bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Resistance and Associated Risk Factors for Clostridium difficile in Patients Attending Tertiary Care Settings
Authors: Mubaraki Murad A. , Hussain Mubbashir , Hassan Faaiz Ul , Munir Shahzad , Fozia Fozia , Ahmad Ijaz , Bibi Fatima , Sultan Samia , Zialluh Ziaullah
Published: May 2024

To determine the incidence of antimicrobial-resistant emerging pathogens, Clostridium difficile, and its associated risk factors in tertiary care setups of Pakistan. This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2020, to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of C. difficile strains isolated from 450 stool specimens of patients suffering from diarrhea hospitalized in tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan. The stool samples of the patients were processed for culture and detection of toxin A and toxin B by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and tpi PCR. The drug sensitivity test was performed for antibiotics including ampicillin, cefixime, cefepime, amoxicillin, nalidixic acid, sulpha/TMP (SXT), chloramphenicol, metronidazole, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and imipenem. Of 450 stool specimens, 108 (24%) were positive for C. difficile by stool culture, whereas 115 (25.5%) were only positive for C. difficile toxins based on ELISA and PCR (128 (28.6%). Of 108, 90.7% (n = 98) isolates were resistant to one antibiotic, and 90 (83.4%) were resistant to three or more antimicrobials. The highest resistance rates were found against penicillin (83.3%) followed by amoxicillin (70%), nalidixic acid (61%), and metronidazole (38%), and the lowest resistance was found against vancomycin (6.4%) and imipenem (3.7%). CDI was statistically significantly correlated with increased age, use of antibiotics, abdominal surgeries, use of proton pump inhibitors and H2a, and presence of comorbidities. The high frequency of C. difficile in Peshawar, Pakistan, indicates that CDI is an important nosocomial infection in different hospitals. The results will be helpful for clinicians to redesign control and therapeutic strategies in hospitals.
A Passive Wireless Smart Washer for Locking Force Monitoring on the Orthopedic Pedicle Screw
Authors: Liu Che-Fu , Wong Tze-Hong , Wang Hsin-Chuan , Sun Asher , Hsu Wensyang
Published: May 2024

A pedicle screw is a component for fixation in spine fusion surgery, often for patients with osteoporosis. Spine fusion condition highly depends on whether the pedicle screw is tightly fixed on spine, if not, spine fusion will not work properly. After the surgery, the first 3 months is the most crucial period, and bone healing situation cannot be shown through X-ray before the first radiologic images taken around the sixth week. Therefore, it is helpful to have a nonradiative method to monitor the locking force of the pedicle screw after surgery, especially during the early stage. Here a passive wireless force sensor is developed for monitoring the locking force of the pedicle screw, as we call it a smart washer. By integrating a capacitive ring-shape force sensor with an inductor, a passive LC sensor can be built by measuring the resonant frequency wirelessly. The smart washer is designed and calibrated to establish the relation between the locking force and resonant frequency, and then it is fixed with a screw in a porcine femur, with and without medium between the reader and inductor. When the locking force decreases from 8.3 to 0.9 N, the error is less than 0.5 N, and the maximum wireless sensing distance is 72 mm. However, the medium between the reader and the sensor inductor will affect the resonant frequency, but not the sensitivity. Therefore, the locking force variation can still be calculated by the resonant frequency shift accurately. Furthermore, by designing another five LC sensors with different operating resonant frequency ranges, it is possible to identify locking forces at different locations for more pedicle screws. To our knowledge, no LC force sensor was proposed to monitor the locking force of pedicle screws after surgery in the past.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Water Samples of the Gulf of Mexico Show Similar Virulence Properties but Different Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles than Clinical Isolates
Authors: Romero-González Luis E. , Montelongo-Martínez Luis F. , González-Valdez Abigail , Quiroz-Morales Sara E. , Cocotl-Yañez Miguel , Franco-Cendejas Rafael , Soberón-Chávez Gloria , Pardo-López Liliana , Bustamante Víctor H.
Published: May 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen found in a wide variety of environments, including soil, water, and habitats associated with animals, humans, and plants. From a One Health perspective, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, it is important to study the virulence characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of environmental bacteria. In this study, we compared the virulence properties and the antibiotic resistance profiles of seven isolates collected from the Gulf of Mexico with those of seven clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. Our results indicate that the marine and clinical isolates tested exhibit similar virulence properties; they expressed different virulence factors and were able to kill Galleria mellonella larvae, an animal model commonly used to analyze the pathogenicity of many bacteria, including P. aeruginosa. In contrast, the clinical strains showed higher antibiotic resistance than the marine isolates. Consistently, the clinical strains exhibited a higher prevalence of class 1 integron, an indicator of anthropogenic impact, compared with the marine isolates. Thus, our results indicate that the P. aeruginosa marine strains analyzed in this study, isolated from the Gulf of Mexico, have similar virulence properties, but lower antibiotic resistance, than those from hospitals.
Carry‐Over Effects of Broodstock Conditioning on the Salinity Tolerance of Embryos of the New Zealand Geoduck (Panopea zelandica)
Authors: Sharma Shaneel S. , Alfaro Andrea C. , Ragg Norman L. C. , Zamora Leonardo N.
Published: May 2024

