bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change and human health: Last call to arms for us
Authors: Corrente Antonio , Pace Maria Caterina , Fiore Marco
Published: April 2024

Climate change, now the foremost global health hazard, poses multifaceted challenges to human health. This editorial elucidates the extensive impact of climate change on health, emphasising the increasing burden of diseases and the exacerbation of health disparities. It highlights the critical role of the healthcare sector, particularly anaesthesia, in both contributing to and mitigating climate change. It is a call to action for the medical community to recognise and respond to the health challenges posed by climate change.
Removal of intrahepatic bile duct stone could reduce the risk of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Jagirdhar Gowthami Sai Kogilathota , Bains Yatinder , Surani Salim
Published: April 2024

Hepatolithiasis (HL) poses a significant risk for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) development, with reported incidences ranging from 5%-13%. Risk factors include older age, smoking, hepatitis B infection, and prolonged HL duration. Chronic inflammation and mechanical stress on the biliary epithelium contribute to CCA pathogenesis. Hepatectomy reduces CCA risk by removing stones and atrophic liver segments. However, residual stones and incomplete removal increase CCA risk. Kim et al identified carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, and stone laterality as CCA risk factors, reaffirming the importance of complete stone removal. Nonetheless, challenges remain in preventing CCA recurrence post-surgery. Longer-term studies are needed to elucidate CCA risk factors further.
Research progress on venous thrombosis development in patients with malignant tumors
Authors: Wang Teng-Fei , Chen Qian , Deng Jie , Li Shi-Liang , Xu Yuan , Ma Si-Xing
Published: April 2024

The coexistence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) within patients with cancer, known as cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), stands as a prominent cause of mortality in this population. Over recent years, the incidence of VTE has demonstrated a steady increase across diverse tumor types, influenced by several factors such as patient management, tumor-specific risks, and treatment-related aspects. Furthermore, mutations in specific genes have been identified as potential contributors to increased CAT occurrence in particular cancer subtypes. We conducted an extensive review encompassing pivotal historical and ongoing studies on CAT. This review elucidates the risks, mechanisms, reliable markers, and risk assessment methodologies that can significantly guide effective interventions in clinical practice.
Long-term complete response to anti-programmed-death-1 monotherapy in a patient with relapsed and refractory ovarian adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Zhou Guang-Di , Li Qin
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system, and the survival rate of patients with relapsed and refractory ovarian cancer is very low.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we report a case of high-grade serous papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary that was successfully treated with immunotherapy. Radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for the 56-year-old patient were successful; however, her tumor relapsed. Subsequent second-line chemotherapy, targeted agents, and other treatments were ineffective, as the tumor continued to recur and metastasize. Anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) monotherapy (tislelizumab) completely alleviated the tumor, and the multiple metastatic tumors disappeared. To date, the patient has used anti-PD-1 for 32 months, experiencing no disease progression and maintaining good health without additional treatment.

CONCLUSION

This case suggests that anti-PD-1 immunotherapy may have long-term positive effects on outcomes in some refractory recurrent solid tumors. Further research is needed to identify patients most likely to respond to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Hematochezia due to rectal invasion by an internal iliac artery aneurysm: A case report
Authors: Li Fang , Zhao Bin , Liu Yong-Qiang , Chen Guo-Qing , Qu Rong-Feng , Xu Chao , Long Zhui , Wu Jin-Song , Xiong Mao , Liu Wei-Hang , Zhu Li , Feng Xiao-Ling , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

This case report presents the rare occurrence of hematochezia due to an internal iliac artery aneurysm leading to an arterioenteric fistula, expanding the differential diagnosis for gastrointestinal bleeding. It emphasizes the importance of considering vascular origins in cases of atypical hematochezia, particularly in the absence of common gastrointestinal causes, and highlights the role of imaging and multidisciplinary management in diagnosing and treating such unusual presentations.

CASE SUMMARY

A 75-year-old man with a history of hypertension presented with 12 d of hematochezia, experiencing bloody stools 7-8 times per day. Initial computed tomography (CT) scans revealed an aneurysmal rupture near the right internal iliac artery with suspected hematoma development. Hemoglobin levels progressively decreased to 7 g/dL. Emergency arterial angiography and iliac artery-covered stent placement were performed, followed by balloon angioplasty. Despite initial stabilization, minor rectal bleeding and abdominal pain persisted, leading to further diagnostic colonoscopy. This identified a neoplasm and potential perforation at the proximal rectum. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the presence of a hematoma and an aneurysm invading the rectal wall, necessitating partial rectal resection, intestinal anastomosis, and ileostomy. Postoperative recovery was successful, with no further bleeding incidents and normal follow-up CT and colonoscopy results after six months.

