bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perovskite nanocomposites: synthesis, properties, and applications from renewable energy to optoelectronics
Authors: Choi Yunseok , Han Sangmoon , Park Bo-In , Xu Zhihao , Huang Qingge , Bae Sanggeun , Kim Justin S. , Kim Sun Ok , Meng Yuan , Kim Seung‐Il , Moon Ji‐Yun , Roh Ilpyo , Park Ji-Won , Bae Sang‑Hoon
Published: September 2024

The oxide and halide perovskite materials with a ABX3 structure exhibit a number of excellent properties, including a high dielectric constant, electrochemical properties, a wide band gap, and a large absorption coefficient. These properties have led to a range of applications, including renewable energy and optoelectronics, where high-performance catalysts are needed. However, it is difficult for a single structure of perovskite alone to simultaneously fulfill the diverse needs of multiple applications, such as high performance and good stability at the same time. Consequently, perovskite nanocomposites have been developed to address the current limitations and enhance their functionality by combining perovskite with two or more materials to create complementary materials. This review paper categorizes perovskite nanocomposites according to their structural composition and outlines their synthesis methodologies, as well as their applications in various fields. These include fuel cells, electrochemical water splitting, CO2 mitigation, supercapacitors, and optoelectronic devices. Additionally, the review presents a summary of their research status, practical challenges, and future prospects in the fields of renewable energy and electronics.

Graphical abstract
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a bridge to colorectal cancer surgery for obese patients: a case report
Authors: Minagawa Yume , Amiki Manabu , Yuki Keisuke , Watanabe Kazuharu , Mochizuki Ichitaro , Ishiyama Yasuhiro , Hara Yoshiaki , Narita Kazuhiro , Hirano Yasumitsu
Published: September 2024

Background

Severe obesity greatly influences the difficulty of colorectal cancer surgery and has been reported to prolong operative time, increase the rate of laparotomy, and elevate increase postoperative complications. We investigated the efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) for preoperative weight loss to ensure safe colorectal cancer surgery.

Case presentation

A 51 year-old female with a body mass index of 43.5 kg/m2 was referred to our hospital due to a positive fecal occult blood test. She was diagnosed as having a laterally spreading tumor of the cecum by colonoscopy. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was attempted but proved difficult due to the size of the lesion and its proximity to the appendiceal orifice. We planned bariatric surgery prior to colorectal surgery, and she underwent LSG without any complications. Seven months after the LSG, she had lost 30.7 kg, and her final preoperative body mass index was 27.8 kg/m2. Single-incision laparoscopic ileocecal resection was then performed safely. The pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma in adenoma of the cecum, TisN0M0.

Conclusion

LSG was effective in reducing visceral fat and making it possible to perform safe surgery for colorectal cancer in a severely obese patient.
Chemical composition and nutrient profiles of nine red macroalgae species
Authors: Yücetepe Aysun , Kırkın Celale , Mertdinç Zehra , Ayar Eda Nur , Soylukan Caner , Dikici Emrah , Özçelik Beraat , Okudan Emine Şükran
Published: September 2024

Nine red macroalgae (Amphiroa rigida, Gracilaria bursa-pastoris, Gracilaria gracilis, Grateloupia torture, Jania rubens, Laurencia obtusa, Laurencia pyramidalis, Liagora viscida, and Pterocladiella capillaries) were collected from coastal waters of Türkiye, and their proximate, fatty acid, soluble carbohydrate, and mineral profiles were investigated in the present study. According to the results, the crude protein content of the samples was between 4% and 23.8%, and four of the samples (G. turuturu, L. obtusa, L. pyramidalis, and P. capillacea) contained more than 10% protein. The crude lipid content of all the samples was below 1.6%, and the total carbohydrate content was between 38.3% and 76.9%. The macroalgae samples were generally richer in saturated fatty acids, palmitic acid being the most abundant, whereas G. gracilis had the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids (55.8%). All samples exhibited high contents of myo-inositol or glucose. Also, the samples generally had a good composition of minerals. Still, the heavy metal (i.e., Pb and Cd) content of Gracilaria gracilis was higher (59.6 µg/kg, P < 0.05) than those of the other algae samples. This study provides valuable insight into the chemical composition and fatty acid, mineral, and soluble carbohydrate profiles of Amphiroa rigida, Gracilaria bursa-pastoris, Gracilaria gracilis, Grateloupia turuturu, Jania rubens, Laurencia obtusa, Laurencia pyramidalis, Liagora viscida, and Pterocladiella capillacea from Türkiye.

