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Many states rely upon the Pennsylvania 1957 Gas Well Pillar Study to evaluate the coal barrier surrounding gas wells. The study included 77 gas well failure cases that occurred in the Pittsburgh and Freeport coal seams over a 25-year span. At the time, coal was mined using the room-and-pillar mining method with full or partial pillar recovery, and square or rectangle pillars surrounding the gas wells were left to protect the wells. The study provided guidelines for pillar sizes under different overburden depths up to 213 m (700 ft). The 1957 study has also been used to determine gas well pillar sizes in longwall mines since longwall mining began in the 1970 s. The original study was developed for room-and-pillar mining and could be applied to gas wells in longwall chain pillars under shallow cover. However, under deep cover, severe deformations in gas wells have occurred in longwall chain pillars. Presently, with a better understanding of coal pillar mechanics, new insight into subsidence movements induced by retreat mining, and advances in numerical modeling, it has become both critically important and feasible to evaluate the adequacy of the 1957 study for longwall gas well pillars. In this paper, the data from the 1957 study is analyzed from a new perspective by considering various factors, including overburden depth, failure location, failure time, pillar safety factor (SF), and floor pressure. The pillar SF and floor pressure are calculated by considering abutment pressure induced by full pillar recovery. A statistical analysis is performed to find correlations between various factors and helps identify the most significant factors for the stability of gas wells influenced by retreat mining. Through analyzing the data from the 1957 study, the guidelines for gas well pillars in the 1957 study are evaluated for their adequacy for room-and-pillar mining and their applicability to longwall mining. Numerical modeling is used to model the stability of gas wells by quantifying the mining-induced stresses in gas well casings. Results of this study indicate that the guidelines in the 1957 study may be appropriate for pillars protecting conventional gas wells in both room-and-pillar mining and longwall mining under overburden depths up to 213 m (700 ft), but may not be sufficient for protective pillars under deep cover. The current evaluation of the 1957 study provides not only insights about potential gas well failures caused by retreat mining but also implications for what critical considerations should be taken into account to protect gas wells in longwall mining.

Longwall mining has a significant influence on gas wells located within longwall chain pillars. Subsurface subsidence and abutment pressure induced by longwall mining can cause excessive stresses and deformations in gas well casings. If the gas well casings are compromised or ruptured, natural gas could migrate into the mine workings, potentially causing a fire or explosion. By the current safety regulations, the gas wells in the chain pillars have to be either plugged or protected by adequate coal pillars. The current regulations for gas well pillar design are based on the 1957 Pennsylvania gas well pillar study. The study provided guidelines for gas well pillars by considering their support area and overburden depth as well as the location of the gas wells within the pillars. As the guidelines were developed for room-and-pillar mining under shallow cover, they are no longer applicable to modern longwall coal mining, particularly, under deep cover. Gas well casing of failures have occurred even though the chain pillars for the gas wells met the requirements by the 1957 study. This study, conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), presents seven cases of conventional gas wells penetrating through longwall chain pillars in the Pittsburgh Coal Seam. The study results indicate that overburden depth and pillar size are not the only determining factors for gas well stability. The other important factors include subsurface ground movement, overburden geology, weak floor, as well as the type of the construction of gas wells. Numerical modeling was used to model abutment pressure, subsurface deformations, and the response of gas well casings. The study demonstrated that numerical models are able to predict with reasonable accuracy the subsurface deformations in the overburden above, within, and below the chain pillars, and the potential location and modes of gas well failures, thereby providing a more quantifiable approach to assess the stability of the gas wells in longwall chain pillars. Keywords: Longwall mining, Gas well, Chain pillar, Casing stability

Roof falls in longwall headgate can occur when weak roof and high horizontal stress are present. To prevent roof falls in the headgate under high horizontal stress, it is important to understand the ground response to high horizontal stress in the longwall headgate and the requirements for supplemental roof support. In this study, a longwall headgate under high horizontal stress was instrumented to monitor stress change in the pillars, deformations in the roof, and load in the cable bolts. The conditions in the headgate were monitored for about six months as the longwall face passed by the instrumented site. The roof behavior in the headgate near the face was carefully observed during longwall retreat. Numerical modeling was performed to correlate the modeling results with underground observation and instrumentation data and to quantify the effect of high horizontal stress on roof stability in the longwall headgate. This paper discusses roof support requirements in the longwall headgate under high horizontal stress in regard to the pattern of supplemental cable bolts and the critical locations where additional supplemental support is necessary. Keywords: Longwall mining, Longwall headgate, High horizontal stress, Supplemental support

Abstract Background The Retinal Function Imager (RFI) provides in vivo and noninvasive imaging of both the retinal structure and function. Review The RFI can create capillary perfusion maps, measure blood flow velocity, and determine metabolic function including blood oximetry. It can aid clinical diagnosis as well as assess treatment response in several retinal vascular diseases including diabetic retinopathy. Blood flow velocity abnormalities have also been implicated in disease such as age-related macular degeneration and require further investigation. Compared with optical coherence tomography angiography, the RFI produces capillary maps of comparable image quality and wider field of view but it is unable to provide depth-resolved information and has longer image acquisition time. Currently, functional imaging using blood oximetry has limited applications and additional research is required. Conclusion The RFI offers noninvasive, high-resolution imaging of retinal microvasculature by creating capillary perfusion maps. In addition, it is capable of measuring retinal blood velocity directly and performs functional imaging with retinal blood oximetry. Its clinical applications are broad and additional research with functional imaging may potentially lead to diagnosis of diseases and their progression before anatomic abnormalities become evident, but longer image acquisition times may limit its clinical adoption.

