bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and in silico analysis of a spectrum of SLC4A11 variations in Indian familial and sporadic cases of congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy
Authors: Salman Mohd , Verma Anshuman , Chaurasia Sunita , Prasad Deeksha , Kannabiran Chitra , Singh Vivek , Ramappa Muralidhar
Published: September 2022

Background

Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) is a rare form of corneal dystrophy caused by SLC4A11 gene variations. This study aims to find the genetic alterations in SLC4A11, in two Indian familial CHED cases with affected members n = 3 and n = 2 respectively and five sporadic CHED cases using direct sequencing, followed by in silico analysis and characterization of the identified variants.

Results

All three affected members of the first CHED family were identified with a novel homozygous c.1514C > G (p.Ser489Trp) variation while second family showed presence of a compound heterozygous variation c.529A > C (p.Arg161Arg) + c.2461insT (p.Val805fs). Among five sporadic cases, two showed novel changes, homozygous c.1487G > T (p.Ser480Ile) and c.620-2A > G, while the other one had previously reported homozygous c.2653C > T (p.Arg869Cys) variation. The remaining two cases did not reveal the presence of SLC4A11-related pathogenic variations. The identified variations were excluded from the Indian control (n = 80). In silico analysis using homology-based protein modeling and pathogenicity prediction tools, which revealed these alterations as pathogenic, changing their protein stability, local flexibility, residue contact clashes, and the hydrogen bond interactions.

Conclusions

This study contributed to the CHED mutational spectrum, adding four novel variations and confirming a previously reported one. It demonstrates different type of variations in CHED cases, including coding, non-coding, homozygous, synonymous, and compound heterozygous variations. The identified variations revealed different degrees of pathogenic effects in silico. Moreover, two sporadic cases could not be identified with pathogenic variation emphasizing the involvement of other genes or genetic mechanisms.
TGF-β signaling in the tumor metabolic microenvironment and targeted therapies
Authors: Shi Xueke , Yang Jin , Deng Shuzhi , Xu Hongdan , Wu Deyang , Zeng Qingxiang , Wang Shimeng , Hu Tao , Wu Fanglong , Zhou Hongmei
Published: September 2022

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling has a paradoxical role in cancer progression, and it acts as a tumor suppressor in the early stages but a tumor promoter in the late stages of cancer. Once cancer cells are generated, TGF-β signaling is responsible for the orchestration of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and supports cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, recurrence, and therapy resistance. These progressive behaviors are driven by an “engine” of the metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Recent studies have revealed that TGF-β signaling regulates cancer metabolic reprogramming and is a metabolic driver in the tumor metabolic microenvironment (TMME). Intriguingly, TGF-β ligands act as an “endocrine” cytokine and influence host metabolism. Therefore, having insight into the role of TGF-β signaling in the TMME is instrumental for acknowledging its wide range of effects and designing new cancer treatment strategies. Herein, we try to illustrate the concise definition of TMME based on the published literature. Then, we review the metabolic reprogramming in the TMME and elaborate on the contribution of TGF-β to metabolic rewiring at the cellular (intracellular), tissular (intercellular), and organismal (cancer-host) levels. Furthermore, we propose three potential applications of targeting TGF-β-dependent mechanism reprogramming, paving the way for TGF-β-related antitumor therapy from the perspective of metabolism.
Association between radiographic hand osteoarthritis and bone microarchitecture in a population-based sample
Authors: Ma Canchen , Aitken Dawn , Wu Feitong , Squibb Kathryn , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme
Published: September 2022

Background

Subchondral bone plays an important role in the pathogenesis of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA). However, the bony changes that occur in hand OA (HOA) are much less understood. This study aimed to describe the association between radiographic HOA and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) measures of the hand and radius in a population-based sample.

Methods

A total of 201 participants (mean age 72, 46% female) from the Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort (TASOAC) study underwent HRpQCT assessment of the 2nd distal and proximal interphalangeal (DIP, PIP), 1st carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, and distal radius. Radiographic HOA was assessed at the 2nd DIP, PIP joints, and the 1st CMC joint using the OARSI atlas.

Results

Proximal osteophyte and joint space narrowing (JSN) scores were consistently more strongly associated with HRpQCT measures compared to the distal site with positive associations for indices of bone size (total and trabecular bone area and cortical perimeter but inconsistent for cortical area) and negative associations for volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). There was a decrease in trabecular number and bone volume fraction with increasing osteophyte and JSN score as well as an increase in trabecular separation and inhomogeneity. Osteophyte and JSN scores in the hand were not associated with HRpQCT measures at the distal radius.

Conclusions

This hypothesis generating data suggests that bone size and trabecular disorganization increase with both osteophyte formation and JSN (proximal more than distal), while local vBMD decreases. This process appears to be primarily at the site of pathology rather than nearby unaffected bone.
An integrative telehealth platform managed by nurses
Authors: de Moraes Vinícius Ynoe , Ferreira César Biselli , Kawagoe Camila Kaory , Gushken Fernanda , Azevedo Guilherme , Ferretti Filho Mário
Published: September 2022

Objective

Our aim was to assess the feasibility and preliminary results of implementing a telehealth system, Alice Agora, as a tool for optimizing health delivery in a new primary care-based health system.

