bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Características demográficas e de saúde associadas à mobilidade de idosos hospitalizados
Authors: Bordin Danielle , Someya Roberta Loren Nozuma de Carvalho , Cabral Luciane Patricia Andreani , Krum Everson Augusto , Trupel Lucas Lauriano Leme , Taques Taís Ivastcheschen , Grden Clóris Regina Blanski
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: Avaliar as características demográficas e de saúde associadas à mobilidade de idosos internados. Método: Pesquisa observacional, transversal, desenvolvida com 335 idosos internados em um hospital de ensino. A coleta foi realizada por meio de questionário e exame físico. Considerou-se como variável dependente a mobilidade e independente as características demográficas e de saúde. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste qui-quadrado. Resultados: Verificou-se que 63% dos idosos apresentaram-se restritos ao leito. A mobilidade mostrou-se associada à faixa etária (p<0,05), escolaridade (p<0,05), presença de doença crônica (p<0,05), multimorbidade (p<0,05), setor de internamento (p<0,05), tempo de internação (p<0,05), uso de dispositivo (p<0,05) e quantidade de dispositivos (p<0,05). Conclusão: Constatou-se alta prevalência de mobilidade restrita ao leito junto a idosos hospitalizados. O reconhecimento precoce dos fatores associados a mobilidade favorece ações preventivas diretivas.
Canopy bridges: preventing and mitigating anthropogenic impacts on mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata palliata) in Costa Rica
Authors: Azofeifa Rojas Inés , Gregory Tremaine
Published: November 2022

Increasing levels of anthropogenic modification, degradation, and fragmentation of arboreal mammal habitats substantially influence wildlife movement and behavior. In Costa Rica, there has been a surge in infrastructure development in the past decade. This infrastructure puts wildlife at high risk of mortality from electrocution, vehicle collisions, falls, and attacks by domestic animals. To prevent and mitigate the mortality of arboreal animals, canopy bridges have been implemented in several parts of the country. In Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, a coastal community, we implemented a canopy bridge project for mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata palliata). For the first year of our study (2015-2016), we performed monthly three-day censuses and follows of all howler monkey groups. After the first five months of data collection, we identified 20 high-use arboreal pathways that would benefit from reinforcement with canopy bridges and installed camera traps in the pathways to verify their use outside of sampling periods. After use was verified, we installed canopy bridges at those 20 sites. We continued to identify high-use paths via group follows, ad libitum sightings from community members, and annual group censuses between 2018 and 2021 and installed an additional 91 bridges (N = 111 total). We also developed a system for community reporting of howler monkey injuries and fatalities and advocated for better insulation of electric cables, with 8341 m insulated between 2015 and 2021. Between 2015 and 2021, we saw the number of monkey groups grow from five to seven, group home ranges grow, the population grow from 59 to 99, and fatalities decrease from five to one annually. We conclude that the bridges likely contribute to howler monkey population growth via decreased fatalities and safer access to feeding resources and mates. Costa Rica is currently adopting legislation to make connectivity mitigation measures for wildlife mandatory in infrastructure development, making it a global leader.
Metatheater and Showing in Menander’s Epitrepontes
Authors: Brown Mitch
Published: November 2022

In Menander’s Epitrepontes, Charisios acknowledges his own faults and mistreatment of his wife Pamphile in an act 4 speech. During his confession, he repeats the verb δείκνυµι three times within six lines. In this article, I argue that such a verb has a double meaning. Charisios’ explicit use of the verb conveys a ‘revelation of character’ as Charisios and the daimonion he invokes ‘reveals’ that he has erred in his actions. On a metatheatrical level between the audience and playwright, the verb also conveys the literal meaning of ‘showing’, as it nods to the playwright putting Charisios onstage (and thus ‘showing’ him) for the first time in this scene. This double meaning of δείκνυµι adds to the other metatheatrical moments in the play illuminated by other scholars and reveals in Menander a close attention to the power of absence and presence in his plays.
Dystopic Utopia in Lucian’s Philosophical Satire
Authors: Solitario Michele
Published: November 2022

The Hermotimus is undoubtedly the most ambitious of Lucian’s philosophical dialogues, since the author undertakes a systematic study of the best philosopher in this work. More specifically, the protagonists of this dialogue, the Stoic aspirant Hermotimos and his antidogmatic interlocutor Lykinos, seek a definite answer to the following questions: Does the true and authentic philosopher exist? If so, then where is it possible to find him, and how can he prove the excellence of his philosophical tenets? A utopian moment can be captured in nuce in these questions, for the object at the heart of the discussion assumes all the features of a desideratum which is difficult, if not impossible, to fulfil, implying an operation that is constantly exposed to the risk of being reduced to nothing.
Closure and the Lottery
Authors: Dierig Simon
Published: November 2022

Ever since Fred Dretske (1970) questioned closure, a denial of this principle has been among the standard options for a resolution of epistemological paradoxes such as the skeptical paradox (Cohen 1988) and the lottery paradox (Harman 1973). In this article, the author shall argue that all possible solutions of the latter paradox can only be defended if Multi-Premise Closure is rejected. These possible solutions are contextualism and both simple and sensitive moderate invariantism. It will be shown that skepticism and the denial of Single-Premise Closure are not possible solutions of the lottery paradox. The upshot of the discussion here will be that while Single-Premise Closure is beyond reasonable doubt, resolving the lottery paradox forces one to abandon Multi-Premise Closure.
Conrad-Martius: The “Real-Reality” of the World
Authors: Breuer Irene
Published: November 2022