PURPOSE:Prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has utility in detecting post-radiotherapy local recurrence. We conducted a multireader study to evaluate the diagnostic performance of mpMRI for local recurrence after low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy.METHODS:A total of 19 patients with biochemical recurrence after LDR brachytherapy underwent 3T endorectal coil mpMRI with T2-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging (DCE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with pathologic confirmation. Prospective reads by an experienced prostate radiologist were compared with reads from 4 radiologists of varying experience. Readers identified suspicious lesions and rated each MRI detection parameter. MRI-detected lesions were considered true-positive with ipsilateral pathologic confirmation. Inferences for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), kappa, and index of specific agreement were made with the use of bootstrap resampling.RESULTS:Pathologically confirmed recurrence was found in 15 of 19 patients. True positive recurrences identified by mpMRI were frequently located in the transition zone (46.7%) and seminal vesicles (30%). On patient-based analysis, average sensitivity of mpMRI was 88% (standard error [SE], 3.5%). For highly suspicious lesions, specificity of mpMRI was 75% (SE, 16.5%). On lesion-based analysis, the average PPV was 62% (SE, 6.7%) for all lesions and 78.7% (SE, 10.3%) for highly suspicious lesions. The average PPV for lesions invading the seminal vesicles was 88.8% (n=13). The average PPV was 66.6% (SE, 5.8%) for lesions identified with T2-weighted imaging, 64.9% (SE, 7.3%) for DCE, and 70% (SE, 7.3%) for DWI.CONCLUSION:This series provides evidence that mpMRI after LDR brachytherapy is feasible with a high patient-based cancer detection rate. Radiologists of varying experience demonstrated moderate agreement in detecting recurrence.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) are recognized approaches for locating paragangliomas. Recently, gallium-68 DOTA-octreotate (DOTATATE) scans have shown promise detecting neuroendocrine tumors missed by FDG-PET and MRI. 13-year-old male with SDH-B mutation presented with symptoms of paraganglioma and elevated catecholamines. MRI did not demonstrate the T2 hyper intense signal typical of paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma; FDG-PET scan did not reveal increased foci of uptake. DOTATATE scan revealed a signal consistent only with residual adrenal tissue. Resection of the right adrenal bed revealed paraganglioma. Following surgery, no further symptoms were reported and biochemical tests normalized.

To investigate patients' perception of glaucomatous VF loss and its association with glaucoma severity using the Amsler grid test.In this prospective cross-sectional study, glaucoma patients with abnormal 10-2 Humphrey Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm-standard VF tests were enrolled consecutively. All patients underwent a black-on-white Amsler grid test for each eligible eye. They were asked to outline any perceived scotomas (areas with abnormal grid lines) on the grid and then describe verbally their perception of the scotomas. Examiners asked patients to clarify their descriptions. All descriptions used by patients were recorded in their own words, which were then sorted into descriptor categories according to similar themes. The number of descriptor categories was counted for each eye. 10-2 VF mean deviation (MD) was compared among eyes that reported different number of descriptor categories. The mean 10-2 VF MD values were compared among different descriptor categories.Fifty glaucoma patients (88 eyes) were included. Patients used a total of 44 different descriptors for their scotomas. Patients' descriptors were classified into categories that incorporated similar themes, resulting in 4 overarching descriptor categories: Missing/White, Blurry/Gray, Black, and Not Aware. Fifty-two eyes reported one descriptor category and 19 eyes reported two descriptor categories (mean number of descriptor categories = 1.27±0.45). Eyes that reported two descriptor categories had worse VF MD than those that reported one (-17.86±10.31 dB vs. -12.08±7.53 dB; p = 0.012). When eyes were organized according to its combination of descriptor categories, each eye naturally sorted into one of the following 5 groups, in frequency order: Missing/White (27 eyes; 31%), Blurry/Gray (21 eyes; 24%), combined Missing/White and Blurry/Gray (19 eyes; 21%), Not Aware (17 eyes; 19%), and Black (4 eyes; 5%). The mean 10-2 VF MD severity order was Black (-21.18±10.59 dB), combined Missing/White and Blurry/Gray (-17.86±10.31 dB), Missing/White (-11.92±6.76 dB), Blurry/Gray (-10.55±7.03 dB), and Not Aware (-3.91±4.05 dB) (p

Prostate cancer is the most common non–skin-related cancer in men. With advances in technology, the care and treatment for men with this disease continues to become more complex. Large databases offer researchers a unique opportunity to conduct prostate cancer research in various areas, and provide important information that helps patients and providers determine prognosis after treatment. Furthermore, the studies using these databases may provide information on how side effects from various treatments can affect one's quality of life. Finally, information from these datasets can help to identify factors that determine why patients receive the treatments they do. Despite this, these databases are not without limitations. In this review, we discuss various available, national, multicenter, and institutional databases in the context of prostate cancer research, citing numerous important studies that have impacted on our understanding of prostate cancer outcomes.

We report on thermal and evanescent field sensing from a tellurium oxide optical microcavity resonator on a silicon photonics platform. The on-chip resonator structure is fabricated using silicon-photonics-compatible processing steps and consists of a silicon-on-insulator waveguide next to a circular trench that is coated in a tellurium oxide film. We characterize the device’s sensitivity by both changing the temperature and coating water over the chip and measuring the corresponding shift in the cavity resonance wavelength for different tellurium oxide film thicknesses. We obtain a thermal sensitivity of up to 47 pm/°C and a limit of detection of 2.2 × 10−3 RIU for a device with an evanescent field sensitivity of 10.6 nm/RIU. These results demonstrate a promising approach to integrating tellurium oxide and other novel microcavity materials into silicon microphotonic circuits for new sensing applications.

