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In order to address the energy challenges of the near future, researchers are currently focused on developing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient phosphors for luminescence devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When it comes to this topic, older lighting devices such as halogen lamps, LCD backlights, incandescent lamps, and fluorescent lamps can be substituted with advanced next-generation lighting technology created with phosphor-transformed white LEDs. We've conducted a detailed analysis of the structural and optoelectronic characteristics of Cs-based phosphors Cs2MF6 (M = C, Ge, Pb, Si) for potential use in photoluminescence as well as photovoltaic applications such as LEDs. Utilizing the GGA scheme allows for an in-depth analysis of exchange and correlation energy potentials within density functional theory (DFT) first-principles calculations. The calculated structural properties reveals that Cs2PbF6 is the most stable compound among Cs2MF6 (M = C, Ge, Pb, Si) as they possess lowest ground state energy. Direct bandgaps of 1.57, 1.459, 1.481, and 1.59 eV are observed with the presence of intermediate bands for Cs2CF6, Cs2GeF6, Cs2PbF6, and Cs2SiF6, respectively. It is established by analyzing plots that the investigated hexafluorides absorb maximum photons in the UV region. Based on the spectra, it is evident that Cs2MF6 (M = C, Ge, Pb, Si) act as weak reflectors of incident photons in the visible and IR regions. However, around 40% of the incoming photons get reflected at various energies by individual compounds. Thermodynamic characteristics of these hexafluorides reveals that they are thermodynamically stable compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of pediatric Wilms' tumor (WT) is high in Africa, though patients abandon treatment after initial diagnosis. We sought to identify factors associated with WT treatment abandonment in Uganda. Methods: A cohort study of patients < 18 years with WT in a Ugandan national referral hospital examined clinical and treatment outcomes data, comparing children whose families adhered to and abandoned treatment. Abandonment was defined as the inability to complete neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery for patients with unilateral WT and definitive chemotherapy for patients with bilateral WT. Patient factors were assessed via bivariate logistic regression. Results: 137 WT patients were included from 2012 to 2017. The mean age was 3.9 years, 71% (n = 98) were stage III or higher. After diagnosis, 86% (n = 118) started neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 59% (n = 82) completed neoadjuvant therapy, and 55% (n = 75) adhered to treatment through surgery. Treatment abandonment was associated with poor chemotherapy response (odds ratio [OR] 4.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–17.0) and tumor size > 25 cm (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.05–6.81). Conclusions: Children with WT in Uganda frequently abandon care during neoadjuvant therapy, particularly those with large tumors with poor response. Further investigation into the factors that influence treatment abandonment and a deeper understanding of tumor biology are needed to improve treatment adherence of children with WT in Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing fabrication costs and increasing system performance are the primary objectives of contemporary SOFC developments and research. One of the efficient ways to address the design and durability difficulties is to lower the operating temperatures to the intermediate range (IT, 500–800 °C). La0.595V0.005Sr0.4CoO3−∂ (LV05SC) perovskite cathode is investigated as a novel cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC). Anode-supported YSZ ((Y2O3)0.08(ZrO2)0.92) and GDC (Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95) electrolytes were prepared by a multilayer tape casting and co-firing method. The green bi-layer tapes were co-fired at various temperatures with optimized electrolyte and anode slurries. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the microstructures and the phase characterizations of the cathode material and single cell. At 1250 °C of the co-firing temperature, as-prepared anode-supported cells showed no defects and excellent microstructural properties such as no gas permeability, porosity, and sintered structure. The electrolytes with a thickness of almost 20 µm were fairly dense. The power densities were evaluated and both anode-supported electrolytes showed good electrochemical performance at intermediate temperatures. The peak power density of the cell reached 89 mW/cm2, and the total resistance was only 3.05 Ω.cm2 under open circuit conditions at 800 °C. The diffusion processes of oxide ions (O2−) were found to be the limiting step for ORR by the EIS analysis. These findings suggest that the compound is a promising cathode material for IT-SOFCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By improving core strength and stability, children with JIA can experience increased endurance, reduced pain, and improved posture. No study was found that investigated the effectiveness of 3-Dimension (3D) exercises in JIA. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of structured 3D exercises with that of a conventional exercise program specially planned for children with JIA who have scoliosis. This was a prospective, randomized-controlled study. Structured 3D scoliosis exercises for Group 1 (n: 25) and conventional exercises for the Group 2 (n: 25) were applied for 24 weeks. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) by scoliometer, scoliosis angle by Cobb angle, pain by a numerical rating scale (NRS), respiratory functions by spirometry, and perception of cosmetic deformity by The Walter Reed visual assessment scale (WRVAS) were evaluated. ATR, Cobb angle, and pain in Group I showed significant improvement compared to Group II. While the sub-parameters of WRVAS and increased significantly in both groups, the improvement in Group I was found to be greater between the groups. While FVC (%) and FEV1 (%) results within the group were significant in both groups. 