Issue Of Journal Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Omeprazole for the Treatment of Acid Peptic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Aim. To compare the efficacy of omeprazole to other proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) or placebo for the treatment of acid peptic disorders (APDs) using a comprehensive literature search including hard-to-access journals and non-English articles. Methods. PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched (from inception to March 2023) for trials comparing omeprazole to other types of PPIs or placebo for the treatment APD. Efficacy was analyzed separately for erosive diseases and nonerosive diseases. Primary outcomes included improvement of APD symptoms and frequency of ulcer or erosion healing. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, cost effectiveness, nocturnal acid breakthrough, and length of stay if hospitalized. Random and fixed-effects models were used to determine estimates of efficacy. Results. Thirty-one eligible trials (N = 10,539 participants) were analyzed, including 12 articles not typically included in previous reviews due to translation or journal access issues. Omeprazole significantly improved heartburn compared to placebo (RR = 2.47, 95% CI: 2.13 and 2.86, and p<0.001) and was equivalent to the other five types of PPI. Omeprazole had significantly fewer patients reporting adverse events versus placebo (11% versus 31%, respectively) and other PPIs. Omeprazole was the most cost-effective PPI compared to the other types of PPIs in India. Conclusions. Omeprazole continues to be an effective proton-pump inhibitor to treat patients with acid peptic disorders and was well tolerated. Omeprazole was significantly better than placebo and was equivalent with other PPIs for curing heartburn and was equivalent to other PPIs for the healing of ulcers or erosions in addition to being the most cost-effective.

ABOUT NEW JOURNAL WEBSITE

Dear Colleagues,
 We are pleased to present new website https://ejc.buketov.edu.kz/ of the Eurasian Journal of Chemistry. Since February 2024, submission of manuscripts and publication of articles in the Eurasian Journal of Chemistry takes place on the new website. The archive of journal issues before 2023 can be found on the old website https://chemistry-vestnik.ksu.kz/archive.
 In 2023, our journal was rebranded and the journal title was changed from Bulletin of the Karaganda University. Chemistry Series on the Eurasian Journal of Chemistry, so our new website is located on a new domain, which corresponds to the new name of the journal.
 Our new website is based on the OJS international publishing platform, which is used worldwide to automate the publishing process of Open Access scholarly journals. Before submitting, Authors should Login to the site or Register. The article is submitted through the Online Article Submission System. Authors are advised to read the Author Guidelines and adhere to the Ethical Standards before submitting, Authors can use Template for the Article and Template for the Supplementary Materials to prepare submission.
 The Editorial Board of the Eurasian Journal of Chemistry hopes that the relocation to a new website will improve the journal’s interaction with Authors, Reviewers, Readers and other interested parties, and will also contribute to the further journal development and promotion at the international level.

Microfinance: an overview

AbstractThis paper presents a summary of this issue of the Oxford Review of Economic Policy, on microfinance. The paper explores the evolving landscape of microfinance, with particular emphasis on its broadening scope. It summarizes the four parts of this journal issue, focusing on: (i) microfinance and its providers; (ii) the challenges of taking microfinance to scale; (iii) microfinance and digital credit; and (iv) microfinance and repayment flexibility.

Journalism issues in Sheki’s literary environment in the 20th century (based on the creativity of Mustafa bey Alibeyov, Nurpasha Hummetov and Tofig Gaffarov)

The article describes the development of journalism in Shaki in the 20th century. The main goal of the author is to highlight the influence and role of publicity in the development of the literary environment in Sheki. The role of the regional press in the development of journalism and some examples of the journalistic legacy of Mustafa bey Alibeyov, Nurpasha Hummetov and Tofig Gaffarov, who were talented publicists of the time, are systematized by the researcher and taken as the object of analysis. The article stands out for its scientific innovation as an initial step in the study of journalistic heritage in the Sheki literary environment.

Bridging the gap: Unveiling the crisis of physical inactivity in inflammatory bowel diseases

