ABSTRACT Musical illiteracy is a global issue that focuses on the appreciation of musical works. Among musical genres, popular music is most preferred by the public, making it a challenge for Arts Education to enhance its appreciation. The objective was to propose a didactic approach for developing the process of appreciating Cuban popular music within the Arts Education program at the University of Pinar del Río. A combination of theoretical methods (historical-logical and modeling) and empirical methods (document analysis, observation, and surveys) were employed. These, along with pedagogical testing, helped assess the state of popular music appreciation among Arts Education students. The main outcome is a Didactic Concept that emphasizes essential principles and introduces three scientific ideas. These ideas offer a fresh perspective on the teaching and learning process in the course "Artistic Expressions I," specifically for appreciating Cuban popular music.

RESUMEN El analfabetismo musical es una problemática a nivel mundial que centra su atención en la apreciación de la obra musical. Dentro de las tipologías musicales, es la música popular la de mayor preferencia por parte del público, de manera que constituye un reto para la Educación Artística contribuir a su apreciación. El objetivo estuvo dirigido a proponer una concepción didáctica para el desarrollo del proceso de apreciación de la música popular cubana en la carrera Educación Artística de la Universidad de Pinar del Río. Se emplearon un grupo de métodos, teóricos como el histórico-lógico y la modelación, así como empíricos como el análisis de documentos la observación y la encuesta, que junto al empleo de la prueba pedagógica posibilitaron determinar el estado en que se encontraba el desarrollo del proceso de apreciación de la música popular en los estudiantes de la carrera Educación Artística. Como principal resultado se presenta una Concepción Didáctica en la que se destacan principios imprescindibles y, en su epicentro, tres ideas científicas, que exhiben una nueva mirada del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Expresiones Artísticas I, para la apreciación de la música popular cubana.

RESUMO O analfabetismo musical é um problema global que se concentra na apreciação de obras musicais. Entre os gêneros musicais, a música popular é a mais preferida pelo público, tornando-se um desafio para a Educação Artística aprimorar sua apreciação. O objetivo foi propor uma abordagem didática para desenvolver o processo de apreciação da música popular cubana no programa de Educação Artística da Universidade de Pinar del Río. Foram empregados métodos teóricos (histórico-lógico e modelagem) e métodos empíricos (análise de documentos, observação e pesquisas). Esses métodos, juntamente com testes pedagógicos, ajudaram a avaliar o estado da apreciação da música popular entre os estudantes de Educação Artística. O principal resultado é um Conceito Didático que enfatiza princípios essenciais e introduz três ideias científicas. Essas ideias oferecem uma nova perspectiva sobre o processo de ensino-aprendizagem no curso "Expressões Artísticas I", especificamente para a apreciação da música popular cubana.