Stigma and discrimination continue to persist in the leprosy village of Sumberglagah, despite government efforts to provide social assistance and community empowerment programs. This article aims to uncover the dynamics of communication and the perceptions of village elites and community members regarding the effectiveness of various government policies targeting Sumberglagah. Utilizing elite theory and a three-dimensional framework—cognitive, affective, and conative—the study employs a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with five elite village informants, while quantitative data were collected from a survey of 100 respondents in Tanjungkenongo village. Findings indicate that, from the elite perspective, government programs are perceived as relatively ineffective in addressing the needs of the leprosy community, primarily due to a culture of reliance on external assistance from both government and non-government sources. In contrast, quantitative analysis reveals that the community generally expresses satisfaction with government programs, with an average satisfaction score exceeding 4. However, there is notable skepticism regarding the long-term impact of these programs, as reflected in the low community engagement with government-initiated empowerment programs. This study highlights the divergence in perceptions between elites and the community concerning government interventions, emphasizing the need for more effective and culturally attuned strategies to address the unique challenges faced by leprosy-affected communities. Abstrak Stigma dan diskriminasi masih terjadi di desa leprosy Sumberglagah, meskipun pemerintah telah berupaya memberikan program bantuan sosial dan pemberdayaan masyarakat. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap dinamika komunikasi dan persepsi elit desa serta masyarakat terkait efektivitas berbagai kebijakan pemerintah di Sumberglagah. Dengan menggunakan teori elit dan kerangka tiga dimensi—kognitif, afektif, dan konatif—penelitian ini mengadopsi pendekatan metode campuran. Data kualitatif diperoleh dari wawancara dengan lima informan elit desa, sementara data kuantitatif diperoleh melalui survei terhadap 100 responden di desa Tanjungkenongo. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa dari perspektif elit, program pemerintah cenderung dianggap kurang efektif dalam memenuhi kebutuhan komunitas leprosy, disebabkan oleh budaya ketergantungan pada bantuan dari pihak pemerintah dan non-pemerintah. Sebaliknya, analisis kuantitatif mengungkapkan bahwa masyarakat umumnya merasa puas dengan program pemerintah, dengan rata-rata skor kepuasan melebihi 4. Namun, terdapat skeptisisme mengenai dampak jangka panjang dari program tersebut, tercermin dari rendahnya partisipasi masyarakat dalam program pemberdayaan yang diinisiasi pemerintah. Penelitian ini menyoroti perbedaan persepsi antara elit dan masyarakat tentang intervensi pemerintah, menekankan perlunya strategi yang lebih efektif dan sesuai dengan konteks budaya untuk menghadapi tantangan unik yang dihadapi komunitas yang terkena dampak lepra. Keywords: Policy; Elite; Village Community; Leprosy

Purpose: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the persistent absence of sperm in ejaculate without obstruction, stemming from diverse disease processes. This survey explores global practices in NOA diagnosis, comparing them with guidelines and offering expert recommendations. Materials and Methods:Materials and Methods: A 56-item questionnaire survey on NOA diagnosis and management was conducted globally from July to September 2022. This paper focuses on part 1, evaluating NOA diagnosis. Data from 367 participants across 49 coun-tries were analyzed descriptively, with a Delphi process used for expert recommendations. Results:Results: Of 336 eligible responses, most participants were experienced attending physicians (70.93%). To diagnose azoosper-mia definitively, 81.7% requested two semen samples. Commonly ordered hormone tests included serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (97.0%), total testosterone (92.9%), and luteinizing hormone (86.9%). Genetic testing was requested by 66.6%, with karyotype analysis (86.2%) and Y chromosome microdeletions (88.3%) prevalent. Diagnostic testicular biopsy, distinguishing obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA, was not performed by 45.1%, while 34.6% did it selectively. Differ-entiation relied on physical examination (76.1%), serum hormone profiles (69.6%), and semen tests (68.1%). Expectations of finding sperm surgically were higher in men with normal FSH, larger testes, and a history of sperm in ejaculate. Conclusions:Conclusions: This expert survey, encompassing 367 participants from 49 countries, unveils congruence with recommended guidelines in NOA diagnosis. However, noteworthy disparities in practices suggest a need for evidence-based, international consensus guidelines to standardize NOA evaluation, addressing existing gaps in professional recommendations.

Abstract Senecavirus A (SVA), an emerging virus that causes vesicular disease in swine, was, until recently, the only member of the Senecavirus genus (Picornaviridae). Here, we report the isolation and complete genome sequence of two isolates of cetacean picornavirus 1 (Senecavirus cetus), a novel picornavirus species of the Senecavirus genus from dead stranded cetaceans from Alaska. One isolate was from a harbor porpoise stranded in 2017, and another from a beluga whale, stranded in 2019. Whole-genome sequencing of Senecavirus cetus strains showed a genome-wide nucleotide identity of 98.8% and a genome size of 7455 nucleotides. The Senecavirus cetus genomes are most similar to SVA with a 58.3% genome-wide pairwise nucleotide identity. Infection of eleven available cell lines from terrestrial and aquatic animals showed that beluga and sheep cells were susceptible to infection by Senecavirus cetus. Phylogenetic and ancestral state reconstruction analyses supported the novel virus being a member of the Senecavirus genus and provided the first evidence of Senecavirus-like picornavirus infecting marine mammals and likely descending from a terrestrial host ancestor. These discoveries provided important information on the evolutionary relationships and taxonomy of picornaviruses and increased our understanding of the genomic characteristics and potential host range of Senecavirus cetus.