In this editorial we comment on the article titled “Inflammatory bowel diseases patients suffer from significant low levels and barriers to physical activity: The BE-FIT-IBD study” published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023; 29 (41): 5668-5682. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are emerging as a significant global health concern as their incidence continues to rise on a global scale, with detrimental impacts on quality of life. While many advances have been made regarding the management of the disease, physical inactivity in these patients represents an underexplored issue that may hold the key for further and better understanding the ramifications of IBD. Chronic pain, fatigue, and fear of exacerbating symptoms promotes physical inactivity among IBD patients, while the lack of clear guidelines on safe exercise regimens contributes to a norm of physical inactivity. Physical activity (PA) is accepted to have a positive effect on disease outcomes and quality of life, while inactivity exacerbates comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. The “BE-FIT-IBD” study, focusing on PA levels and barriers in IBD patients of Southern Italy, revealed that a significant proportion (42.9%) were physically inactive. This lack of PA is attributed to barriers such as fear of flare-ups and misconceptions about exercise exacerbating the disease. The study also highlighted the need for better communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding the benefits of PA and safe incorporation into lifestyles. Moreover, physical inactivity may also contribute to disability in IBD patients, having a great impact on employment status. Of note is the fact that IBD also comes with an important psychological burden with relevant evidence suggesting that regular PA can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance mental health. The “BE-FIT-IBD” study advocated for the integration of PA into IBD management, emphasizing the bidirectional link between PA and IBD. Regular exercise can influence the course of IBD, potentially reducing symptom severity and prolonging remission periods. As such, it is mandatory that healthcare providers actively educate patients, dispel misconceptions, and tailor exercise recommendations to improve the quality of life and reduce IBD-related complications.

From the Editor

The Spring 2024 issue of AMWA Journal is dedicated to exploring trends and opportunities in medical communication, as presented and discussed at the AMWA Medical Writing & Communication Conference in November of 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Australian Medical Journal, August 1846.

Medical journals started appearing formally in Europe in the 17th century and in North America in the 18th century. In Australia, the first issue of Australian Medical Journal (AMJ) was issued in Sydney, under the stewardship of a New South Wales (NSW) senior surgeon William Brooks working in Newcastle (NSW) in August 1846. This article refers to that issue of AMJ exploring its contents and context. In terms of original articles, only one on the surgical procedures carried out on two patients suffering strangulated hernias in the Parramatta-Public Hospital by Surgeon Thomas Robertson occurs. The other inclusions are précis from contemporary British medical journals. The AMJ appeared only for a year; why it ceased publication in 1847 is not clear. It was resurrected by the Medical Society of Victoria, Melbourne in 1856, issuing 40 annual volumes uninterruptedly until 1895. With the incorporation of other regional Australian medical journals, AMJ was re-named as the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) in 1914. As MJA, it continues to perform to-date. Natl Med J India 2023;36:263-8.

Promoting access to, and success in postgraduate education in South Africa: A synthesis of emerging issues

This article evinces that policies and plans at the national level in South Africa recognise the importance of postgraduate education within the broader national education and training system, and that they place particular emphasis on promoting access to, and success in postgraduate education as one of the priorities on the country’s development agenda. It identifies and discusses ten issues that have a bearing on the national policies, plans, programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting access to, and success in postgraduate education. These issues emerge from the analysis, triangulation, and interpretation of sets of information and data obtained from multiple projects focusing on postgraduate education, that the Council on Higher Education has implemented since 2018. They are therefore referred to as “emerging issues”. They include the relatively small size of the postgraduate component of higher education, the pyramidal structure of the distribution of students across the different levels of postgraduate education, and the offsetting of the increase in the numbers of graduates produced at all levels of postgraduate education, by a corresponding increase in the numbers of students taking longer to complete their studies than the periods stipulated by the institutions, and by relatively high dropout rates. Other issues are about transformation, student funding, inadequate supervisory capacity, under-preparedness of students, and lack of adequate support services for postgraduate students. The article sets the scene for, and context of the other articles contained in this special issue of the South African Journal of Higher Education, and prepares the readers to understand and appreciate the contents of those articles.

A Proposal for an “Environmental Sports Journalism” (ESJ) Approach: Principles and Illustrative Examples From Coverage of the Rio 2016 and PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games

This article introduces/rationalizes an attempt to conceptualize “environmental sports journalism (ESJ).” ESJ refers to a set of principles for analyzing and/or reporting on media coverage of sport-related environmental issues—principles intended to support/promote dialogue and nuanced thinking about these issues and about how sports journalism might contribute to environmentally friendly and just outcomes. To clarify features of ESJ and explore benefits/challenges of ESJ, we include illustrative examples of ESJ from media coverage of: (a) polluted harbor water used for the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games and (b) the razing of an ancient forest for a ski facility for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. We conclude with reflections on the potential/limits of ESJ and suggestions for work on sport, journalism, and environmental issues.

Editorial

The editorial introduces this issue of Journal of Scandinavian Cinema (JSCA) that in particular explores the representation of children and films for young audiences in the Nordic countries. The issue includes an article on the child figure in Ingmar Bergman’s Autumn Sonata and an In Focus section with four short subjects about youth films in Nordic cinema, followed by an article on the representation of women in a Finnish silent film and a conference report from China. The editorial summarizes the main arguments and contributions of each article and highlights the relevance and importance of studying cinematic representation in the Nordic countries.

