bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in upper gastrointestinal bleeding management
Authors: Khayyat Yasir M
Published: July 2024

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) can be attributed to either non-variceal or variceal causes. The latter is more aggressive with hemodynamic instability secondary to decompensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Non-variceal UGIB (NVUGIB) occurs due to impaired gastroprotective mechanisms attributed to several drugs such as anticoagulants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Helicobacter pylori infection contributes to the development of peptic ulcer bleeding as well. NVUGIB presentation can be either hemodynamically stable or unstable. During the initial assessment a scoring system including patient-related factors (current cardiac, renal, and liver diseases and hemodynamic and laboratory parameters) is used to determine the patient’s prognosis. The Glasgow Blatchford score has been shown to be the most useful and precise. Those with high-risk NVUGIB require urgent assessment and upper endoscopy to achieve better short-term and long-term outcomes such as less hospitalization, blood transfusion, and surgery.
Prognostic factors of early recurrence after complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Chao-Yu , Huang Tzu-Hao , Lee Li-Wen , Lung Jrhau , Ou Yu-Che , Hung Chien-Hui , Chuang Huei-Chieh , Chen Min-Chi , Wang Ting-Yao
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Although cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) offer the potential for long-term survival in peritoneal carcinomatosis, outcomes following CRS/HIPEC vary significantly.

AIM

To identify the clinical factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) after complete CRS/HIPEC in patients with colorectal/high-grade appendiceal, ovarian, and gastric cancers.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the risk of recurrence within 1 year after CRS/HIPEC and its impact on overall survival (OS) in patients recruited between 2015 and 2020. Logistic regression models were used to assess the prognostic factors for the risk of recurrence within 1 year. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between recurrence and OS.

RESULTS

Of the 80 enrolled patients, 39 had an unfavorable PFS (< 1 year) and 41 had a favorable PFS (≥ 1 year). Simple logistic models revealed that the patients with a completeness of cytoreduction score of 0 (CC-0) or length of CRS ≤ 6 h had a favorable PFS [odds ratio (OR) = 0.141, P = 0.004; and OR = 0.361, P = 0.027, respectively]. In multiple logistic regression, achieving CC-0 was the strongest prognostic factor for a favorable PFS (OR = 0.131, P = 0.005). A peritoneal cancer index score > 12 was associated with a lower rate of achieving CC-0 (P = 0.027). The favorable PFS group had a significantly longer OS (median 81.7 mo vs 17.0 mo, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Achieving CC-0 was associated with a lower early recurrence rate and improved long-term survival. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate candidates for CRS/HIPEC to manage peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Effect of sequential nursing care combined with communication intervention on visual recovery and pain after cataract ultrasound emulsification
Authors: Wang Jing-Cao , Zhang Qing , Yu Man-Rong , Yang Yun-Xia , Jiang Hui-Min
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Cataracts are a common ophthalmic disease and postoperative vision recovery is crucial to patient quality of life. Rational and efficient care models play an important role in promoting vision recovery.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of procedural nursing care combined with communication intervention in vision recovery after cataract ultrasound emulsification.

METHODS

A randomized controlled study was conducted on 100 patients with cataracts who underwent ultrasound emulsification surgery. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group received procedural nursing combined with Connect, Introduce, Communicate, Ask, Respond, Exit (CICARE) communication intervention, whereas the control group received conventional nursing. The effectiveness of the nursing model was assessed by comparing differences in vision recovery, pain scores, and mental health status between the two groups.

RESULTS

It was found that over time the visual acuity of patients in both groups gradually recovered and patients in the experimental group had lower pain scores and superior mental health status than the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Procedural nursing combined with CICARE communication intervention has positive effects on vision recovery in patients after cataract ultrasound emulsification.
Tuberculous peritonitis complicated by an intraperitoneal tuberculous abscess: A case report
Authors: Liu Wei-Peng , Ma Feng-Zhen , Zhao Zhou , Li Zong-Rui , Hu Bao-Guang , Yang Tao
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Tuberculous peritonitis (TBP) is a chronic, diffuse inflammation of the peritoneum caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis . The route of infection can be by direct spread of intraperitoneal tuberculosis (TB) or by hematogenous dissemination. The former is more common, such as intestinal TB, mesenteric lymphatic TB, fallopian tube TB, etc. , and can be the direct primary lesion of the disease.

CASE SUMMARY

We present an older male patient with TBP complicated by an abdominal mass. The patient's preoperative symptoms, signs and imaging data suggested a possible abdominal tumor. After surgical treatment, the patient's primary diagnosis of TBP complicating an intraperitoneal tuberculous abscess was established by combining past medical history, postoperative pathology, and positive results of TB-related laboratory tests. The patient's symptoms were significantly reduced after surgical treatment, and he was discharged from the hospital with instructions to continue treatment at a TB specialist hospital and to undergo anti-TB treatment if necessary.

