bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhodococcus equi, an Unusual Human Pathogen That Causes Cavitating Pneumonia in Patients With AIDS
Authors: Vandersnickt J. , Van Pee J. , Vandamme S. , Kenyon C. , Florence E. , Van Ierssel S. , Vlieghe E. , Theunissen C.
Published: November 2024

Rhodococcus equi is a rare human opportunistic pathogen that has been increasingly reported in recent decades. It mainly affects immunosuppressed patients, and in particular human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients, where it typically presents as cavitary pneumonia. Early treatment with combined and effective antimicrobials and antiretroviral therapy after prompt diagnosis is essential to ensure an optimal outcome. We present a case series of three human Rhodococcus equi infections in HIV‐infected patients with advanced immune suppression, treated at the University Hospital of Antwerp, Belgium.
Correlation Between Anxiety and Serum Thyroid Hormone Levels in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Undergoing Microwave Ablation
Authors: Li Yan , Peng Lili , Wei Ying , Zhao Zhenlong , Yu Ming-an
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study aims to explore the correlation between anxiety and serum thyroid hormone levels in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent microwave ablation (MWA).

Methods: A total of 107 PTC patients who underwent MWA were recruited. Three months after MWA, serum samples were collected from each participant to analyze their thyroid‐related hormone levels, including free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), T3, T4, and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Additionally, the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was used to measure anxiety levels at the same time. Linear correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between anxiety and serum thyroid hormone levels.

Results: SAS scores among the 107 PTC patients ranged from 27 to 58, with an average score of 38.19 ± 6.68. Seven patients (6.54%) met the criteria for anxiety; the mean SAS score among these patients was 51.57 ± 2.88. The remaining 100 patients (93.46%) did not meet the criteria for anxiety; the mean SAS score among these patients was 37.04 ± 5.49. Among all participants, TSH levels varied from 0.30 to 5.09, with an average of 2.08 ± 0.91. Nine participants exhibited slight fluctuations in FT3, FT4, T3, T4, and TSH levels; these hormone levels consistently remained within the normal range for the other 98 patients. Linear correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between anxiety and TSH levels (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between anxiety and TSH levels in patients with PTC post‐MWA, indicating that increased anxiety is associated with increased TSH levels.
Investigation of Eggshell Membrane Removal With Two Different Treatment Methods
Authors: Homavand Anahita , Cree Duncan E. , Wilson Lee D.
Published: November 2024

Chicken eggshells (ESs) consist of 96%–97% calcium carbonate, while about 3%–4% consists of organic substances, mainly in the form of protein‐based membranes and occluded organic matter. Recently, ESs have been studied as a filler in polymer composite materials, which represents an innovative solution to address ES valorization. In this study, thermal and chemical treatments were investigated for membrane removal since the membrane may alter various properties when the ES fillers are added to the composite material. A nanoindentation method was used to measure changes in the ES mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the ES membrane removal through chemical treatment. The results showed that even at a heating temperature of 100°C, the ES mechanical properties were negatively affected, while a low concentration of bleach solution (25% bleach solution and 10 min of holding time) was able to remove the membrane without reducing the ES mechanical properties. The chemical treatment method offers a means for ES membrane removal while conserving the quality of the mineral fraction (calcite; CaCO3).
Beneficial Alterations of Intestinal Microbiota in Chronic Cholecystitis Patients Treated With NOTES Gallbladder‐Preserving Surgery
Authors: Deng Lixin , Lv Xinzhi , Wang Taotao , Huang Xishun , Huang Qingrong , Li Xianli , Wen Chunhong , Chen Li , Chen Huidi , Zhang Mingqing
Published: November 2024

Objective: NOTES gallbladder‐preserving surgery (N‐GPS) has been heralded as a new paradigm shift in minimally invasive surgery for chronic cholecystitis patients. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of N‐GPS on the intestinal microbiota of patients.

Methods: The study selected patients with benign gallbladder disease (BG group) within 1 week preoperative (BG_DPR stage) and followed up over 1 year postoperative (BG_YPO stage) and selected healthy controls (HC group) whose sex, age, and BMI index matched with patients at BG_YPO stage, too. Accordingly, stool samples from healthy controls and two stages of patients with benign gallbladder disease were collected; among them, the selected samples were sent for 16S rDNA sequencing with Illumina MiSeq platform, and then, the combined samples were sent for short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis with GC‐MS platform.

Results: The result of alpha diversity of Shannon index showed that the difference among the two stages of BG group and HC group wasn’t statistically significant, while the result of beta diversity based on the weighted UniFrac distance suggested that the structure of intestinal microbiota of BG group at YPO stage was closer to HC group. LEfSe analysis suggested that BG_YPO stage enriched genus, such as Enterocloster and Hungatella_A_128155, which improved bile acid metabolism. Compared with BG_DPR stage, BG_YPO stage and HC group enriched Faecalibacterium and Roseburia, but depleted Streptococcus, while fecal SCFA concentrations increased.

