bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The State of Pediatric Kidney Transplantation in India: A Survey-based Analysis of Practices, Challenges, and Educational Needs
Authors: Banerjee Arka , Bendre Adwait S. , Munghate Gayatri , Bodhanwala Minnie
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Technical and immunological advancements have improved patient and graft survival rates in pediatric kidney transplantation (PKT). However, the landscape of PKT in India remains underexplored. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey among Indian pediatric surgeons to delineate contemporary trends in PKT.

Methods:

The online survey comprised 10 questions assessing pediatric surgeons’ involvement in PKT, existing challenges, and educational needs.

Results:

Of 610 surveyed pediatric surgeons, 120 responded (19.67% response rate). Majority of the respondents were affiliated with teaching programs, either in the public sector (61.18%) or in corporate setups (25.21%). While 65.83% of respondents managed pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease, only 10% had PKT programs at their institutes. Most of the respondents (67.5%) believed that pediatric surgeons should perform PKTs. Despite this, only 15.83% were part of the renal transplantation team at their institute and only 2.5% routinely performed PKTs. Most of the respondents (63.33%) advocated for mandatory KT exposure during postdoctoral training.

Conclusion:

Despite enthusiasm among pediatric surgeons, actual involvement remains low. Dedicated PKT programs are necessary to address these challenges along with improved training by integrating transplantation sciences into the pediatric surgical curriculum. The study underscores the need for pediatric surgeons to specialize in transplantation and advocates for policy changes to address the prevailing challenges.
Intranodal Hemangioma: Case Report and Systematic Review
Authors: Kumar Bitesh , Kulkarni Kaushal , Kumar Dhua Anjan , Prabudh Goel , Kumar Yadav Devendra , Vishesh Jain , Sandeep Agarwala , Kavneet Kaur , Devasenathipathy Kandasamy
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Intranodal hemangiomas are rare benign vascular tumors of the lymph nodes, often misdiagnosed as malignant lymphadenopathies due to their clinical and radiological features. This case report and systematic review aim to elucidate the epidemiology, clinical profile, and therapeutic interventions for intranodal hemangioma, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and management.

Methods:

A systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to March 15, 2024, using keywords like “intranodal hemangioma,” “primary intranodal hemangioma,” “nodal hemangioma,” “vascular tumor,” and “lymph node hemangioma.” Inclusion criteria included studies on clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, and therapeutic interventions for intranodal hemangioma in patients of all ages. Excluded were reviews, opinion pieces, non-English studies, cases of hemangioendothelioma, sclerosing hemangioma, and animal studies. Key aspects analyzed included demographics, clinical presentation, management strategies, and histopathological findings.

Results:

Our case involves a 3-year-old female with a submandibular mass, initially diagnosed with hemangioma. After no response to beta-blocker therapy and conflicting imaging results, surgical excision was performed. Histopathology confirmed intranodal hemangioma. From 233 records, 19 publications (36 patients, including our case) met the inclusion criteria. The review shows common clinical presentations as painless, slowly enlarging lymph nodes, primarily in the cervical and axillary regions. Diagnostic challenges often require imaging and biopsy to differentiate from malignancies.

Conclusion:

Recognizing intranodal hemangiomas, particularly in childhood, is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The rarity of these tumors in childhood and their clinical presentation similar to malignancies in older patients make diagnosis challenging without widespread awareness. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of both diagnosis and treatment, often leading to favorable outcomes.
Entrevista a Keith C. Barton
Authors: Yell Michael
Published: November 2024

Entrevista a Keith C. Barton
LA DIVULGACIÓN CIENTÍFICA SOBRE LA DIDÁCTICA DE LA HISTORIA EN CHILE: UNA APROXIMACIÓN BIBLIOMÉTRICA AL ESTADO DE LA CUESTIÓN
Authors: Barriga Ubed Elvira , Molina Neira Josué , Salazar Jiménez Rodrigo
Published: November 2024

Este trabajo presenta una exploración de la investigación científica en el campo de la Didáctica de la Historia en Chile a través de una aproximación al método bibliométrico, aplicando un análisis dicotómico (de presencia-ausencia) con criterios de clasificación definidos en una primera revisión de la literatura. Se ha realizado un análisis de tipo descriptivo a partir de los tópicos y temáticas claves encontradas en los resúmenes de los artículos en revistas científicas provenientes de siete bases de datos especializadas en educación. Entre las conclusiones, cabe destacar el tamaño reducido de la muestra encontrada a pesar de haber abierto la búsqueda a todas las bases de datos internacionales de prestigio, lo cual parece indicar que la Didáctica de la Historia en Chile es un campo de conocimiento fértil para la producción científica. El estudio muestra los tópicos de la disciplina más y menos prolíficos, así como la relación entre los mismos, señalando vías abiertas y aún por abrir dentro del área.
Indice
Authors: Vásquez Leyton Gabriela
Published: November 2024

Indice de la revista
MUSEOS DE CIENCIA, TÉCNICA E INDUSTRIA: DIVULGADORES DE LA HISTORIA Y ACTIVISTAS DEL DISCURSO DE IDENTIDAD
Authors: ORTEGA ORTIZ VERÓNICA
Published: November 2024