This article deals with Conrad-Martius’s conceptions of reality as “wirkliche Wirklichkeit”, being, existence, and essence and sets them in relation to the conceptions of Aristotle, Aquinas, and Husserl. It delves into the problems of both the hypostatization of being, where I assert that it concerns the noema itself, and the origin of being in particular. I claim that even though Conrad-Martius rejects the transcendental reduction, Conrad-Martius accepts the eidetic reduction and the positing of a sphere of original and given facts, whose origin Conrad-Martius traces back to a transphysical realm, thus revealing the grounds for the Husserlian sphere of primal facts, which itself remains beyond the reach of phenomenological enquiries. Hence, Conrad-Martius’s and Husserl’s investigations encounter and complement each other at the point where the real bursts into reality and becomes available for consciousness.
New species and records of Maechidius Macleay, 1819 from New Guinea (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae)
Authors: PROKOFIEV ARTEM M.
Published: November 2022

Seven species of Maechidius Macleay, 1819 from New Guinea are described, namely M. addarcis Prokofiev, new species, M. astrolabius Prokofiev, new species, M. bombycinus Prokofiev, new species, M. echinoides Prokofiev, new species, M. macrosoma Prokofiev, new species, M. penicilliger Prokofiev, new species, and M. telnovi Prokofiev, new species. Males of M. interruptocarinulatus Heller, 1914 and aedeagus of M. seriepunctatus Moser, 1920 are described for the first time. Key to the Indonesian and New Guinean species is amended for inclusion of the newly described species.
A review of morphological characters for the identification of three common European species of Sarcophaga s. str. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), with an emphasis on female terminalia
Authors: SCHÖNBERGER DANIEL , GIORDANI GIORGIA , VANIN STEFANO , WHITMORE DANIEL
Published: November 2022

The subgenus Sarcophaga Meigen, 1824 (s. str.) currently comprises over 30 species distributed in the West Palearctic Region, the identification of which is normally based on characters of the male terminalia. Females of the three closely-related species Sarcophaga (Sarcophaga) carnaria (Linnaeus, 1758), S. (S.) subvicina Rohdendorf, 1937 and S. (S.) variegata (Scopoli, 1763), which are especially widespread and abundant in NW Europe, are considered morphologically indistinguishable by most authors. However, a few authors have proposed keys to separate females of these three species based on external and internal characters of the terminalia. Following a preliminary molecular identification using DNA barcode sequences (COI, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I), we herein revise the morphological characters used to differentiate female S. carnaria, S. subvicina and S. variegata in existing identification keys as well as search for additional diagnostic characters. Our results suggest that only one previously-proposed female character, namely the length to width ratio of abdominal sternite 7, can be used to separate S. subvicina from the other two species (Mann-Whitney U test: p < 0.0001), at least in a majority of cases. Other characters, such as the degree of sclerotisation and setation of tergite 8, show a high degree of overlap that does not allow to reliably separate females of these three species. Nevertheless, we propose a combination of characters that should allow the separation of female S. carnaria from female S. variegata in most cases. An additional analysis of males of the same species showed that the distribution of pruinosity and setation on syntergosternite 7+8, a character mentioned in a previously-published key, is also not reliable for identification.
Natural history of decompensated cirrhosis with serum hepatitis B DNA < 2000 IU/mL: a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Xu , Yan Meimei , Deng Zerun , Yao Lei , Han Dan , Sun Lihua
Published: November 2022

Background and aims

Patients with low HBV DNA levels (< 2000 IU/mL), HBV DNA negative, and HBsAg-negative hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection can still progress to decompensated cirrhosis; however, clinical research data in such patients, especially treatment-naïve patients, are currently insufficient. This study assessed the natural history of aforementioned patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 250 patients with HBV-associated decompensated cirrhosis(HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL) who had not been treated with antiviral medication.

Results

The mean age of the 250 patients was 53.90 ± 11.73 years and 183 patients (73.2%) were male. HBV DNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg positivity was detected in 77 (30.8%), 200 (80%), and 137 (54.8%) patients, respectively. HBsAg (odds ratio [OR], 3.303; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.338–8.152; P = 0.010) and HBeAg (OR, 0.200; 95% CI, 0.107–0.376; P < 0.001) positivity were independent factors for low HBV DNA levels. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (P < 0.001) and portal vein thrombosis (P = 0.001) was higher in the low HBV DNA levels group. Multivariate analysis showed that HBV DNA positivity (OR, 3.548; 95% CI, 1.463–8.604; P = 0.005), HBeAg positivity (OR, 0.080; 95% CI, 0.022–0.289; P < 0.001), and glutamyltransferase (GGT) (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.000–1.006; P = 0.040) were independent factors for HCC. Age was not related to the occurrence of cirrhosis complications.