Reliable cable systems are of utmost importance for electricity distribution- and grid networks. Cable terminations are key components of cable systems but also contribute significantly towards unwanted cable failures and power outages. Although well-developed standards exist in the electricity industry, it is not always possible to execute the most effective tests at power frequency due to financial or logistical reasons. Hence, withstand voltage- and Partial Discharge tests at power frequency are only conducted at a low percentage of electricity utilities. This paper presents the evaluation of unconventional partial discharge fault detection techniques and Very Low Frequency Tan Delta measurements on different cable termination defects. Five artificial cable termination defects were created on single core 6.35/11kV cross linked polyethylene cables, with one "defect-free" termination and five defective ones. Power frequency voltage was applied at increased voltage steps to initiate aging acceleration due to partial discharge. This resulted in insulation deterioration and eventual termination failure. Different data sets were obtained from the Very Low Frequency Tan Delta measurements as well as for the unconventional Partial Discharge measurements. The sequence of failures is compared between the two data sets and evaluated against the root cause failures of the terminations as evaluated by an industry expert. High Frequency Current Transformer and capacitive coupling sensors were used together with an advanced partial discharge data acquisition system. Partial discharge analysis was done to relate the specific on-line trending data with termination failure. Good correlation was found between the two data sets which supports the utilization of unconventional partial discharge measurement for cable acceptance testing. It would be beneficial for the electricity industry to consider unconventional Partial Discharge technology as a suitable alternative for on-site acceptance tests for cable terminations.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, the number of people unaware of their HIV status, and the rate of transmission of the disease, remains high. Scaling up of HIV testing opportunities and settings, particularly in the dental clinical setting, is needed to address this major public health concern. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study assessed dental patients' knowledge, attitudes and practices in voluntary counselling and rapid HIV testing (VCT) in the dental workplace in the eThekwini district, KwaZulu-Natal to determine their understanding and support for these services. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed to dental patients located in private and public dental settings in the eThekwini district. Two hundred and fifty (n=250) completed questionnaires were retrieved, yielding a response rate of 100%. RESULTS: More than half of the participants (n=134; 53.6%) indicated not to have heard of rapid HIV testing or were "unsure" of their knowledge regarding rapid HIV testing. The majority of participants (n=209; 83.6%) reported wanting the option to test for HIV at the dental workplace and 76.8% (n=192) indicated that rapid HIV testing should be routinely conducted by the oral healthcare worker. Participants (n=189; 75.6%) indicated to be less willing to partake in HIV testing should there be a cost implication. Some participants (n=104; 41.6%) indicated that they did not want the oral healthcare worker to perform the test due to perceived incompetency in rapid HIV counselling and testing. More participants from urban (n=214; 85.6%) and rural (n=217; 86.8%) areas of living were keen on the option to test for HIV at the dental workplace, with only 46.8% (n=117) of the informal dwellers sharing the same sentiment. CONCLUSION: Participants reported inadequate knowledge and practice of VCT at the dental workplace. Participants had positive attitudes towards VCT implementation in the dental setting, provided that the cost of conducting of the test was free.

Resumo A gastrite autoimune (GAI) é uma doença inflamatória progressiva da mucosa oxíntica, caracterizada pela destruição das células parietais gástricas, perda do fator intrínseco, má absorção de vitamina B12 (cobalamina), ferro e outros micronutrientes pode progredir para um estado avançado de anemia megaloblástica conhecida como anemia perniciosa (AP). O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a deficiência de vitamina B12 por má absorção usando a detecção de anticorpos anti-células parietais gástricas (ACPG) e anti-fator intrínseco (AFI). Foram analisados 2050 soros de pacientes com um imunoensaio quimioluminiscente para vitamina B12 total, 2,8% deles com testes de imunofluorescência indireta para ACPG e enzimaimunoensaio para AFI. A deficiência de vitamina B12 (<200 ng/mL) foi de 13,1%. Na detecção de anticorpos foram encontrados: 2 duplo positivos ACPG/AFI, 17 simples positivos ACPG e 4 simples positivos AFI. Todas as amostras ACPG e/ou AFI positivas apresentaram valores de vitamina B12 total <200 ng/mL. Gastrite crônica confirmada por biópsia foi diagnosticada em 5 pacientes positivos para ACPG. Nos 6 pacientes AFI positivos o diagnóstico de AP foi feito e em 2 deles foi confirmado por histopatologia. A positividade para ACPG e/ou AFI permitiu a classificação de pacientes com suspeita de GAI em candidatos para exame histológico e a aplicação de esquemas terapêuticos adequados. Destaca-se a importancia dos testes laboratoriais, como parte de uma estratégia de diagnóstico precoce e vigilância endoscópica, para evitar manifestações relacionadas à deficiência de ferro e vitamina B12 e complicações da doença avançada.