El ámbito industrial, al paso del tiempo, cambia de acuerdo a las necesidades y recursos de la sociedad en que se localiza; el patrimonio industrial al ser conservado en museos de ciencia, técnica e industria consigue una rehabilitación cultural de las áreas afectadas por el cese de las actividades productivas. Así el museo resguarda los significados socio-histórico-culturales característicos de la época a la que pertenecieron sus contenidos expositivos.
Para entender cómo estos museos funcionan para la identidad y la memoria, se analizaron la experiencia museística y del discurso museográfico de dos casos de estudio: el Archivo Histórico y Museo de Minería en Pachuca, México por su impacto socioeconómico en donde está localizado y, el Museo Nacional de Ciencia y Técnica de Cataluña en España por su sistema de red de museos reconocido a nivel internacional en materia de conservación y difusión.
Se combinaron el método etnográfico con el semiótico debido a que los espacios museísticos presentan discursos que reafirman la identidad generada por la memoria. Examinar su habilidad para comunicar el discurso museográfico permitió analizar entre ellos las acciones que les han permitido la consolidación exitosa de museos de ciencia, técnica e industria. Por lo tanto, cumplen la función de ser divulgadores de su temática y se convierten en respetuosos protectores de la memoria pero sobre todo, se vuelven dinámicos activistas del discurso de identidad de su región; sin olvidar su compromiso de comunicadores de conceptos científicos, promotores del interés por la técnica y facilitadores de la comprensión integral de una actividad industrial.
EL SIGNIFICADO DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN EN LA FORMACIÓN DEL PROFESOR DE HISTORIA EN BRASIL: DESAFÍOS EN TIEMPO DE GLOBALIZACIÓN
Authors: SCHMIDT MARIA AUXILIADORA , URBAN ANA CLAUDIA
Published: November 2024

La globalización puede ser aprehendida como un proceso de transnacionalización de los fenómenos económicos, culturales y políticos. En este sentido, presenta una especial ambigüedad de naturaleza individualizante, que es la producción de realidades empíricos sociales que pueden ser vistas de forma selectiva y llena de valores. Así, las políticas educacionales han afectado las relaciones entre los sujetos en el universo escolar y los significados que ellos atribuyen a su vida humana práctica y a sus acciones, como es el caso de los profesores y de su formación. En Brasil, históricamente, la formación del profesor de Historia ha sido matizada por los embates acerca del significado de la profesión docente, así como por los embates entre las finalidades de su actuación como historiador y profesor. La intención del presente texto es reflexionar sobre el significado de la investigación en el proceso de formación de profesores y como las cuestiones de la investigación vienen siendo incorporadas al propio estatuto metodológico de la enseñanza de Historia. Además, la investigación, mientras proceso de producción del conocimiento histórico se vuelve fundamental como constitutivo de la naturaleza del propio trabajo del profesor, que, al tomar pose de los objetos, de los procesos y de los procedimientos inherentes a la producción del conocimiento, Viabiliza la superación de la división del trabajo que, históricamente, separó aquéllos que producen el conocimiento en la universidad y aquéllos que lo transmiten, en la escuela. En el actual proceso de globalización en la que los profesores son culpados por la fragilidad de la enseñanza, y el practiquismo es referencia para su formación, esa superación presenta desafíos y límites, especialmente en países emergentes, como Brasil.
LA FORMACIÓN INICIAL DE LOS DOCENTES DE HISTORIA EN EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA. REVISIÓN DEL MÁSTER DE FORMACIÓN DEL PROFESORADO
Authors: FUENTES MORENO CONCEPCIÓN
Published: November 2024

El trabajo que se presenta tiene como objetivo la reflexión sobre la formación inicial del profesorado de Educación Secundaria de la especialidad de Geografía e Historia. En este sentido, se presenta el Máster de Formación del Profesorado diseñado desde la Universidad de Barcelona para actualizar las necesidades de los docentes noveles. Se procederá a la explicación minuciosa de cada uno de los bloques temáticos que componen su contenido y de las materias que lo constituyen.
APLICACIÓN DE ESTRATEGIAS DIDÁCTICAS DE LA HISTORIA Y LA FORMACIÓN DE VALORES CIUDADANOS
Authors: DOMÍNGUEZ MARTOS ROSA MARÍA
Published: November 2024

La experiencia de esta investigación – acción fue realizada en la Institución Educativa Rosa Carrera de Martos, de la ciudad de Piura, Perú, con adolescentes del último grado de educación secundaria, consistió en la aplicación de Estrategias de la Didáctica de la Historia para desarrollar valores y actitudes que los conviertan en ciudadanos conscientes que trabajan en busca del Bien común.
LOS PROCESOS DE ENSEÑANZA Y APRENDIZAJE EN LA ASIGNATURA DE HISTORIA Y GEOGRAFÍA. LOS PROFESORES NOVELES Y LA REALIDAD DEL AULA
Authors: Castañeda Marta
Published: November 2024

Desde el inicio de su vida profesional los docentes se enfrentan a la tarea de transitar desde la Historia como ciencia hacia la Historia de contenido escolar....
LAS LECTURAS POLÍTICAS DEL "NUNCA MAS" EN LA ENSEÑANZA SECUNDARIA DEL GRAN BUENOS AIRES
Authors: D'Auria Lucila
Published: November 2024