Conclusion

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis with HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL still had severe liver damage and could develop severe cirrhosis complications. HCC risk was higher in low HBV DNA levels patients. HBsAg positivity and HBeAg negativity may be associated to the occurrence of low HBV DNA levels.
Assessment of left ventricular diastolic function in children with HIV/AIDS attending a tertiary health Facility in Enugu, Nigeria: a Doppler echocardiographic study
Authors: Arodiwe Ijeoma O. , Eke Christopher B.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To determine the prevalence and factors associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in children with HIV/AIDS.

Method

Echocardiographic studies were carried out in 90 children/adolescents aged 18 months to 14 years.

with HIV/AIDS and a healthy control group of 90 age and gender matched.

Results

47.8% of the HIV/AIDS patients (subjects) had LVDD. This was more pronounced in the AIDS group (100%). The E/A ratio was 1.9 ± 0.56 in the HIV group, 2.09 ± 0.04 in the AIDS group, and 1.20 ± 0.39 in the control group (p = 0.04). The mean Left ventricular isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) was 79.4 ± 20.12 in the HIV group, 110.4 ± 10.12 in the AIDS group and 89.22 ± 25.76 in the control group. (p = 0.04). Deceleration time (DT) was also lower in HIV carrier group compared to AIDS group, p = 0.02. A restrictive filling pattern was the most described; with 27 (36.5%) in the HIV group, 16 (100.0%) in the AIDS group and 2 (2.2%) in the control group. (p = 0.02). The impaired relaxation pattern, 3 (4.0%) seen in the HIV group only. Positive correlation exists between body surface area (BSA) and LVDD. Body surface area and younger age were the significant predictors (BSA: r = 0.425, p = 0.038 in HIV and r = 0.827, p = 0.042) of LVDD in the AIDS group.

Conclusion

This study showed a high prevalence of LVDD in Nigerian children with HIV and AIDS. This justifies inclusion of echocardiographic studies in the policy care of children with HIV/AIDS in sub-Sahara Africa region.
Population mental health improves with increasing access to treatment: evidence from a dynamic modelling analysis
Authors: Skinner Adam , Occhipinti Jo-An , Song Yun Ju Christine , Hickie Ian B.
Published: November 2022

Background

Multiple studies indicate that the prevalence of mental disorders in high-income countries has remained stable or increased despite substantial increases in the provision of care, leading some authors to question the effectiveness of increasing access to current treatments as a means of improving population mental health.

Methods

We developed a system dynamics model of mental disorder incidence and treatment-dependent recovery to assess two potential explanations for the apparent failure of increasing treatment provision to reduce mental disorder prevalence: 1) an increase in the individual-level risk of disorder onset; and 2) declining effectiveness of care resulting from insufficient services capacity growth. Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods were used to fit the model to data on the prevalence of high to very high psychological distress in Australia for the period 2008–2019.

Results

Estimates of yearly rates of increase in the per capita incidence of high to very high psychological distress and the proportion of patients recovering when treated indicate that the individual-level risk of developing high to very high levels of distress increased between 2008 and 2019 (posterior probability > 0.999) but provide no evidence for declining treatment effectiveness. Simulation analyses suggest that the prevalence of high to very high psychological distress would have decreased from 14.4% in 2008 to 13.6% in 2019 if per capita incidence had not increased over this period (prevalence difference 0.0079, 95% credible interval 0.0015–0.0176).

Conclusions

Our analyses indicate that a modest but significant effect of increasing access to mental health care in Australia between 2008 and 2019 was obscured by a concurrent increase in the incidence of high to very high psychological distress.
Empowerment-based support program for vulnerable populations living with diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure: a scoping review
Authors: Eïd Julia , Desgrées du Loû Annabel
Published: November 2022

Background

The management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure is a major global health challenge, particularly among the most disadvantaged populations. Beyond the biomedical management of these diseases, comprehensive support that takes into account the peoples’ economic and social situation is fundamental. The objective of this scoping review is to create an inventory and an analysis of the different types of support for these chronic diseases among disadvantaged, immigrant or minority populations to contribute to a better definition and characterization of what should be global support for these vulnerable populations suffering from these diseases.

Methods

A search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Sages Journals and Web of Science was conducted (between March and May 2021) for articles published between January 2000 and May 2021. Articles were selected after screening titles, abstracts and full texts according to our 5 inclusion criteria.

Results

We included 16 articles. The diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure support programs described in these articles operate to improve physical and mental health and access to care. The approaches of these interventions are focused on the training and participation of people and the implementation of support actions adapted to the person. The majority of these interventions have a real attachment to the community.

Conclusions

This review of the literature shows that support for people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure is based on three pillars: empowerment, peer mediation and holistic and tailor-made support for the individual. The empowerment approach, which considers the capacities and resources of individuals and whose goal is to strengthen their ability to act on their health, appears to be entirely suited to the support of these chronic diseases. This review underlines the importance of moving away from a biomedical approach to a holistic approach truly focused on the person, their capacities and their needs.
Inhibition of AEBP1 predisposes cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells to ferroptosis
Authors: Zhou Qianwen , Wang Xiaoqi , Zhang Yingxue , Wang Lie , Chen Zhijun
Published: November 2022

Background

Studies have shown that excessive iron can lead to an increased incidence of cancer. The role of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) on ferroptosis is unknown. Thus, we explored the effect of AEBP1 silencing in regulation of ferroptosis in cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells.