Conclusion: Patients with benign gallbladder disease and chronic cholecystitis after N‐GPS treatment for over 1 year improved gut microbial community structure. With the improving bile acid metabolism, SCFA‐producing bacteria increased and pathobionts decreased, which helped the intestinal microbiota structure of BG group at YPO stage restore and close to HC group.

Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR1900028267.
Table S3 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Table S3
Table S1-5 legends from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Supplementary table legends
Figure S5 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

Figure S5 and figure legend
Figure 5 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

TTK activity promotes TNF resistance in HNSCC cells. A, XTT cell viability analysis of UMSCC1 and UMSCC47 cells after treatment with varying doses of B389 and/or TNFα for 48 hours. Values below the combination are CIs as described in the text. B, Cell growth analysis of UMSCC1 and UMSCC47 cells after treatment with TNFα (20 ng/mL), B389 (20 nmol/L), or the combination for 24 hours. C, Colony formation assay of UMSCC1 and UMSCC47 cells after treatment with TNFα (20 ng/mL), B389 (20 nmol/L), or the combination for 24 hours. D, Cell growth analysis of UMSCC1 and UMSCC47 cells after transfection of two specific TTK siRNAs for 72 hours, with or without TNFα addition for the final 24 hours. E, Colony formation assay of UMSCC1 and UMSCC47 cells after transfection of two specific TTK siRNAs for 72 hours, with or without TNFα addition for the final 24 hours. F, Annexin V analysis of UMSCC1 and UMSCC47 cells after treatment with TNFα (20 ng/mL), B389 (20 nmol/L), or the combination for 24 and 72 hours. G, Annexin V analysis of UMSCC1 and UMSCC47 cells after transfection of two specific TTK siRNAs for 72 hours, with or without TNFα addition for the final 24 hours. Bars represent means ± SD. All experiments are representative of at least three biological replicates. NS, not significant; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001.
Figure 1 from Functional RNAi Screening Identifies G2/M and Kinetochore Components as Modulators of TNFα/NF-κB Prosurvival Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morgan Ethan L. , Saleh Anthony D. , Cornelius Shaleeka , Carlson Sophie G. , Toni Tiffany , Cheng Hui , Jeon Jun , Viswanathan Ramya , Yang Xinping , Silvin Christopher , Clavijo Paul E. , Sowers Anastasia L. , Mitchell James B. , Ormanoglu Pinar , Lal Nag Madhu , Martin Scott E. , Chen Zhong , Van Waes Carter
Published: November 2024

RNAi screening identifies G2/M kinases and kinetochore components as modulators of TNFα-induced NF-κB reporter activity and cell viability. A, Schematic demonstrating identified canonical and noncanonical regulators of NF-κB from the RNAi screening. Identified hits are in bold and underlined. B, NF-κB reporter activity in UMSCC1κB after transfection with select siRNAs from the kinome 1, kinome 2, and DG RNAi screens. Canonical and noncanonical hits are shown. NF-κB activity is shown as a percentage of a negative control siRNA (set at 100%). C, Cell viability in UMSCC1κB after transfection with select siRNAs from the kinome 1, kinome 2, and DG RNAi screens. Canonical and noncanonical hits are shown. Cell viability is shown as a percentage of a negative control siRNA (set at 100%). D, Validation of NF-κB reporter activity in UMSCC1κB comparing primary and secondary screen with three independent siRNAs. Select siRNAs from the RNAi screen are shown compared with the DG results (Genome in figure). Canonical and noncanonical hits are shown. NF-κB activity is shown as a percentage of a negative control (set at 100%). Each RNAi screen contained three individual siRNA targeting each gene. Validation siRNA experiments used separate siRNAs not used in the RNAi screens. (A, Created with BioRender.com.)
Supplementary Figure S2 from Tumoral Interferon Beta Induces an Immune-Stimulatory Phenotype in Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Gellert Julia , Agardy Dennis A. , Kumar Swaminathan , Kourtesakis Alexandros , Boschert Tamara , Jähne Kristine , Breckwoldt Michael O. , Bunse Lukas , Wick Wolfgang , Davies Michael A. , Platten Michael , Bunse Theresa
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S2 depicts flow cytometry gating strategies for all assays.
Supplementary Figure S1 from Tumoral Interferon Beta Induces an Immune-Stimulatory Phenotype in Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Melanoma Brain Metastases
Authors: Gellert Julia , Agardy Dennis A. , Kumar Swaminathan , Kourtesakis Alexandros , Boschert Tamara , Jähne Kristine , Breckwoldt Michael O. , Bunse Lukas , Wick Wolfgang , Davies Michael A. , Platten Michael , Bunse Theresa
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S1 characterizes modified cell lines, showing transduction vectors, confirmatory flow cytometry of protein induction, and in vitro proliferation.
Renal Endowment in Men and Women: Start from the Beginning
Authors: Imberti Barbara , Benigni Ariela
Published: November 2024

