THE EFFECT OF REFEREEING AND PLAYING EXPERIENCE ON THE LEVEL OF SELF-EFFICACY FOR HANDBALL REFEREES: NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL REFEREES

Few studies have examined referee self-efficacy in a competitive situation such as team handball. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between handball playing and refereeing experience and referee self-efficacy as well as to investigate the differences in self-efficacy between international and national handball referees. Handball referees were conveniently selected during the 18th Asian Men’s Handball Championship 2018 and the 2017-2018 Kuwaiti Handball League. Participants completed an in person demographic information questionnaire as well as the 13-item Referee Self-Efficacy Scale (REFS) (Myers, Feltz, Guillén, & Dithurbide, 2012) which assesses Game Knowledge (GK), Decision making (DM), Pressure (PR), and Communication (CM). There were significant positive correlations for all Referee Self-Efficacy Scale dimensions with years of refereeing experience. Past playing experience was correlated with DM. Number of officiated matches in the last 12 months were significantly correlated with DM and CM. International referees were significantly more confident in their decision making; in dealing with pressure; and in their communication abilities. Expertise as an effective factor for enhancing self-efficacy was confirmed and referees should focus on developing technical, physical, and psychological skills in order to achieve superiority in refereeing. Self-efficacy can be used to differentiate expert from less-experienced handball referee

A 3D printed drug delivery implant formed from a dynamic supramolecular polyurethane formulation

Using a novel molecular design approach, we have prepared a thermo-responsive supramolecular polyurethane as a matrix material for use in drug eluting implants. The dynamic supramolecular polyurethane (SPU) is able to self-assemble through hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, resulting in an addressable polymer network with a relatively low processing temperature. The mechanical properties of the SPU demonstrated the material was self-supporting, stiff, yet flexible thus making it suitable for hot-melt extrusion processing, inclusive of related 3D printing approaches. Cell-based toxicity assays revealed the SPU to be non-toxic and therefore a viable candidate as a biocompatible polymer for implant applications. To this end, the SPU was formulated with paracetamol (16 %w/w) and 4 wt% or 8 wt% poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as an excipient and hot melt extruded at 100 °C to afford a 3D printed prototype implant to explore the extended drug release required for an implant and the potential manipulation of the release profile. Furthermore, rheological, infra-red spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the chemical and physical properties and compatibility of the formulation components. Successful release of paracetamol was achieved from in vitro dissolution studies and it was predicted that the drug would be released over a period of up to 8.5 months with hydrophilic PEG being able to influence the release rate. This extended release time is consistent with applications of this novel dynamic polymer as a drug eluting implant matrix

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS FROM SATUREJA MONTANA L. GROWING IN EGYPT AND THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES

 Objective: This work aimed to investigate the lipid constituents and flavonoidal compounds of Satureja montana, in addition to evaluation of different extracts and/or isolated compounds as antimicrobials and antioxidants.Methods: The volatile and lipid constituents were extracted with n-hexane by partition from hydroalcoholic extract of S. montana L. aerial parts, after then were fractionated to unsaponifiable matters and fatty acid methyl esters which were identified by gas–liquid chromatography and/or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The phenolic constituents were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the aqueous methanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant. The antimicrobial activity of different extracts and the isolated compounds was evaluated against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungus using a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.Results: The identified compounds are luteolin-7-rhamnoside-4'-O-β-glucopyranoside (1), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin- 7-O-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin-7-O-glucopyranoside (4), 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,4'-tetramethoxy flavone (5), gallic acid (6), 2,3-hexahydroxydiphenoyl 1-galloyl glucopyranoside (7), and quercetin (8). The structure of all isolated compounds was established using different chromatographic and spectroscopic measurements (PC, thin-layer chromatography, ultraviolet [UV], 1D, 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance, and MS). Compound-2 showed the highest antibacterial activity against all the tested microorganisms. Hydroalcoholic extract exhibited high antioxidant activity (87.7%). On the other hand, hexane fraction showed a low antioxidant activity (46.4%), in addition to the compound-8 showed the highest antioxidant activity (96.27%) in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. montana showed significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

Quantitative Impact Evaluation of the WINNN Programme – Summary Report: Operations Research and Impact Evaluation

This report presents the results of the quantitative impact evaluation of the Working to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINNN) programme. The impact evaluation is conducted by the Operations Research and Impact Evaluation (ORIE) project. ORIE is responsible for undertaking operations research and assessing the impact of the WINNN programme and it is led by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) and implemented in collaboration with other institutions.UK Department for International Developmen

What doesn't kill you makes you stranger: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (CD26) proteolysis differentially modulates the activity of many peptide hormones and cytokines generating novel cryptic bioactive ligands