The New Zealand geoduck (Panopea zelandica) has seen considerable interest from the NZ aquaculture industry. A major bottleneck in culturing P. zelandica is early life stages mortality (e.g., embryo). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the embryonic performance and their transition to the first feeding larval stage (D‐veliger) under different salinities (26, 30, 32, and 35 ppt) of four different offspring groups generated from broodstock being fed different ratios (25 : 75, 50 : 50, 60 : 40, and 75 : 25) of the haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea (formerly Isochrysis galbana) (ISO) and the diatom Chaetoceros muelleri (CM) during gametogenesis. Broodstock within all diet ratio treatments successfully conditioned, producing viable embryos. Average egg size ranged between 75 and 80 µm and was not affected by the diet ratios of the broodstock. Survival 48 hr postfertilization, D‐veliger larvae yield, and incidence of abnormalities depended on both the embryo rearing salinity and broodstock feeding ratios. The combined salinity of 32−35 ppt and a feeding ratio of 50 : 50 and 60 : 40 (ISO:CM) had the highest survival of embryos (56.0%–77.5%), highest production of D‐veliger larvae (>65%), and lowest incidence of abnormalities within D‐Veliger (<47%). The size of the larvae decreased with decreasing salinities, with the largest found at 35 ppt (101.22 ± 0.49 µm in shell length). Embryos and larvae did not survive at salinity 26 ppt. These results suggest that diet during gametogenesis can play a role on the offspring ability to cope with environmental stressors at least during the critical first few days after fertilization. These findings provide important information on transgenerational effects due to broodstock diet, especially during the early life stages.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors among Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital, South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Belete Debaka , Amare Azanaw , Andualem Tesfaye , Kasew Desie , Biset Sirak
Published: May 2024

Background. In developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfections have been perceived to be high. The geographic distributions of helminths and TB overlap substantially. Parasitic infections affect the outcome of TB by changing the cell-mediated immune response to a humoral response, while Mycobacterium infection favors the immune escape of helminths. There are limited studies on the epidemiology of intestinal parasites among presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital. Methods and Materials. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2021. The sociodemographic data and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire, and stool samples were collected by convenient sampling technique and processed for the detection of intestinal parasites using a direct wet mount saline preparation and formal ether concentration technique. The data was coded, cleaned, and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 25.6% (81/316); of these, 12.9% (41/316) were protozoan infections and 12.7% (40/316) were helminth infections. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being older than 36 years (AOR: 4.35; 95% CI: 1.26, 13.91; p=0.001), rural residence (AOR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.18, 9.97; p<0.001), unable to read and write (AOR=2.62; 95%CI=2.15,8.43; p=0.004), and use of river water (AOR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.62, 8.21; p<0.001) were associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion. The present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis patients was high in the study area. Age, residence, educational status, and source of water were significant factors in IPIs among presumptive TB patients. Moreover, our findings suggest a proper health education program for good personal hygiene habits, the coloration of water, avoiding open-field defecation, and also preventative measures to avoid the acquisition of IPIs in patients with TB. Presumptive tuberculosis patients should be screened and treated accordingly. Additionally, it needs further research and recommends more assessment for intestinal parasitic infection in PTB patients.
Supplementary Table 2 from Low-Carbohydrate Diet Score and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: Findings from the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Yu Yi-Chuan , Paragomi Pedram , Jin Aizhen , Wang Renwei , Schoen Robert E. , Koh Woon-Puay , Yuan Jian-Min , Luu Hung N.
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Table S2 is for sensitivity analysis, excluding cases and person-years within the first 2 years of observation
Table S5 from Exploring the Complex Relationship between Gut Microbiota and Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia Using Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Li Wanxin , Zhou Xuan , Yuan Shuai , Wang Lijuan , Yu Lili , Sun Jing , Chen Jie , Xiao Qian , Wan Zhongxiao , Zheng Ju-Sheng , Zhang Cai-Xia , Larsson Susanna C. , Farrington Susan M. , Law Philip , Houlston Richard S. , Tomlinson Ian , Ding Ke-Feng , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Theodoratou Evropi , Li Xue
Published: May 2024

Table S5 shows the SNPs for adenoma and polyps.
Supplemental Table 6 from Nitrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (Nitro-PAH) Signatures and Somatic Mutations in Diesel Exhaust-Exposed Bladder Tumors
Authors: Gonzalez Nicole , Rao Nina , Dean Michael , Lee Donghyuk , Hurson Amber N. , Baris Dalsu , Schwenn Molly , Johnson Alison , Prokunina-Olsson Ludmila , Friesen Melissa C. , Zhu Bin , Rothman Nathaniel , Silverman Debra T. , Koutros Stella
Published: May 2024