Results

We had 4193 consultations over the last 6 months (February and August 2021). Preliminary results show patients high level of satisfaction (Consumer satisfaction score of 4.92). The chief complaints were related to upper respiratory tract (n = 1542; 28.5%), gastrointestinal (n = 781; 14.43%), musculoskeletal (n = 607; 11.22%), and other (n = 643; 11.88%). We found that 20.1% (842) of the cases were solved digitally, that is, by a chat only with a nurse, through the use of health protocols, and 43.9% were solved by nurses with medical assistance. Only 6.6% (277) of the cases had to be referred to the emergency room (ER). This means that 64% of the cases were completely resolved by our nurses-driven system. Forty-eight hours readmission rates were higher for the uncoordinated ER cases compared with the coordinated cases (14.81% vs. 5.87%; p = 0.016). The same pattern was observed for the 72-h readmission rates (16.67 vs. 7.26%; p = 0.02).
BladMetrix: a novel urine DNA methylation test with high accuracy for detection of bladder cancer in hematuria patients
Authors: Pharo Heidi Dietrichson , Jeanmougin Marine , Ager-Wick Eirill , Vedeld Hege Marie , Sørbø Anne Klara , Dahl Christina , Larsen Louise Katrine , Honne Hilde , Brandt-Winge Sara , Five May-Britt , Monteiro-Reis Sara , Henrique Rui , Jeronimo Carmen , Steven Kenneth , Wahlqvist Rolf , Guldberg Per , Lind Guro Elisabeth
Published: September 2022

Background

Cystoscopy is the gold standard for bladder cancer detection, but is costly, invasive and has imperfect diagnostic accuracy. We aimed to identify novel and accurate DNA methylation biomarkers for non-invasive detection of bladder cancer in urine, with the potential to reduce the number of cystoscopies among hematuria patients.

Results

Biomarker candidates (n = 32) were identified from methylome sequencing of urological cancer cell lines (n = 16) and subjected to targeted methylation analysis in tissue samples (n = 60). The most promising biomarkers (n = 8) were combined into a panel named BladMetrix. The performance of BladMetrix in urine was assessed in a discovery series (n = 112), consisting of bladder cancer patients, patients with other urological cancers and healthy individuals, resulting in 95.7% sensitivity and 94.7% specificity. BladMetrix was furthermore evaluated in an independent prospective and blinded series of urine from patients with gross hematuria (n = 273), achieving 92.1% sensitivity, 93.3% specificity and a negative predictive value of 98.1%, with the potential to reduce the number of cystoscopies by 56.4%.

Conclusions

We here present BladMetrix, a novel DNA methylation urine test for non-invasive detection of bladder cancer, with high accuracy across tumor grades and stages, and the ability to spare a significant number of cystoscopies among patients with gross hematuria.
Cumulative effect of simvastatin, l-arginine, and tetrahydrobiopterin on cerebral blood flow and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Degrush Elizabeth , Shazeeb Mohammed Salman , Drachman David , Vardar Zeynep , Lindsay Clifford , Gounis Matthew J. , Henninger Nils
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives

Vascular disease is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Endothelial dysfunction has been linked to reduced cerebral blood flow. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway (eNOS) upregulation is known to support endothelial health. This single-center, proof-of-concept study tested whether the use of three medications known to augment the eNOS pathway activity improves cognition and cerebral blood flow (CBF).

Methods

Subjects with mild AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were sequentially treated with the HMG-CoA reductase synthesis inhibitor simvastatin (weeks 0–16), l-arginine (weeks 4–16), and tetrahydrobiopterin (weeks 8–16). The primary outcome of interest was the change in CBF as measured by MRI from baseline to week 16. Secondary outcomes included standard assessments of cognition.

Results

A total of 11 subjects were deemed eligible and enrolled. One subject withdrew from the study after enrollment, leaving 10 subjects for data analysis. There was a significant increase in CBF from baseline to week 8 by ~13% in the limbic and ~15% in the cerebral cortex. Secondary outcomes indicated a modest but significant increase in the MMSE from baseline (24.2±3.2) to week 16 (26.0±2.7). Exploratory analysis indicated that subjects with cognitive improvement (reduction of the ADAS-cog 13) had a significant increase in their respective limbic and cortical CBF.

Conclusions

Treatment of mild AD/MCI subjects with medications shown to augment the eNOS pathway was well tolerated and associated with modestly increased cerebral blood flow and cognitive improvement.

Trial registration

This study is registered in https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; registration identifier: NCT01439555; date of registration submitted to registry: 09/23/2011; date of first subject enrollment: 11/2011.
Effect of adolescent female fertility and healthcare spending on maternal and neonatal mortality in low resource setting of South Asia
Authors: Roy Shongkour , Khatun Tanjina
Published: September 2022

Background

Maternal and neonatal mortality is high in South Asia. Recent studies have identified factors such as adolescent female fertility, healthcare spending is reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of adolescent female fertility and healthcare spending on maternal and neonatal mortality in South Asian countries.

Methods

A retrospective panel study design was used, a total of 8 South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) data from World development indicator 1990–2020 considered for analysis. Descriptive statistical method was used for summary. The effect of adolescent female fertility and healthcare spending on maternal and neonatal mortality were analysed using fixed and random effect regression with multiple imputation.

