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This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the motivations that key policy documents have put forward as justifications for Sweden's mother-tongue instruction in immigrant and historical minority languages as a multicultural policy that has endured for nearly half a century. The diachronic development of these motivations is analysed in four periods and interpreted with the help of Ruiz's (1984) orientations in language planning. The corpus consists of 26 key policy documents making up the coordinative discourse among policy actors. Based on an innovative mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, the motivations are presented in a three-tiered taxonomy consisting of motivational units, themes and language-planning orientations. The results point to both continuity and change in how mother-tongue instruction has been justified over time. Confirming previous research, the results show that the language-as-resource orientation has played a central role in justifying both the establishment and the maintenance of mother-tongue instruction in Sweden and that language as right complemented this orientation. Furthermore, the study illustrates that the language-as-problem orientation need not always be detrimental to bilingualism and minority-language maintenance. Contrary to some claims in the literature, it is argued that language as extrinsic resource is not necessarily underpinned by neoliberalism, as there are also social liberal and conservative inroads to this orientation. The paper concludes that although the language-as-resource orientation plays an indispensable role in supporting bilingualism in education, not only the language-as-right orientation but also the language-as-problem orientation should not be neglected.

Abstract Background Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI, or prodromal AD) are highly significant for early diagnosis, clinical trials and treatment outcome evaluations. Electroencephalography (EEG), being noninvasive and easily accessible, has recently been the center of focus. However, a comprehensive understanding of EEG in dementia is still needed. A primary objective of this study is to investigate which of the many EEG characteristics could effectively differentiate between individuals with AD or prodromal AD and healthy individuals. Methods We collected resting state EEG data from individuals with AD, prodromal AD, and normal cognition. Two distinct preprocessing pipelines were employed to study the reliability of the extracted measures across different datasets. We extracted 41 different EEG features. We have also developed a stand-alone software application package, Feature Analyzer, as a comprehensive toolbox for EEG analysis. This tool allows users to extract 41 EEG features spanning various domains, including complexity measures, wavelet features, spectral power ratios, and entropy measures. We performed statistical tests to investigate the differences in AD or prodromal AD from age-matched cognitively normal individuals based on the extracted EEG features, power spectral density (PSD), and EEG functional connectivity. Results Spectral power ratio measures such as theta/alpha and theta/beta power ratios showed significant differences between cognitively normal and AD individuals. Theta power was higher in AD, suggesting a slowing of oscillations in AD; however, the functional connectivity of the theta band was decreased in AD individuals. In contrast, we observed increased gamma/alpha power ratio, gamma power, and gamma functional connectivity in prodromal AD. Entropy and complexity measures after correcting for multiple electrode comparisons did not show differences in AD or prodromal AD groups. We thus catalogued AD and prodromal AD-specific EEG features. Conclusions Our findings reveal that the changes in power and connectivity in certain frequency bands of EEG differ in prodromal AD and AD. The spectral power, power ratios, and the functional connectivity of theta and gamma could be biomarkers for diagnosis of AD and prodromal AD, measure the treatment outcome, and possibly a target for brain stimulation.

Abstract The advent of genome-wide ancient DNA analysis has revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric societies. However, studying biological relatedness in these groups requires tailored approaches due to the challenges of analyzing ancient DNA. READv2, an optimized Python3 implementation of the most widely used tool for this purpose, addresses these challenges while surpassing its predecessor in speed and accuracy. For sufficient amounts of data, it can classify up to third-degree relatedness and differentiate between the two types of first-degree relatedness, full siblings and parent-offspring. READv2 enables user-friendly, efficient, and nuanced analysis of biological relatedness, facilitating a deeper understanding of past social structures.

Objective: To determine the academic and professional profiles of midwives studying at the Department of Midwifery in Türkiye, to examine their attitudes towards graduate education and related factors.Methods: This study was carried out descriptive and cross-sectional study with 190 midwives actively continuing their postgraduate education and who met the inclusion criteria. The study was conducted between April 2021 and July 2021. Descriptive Information Form and Attitude Scale Towards Postgraduate Education were used to collect data. Results: Thinking about becoming an academician in the future, being satisfied with the performance of the academicians in postgraduate education, thinking that clinical experience is necessary before postgraduate education were determined as the factors affecting the attitudes of midwives towards postgraduate education.Conclusion: It is thought that determining the attitudes, expectations and problems of midwives towards graduate education and developing solutions for problems will increase positive attitudes towards graduate education.