CONCLUSION

In cases of unusual gastrointestinal bleeding, it is necessary to consider vascular causes for effective diagnosis and intervention.
Inclusive culture in the real and virtual educational communication
Authors: Shcherbyna Mariya , Leontieva Veronika , Siliutina Iryna , Sumiatin Stanislav , Shket Anastasiia
Published: April 2024

In today's world of transformation and diversity, the concepts of inclusion and inclusive culture acquire special importance. It stems from the fact that an inclusive culture ensures not only equal opportunities but also allows each person to feel fully integrated and respected in society. At the same time, the pandemic's transformational nature requires a deeper understanding and analysis of the cultural dynamics that affect changing forms of education. Specified issues highlight the problem of defining the set of factors influencing the study of inclusive culture in the real and virtual world. Therefore, this article aimed to examine the concept of inclusive culture in the context of educational communication in both real and virtual environments. It determines the importance of inclusiveness and inclusive culture in the existing – transforming – socio-cultural reality while clarifying the content of the culture of inclusion and demonstrating the logic of its assimilation in the "mechanism" of the transition from stereotyping and awareness of stereotyping to the assertion of the value of (any) human. The mechanisms that prevent us from realizing stereotypes and expanding our understanding and acceptance of others, regardless of their differences, were analyzed and identified. The research also points out the importance of popularizing culture in both usual and educational communication and suggests strategies for improving attitudes towards inclusive culture.
Paralelismos en la transformación de barrios mediterráneos frente a la gentrificación turística, el caso de I quartieri spagnoli de Nápoles respecto a Lavapiés, Madrid
Authors: Garcia Perez Eva , Pedalino Curto Clara , Ardura Urquiaga Alvaro , Zuñiga Simon Wady Cesar
Published: April 2024

El desarrollo teórico de los procesos de gentrificación postula que ciertos barrios degradados del centro de las ciudades son áreas preferentes de inversión para los diferentes actores económicos. Esos procesos generalmente se han dado en primer lugar en el ámbito residencial, extendiéndose más tarde a otros como el comercial. No obstante, el desarrollo del capitalismo de plataformas ha venido a alterar esta secuencia pudiendo convivir la gentrificación turística con la gentrificación comercial y la residencial, o incluso, antecederla. Este artículo analiza el proceso de transformación de I Quartieri Spagnoli en Nápoles, en relación al de otro barrio de la Europea Meridional de características similares, Lavapiés en Madrid. La comparación establece los paralelismos entre ambos fenómenos a partir de las características de la población, del espacio construido y de las políticas públicas urbanas adoptadas, haciendo énfasis en los rasgos morfológicos y de centralidad urbana de ambos lugares. Los casos ilustran las especificidades de las ciudades mediterráneas en el nuevo frente de batalla urbana que impone el turismo globalizado a las economías urbanas.
Contrageografías del desarrollo acuícola: discursos territoriales y movimientos sociales en el sur de Chile
Authors: Carrasco Bahamonde Daniel , Casellas Antònia
Published: April 2024

El estudio de los discursos del desarrollo elaborados en contextos de conflictividad socioterritorial es un ámbito de creciente interés en las ciencias sociales, ya que permite comprender las condiciones de producción de los territorios desde una perspectiva geográfica y discursiva. En este artículo analizamos los discursos territoriales generados por tres movimientos sociales surgidos en el periodo 2015-2020 y que se posicionan críticamente frente al conflicto socioambiental derivado del vertimiento de mortalidad de peces de la industria salmonera y la posterior crisis de marea roja en el Archipiélago de Chiloé en 2016. Utilizando una metodología centrada en el análisis crítico del discurso, identificamos representaciones alternativas sobre el territorio que coexisten en tensión con el proyecto salmonero y de actores locales que pugnan por generar modelos de desarrollo post-extractivistas en los que las dimensiones culturales y territoriales asumen un rol preponderante.
Healthcare Workers in Conflict: Challenges and Choices
Authors: McRae Melissa , Guevara Maria
Published: April 2024

Abstract: ‘War is definitely hell on earth’ . All too often, we hope the hell will be short-lived, over in a few days, and yet, as we know from experience, hell can go on and on and on. For healthcare workers who provide care to victims of conflict, the work raises many ethical dilemmas. The stories showcased in this edition of NIB share the experiences of a handful of brave individuals and how they navigated their professional ethical obligations as well as their personal convictions during times of conflict. Adeptly portrayed are various approaches to ethical dilemmas, such as adhering to the ethical imperative of medical impartiality, the limits of professional and personal responsibility, coping with moral distress, and the power of humanity, evident through the collective efforts of strangers to help others. This commentary reflects on the ethical grey zones of being a healthcare provider in conflict, as there is no single right way of fulfilling professional obligations, each context being different. As several stories highlight, whilst stressful, the solidarity and comradery of working in a healthcare team can provide great support, purpose, and motivation.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Normative Function of Indirect Consent
Authors: Smolenski Joanna
Published: April 2024

