bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fishes of the Alitash National Park: Taxonomic Accounts with Identification Keys of Fish in Floodplain Rivers of Abbay and Tekeze Basins, Ethiopia
Authors: Eyayu Alamrew , Getahun Abebe
Published: March 2024

Ethiopia has considerable freshwater potential. Currently, the recognized fish diversity in the country’s freshwater ecosystem is more than 200. Despite the presence of such high fish diversity with considerable economic returns, ichthyofaunal studies on Ethiopian rivers are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to identify and compare ichthyofaunal diversity and distribution in floodplain rivers of the Abbay and Tekeze Basins, Ethiopia. Fish were collected using gillnets, cast nets, hooks, electrofishing, and mosquito nets and identified to the species level. Gillnets had stretched mesh sizes of 4–14 cm with a panel length of 25–75 m and a width of 1.5–2 m per mesh size. They were set in the afternoon (5:00 p.m.) and lifted the following morning (7:30 a.m.). Immediately after capture, fish were preliminary identified in the field and tagged with proper information (e.g., sampling locality and date of collection). Similar fishing efforts were applied at all sampling sites for two dry and two wet months over a period of two years (2018-2019). In the present study, both alpha and beta diversity indices were also examined. Identification keys and an annotated checklist of species were generated for easy naming of the entire fish species in the basins. In the ichthyological collection, 43 fish species with 11 new records from the Ayima, Gelegu, and Shinfa Rivers were identified. The first two rivers in the Abbay Basin were the richest in species and number of individuals. Gelegu River had the highest abundance as well. Generally, this study was conducted in areas where no fish biodiversity studies have been undertaken, and the results obtained from this study could be important for fish biodiversity conservation.
Deep Learning Combined with Radiologist’s Intervention Achieves Accurate Segmentation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Dual-Phase Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Ye Yufeng , Zhang Naiwen , Wu Dasheng , Huang Bingsheng , Cai Xun , Ruan Xiaolei , Chen Liangliang , Huang Kun , Li Zi-Ping , Wu Po-Man , Jiang Jinzhao , Dan Guo , Peng Zhenpeng
Published: March 2024

Purpose. Segmentation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial; however, manual segmentation is subjective and time-consuming. Accurate and automatic lesion contouring for HCC is desirable in clinical practice. In response to this need, our study introduced a segmentation approach for HCC combining deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) and radiologist intervention in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We sought to design a segmentation method with a deep learning method that automatically segments using manual location information for moderately experienced radiologists. In addition, we verified the viability of this method to assist radiologists in accurate and fast lesion segmentation. Method. In our study, we developed a semiautomatic approach for segmenting HCC using DCNN in conjunction with radiologist intervention in dual-phase gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid- (Gd-EOB-DTPA-) enhanced MRI. We developed a DCNN and deep fusion network (DFN) trained on full-size images, namely, DCNN-F and DFN-F. Furthermore, DFN was applied to the image blocks containing tumor lesions that were roughly contoured by a radiologist with 10 years of experience in abdominal MRI, and this method was named DFN-R. Another radiologist with five years of experience (moderate experience) performed tumor lesion contouring for comparison with our proposed methods. The ground truth image was contoured by an experienced radiologist and reviewed by an independent experienced radiologist. Results. The mean DSC of DCNN-F, DFN-F, and DFN-R was 0.69±0.20 (median, 0.72), 0.74±0.21 (median, 0.77), and 0.83±0.13 (median, 0.88), respectively. The mean DSC of the segmentation by the radiologist with moderate experience was 0.79±0.11 (median, 0.83), which was lower than the performance of DFN-R. Conclusions. Deep learning using dual-phase MRI shows great potential for HCC lesion segmentation. The radiologist-aided semiautomated method (DFN-R) achieved improved performance compared to manual contouring by the radiologist with moderate experience, although the difference was not statistically significant.
Supplementary Figure 2 from Niraparib plus Dostarlimab in Pleural Mesothelioma or Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring HRR Mutations: Interim Results of the UNITO-001 Phase II Prospective Trial
Authors: Passiglia Francesco , Righi Luisella , Bironzo Paolo , Listì Angela , Farinea Giovanni , Capelletto Enrica , Novello Silvia , Merlini Alessandra , Scagliotti Giorgio V.
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Figure 2. Keplen Maier curves for survival outcomes in the overall analyzed population.
Data from EGFR-Driven Lung Adenocarcinomas Co-opt Alveolar Macrophage Metabolism and Function to Support EGFR Signaling and Growth
Authors: Kuhlmann-Hogan Alexandra , Cordes Thekla , Xu Ziyan , Kuna Ramya S. , Traina Kacie A. , Robles-Oteíza Camila , Ayeni Deborah , Kwong Elizabeth M. , Levy Stellar , Globig Anna-Maria , Nobari Matthew M. , Cheng George Z. , Leibel Sandra L. , Homer Robert J. , Shaw Reuben J. , Metallo Christian M. , Politi Katerina , Kaech Susan M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The limited efficacy of currently approved immunotherapies in EGFR-driven lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) underscores the need to better understand alternative mechanisms governing local immunosuppression to fuel novel therapies. Elevated surfactant and GM-CSF secretion from the transformed epithelium induces tumor-associated alveolar macrophage (TA-AM) proliferation, which supports tumor growth by rewiring inflammatory functions and lipid metabolism. TA-AM properties are driven by increased GM-CSF–PPARγ signaling and inhibition of airway GM-CSF or PPARγ in TA-AMs suppresses cholesterol efflux to tumor cells, which impairs EGFR phosphorylation and restrains LUAD progression. In the absence of TA-AM metabolic support, LUAD cells compensate by increasing cholesterol synthesis, and blocking PPARγ in TA-AMs simultaneous with statin therapy further suppresses tumor progression and increases proinflammatory immune responses. These results reveal new therapeutic combinations for immunotherapy-resistant EGFR-mutant LUADs and demonstrate how cancer cells can metabolically co-opt TA-AMs through GM-CSF–PPARγ signaling to provide nutrients that promote oncogenic signaling and growth.
Significance:
Alternate strategies harnessing anticancer innate immunity are required for lung cancers with poor response rates to T cell–based immunotherapies. This study identifies a targetable, mutually supportive, metabolic relationship between macrophages and transformed epithelium, which is exploited by tumors to obtain metabolic and immunologic support to sustain proliferation and oncogenic signaling.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 384
A Highly Anticipated Selective Therapeutic Agent against CDK2: INX-315
Authors: Watts Lotte P. , Spencer Sabrina L.
Published: March 2024