En el marco de una investigación más amplia sobre las relaciones entre la memoria y la historia en la ´práctica docente, el presente trabajo explorta...
RESEÑA BIBLIOGRÁFICA
Authors: Valenzuela Flores Óscar Andrés
Published: November 2024

Joan Vaello Orts es psicopedagogo español, especialista en temas de Educación Socioemocional (ESE), con publicaciones relativamente recientes en resolución de conflictos en el aula...
VISIBLES PERO EXCLUIDAS. LAS CONCEPCIONES DE LOS Y LAS PROFESORAS DE DIDÁCTICA DE LAS CIENCIAS SOCIALES SOBRE LAS POSIBILIDADES DE INCLUSIÓN DE LAS MUJERES EN LA ENSEÑANZA DE LAS CIENCIAS SOCIALES Y LA HISTORIA
Authors: Marolla Gajardo Jesús
Published: November 2024

Es un problema actual y contingente la exclusión y violen-cia que sufren las mujeres en la sociedad. La escuela debe tomar una posición clara, considerando las perspectivas y los estudios de género en la construcción de los programas, los discursos y las prácticas que se llevan a cabo. Desde la didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales resulta fun-damental entregar las herramientas reﬂexivas y los posibles caminos para que la planiﬁcación pedagógica y las prácticas analicen y lleven a cabo acciones que contribuyan en cambios en torno a la marginación, la segregación y la violencia que sufren las mujeres en la actualidad. En este escrito el enfoque se posiciona en el profesorado de didáctica y las ventajas y los obstáculos que ellos y ellas visibilizan para incluir a las mujeres desde perspectivas críticas. La investigación se desprende de la tesis doctoral que tenía por objetivos conocer las posibilidades y las limitaciones de la inclusión de las mujeres en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la Historia y las Ciencias Sociales en las aulas chilenas. La metodología utilizada es un estudio colectivo de casos. El estudio ha demostrado que existen distintas posibilidades y compromisos por parte de los y las actrices que se pueden llevar a cabo en las aulas. El reto es superar los obstáculos que se presentan y que frenan la posibili-dad de generar prácticas que persigan la reﬂexión y la transformación.
CINE Y ENSEÑAR HISTORIA: UNA APROXIMACIÓN DEL CURRÍCULO AL AULA
Authors: Montecino Gómez Felipe , Pavez Almarza Yanira
Published: November 2024

El presente estudio, fruto de una investigación realizada en dos establecimientos educacionales de la comuna de Valparaíso, pretende indagar sobre la relación entre cine, currículo e historia. En particular, se aspira a analizar las posibles problemáticas que conjugan la enseñanza disciplinar en el aula y el uso del ﬁlm como recurso didáctico, en tanto permite el desarrollo de habilidades ligadas al pensamiento histórico.
RESEÑA BIBLIOGRÁFICA: Enseñanza de la Historia.
Authors: Soto Lillo Paula
Published: November 2024

La formación inicial de profesores es un tema de preocupación transversal que requiere actualización permanente, con el ﬁn de preparar de la mejor forma posible a los futuros do-centes que educarán a la sociedad del mañana. Por lo mismo, la revisión de textos orientados a apoyar esta tarea se hace necesaria a ﬁn de contar con recursos útiles al propósito.
Presentación
Authors: Vásquez Leyton Gabriela
Published: November 2024

En esta nueva versión de Andamio. Revista de Didáctica de la Historia, seguimos con nuestro objetivo de proporcionar un espacio para la discusión científica sobre los problemas, desafíos e implicancias de la enseñanza y aprendizaje de la Historia en el mundo escolar, con la finalidad de contribuir significativamente a la creación de un espacio de reflexión científica entre los profesores en formación, los docentes en ejercicios y los profesores principiantes.
V DEBATE INTERESCOLAR “DEBATIENDO HISTORIA” QUISIMOS PREGUNTARLES A SUS PROTAGONISTAS ACERCA DEL VALOR DE ESTA ESTRATEGIA PARA LA ENSEÑANZA-APRENDIZAJE DE LA HISTORIA
Authors: Andamio Equipo
Published: November 2024

Para Adelino Cattani (2003), el debate, como estrategia de aprendizaje, consiste en […] una competición (un reto, un desafío) entre dos antagonistas, en los que, a diferencia de lo que ocurre en una simple discusión, existe una tercera parte (un juez, un auditorio) cuya aprobación buscan los dos contendientes. Se puede debatir, incluso sobre cuestiones que se consideran imposibles de resolver con el objetivo de persuadir a otros […]1.
La “ocupación de la Araucanía” y su abordaje curricular como tema histórico controversial
Authors: Valderrama Aguayo Iván
Published: November 2024

