bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem cell exosome-loaded Gelfoam improves locomotor dysfunction and neuropathic pain in a rat model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Poongodi Raju , Yang Tao-Hsiang , Huang Ya-Hsien , Yang Kuender D. , Chen Hong-Zhao , Chu Tsuei-Yu , Wang Tao-Yeuan , Lin Hsin-Chieh , Cheng Jen-Kun
Published: May 2024

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating illness in humans that causes permanent loss of movement or sensation. To treat SCI, exosomes, with their unique benefits, can circumvent limitations through direct stem cell transplantation. Therefore, we utilized Gelfoam encapsulated with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HucMSC-EX) in a rat SCI model.

Methods

SCI model was established through hemisection surgery in T9 spinal cord of female Sprague-Dawley rats. Exosome-loaded Gelfoam was implanted into the lesion site. An in vivo uptake assay using labeled exosomes was conducted on day 3 post-implantation. Locomotor functions and gait analyses were assessed using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and DigiGait Imaging System from weeks 1 to 8. Nociceptive responses were evaluated through von Frey filament and noxious radiant heat tests. The therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms were analyzed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining at week 8 post-SCI.

Results

For the in vivo exosome uptake assay, we observed the uptake of labeled exosomes by NeuN+, Iba1+, GFAP+, and OLIG2+ cells around the injured area. Exosome treatment consistently increased the BBB score from 1 to 8 weeks compared with the Gelfoam-saline and SCI control groups. Additionally, exosome treatment significantly improved gait abnormalities including right-to-left hind paw contact area ratio, stance/stride, stride length, stride frequency, and swing duration, validating motor function recovery. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed high expression of NF200, MBP, GAP43, synaptophysin, and PSD95 in exosome treatment group, indicating the promotion of nerve regeneration, remyelination, and synapse formation. Interestingly, exosome treatment reduced SCI-induced upregulation of GFAP and CSPG. Furthermore, levels of Bax, p75NTR, Iba1, and iNOS were reduced around the injured area, suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Moreover, exosome treatment alleviated SCI-induced pain behaviors and reduced pain-associated proteins (BDNF, TRPV1, and Cav3.2). Exosomal miRNA analysis revealed several promising therapeutic miRNAs. The cell culture study also confirmed the neurotrophic effect of HucMSCs-EX.

Conclusion

Implantation of HucMSCs-EX-encapsulated Gelfoam improves SCI-induced motor dysfunction and neuropathic pain, possibly through its capabilities in nerve regeneration, remyelination, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. Overall, exosomes could serve as a promising therapeutic alternative for SCI treatment.
4AC-YOLOv5: an improved algorithm for small target face detection
Authors: Jiang Bin , Jiang Hongbin , Zhang Huanlong , Zhang Qiuwen , Li Zuhe , Huang Lixun
Published: May 2024

In real scenes, small target faces often encounter various conditions, such as intricate background, occlusion and scale change, which leads to the problem of omission or misdetection of face detection results. To solve this puzzle, an improved algorithm of small target face detection 4AC-YOLOv5 is proposed. First, the algorithm by introducing a new layer to detect faces at a much smaller size, through the fusion of more shallow information, enhance the network perception of small objects, the accuracy of small target detection is improved; second, to improve the neck structure, to add the adaptive feature fusion network AFPN to replace FPN + PAN, to prevent the large information gap between non-adjacent Level to some extent, and to fully retain and integrate different scale characteristic information; and finally, improve the C3 module and propose a new multiscale residual module C3_MultiRes. Improving the expressive power of the network by introducing a multibranched structure and gradually increasing resolution somewhat reduces the complexity of the model calculation. The experimental results show that the precision of the improved model reached 94.54%, 93.08% and 84.98% in easy, medium and hard levels of WiderFace data set, respectively, and the results of detection are better than the original network. 4AC-YOLOv5 can meet the requirements of small target face detection in complex environment.
Exact solutions and bifurcation curves of nonlocal elliptic equations with convolutional Kirchhoff functions
Authors: Shibata Tetsutaro
Published: May 2024

We study the one-dimensional nonlocal elliptic equation of Kirchhoff type with convolutional Kirchhoff functions. We establish the exact solutions $u_{\lambda}$

u
λ

and bifurcation curves $\lambda (\alpha )$
λ
(
α
)
, where $\alpha := \Vert u_{\lambda}\Vert _{\infty}$
α
:
=

∥

u
λ

∥

∞

.
An evaluation of a Stenotrophomonas maltophilia outbreak due to commercial arterial blood gas collection kit
Authors: Kazak Esra , Önal Uğur , Tüzemen Nazmiye Ülkü , Aslan Funda , Çalışkan Gül , Şimşek Hüsniye , Bakkaloğlu Zekiye , Çevik Yasemin Numanoğlu , Heper Yasemin , Çelebi Solmaz , Yılmaz Emel , Hacımustafaoğlu Mustafa Kemal , Özakın Cüneyt , Akalın Emin Halis
Published: May 2024

Background

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause hospital infections and outbreaks within hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate an outbreak of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, caused by ready-to-use commercial syringes containing liquid lithium and heparin for arterial blood gas collection in a university hospital.