The development of the human kidney leads to the establishment of nephron endowment through a process influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. There is individual variability regarding nephron endowment and factors including aging and pathological conditions contribute to the decline in the number of nephrons, impacting renal function. Genetic determinants, such as mutations in crucial developmental genes like Pax2, and epigenetic mechanisms mediated by key enzymes including sirtuin 3, play critical roles in the regulation of the number of nephrons, with implications for kidney disease susceptibility. Sexual dimorphism significantly influences kidney development and function, with the number of nephrons being significantly lower in females, consistent with lower female birth weight, which is considered a surrogate for nephron endowment. Also, although females have fewer nephrons, they experience a slower decline in GFR compared to males. Gender disparity in chronic kidney disease progression has been attributed to factors such as metabolism, oxidative stress, renal hemodynamics, and sex hormones. Understanding the complexities of nephron endowment variability, genetic determinants, and sexual dimorphism in kidney development and function is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying individual kidney disease susceptibility and progression. Further research in this field holds promise for the development of personalized approaches to kidney disease prevention, management, and treatment.
Standardizing Nutritional Care for Cancer Patients: Implementation and Evaluation of a Malnutrition Risk Screening
Authors: Mathies Viktoria , Kipp Anna P. , Hammersen Jakob , Schrenk Karin G. , Scholl Sebastian , Schnetzke Ulf , Hochhaus Andreas , Ernst Thomas
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Cancer-related malnutrition is a highly prevalent, yet often overlooked concern in clinical practice. Although cancer-related management guidelines recommend standardized nutritional care, its implementation is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition and the medical need for nutrition counseling in cancer patients employing a novel standardized nutritional management program (containing malnutrition risk screening, nutritional assessment, and counseling). Furthermore, differences of malnutrition parameters in different cancer patient cohorts were examined. Methods: Cancer patients were screened for malnutrition using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG-SGA SF) on the first day of their inpatient admission to the internal oncology or hematology wards. PG-SGA total score and classification into the three PG-SGA nutrition stages (A, B, C) were used to determine nutritional status. In case of a positive screening, nutritional assessment and individualized counseling by a nutritionist followed. For group comparisons, patients were divided into different groups (e.g., age, gender, tumor entity) and were evaluated accordingly. Results: A total of 1,100 inpatients were included. 56.8% of the patients had suspected or already existing malnutrition. The most common nutrition impact symptom was loss of appetite (26.7%), followed by fatigue (16.5%) and pain (16.0%). Female (p < 0.001), elderly (p < 0.001), and patients with upper gastrointestinal tract tumors (p < 0.001) showed an unfavorable nutritional status and higher need for counseling. Despite suffering from malnutrition, patients had body mass indices within the upper end of the normal range. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized cancer patients and highlights the need for a standardized nutritional management in the clinical setting. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a malnutrition risk screening for all cancer patients and a following adequate assessment and personalized nutritional care if needed.
Cord Occlusion in Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence: A Retrospective Study of Laser Photocoagulation versus Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Komatsu Emi J. , Hamzeh Catherine , Hamadeh Grace , Llanes Arlyn , Korst Lisa M. , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare condition complicating monozygotic multiple gestations. Prenatal management via umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) of the anomalous twin has been shown to improve pump twin survival. We compared outcomes of gestations with high-risk TRAP sequence treated with mid-trimester UCO using laser photocoagulation versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of all patients with high-risk TRAP sequence who underwent UCO from 2006–2023. High-risk criteria were defined as follows: larger abdominal circumference of the anomalous twin, polyhydramnios, critically abnormal Doppler waveforms in the pump twin, hydrops in the pump twin, and/or monoamniotic twins. The primary outcome was 30-day survival of the pump twin. Results: The 74 patients were divided equally between the laser and RFA groups. For the 2 groups, mean gestational age (GA) at UCO (20.5 ± 2.3 vs. 20.7 ± 3.1 weeks, p = 0.987) and mean GA at delivery (35.2 ± 4.6 vs. 34.5 ± 5.7 weeks, p = 0.812) were similar. The 30-day neonatal survival rate did not differ (91.9% [34/37] vs. 89.2% [33/37], OR: 1.37 [0.29–6.61], p = 0.692). Conclusion: No difference in 30-day neonatal survival was identified in patients with high-risk TRAP sequence who underwent mid-trimester UCO by laser versus RFA.
Consumption-Based Estimates of Carbon Footprint and Its Global Warming Solution: Input to Awareness Campaign
Authors: Isiderio Eries D. , Dacles Ginalyn G. , Yap Ma. Consuelo Y. , Solano Ma. Lida A. , Obidos Ivy Dell
Published: November 2024