Uno de los principales desafíos que enfrentan los sistemas educativos actualesse relaciona con su capacidad para formar estudiantes que sean capacesde insertarse de forma crítica, reflexiva y proactiva en sus contextos sociales.En este sentido, la enseñanza de la historia juega un papel clave en cuantodisciplina escolar que posibilita el tratamiento curricular de los denominadostemas controversiales. Así, el objetivo de la presente investigación es valorarqué aspectos del abordaje curricular de “la ocupación de la Araucanía” dan,efectivamente, cuenta de la naturaleza controversial de dicha coyuntura histórica.A partir de un análisis crítico del discurso (Van Dijk, 1993; Fairclough,2005) de las bases curriculares y programas de estudio de la asignatura deHistoria, Geografía y Ciencias Sociales, se evidencia que la ocupación de laAraucanía, se aborda desde una visión positivista de los acontecimientos. Locual coarta interpretaciones alternativas que se puedan originar sobre las consecuenciasactuales del período. Se concluye relevando la imperiosa necesidadde repensar, y adecuar a las necesidades formativas del siglo XXI, el cómo seestá tratando curricularmente la temática en cuestión y las prácticas curricularessugeridas para problematizar su enseñanza en las aulas so riesgo de nopoder superar una comprensión historicista y monocausal de las coyunturashistóricas que han dado forma a la sociedad chilena actual y los conflictosintestinos que se vivencian.
The mean number of $2$-torsion elements in the class groups of cubic orders
Authors: Swaminathan Ashvin A.
Published: November 2024

We determine the mean number of 2-torsion elements in class groups of cubic orders, when such orders are enumerated by discriminant. Specifically, we prove that when isomorphism classes of totally real (resp., complex) cubic orders are enumerated by discriminant, the average

2

-torsion in the class group is

1 + \frac{1}{4}\times \frac{\zeta(2)}{\zeta(4)}

(resp.,

1 + \frac{1}{2}\times \frac{\zeta(2)}{\zeta(4)}

). In particular, we find that the average

2

-torsion in the class group increases when one ranges over all orders in cubic fields instead of restricting to the subfamily of rings of integers of cubic fields, where the average

2

-torsion in the class group was first determined in work of Bhargava to be

\frac{5}{4}

(resp.,

\frac{3}{2}

).By work of Bhargava–Varma, proving this result amounts to obtaining an asymptotic count of the number of “reducible”

\operatorname{SL}_{3}(\mathbb{Z})

-orbits on the space

\mathbb{Z}^{2} \otimes_{\mathbb{Z}}\operatorname{Sym}^{2} \mathbb{Z}^{3}

of

3 \times 3

symmetric integer matrices having bounded invariants and satisfying local conditions. In this paper, we resolve the generalization of this orbit-counting problem where the dimension

3

is replaced by any fixed odd integer

N \geq 3

. More precisely, we determine asymptotic formulas for the number of reducible

\operatorname{SL}_{N}(\mathbb{Z})

-orbits on

\mathbb{Z}^{2} \otimes_{\mathbb{Z}}\operatorname{Sym}^{2} \mathbb{Z}^{N}

satisfying general infinite sets of congruence conditions.
Non-invasively differentiate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by visualizing hepatic integrin αvβ3 expression with a targeted molecular imaging modality
Authors: Huang Xiao-Quan , Wu Ling , Xue Chun-Yan , Rao Chen-Yi , Fang Qing-Qing , Chen Ying , Xie Cao , Rao Sheng-Xiang , Chen Shi-Yao , Li Feng
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive methods to diagnose non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an inflammatory subtype of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are currently unavailable.

AIM

To develop an integrin αvβ3-targeted molecular imaging modality to differentiate NASH.

METHODS

Integrin αvβ3 expression was assessed in Human LO2 hepatocytes Scultured with palmitic and oleic acids (FFA). Hepatic integrin αvβ3 expression was analyzed in rabbits fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and in rats fed a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet (HFCD). After synthesis, cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide (cRGD) was labeled with gadolinium (Gd) and used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed on mice fed with HFCD.

RESULTS

Integrin αvβ3 was markedly expressed on FFA-cultured hepatocytes, unlike the control hepatocytes. Hepatic integrin αvβ3 expression significantly increased in both HFD-fed rabbits and HFCD-fed rats as simple fatty liver (FL) progressed to steatohepatitis. The distribution of integrin αvβ3 in the liver of NASH cases largely overlapped with albumin-positive staining areas. In comparison to mice with simple FL, the relative liver MRI-T1 signal value at 60 minutes post-injection of Gd-labeled cRGD was significantly increased in mice with steatohepatitis (P < 0.05), showing a positive correlation with the NAFLD activity score (r = 0.945; P < 0.01). Hepatic integrin αvβ3 expression was significantly upregulated during NASH development, with hepatocytes being the primary cells expressing integrin αvβ3.

CONCLUSION

After using Gd-labeled cRGD as a tracer, NASH was successfully distinguished by visualizing hepatic integrin αvβ3 expression with MRI.
Low level of hepatitis B viremia is associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in compensated cirrhotic patients
Authors: Lin Wei-Chun , Lin Ke , Li Ming-Kai , Liu Xiao , Huang Yi-Fei , Wang Xing , Wu Bin
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Whether patients with compensated cirrhosis and low-level viremia (LLV) of hepatitis B should receive antiviral therapy (AVT) is still controversial, and published results are inconsistent.

AIM

To investigate the link between LLV in compensated cirrhosis and prognosis concerning hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), decompensation, and liver-related events.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to March 5, 2023. Outcomes of interest were assessed by pooled hazard ratios (HRs). The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023405345).