Abstract: In this case study, I consider Mr. A, a Jehovah’s Witness with chronic vertebral osteomyelitis in need of surgical debridement. Prior to proceeding to the OR, he was unwilling either to explicitly consent to or refuse blood transfusion, while indicating he was open to transfusion intraoperatively, if the team judged it necessary. Ethics was consulted to determine if it would be morally justifiable for the team to proceed with blood transfusion during the course of surgery without Mr. A’s documented consent to being transfused. I argue that in this case, what might be termed indirect consent—namely, delegating decision-making regarding some possible course of action without explicitly consenting to the course of action itself—may be sufficient for discharging the clinician’s ethical obligation to obtain consent. Identifying information has been changed or omitted to protect patient confidentiality.
Q'ojom: Sonidos en el Popol Wuj
Authors: Calĺ Luis , Palacios Rita M. , Worley Paul M.
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This paper engages a Maya sonorous concept known as "q'ojom" as a means of understanding the role of sound in the K'iche' Maya Popol Wuj. While the notion that the Popol Wuj and similar texts are performative in nature has been widely recognized and well-studied, we argue that an analysis of the text grounded in q'ojom enables us to better grasp how such a performance may have been carried out, as well as how sound itself is integral at different moments in the text. As this article is also a collaboration among Maya and non-Maya scholars, we also hope that it plays a small role in furthering efforts to develop and hone new forms of scholarship and relations in the hemisphere.
Design of an optical passive semi-athermalization zoom lens
Authors: Yan Aqi , Chen Weining , Li Qianxi , Guo Min , Wang Hao
Published: April 2024

Traditional zoom lenses cannot clearly image during the entire zoom process when the ambient temperature changes and needs to focus frequently at middle focal length positions. An innovative design method called the optical passive semi-athermalization (OPSA) design for zoom optical systems is proposed which, based on the difference in the focusing sensitivity of the focusing group at short and long focal length positions, seeks out sensitive groups that have a greater impact on the imaging quality at the short focal position. By changing the temperature characteristics of the temperature-sensitive lenses in these groups, an OPSA zoom optical system can be realized, which exhibits a compact structure and excellent imaging quality. Under the ambient temperature of −40∘C to +60∘C, the OPSA zoom lens needs to refocus only once at the long focal length position, which can ensure an image clearly during the entire zoom process. Remarkably, this innovative method not only mitigates the frequent focusing challenges in traditional zoom lenses, but also contributes to the diminutive size.
Real-time FPGA prototyping of Doppler frequency shift compensation using DSP-assisted automatic frequency control
Authors: Tang Xinpei , Li Yan , Song Jingwei , Guo Hongxiang , Hong Xiaobin , Qiu Jifang , Yang Zhisheng , Wu Jian
Published: April 2024

This Letter presents a real-time coherent receiver using digital signal processing (DSP)-assisted automatic frequency control (AFC) to compensate for the Doppler frequency shift (DFS). DFS compensation range of ±8 GHz and the frequency shifting rate of 33 MHz/s are demonstrated in an FPGA-based 2.5 Gbaud QPSK coherent optical system. The experimental results indicate that the scheme achieves a sensitivity of −47 dBm at a bit error rate (BER) of 2E-4. The power penalty induced by the DFS compensation is less than 1 dB.
Polarization switching in a mid-infrared Er:YAlO3 laser
Authors: Cassouret Florent , Nady Ahmed , Loiko Pavel , Normani Simone , Braud Alain , Chen Weidong , Petrov Valentin , Sun Dunlu , Zhang Peixiong , Viana Bruno , Hideur Ammar , Camy Patrice
Published: April 2024

We report on a polarization-resolved study of mid-infrared emission properties of Er3+-doped orthorhombic yttrium aluminum perovskite YAlO3 single crystal. For the 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 Er3+ transition, the stimulated emission cross section is 0.20 × 10−20 cm2 at 2919 nm for light polarization E ‖ c. Pumped by an Yb-fiber laser at 976 nm, the 10 at.% Er:YAlO3 laser delivered 1.36 W at 2919 nm with a slope efficiency of 31.4%, very close to the Stokes limit, a laser threshold as low as 33 mW and a linear polarization. Pump-induced polarization switching between E || b and E || c eigen states was observed and explained by excited-state absorption from the terminal laser level.
Polymer-based cascaded waveguide Bragg grating for blood glucose sensing
Authors: Zhao Ruina , Li Hongqiang , Han Ming , Ding Mingjun , Zuo Licheng , Zhang Lizhen , Zhang Shanshan , Meng Wentao , Xie Fanglin , Ma Shuai , Cao Lu , Ren Feng , Li Enbang
Published: April 2024

Waveguide Bragg grating (WBG) blood glucose sensing, as a biological sensing technology with broad application prospects, plays an important role in the fields of health management and medical treatment. In this work, a polymer-based cascaded WBG is applied to glucose detection. We investigated photonic devices with two different grating structures cascaded—a crossed grating and a bilateral grating—and analyzed the effects of the crossed grating period, bilateral grating period, and number of grating periods on the sensing performance of the glucose sensor. Finally, the spectral reflectance characteristics, response time, and sensing specificity of the cascaded WBG were evaluated. The experimental results showed that the glucose sensor has a sensitivity of 175 nm/RIU in a glucose concentration range of 0–2 mg/ml and has the advantages of high integration, a narrow bandwidth, and low cost.
Perturbation Variability Does Not Influence Implicit Sensorimotor Adaptation
Authors: Wang Tianhe , Avraham Guy , Tsay Jonathan S. , Abram Sabrina J. , Ivry Richard B.
Published: April 2024