CONCLUSION

This case report analyses the management of TBP complicated by intraperitoneal tuberculous abscess and highlights the importance of early definitive diagnosis in the hope of improving the clinical management of this type of disease.
ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE E USUÁRIOS DE SUBSTÂNCIAS PSICOATIVAS: POSSIBILIDADES E DESAFIOS DO CUIDADO
Authors: Foggiato de Siqueira Daiana , De Melo Zubiaurre Priscila , Demetrio Wasum Fernanda , Ferreira de Oliveira Marcia Aparecida , Siepmann Soccol Keity Laís
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: conhecer as possibilidades e os desafios do cuidado prestado pelos trabalhadores de saúde aos usuários de substâncias psicoativas no território. Materiais e métodos: Pesquisa qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória, realizada com 11 trabalhadores da saúde de duas Estratégias Saúde da Família. Utilizou-se a entrevista aberta e o tratamento dos dados ocorreu por meio da técnica de análise temática de conteúdo. Resultados: alguns trabalhadores ainda resistem em trabalhar sob a lógica de redução de danos, produzindo o cuidado integral e centrado na pessoa diante das possibilidades que os dispositivos e estratégias de cuidado no território ofertam. Conclusão: as ações de cuidado prestadas pelos trabalhadores de saúde aos usuários de substâncias psicoativas no território, sofrem com os retrocessos das políticas públicas voltadas a este público.
TREINAMENTO MUSCULAR RESPIRATÓRIO COM ESPIROMETRO DE INCENTIVO A FLUXO COMPARADO COM RESISTOR LINEAR: ENSAIO CLÍNICO CONTROLADO
Authors: Alcântara Erikson Custódio , Morais Elizabeth Rodrigues de , Barbosa Anna Beatriz Gomes , Carmo Cristina Ferreira do , Fantinati Adriana Márcia Monteiro , Fantinati Marcelo Silva
Published: July 2024

Introdução: O treinamento muscular respiratório (TMR) é indicado quando os valores de força muscular inspiratória e expiratória máxima estão abaixo do previsto, entretanto pode ser indicada em indivíduos com força muscular normal, inclusive atletas, objetivando aumentar a performance. O treinamento muscular com resistores lineares é considerado padrão ouro, entretanto os alineares, sobretudo o espirômetro de incentivo a fluxo é controverso, necessitando de esclarecimentos. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito do PowerBreathe® (resistor linear) e do Respiron® (resistor alinear) na força muscular respiratória e na função pulmonar de adultos saudáveis. Materiais e Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado realizado com 44 participantes adultos, ambos os sexos, idade de 18 a 59 anos. Foi avaliado pré e pós-protocolo de treinamento a pressão inspiratória e expiratória máxima (PImáx e PEmáx) e a função pulmonar pela espirometria e ventilometria. Os participantes foram distribuídos em três grupos: GR (grupo Respiron®), GPB (PowerBreathe®) e GC (grupo controle). O treinamento foi realizado durante 5 semanas, 3 vezes na semana, utilizou-se carga de 50% da PImáx para ambos os equipamentos. Resultados: Na análise intra-grupo pós-protocolo houve aumento da PImáx e da PEmáx em todos os grupos (p<0,05). Ao comparar a PImáx e a PEmáx pré e pós treinamento entre os grupos também não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05). Ao comparar o delta (diferença entre pós e pré), observou-se que não houve diferença entre o grupo Respiron® e PowerBreathe® (p=0,68) e ambos equipamentos apresentaram um delta maior que o controle (p<0,01), indicando semelhança entre os dois instrumentos. Na função pulmonar não houve diferença intra-grupo e inter-grupo (p>0,05). Conclusão: O PowerBreathe® e o Respiron® promoveram de forma semelhante aumento da força muscular inspiratória em adultos saudáveis, porém não houve impacto na função pulmonar com nenhum instrumento.
Acessibilidade geográfica de idosos aos cuidados primários de uma unidade de Estratégia Saúde da Família, Diamantina, MG
Authors: Fonseca Santos Delba , Alencar Mendes Victor Alexsander , Santos Cardoso Mateus Filipe , De Paula Barreiro Alves Camila
Published: July 2024

Introdução: A qualidade de vida dos idosos está associada aos meios que facilitam seu acesso à saúde, entre eles a acessibilidade geográfica. Diante disso, o estudante de medicina dispõe de ferramentas que avaliam o território e suas barreiras físicas, elencando os impactos e promovendo melhor acesso aos serviços de saúde. Objetivo: Estudar o acesso geográfico de uma unidade de atenção primária à saúde, dentro da rede de atenção e os possíveis impactos na saúde do idoso. Materiais e métodos: O estudo foi realizado por meio de dados da Estratégia de Saúde da Família Centro na cidade de Diamantina-MG, como informações sobre o território e número de consultas. Ademais, dados construídos pelos autores a partir das ferramentas Google Maps e Planilhas do Google, como mapas, lista de serviços da rede de saúde e tabelas sobre tempo de locomoção/distância até os serviços. Resultados: Ao analisar a distribuição geográfica da ESF Centro, dividida em quatro áreas, é possível avaliar nas MA 01 e 02 uma melhor acessibilidade aos serviços de saúde por essa população, pois 94,87% das ruas com intervalo de distância de 0-400m da ESF, concentra-se nas MA 01 e 02. Outro dado relevante são os números de consultas, que do total realizadas na ESF Centro, em dias aleatórios, a participação dessas MA (01 e 02) representa 69,4%  das consultas. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o fator distância e tempo de deslocamento até a unidade de saúde e outros serviços são índices que afetam o acesso à saúde pelos idosos.
SRAG por COVID-19 em Ituiutaba-MG: análise do perfil demográfico, clínico e de mortalidade nas 13 primeiras semanas epidemiológicas de 2021
Authors: Siconello dos Santos Gustavo , Ferreira Freire Victor Antonio , Costa Silva Ana Karen , Oliveira Carlla Aparecida , Calábria Luciana Karen , Azenha Alves de Rezende Alexandre
Published: July 2024