Graphical Abstract
Cholecalciferol effect on oxidative stress and novel predictors of inflammation in hemodialysis patients: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Alshahawey Mona , El Wakeel Lamia Mohamed , Elsaid Tamer Wahid , Sabri Nagwa Ali , Elborolossy Radwa Maher
Published: September 2024

Background

Emerging evidence links vitamin D deficiency to oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation, posing ongoing risks to cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Despite this, current data are lacking regarding the optimal approach or schedule for administering vitamin D in this population. This study investigated the effectiveness of oral weekly versus oral monthly cholecalciferol supplementation on 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, oxidative stress, inflammatory indicators, and secondary hyperparathyroidism in HD population. HD patients (N = 50) were randomly allocated to Group A (oral weekly 50,000 IU cholecalciferol) or Group B (oral monthly 200,000 IU cholecalciferol) for a 3 months duration. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were assessed at baseline and upon completion of the study.

Results

A notable increase in serum 25(OH)D levels observed in both groups, with Group A showing a notably greater increase (p = 0.003). Group A demonstrated significant reductions in serum MDA and increases in SOD, along with declines in hsCRP and NLR levels, which were not observed in Group B. Moreover, Group A exhibited a greater drop in iPTH (ΔiPTH = − 30 pg/mL vs. − 3 pg/mL) compared to Group B. Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT05460338, registered 13/07/2022.

Conclusions

Weekly oral 50,000 IU cholecalciferol supplementation emerges as a tolerable, safe and effective approach for restoring vitamin D levels in HD patients, while concurrently mitigating inflammation, OS, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. This finding suggests that the more frequent the administration of oral cholecalciferol, the higher the efficiency observed.
Case Report: Glossopharyngeal Allodynia-Related Odynophagia and Dysphagia Post Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Managed with Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block
Authors: Pokuri Krishna , Fonseca Alexandra , Raj Vijay , Tolba Reda , Kollenburg Linda , van der Meer Peter , Alrowaily Fahed , Kaye Alan D. , Schatman Michael E. , Robinson Christopher L.
Published: September 2024

Dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery has a 5% to 15% incidence beyond 1-year postsurgery, often attributed to mechanical factors such as pharyngeal thickening and epiglottis inversion. Despite normal neurological examination and electromyography, nerve distortion related to stretching also remains a possibility in these patients and may cause allodynia resulting in odynophagia and dysphagia. Current treatment options for dysphagia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion are limited to local intraoperative steroid injections and tracheal traction exercises. In our patient, a glossopharyngeal nerve block was effectively used to manage the glossopharyngeal allodynia, thereby reducing the odynophagia and dysphagia, ultimately enhancing oral tolerance.
Contrasting Words
Authors: Mol Annemarie
Published: September 2024

As Annemarie Mol explains in this introduction, rather than trying to hold on to solid concepts, social scientists would do well to fluidly attune their words to the worlds most relevant to their writing. This may mean using peculiar words or non-English words, difficult to translate. Such words may evoke realities that are alien to many readers. None of this needs be dealt with as a problem. It can also be cherished as a richness that authors whose first language is not English can offer to the rest of us.
Language Trails: Lekker and Its Pleasures
Authors: Mol Annemarie
Published: September 2024

This chapter by Annemarie Mol explores bodily pleasures, words and some of the relations between them. It is a turn in a conversation between the author and Marilyn Strathern (Strathern). It talks theory, but not in general. Instead, this theory gets situated in traditions; specified; in relation to concerns; and exemplified with stories to do with the Dutch term lekker. These stories come from long-term field work in various sites and situations close to home for the author, who is also Dutch. They were driven by a concern with fostering bodily pleasures in contexts such as nursing homes and dieting practices, where nutrients and calories are granted more importance. The difficulties of translating lekker (tasty? pleasant? delicious? fun? nice?) are used as a set of intellectual resources. In contrast to Strathern, the author insists on the fleshy particularities of the practices where lekker is spoken. Along with Strathern, the author seeks to escape nature/culture divides. Inspired by Strathern, the author follows lekker around merographically—that is, along iterative trails and between sites and situations that are connected, but only partially so. In homage to Strathern, finally, the author plays with the question of who the collective subject of anthropological theory—we—might be, and who belongs to the others that form its object—they.
Chupar Frutas in Salvador da Bahia: A Case of Practice-Specific Alterities
Authors: van de Port Mattijs , Mol Annemarie
Published: September 2024