Methods

The functions of AEBP1 silencing and sulfasalazine (SSZ) treatment were determined on oral cancer cell lines and tumor xenograft mouse models. Then we evaluated the functions of AEBP1 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), labile iron pool (LIP) and free iron, lipid peroxidation, and expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes.

Results

AEBP1 was highly expressed in oral cancer cells and tissues. AEBP1 silencing inhibited oral cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion after SSZ treatment. SSZ-induced ferroptosis is due to enhanced ROS level, free iron, and lipid peroxidation, which were distinctly increased by AEBP1 silencing. Meanwhile, AEBP1 silencing enhanced the effects of SSZ on levels of LIP and Fe2+, lipid peroxidation, as well as the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes in the tumor xenograft mouse models. Importantly, AEBP1 silencing suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, silencing of AEBP1 might activate the JNK/ P38 /ERK pathway.

Conclusion

This research suggested that silencing of AEBP1 predisposes cisplatin-resistant oral cancer cells to ferroptosis via the JNK/p38 /ERK pathway.
Do preterm-born children and adolescents have greater need for dental care as compared to full term-born controls?
Authors: Vicente António , Alward Lubna , Wiedel Anna-Paulina , Becker Magnus , Shi Xie-Qi , Hellén-Halme Kristina , Brogårdh-Roth Susanne
Published: November 2022

Background

Preterm birth has been shown to cause various long-term health issues. Children who were born preterm have also been observed to have more dental behaviour management problems (DBMP) during dental examinations and treatment than children born full term. It is known that dental radiographic examinations can be uncomfortable and cause anxiety in paediatric patients. Thus, our aims were to retrospectively compare dental care related examinations and treatments carried out in three different age intervals (3–6 years, 7–12 years, and 13–19 years) among preterm- and full-term born children and adolescents.

Methods

The present study included 311 patient files: 122 very preterm–born and 33 extremely preterm–born children and adolescents (< 32 gestational weeks). A matched control group of 156 full term–born children and adolescents (≥ 37 gestational weeks) was analysed for comparison. Various factors, including DBMP, missed appointments, dental caries, and radiographic examinations, were retrieved from the dental records for three age intervals: 3–6 years, 7–12 years, and 13–19 years.

Results

Extremely preterm–born children missed significantly more dental appointments and presented with more DBMP during dental examinations and treatment than full term–born children in the 3–6-year age group; the same was observed for the very preterm–born in the 7–12-year age group. No significant differences in DBMP during bitewing and periapical examinations or in number of bitewing, periapical and panoramic radiographs occurred between the groups in any age interval.

Conclusion

Preterm–born children and adolescents may need more flexibility in booking and receive reminders for scheduled visits with the general dental team. Due to the non-significant differences in dental care related oral examinations and treatments, the same dental care service may be applied to the preterm- and full-term born children and adolescents.
A systematic review defining non-beneficial and inappropriate end-of-life treatment in patients with non-cancer diagnoses: theoretical development for multi-stakeholder intervention design in acute care settings
Authors: Lo Jamie Jay-May , Graves Nicholas , Chee Joyce Huimin , Hildon Zoe Jane-Lara
Published: November 2022

Background

Non-beneficial treatment is closely tied to inappropriate treatment at the end-of-life. Understanding the interplay between how and why these situations arise in acute care settings according to the various stakeholders is pivotal to informing decision-making and best practice at end-of-life.

Aim

To define and understand determinants of  non-beneficial and inappropriate treatments for patients with a non-cancer diagnosis, in acute care settings at the end-of-life.

Design

Systematic review of peer-reviewed studies focusing on the above and conducted in upper-middle- and high-income countries. A narrative synthesis was undertaken, guided by Realist principles.

Data sources

Cochrane; PubMed; Scopus; Embase; CINAHL; and Web of Science.

Results

Sixty-six studies (32 qualitative, 28 quantitative, and 6 mixed-methods) were included after screening 4,754 papers. Non-beneficial treatment was largely defined as when the burden of treatment outweighs any benefit to the patient. Inappropriate treatment at the end-of-life was similar to this, but additionally accounted for patient and family preferences.

Contexts in which outcomes related to non-beneficial treatment and/or inappropriate treatment occurred were described as veiled by uncertainty, driven by organizational culture, and limited by profiles and characteristics of involved stakeholders. Mechanisms relating to ‘Motivation to Address Conflict & Seek Agreement’ helped to lessen uncertainty around decision-making. Establishing agreement was reliant on ‘Valuing Clear Communication and Sharing of Information’. Reaching consensus was dependent on ‘Choices around Timing & Documenting of end-of-life Decisions’.

Conclusion

A framework mapping determinants of non-beneficial and inappropriate end-of-life treatment is developed and proposed to be potentially transferable to diverse contexts. Future studies should test and update the framework as an implementation tool.

