bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH, partial oxigen and carbon dioxide pressure determination in exhaled breath condensate of children with asthma
Authors: Vlašić Ž. , Dodig S. , Čepelak I. , Plavec D. , Nogalo B. , Turkalj M. , Raos M. , Zimić L.
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study was to determine the values of pH, partial oxigen pressure (pO2) and partial carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). EBC was collected from a total of 53 children (5 to 14 years), divided into two groups: children with moderate persistent asthma (N=34) and clinically healthy children (N=19). Two EBC samples were obtained from each child with asthma: the first one was argon overlined and the second one was argon bubbled. The pH values were statistically significantly lower in the group of asthmatic children (6.663±0.257) than in the control group (6.860±0.354). Children with asthma had stastistically significant higher values of pO2 (20.38±2.51 kPa) than children in the control group (16.96±3.38), and the values of pCO2 were not statistically significant. The values of pH and gases were significantly different depending on the sample argonization. If there is the possibility to determine pH and gases right after sampling, the EBC sample should be overlined with argon in order to prevent the influence of the ambiental air. The reproducibility and the final clinical use of this method of preparation and sample analysis is yet to be determined.
Thymus hyperplasia - imitation of anterior mediastinal tumor
Authors: Raos M. , Marković J.
Published: November 2024

A homogenous oval formation in the anterior upper mediastinum was found in a three month old infant with using both chest X-ray and computed tomography. The unusual shape of this formation indicated the appearance of a benign tumor. A corticosteroid test with methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg of body mass) was performed over seven days. On the eighth day a chest X-ray confirmed the significant reduction of the formation, in that way confirming thymus hyperplasia, and not a tumor.
Jaundice in breastfed infants
Authors: Jurčić Z. , Zakanj Z.
Published: November 2024

Jaundice in the breastfed infant is unconjugated, nonhaemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in the healthy infant. It may present as an early form of jaundice as a result of caloric restriction during the first few days of life, and is known as early lactation jaundice or breast-feeding jaundice. The late form of infant jaundice is prolonged jaundice that can sometimes persists for 3-12 weeks of life. This form of jaundice is thought to be caused by inhibitory substances in the mother’s milk. It is known as breast-milk jaundice. In the evaluation process is essential to observe many clinical symptoms and weight gain of the infant, to exclude pathological causes of infant jaundice. The diagnostic approach should be rational to stop unnecessary tests. One of the diagnostic possibilities is identifying unsaturated fatty acid in human milk. This article especially accents the importance of the therapeutic approach. It is unnecessary to interrupt breast-feeding, but maintain breastfeeding as long as possible, together with therapeutic measures to decrease bilirubin, depending on whether it is the early or late form of lactation jaundice.
Neurological changes and complications in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
Authors: Sabol Z. , Gjergja Z. , Klancir S. Bela , Šižgorić M. Kovač
Published: November 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common autosomal dominant genetic diseases with a variety of changes and complications of the peripheral and central nervous system. In this article we discuss the prevalence, clinical manifestations and general recommendations for the treatment of children with NF1. The most common neurological disturbances in NF during childhood are cognitive deficits and specific learning difficulties (up to 80 %). Peripheral cutaneous /subcutaneous neurofibromas are usually present in puberty, while plexiform neurofibromas, as inherited lesions in the first years of life, could remain unrecognized. Incidence of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (neurofibrosarcomas) is higher in NF1 than in the general population, with an estimated value of 2%-5%. The most common brain changes are multiple T2-hyperintensities presented in 43% to 93% of children with NF1 age dependent. They are usually localized in basal ganglia, brainstem and cerebellum. Their clinical importance is still unknown which is why they are called „unidentified bright objects“. Visual pathway gliomas (pilocytic astrocytomas) are the most common brain tumors in children with NF1 with the prevalence of 20%. Second in the range are the brainstem tumors. Aqueductal stenosis is the most common reason for hypertensive hydrocephalus in children with NF1. The medical treatment of neurological complications in children with NF1 does not differ from the treatment of equivalent neurological changes in children without NF1.
The relationship between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures in childhood
Authors: Miočinović Lj. Popović , Nađ K. Bošnjak , Dugandžija G. Paškov
Published: November 2024