Abstract Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a progressive inflammatory condition of the oxyntic mucosa, characterised by gastric parietal cell destruction, loss of intrinsic factor, and malabsorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), iron and other micronutrients; conditioning progress to a state of megaloblastic anemia known as pernicious anemia (PA). The aim of this study was to determine vitamin B12 deficiency due to malabsorption utilizing anti-parietal cell (APCA) and anti-intrinsic factor (IFA) antibodies detection. 2050 patient serum samples were analised by chemiluminescent immunoassay for vitamin B12. A total of 2.8% of them were tested for APCA by indirect immunofluorescence and for IFA by enzyme immunoessay. Vitamin B12 deficiency (<200 ng/mL) was 13.1%. Regarding antibody detection: 2 APCA/IFA double positives, 17 APCA simple positives and 4 IFA simple positives were found. APCA and/or IFA positive samples had total vitamin B12 values <200 ng/mL. Chronic gastritis confirmed by biopsy was diagnosed in 5 patients with positive ACPG antibodies. All 6 IFA positive patients were diagnosed with PA, while 2 of them also received histopatologic confirmation. APCA and/or IFA confirmation allowed for the classification of patients with suspicion of AIG as possible candidates for histologic examination and application of appropriate therapeutic schemes. Importance of laboratory testing is to be noted; as part of a strategy that enables early diagnosis and adequate endoscopic surveillance, to avoid manifestations related to iron and vitamin B12 deficiency and the complications of advanced disease.

Resumen La gastritis autoinmune (GAI) es una afección inflamatoria progresiva de la mucosa oxíntica caracterizada por la destrucción de células parietales, pérdida de factor intrínseco, malabsorción de vitamina B12 (cobalamina), hierro y otros micronutrientes y puede progresar hacia un estado avanzado de anemia megaloblástica conocida como anemia perniciosa (AP). El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la deficiencia de vitamina B12 debida a malabsorción utilizando la detección de anticuerpos anti-células parietales gástricas (ACPG) y anti-factor intrínseco (AFI). Se analizaron 2050 sueros de pacientes con un inmunoanálisis quimioluminiscente para vitamina B12 total y 2,8% de éstos con las pruebas de inmunofluorescencia indirecta para ACPG y enzimoinmunoanálisis para AFI. La deficiencia de vitamina B12 (<200 ng/mL) fue del 13,1%. En la detección de anticuerpos se encontró: 2 doble positivos ACPG/AFI, 17 simple positivos ACPG y 4 simple positivos AFI. Todas las muestras ACPG y/o AFI positivas tuvieron valores de vitamina B12 total <200 ng/mL. En 5 pacientes con ACPG positivos se diagnosticó gastritis crónica confirmada por biopsia. En los 6 pacientes AFI positivos se realizó el diagnóstico de AP y en 2 de ellos se confirmó por histopatología. La positividad de ACPG y/o AFI permitió la clasificación de pacientes con sospecha de GAI en candidatos para la examinación histológica y la aplicación de esquemas terapéuticos adecuados. Se destaca la importancia de las pruebas de laboratorio como parte de una estrategia de diagnóstico temprano y vigilancia endoscópica, para evitar las manifestaciones relacionadas con la deficiencia de hierro y vitamina B12 y las complicaciones de la enfermedad avanzada.

Resumo A participação em programas de avaliação externa da qualidade (PEECs) voltados para o diagnóstico de doenças genéticas permite obter uma mensuração objetiva do desempenho técnico e analítico dos laboratórios e é requisito para a acreditação dos laboratórios clínicos sob a norma ISO 15189. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar retrospectivamente o desempenho nos esquemas EMQN (European Molecular Genetics Quality Network) e CF Network (Cystic Fibrosis European Network) no período 2014-2022. Participou-se em um total de 88 esquemas. Foram coletadas informações de nossos escores e das médias dos laboratórios participantes nas categorias genotipagem, interpretação e precisão da informação do paciente/laudo. 90,9% (n=80) dos esquemas foram informados em sua totalidade. O desempenho na genotipagem apresentou escores acima da média em 89,3% dos esquemas; 0,8% dos laudos corresponderam a falsos negativos. Na interpretação, 66,7% dos esquemas apresentaram desempenho acima da média e 33,3% abaixo da média. A precisão das informações do paciente/laudo apresentou escores acima da média em 97,6% dos esquemas. Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa no percentual de esquemas com pontuação acima da média no ano de 2022 (10/12 esquemas) em relação ao ano de 2014 (1/6 esquemas) na categoria interpretação (p=0,0128). Em conclusão, a participação regular em PEECs teve um impacto positivo na qualidade dos estudos e permite fazer melhorias contínuas com base nas recomendações sugeridas por esses programas.