This chapter by Mattijs van de Port and Annemarie Mol interferes with the naturalization of eating by comparing two modes of engaging with fruits in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil: comer and chupar. In comer, a piece of fruit crosses distinct bodily boundaries and gets swallowed; in chupar, juices spill over hands, while stones or fibers that have made it into a mouth are taken out again. Some fruits, like apples, compel a person to comer, others, like mangoes, invite chupar. But fruits do not decide by themselves how they will be handled: at a dinner table, in public, or in places that need to stay clean, comer is advisable; chupar fits backyards and more intimate company. And then there are gratifications: comer may come with the pride of being able to pull it off; chupar offers such pleasures as overflowing juices and childhood memories. All in all, our comparison reveals that ‘eating’ is not a given precedent, but that comer and chupar evoke different worlds, populated by different entities (bodies, fruits), and colored by different pleasures. One might say that the ontologies involved are different, but that is not quite strong enough. For one, the relevant alterities also include activities and normativities. And then, two, the boundaries between the worlds of comer and chupar are markedly fluid and shot through with partial connections.
Central Nervous System Infections in Patients With Ventriculoperitoneal Shunts Admitted for Primary Abdominal Infections: A US Nationwide Cohort Analysis
Authors: Beaudreault Cameron P. , Spirollari Eris , Zeller Sabrina L. , Oguguo Odinachi , Wainwright John V. , Mohan Avinash , Tobias Michael , Gandhi Chirag D. , Al-Mufti Fawaz
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Although ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are a common treatment for hydrocephalus, there are complication risks including infections. Late complications such as ventriculitis from ascending abdominal infections can have severe consequences. However, the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) infections in VP shunt patients with abdominal infections is not well understood. We aimed to determine the incidence of CNS infections in VP shunt patients admitted with abdominal infections.

METHODS:

Using the National Inpatient Sample, we studied patients from 2016 to 2019 to determine the incidence of CNS infections in VP shunt patients admitted with abdominal infections. Results were compared with VP shunt patients admitted for primary pneumonia.

RESULTS:

Among 725 VP shunt patients presenting with abdominal infections, 20 (2.8%) had CNS infections. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, older age, and a smoking history were more common in patients with CNS infections and primary abdominal infection (P < .05). Patients who developed CNS infection had a significantly higher likelihood of both blood transfusion and coma but a lower likelihood of seizures. VP shunt patients with CNS infections were more likely to undergo shunt removal (odds ratio [OR] = 23.167, P < .001). 4.1% of VP shunt patients with primary abdominal infections died during admission. In a population of primary abdominal infection and pneumonia patients with VP shunts, a multivariate logistic regression analysis controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities identified abdominal infection as an independent risk factor for both CNS infection (OR = 51.208, P < .001) and inpatient death (OR = 3.417, P < .001). Among 6620 VP shunt patients admitted with primary pneumonia, only 5 (0.1%) had CNS infection compared with 20 (2.8%) in those with a primary abdominal infection (OR = 37.532, P < .001), and mortality was 1.6% vs 4.1% for those with a primary abdominal infection (P < .05).

CONCLUSION:

CNS infections in VP-shunted patients with abdominal infections are relatively rare but may lead to increased risks of death and other serious adverse outcomes.
Innovative External Cranial Devices for Protecting a Craniectomy Site: A Scoping Review on Noninvasive Approaches for Patients Awaiting Cranioplasty
Authors: Fernandez Laura L. , Rodriguez Diana , Griswold Dylan P. , Khun Isla , Aristizabal Sarita , Aristizabal Jorge H. , Richards Grace , Pavek Adriene , Jayaraman Sudha
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a commonly performed procedure to alleviate high intracranial pressure. To enhance patient quality of life and minimize complications after DC in patients awaiting cranioplasty (CP), multidisciplinary teams have designed and implemented external protective prototypes, including 3-dimensional printing and plaster models, whenever feasible. The aim of this scoping review was to assess the evidence available on innovative external cranial devices that protect the craniectomy site for patients who have undergone DC while awaiting CP in high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries.

METHODS:

This scoping review was conducted following the methodology outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches were performed in databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scielo, Scopus, and World Health Organization Global Health Index Medicus. Patent documents were also searched in Espacenet, Google Patents, and World Intellectual Property Organization. This scoping review included external protective devices for adult patients who underwent DC and CP, while invasive devices were excluded.

RESULTS:

A total of 9 documents described external cranial devices, with 7 of them led by researchers from high-income countries, including the United States (n = 4), Singapore (n = 1), the United Kingdom (n = 1), and Hong Kong SAR, China (n = 1). Among these devices, 77.7% (n = 7) were created using 3-dimensional printing, while 22.3% (n = 2) were developed through plaster hand modeling. The individual study results were summarized.

CONCLUSION:

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, SDG 9, and SDG 10 play a crucial role in the advancement of innovative strategies to ensure access to essential neurosurgical care, reduce global disparities in treatment outcomes, mitigate postoperative complications, and provide life-saving interventions. This scoping review provides fundamental evidence for multidisciplinary teams involved in designing noninvasive innovations to minimize the risks associated with post-DC complications. It is anticipated that more cost-effective models, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, can be implemented based on the findings of this review.
Impact of Sigmoid Sinus Anatomy on Assessing the Feasibility of the Retrofacial Access to the Entire Jugular Fossa Before Surgery
Authors: Cinibulak Zafer , Poggenborg Jörg , Schliwa Stefanie , Alsofy Samer Zawy , Fortmann Thomas , Lewitz Marc , Manu Mihai , Ostovar Nima , Zepa Yotedje Jimmy Landry , Nakamura Makoto
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The jugular fossa (JF) is a challenging area for surgical approaches because of its complex anatomy and proximity to neurovascular structures. The study evaluates the feasibility of the neuronavigated microsurgical transmastoid extended infralabyrinthine extradural retrofacial approach (mTEIER-A) in human head specimens for accessing the entire intraosseous JF in relation to the position of the sigmoid sinus (SS), horizontal angle of attack, and size of the SS.