Findings

Adolescent female fertility, maternal, and neonatal mortality is very high in the aforementioned countries, and considerably varies among countries. A significant relationship between the maternal mortality and healthcare spending, neonatal mortality and adolescent female fertility was observed. We found neonatal and maternal mortality are more likely to decrease depends on healthcare spending. Healthcare spending has a significantly negative effect on neonatal mortality (− 0.182, 95% CI: [− 0.295 to −.069]; P-value < 0.01) and maternal mortality (− 0.169, 95% CI: [− 0.243 to − 0.028]; P-value < 0.05). A change in 1 % increases in healthcare spending should decrease by 0.182 neonatal mortality per 1000 live births and maternal mortality by 0.169 per 100,000 live births.

Conclusions

In south Asian countries, increasing healthcare spending and decreasing adolescent female fertility may contribute to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. In addition, number of service providers such as physicians supplied contributed to the decline of neonatal mortality. These findings have important implications for future improvement of healthcare spending in maternal and neonatal health programs.
Antimicrobial dispensing process in community pharmacies: a scoping review
Authors: de Souza Elindayane Vieira , Vieira Lara Joana Santos Caxico , dos Santos Sylmara Nayara Pereira , Cerqueira-Santos Sabrina , Rocha Kérilin Stancine Santos , de Lyra Divaldo Pereira
Published: September 2022

Background

Antimicrobial resistance remains a major global public health concern, and antimicrobial dispensing in community pharmacies is an important factor in preventing this damage. However, the current literature focuses on the technical and attitudinal aspects related to antimicrobial dispensing, with little emphasis on the interventions provided in this service. Thus, this study aimed to determine the antimicrobial dispensing process in community pharmacies.

Methods

A scoping review was performed in September 2020 using the PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The search terms included words related to dispensing, antibacterial agents, and pharmacies in various combinations. Two reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles according to the eligibility criteria, and extracted the data. The findings were presented in a descriptive form.

Results

Of the 7713 studies screened, 35 were included, of which 22 (63%) were published in Asia. Most studies followed a cross-sectional design (n = 27), and the simulated patient was the most often used method to assess the antimicrobial dispensing process (n = 22). Moreover, 31 (89%) studies investigated antimicrobial dispensing without prescription, and only four (11%) studies evaluated antimicrobial dispensing with prescription. In the 35 studies, the most frequently asked questions were about drug allergies (n = 19) and patient symptoms (n = 18), and counseling mainly focused on the side effects (n = 14), precautions (n = 14), how to take the medication (n = 12), and duration of medication use (n = 11). Another common intervention was referral (n = 15). Among clinical cases, counseling on medication use occurred often in cases of urinary tract infection (51%) and otitis media (50%).

Conclusions

Antimicrobial dispensing processes have been primarily investigated in low- and middle-income countries, with a focus on dispensing antimicrobials without prescriptions. During the dispensing process, pharmacists mostly posed minimal questions and counseling, highlighting the deficiencies that persist in this practice. Our results indicate the need for multifaceted strategies, such as implementing educational, regulatory or administrative strategies and changes in cultural background, especially in low- and middle-income countries, that aim to reduce indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. Therefore, qualifying the antimicrobial dispensing process is a fundamental factor for improving the rational use of antimicrobials and reducing microbial resistance.
Determination of double- and single-stranded DNA breaks in bovine sperm is predictive of their fertilizing capacity
Authors: Ribas-Maynou Jordi , Delgado-Bermúdez Ariadna , Mateo-Otero Yentel , Viñolas Estel , Hidalgo Carlos O. , Ward W. Steven , Yeste Marc
Published: September 2022

Background

The analysis of chromatin integrity has become an important determinant of sperm quality. In frozen-thawed bovine sperm, neither the sequence of post-thaw injury events nor the dynamics of different types of sperm DNA breaks are well understood. The aim of the present work was to describe such sperm degradation aftermath focusing on DNA damage dynamics, and to assess if this parameter can predict pregnancy rates in cattle.

Results

A total of 75 cryopreserved ejaculates from 25 Holstein bulls were evaluated at two post-thawing periods (0-2 h and 2-4 h), analyzing global and double-stranded DNA damage through alkaline and neutral Comet assays, chromatin deprotamination and decondensation, sperm motility, viability, acrosomal status, and intracellular levels of total ROS, superoxides and calcium. Insemination of 59,605 females was conducted using sperm from the same bulls, thus obtaining the non-return to estrus rates after 90 d (NRR). Results showed an increased rate of double-stranded breaks in the first period (0-2 h: 1.29 ± 1.01%/h vs. 2-4 h: 0.13 ± 1.37%/h; P <  0.01), whereas the rate of sperm with moderate + high single-stranded breaks was higher in the second period (0-2 h: 3.52 ± 7.77 %/h vs. 2-4h: 21.06 ± 11.69 %/h; P < 0.0001). Regarding sperm physiology, viability decrease rate was different between the two periods (0-2 h: − 4.49 ± 1.79%/h vs. 2-4 h: − 2.50 ± 3.39%/h; P = 0.032), but the progressive motility decrease rate was constant throughout post-thawing incubation (0-2 h: − 4.70 ± 3.42%/h vs. 2-4 h: − 1.89 ± 2.97%/h; P > 0.05). Finally, whereas no correlations between bull fertility and any dynamic parameter were found, there were correlations between the NRR and the basal percentage of highly-damaged sperm assessed with the alkaline Comet (Rs = − 0.563, P = 0.003), between NRR and basal progressive motility (Rs = 0.511, P = 0.009), and between NRR and sperm with high ROS at 4 h post-thaw (Rs = 0.564, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