Implicit adaptation has been regarded as a rigid process that automatically operates in response to movement errors to keep the sensorimotor system precisely calibrated. This hypothesis has been challenged by recent evidence suggesting flexibility in this learning process. One compelling line of evidence comes from work suggesting that this form of learning is context-dependent, with the rate of learning modulated by error history. Specifically, learning was attenuated in the presence of perturbations exhibiting high variance compared to when the perturbation is fixed. However, these findings are confounded by the fact that the adaptation system corrects for errors of different magnitudes in a non-linear manner, with the adaptive response increasing in a proportional manner to small errors and saturating to large errors. Through simulations, we show that this non-linear motor correction function is sufficient to explain the effect of perturbation variance without referring to an experience-dependent change in error sensitivity. Moreover, by controlling the distribution of errors experienced during training, we provide empirical evidence showing that there is no measurable effect of perturbation variance on implicit adaptation. As such, we argue that the evidence to date remains consistent with the rigidity assumption.
Incidence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment among patients admitted with first stroke at tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, Tanzania: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Alphonce Baraka , Meda John , Nyundo Azan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Stroke survivors develop cognitive impairment, which significantly impacts their quality of life, their families, and the community as a whole but not given attention. This study aims to determine the incidence and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) among adult stroke patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Dodoma, Tanzania.

Methodology

A prospective cohort study was conducted at tertiary hospitals in the Dodoma region, central Tanzania. A sample size of 158 participants with the first stroke confirmed by CT/MRI brain aged ≥ 18 years met the criteria. At baseline, social-demographic, cardiovascular risks and stroke characteristics were acquired, and then at 30 days, participants were evaluated for cognitive functioning using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Key confounders for cognitive impairment, such as depression and apathy, were evaluated using the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data; continuous data were reported as Mean (SD) or Median (IQR), and categorical data were summarised using proportions and frequencies. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of PSCI.

Results

The median age of the 158 participants was 58.7 years; 57.6% of them were female, and 80.4% of them met the required criteria for post-stroke cognitive impairment. After multivariable logistic regression, left hemisphere stroke (AOR: 5.798, CI: 1.030–32.623, p = 0.046), a unit cm3 increase in infarct volume (AOR: 1.064, 95% CI: 1.018–1.113, p = 0.007), and apathy symptoms (AOR: 12.259, CI: 1.112–89.173, p = 0.041) had a significant association with PSCI.

Conclusion

The study revealed a significant prevalence of PSCI; early intervention targeting stroke survivors at risk may improve their outcomes. Future research in the field will serve to dictate policies and initiatives.
Structural bioinformatics studies of glutamate transporters and their AlphaFold2 predicted water-soluble QTY variants and uncovering the natural mutations of L->Q, I->T, F->Y and Q->L, T->I and Y->F
Authors: Karagöl Alper , Karagöl Taner , Smorodina Eva , Zhang Shuguang
Published: April 2024

Glutamate transporters play key roles in nervous physiology by modulating excitatory neurotransmitter levels, when malfunctioning, involving in a wide range of neurological and physiological disorders. However, integral transmembrane proteins including the glutamate transporters remain notoriously difficult to study, due to their localization within the cell membrane. Here we present the structural bioinformatics studies of glutamate transporters and their water-soluble variants generated through QTY-code, a protein design strategy based on systematic amino acid substitutions. These include 2 structures determined by X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and 6 predicted by AlphaFold2, and their predicted water-soluble QTY variants. In the native structures of glutamate transporters, transmembrane helices contain hydrophobic amino acids such as leucine (L), isoleucine (I), and phenylalanine (F). To design water-soluble variants, these hydrophobic amino acids are systematically replaced by hydrophilic amino acids, namely glutamine (Q), threonine (T) and tyrosine (Y). The QTY variants exhibited water-solubility, with four having identical isoelectric focusing points (pI) and the other four having very similar pI. We present the superposed structures of the native glutamate transporters and their water-soluble QTY variants. The superposed structures displayed remarkable similarity with RMSD 0.528Å-2.456Å, despite significant protein transmembrane sequence differences (41.1%—>53.8%). Additionally, we examined the differences of hydrophobicity patches between the native glutamate transporters and their QTY variants. Upon closer inspection, we discovered multiple natural variations of L->Q, I->T, F->Y and Q->L, T->I, Y->F in these transporters. Some of these natural variations were benign and the remaining were reported in specific neurological disorders. We further investigated the characteristics of hydrophobic to hydrophilic substitutions in glutamate transporters, utilizing variant analysis and evolutionary profiling. Our structural bioinformatics studies not only provided insight into the differences between the hydrophobic helices and hydrophilic helices in the glutamate transporters, but they are also expected to stimulate further study of other water-soluble transmembrane proteins.
Health and economic burden of insufficient physical activity in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Saleh A. , AlAhmed Reem , Hamza Mariam M. , Alessy Saleh A. , Alqunaibet Ada , AlGhammas Amal , Watkins David , Msemburi William , Alkhattabi Fadiah , Pickersgill Sarah , Rakic Severin , Alsukait Reem F. , Herbst Christopher H. , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Insufficient physical activity (PA) was estimated to cause 4.8% of deaths and 2.6% of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to noncommunicable diseases in Saudi Arabia in 2019. While Saudi Arabia is already achieving great improvements, we predict the health and economic burden of insufficient PA up to 2040 to present a case for policy makers to invest more in the uptake of PA.