3D exercises and conventional exercises are an effective and feasible method in the treatment of scoliosis in these children. Despite the curative effect of both methods, 3D exercises have been proven in this study to be more effective on Cobb angle, ATR, WRAS, and respiratory parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first-principles calculations have been employed to explore structural, electronic, magnetooptical and thermodynamic properties of Half-Heusler compounds XNiSb (X = Er, Ho, Yb). The FP-LAPW technique is executed using the WIEN2K package to simulate stable electronic, structural, magnetooptical and thermodynamics properties of studied half-Heusler compounds. The electronic properties (DOS and energy band structures) have been elucidated, considering the strong correlation between the d/f-states of Ni/X-atoms. It is evident from the presented GGA and GGA + U results that XNiSb (X = Er, Ho, Yb) show metallic nature; however, mBJ + U results show that these compounds are intermetallic. The ε 2 (ω) spectra reveal that XNiSb (X = Er, Ho, Yb) absorb a significant number of incident photons over a broad spectrum (∼1.0 to ∼6.0 eV). These compounds are weak reflectors of incident photons and reflect ∼40% of incident photons on the entire energy range. ErNiSb/HoNiSb show significant values of magnetic moments due to the splitting of [ 4 f 12 ] /[ 4 f 11 ] localized orbitals and are promising candidates for prospective spintronic applications. The elucidated thermodynamic characteristics reveal that these compounds are thermally stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this article is to show the impact of the use of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research supplements in the training of African American students affiliated with the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). Recent Findings: The JHS Undergraduate Training and Education Center (UTEC) at Tougaloo College has had 19 students to be awarded research supplements. Summary: The awardees gained invaluable skills while working on the research supplements. Additionally, research supplement awards inspired these students to not only consider working in health-related fields, but to continue to engage in research activities and to mentor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We present a technique for aortic composite graft implantation after left ventricular outflow tract destruction due to its proximal dehiscence. Case presentation: A 53-year-old gentleman with rheumatoid arthritis and history of Bentall procedure, presented with heart failure symptoms for the past month. Transthoracic echocardiogram identified prosthetic valve dysfunction, and transesophageal echocardiogram detected that its mechanism was by dehiscence. After excluding infectious etiology, it was hypothesized that the cause was the absence of endothelialization, owing to immunosuppressive therapy. Repair surgery was successful, and 2 years later, the patient is fully asymptomatic. Conclusions: Immunosuppressive drugs are a rare cause of aortic composite graft dehiscence. Left ventricular outflow tract surgical reconstruction remains an extremely complex and high-risk intervention, with the need for reentry into cardiopulmonary bypass and graft proximal segment implantation in a lower position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 1.7 billion of the world's 2.2 billion children do not have access to surgical care. COVID-19 acutely exacerbated this problem; delaying or preventing presentation and access to surgical care globally. We sought to quantify the effect of COVID-19 on children requiring surgery in Uganda. Methods: Average monthly incident, elective pediatric surgical patient volume was calculated by sampling clinic logs before and during the pandemic, and case volume was quantified by reviewing operative logbooks for all surgeries in 2020 at Mulago Hospital, Kampala. Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) resulting from untreated disease were calculated and used to estimate economic impact using three different models. Results: Expected elective pediatric surgery cases were 956. In 2020, pediatric surgery at Mulago was limited to 46 elective cases, approximately 5% of the expected incident cases, leading to a backlog of 910 patients and a loss of 10,620.12 DALYs. The economic impact of more than 10,000 disability years in Uganda is conservatively estimated at $23 million USD with other measures estimating ~ $120 million USD. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic limited access to pediatric surgery in Uganda, making a chronic problem acutely worse, with costly consequences for the children and health system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students' opportunities to learn science are shaped by the intellectual work in which they engage in science classrooms. By considering the opportunity to learn as a more nuanced and complex concept than simply as exposure to the subject matter, we argue that the kind of tasks that teachers assign to students presents an important element to understand how students are positioned to learn in science classrooms. Teachers, undoubtedly, play a critical role in the selection of these instructional tasks. This study aims to investigate the cognitive demand of science tasks and teachers' reasoning for what makes these tasks cognitively demanding. Guided by a framework, which was designed to classify science tasks according to cognitive demand and the integration of science content and practices, we analyzed 224 science tasks shared by 125 teachers through a statewide survey. The analyses revealed many of the science tasks, which were identified by teachers as demanding high-level intellectual work from students and were classified into low-level categories of this framework. The qualitative analyses of teachers' responses to survey questions revealed the factors that influenced science teachers' decisions about the cognitive demand of instructional tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this review is to examine the existing information regarding cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) manifestations among underrepresented minority populations, underrepresented minorities' representation in the cardiometabolic workforce, and the models that successfully recruit and retain underrepresented minorities in the field.Recent Findings: The scientific literature is replete with information on methods to recruit and train URM in research careers. However, there are few programs that are specifically designed to train URM to become diabetes researchers, or more specifically cardiometabolic researchers. The CMS scientific community leaders do not have to design a new learning program to engage URM in research. They only have to follow the prototypes by other organizations and make applicable to cardiometabolic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A popular paradigm to support surgical education for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is partnering with high-income country (HIC) surgeons. These relationships may, however, be asymmetric and fail to optimally address the most pressing curricular needs. We explored the effectiveness of our LMIC-HIC educational partnership. Methods: Through a partnership between a HIC (Canada) and a LMIC (Uganda), three candidate surgeons were commissioned for a custom designed 1-year training experience at our HIC accredited pediatric surgical training centre as part of their overall formal education. The training curriculum was developed in collaboration with the LMIC pediatric surgeon and utilized competency-based medical education principles. A Likert and short-answer survey tool was administered to these trainees upon completion of their training. Results: All prescribed milestones as well as specialty certification by examination of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa was achieved by participating fellows, each of whom