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is an exopeptidase found either on cell surfaces where it is highly regulated in terms of its expression and surface availability (CD26) or in a free/circulating soluble constitutively available and intrinsically active form. It is responsible for proteolytic cleavage of many peptide substrates. In this review we discuss the idea that DPP4-cleaved peptides are not necessarily inactivated, but rather can possess either a modified receptor selectivity, modified bioactivity, new antagonistic activity, or even a novel activity relative to the intact parent ligand. We examine in detail five different major DPP4 substrates: glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY), and neuropeptide Y (NPY), and stromal derived factor 1 (SDF-1 aka CXCL12). We note that discussion of the cleaved forms of these five peptides are underrepresented in the research literature, and are both poorly investigated and poorly understood, representing a serious research literature gap. We believe they are understudied and misinterpreted as inactive due to several factors. This includes lack of accurate and specific quantification methods, sample collection techniques that are inherently inaccurate and inappropriate, and a general perception that DPP4 cleavage inactivates its ligand substrates. Increasing evidence points towards many DPP4-cleaved ligands having their own bioactivity. For example, GLP-1 can work through a different receptor than GLP-1R, DPP4-cleaved GIP can function as a GIP receptor antagonist at high doses, and DPP4-cleaved PYY, NPY, and CXCL12 can have different receptor selectivity, or can bind novel, previously unrecognized receptors to their intact ligands, resulting in altered signaling and functionality. We believe that more rigorous research in this area could lead to a better understanding of DPP4’s role and the biological importance of the generation of novel cryptic ligands. This will also significantly impact our understanding of the clinical effects and side effects of DPP4-inhibitors as a class of anti-diabetic drugs that potentially have an expanding clinical relevance. This will be specifically relevant in targeting DPP4 substrate ligands involved in a variety of other major clinical acute and chronic injury/disease areas including inflammation, immunology, cardiology, stroke, musculoskeletal disease and injury, as well as cancer biology and tissue maintenance in aging

Ambient particulate pollution and the world-wide prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in children: Phase One of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)

Objectives: To investigate the effect of ambient particulate matter on variation in childhood prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. Methods: Prevalences of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema obtained in Phase One of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) were matched with city-level estimates of residential PM10 obtained from a World Bank model. Associations were investigated using binomial regression adjusting for GNP per capita and for clustering within country. For countries with more than one centre, a two stage meta-analysis was carried out. The results were compared with a meta-analysis of published multi-centre studies. Results: Annual concentrations of PM₁₀ at city level were obtained for 105 ISAAC centres in 51 countries. After controlling for GNP per capita, there was a weak negative association between PM₁₀ and various outcomes. For severe wheeze in 13-14-year-olds, the OR for a 10 μg/m³ increase in PM₁₀ was 0.92 (95 CI 0.84 to 1.00). In 24 countries with more than one centre, most summary estimates for within-country associations were weakly positive. For severe wheeze in 13-14-year-olds, the summary OR for a 10 μg/m³ increase in PM₁₀ was 1.01 (0.92 to 1.10). This result was close to a summary OR of 0.99 (0.91 to 1.06) obtained from published multi-centre studies. Conclusions: Modelled estimates of particulate matter at city level are imprecise and incomplete estimates of personal exposure to ambient air pollutants. Nevertheless, our results together with those of previous multi-centre studies, suggest that urban background PM₁₀ has little or no association with the prevalence of childhood asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis or eczema either within or between countries

Asthma Prevalence, Knowledge, and Perceptions among Secondary School Pupils in Rural and Urban Costal Districts in Tanzania.

Asthma is a common chronic disease of childhood that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of asthma among secondary school pupils in urban and rural areas of coast districts of Tanzania. The study also aimed to describe pupils' perception towards asthma, and to assess their knowledge on symptoms, triggers, and treatment of asthma. A total of 610 pupils from Ilala district and 619 pupils from Bagamoyo district formed the urban and rural groups, respectively. Using a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, a history of "diagnosed" asthma or the presence of a wheeze in the previous 12 months was obtained from all the studied pupils, along with documentation of their perceptions regarding asthma. Pupils without asthma or wheeze in the prior 12 months were subsequently selected and underwent a free running exercise testing. A >= 20% decrease in the post-exercise Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) values was the criterion for diagnosing exercise-induced asthma. The mean age of participants was 16.8 (+/-1.8) years. The prevalence of wheeze in the past 12 months was 12.1% in Bagamoyo district and 23.1% in Ilala district (p < 0.001). Self-reported asthma was found in 17.6% and 6.4% of pupils in Ilala and Bagamoyo districts, respectively (p < 0.001). The prevalence of exercise-induced asthma was 2.4% in Bagamoyo, and 26.3% in Ilala (P < 0.002). In both districts, most information on asthma came from parents, and there was variation in symptoms and triggers of asthma reported by the pupils. Non-asthmatic pupils feared sleeping, playing, and eating with their asthmatic peers. The prevalence rates of self-reported asthma, wheezing in the past 12 months, and exercise-induced asthma were significantly higher among urban than rural pupils. Although bronchial asthma is a common disease, pupils' perceptions about asthma were associated with fear of contact with their asthmatic peers in both rural and urban schools