Ever diesel and nitro-PAH signatures adjusted for smoking
Supplementary Table 1 from Somatic Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations and Death of Cardiovascular Disease Causes among Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sun Maxine , Cyr Marie-Christyne , Sandoval Johanna , Lemieux Perreault Louis-Philippe , Busque Lambert , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Table 1: Primary diagnostic codes for selected cancers
Supplementary Table 1 from Low-Carbohydrate Diet Score and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer: Findings from the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Yu Yi-Chuan , Paragomi Pedram , Jin Aizhen , Wang Renwei , Schoen Robert E. , Koh Woon-Puay , Yuan Jian-Min , Luu Hung N.
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Table S1 describes baseline characteristics of participants
Supplementary Figure S5 from COVID-19 Outcomes by Cancer Status, Site, Treatment, and Vaccination
Authors: Salvatore Maxwell , Hu Miriam M. , Beesley Lauren J. , Mondul Alison M. , Pearce Celeste Leigh , Friese Christopher R. , Fritsche Lars G. , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: May 2024

Severe COVID-19 among cancer (n = 12,995) and non-cancer patients (n = 34,693) who tested positive and had non-missing covariates. The results were from the model logit P(YSevereCOVID = 1|X, Cancer, Covariate) = β0 + βXX + βCancerCancer + βIntX × Cancer + βCovCovariate, where Covariate = Age + Race/Ethnicity + Sex + Disadvantage Index (quartile) + Comorbidity Score. Reference groups were age: 18 to 35, sex: female, BMI: 18.5 to 25, race: white/non-Hispanic, smoking status: never. A unit change in the continuous age variable is 10 years. The comorbidity score ranges from 0 to 6 and is the sum of indicators for presence of six categories of preexisting conditions in the electronic health record.
Data from Associations between MICA and MICB Genetic Variants, Protein Levels, and Colorectal Cancer: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC)
Authors: Wang Shuo , Onyeaghala Guillaume C. , Pankratz Nathan , Nelson Heather H. , Thyagarajan Bharat , Tang Weihong , Norby Faye L. , Ugoji Chinenye , Joshu Corinne E. , Gomez Christian R. , Couper David J. , Coresh Josef , Platz Elizabeth A. , Prizment Anna E.
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground:
The MHC class I chain-related protein A (MICA) and protein B (MICB) participate in tumor immunosurveillance and may be important in colorectal cancer, but have not been examined in colorectal cancer development.
Methods:
sMICA and sMICB blood levels were measured by SomaScan in Visit 2 (1990–92, baseline) and Visit 3 (1993–95) samples in cancer-free participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. We selected rs1051792, rs1063635, rs2516448, rs3763288, rs1131896, rs2596542, and rs2395029 that were located in or in the vicinity of MICA or MICB and were associated with cancer or autoimmune diseases in published studies. SNPs were genotyped by the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array. We applied linear and Cox proportional hazards regressions to examine the associations of preselected SNPs with sMICA and sMICB levels and colorectal cancer risk (236 colorectal cancers, 8,609 participants) and of sMICA and sMICB levels with colorectal cancer risk (312 colorectal cancers, 10,834 participants). In genetic analyses, estimates adjusted for ancestry markers were meta-analyzed.
Results:
Rs1051792-A, rs1063635-A, rs2516448-C, rs3763288-A, rs2596542-T, and rs2395029-G were significantly associated with decreased sMICA levels. Rs2395029-G, in the vicinity of MICA and MICB, was also associated with increased sMICB levels. Rs2596542-T was significantly associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. Lower sMICA levels were associated with lower colorectal cancer risk in males (HR = 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.96) but not in females (Pinteraction = 0.08).
Conclusions:
Rs2596542-T associated with lower sMICA levels was associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk. Lower sMICA levels were associated with lower colorectal cancer risk in males.
Impact:
These findings support an importance of immunosurveillance in colorectal cancer.
Data from Nitrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (Nitro-PAH) Signatures and Somatic Mutations in Diesel Exhaust-Exposed Bladder Tumors
Authors: Gonzalez Nicole , Rao Nina , Dean Michael , Lee Donghyuk , Hurson Amber N. , Baris Dalsu , Schwenn Molly , Johnson Alison , Prokunina-Olsson Ludmila , Friesen Melissa C. , Zhu Bin , Rothman Nathaniel , Silverman Debra T. , Koutros Stella
Published: May 2024