The statistically significant correlations found between intracellular ROS, sperm viability, sperm motility, DNA damage and chromatin deprotamination suggested a sequence of events all driven by oxidative stress, where viability and motility would be affected first and sperm chromatin would be altered at a later stage, thus suggesting that bovine sperm should be used for fertilization within 2 h post-thaw. Fertility correlations supported that the assessment of global DNA damage through the Comet assay may help predict bull fertility.
Potential of different entomopathogenic nematode strains in controlling Atrijuglans hetaohei Yang (Lepidoptera: Heliodinidae)
Authors: NanGong Ziyan , Chen Wanbin , Zhang Anbang , Gu Wenxuan , Song Ping , Wang Qinying
Published: September 2022

Background

Atrijuglans hetaohei (Yang) (Lepidoptera, Heliodinidae) is a major pest of walnut in China. Larvae feed on the seeds of walnut fruit. Damaged fruits turned black and fallen prematurely. Current management relies upon broad-spectrum of chemical insecticides applied in the late spring or early summer. However, due to missed applications or poor application timing, high levels of A. hetaohei infestation may still occur. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have been long used for suppressing the soil-dwelling and fruit-boring pest, but few were done on the control of A. hetaohei. The present study was conducted to determine the virulence of seven EPN strains against A. hetaohei under laboratory conditions.

Results

Among the seven EPN strains, Steinernema glaseri (Sgib strain) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) had good potentials in the management of A. hetaohei because of the better desiccation tolerance and pathogenicity than other strains. The cocooned and mature larvae of A. hetaohei all could be infected by the nematodes of Sgib strain. Sgib strain had the best efficiency to A. hetaohei under the infection condition of 24 °C and 100 IJs per larva. At 48-h exposure to 24 °C, the highest mortality rate of A. hetaohei treated with Sgib strain was 96.67%. Sgib strain of 100 IJs/larva caused 100% mortality after 72-h post-application.

Conclusion

Sgib strain from Steinernematidae was the favorable to control A. hetaohei larvae which inhabit in the soil surface effectively. Sgib strain may be a contribution to the biological control of A. hetaohei in China.
Cardiac device to plug an aorto-bronchial fistula
Authors: Ahmadi Somaye , Sadeghipour Parham , Mohebbi Bahram , Rabiei Parham , Parham Maryam , Rahmanpour Hamid Reza , Moosavi Jamal
Published: September 2022

Background

Post-coarctoplasty aortic pseudoaneurysms constitute a lethal problem occurring in up to 38% of patients with a history of aortic coarctation surgical repair. Such pseudoaneurysms are prone to rupture if managed conservatively and high mortality and morbidity if treated with open surgery. Therefore, the endovascular approach has been proposed for their management.

Case report

We describe a patient with a post-coarctoplasty aortic pseudoaneurysm complicated by an aortobronchial fistula. The case was treated via the endovascular approach (thoracic endovascular aortic repair and endovascular coarctoplasty) with an atrial septal defect occluder device.

Conclusions

Endovascular repair is a feasible, safe, and promising treatment for thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysms secondary to coarctation repair.
The The role of intra-operative parathyroid hormone assay in non-localized adenoma
Authors: Mahno Nor Ezmas , Wahab Norasyikin Abdul , Md Latar Nani Harlina
Published: September 2022

The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is increasing in trend due to more common practice of routine blood investigations especially in the elderly. Surgery is the only curative therapy in symptomatic patients. We present a case of a 63-year-old lady with generalised body weakness associated with occasional muscle cramps. Her biochemical results were consistent with PHPT. As a result of persistent severe hypercalcemia, surgery was planned. However, the pre-operative anatomical and functional radiological imaging (neck ultrasonography, 99mTc-MIBI and FDG-PET scans) failed to identify the abnormal parathyroid gland. Therefore, bilateral neck exploration with intra-operative parathyroid hormone (io-PTH) measurement was performed. The nodular left thyroid and adenomatous right superior parathyroid glands were removed. Possible causes of negative localization and incorporation of io-PTH in under-resourced countries to ensure successful surgery are discussed.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5688

How to cite this:Noor Ezmas M, Norasyikin AW, Nani ML. The role of intra-operative parathyroid hormone assay in non-localized adenoma. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5688

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The impact of caries on human health - a review of knowledge
Authors: Tobor Dominika , Grajek Mateusz , Szlacheta Patryk , Korzonek-Szlacheta Ilona
Published: September 2022