Methods

Using a population health model to estimate avoidable health loss, we identified four causes of health loss related to low PA (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer) and estimated the deaths and DALYs from these causes. We projected the expected disease burden until 2040 under alternative assumptions about future PA levels and trends by using three health scenarios: baseline (no change in 2019 PA levels), intervention (81% of the population achieving sufficient PA levels), and ideal (65% of population: moderate PA, 30%: high PA, and 5%: inactive). We applied an “intrinsic value” approach to estimate the economic impact of each scenario.

Results

Overall, we estimate that between 2023 and 2040, about 80,000 to 110,000 deaths from all causes and 2.0 million to 2.9 million DALYs could be avoided by increasing PA levels in Saudi Arabia. The average annual economic loss from insufficient PA is valued at 0.49% to 0.68% of the current gross domestic product, with an average of US$5.4 billion to US$7.6 billion annually till 2040. The most avoidable disease burden and economic losses are expected among males and because of ischemic heart disease.

Conclusions

This study highlights that low PA levels will have considerable health and economic impacts in Saudi Arabia if people remain inactive and do not start following interventions. There is an urgent need to develop innovative programs and policies to encourage PA among all age and sex groups.
Examination of Wnt signaling as a therapeutic target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using a pancreatic tumor organoid library (PTOL)
Authors: Hawkins Hayley J. , Yacob Betelehem W. , Brown Monica E. , Goldstein Brandon R. , Arcaroli John J. , Bagby Stacey M. , Hartman Sarah J. , Macbeth Morgan , Goodspeed Andrew , Danhorn Thomas , Lentz Robert W. , Lieu Christopher H. , Leal Alexis D. , Messersmith Wells A. , Dempsey Peter J. , Pitts Todd M.
Published: April 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents at advanced stages and is refractory to most treatment modalities. Wnt signaling activation plays a critical role in proliferation and chemotherapeutic resistance. Minimal media conditions, growth factor dependency, and Wnt dependency were determined via Wnt inhibition for seven patient derived organoids (PDOs) derived from pancreatic tumor organoid libraries (PTOL). Organoids demonstrating response in vitro were assessed in vivo using patient-derived xenografts. Wnt (in)dependent gene signatures were identified for each organoid. Panc269 demonstrated a trend of reduced organoid growth when treated with ETC-159 in combination with paclitaxel or gemcitabine as compared with chemotherapy or ETC-159 alone. Panc320 demonstrated a more pronounced anti-proliferative effect in the combination of ETC-159 and paclitaxel but not with gemcitabine. Panc269 and Panc320 were implanted into nude mice and treated with ETC-159, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine as single agents and in combination. The combination of ETC-159 and paclitaxel demonstrated an anti-tumor effect greater than ETC-159 alone. Extent of combinatory treatment effect were observed to a lesser extent in the Panc320 xenograft. Wnt (in)dependent gene signatures of Panc269 and 320 were consistent with the phenotypes displayed. Gene expression of several key Wnt genes assessed via RT-PCR demonstrated notable fold change following treatment in vivo. Each pancreatic organoid demonstrated varied niche factor dependencies, providing an avenue for targeted therapy, supported through growth analysis following combinatory treatment of Wnt inhibitor and standard chemotherapy in vitro. The clinical utilization of this combinatory treatment modality in pancreatic cancer PDOs has thus far been supported in our patient-derived xenograft models treated with Wnt inhibitor plus paclitaxel or gemcitabine. Gene expression analysis suggests there are key Wnt genes that contribute to the Wnt (in)dependent phenotypes of pancreatic tumors, providing plausible mechanistic explanation for Wnt (in)dependency and susceptibility or resistance to treatment on the genotypic level.
Dispositional mindfulness: Is it related to knee osteoarthritis population’s common health problems?
Authors: Chu Su-Feng , Lin Li-Chen , Chiu Aih-Fung , Wang Hsiu-Hung
Published: April 2024

Background

A growing body of research supports dispositional mindfulness as important in influencing physical and mental health as well as physical activities in patients with chronic illnesses. Knee osteoarthritis (OA), which often causes health problems, is one of the most common chronic illnesses, but less is known about dispositional mindfulness in relation to this condition.

Objective

To explore possible associations between dispositional mindfulness and physical and mental health as well as physical activity in knee OA patients.

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, we recruited a purposive sample of orthopedic clinic patients in hospitals in Southern Taiwan. Instruments included the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Health-related characteristics were also measured. Demographic statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple linear regression informed our exploration of potentially related factors for dispositional mindfulness.