This paper illustrates the difficulty in distinguishing non-epileptic and epileptic attacks in children who have abnormal epileptiform interictal EEG. We describe our own experience with long-term video EEG monitoring (VEEG), including the recording technique and objective and subjective monitoring difficulties specific to children. The usefulness of VEEG was demonstrated in cases where non-epileptic and epileptic seizures occurred frequently, however VEEG was not useful when seizures were infrequent. In practice it is recommended to combine neurological methods to differentiate non-epileptic and epileptic seizures and to use VEEG more frequently, especially prior to initiating potentially toxic anti-epileptic pharmacotherapy. This is particularly important in children with autism, mental retardation, other neurological dysfunctions and those with refractory epilepsies. Timely diagnosis of non-epileptic seizures with initiation of appropriate therapy will certainly improve the final outcome. Clinical assessment and developmental follow up continue to be crucial steps because the child’s growth and development can impact the clinical manifestation of the disorder.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – multimodal approach
Authors: Jurin M. , Sekušak-Galešev S.
Published: November 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) is one of the most frequent neorodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence. ADHD is cognitive and bihevioral disorder caracterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and attention deficit. The diagnosis is being made based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV) and International Classification Disorders (ICD-10) classification.The symptoms occur before the age of seven,four times more frequently in boys then in girls and should be obvious for at least 6 months in two different living surraundings. In diagnostic and therapeutical procedures of the ADHD sy mulltidisciplinary approach is essential connecting the parents and teachers. The cause of the disease is still unknown but we are able to recognize unfaveurable external factors, differences in brain structure and genetic influences. The best results in treatment of children with ADHD are achieaved by combination of medications and various psychosocial and psychoeducational treatments. The methods of treatment are presented in details. The parents should be familiar with the nature of the disorder. Their role in social adaptation of the child is emphasized. Ignorance of the ADHD symptoms as weel as exclusion of optimal therapy harm the child development, schooling and transformance into healthy social beeing.
Evidence base (EB) aproach to the first unprovoked epileptic seizure
Authors: Cvitanović-Šojat Lj.
Published: November 2024

Epileptic seizure is symptom of acute diseases (provoked seizure with known cause) or epilepsy (unprovoked epileptic seizure with no irritated factor). For establishment of seizure type a precise anamnesis is necessary and an EEG (video-polygraphy when awake, during sleep, after deprivation, with photostimulation, hyperventilation). Normal EEG, as well as an abnormal EEG with a positive family history of epilepsy does not confirm epileptic seizure. With clinical evaluation of the first unprovoked or repeated epileptic seizure, the exact classification of seizure, epilepsy or syndrome will be established. A non-provoked epileptic seizure will be repeated in 14-65% children in one year. In children with idiopathic/cryptogenic seizures the risk for repetition is 30-50% and in children with symptomatic cause the risk is higher than 50% in a 2 year period from the unprovoked seizure. About 46% of children followed-up over 10yrs had one or more epileptic seizures after the first unprovoked seizure. According to the literature data, even prolonged seizures rarely cause brain damage in children, except in connection with acute neurological disturbances. One of the reasons for starting antiepileptic therapy (AET) is the fear of injury or death during the next seizure. To lessen the cause of injury, it is necessary to reduce all possible risks during the daytime. Sudden death in children with epilepsy is a rarity and is connected to some kind of neurological damage. There is no study with a description of a lesser risk of injury or sudden death in children with AET introduced after the first unprovoked seizure. According to two studies of class II and four studies of class III according to EB criteria, there is no difference in terms of the chance of repeated seizure in children with AET and those without AET. The decision about introducing AET or not, in children or adolescents after the first unprovoked epileptic seizure should be based on the possibility of repeated epileptic seizures and the danger of permanent AET that can influence the child’s cognitive development, behaviour, physical and psychosocial development. The decision should be evaluated individually for each child taking into account the medical reasons together with the decisions of the patients and family. Recommendations after the first unprovoked epileptic seizure: AET is not indicated for prevention of development of epilepsy (level B); 2. Treatment with AET should be considered as a possibility of preventing the next seizure and the risk of pharmacological and psychosocial side-effects (level B). At first, in a child with the first epileptic seizure, all gathered data, clinical features and findings should be considered together with a detailed clinical evaluation, instead of immediate initiation of AET treatment.
Controlling the frequencies of photons emitted by a single quantum dot in a one-dimensional photonic crystal
Authors: Garifullin Adel I. , Gainutdinov Renat Kh. , Khamadeev Marat A.
Published: November 2024

Subject of study. A single InAs quantum dot in a one-dimensional photonic crystal based on GaAs is examined. Aim of study. The aim of this study is to develop a method for controlling photon emission frequencies from a single quantum dot within a one-dimensional photonic crystal based on changes in the electromagnetic mass of an electron in the photonic crystal medium. Method. The proposed approach leverages the effect of changing the electromagnetic mass of an electron in the photonic crystal medium, manifesting as corrections to electron energy levels depending on the optical density of the medium. To control this density, the injection of free charge carriers and the quadratic electro-optic Kerr effect are proposed. Main results. The feasibility of in situ control of photon emission frequencies from a quantum dot was demonstrated using quantum transitions between the p- and s-states of a hydrogen-like InAs quantum dot situated in the air voids of a one-dimensional GaAs photonic crystal. This control is achieved through the effect of changing the electromagnetic mass of an electron, as well as tuning the refractive index of the photonic crystal via free charge carrier injection and the electro-optic Kerr effect. Calculations indicate that the photon energy control range available in experiments is limited to several tens of microelectronvolts, restricting practical applicability, and the observed displacement effect is smaller than experimentally recorded values. However, the energy level displacement, influenced by the quantum electrodynamic effect under investigation, exhibits a quadratic dependence on the refractive index of the material forming the photonic crystal. Consequently, the method is expected to scale significantly with increasing optical density. Such photonic crystals could be constructed using metamaterials with a high refractive index. Practical significance. The findings of this study, centered on developing a method for controlling photon emission frequencies from a single quantum dot in a one-dimensional photonic crystal, lay the groundwork for photon-emitter interfaces. These interfaces will incorporate key quantum functionalities, including photonic qubits, single-photon light sources, and nonlinear quantum photon-photon gates.
Degradation of optical components induced by production on aluminum alloy surface irradiated by stray light
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Peng , Li Yuhai , Yuan Qiang , Sun Laixi , Lu Li Hua , Yuan Xiaodong
Published: November 2024