Abstract Participation in external quality assessment programmes focused on rare genetic diseases makes it possible to assess the laboratory technical and analytical performance and it is a prerequisite for accreditation according to ISO 15189. The objective of this study was to perform a retrospective evaluation of our performance in the EMQN (European Molecular Genetics Quality Network) and the CF Network (Cystic Fibrosis European Network) programmes in the 2014-2022 period. The laboratory performance on genotyping, interpretation and clerical accuracy and patient identifiers in a total of 88 schemes were assessed. The information of our scores and the mean scores of all participating laboratories in the three categories were collected. A total of 90.9% of the schemes were fully completed. The performance in genotyping showed scores above the mean scores in 89.3% of the schemes; 0.8% of the reports correspond to false negative results. Regarding interpretation category, 66.7% of the schemes presented scores above the mean scores and 33.3% below the mean scores. The clerical accuracy and patient identifiers were above the mean scores in 97.6% of the schemes. A statistically significant difference in the percentage of schemes with a score above the mean for the interpretation category in the year 2022 (10/12 schemes) was observed compared to the year 2014 (1/6 schemes) (p=0.0128). In conclusion, regular participation in external quality assessment programmes had a positive impact on the quality of the studies and allows for continuous improvements based on the recommendations suggested by these programmes.

Resumen La participación en programas de evaluación externa de la calidad (PEEC) dirigidos al diagnóstico de enfermedades genéticas permite obtener una medida objetiva del desempeño técnico y analítico de los laboratorios y es un requisito para la acreditación de los laboratorios clínicos bajo la norma ISO 15189. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar retrospectivamente el desempeño en los esquemas EMQN (European Molecular Genetics Quality Network) y CF Network (Cystic Fibrosis European Network) en el período 2014-2022. Se participó en un total de 88 esquemas. Se recolectó la información de nuestros puntajes y las medias de los laboratorios participantes en las categorías genotipificación, interpretación y exactitud de la información del paciente/informe. Se informó en forma completa el 90,9% (n=80) de los esquemas. El desempeño en genotipificación mostró puntajes superiores a la media en el 89,3% de los esquemas; 0,8% de los informes correspondieron a falsos negativos. En interpretación, el 66,7% de los esquemas evidenció un desempeño superior a la media y el 33,3% debajo de la media. La exactitud de la información del paciente/informe presentó puntajes superiores a la media en el 97,6% de los esquemas. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje de esquemas con puntaje por encima de la media en el año 2022 (10/12 esquemas) respecto al año 2014 (1/6 esquemas) en la categoría interpretación (p=0,0128). En conclusión, la participación regular en PEEC tuvo impacto positivo en la calidad de los estudios y permite realizar mejoras continuas a partir de las recomendaciones sugeridas por estos programas.

BACKGROUND. There is a need for critical care services outside intensive care units (ICUs), especially in emergency departments (EDs). However, there is a paucity of skilled manpower for ED critical care or emergency critical care (ECC) in resource-limited settings. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the impact of bedside training on emergency critical care practices of clinical staff. METHODS. This was a quasi-experimental study using a pretest - post-test design in a paediatric ED. The intervention was a six-week structured bedside training on bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and mechanical ventilation. Participants' actual ECC practices pre and post training were evaluated, including their perceived proficiency on an uncalibrated 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Descriptive and inferential analyses were done; p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS. A total of 35 clinical staff participated in the training, comprising 9 (24.3%) paediatric registrars, 12 (32.5%) senior registrars, 10 (27.0%) nurses, 4 (10.8%) house officers and 2 (5.4%) paediatric consultants. The male: female ratio of the participants was 1:1.6, and their mean (SD) age was 33.24 (6.30 years. Participants' understanding of testing the CPAP circuit, connecting the patient and weaning significantly improved following training (p=0.004). Their capacity to select appropriate HFNC parameters improved (p=0.013). They performed more endotracheal intubations in the post-training period (p=0.001). Their pretest-post-test proficiency in mechanical ventilation increased on VAS (mean scores 45.26+31.99 v. 63.26+22.26; p=0.038). Also, there was a significant increase in their perceived proficiency in paediatric analgesia/sedation (30.83+29.86 v. 49.83+23.90; p=0.029. CONCLUSION. Short-term bedside critical care training enhanced the self-reported competency of paediatric ED staff. There is a need for on-the-job ECC training and retraining of clinical staff in our setting.