Introdução: Ondas epidemiológicas da COVID-19 têm sido acompanhadas no Brasil a partir de estudos que avaliam o perfil das notificações nos mais diferentes bancos de dados, os quais permitem a compreensão da dinâmica do vírus e da doença, bem como a adoção de medidas sanitárias de maior eficácia, controle de insumos hospitalares e estruturação do atendimento médico. Objetivo: Descrever as características demográficas, clínicas e de hospitalização de pacientes com confirmação laboratorial de COVID-19 atendidos no serviço de saúde de Ituiutaba-MG até a 13ª semana epidemiológica de 2021. Métodos: Estudo transversal comparando o perfil de pacientes hospitalizados e de óbitos consultando as fichas de registro individual para casos de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG), o exame diagnóstico confirmatório e a certidão de óbito. Dados demográficos, clínicos e de hospitalização foram analisados por estatística descritiva, considerando a frequência relativa (%), a média e o intervalo de confiança, e para as distribuições não homogêneas, a mediana e o desvio interquartílico. A comparação entre os grupos de alta hospitalar e óbito foi realizada por meio dos testes T e Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Do total de 292 notificações avaliadas, 138 pacientes foram a óbito, com prevalência de homens, idade acima dos 65 anos, de raça declarada como branca, com alguma das comorbidades (doença cardiovascular e/ou diabetes), e que apresentaram maior tempo de hospitalização, necessidade de unidade de terapia intensiva e uso de suporte ventilatório. Conclusões: Os dados revelam que os fatores idade e comorbidade são preponderantes para maior severidade da COVID-19.
Diferencias individuales en la transferencia del entrenamiento de la memoria de trabajo en niños de edad escolar
Authors: Vernucci Santiago , Canet Juric Lorena , Aydmune Yesica , Stelzer Florencia , Burin Débora
Published: July 2024

El entrenamiento de la memoria de trabajo (MT) en niños lleva a mejoras en su funcionamiento, tanto a corto como largo plazo. Sin embargo, no todos los participantes se benefician del mismo modo de la intervención. Recientemente, se ha propuesto considerar la contribución de diversos factores para conocer de qué manera estos moderan los efectos obtenidos, lo que favorecería una mejor comprensión de la plasticidad y el funcionamiento del proceso entrenado, así como identificar poblaciones específicas en las cuales la eficacia del entrenamiento se ve maximizada. Se ha indicado que el desempeño de base, factores motivacionales, y estatus socioeconómico, entre otros, moderarían los efectos de transferencia, pero la evidencia al respecto es aún insuficiente. Por ello, se analizó si las diferencias en habilidad cognitiva, factores motivacionales y estatus socioeconómico contribuían a explicar las diferencias individuales en las ganancias de transferencia, más allá del nivel inicial en MT. Participaron del estudio 44 niños de 9-10 años de edad que realizaron un entrenamiento adaptativo informatizado de la MT. Los resultados del análisis de regresión jerárquica mostraron que el nivel inicial de MT explicó significativamente las ganancias de transferencia a corto y largo plazo, pero inteligencia fluida, tipo de mentalidad sobre la inteligencia, motivación intrínseca y estatus socioeconómico no realizaron una contribución adicional significativa. Esto sugiere que los niños con un nivel más bajo de MT podrían beneficiarse en mayor medida del entrenamiento, más allá de su nivel en otros factores como los estudiados.
Análisis de mediación serial de la relación entre intolerancia a la incertidumbre y ansiedad estadística en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Avila Toscano Jose , Vargas Delgado Leonardo , Badillo Rueda Yurley Alejandra , Chiquillo Arrieta Lauren Carolina , Acosta Guerrero Joharis
Published: July 2024

Este estudio analiza el efecto de la intolerancia a la incertidumbre sobre la ansiedad estadística bajo la mediación de la orientación negativa al problema y la preocupación en una muestra de universitarios. Se analizó 437 estudiantes colombianos (285 mujeres) de entre 18 y 30 años (M = 21,28, DT = 2,43) mediante modelos de mediación serial entre la intolerancia a la incertidumbre inhibitoria y prospectiva y tres dimensiones de ansiedad estadística (ansiedad de pedir ayuda, ansiedad ante exámenes, ansiedad interpretativa). La intolerancia a la incertidumbre influye en la aparición de ansiedad estadística gracias a la mediación de las variables disposicionales. Los resultados ponen de relieve el papel mediador de la orientación negativa al problema sobre todos los síntomas ansiosos, mientras que la preocupación opera como mediador serial frente a la ansiedad ante exámenes estadísticos. Este estudio demuestra que la baja tolerancia a la incertidumbre conduce a la experiencia de ansiedad estadística cuando los estudiantes asumen los problemas como una amenaza.
Diferencias en patrones de personalidad y síndromes clínicos entre pacientes ambulatorios adolescentes con y sin ideación suicida
Authors: García Montoliu Carlos , Ruiz-Palomino Estefania , Espinosa-Mata Matilde , Ávarez-Núñez Teresa , Real-López Matias
Published: July 2024