Abstract Background Structural income inequality – the uneven income distribution across regions or countries – could affect brain structure and function, beyond individual differences. However, the impact of structural income inequality on the brain dynamics and the roles of demographics and cognition in these associations remains unexplored. Methods Here, we assessed the impact of structural income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient on multiple EEG metrics, while considering the subject‐level effects of demographic (age, sex, education) and cognitive factors. Resting‐state EEG signals were collected from a diverse sample (countries = 10; healthy individuals = 1394 from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Turkey and United Kingdom). Complexity (fractal dimension, permutation entropy, Wiener entropy, spectral structure variability), power spectral and aperiodic components (1/f slope, knee, offset), as well as graph‐theoretic measures were analysed. Findings Despite variability in samples, data collection methods, and EEG acquisition parameters, structural inequality systematically predicted electrophysiological brain dynamics, proving to be a more crucial determinant of brain dynamics than individual‐level factors. Complexity and aperiodic activity metrics captured better the effects of structural inequality on brain function. Following inequality, age and cognition emerged as the most influential predictors. The overall results provided convergent multimodal metrics of biologic embedding of structural income inequality characterised by less complex signals, increased random asynchronous neural activity, and reduced alpha and beta power, particularly over temporoposterior regions. Conclusion These findings might challenge conventional neuroscience approaches that tend to overemphasise the influence of individual‐level factors, while neglecting structural factors. Results pave the way for neuroscience‐informed public policies aimed at tackling structural inequalities in diverse populations.

Objective: To evaluate possible temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms that may occur due to mask use in dentists during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic period and identify potentially effective factors. Methods: An online questionnaire consisting of three parts was sent to dentists and clinical dental students. The first part included questions regarding sociodemographic information. In the second part, questions were asked to evaluate stress levels, TMD symptoms, and treatment of TMD, if any, before (T0) and during the pandemic (T1). In the last part, professional mask choice, mask-related parafunctional movements, and breathing patterns while wearing a mask were evaluated. Results: TMD symptoms and stress levels were significantly higher at T1. An increase in mouth breathing and mask-related parafunctional movements was reported during the use of N95 masks compared with daily life in dentists whose professional mask selection was an N95 respirator. The change in temporomandibular joints pain and muscle pain at rest between T0 and T1 was higher in those whose professional mask choice was N95 respirators than in those who chose to wear one surgical mask. Conclusion: The increase in mouth breathing and mask-related parafunctional movements during the use of N95 respirators may increase TMD.

This case study critically examines the long-term detrimental effects of female genital mutilation (FGM), specifically focusing on the development of clitoral epidermoid inclusion cysts. The study illuminates the often-overlooked post-mutilation complications that extend beyond immediate physical trauma, encompassing significant anatomical alterations with potential psychosocial implications. As a direct consequence of FGM, clitoral epidermoid inclusion cysts represent a physical manifestation of such prolonged complications, contributing to discomfort, potential sexual dysfunction, and an overall decline in quality of life. In an unusual case, a 38-year-old African woman presented with a painful clitoral tumor intermittently draining for three years. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive preventive measures, early diagnosis, and effective management strategies in affected populations to mitigate the enduring consequences of this harmful practice.

One of the most crucial elements influencing the efficacy of artificial insemination applications is semen quality. It is known that post-thaw semen quality was affected by thawing method. Errors made during the thawing process can compromise the motility, viability, morphology and DNA integrity of spermatozoa after thawing. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of four distinct thawing procedures on post-thaw semen quality in bulls. The first group was designated as 24°C (n=8); the straws in this group were thawed in a water bath at 24°C for 60 seconds. Second group was designated as 32°C (n=8); the straws in this group were thawed in a water bath at 32°C for 60 seconds. Third group was designated as 38°C (n=8); the straws in this group were thawed in a water bath at 38°C for 30 seconds. And the fourth group was designated as 70°C (n=8); the straws in this group were thawed in a water bath at 70°C for 7 seconds. Following the thawing process, motility, sperm morphology, viability, and DNA damage rate in spermatozoa were evaluated. Results showed that in 32°C group and 24°C group sperm motility significantly decreased when compared to 70°C and 38°C groups. Additionally, the 24°C group exhibited a significantly elevated DNA damage rate compared to the 70°C group, while no differences were observed in the other groups. In conclusion, the most ideal thawing procedures are at 70°C for 7 seconds and at 38°C for 30 seconds are recommended to get optimum sperm quality from frozen bull semen after thawing.