Methods

Upon detecting an increase in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia growth in blood cultures between 15.09.2021 and 19.11.2021, an outbreak analysis and a case-control study (52 patients for the case group, 56 patients for the control group) were performed considering risk factors for bacteremia. Samples from possible foci for bacteremia were also cultured. Growing bacteria were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The genetic linkage and clonal relationship isolates were investigated with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in the reference laboratory.

Results

In the case-control study, the odds ratio for the central venous catheter [3.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.444, 8.705 ; p = 0.006)], for surgery [3.387 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.370, 8.373 ; p = 0.008)] and for arterial blood gas collection history [18.584 (95% confidence interval [CI]:4.086, 84.197; p < 0.001)] were identified as significant risk factors. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia growth was found in ready-to-use commercial syringes used for arterial blood gas collection. Molecular analysis showed that the growths in the samples taken from commercial syringes and the growths from blood cultures were the same. It was decided that the epidemic occurred because the method for sterilization of heparinized liquid preparations were not suitable. After discontinuing the use of the kits with this lot number, the outbreak was brought under control.

Conclusions

According to our results, disposable or sterile medical equipment should be included as a risk factor in outbreak analyses. The method by which injectors containing liquids, such as heparin, are sterilized should be reviewed. Our study also revealed the importance of the cooperation of the infection control team with the microbiology laboratory.
Evolving Standards of Care in the Management of Localized Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Weinberg Benjamin A. , Sackstein Paul E. , Yu James , Kim Richard D. , Sommovilla Joshua , Amarnath Sudha R. , Krishnamurthi Smitha S.
Published: May 2024

The treatment of patients with localized rectal cancer is complex and requires input from a multidisciplinary team. Baseline local staging and mismatch repair protein testing are vital to develop individualized treatment plans. There are multiple options in terms of treatment modalities and sequencing, including transanal excision, short-course radiation, long-course chemoradiation, chemotherapy doublet or triplet, nonoperative management, and immune checkpoint blockade for patients with mismatch repair deficient tumors. While localized colon cancer is typically treated with surgical resection and consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy, emerging data suggest that neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be beneficial in patients with higher-risk disease. Quality-of-life considerations are imperative to prevent potential chronic effects on psychosocial health, neuropathy, fertility, and bowel, bladder, and sexual function. The omission of radiation or surgery can mitigate these toxicities without diminishing oncologic outcomes. The optimal treatment plan and sequence is not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather should be personalized to the patient's disease burden, tumor location, comorbidities, and preferences.
Formulation of Saxagliptin Oral Films: Optimization, Physicochemical Characterization, In-Vivo Assessment, and In-Vitro Real-Time Release Monitoring via a Novel Polyaniline Nanoparticles-Based Solid-Contact Screen Printed Ion-Selective Electrode
Authors: Makram Tarek S. , Eid Sherif M. , Abu-Dahab Mohamed , AbouGhaly Mohamed H. H. , Elnahas Osama S.
Published: May 2024

Oral dispersible films have received broad interest due to fast drug absorption and no first-path metabolism, leading to high bioavailability and better patient compliance. Saxagliptin (SXG) is an antidiabetic drug that undergoes first-path metabolism, resulting in a less active metabolite, so the development of SXG oral dispersible films (SXG-ODFs) improves SXG bioavailability. The formula optimisation included a response surface experimental design and the impact of three formulation factors, the type and concentration of polymer and plasticiser concentration onin-vitrodisintegration time and folding endurance. Two optimised SXG-ODFs prepared using either polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were investigated. SXG-ODFs prepared with PVA demonstrated a superior rapid disintegration time, ranging from 17 to 890 s, with the fastest disintegration time recorded at 17 s. These short durations can be attributed to the hydrophilic nature of PVA, facilitating rapid hydration and disintegration upon contact with saliva. Additionally, PVA-based films displayed remarkable folding endurance, surpassing 200 folds without rupture, indicating flexibility and stability. The high tensile strength of PVA-based films further underscores their robust mechanical properties, with tensile strength values reaching up to 4.53 MPa. SXG exhibits a UV absorption wavelength of around 212 nm, posing challenges for traditional quantitative spectrophotometric analysis, so a polyaniline nanoparticles-based solid-contact screen-printed ion-selective electrode (SP-ISE) was employed for the determination of SXG release profile effectively in comparison to HPLC. SP-ISE showed a better real-time release profile of SXG-ODFs, and the optimised formula showed lower blood glucose levels than commercial tablets.

Graphical Abstract
Between Koenji and Brooklyn: Tokyo, New York, and the Circulations of Experimental Musics in a Global World
Authors: Whatley Katherine G. T.
Published: May 2024

Using a group of Japanese-born experimental musicians who make their lives in Tokyo and New York as a case study, this article examines how new musical genres are created, shared, and mediated through layers of circulations, identities, and locations. The author argues that these musicians’ lives and music have a kind of “noisy” quality, complicating genre boundaries and identity binaries in their wake. Through ethnographic “thick descriptions” and the words of the musicians themselves, the author shows the web of musical genres, languages, geopolitical identities, and gender relations that combine to make up the texture of musical performances.