RESULTS

Six cohort studies representing 3155 patients were included. Compared with patients with undetectable HBV DNA, patients with LLV was associated with increased risk of HCC (HR: 2.06, 95%CI: 1.36-3.13; Q -statistic-P = 0.07, I 2 = 51%) regardless of receiving AVT or not (AVT group: HR: 3.14; 95%CI: 1.73-5.69; Q -statistic-P = 0.60, I 2 = 0%; un-AVT group: HR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.09-2.76; Q -statistic-P = 0.11, I 2 = 50%). The pooled results showed no statistical association between LLV and decompensation of cirrhosis (HR: 2.06, 95%CI: 0.89-4.76; Q -statistic-P = 0.04, I 2 = 69%), and liver-related events (HR: 1.84, 95%CI: 0.92-3.67; Q -statistic-P = 0.03, I 2 = 72%), respectively. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessment indicated moderate certainty for HCC, very low certainty for decompensation of cirrhosis and liver-related clinical events.

CONCLUSION

LLV in compensated cirrhotic patients is associated with increased risk of HCC, higher tendency for hepatic decompensation and liver-related events. Closer screening of HCC should be conducted in this population.
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome complicated with liver cirrhosis: A case report
Authors: Chang Min , Wang Shi-Yu , Zhang Zi-Yu , Hao Hong-Xiao , Li Xin-Gang , Li Jing-Jing , Xie Yao , Li Ming-Hui
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a rare disorder, often characterized by delayed growth and development, short stature, and hypogonadism as the main clinical manifestations. It is not clear whether PSIS can lead to liver cirrhosis.

CASE SUMMARY

This paper reported a case of liver cirrhosis of unknown origin. The patient was admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University in November 2023. The diagnosis of PSIS complicated with liver cirrhosis was established after a series of blood tests and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging examination.

CONCLUSION

We also reviewed the literature from both domestic and international sources to deepen the clinical understanding of PSIS in conjunction with liver cirrhosis among medical practitioners.
Rifaximin discontinuation during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment in critically ill patients with hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Ridola Lorenzo , Mari Alessandro
Published: November 2024

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the main complications of cirrhosis, characterized by a wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric alterations that lead to an increase in mortality, morbidity and recurrent hospitalizations. Due to the central role in HE pathogenesis of ammonia and other neurotoxins primarily produced by the gut microbiota, the main therapeutic approaches for the treatment of HE are based on the modulation of the gut microbiota. Rifaximin is a non-absorbable broad-spectrum antibiotic, that is effective against ammonia-producing gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic species, approved for the treatment of HE in secondary prophylaxis. The chronic administration of rifaximin in this setting is associated with a lower risk of HE recurrence and mortality, while the role of rifaximin for the treatment of an overt-HE episode in inpatients is still unclear. Limited data exist about the coadministration of rifaximin and broad-spectrum antibiotics commonly used to treat concomitant infections, as patients receiving or recently treated with antibiotics were frequently excluded from clinical trials. In this editorial we comment on the article by Ward et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Hepatology . It is a single center, retrospective, quasi-experimental, pharmacist-driven protocol, with the aim to evaluate the feasibility and safety of rifaximin discontinuation in critically ill patients with HE and chronic liver disease receiving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapies in intensive care units. The study revealed no differences between the protocol and control group in terms of primary outcome (days alive and free of delirium and coma to day 14) and secondary outcomes which include: Intensive care mortality, intensive care length of stay, intravenous vasopressor requirement changes and adverse effects rate. Therefore, rifaximin discontinuation during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy does not appear to negatively impact the clinical status of critically ill liver patients, with a similar safety profile and significant cost savings, as compared to the coadministration of rifaximin and broad-spectrum antibiotics. In agreement with Ward et al , a recently published double-blind, randomized controlled trial provided additional evidence to support the feasibility of withholding rifaximin during broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy in critically ill cirrhotic patients. However, given the limitations of these studies, further multicentric and prospective clinical trials, enrolling a larger sample of non-critically ill patients, are needed to better establish the role of rifaximin in this setting.
Elimination of hepatitis B as a public health threat: Addressing the challenge and taking action
Authors: Ma Lei , Xing Hui-Chun
Published: November 2024

Despite the significant efforts made in recent years, the latest data from the World Health Organization indicates that there are substantial challenges in achieving the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by 2030. The article in the World Journal of Hepatology by Ismael et al highlighted the limited accessibility to screening and antiviral treatment for HBV infection in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, the editorial comments on this article will focus on the current challenges and recent efforts in the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B, particularly emphasizing the expansion of screening and antiviral therapy, as well as feasible strategies to improve accessibility for HBV testing, antiviral therapy, and adherence enhancement.
Red blood cell transfusion for critically ill patients admitted through the emergency department in South Korea
Authors: Kim Tae Sung , Cho Yongil , Choi Hyuk Joong , Park Joonbum , Kim Wonhee , Ahn Chiwon , Kim Joon Young
Published: November 2024

