb deep vein thombosis and hypercoagulable states. It is imperative for radiologists to be acquainted with this entity, in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

Testicular vein thrombosis is uncommon, mostly associated with prothrombotic disorders, and it should be considered when coagulopathy is suspected.
Examining Quality, Use and Impact of Psychotropic (Use) in older adults with intellectual disabilities (EQUIP): study protocol
Authors: Gorman Ashleigh , Odalović Marina , McCallion Philip , Burke Éilish , MacLachlan Malcolm , McCarron Mary , Henman Martin , Moran Maeve , O'Connell Juliette , Walsh Mike , Shankar Rohit , O'Dwyer Máire
Published: November 2022

Widespread, and sometimes inappropriate use of psychotropics in adults with intellectual disability has been an international concern. These medicines have been used to treat mental health conditions, but also, controversially, some types of behaviours not necessarily associated with the diagnosis or in the absence of a relevant diagnosis. Results from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) study of older adults with intellectual disability in Ireland revealed that 60% were taking psychotropics in 2010. In the intervening decade changes in regulations, policy, and increased decongregation of people with intellectual disability have taken place likely influencing the use of psychotropics. The HSE National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPDD) established in the 2020 has medicines optimisation as a key priority. Existing multi-wave data from the IDS-TILDA study and the HSE national prescribing database offers an opportunity to better understand psychotropic use and prescribing patterns. This is a novel collaboration on lived experience, research, practice and policy.

The aim of this research is to examine the quality and trends of psychotropic use of older adults with intellectual disability over a ten-year period in Ireland to evaluate the effects of and to inform both practice and policy to optimise medicines use and health outcomes.

Health and medication data from ten years (four waves) of the IDS-TILDA study and corresponding medicines data from the HSE-PCRS prescribing database are available. Descriptive and longitudinal analysis will examine association between long-term psychotropic use, changes in trends of use, and the impact of decongregation on medicines use.

This research will inform the development of national guidance on medicines optimisation for older people with intellectual disability and has the potential to change prescribing practices and improve health and wellbeing for older people with intellectual disability.
Piloting the adaptation of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children—2nd edition (KABC-II) to assess school-age neurodevelopment in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Piper Joseph D. , Mazhanga Clever , Mapako Gloria , Mapurisa Idah , Mashedze Tsitsi , Munyama Eunice , Mwapaura Marian , Chidhanguro Dzivaidzo , Gerema Grace , Tavengwa Naume V. , Ntozini Robert , Langhaug Lisa F. , Smuk Melanie , Rochat Tamsen , Kaufman Alan , Kaufman Nadeen , Gladstone Melissa , Allen Elizabeth , Prendergast Andrew J.
Published: November 2022

Background: Neurodevelopment assessment tools for low-resource settings are urgently needed. However, most available tools were developed in high-income settings and may lack cross-cultural validity.

Methods: We piloted and adapted two subtests (pattern reasoning and story completion) within the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition (KABC-II) for use in rural Zimbabwean children aged 7 years old, both within the planning domain. After initial assessments of face validity, we substituted and added items in the test battery through a co-design process with fieldworkers and child development experts. To assess how successful the changes were, T-tests adjusting for unequal variances were used to compare scores between the original and adapted versions of the same subtest. ANOVA and pairwise analysis was performed to compare the performance of KABC-II subtests across domains. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to explore the variability between domains.

Results: Initial test scores on the planning domain were significantly lower than the other three domains of learning, sequential memory and simultaneous reasoning (P<0.001) in 50 children. Modified subtests were administered to another 20 children, who showed story completion scores that were 0.7 marks higher (95% CI 0.0, 1.4; P=0.05) and pattern reasoning scores 1.8 marks higher (95% CI 0.5, 3.2; P=0.01). Overall, the planning domain mean score increased from 8.1 (SD 2.9) to 10.6 (SD 3.4). The intra class correlation coefficient between all four KABC-II domains was initially 0.43 (95% CI 0.13, 0.64) and after modification was 0.69 (95% CI 0.37, 0.87), suggesting an increase in the construct validity.