METHODS:

The mTEIER-A was performed on human head specimens. Before dissection, the position of the SS, horizontal angle of attack, and size of the SS were measured on tilted axial high resolution computed tomography scans; after dissection, access to the lateral aspect of the JF on dissected human head specimens and on postoperative high-resolution computed tomography scans was examined. The position of the SS was classified relative to a predefined reference line, and the feasibility of retrofacial access was documented.

RESULTS:

SS positions located medial to the reference line (P1) and horizontal angles >12.5° significantly enhance retrofacial access to the lateral aspect of the JF, whereas the size of the SS has a limited impact.

CONCLUSION:

Depending on the position of the SS and the horizontal angle of access, mTEIER-A provides sufficient retrofacial access to the lateral aspect of the JF. These findings emphasize the need for precise preoperative planning and suggest that mTEIER-A could minimize the need for more invasive approaches, potentially reducing related morbidity. Further clinical studies are recommended to validate these findings.
Managing Pediatric Hip Pain Patients with Precision
Authors: Knobloch Alexander C. , Kim Alexander R. , Babo Kara R.K. , McCall Sara J. , Covey Carlton J.
Published: September 2024

Pediatric hip pain can have orthopedic, infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, or nonmusculoskeletal etiologies. Organizing the differential diagnosis by symptom chronicity and a determination of intraarticular versus extraarticular pain, as well as the age at pain onset, can be helpful to hone in on the cause. Clinicians should consider plain radiographs in cases of acute trauma, with concern for bony pathology, or in patients with unexplained limp or hip pain, with musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging used as advanced imaging when indicated. Relative rest with subsequent strengthening and stretching should be prescribed in nonoperative conditions, though several pediatric hip pain diagnoses require orthopedic or other specialty referral for definitive treatment. This article is a comprehensive review of hip pain etiologies in the pediatric population.
Efficacy and safety of refined nursing combined with Zhao’s Thunder-Fire Moxibustion in treating patients with gastric cancer of Spleen-Qi Deficiency Syndrome: A clinical study
Authors: Yang Yueling , Yang Yuelu
Published: September 2024

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of refined nursing combined with Zhao’s thunder-fire moxibustion in treating patients with gastric cancer (GC) of spleen-Qi deficiency syndrome.
Methods: This was a retrospective study. Ninety patients with GC of spleen-Qi deficiency syndrome admitted to Baoding Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2022 to March 2023 were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group. Patients in the control group were intervened with XELOX chemotherapeutic regimen + routine nursing. On this basis, patients in the observation group were additionally treated with refined nursing combined with Zhao’s thunder-fire moxibustion. Changes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, KPS scores for physical status, and quality of life (QOL) scores were observed and compared between the two groups before and after treatment.
Results: After treatment, the scores of anorexia, fatigue and weakness, postprandial abdominal bloating, loose stools, mental fatigue and laziness to speak decreased significantly in the two groups (P< 0.05), and each TCM syndrome score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P< 0.05). After treatment, KPS and QOL scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P< 0.05). The overall nursing satisfaction was 93.3% (42/45) in the observation group, which was significantly higher than 71.1% (32/45) in the control group (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Refined nursing combined with Zhao’s thunder-fire moxibustion can alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients with GC of spleen-Qi deficiency syndrome, reduce chemotherapeutic-induced adverse reactions, with high clinical application value.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8462
How to cite this: Yang Y, Yang Y. Efficacy and safety of refined nursing combined with Zhao’s Thunder-Fire Moxibustion in treating patients with gastric cancer of Spleen-Qi Deficiency Syndrome: A clinical study. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(9):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8462
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparative efficacy of muscle energy technique and Bowen technique on hamstrings muscle tightness in chronic low back pain patients
Authors: Kishwar Batool  , Mehmood Mariam , Muhammad Muneeb Jafar  , Maham Gull
Published: September 2024