Editorial

This editorial celebrates the Journal of Applied Arts & Health’s (JAAH) fifteenth anniversary, reflecting on its evolution and impact at the intersection of art, health and well-being. It reflects on the previous JAAH Special Issue (14:3) paying homage to Emeritus University Professor Shaun McNiff, a trailblazer in the field, whose fifty-plus-year career is highlighted. The journal’s role in promoting understanding of art’s diverse benefits, particularly in healthcare, is emphasized. Amid global challenges, the editorial acknowledges the world’s ongoing shifts and challenges to health and well-being, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruptions, geopolitical tensions and climate change concerns. It recognizes the role of JAAH in fostering exploration, understanding and advocacy in applied arts and health, while calling for continued innovation and inquiry in the next fifteen years. The editorial introduces the current journal issue’s content, which covers a range of research projects, an interview and reviews.

Digital Holography and 3D Imaging 2023: introduction to the joint feature issue in Applied Optics and Journal of the Optical Society of America A.

The Optica Topical Meeting on Digital Holography and 3D Imaging (DH) was held 14-17 August 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The meeting was organized co-jointly with the Optica Imaging Congress. Feature issues based on the DH meeting series have been released by Applied Optics (AO) since 2007. Since 2017, AO and the Journal of the Optical Society of America A (JOSA A) have presented a feature issue in each journal. This feature issues includes 17 papers in AO and 9 in JOSA A. Together they cover a large range of topics, reflecting the rapidly expanding techniques and applications of digital holography and 3D imaging. The upcoming DH Conference (DH 2024) will be held from 3 to 6 June in Paestum, Italy.

Digital Holography and 3D Imaging: introduction to the joint feature issue in Applied Optics and Journal of the Optical Society of America A.

The Optica Topical Meeting on Digital Holography and 3D Imaging (DH) was held 14-17 August 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The meeting was organized co-jointly with the Optica Imaging Congress. Feature issues based on the DH meeting series have been released by Applied Optics (AO) since 2007. Since 2017, AO and the Journal of the Optical Society of America A (JOSA A) have presented a feature issue in each journal. This feature issues includes 17 papers in AO and 9 in JOSA A. Together they cover a large range of topics, reflecting the rapidly expanding techniques and applications of digital holography and 3D imaging. The upcoming DH Conference (DH 2024) will be held from 3 to 6 June in Paestum, Italy.

A.I., FASHION AND RIGHTS

Fashion Design, both in its theoretical foundation and practical application, is experiencing a significant cognitive transformation. This evolution is best interpreted not simply as a mere transition but as a continuous process of adaptation that affects professions, processes, and cultures (Anantrasirichai & Bull, 2022). This ongoing change necessitates a critical re-evaluation and recalibration of current ontological and epistemological frameworks (Dufva & Dufva, 2019; Kraus et al., 2021), emphasizing the need to redefine and reconsider the principles and methodologies in the Fashion Design field. In this context, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) signifies the onset of an era of evolutions and revolutions in Fashion design thinking and practice, characterized by shifts, advancements, and radical changes (Ozmen Garibay et al., 2023). Fashion, traditionally reflective of societal, cultural, and economic dynamics, is now at a pivotal point due to the integration of AI into its processes. This transformation, both rapid and extensive, is reshaping the entire spectrum of the fashion industry, influencing various aspects such as design, production, customer purchasing experiences, and communication strategies (Särmäkari & Vänskä, 2022; Särmäkari, 2021). 
 The second issue of Fashion Highlight Journal situates itself within this evolving landscape, endeavoring to unravel and comprehend the multifaceted implications of integrating artificial intelligence in the realm of fashion design. Through the diverse perspectives and insights offered by its contributors, this issue aims to delve into the intricate ways AI is reshaping fashion design’s traditional methodologies and creative processes. This issue particularly aims to encourage scholarly discussion regarding the interplay between fashion, artificial intelligence, and rights. It examines how the fashion sector, within a rapidly changing environment, is addressing key concerns related to pri vacy, intellectual property, inclusivity, skills development, and responsibility. A significant area of focus is exploring AI’s potential to maintain diversity, function inclusively, and protect individual identities, highlighting its critical role in the context of contemporary fashion.

Local Structures in Proteins from Microsecond Molecular Dynamics Simulations: 2. The Role of Symmetry in GTPase Binding and Dimer Formation.