have begun clinical practice, leadership and teaching roles in their home country. Although several obstacles were identified by fellows, all agreed that the experience boosted their clinical and teaching abilities, and was worth the effort. Conclusion: This endeavour in global pediatric surgical training represents a significant innovation in surgical education partnerships and would be reproducible across different surgical subspecialties and contexts. Such collaborative efforts represent a feasible upskilling opportunity towards addressing global surgical service capacity. Level of evidence: V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI) is a frequent diagnosis with increasing radiological tests. The emerging shreds of evidence showed that they might have negative cardiometabolic effects. The study aimed to investigate whether the toxic metabolites, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, were altered in NFAI patients. Methods: We included 43 NFAI patients and 41 controls with similar ages and body mass indices in the study. We compared plasma ADMA levels of both groups and noted the radiological features of NFAIs. Results: The ADMA levels were significantly higher in NFAI patients than in the control group (307.04 ng/ml, range 81.89–577.7 ng/ml vs 192.54 ng/ml, range 70.61–440.26 ng/ml, p = 0.001). Nevertheless, we could not reach a significant correlation between ADMA levels and mass size. Conclusion: The ADMA is known as a toxin and is increased in NFAI patients. NFAIs may not be innocent and may be considered a potential risk for the body. Further investigations were needed for more explanations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Al2O3 and B4C nanoparticles on the quasi-static penetration test (QSPT) and Charpy impact test of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer composite plates has been studied with the aim to clear up whether there is a correlation between results of these two tests. Punch shear tests on the plates were carried out. The data for the absorbed energy obtained from the Charpy impact test were feasible to predict whether fiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposites will give positive results in the QSPT or ballistic tests. The predominant damage mechanisms were delamination and fiber break during the QSPT. Addition of 1 wt.% Al2O3 nanoparticles to the composite increased its punch shear strength by 8.97%, but the addition of B4C nanoparticles raised its hardness. It was also found that neither Al2O3 nor B4C increased the amount of absorbed energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet basil (Ocimumbasilicum L.), a well-known medicinal and aromatic herb, rich in essential oils and antioxidants (contributed by phenolics), is widely used in traditional medicine. The biosynthesis of phytochemicals occurs via different biochemical pathways, and the expression of selected genes encoding enzymes involved in the formation of phenolic compounds is regulated in response to environmental factors. The synthesis of the compounds is closely interrelated: usually, the products formed in the first reaction steps are used as substrates for the next reactions. The current study attempted a comprehensive overview of the effect of aromatic amino acid composition (AAAs) in Ocimumbasilicum in respect to the expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of phenolic compound and their content. The transcript expression levels of EOMT, PAL, CVOMT, HPPR, C4L, EGS, and FLS increased depending on the AAAs concentration compared to the control plants. The highest mRNA accumulation was obtained in EOMT, FLS, and HPPR in the leaves of sweet basil. The expression of the TAT gene in the leaves significantly reduced in response to all AAAs applications compared to untreated groups and it had the lowest transcript accumulation. Eleven individual phenolic compounds were determined in the basil leaves, and the contents of chicoric acid, methyl chavicol, caffeic acid, and vanillic acid increased depending on administered concentration to control (p < 0.05). Additionally, AAAs lead to an incremental change in the amount of chlorogenic acid at 50 and 100 mg kg−1 compared to control plants (p < 0.05). Rutin and rosmarinic acid were detected as the main phenolic compounds in all experimental groups of sweet basil in terms of quantity. However, their amount significantly decreased as compared to control plants based on the increase in AAAs concentrations (p < 0.05). Also, the accumulation of cinnamic acid, eugenol, and quercetin did not significantly change in the leaves of AAAs treated plants compared to control (p < 0.05). When AAAs was applied, total flavonoid content increased in all treatments compared to the control plants, but total phenolic content did not change significantly (p < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first detailed work to evaluate in detail the impact of AAAs on individual phenolic compounds at the phytochemistry and transcriptional levels in the O.basilicum plant. For a detailed understanding of the whole mechanism of phenolic compound regulation, further research is required to fill in some gaps and to provide further clarification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The lack of access to essential surgery for many of our world's children is a global health crisis. A third of all deaths in the pediatric population are due to surgical conditions. In low- and middle-income countries, an average of nine in ten children lack access to basic surgical care.Methods: This review examines ten commitment statements ratified by numerous global pediatric surgical organizations aimed at addressing existing gaps in global surgical care for children. They are substantiated by a review of literature and represent over-arching principles.Results: They prompt the recognition of childhood surgical disease as a global health priority and advocate for availability to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Calls to action highlight the importance of capacity building in the areas of education, data gathering, workforce, research, and international collaborations.Discussion: Eventually, there is the hope for widespread approval of the guiding principles they represent and that the statements themselves, as encapsulations of these beliefs, may act as a continued call for advocacy and action for the necessary work, resources, and funding to mitigate global pediatric surgical disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that may affect the hormones and their receptors. The aim of this study is to determine whether BPA has an effect on the development of nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI). Methods: Fifty patients who were admitted to endocrinology outpatient clinics and diagnosed as NFAI were included in the study. Fifty healthy people without adrenal mass and adrenal pathology in the upper abdominal computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were also included as control group. Age, gender and body mass index of the study groups were similar. The serum samples for