Objective: To compare the effects of the Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and the Bowen Technique on hamstring muscle tightness in chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients.
Method: A randomized clinical trial (RCT) designed study in which 62 participants were recruited through the purposive sampling technique were divided into two groups by the lottery method. Subjects who had pain for more than six months in the back and hamstring tightness were included. The duration of the study was four months from February to May 2023 conducted at Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad. Subjects in Group-A were given the Bowen technique, whereas subjects in Group-B were given the MET. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and active knee extension (AKE) tests were used for measurements of outcomes.
Results: Intra-group comparison by using Friedman test revealed that both Group-A & B subject’s pain were reduced (P<0.000), their tightness in back thigh muscles were significantly reduced (P<0.000) and functional activities of subjects were also improved (P<0.000). Mann Whitney test was used to determine the between group comparison. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. Inter Group-Analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between effects of Bowen technique & MET on pain, hamstring tightness and disability as both techniques improved pain, flexibility & disability.
Conclusion: This study revealed that both groups treated by MET and Bowen Technique had significantly reduced pain, improved flexibility of back thigh muscle and reduced functional disability.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8517
How to cite this: Batool K, Mehmood M, Jafar M, Gull M. Comparative efficacy of muscle energy technique and Bowen technique on hamstrings muscle tightness in chronic low back pain patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(9):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8517
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Report of incomplete intestinal obstruction in an adult patient with Down Syndrome: A literature review
Authors: Yang Ning
Published: September 2024

We report a case of incomplete intestinal obstruction in a 29-year-old adult male with Down syndrome in The First Affiliated Hospital, Hebei Medical University from January 2023 to July 2023 the patient had been experiencing intermittent abdominal distension and reduced bowel movements and gas for a period of two years. Physical examination revealed tenderness in the left lower abdomen. Abdominal CT and gastrointestinal imaging showed intestinal and colonic distension, while colonoscopy did not show any abnormalities. During laparoscopic exploration, adhesions were observed between the greater omentum and the left lower abdominal wall, resulting in dilation of the proximal colon. After the adhesions were released, intestinal contents were able to pass through the distal segment, relieving the obstruction. The patient had no history of trauma or surgery. This case highlights a potential association between Down syndrome and congenital abdominal adhesions that can lead to intestinal obstruction. Due to the communication difficulties in patients with Down syndrome, there is a potential for misdiagnosis, emphasizing the importance of awareness. Laparoscopic examination not only aids in the diagnosis but also offers therapeutic benefits in such cases.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8777
How to cite this: Yang N. Report of incomplete intestinal obstruction in an adult patient with Down Syndrome: A literature review. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(9):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8777
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Application of PBL-CBL and Mini-CEX methods in the standardized training of residents in nephrology department: A prospective study
Authors: Li Xiaodong
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study explores the application and feasibility of problem based learning (PBL), integrating case based learning (CBL), and the mini clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) into the standardized training of residents in nephrology department, in order to assess their clinical skills in a comprehensive manner.
Methods: This prospective study enrolled 60, three years residents majoring in clinical medicine, from June 2022 to December 2023 in Nephrology Department of Baoding No.1 Central Hospital. These participants were randomly allocated into either the combined PBL-CBL and Mini-CEX teaching group (experimental group) or the traditional lecture-based teaching group (control group). Two groups were evaluated with Mini-CEX assessments and test scores upon exit the department, followed by a questionnaire survey to measure satisfaction levels for the teachers.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, year of graduate school, specialty and student source between the two groups of residents upon the entering the department (P>0.05). Upon the completion, the experimental group, which received PBL-CBL and Mini-CEX teaching methods, demonstrated significantly higher scores in all aspects compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Furthermore, compared the control group, most residents in the experimental group agreed that the PBL-CBL and Mini-CEX teaching methods improve curiosity and enthusiasm for learning (73.3%), communication and expression abilities (73.3%), self-learning abilities (80%), understanding of diseases (76.7%), and like this teaching method (86.7%).
Conclusions: PBL–CBL and Mini-CEX may be an effective method for improving medical residents’ performance and enhancing their clinical skills, which is worthy of promotion in the standardized training of the residents.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.9434
How to cite this: Li X. Application of PBL-CBL and Mini-CEX methods in the standardized training of residents in nephrology department: A prospective study. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(9):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.9434
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Chemotherapy combined with Shenmai injection alleviates inflammatory response and side effects in the patients with advanced colorectal cancer: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Jin Yude , Zhu Wei , Dai Hanbin , He Xiaowei
Published: September 2024