The degradation of optical components presents a critical impediment to the advancement of energy within intense laser systems, with splatter contamination induced by sustained irradiation of stray light onto aluminum alloy structural components serving as the primary factor for the diminished resistance of optical components to laser-induced damage. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of splatter contaminants resulting from repeated exposure of aluminum alloys to stray light and their effects on the performance of optical components. Following grazing angle irradiation by nanosecond fundamental frequency lasers, an elliptical surface ablation pattern was observed on the aluminum alloy, accompanied by a significant decline in the optical performance of reflective mirrors. Finite element calculations were employed to analyze the influence of laser irradiation frequency and fluence on the microstructural changes of aluminum alloys. The gasification depth and width variations were largely governed by laser fluence and pulse count, with simulation results demonstrating experimental results. This research effectively identifies the origins of surface contaminants on optical components within intense laser systems, laying a foundation for designing system components and strategies for clean control.
Parity-time and anti-parity-time states of Bragg gratings and their representation in spherical coordinates
Authors: Hao Tianyi , Cheben Pavel , Schmid Jens H. , Berini Pierre
Published: November 2024

Parity-time (PT) symmetry and anti-PT symmetry are two interesting types of non-Hermitian Hamiltonian systems. We propose a spherical graphical representation to concisely capture the (anti-)PT symmetry design space of Bragg gratings having phase-shifted real and imaginary refractive index perturbations. A general Bragg grating perturbation function is used such that designs can be arbitrarily changed to reach different (anti-)PT symmetric states. Special cases having simplified perturbations are explored, consisting of real index only, imaginary index only, and perturbations reaching (anti-)PT symmetry unbroken, broken, and exceptional point states. The evolution of the PT states of Bragg gratings and their interesting and unique properties lead to potential applications in sensing and lasing.
Non-linear super-resolution computed tomography imaging algorithm based on a discrete X-ray source focal spot model
Authors: Yang Ping , Shi Ligen , Duan Jigang , Sun Qixiang , Zhao Xing
Published: November 2024

Spatial resolution is one of the critical metrics for evaluating the performance of a computed tomography (CT) system. Traditional methods often neglected the influence of the focal spot size of the X-ray source, leading to data inconsistency and degrading the spatial resolution of the reconstructed images. Thus, this study introduces what we believe to be a novel non-linear super-resolution CT reconstruction method based on the characteristics of the X-ray source’s focal spot. The proposed method employed a discrete focal spot model and utilized measured focal spot information to formulate a non-linear mathematical model for CT imaging. Building on this model, a high-precision iterative solution method was developed. The proposed approach achieved improved data consistency during the forward projection process and employed a highly accurate solution method in the inversion process. As a result, this approach reconstructed images of higher quality compared to other methods, revealing more detailed structural information.
On-chip dual-band higher order mode pass filter using silicon subwavelength grating
Authors: Rahman MD. Atiqur , Islam Maruful , Jahed Mohammad , Alam MD. Shah , Ahmmed Kazi Tanvir
Published: November 2024

In mode division multiplexing (MDM) technology multi-band higher order mode (HOM) pass filters are rarely introduced. However, these filters will support the MDM technology to be universal for all available wavelength bands used in fiber optic communication systems. In this work, two TE1 mode pass filters (MF1 and MF2) have been proposed using silicon subwavelength grating (SSWG) structures embedded in the multi-mode waveguide to operate in a dual band (O-band and C-band). The MF1 with gratings of two distinct grating periods and a device length of only 23 μm shows excellent performance in terms of excess losses (EL) of 0.20 dB and 0.38 dB at the center wavelengths of the O band and C band respectively, with TE1-TE0 extinction ratios (ER) of 56.54 dB and 47.73 dB at the respective wavelengths. The TE0 mode rejections are < -25 dB in the O-band and < -45 dB in the C-band. On the other hand, the MF2 designed with gratings of uniform grating period has an ultra-compact device length of only 18 μm and shows almost similar mode rejections for TE0 mode as MF1. The ELs are 0.95 dB and 0.374 dB at the center wavelengths of O-band and C-band respectively, while the TE1-TE0 ERs are 40.60 dB and 61.36 dB at these respective wavelengths. Both of the filters have bidirectional properties. Fabrication tolerance analysis indicates that our proposed devices are tolerant within ±20 nm variations in the period, pitch, and width of the gratings.
Photo-physical mechanism of near-IR femtosecond laser-induced refractive-index change in PMMA
Authors: Kudryashov Sergey , Gulina Yulia , Danilov Pavel , Smirnov Nikita , RIMSKAYA Elena , Krasin George , Saraeva Irina , Shelygina Svetlana , Rupasov Alexey , PERSHIN KIRILL , TSYGANKOV ALEXANDER , Gorevoy Alex
Published: November 2024