Results

Participants with knee OA (N = 250) were mostly elderly (88%), female (70.5%), and married (84%). Marital status, perceived health status, depression, and physical activity were associated with dispositional mindfulness. Better perceived health, lower depression, and greater physical activity were significantly associated with greater dispositional mindfulness. However, the severity of symptoms, fear of falling, and exercise self-efficacy did not reach statistical significance in relation to dispositional mindfulness.

Conclusion

Greater emphasis should be placed on the cultivation of mindfulness to enhance individuals’ perceived health, decrease their depressive mood, and promote their engagement in physical activity, which could indirectly alleviate their experience of pain and improve their physical function, yielding better quality of life and well-being. Future research should focus on interventions to apply dispositional mindfulness in order to determine whether dispositional mindfulness can effectively improve physical and mental health as well as physical activity in those with knee OA.
How do authors’ perceptions of their papers compare with co-authors’ perceptions and peer-review decisions?
Authors: Rastogi Charvi , Stelmakh Ivan , Beygelzimer Alina , Dauphin Yann N. , Liang Percy , Wortman Vaughan Jennifer , Xue Zhenyu , Daumé III Hal , Pierson Emma , Shah Nihar B.
Published: April 2024

How do author perceptions match up to the outcomes of the peer-review process and perceptions of others? In a top-tier computer science conference (NeurIPS 2021) with more than 23,000 submitting authors and 9,000 submitted papers, we surveyed the authors on three questions: (i) their predicted probability of acceptance for each of their papers, (ii) their perceived ranking of their own papers based on scientific contribution, and (iii) the change in their perception about their own papers after seeing the reviews. The salient results are: (1) Authors had roughly a three-fold overestimate of the acceptance probability of their papers: The median prediction was 70% for an approximately 25% acceptance rate. (2) Female authors exhibited a marginally higher (statistically significant) miscalibration than male authors; predictions of authors invited to serve as meta-reviewers or reviewers were similarly calibrated, but better than authors who were not invited to review. (3) Authors’ relative ranking of scientific contribution of two submissions they made generally agreed with their predicted acceptance probabilities (93% agreement), but there was a notable 7% responses where authors predicted a worse outcome for their better paper. (4) The author-provided rankings disagreed with the peer-review decisions about a third of the time; when co-authors ranked their jointly authored papers, co-authors disagreed at a similar rate—about a third of the time. (5) At least 30% of respondents of both accepted and rejected papers said that their perception of their own paper improved after the review process. The stakeholders in peer review should take these findings into account in setting their expectations from peer review.
Impact of digital procurement on economic resilience of enterprises during COVID-19
Authors: Chytilová Ekaterina , Talíř Milan , Straková Jarmila , Dobrovič Ján
Published: April 2024

The main objective of this paper was to determine whether digital procurement positively affected the economic resilience of firms in the manufacturing industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, qualitative research was conducted in Czech industrial enterprises by means of a questionnaire survey in 2021. Based on the research question, 3 hypotheses were formed, which focused on the impact that investing in digital procurement had on the economic resilience of enterprises in selected industries. The parametric two sample one-factor ANOVA and Pearson's Chi-squared test were used to test the hypotheses. The findings rejected the association between investment in digital procurement and the economic performance of the firm during the pandemic. They also failed to confirm the association between digital purchasing and economic resilience of businesses during the pandemic. Another important result was also that digitization of purchasing did not have a greater impact on the economic resilience of firms in the manufacturing industry compared to firms in the construction and agriculture sectors. The research results can be practically implemented in determining the expected benefits of digitizing procurement. The research implications are limited by the fact that it only investigates companies from the manufacturing industry in the Czech Republic and focuses exclusively on the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renewable energy penetration in Nordic and Baltic countries of the EU
Authors: Štreimikienė Dalia
Published: April 2024

The low carbon transition of the energy sector towards a greater penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) is one of the most impressive examples of political and economic change in the European Union. For nearly two decades, the European Union was rightly considered to be a frontrunner in RES development and deployment around the world. This culminated in March 2007 when the 20-20-20-targets were agreed under the European Council Conclusions. They aimed at creating a carbon neutral society by 2050 and replacing fossil fuels with renewables. This target requires huge transformations of energy systems and transformative shifts in economics and society. Even as renewables can provide numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits, their fast penetration may cause various societal challenges and encounter many barriers. Therefore, this paper aims to analyse the achievements of select EU countries in renewable energy development. For this purpose, an indicators framework is applied to monitor the RES drivers and achievements, RES penetration, and attained benefits of low carbon transformations. The case study focuses on Nordic and Baltic countries that are EU member states.
Housing prices in South African economy: Investigating macroeconomic drivers using time-varying approach
Authors: Kapingura Forget Mingiri , Sanusi Kazeem Abimbola
Published: April 2024