Objective: To assess the inflammatory response and side effects of chemotherapy combined with Shenmai injection (SMI) in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included the clinical data of 152 patients with advanced CRC admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University from April 2020 to April 2023. The patients were divided into control group (patients received chemotherapy treatment, n=75) and observation group (patients received chemotherapy combined with SMI, n=77) based on the treatment received. Tumor control rate, levels of immune function indicators before and after treatment, levels of inflammatory factor indicators, and incidence of toxic side effects in two groups were analyzed.
Results: Tumor control rate in the observation group (89.61%) was higher than that in the control group (77.33%) (P<0.05). After the treatment, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+in both groups were significantly higher than before the treatment, and significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in both groups decreased compared to pretreatment levels, and was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Compared with chemotherapy alone, chemotherapy combined with SMI better alleviates inflammatory response in patients with advanced CRC, enhance immune function, and improve tumor control rate, with a lower incidence of toxic side effects.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.9881
How to cite this: Jin Y, Zhu W, Dai H, He X. Chemotherapy combined with Shenmai injection alleviates inflammatory response and side effects in the patients with advanced colorectal cancer: A retrospective analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(9):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.9881
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Φιλοξενία και ξενοφοβία
Authors: Σολδάτου Μαρία-Ελένη
Published: September 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετά τον ξένο και τους τρόπους υποδοχής του από τους γηγενείς, όπως αναπαρίστανται μέσα από επιλεγμένα δραματικά κείμενα και θεατρικές παραστάσεις, που έχουν παρουσιαστεί σε αθηναϊκά θέατρα την πρώτη εικοσαετία του 21ου αιώνα. Καθώς η έννοια του ξένου παραμένει αέναα ανοιχτή σε ερμηνείες, η έρευνα επικεντρώνεται στην ξενότητα του αλλοεθνή. Ο δραματικός και σκηνικός λόγος διερευνά τα σύγχρονα μεταναστευτικά και προσφυγικά ρεύματα, καθώς και τις πρακτικές υποδοχής του ξένου, λειτουργώντας ως πεδίο ανάδειξης των φιλοσοφικών και κοινωνικών ζητημάτων των διαφορετικών όψεων της φιλοξενίας και της ξενοφοβίας. Η σύνδεση της ξενοφοβίας με τον εθνικισμό, απόρροια της ρευστότητας και της αστάθειας των συλλογικών ταυτοτήτων των σύγχρονων δυτικών κοινωνιών, αναζωπυρώνει εχθρικές στάσεις και σχέσεις πολιτισμικής ιεραρχίας, οι οποίες εκδηλώνονται μέσω του ρατσισμού και του κουλτουρισμού. Η σύγχρονη αθηναϊκή σκηνή υπενθυμίζει την αναγκαιότητα συμφιλίωσης με το πολιτισμικά αλλότριο, μέσω του ανοίγματος της διόδου στον ξένο τόσο στη δημόσια όσο και στην ιδιωτική σφαίρα και υπογραμμίζει την αξία του διαπολιτισμικού διαλόγου. Αναζητά μια φιλοξενία που δεν καθορίζεται από νόμους, κανόνες και περιορισμούς, και που δεν διακρίνει τους ξένους σε κατηγορίες. Μια φιλοξενία που διέπεται από το πνεύμα της αλληλεγγύης και της ανθρωπιάς και που αντιμετωπίζει τον ξένο ως ισότιμο μέλος ενός ευρύτερου κοινωνικού συνόλου.
Using halotolerant Azotobacter chroococcum W4ii from technosoils to mitigate wheat salt stress
Authors: Binod Kumar Sweta , Kalwasińska Agnieszka , Swiontek Brzezinska Maria , Wróbel Monika
Published: September 2024

Background Technosoils in Inowrocław, central Poland, are impacted by human activities and exhibit high salinity (ECe up to 70 dS/m) due to a soda lime repository. These saline environments pose challenges to plant growth and soil health. However, they also offer an opportunity for the evolution of microorganisms adapted to such conditions, including plant growth-promoting rhizospheric (PGPR) bacteria. The hypothesis tested here was that introducing PGPR bacteria from these environments could boost degraded soil performance, leading to better plant biomass and improved pathogen defense. Methods Azotobacter chroococcum W4ii was isolated from the rhizosphere of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for its plant growth properties on wheat plants under salt stress. Results Wheat seeds co-inoculated with A. chroococcum W4ii under 200 mM salt stress showed significant improvement in various growth parameters such as seeds germination (by 130%), shoot biomass (15%), chlorophyll b content (40%) compared to un-inoculated ones. Bacterial inoculation decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) by 55.5% (P<0.001), whereas it elevated the antioxidative enzymatic activities of peroxidase (POD) by 33.69% (P<0.001). The test isolate also significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the level of defense enzymes like β-1,3-glucanase, which can protect plants from infection by pathogens. The bacterium could also successfully colonize the wheat plants. Conclusions These results indicate that A. chroococcum isolated from the technosoil has the potential to promote wheat growth under salt stress and can be further used as a bioinoculant in the salt affected agricultural fields.
Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Comparative Review of Debridement Approaches
Authors: Brzyska Anna , Mozga Kamila , Karabin Agnieszka , Bojarska Małgorzata , Domańska Natalia
Published: September 2024