Photo-induced modification in bulk undoped polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by single tightly focused (numerical aperture NA = 0.25), 1030-nm 250-fs laser pulses was explored by means of pump self-transmittance, optical, 3D scanning confocal photoluminescence (PL) and Raman micro-spectroscopy, as well as optical polarimetric and interferometric microscopy. Starting from the threshold pulse energy Eth = 0.5 μJ (peak laser intensity Ith= 12 TW/cm2), visible bright micro-voxels were generated inside PMMA at the 100-300 micron depth, with their PL acquired dimensions increasing versus pulse energy. Simultaneously, optical phase delay was interferometrically measured at the 532 nm wavelength, exhibiting versus the pulse energy the corresponding iso¬tropic refractive index increase Δn = +(4÷10)x10−4, and a new 1640-cm−1 peak of C=C vibrations emerged in the Raman spectra. Fs laser pump self-transmittance measurements demonstrated 8 photon absorption (excited energy level = 9.7 eV, coefficient β8 = 3x10−5 cm13/TW7) at the sub-threshold I < Ith, implying photoionization of the PMMA chains (the ionization potential of MMA molecule = 9.7 eV). At higher peak intensities I > Ith, inverse bremsstrahlung absorption (coefficient =0.35×103 cm−1) of near-critical micro-plasma (density > 5x1020 cm−3) predominates, providing the bulk energy density >6x102 J/cm3 and the temperature rise ΔT > 2.2x102 K, which are sufficient for PMMA (de)polymerization near the equilibrium bulk (de)polymerization temperature TP = 220°C. These results uncover the detailed quantitative mechanism of fs laser modification of PMMA, justifying the previous qualitative findings and enabling controllable energy deposition during fs laser micromachining of PMMA for diverse functional applications.
The Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum: An African qualitative consensus propagating continental national surgical healthcare policies and plans
Authors: Alayande Barnabas Tobi , Seyi-Olajide Justina O. , Fenta Betel Amdeslassie , Ntirenganya Faustin , Obi Nkeiruka , Riviello Robert , Nsanzimana Sabin , Makasa Emmanuel M. , Ameh Emmanuel A. , Bekele Abebe ,   on behalf of the Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum collaborators
Published: November 2024

Access to equitable, safe, affordable, timely, and quality surgical healthcare in Africa remains limited. Few African countries have surgical healthcare plans or policies. Where these exist, there are significant gaps in dissemination, funding, and implementation. A Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum (PASHeF) was initiated to address this. The inaugural forum was a two-day consensus conference of technocrats from African Ministries of Health hosted by the Honorable Minister for Health of Rwanda in Kigali. Through coordinated discussions, plenary sessions, working groups, and technocrat networking, they charted the path forward for national surgical healthcare policies and plans. Discussions were sparked by country experiences, and working groups focused on curated context-specific, face-validated questions. Documentation involved field notes, audio recordings, and artificial intelligence transcription. Data was coded using a constant comparative method to itemize delegates’ observations, declarations, and recommendations, with member checking. A consensus statement was generated using an inclusive decision-making model. Thirty-two Ministries of Health were represented by 42 delegates who drafted and unanimously adopted the PASHeF 2023 Consensus Statement. This was a 50-point consensus addressing country commitment, leadership, financing, stakeholder mobilization, monitoring and evaluation, partnerships, and other aspects of national surgical healthcare planning in Africa. This consensus is the African roadmap and emphasizes implementation, the need for flexibility in policy development, and current opportunities and barriers. It emphasizes that community involvement and sustainability should undergird this planning, in addition to a focus on the entire spectrum of surgical healthcare, including prevention and rehabilitation. Delegates endorsed PASHeF as an annual event with a secretariat and recommended the creation of a Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Policy monitoring system, and that issues of surgical healthcare should be escalated as an agenda item on African Union and sub-regional ministerial meetings. African nations have embraced surgical healthcare policy as an imperative on their journey towards Universal Health Coverage.
Hypergraph modeling of complex interactions: Applications from human musculoskeletal structures to complex system dynamics
Authors: Yamano Hiroko , Liu Shu , Toriumi Fujio
Published: November 2024