Understanding the consequences of everyday consumption, and learning how to reduce the size of collective carbon footprint, are vital to reducing CO2 emissions and slowing down human caused climate change. A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, nitrous oxide) measured in units of carbon dioxide, produced by human activities. This study aimed to quantify the carbon footprint and awareness in solving global warming of teachers and students in the College of Education based on consumptions’ estimates categorized into food consumption, energy usage and household activities. The measurement of Carbon footprint of student-respondents was determined as a whole and by specialization. A number of 296 student-respondents specializing in Filipino, English, Science, TLEd and PEd had a comparable carbon dioxide emission and contributed almost the same percentage in the total carbon footprint considering the different activities they engaged in. While the 35 teacher-respondents had greatest carbon footprint in their type and choices of food consumed. These data were gathered using a survey questionnaire through google form containing different activities with corresponding points associated to greenhouse gases emission. The total emission was computed using this formula: Total Emission (tCO2e) = Activity Data Points in (lbs.) X Emission Factor (tCO2) X Global Warming Potential (e). The result implies that the average carbon footprint of each respondent ranges from 2.04  to 2.55 tCO2e which is below the global average of 4 tCO2e per person. The “average” level of awareness implies that the respondents need to change their lifestyles to cut down carbon footprint but increase knowledge in solving global warming using the developed information and awareness campaign recorded video clip.
The Influence of Leadership Style on Employee Job Satisfaction in Gorontalo Provincial Government-Indonesia
Authors: Ibrahim Meimoon , Lamuda Ilyas
Published: November 2024

This study aims to analyze how the influence of leadership variables on employee job satisfaction in the regional government of Gorontalo Province. The pattern used is explanatory research, namely the pattern of research that seeks to explain the relationship of variables referred to as formulated in the formulation of hypotheses so that the relationship of variables, namely Leadership Style (X1) and Employee Performance (Y2), can be tested with quantitative approaches and hypothesis testing, used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The study was conducted in a representative sample, with as many as 200 people from 3,997 employee populations. The results showed that Leadership Style positively and significantly affected job satisfaction in the Provincial Government Gorontalo-Indonesia.
Authentic Assessment in Flexible Learning Modality and the Learning Outcomes in Readings in the Philippine History Among First-Year College Students
Authors: Habagat John Bert A. , Hermosa Jherwin P.
Published: November 2024

The research utilized a descriptive-correlational design. Descriptive design was used to describe the perception of the students. In order to gather the information in the study, In order to determine if there is significant relationship between authentic assessment strategies and tools and learning outcome, correlational research was used. It utilized quantitative approach of research in gathering the necessary data. The survey questionnaire was used to gather data and later on the score of the student after using the authentic assessment. The respondents of this study are twenty-four (24) first year college students from Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and another thirty-two (32) first year college students from Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. A total of fifty (56) first year college students are the respondents of the study from Southern Luzon State University, Alabat Campus, Quezon. Each variable has seven statements describing respondents’ perceptions on the authentic assessment strategies and tools. The researcher used the weighted mean for the checklist questionnaire part I,  II, and III. This study concluded the effectiveness of authentic assessment in flexible learning modality of readings in Philippine History for first year college students of SLSU Alabat, Quezon. Specifically, this study aimed to determine the perception of the respondents on the effectiveness of the developed authentic assessment in terms of: paper and pencil assessment; assessment strategy in communication; performance assessment; observation assessment; and, self-assessment. Also, this study aimed to know the perception of the respondents on the effectiveness of authentic assessment tools such as: checklist; rating scale; learning log; and anecdotal records.The study posited four hypotheses, one of which states that there is no significant relationship between the perception of the respondent on the developed authentic assessment and their level of learning outcomes in Readings in Philippine History. The second hypothesis states that there is a significant relationship between the perception of the respondent on the developed authentic assessment and their level of learning outcomes in Readings in Philippine History. While the third hypothesis states that there is no significant relationship between the perception of the teachers on authentic assessment tool and students’ level of learning outcomes in readings in the Philippine History. Finally, the fourth hypothesis states that that there is significant relationship between the perception of the teachers on authentic assessment tool and students’ level of learning outcomes in readings in the Philippine History
A Gap Analysis of Tourists' Expectations and Satisfaction Using the SERVQUAL Model on a Farm Tourism in Bulacan, Philippines
Authors: Veranga Maricar A.
Published: November 2024