Background:
Diesel exhaust is a complex mixture, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and nitrated PAHs (nitro-PAH), many of which are potent mutagens and possible bladder carcinogens. To explore the association between diesel exposure and bladder carcinogenesis, we examined the relationship between exposure and somatic mutations and mutational signatures in bladder tumors.
Methods:
Targeted sequencing was conducted in bladder tumors from the New England Bladder Cancer Study. Using data on 797 cases and 1,418 controls, two-stage polytomous logistic regression was used to evaluate etiologic heterogeneity between bladder cancer subtypes and quantitative, lifetime estimates of respirable elemental carbon (REC), a surrogate for diesel exposure. Poisson regression was used to evaluate associations between REC and mutational signatures.
Results:
We observed significant heterogeneity in the diesel-bladder cancer risk relationship, with a strong positive association among cases with high-grade, nonmuscle invasive TP53-mutated tumors compared with controls [ORTop Tertile vs.Unexposed, 4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.2–10.5; Ptrend < 0.001; Pheterogeneity = 0.002]. In muscle-invasive tumors, we observed a positive association between diesel exposure and the nitro-PAH signatures of 1,6-dintropyrene (RR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.28–2.92) and 3-nitrobenzoic acid (RR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.33–2.92).
Conclusions:
The relationship between diesel exhaust and bladder cancer was heterogeneous based on the presence of TP53 mutations in tumors, further supporting the link between PAH exposure and TP53 mutations in carcinogenesis. Future studies that can identify nitro-PAH signatures in exposed tumors are warranted to add human data supporting the link between diesel and bladder cancer.
Impact:
This study provides additional insight into the etiology and possible mechanisms related to diesel exhaust-induced bladder cancer.
Data from Somatic Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations and Death of Cardiovascular Disease Causes among Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sun Maxine , Cyr Marie-Christyne , Sandoval Johanna , Lemieux Perreault Louis-Philippe , Busque Lambert , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dubé Marie-Pierre
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground:
Cancer survivors are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with the general population. We sought to evaluate the impact of mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCA) on death of CVD causes, coronary artery disease (CAD) causes, and of any cause in patients with a cancer diagnosis.
Methods:
The study was a prospective cohort analysis of 48,919 UK Biobank participants with a cancer diagnosis. mCAs were characterized using DNA genotyping array intensity data and long-range chromosomal phase inference. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to ascertain the associations of mCAs. Exploratory endpoints included various incident cardiovascular phenotypes.
Results:
Overall, 10,070 individuals (20.6%) carried ≥ 1 mCA clone. In adjusted analyses, mCA was associated with an increased risk of death of CAD causes [HR, 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–1.71; P = 0.006]. In sub-analyses, we found that carriers of mCAs diagnosed with kidney cancer had an increased risk of death of CVD causes (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.11–3.72; P = 0.022) and CAD causes (HR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.44–8.84; P = 0.006). Women diagnosed with breast cancer who carried a mCA also had a higher risk of death of CAD causes (HR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.23–4.92; P = 0.011).
Conclusions:
Among cancer survivors, carriers of any mCA are at an increased risk of CAD death compared with noncarriers. Mechanistic studies should be considered to better ascertain the biological mechanisms underneath the observed associations between mCAs and cardiovascular events for specific cancer types.
Impact:
There may be clinical relevance in considering mCAs in patients diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment.
MLLT6/ATF2 Axis Restrains Breast Cancer Progression by Driving DDIT3/4 Expression
Authors: Yu Qing , Zhao Jiayi , Yang Anli , Li Xiangxin
Published: May 2024

Epigenetic deregulation is strongly associated with tumor progression. The identification of natural tumor suppressors to overcome cancer metastasis is urgent for cancer therapy. We investigate whether myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukemia translocated (MLLT) family members contribute to breast cancer progression and found that high MLLT6 expression predicted a better prognosis and that gradually decreased MLLT6 expression was accompanied by breast cancer malignancy. MLLT6 was downregulated by hypoxia-induced enrichment of DNMT1 at the MLLT6 promoter. The results of in vitro functional experiments indicated that MLLT6 depletion promoted colony formation and cell migration, probably by hampering apoptosis. RNA profiling revealed that the apoptotic pathway was downregulated following stable knockdown of MLLT6. DNA damage-inducible transcript 3/4 (DDIT3/4) were among the top 10 downregulated genes and may have expression patterns similar to that of MLLT6. Restoring DDIT3/4 expression in cells with MLLT6 depletion blocked colony formation and cell migration and attenuated the successful colonization of breast cancer cells in vivo. We also determined that the transcription factor activating transcription factor 2 is a binding partner of MLLT6 and participates in the MLLT6/ATF2 axis, which was reinforced by inhibition of AKT signaling, in turn inducing DDIT3/4 expression by establishing an active chromatin structure at the DDIT3/4 gene promoters. As MLLT6 promotes breast cancer cell apoptosis by inducing DDIT3/4 expression during metastasis, it could be a novel tumor suppressor.

Implications: Control of MLLT6 expression via inhibition of PI3K/AKT kinase activity is a potential therapeutic approach for the management of metastatic breast cancer.
Physical Activity Moderates the Relationship between Cardiovascular Disease Risk Burden and Cognition in Older Adults
Authors: Nguyen Sandra T. , Guo Jing , Song Suhang , Reyes-Dumeyer Dolly , Sanchez Danurys , Brickman Adam M. , Manly Jennifer J. , Schupf Nicole , Lantigua Rafael A. , Mayeux Richard P. , Gu Yian
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Older individuals with a higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden have a higher risk for accelerated cognitive decline and dementia. Physical activity (PA) is an inexpensive and accessible preventive measure to CVD, cognitive impairment, and dementia. The current study examined (1) whether PA moderates the relationship between CVD burden and cognition and (2) whether the moderating effect of PA differs by race/ethnicity groups and by APOE-ɛ4 status. Methods: Our cross-sectional study included participants from the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), a multiethnic, community-based, longitudinal study on aging and dementia among individuals aged 65 years and older who reside in northern Manhattan. All participants underwent an interview and a neuropsychological assessment for global cognition, memory, language, visuospatial, and speed functioning. Results: In 2,122 older individuals without dementia, having a higher CVD burden was associated with worse cognitive scores for global, language, speed, and visuospatial cognitive functions. PA mitigated the relationship between CVD burden and visuospatial function. Furthermore, PA mitigated the association of CVD burden with global cognition, language, and visuospatial functions in APOE-ɛ4 carriers but not in non-carriers. Discussion/Conclusion: Our study suggests that PA may mitigate the negative association between CVD and cognition, especially in APOE-ɛ4 carriers. The moderating effect of PA did not differ by race/ethnicity.
Intimidación escolar, escuela y familia: una triada al borde de una perspectiva más humana y social
Authors: Buitrago Peña María del Pilar , Cabrera Cifuentes Karol Andrea , Guevara Jiménez Mónica Constanza , Sánchez Rodríguez Niny Johann
Published: May 2024