Dental caries is currently a huge social problem in many countries. Caries is a pathological process associated with the loss of minerals and the breakdown of the hard tissues of the tooth. The risk of its occurrence is very high, especially in children and adolescents. The development of caries is determined by the presence of plaque, the susceptibility of the tooth tissue, the substrate and the time factor. The state of oral health depends on a very age of factors, including hygiene habits, health-promoting education, prevention
Workplace Learning in China: Transferring Training Into Practice to Improve Performance
Authors: Wang Xingheng , Lin Weihan , Xue Tianwen , Green Adam , Gu Limin , He Yansheng , Huang XiaoShan , Jin Zilu , Wu Yihua
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The present study seeks to examine the efficacy of different training modalities on increasing workplace learning, representatives' intent to transfer what they learned into their work, and importantly how training impacts actual work performance. These relationships are tested in the context of a Chinese division of a multinational pharmaceutical company, where pharmaceutical representatives are tasked with relaying relevant efficacy and safety information on pharmaceutical products to health care professionals who prescribe them to patients. Methods: The present study employed a three-group between-subjects experimental design. Representatives received varying forms of training (instruction only, instruction plus reflection, and instruction, reflection, plus direct feedback) based on experimental conditions. After three training sessions over the course of six weeks, representatives were assessed on how much they learned in the training and their actual work performance through observer assessment of meetings with health care professionals, facilitated by the representatives. Findings: In this study, it was found that the process of actively reflecting on what was learned in training led to increased learning, as well as increased performance, compared to simply studying the material. However, receiving direct feedback on training performance, combined with active reflection training, did not provide any further benefits in terms of learning or work performance. Notably, there were no differences in intent to transfer learned material to work, as all conditions reported high levels of transfer intention. Conclusion: The finding provides insightful evidence to support the benefits of fostering trainees' active reflections for work-based learning in the Chinese industry training scenario. In contrast, receiving direct comments on how students performed from a manager or trainer, as well as advise on how do better in the future, had no effect on increasing learning or performance. Although the effect of direct feedback is not statistically significant in this context, further research should be done in understanding individuals' thoughts and behaviors when received direct feedbacks received in workplace training. Relatively little workplace research has assessed both workplace learning and performance in the same study, specifically in the Chinese context. While training efficacy likely varies across cultures to begin with, compensation structures in China do not provide the same monetary incentives for workplace learning (i.e. chance to increase income) as Western culture. This means that any way to increase workplace learning should be of extra value, as employees otherwise may not engage in it at all.
Evaluación de la calidad en e-Learning en Educación Superior: una revisión sistemática de la literatura
Authors: Ortiz-López Alberto , Olmos-Migueláñez Susana , Sánchez-Prieto José Carlos
Published: September 2022

La calidad es hoy un factor clave en las instituciones de Educación Superior, dónde los procesos de evaluación y los estándares de calidad se reafirman como garantía de éxito y eficacia de sus enseñanzas en línea. La revisión sistemática que se propone trata de dar respuesta a cuatro preguntas que abordan las dimensiones estudiadas de la calidad, los procesos seguidos para su evaluación, las aportaciones realizadas y las líneas futuras de investigación. Para ello, se analizaron inicialmente 715 publicaciones que, tras la aplicación de seis criterios de inclusión, derivaron en un total 25 aportaciones realizadas en los últimos siete años con el objetivo de ofrecer una visión profunda de la evaluación de la calidad en e-Learning. Los resultados reflejan la amplitud del campo en cuanto a sus dimensiones y la continua generación de modelos evaluativos, un campo que no consigue unificar aún criterios y dimensiones de cara a la generación de un modelo común para asentar la calidad como un factor estable, continuo y validado en las instituciones de Educación Superior.
Appraisal and validation of a method used for detecting heavy metals in poultry feed in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Mosharaf , Abdul Hannan Abu Sayeed Md. , Kamal Md. Mostofa , Hossain Mohammad Abul , Quraishi Shamshad B.
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim: Low concentrations of heavy metals are toxic and pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, regular assessments of the toxic metal content in poultry feed are crucial for evaluating feed quality and customer safety. It is difficult to determine the heavy metals in the poultry feed at the trace amount. Therefore, this study aimed to validate this method through the detection of three heavy metals, chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), in poultry feed samples.

Materials and Methods: Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) method was used to analyze the heavy metals in poultry feed according to the guidelines given by the Council Directive 333/2007/EC, Commission Decision 657/2002/EC. In this study, various parameters such as linearity check, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), recovery percentage, precision checks, repeatability, reproducibility, and uncertainty measurement were considered to validate and assess the method following international guidelines. Heavy metals, such as Pb, Cr, and Cd, were analyzed from the feed samples in the laboratory using the GF-AAS method (Model: AA-7000 Shimadzu, Japan) with high purity argon as the inert gas, and the absorbance was read at wavelengths of 283.0, 357.9, and 228.8 nm, respectively.

Results: The coefficient of variation (CV%) for system suitability and precision data was <10% for all the metals (Pb, Cr, and Cd) detected in this study. The overall CV% of repeatability and reproducibility ranged from 8.70% to 8.76% and 8.65% to 9.96%, respectively. The linearity of the calibration curves was excellent (r2 > 0.999) at various concentration levels for the three different metals. The recovery (%) was found to be 94.53, 93.97, and 101.63% for Pb, Cr, and Cd, respectively. The LOD values in feed were 0.065, 0.01, and 0.11 mg/kg, and the LOQ values were 0.22, 0.03, and 0.38 mg/kg for Cr, Cd, and Pb, respectively. The values recorded for the measurement uncertainty (%) were 11.48, 4.43, and 12.42% for Cr, Cd, and Pb, respectively.

Conclusion: The results show that these study criteria or parameters have met the validated or acceptable range. Therefore, it is a reliable technique that can be used undoubtedly for the routine analysis of heavy metals in poultry feed samples across the globe.
Methanogens and Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria Guide Distinct Gut Microbe Profiles and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Subtypes
Authors: Villanueva-Millan Maria J. , Leite Gabriela , Wang Jiajing , Morales Walter , Parodi Gonzalo , Pimentel Maya L. , Barlow Gillian M. , Mathur Ruchi , Rezaie Ali , Sanchez Maritza , Ayyad Sarah , Cohrs Daniel , Chang Christine , Rashid Mohamad , Hosseini Ava , Fiorentino Alyson , Weitsman Stacy , Chuang Brennan , Chang Bianca , Pichetshote Nipaporn , Pimentel Mark
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) includes diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) and constipation-predominant (IBS-C) subtypes. We combined breath testing and stool microbiome sequencing to identify potential microbial drivers of IBS subtypes.