In this issue, Dietrich, Trub, and colleagues describe and characterize a novel selective CDK2 inhibitor: INX-315. This agent shows promise in CCNE1-amplified cancers and in CDK4/6 inhibitor–resistant breast cancers.

See related article by Dietrich et al., p. 446 (8).
Videobasierte Online-Metta-Meditations-Therapie bei Depression: Eine Pilotstudie zur Bewertung von Akzeptanz und Machbarkeit
Authors: Arens Elisabeth A. , Donnerstag Lucas , Hofmann Stefan G. , Stangier Ulrich
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund: Im Zuge der Covid-19-Pandemie ist deutlich geworden, welche Relevanz kontaktlosen psychotherapeutischen Online-Interventionen in der psychischen Gesundheitsversorgung womöglich auch zukünftig zukommen könnte. Vor diesem Hintergrund soll die vorliegende Pilotstudie überprüfen, ob ein Metta-basiertes Gruppenprogramm, welches sich bereits als wirksam für Patienten mit Depression erwiesen hat, sich auch als Videotherapie als eine akzeptierte und durchführbare Behandlung darstellt. Metta-Meditationen zielen darauf ab, sich selbst und anderen Menschen bedingungsloses Wohlwollen und Freund­lichkeit entgegenzubringen. Methode: Acht Patient:innen mit depressiver Störung nahmen an einer videobasierten Durchführung des Metta-basierten Gruppenprogramms teil. Als Zielgrößen wurden u. a. die Qualität der therapeutischen Beziehung, die Umsetzung von Methoden sowie die Akzeptanz der Videotherapie von Seiten der Teilnehmenden erhoben. Ergebnisse: Die Auswertung der Daten wies auf eine gute Durchführbarkeit bezüglich einer tragfähigen therapeutischen Beziehung, der Möglichkeit zur Vermittlung von Meditations-Techniken und der Etablierbarkeit einer konzentrierten Arbeitsatmosphäre hin. Die Videotherapie stieß auf eine gute Akzeptanz bei den Teilnehmenden. Es zeigten sich erste Hinweise der klinischen Wirksamkeit. Schlussfolge­rung: Die Vermittlung von Metta-Meditation in einem Gruppenprogramm zur Behandlung von Depression lässt sich in einer Videotherapie praktikabel umsetzen und stößt auf eine gute Akzeptanz bei den Patient:innen. Weitere Studien zu Moderatoren von Akzeptanz und Wirksamkeit der Videotherapie sind notwendig.
Monotropein Alleviates Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Mouse Model by Inhibiting AKT/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Guo Xin , Sun Wenjie , Zhang Bingbing
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Clinical management of asthma remains as a prevalent challenge. Monotropein (MON) is a naturally occurring cyclic enol ether terpene glycoside with medical application potential. This study aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of MON in the mouse model of chronic asthma. Methods: An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of MON at different doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). The potential involvement of protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in the effect of MON was investigated by the administration of an AKT activator SC79. Histological changes in pulmonary tissues were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The profiles of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and OVA-specific IgE in blood samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The oxidative stress in the lung tissues was determined by measuring malondialdehyde level. The phosphorylation activation of AKT and NF-κB was examined by immunoblotting in the lung tissues. Results: MON treatment suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airways of OVA-induced asthma mice and reduced the thickness of the bronchial wall and smooth muscle layer in a dose-dependent manner. MON treatment also reduced the levels of OVA-specific IgE in serum and cytokines in BALF in asthma-induced mice, and attenuated the oxidative stress in the lung tissues. OVA induced the phosphorylation of AKT and NF-κB proteins in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice, which was significantly suppressed by MON treatment. The co-administration of AKT activator SC79 impaired the therapeutic effect of MON on asthma-induced mice. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated the potential therapeutic effect of MON on asthmatic mouse model, suggesting that MON attenuated the inflammatory and oxidative damages in ling tissues by dampening the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Durable Response to Programmed Death 1-Directed Antibodies in a Hypermutated Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Platteter Emilie , Wulf Gerburg
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors marks significant progress in the evolution of cancer treatment. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the success of immune-oncologic (IO) agents like pembrolizumab (Keytruda™) in combination with chemotherapy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) [Ann Oncol. 2017 Jun 1;28(6):1388–1398]. There is less literature investigating pembrolizumab in monotherapy and in cases of rare tumor mutational burden. Case Presentation: Here, we report the case of a 65-year-old Native American and African American woman with previous incomplete lines of therapy diagnosed with recurrent TNBC and pulmonary metastases. Next-generation sequencing of the metastatic nodules demonstrated a significantly hypermutated tumor with rare polyploidy. The patient had a durable (14 months) response and ongoing remission of the metastatic lesions after administering the programmed cell death 1 inhibitor pembrolizumab. No serious immune checkpoint inhibitor-related toxicities or disease progression was observed during the treatment. Conclusion: Our report describes recurrent TNBC with a rare amount of hypermutation and the successful use of an IO agent as a treatment.
Pulmonary Metastasectomy after Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Osuga Takahiro , Tanaka Shingo , Kubo Tomohiro , Hamaguchi Kota , Ito Ryo , Sakurada Akira , Ishikawa Keidai , Miyanishi Koji
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Single distant metastases after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rare. There are no guidelines for treating patients without liver tumors after resecting lung metastases. Case Presentation: Here, we report a patient with HCC recurring as a single lung metastasis 14 months after RFA. A 76-year-old woman with primary biliary cholangitis without hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection had been treated by RFA for a single 16-mm-sized HCC lesion in liver S8. Fourteen months thereafter, despite lack of intrahepatic recurrence, a single new 26-mm-sized mass was found in S10 of the right lung. The patient underwent right lower lobectomy. The histopathological diagnosis was HCC metastasis. Because no residual disease could be found, she was followed up without any additional treatment after surgery. She remains alive with no signs of recurrence 3 years later. Conclusion: HCC patients who relapse with lung metastases but without intrahepatic recurrence after RFA are extremely rare, especially when RFA is used to treat HCC lesions <30 mm. However, it should be noted that, although rare, HCC may recur in the form of extrahepatic metastases after RFA. Furthermore, it is suggested that, as in the presently-described case, at least some patients without intrahepatic recurrence whose lung metastases are completely resected have a good prognosis even without additional treatment for HCC.
Efficacy of TNF-α Inhibitors in the Treatment of nr-axSpA: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Shentu Haojie , Sha Suyong , He Yujing , He Minyang , Dong Nan , Huang Zhenwei , Lai Haijia , Chen Meiling , Huang Jianing , Huang Xiaojing
Published: March 2024