ObjectivesPregnant women are at increased risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and adverse neonatal outcome, primarily preterm birth and stillbirth. Our study aimed to investigate to which extent SARS-CoV-2 affects placental tissue and if viral replication within the placenta is evident, thus if there is a correlation between placental damage and adverse pregnancy outcome such as stillbirth.MethodsWe prospectively collected placentas from 61 SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women and 10 controls. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and in situ hybridization studies were performed on all placentas with antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 proteins, ACE2, various immune cells, and inflammatory markers or probes for SARS-CoV-2 genes and an antisense strand.ResultsThe measured scores of SARS-CoV-2 glycoprotein, nucleocapsid, and antisense strand indicating replication correlated with both the severity of maternal symptoms and presence of stillbirth. Specifically, 15/61 placentas exhibited replication, while the three cases with stillbirth had high or maximal replication scores. ACE2-H-score was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients, while the expression of various immune cells did not differ statistically. In multivariate analysis, presence of maternal comorbidities correlated with presence of severe COVID-19 infection.ConclusionWe report evidence of active in vivo SARS-CoV-2 replication in the placenta after maternal infection in pregnancy in a case–control setting in a large population. Intensity of placental viral replication as well as viral levels were higher in women with severe or critical COVID-19 disease, supporting the rationale that severity of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection could correlate with the severity of placentitis. Replication was maximal in cases of stillbirth, which suggests direct placental involvement in the pathophysiology of this dramatic outcome. Continuing to advocate for preventive measures against COVID-19 during pregnancy, including (re)vaccination, as well as appropriately counseling women with diagnosed infection, are of utter importance.

Abstract Reduced hippocampal volume occurs in major depressive disorder (MDD), potentially due to elevated glucocorticoids from an overactivated hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. To examine this in humans, hippocampal volume and hypothalamus (HPA axis) metabolism was quantified in participants with MDD before and after antidepressant treatment. 65 participants (n = 24 males, n = 41 females) with MDD were treated in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial of escitalopram. Participants received simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after treatment. Linear mixed models examined the relationship between hippocampus/dentate gyrus volume and hypothalamus metabolism. Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression examined the association between hippocampus/dentate gyrus volume change direction and hypothalamus activity change direction with treatment. Multiple linear regression compared these changes between remitter and non-remitter groups. Covariates included age, sex, and treatment type. No significant linear association was found between hippocampus/dentate gyrus volume and hypothalamus metabolism. 62% (38 of 61) of participants experienced a decrease in hypothalamus metabolism, 43% (27 of 63) of participants demonstrated an increase in hippocampus size (51% [32 of 63] for the dentate gyrus) following treatment. No significant association was found between change in hypothalamus activity and change in hippocampus/dentate gyrus volume, and this association did not vary by sex, medication, or remission status. As this multimodal study, in a cohort of participants on standardized treatment, did not find an association between hypothalamus metabolism and hippocampal volume, it supports a more complex pathway between hippocampus neurogenesis and hypothalamus metabolism changes in response to treatment.

Abstract Introduction This article examines the potential of using liquid biopsy with piRNAs to study cancer survival outcomes. While previous studies have explored the relationship between piRNA expression and cancer patient outcomes, a comprehensive investigation is still lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature. Methods We searched major online databases up to February 2024 to identify articles reporting on the role of piRNA in cancer patient survival outcomes. Our meta-analysis used a random-effects model to pool hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and assess the prognostic value of deregulated piRNA-823. For survival analysis, the Kaplan–Meier method and COX analysis were used. Results Out of 6104 articles screened, 20 met our inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed that dysregulated piRNA expression is associated with cancer patient survival outcomes. Specifically, our meta-analysis found that overexpression of piR-823 is significantly linked with poorer overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer and renal cell cancer (HR: 3.82, 95% CI = [1.81, 8.04], I2 = 70%). Conclusion Our findings suggest that various piRNAs may play a role in cancer survival outcomes and that piRNA-823 in particular holds promise as a prognostic biomarker for multiple human cancers. Implications for cancer survivors Our systematic review and meta-analysis of piRNA-823 has important implications for cancer survivors. Our findings suggest that piRNA-823 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for predicting cancer recurrence and survival rates. This information can help clinicians develop personalized treatment plans for cancer survivors, which can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of recurrence.

E-government refers to utilizing information technology in public information services as a means of innovating government functions related to public services. The objective of this study is to examine and analyze the progress of e-government in the implementation of the public information disclosure initiative in the Pamekasan Regency. This study employs a qualitative methodology utilizing descriptive techniques. The study was carried out at the information and documentation management agency under the Local Government of Pamekasan in Indonesia. The findings in this study indicate that the progress of the e-government information management infrastructure and documentation has been satisfactory. The public can utilize this information service through their electronic devices, however, the accessibility remains inconsistent. The public service site has been consolidated with multiple affiliated entities. This research makes a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge and practical implementation of government information disclosure in public services. By focusing on contemporary data, this research offers a unique and distinctive perspective within the context of analysis. Keywords: E-government, information policy, information disclosure, public communication ABSTRAK E-government merujuk pada penggunaan teknologi informasi dalam layanan informasi publik sebagai cara untuk menginnovasikan fungsi pemerintah terkait dengan layanan publik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengevaluasi dan menganalisis kemajuan e-government dalam pelaksanaan inisiatif pengungkapan informasi publik di Kabupaten Pamekasan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif dengan menggunakan teknik deskriptif. Penelitian dilakukan di lembaga manajemen informasi dan dokumentasi di bawah Pemerintah Daerah Pamekasan, Indonesia. Temuan dalam penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kemajuan infrastruktur manajemen informasi dan dokumentasi e-government telah memuaskan. Masyarakat umum dapat memanfaatkan layanan informasi ini melalui perangkat elektronik mereka, namun, aksesibilitasnya masih tidak konsisten. Situs layanan publik telah dikonsolidasikan dengan beberapa entitas terafiliasi. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi berharga terhadap pengetahuan yang ada dan implementasi praktis pengungkapan informasi pemerintah dalam layanan publik. Dengan fokus pada data kontemporer, penelitian ini menawarkan perspektif yang unik dan khas dalam konteks analisis. Kata Kunci: E-government, kebijakan informasi, pengungkapan informasi, komunikasi publik

AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to evaluate the utilisation of all prescribed drugs during pregnancy dispensed in outpatient care in Switzerland between 2015 and 2021. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive study using the Swiss Helsana claims database (2015-2021). We established a cohort of pregnancies by identifying deliveries and estimating the date of the last menstrual period. We analysed the drug burden during a 270-day pre-pregnancy period, during pregnancy (overall and by trimester), and during a 270-day postpartum period. Subsequently, we quantified 1) the median number of drug dispensations (total vs. unique drug claims); and 2) the prevalence of exposure to at least one dispensed drug and the number of dispensed drugs (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5); and 3) the 15 most frequently dispensed drugs were identified during each period, overall and stratified by maternal age. RESULTS: Among 34,584 pregnant women (5.6% of all successful pregnancies in Switzerland), 87.5% claimed at least one drug (not including vitamins, supplements, and vaccines), and 33.3% claimed at least five drugs during pregnancy. During trimester 1 alone, 8.2% of women claimed at least five distinct drugs. The proportion of women who claimed prescribed drugs was lower pre-pregnancy (69.1%) and similar postpartum (85.6%) when compared to during pregnancy (87.5%). The most frequently claimed drugs during pregnancy were meaningfully different during pregnancy than before and after. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that 8 of 10 women in Switzerland are exposed to prescribed drugs during pregnancy. Most drugs dispensed during pregnancy are comparatively well investigated and are considered safe. However, the high drug burden in this vulnerable patient population underlines the importance of evidence on the benefit-risk profile of individual drugs taken during pregnancy.

Introduction Preterm birth (

The education curriculum in Indonesia continues to evolve with the times. Recently, the education system transitioned from the 2013 Curriculum to the Merdeka Curriculum. This research aims to analyze the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in Christian Education Lessons, highlighting its impact and effectiveness. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to understanding curriculum development in Indonesia and how the Merdeka Curriculum aligns with national educational goals and the Pancasila student profile. A literature review methodology was employed, gathering relevant information from the Google Scholar database and other sources. Data were analyzed using a SWOT framework to identify key considerations in implementing the Independent Curriculum, aiming to maximize opportunities and minimize threats. The findings indicate that the Merdeka Curriculum aligns with the vision of Indonesian Education, promoting life competencies in students. This vision supports the Pancasila student profile, emphasizing differentiated learning to meet individual student interests and needs. The analysis involved a systematic literature review, data extraction, and SWOT analysis to synthesize and interpret the findings.

Summary: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses have spread at an unprecedented scale, leading to mass mortalities in birds and mammals. In 2023, a transatlantic incursion of HPAI A(H5N5) viruses into North America was detected, followed shortly thereafter by a mammalian detection. As these A(H5N5) viruses were similar to contemporary viruses described in Eurasia, the transatlantic spread of A(H5N5) viruses was most likely facilitated by pelagic seabirds. Some of the Canadian A(H5N5) viruses from birds and mammals possessed the PB2-E627K substitution known to facilitate adaptation to mammals. Ferrets inoculated with A(H5N5) viruses showed rapid, severe disease onset, with some evidence of direct contact transmission. However, these viruses have maintained receptor binding traits of avian influenza viruses and were susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir. Understanding the factors influencing the virulence and transmission of A(H5N5) in migratory birds and mammals is critical to minimize impacts on wildlife and public health.

IntroductionIt is well established that personality traits impact cognition, as certain personality factors are associated with performance in specific cognitive domains. However, the findings on the relationships between the Big Five traits and cognition are mixed. Additionally, few studies have explored these relationships in older adults with a history of depression. The present study aimed to (a) evaluate the impact of the Big Five personality traits in older adults with and without a lifetime history of depression; and (b) test the hypotheses that higher trait neuroticism would correlate negatively with cognitive performance, while openness to experience would correlate positively with cognition.MethodsThe sample consisted of 138 participants between the ages of 55 and 78 (M = 65.56, SD = 6.36). Sixty-two participants met criteria for current or remitted Major Depressive Disorder, while 76 had no history of depression or other mental health disorders. Participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Personality was assessed using the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R), while depression status was determined using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Following a series of Pearson correlations of cognitive variables and the five personality factors, linear regression models were estimated for each significant correlation. Demographic variables (i.e., age, education and sex) were entered in block 1, depression status (never vs. ever) was entered in block 2, and the personality factor score, or sub-facet was entered in block 3.ResultsNeuroticism was not associated with cognitive performance on any outcome measure. The facets Openness to Feelings and Openness to Values were positively related to phonemic fluency. Further Openness to Values was positively related to cognitive flexibility.DiscussionOur results suggest that older people who are (a) more capable of identifying and understanding their feelings and the feelings of others, and (b) who are more willing to re-examine social, political, and religious values perform stronger on tasks measuring verbal fluency and cognitive flexibility, which are aspects of executive functioning. Interventions that aim to enhance open mindedness in older adults may have a parallel impact on improving executive functioning, though this would need to be examined prospectively.

Current treatments of cardiac arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation involve the application of a high-energy electric shock, that induces significant electrical currents in the myocardium and therefore involves severe side effects like possible tissue damage and post-traumatic stress. Using numerical simulations on four different models of 2D excitable media, this study demonstrates that low energy pulses applied shortly after local minima in the mean value of the transmembrane potential provide high success rates. We evaluate the performance of this approach for ten initial conditions of each model, ten spatially different stimuli, and different shock amplitudes. The investigated models of 2D excitable media cover a broad range of dominant frequencies and number of phase singularities, which demonstrates, that our findings are not limited to a specific kind of model or parameterization of it. Thus, we propose a method that incorporates the dynamics of the underlying system, even during pacing, and solely relies on a scalar observable, which is easily measurable in numerical simulations.