METHODS:

IBS-C and IBS-D subjects from 2 randomized controlled trials (NCT03763175 and NCT04557215) were included. Baseline breath carbon dioxide, hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) levels were measured by gas chromatography, and baseline stool microbiome composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Microbial metabolic pathways were analyzed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes collection databases.

RESULTS:

IBS-C subjects had higher breath CH4 that correlated with higher gut microbial diversity and higher relative abundance (RA) of stool methanogens, predominantly Methanobrevibacter, as well as higher absolute abundance of Methanobrevibacter smithii in stool. IBS-D subjects had higher breath H2 that correlated with lower microbial diversity and higher breath H2S that correlated with higher RA of H2S-producing bacteria, including Fusobacterium and Desulfovibrio spp. The predominant H2 producers were different in these distinct microtypes, with higher RA of Ruminococcaceae and Christensenellaceae in IBS-C/CH4+ (which correlated with Methanobacteriaceae RA) and higher Enterobacteriaceae RA in IBS-D. Finally, microbial metabolic pathway analysis revealed enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes modules associated with methanogenesis and biosynthesis of methanogenesis cofactor F420 in IBS-C/CH4+ subjects, whereas modules associated with H2S production, including sulfate reduction pathways, were enriched in IBS-D.

DISCUSSION:

Our findings identify distinct gut microtypes linked to breath gas patterns in IBS-C and IBS-D subjects, driven by methanogens such as M. smithii and H2S producers such as Fusobacterium and Desulfovibrio spp, respectively.
Humoral Immune Response and Safety of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Kastl Arthur J. , Weaver Kimberly N. , Zhang Xian , Strople Jennifer A. , Adler Jeremy , Dubinsky Marla C. , Bousvaros Athos , Watkins Runa , Dai Xiangfeng , Chen Wenli , Cross Raymond K. , Higgins Peter D.R. , Ungaro Ryan C. , Bewtra Meenakshi , Bellaguarda Emanuelle A. , Farraye Francis A. , Chun Kelly Y. , Zikry Michael , Fernando Manory , Bastidas Monique , Hernandez Cristian G. , Craig Riley G. , Boccieri Margie E. , Firestine Anne , Long Millie D. , Kappelman Michael D.
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may respond differently to COVID-19 immunization as compared with healthy children or adults with IBD. Those younger than 12 years receive a lower vaccine dose than adults. We sought to describe the safety and humoral immune response to COVID-19 vaccine in children with IBD.

METHODS:

We recruited children with IBD, ages 5–17 years, who received ≥ 2 doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine by a direct-to-patient outreach and at select sites. Patient demographics, IBD characteristics, medication use, and vaccine adverse events were collected. A subset of participants had quantitative measurement of anti-receptor binding domain IgG antibodies after 2-part immunization.

RESULTS:

Our study population included 280 participants. Only 1 participant required an ED visit or hospitalization because of an adverse event. Of 99 participants who underwent anti-receptor binding domain IgG antibody measurement, 98 had a detectable antibody, with a mean antibody level of 43.0 μg/mL (SD 67) and a median of 22 μg/mL (interquartile range 12–38). In adjusted analyses, older age (P = 0.028) and antitumor necrosis factor monotherapy compared with immunomodulators alone (P = 0.005) were associated with a decreased antibody level. Antibody response in patients treated with antitumor necrosis factor combination vs monotherapy was numerically lower but not significant.

DISCUSSION:

Humoral immune response to COVID-19 immunization in children with IBD was robust, despite a high proportion of this pediatric cohort being treated with immunosuppressive agents. Severe vaccine-related AEs were rare. Overall, these findings provide a high level of reassurance that pediatric patients with IBD respond well and safely to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
Europäische Asylpolitik und lokales Verwaltungshandeln
Authors: Lahusen Christian , Schittenhelm Karin , Schneider Stephanie
Published: September 2022

Der Ruf nach einer koordinierten Asylpolitik wird angesichts der ungleichen Bedingungen, die Geflüchtete vor und in Europa vorfinden, immer lauter. In diesem Sinne arbeitet die Europäische Union seit Jahren an einem »Gemeinsamen Europäischen Asylsystem«, das gerade auch das Verwaltungshandeln vor Ort verändern soll. Dieser Band stellt die Ergebnisse einer Forschungsstudie vor, die das praktische Arbeiten in deutschen und schwedischen Asylbehörden vergleichend untersucht. Im Fokus stehen der behördliche Umgang mit den Vorgaben der europäischen Asylpolitik, das Ausmaß einer Europäisierung des lokalen Verwaltungshandelns und die Schwierigkeiten einer grenzüberschreitenden Verwaltungskooperation.
»Wow, that's so postcard!« - De-/Konstruktionen des Tropischen in der zeitgenössischen Fotografie
Authors: Büdenbender Hanna
Published: September 2022