El suicidio es un problema de salud pública con graves implicaciones personales, sociales y económicas. La relación entre los pensamientos suicidas y las características individuales todavía no se ha esclarecido en los pacientes psiquiátricos adolescentes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar las diferencias en los patrones de personalidad, los síndromes clínicos y las preocupaciones expresadas entre pacientes ambulatorios adolescentes con y sin ideación suicida. Las medidas administradas fueron una entrevista clínica sobre salud mental y el Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory. La muestra consistió en 44 adolescentes del Hospital de Día Infanto-juvenil de XXX. Un 59,1% refirió haber tenido ideación suicida y un 40,9% no experimentó estos pensamientos. Los resultados muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos en los siguientes factores: Inhibido, Pesimista, Histriónico, Egocéntrico, Autopunitivo, Tendencia límite, Difusión de la identidad, Desvalorización de sí mismo, Desagrado por el propio cuerpo, Insensibilidad social, Afecto depresivo y Tendencia al suicidio. La regresión logística binaria indicó que los factores de riesgo que mejor explicaban la presencia de ideación suicida son la Desvalorización de sí mismo (β=.048, p=.007) y el Afecto depresivo (β=.051, p=.007). Por otro lado, el factor Egocéntrico resultó ser un factor protector (β=-.032, p=.004). Estos hallazgos destacan la importancia de evaluar la autoestima, la autoconfianza, la desesperanza y el sesgo cognitivo negativo de los adolescentes psiquiátricos para prevenir la conducta suicida.
Weakly supervised semantic segmentation of leukocyte images based on class activation maps
Authors: Feng Rui , Chen Wei , Qi Jie
Published: July 2024

Leukocytes are an essential component of the human defense system, accurate segmentation of leukocyte images is a crucial step towards automating detection. Most existing methods for leukocyte images segmentation relied on fully supervised semantic segmentation (FSSS) with extensive pixel-level annotations, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive. To address this issue, this paper proposes a weakly supervised semantic segmentation (WSSS) approach for leukocyte images utilizing improved class activation maps (CAMs). Firstly, to alleviate ambiguous boundary problem between leukocytes and background, preprocessing technique is employed to enhance the image quality. Secondly, attention mechanism is added to refine the CAMs generated by improving the matching of local and global features. Random walks, dense conditional random fields and hole filling were leveraged to obtain final pseudo-segmentation labels. Finally, a fully supervised segmentation network is trained with pseudo-segmentation labels. The method is evaluated on BCCD and TMAMD datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that by employing the pseudo segmentation annotations generated through this method can be utilized to train UNet as close as possible to FSSS. This method effectively reduces manual annotation cost while achieving WSSS of leukocyte images.
Wide-Bandwidth Low-Noise Simple Differential Transimpedance Amplifier Ideal for Detecting High-Frequency Faint Optical Signals
Authors: Wu Zhiyuan , Wen Zeyang , Li Wenqiang , Yang Gongliu
Published: July 2024

Transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) are core components of faint optical signal detection. This paper proposes a differential TIA with low noise, low cost, high sensitivity and a simple structure. Compared with typical TIAs, the TIA utilizes only one operational amplifier (op-amp) for differential amplification, effectively eliminating DC bias and reducing both intrinsic and external noise. This feature renders the TIA exceptionally suitable for the detection of high-frequency faint optical signals. The TIA maintains a wide bandwidth while eliminating the noise and errors caused by the reverse bias of photodiodes (PDs). When integrated into fiber optic gyros (FOGs), the TIA can suppress electronic crosstalk noise, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing the dead zone of FOGs. The gain bandwidth product of the TIA is approximately 140 GHz·Ω with a single AD8065 op-amp and approximately 600 GHz·Ω with a single OPA847 op-amp. In this paper, a T-type capacitive network is applied instead of a T-type resistive network to suppress the adverse effect of parasitic capacitances. This paper also provides a specific solution for noise reduction of the light source in FOGs utilizing the TIA, which effectively improves the detection accuracy and bias stability of FOGs.
Experimental realization of 140-GHz metallic lens antenna with designable multiple beams
Authors: yu weihua , Li Haolin , Li Mingze , Lu Hongda
Published: July 2024

This letter proposes a new approach to realize a metallic Luneburg lens multibeam antenna with designable beams at 140 GHz, which is fed by multiple rectangular waveguides. The beam shape can be controlled by shifting the feeding position, which is based on the transformation between focusing and defocusing state. According to the above method, the whole coverage range and the overlapping level of the adjacent beams are both flexibly designable. The theoretical analysis and experimental realization of this antenna are conducted at the 140 GHz band. The prototypes are fabricated with high-precision 3-D printing and gold-sputtering techniques. The measured results verify the beam’s designability and feasibility in terahertz band. Under this theoretical framework, the beam coverage strategy can be flexibly adjusted to meet different requirements of terahertz communication.
Enhancing care in the initiation and management of insulin in older people with diabetes: A collaborative journey with older individuals and their caregivers using Experience-Based Co-Design
Authors: Langerman Chaya , Forbes Angus , Robert Glenn
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Initiating insulin therapy in older individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) poses unique challenges and requires a nuanced understanding of the age-related factors that impact safety and efficacy. This study employed Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) to enhance the insulin initiation and management experience for this population, emphasising a collaborative approach involving patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Aim

The primary aim of the research was to develop a tailored care pathway, utilising co-design and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), which addressed issues specific to older adults on insulin therapy. The study sought to identify key challenges, propose practical interventions, and construct a logic model illustrating a pathway for enhanced insulin treatment experiences.

