bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective cohort study of monthly rifampicin, ofloxacin and minocycline in the management of leprosy at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
Authors: Sivakumaran Priyanka , Barros Barbara de , Antonio Dias Vivianne Lopes , Lockwood Diana N. , Walker Stephen L. 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine multi-drug therapy (MDT) for the treatment of leprosy. Severe adverse effects include dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, skin pigmentation, haemolytic anaemia, and hepatitis. At the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD), London, United Kingdom monthly rifampicin, ofloxacin and minocycline (mROM) is used as first line treatment for leprosy.

Objectives
To determine the clinical outcomes and experiences of individuals treated with mROM.

Methods
A retrospective study of individuals with leprosy who were prescribed mROM at HTD was conducted. Demographic and clinical data were collected on outcomes including relapses, leprosy reactions, bacterial index (BI) and adverse effects. Individuals were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to understand their experiences of mROM.

Results
29 individuals were identified and 20 interviewed. 26 (89.7%) individuals completed monthly mROM. 9 (31%) had switched from WHO MDT to mROM (five of whom (55.6%) were interviewed). BI reduced significantly following mROM treatment (p = 0.04). 17 individuals (58.6%) experienced a leprosy reaction. One of the 29 (3.4%) relapsed. The relapse rate was 9.5/1000 person years. 49 reports of adverse effects were either mild or moderate. The most frequent adverse effect (14/49) reported was orange discolouration of urine. No adverse effect required hospitalisation or discontinuation of mROM. Most individuals reported that skin lesions improved by the time they had completed mROM.

Conclusions
In this small study in a non-endemic setting mROM was safe, effective and acceptable. mROM therapy is associated with improvement in skin lesions, decline in bacterial index and acceptable adverse effects. Larger, prospective, randomised studies are needed to determine whether relapse rates with mROM are equivalent or better than WHO MDT and to provide robust data on the seemingly better adverse effect profile of mROM.
A reconfiguração subjetiva da formação continuada em serviço do pedagogo: um estudo de caso
Authors: De Jesus Silva Geane , Rossato Maristela 
Published: December 2024

O trabalho objetiva analisar o processo de reconfiguração subjetiva sobre formação continuada em serviço dos pedagogos que atuam como formadores dentro das escolas. Para tanto, apresenta as informações construídas a partir de um estudo de caso de uma pedagoga na experiência de um curso de formação continuada. A discussão se pauta teórica, epistemológica e metodologicamente nos pressupostos da obra de Fernando González Rey (1949-2019) sobre a Teoria da Subjetividade, que compreende a subjetividade como um sistema complexo e dinâmico de produção de sentidos subjetivos gerados nas experiências de vida, que se organizam recursiva e relacionalmente no nível social e individual. Essa organização refere-se às configurações subjetivas que integram esse sistema de produções subjetivas da pessoa. Metodologicamente, com base nos pressupostos da Epistemologia Qualitativa, também elaborada pelo referido autor, a investigação foi construída a partir da intercalação de três princípios importantes que permeiam todo o processo de construção do conhecimento: (a) o caráter dialógico desse processo, (b) a construção-interpretativa e (c) a singularidade da situação investigada. O estudo conclui que a pedagoga, no processo da experiência formativa, experienciou situações favorecedoras de novas produções subjetivas que a possibilitaram reconfigurar subjetivamente sua compreensão sobre formação continuada enquanto espaço de possibilidades à reflexão crítica, promoção à autoconfiança e ao protagonismo da ação.
Processos de avaliação dos estudantes público-alvo da Educação especial a partir atuação da equipe multiprofissional
Authors: Queiroz Julia Graziela Bernardino de Araújo , Romano de Souza Bridi Fabiane 
Published: December 2024