Introduction: A growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors in treating non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TNF-α inhibitors in the treatment of nr-axSpA. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant RCTs using specific keywords up to June 2023. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved Assessment in SpondyloArthritis international Society 40% (ASAS40). Secondary outcomes included ASAS20, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 50% (BASDAI50), ASAS partial remission, and ASAS5/6. Results: A total of eight RCTs involving 1,376 patients were included. Patients receiving anti-TNF therapy exhibited a higher rate of ASAS40 (pooled RR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.63–3.42; p < 0.001). In addition, the TNF-α inhibitor group showed higher BASDAI50 rates (pooled RR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.48–2.89), ASAS20 rates (pooled RR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.31–1.67), ASAS partial remission rates (pooled RR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.58–3.43), and ASAS5/6 rates (RR = 3.46; 95% CI: 2.05–5.83) than the placebo group. Conclusion: The TNF-α inhibitors were effective in treating nr-axSpA.
KAP of Indian Audiologists for Psychosocial Needs of Adults with Hearing Loss
Authors: Munjal Srishti , P.G. Bhargavi , Rajashekhar Bellur
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Hearing loss results in the breakdown of communication by affecting the ability to engage socially, leading to isolation socially and emotionally. The combination of behavioral, social, emotional, and psychological consequences is expressed as the “psychosocial” impacts of hearing loss. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of Indian audiologists in addressing the psychosocial needs of persons with hearing loss. The objectives are to develop and validate the KAP questionnaire for Indian audiologists and to assess the KAP of Indian audiologists toward the psychosocial needs of persons with hearing loss. Method: This study included 332 participants in the age group of 25–60 years with a minimum of 2 years of working experience and was divided into 2 phases. The first phase was a qualitative study that focused on the development and validation of the questionnaire including 3 domains. The second phase was a cross-sectional survey of administering the developed questionnaire to audiologists pan-India through social media platforms using Google Forms. Results: The results revealed that in the knowledge domain, percentage scores of good, fair, and poor knowledge of audiologists were 46.98%, 40.06%, and 12.95%, respectively. In the attitude domain, percentage scores for positive (81.32%), neutral (17.46%), and negative (1.2%) attitudes to address psychosocial needs were noted. Further, in the practice domain, it was 73.49% for good practice, 23.7% for fair practice, and 2.71% for poor practice. Conclusion: The outcome of the study clearly revealed the need to expand audiological services for considering and managing the psychological factors caused by hearing loss causing communication problems. Audiologists have evinced interest in attaining more knowledge to improve the attitude they hold and enhance their practice skills. This will enable them to address such needs carefully and provide the best possible counseling and referrals, contributing to overall well-being and quality of life.
Zanubrutinib plus Cytarabine in Patients with Refractory/Relapsed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Lin Zhiguang , Ma Jingjing , Ma Yan , Li Qing , Kang Hui , Zhang Mengxue , Chen Bobin
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Currently, there is no standard of care for the treatment of refractory or relapsed PCNSL (r/r PCNSL). We conducted a prospective single-arm phase II study to evaluate zanubrutinib plus cytarabine for r/r PCNSL. Methods: Using Simon’s two-stage design, we analyzed 34 patients who received high-dose cytarabine (3.0 g/m2 once daily) for 2 days and zanubrutinib (160 mg twice daily) for 21 days each cycle for up to 6 cycles. The study was registered at www.chictr.org.cn as #ChiCTR2000039229. Results: The median follow-up was 19 months. The overall response rate was 64.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.9–78.5%) with a complete remission or unconfirmed complete remission rate of 47.1% (16/34) and a partial remission rate of 17.6% (6/34). The median progression-free survival was 4.5 months (95% CI, 1.5–9.4), and the median OS was 18 months (95% CI, 9.5 to not estimable). The median duration of the response was 9 months (95% CI, 3.2 to not estimable). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were thrombocytopenia (55.9%). No treatment-related death occurred. Conclusion: Zanubrutinib and cytarabine showed efficacy in r/r PCNSL with an acceptable safety profile.
Stability of End-of-Life Care Wishes and Gender-Specific Characteristics of Outpatients with Advanced Cancer under Palliative Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Golombek Thomas , Hegewald Nora , Schnabel Astrid , Fries Hansjakob , Lordick Florian
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Early integration of palliative care and advance care planning (ACP) play an increasingly important role in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Advance directives (ADs) and patients’ preferences regarding end-of-life (EoL) care are important aspects of ACP. In the outpatient setting, the prevalence of those documents and EoL care wishes is not well investigated, and changes in the longitudinal course are poorly understood. Methods: From June 2020 to August 2022, 67 outpatients with advanced solid tumors undergoing palliative cancer therapy were interviewed on the topic of ACP in a longitudinal course. From this database, the prevalence of ADs, healthcare proxy, EoL care wishes, and the need for counseling regarding these issues were collected. In addition, EoL care wishes were examined for their stability. Results: Fifty-one patients (76.1%) reported having ADs, and 41 patients (61.2%) reported having a healthcare proxy. Nineteen patients (37.3%) with ADs and 11 patients (68.7%) without ADs indicated a wish for counseling. Reported EoL care wishes remained stable over a period of approximately 6 months. Nevertheless, intraindividual changes occurred over time within the different EoL care preferences. The desire for resuscitation and dialysis were significantly higher in men than in women (resuscitation: 15 of 21 men [71.4%] versus 9 of 22 women [40.9%], odds ratio [OR] 3.611, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–12.89, p = 0.048; dialysis: 16 of the 23 men [69.6%] versus 9 of the 25 women [36.0%], OR: 4.063, 95% CI: 1.22–13.58, p = 0.023). Conclusion: Our results show a reasonably high percentage of ADs and healthcare proxies in our study cohort. The observed stability of EoL requests encourages the implementation of structured queries for ADs and healthcare proxy for outpatients undergoing palliative treatment. Our data suggest that gender-specific characteristics should be further investigated in this context.
Analysis of Loudness Discomfort Level Tests in Tinnitus Patients
Authors: Shin Seung-Ho , Byun Sung Wan , Lee Ho Yun
Published: March 2024