This article is also thinking through and with a sea change in the study of Japanese music. In recent years, building on the work of scholars of Japanese cultural studies, ethnomusicologists have critiqued how monocultural and mono-ethnic mythologies have influenced the study and production of Japanese music. Ethnomusicology and area studies are Cold War enterprises, designed to create research that would help maintain that world order, educate Americans as global leaders, and change hearts and minds in foreign lands, leading to a cultural conservatism that often led scholars to focus on “traditional” Japanese music. Recently, however, research on Japanese music has increasingly focused on popular and experimental musics and examines how Japanese contemporary identity is created and maintained through music. Thus this article gives readers a view of how US-based Japanese music scholarship is moving away from such Cold War paradigms and contributes to this shift in studies of Japanese music and culture.
The Imperishables: Somatic Remediation, Femininity, and Plasticity in Ōshima Nagisa's Urban Critique
Authors: Chen Junnan
Published: May 2024

This essay probes the understudied relationship between the hypermediated urban environment and the coding of femininity in the late 1960s and 1970s Japan. Through reading Ōshima Nagisa's Man Who Left His Will on Film (1970), this essay explores the unique gender dynamics remapped in the avant-garde media practice in an era when “urban” and “media” became interconnected and filmic medium was redefined in relation to the vibrant media milieu. This essay is motivated by “the imperishables,” a prevalent trope that can be located in a wide array of literary and filmic works in the 1960s and 1970s: the vanishing men and the “plastic” women. Resilient, enduring, prone to violations but always “failing” to disappear from the screen, women's bodies occupy central roles in reorienting the epistemic structures in many prominent radical works that investigate the opaque urban network during Japan's Cold War restructuring. This essay reads cinema as a contentious site where articulations of sociopolitical sentiments and concerns with film's medium specificity find catalytic convergence with the continuous coding of gender. Rather than simply viewing female bodies as representations of social reality or fetishized objects, this article traces how femininity, constructed as both cultural artifact and techno-aesthetic device, showcases internal dissidence in the leftist urban critique and the emergent somatic politics in the avant-garde imaginaries of alterity.
China's Infrastructural Capitalism and Infrastructural Power of Labor: The Making of the Chinese Working Class
Authors: Ngai Pun
Published: May 2024

This article anticipates a political project that underlines China's infrastructural capitalism and the infrastructural power of labor in the making of the Chinese working class. This project embarks a re-departure of the left movement after the Jasic struggle, which inspired a rebirth of global Marxism and Maoism that attempts to confront the failure of the first wave of socialist movements and the neoliberal turn of global capitalism. Meeting this historical conjuncture, this project is situated in the legacy of the Chinese Revolution and its firmly held belief in the class struggles of the working masses who fought for a vision of communism since the early 1920s. As part of a global project in preparation for the new wave of emancipatory movements, this project is also located in a global anti-capitalism movement and attempts to overcome the parochial and nationalistic approach of existing Chinese Marxism. Specifically, the author conceives that Chinese capitalism has entered a new age of monopoly supported not only by new phases of high technology but also, more importantly, by state power in constructing infrastructural bases such as building projects, new economic zones, highways and high-speed railways, digital platforms, and logistics, both internally and externally, to reproduce expanded capitalism, resulting in fierce imperial battles among global powers. The article conceptualizes this historical process not only as “infrastructural capitalism,” a term that vividly embodies the materiality of expanded capitalism, but also the infrastructural power of labor to take root.
Zhao Liang's Behemoth (2015) and the Apocalypse of Ecological Visibility
Authors: Yu Chang-Min
Published: May 2024

In confronting environmental catastrophes, how can we find a medium that can augment the view of these burning issues? How can we unfold the circularity that the seeming insignificance of particles at the micro level is inextricably, in sedimented spatiotemporal layers, linked to the pattern at the macro level? What if our media are found wanting for this task? These are the conundrums that Zhao Liang unpacks in Behemoth (2015) through its figuration of imbalanced ecology and the quest to interrogate the limit of medial visibility. The minimal discernibility of dust demands the film to instead contemplate mountains, bodies, and breaths to find its settled traces in atmospheric pervasion, anti-iconic moments, as well as a scalar narratology. Zhao strategizes to pixelate, splice open, abstract, and scale up and down natural and artificial landscapes that are equally under siege in China's industrialization. These tactics are deployed to better reveal the staggering and stagnating atomic magnitude of our living world in crisis.
Free-Living Sit-to-Stand Characteristics as Predictors of Lower Extremity Functional Decline among Older Adults
Authors: LÖPPÖNEN ANTTI , KARAVIRTA LAURA , FINNI TAIJA , PALMBERG LOTTA , PORTEGIJS ERJA , RANTANEN TAINA , DELECLUSE CHRISTOPHE , VAN ROIE EVELIEN , RANTALAINEN TIMO
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Habitual strength and power-demanding activities of daily life may support the maintenance of adequate lower extremity functioning with aging, but this has been sparingly explored. Hence, we examined whether the characteristics of free-living sit-to-stand (STS) transitions predict a decline in lower extremity functioning over a 4-yr follow-up.