Background: Red blood cells (RBCs) are a limited resource, and the adverse effects of transfusion must be considered. Multiple randomized controlled trials on transfusion thresholds have been conducted, leading to the establishment of a restrictive transfusion strategy. This study aimed to investigate the status of RBC transfusions in critically ill patients.Methods: This cohort study was conducted at five university hospitals in South Korea. From December 18, 2022, to November 30, 2023, 307 nontraumatic, anemic patients admitted to intensive care units through the emergency departments were enrolled. We determined whether patients received RBC transfusion, transfusion triggers, and the clinical results.Results: Of the 154 patients who received RBC transfusions, 71 (46.1%) had a hemoglobin level of 7 or higher. Triggers other than hemoglobin level included increased lactate levels in 75 patients (48.7%), tachycardia in 47 patients (30.5%), and hypotension in 46 patients (29.9%). The 28-day mortality rate was not significantly reduced in the group that received transfusions compared to the non-transfusion group (21.4% vs. 26.8%, P=0.288). There was no difference in the intensive care unit and hospital length of stay or the proportion of survival to discharge between the two groups. The prognosis showed the same pattern in various subgroups.Conclusions: Despite the large number of RBC transfusions used in contradiction to the restrictive strategy, there was no notable difference in the prognosis of critically ill patients. To minimize unnecessary RBC transfusions, the promotion of transfusion guidelines and research on transfusion criteria that reflect individual patient conditions are required.
Developing and validating the diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism staff perceptions of college climate (DEIA SPCC) scale in pharmacy staff
Authors: El-Desoky Rania , Abdelhakiem Alaa K. , Stroud Andrea , Wollen Joshua
Published: November 2024

Background: This study focuses on the development and validation of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Antiracism Staff Perceptions of College Climate (DEIA SPCC) Scale. The goal of this study was to create and validate a standardised tool to assess pharmacy staff perceptions of DEIA within their institutions, thereby aiding in the evaluation and advancement of DEIA initiatives in colleges of pharmacy.
Methods: A 20-item survey covering four domains - diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism - was distributed to pharmacy staff through the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) directory. The survey's validity was assessed using factor analysis and reliability analysis.
Results: There was a total of 135 staff member responses. Results demonstrated high reliability and consistency across all four domains, with the Cronbach’s alpha ranging between 0.764 to 0.951.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the DEIA SPCC survey is a practical, validated tool for pharmacy institutions to assess and enhance their DEIA climate from the perspective of their staff, potentially extendable to other healthcare academic disciplines. Further research is suggested to validate the survey in broader contexts and explore the predictors of survey scores.
Knowledge and attitude of pharmacy students towards HIV treatment and prophylaxis in Davao City, Philippines
Authors: Tobias Ela Mae V. , Sibay Allena Rose S. , Mahinay Angel Ann T. , Montaño Annalee M. , Gabucan Von Jay Maico G.
Published: November 2024

Pharmacy students significantly contribute to HIV management as future registered pharmacists. To contribute meaningfully, pharmacy students must be knowledgeable and have positive attitudes towards HIV treatment and prophylaxis. The aim is to investigate the levels of knowledge and attitude of undergraduate pharmacy students towards HIV treatment and education to identify key areas of improvement.
Methods: The study used a quantitative research design with a structured survey based on published studies. Undergraduate pharmacy students from various schools in Davao City were invited to participate and provide informed consent. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used after obtaining data.
Results: Pharmacy students in Davao City were found to have high overall knowledge (mean = 64.29%) and a high overall attitude (mean = 3.88). Knowledge about HIV treatment and prophylaxis did not correlate with the respondents' attitudes towards it. Furthermore, it was found that there is a significant difference in knowledge and attitude based on year level and school (< 0.000).
Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude of undergraduate pharmacy students toward HIV treatment and prevention were high, indicating favourable results. However, improvements and training must continue to enhance their knowledge and attitude and reduce misconceptions and stigma. Collaboration with key stakeholders is essential to ensure the implementation of intervention programmes.
Desafiando fronteras conceptuales: impacto de las prácticas pedagógicas extracurriculares en la formación ciudadana y la convivencia escolar
Authors: Gonzalez Nieto Maria Camila , Cano Echeverry Sebastián , Valenzuela Morales Alejandro
Published: November 2024

El capítulo examina la configuración de las prácticas extracurriculares en la Formación Ciudadana. Estas prácticas, desarrolladas fuera del aula, son fundamentales para el desarrollo integral de los estudiantes, permitiéndoles adquirir habilidades sociales y reflexionar sobre su rol en la sociedad. Este también realiza un acercamiento a la Convivencia Escolar y la Formación Ciudadana en Colombia, analizando su implementación en los manuales de convivencia de las instituciones. Este estudio es crucial porque pone de relieve la necesidad de fortalecer los espacios extracurriculares como una extensión vital de la educación formal. Las experiencias y aprendizajes que se generan en estos contextos contribuyen a formar ciudadanos más conscientes, activos y comprometidos con su entorno. Al resignificar estas prácticas, se promueve una cultura escolar más inclusiva y participativa, lo que resulta esencial para mejorar la convivencia escolar y fomentar una formación ciudadana que trascienda el aula, impactando positivamente en la sociedad en general.
Panorama de las prácticas profesionales en la hotelería de Cancún, Quintana Roo
Authors: Fernández Rodríguez Anastacio Gustavo , Antonio Mancilla Brenda , Vilchis Onofre Adrian Alejandro
Published: November 2024