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the loudness discomfort level (LDL) test in tinnitus patients and its relationship with pure-tone audiometry, tinnitogram, and questionnaires. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 320 tinnitus patients who visited a tertiary university hospital’s tinnitus clinic and completed LDL tests between March 2020 and December 2022. Epidemiological data and psychoacoustic test results were collected. Results: The LDL showed no significant differences between frequencies for both ears. The mean LDL did not correlate with mean pure-tone average or hearing thresholds at each frequency. The hearing loss group had a higher LDL at 8 kHz compared to the normal hearing group (p < 0.01). Objective sound intolerance was found in a quarter, correlating with subjective hyperacusis, anxiety, and depression. Weak negative correlations were found between most of questionnaire’s scores and LDL on the left side. Tinnitus loudness weak negatively correlated with LDL at most frequencies, except 8 kHz. Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings suggest a notable association between LDL levels and emotional factors in tinnitus patients, rather than with auditory thresholds. While lateralized differences in LDL responses were observed, specifically on the left side, these preliminary results do not confirm a causal link and thus do not warrant changes to current clinical testing protocols without further research.
Desafios metodológicos em pesquisas de rádio e mídia sonora: uma proposta de análise crítica da narrativa em podcasts
Authors: Viana Luana
Published: March 2024

Basándose en la revisión bibliográfica, este artículo tiene como objetivo sistematizar y retratar reflexiones sobre los enfoques metodológicos evidenciando la perspectiva de la narrativa en ámbito de la investigación cualitativa relacionada con la comunicación radiofónica. Para ello, se discute el medio sonoro a partir de su complejidad contemporánea. Como contribución, se presenta una propuesta de aplicación del análisis crítico de la narrativa en producciones de periodismo narrativo en pódcast.
Memórias sonoras: deslocamentos da vida cotidiana em Minas Gerais, Paraíba e Pernambuco
Authors: Oliveira Sheila Borges de , Lopez Debora Cristina , Meireles Norma
Published: March 2024

