bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of screw insertion depth into fractured vertebrae in the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures
Authors: Wang Jinghuai , Ren Dong , Geng Lindan , Chen Yufeng , Yao Shuangquan , Wang Pengcheng
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The study’s objective was to assess the effect of the screw insertion depth into fractured vertebrae in treating thoracolumbar fractures.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 92 patients with thoracolumbar fractures from December 2018 to February 2020. Patients had AO type A2, A3 thoracolumbar fractures. The patients were divided into two groups according to the screw insertion depth. The vertebral wedge angle (VWA), Cobb angle (CA), anterior vertebral body height (AVBH), middle vertebral body height (MVBH), visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared preoperatively and at one week and 12 months postoperatively. The correlation between Vertebral height loss and potential risk factors, such as sex, age, BMD and BMI was evaluated.

Results

Compared with the preoperative data, the postoperative clinical and radiographic findings were significantly different in both groups, But no significant difference between the two groups at 1 week. At 1 year postoperatively, there was a significant difference in the CA (p < 0.0001), VWA (p = 0.047), AVBH (p < 0.0001), MVBH (p < 0.0001), VAS score (p < 0.0001), and ODI (p < 0.0001) between the two groups, Except for age, bone density and other influencing factors the long screw group had better treatment results than the short screw group.

Conclusion

A longer screw provides greater grip on the fractured vertebral body and stronger support to the vertebral plate. The optimal screw placement depth exceeds 60% of the vertebral body length on the lateral view.
Retraction Note: Aging exacerbates the brain inflammatory micro-environment contributing to α-synuclein pathology and functional deficits in a mouse model of DLB/PD
Authors: Iba Michiyo , McDevitt Ross A. , Kim Changyoun , Roy Roshni , Sarantopoulou Dimitra , Tommer Ella , Siegars Byron , Sallin Michelle , Kwon Somin , Sen Jyoti Misra , Sen Ranjan , Masliah Eliezer
Published: October 2024

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13024-022-00564-6.
Demographic and genetic impacts of powdery mildew in a young oak (Quercus robur L.) cohort
Authors: Barrès Benoit , Dutech Cyril , Saint-Jean Gilles , Bodénès Catherine , Burban Christian , Fiévet Virgil , Lepoittevin Camille , Garnier-Géré Pauline , Desprez-Loustau Marie-Laure
Published: October 2024

Key message

By monitoring a field experiment over nine years, we investigated the impacts of the two main pathogen species Erysiphe quercicola S. Takam. and U. Braun and Erysiphe alphitoides (Griffon and Maubl.) U. Braun and S. Takam causing powdery mildew on a young cohort of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), both from a demographic and genetic point of view using SNP markers. We show that survival rate is affected by mean disease severity. But while the growth-related tolerance to infection of the oak individual seems to be more determinant than resistance against infection, no equalizing effect of the disease could be detected.

Context

Studies on the effects of pathogens on the survival and population dynamics of forest trees are scarce. Yet a better understanding of these interactions could prove strategic in the challenging context of climate change.

Aims

Our general objective was to characterize the demographic and genetic impact of the two main pathogen species Erysiphe quercicola S. Takam. and U. Braun and Erysiphe alphitoides (Griffon and Maubl.) U. Braun and S. Takam causing powdery mildew in the early stages of a Quercus robur L. population.

Methods

An ad hoc field design with two disease exposures, natural and protected, was surveyed over nine years. This enabled a detailed phenotypic monitoring of 1733 emerging individuals from 15 progenies, and the genotyping of 68% of them.

Results

The pathogen induced high levels of seedling mortality several years after sowing, associated with reduced growth and capacity to overwinter. Fast-growing families showed the highest survival rate under both natural and protected disease exposure. Contrary to a possible trade-off hypothesis between growth and defense, family height potential was not negatively related to disease resistance across the studied oak mother trees. While supporting a deleterious effect of very low individual heterozygosity on the probability of survival, average genomic diversity was not significantly affected by mortality associated with powdery mildew. Our study also points to a few candidate genes for several fitness-related traits.

Conclusion

Overall, our results suggest that in oak natural populations, infection levels (related to resistance sensu stricto) may be less determinant than growth-related tolerance to infection for the fate of seedlings. However, an equalizing effect of powdery mildew on relative oak genotype performances cannot be excluded at later stages.
Early metabolic and hemodynamic indicators of kidney dysfunction in mice offspring from parental low protein diet
Authors: Diniz Fabiola , Edgington-Giordano Francesca , El-Dahr Samir S. , Tortelote Giovane G.
Published: October 2024

Background

Parental malnutrition, particularly a low-protein diet (LPD), causes oligonephropathy at birth and predisposes offspring to hypertension and chronic kidney disease later in life. The onset of adult kidney disease varies based on genetics and environmental factors, often with subclinical alterations in kidney function being overlooked. This study aimed to examine changes in kidney morphology before significant kidney function decline in the offspring of mice fed a low-protein diet.