Conclusions: The KABC-II planning domain was successfully adapted to improve cross-cultural validity. Construct validity was enhanced, based on increased inter-correlations among scales. This pilot has since been applied to the SHINE follow-up study. The process of co-design to modify tests for new settings may be beneficial for other commonly used neurodevelopmental tools.
Automated staging of zebrafish embryos using machine learning
Authors: Jones Rebecca A. , Renshaw Matthew J. , Barry David J. , Smith James C.
Published: November 2022

The zebrafish (Danio rerio), is an important biomedical model organism used in many disciplines, including development, disease modeling and toxicology, to better understand vertebrate biology. The phenomenon of developmental delay in zebrafish embryos has been widely reported as part of a mutant or treatment-induced phenotype, and accurate characterization of such delays is imperative. Despite this, the only way at present to identify and quantify these delays is through manual observation, which is both time-consuming and subjective. Machine learning approaches in biology are rapidly becoming part of the toolkit used by researchers to address complex questions. In this work, we introduce a machine learning-based classifier that has been trained to detect temporal developmental differences across groups of zebrafish embryos. Our classifier is capable of rapidly analyzing thousands of images, allowing comparisons of developmental temporal rates to be assessed across and between experimental groups of embryos. Finally, as our classifier uses images obtained from a standard live-imaging widefield microscope and camera set-up, we envisage it will be readily accessible to the zebrafish community, and prove to be a valuable resource.
Healthcare utilization by children with neurological impairments and disabilities in rural Kenya: a retrospective cohort study combined with secondary analysis of audit data
Authors: Abuga Jonathan , Mwangi Lucy , Ndolo Joyce , Kariuki Symon , Newton Charles
Published: November 2022

Background: There is a paucity of data on healthcare utilization by children with neurological impairments (NI) in sub-Saharan Africa. We determined the rate, risk factors, causes, and outcomes of hospital admission and utilization patterns for rehabilitative care among children with NI in a defined rural area in Kenya.

Methods: We designed two sub-studies to address the primary objectives. Firstly, we retrospectively observed 251 children aged 6–9 years with NI and 2162 age-matched controls to determine the rate, causes and outcomes of hospitalization in a local referral hospital. The two cohorts were identified from an epidemiological survey conducted in 2015 in a defined geographical area. Secondly, we reviewed hospital records to characterize utilization patterns for rehabilitative care.

Results: Thirty-four in-patient admissions occurred in 8503 person-years of observation (PYO), yielding a crude rate of 400 admissions per 100 000 PYO (95% confidence interval (Cl): 286–560). The risk of admission was similar between cases and controls (rate ratio=0.70, 95%CI: 0.10–2.30, p = 0.31). The presence of electricity in the household was associated with reduced odds of admission (odds ratio=0.32, 95% Cl: 0.10–0.90, p < 0.01). Seizures and malaria were the main causes of admission. We confirmed six (0.3%) deaths during the follow-up period. Over 93% of outpatient paediatric visits for rehabilitative care were related to cerebral palsy and intellectual developmental delay. Health education (87%), rehabilitative exercises (79%) and assistive technology (64%) were the most common interventions.

Conclusions: Surprisingly, the risk of hospitalization was not different between children with NI and those without, possibly because those with severe NI who died before this follow-up were under seclusion and restraint in the community. Evidence-based and tailored rehabilitative interventions are urgently required based on the existing secondary data.
Inflammation proteomics datasets in the ALSPAC cohort
Authors: Goulding Neil , Goudswaard Lucy J. , Hughes David A. , Corbin Laura J. , Groom Alix , Ring Susan , Timpson Nicholas J. , Fraser Abigail , Northstone Kate , Suderman Matthew
Published: November 2022