Trial registration

PROSPERO Protocol CRD42021214137.
Artificial intelligence in medical education: a cross-sectional needs assessment
Authors: Civaner M. Murat , Uncu Yeşim , Bulut Filiz , Chalil Esra Giounous , Tatli Abdülhamit
Published: November 2022

Background

As the information age wanes, enabling the prevalence of the artificial intelligence age; expectations, responsibilities, and job definitions need to be redefined for those who provide services in healthcare. This study examined the perceptions of future physicians on the possible influences of artificial intelligence on medicine, and to determine the needs that might be helpful for curriculum restructuring.

Methods

A cross-sectional multi-centre study was conducted among medical students country-wide, where 3018 medical students participated. The instrument of the study was an online survey that was designed and distributed via a web-based service.

Results

Most of the medical students perceived artificial intelligence as an assistive technology that could facilitate physicians’ access to information (85.8%) and patients to healthcare (76.7%), and reduce errors (70.5%). However, half of the participants were worried about the possible reduction in the services of physicians, which could lead to unemployment (44.9%). Furthermore, it was agreed that using artificial intelligence in medicine could devalue the medical profession (58.6%), damage trust (45.5%), and negatively affect patient-physician relationships (42.7%). Moreover, nearly half of the participants affirmed that they could protect their professional confidentiality when using artificial intelligence applications (44.7%); whereas, 16.1% argued that artificial intelligence in medicine might cause violations of professional confidentiality. Of all the participants, only 6.0% stated that they were competent enough to inform patients about the features and risks of artificial intelligence. They further expressed that their educational gaps regarding their need for “knowledge and skills related to artificial intelligence applications” (96.2%), “applications for reducing medical errors” (95.8%), and “training to prevent and solve ethical problems that might arise as a result of using artificial intelligence applications” (93.8%).

Conclusions

The participants expressed a need for an update on the medical curriculum, according to necessities in transforming healthcare driven by artificial intelligence. The update should revolve around equipping future physicians with the knowledge and skills to effectively use artificial intelligence applications and ensure that professional values and rights are protected.
Impact of T2DM on right ventricular systolic dysfunction and interventricular interactions in patients with essential hypertension: evaluation using CMR tissue tracking
Authors: Li Xue-Ming , Yan Wei-Feng , Jiang Li , Shi Ke , Ren Yan , Han Pei-Lun , Peng Li-Qing , Guo Ying-Kun , Yang Zhi-Gang
Published: November 2022

Background

Previous studies reported that there was right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction in patients with hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on RV systolic dysfunction and interventricular interactions using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) in patients with essential hypertension.

Methods and methods

Eighty-five hypertensive patients without T2DM [HTN(T2DM −)], 58 patients with T2DM [HTN(T2DM +)] and 49 normal controls were included in this study. The biventricular global radial, circumferential and longitudinal peak strains (GRS, GCS, GLS, respectively) and RV regional strains at the basal-, mid- and apical-cavity, were calculated with CMR-FT and compared among controls and different patient groups. Backward stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses were used to determine the effects of T2DM and left ventricular (LV) strains on RV strains.

Results

The biventricular GLS and RV apical longitudinal strain deteriorated significantly from controls, through HTN(T2DM-), to HTN(T2DM +) groups. RV middle longitudinal strain in patient groups were significantly reduced, and LV GRS and GCS and RV basal longitudinal strain were decreased in HTN(T2DM +) but preserved in HTN(T2DM-) group. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for covariates demonstrated that T2DM was independently associated with LV strains (LV GRS: β = − 4.278, p = 0.004, model R2 = 0.285; GCS: β = 1.498, p = 0.006, model R2 = 0.363; GLS: β = 1.133, p = 0.007, model R2 = 0.372) and RV GLS (β = 1.454, p = 0.003, model R2 = 0.142) in hypertension. When T2DM and LV GLS were included in the multiple regression analysis, both T2DM and LV GLS (β = 0.977 and 0.362, p = 0.039 and < 0.001, model R2 = 0.224) were independently associated with RV GLS.

Conclusions

T2DM exacerbates RV systolic dysfunction in patients with hypertension, which may be associated with superimposed LV dysfunction by coexisting T2DM and suggests adverse interventricular interactions.
Multidisciplinary collaboration in diagnosis and treatment of neuroleptic malignant syndrome complicated with pneumonia: report of three cases
Authors: Zhao Huachang , Lu Sijia , Li Xiaoyan , Huang Panyun , Wang Hongming , Lu Fengmei
Published: November 2022

Background

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a relatively rare and a potentially fatal syndrome. It is a serious complication associated with antipsychotic therapy. NMS is easily prone to pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis and other problems. However, the clinical features of NMS complicated with pneumonia remains largely unclear.

Case presentation

Here, we described three female adult patients of NMS complicated with pneumonia in our own hospital. The symptoms of the patients were controlled with antipsychotic drugs at admission. Symptoms such as high fever, high muscle tone, difficulty in eating, phlegm in the throat, anhelation, rhabdomyolysis and autonomic nervous dysfunction occurred 2 days after the treatment, which mainly concentrated within 1 week. In addition, they are all healed.