En este artículo hemos adoptado la metodología de la investigación-acción para discutir los conceptos como memoria sonora y patrimonio. Analizamos las prácticas de un proyecto de extensión, enseñanza e investigación que defiende el sonido de las ciudades como protagonista de la memoria y la identidad locales, presentando experiencias de cuatro ciudades brasileñas: Caruaru, João Pessoa, Mariana y Ouro Preto, que integran el proyecto Memoria Sonora con otras seis ciudades brasileñas. Partimos del entendimiento de que el sonido forma parte del patrimonio cultural y de la identidad regional y que su registro garantiza no solo la permanencia de este bien inmaterial, sino también su imbricación con otras prácticas de consumo características de la sociedad contemporánea. Por lo tanto, abogamos por la creación de un espacio de acceso público, en plataformas digitales, que registre los sonidos de las ciudades para permitir la comprensión de la diversidad de las memorias sonoras de los sujetos, a menudo construidas inconscientemente en torno a sus múltiples procesos individuales e interacciones sociales.
A cosmopoética da água em El Botón de Nácar: o som ambiente na mise en scène de Patricio Guzmán
Authors: Martins Raquel Salama , Serafim José Francisco
Published: March 2024

Este artículo pretende contribuir a los estudios sonoros en el cine latinoamericano contemporáneo, analizando el documental El botón de nácar (2015), de Patricio Guzmán. Entendiendo el cine como un “aparato cosmopoético” (Ribeiro, 2019), nos interesa saber cómo se escenifican los sonidos con las imágenes para “cepillar la historia a contrapelo” (Benjamin, 2020). Nuestra hipótesis es que, con la ayuda del diseño sonoro, Guzmán escenifica los sonidos en relaciones dialécticas con las imágenes, para tejer relaciones entre la geografía insular del país, la cosmología universal y la cosmología indígena, profundamente ligada a las aguas. El resultado del estudio confirma la relevancia de los “sonidos fundamentales y arquetípicos” (Schafer, 2001) de las aguas chilenas en la puesta en escena del documental, que aparecen en la obra como elementos constitutivos de metáforas audiovisuales (Nichols, 2005) de violencia y muerte, así como memoria y resistencia a la violencia que marcó la historia de Chile.
Vozes femininas nos documentários A Entrevista (Helena Solberg, 1966) e A Opinião Pública (Arnaldo Jabor, 1967)
Authors: Guimarães Clotilde Borges
Published: March 2024

This article aims to re-evaluate questions about the polyphonic use of voice in Brazilian documentaries from the 1960s, raised in my Master’s research, in which a new sound recording technology was used with portable Nagra III equipment. Polyphony is a term used by linguist Mikhail Backhtin to define the author’s relationship with other voices in the novel. In this reassessment, we will examine the use of female voices in two documentaries made in 1966 and 1967: The Interview (Helena Solberg, 1966) and The Public Opinion (Arnaldo Jabor, 1967). We intend to discuss Helena Solberg and Arnaldo Jabor’s stance when conducting these interviews and how they were used in the discourse of these two films. In addition to the polyphonic or monological use of these voices in these documentaries, what else can be observed about these testimonies?
Reproducción del capital en tipologías residenciales. Torres de perímetro cerrado: de lo global a lo local, el caso Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Avalos Pablo Dario , Sosa María Florencia
Published: March 2024

En el marco de la urbanización neoliberal emergen tipologías residenciales globales producidas por gestión privada como formas de reproducción del capital económico, que suponen transformaciones urbanas y habitacionales en sus contextos de inserción. Este artículo explica cómo se produce este fenómeno en conjuntos residenciales del tipo torres de perímetro cerrado, en una ciudad secundaria del capitalismo periférico (Córdoba, Argentina). Se identifica la agencia de los desarrolladores inmobiliarios en la creación de atributos de valorización económica, del Estado local en esta producción y los efectos en el mercado inmobiliario residencial. La metodología se basa en la triangulación de datos cualitativos y cuantitativos sobre las características del capital económico y las transformaciones urbanas y tipológicas incorporadas. Se concluye que la reproducción de capital adquiere especificidades en el contexto social, económico, político y urbano de su geografía de inserción, donde el Estado tiene un rol clave en su promoción o regulación. Los agentes inmobiliarios actúan bajo la lógica de reproducción de máxima ganancia, crean atributos de valorización económica que son pagados por la demanda y afectan el mercado habitacional.
Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Vascular Smooth Muscle: Blood Pressure and Beyond
Authors: Camarda Nicholas D. , Ibarrola Jaime , Biwer Lauren A. , Jaffe Iris Z.
Published: March 2024