Can Bcl-XL expression predict the radio sensitivity of Bilharzial-related squamous bladder carcinoma? a prospective comparative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Local pelvic recurrence after radical cystectomy for muscle invasive bilharzial related squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 75% of treatment failures even in organ confined tumors. Despite the proven value of lymphadenectomy, up to 60% of patients undergoing cystectomy do not have it. These factors are in favor of adjuvant radiotherapy reevaluation. objectives: to evaluate the effect of adjuvant radiotherapy on disease free survival in muscle invasive bilharzial related squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder and to test the predictability of radio-sensitivity using the anti apoptotic protein Bcl-XL.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study prospectively included 71 patients, (47 males, 24 females) with muscle invasive bilharzial related squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder (Stage pT2a-T3N0-N3M0) who underwent radical cystectomy in Assiut university hospitals between January 2005 and December 2006. Thirty eight patients received adjuvant radiotherapy to the pelvis in the dose of 50Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks (Group 1), while 33 patients did not receive adjuvant radiotherapy (group 2). Immunohistochemical characterization for bcl-xL expression was done. Follow up was done every 3 months for 12 to 36 months with a mean of 16 ± 10 months. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Three years cumulative disease free survival was calculated and adjusted to Bcl-XL expression and side effects of the treatment were recorded.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The disease free cumulative survival was 48% for group 1 and 29% for group 2 (log rank p value 0.03). The multivariate predictors of tumor recurrence were the positive Bcl-XL expression (odd ratio 41.1, 95% CI 8.4 - 102.3, p < 0.0001) and radiotherapy (odd ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.05 - 0.78, p < 0.02). With Cox regression, the only independent multivariate predictor of radio-sensitivity was the Bcl-XL expression with odd ratio 4.6 and a p value < 0.0001. All patients tolerated the treatment with no life threatening or late complications during the period of follow up.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Adjuvant radiotherapy for muscle invasive bilharzial related squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder has potential effectiveness and minor side effects. Moreover, Bcl-XL expression is a valuable tool for predicting those who might not respond to this adjuvant treatment.</p

Albumin nanoparticles Preparation, Characterization and In-Vitro Safety Evaluation

The goal of this study was to prepare and characterize albumin nanoparticles to be later used as a drug delivery system. The utilization of nanoparticles as a delivery system for antimicrobial drugs has arisen recently which solve many problems and enhance the traditional treatment with this antimicrobial drugs. In this study, nanoparticles of bovine serum albumen were successfully obtained using a coacervation process (separation of proteins in two liquid phases in colloidal systems). The prepared nanoparticles were nearly spherical in shape and have smooth surface as determined by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The sizes of the obtained nanoparticles were 70 ± 10 nm with negative surface zeta potential. Additionally, the in vitro safety of albumin nanoparticles has been demonstrated. Both cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies indicated that, there is no observed toxic effect of nano-albumin on lymphocyte cell line. Also, the results showed that the albumin nanoparticles enhances and promotes the response of immune system

Far-infrared study of the Jahn-Teller distorted C60 monoanion in C60 tetraphenylphosphoniumiodide

We report high-resolution far-infrared transmission measurements on C(60)-tetraphenylphosphoniumiodide as a function of temperature. In the spectral region investigated (20-650 cm(-1)), we assign intramolecular modes of the C(60) monoanion and identify low-frequency combination modes. The well-known F(1u)(1) and F(1u)(2) modes are split into doublers at room temperature, indicating a D(5d) or D(3d) distorted ball. This result is consistent with a dynamic Jahn-Teller effect in the strong-coupling limit or with a static distortion stabilized by low-symmetry perturbations. The appearance of silent odd modes is in keeping with symmetry reduction of the hall, while activation of even modes is attributed to interband electron-phonon coupling and orientational disorder in the fulleride salt. Temperature dependences reveal a weak transition in the region 125-150 K in both C(60)(-) and counterion modes, indicating a bulk, rather than solely molecular, effect. Anomalous softening (with decreasing temperature) in several modes may correlate with the radial character of those vibrations. [S0163-1829(98)03245-7]