Conclusions

NMS is a rare and serious complication in psychiatric department, which is easy to be complicated with pneumonia and respiratory failure. Timely identification and early intervention could help achieve a good prognosis.
Genetic analysis of 55 cases with fetal skeletal dysplasia
Authors: Bai Ying , Sun Yue , Liu Ning , Wang Li , Jiao Zhihui , Hou Yaqin , Duan Huikun , Li Qianqian , Zhu Xiaofan , Meng Jingjing , Kong Xiangdong
Published: November 2022

Background

Fetal skeletal dysplasia (SD) is a common congenital disability comprising a complex group of skeletal disorders with substantial clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Many of these defects are detected prenatally using ultrasound (US). However, the diagnostic accuracy of the US is limited.

Methods

We recruited 55 unrelated fetuses with US-detected skeletal anomalies and performed sequential tests using copy number variation sequencing, targeted skeletal gene panel sequencing, or whole exome sequencing. The detected variants were validated using Sanger sequencing or multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. We conducted breakpoint analysis and structural modeling of variants possibly involved in fetal SD.

Results

A definitive diagnosis was achieved in 81.82% of affected fetuses (45/55). We identified chromosomal abnormalities in seven cases and 36 variants, of which 18 were novel pathogenic or likely pathogenic in 11 genes in 38 cases. De novo variants were identified in 27 cases (71.05%, 27/38), and one gonosomal mosaicism variant was found in the mother of one fetus. Our case examples demonstrated the high heterogeneity of fetal SDs and the rare fetal SD-associated challenges.

Conclusions

Careful clinical evaluation of fetuses with SD can guide appropriate molecular testing. Our study extends the SD-associated pathogenic variant spectrum and provides useful genetic counselling guidance and an accurate prenatal diagnosis strategy.
An algorithm based on the postoperative decrease of albumin (ΔAlb) to anticipate complications after liver surgery
Authors: Labgaa Ismail , Cano Luis , Mangana Orsalia , Joliat Gaëtan-Romain , Melloul Emmanuel , Halkic Nermin , Schäfer Markus , Vibert Eric , Demartines Nicolas , Golse Nicolas , Hübner Martin
Published: November 2022

Background

Perioperative decrease of albumin (ΔAlb) appeared as a promising predictor of complications after digestive surgery, but its role after liver surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether and how ΔAlb can be used to predict complications after liver surgery.

Methods

A bicentric retrospective analysis of patients undergoing liver surgery (2010–2016) was performed, following TRIPOD guidelines. The preoperative and postoperative difference of albumin was calculated on POD 0 and defined as ΔAlb. Patients with any missing variable were excluded. The primary endpoint was overall complications according to the Clavien classification. A multiparametric algorithm based on ΔAlb was generated to optimize prediction performance.

Results

A total of 110 patients were analyzed. At least one complication occurred in 66 (60%) patients. Patients with and without complication showed a ΔAlb of 15.8 vs. 9.5 g/L (p<0.001). Area under ROC curve (AUC) of ΔAlb was 0.75 (p<0.01.). The ΔAlb-based algorithm showed an AUC of 0.84 (p<0.01), significantly improving performance (p=0.03). Multivariable analysis identified ΔAlb as independent predictor of complications (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.07; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

ΔAlb appeared as a promising predictor independently associated with the risk of complication after liver surgery. The study presents a novel decision-tree based on ΔAlb to anticipate complications.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0023404 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion in endometrial cancer cells through regulating miR-217/MAPK1 axis
Authors: Chen Zhuoying , Huang Meixiu , You Jiaying , Lin Yanhua , Huang Qiaoyun , He Caiping
Published: November 2022

Background

Emerging studies indicated that circular RNA hsa_circ_ 0023404 and its target miR-217/MARK1 axis play a critical role in cancer progression such as non-small cell lung cancer and cervical cancer. However, the role of hsa_circ_0023404/miR-217/MARK1 involved in endometrial cancer (EC) was not investigated yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the functions of hsa_circ_0023404 in endometrial cancer (EC) and the potential molecular mechanism.

Methods

We used RT-qPCR and Western blot approach to detect the expressed levels of related genes in EC cell lines. Transfected siRNAs were applied to knockdown the level of related mRNA in cells. Cell proliferation by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay were applied to detect cell proliferation. Transwell migration and invasion assay was for detecting the migration and invasion of the cells.

Results

RT-qPCR showed that the levels of hsa_circ_0023404 and MARK1 mRNA were upregulated, but mirR-217 was decreased in three endometrial cancer cell lines. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0023404 by siRNA markedly increased the level of miR-217 and reduced the proliferation of the Ishikawa cells. It also inhibited the cell migration and invasion. Anti-miR-217 can reverse the promoted proliferation, migrations and invasion of Ishikawa cells mediated by si-circ_0023404. si-MARK1 restored the inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of the co-transfected Ishikawa cells with si- circ_0023404 and anti-miR-217.