Introduction and objective: More than 400 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes today. As a result of complications of this disease, diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) develop. Wound treatment consists mainly in cleansing and stimulating tissue healing processes. Depending on the method used, this process may be shorter or longer.  
Review methods: In March 2023, articles found in the Medline (Pubmed) and Google Scholar databases were selected by using the following keywords: diabetic foot treatment, diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), autolytic debridement, healing DFU.  
Brief description of the state of knowledge: Each of the methods described in this article has its advantages and disadvantages. Surgical debridement is used in wounds with a large amount of necrotic tissue, but it can be associated with great discomfort for the patient. Clostridial collagenase ointment has been found to be effective in reducing wound area and promoting wound closure but is more expensive. The use of autolytic debridement and larval therapy is associated with a reduction in pro-inflammatory markers, while the use of moist dressings provides a suitable environment for tissue regeneration.   
Summary: The choice of the appropriate method depends on many factors such as: the patient's condition, the availability of materials and financial resources. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits and drawbacks of different debridement methods for diabetic foot ulcers.
Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis: From biomarkers to quality of life
Authors: Ciułek Urszula , Bilska Wiktoria , Żydek Ada
Published: September 2024

Introduction and Objective: Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease typified by diminished bone density and deterioration of bone structure. It represents a significant risk factor for fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women. This study evaluates the role of physical activity and bone biomarkers in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. 
Review and Methods: A review of the literature was conducted with the objective of analysing the impact of weight-bearing exercise and resistance training on bone health and the use of biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring osteoporosis. Moreover, the potential impact of dietary interventions and supplementation was examined. 
Abbreviated Description of the State of Knowledge: It is of the utmost importance to engage in regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises, in order to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It has been demonstrated to enhance bone density and moderate the likelihood of fracture. Biomarkers such as osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase are of significant value in the assessment of bone health. 
Summary: The combination of physical activity, a balanced diet and appropriate supplementation is fundamental to the prevention and effective management of osteoporosis. This approach confers substantial benefits with respect to bone health and quality of life.
Keywords: Osteoporosis; Physical activity; Bone health; Skeletal System
Vida ética y autenticidad. Una aproximación a la ética fenomenológica de Edmund Husserl y Martin Heidegger.
Authors: Cielo Aucar María
Published: September 2024

Este artículo se propone, en primer lugar, explicitar los supuestos filosóficos sobre los que se fundan las nociones de vida ética y autenticidad desplegadas en la teoría ética de Edmund Husserl. En segundo lugar, procura señalar los alcances éticos de la analítica existenciaria que Martin Heidegger despliega en Sein und Zeit. Finalmente, tomando como punto de partida la caracterización del existente como un ser reflexivo y libre y la distinción de una vida auténtica que tanto Husserl como Heidegger realizan, se intentará aquí poner en diálogo al maestro y al discípulo, intentando evidenciar una relación de complementariedad entre ambas propuestas.
Configuración de poder y disposición de derechos. Materiales en torno a la dominación y la diferencia desde Martin Heidegger, Theodor W. Adorno y Alain Badiou.
Authors: Peidro Pérez David
Published: September 2024

El trabajo cuestiona la posibilidad fáctica de la apertura lugares de la diferencia como condición exigible para toda acción política no totalitaria –y mucho más allá de esta atención. De forma tentativa se lleva a cabo una revisión crítica del alcance de las nociones de “lo humano” y, en su derivación jusnaturalista, “derecho humano”, tomando como punto de partida la constelación formada, en su diversidad y distancia, por los textos de Martin Heidegger, Theodor W. Adorno y Alain Badiou. Revisión crítica ésta que obedece a la posible necesidad de evaluar el alcance -inaparente- dominador de dichas nociones. Etexto por razones intrínsecas deniega el formato textual “artículo” para articularse como un conjunto de materiales en constelación
Wybory samorządowe w Małopolsce w 2024 roku – specyfika przestrzennego zróżnicowania wyników wyborów na tle ogólnokrajowej geografii wyborczej
Authors: Bujwid-Kurek Ewa , Pasiut Judyta
Published: September 2024

The aim of the chapter is a scientific analysis of the local government elections in Małopolska in 2024, with a particular focus on the characteristics of the electoral districts and the results of elections, to the provincial assembly, obtained in each district. Moreover, a political science reflection was given to the national election turnout as a reflection of the level of voter participation in the local government elections in Poland in 2024. An attempt was also made to answer the question: do the local government elections in Małopolska in 2024 have any specific features distinguishing them in comparison with the other fifteen voivodeships. Based on data from the State Electoral Commission, the voter turnout in Małopolska in 2024 was higher than voter turnout on a national scale. Moreover, Małopolska voivodeship is in third place among the other provinces in terms of given support for the Law and Justice election committee. The chapter was written using research methods appropriate to the discipline of administrative policy science, among which the most useful were the case study method, the comparative method, and the analysis of found sources.
Rekomendacje i kierunki badań na przyszłość
Authors: Kiwior-Filo Małgorzata , Banaś Monika
Published: September 2024