Proteomics is the identification, detection and quantification of proteins within a biological sample. The complete set of proteins expressed by an organism is known as the proteome. The availability of new high-throughput proteomic technologies, such as Olink Proteomic Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology has enabled detailed investigation of the circulating proteome in large-scale epidemiological studies. In particular, the Olink® Target 96 inflammatory panel allows the measurement of 92 circulating inflammatory proteins. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a prospective population-based cohort study which recruited pregnant women in 1991-1992 and has followed these women, their partners, and their offspring ever since. In this data note, we describe the proteomic data available in ALSPAC. Ninety-two proteins were analysed in 9000 blood plasma samples using the Olink® Target 96 inflammatory panel. Samples were derived from 2968 fasted mothers (mean age 47.5; Focus on Mothers 1 (FOM1)), 3005 non-fasted offspring at age 9 (Focus@9) and 3027 fasted offspring at age 24 (Focus@24). Post sample filtering, 1834 offspring have data at both timepoints and 1119 of those have data from their mother available. We performed quality control analyses using a standardised data processing workflow (metaboprep) to produce a filtered dataset of 8983 samples for researchers to use in future analyses. Initial validation analyses indicate that IL-6 measured using the Olink® Target 96 inflammatory panel is highly correlated with IL-6 previously measured by clinical chemistry (Pearson’s correlation = 0.77) and we are able to reproduce the reported positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and IL-6. The pre-processing and validation analyses indicate a rich proteomic dataset to further characterise the role of inflammation in health and disease.
PRODUCTIVITY AND ADAPTABILITY OF KWS SPRING WHEAT VARIETIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE ANCESTRAL REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Amirov Marat , Garaev Razil , Zheltukhin Alexander , Semenov Pavel
Published: November 2022

Increasing the yield and quality of the obtained grain of spring soft wheat on gray forest soils remains relevant. The purpose of the study is to identify the most productive variety of spring wheat of the KWS company in the conditions of gray forest soils of the Ancestral region of the Republic of Tatarstan. Field experiments and laboratory studies were conducted in 2020-2021 on gray forest soils by Agrobiotechnopark LLC at the Kazan State Agrarian University. Agrochemical indicators of the soil were as follows: humus content of more than 3.0%, mobile phosphorus (more than 250 mg/ kg according to Kirsanov), exchangeable potassium (121-170 mg/kg). The reaction of the soil medium is pH 6.6. The dry mass of roots and stems at the end of the tillering phase in the varieties KWS Torridon, KWS Aquilon, KWS Buran were significantly greater than in the variety Ulyanovsk 105, and the development and spread of root rot in the variety Ulyanovsk 105 is slightly higher than in the varieties KWS. In 2020, an increase in the number of productive stems was observed in the KWS Torridon variety to 584 pieces/m2, in the KWS Aquilon variety to 606 pieces /m2, in the KWS Buran variety to 591, while in the Ulyanovsk 105 variety only 480 pieces/ m2. The number of grains in the ear and the weight of grain from 1 ear in the KWS varieties were formed more than in the Ulyanovsk 105 variety, which subsequently contributed to obtaining significant yields from them. In the normally wet 2020, the KWS Torridon variety provided 1.0 t/ha of increase compared to the Ulyanovsk 105 variety, the KWS Aquilon variety – 1.39 t/ha, the KWS Buran variety – 1.43 t/ha, but the quality of the resulting grain did not meet the standard value of Class 3.
Romantyczny poemat dramatyczny. Europejska i polska linia rozwojowa gatunku. Próba szkicu problematyki
Authors: Samsel Karol
Published: November 2022

Studium jest próbą wytyczenia linii rozwojowej gatunku poematu dramatycznego w jego wariancie europejskim i polskim. Autor wyraźnie kontrastuje różnice estetyczne oraz pragmatyczne towarzyszące rozumieniu pojęcia poematu zarówno jako gatunku pretekstowego, a wręcz etykietalnego (Lessing, Norwid), jak i programowego, a nawet rewolucyjnego (Schiller, Byron, Witwicki). Po 1830 roku istnieją – jak się wydaje – dwa sposoby zużytkowania gatunku poematu dramatycznego: na sposób „fragmentaryczny” (w czym celuje Musset) oraz na sposób „brulionowy” (w czym celują autorzy polscy minorum gentium, tacy jak m.in. Michał Chodźko). Za tzw. reprezentacje literatury założycielskiej gatunku autor uznaje (w kolejności chronologicznej) Don Carlosa i Wallensteina  Schillera, Natana Mędrca Lessinga, Manfreda Byrona, Dziady cz. III Mickiewicza, Puchar i usta Musseta, Księdza Marka Słowackiego, a także Tragedię człowieka Madácha. Już samo powyższe wyliczenie może świadczyć o tym, jak skomplikowanym i osobliwym – nie tylko wewnętrznie zróżnicowanym, lecz także zantagonizowanym – gatunkiem może zdawać się poemat dramatyczny (co całkowicie potwierdzają również przypadki całkowicie indywidualnej praktyki artystycznej: pisarstwo poematowe Witwickiego, a także Norwida).
Trzy podejścia sceniczne do „Beniowskiego” Słowackiego. Pieśń ujdzie cało?
Authors: Hernik Spalińska Jagoda
Published: November 2022