O presente estudo objetivou analisar o processo de avaliação dos estudantes público-alvo da Educação Especial realizado pelo Complexo Municipal de Educação Especial (CMEE), órgão ligado à Secretaria Municipal de Educação de Manaus (SEMED). Esse processo avaliativo é conduzido pela equipe multiprofissional composta por uma assistente social, pedagoga, psicopedagoga, fisioterapeuta, fonoaudióloga e psicóloga. A pesquisa baseou-se na abordagem qualitativa e descritiva com aporte da pesquisa documental. Os documentos analisados foram 4.534 protocolos de avaliação dos referidos estudantes e compreendeu o período de 2016 a 2021. A partir da análise das avaliações, elencou-se os eixos analíticos: atendimentos anuais para realização da avaliação, procedência dos atendimentos, faixa etária de estudantes atendidos, início da vivência escolar dos estudantes encaminhados para avaliação, situação econômica, estudantes atendidos com/sem laudo, orientações pedagógicas e encaminhamentos quanto percurso escolar e clínico/terapêutico. Os resultados das avaliações indicaram a prevalência da faixa etária de estudantes atendidos entre 6 e 10 anos, período em que são observadas dificuldades no processo de alfabetização. Destaca-se que a maioria dos estudantes atendidos 59% apresentam laudo médico e destes que tem laudo médico, 52,7% estão em vulnerabilidade social. Verificou-se que após avaliação da equipe multiprofissional há uma predominância dos encaminhamentos para área clínica e espaços substitutivos ao ensino comum. Nesse contexto, observa-se o desafio da SEMED com relação às ações para esses estudantes, considerando a perspectiva clínica que sustenta o processo de avaliação e os encaminhamentos aos diferentes espaços da educação especial e serviços de apoio, implicando na escolarização desses estudantes.
Child protagonism as social pedagogy tool in early childhood education: experience of a Brazilian educational centre
Authors: Minischetti Chiara , Pentini Anna Aluffi 
Published: December 2024

This article gives an account of a research experience in the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Centre, a Brazilian school located on the outskirts of Salvador de Bahia, run by the Fundação Betânia O.N.L.U.S. of the Franciscan Fraternity of Bethany. The Centre, which is free of charge, is responsible for the education of children aged 0 to 6 who come from highly disadvantaged social, economic and family backgrounds.The research aimed to investigate the applicability of the Reggio Emilia Approach in the context of the province of Salvador de Bahia and to investigate how the social value of this initiative is perceived by the protagonists of the Center. This article highlights a convergence between European and Brazilian education; the same pedagogical principles are valid and effective in different and distant contexts, in time and space. The child experiences a place where he or she can feel cared for, loved and appreciated; thanks to its protagonism, the simplicity of the educational contexts and the freedom to explore the environment, the child is able to enhance beauty and to be amazed. Child-centered pedagogy gives the school a social and human value, which identifiable in the recognition of the child’s dignity. The protagonism of the child, the main construct of the Emilian approach, reveals itself as the main tool of social emancipation, as Freire understood it, and therefore appears particularly reconcilable with a Brazilian pedagogical culture, that is the background to the social pedagogy projects of the educational Center analyzed.
Interpretando a linha dividida a partir do pensamento de Marcelo Pimenta Marques
Authors: Santos Gislene Vale dos 
Published: December 2024