Despite being one of the least liquid assets, housing is unarguably the most significant asset class and the biggest contributor to household wealth. The goal of the current empirical research is to examine the macroeconomic drivers of housing prices. Thus, the study examines the impact of macroeconomic variables and oil prices on housing prices using monthly time series data from 2003(M1) to 2023(M3). Generalized Autoregressive Score Model (GAS) is employed to appraise the time-varying relationships between housing prices and macroeconomic variables, as well as housing prices and oil prices. The findings resulting from the empirical analysis indicate that the housing market in South Africa is substantially influenced by macroeconomic factors and oil prices. Therefore, the South African government and policy makers must maintain strong macroeconomic policy formulation and environment as they have an impact on housing prices, which, in turn, have an impact on the welfare and quality of life of the populace.
Bilothorax: A Rare Complication of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage in a Patient With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Olasehinde Temitope , Stehouwer Nathan
Published: April 2024

Bilothorax is a rare etiology of pleural effusions that involves leakage of bile from the biliary system into the pleural cavity. Most cases result from iatrogenic mechanisms, like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. However, only a limited number of cases have reported this as a complication of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. We report this rare presentation in an elderly man with primary sclerosing cholangitis after receiving percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for decompression of multiple complex biliary obstructions. Given its rarity and lack of established guidelines, we review clinical features, medical management, and potential implications of bilothorax, especially in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Development of nicotiana-specific molecular markers and their application in a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Zhang Ke , Wang Chunqiong , Li Haiyan , Qin Shichun , Sun Haowei , Zhang Xiaowei , Long Jie , Cai Jieyun , Tong Zhijun , Chen Dan
Published: April 2024

An effective identification method for detecting illegal goods involving raw tobacco material is crucial for tobacco monopolies to conduct surveillance. We developed Nicotiana-specific molecular markers to determine whether seized goods contain raw tobacco material. The sequence data for genes related to the nicotine metabolism pathway and genomic data from the public Solanaceae database were used to establish Nicotiana-specific molecular markers. These markers were determined by experimentally verifying 17 types of nontobacco plant material and 91 types of tobacco material belonging to 11 sections of 3 subgenera. Two reliable Nicotiana-specific markers, Ntsp027 and Ntsp151, were selected from among the 209 newly developed markers. The results indicated that the primers corresponding to these two markers can amplify the target fragments in the 91 types of Nicotiana material without amplification of any PCR products in the 17 types of non-Nicotiana material. Furthermore, utilizing the marker Ntsp151, we verified the efficacy of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay in authenticating tobacco material. The identification of 21 tea-cigarette products via the combination of GC‒MS, a Nicotiana-specific molecular marker and LAMP methods underscores the utility of Nicotiana-specific DNA markers in determining whether illegal goods contain raw tobacco material. Our results indicate an impressive accuracy rate of 100%, which is consistent with the reliability assessment, underscoring the accuracy of these markers in effectively identifying tobacco material. Our findings can significantly augment the capacity for surveillance and anticounterfeiting efforts by aiding the fight against illicit trade and ensuring the integrity of all tobacco-related products in the market.
Tradução de quadrinhos
Authors: Aragão Sabrina Moura , Zavaglia Adriana
Published: April 2024

O presente artigo discute as especificidades da tradução de histórias em quadrinhos a partir da noção de unidade de tradução, tendo em vista   a enunciação e as estruturas formais dessa forma de linguagem. Para tanto, apresentamos a noção clássica de unidade de tradução desenvolvida por Vinay & Darbelnet (1995), a fim de demonstrar como o conceito pode ser repensado e expandido no contexto da tradução de linguagens multimodais, como os quadrinhos. Nesse sentido, refletimos sobre a linguagem das HQs e sua forma de transmitir mensagens a partir de autores como Marion (1990), Baetens (2001), McCloud (2005) e Eco ([1965] 2008), bem como de autores que refletiram sobre a tradução dessa mídia, como Zanettin (2014), Celotti (2014) e Kaindl (2020). Este trabalho pretende contribuir para a análise da tradução dessa mídia no Brasil, cuja pesquisa vem crescendo nos últimos anos, apesar de a tradução de quadrinhos ser bastante antiga no país. Partindo disso, analisamos a tradução da graphic novel francesa Le photographe (2004) – no Brasil, O fotógrafo (2008) – de Didier Lefèvre, Emmanuel Guibert e Frédéric Lemercier, a fim de apresentarmos as especificidades enunciativas e tradutórias dessa obra, com vistas à conceituação da noção de unidade plurissemiótica, que se dá na leitura dos quadrinhos, com implicações significativas para o seu processo de tradução.
‘Corpo de mulher’ no forró
Authors: Santos Odair José Silva dos
Published: April 2024

Este artigo discute as diferentes construções de sentidos para ‘corpo de mulher’, a partir da análise de três letras de forró, de intérpretes diferentes: “Cintura fina”, “Morena Tropicana” and “Mulher Madura”. Para tanto, utilizamos os estudos da Linguística Cognitiva, especificamente as investigações sobre metáfora, metonímia e modelos culturais, com base nas investigações de Lakoff e Johnson (1980), Feltes (2018), Kovecses (2004; 2005), Shanghai (2009) e Teixeira (2001). Como resultado, verificamos que os diferentes conceitos revelados nas letras das canções de forró referem metonimicamente partes da mulher para significar o todo e que as metáforas utilizadas convergem para modelos culturais marcados por características machistas e de subordinação feminina.
Reabilitação implantossuportada usando a crista óssea sobre a fóvea submandibular: uma série de casos
Authors: Valcanaia Tulio , Valcanaia Andre , Bustamante Gisele Luz , Sukekava Flávia , Meurer Eduardo
Published: April 2024