After half a century of evidence suggesting the existence of mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) in the vasculature, the advent of technology to specifically knockout the MR from smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in mice has elucidated contributions of SMC-MR to cardiovascular function and disease, independent of the kidney. This review summarizes the latest understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which SMC-MR contributes to (1) regulation of vasomotor function and blood pressure to contribute to systemic and pulmonary hypertension; (2) vascular remodeling in response to hypertension, vascular injury, obesity, and aging, and the impact on vascular calcification; and (3) cardiovascular pathologies including aortic aneurysm, heart valve dysfunction, and heart failure. Data are reviewed from in vitro studies using SMCs and in vivo findings from SMC-specific MR-knockout mice that implicate target genes and signaling pathways downstream of SMC-MR. By regulating expression of the L-type calcium channel subunit Cav1.2 and angiotensin II type-1 receptor, SMC-MR contributes to myogenic tone and vasoconstriction, thereby contributing to systemic blood pressure. MR activation also promotes SMC proliferation, migration, production and degradation of extracellular matrix, and osteogenic differentiation by regulating target genes including connective tissue growth factor, osteopontin, bone morphogenetic protein 2, galectin-3, and matrix metallopeptidase-2. By these mechanisms, SMC-MR promotes disease progression in models of aging-associated vascular stiffness, vascular calcification, mitral and aortic valve disease, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. While rarely tested, when sexes were compared, the mechanisms of SMC-MR-mediated disease were sexually dimorphic. These advances support targeting SMC-MR-mediated mechanisms to prevent and treat diverse cardiovascular disorders.
What Makes a Terrorist Tick in Al Aswany’s The Yacoubian Building?
Authors: Senoussi Mohammed
Published: March 2024

This article provides a critical reading of Alaa Al Aswany’s novel The Yacoubian Building (2002), evoking important questions about the nature of terrorism in Egypt and how young men are transformed into religious fanatics. While certainly not excusing terrorists’ violent acts, we try to use the novel as a guide to understand what makes a terrorist tick. The novel invites us to witness the fall into the abyss of terror of a young man who dreams of being a policeman. The novel shows that while Taha struggles to change his fate, he faces marginalisation, police corruption, oppression and torture, which finally set him on the path to violence. The paper thus uses the novel as a focal point to broaden our understanding of who a terrorist figure is. Furthermore, we are interested in the literary representations of terrorism and why this novelist chooses terrorism as a main structuring element. By offering a qualitative, different understanding of the fundamental aspects of terrorism, we try to reveal that while it is the terrorist’s finger that pulls the trigger, there is a disorienting history of social, political and economic circumstances behind each bullet. The paper concludes that Al Aswany neither demonises nor offers an apology for extremists. He simply presents them as humans so that we can understand what they are angry about.
Indigenous People’s Land Rights in Post-Soeharto Indonesia
Authors: Wiryani Fifik , Ramadhan Febriansyah , Najih Mokhammad
Published: March 2024

One of the challenges during the democratic transition from the New Order regime to the Reformasi era was advancing the idea of an agrarian transition to reconcile structural inequalities regarding land ownership. However, this transition was unfortunately not accompanied by a rearrangement of land ownership to allow the practice of land-grabbing inherited from the New Order regime to persist in contemporary Indonesia. This article examines the reasons behind the failure of the agrarian transition in Indonesia, by focusing on case studies in Tegalrejo Village, Malang Regency and the Pamona indigenous peoples, Poso Regency. We argue that the modus operandi of land-grabbing practices is highly dependent on state power and weak protection of communal land rights. By explaining these two factors, this article provides recommendations to strengthen the community’s position in dealing with land-grabbing practices by limiting the power of the state and encouraging land reform aimed at securing community land rights.
Aspiring and Becoming
Authors: Lasa Maximilian
Published: March 2024

Research into Islamic higher education tends to focus primarily on the educational institution as the object of the analysis and neglects the perspectives of students. To tackle this research desideratum, this article investigates students’ educational paths in the field of Islamic higher education. Based on in-depth interviews and extensive fieldwork among German students and alumni from the International Theology Program (Uluslararası İlahiyat Programı) in Turkey, the article has a twofold aim. First, it unpacks the motivations and reasons for students to study Islamic theology. Second, it examines how studying Islamic theology comes to constitute a meaningful endeavor for the students. The analysis shows that students’ complex ways of aspiring to study Islamic theology simultaneously constituted relevant means of becoming. Thus, studying Islamic theology constituted a venue for interlocutors to explore sources of identity and processes of meaning-making.
Statelessness and Solidarity: Palestinians, Dhofaris, and Saharawis in Tricontinental Media
Authors: Losier Rahel , Camacho Padilla Fernando , Stites Mor Jessica
Published: March 2024

From its beginning, the Organisation of Solidarity of the Peoples of Africa, Asia, and Latin America (ospaaal) used its print media to campaign on behalf of Palestinian nationalism, articulating the concerns of displaced Palestinians from a perspective of unrecognised and thwarted national liberation movements. This organisation, responsible for carrying out the activities of the Tricontinental group that began meeting in Havana in 1966, identified the issue of Palestinian statelessness as a key feature of ongoing colonialism. From this perspective, ospaaal developed a platform from which to articulate solidarity against ongoing imperialism, one which could be usefully extended to explain and render solidarity with other causes. We argue that ospaaal’s visual and narrative framework, extended to the anti-colonial advocacy first for Dhofar (from the late 1960s to middle of the 1970s) and later for Western Sahara (late 1970s to 1990), presented a powerful, though limited, critique of international governance institutions from the Global South. Tricontinental publications’ reporting and solidarity media, in framing statelessness as an inherent problem of an incomplete process of decolonisation, critiqued the rhetorical strategies employed by imperial powers to maintain colonial relationships through international organisations like the United Nations.
Reality Amidst Rhetoric: Implementation of ECtHR Judgments in the UK
Authors: Amos Merris
Published: March 2024