The development of gene expression profiling and next-generation sequencing technologies have steered oncogenomics to the forefront of precision medicine. This created a need for harmonious cooperation between clinicians and researchers to increase access to precision oncology, despite multiple implementation challenges being encountered. The aim is to apply personalised treatment strategies early in cancer management, targeting tumour subtypes and actionable gene variants within the individual's broader clinical risk profile and wellbeing. A knowledge-generating database linked to the South African Medical Research Council's Genomic Centre has been created for the application of personalised medicine, using an integrated service and research approach. Insights gained from patient experiences related to tumour heterogeneity, access to targeted therapies and incidental findings of pathogenic germline variants in tumour DNA, provided practice-changing evidence for the implementation of a cost-minimisation pathology-supported genetic testing strategy. Integrating clinical care with genomic research through data sharing advances personalised medicine and maximises precision oncology benefits.

Organ donation after a circulatory determination of death is possible in selected patients where consent is given to support donation and the patient has been legally declared dead by two doctors. The National Health Act (61 of 2003) and regulations provide strict controls for the certification of death and the donation of organs and tissues after death. Although the National Health Act expressly recognises that brain death is death, it does not prescribe the medical standards of testing for the determination of brain death (neurological determination of death), circulatory death (circulatory determination of death) or for determination of death based on somatic criteria. However, in all cases of organ donation, including after circulatory death, the National Health Act mandates that two doctors certify the death, with one doctor possessing more than 5 years of experience. Additionally, both doctors must be independent from the transplant team. The standard for such determination, as for brain death, aligns with accepted medical standards. The Critical Care Society of Southern Africa has published South African (SA) Guidelines on Death Determination that outline rigorous standards for death determination in hospital settings by either a neurological or circulatory method. Legislation and the Health Professions Council of SA's (HPCSA) professional guidance direct clinicians on obtaining informed consent for donation either from the patient or in cases of incapacity from their surrogate decision maker. Collectively, the legislation, regulations and professional guidelines in SA provide a robust ethical framework that supports organ donation after circulatory death.

BACKGROUND. Congenital syphilis should by now be a medical rarity. However, there has been a recent global resurgence despite preventive measures and effective treatment. This has significant impact on the health system, with existing data on the burden of congenital syphilis and preventable factors coming mainly from developed countries. OBJECTIVES. To describe maternal and newborn demographic characteristics of newborns admitted with symptomatic congenital syphilis, their spectrum of disease, as well as outline their clinical outcomes and identify modifiable factors that led to the development of the syphilis infection. METHODS. A retrospective chart review of 46 mothers and their 47 newborns admitted to the nursery at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, eThekwini, South Africa between January 2018 and March 2021 with symptomatic congenital syphilis. RESULTS. Of the 47 symptomatic newborns, 12 (26%) died - 50% of them within 24 hours of birth. Factors associated with death were hydrops fetalis, seizures, low APGAR scores and the need for resuscitation at birth. Hepatosplenomegaly, the characteristic rash and pallor were the 3 most common presenting signs. The average length of stay was 19.7 days. Nineteen neonates required admission to ICU for invasive ventilation (40%). Thirteen babies (28%) required non-invasive ventilation. Fourteen newborns (30%) required inotropic support. Red cell transfusion was required in 26 newborns (55%) and platelet transfusion in 4 (9%). Most mothers accessed antenatal care (83%), with 71% testing negative for syphilis at booking. Inadequate treatment of the partner, untreated and inadequately treated maternal syphilis, lack of follow-up testing plans with absent repeat testing at 32 - 34 weeks' gestation were the main modifiable factors. CONCLUSION. Despite good antenatal attendance and early maternal syphilis testing, 47 newborns were admitted to a regional nursery in KZN with congenital syphilis over a period of 39 months. This study highlighted the burden of disease in the neonatal population as reflected by the need for intensive care, a prolonged hospital stay and predictors of mortality. The health system failures are related to maternal testing, treatment and tracing. Strengthening of existing programmes together with novel measures such as extended re-testing protocols and mass treatment of sexually active adults need to be explored to curb the rise of congenital syphilis.