Methods

Using a combination of histological analysis, kidney metabolic and hemodynamic panel assessments, and advanced statistical techniques such as Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we investigated the initial impact of a maternal low-protein diet (LPD) on kidney development and function. Our study utilized 12-week-old F1 mice from F0 parents fed either a low-protein diet (LPD) or a normal-protein diet (NPD) before the onset of hypertension.

Results

The offspring (F1 generation) of parents (F0 generation) fed an LPD show reduced body weight from birth to P20. The kidney weight was also reduced compared to F1 offspring from parents fed an NPD. At 12 weeks of age, body weight normalized, but kidney weight remained low. Offspring of parents fed an LPD displayed abnormal kidney morphology, including dilated tubules, oligonephropathy, and fluid-filled cysts which had worsened with age. A kidney metabolic panel analysis at 12 weeks revealed a slight but consistent increase in urine albumin, plasma creatinine, mean urea, and BUN concentrations. Although no significant changes in hemodynamic variables were observed, 2/12 mice, both males, showed alterations in systolic blood pressure, suggesting sex-specific effects when comparing F1 mice from F0 fed either diet. Overall, kidney metabolic changes were strongly correlated to parental LPD.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that significant kidney damage must accumulate in the F1 generation from parents fed an LPD before any detectable changes in blood pressure occur. Our study suggests that small variations in kidney metabolic function may point to early kidney damage and should not be overlooked in the offspring of these malnourished mice and likely humans.
Artificial intelligence in higher education: exploring faculty use, self-efficacy, distinct profiles, and professional development needs
Authors: Mah Dana-Kristin , Groß Nele
Published: October 2024

Faculty perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education are crucial for AI’s meaningful integration into teaching and learning, yet research is scarce. This paper presents a study designed to gain insight into faculty members’ (N = 122) AI self-efficacy and distinct latent profiles, perceived benefits, challenges, use, and professional development needs related to AI. The respondents saw greater equity in education as AI’s greatest benefit, while students and faculty members’ lack of AI literacy was among the greatest challenges, with the majority interested in professional development. Latent class analysis revealed four distinct faculty member profiles: optimistic, critical, critically reflected, and neutral. The optimistic profile moderates the relationship between self-efficacy and usage. The development of adequate support services is suggested for successful and sustainable digital transformation.
The patient-reported outcome measure for older people living with frailty receiving acute care (PROM-OPAC): field-testing and validation
Authors: van Oppen James D. , Conroy Simon P. , Lalseta Jagruti , Mackintosh Nicola , Riley Peter , Richardson Vivien , Valderas Jose M. , Coats Timothy J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Current acute healthcare service metrics are not meaningful for older people living with frailty. Healthcare knowledge, situational security, and physical and psychosocial function are important outcomes typically not collected. The use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) could support these assessments. Existing instruments are not comprehensive as they typically consider function, while older people with frailty also value enablement (self-determination and security in health and healthcare). This study field-tested and validated a PROM for older people with frailty receiving acute care (PROM-OPAC) to measure enablement.

Methods

People aged 65+ with Clinical Frailty Scale 5–8 were recruited within seventy-two hours of an emergency attendance. Iterations of the novel instrument were administered over three stages: (1) preliminary field-testing for reliability (response distribution and internal consistency) and structure (exploratory factor analysis, EFA); (2) intermediate field-testing of an improved instrument for reliability and structure; (3) final draft validation assessing reliability, structure (confirmatory factor analysis, CFA), and construct validity based on a priori hypotheses. Feasibility was appraised throughout using data completeness and response rates and times.

Results

241 people participated. Three items of a preliminary seven-item measure had poor response distribution or loading and were accordingly improved. The intermediate instrument had interpretability issues and three items required further improvement. The final eight-item draft had acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.71), structure (two factors for self-determination and security; RMSEA: 0.065; TLI: 0.917; CFI: 0.944), and construct validity (lower scores from respondents waiting longer and requiring admission). Feasibility was promising (response rate 39%; 98% responses complete; median completion time 11 (IQR: 12) minutes).