The musculoskeletal network is a complex system of different types of nodes and edges interacting with each other. Although there is a wealth of knowledge about the anatomical components of the human body and the connections between them, the interdependence of these components as a system remains largely unexplored. This study aims to understand the structure of musculoskeletal networks by using hypergraphs as a model of the musculoskeletal system with many-to-many connections. We used both pairwise and hypergraph-based embedding methods to learn the connectivity of muscles. Experiments demonstrated the superiority of the proposed hypergraph-based method over pairwise methods in distinguishing the specific roles of the muscles connecting different body parts.
Lead acetate–based test strip method for rapid and quantitative detection of residual sulfur dioxide in Chinese herbal medicines
Authors: Zhao Penghua , Huang Xiaoyan , Li Yaping , Zhang Haixiang , Wang Qiyu , Li Dongliang , Xu Cuixiang , Wang Jianhua
Published: November 2024

To prevent the residual sulfur dioxide in Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) caused by sulfur fumigation, which may lead to severe health issues, there is an urgent need for a rapid and quantitative detection technique. Sodium borohydride was used as a reducing agent to convert sulfur dioxide into hydrogen sulfide, which was then detected using lead acetate test strip. An accurate testing apparatus was designed, consisting of reaction bottle cap, reaction bottle, lead acetate test strip, and sulfur dioxide detector. The effect of different reaction variables on detection, including reductant quality, pH of initial media, reaction time, lead acetate concentration, and membrane type was investigated. The optimal conditions were determined by orthogonal experiments. The reaction membrane type and lead acetate concentration on the membrane were optimized to enhance detection accuracy. Standardized gray cards were fabricated and used to calibrate the detector. The detection system demonstrated an exceptional linear correlation (r2 = 0.9992), with a linear detection range of 0–750 mg·kg−1. The colored substances and sulfur-containing substances within the matrix of CHM did not affect the detection results. Therefore, the detection method exhibited superior accuracy and stability. The proposed technique proved to be swift, reliable, and provides a straightforward and convenient approach for the quantitative determination of sulfur dioxide in CHMs. The results of this work may provide insights into the development of test strips for quantitative detection.
Addressing bias in national population density models: Focusing on rural Senegal
Authors: Visée Corentin , Morlighem Camille , Linard Catherine , Faty Abdoulaye , Henry Sabine , Dujardin Sébastien
Published: November 2024

Knowing where people are is crucial for policymakers, particularly for the efficient allocation of resources in their country and the development of effective, people-centred policies. However, rural population distribution maps suffer from biases related to the type of dataset used to predict population density, such as the use of nighttime lights datasets in areas without electricity. This renders widely used datasets irrelevant in rural areas and biases nationwide models towards urban areas. To compensate for such biases, we aim at understanding the importance and relationship between water-related covariates and population densities in a random forest model across the urban-rural gradient. By extending a recursive feature elimination framework, we show that commonly used covariates are only selected when modelling the whole country. However, once the highest density areas are removed, water-related characteristics (especially distance to boreholes) become important covariates of population density outside of densely populated areas. This has important implications for modelling population in rural areas, including for a better estimation of the size of remote communities. When seeking to produce country-level population maps, we encourage further studies to explicitly account for rural areas by considering the urban-rural gradient and encourage the use of water-related datasets.
Data augmentation via warping transforms for modeling natural variability in the corneal endothelium enhances semi-supervised segmentation
Authors: Sanchez Sergio , Vallez Noelia , Bueno Gloria , Marrugo Andres G.
Published: November 2024

Image segmentation of the corneal endothelium with deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) is challenging due to the scarcity of expert-annotated data. This work proposes a data augmentation technique via warping to enhance the performance of semi-supervised training of CNNs for accurate segmentation. We use a unique augmentation process for images and masks involving keypoint extraction, Delaunay triangulation, local affine transformations, and mask refinement. This approach accurately captures the natural variability of the corneal endothelium, enriching the dataset with realistic and diverse images. The proposed method achieved an increase in the mean intersection over union (mIoU) and Dice coefficient (DC) metrics of 17.2% and 4.8% respectively, for the segmentation task in corneal endothelial images on multiple CNN architectures. Our data augmentation strategy successfully models the natural variability in corneal endothelial images, thereby enhancing the performance and generalization capabilities of semi-supervised CNNs in medical image cell segmentation tasks.
An automated high-content screening and assay platform for the analysis of spheroids at subcellular resolution
Authors: Mysior Margaritha M. , Simpson Jeremy C.
Published: November 2024