Resumen Este artículo examina la cultura financiera y el uso de los conocimientos financieros de la población húngara basándose en la teoría de la dimensión cultural de cuatro factores de Hofstede. Se investigaron tres cuestiones de investigación (la aplicación financiera del modelo cultural de Hofstede, su comprobación entre la población húngara y el examen de la relación entre los conocimientos financieros y su aplicación) utilizando un método de investigación cuantitativa basado en cuestionarios sobre una muestra representativa. Para responder a las preguntas de la investigación, se agruparon las variables mediante un análisis de componentes principales, se realizó un análisis de conglomerados para tipificar a la población y se llevó a cabo un análisis de correlación para los conocimientos financieros y la aplicación. Basándonos en el estudio, recomendamos que la educación financiera es importante. Una limitación del estudio es que no es representativo en términos de nivel educativo, pero es adecuado para describir las características financieras de la población húngara. El estudio reveló que la población húngara puede caracterizarse aplicando el modelo cultural de las finanzas de Hofstede. Una parte significativa de la población tiene opiniones colectivistas. También es importante señalar que la autoconfianza financiera y la orientación al éxito no están relacionadas con los conocimientos financieros y su aplicación con éxito.

Abstract The paper examines the financial culture and the use of financial knowledge of the Hungarian population based on Hofstede’s four-factor cultural dimension theory. Three research questions (financial application of Hofstede’s cultural model, testing it among the Hungarian population, and examining the relationship between financial knowledge and application) were investigated using a questionnaire-based quantitative research method on a representative sample. To answer the research questions, variables were grouped using principal component analysis, cluster analysis was performed to typify the population, and correlation analysis was carried out for financial knowledge and application. Based on the study, we recommended that financial education is important. A limitation of the study is that it is not representative in terms of educational attainment, but it is suitable for describing the financial characteristics of the Hungarian population. The study found that the Hungarian population can be characterized by applying Hofstede’s cultural model of finance. A significant part of the population holds collectivist views. It is also important to note that financial self-confidence and success orientation are not related to financial knowledge and its successful application.

Resumen Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el papel del componente de alfabetización financiera islámica en la creación de inclusión financiera y el desarrollo de microempresas en Indonesia. En este estudio se empleó un diseño de investigación transversal y se recolectaron datos de 138 microempresas ubicadas en Pekanbaru, Indonesia. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis de ruta y se adoptó IBM SPSS 26 para probar la hipótesis. Este estudio reveló que solo dos de los componentes de alfabetización financiera islámica influyen positivamente y significativamente en la inclusión financiera islámica. Este estudio también encontró que solo un componente de la alfabetización financiera islámica influye positiva y significativamente en el desempeño de las microempresas. Otros hallazgos muestran una relación positiva y significativa entre la inclusión financiera islámica y el desempeño de las microempresas. Este estudio indica que el componente de la educación financiera islámica desempeña un papel importante en la promoción de la inclusión financiera islámica, que es necesaria para el crecimiento de las microempresas en Indonesia. El propietario o gerente de microempresas debe aumentar su alfabetización financiera islámica a través de diversos programas de capacitación. Este es el primer estudio en Indonesia en investigar el papel de la literaria financiera islámica en la inclusión financiera y el desarrollo de microempresas. Este estudio tiene limitaciones en cuanto al tamaño de la muestra y la ubicación de la investigación.