Abstract Background Neoadjuvant treatment is the standard treatment in locally advanced ESCC. However, the optimal chemotherapy regimen is not known. Method This is a retrospective observational cohort study conducted with propensity score matching. Patients with resectable ESCC from 13 tertiary centers from Türkiye were screened between January 2011 and December 2021. We compared the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with the CF and the CROSS regimens in patients with ESCC. Results Three hundred and sixty‐two patients were screened. Patients who received induction chemotherapy (n = 72) and CROSS‐ineligible (n = 31) were excluded. Two hundred and fifty nine patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. After propensity score matching (n = 97 in both groups), the mPFS was 18.4 months (95% CI, 9.3–27.4) and 25.7 months (95% CI, 15.6–35.7; p = 0.974), and the mOS was 35.2 months (95% CI, 18.9–51.5) and 39.6 months (95% CI 20.1–59.2; p = 0.534), in the CF and the CROSS groups, respectively. There was no difference between subgroups regarding PFS and OS. Compared with the CF group, the CROSS group had a higher incidence of neutropenia (34.0% vs. 62.9%, p

Diversity in brain health is influenced by individual differences in demographics and cognition. However, most studies on brain health and diseases have typically controlled for these factors rather than explored their potential to predict brain signals. Here, we assessed the role of individual differences in demographics (age, sex, and education; n = 1298) and cognition (n = 725) as predictors of different metrics usually used in case-control studies. These included power spectrum and aperiodic (1/f slope, knee, offset) metrics, as well as complexity (fractal dimension estimation, permutation entropy, Wiener entropy, spectral structure variability) and connectivity (graph-theoretic mutual information, conditional mutual information, organizational information) from the source space resting-state EEG activity in a diverse sample from the global south and north populations. Brain-phenotype models were computed using EEG metrics reflecting local activity (power spectrum and aperiodic components) and brain dynamics and interactions (complexity and graph-theoretic measures). Electrophysiological brain dynamics were modulated by individual differences despite the varied methods of data acquisition and assessments across multiple centers, indicating that results were unlikely to be accounted for by methodological discrepancies. Variations in brain signals were mainly influenced by age and cognition, while education and sex exhibited less importance. Power spectrum activity and graph-theoretic measures were the most sensitive in capturing individual differences. Older age, poorer cognition, and being male were associated with reduced alpha power, whereas older age and less education were associated with reduced network integration and segregation. Findings suggest that basic individual differences impact core metrics of brain function that are used in standard case-control studies. Considering individual variability and diversity in global settings would contribute to a more tailored understanding of brain function.

Jellyfish venoms cause different reactions in human skin after exposure. The most common skin findings are linear, urticarial, and painful eruptions at the areas of tentacular contact. Delayed and recurrent rashes may also occur less commonly. We report a case of a 45-year-old female patient who developed acute pruritic rash and burning as well as dizziness on the right arm while swimming off the Island of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. Our patient, who had an increase in lesions from time to time in the following weeks, was diagnosed with delayed and recurrent jellyfish dermatitis according to her history and clinical findings. She was treated with systemic antihistamines, systemic steroids and topical steroids. The lesions of our patient, whose lesions did not show significant improvement with systemic antihistamines, systemic steroids, or topical steroids, improved with topical tacrolimus. Since this picture is rare in our country, we found it appropriate to present our case to emphasize that jellyfish dermatitis should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with this type of skin rash and that topical tacrolimus is effective in delayed and recurrent reactions.