The main purpose of the study is to analyze the gap of tourists’ expectations and satisfaction on a Farm Tourism in Bulacan using the five dimensions of SERVQUAL.  The 219 respondents were tourists of the farm and they were conveniently selected. Data were further subjected to ANOVA and T – test analysis via SPSS. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents belong to the Gen Z individuals. With a gap of 0.15, it was determined that the farm tourism site provides the appropriate level of quality service in terms of tangibility, responsiveness, reliability, assurance, and empathy. The result shows that farm tourism manages to exceed the set expectation level of the tourist in their service quality based on gap from their satisfaction level. Moreover, the tourist gap was significantly equal for both male and female respondents. The total satisfaction is significantly higher compared to their total expectation with a mean difference of 0.16 in favor of the satisfaction level. The null hypothesis was rejected and concluded the gap between tourist’ expectation and satisfaction on the farm tourism service quality when they are grouped according to profile are significantly equal
The Effect of Exercise Training on Inflammatory Marker Levels in Pulmonary Hypertension Patients
Authors: Aziz Indra Jabbar , Martini Heny
Published: November 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular dysfunction, which can lead to right heart failure and death, as well as the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the perivascular area. Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension. Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) are often elevated in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The accumulation of inflammatory cells accelerates the remodeling process of pulmonary blood vessels and pulmonary hypertension. Despite the current therapeutic approaches for pulmonary hypertension (PH), which aim to improve functional capacity and hemodynamics, pulmonary hypertension remains incurable but remains controllable. Inflammatory processes play a critical role in progressive pulmonary hypertension. Physical exercise can reduce the risk of chronic disease, and recent research has shown that it improves inflammatory marker profiles. This literature review aims to combine evidence on the influence of physical exercise on levels of inflammatory markers in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Poéticas do Diverso: negridades, periferias e diferença fugitiva
Authors: Di Monteiro Altemar
Published: November 2024

Recognizing the creative capacity that blackness heralds — that of exposing and dissolving the separability of all things and challenging transparency as a policy of tokenization of black bodies — this article questions the global legal-moral agenda of multiculturalism and diversity — and its capture by the neoliberal system in the arts — to reaffirm a Poetics of the Diverse. Thinking with the Martinican poet and playwright Édouard Glissant, my interest is to articulate, together with contemporary black studies, tactics to escape the steamroller of neoliberal strategies for tokenizing our existences.
Prática como pesquisa: provocações de um lugar escuro e afromatizado
Authors: Oliveira Victor Hugo Neves de , Severa Kennyo
Published: November 2024

This article seeks to share notes on the context of artistic practice as research. It is based on the assumption that the body of african and indigenous descent expresses a field of poetic resistance through the production of gestures that combat historical violence. It highlights the interest in practice as dance research, guided by an afromatized perspective, as a phenomenon that challenges colonial heritages. To this end, the discussion revolves around rest as a strategy for creation and deceleration as an aesthetic proposition for research. In addition, the artistic practice Refluxo is presented as a project linked to the reimagining of the world.
Notas sobre notas: diálogos entre dois diários de bordo como caminho de pesquisa sobre processos criativos
Authors: Coletta Marcos
Published: November 2024

O autor reflete sobre a potencial relevância dos cadernos de anotações ou diários de bordo tanto em processos criativos quanto em pesquisas acadêmicas sobre tais processos, considerando-os como materiais dialógicos e complementares, e como recurso metodológico para um estudo analítico e comparativo de diferentes fases de uma mesma pesquisa. Para investigar o conteúdo de um diário de bordo escrito em 2016, no contexto de um processo criativo teatral, o autor cria um novo diário para estabelecer diálogos com aquele e desenvolve “notas sobre notas”. Tal prática metodológica evidencia que, em pesquisas sobre processos criativos, os diários de bordo podem ser, além de um suporte metodológico, um material criativo que alimenta a pesquisa acadêmica tratada também como obra em processo.
A sensação indissolúvel: a transdução entre corpo e som como PaR
Authors: Sölter Andrés Grumann , Cannobbio Camila R.
Published: November 2024

Este ensaio explora a ligação indissolúvel entre o corpo e o som por meio de um laboratório em formato PaR (Prática como Pesquisa) com foco em como o tratamento auditivo de som ativa a percepção de uma experiência corporal interna. Para isso, utilizamos o sistema “Gordura” de Body-Mind Centering como meio de exploração somática para buscar formas de transduzir a experiência corporal em som e vice-versa. O conceito de transdução foi um elemento-chave para abordar a ligação entre ambos, enfatizando a natureza vibracional das sensações corporais, através de técnicas de foley, microfonia e síntese modular. A concepção interdisciplinar do laboratório, abordada em conjunto com uma metodologia PaR, permitiu desenvolver novas perspectivas e ligações entre som, sensação e experiência corporal.
Criação-Pesquisa, Filosofia da Práxis Teatral e produção de conhecimento: ator e espectador como sujeitos da Pesquisa Artística
Authors: Dubatti Jorge
Published: November 2024

Apresentamos coordenadas básicas de pesquisa artística teatral na linha da pesquisa-criação ou criação-pesquisa, a partir da distinção de quatro sujeitos de produção de conhecimento: artista-pesquisador; pesquisador-artista; pesquisador participativo e equipe coletiva de colaboração formada por artista-pesquisador e pesquisador participativo. O marco teórico-metodológico utilizado foi a Filosofia do Teatro em uma de suas principais linhas: a Filosofia da Práxis Cênica. Especificamente nosso foco foram os sujeitos ator-pesquisador e espectador-pesquisador. Estamos interessados em promover essas figuras da pesquisa artística através da educação (o ensino e a aprendizagem), o “docenteatrar” e o “estudanteatrar” de atores e espectadores desde a formação inicial.
Testemunho de um “homem africano”. Reflexões sobre um relato anônimo da batalha de Alcácer Quibir.
Authors: Rodrigues Bruno Romano
Published: November 2024