Abstract This research aims to look at the role of Islamic financial literacy component in creating financial inclusion and developing micro-businesses in Indonesia. Cross sectional research design was employed in this study and data were collected from 138 micro-business located in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. The data was analyzed using path analysis and IBM SPSS 26 was adopted to testing the hypotesis. This study revealed that only two of Islamic financial literacy components positively and significant influences Islamic financial inclusion. This study also found that only one component of Islamic financial literacy positively and significantly influences micro-business performance. Other findings show a positive and significant relationship between Islamic financial inclusion and micro-business performance. This study indicates that component of Islamic financial literacy play an important role in promoting Islamic financial inclution which is necessary for growth of micro-business in Indonesia. Owner or manager of micro-business should increase their Islamic financial literacy through various training programs. This is the first study in Indonesia in investigating the role of Islamic financial litaracy on financial inclusion and micro-business development. This study has limitations in sample size and research location.

Resumo Introdução: O sarcoma embrionário do fígado (SEF) é uma neoplasia rara do fígado que ocorre principalmente em idades pediátricas. Fazer o diagnóstico correto pode ser um desafio, uma vez que os achados laboratoriais e radiológicos são muitas vezes inespecíficos e o imunofenótipo desta entidade é mal definido e algo variável. Apresentação do caso: Foi detetada em tomografia computorizada (CT) abdominal uma massa epigástrica volumosa numa mulher de 43 anos apresentando dor abdom-inal e distensão abdominal. A massa foi biopsada e submetida a estudo histopatológico. Microscopicamente, o tumor tinha características sarcomatoides e apresentava células multinucleadas com glóbulos hialinos com positividade para ácido periódico Schiff (APS). O estudo imunohistoquímico revelou positividade para vimentina, CD10, glipicano-3 e α1-antitripsina e negatividade para queratinas e marcadores de diferenciação muscular, adipocítica e melanocítica. Discussão/Conclusão: O SEF no adulto é uma raridade e o seu diagnóstico requer a ex-clusão de outras entidades. Embora algumas características microscópicas sejam muito comuns, estas permane-cem inespecíficas. A principal característica é a presença de células multinucleadas com glóbulos hialinos positivos para APS. Ainda que o estudo imunohistoquímico seja fundamental, o imunofenótipo também carece de especificidade e o SEF pode ter marcação variável para glipicano-3 e marcadores de diferenciação epitelial ou muscular. Apesar de ter sido descrito há mais de três décadas, o prognóstico e o tratamento ideal ainda não estão bem definidos, mas a cirurgia tem apresentado resultados favoráveis.

Abstract Introduction: Embryonal sarcoma of the liver (ESL) is a rare neoplasm of the liver occurring mainly in paediatric ages. Making the correct diagnosis can be challenging as the laboratory and radiological findings that are often nonspecific, and the tumour immunophenotype is poorly defined and even somewhat variable. Case Presentation: A large epigastric mass was detected in a computerized tomography scan of a 43-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain and bloating. The mass was biopsied and submitted to histo-pathological study. Microscopically the tumour had sarcomatoid features and showed multinucleated cells with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive globules. Immunostaining revealed positivity for vimentin, CD10, glypican-3, and α1-antitrypsin and negativity for keratins, muscle, adipocytic, and melanocytic differentiation markers. The patient was then submitted to a left hepatectomy with similar histological findings. Discussion: ESL in adults is a rarity and its diagnosis requires the exclusion of other entities. While some microscopic features are very common, they remain nonspecific. The main feature is the presence of multinucleated cells with PAS-positive hyaline globules. While ancillary testing is key, the immunophenotype also lacks specificity and ESL may have variable staining for glypican-3 and epithelial or muscle differentiation markers. Although it has been described for more than 3 decades, the prognosis and optimal treatment are still not well defined, but surgery has yielded favourable results.