Artykuł dotyczy poematu dygresyjnego Juliusza Słowackiego Beniowski, który powstał w 1841 roku i od 1942 roku jest jednym z częściej wystawianych poematów romantycznych na polskich scenach. Tekst omawia realizacje trzech twórców: Mieczysława Kotlarczyka (1942, 1945, 1949, 1959), Adama Hanuszkiewicza (1971, 1975) i Małgorzaty Warsickiej (2018). Beniowski jako romantyczne dzieło otwarte daje możliwość stworzenia autorskiej adaptacji bez naruszania treściowej i ideowej tkanki poematu. Trzy omówione style wystawienia pokazują, w jaki sposób poemat ten wpływa nie tylko na osobiste, ale i nowoczesne myślenie twórcze. U Kotlarczyka szukanie scenicznego kształtu dla poematu Słowackiego dało efekt formy rapsodycznej inspirowanej Lekcją XVI Mickiewicza, przypominającej współczesny storytelling. Hanuszkiewicz podniósł aspekt rodzajowej szlachetczyzny z elementami popkultury. Małgorzata Warsicka sięgnęła po estetykę „niesamowitej Słowiańszczyzny” w formie kobiecego oratorium. Realizacje Beniowskiego ukazują bowiem również przemiany mentalne, jakim ulega polskie społeczeństwo. Od nieomal religijnego rapsodu Kotlarczyka, poprzez popkulturowy kabaret z elementami szlachetczyzny Hanuszkiewicza, po feministyczny manifest Warsickiej wsparty przedchrześcijańską kulturą ukraińską. Każda realizacja była na swój sposób nowoczesna, autorska i wierna oryginałowi zarazem.
Poemat dramatyczny w jednym akcie: poetycki strumień w zwięzłej formie. Ibsen – Leszczyński – Auden
Authors: Skórzewska-Skowron Agnieszka
Published: November 2022

Dla znalezienia odpowiedzi na pytanie, jak poemat dramatyczny realizuje się w jednoaktówce, analizie poddano Grób Hunów Henrika Ibsena (1850), Jolantę Edwarda Leszczyńskiego (1904) i The Dance of Death Wystana Hugh Audena (1933). Dramat Ibsena powstał w momencie kształtowania się nie tylko teatru, ale w ogóle tożsamości norweskiej i języka. Wybrana przez autora forma opowieści o historii wikingów stała w opozycji do klasycznego teatru duńskiego dominującego wówczas na scenach. Służyła więc celom politycznym i społecznym, jako odrębna, wyjątkowa opowieść o norweskiej duszy. Utwór Leszczyńskiego wpisuje się z kolei w modernistyczne poszukiwania nowej formy dramatu i teatru w świecie przełomu, zmiany kulturowej, a nawet cywilizacyjnej. Autor Jolanty, obierając za wzór jednoaktówki Maeterlincka, ukazuje konflikt dwóch dróg poznania – kontemplacyjnego i aktywnego, związanego z filozofią życia. Konflikt ten potęgowany jest przez intensyfikację sytuacji w krótkiej formie oraz żywioł liryczny wpływający na charakter wypowiedzi. Sztuka Audena, stworzona specjalnie dla teatru eksperymentalnego, wprost wskazuje na formę jako wyraz poszukiwania nowych rozwiązań wobec stagnacji klasycznego teatru angielskiego. Jednoaktówka Audena brała również udział w kształtowaniu się nowych wzorców społecznych – w tym przypadku marksistowskich, w opozycji do władzy burżuazji. Zarówno dramat w jednym akcie, jak i poemat dramatyczny pojawiały się w teatrze w momencie poszukiwania nowej formuły dramatu i teatru. Jednoaktówka stawała się miejscem eksperymentu dramatycznego i teatralnego, jak w soczewce skupiając najważniejsze problemy i rozwiązania. Poemat dramatyczny wprowadzał zaś do tej krótkiej formy chaos rodzajowy i gatunkowy, który jedyny był w stanie opisać formującą się dopiero nową rzeczywistość – czy to polityczną, czy społeczną, czy w końcu psychiczną lub duchową.
Mood Analysis of Written Utterances in Indonesia’s Covid-19 Vaccine Article in Online Newspaper
Authors: Putri Rahma Yunita , Laila Malikatul
Published: November 2022