BPA were stored at −80 °C in refrigerator until working in the lab. Serum BPA levels were measured using ELISA technique. Results: Mean serum BPA level was 7.06 ± 3.96 ng/ml in NFAI patients and 4.79 ± 3.01 ng/ml in control group. Serum BPA level was significantly higher in NFAI group than control group (p = 0.001). Serum BPA levels were also found to be significantly higher in women with NFAI than in men with NFAI (p = 0.019). Conclusions: The mechanisms of NFAI development have not been clarified yet. Increased BPA exposure with developed industrialization may play a role in NFAI formation. For the reduction of BPA exposure, the use of plastic prepacked products, plastic containers, and safety measures are essential for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of extractum cepae (EC), heparin sodium (HS), and allantoin (AA) on postoperative peritoneal adhesion (PPA) prevention. Forty-eight rats were allocated into six groups (n = 8). PPA was performed by Harris method. In group 1, no additional procedure was done. Abdominal cavity was washed with normal saline in group 2, EC in group 3, HS in group 4, AA in group 5, and EC-HS-AA mixture (EHA-m) in group 6. On the 21st postoperative day, PPA was scored with Nair adhesion score and examined for fibrosis histopathologically and hydroxy-proline levels (OHP) biochemically. Macroscopically, PPA was decreased in groups 2, 4, and 6 compared to groups 1, 3, and 5 (p < 0.05) and decreased in group 2 compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, fibrosis was decreased in groups 2, 4, and 6 compared to other groups and decreased in group 2 compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Tissue OHP level was decreased in groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 compared to groups 1 and 6 (p < 0.05). Tissue OHP level was decreased in group 6 compared to group 1, but the difference was not statistically significant. PPA formation decreases with normal saline, HS and EHA-m, whereas increases with EC and AA both macroscopically and microscopically. Although HS and EHA-m seem to have adhesion prevention effect, washing the intestines with saline seems to be more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer (LC) is the number one cancer killer of women both in the USA and around the world. Besides cigarette smoking, an important feature in the etiology of LC is its strong association with exposure of toxic metals. The primary objective of the present investigation was to assess the concentrations of toxic/essential elements (Ni, Ca, Se, Zn, Co, K, Cr, As, Cu, Na, Fe, Hg, Cd, Mg, Mn, and Pb) in the serum samples of LC female patients with female controls by atomic absorption spectrometry after wet-acid digestion procedure. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was also measured in the serum of the patients using immunoradiometric method. Comparative appraisal of the data revealed that concentrations of Cr, Mg, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, and Ni were noted to be high significantly in serum of LC female patients, while the average Fe, Co, Mn, Na, K, Zn, Ca, and Se were observed at higher levels in female controls (p < 0.05). The correlation study revealed significantly different mutual associations among the elements in the both donor groups. Markedly, variations in the elemental levels were also noted for different types (non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer) and stages (I, II, III, & IV) of LC patients. Multivariate analyses showed substantially diverse apportionment of the metals in the female patients and female controls. Hence, present findings suggest that the toxic and essential metals accumulated in the body may pose a high risk for LC progression in Pakistani females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/purpose: The burden of pediatric surgical disease is largely unknown in low- and middle-income countries such as Uganda where access to care is limited.Methods: Implementation of a locally led database in January 2012 at a Ugandan tertiary referral hospital, and review of 3465 prospectively collected pediatric surgical admissions from January 2012 to August 2016.Results: 2090 children (60.3%) underwent surgery during admission. 59% were male and 41% female. 28.6% of admissions were in neonates and 50.4% were in children less than 1 year old. Congenital anomalies including Hirschsprung's, anorectal malformations, intestinal atresias, omphalocele, and gastroschisis were the most common diagnoses (38.6%) followed by infections (15.0%) and tumors (8.6%). Mortality rates were substantially higher than those of high-income countries; for example, gastroschisis and intussusception had mortality rates of 90.1% and 19.7%, respectively. Post-operative mortality was highest in the congenital anomalies group (15.0%).Conclusion: There is a high burden of infant congenital anomalies with higher mortality rates compared to high-income countries. The unit performs primarily specialized procedures appropriate for a tertiary center. We hope that these data will facilitate evaluation of ongoing quality improvement and capacity-building initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of images generated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and changes in the mass-like lesion (MLL) during the follow-up of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy (PN) with the intra-operative use of hemostatic agents (HAs). Methods: The records of patients who had undergone PN in our clinic due to renal mass between January 2013 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Our study included 47 patients who were administered one or more HAs during the PN and who received diffusion and dynamic MRI at the post-operative 2nd/4th Queryand 12th month. Results: MLL is defined as T2 heterogeneous, intermediate-signal intensity bolster-related mass with a pseudocapsule in the renal parenchymal defect. When we looked at the morphological changes of MLL, the mean largest axial dimensions of masses were 27.3 (range 12.2–44.7) mm in the first follow-up period (2nd/4th months) and 21.2 (range 11–44.7) mm in the 12th month follow-up period. The average change in size of MLL was − 0.66 mm/month. We did not see any significant relationship between observation of MLL in the post-operative follow-up MRI images and the use of HAs such as Surgicel®, Spongostan®, and autologous fatty tissue as well as the amount of the agents used in PN operations (p = 0.405, p = 0.159, respectively). Conclusions: The distinction of MLL causing bolster-related mass and granulomatosis tissue from relapse/recurrence can be made based on the change in mass size observed in the MR images and image characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science education communities around the world have increasingly emphasized engaging students in the disciplinary practices of science as they engage in high levels of reasoning about scientific ideas. Consistently, this is a critical moment in time in the USA as it goes through a new wave of science education reform within the context