Methods

An adapted EBCD process was used which integrated the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework and BCW. The study involved thematic synthesis, video interviews, and feedback focus groups with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The ’Crazy Eights’ brainstorming method, as part of the co-design workshop, generated practical solutions which informed subsequent logic model development.

Results

Focus group findings revealed distressing insulin initiation experiences, inconsistent dietary advice, and perceived disparities in care between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The co-design workshop identified eight key challenges, leading to proposed interventions aligned with the BCW. The logic model illustrates a pathway for older individuals undergoing insulin treatment, emphasising behaviour change among patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts of participants contributed valuable insights in terms of the unique educational and emotional needs of patients, the importance of care continuity and of improving access to specialist services. Findings from this study can be used to inform and enhance tailored support strategies for older adults with T2DM during their insulin transition and ongoing management.
Digital finance and corporate breakthrough innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Shi Yanmin
Published: July 2024

This paper empirically investigates the impact of digital finance on the breakthrough innovation of enterprises with a sample of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2011 to 2022. It is found that digital finance can promote corporate breakthrough innovation, and presents certain structural heterogeneity characteristics. The mechanism test shows that digital finance has the dual attributes of a financing platform and a social platform, which can promote breakthrough innovation by alleviating corporate financing constraints and expanding corporate social networks. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the role of digital finance in promoting breakthrough innovation is characterized by regional heterogeneity, with digital finance playing a greater role in promoting breakthrough innovation in provinces with a low level of development of the banking sector, provinces with a high level of development of the capital market sector, and the central region. In addition, the degree of firms’ external financing dependence and the degree of product market competition can strengthen the positive effect of digital finance on firms’ breakthrough innovation. This paper enriches the related research on the impact of digital finance on enterprise innovation, and provides theoretical basis and policy insights on how digital finance can better assist the innovation-driven development strategy.
Prognostic potential of integrated morphologic and metabolic parameters of pre-therapeutic [18F]FDG-PET/CT regarding progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in NSCLC-patients
Authors: Peters Helena A. , Weiss Daniel , Boschheidgen Matthias , Mamlins Eduards , Giesel Frederik L. , Fluegen Georg , Kirchner Julian , Antoch Gerald , Jannusch Kai
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic potential of pre-therapeutic [18F]FDG-PET/CT variables regarding prediction of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in NSCLC-patients.

Method

NSCLC-patients who underwent pre-therapeutic [18F]FDG-PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. The following imaging features were collected from the primary tumor: tumor size, tumor density, central necrosis, spicules and SUVmax. For standardization, an indexSUVmax was calculated (SUVmax primary tumor/SUVmax liver). Descriptive statistics and correlations of survival time analyses for PFS and OS were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression including a hazard ratio (HR). A value of p < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. The 95%-confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The median follow-up time was 63 (IQR 27–106) months.

Results

This study included a total of 82 patients (25 women, 57 men; mean age: 66 ± 9 years). IndexSUVmax (PFS: HR = 1.0, CI: 1.0–1.1, p = 0.49; OS: HR = 1.0, CI: 0.9–1.2, p = 0.41), tumor size (PFS: HR = 1.0, CI: 0.9–1.0, p = 0.08; OS: HR = 1.0, CI: 0.9–1.0, p = 0.07), tumor density (PFS: HR = 0.9, CI: 0.6–1.4, p = 0.73; OS: HR = 0.3; CI: 0.1–1.1; p = 0.07), central necrosis (PFS: HR = 1.0, CI: 0.6–1.8, p = 0.98; OS: HR = 0.6, CI: 0.2–1.9, p = 0.40) and spicules (PFS: HR = 1.0, CI: 0.6–1.9, p = 0.91; OS: HR = 1.3, CI: 0.4–3.7, p = 0.65) did not significantly affect PFS and OS in the study population. An optimal threshold value for the indexSUVmax was determined by ROC analysis and Youden’s index. There was no significant difference in PFS with an indexSUVmax-threshold of 3.8 (13 vs. 27 months; p = 0.45) and in OS with an indexSUVmax-threshold of 4.0 (113 vs. 106 months; p = 0.40).

Conclusions

SUVmax and morphologic parameters from pre-therapeutic [18F]FDG-PET/CT were not able to predict PFS and OS in NSCLC-patients.
Anxiety and depression among hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study from Kathmandu Metropolitan, Nepal
Authors: K. C. Dilasha , Kaphle Hari Prasad , Shrestha Durga , Neupane Nirmala
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The outbreak of a global pandemic like COVID-19 has highlighted significant distress around mental health. The burden of mental health issues like anxiety and depression requires evidence-based intervention, especially in low-income settings like Nepal. The study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and the factors associated with it among hypertensive patients.