Neste dossiê em homenagem a Marcelo Pimenta Marques, gostaria de apontar dois aspectos que se complementam na vida e na obra de Marques; a saber, um de ser o meu melhor exemplo de docente-orientador-gente, que não apenas vive, mas sente a vida vivida e a reflete a partir, também, de um escopo de pesquisa; a pesquisa é o segundo aspecto. Se aponto dois aspectos, aqui me fiarei em um, sua interpretação a respeito da obra platônica que aparece na República, mais especificamente, no Livro VI, mais especificamente ainda, na linha dividida. Nesse itinerário, conto com os artigos e capítulos de livros disponíveis acerca da interpretação de Marques sobre a República e da obra platônica, ela mesma.
Palavras-chave: Platão; Linha dividida; MPM;
Interpreting the divided line from the thought of Marcelo Pimenta Marques
Abstract: In this dossier in honor of Marcelo Pimenta Marques, I would like to point out two aspects that complement each other in the life and work of Marques; namely, one of being my best example of a professor-supervisor-human being, who not only live, but feel the life lived and reflect on it from a research scope as well; the research is the second aspect. If I point out two aspects, here I will rely on one, his interpretation of the Platonic work that appears in the Republic, more specifically, in Book VI, and even more specifically, in the divided line. In this itinerary, I rely on the articles and book chapters available about Marques' interpretation of the Republic and the Platonic work itself.
Key-words: Plato; divided line; MPM
Interpretando la línea dividida desde el pensamento de Marcelo Pimenta Marques
Resumen: En este dossier en honor a Marcelo Pimenta Marques, quisiera señalar dos aspectos que se complementan en la vida y obra de Marques; a saber, uno de ser mi mejor ejemplo de un maestro-tutor-pueblo, que no sólo vive, sino que siente la vida vivida y la reflexiona también desde el ámbito de la investigación; La investigación es el segundo aspecto. Si señalo dos aspectos, aquí me apoyaré en uno, su interpretación de la obra platónica que aparece en la República, más concretamente, en el Libro VI, y más concretamente aún, en la línea dividida. En este itinerario me apoyo en los artículos y capítulos de libros disponibles sobre la interpretación marquesina de la República y de la propia obra platónica.
Palavra clave: Platón; línea dividida; MPM
Data de registro: 01/08/2023
Data de aceite: 18/10/2023
Alterations in hippocampal somatostatin interneurons, GABAergic metabolism, and ASL perfusion in an aged male mouse model of POCD aggravated by sleep fragmentation
Authors: Li Yun , Yu Jiafeng , Yang Ningzhi , Long Siwen , Li Yize , Zhao Lina , Yu Yonghao 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSleep fragmentation (SF) is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Given the critical roles of somatostatin (SST) interneurons, associated gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurotransmitters, and hippocampal perfusion in sleep‐related cognition, this study examined changes in these mechanisms in preoperative SF affecting POCD induced by anesthesia/surgery in aged male mice. The Morris water maze (MWM), novel object recognition (NOR), and Y maze tests were utilized to evaluate POCD. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) was employed to measure hippocampal regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). In vitro assays quantified the levels of GABAergic metabolites—such as SST, neuropeptide Y (NPY), glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), and GABA and the distribution of SST interneurons in the hippocampus through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence. Preoperative 24‐h SF exacerbated anesthesia/surgery‐induced spatial memory impairments observed in the MWM, NOR, and Y maze tests. Preoperative 24‐h SF significantly increased the number of SST interneurons in hippocampal CA1, elevated hippocampal levels of SST, NPY, GAD1, and GABA, and reduced the rCBF. Preoperative SF aggravated POCD in aged male mice, with an increased number of SST interneurons in hippocampal CA1, elevated hippocampal GABAergic metabolites, and a further reduction in rCBF.
A new 9-level quadruple boost inverter for grid integration
Authors: Pulavarthi S. V. Kishore , Jayaram Nakka , Jakkula Swamy , Rajesh Jami , Halder Sukanta 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a novel reduced switch multilevel inverter based on switched capacitor technique for grid integration. It generates nine-level output voltage waveform with only 10 switches. It is suitable for high gain applications since it has a boosting ability of four times. Another feature is that the capacitors have built-in self-voltage balancing. The level shifted pulse width modulation (LSPWM) technique is used to explore the performance of the proposed topology. To determine its optimal performance, the suggested topology is compared to the state-of-the-art topologies in the literature. Simulation of the proposed topology is done under different parameter variations. Further, the thermal design of the proposed topology is done using PLECS software to find the efficiency. Finally, the hardware prototype is implemented using dSPACE 1104 controller to verify its performance.
Design and analysis of 2D photonic crystals based all optical logic gates
Authors: Maji Kajal , Mukherjee Kousik , Mandal Mrinal Kanti 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
All-optical basic logic gates play a pivotal role in the development of ultra-fast and energy-efficient computing systems. In this communication, we have designed an alternative method of all-optical logic OR, AND, XOR, and XNOR gates using 2-dimensional photonic crystals with a hexagonal lattice structure. The OptiFDTD software and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been used to verify the proposed designs and analyzed by calculating the contrast ratio and bit rate. The contrast ratios of the OR, AND, XOR, and XNOR gates are 43.20 dB, 36.40 dB, 41.46 dB and 37.63 dB, respectively. The output of the proposed logic gates may efficiently enhance the optical communication system.
Effects of orlistat on body mass index and serum lipids in overweight and obese adolescents: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Lingnan , Meng Chang , Zhang Fang , Jia Xinwei , Xie Junmin , Zhu Yeran , Zhou Xiaozhe , Liu Peng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
We performed a meta-analysis to compare the effects of orlistat on body mass index and serum lipids in overweight and obese adolescents.