Methods

A total of 340 community-dwelling older adults (60% women; age 75, 80, or 85 yr) participated in this prospective cohort study. At baseline, a thigh-worn accelerometer was used continuously (3–7 d) to monitor the number and intensity of free-living STS transitions. A decline in lower extremity functioning was defined as a drop of ≥2 points in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) from baseline to follow-up. Maximal isometric knee extension strength was measured in the laboratory.

Results

Eighty-five participants (75% women) declined in SPPB over 4 yr. After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline SPPB points, higher free-living peak STS angular velocity (odds ratio (OR), 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52–0.92, per 20°·s−1 increase) protected against a future decline. When adjusting the model for maximal isometric knee extension strength, the statistical significance was attenuated (OR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.54–0.96, per 20°·s−1 increase).

Conclusions

Performing STS transitions at higher velocities in the free-living environment can prevent a future decline in lower extremity function. This indicates that changes in daily STS behavior may be useful in the early identification of functional loss. Free-living peak STS angular velocity may be a factor underlying the longitudinal association of lower extremity strength and performance.
Χωρική βελτιστοποίηση για εύρεση όμοιων διαδρομών σε γεωγραφικά δίκτυα
Authors: Αγουρόγιαννης Παναγιώτης
Published: May 2024

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή με θέμα «Χωρική Βελτιστοποίηση για εύρεση όμοιων διαδρομών σε γεωγραφικά δίκτυα: η περίπτωση της εύρεσης διαδρομών μεγάλων αποστάσεων», ο ευριστικός αλγόριθμος πολυκριτηριακής χωρικής ανάλυση για την χάραξη βέλτιστων διαδρομών καθώς και ο χωρικός δείκτης ομοιότητας (S), συνέβαλαν στη διαμόρφωση μιας νέας αντίληψης για τις δικτυακές οντότητες, η οποία έχει να κάνει όχι μόνο με την γεωμετρική φύση τους αλλά κυρίως με την γεωγραφική. Με άλλα λόγια, δεν εξετάζεται μια διαδρομή μόνο ως προς το σημείο έναρξης και το σημείο προορισμού, αλλά και το πως ο χώρος και οι γεωγραφικές μεταβλητές του επηρεάζουν το χαρακτήρα της. Παράλληλα, τα αποτελέσματα της διατριβής, διαδραματίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στην επιστήμη της Γεωγραφίας, διευρύνοντας το πλαίσιο ως προς την κατανόηση των χωρικών σχέσεων και προτύπων, καθώς και της ερμηνείας εννοιών όπως της χωρικής συνάφειας και βελτιστοποίησης, μέσα από τη μοντελοποίηση, την ανάλυση και την οπτικοποίηση πολύπλοκων γεωγραφικών δομών όπως των δικτυακών. Με την ανάλυση ενός χωρικού δικτύου, όπως είναι το οδικό, και την εισαγωγή χωρικών δεδομένων στους κόμβους και στις ακμές του, επετεύχθη η όσο το δυνατόν λεπτομερέστερη αναπαράστασή του, καθώς και η μέγιστη συνδεσιμότητά του για έγκυρα και αξιόπιστα αποτελέσματα. Από την άλλη πλευρά ο δείκτης χωρικής ομοιότητας (S) λειτουργεί ως εργαλείο χωρικής συνάφειας μεταξύ των διαδρομών και των κριτηρίων εύρεσης, απαντώντας στο ερώτημα του ποια είναι η βέλτιστη διαδρομή, μέσα από ένα σύνολο αποτελεσμάτων, σε σχέση με τις προδιαγραφές χάραξής της. Η επίτευξη των παραπάνω, πραγματοποιήθηκε μέσα από μια πρότυπη ιεραρχικά δομημένη μεθοδολογία, η οποία στηρίχθηκε σε εργαλεία γεωπληροφορικής, όπως η χωρική βάση δεδομένων PostgreSQL (PostGIS/PgRouting) και η γλώσσα προγραμματισμού R. Η καθοριστική συμβολή τους, έγκειται στην δια-λειτουργικότητά τους, καθώς και στην έγκαιρη και έγκυρη υπολογιστική τους ικανότητα σε μεγάλου όγκου δεδομένα (Big Data Analysis). Τέλος, η συγκεκριμένη επιλογή της μελέτης περίπτωσης, δηλαδή η χάραξη μιας διαδρομής που θα έχει χαρακτηριστικά όμοια του Κλασικού Μαραθωνίου, όπως το μήκος και η υψομετρική διαφορά μεταξύ σημείου εκκίνησης και τερματισμού, συνδυάζοντάς τα με σημεία ενδιαφέροντος της περιοχής μελέτης, συνέβαλε σε δύο επίπεδα: (α) στο να υπάρχουν συγκεκριμένα χωρικά κριτήρια ώστε να μπορούν να συμπεριληφθούν τόσο στον αλγόριθμο αναζήτησης όσο και στον δείκτη ομοιότητας, (β) στην ανάδειξη ενός αναπτυξιακού εργαλείου που θα συμβάλλει τόσο στον τομέα του αθλητισμού όσο και της τοπικής ανάπτυξης.
Running the Risk - Examining Dermatologic Concerns and Skin Neoplasms in Runners
Authors: Partyka Alicja , Wierzejska Natalia , Nowak Agnieszka , Fugas Agnieszka , Smykiewicz Karolina , Dobrzańska Justyna , Pach Magdalena , Chmielowiec Zuzanna , Dziedzic Mariola , Michalczewska Aneta
Published: May 2024