El presente artículo desarrolla la conceptualización que a través de distintas investigaciones se ha venido precisando acerca de la intimidación escolar. Ponemos en consideración el análisis del fenómeno desde dos contextos inmediatos del ser humano: la familia y la escuela. Dicha conceptualización es el resultado del trabajo de un grupo de estudiantes investigadores de la Línea de niñez que se desarrolla en el marco de la Maestría en Desarrollo Educativo y Social del CINDE, que se hizo visible y fue retroalimentada en el simposio “INTIMIDACIÓN ESCOLAR: Realidades, desafíos y alternativas efectuado en la ciudad de Bogotá, D.C. en Junio de 2008.
Cuba: Primera infancia, niñez e investigación
Authors: Jiménez David Andrés , Ríos Leonard Isabel
Published: May 2024

Diálogos sobre las acciones educativas de UNICEF y del CELEP en pos del desarrollo y promoción social en Cuba
Habilidades sociales y construcción de procesos sociales participativos en las madres comunitarias
Authors: Árias Ortiz Constanza
Published: May 2024

El artículo da a conocer la investigación “Madres Comunitarias Facilitadoras de Procesos Sociales para el Mejoramiento del Servicio de y desde los Hogares Comunitarios”, realizada con un grupo de mujeresdel Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF) en Bogotá. Su objetivo fue el mejoramiento y fortalecimiento de las habilidades sociales tomando como eje central la comunicación, debido a que el problema en la Asociación de Madres, radica en las dificultades para relacionarse entre sí, generando ruptura de los canales de comunicación e impidiendo que trabajen en equipo. Se concluyen que se requiere de un cambio personal, para lograr un cambio colectivo, respetar y aportar ideas para consolidar la Asociación, establecer formas adecuadas de comunicación, conformar grupos de trabajo cooperativo para la implementación de acciones en torno a las necesidades sentidas en los hogares comunitarios y presentar proyectos de gestión a instituciones competentes.
Bicentenario de las naciones latinoamericanas
Authors: Carreño Manosalva Clara Inés
Published: May 2024

Este año se ha conmemorado el Bicentenario de la ardua y no siempre afortunada independencia de las naciones latinoamericanas. Se agolpan en este aniversario los diversos intereses, las memorias, los acontecimientos, a veces gloriosos, más bien pocos; a veces aciagos, más de los que debieran, y con todo su peso histórico nos impelen ante el implacable tribunal del tiempo que siempre nos convoca para ajustar cuentas. Este es pues un momento particular en el que se hace un alto en el camino para mirar lo recorrido y vislumbrar a su vez lo que falta por recorrer; todo ello para afinar, y, por qué no, rectificar el rumbo de nuestro destino latinoamericano.
Una mirada desde la rehabilitación en zonas en emergencia: la experiencia de Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe en Haití
Authors: Carreño Manosalva Clara Inés
Published: May 2024

Tommy Ramm vive desde hace 10 años en Colombia, donde ha trabajado como periodista independiente para varios medios alemanes sobre la situación en Colombia. Desde 2009 está vinculado a la ONG alemana Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe con su sede regional en Bogotá. Es responsable de las comunicaciones, documentando el trabajo de la organización en el ámbito de la ayuda humanitaria a nivel regional. Ha visitado varios países de la región como Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua y Perú. Después del terremoto de Haití estuvo dos meses en este país, para ayudar en la atención a las víctimas y visibilizando en los medios de Alemania la situación en este país.
Relações de trabalho no Brasil: aspectos de sua evolução histórica (1822-1917)
Authors: Debes Célio
Published: May 2024

Until the Civil Code carne into force in Brazil (1917), labour relations were ruled by norms of the Philippine Ordinances (1603), laws aiming at governing agricultura! activities (1830, 1837 and 1879), the Commercial Code (1850), and norms of a merely local nature. After the Republic was implanted, with the increasing number of foreign immigrants and the emergence of urban industries, besides lax measures to protect workers under age and the freedom to organize labour unions,there was a legislation concerning the expulsion of foreigners (its norms were aggravated with the suppression of the guarantee offered to those who had married Brazilian women or whose children had been born here).The situation of helplessness in which workers used to live in Brazil has its roots in the generalized contempt devoted to manual labour. Manual labour was regarded as debasing, whereas idleness was surrounded by an aureole of nobility. In spite of everything, the proletariafs struggles contributed to agreat extern to the guarantees offered them by the legislation.
De mercadoria à museália: a Coleção Souza Lima de marfins católicos do Museu Histórico Nacional
Authors: Bezerra Rafael Zamorano
Published: May 2024