Methods
The meta-analysis was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 1 August 2024. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The outcome measures body mass index (BMI) and serum lipids, such as total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The review of publications was conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Project for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).

Results
This study has been registered with INPLASY (number INPLASY202480052). A total of 696 patients were included in five randomized controlled trials. The orlistat group reduced BMI compared to placebo in the short term (MD=−0.73, 95 % CI: −1.44 to −0.02, p=0.04, I2=73 %) but appeared to have little effect in the long term (MD=−1.72, 95%CI: −3.55 to 0.12, p=0.07, I2=84 %). The exciting thing is that orlistat can significantly improve blood lipid levels in children, TC (MD=−8.11, 95 % CI: −10.88 to −5.33, p<0.05, I2=0 %), TG (MD=−3.22, 95 % CI: −5.58 to −0.86, p<0.05, I2=0 %), LDL (MD=−6.06, 95 % CI: −8.75 to −3.37, p<0.05, I2=0 %), and HDL (MD=0.87, 95 % CI: 0.13–1.61, p<0.05, I2=31 %).

Conclusions
Orlistat has been linked to alter lipid levels in obese or overweight children. However, the evidence regarding its efficacy in reducing BMI is inconclusive, with inconsistent findings across short and long-term studies. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to ascertain its long-term impact on prognosis.
The trend of Epstein-Barr virus DNA loads and CD8+ T lymphocyte numbers can predict the prognosis of pediatric liver transplant recipients with PTLD
Authors: Wang Kedi , Xu Dongjiang , Gao Yan , Ma Kaihui , Zhao Wen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) in immunodeficiency individuals. The pathogenesis of EBV infection depends on its effective recognition and elimination. Our study investigated the effect of peripheral lymphocyte subsets (PLS) on the elimination of EBV.

Methods
A retrospective single-center study included 63 patients with 17 pediatric liver transplant recipients with EBV-induced PTLD (PTLD group) and 46 patients diagnosed with EBV-induced mononucleosis (IM group). Dynamic monitoring of PLS with EBV-DNA loads was performed.

Results
EBV-DNA replicated at a high level (5.2E3∼5.93E7 copies/mL in PBMC) before treatment in all patients in PTLD group. B lymphocytes were the main infected cells. After treatment with Rituximab, the EBV-DNA loads decreased below the lower limit of detection in 10 patients (PTLD-stable disease, PTLD-SD group), and the viral loads replicated at lower level in six patients (PTLD-partial response, PTLD-PR group). In the PTLD-SD group, the percentage of CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes increased beyond the normal range with the ascending of EBV-DNA loads, then it decreased to the normal range accompanied by the clearance of EBV. In the PTLD-PR group, the CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes kept in the normal range, while the EBV kept on replication.