This article concerns the implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights in the United Kingdom. The rhetoric of politicians who object to the Court and raise problems with the implementation of its judgments is contrasted with the reality of implementation. It is shown that the UK is a good international citizen which takes its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights seriously. Problems with implementation, such as those raised by the prisoner voting judgment, Hirst (No 2), are useful tools for politicians seeking to provoke anti-European sentiment. However, with this judgment now implemented, this strategy is no longer as successful as it once was.
Comparison of Marginal Seal and Tensile Bond Strength of an Alkasite, Zircomer, and Bulk Fill Composite to Carious Affected Primary Molars
Authors: AlQhtani Faisal Ali bin Abbooud , Abdullah Anshad M. , Sainudeen Shan , batool Rida , Kamran Muhammad Abdullah
Published: March 2024

Assessment of the micro tensile bond strength (μTBS) and microleakage of contemporary restorative materials (Cention N cement (CN), Bulk-fill Resin-based composite (BF-RBC), and Zirconomer Improved) bonded to carious affected dentin (CAD) of primary molars as compared to conventional
control Glass ionomer cement (GIC). Eighty human primary molars having scores 4 and 5 of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) were included. Specimens were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 20) Group I = GIC, Group 2: Zirconomer Improved, Group 3:
CN, and Group 4: BF-RBC. All the samples were thermocycled followed by marginal leakage, μTBS, and failure mode assessment using a dye penetration test, universal testing machine, and a stereomicroscope. The μTBS and microleakage results were examined using (ANOVA) and
Tukey post hoc tests. Samples from Group 1 (GIC) revealed the highest value of marginal leakage (30.55±10.31 nm) and the lowest recorded value of μTBS (12.28±0.32 MPa). In contrast, the specimens from Group 3 (CN) demonstrated the lowest levels of microleakage (14.89±4.33
nm) and highest bond integrity (18.12±0.79 MPa). Cention N cement and Bulk-fill composite have shown to be reliable options as a restorative material in primary dentition due to their superior tensile bond strength and reduced marginal leakage scores when applied to caries-affected
dentin.
The Observation of the Effect of Lidocaine Combined with Homemade Warm Compress Sleeve in Alleviating Venous Catheter-Related Injuries in Otolaryngology Surgery Patients
Authors: Zhang Chengyan , Xu Daolan
Published: March 2024

To assess lidocaine’s combined impact with a self-crafted hot compress cuff in diminishing venous indwelling needle injuries during otolaryngology surgeries. 70 patients undergoing otolaryngology surgeries at our hospital between July 2020 and September 2022 were chosen. All underwent
venous indwelling needle procedures. Equally divided into an control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG), each with 35 cases, the CG received standard intervention with lidocaine, while the EG received additional self-made hot compress sleeves. Evaluation parameters included changes
in skin temperature at the infusion site, needle indwelling duration, phlebitis incidence, needle blockage, pain, and comfort. The EG exhibited significantly higher skin temperatures at the infusion site compared to the CG (P <0.05). Needle indwelling duration was notably prolonged
in the EG versus the CG (P <0.05). Phlebitis incidence was notably lower in the EG (14.29%) than the CG (37.14%) (P <0.05). No significant difference was found in needle blockage rates between groups (25.71% in CG, 17.14% in experimental) (P > 0.05). Pain scores
were notably lower, and comfort scores were higher in the EG (all, P < 0.05). Combining lidocaine with a self-made hot compress cuff significantly mitigates venous indwelling needle injuries in otolaryngology surgeries. This combined approach enhances skin temperature, extends needle
indwelling time, reduces phlebitis and needle blockage risks, alleviates patient discomfort, and elevates overall comfort during venous indwelling needle procedures.
Application value of a nano-siRNA delivery system in treatment against senile cataracts by modulating apoptosis in lens epithelial cells
Authors: Wei Xiaoqing , Wang Xiaoxing , Wang Ping
Published: March 2024

In this study, a novel nano-siRNA delivery system loaded with anti-ESR1 siRNA was designed. In a biological study, the new system was evaluated for the treatment and care of senile cataracts. The system significantly upregulated the expression level of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2,
while significantly inhibiting the expression level of the inhibitory apoptotic protein BAX, thereby regulating apoptosis in lens epithelial cells. The system can be developed as a drug for the treatment of senile cataracts.
Pachyman alleviates cognitive impairment after sevoflurane anesthesia in gastric cancer surgery
Authors: Zhang Licheng , Fang Liang , Huang Yu
Published: March 2024

Cancer cell metastasis has already taken place in most of the gastric cancer (GC) patients when diagnosed. Despite that surgery effectively delays the development of GC, sevoflurane anesthetic during surgery tends to cause cognitive impairment. Previous studies have depicted anti-tumor
and neuroprotective effects of pachyman. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating a potential mechanism whereby pachyman alleviates cognitive impairment after sevoflurane anesthesia in GC surgery. A rat model of GC was constructed and received treatment with pachyman at different concentrations
and caspase-3 inhibitor and agonist. After treatment, the level of inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA. Flow cytometer and Morris water maze were conducted to assess cell death and cognitive function, followed by HE gastric histopathological staining. In addition, RT-qPCR and Western
blot detected GSH-PX and caspase-3 expression. Pachyman positively induced the apoptosis of GC cells and strengthened the cognitive function of rats with downregulated caspase-3. Moreover, caspase-3 inhibitor also accelerated apoptosis and improved rat cognitive function. When caspase-3 was
inhibited, the level of GSH-PX was elevated. Combination of pachyman and caspase-3 inhibitor more significantly induced GC cell apoptosis and alleviated cognitive impairment. Pachyman alleviates the cognitive impairment caused by sevoflurane anesthesia in GC rats and induces tumor cell apoptosis
through down-regulation of caspase-3 and up-regulation of GSH-PX.
Innovative antibacterial and antifungal coating films of chitosan/nano zinc oxide/essential oil on grape preservation
Authors: Al-Meshal Areej Suliman , Baakdah Fadi , Helal Mahmoud , Sami Rokayya , Alnemari Nimah , Alharthi Sarah , Abushal Suzan A. , Bedaiwi Ruqaiah I. , Alharbi Zeyad M. , Asseri Tahani A. Y. , Alqahtani Fatmah M. , Almehmadi Awatif M. , Noorwali Essra A.
Published: March 2024