This article analyzes an anonymous report of the battle of Alcácer Quibir (1578), entitled Jornada de África del Rey D. Sebastião written by an African man, which covers the period between 1578 and 1595. In the light of the political context of the Iberian Union (1580-1640), when Portugal was part of the Hispanic monarchy, it was concluded that the work was written to legitimize Philip II as heir of the Portuguese crown, after the death of D. Henrique. Therefore, the unknown author elaborated pejorative interpretations of D. Antonio, the main opponent of the Castilian king, and of D. Sebastião, considered responsible for the Portuguese defeat in Morocco.
an African man, which covers the period between 1578 and 1595. In the light of the political context of the Iberian Union (1580-1640), when Portugal was part of the Hispanic monarchy, it was concluded that the work was written to legitimize Philip II as heir of the Portuguese crown, after the death of D. Henrique. Therefore, the unknown author elaborated pejorative representations of D. Antonio, the main opponent of the Castilian king, and of D. Sebastião, considered responsible for the Portuguese defeat in Morocco.
Associations of Cardiovascular Health Metrics in Childhood and Adolescence With Arterial Health Indicators in Adolescence: The PANIC Study
Authors: Kraav Juta , Zagura Maksim , Viitasalo Anna , Soininen Sonja , Veijalainen Aapo , Kähönen Mika , Jürimäe Jaak , Tillmann Vallo , Haapala Eero , Lakka Timo
Published: November 2024

Background

Our aim was to assess the relationships of cardiovascular health metrics, cardiorespiratory fitness, lean mass, and fat percentage with arterial structure and function from childhood to adolescence.

Methods and Results

Five hundred four children aged 6 to 9 years were examined in the PANIC (Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children) study at baseline, 2 and 8 years later. The associations of adjusted American Heart Association cardiovascular health metrics (smoking status, body mass index—SD score, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, diet quality, plasma total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, plasma glucose categorized into poor, intermediate, and ideal), the American Heart Association cardiovascular health score, cardiorespiratory fitness measured by maximal oxygen uptake in a bicycle exercise test, lean mass and fat percentage with carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were analyzed cross‐sectionally and longitudinally in 277 participants at age 15 to 17 years. Higher American Heart Association cardiovascular health score at baseline was associated with lower PWV at 8‐year follow‐up (ß, −0.19 [95% CI, –0.32 to −0.05]). Higher body mass index—SD score and systolic blood pressure were associated with higher cIMT (ß, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.05–0.31]); and (ß, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.00–0.25]; respectively) and PWV (ß, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07–0.34]) and (ß, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.00–0.26]; respectively) at 8‐year follow‐up. Higher moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity was associated with higher cIMT (ß, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.07–0.43]); yet lower PWV (ß, −0.25 [95% CI, ‐0.44 to ‐0.06]) at 8‐year follow‐up. Better cardiorespiratory fitness (ß, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.08–0.51]) and higher lean mass (ß, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.03–0.98]) were associated with higher cIMT after accounting for American Heart Association cardiovascular health score at 8‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

While our results suggest that higher cardiometabolic risk factors in childhood may exert unfavorable effects on arterial health during adolescence, we demonstrated the complexity of relationships between cardiovascular health metrics and arterial health indicators in childhood and adolescence. We found different associations of cardiovascular health metrics with cIMT and PWV in childhood and adolescence, calling for caution when interpreting the results of various cardiovascular risk factors with measures of arterial health, particularly in youth.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01803776.
Lymphatic Disorder Management in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease in European Pediatric Cardiology Centers: Current Status, Disparities, and Future Considerations
Authors: Safi Sanam , Hjortdal Vibeke E. , Gewillig Marc , Miller Owen , Abumehdi Mohammad Ryan , Cantinotti Massimiliano , Grotenhuis Heynric , Raimondi Francesca , Garrido Almudena Ortiz , Roest Arno , Sunnegårdh Jan , Saleats Thomas , Brun Henrik , Pärna Helen , Nolan Oscar , Rotés Anna Sabaté , Deri Antigoni , De Wolf Daniel , Herberg Ulrike , Liuba Petru , Möller Thomas , Óskarsson Gylfi , Rebonato Micol , Helbing Willem A. , Doros Gabriela , Muntean Iolanda , Ojala Tiina , Lubaua Inguna , Bhat Misha , Wacker Julie , Bonello Beatrice , Ramcharan Tristan , Greil Gerald , Sendzikaite Skaiste , Bonnet Damien , Marek Jan , Voges Inga , McMahon Colin J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Lymphatic disorders such as protein‐losing enteropathy, plastic bronchitis, and chylothorax are important complications of the Fontan circulation and ultimately result in an increased risk of early death. Several European centers are now performing lymphatic procedures. The aim of this study is to map the extent of these lymphatic disorders and treatments provided across European pediatric cardiology centers.