Summary: Background: Mucositis is a common and highly impactful side effect of conventional and emerging cancer therapy and thus the subject of intense investigation. Although common practice, mucositis assessment is heterogeneously adopted and poorly guided, impacting evidence synthesis and translation. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Mucositis Study Group (MSG) therefore aimed to establish expert recommendations for how existing mucositis assessment tools should be used, in clinical care and trials contexts, to improve the consistency of mucositis assessment. Methods: This study was conducted over two stages (January 2022–July 2023). The first phase involved a survey to MASCC-MSG members (January 2022–May 2022), capturing current practices, challenges and preferences. These then informed the second phase, in which a set of initial recommendations were prepared and refined using the Delphi method (February 2023–May 2023). Consensus was defined as agreement on a parameter by >80% of respondents. Findings: Seventy-two MASCC-MSG members completed the first phase of the study (37 females, 34 males, mainly oral care specialists). High variability was noted in the use of mucositis assessment tools, with a high reliance on clinician assessment compared to patient reported outcome measures (PROMs, 47% vs 3%, 37% used a combination). The World Health Organization (WHO) and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) scales were most commonly used to assess mucositis across multiple settings. Initial recommendations were reviewed by experienced MSG members and following two rounds of Delphi survey consensus was achieved in 91 of 100 recommendations. For example, in patients receiving chemotherapy, the recommended tool for clinician assessment in clinical practice is WHO for oral mucositis (89.5% consensus), and WHO or CTCAE for gastrointestinal mucositis (85.7% consensus). The recommended PROM in clinical trials is OMD/WQ for oral mucositis (93.3% consensus), and PRO-CTCAE for gastrointestinal mucositis (83.3% consensus). Interpretation: These new recommendations provide much needed guidance on mucositis assessment and may be applied in both clinical practice and research to streamline comparison and synthesis of global data sets, thus accelerating translation of new knowledge into clinical practice. Funding: No funding was received.

Resumen: Objetivos: valorar la repercusión de la alteración de la continuidad asistencial en los pacientes diabéticos de nuestro departamento de salud durante el confinamiento. Comprobar si el confinamiento supuso o no una alteración del grado de control de nuestros pacientes diabéticos tipo 2. Saber si nuestros pacientes diabéticos se encontraban adecuadamente controlados antes de iniciarse la pandemia. Saber si la pandemia ha supuesto un deterioro de su grado de control. Material y método: estudio retrospectivo entre los años 2019 y 2020 de los pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 de nuestra área de salud. A través de la aplicación «Alumbra» se obtuvo una muestra aleatorizada de nuestros pacientes diagnosticados de diabéticos tipo 2 mayores de 18 hasta los 100 años. Se informó al paciente si quería entrar en el estudio, y tras el consentimiento expreso, se le preguntó sobre sus hábitos de vida, se realizó una revisión de la historia clínica con los datos consignados antes del inicio del confinamiento (año 2019) y durante los meses del confinamiento del 2020. Resultados: se dispuso de 882 pacientes (88,28%) con determinaciones de HbA1c en 2019 con una media de 7,08. Se dispuso de 800 pacientes (88,98%) con determinaciones de HbA1c en 2020 con una media de 7,02. Se produjo una reducción en los hábitos de consumo de alcohol, tabaco y refrescos, pero también se produjo una reducción en el ejercicio físico (33% vs. 22%) y en la realización de una dieta diabética (34% vs. 24%). En la muestra analizada se produjo una reducción en el consumo de alcohol de los datos obtenidos en 2019 a los obtenidos en 2020 (22% vs. 13%). Se produjo un incremento de la obesidad que pasa de 77,7% a 90,4% en el 2020. Se observó que no se producen cambios en los porcentajes en enfermedades como la dislipidemia, fibrilación auricular, artrosis o accidente cerebrovascular. Conclusión: las consecuencias asociadas a la pandemia en la salud son preocupantes, la disminución de consultas de agudos, las actividades preventivas y el retraso de los controles de pacientes crónicos tendrán un profundo impacto en el bienestar psicológico y socioeconómico de la población. Cobra especial importancia la mirada holística de la atención primaria (AP) y la necesidad de reforzar y repensar el sistema para aumentar su eficiencia. Abstract: Objective: To assess the impact of the alterations of continuity of care on diabetic patients in our health department during the confinement that caused the pandemic. Check whether or not confinement mean tan alteration in the degree of control of our type 2 diabetic patients. Know whether our diabetic patients were adequately coontrolled before the pandemic began. Know if the pandemic has led to a deterioration in its degree of control. Subject and method: Retrospective study between the years 2019 and 2020 of type 2 diabetic patients in our health area. Through the “Alumbra” application of our health area, a random sample of our patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes from 18 to 100 years of age was obtained. The patients was informed if they wanted to enter the study and after the patient´s express consent, the patient was asked about their lifestyle, habits and a review of the medical history was carried out with the data recorded before the confinement (year 2019) and during the months of confinement of 2020. Results: There were 882 patients (88.28%) with HbA1c determinations in 2019 with a mean of 7,08. There were 800 patients (88.98%) with HbA1c deteminations in 2020 with a mean of 7,02. There was a reduction in alcohol, tobacco and soft drink consumption habits, but there was also a reduction in physical exercise (33% to 22%) and is following a diabetic diet (34% to 24%). In the sample analyzed, there was a reduction in a alcohol consumption from the data obtained in 2019 to those obtained in 2020 (22% to 13%). There was an increase in obesity, which goes from 77,7% to 90,4%. It is observed that there is no change in the percentages in pathologies such as dislipemia, atrial fibrilation, osteoarthritis, and stroke. Conclussion: The consequences associated with the pandemic on health are worrying, the decrease in acute consultation, preventive activities and the delay in controls for chronic patients will have a profound impact on the psychological and socioeconomic well being of populations. The holistic view of the Primary Care and the need to strengthen and rethink the system to increase its effciency are of particular importance.