Die Tropen sind gleichzeitig eine geografische Region und eine machtvolle und einflussreiche kulturelle Konstruktion, deren Geschichte eng mit dem europäischen Kolonialismus verbunden ist. Welche Zusammenhänge bestehen zwischen der Kunstgeschichte, historischen Imaginationen der Tropen und heutigen Tropenbildern im Tourismus, in der Werbung und der Populärkultur? Anhand künstlerischer Positionen zeitgenössischer Fotografie geht Hanna Büdenbender den Konstruktionen und Dekonstruktionen der Tropen nach. Die Studie führt analog zum Orientalismus den Begriff des Tropikalismus ein, um damit die visuelle Konstruktion der Tropen als imaginäre Geografie offenzulegen.
Kontinuitäten von Gewalt auf der Flucht mit Fokus auf Unterkünfte und Aufnahmelagern
Authors: Krause Ulrike
Published: September 2022

Menschen fliehen nicht nur aufgrund vielfältiger Gewaltgefahren, sondern können auch auf ihrer Flucht und in Aufnahmesituationen von prävalenter Gewalt betroffen sein. Dieses Kapitel analysiert und reflektiert die internationalen Forschungsdebatten über Gewaltpotentiale, denen Geflüchtete begegnen. Der erste Teil des Beitrags legt den Fokus auf die Fluchtprozesse und eruiert Gefahren während der Flucht nach Europa sowie zwischen lateinamerikanischen, asiatischen und afrikanischen Staaten. Die regional spezifische Literatur ermöglicht Einblicke in unterschiedliche, aber auch ähnliche Gewaltphänomene und tendenzen. Der zweite Teil des Beitrags widmet sich Gewaltgefahren für Geflüchtete in Aufnahmelagern, insbesondere in Ländern im Globalen Süden. Während diese Gefahren weltweit ähnliche Tendenzen aufweisen, gehen Studien häufig auf genderspezifische und konfliktbedingte Gewaltformen ein. Auf Grundlage der analysierten Literatur benennt der Beitrag abschließend Bedarfe für weiterführende Forschungen.
Verhältnisse reparieren
Authors: Jaeger-Erben Melanie , Hielscher Sabine
Published: September 2022

Reparieren ist en vogue! Während im Wochentakt neue Repair Cafés eröffnet werden, dringt die Initiative »Schraube locker!?« mit ihrer Forderung für ein »Recht auf Reparatur« bis zur Europäischen Union vor. Ist dies die Renaissance einer verloren geglaubten Kulturtechnik oder handelt es sich lediglich um einen kurzlebigen Hype? Melanie Jaeger-Erben und Sabine Hielscher tauchen ein in die vielfältige Welt der Laien-Reparatur, lassen Reparateur*innen durch Bilder, Zeichnungen und Zitate zu Wort kommen und beschreiben die Wirkung des Reparierens auf Identität, soziale Beziehungen und das Verhältnis von Mensch und Umwelt: Ein Plädoyer für mehr kreative Reparier-Experimente und die Förderung inklusiver Orte der gemeinschaftlichen Reparatur.
Die Schönheit des Denkens
Authors: Fitsch Hannah
Published: September 2022

Seit Jahrhunderten gibt es den Wunsch, das komplexe Gefüge des Gehirns und der Denkprozesse zu formalisieren. Hannah Fitsch geht der Geschichte dieses Wunsches nach, indem sie mit Hilfe des Begriffs der Mathematisierung der Wahrnehmung die Geschichte der mathematischen Logik und der Übersetzungsprozesse in binäre/informatische Technologien nachzeichnet. Sie stellt dar, wie Methoden und Modelle aus der Mathematik und der Informatik Eingang in die Hirnforschung, in die Ideen des Denkens und in das Konzept des freien Willens gefunden haben. Aus einer feministisch informierten Science-and-Technology-Studies-Perspektive nähert sie sich der Mathematisierung des Blicks und der Wahrnehmung und stellt Fragen nach der Betrachtungsweise der Mensch/Maschine-Parallelen.
The Femininity Puzzle
Authors: Brunotte Ulrike
Published: September 2022

In the Hobsbawmian long 19th century, gender and processes of sexualization and feminization have been crucial in the construction of the »Jewish Other«. Ulrike Brunotte explores how these processes came about by addressing imaginative, aesthetic, and epistemological questions. She analyzes how literature, psychoanalysis and the performing arts traverse and react to the ambivalence of racialized stereotypes. The »femininity puzzle« presents itself in two ways: first in the role of effeminization of the male Jew in antisemitic discourse, and then in the transgressive forms of femininity connected to Jewish women, especially the allosemitic orientalization in the figure of the »Beautiful Jewess«.
From Smart to Platform Urbanism to Platform Municipalism
Authors: Krisch Astrid
Published: September 2022

This chapter critically reflects on the origins and developments of recent currents in academic literature dealing with technology-led urban development and planning. It shows, how planning ideas over the last 30 years have changed the mode of institutionalizing platforms within urban politics and planning. From smart to platform urbanism to platform municipalism, this contribution unveils the values, programmatic ideas, and policies that these different planning ideas incorporate. Using Vienna and Toronto as two examples of different institutionalization processes of platforms for urban planning agendas, the chapter embeds the concept of platform municipalism as a progressive approach to platform development into wider debates on smart and platform urbanism to look beyond a techno-dystopian vision of urban futures and carve out the scope for action for urban governance in the digital age.
Second Shift 2.0
Authors: Roelofsen Maartje , Goyette Kiley
Published: September 2022