Conclusions
The increased number of CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes occurred in parallel with the decline in EBV-DNA loads, which is the most useful index in estimating the host capacity of immuno-surveillance against EBV.
Culture-specific discourse in marketing: a study of socio-cultural traditions in Jordanian shops and streets
Authors: Alalya Muna , Altakhaineh Abdel Rahman , Yaseen Zain 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the various marketing strategies employed in the malls and streets of Amman, Jordan. Specifically, it aims to identify the different methods salespeople use to attract customers’ attention to their products indirectly, and sometimes through non-verbal means. The study illustrates how the theoretical concepts of speech acts, as discussed by Searle and Grice, are utilized in the marketing strategies observed in Jordanian malls and streets. It also examines how vendors and advertisers employ language not only to convey information but also to perform actions, such as persuading or invoking cultural values, without explicitly stating their intentions. By analyzing the subtleties of language use in advertisements, product promotions, and street performances, the study reveals how indirect speech acts are employed to engage consumers, foster a sense of community, and promote products. Indirect speech acts can imply more than what is explicitly stated, adding layers of meaning that facilitate communication between the customer and the salesperson. The findings indicate that each of the products discussed in this paper, commonly found on Jordanian streets, in shops, and in malls, has a unique marketing discourse crafted and employed by business owners or their staff to attract customers. Overall, indirect speech acts in Jordanian malls and streets reflect a sophisticated form of communication that is deeply rooted in local cultural and social practices, utilizing non-verbal cues such as music and scents to convey messages subtly. These methods are highly effective in achieving advertising objectives, aligning with cultural values that emphasize respect and subtlety in interpersonal interactions.
The roles of G protein-coupled receptor genes and the tumor microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shen Lihong , Hu Rongrong , Huang Guiying , Gao Yuzhen , Wang Yanzhong , Xie Xinyou , Zhang Jun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCA) is a challenging disease characterized by a high mortality rate. Understanding the prognostic relationship between G protein-coupled receptors (GPR) and ESCA is critical for improving patient outcomes, yet this connection remains to be fully explored.

Methods
In this study, we examined the roles of GPR genes and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in ESCA development and progression. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated the predictive value of these genes. Our analysis of TME cell-cell communication revealed extensive interactions, particularly involving neutrophils. We also assessed the combined predictive value of GPR genes, TME score, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) for patient prognosis in ESCA, ultimately constructing a GPR-TME-TMB classifier for prognosis prediction.

Results
We identified significant differences in GPR gene expression between normal and tumor tissues, with four genes (GPER1, GPR82, FFAR2, and HCAR3) correlating with patient prognosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed 10 major cell types in the TME, with GPR gene expression highly enriched in neutrophils. Our findings indicate that the GPR-TME-TMB classifier is strongly associated with patient prognoses. Additionally, our results align with previous studies on the roles of GPR genes and the TME in ESCA.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that GPR-related genes play a role in ESCA progression and are strongly associated with TME in ESCA. We constructed a GPR-TME classifier for ESCA to provide new directions for the treatment and prognosis of ESCA patients.
Synthesis and characterization of ASU-PPO based anion exchange membrane with PEG support for water electrolysis
Authors: Qayoom Abdul , Ahmad Muhammad Shakeel , Selvaraj Jeyraj , Pandey A. K. , Abd Rahim Nasrudin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Polymer electrolyte membrane-based water electrolysis technology is a productive method for converting electrical energy into hydrogen. To improve and optimize the performance of the water electrolytic system, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzer is an excellent choice. AEM possess inadequacies in cation structural design, and diversity in development approaches with each new cation inclusion. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a variety of poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)-based AEMs crosslinked with azonia-spiro undecane (ASU). The design process consists of three steps: first P-ASU making followed by quaternarization and then PPO bromination, followed by P-ASU and BPPO crosslinking. The membrane’s stability is enhanced by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG). PPO has outstanding mechanical and thermal stability, and its backbone can be functionalized through a variety of ways. Bromination was performed with quantitative control in this study. The developed membrane was examined using analytical tools (e.g., TGA, FTIR, HNMR, SEM). The results revealed that membrane demonstrated sufficient thermal stability between 150 °C and 250 °C as degradation phase. Characterization results also contribute to accurately measuring membrane surface morphology and stability at 4.38 ppm and 3.13–3.24 ppm transition from the–CH2Br group to the–N+(CH3)3 groups by new peaks. The composition and properties were analyzed to validate successful crosslinking and functionalization of the membrane.