This review summarizes the most prevalent dermatologic conditions encountered by runners and provides evidence-based recommendations for prevention and management. Due to high levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure, friction forces, specific environment of the activity and used garment runners are at the risk of various dermatologic complications, including skin neoplasms. Sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen with sufficient SPF, wearing photoprotective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours, are crucial for mitigating this risk. Friction-related injuries like blisters, calluses, and jogger's nipples are common among runners and can be prevented through proper footwear, moisture management, and lubrication. Educational interventions promoting safety practices are necessary to raise awareness and encourage behavioural change among runners.
Influence of environmental factors and diet on inflammatory bowel diseases – a review of the literature
Authors: Wesolek Ewelina , Knop-Chodyła Kinga , Kochanowska-Mazurek Anna , Piasecka Zuzanna , Głaz Aneta , Pawelec Karolina , Bielaska Albert , Jama Grzegorz
Published: May 2024

Introduction and objectiveInflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, causes a number of bothersome symptoms that contribute to the deterioration of patients' quality of life both physically and psychologically. Therapy methods based on pharmacotherapy in IBD often remain insufficient in the treatment of these disorders, so other factors affecting the course of IBD are being sought. The purpose of this review is to present risk and prevention factors for the development of inflammatory bowel disease based on diet and environmental factors.
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledgeThe review has identified a number of factors that influence IBD. One of these is smoking, which shows a commonly detrimental effect on CD, while it has a protective effect in UC patients. Antibiotic therapy, by disrupting the composition of the endogenous intestinal microflora, contributes to an increased risk of IBD exacerbations. A review of the literature on surgical interventions does not allow a clear conclusion. Stress and psychiatric disorders increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting the anti-inflammatory action of the vagus nerve increase the risk of IBD exacerbations. A healthy and balanced diet is an important aspect in the treatment of UC and CD. Scientific societies unanimously recognize breastfeeding and its effect on the development of the intestinal microflora as an important protective factor. On the other hand, introducing an elimination diet without a food intolerance confirmed by a blood test is unjustified and harmful.
SummaryAwareness of the risk factors for development and exacerbations in IBD patients is crucial. Further research into the impact of diet and environmental factors may support pharmacological treatment in achieving therapeutic success in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Between politics, memory, and historiography. Mikhail Koyalovich’s West Russianism in the reflections of “neo-West Russianism”
Authors: Morawiec Norbert
Published: May 2024

The article presents analyses of historiographic narrations of Belarusian researchers (Yakov Treshchenok, Valeriy Cherepitsa, Valentina Teplova, and Alexey Khoteev) devoted to Russian historian Mikhail Koyalovich (1828–1891). At the same time, it illustrates the reformulation of the “West Russianism” ideology into “neo-West Russianism” and poses the question of how these narrations fit both the scientific discourse over history and memory taking place in contemporary Belarus and the decisions of President Aleksandr Lukashenko.
Rapsodias: un viaje de resiliencia y transformación pos-COVID
Authors: Garzón Díaz Karim del Rocío , Moncayo Patricia , Villamil Duarte Angy Carolina , Vera Márquez Ángela Victoria , Hernández Stefany
Published: May 2024

La pandemia ocasionada por la Covid-19 ha dejado secuelas tanto físicas como de salud mental en la sociedad. Por eso, la terapeuta ocupacional Karim del Rocío Garzón, junto con la cantante y compositora Patricia Moncayo, crearon el proyecto “Rapsodias de recuperación en clave posCOVID” con el fin de mejorar la salud integral de los pacientes que se recuperaron después de pasar por la UCI.
El conflicto entre la restitución de tierras y la titulación minera: un desafío para la institucionalidad
Authors: Güiza Suárez Leonardo , Beltrán Gómez Carlos Eduardo
Published: May 2024