Conclusions

Administration of the PROM-OPAC appeared feasible and the instrument had acceptable psychometric properties. Further evaluation is required to assess generalisability.
Use of Esmolol to treat resistant electrical storm in a patient with decompensated heart failure
Authors: Hatoum Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Background

Ventricular tachycardia storm is a syndrome defined by the presence of at least three episodes of ventricular tachycardia over a 24-h period, requiring termination by intervention. Standard therapy consists initially of using intravenous betablockers (if left ventricular ejection fraction is preserved) and Amiodarone, in addition to intravenous Lidocaine (in case of ischemic etiology) and light sedation. In the present case, a ventricular tachycardia storm episode is terminated by Esmolol, a particular intravenous betablocker, despite acute decompensated heart failure.

Case presentation

We report the case of an 89-year-old patient presenting for a ventricular tachycardia storm and acute heart failure with reduced left ventricle ejection fraction of coronary ischemic origin that persisted despite coronary revascularization, oral betablocker, intravenous Amiodarone and Lidocaine, light sedation, and multiple electrical cardioversion. Emergency catheter ablation was not feasible due to meteorological conditions. We decided to use an intravenous betablocker despite the presence of acute heart failure. We favored use of intravenous Esmolol over other intravenous betablockers due to its short half-life and thus his rapid elimination, a unique characteristic for Esmolol. Intravenous Esmolol has successfully terminated the ventricular tachycardia without causing cardiogenic shock.

Conclusions

Intravenous Esmolol can be used safely in patients with acute decompensated heart failure to terminate an electrical storm after failure of other measures. Close monitoring of the patient remains essential.
Correlation of psychosocial factors with pain, posture, function, and disability in chronic mechanical neck pain patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khatri Maria , Panhale Vrushali , Walankar Prachita
Published: October 2024

Background

Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that has an impact on the function and quality of life of an individual. Psychosocial factors along with the physical factors may have an impact on the perception of pain. Hence, the study aimed to find the correlation of psychosocial factors with pain, posture, function, and disability in chronic mechanical neck pain patients.

Method

A cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling method was conducted in 55 chronic mechanical neck pain patients. The pain was assessed using numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), pain pressure threshold (PPT) using a pressure algometer, kinesiophobia using Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), pain catastrophizing using Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Posture analysis was done by various postural angle and flexicurve, cervical muscle endurance was tested using the craniocervical flexion test, cervical proprioception was measured using head repositioning accuracy test and Neck disability index was used to score disability.

Result

A significant positive correlation was found between TSK and NDI (r = 0.34, p = 0.01). There is a negative correlation of PTT (right sternocleidomastoid) with Kinesiophobia (r =  − 0.35, p = 0.008). There is a moderate positive correlation between posture (shoulder angle on the left side) and TSK (r = 0.3, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The study concludes that psychosocial factors not only have a significant role but are correlated to pain, posture, function, and disability in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.
Palbociclib in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer and Other Tumors With
CDKN2A
Alterations: Results From the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study
Authors: Worden Francis P. , Pisick Evan , Rothe Michael , Mangat Pam K. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Khalil Maged F. , Carrizosa Daniel R. , Bauman Jessica R. , Leidner Rom S. , Duvivier Herbert L. , Fu Siqing , Park Min S. , Yost Kathleen J. , Calfa Carmen J. , Marr Alissa S. , Balmanoukian Ani S. , Behl Deepti , Cannon Timothy L. , Nabell Lisle , Powell Steven Francis , Thota Ramya , Hinshaw Dominique C. , Gregory Abigail , Grantham Gina N. , Halabi Susan , Schilsky Richard L.
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry is a phase II basket trial evaluating the antitumor activity of commercially available targeted agents in patients with advanced cancer and targetable genomic alterations. Two cohorts of patients with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (
CDKN2A
)–mutated tumors treated with palbociclib are reported: one with head and neck cancer (HNC) with both squamous and nonsquamous cell histologies, and one with histology-pooled (HP) cancers.

METHODS

Eligible patients had measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2, adequate organ function, and no standard treatment options. The primary end point was disease control (DC), defined as objective response (OR) or stable disease (SD) of at least 16+ weeks duration. For the HNC cohort, Simon's two-stage design with a null DC rate of 15% versus 35% (power = 0.85; α = .10) was used. For the HP cohort, the null hypothesis of a DC rate of 15% was rejected if the lower limit of a one-sided 90% CI was >15%. Secondary end points included OR, safety, progression-free survival, overall survival, duration of response, and duration of SD

RESULTS

Seventy patients with HNC (N = 28) or HP cancers (N = 42) were treated with palbociclib. For the HNC cohort, DC and OR rates were 40% (one-sided 90% CI, 27 to 100) and 4% (95% CI, <1 to 18), respectively. The null hypothesis was rejected (
P
= .002). For the HP cohort, DC and OR rates were 13% (one-sided 90% CI, 6 to 100) and 5% (95% CI, <1 to 17), respectively. The null hypothesis was not rejected. Thirty-one of 70 patients experienced treatment-related grade 3 to 4 adverse events (AEs) or serious AEs, the most common including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia.