Materials and methods

The quantitative cross-sectional study design was used for this study. The study was conducted among 374 samples from selected wards of Kathmandu Metropolitan using a convenience sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured interview schedule. A Chi-square test was used to identify the statistical significance between dependent and independent variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with anxiety and depression.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety and depression among hypertensive patients during the COVID-19 pandemic was 27.8% and 24.3% respectively. According to the results of bivariate logistic regression analysis, smoking/tobacco consumption, staying in quarantine, positive COVID-19 test result, history of COVID-19 positive in the family, History of death due to COVID-19 in the family, visiting a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic appeared as influencing factors of both anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that COVID-19 has a substantial effect on the mental health of hypertensive patients. This study highlights the need to develop early intervention and coping strategies among this population to minimize the negative impact of COVID-19 on their mental health and well-being.
Association between various physical activity domains and overall cancer risk, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018
Authors: Lian Yanxue , Luo Pincheng
Published: July 2024

Purpose

There are very few studies concurrently evaluating the association between multiple physical activity (PA) domains and cancer prevalence. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by investigating the link between multiple PA subdomains [occupational PA (OPA), transportation-related PA (TPA), leisure-time PA (LTPA), and total PA] and the likelihood of cancer.

Method

The data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2011–2012, 2013–2014, 2015–2016, and 2017–2018 were used in this study. Cancers are the primary outcome variable of interest in this study. PA was self- or proxy-reported using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Multivariable logistic regression models were used, adjusted for covariates.

Results

The trend analysis revealed that the prevalence of cancer statistically decreased with the increase in total PA amount. The participants achieving twice the minimum recommended PA guidelines (≥300 minutes) for total PA were 32% [0.68 (0.54, 0.86)] less likely to have cancer. However, significant associations between three PA subdomains (OPA, TPA, and LTPA) and cancers were not found in this study.

Conclusion

There is no significant association between any of these three single PA subdomains and cancer prevalence other than total PA. Therefore, this study recommends clinical practice should prioritize promoting comprehensive PA that integrates OPA, TPA, and LTPA to achieve at least 150 minutes per week (i.e. per seven days) initially and progressing towards 300 minutes for optimal cancer prevention.
Introducing costumatics: Costume’s transformative connection between actor and character
Authors: LaMontagne-Schenck Ben
Published: July 2024

This article introduces costumatics: a character-building technique/acting-as-research methodology that consciously deploys costume and make-up as research tools. Heavily inspired by recent researcher-practitioner Sally Dean’s ‘aware-wearing’ and Donatella Barbieri’s experiments with costume-led performance-making, costumatics frames costume as a material tool with which the actor might alter their means of perception. The perceptual alterations made possible by costume and performance make-up are understood through theories of enactivism combined with modern conceptions of imagination and pretend play. The resulting fundamental shift in the performer’s identity facilitates a lived experience of the character’s identity. This article offers a theoretical and practical exploration of costumatics and suggests the mirror, alongside costume and make-up, as a critical tool for the costumatic actor. It argues that the integration of performance costume into existing actor training or techniques yields complex and intricate discoveries valuable no matter the performance form or media.
Social technology for water treatment in a riverine community in the Lower Branco River Region, Roraima, Extreme North of Brazil
Authors: Souza Paula Riss Jordana , Rodrigues Farias Leovergildo , Aurélio Costa Lima Pequeno Pedro , José Salgado Vital Marcos
Published: July 2024

Brazil suffers from the problem of lack of basic sanitation, and this fact is intensified in the Amazon region, as a large part of the population lives in areas of vulnerability. The use of chemical coagulants causes harm to the environment and human health. The application of natural coagulants emerges as a promising alternative, as it dispenses with the use of chemicals, presents a simple, low-cost, easy-to-reproduce methodology that is accessible to any community, promoting health and environmental improvements. The objective of this study was to produce a natural coagulant based on Amazonian cacti to treat water intended for human consumption in a riverside community. For the study, about 500 grams of the aerial part of Cereus jamacaru was collected in the community of Santa Maria do Boiaçu-RR. The thorns were removed, and the cactus was washed, cut, accommodated in trays and taken to the sun. After drying, the cactus pieces were crushed and sieved. The water samples for the study were collected at 3 points and the treatability test was carried out in the laboratory. Statistical analyzes revealed that the natural cactus-based coagulant is an efficient social technology for the treatment of groundwater and surface water.
“Long hard-ſounding Latin name[s]”: Applying Historical Ethnobotany to the Loddiges Plant Nursery (1818–1830)
Authors: Maki Ethyn
Published: July 2024