Este artigo apresenta os levantamentos e conclusões da pesquisa de pós-doutorado na área da museologia sobre a Coleção Souza Lima, pertencente ao acervo do Museu Histórico Nacional. Formada por 572 imagens cristãs esculpidas em sua maioria em marfim, é considerada uma das mais significativas coleções do tipo sob a guarda de um museu público brasileiro. O nome da coleção faz referência ao colecionador José Luiz de Souza Lima, sendo comprada para o MHN nos anos 1940. Devido à pouca informação sobre as origens das peças e sobre o colecionador, a pesquisa organizou informações no sentido de: (1) apontar para as possibilidades de entrada no país das imaginárias católicas em marfim pela Carreira das Índias; (2) apontar para a possibilidade de produção, no Brasil, de imaginárias em marfim; (3) entender quais foram os argumentos de valoração que justificaram a compra da coleção; (4) apontar as semelhanças entre o colecionismo de Souza Lima e outras coleções; e (5) descrever como o elemento “oriental” foi associado à coleção no processo de musealização e como as ações de curadoria no Museu Histórico Nacional são marcadas por um discurso que reatualiza no Brasil o orientalismo português. Argumenta-se que a curadoria da Coleção Souza Lima tem sido embasada por narrativas que valorizam a experiência colonial portuguesa e reafirmam discursos com perspectivas coloniais. Esse tipo de abordagem eclipsa aspectos informacionais sobre a coleção, como suas origens e as estratégias de resistência por parte de seus produtores, além de questões éticas referentes à entrada desses objetos no circuito do colecionismo e das coleções museológicas.
Association Between Remnant Cholesterol and Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation: Population‐Based Evidence From a Large‐Scale Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Likang , Wang Chuangshi , Ye Zebing , Van Spall Harriette G. C. , Zhang Jingyi , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Li Guowei
Published: May 2024

Background

Evidence for the relationship between remnant cholesterol (RC) and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) risk remains sparse and limited.

Methods and Results

Participants were enrolled between 2006 and 2010 and followed up to 2021. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the relationship between RC quartiles and risk of incident AF. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the potential modification of the association and the robustness of the main findings. A total of 422 316 participants (mean age, 56 years; 54% women) were included for analyses. During a median follow‐up of 11.9 years (first quartile–third quartile, 11.6–13.2 years), there were 24 774 AF events documented with an incidence of 4.92 events per 1000 person‐years (95% CI, 4.86–4.98). Participants in higher RC quartiles had a lower risk of incident AF than those in the lowest quartile (first quartile): hazard ratio (HR)=0.96 (95% CI, 0.91–1.00) for second quartile; HR=0.92 (95% CI, 0.88–0.96) for third quartile; and HR=0.85 (95% CI, 0.81–0.89) for fourth quartile (
P
for trend <0.001). The association between RC quartiles and risk of incident AF was stronger in participants aged ≥65 years, in men, and in participants without history of diabetes when compared with control groups (
P
<0.001 for interaction).

Conclusions

On the basis of data from this large‐scale prospective cohort study, elevated RC was associated with a lower risk of incident AF.
A European Feminist Foreign and Security Policy? Norm Contestation and Norm Negotiations in the European Parliament
Authors: Elgström Ole , Sundström Malena Rosén
Published: May 2024

In 2020, the European Parliament (ep) issued a resolution calling for all European Union (EU) Member States to adopt feminist foreign and security policies, and for a gender-transformative vision in the EU’s own external policy. Drawing on the literatures on negotiations and norm contestation, this article3 asks why the resolution was so progressive. It also asks how we can characterize and explain the nature of the negotiations leading to the resolution. The findings demonstrate a low level of contestation and negotiations mainly characterized by integrative strategies and solutions. The main opponents to the resolution, the populist radical right groups, were more or less absent from the negotiations but opposed by verbal contestation in plenum and through amendments to the text. We find that individual- and organizational level factors have high explanatory power: the gender equality-friendly institutional culture in the ep was further strengthened by the entrepreneurship of two committed rapporteurs.
Is Front associated with Above and Back with Below? Association between Allocentric Representations of Spatial Dimensions
Authors: Vainio Lari , Vainio Martti
Published: May 2024

Previous research has revealed congruency effects between different spatial dimensions such as right and up. In the audiovisual context, high-pitched sounds are associated with the spatial dimensions of up/above and front, while low-pitched sounds are associated with the spatial dimensions of down/below and back. This opens the question of whether there could also be a spatial association between above and front and/or below and back. Participants were presented with a high- or low-pitch stimulus at the time of the onset of the visual stimulus. In one block, participants responded according to the above/below location of the visual target stimulus if the target appeared in front of the reference object, and in the other block, they performed these above/below responses if the target appeared at the back of the reference. In general, reaction times revealed an advantage in processing the target location in the front–above and back–below locations. The front–above/back–below effect was more robust concerning the back–below component of the effect, and significantly larger in reaction times that were slower rather than faster than the median value of a participant. However, the pitch did not robustly influence responding to front/back or above/below locations. We propose that this effect might be based on the conceptual association between different spatial dimensions.
On the Silver Nanomaterials in Healthcare Applications
Authors: Mahajan S. S.
Published: May 2024