of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). We argue that the placement of high demands on students' thinking (i.e., a high level of thinking) in combination with positioning students to use disciplinary practices as they try to make sense of scientific ideas (i.e., a deep kind of thinking) constitute critical aspects of the reform. The main purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the kinds and levels of thinking in which students engage when they are invited to think and reason as demanded by NGSS-aligned curricular tasks. Our analysis of video records of classrooms in which an NGSS-aligned, cognitively demanding task was used, revealed many ways in which the aspirational level and kind of student thinking will not be met in many science classrooms. We propose a way of characterizing and labeling the differences among these kinds and levels of thinking during the implementation of a reform-based biology curriculum. These categories, which focus on two important features emphasized in the NGSS, can help us to better understand, diagnose, and communicate issues during the implementation of high-level tasks in science classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) use on cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicty. Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into four groups. The rats in the control group were injected a single dose of 1 ml/kg saline intra-peritoneally (IP) during 10 days. The rats in the ATRA group were injected a single dose of ATRA during 10 days. The rats in the ATRA+CP group were injected a single dose of CP on the fourth day of the 10 days of ATRA treatment. The rats in the CP group were injected a single dose of CP on the fourth day of 10 days without administering a treatment. After treatment, the groups were compared with regard to total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels in renal tissue and renal histopathology. The serum creatinine and urea values were statistically significantly higher in the CP group compared to the other groups. The serum creatinine and urea values were statistically significantly lower in the ATRA+CP group when compared to the CP group. Although the TOS and OSI levels were found to be lower in the ATRA+CP group compared to the CP group, the difference was not statistically significant. Administration of ATRA together with CP was observed to reduce the histopathologic destruction in the kidney and lead to mild tubular degeneration, vacuolization, and necrosis (57.1% grade 1; 28.6% grade2, and 14.3% grade 3 necrosis). The results of the present study have revealed that ATRA administration ameliorates CP-induced nephrotoxicity; however, further studies are required to identify this issue before clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are the use of fluoroquinolones in prostate biopsy prophylaxis returning? Secondly, the authors emphasized that previous history of patient's exposure to FQ therapy should be always assessed for planning an effective antibiotic prophylaxis in patients' candidates to TRUS-Bx. Comment on "antibiotic prophylaxis in patients who had undergone to prostate biopsy in between the EMA warning era: effects of fluoroquinolones in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Worldwide, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis has an incidence of 3 in 1000 livebirths, with an unknown etiology. Even when babies present with characteristic symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed leading to late referral for appropriate surgical care. The purpose of this study was to document our experience in management of pyloric stenosis within our setting. Results: A total of 33 patient records were reviewed. All the patients presented with non-bilious vomiting. The ratio of males to females was 4.5:1. Of these patients, 76% had electrolyte imbalance with low chloride count in the majority of patients. All the patients underwent an open Ramstedt pyloromyotomy, and 91% had a good outcome. Conclusion: Management of IHPS has very good outcomes in our setting. Earlier referral of patients leads to improved outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple pediatric surgical conditions require ostomies in low-middle-income countries. Delayed presentations increase the numbers of ostomies. Patients may live with an ostomy for a prolonged time due to the high backlog of cases with insufficient surgical capacity. In caring for these patients in Uganda, we frequently witnessed substantial socioeconomic impact of their surgical conditions.Methods: The operative log at the only pediatric surgery referral center in Uganda was reviewed to assess the numbers of children receiving ostomies over a 3-year period. Charts for patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) were reviewed to assess delays in accessing care. Focus group discussions (FGD) were held with family members of children with ostomies based on themes from discussions with the surgical and nursing teams. A pilot survey was developed based on these themes and administered to a sample of patients in the outpatient clinic.Results: During the period of January 2012-December 2014, there was one specialty-certified pediatric surgeon in the country. There were 493 ostomies placed for ARM (n = 234), HD (N = 114), gangrenous ileocolic intussusception (n = 95) and typhoid-induced intestinal perforation (n = 50). Primary themes covered in the FGD were: stoma care, impact on caregiver income, community integration of the child, impact on family unit, and resources to assist families. Many patients with HD and ARM did not present for colostomy until after 1 year of life. None had access to formal ostomy bags. 15 caregivers completed the survey. 13 (86%) were mothers and 2 (13%) were fathers. Almost half of the caregivers (n = 7, 47%) stated that their spouse had left the family. 14 (93%) caregivers had to leave jobs to care for the stoma. 14 respondents (93%) reported that receiving advice from other caregivers was beneficial.Conclusion: The burden of pediatric surgical disease in sub-Saharan Africa is substantial with significant disparities compared to high-income countries. Significant socioeconomic complexity surrounds these conditions. While some solutions are being implemented, we are seeking resources to implement others. This data will inform the design of a more expansive survey of this patient population to better measure the socioeconomic impact of pediatric ostomies and guide more comprehensive advocacy and program development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent transformative changes in science education require new learning opportunities for teachers-opportunities that include rich images of classroom enactment of the reform vision. One fruitful way for doing that is to use video clips of instruction. Teachers do not, however, learn how to improve their instructional practice from simply watching and reflecting on classroom videos. The videos need to be carefully selected and embedded in professional development in ways that-through facilitator-led, participant-centered