Introducción. Los sistemas de producción de maíz criollo revisten enorme importancia socioeconómica en Yucatán, estos agroecosistemas incluyen el cultivo, la vegetación herbácea o arbórea circundante (bordes del cultivo y áreas aledañas de vegetación secundaria), las cuales pueden servir de reservorio para enemigos naturales de insectos (Guevara-Hernández et al., 2015). Objetivo. Determinar las familias de parasitoides asociadas a un agroecosistema de maíz criollo. Métodos. Se estableció un cultivo de maíz criollo en el municipio de Conkal. La plantación se estableció en un marco de distancia de 0.4 m entre puntos de dos plantas en líneas separadas a 1 m. El muestreo de insectos se realizó con red de golpeo durante la etapa V6 a la V12 del cultivo de maíz, en los bordes y en áreas aledañas (pasto estrella). Los insectos recolectados fueron identificados con claves dicotómicas. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados mediante el software iNEXT Online y se construyeron curvas de Whittaker. Resultados y discusión. La abundancia fue mayor en los bordes del cultivo y áreas aledañas de pasto estrella, sin diferencias en la diversidad. Se encontraron las familias de parasitoides Braconidae, Pteromalidae, Chalcididae, Ichneumonidae, Eulophidae, Figitidae y Tachinidae. Los insectos benéficos demostraron estar presentes en el cultivo de maíz, estos resultados son similares al estudio de Hernández-Aranda (2022). Otro estudio indica que la presencia de arvenses favorece la presencia de insectos benéficos en los agroecosistemas, principalmente familias de parasitoides: Eulophidae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, Pteromalidae y Tachinidae Sánchez et al. (2018). Conclusión: La presencia de vegetación secundaria promueve un aumento significativo en la población de insectos benéficos en los agroecosistemas de maíz criollo.

Despite the increasing number of mobile-based interventions to quit smoking over the last years, few studies have investigated the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions blended with smartphone Apps. The present pilot study aims to examine the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of a cognitive-behavioral treatment combined with a smartphone App, compared to the same psychological treatment without the App. The sample comprised 206 treatment-seeking smokers, who were assigned to: 1) an experimental group receiving a cognitive-behavioral intervention combined with the “Non Fumo” App (n = 102), and 2) a control group receiving only the cognitive-behavioral intervention to quit smoking (n = 104). Results concerning the primary outcomes showed no significant differences between conditions in point-prevalence abstinence rates at 12-month follow-up (35.30 % in the experimental group vs. 31.70 % in the control group) and in treatment acceptability. Regarding the secondary outcomes, both groups obtained similar point-prevalence abstinence rates at the end of treatment (61.80 % vs. 65.40 %), at 3-month (42.20 % vs. 45.20 %, respectively) and 6-month follow-ups (37.30 % vs. 37.50 %). No significant differences were found between conditions in prolonged abstinence rates at 6-month (35.3 % vs. 35.6 %) and 12-month follow-ups (30.4 % vs. 26.9 %). Overall, good abstinence rates and treatment acceptability were obtained, although there were no significant differences between conditions. More research is needed to establish clear conclusions about the efficacy of psychological smoking cessation treatments blended with smartphone Apps.

Abstract The Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) inhibitor ceralasertib in combination with the PD-L1 antibody durvalumab demonstrated encouraging clinical benefit in melanoma and lung cancer patients who progressed on immunotherapy. Here we show that modelling of intermittent ceralasertib treatment in mouse tumor models reveals CD8+ T-cell dependent antitumor activity, which is separate from the effects on tumor cells. Ceralasertib suppresses proliferating CD8+ T-cells on treatment which is rapidly reversed off-treatment. Ceralasertib causes up-regulation of type I interferon (IFNI) pathway in cancer patients and in tumor-bearing mice. IFNI is experimentally found to be a major mediator of antitumor activity of ceralasertib in combination with PD-L1 antibody. Improvement of T-cell function after ceralasertib treatment is linked to changes in myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. IFNI also promotes anti-proliferative effects of ceralasertib on tumor cells. Here, we report that broad immunomodulatory changes following intermittent ATR inhibition underpins the clinical therapeutic benefit and indicates its wider impact on antitumor immunity.

Purpose: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to study the impact of varicocele repair in the largest cohort of infertile males with clinical varicocele by including all available studies, with no language restrictions, comparing intra-person conventional semen parameters before and after the repair of varicoceles. Materials and Methods: The meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA-P and MOOSE guidelines. A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Eligible studies were selected according to the PICOS model (Population: infertile male patients with clinical varicocele; Intervention: varicocele repair; Comparison: intraperson before-after varicocele repair; Outcome: conventional semen parameters; Study type: randomized controlled trials [RCTs], observational and case-control studies). Results: Out of 1,632 screened abstracts, 351 articles (23 RCTs, 292 observational, and 36 case-control studies) were included in the quantitative analysis. The before-and-after analysis showed significant improvements in all semen parameters after varicocele repair (except sperm vitality); semen volume: standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.203, 95% CI: 0.129–0.278; p

Abstract This study explains the role of economic uncertainty as a bridge between business cycles and investors’ herding behavior. Starting with a conventional stochastic differential equation representing the evolution of stock returns, we provide a simple theoretical model and empirically demonstrate it. Specifically, the growth rate of gross domestic product and the power law exponent are used as proxies for business cycles and herding behavior, respectively. We find stronger herding behavior during recessions than during booms. We attribute this to economic uncertainty, which leads to strong behavioral bias in the stock market. These findings are consistent with the predictions of the quantum model.