The endomembrane system is essential for healthy cell function, with the various compartments carrying out a large number of specific biochemical reactions. To date, almost all of our understanding of the endomembrane system has come from the study of cultured cells growing as monolayers. However, monolayer-grown cells only poorly represent the environment encountered by cells in the human body. As a first step to address this disparity, we have developed a platform that allows us to investigate and quantify changes to the endomembrane system in three-dimensional (3D) cell models, in an automated and highly systematic manner. HeLa Kyoto cells were grown on custom-designed micropatterned 96-well plates to facilitate spheroid assembly in the form of highly uniform arrays. Fully automated high-content confocal imaging and analysis were then carried out, allowing us to measure various spheroid-, cellular- and subcellular-level parameters relating to size and morphology. Using two drugs known to perturb endomembrane function, we demonstrate that cell-based assays can be carried out in these spheroids, and that changes to the Golgi apparatus and endosomes can be quantified from individual cells within the spheroids. We also show that image texture measurements are useful tools to discriminate cellular phenotypes. The automated platform that we show here has the potential to be scaled up, thereby allowing large-scale robust screening to be carried out in 3D cell models.
Clinical care ratios for, and tasks undertaken by, allied health professionals: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Brown Arabella , El-Achkar Elias , Fragnito Francesca , Gosnell Sandra , Kelly Jocelyn , Kucharski Daniel , Priestly Alice , Kumar Saravana
Published: November 2024

Background

With the increasing demand on the global health system and the presence of persistent healthcare disparities, it becomes imperative to utilize the full potential of the healthcare workforce, including allied health professionals (AHPs). To date, no review has mapped the literature on clinical care ratios (CCRs) for AHPs. This information is vital in guiding future work-force planning to address healthcare issues such as understaffed and at capacity hospitals. This scoping review mapped available evidence to offer a comprehensive insight into current AHP CCRs, enabling evidence-based decision-making that ensures optimal care and enhanced system efficiency.

Methods

The scoping review was undertaken using the ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews’ (PRISMA-ScR). The search was conducted using Ovid (MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO), CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, PEDro, OTseeker and grey literature. Two reviewers independently screened records, following which data extraction was completed for the included studies. Descriptive synthesis was used to summarize the data.

Results

Of the 7670 records identified, 18 studies were included in this review. Whilst there was variability between AHPs on direct clinical time spent with patients, considerable amount of time was also spent on activities beyond direct clinical care. To offset this, literature highlights opportunities for allied health assistants and students to undertake tasks which would free-up AHPs to undertake more direct and higher-level tasks. However, limitations of findings (variability in measurement, lack of coverage of some professions) limits generalisability.

Conclusion

While the literature highlights considerable variability in CCRs among different AHP disciplines, it does appear nearly a nearly a third of time spent by AHPs are on tasks that are beyond direct clinical care. Future research could explore new workforce models which would free-up AHPs to undertake more direct and higher-level tasks.
Whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial resistance among clinical isolates of Shigella sonnei in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Basha , Mihret Adane , Mekonnen Zeleke , Sisay Tessema Tesfaye , Melaku Kalkidan , Nassir Maeruf Fetu , Ayele Abaysew , Alemayehu Dawit Hailu , Beyene Getenet
Published: November 2024

Background

Shigellosis is an acute gastroenteritis infection and one of Ethiopia’s most common causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in children under five. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has spread quickly among Shigella species due to inappropriate antibiotic use, inadequacies of diagnostic facilities, and unhygienic conditions. This study aimed to characterize Shigella sonnei (S. sonnei) using whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

The raw reads were quality-filtered and trimmed, and a minimum length of 50bp was retained and taxonomically classified using MiniKraken version 1. The whole genome data were aligned with Antibiotic Resistance Gene (ARG) sequences of the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) by Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI). Plasmids were analyzed using the PlasmidFinder tool version 2.1. Additionally, AMR and virulence genes were screened at the Centre for Genomic Epidemiology (CGE) web-based server.

Results

All isolates in our investigation contained genes encoding blaEC-8 and blaZEG-1. Here, 60.7% of the isolates were phenotypically sensitive to cefoxitin among the blaEC-8 genes detected in the genotyping analysis, whereas all isolates were completely resistant to amoxicillin and erythromycin phenotypically. The study also identified genes that conferred resistance to trimethoprim (dfrA). Plasmid Col156 and Col (BS512) types were found in all isolates, while IncFII and Col (MG828) plasmids were only identified in one isolate.