CONCLUSION

Palbociclib met prespecified criteria to declare a signal of activity in patients with HNC with
CDKN2A
alterations, but not in the HP cohort.
Quantization rule for transition suppression in dynamic two-level system
Authors: Granot Er'El
Published: October 2024

The transmission probability in a generic two-quasi-state system is addressed. An approximate expression for the transmission probability between the two quasi-states is derived for the case where the energy gap between the two states varies. Unlike the Landau-Zener formula, the temporal change can have a generic form and can vanish several times. In particular, when the energy gap vanishes twice, an analytical quantization rule for the suppression of transmission between two quasi-states is derived.
Discrimination and Precision of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Staging Children With Presymptomatic Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Huber Elisabeth , Singh Tarini , Bunk Melanie , Hebel Mayscha , Kick Kerstin , Weiß Andreas , Kohls Mirjam , Köger Melanie , Hergl Maja , Zapardiel Gonzalo Jose Maria , Bonifacio Ezio , Ziegler Anette-G
Published: October 2024

Context

Staging and monitoring of presymptomatic type 1 diabetes includes the assessment for dysglycemia.

Objective

To assess the ability of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to differentiate between islet autoantibody-negative controls and early-stage type 1 diabetes and explore whether CGM classifiers predict progression to clinical diabetes.

Research Design and Methods

Children and adolescents participating in public health screening for islet autoantibodies in Bavaria, Germany, were invited to undergo CGM with Dexcom G6. In total, 118 participated and valid data was obtained from 97 [57 female; median age 10 (range 3-17) years], including 46 with stage 1, 18 with stage 2, and 33 with no islet autoantibodies.

Results

Mean glucose during CGM in islet autoantibody-negative controls was high (median, 115.3 mg/dL) and varied substantially (interquartile range, 106.8-124.4). Eleven (33%) of the controls had more than 10% of glucose values above 140 mg/dL (TA140). Using thresholds corresponding to 100% specificity in controls, differences between controls and stage 1 and stage 2 were obtained for glucose SD, TA140, TA160, and TA180. Elevations in any 2 of these parameters identified 12 (67%) with stage 2 and 9 (82%) of 11 participants who developed clinical diabetes within 1 year. However, there was marked variation within groups for all parameters and poor consistency observed in a second CGM performed in 18 participants.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential of integrating CGM into staging and monitoring of early-stage type 1 diabetes. However, substantial improvement in the precision of CGM is required for its application in routine monitoring practices.
Heterogeneous Origins of Calcium Homeostasis Disorders Arising From 5 Heterozygous Calcium-Sensing Receptor Variants
Authors: Du Wei , Boisen Ida Marie , Rahman Sabrina N , Poulsen Nadia Nicholine , Mathiesen Jesper M , Blomberg Jensen Martin , Bräuner-Osborne Hans , Jensen Anders A
Published: October 2024

Context

The human calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) plays a key role in calcium homeostasis, and most identified CASR variants are associated with hypercalcemic and hypocalcemic disorders.

Objective

Here we characterized the pharmacological implications of 5 heterozygous CASR variants from individuals with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia 1 (FHH1: Y63C, I81T, Q459R, W818stop) or autosomal dominant hypocalcemia 1 (ADH1: R955stop).

Methods

Total and cell surface expression levels of wild-type (WT) and variant CaSRs expressed in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the pharmacological properties of the receptors were delineated in 2 functional assays.

Results

The Y63C and I81T variations in the extracellular domain (ECD) of CaSR yielded markedly reduced cell surface expression and Ca2+ responsiveness, while Q459R displayed WT-like expression and functional properties. Truncation of the 7-transmembrane domain (7TMD) in W818stop eliminated cell surface expression, whereas R955stop in the intracellular carboxy-terminal yielded modestly increased surface expression and Ca2+ potency compared with WT CaSR. Interestingly, the effectiveness of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) at the variants varied. Ca2+-mediated signaling through Y63C and I81T was significantly augmented by 7TMD-binding PAMs (NPS R-568 and evocalcet) but not by ECD-binding PAMs (etelcalcetide and Nb4), whereas signaling through Q459R and R955stop were robustly potentiated by all four PAMs.