Este artículo tiene como objetivo sentar las bases para la discusión jurídica en torno a la contraposición de derechos en el conflicto entre titulación minera y la restitución de tierras. Así, el presente texto parte de un análisis del carácter legal de la restitución de tierras y de la titulación minera, en donde se tienen en cuenta diferentes aspectos como la titularidad de los derechos y la preponderancia de los derechos en cuestión. Enseguida se hace un análisis de algunos elementos jurisprudenciales existentes hasta el momento, con el objeto de resaltar los principales rasgos de lo que ha constituido hasta hoy la forma de solucionar las divergencias en materia normativa. Después, se analiza la figura de la servidumbre minera y se establece la viabilidad de hacer de esta la principal herramienta de resolución del problema jurídico en cuestión. Finalmente, se concluye retomando los principales aspectos del texto e indicando cuál debería ser la dirección por seguir en materia de resolución de estos conflictos.
Spider bite presenting as fever, macrophage activation syndrome and a skin ulcer
Authors: Fedele Marco , Antonelli Mariangela , Carbone Egidio , Di Stefano Marco , Manna Raffaele , Addolorato Giovanni
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) refers to a condition of prolonged increased body temperature, without identified causes. The most common cause of FUO worldwide are infections; arthropod bites (loxoscelism) should be considered in view of the spread of the fiddleback spider. Loxoscelism can present in a cutaneous form (a necrotic cutaneous ulcer) or in a systemic form with fever, haemolytic anaemia, rhabdomyolysis and, rarely, macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). For this suspicion, it is important to have actually seen the spider. Case description: A 71-year-old man was admitted to our department because of intermittent fever, arthralgia and a necrotic skin lesion on his right forearm that appeared after gardening. Laboratory tests were negative for infectious diseases, and several courses of antibiotics were administered empirically without clinical benefit. Whole-body computed tomography showed multiple colliquative lymphadenomegalies, the largest one in the right axilla, presumably of reactive significance. A shave biopsy of the necrotic lesion was performed: culture tests were negative and histological examination showed non-specific necrotic material, so a second skin and lymph node biopsy was performed. The patient developed MAS for which he received corticosteroid therapy with clinical/laboratory benefit. Cutaneous and systemic loxoscelism complicated by MAS was diagnosed. Subsequently, the second biopsy revealed morphological and immunophenotypic findings consistent with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL). Conclusions: Skin lesions and lymphadenomegalies of unknown origin should always be biopsied. It is very common to get indeterminate results, but this does not justify not repeating the procedure to avoid misdiagnosis.
The potential of plant protease enzymes as rennet alternatives for developing halal cheese product: A review
Authors: Daris Ummi Syahda , Rahmatika Ummi Halimah , Fitri Angel Kurnilah
Published: May 2024

Cheese, a derivative of dairy products made using the enzyme rennet, has received full attention because of the critical point for halalness from the milk coagulation process, which uses the rennet enzyme. Rennet enzymes can be obtained from the stomachs of animals such as cows, pigs, and goats, and they can also be produced from microbes. This very high risk of haram sources or unclean contamination has led to the development of cheese products using plant protease enzymes as a substitute for rennet enzymes. This study aims to highlight plant protease enzymes, characterize the enzymes produced, characterize cheese produced, and the potential of plant protease enzymes in replacing Rennet. Plants that have protease enzymes, such as noni, papaya, pineapple, red ginger, strawberries, pears, biduri, moringa, kiwi, tamarillo, and many other plants, have the potential to replace the rennet enzyme in making cheese. Thus, the doubts (mashbooh) arising from making cheese can be avoided by developing products from raw materials with guaranteed halal quality. Plant ingredients that can replace the rennet enzyme in making cheese are many and varied, for example, noni, papaya, moringa, bidi, pineapple, red ginger, kiwi, tamarillo, pears, Balanites aegyptiaca, strawberries, and many more. Doubtless, the problem of making cheese with Rennet can be avoided by developing cheese products from raw materials guaranteed to be halal. Limitations to plant protease enzymes on cheese production only apply to soft cheese, while it is difficult to produce hard cheese from plant enzymes.
Visual comparison of Rama’s and Rahwana’s characters in Javanese and Kelantanese wayang kulit
Authors: Wibowo Arif Ardy , Puspita Ida , Nugroho Aji Santoso , Nasir Roziani Mat Nashir @ Mohd , Probosiwi Probosiwi , Tur Ajar Pradika Ananta
Published: May 2024

Ramayana, a well-known tale originating from India, has been embraced across Southeast Asia. In regions like Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and Kelantan, Malaysia, local customs have influenced its portrayal, character representation leading to deviations in storyline and. The aim of this study to compare the visual depiction of key characters, particularly Rama and Rahwana, in Javanese and Kelantanese Wayang Kulit, symbolizing the protagonist and antagonist, respectively. This study intends to contribute by revealing the impact of local visual traditions on the enduring grandeur of the Ramayana tale. The method is comparative study, begin with defining data, collecting data from Yogyakarta and Kelantan master of puppets through interview and documentation, analyzing data, displaying data and draw conclusion. The result is found that there are visual similarities and differences related to Rama and Rahwana character. The common visual similarities such as crown, weapon, cloth and accessories. Meanwhile the difference shows that Javanese and Kelantanese is only about the detail of the cloth, the animal rides (Kelantan version), and the size of the Wayang Kulit. In Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and Kelantan, Malaysia, the story of Ramayana is depicted in unique ways, influenced by cultural variations. These distinctions manifest in the characters' looks, headgear, weapon characteristics, facial expressions, and facial coloring. Further investigation is necessary to delve into these differences and understand the puppeteers' role in conveying moral messages to the community.
“This is not easy”: Unveiling the nuances of discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ teenagers in Heartstopper Season I (2022)
Authors: Trisnawati Ririn Kurnia , Sutikno Eka Ugi , Agustina Mia Fitria , Prameswary Putri Bintang , Mutyas Sekar Hayuning
Published: May 2024