Determining the death burden for prioritising public health interventions necessitates detailed data on the causal pathways to death. Postmortem minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS), incorporating histology, molecular and microbial culture diagnostics, enhances cause-of-death attribution, particularly for infectious deaths. MITS proves a valid alternative to full diagnostic autopsies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Soweto, South Africa (SA), the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) programme has delineated over 1 000 child and stillbirth deaths since 2017. This SA CHAMPS site supports advocating for the use of postmortem MITS as routine practice, for more granular insights into under-5 mortality causes. This knowledge is crucial for SA's pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 3.2, targeting reduced neonatal and under-5 mortality rates. This commentary explores the public health advantages and ethicolegal considerations surrounding implementing MITS as standard of care for stillbirths, neonatal and paediatric deaths in SA. Furthermore, based on the data from CHAMPS, we present three pragmatic algorithmic approaches to the wide array of testing options for cost-effectiveness and scalability of postmortem MITS in South African state facilities.

SYNOPSIS Ferrochrome (FeCr) is a vital ingredient in stainless steel production and is commonly produced by smelting chromite ores in submerged arc furnaces. Silicon (Si) is a componrnt of the FeCr alloy from the smelting process. Being both a contaminant and an indicator of the state of the process, its content needs to be kept within a narrow range. The complex chemistry of the smelting process and interactions between various factors make Si prediction by fundamental models infeasible. A data-driven approach offers an alternative by formulating the model based on historical data. This paper presents a systematic development of a data-driven model for predicting Si content. The model includes dimensionality reduction, regularized linear regression, and a boosting method to reduce the variability of the linear model residuals. It shows a good performance on testing data (R² = 0.63). The most significant predictors, as determined by linear model analysis and permutation testing, are previous Si content, carbon and titanium in the alloy, calcium oxide in the slag, resistance between electrodes, and electrode slips. Further analysis using thermodynamic data and models, links these predictors to electrode control and slag chemistry. This analysis lays the foundation for implementing Si content control on a ferrochrome smelter.

INTRODUCTION: The use of glass ionomer cements (GIC) as a restorative material was limited to areas of low masticatory forces due to their low mechanical properties which were also affected by the powder/liquid mixing ratio of this material. Bond strength is important for the clinical success of adhesive material. The shear bond strength (SBS) is the maximum force that an adhesive joint can tolerate before fracture which is tested by SBS tests. The high bond strength helps the adhesive to resist stresses caused by resin contraction and forces for a longer time and thus prevents the problems of bond failure such as recurrent caries, tooth sensitivity and restoration failure. GIC as a restorative material has the capacity to release fluoride and shows good bonding ability. The use of GIC in anterior applications appears to be satisfactory, but they have limitations for use in permanent posterior teeth, particularly with regard to large restorations. Zirconia-reinforced GI (Zirconomer, Shofu Inc, Japan) is a new class of restorative material containing reinforced glass ionomer with special zirconia fillers that promises the strength and durability of amalgam with the protective benefits of glass ionomer while eliminating the hazards of mercury. Amalgomer CR (Advanced Health Care, Tonbridge, Kent, UK), a novel ceramic-reinforced GIC, was introduced, which combines the benefits of GIC with the high strength of ceramics. In the present study, shear bond strength to the dentin with Zirconomer, Amalgomer CR and Fuji type IX GIC (GC Tokyo) are compared. AIM: To evaluate the shear bond strength of three different aesthetic materials to dentin. METHODOLOGY: Thirty extracted human molar teeth were taken, cleaned, stored and the occlusal surfaces of the teeth were flattened with a straight fissured bur at a depth of three millimetres until dentin was exposed. Acrylic blocks were prepared by cold cure acrylic resin and the samples were embedded into the blocks and conditioning of dentin was done using dentin conditioner (GC Corporation Tokyo, Japan). Out of 30 dentin-exposed samples, 10 samples were restored with Zirconomer, the other 10 with Amalgomer CR and the remaining 10 with GIC respectively. All the specimens were transferred to the universal testing machine individually and subjected to shear bond strength analysis. RESULT: Statistical analysis was done for all three groups by using descriptive statistics that include one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple post hoc procedures for intergroup comparison. CONCLUSION: Zirconomer showed better shear bond strength than Amalgomer CR and GIC