Conclusion

While the molecular phenotypes exhibited by the 5 CaSR variants concord with the clinical phenotypes in individuals harboring them, CASR variant–induced calcium homeostasis disorders clearly arise from diverse molecular origins, and the effectiveness of calcimimetics in these disorders could differ depending on the specific variants.
Developing a Wearable Sensor-Based Digital Biomarker of Opioid Dependence
Authors: Carreiro Stephanie , Ramanand Pravitha , Akram Washim , Stapp Joshua , Chapman Brittany , Smelson David , Indic Premananda
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Repeated opioid exposure leads to a variety of physiologic adaptations that develop at different rates and may foreshadow risk of opioid-use disorder (OUD), including dependence and withdrawal. Digital pharmacovigilance strategies that use noninvasive sensors to identify physiologic adaptations to opioid use represent a novel strategy to facilitate safer opioid prescribing. This study aims to identify wearable sensor-derived features associated with opioid dependence by comparing opioid-naïve individuals to chronic opioid users with acute pain and developing a machine-learning model to distinguish between the 2 groups.

METHODS:

Using a longitudinal observational study design, continuous physiologic data were collected on participants with acute pain receiving opioid analgesia. Monitoring continued throughout hospitalization and for up to 7 days posthospital discharge. Opioid administration data were obtained from electronic health record (EHR) and participant self-report. Participants were classified as belonging to 1 of 3 categories based on opioid use history: naïve, occasional, or chronic use. Thirty features were derived from sensor data, and an additional 9 features were derived from participant demographic and treatment characteristics. Physiologic feature behavior immediately postopioid use was compared among naïve and chronic participants, and subsequently features were used to generate machine learning models which were validated using cross-validation and holdout data.

RESULTS:

Forty-one participants with a combined total of 169 opioid administrations were ultimately included in the final analysis. Four interpretable decision tree-based machine learning models with 14 sensor-based and 5 clinical features were developed to predict class membership on the level of a given observation (dose) and on the participant level. Ranges for model metrics on the participant level were as follows: accuracy 70% to 90%, sensitivity 67% to 100%, and specificity 67% to 100%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Wearable sensor-derived digital biomarkers can be used to predict opioid use status (naïve versus chronic) and the differentiating features may be detecting opioid dependence. Future work should be aimed at further delineating the phenomenon identified in these models (including opioid dependence and/or withdrawal) and at identifying transition states where an individual changes from 1 profile to another with repetitive opioid exposure.
Inquisitorial Model of Juridical Inequality / Modelo Inquisitorial de Desigualdade Jurídica
Authors: Lima Roberto Kant de
Published: October 2024

International coverage of the anticorruption task forces launched in Brazil in 2005 and 2014 exposed the world to some of the Brazil’s ordinary and unique procedures for crime prosecution and the peculiar forms of collaboration between judges, public prosecutors, and civil/judicial police. The anticorruption indictments focused on the launch of investigations in 2005 into the so-called Mensalão scandal, consisting of monthly payoffs made to lawmakers, supposedly engineered by President Lula’s government to keep right-wing lawmakers from blocking his legislative agenda. This chapter focuses on these dominant judicial procedures and policing practices in contemporary Brazil—namely, the inquisitorial judicial and policing regime. The justice procedures and policing practices of the Inquisition, or inquisitorial models of rule, are rising up to overthrow liberal legal-juridical traditions globally and especially in places like the United States.
Nonbinary Governance Epistemologies / Epistemologias de Governança Nãobinárias
Authors: Brancoli Fernando
Published: October 2024

Parallel state, hybrid governance zone, and nongovernance areas: while pointing out relationships between drug traffickers, militias, and government actors, these concepts maintain a strict binary notion of order. They do so by juxtaposing nonstate actors and crime-ridden populations, on the one hand, and the state on the other. This fosters blame against Black and working-class populations—as almost naturally spawning the criminal worlds of the nonstate, while being engaged by the formal, visible state only in moments of coercion, punishment, or extermination. Also, this binary epistemology of governance is a political-economic regime. This chapter elevates the concept of a nonbinary crossroads epistemology for understanding the true formations of rule. It spotlights the regular and nonexceptional operation of this kind of entangled governance. It is more useful to understand the relationships between paramilitary groups and government forces as a complex constellation of powers, knowledge, and interests that constitute parastatal state formation.
Legal Limbo of Urban Indigeneity / Limbo Jurídico da Indigeneidade Urbana
Authors: Albuquerque Marcos Alexandre dos Santos
Published: October 2024