discussion-can help teachers to notice and reason about important aspects of instruction and learning that occur in the video. Consistent with the recent efforts to identify planning and facilitation approaches that guide effective professional development (PD) programs, in this paper, we adapted the Five Practices Framework for orchestrating productive classroom discussions to describe how PD facilitators plan for and enact professional learning tasks to help science teachers learn within a video-based PD program. These practices include anticipating, sequencing, monitoring, selecting, connecting and two additional practices that set the stage for the five practices (i.e., setting goals and selecting tasks). Results: Our analyses of the video-based discussions in the PD provide insights into how the facilitators engaged teachers in video-based conversations by using the practices of monitoring, selecting, and connecting. The monitoring moves, such as clarifying, countering, and redirecting, were used by the facilitator in nearly all the PD sessions. Similarly, selecting moves were used and were consistent with the goals of the PD. Finally, analysis of facilitators' and participants' connecting comments indicated their increased capacity to make connections to the bigger ideas of teaching science by maintaining the cognitive demand on students' thinking. Conclusions: This paper provides elaborated descriptions of the five practices for planning and facilitating video-based PD and the ways in which they were enacted in a video-based PD program in science. In so doing, it proposes five practices as a guiding framework to support teachers' learning from videos. Overall, the study's results endorse the promise of a goal-driven, theory-informed design that foregrounds careful attention to teachers' thinking in ways that support their understanding of complex classroom interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue brings together four effective video-based professional development programs-two in mathematics and two in science-that use classroom videos as the centerpiece of their efforts and have 'scaling up' as their goal. In each paper, the authors surface their design considerations for creating scalable and sustainable video-based professional development interventions, including the challenges and successes they have experienced. The papers also emphasize the role of professional development facilitators in the scalability and sustainability of their programs and how best to support this emerging class of education professionals. This introductory paper situates these papers within the current literature on the design and facilitation of video-based professional development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anastomotic leakage is more frequently reported in colonic anastomoses. Ischemia reperfusion injury is one of the main reasons for anastomotic leakage. Simvastatin is known to prevent tissue damage induced by free oxygen radicals after ischemia reperfusion injury. The effect of simvastatin on colonic anastomosis impaired by ischemia reperfusion injury is investigated. Single layer, end-to-end colocolic anastomosis after 0.5-cm colon resection was performed in Wistar Albino rats. In Group 1 (control) ( n = 10), colonic anastomosis without I-R was performed. In Group 2 ( n = 10), the superior mesenteric artery was clamped for 10 min followed by 60 min of reperfusion after which resection anastomosis was performed. In Group 3 ( n = 10), 10 mg/kg simvastatin was given by gavage for 7 days after I-R and resection anastomosis. In Group 4 ( n = 10), the rats received 10 mg/kg simvastatin by gavage 7 days before and 7 days after ischemia reperfusion and surgery. All of the rats were sacrificed 8 days after surgery. Anastomotic bursting pressure and tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured. Postoperative administration of simvastatin restored the anastomotic bursting pressure and hydroxyproline levels to that of control group thus overcoming the effect of ischemia reperfusion injury. Simvastatin administered postoperatively in an experimental model of colonic resection anastomosis impaired by ischemia reperfusion injury increased anastomotic bursting pressures and tissue hydroxyproline levels. Further experimental and clinical studies will show whether administration of simvastatin will increase reliability of the anastomosis and decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality in colonic anastomosis after ischemia reperfusion injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We analyzed the effects of music on pain, anxiety, and overall satisfaction in patients undergoing a shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) procedure. Methods: A total of 200 patients scheduled to undergo SWL were included in this study. Group 1 consisted of 95 patients who listened to music during the SWL session while group 2 included 105 patients who did not listen music during the procedure. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to assess state and trait anxiety (STAI-S/T). A visual analog scale (VAS) was used at the end of the session in order to assess pain, willingness to repeat the procedure, and overall patient satisfaction. Hemodynamic parameters including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded before and after the session. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of stone characteristics, SWL parameters, pre-SWL STAI-T/S scores, and pre-SWL hemodynamic parameters. Post-SWL STAI-S scores were found to be lower in patients who listened to music ( p = 0.006). At the end of the SWL, VAS scores of pain, satisfaction, and willingness to repeat procedure were significantly different in favor of the music group ( p = 0.007, p = 0.001, p = 0.015, respectively). SBP, DBP, and HR were significantly higher in patients who did not listen to music ( p = 0.002, p = 0.024, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Music can be an ideal adjunctive treatment modality for patients undergoing SWL treatment. It has the potential to enhance patient compliance and treatment satisfaction by reducing the procedure-related anxiety and pain perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Intestinal atresia is one of the leading causes of neonatal intestinal obstruction (NIO). The purpose of this study was to analyze the presentation and outcome of IA and compare with those from both similar and high-income country settings.Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from patient charts and pediatric surgical database for 2012-2015 was performed. Epidemiological data and patient characteristics were analyzed and outcomes were compared with those reported in other LMICs and high-income countries (HICs). Unmet need was calculated along with economic valuation or economic burden of surgical disease.Results: Of 98 patients, 42.9% were male. 35 patients had duodenal atresia (DA), 60 had jejunio-ileal atresia (JIA), and 3 had colonic atresia. The mean age at presentation was 7.14 days for DA and 6.7 days for JIA. Average weight for DA and JIA was 2.2 and 2.12 kg, respectively. All patients with DA and colonic atresia underwent surgery, and 88.3% of patients with JIA had surgery. Overall mortality was 43% with the majority of deaths attributable to aspiration, anastomotic leak, and sepsis. 