El presente ensayo expone el panorama de las condiciones bajo las que se llevan a cabo las prácticas profesionales en la industria turística de Cancún, Quintana Roo, en donde en un contexto de incertidumbre en las regulaciones, el estudiantado vive experiencias que no en todos los casos cumplen las expectativas ni objetivos de las prácticas profesionales. Este esquema de colaboración con el sector privado demanda una carga de trabajo y responsabilidades sin alguna remuneración de apoyo al estudiante. Para la construcción teórica se tomó en consideración la información recabada por diversos textos sobre las condiciones laborales en el área turística de Cancún y los esquemas laborales bajo los que se desarrolló, así como los estatutos y legislaciones alrededor de las prácticas profesionales en estudiantes universitarios en la República Mexicana y, de la misma forma, algunos esquemas empleados en otras partes del mundo en donde ya se está creando una reforma que busca una regulación y temporalidad en contratos que logren remunerar económicamente a estudiantes y crear mejores condiciones para validar si realmente es un esquema de apoyo hacia el alumnado o sólo un proceso que perpetua las tensiones, malas condiciones laborales y el condicionamiento de los alumnos a cambio de la liberación de sus prácticas profesionales.
LAS FÓRMULAS DE GESTIÓN DE LOS SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS LOCALES: LOS ENTES INSTRUMENTALES
Authors: Montoya Martín Encarnación
Published: November 2024

SUMARIO: INTRODUCCIÓN I. LA DIMENSIÓN COMUNITARIA DE LA GESTIÓN DE ACTIVIDADES Y SERVICIOS POR LAS ADMINISTRACIONES LOCALES. II. LA INCIDENCIA DE LAS REFORMAS ESTATUTARIAS: ASUNCIÓN COMO COMPETENCIA EXCLUSIVA DE LAS MODALIDADES DE PRESTACIÓN DE LOS SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS. III. LOS SERVICIOS PÚBLICOS LOCALES Y SUS MODOS DE GESTIÓN EN LA LEGISLACIÓN ACTUAL. PROPUESTAS DE REFORMA. IV. AVANZAR EN LA JURIDIFICACIÓN DE LA CULTURA DE LA CALIDAD DE LAS ACTIVIDADES Y SERVICIOS LOCALES.
18F RADIOISOTOPE YIELD OF POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE ACTIVATION ON THE M-30 MICROTRON
Authors: Pylypchynets I.V. , Oleinikov E.V. , Parlag O.O. , Dalekorei A.V.
Published: November 2024

The experimental and modeled values of the yield of the 18F radioisotope formed during the irradiation of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) with bremsstrahlung photons at the maximum energy of 17.5 MeV are presented. The output was determined using the induced activity method. The activation process was carried out on the M-30 microtron of the Institute of Electronic Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The yields of the 18F radioisotope for the optimized scheme of stimulation of (γ,n)-reactions were modeled by the GEANT4 toolkit, taking into account the technical characteristics of the M-30 microtron electron output unit. The effectiveness of using
the formed beam of bremsstrahlung photons for forming the 18F radioisotope was evaluated, taking into account the reaction cross-section for the optimized irradiation scheme. The possibilities of increasing the output of the 18F radioisotope by optimizing the activation time of the samples and their geometric dimensions were analyzed. The proposed approach can be used to optimize photonuclear reaction stimulation schemes at the M-30 microtron for a wide range of nuclei and predict the yields of the radioisotopes formed.
A POLITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE PHILIPPINE POLITICIANS’ SPEECH ACTS ON PEOPLE’S INITIATIVE: A FORENSIC LINGUISTICS STUDY
Authors: Obenza Brandon N. , Caloc Louie Jay R. , Baradillo Danilo G.
Published: November 2024

This political discourse analysis aims to unveil the speech acts and FTAs employed by Philippine politicians, their contributions to the persuasive power of political discourse, and their pragmatic implicatures on the People’s Initiative. This study utilized a qualitative research design using forensic linguistics through political discourse analysis, with corpus linguistics of 16 political speeches chosen through purposive sampling. The findings revealed that 18% of the discourse falls under FTAs, 42% for speech acts, 20% for persuasive power contribution, and 20% for pragmatic implicatures. This purports the complex relationships that exist between language, power, and persuasion in the political context.
 

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ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN VARIOUS SECTORS: APPLICATION OF THE BENEISH M-SCORE MODEL IN CASABLANCA STOCK EXCHANGE MOROCCO
Authors: Soufiane Ben Nokro , Moad El Kharrim
Published: November 2024

This paper evaluates the financial performance of companies from different sectors on the Moroccan financial market, using the Beneish M-Score model. Initially developed to detect financial anomalies, the M-Score has evolved into a tool for assessing companies' overall financial performance and earnings quality. By analyzing financial indicators such as profitability, liquidity and operational efficiency, this study compares the financial dynamics of companies in sectors such as food, technology and transportation. The results highlight significant differences in performance, revealing both strengths and weaknesses in companies' financial management. The study also provides a comparison with industry standards, and offers recommendations for improving the assessment of financial performance using financial indicators and the M-Score.

 

JEL: G32, M41, L25

 

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SPEAKING HABITS OF THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL EFL LEARNERS: A SURVEY
Authors: Pathan Md. Arif Khan
Published: November 2024

Speaking skills are the most important and dominant skills of a language that a language learner can never avoid or underestimate. From academic life to professional life, strong speaking skills help students in all aspects of their lives. Good speaking skills also act as indicators of knowing a language. In spite of knowing the importance of having strong speaking skills, unluckily, the majority of the EFL learners are found very weak and incompetent in speaking. The current study explored the speaking habits of undergraduate-level EFL learners through a five-point Likert-scale survey and found that the learners are very careless about practicing and improving their speaking skills. They have lots of opportunities and resources around them, but they do not utilize them to practice these skills. As a result, they could not develop good speaking habits in their everyday lives. 