The effects of some innovative antibacterial and antifungal coating films of chitosan/nano zinc oxide/essential oil (C-ZNO-EO) on grape preservation for human health were studied during the storage periods on (0, 4, 7, 14, and 16) days. Several evaluation approaches were evaluated such
as the bacterial evaluations against the presence of the mesophilic aerobic bacteria. The polyamines evaluation was studied by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for putrescine and spermidine. Soluble sugars were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for fructose, glucose,
and sucrose. Iron, zinc, and manganese were absorbed by the spectrum spectrophotometer. The antifungal properties have been examined against Botryis cineraa, Aspergillus niger, and Tubingensis. The results reported that the highest mesophilic aerobic bacteria (4.73
Log CFU g−1) was recorded in the control grapes on the 16th day, whereas the lowest level (2.05 Log CFU g−1) was recorded for C-ZNO-EO. The polyamines ranged from 12.18 nmol g−1 FW to 10.1 nmol g−1 FW, and
from 21.35 nmol g−1 FW to 16 nmol g−1 FW for putrescine and spermidine during the storage periods, respectively. The grapes treated with C-ZNO-EO achieved the maximum increase in glucose and fructose contents (40.61 and 30.05 μmol/g FW), while grapes
treated with chitosan/nano zinc oxide (C-ZNO) achieved the maximum increase in sucrose (0.982 μmol/g FW) compared with chitosan (C) and control treatments at the end of the storage periods, respectively. Using C-NZO-EO treatment had a positive effect on the mineral compositions and
the antifungal against Botryis cineraa, Aspergillus niger, and Tubingensis. The innovative antibacterial and antifungal coating film by C-NZO-EO was the best treatment for grape preservation.
Effect of solution temperature on the microstructure and properties of ceramic coating on the surface of 2024 aluminum alloy
Authors: Yang Jianjun , Wang Jiahu , Fan Caihe , Wu Qin , Yang Yang , Luo Deng , Fan Ming , Ou Ling , Chen Luowei , Hu Zeyi , Zhang Zaiyu
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the influence of the 2024 aluminum alloy was treated with solution before ceramic treatment on the microstructure and characteristics of ceramic coatings applied to 2024 aluminum alloy substrates. The microhardness, corrosion resistance, and microstructural properties
of these ceramic coatings were assessed using a microhardness tester, an electrochemical workstation, and a scanning electron microscope. The findings indicate that pre-treatment involving solution treatment significantly enhances the hardness and corrosion resistance of 2024 aluminum alloy
ceramic coatings. Notably, when the solution temperature was maintained at 460 °C, the most rapid decrease in current density was observed during the ceramization process, resulting in the attainment of the lowest final stable current density. This particular condition yielded ceramic
coatings with optimal hardness and corrosion resistance, with hardness exhibiting a remarkable increase of 48.9 HV, self-corrosion potential rising by 0.207 V, and polarization resistance surging by 5310.7 Ω. Moreover, the surface of the ceramic coating displayed remarkable smoothness
and was devoid of discernible defects such as cracks or looseness. In light of these findings, it can be concluded that the optimum solution temperature for achieving these desirable properties is 460 °C. This conclusion is derived from a comprehensive analysis encompassing both the morphology
and corrosion resistance of ceramic coatings.
Effect of glass powder on compressive strengths and microstructure of ultra-high-performance concrete
Authors: Liu Hongxin , Wang Jian , Wang Lijia , Yao Zhihui , Li Zijun
Published: March 2024

The most common methods for dealing with waste glass are landfilling or incineration, which cause wastage of resources. The method for preparing ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) by partially substituting cement with glass powder (GP) was herein studied in order to realize the
high value treatment of waste glass. The experimental results indicated that incorporation of 5% GP brought the highest compressive strengths for UHPC, which was increased by 5.11%, compared to the control UHPC in 28 days. Furthermore, the later-stage compressive strengths for UHPC at 60 days
increased continuously with incorporation of 10% and 15% GP, respectively, indicating that GP does not hinder the development of strengths. Using multiple micro testing techniques, it was indicated that, GP exhibited pozzolanic reaction and dilution effect, which can enhance cement hydration
and increased the amount of hydration products. Thus, the microstructure of UHPC with appropriate amount of GP was significantly improved. In addition, the CO2 emissions and production costs for UHPC decreased steadily with increased GP content. Compared to the control UHPC, UHPC
with 15% GP exhibited decreased by 1.47% in production costs and 7.39% in CO2 emissions.