Methods and Results

A survey was circulated to 49 European pediatric cardiology centers consisting of 37 questions including a mix of binary, categorical, and continuous variables. Thirty‐one centers (63%) participated in the study, performing a median of 250 (interquartile range, 178 ‐ 313) cardiopulmonary bypass procedures per year. Chylothorax emerged as the most prevalent lymphatic disorder followed by protein‐losing enteropathy and plastic bronchitis. The most common diagnostic investigation method was noncontrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography (52%). Eleven centers (35%) conducted lymphatic interventions with a median of 3 (interquartile range, 1 ‐ 4) procedures per year and 12 (interquartile range, 5 ‐ 15) interventions in total per center.

Conclusions

This study confirms the rarity of and variation in treatment approaches for lymphatic disorders across Europe. With at least 11 centers offering lymphatic interventions, the adoption of these procedures is on the rise in Europe. To improve the quality of care and treatment outcomes for these complex patients, it is crucial to consider evidence‐based lymphatic diagnostics, interventional lymphatic procedures, and the centralization of services in Europe.
Anti-Inflammatory Thrombolytic JX10 (TMS-007) in Late Presentation of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Niizuma Kuniyasu , Nishimura Naoko , Hasegawa Keiko , Moritoyo Takashi , Kudo Kohsuke , Bell Josh , Wald Michael , Umeda Yoshifumi , Kuribayashi Kazuhiko , Toda Yasuo , Tominaga Teiji , Hasumi Keiji
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Contemporary thrombolytics in acute ischemic stroke are limited to administration within 4.5 hours of last known normal. JX10 (formerly TMS-007), a
Stachybotrys microspora
triprenyl phenol family member, may extend this therapeutic window.

METHODS:

In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation phase 2a study, JX10 or placebo was administered as a single intravenous infusion to Japanese patients with acute ischemic stroke who were unable to receive tissue-type plasminogen activator or thrombectomy within 12 hours of last known normal. Primary end point was incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage with a worsening National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ≥4 points within 24 hours of drug administration (symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage incidence).

RESULTS:

Ninety patients received either placebo (n=38; female 26.3%) or JX10 at 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg (n=6, 18, 28; female 0%, 33.3%, and 42.9%, respectively). Median age (range) and baseline median (range) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were respectively 76.5 (42–87) and 8 (6–21) for the combined JX10 cohort (JX10 Cohorts) and 75.0 (34–85) and 8 (6–22) for placebo. Median (range) dosing time since last known normal was 9.5 (5.0–12.1) and 10.0 (3.7–12.0) hours for JX10 Cohorts and placebo, respectively. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage incidence was 0% (0/52 [95% CI, 0.0–5.6]) for JX10 Cohorts versus 2.6% (1/38 [95% CI, 0.1–13.8]) for placebo (
P
=0.42). Vessel patency at 24 hours (secondary end point) in patients with baseline arterial occlusive lesion score <3 (39/90) improved in 58.3% (14/24) of patients in JX10 Cohorts versus 26.7% (4/15) for placebo (odds ratio, 4.23 [95% CI, 0.99–18.07]). In JX10 Cohorts, a significantly higher proportion of patients had modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 1 on day 90 (secondary end point) versus placebo (JX10: 21/52, 40.4% versus placebo: 7/38, 18.4%;
P
=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS:

JX10 was well tolerated and may expand the acute ischemic stroke therapeutic window as a novel thrombolytic agent.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/en
; Unique identifier: jRCT2080223786.
Menstruation: An Important Indicator for Assessing Stroke Risk and Its Outcomes
Authors: Seitz Alison , Raval Ami P.
Published: November 2024

In recent years, stroke incidence in older adults has declined strikingly, but stroke in younger women has become more common. Abnormalities of menstruation, the shedding of the uterine lining at the beginning of each menstrual cycle, may offer clues about stroke risk in young and midlife women. Endometrial and structural uterine abnormalities are associated with anemia and may be associated with hypercoagulability, possibly increasing stroke risk. Patient factors that influence both menstruation and stroke risk include coagulopathies, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, migraine, and other systemic disorders, in addition to menopause. Environmental and iatrogenic factors that influence both menstruation and stroke risk include hormonal contraceptives, nicotine, xenoestrogens, phytoestrogens, oophorectomy, and hysterectomy. Importantly, secondary stroke prevention can affect menstruation. Our current review presents literature supporting the idea that abnormal menstruation may indicate elevated stroke risk in premenopausal women.
Characterizing Learning Curves During Language Model Pre-Training: Learning, Forgetting, and Stability
Authors: Chang Tyler A. , Tu Zhuowen , Bergen Benjamin K.
Published: November 2024