This research analyze the MOOD analysis in news text about Indonesia’s covid-19 vaccine in online newspapers. The purpose of this study is to explain the formula of MOOD analysis realized in grammar and to describe the speakers' mood in the application of the MOOD analysis in Indonesia's covid-19 vaccine article from online newspaper. The main focus of this research is on descriptive text articles and MOOD structure. This type of research is descriptive qualitative, the writersors present the analysis in a description based on the relevant quality on the data and the knowledge on sfl. The data were obtained by applying the theory of Gerot and Wignell (1994). The results of data analysis from six texts, in the formula there are five types of relations between the speakers and its related finite. Such as Subject + Finite (Tense), Subject + Finite (Do), Subject + Finite (Modal), Subject + Finite (Have) and Subject + Until (To be). The most commonly category that used in the online newspaper article is Finite (Tense). In the mood of the speaker, it is found that the speaker expresses certainty, possibility, uncertainty, obligation and advice. What most of the speakers said was certainty. In the analysis the writers also found the grade of modality: from high, medium, and low.
Use of artificial insemination and oestrus synchronisation in beef herds
Authors: Kerby Mike J , Cutler Keith
Published: November 2022

The use of artificial insemmination (AI) in beef herds has been increasing in the last two decades especially when used in conjunction with oestrus synchronisation (OS) protocols. The resultant improvement in reproductive efficiency has a significant impact on productivity and profitability, particularly in seasonal block calving beef herds. Within this it is key that the nulliparous heifers calve down promptly in the block, and if these heifers can have heifer calves it will expediate genetic gain. This article reviews the benefits of using AI and the OS programmes commonly used, including those involving prostaglandin F 2 alpha (PG) alone, progesterone-releasing devices either with PG or with gonadotropin-releasing hormone and PG or with additional equine chorionic gonadotropin. It also comments on the relatively new ‘7 and 7 Synch’ protocol as well as approaches to pre-synchronisation, non-cycling beef cows, late-calving beef cows and pre-pubertal heifers.
PRESENÇA DA CÁRIE DENTAL E AS PRÁTICAS DE HIGIENE E DIETA EM CRIANÇAS ATENDIDAS NAS DISCIPLINAS DE ODONTOPEDIATRIA DA UEFS: UM ESTUDO PILOTO EXPANDIDO
Authors: Ana Karolina Ferreira de Morais  , Ana Isabel Fonseca Scavuzzi
Published: November 2022

Segundo a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), o Brasil, de acordo com o índice para a dentição permanente que expressa a soma dos dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPO-D), saiu de uma condição de média prevalência de cárie entre adolescentes em 2003 (CPO-D entre 2,7 e 4,4) para uma condição de baixa prevalência em 2010 (CPO-D entre 1,2 e 2,6) (Brasil, 2010).
ACESSO AOS SERVIÇOS DE PLANEJAMENTO FAMILIAR PELOS USUÁRIOS DAS UNIDADES DE SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Cecília Oliveira da Silva  , Nidia Oliveira Bezerra
Published: November 2022

A trajetória da saúde brasileira é fruto de incontáveis reivindicações e embates populares. Desde a década de 1930, as ações em saúde eram vistas como um “favor” do Estado à população, não existindo documento ou recurso jurídico-legal que à assegurasse como sendo um direito universal.
RAZÃO TGL/HDL COMO PREDITOR DA DEFICIÊNCIA DE TESTOSTERONA EM HOMENS IDOSOS
Authors: De Maria Dias Reis Graças , Eduardo Souza Cardoso
Published: November 2022