Conclusion

This study found that many resistant genes were present, confirming the high variety in S. sonnei strains and hence a divergence in phylogenetic relationships. Thus, combining WGS methods for AMR prediction and strain identification into active surveillance may be beneficial for monitoring the spread of AMR in S. sonnei and detecting the potential emergence of novel variations.
Functional characterization of optic photoreception in Lymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Harracksingh Alicia N. , Bandura Julia , Morizumi Takefumi , Monnier Philippe P. , Henderson Jeffrey T. , Feng Zhong-Ping
Published: November 2024

Optic photoreception is a critical function for animal survival. Across the evolutionary spectrum, diverse animal models have been used to investigate visual system function and potential mechanisms under physiological or pathophysiological states. However less is known on photoreceptive behaviors and retinal processing in invertebrates, especially molluscs. This study focuses on the freshwater pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis (L. stagnalis), to explore its visual function and underlying mechanisms. Using anatomical and histological approaches we characterized the L. stagnalis eye structure and demonstrated structural connections and retinal rhodopsin-positive sensory cells potentially critical for phototransduction. To assess the snail phototactic responses, we developed a new neurobehavioral protocol and employed DeepLabCut to track and quantify animal locomotion. We demonstrated that L. stagnalis exhibits a positive locomotory response to intense focal light and has diverse photo-locomotory responses. Further, we conducted phylogenetic and protein structure analyses and demonstrated that L. stagnalis has a unique repertoire of both vertebrate and invertebrate phototransduction genes. Further characterization of a rhodopsin-like gene identified unique characteristics compared to other mollusks and vertebrates, suggesting different mechanisms of phototransduction. Taken together, our work establishes L. stagnalis as a model organism for studying optic photoreception, offering new insights into the evolution and diversity of visual function across animal species.
O protetor-recebedor e o poluidor-pagador:
Authors: Rodrigues Mazzei Marcelo , Sérgio da Silveira Sebastião , Oliveira Faria Lucas
Published: November 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo demonstrar como a publicação da Lei nº 14.119/2021 impactou na mudança do paradigma meramente reparatório e reativo quanto à proteção do meio ambiente para um paradigma pautado no modelo retributivo e preventivo do princípio do protetor-recebedor, que é potencializado pela presença de instrumentos de soft law e fomento de serviços ambientais e ecossistêmicos. Para maior aprofundamento teórico, utilizou-se como metodologia a pesquisa documental qualitativa quanto à doutrina pertinente sobre o tema. Foram analisados os respectivos institutos, princípios e as consequências dessa mudança paradigmática, concluindo que há de fato uma mudança paradigmática que ocorreu através da superação do modelo reativo e meramente reparatório fundado exclusivamente no princípio do poluidor-pagador - e no direito sancionatório – para o modelo do princípio do protetor-recebedor, fomentado pela publicação da Lei nº 14.119/2021, que trata da política nacional de pagamento por serviços ambientais (PSA) e pelas regras da soft law.
Disparities, Trends, and Predictions to 2040 in Gastrointestinal Cancer Incidence, Mortality in the United States
Authors: Huang Ying , Huang Hongbo , Wei Tingting , Zhang Aijie , Zhang Heng , Zhang Ze , Xu Yijing , Wang Ruiyao , Wan Ningyi , Li Xiaohan , Li Jiaying , Li Yunhai , Li Fan
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Growing gastrointestinal cancers in the United States necessitate further research due to substantial health care and economic impacts. The aim of this study was to analyze trends and future projections for 5 major gastrointestinal cancers (colorectal, pancreatic, liver, stomach, and esophageal).

METHODS:

Data were sourced from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database; National Center for Health Statistics; and Global Burden of Diseases databases. An age-period-cohort model using the Bayesian Information Criterion method was applied to project incidence and mortality rates to 2040.

RESULTS:

Men consistently exhibited higher incidence and mortality rates across all gastrointestinal cancers, with significant variation across the 51 US states. From 2000 to 2020, colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates declined across all racial groups, except for the incidence rates of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) men, Hispanic men, and Hispanic women, which remained stable. Pancreatic cancer incidence increased across all groups except for AIAN men, while mortality rates rose only for White men and Hispanic women. Liver cancer incidence rose among AIAN men and White, AIAN, and Hispanic women, while mortality rates declined for most groups. Stomach cancer incidence and mortality either declined or stabilized, and esophageal cancer rates showed a general decline. By 2040, increases in incidence and mortality are projected for most gastrointestinal cancers, particularly in men.

DISCUSSION:

Despite varied trends over the past 2 decades, an overall increase in gastrointestinal cancer incidence and mortality rates is anticipated in the next 20 years in the United States, underscoring the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Development of an educational program based on world traditional fairy tales to improve multicultural acceptability of upper grade elementary school students
Authors: Ham Hyungjun , Kim Jeong-weon
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to develop a multicultural educational program based on traditional fairy tales. The educational program was designed to improve the multicultural acceptability of upper grade elementary school students focusing on ‘Aesthetic Emotional Competence’ and ‘Community Competence’, that are the multicultural elements among the core competencies in the 2015 revised national curriculum. Considering the number of foreign people living in Korea and the number of marriage immigrants, Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand were chosen as the subject countries. Then, the representative storytelling fairy tales of those countries which reflect cultural characteristics and have similarities in the structure of the story, themes and lessons were selected. A training program composed of total 12 units was developed to effectively promote diversity, relationship, and universality, which are components of multicultural acceptability. When the developed program with 12 units was applied to the a Grade 6 class of E Elementary School in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, it was found that the experimental group improved multicultural acceptability significantly more than the comparison group(p<.05). The result shows that there were changes in the perception on multicultural families, the understanding of others’ feelings, the regret and commitment regarding discrimination, the change of behavior and the will to practice. Students, themselves, felt that their own perceptions had improved and made an open declaration that they regretted their discriminating actions and made an commitment not to engage in discrimination.
A Case study of Korean pronunciation and intonation education for multicultural community members: Focusing on voice training academics
Authors: Cho Wan-cheol , Cho Wi-su
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the number of multicultural families in South Korea has steadily increased. Language problems are among the issues that the newcomers have to face. Problems with korean pronunciation and intonation have been pointed out to be among main causes that impede multicultural families’ integration into the South Korea society. For solve this problem, reliable curriculum to be prepared and systematic administrative support also is needed. However, the case of operating curriculum for them is still rare, and there are not many reliable models for reference in terms of curriculum design. To this end, first, this study reviews the previous studies and shows korean pronunciation and intonation education curriculum’s range and content. And then, this study seeks to suggest basic data for subsequent work by analyzing Busan University of Foreign Studies and related organization worked on ‘Voice training academy program’ operation case.
Analysis of multicultural factors in integrated textbook for elementary school: Focusing on the first and second grades
Authors: Kang Hyun-joo
Published: November 2024

This study aims to analyze the multicultural content of the Korean Elementary School Textbook revised in 2015. This study abstracted the framework of multicultural factors for analysis of multicultural contents from the research on “Revision Guidelines by Analysis of Multicultural Factors in Secondary Curriculum and Textbook”. The analyzed textbook is the integrated winter textbooks for both the first and second grades revised curriculum in 2015. Several findings were represented as follows: first, the frequency of multicultural content displayed five times more in first grade and nineteen times more in second grade respectively. Second, the analyzed textbooks did not include contents directly associated with multiculturalism. In addition, the frequency of content falls short in the second semester in the first grade. Activities and experiences are important in the acceptance of unfamiliar cultures or circumstances and perception of otherness when students enter the elementary school and make friends with students from other countries. Thus, multicultural contents' frequency of within textbooks is very crucial. Finally, the revised curriculum focused on activities and experiences about the theme and content in the textbook and was developed grounded in block chassis. For teaching the textbook content, teachers must perfectly understand textbooks through teacher training. At the same time, teaching materials and tools for the revised curriculum should be distributed to teachers in the class. In this respect, elementary school curriculum and textbook content should be improved by providing more revision fitting for the growth of humanity in the multicultural era.
Women, Ecology And Children: A Study Of Ecofeminism In Indonesian Children's Literature
Authors: Setiyawan Radius , Yuyun Wahyu Izzati Surya  , Aribowo  , Setiyowati Arin
Published: November 2024

Abstrak
Sastra diyakini memiliki peran dalam membentuk persepsi anak-anak tentang dunia, namun sayangnya cerita-cerita yang terkandung di dalamnya memiliki banyak bias gender. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis wacana Theo van Leeuwen untuk mendeteksi dan meneliti bagaimana perempuan dan alam mengalami eksklusi dari hubungan mereka dengan subjek lain. Beberapa praktik eksklusi yang disajikan antara lain: misogini/seksis, stereotip dan hubungan tidak setara lainnya yang dalam konteks ini digunakan untuk melihat hubungan antara gender dan alam. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa perempuan dan alam memiliki hubungan penting yang ditunjukkan melalui penggunaan metafora, latar alam, keberadaan tumbuhan dan hewan yang muncul langsung dalam cerita. Di bagian lain, alam dan perempuan tampaknya terpinggirkan karena keduanya digambarkan secara minor dan terus menerus diangkat sebagai objek. Di sisi lain, ada juga cerita yang dianalisis menunjukkan adanya simbolisme mutualisme antara alam dan perempuan dalam melawan dominasi patriarki.
Kata Kunci: Ekofeminisme, Sastra Anak, Perempuan, Ekologi
[Literature is believed to play a role in shaping children's perceptions of the world. Unfortunately, many stories contain significant gender bias. This study uses Theo van Leeuwen's discourse analysis to examine how women and nature experience exclusion from their relationships with other subjects. Several exclusion practices  include misogyny/sexism, stereotypes, and unequal relationships, which in this context are used to explore the connection between gender and nature. The findings of this research indicate that women and nature share a significant relationship, as demonstrated through the use of metaphors, natural settings, and the presence of plants and animals that appear directly in the stories. In other  part, nature and women seem marginalized as both are portrayed in minor roles and continuously presented as objects. On the other hand, stories are analyzed that reveal a mutual symbolism between nature and women in resisting patriarchal domination.]
Keywords: Ecofeminism, Children's Literature, Women, Ecology