This chapter analyzes the current condition of the Indigenous population in Rio de Janeiro. It explores the growth of Indigenous urban populations and what that has meant for the legal rights and visibility of such groups. The concept of legal limbo is useful in capturing the recolonial predicament that the state deploys for urban Indigenous citizens. If the state recognizes Indigenous peoples only through their villages, lands, and tribes, can an urban Indigenous individual or people—who migrated away or were forcibly displaced from their ancestral villages—still make legal claims as Indigenous? And to which state authority would they make these claims? This chapter focuses on the occupation of the Museu do índio and the government response to such actions. Government refusal to ignore the legal rights of Rio’s Indigenous peoples reveals both the victories and limitations of movement organizations that have emerged in recent years.
Terreiro Politics and Afro-religious Mobilizations / Política do Terreiro e Mobilizações Afro-religiosas
Authors: Almeida Rosiane Rodrigues de , Silva Leonardo Vieira
Published: October 2024

In August 2018, scant media attention was given to the dozens of Afro-religious community members, representing a variety of Afro-Brazilian religious traditions, who occupied the municipal legislative chamber in Rio de Janeiro. They did so to defend animal sacrifice, which is sanctioned in their religions and represents a key spiritual and collective ritual. The Supreme Court was at the time considering the constitutionality of such practices. This chapter highlights the complexity and diversity of Black practice emerging in the 1990s among Afro-religious peoples in Brazil, in traditional terreiro communities. Seen through an ethnographic approach, the political performance of Afro-religious people has given rise to a contemporary model of activism based on sociocultural diversity of religious practices. Such a scenario enabled a reconfiguration of the global fight against racism, not aligning entirely with other Black Brazilian movements but remaining in dialogue, more generally, with Black movements in North America.
Reexistence and “Villaging Up” / Re-existência e Aldeiamento
Authors: Souza Lima Antonio Carlos de , Julião Cristiane Gomes , Amado Luiz Henrique Eloy
Published: October 2024

On September 2, 2018, São Cristóvão Palace was destroyed in a catastrophic fire. This palace was a mighty, sprawling architectural monument built in 1803 that served as home to the Portuguese imperial family when Rio de Janeiro was the seat of the global Portuguese Empire and after independence from Portugal in 1822. In 1892, the palace was transformed into the National Museum. This edifice was unique, for it also served as the nation’s hub for anthropological scholarship of written, cultural, and treaty records of Indigenous peoples. This chapter centers Indigenous lawyers and activists, alumni of the museum, and their mission to defend Indigenous rights through law and by becoming an anthropologist. The authors provide a historical overview of the museum and its role in Indigenous histories.
Incidence, Management, and Outcomes of Pediatric Infectious Aneurysms
Authors: Giraudo Francesca , El Baba Bachar , Alawieh Ali M. , Saad Hassan , Barrow Daniel L. , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Sawvel Michael S. , Chern Joshua J. , Brahma Barunashish , Howard Brian M. , Reisner Andrew
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) are rare cerebrovascular complications of infective endocarditis (IE) accounting approximatively for 0.5% to 6.5% of all aneurysms. In children, mycotic aneurysms secondary to IE are uncommon.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study of patients treated for pediatric IIA secondary to IE at our institution with an emphasis on presentation, etiologies, nuances in management, and outcomes.

RESULTS:

One hundred fifty-one patients were treated for IE secondary to congenital or acquired heart disease, of which 13 patients (8.6%) presented with intracranial hemorrhage. IIA occurred in 5 patients (2.6%) with IE. IIA accounted for 15% of intracranial aneurysms treated during the study period.

CONCLUSION:

Pediatric patients with ruptured IIAs have a high rate of rerupture, and early surgical intervention should be considered through an open or endovascular route when available.
Improved functions for nonlinear sequence comparison using SEEKR
Authors: Li Shuang , Eberhard Quinn E. , Ni Luke , Calabrese J. Mauro
Published: October 2024

SEquence Evaluation throughk-mer Representation (SEEKR) is a method of sequence comparison that uses sequence substrings calledk-mers to quantify the nonlinear similarity between nucleic acid species. We describe the development of new functions within SEEKR that enable end-users to estimateP-values that ascribe statistical significance to SEEKR-derived similarities, as well as visualize different aspects ofk-mer similarity. We apply the new functions to identify chromatin-enriched lncRNAs that containXIST-like sequence features, and we demonstrate the utility of applying SEEKR on lncRNA fragments to identify potential RNA-protein interaction domains. We also highlight ways in which SEEKR can be applied to augment studies of lncRNA conservation, and we outline the best practice of visualizing RNA-seq read density to evaluate support for lncRNA annotations before their in-depth study in cell types of interest.
Geographical ignorance: The vital role of geographic knowledge for decision-makers
Authors: Tagil Sermin , Arslan Huseyin Mert
Published: October 2024