Soil arthropod diversity contributes to a high proportion of the total biodiversity on Earth. However, most soil arthropods are still undescribed, hindering our understanding of soil functioning and global biodiversity estimations. Inventorying soil arthropods using conventional taxonomical approaches is particularly difficult and costly due to the great species richness, abundance and local-scale heterogeneity of mesofauna communities and the poor taxonomic background knowledge of most lineages. To alleviate this situation, we have designed and implemented a molecular barcoding framework adapted to soil fauna. This pipeline includes different steps, starting with a morphology-based selection of specimens which are imaged. Then, DNA is extracted non-destructively. Both images and voucher specimens are used to assign a taxonomic identification, based on morphology that is further checked for consistency with molecular information. Using this procedure, we studied 239 specimens of mites from the Canary Islands including representatives of Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes, of which we recovered barcode sequences for 168 specimens that were morphologically identified to 49 species, with nine specimens that could only be identified at the genus or family levels. Multiple species delimitation analyses were run to compare molecular delimitations with morphological identifications, including ASAP, mlPTP, BINs and 3% and 8% genetic distance thresholds. Additionally, a species-level search was carried out at the Biodiversity Databank of the Canary Islands (BIOTA) to evaluate the number of species in our dataset that were not previously recorded in the archipelago. In parallel, a sequence-level search of our sequences was performed against BOLD Systems. Our results reveal that multiple morphologically identified species correspond to different molecular lineages, which points to significant levels of unknown cryptic diversity within the archipelago. In addition, we evidenced that multiple species in our dataset constituted new records for the Canary Islands fauna and that the information for these lineages within online genetic repositories is very incomplete. Our study represents the first systematic effort to catalogue the soil arthropod mesofauna of the Canary Islands and establishes the basis for the Canary Islands Soil Biodiversity barcode database. This resource will constitute a step forward in the knowledge of these arthropods in a region of special interest.

This article describes the spiritual experience of being a Muslim and minority in Manila, the capital of Asia’s most populous Catholic country, the Philippines. This research used an ethnography approach to understand how Muslims in Manila negotiate their identity as Muslims as well as Filipinos who live in Barangay as a minority and face bad sentiment, especially after the Battle of Marawi and the Maguindanao Massacre. This research found that even when facing negative stigma on most of the national media coverage after the Battle of Marawi and the Maguindanao Massacre, Muslims in Manila feel that they are free to express their identity as Muslims, as Anak Bansa, and as Filipinos with their limitations. [Artikel ini menggambarkan pengalaman spiritual Muslim minoritas di Manila, Filipina, negara dengan umat Katolik terbesar di Asia. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan etnografi untuk melihat bagaimana Muslim di Manila menegosiasikan identitasnya sebagai orang Islam sekaligus sebagai orang Filipina yang hidup di Barangay sebagai minoritas, terutama dalam menghadapi sentimen buruk pasca Perang Marawi dan Pembantaian Maguindanao. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa meskipun menghadapi stigma buruk dalam hampir semua media nasional pasca Perang Marawi dan Pembantaian Maguindanao, orang Islam di Manila tetap merasa bebas mengekspresikan identitas mereka dengan segala keterbatasannya sebagai Muslim sekaligus sebagai Anak Bangsa dan orang Filipina.]

The spread of Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has had a negative impact on the tourism industry and the creative economy in Indonesia. Since February 2020 the number of foreign visitors coming to Indonesia has decreased. This also has an impact on state revenue in the tourism sector. Coupled with the existence of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) and the closure of access to and out of Indonesia, it has also caused a decrease in state revenue in the tourism sector. The purpose of this research is to find out the marketing communication of temple tourism destinations after the COVID-19 pandemic from a visitor perspective. This research is a research with a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out by interviewing visitors to temple tourism destinations (Prambanan Temple and Ratu Boko Temple). The conclusion from this research is that post-COVID-19 pandemic marketing communications for temple tourism destinations from the visitor's point of view have not been fully implemented. Because based on visitors, word of mouth is the strongest factor for visitors visiting temple tourist destinations.

Abstract This study aimed to test the efficacy of different silica-based toothpastes with or without chitosan, as a method of cleaning the acrylic surfaces of denture prostheses. Acrylic resin specimens were prepared to evaluate surface roughness and gloss (n = 10), and Candida albicans adhesion/inhibition (n = 2). Two toothpastes with different degrees of abrasiveness were used: Colgate (CT) and Elmex (EX), with or without 0.5% chitosan (Ch) microparticles (CTCh or EXCh, respectively). The negative control was brushed with distilled water. Brushing was simulated with a machine. Surface roughness and gloss were analyzed before and after brushing. Candida albicans incidence/inhibition was tested qualitatively to determine the acrylic resin antifungal activity. The roughness and gloss data were analyzed with a generalized linear model, and the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests, respectively (α = 5%). Brushing with toothpastes increased roughness and reduced gloss, compared with the negative control (p

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Routine treatment of PPH includes uterotonics, tranexamic acid, curettage, uterine (balloon) tamponade, compression sutures, uterine artery ligation, and, if available, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). In cases of severe PPH refractory to standard medical and surgical management, hysterectomy is usually the ultima ratio, and is equally associated with a higher rate of complications. In addition, this sudden loss of fertility, especially in young women, can be devastating. Here, we report a case of a 29-year-old woman who suffered from severe PPH with a blood loss > 1500 mL and hemodynamic instability after delivery of her first baby at a smaller hospital. She was consequently successfully treated with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) by first placing a balloon catheter into the infra-renal aorta and subsequent TAE after failure of all other available treatment options prior to hysterectomy. TAE has been suggested in PPH treatment to avoid hysterectomies and thus to preserve patients’ reproductive function. If hemodynamic stabilization cannot be achieved with mass transfusion, REBOA seems to be an effective rescue strategy with which to achieve hemodynamic stabilization and gain additional time for embolization. Although REBOA is already recommended in several PPH guidelines, this approach seems relatively unknown in German-speaking countries.