Silver nanomaterials (AgNMs) have gained attention for their potential applications in the field of healthcare due to their unique physicochemical properties. These properties include a high surface area to volume ratio, catalytic activity, and strong antimicrobial abilities. Research
has shown that AgNMs have the potential to be used as an effective antimicrobial agent against a broad range of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains. Moreover, AgNMs have shown great potential in wound healing due to their ability to enhance cell proliferation and skin regeneration.
Another potential application of silver nanomaterials in healthcare is drug delivery. Due to small size and high surface area, they have been used as effective carriers of therapeutics in targeted drug delivery. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand
the potential risks and benefits of utilizing silver nanomaterials in healthcare. Researchers should investigate the potential toxicity of silver nanomaterials and their impact on the environment. Moreover, standardized protocols for the synthesis and characterization of AgNMs should be developed
to ensure their reproducibility, stability, and effectiveness. In conclusion, AgNMs have shown immense potential in the field of healthcare due to their unique properties. However, more research and careful evaluation are essential to fully comprehend the potential advantages and risks of
utilizing AgNMs in healthcare. The plausible toxicity of AgNPs in healthcare applications is also discussed.
Growth and Characterization of CdS Thin Films by Chemical Bath Deposition
Authors: Mane S. H.
Published: May 2024

The focus of the ongoing research is to study constancy of chemical bath deposition (CBD) of CdS thin film. CdS films have been deposited using thiourea and cadmium sulphate in a non-aqueous medium at 80 °C. The various physical preparative parameters and the deposition conditions,
such as the deposition time and temperature, concentrations of the chemical species, pH, speed of mechanical stirring, etc., were optimized to yield good quality films. The as-prepared sample is tightly adherent to the substrate’s support, less smooth, diffusely reflecting and was analyzed
for composition. The synthesized film is characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy and techniques in order to study its structural, optical, compositional properties. It appears that the composites are rich in Cd. The grown CdS thin film had an orange-red
color. A band gap of CdS thin film is 2.41 eV. The average crystallite size of the CdS film was 21.50 nm.
The Theoretical Simulation of PN Junction Based on III-Nitride Compounds
Authors: Alasmari A. , Hendi A. , Alanazi M. , Almoneef M. , Awad M. A. , Ortashi K. , Laref A.
Published: May 2024

This research work describes numerical solutions based on one-dimensional Poisson finite element technique. In order to achieve this, a PN junction based on III-V nitride semiconductors is built to examine the electrostatic potential energy profile and charge concentration at equilibrium
condition. In addition, the zero bias voltage is involved on p-type and n-type semiconductors. Using the Newton-Raphson technique, the potential distribution of semiconductor devices are computed and discussed.
Diagnosing Radial Ventilation in Dropsonde Observations of Hurricane Sam (2021)
Authors: Tang Brian H. , Rios-Berrios Rosimar , Zhang Jun A.
Published: May 2024

This study presents a method to diagnose radial ventilation, the horizontal flux of relatively low-θe air into tropical cyclones, from dropsonde observations. We used this method to investigate ventilation changes over three consecutive sampling periods in Hurricane Sam (2021), which underwent substantial intensity changes over 3 days. During the first and last periods, coinciding with intensification, the ventilation was relatively small due to a lack of spatial correlation between radial flow and θe azimuthal asymmetries. During the second period, coinciding with weakening, the ventilation was relatively large. The increased ventilation was caused by greater shear associated with an upper-level trough, tilting the vortex, along with dry, low-θe air wrapping in upshear. The spatial correlation of the radial inflow and anomalously low-θe air resulted in large ventilation at mid- to upper levels. Additionally, at low to midlevels, there was evidence of mesoscale inflow of low-θe air in the stationary band complex. The location of these radial ventilation pathways and their effects on Sam’s intensity are consistent with previous idealized and real-case modeling studies. More generally, this method offers a way to monitor ventilation changes in tropical cyclones, particularly when there is full-troposphere sampling around and within a tropical cyclone’s core.

Significance Statement

Ventilation, the injection of relatively dry and/or cool air into a tropical cyclone, may weaken a storm. In contrast, the lack of ventilation is favorable for intensification. The purpose of this study is to present a method to diagnose ventilation using aircraft dropsonde observations. Using dropsonde observations collected in Hurricane Sam (2021), there was a period of increased lateral ventilation in two regions around the storm that coincided with when the storm rapidly weakened. The results suggest that monitoring ventilation from dropsonde observations, when available, may be useful for anticipating ventilation-induced intensity changes in tropical cyclones and further studying ventilation pathways.
Laryngeal Cancer Screening During Flexible Video Laryngoscopy Using Large Computer Vision Models
Authors: Mamidi Ishwarya S. , Dunham Michael E. , Adkins Lacey K. , McWhorter Andrew J. , Fang Zhide , Banh Britney T.
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Develop an artificial intelligence assisted computer vision model to screen for laryngeal cancer during flexible laryngoscopy.