A majority of LGBTQ+ students experience harassment or assault based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It is as depicted in the Netflix Series entitled Heartstopper released in 2022. While the show centers on the budding romance between Nick and Charlie, it also delves into the experiences of a wider LGBTQ+ friend group. Thus, the aim of this current study is to examine the portrayal of discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ teenagers in Heartstopper Season 1 and identify its causes, including the characters of color and those identifying as lesbian and gay. The qualitative approach is used using dialogues and pictures as the main data. Besides, gender theory is also employed to analyze the data features LGBTQ+ characters and the discrimination they experience. The result shows that the discrimination comes from both racial background and general people's expectation. Also, the discrimination against gay characters arguably happens due to the rejection of the community, in this case the same-sex school community. Machoism and masculinity may become the main reasons for rejecting, and thus discriminating against gay students as they are seen as weak and thin. By revealing the causes of such discrimination, we hope that the current research may shed light on how to prevent any discrimination against each other, including people with different sexual orientation.
A contrastive study of the English and Myanmar configurations of process, participants, and circumstances from the systemic functional perspective
Authors: Win Lai Yee
Published: May 2024

This study seeks to explore the similarities and distinctions inherent in the transitivity configurations of English and Myanmar from the Systemic Functional perspective. The investigation reveals that both languages share a commonality in comprising three fundamental elements: process, participant roles, and circumstantial elements. However, their degree of integration between processes and participants is comparatively limited. Salient distinguishing features emerge in terms of the sequencing of transitivity elements, their ellipsis, and salience. In English transitivity configurations, processes typically manifest after the first or second participant role, or both. In instances involving an empty Subject (It/There), the process immediately ensues. Additionally, the positional relations between processes and participant roles are more numerous. Circumstantial elements conventionally find placement at the clause's outset, between the first participant role and process, between the process and second participant role, or at the clause's conclusion. Ellipsis of participant roles may occur sporadically. Conversely, Myanmar transitivity configurations exhibit participant roles at the clause's beginning, with processes commonly positioned at the clause's culmination. The positional relations between processes and participant roles are less frequent. Circumstantial elements are conventionally situated at the clause's outset, between participant roles, or preceding the process. While ellipsis of processes is infrequent, ellipsis of participant roles transpires more frequently. These findings significantly contribute to the ongoing comparative analysis of transitivity configurations across languages, especially in the context of Myanmar and other global languages.
OPerative versus non-opERAtive management of isolated ULNAr diaphyseal fractures (OPERA-Ulna): protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schneider Prism , Bajammal Sohail , Leighton Ross , Witges Kelcie , Rondeau Kimberly , Duffy Paul
Published: May 2024

Aims

Isolated fractures of the ulnar diaphysis are uncommon, occurring at a rate of 0.02 to 0.04 per 1,000 cases. Despite their infrequency, these fractures commonly give rise to complications, such as nonunion, limited forearm pronation and supination, restricted elbow range of motion, radioulnar synostosis, and prolonged pain. Treatment options for this injury remain a topic of debate, with limited research available and no consensus on the optimal approach. Therefore, this trial aims to compare clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of two treatment methods: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus nonoperative treatment in patients with isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures.

Methods

This will be a multicentre, open-label, parallel randomized clinical trial (under National Clinical Trial number NCT01123447), accompanied by a parallel prospective cohort group for patients who meet the inclusion criteria, but decline randomization. Eligible patients will be randomized to one of the two treatment groups: 1) nonoperative treatment with closed reduction and below-elbow casting; or 2) surgical treatment with ORIF utilizing a limited contact dynamic compression plate and screw construct. The primary outcome measured will be the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score at 12 months post-injury. Additionally, functional outcomes will be assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and pain visual analogue scale, allowing for a comparison of outcomes between groups. Secondary outcome measures will encompass clinical outcomes such as range of motion and grip strength, radiological parameters including time to union, as well as economic outcomes assessed from enrolment to 12 months post-injury.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial has been approved by the lead site Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB; REB14-2004) and local ethics boards at each participating site. Findings from the trial will be disseminated through presentations at regional, national, and international scientific conferences and public forums. The primary results and secondary findings will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):411–418.
Comparison of the early postoperative outcomes of cementless and cemented medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Bayoumi Tarik , Burger Joost A. , van der List Jelle P. , Sierevelt Inger N. , Spekenbrink-Spooren Anneke , Pearle Andrew D. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Zuiderbaan Hendrik A.
Published: May 2024

Aims

The primary objective of this registry-based study was to compare patient-reported outcomes of cementless and cemented medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) during the first postoperative year. The secondary objective was to assess one- and three-year implant survival of both fixation techniques.

Methods

We analyzed 10,862 cementless and 7,917 cemented UKA cases enrolled in the Dutch Arthroplasty Registry, operated between 2017 and 2021. Pre- to postoperative change in outcomes at six and 12 months’ follow-up were compared using mixed model analyses. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were applied to quantify differences in implant survival. Adjustments were made for patient-specific variables and annual hospital volume.

Results

Change from baseline in the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and activity-related pain was comparable between groups. Adjustment for covariates demonstrated a minimally greater decrease in rest-related pain in the cemented group (β = -0.09 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.16 to -0.01)). Cementless fixation was associated with a higher probability of achieving an excellent OKS outcome (> 41 points) (adjusted odds ratio 1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.3)). The likelihood of one-year implant survival was greater for cemented implants (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.35 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.71)), with higher revision rates for periprosthetic fractures of cementless implants. During two to three years’ follow-up, the likelihood of implant survival was non-significantly greater for cementless UKA (adjusted HR 0.64 (95% CI 0.40 to 1.04)), primarily due to increased revision rates for tibial loosening of cemented implants.