Despite their potential, nursery stock catalogs have been overlooked in previous ethnobotanical studies. Here, this gap is addressed by surveying nursery-based plant knowledge cultivated within the historic British Loddiges nursery through an analysis of their stock catalogs dating from 1818 to 1830. Employing a historical ethnobotanical approach, the topics of categorization, nomenclature, and sourcing practices in the Loddiges nursery are examined while also exploring the methodological considerations of utilizing nursery stock catalogs in ethnobotanical research. Findings underscore the pragmatic nature of nursery-based plant knowledge, offering insight into the relationship between nurserymen and the plants they cultivated. This essay aims to clarify how sources such as stock catalogs can enrich historical ethnobotanical investigation and broaden the scope of ethnobotanical research to include topics such as commercial plant nurseries.
Volver la atención a los exámenes de lengua, una paradoja en las universidades colombianas
Authors: Restrepo Rodas Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Desde el 2020, en Colombia es requerido que los estudiantes de licenciaturas en lenguas (modernas o extranjeras) obtengan un nivel de suficiencia (C1) que confiere la validez del conocimiento de la lengua y la cultura como requisito de grado (MEN, 2017). La política lingüística postula que los exámenes de lengua miden las habilidades lingüísticas, así como las nociones y actitudes (inter)culturales de los estudiantes. Sin embargo, desde un lente sociocognitivo, la concepción de los exámenes no dice mucho sobre los procesos cognitivos y sociales que se tornan cruciales para la concepción misma de las pruebas. Por lo tanto, parece relevante revisar la ontología de los exámenes institucionales de lengua y poder identificar qué aspecto da coherencia y validez a la necesidad de obtener dichos exámenes como requisito de grado. Para lograr esto, se propone una descripción fenomenológica, postulando la siguiente hipótesis: los exámenes de lengua en lugar de medir las habilidades lingüísticas e (inter)culturales de los estudiantes, circundan, sobre todo, sus sistemas sociales y cognitivos, en especial, la moral. Como resultado, se podría postular que la concepción de los exámenes como requisito de grado requiere de cambios profundos a corto plazo.
Potential of a Pluriversal Literacies Framework for Decolonizing English as Foreign Language (EFL) Policy and Practice in Colombia
Authors: Becerra Posada Tatiana
Published: July 2024

Literacy scholars have pointed out the neoliberal co-opting of literacy and language learning, specially when English is often promoted as the language of progress by the English language teaching industry and educational policies worldwide. This utilitarian discourse on English language learning has been passively accepted and reinforced by governments, policy makers, educators, and society in general. Such positioning not only furthers neoliberal values of competition and individualism, but also perpetuates Western ideas of development that have proven to be detrimental for our planet. Scholars in the field of Education have acknowledged the necessity of prioritizing indigenous epistemologies to transform education. Thus, in this article I introduce the ‘Pluriversal literacies’, a decolonial framework which conceptualizes literacies as relational, land-based, and multisentient practices, such as weaving plants, constructed within communities and their territories. I argue that this framework may facilitate the transformation of English language teaching, especially in foreign language contexts, by centering and valuing the knowledges, cultures, and literacies of non-dominant learners.
Waisenfürsorger (ὀρφανοεπιμεληταί) und Fohlenbezähmer (πωλοδαμασταί) im ptolemäischen Ägypten
Authors: Scheuble-Reiter Sandra
Published: July 2024

This article presents an unpublished Ptolemaic papyrus from the collection of the University of Trier which contains an official letter concerning a tax-collection. The papyrus is of special interest, firstly because of its unusual receipt form which requires further investigation, and secondly and primarily, however, because of its exceptional lexicography.
Il saluto conclusivo nelle lettere degli alti funzionari provinciali: ἐρρῶσθαι ... βούλομαι
Authors: Mascellari Roberto
Published: July 2024

By re-examining the letters of prefects and other officials, this article proposes to consider ἐρρῶσθαι ... βούλομαι as the standard epistolary farewell formula in Greek used by prefects from the early 2nd century CE to the mid-3rd century CE, while in the same period ἐρρῶσθαι ... εὔχομαι was avoided by prefects and commonly used by subordinate officials.
More Hermopolite Localities, Requisitions, and Taxes
Authors: Gonis Nikolaos
Published: July 2024

Editions of four papyri of the British Library with lists of villages and requisitioned work-force, foodstuff or taxes from the area of Hermopolis.
Metformin mitigates osteoarthritis progression by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and enhancing chondrocyte autophagy
Authors: Xu Tianjie , Liu Kainan , Fan Jiaxin , Jia Xiang , Guo Xiaoling , Zhao Xingwang , Cao Yanhua , Zhang Hui , Wang Qian
Published: July 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by overall joint tissue damage. Metformin (Met) has been shown to inhibit inflammatory reactions, though its potential protective mechanism on cartilage remains unclear. This study investigated Met’s potential to protect cartilage in an OA rat model. Various morphological experiments were conducted to assess changes in cartilage tissue morphology before and after Met treatment. Protein and mRNA levels of cartilage-specific genes were measured using western blot, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR. Additionally, protein levels of autophagy-related and mTOR pathway-related proteins were measured. The results indicate an imbalance in the synthesis and degradation metabolism of chondrocytes, downregulation of cellular autophagy, and activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway after surgery. However, treatment with Met could upregulate the expression of synthetic metabolic factors, indicating its contribution to cartilage repair. Furthermore, analysis of autophagy and pathway protein levels indicated that Met effectively attenuated autophagic damage to osteoarthritic cartilage cells and abnormal activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, Met can inhibit the abnormal activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in cartilage tissue, promote the restoration of cartilage cell autophagic function, improve the balance of cartilage cell synthesis and degradation metabolism, and thus exert a protective effect on rat joint cartilage.
Supply chain efficiency of red chilies in the production center of Sleman Indonesia based on performance measurement system
Authors: Susanawati Susanawati , Noviyanti Nadia
Published: July 2024