Conclusion

hsa_circ_0023404 exerts a tumor-promoting role in endometrial cancer by regulating miR-217/MARK1 axis. hsa_circ_0023404 inhibit miR-217 as sponge which inhibit endometrial cancer cell growth and metastasis. MARK1 is downstream target of miR217 and upregulated by hsa_circ_ 0023404/miR-217 axis and involved in the endometrial cancer progression.
Binge-eating and sodium bicarbonate: a potent combination for gastric rupture in adults—two case reports and a review of literature
Authors: Han You Jin , Roy Susmit , Siau Ashley Maria Pei Ling , Majid Adeeb
Published: November 2022

Background

Disordered eating behaviour including binge-eating often results in significant medical conditions, which are at times fatal. It can result in acute gastric dilatation which can lead to ischemic necrosis and stomach rupture. Dyspepsia and bloating are common symptoms following binge eating. Patients commonly use over-the-counter medications like sodium bicarbonate or home remedies for relief. However, in very rare, reported cases, sodium bicarbonate has been attributed to cause acute gastric dilatation and spontaneous gastric rupture instead.

Methods

We report two cases of spontaneous gastric rupture following consumption of sodium bicarbonate containing antacids after a large meal, and a review of the literature of similar cases.

Results

A total of 36 cases were identified. Approximately half of the cases (47.2%) were correlated with eating disorders, with higher prevalence in females (69%) and a very high mortality rate (41.6%). Amongst the 36 cases, sodium bicarbonate ingestion was associated with 10 cases. The lesser curvature (36.1%) and anterior wall (33.3%) are the most common sites of rupture. Associated causes include binge-eating, gas release from sodium bicarbonate, gastric content fermentation, proximal and distal outlet obstruction, and muscular atony.

Discussion

Sudden distension and impaired emptying mechanism of the stomach is necessary for spontaneous gastric rupture to occur. Acute gastric dilatation with perforation requires definitive surgical management. There should be a low threshold of suspicion for patients presenting with severe abdominal pain and abdominal distension following an episode of binge-eating. There is a need for patient education around the use of over-the-counter medications or home remedies.
Carpal tunnel syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients: the role of combined ultrasonographic and electrophysiological assessment
Authors: Mahmoud Wafaa , El-Naby Mona Mansour Hassab , Awad Ahmed Abdellatif
Published: November 2022

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is known as one of the most common neurological extra-articular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Studies on CTS in RA depend mostly on electrophysiological assessment. Few studies have used ultrasonography for evaluation of the local causes with much focus on wrist arthritis and tenosynovitis as the main cause of entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve in RA. The aim of our study is to assess the local causes of carpal tunnel syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients by ultrasonography and whether inflammatory or anomalous variations could affect decision-making and patient management.

Results

Carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed in 71 out of 74 examined RA wrists by nerve conduction studies (NCSs) and was categorized from minimal to severe according to Padua et al.’s (Ital J Neurol Sci 18:145–50, 1997) grading criteria. Median nerve CSA at the level of the carpal tunnel inlet and flattening ratio showed statistically significant relation with CTS severity. Bifid MN was found in 20 wrists (10 mild CTS wrists and 10 moderate CTS wrists), a persistent median artery was found in 4 wrists with moderate CTS, and an accessory muscle bundle was present in 3 wrists (2 mild CTS and 1 moderate CTS). The majority of the examined hands (85.1%) showed flexor tendon tenosynovitis at the wrist level and radio-carpal joint synovitis. The US7-joint score using GSUS7 & PDUS7 for synovitis, tenosynovitis and erosions showed significant relation with patients’ disease activity by DAS28 score. Significant relations between CTS severity and the following nerve conduction studies’ parameters, median nerve distal motor latency (DML), motor/sensory NCV, peak sensory latency, amplitude of SNAP, and median-radial latency difference test, were observed.

Conclusion

Synovial inflammation and local causes of median nerve compression such as bifid median nerve, persistent median artery, and accessory muscle bundle are collectively contributing factors in the etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Ultrasonographic visualization of these inflammatory and anomalous variations enables early detection of CTS and highlights the possibility of non-arthritic-related causes. Using the 7-joint ultrasound (US7) score for assessment of synovitis, tenosynovitis, and erosions in rheumatoid arthritis patients is of valuable role in reflecting inflammation and its relation to the development of CTS in RA patients.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Staging: An Analysis of Patients With Breast Cancer From a Community Practice in Brazil
Authors: Resende Cristiano A.A. , Fernandes Cruz Heloísa M. , Costa e Silva Matheus , Paes Rafael D. , Dienstmann Rodrigo , Barrios Carlos H.E. , Goncalves Aline C. , Cascelli Fanny G.A. , Souto Andreza K.B.A. , Oliveira Leandro C. , Reinert Tomás , Andrade Diocesio A.P. , Passos Mauro P. , Millen Eduardo C. , Zerwes Felipe , Moraes Paulo L. , Ferrari Bruno L. , Mano Max S.
Published: November 2022

PURPOSE

A nationwide lockdown was enforced in Brazil starting in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic when cancer screening activities were reduced. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on breast cancer (BC) diagnosis.

METHODS

We extracted data from the medical records of patients age older than 18 years who were diagnosed with BC and started treatment or follow-up in private oncology institutions in Brazil between 2018 and 2021. The primary objective was to compare the stage distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) with a historical prepandemic control cohort (2018-2019). Early BC was defined as stage I-II and advanced disease as stage IV.