The chapter provides basic conclusions with recommendations, regarding the electoral awareness of young people, on how this awareness can and should be strengthened, contributing to greater participation of young voters in shaping community governance.
pyJedAI: A Library with Resolution-Related Structures and Procedures for Products
Authors: Ioannou Ekaterini , Nikoletos Konstantinos , Papadakis George
Published: September 2024

This work presents an open-source Python library, named pyJedAI, which provides functionalities supporting the creation of algorithms related to product entity resolution. Building over existing state-of-the-art resolution algorithms, the tool offers a plethora of important tasks required for processing product data collections. It can be easily used by researchers and practitioners for creating algorithms analyzing products, such as real-time ad bidding, sponsored search, or pricing determination. In essence, it allows users to easily import product data from the possible sources, compare products in order to detect either similar or identical products, generate a graph representation using the products and desired relationships, and either visualize or export the outcome in various forms. Our experimental evaluation on data from well-known online retailers illustrates high accuracy and low execution time for the supported tasks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Python package to focus on product entities and provide this range of product entity resolution functionalities.

History: Accepted by Ted Ralphs, Area Editor for Software Tools.

Funding: This was partially funded by the EU project STELAR (Horizon Europe) [Grant 101070122].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0410 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0410 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Calibrating Macroscopic Traffic Flow Models
Authors: Tang Yu , Jin Li , Ozbay Kaan
Published: September 2024

Well-calibrated traffic flow models are fundamental to understanding traffic phenomena and designing control strategies. Traditional calibration has been developed based on optimization methods. In this paper, we propose a novel physics-informed, learning-based calibration approach that achieves performances comparable to and even better than those of optimization-based methods. To this end, we combine the classical deep autoencoder, an unsupervised machine learning model consisting of one encoder and one decoder, with traffic flow models. Our approach informs the decoder of the physical traffic flow models and thus induces the encoder to yield reasonable traffic parameters given flow and speed measurements. We also introduce the denoising autoencoder into our method so that it can handle not only with normal data but also corrupted data with missing values. We verified our approach with a case study of Interstate 210 Eastbound in California. It turns out that our approach can achieve comparable performance to the-state-of-the-art calibration methods given normal data and outperform them given corrupted data with missing values.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Transportation Science Special Issue on ISTTT25 Conference.

Funding: This study was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant CMMI-1949710] and the C2SMART Research Center, a Tier 1 University Transportation Center.
ESTIMATIVA E ESPACIALIZAÇÃO DA EROSIVIDADE NO ENTORNO DO RESERVATÓRIO DA UHE BATALHA (GO/MG) COM BASE EM DADOS PLUVIOMÉTRICOS
Authors: Fernandes Medeiros Glacielle , LUIZ GISLAINE CRISTINA , DE ARAÚJO ROMÃO PATRÍCIA , MARTINES SALES MAURÍCIO , PEREIRA DA LUZ MARTA
Published: September 2024

Identificar, quantificar e espacializar fatores que condicionam os processos erosivos hídricos, como a erosividade, podem auxiliar no entendimento do processo de aporte de sedimentos para cursos d’água, bem como, no caso específico, para reservatórios de usinas hidrelétricas. Desse modo, este estudo teve por objetivo estimar e espacializar a pluviosidade e o índices de erosividade, na Área de Influência Direta (AID) do reservatório de Batalha (GO/MG). A partir do banco de dados disponibilizado pelo portal HIDROWEB da Agência Nacional das Águas (ANA), adotou-se a equação proposta por Silva et al. (1997) e para medir a acurácia dos modelos de estimativa da Erosividade adotou-se o índice de Fournier (1958) para as chuvas da região, para uma série histórica de 1991 a 2021. Para isso, as estimativas levaram em conta chuvas, mensais, anuais e sua variabilidade espacial para as regiões sudeste de Goiás e Noroeste de Minas Gerais. Por meio de uma análise descritiva e da espacialização do Índice de Erosividade (EI), no estudo da variabilidade anual, verificou-se tendência de aumento na direção aproximadamente norte-sul, em sentido sul e centro-sul, de modo análogo, no estudo da variabilidade mensal, notou-se aumento do EI também na direção aproximadamente norte-sul, em sentido sul e centro-sul, nos meses de maior índice pluviométrico. Observou-se ainda que os meses de maior pluviosidade, que correspondem aos meses das estações primavera e verão, apresentaram maiores Índices de Erosividade, classificados como alto e muito alto, exceto o mês de outubro. Para os meses mais secos, correspondentes ao outono e inverno, esses índices foram classificados como baixo e muito baixo. No geral, a erosividade média anual foi classificada como alta.