O hipogonadismo masculino é caracterizado por baixa testosterona sérica e baixos níveis de espermatozóides, acompanhados por sinais e sintomas clínicos que podem ser divididos em dois grupos. O primeiro grupo inclui desenvolvimento sexual incompleto ou retardado, redução da libido, disfunção erétil, ginecomastia, diminuição de pelos axilares, faciais e pubianos, testículos pequenos, infertilidade e osteopenia.
DESAFIOS E POSSIBILIDADES NA DETECÇÃO E TRATAMENTO DA TUBERCULOSE SOB A ÓTICA DOS PROFISSIONAIS DO CONSULTÓRIO NA RUA
Authors: Jenny Caroline Vieira Moura  , Maria Yana Guimaraes Silva Freitas
Published: November 2022

As atividades desenvolvidas pelos profissionais do Consultório na Rua (CnR) são desafiadoras diante da necessidade em cuidar e tratar de agravos à saúde em populações vulneráveis, como os moradores de rua, pois há uma grande frequência no uso de drogas ilícitas e, as precárias condições de vida desses indivíduos podem elevar a taxa de morbimortalidade.
VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA NA GESTAÇÃO E PREMATURIDADE E/OU BAIXO PESO AO NASCER
Authors: Soares Morais Katarina , Aisiane Cedraz Morais
Published: November 2022

A violência doméstica está presente na vida de muitas mulheres e na gestação constitui-se como um tema complexo por acarretar repercussões prejudiciais à saúde materno-fetal (PUCCIA, 2012). De acordo com Marcacine et al. (2018), 51, 2% das mulheres sofreram violência por parceiro íntimo (VPI) alguma vez ao longo da vida, 36,7% durante a gestação e 25,6% afirmaram que as agressões não sanaram após o parto.
Análise da morfologia de Kruger dos espermatozoides de homens com doença falciforme em Feira de Santana – BA.
Authors: Lucas Neves de Oliveira  , Anna Paloma Martins Rocha Ribeiro
Published: November 2022

A Doença Falciforme (DF) é um termo genérico que define um grupo de doenças genéticas, como a HbSC, HbSβ-talassemia e a anemia falciforme – sua forma mais grave, caracterizadas por mutações no gene que codifica a subunidade β da hemoglobina e produz a hemoglobina patológica HbS (KATO et al., 2018).
TENDÊNCIA DE PESO EM ESCOLARES DA CIDADE DE FEIRA DE SANTANA-BA
Authors: Marcus Vinícius Sousa Mendes  , Ana Mayra Andrade de Oliveira
Published: November 2022

A obesidade é uma doença crônica não transmissível, de etiologia multifatorial com influência biopsicossocial (MANUAL DE ORIENTAÇÃO SBP, 2012). Desde adécada de 50, o Brasil experimenta mudanças sociais, econômicas e demográficas que se refletem no perfil nutricional de sua população.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO DAS VEGETAÇÕES RIBEIRINHAS DO RIO TUPIM, BOA VISTA DO TUPIM, BAHIA, BRASIL
Authors: Ferreira Daniel de Almeida , Flávio Franca
Published: November 2022

As formações vegetais que ocorrem ao longo de cursos d’água e no entorno de mananciais possuem características definidas por uma relação complexa de fatores ambientais locais. A complexidade desses fatores atuam na condição ribeirinha e definem um ambiente heterogêneo, constituindo um mosaico de condições ecológicas distintas, cada qual com suas particularidades fisionômicas, florísticas e ou estruturais (Rodrigues, 2000).
TRAÇOS MORFOFUNCIONAIS ASSOCIADOS AO BALANÇO HÍDRICO: O QUE JÁ FOI REALIZADO NA CHAPADA DIAMANTINA, BAHIA
Authors: Denyson Wandyson dos Santos Silva  , Lia D'Afonseca Pedreira de Miranda
Published: November 2022

Nos ecossistemas florestais ocorrem muitas mudanças geradas por alterações ambientais associadas a mudanças no clima, a composição atmosférica, ao uso da terra e às interações bióticas (Pérez-Harguindeguy et al. 2013).
RECURSOS TRÓFICOS UTILIZADOS POR ABELHAS SEM FERRÃO (APIDAE, MELIPONINI) NA MATA ATLÂNTICA DO SUL DA BAHIA
Authors: Maria Eduarda Silva dos Santos  , Francisco de Assis Ribeiro dos Santos
Published: November 2022

O Brasil é reconhecidamente um país com elevado potencial melífero, abrigando uma grande diversidade de abelhas nativas adaptadas às condições climáticas e florísticas do país (Carvalho et al., 2005).