RESULTS

We collected data for 11,753 patients with an initial diagnosis of BC, with 6,493 patients in the pandemic (2020-2021) and 5,260 patients in the prepandemic period (2018-2019). We observed a lower prevalence of early-stage BC (63.6% v 68.4%) and a higher prevalence of advanced-stage BC (16.9 v 12.7%), after the onset of the pandemic (both P < .01). This pattern was similar for both estrogen receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive tumors: significantly decreased in the early stage from 69% to 67% and 68% to 58%, respectively, and a considerable increase in advanced-stage disease from 13% to 15% and 13% to 20%, respectively. For triple-negative BC, there was a significantly higher percentage of patients with advanced-stage disease during the pandemic (17% v 11%). Overall, age 50 years or older and postmenopausal status were associated with a greater risk of advanced stage at diagnosis during the pandemic period.

CONCLUSION

We observed a substantial increase in the number of cases of advanced-stage BC in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking Political Time: Thinking Past the Emergency Timescapes of the New Climate Movements
Authors: Hayes Graeme , MacGregor Sherilyn
Published: November 2022

This article discusses the contrasting “temporal regimes” of Extinction Rebellion and the concept of a feminist green new deal. The authors discuss the former's emphasis on emergency to stimulate disobedient action, particularly out of concern for one's future children and grandchildren. They argue that, while this emphasis has successfully catalyzed public agency, this agency remains socially narrow, as emergency thinking subordinates the political time central to inclusive movement building, while the personalization of intergenerational concern risks reproducing privilege and asset protection. As a result, actually existing material and symbolic inequalities are characteristically decentered. The authors contrast this with the timescapes of calls for a feminist green new deal, which eschew both crisis narratives and reprocentric futurism. In troubled times, they conclude, it is more productive to reconsider not just when but how to address the demands of climate breakdown.
Gut homeostasis at a glance
Authors: Choo Jieun , Glisovic Neda , Matic Vignjevic Danijela
Published: November 2022

The intestine, a rapidly self-renewing organ, is part of the gastrointestinal system. Its major roles are to absorb food-derived nutrients and water, process waste and act as a barrier against potentially harmful substances. Here, we will give a brief overview of the primary functions of the intestine, its structure and the luminal gradients along its length. We will discuss the dynamics of the intestinal epithelium, its turnover, and the maintenance of homeostasis. Finally, we will focus on the characteristics and functions of intestinal mesenchymal and immune cells. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we aim to present the most recent information about gut cell biology and physiology, providing a resource for further exploration.
Introduction to Ancient Philosophy
Authors: Voroncov Evgeniy , Gerasimov A. , Savenok S.
Published: November 2022

This textbook is a systematic presentation of the fundamental ideas of ancient philosophical thought. Their origins, interrelation and logic of development are traced.
The analysis of specific philosophical systems precedes a detailed analysis of the essence of philosophical cognition: its subject, method, historical functions, place in a number of other ways of perceiving things.
The manual is distinguished by the consistency of presentation, balanced assessments, reliance on the evidence of primary sources. The material of each chapter is supplemented with explanatory drawings, tables and verification tests.
The content of the manual meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For bachelors of higher educational institutions in the humanities, students of lyceums and gymnasiums.
WITH THE USE OF MINERAL FERTILIZERS AND PLANT PROTECTION IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE VOLGA REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Zalyalov Ranis , Serzhanov Igor , Shaykhutdinov Farit , Serzhanova Al'bina , Garaev Razil
Published: November 2022

Studies to study the grain quality of the main varieties of spring wheat included in the state register in the 7th region were carried out in 2020-2021. under the conditions of Avangard LLC, Buinsky municipal district of the Republic of Tatarstan, on chernozem soils typical for this zone with agrochemical characteristics: humus content - 7.0-8.5%, mobile forms of phosphorus - 182-255 mg / kg, potassium - 159-193 mg / kg and pH salt – 5,5-5,8. Agrochemical analyzes of soils were carried out at the Federal State Budgetary Institution CAS "Tatarsky" by generally accepted methods: GOST 26213-91 (humus content), GOST 26484-85 (pHsal.), GOST 26207-91 (mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium). The meteorological conditions of 2020 were characterized by sufficient soil moisture and moderate temperature conditions during the growing season of spring wheat (STC-1.28) and had a positive impact on the future yield and grain quality. Meteorological indicators for the growing season of the research object in 2021 were extremely unfavorable for the formation of the crop. May and June were extremely dry, HTC-0,17-0,27. In the Pre-Volga zone of the Republic of Tatarstan, under conditions of unstable moisture, the effect of fertilizers on the yield is very variable. In a dry year, the effectiveness of mineral fertilizers is insignificant: only such varieties as Ekada 109, Yoldyz and Burlak gave a significant increase in yield by 10.6-11.9%. Conducted observations, records and analyzes in 2020 and 2021 showed that fertilizers in combination with a plant protection unit provided a sustainable increase in grain quality indicators. On average, over 2 years, in the Yoldyz variety, compared with the control and the standard variety Simbirtsit, the amount of mass fraction of gluten increased by 3.5%, and in the Ekada 109 and Burlak varieties by 4,1 and 4,3%.