The ongoing environmental, social, and cultural problems in today’s world indicate that geographic knowledge (GK) is not given sufficient importance by decision-makers. On the other hand, decision-makers, when making crucial decisions that impact competitiveness, economic well-being, and environmental stability, face significant risks and potential costs due to gaps in GK and a lack of awareness. In this context, this article presents a theoretical investigation that underscores how GK can assist decision-makers in achieving success in their decisions. We characterize GK with a mindset emphasizing the complex spatial system connections and the significant role of space in decision-making processes. The article discusses this topic at the local-regional, national, and international scales. As a result, we argue that addressing the knowledge gaps of decision-makers is impactful in enhancing their capacity to understand the mutual relationships among environmental dynamics at various scales and enables the synthesis of economic, political, social, and cultural mechanisms within human society. Considering the support of theory for empirical studies, we hope that this study will also support empirical research related to planning. Overcoming challenges requires a holistic approach that not only equips decision-makers with GK but also enables its effective implementation throughout the planning process.
Przestępczość narkotykowa nieletnich w województwie wielkopolskim. Kontekst miejsko-wiejski
Authors: Kulczyńska Katarzyna , Bogacka Emilia
Published: October 2024

Celem artykułu jest analiza miejsko-wiejskiego kontekstu przestępczości narkotykowej nieletnich w województwie wielkopolskim w układzie powiatów w latach 2017–2021. Badania prowadzono w odniesieniu do trzech podstawowych zagadnień: (a) zbadania relacji pomiędzy natężeniem przestępczości narkotykowej na obszarach miejskim i wiejskim w danej jednostce przestrzennej z wykorzystaniem wskaźnika kontrastu, który jest ilorazem wskaźnika natężenia przestępstw narkotykowych nieletnich w miastach i na obszarach wiejskich, (b) ustalenia sekwencji typów przestępczości narkotykowej w oparciu o wskaźnik natężenia przestępczości, będący liczbą przestępstw narkotykowych popełnionych przez nieletnich w przeliczeniu na 10 tys. nieletnich, oraz (c) prześledzenia zmian w czasie poziomu przestępczości narkotykowej nieletnich w miastach, uwzględniając podział miast na trzy kategorie wielkościowe: duże, średnie i małe. Badania wykazały, że wzrosła liczba przestępstw narkotykowych popełnionych przez nieletnich. Czyny te najczęściej popełniane są w największych miastach regionu, jak również w powiatach sąsiadujących z dużym miastem bądź posiadających na swym obszarze duże lub średniej wielkości miasto. Wzrasta przestępczość narkotykowa nieletnich na obszarach wiejskich, czego odzwierciedleniem jest malejący wskaźnik kontrastu. Spośród 35 powiatów szczególnie wysoka przestępczość występuje w zlokalizowanych w północnej części województwa powiatach: chodzieskim i pilskim, a zjawisko wykazuje oznaki do skupiania się w miastach.
The role of physical exercise in modifying cardiovascular parameters in hypertensive patients
Authors: Rad Bodan Roxana Cristina , Dușe Adina Octavia , Papp Eniko Gabriela , Melinte Răzvan Marian , Andor Minodora
Published: October 2024

Hypertension is among the top risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Diversified rehabilitation programs are needed to limit the progression of the high blood pressure condition. The welfare of aquatic therapy is acknowledged, but hydrotherapeutic procedures are rarely used in cardiovascular diseases. The study aims to assess the impact of an exhaustive hydro-kinetic thermo therapeutic program compared to other methods of treatment, i.e., cardiovascular rehabilitation program, recommendation for a healthy life, and antihypertensive medication. Four groups of patients (46 years ±0,32) diagnosed with hypertension participated in four different rehabilitation programs to analyze the impact on their effort capacity. Their ability to achieve average effort without the appearance of fatigue symptoms was studied for a period of eight weeks by monitoring six parameters: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Borg Scale, Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MRC-DS), pulse (P) and oxygen saturation (O2). Group A, which benefited only of recommendations for a healthy life, didn’t register any significant p values between the initial and final evaluation; group B, which had medications and recommendations for a healthy life, registered significant p values for 2 parameters (SBP and P have p<0.0001); group C, which took part in a cardiovascular rehabilitation program, obtained significant p values for 5 parameters (SBP, DBP, Borg, MRC-DS and O2 have p<0.0001); Group D, the recipient of hydrotherapeutic program, registered significant p values for all statistically 6 monitored parameters (SBP, DBP, Borg, MRC-DS, P and O2 have p<0.0001). Physical activity in water performed regularly within a controlled therapeutic program with the thermal and electrotherapy components, leading to improved capacity for the effort by decreasing blood pressure values and dyspnea parameters.
Hip and shoulder flexibility in novice rhythmic gymnasts and age-matched controls: Inter-limb asymmetry
Authors: Purenović-Ivanović Tijana , Sterkowicz-Przybycień Katarzyna , Đošić Anđela , Stojanović Stefan , Ilbak Ismail
Published: October 2024