In this chapter, Maartje Roelofsen and Kiley Goyette examine the complexities of power, privilege, and representation that shape Airbnb work. They consider how the dynamics between gender and other social categories are reflected in who is assigned the various types of labor involved in taking guests. The chapter highlights how this labor is distributed within different household compositions, including couples, singles, families, and cohabiting friends, when accommodating the extra social reproduction labor that hosting Airbnb guests demands.
Platforms for Basic Needs
Authors: Tristl Christiane , Strüver Anke
Published: September 2022

This paper discusses digital service platforms as critical infrastructures of daily life and their role in providing essential goods and services: care work in cities of the Global North, and water in rural Kenya. Using two very different examples, platforms as universal technological solutions that are generally applicable to neoliberal societies are scrutinized and platformed services are reread as reflective of elsewhere. Thinking from the Kenyan example, the contribution suggests to redefine the master narrative of the platforms' convenient on-demand services towards a flexibility of situation specific reasoning that is sensitive to people's situated needs in platformed societies.
Echo Chambers of Urban Design
Authors: Kropp Cordula , Braun Kathrin , Boeva Yana
Published: September 2022

Cordula Kropp, Kathrin Braun, and Yana Boeva explore a new variant of platform urbanism based on building data from urban planning, architecture, and construction. Since cities and buildings have assumed a two-fold existence in analogue and virtual spaces, what was once planned as a one-off building project can now be stored, recombined, and reproduced again and again. The paper outlines, how the emergence of echo chambers of digitally conceived and perceived cities, driven by large technology companies, may profoundly impact cities and the socio-material reality of buildings and places we live in.
Smart Ambivalences
Authors: Exner Andreas , Höflehner Thomas
Published: September 2022

Digital technologies increasingly have been discussed in terms of their potential to raise the quality of life and make cities more sustainable. This discussion has often failed to distinguish between social economy and capitalist rationalities that shape mechanisms and outcomes of digital platforms. In this contribution, Andreas Exner and Thomas Höflehner analyze a concrete example of participatory platform development in the city of Graz, Austria, in order to illustrate how these rationalities intersect. The authors outline strategies for navigating ensuing contradictions, and for strengthening social economy approaches to platform development.
Gamechanging Education and Future E-Learning in the Arts
Authors: Loffredo Anna Maria , Wenrich Rainer , Axelsson Charlotte , Kröger Wanja
Published: September 2022

Loffredo, Wenrich, Axelsson and Kröger announce the following statement to engage the readers: A World of Changemakers - this is the outlook for an innovative understanding of education in the hybrid arts for the 21st century. It is a context in which artists see themselves as entrepreneurs in the spirit of art and design 'edupreneurs,' embrace their role as independent agents of change and shapers of civil society, understand co-action and engage accordingly.
Beyond »Ethnic Chick Lit« - Labelingpraktiken neuer Welt-Frauen*-Literaturen im transkontinentalen Vergleich
Authors: Folie Sandra
Published: September 2022

Chick lit hat seit ihrer Entstehung Mitte der 1990er Jahre kulturelle, geographische und sprachliche Grenzen überschritten. Ihre globale Popularität wurde lange als Transfer von den weißen westlichen »Zentren« in die »Peripherien« beschrieben, vom originären anglo-amerikanischen Genre zu adaptierten, ethnischen Subgenres. Sandra Folie zeigt anhand von Fallbeispielen vermeintlich peripherer ethnic chick lit aus Asien und Afrika, wie sexistische und ethnisierende Labeling- und Vermarktungsstrategien international erfolgreiche Gegenwartsliteratur von Frauen* abwerten und vereinheitlichen. Ihre vergleichende Analyse zeichnet ein Bild pluraler Herkunftsnarrative und Entwicklungstendenzen.
Nationale Geschichtspolitik
Authors: Mörike Lena
Published: September 2022

Schulgeschichtsbücher spiegeln das historische Verständnis einer Gesellschaft zur jeweiligen Zeit wider. Als Konglomerat dessen, was an nachfolgende Generationen weitergegeben werden soll, stellen sie damit einen zentralen und ergiebigen Forschungsgegenstand dar. Anhand der Darstellung des Versailler Vertrags in Schulbüchern aus Deutschland, Frankreich, Großbritannien und den USA vergleicht Lena Mörike die Entwicklung nationaler Erinnerungskulturen zwischen 1919 und 2019. Dabei zeigt sie Wechselwirkungen zwischen Geschichtsbildern und politischen Einflüssen auf, legt persistierende Narrative frei und untersucht bewusste und unbewusste Mechanismen der kollektiven Erinnerungsbildung.
The Invention of ›Outsider Art‹
Authors: Scherr Marion
Published: September 2022

What does it mean to be called an ›Outsider‹? Marion Scherr investigates structural inequalities and the myth of the Other in Western art history, examining the role of ›Outsider Art‹ in contemporary art worlds in the UK. By shifting the focus from art world professionals to those labelled ›Outsider Artists‹, she counteracts one-sided representations of them being otherworldly, raw, and uninfluenced. Instead, the artists are introduced as multi-faceted individuals in constant exchange with their social environment, employing diverse strategies in dealing with their exclusion. The book reframes their voices and artworks as complex, serious and meaningful cultural contributions, and challenges their attested Otherness in favour of a more inclusive, all-encompassing understanding of art.