How do language models learn to make predictions during pre-training? To study this, we extract learning curves from five autoregressive English language model pre-training runs, for 1M unseen tokens in context. We observe that the language models generate short repetitive phrases before learning to generate longer and more coherent text. We also find that individual tokens often exhibit sudden increases or decreases in loss that are surprisingly consistent across pre-training runs. To better understand these fluctuations, we quantify the final surprisal, within-run variability, age of acquisition, forgettability, and cross-run variability of learning curves for individual tokens in context. More frequent tokens reach lower final surprisals, exhibit less variability within and across pre-training runs, are learned earlier, and are less likely to be “forgotten” during pre-training. Higher n-gram probabilities further accentuate these effects. Independent of the target token, shorter and more frequent contexts correlate with marginally more stable and quickly acquired predictions. Based on our results, we argue for the existence of sequential learning dependencies between different model capabilities, and we characterize language model learning as early n-gram learning before gradual refinement of tail n-gram predictions.
Does Regular Nature Exposure Benefit Environmentally Engaged Students? Effects of Botanical Garden Walks on Psychological and Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Shin Seunguk , Cho Hye-Jung , Jo Jang-Hwan
Published: November 2024

Background and objective: The psychological and behavioral benefits of nature have been widely documented; yet less is known about whether these benefits are salient among environmentally engaged groups. This study examined the effects of walking regularly in a natural environment on the biospheric values, nature relatedness, psychological well-being, and pro-environmental behavioral intentions of university students in an environmental major.Methods: A total of 39 students were randomly assigned into treatment (n = 21) and control (n = 18) groups for a 15-week trial. The treatment group walked for 15 minutes in a campus botanical garden twice a week while the control group stayed indoor.Results: Pre- and post-test survey results indicated no significant effects of the treatment on the outcome variables, suggesting that those who engage with nature for disciplinary purposes did not benefit from prescribed exposure to nature.Conclusion: Programs that provide nature exposure to enhance mental well-being and pro-environmental behavior should take into account participants’ background and baseline interactions with nature.
The Complex Nature of Ecotourist Experience and its Relationship with Pro-Environmental behavior in a National Park
Authors: Kim Byunggook
Published: November 2024

Background and objective: Despite the increase in the number of studies related to visitor experiences and behavior in ecotourism and outdoor recreation settings, little empirical research has concentrated on how to identify the nature of ecotourists’ experiences within national park settings. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the complex nature of ecotourists’ experiences through personal, social, and environmental conditions, and to examine its relationship with pro-environmental behavior in natural environmental settings.Methods: For visitors, a questionnaire survey was administered to 396 adults who visited a national park in South Korea. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient scores were assessed to examine the reliability of ecotourist experiences. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to explore the construct validity of the factor structure in the measurement variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were analyzed to examine the relationships between independent variables. Path analysis was used to examine the contributions of ecotourist experiences to satisfaction and pro-environmental behavior.Results: One of the most important findings is that ecotourist experiences scale shows relatively acceptable measurement properties and reasonable levels of fit. The results in the path model represented that ecotourist satisfaction had large effects on pro-environmental behavior. Based on the fit statistics in the proposed model, the relationship between the measurement variables provides a relatively good fit to the data and verify the convergent validity of the measures. Personal factor of ecotourist experience had significant effects on satisfaction. Additionally, satisfaction had a significant effect on pro-environmental behavior for ecotourists.Conclusion: The findings of the study provide empirical evidence that three dimensions of ecotourist experiences were significantly related to pro-environmental behavior through visitor satisfaction in natural environmental settings. Further study may need to explore the nature of visitor experience and its relationship with behavior of man-made structures in different settings.
Athanasius Kircher’s Cabala Saracenica: European Reception of the Islamic Science of Letters and Divine Names
Authors: Saif Liana
Published: November 2024

This article introduces a significant case regarding the European reception of ʿilm al-ḥurūf wa-l-asmāʾ (the science of letters and divine names) in the Oedipus Aegyptiacus by the Jesuit polymath Athanasius Kircher (1602-1680). Classis V in Tomus II.1, Caps. I-X, and Classis VII, Cap. VI in Tomus II.2 contain Kircher’s most comprehensive engagement with the science of letters, referred to as the Cabala Saracenica in juxtaposition with the Cabala Hebraica. In addition to identifying crucial sources that influenced Kircher’s understanding of the science of letters, this article demonstrates how “Cabala” serves as a comparative tool in Kircher’s construction of a universal language for the Church. It encapsulates his approach to sacred oriental philology, revealing the Hermetic and Kabbalistic erudition absorbed by their native users. This exposure aims to demonstrate that wisdom ultimately reveals the truth of Christian doctrine.