This study aims to describe the red chili supply chain in the production center of Sleman Regency and examine its efficiency using the performance measurement system (PMS). The period of secondary data from 2016 to 2020 in this study was employed on the grounds of time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was based on Presidential Decree No. 11 of 2020 concerning the determination of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Public Health Emergency in Indonesia on March 31, 2020, designating COVID-19 as a pandemic. The sampling for this study began in Pakem District and proceeded in phases to Purwobinangun Village. Moreover, 61 respondents were determined through snowball sampling from farmers to consumers in Sleman Regency. The red chili supply chain was evaluated descriptively, and its efficiency was analyzed using the PMS indicators, encompassing production cost, profit, return on investment (ROI), and transaction cost. The findings unveiled that the red chili supply chain consisted of five chains with six actors: (1) Farmers – Auction Market – Collecting Traders – Retailers – Consumers; (2) Farmers – Auction Market – Intermediaries – Collecting Traders – Retailers – Consumers; (3) Farmers – Intermediaries – Collecting Traders – Retailers – Consumers; (4) Farmers – Intermediaries – Retailers – Consumers; and (5) Farmers – Retailers – Consumers. Regarding the efficiency of the five supply chains, Chain 2 obtained the highest profit and ROI, while Chain 5 possessed the lowest production and transaction cost, making them the most efficient ones.
Load-Velocity Relationship in the Bulgarian Split-Squat Exercise
Authors: Rabal-Pelay Juan , Gutiérrez Héctor , Bascuas Pablo Jesús , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , Marco-Contreras Luis Alberto
Published: July 2024

Rabal-Pelay, J, Gutiérrez, H, Bascuas, P-J, Pareja-Blanco, F, and Marco-Contreras, LA. Load-velocity relationship in the Bulgarian split-squat exercise. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2024—The objective of the current research was to analyze the load-velocity relationship in the Bulgarian split-squat (BSS) exercise and to compare these relationships between the dominant and nondominant legs. Twenty-one strength-trained men (age: 27.3 ± 7.3 years) performed a progressive loading test in the BSS exercise using a Smith machine for each leg. The protocol began with a load of 30 kg, incrementally adding 10 kg until the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) fell below 0.4 m·s−1. At that point, 5 kg increments were employed, with a final addition of 2.5 kg for the last estimated attempt one-repetition maximum (1RM). A total of 324 lifts were analyzed. Subjects exhibited a relative strength ratio of 1.23 ± 0.10, a 1RM of 91.3 ± 14.2 kg, and a mean range of motion of 44.7 ± 3.7 cm. Polynomial regression analysis showed a robust relationship with an R
2 value of 0.945 (ρ ≤ 0.001) between the relative load (%1RM) and MPV. Despite the differences in 1RM between the dominant and nondominant legs, there were no significant differences in MPV at the %1RM between both legs. These findings suggest that training intensity can be prescribed via the MPV during the BSS exercise. Moreover, the load-velocity relationship is stable between limbs despite the potential differences in absolute strength levels.
O “EU” NEGRO NA LITERATURA INFANTOJUVENIL: IDENTIDADE E ESCRITA EM CARTAS A MI MAMÁ, DE TERESA CÁRDENAS
Authors: Cardoso Rosane Maria
Published: July 2024

Este artigo discute racismo, identidade e recepção leitora, a partir da obra Cartas a mi mamá, de Teresa Cárdenas. Na base da discussão, está o embate entre temas fraturantes da LIJ contemporânea e o leitor que, frequentemente, não se vê e não se lê nas obras dirigidas a crianças e jovens. Considerando que textos como o de Cárdenas raramente fazem parte do cotidiano escolar, leva-se em consideração, neste estudo, qual pode ser o impacto recepcional e o papel de um obra como Cartas a mi mamá na sala de aula, ante leitores negros e não negros.
¿Un “ochobre” deportivo?
Authors: Ibarrondo-Merino Iker
Published: July 2024

Esta investigación aborda el emerger del movimiento obrero deportivo en Asturias. En un contexto caracterizado por el dinamismo político, acaecido en el primer tercio del Siglo XX, coincidente con el tránsito del Reino a la II República española, donde se dejaron sentir las tensiones de la geopolítica. Estos hechos repercutirían en la forma en la que se configuró el movimiento obrero deportivo asturiano, el cual es puesto al descubierto de forma inédita por esta investigación. Es en este último apartado, donde reside la originalidad de esta investigación, ya que pone en valor la existencia del movimiento del deporte obrero astur, así como su funcionamiento orgánico como sujeto político y el envío de una selección de atletas de este territorio a la Olimpiada Popular (OP) de Barcelona 1936. El análisis puesto en práctica para esta investigación se apoya en el uso del método analítico-sintético y la triangulación como elementos clave para el trabajo con las fuentes implementadas, siendo estas de tipo archivístico, oral y, sobre todo, hemerográficas, inaugurando aquí el estudio de la prensa astur desde una perspectiva histórico-deportiva. A tenor de este estudio, se puede afirmar que la comprensión burguesa del deporte tuvo una clara nota disonante en Asturias.