ÖZ: Kumar oynama davranışı, çalışmalarda madde ve alkol gibi bağımlılık yapıcı nesnelere göre daha az ele alınmakla birlikte bireyler üzerinde benzer etkiler gözlemlenebilmekte ve bu davranış patolojik bir sorun haline gelebilmektedir. Bu noktada psikolojik, biyolojik ve sosyal açıdan olumlu ya da olumsuz birçok faktör bireylerin kumar oynama davranışının bağımlılığa dönüşmesine aracı olurken bireyin kumar oynamayı sorunlarına karşı bir çözüm yolu olarak görmesine de sebep olabilmektedir. Bu araştırmada, kumar oynama davranışı üzerinde etkili olan yaşantısal kaçınma ve pozitif pekiştirme süreçlerinin anlaşılması ve betimlenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanıldığı çalışmada, en az bir kez kumar oynama davranışı sergilenmiş 13 katılımcı ile derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcılardan elde edilen veriler betimsel analiz yönetimi ile incelenerek “Yaşantısal Kaçınmanın Bir Aracı Olarak Kumar Oynama Davranışı” ve “Kumar Oynamayı Sürdürmede Pozitif Pekiştireçler” olmak üzere iki tema altında açıklanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, kumarın ilk zamanlarında pozitif pekiştireçlerin bireyin davranışları üzerinde etkili olduğu, kumar oynama davranışının süreklilik kazanmasıyla birlikte pozitif pekiştireçlerin yerini negatif pekiştireçlere bıraktığı ve pekiştireçlerin bireylerin olumsuz duygu durumu içerisindeyken kaçınma davranışı sergileyerek kumar oynama davranışına yönelmesinde etkili olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. ABSTRACT: Although gambling behavior is less addressed in studies than addictive objects such as drugs and alcohol, similar effects can be observed on individuals and this behavior can become a pathological problem. At this point, many psychological, biological and social positive or negative factors can cause individuals' gambling behavior to turn into addiction, while also causing the individual to see gambling as a solution to their problems. This research aims to understand and describe the experiential avoidance and positive reinforcement processes that affect gambling behavior. In the study using qualitative research method, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants who had exhibited gambling behavior at least once. The data obtained from the participants were examined with descriptive analysis management and explained under two themes: "Gambling Behavior as a Tool of Experiential Avoidance" and "Positive Reinforcers to Continue Gambling". As a result of the research, it has been revealed that positive reinforcers are effective on the individual's behavior in the early days of gambling, and as the gambling behavior becomes more permanent, positive reinforcers are replaced by negative reinforcers, and reinforcers are effective in causing individuals to engage in gambling behavior by exhibiting avoidance behavior when they are in a negative emotional state.

Abstract Background The optimal treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after the second line is still controversial. Regorafenib has been the standard of care in this setting as it improved overall survival (OS) compared to placebo. In real-world practice chemotherapy rechallenge is also a preferred option even though supporting evidence is not enough. We aim to compare the efficacy of regorafenib and 5-fluorouracil-based (5-FU) rechallenge treatment in the third line setting of mCRC. Methods In this retrospective multi-institutional trial, mCRC patients from 21 oncology centers who progressed after 2 lines of chemotherapy were analyzed. Patients who were treated with regorafenib or rechallenge therapy in the third-line setting were eligible. Rechallenge chemotherapy was identified as the re-use of the 5-FU based regimen which was administered in one of the previous treatment lines. OS, disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS) and toxicity were analyzed. Results Three hundred ninety-four mCRC patients were included in the study. 128 (32.5%) were in the rechallenge, and 266 (67.5%) were in the regorafenib group. Median PFS was 5.82 months in rechallenge and 4 months in regorafenib arms (hazard ratio:1.45,95% CI, p = 0.167). DCR was higher in the rechallenge group than regorafenib (77% vs 49.5%, respectively, p =

Abstract Background The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), based on white blood cell, neutrophil, and platelet counts, is a proposed marker of systemic inflammation and immune activation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between SII and complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) development in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 883 patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI between January 2009 and December 2017. Patients were categorized into two groups based on CAVB development. SII levels were calculated from blood samples taken on admission. Results Of the included patients, 48 (5.03%) developed CAVB. SII was higher in patients with CAVB compared to those without CAVB (1370 [1050–1779]x109/L vs. 771 [427–1462] x109/L, p

This cross-sectional survey study aimed to explore pre-service early childhood education teachers’ (PTs) beliefs about (a) the aims and scope of early childhood science education and (b) their self-efficacy beliefs in teaching science to preschool children. A survey consisting of open-ended questions was applied to PTs (N = 130). According to the results, PTs were aware of the importance of science education in early childhood. They mainly focused on the roles of early childhood science education in satisfying curiosity, developing questioning skills, and facilitating understanding of the environment and life. However, most PTs associated science education in early childhood with only natural sciences-related activities and concepts. Moreover, PTs reported low self-efficacy beliefs in teaching science to preschool children due to their lack of experience and theoretical knowledge. This study has some implications for PTs to view science education in early childhood from a comprehensive perspective and improve their self-efficacy.