Methods:

Using laryngeal images and flexible laryngoscopy video recordings, we developed computer vision models to classify video frames for usability and cancer screening. A separate model segments any identified lesions on the frames. We used these computer vision models to construct a video stream annotation system. This system classifies findings from flexible laryngoscopy as “potentially malignant” or “probably benign” and segments any detected lesions. Additionally, the model provides a confidence level for each classification.

Results:

The overall accuracy of the flexible laryngoscopy cancer screening model was 92%. For cancer screening, it achieved a sensitivity of 97.7% and a specificity of 76.9%. The segmentation model attained an average precision at a 0.50 intersection-over-union of 0.595. The confidence level for positive screening results can assist clinicians in counseling patients regarding the findings.

Conclusion:

Our model is highly sensitive and adequately specific for laryngeal cancer screening. Segmentation helps endoscopists identify and describe potential lesions. Further optimization is required to enable the model’s deployment in clinical settings for real-time annotation during flexible laryngoscopy.
The Diffusion of the Metaverse: How YouTube Influencers Shape Mass Adoption
Authors: Tingelhoff Fabian , Klug Sebastian , Elshan Edona
Published: May 2024

The metaverse, although yet to be fully realized, offers a compelling vision: a scalable and interoperable ecosystem of virtual worlds that can be simultaneously accessed by multiple users using continuous, user-generated, and embodied identities (i.e., avatars). Since the metaverse will likely achieve widespread user adoption once innovators and early adopters recognize its values, it must evolve in a direction that appeals to these groups. However, it remains unsure what aspects of the metaverse innovators perceive as opportunities and challenges when engaging with early adopters. This article describes the opinions of users who influence the metaverse’s mass adoption, clarifying their perception of what already works well, holds high potential, and presents challenges. By synthesizing and critically evaluating this information, the article offers guidance for the future development and use of the metaverse and provides insights concerning its diffusion in society.
Postsecondary Planning Perspectives of Black Parents of Young Adults With High-Incidence Disabilities
Authors: Kilpatrick Erin Pearce , Ziomek-Daigle Jolie , U. Nealy Allison
Published: May 2024

Informed by disability critical race theory (DisCrit), this phenomenological study explored the perspectives of Black parents of young adults with high-incidence disabilities regarding their experiences with their children's postsecondary planning processes. Fourteen Black parents participated in semistructured interviews and shared recommendations for educator practices. Five overarching themes emerged from the phenomenological data analysis. Namely, Black parents (a) experienced invisibility by a lack of inclusive postsecondary planning, (b) felt marginalized due to collusive forces of ableism and racism, (c) persevered through postsecondary planning processes and beyond, (d) navigated inequities through social supports and other supports, and (e) enacted ongoing resistance and advocacy. Findings illuminate how Black parents experienced their child's postsecondary planning, and we provide recommendations for educators to advance the postsecondary planning needs of multiple marginalized students and their parents.
Accommodation and Language Contact
Authors: Gili Fivela Barbara , Avesani Cinzia
Published: May 2024

The paper introduces the Special Issue on Language Contact and Speaker Accommodation, which originates from the conference Phonetics and Phonology in Europe (PaPE) held at the University of Lecce, Italy, in 2019. It discusses the topics of language contact and speaker accommodation, summarizing the contributions included in the Special Issue, and arguing explicitly in favour of a unitary view of how both temporary and stable changes happen in (part of) the linguistic systems. Accommodation is seen as the same gradual and non-homogeneous process at play in different contact settings. In the introductory sections, a discussion is offered on various situations in which linguistic systems are in contact and on the main factors that may be at play; the following sections offer an overview of the papers included in the Special Issue, which focus on accommodation in L2 and heritage speakers as well as on the time dimension of dialect or language societal contact. Finally, accommodation is discussed as the same process that is at work in any interaction, that may modify temporarily or long-term the system of L2 learners and bilinguals (e.g., immigrants), that usually affects in the long-term the heritage speakers’ system, and that only in the long term can lead to language changes involving entire communities.
Meningocele in the Parapharyngeal Space: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Sijing , Yang Zixuan , Cao Jingwen , Wang Maoxin , Qu Gaoya , Zhong Cuiping
Published: May 2024

The parapharyngeal space has been described as an inverted pyramid shape with the base of the skull and the great cornu of the hyoid bone at the top. Tumors of the parapharyngeal space account for 0.5% of head and neck tumors and a wide range of tumor types can occur in this area, 80% of which are benign, the most common being pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands and neurogenic tumors. We present a 39-year-old woman who was hospitalized due to left-sided neck pain with a feeling of blockage in the left ear and hearing loss for 10 months. Imaging showed that the mass was not connected to the cranium and the patient underwent surgical resection via a transoral approach, where the contents of the mass were found to be cerebrospinal fluid, and meningocele in the parapharyngeal space is a rare occurrence. The patient presented mainly with painful symptoms, which were eventually relieved by nerve block therapy.