Conclusion

Cementless and cemented medial UKA led to comparable improvement in physical function and pain reduction during the initial postoperative year, albeit with a greater likelihood of achieving excellent OKS outcomes after cementless UKA. Anticipated differences in early physical function and pain should not be a decisive factor in the choice of fixation technique. However, surgeons should consider the differences in short- and long-term implant survival when deciding which implant to use.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(5):401–410.
Effect of Environmental Factors on Strepsipteran Parasite Abundance in Vespine Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Kudô Kazuyuki , Oyaizu Wataru , Kusama Rikako , Yamagishi Kohei , Yamaguchi Yuki , Koji Shinsaku
Published: May 2024

Xenos is a strepsipteran genus parasitizing hornets of the Vespa spp. In Japan, parasitism levels in hornets have been examined for two Xenos species. These studies have indicated that parasitism levels vary with the seasons but are inconsequential compared to other potential factors that reduce the number of host colonies. However, a comprehensive analysis of parasitism levels accounting for various factors such as host species, seasons, and years was not conducted. To address this gap, we conducted a four-year study in which we collected Vespa spp. using bait traps and assessed parasitism levels concerning those factors. Additionally, we evaluated the number of male and female Xenos parasites throughout the seasons. A total of 11,766 wasps from six hornet species were collected, with three of the species conspicuously parasitized by two Xenos parasites: Vespa analis (Fabricius, 1775) parasitized by Xenos oxyodontes (Nakase & Kato, 2013) and Vespa mandarinia (Smith, 1852) and Vespa ducalis (Smith, 1852) parasitized by Xenos moutoni (Buysson, 1903). Levels of parasitism by X. oxyodontes exceeded those by X. moutoni. Seasonal and yearly variations influenced the levels of parasitism by the two Xenos spp. We observed that male and female Xenos parasites emerged simultaneously over 2 – 3 months, suggesting the likelihood of multivoltinism in temperate regions. Our study also examined several key factors influencing the fluctuations in the population size of these parasites.
How the Choice of Habitat and Sampling Technique Affects Biodiversity Knowledge: The Case of Cylindromyrmex (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Souza Jorge Luiz Pereira , Vicente Ricardo Eduardo , Bartholomay Pedro Reck
Published: May 2024

The Atlantic Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, and myrmecologists broadly study its numerous habitats. Even so, much of its biodiversity remains to be discovered, and the choice of collection methods and habitats to be explored directly affect the results obtained, especially in the case of species with cryptic habits, such as Cylindromyrmex ants. The ant subfamily Dorylinae has 11 genera registered in the Neotropics, with Cylindromyrmex Mayr, 1870 being a lineage to the region. The present study reports new records of three Cylindromyrmex species in 13 municipalities located in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. It also describes the effect of sampling techniques and habitats on species records. The 78 examined herein specimens belong to the species C. brasiliensis Emery, 1901, C. brevitarsus Santschi, 1925, and C. longiceps André, 1892, and were collected manually or with Malaise traps. Records are distributed along the Espírito Santo state, with a tendency towards higher records in municipalities with mountainous habitats. All records in this region of the Atlantic Forest are associated with the hottest months and with the highest rainfall, suggesting a possible preference for nuptial flights in the summer. Most records of the three Cylindromyrmex species occurred in forested areas (93%), whereas few records belong to urban areas (7%). Although manual collections and Malaise traps are not widely used in research or surveys of ant diversity, these techniques could potentially reveal essential findings for ant ecology.
A Rapid Sampling of Ant Assemblages Diagnoses Soil Physicochemical Properties before Planting Chayote Monoculture
Authors: Sánchez-Gregorio Rafael , Garcia-Martinez Miguel , Gheno-Heredia Yaqueline A. , Zilli-Ponce N. Berzabel
Published: May 2024

Ants respond fast to changes in soil conditions in agricultural fields, thus they represent a practical, cheap, clean, and accurate tool to diagnose soil fertility before planting a crop. This study assesses the capacity of richness, occurrence, and activity of ant assemblages to indicate soil physicochemical properties in chayote monoculture in Veracruz, Mexico. Sampling was performed in 15 1-ha-plots and was replicated three times before planting chayote from August to October. Ants were collected using pit-fall traps and determined soil properties were texture, density, contents of organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), and phosphorous (P), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC). In total, 20,385 ant workers belonging to 51 species, 28 genera, 9 tribes and 6 subfamilies were collected. Species richness significantly explained contents of OM, N, and P in a three-weeks sampling. Species occurrence explained clay percentage in the one-week sampling, N, and P contents in the two-weeks sampling and the aforementioned and percentages of sand and silt in the three-weeks sampling. Ant activity predicted more soil properties in the one-week sampling than in those that lasted two and three weeks.Richness, occurrence, and activity of ant assemblages are valuable tools for diagnosing texture, contents of OM, N, and P, and pH of soil before planting chayote monoculture. It contributes to the understanding of the role that ants play in agricultural fields. Therefore, soil management practices should consider indication capacity of ant assemblages to ensure growth and development of morphological structures such roots, stems, leaves, shoots, and fruits of cultivated plants.