 

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REVISITING PUPPETS TO TEACH ENGLISH TO CHILDREN: MODEL ACTIVITIES TO FOSTER CLASSROOM ORAL INTERACTION USING PUPPETS
Authors: Mogollon Joibel Tadea Gimenez
Published: November 2024

Puppetry, as an educational resource, has been used for years to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that encourages creativity, active oral participation and language fluency development. In a world where the use of technological tools, digital materials, apps and virtual classrooms have changed the dimension of education, making classes more dynamic and obliquus, puppets are still valuable in the class, as multiple research works have shown. For that reason, we revisited the use of puppets as a pedagogical tool in the English classroom, specifically to foster oral interactions in the English classes of a group of pre-schooling students. In that group, we observed that even though the teacher used multiple resources and activities (such as games, songs, act outs and more), some students did not participate in the oral interaction activities. We decided to design a set of activities mediated by impersonated puppets to foster oral interaction in the class. In this work, we presented the steps for designing those activities and a theoretical foundation for that design. The findings of its application are a matter of further research.

 

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EXPLORING THE ROLE OF L1 LITERACY SKILLS IN L2 READING COMPREHENSION AND VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT AMONG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GHANA
Authors: Arthur Rebecca
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the relationship between first language (L1) literacy skills and second language (L2) reading comprehension and vocabulary development among students in Ghana. The study was grounded in Cummin’s (1970) Linguistic Interdependence Theory (LIT). The qualitative approach was adopted, and three instruments- focus group discussions, interviews and classroom observations- were used to obtain data from the sample of 300 secondary school students and 40 teachers. The researcher assessed participants' views in L1 literacy domains (phonological awareness, orthographic knowledge, and reading fluency) as well as their views on L2 (English) reading comprehension and vocabulary. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between students' L1 literacy skills and their achievement in L2 reading comprehension and vocabulary. Those with more advanced abilities in their native language consistently demonstrated higher levels of reading comprehension and broader English vocabulary knowledge. This underscores the critical role of strong foundational literacy in the first language as a precursor to successful second language acquisition. The study also identified key instructional strategies that could help bridge the gap for ESL learners, such as explicit instruction in L1 literacy, structured opportunities for cross-linguistic transfer, and the incorporation of culturally relevant, mother-tongue materials into the curriculum. The implications of these findings for policymakers, curriculum designers, and teachers working to improve educational outcomes for linguistically diverse student populations are discussed.
 

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EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF LINGUISTICALLY INFORMED FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS ON EFL PROFICIENCY AMONG GREEK LEARNERS: A PILOT STUDY ACROSS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS
Authors: Fountoulakis Michail St.
Published: November 2024

This pilot study explores the impact of linguistically informed formative assessments on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) proficiency among Greek learners, focusing on primary and secondary education establishments. Leveraging five years of research data collected between 2017 and 2022 from over 360 students across urban and rural regions in Greece, this study examines how integrating linguistic theory into formative assessments can enhance students' morphological and syntactical proficiency. Using a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through standardized language proficiency tests, linguistically informed assessments, and semi-structured interviews with students and educators. The findings indicate that students exposed to these linguistically informed assessments demonstrate significant improvements in EFL proficiency, particularly in verb conjugation and sentence structure, with enhanced long-term retention and application in both written and spoken English. These results underscore the potential for linguistically informed formative assessments to be a powerful tool in EFL pedagogy, with implications for curriculum design and instructional practices in Greek educational settings. The study also identifies areas for future research, including broader applications across diverse educational contexts and the scalability of such assessments.
 

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STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF INTEGRATION OF GEOGEBRA IN LEARNING MATHEMATICS IN LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN UGANDA
Authors: Karungi Glorious , Batiibwe Marjorie Sarah Kabuye
Published: November 2024

The use of technology in the pedagogical process is growing at a phenomenal rate and has revolutionized the way students learn. As a result, there is a need for integrating technology into students’ mathematical activities. GeoGebra is a technology software that supports teaching and learning mathematics, especially geometry, algebra, and statistics. This study investigated the students’ knowledge of the integration of GeoGebra in learning mathematics in lower secondary schools in Wakiso District, Uganda. The study utilized quasi-experimental and cross-sectional designs with 42 senior two students in the experimental and 43 in the control group. Data were collected using pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires to identify the students’ difficult geometric concepts when learning mathematics, establish the impact of GeoGebra-based training on the students’ learning, and examine the relationship between students’ perceived ease of use of GeoGebra and its integration in learning mathematics. Independent samples t-test, Pearson's linear correlation, and descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, percentages, and frequencies were employed to analyze the data. The study revealed that reflection on the Cartesian plane was the most abstract geometric concept to learn. The results further revealed a statistically significant mean difference between pre-test and post-test scores in favour of the experimental group after the intervention. Furthermore, a moderately significant positive linear correlation existed between students’ perceived ease of use of GeoGebra and its integration in learning reflection on the Cartesian plane. Therefore, the study recommends urgently training students to incorporate this interactive educational software into their mathematics learning.
 

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