3304 DALYs were calculated as met compared to 25,577 DALYs' unmet.Conclusion: Patients with IA in Uganda present late in the clinical course with high morbidity and mortality attributable to a combination of late presentation, poor nutrition status, surgical complications, and likely underreporting of associated anomalies rather than surgical morbidity alone.Level Of Evidence: Level IV, Case series with no comparison group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of vanadium doping on the crystal structure and on the electrical, electrochemical properties of LaVSrCoO ( x = 0.005-0.05) perovskite oxides performing as cathode materials in solid oxide fuel cells is investigated in this study. Crystal structure, surface morphology, and porosity of prepared cathode materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption fine structure, and scanning electron microscopy. For the first time, it has been proven by X-ray absorption fine structure that La cation is replaced with V cation in perovskite structure. Since V cation has the radius almost half of the radius of La cation, this replacement adds better properties to the perovskite structure such as ionic conductivity and catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction. The electrical conductivity at the intermediate temperatures (400-700 °C) appears to be enough to yield a better performance in intermediate temperature-solid oxide fuel cells applications. The sample with 0.05% V doping exhibits its maximum electronic conductivity ( σ = 843 S.cm at 400 °C) and minimum activation energy (Ea = 0.049 eV). The LaVSrCoO material as electrode for symmetric cell configuration was prepared on both surfaces of yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates. Oxygen concentration related polarization experiment suggests that the oxygen adsorption-desorption process or reactions controlled by the atomic oxygen diffusion process followed by a charge transfer are the cathode reaction rate-limiting steps. Graphical Abstract: V ion doped LVxSC (LaVSrCoO x = 0.005-0.05) cathode materials for intermediate temperature-solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC) are synthesized for the first time by sol-gel method. LV05SC cathode with good electro-catalytic activity for ORR can be considered as a potential cathode material for IT-SOFC applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Peatland methane (CH) fluxes may vary between plant types; however, in mixed communities, the specific role of each species is difficult to distinguish. The goal of this study was to determine the individual and interacting effect of moss, graminoid and shrub plant functional types on CH dynamics of experimentally planted plots in a rewetted minerotrophic peatland. Methods: We measured CH flux, pore water CH concentration and CH production and oxidation potential in pure stands of reintroduced Tomenthypnum nitens (Hedw.) Loeske, Carex aquatilis Wahlenb, or Myrica gale L., as well as mixtures of T. nitens + C. aquatilis and T. nitens + M. gale. Methane flux was also measured on bare peat plots. Results: The presence of both the graminoid C. aquatilis and the shrub M. gale resulted in the highest CH production potential in near surface peat (10 cm). The presence of moss ( T. nitens) and C. aquatilis significantly increased CH oxidation potential. Water table position was a significant control on CH flux, but the presence of C. aquatilis maintained higher flux even at dry plots. Plots including C. aquatilis had significantly lower pore water CH concentration at 30 cm depth, likely reflecting CH oxidation and transport. Conclusions: Management of restored sites aiming to reduce CH flux should focus on hydrology, i.e. water table position. The presence of graminoids enhances CH flux, while moss presence may result in lower CH emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuwait is the fifth richest nation in the world and it has almost 10 % of world crude oil reserves. The total population of Kuwait in mid-2011 was 2,818,000 and is expected to increase by 17.5 % by the year 2025 and by 82.26 % by the year 2050. As of 2010, the annual population growth was 3.4 % and the total fertility rate per women was 2.3. The total government expenditure on health as a percentage of total expenditure on health stood at 83.9 % while the private expenditure on health as a percentage of total expenditure on health stood at 16.1 %. Due to the continued improvement of the health care delivery system in Kuwait, while the percent of aged population aged 65 and beyond was 2.83 % of the total population in the year mid-2011, and this will increase to 4.41 % of the total population by the year mid-2025 and will dramatically increase to 17.90 % of the total population by the year mid-2050. This population aging reflects a human success story of increased longevity in Kuwait. However, the chronic noncommunicable diseases are on rise and are now the major cause of death among older people in Kuwait. Given these improvements in the population demography, the political, economic, and social leadership of Kuwait would need to re-visit and update the policies and programs that will reduce the burden of aging populations on the society and its economy. The improvement of the public health system should lead to enhancement in the availability of health and social services for older persons and promote their continuing participation in a socially and economically productive life in Kuwait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin C, vitamin E on performance, biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress induced by copper toxicity in broilers. A total of 240, 1-day-old, broilers were assigned to eight groups with three replicates of 10 chicks each. The groups were fed on the following diets: control (basal diet), vitamin C (250 mg/kg diet), vitamin E (250 mg/kg diet), vitamin C + vitamin E (250 mg/kg + 250 mg/kg diet), and copper (300 mg/kg diet) alone or in combination with the corresponding vitamins. At the 6th week, the body weights of broilers were decreased in copper, copper + vitamin E, and copper + vitamin C + vitamin E groups compared to control. The feed conversion ratio was poor in copper group. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase activities, iron, copper concentrations, and erythrocyte malondialdehyde were increased; plasma vitamin A and C concentrations and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase were decreased in copper group compared to control. Glutathione peroxidase, vitamin C, and iron levels were increased; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and copper levels were decreased in copper + vitamin C group, while superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamin E concentrations were increased; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were decreased in copper with vitamin E group compared to copper group. The vitamin C concentrations were increased; copper, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde were decreased in copper + vitamin C + vitamin E group compared to copper group. To conclude, copper caused oxidative stress in broilers. The combination of vitamin C and vitamin E addition might alleviate the harmful effects of copper as demonstrated by decreased lipid peroxidation and hepatic enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the aging of the population is a critical 'women's health issue'. The aging brings not only a high prevalence of chronic disease and disability, but also leads to an increased social and economic burden. Although notable progress has been made in understanding the various issues of elderly women in Turkey, the need for policy making and services planning are increasing. Thus, health needs of elderly women become a growing issue in Turkey. The purpose of this study is to analyze the Turkish health care policy related to elderly women and also to discuss health needs of elderly women in Turkey. Finally, strategies are provided for improving health and social conditions of elderly women in the context of recent trends in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many damages can occur in the kidneys following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and some of these damages are thought to emerge as a result of oxidative stress. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of SWL application on kidneys in stone patients on oxidative stress parameters in 24-h urine. The study included 20 patients scheduled for SWL. total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) measurements were made on 24-h urines of the patients before and after SWL. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated based on these values. Following SWL, while TOS increased in 24-h urine ( p = 0.006), TAC remained unchanged ( p = 0.312). OSI increased following the procedure ( p = 0.004). SWL application disrupts the oxidant/antioxidant balance in favor of oxidants, which leads to oxidative stress. TOS, TAC and OSI may be useful in the determination of the existence of oxidative stress following SWL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageism encompasses beliefs (elderly people are ugly, bad-tempered and ill, etc.) and attitudes (the preference of being young over being old, etc.) which have the potential to turn into discriminative actions. In the present day, it is notable that the majority of those who discriminate against the elderly are young people. For this reason, the study was conducted with a cross-sectional design in order to identify university students' views on ageism and ageism practices. The sample of the study was comprised of students selected by means of stratified random sampling in proportion with the size. 378 students (203 women, 175 men) participated in the study. The questionnaire form prepared by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. An analysis of the students' views in terms of gender revealed that the students most frequently identified the statement 'addressing the elderly with names like 'senile', 'old chap', 'old man'' (female: 94.1%, male: 88.6%) and the statement 'ignoring old people's experiences' (female: 86.2%, male: 85.7%) as discrimination. The difference between all student views was not found to be significant in terms of gender ( p > 0.05). When the students' state of practicing ageist behaviors was analyzed, it was found out that students in general did not practise 'addressing old people with names like 'senile', 'old chap', 'old man'' (female: 94.1%, male: 92.0%) and 'helping old people with their packages' (female: 92.6%, male: 97.7%). It was determined that students most frequently applied the behavior 'teasing old people wearing highly colourful clothes' (female: 87.2%, male: 85.1%). Only the difference in the behavior of 'not helping old people with their packages' was found to be significant in terms of gender ( p < 0.05). It was discovered that students mostly viewed statements related to ageism as discrimination, and in the same way the majority displayed ageist behavior. It is assumed that the identification of young people's views on ageism and their practices of ageism will shed light on future practices aiming to equip them with positive attitudes and an egalitarian point of view towards ageism and help them develop their own ideas, behavior and attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the relationship between serum/seminal plasma and serum FSH and seminal parameters was evaluated in adults and adolescent varicocele patients and compared with normal fertile cases. A total of 50 adult patients with varicocele (Group-1) and 50 adolescents with varicocele (Group-2) were enrolled into the study. Fifty fertile cases without any scrotal pathology were accepted as control group (Group-3). Serum gonadotropin, sex steroids and serum and seminal plasma inhibin-B levels were measured, and semen analysis was performed after 2 and 5 days of sexual abstinence. All parameters were compared among three groups by using one-way ANOVA test. There were statistically significant differences among three groups on seminal parameters due to disturbed spermatogenesis in patients with varicocele ( P < 0.05). However, there were not statistical differences between serum and seminal plasma Inhibin-B levels among groups. In varicocele patients, serum inhibin-B levels showed negative and significant correlation only with FSH levels ( r = −0.253, P = 0.011). On the contrary, neither serum nor seminal plasma inhibin-B levels showed significant correlation with seminal parameters. While varicocele affects different mechanisms in the regulation of spermatogenesis in testes, serum and seminal plasma inhibin-B have not any role in decreased spermatogenesis in varicocele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Objective:  The powerful precept of preoperative risk assessment has been applied to compare the efficacy of leukofiltration techniques for high-risk cohorts with the documentation of broad indicators of systemic inflammation. Methods:  Forty high risk patients were prospectively assigned to four perfusion protocols; the first group (n=10): Polyethyleneoxide (PEO) based heparin bonded extracorporeal circuits (ECC) + Continuous Leukocyte filtration; the second group (n=10): uncoated ECC + leukofiltration; the third group (n=10): PEO based heparin bonded ECC without leukofiltration; and control (n=10). Blood samples were obtained at the following intervals: Baseline (T1), on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (T2), Cross clamp (T3), off CPB (T4), Intensive care unit-24 h (ICU24) (T5), ICU48 (T6). Results:  Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha levels were significantly lower in Group 1 at T3, T4 (p Conclusion:  Leukocyte filtration on coated surfaces alleviated systemic inflammatory response with a better clinical outcome in high risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]