Introdução: Devido à proximidade com artérias, glândulas e nervos, as deficiências de altura óssea na mandíbula posterior apresentam algumas limitações anatômicas que requerem extrema cautela durante a reabilitação de pacientes edêntulos. Objetivo: O objetivo dessa série de casos foi apresentar uma abordagem alternativa para melhorar a ancoragem dos implantes, usando a região da fóvea mandibular. Métodos: Foram incluídos 10 pacientes com espaço edêntulo posterior que queriam receber reabilitação com implantes osseointegráveis. A técnica utilizada envolveu o descolamento cuidadoso do retalho na região da fóvea submandibular, para minimizar o risco de hemorragia, seguido de perfuração cuidadosa do rebordo localizado medialmente ao corpo da mandíbula, para evitar lesão do nervo mandibular. Esse procedimento permitiu a ancoragem de implantes de comprimento padrão no osso cortical tanto na entrada quanto na saída dos implantes. As áreas expostas dos implantes na fóvea submandibular foram recobertas por grânulos de osso bovino desproteinizado. Resultados: Observou-se que, até onze anos após o procedimento, o uso de implantes de comprimento padrão com ancoragem bicortical pode ser realizado com segurança, sem a necessidade de procedimentos cirúrgicos mais invasivos. Conclusão: A abordagem descrita nessa série de casos sugere que o uso de implantes de comprimento padrão com ancoragem bicortical na mandíbula posterior com altura óssea limitada pode ser realizado com segurança, sem a necessidade de procedimentos cirúrgicos mais invasivos.
Instagram Nu e Cru
Authors: Ottoboni Thiago
Published: April 2024

O dia a dia do consultório não é fácil, mas também nos faz sentir muito bem, pois diariamente lidamos com situações desafiadoras, para solucionar diferentes casos, com o intuito de deixar nossos pacientes mais felizes. Nos dias atuais, têm sido rotineiros os retratamentos de restaurações estéticas em cerâmica e, agora muito mais, em resinas compostas. Isso nos tira da zona de conforto, pois nunca é fácil retratar. Além disso, várias vezes o paciente já sofreu muito e, com razão, está sem paciência para um ‘recomeço’ — normalmente, nada fácil. Hoje, a mensagem aqui é: pense muito bem antes de restaurar um dente. Pode ser que uma profilaxia, tratamento ortodôntico e clareamento já resolvam o caso. Mas, se for restaurar, avalie, faça um bom diagnóstico, um bom planejamento, e execute com toda dedicação possível, para essas restaurações terem longevidade e o paciente não precisar trocá-las em um curto espaço de tempo. Obrigado, e nos vemos na próxima...
Influência do acabamento superficial no comportamento mecânico de zircônias monolíticas
Authors: Fabiane Mariane Cássia , Lauxen Jonathan Rodrigo , Rocha Larissa Simião da , Dieterich Júnior João Renato , Benetti Paula
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito do acabamento superficial na resistência das seguintes zircônias monolíticas: zircônia policristalina tetragonal estabilizada com 3 mol% de ítria (3Y) e zircônia policristalina estabilizada com 5 mol% de ítria (5Y). Métodos: Espécimes em forma de disco (12 mm de diâmetro e 0,7 mm de espessura) de cada zircônia foram obtidos (n=80) e divididos em grupos experimentais, de acordo com o acabamento superficial: sinterizado (3Y-S e 5Y-S); overglaze (3Y-G e 5Y-G); acabamento com pontas diamantadas ultrafinas e polimento com pontas de borracha abrasivas (3Y-FP e 5Y-FP); e acabamento e polimento seguido de têmpera térmica (annealing, 3Y-FPA e 5Y-FPA). Os espécimes foram submetidos ao ensaio de resistência à flexão biaxial (pistão sobre três esferas, σf), em água a 37°C, a 0,5 mm/min. O efeito do acabamento superficial na σf de cada zircônia foi avaliado com os testes ANOVA de uma via e de Tukey, com significância de 5% (α=0,05). Resultados: O grupo 3Y apresentou maior σf do que o 5Y. O σf da zircônia foi influenciado pelo tipo de acabamento superficial. Para o grupo 3Y, os acabamentos FP e FPA resultaram em maior σf do que G e S (p<0,001). O FP reduziu significativamente a σf, enquanto o overglaze (G) e annealing (FPA) aumentaram a σf da 5Y. Conclusão: Os tratamentos de superfície produziram efeito diferente na 3Y e na 5Y: enquanto o AP aumentou a resistência à fratura da 3Y, reduziu a resistência da 5Y. O overglaze e o annealing são recomendados para aumentar a resistência da 5Y após o acabamento e polimento.