The Rho GTPase binding domain of Plexin-B1 (RBD) prevails in solution as dimer. Under appropriate circumstances, it binds the small GTPase Rac1 to yield the complex RBD-Rac1. Here, we study RBD dimerization and complex formation from a symmetry-based perspective using data derived from 1 μs long MD simulations. The quantities investigated are the local potentials, u(MD), prevailing at the N-H sites of the protein. These potentials are statistical in character providing an empirical description of the local structure. To establish more methodical description, a method for approximating them by explicit functions, u(simulated), was developed in the preceding article in this journal issue. These functions are combinations of analytical Wigner functions, DL,K, belonging to the D2h point group. The D2h subgroups Ag and B2u are found to dominate u(simulated); the B1u subgroup contributes in some cases. The Ag (B2u) functions have axial or rhombic symmetry. For the first time, local potentials in proteins can be quantitatively characterized in terms of their strength (rhombicity) evaluated by axial Ag (rhombic Ag and B2u) contributions. Until now, the chain-segment [β3-L3-β4] and to some extent the α2-helix have been associated with GTPase binding. Here, we find that this process causes an increase (decrease) in the potential strength of β3 and β4 (the preceding L2 loop and the remote chain-segment [(α2-helix)-(α2/β5-turn)-(β5-strand)]), suggesting effects of counterbalancing and allostery. There is evidence for the L2 loop being associated with RBD-GTPase binding. Until now only the L4 loop has been associated with RBD dimerization. The latter process is found to cause an increase (decrease) in the potential strength and rhombicity of the L4 loop (the adjacent chain-segment [(α2-helix)-(α2/β5-turn)-(β5-strand)]), suggesting counterbalancing activity. On average, the RBD dimer features stronger local potentials than RBD-Rac1. The novel information inherent in these findings is mesoscopic in character. Prospects of interest include exploring relation to atomistic force-field parameters.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer: GDF15 as a master player.

Gastric cancer, a major global health concern, poses challenges in effective treatment, notably due to chemoresistance. This study investigates the role of growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) in mitochondrial dysfunction and its impact on cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer cells. In this issue of The FEBS Journal, Wang etal. demonstrate that GDF15 upregulation is associated with cisplatin insensitivity, mediated by the ATF4-CHOP pathway and reactive oxygen species-activated general control nonderepressible 2 [Wang S-F etal. (2023) FEBS J, https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16992]. Connecting these insights, we explore the broader implications of GDF15 expression in the aging-cancer axis, particularly its involvement in cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This study suggests that GDF15 released by senescent cells could contribute to tumor progression, indicating potential avenues for therapeutic intervention by targeting senescent cells and their SASP. While the study provides valuable insights into mitigating cisplatin resistance, further research is crucial to fully understand the role of GDF15 in the tumor microenvironment and its potential feedback loops promoting tumorigenesis.

Artificial Intelligence Exploring Its Applications across Industries

Many disciplines, such as computer vision and natural language processing (NLP), find broad applications for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). We will give a brief history of edge detection in this post, which is an essential method for emphasizing important characteristics in a wide range of computer vision applications. We will also explore the transformative potential of transformer-based deep learning models in improving natural language processing applications. In addition, we will present two current research initiatives that demonstrate the creative uses of AI in business negotiation and the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, for this journal issue, we have carefully chosen five papers that are pertinent to these topics.

Exploring the Applications of Artificial Intelligence across Various Industries

Many disciplines, such as computer vision and natural language processing (NLP), find broad applications for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). We will give a brief history of edge detection in this post, which is an essential method for emphasizing important characteristics in a wide range of computer vision applications. We will also explore the transformative potential of transformer-based deep learning models in improving natural language processing applications. In addition, we will present two current research initiatives that demonstrate the creative uses of AI in business negotiation and the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, for this journal issue, we have carefully chosen five papers that are pertinent to these topics.

Editorial

This issue of the African Human Rights Law journal (AHRLj) appears as the world celebrates 75 years since the adoption of the United Nations (UN) Declaration of Human Rights (Universal Declaration). The Universal Declaration did not include a 'right to development'; the closest it has come was to provide, in article 22, that 'everyone' is entitled to the realisation of 'the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality'.

Bibliometric analysis of fisheries publications in Uganda

The paper gives a background of bibliometrics and how important they are in citation analysis. The methodological tool used for the analysis was Google Scholar which was used to collect citations. A total of 20 issues of the African journal of tropical hydrobiology and fisheries (from 1995 to 2018) were examined for the study. The details regarding each published article such as title of the article, number of authors were recorded and analyzed for making observations. The list of articles published in refereed journals by NaFIRRI scientists from the period 2019 July to June 2021 was further analysed to establish highly cited papers, publication count and prominent topics in fisheries research. The paper ends with conclusions and recommendation where observations have been made that most authors are engaged in collaborative projects leading to joint publications than single authorship.