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport of asymmetry and lateral preferences, so the main objective of this study was to examine and compare hip and shoulder range of motion (ROM) and inter-limb asymmetry in 44 rhythmic gymnasts (RGs) and 51 age-matched non-athletes (NAs), i.e. controls. The baseline characteristics of 95 female participants, divided into two age-group categories (U8: 6–8 years, N=36; U11: 8–11 years, N=59) were established, as well as their hip (right/left hip flexion, right/left hip extension, right/left hip abduction, in °) and shoulder ROM (right/left shoulder flexion, right/left shoulder extension, in °), and asymmetry index (ASI, in %) was calculated. Significant differences between RGs and NAs were established (the exception is hip and shoulder extension in U8s, p>0.05), with greater ROM values recorded in RGs. Significant age differences were recorded among RGs in hip flexion and left hip abduction (p<0.05), in favor of U11s, and within NAs only in the case of right hip flexion (p=0.017), but in favor of U8s. The presence of asymmetries (ASI>15%), as well as its absence, is established in both RGs and NAs, but statistically significant side-to-side differences were recorded in U8 NAs (shoulder flexion, p=0.044) and U11 NAs (shoulder extension, p=0.057).
Association of the echocardiographic parameters with the physical dimension of quality of life
Authors: Iovanovici Diana Carina , Negru Alina Gabriela , Nistor-Cseppento Delia Carmen , Tit Delia Mirela , Niculescu Victor , Bungau Simona Gabriela , Popescu Mircea Ioachim
Published: October 2024

Heart failure (HF) is determined by pathophysiologic changes in the left ventricle (LV) that occur before the onset of clinical symptoms; these changes can lead to mitral insufficiency that will maintain and favor ventricular dysfunction. An associated change in contractility occurs which will maintain the vicious circle. 252 patients with HF were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Patients were divided into two groups, Group I-S/V (n = 55) and Group II-CT (n = 197) to comparatively assess cardi-ac parameters according to the administered therapy and to determine their correlation with quality of life domains. 2D measurements were performed to determine ultrasound parameters. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. When analyzing the mean values of the determined echocardiographic parame-ters, significant differences in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.03) Results: Analysing the mean values of the echocardiographic parameters determined, significant differences in LV ejection fraction (LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.001) and right ventricular diameter (p = 0.030) were found between the two study groups. The incidence of aortic regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation was higher in the I-S/V group (40% vs. 25%, p = 0.001, respec-tively 47% vs. 35%, p = 0.03). Mitral regurgitation was present in relatively similar per-centages. Testing the association of echocardiographic parameters with quality of life do-mains showed a significant association of LVEF with physical health and relationship with the environment (p = 0.002, r = 0.143, respectively p = 0.041, r = 0.129). Physical dimension and relationship with the environment are more affected in pa-tients with low LVEF. Routine echocardiographic evaluation is essential in the global as-sessment of the HF patient and may suggest a low quality of life with impaired physical dimension.
The Impact of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Quality of Life in
Elderly Heart Failure Patients-Literature Review
Authors: Nicoara Alina Doina , Alexandrescu Luana , Tofolean Doina Ecaterina , Iliescu Madalina Gabriela , Condur Laura Maria , Tofolean Ionut Tiberiu
Published: October 2024

The research investigates how cardiac rehabilitation impacts life quality in elderly heart failure patients. Older patients often encounter distinctive issues, such as other health conditions and age-linked frailty, affecting their ability to join and gain from rehab programs. This study examines customized rehab plans to meet these needs, which entail using both traditional and new methods like telerehabilitation and activities such as Tai Chi and yoga. Results show that specific rehab programs notably improve functional ability and cut hospital stays for elderly heart failure patients. Also, home-based rehab plans, like the REACH-HF program, appear cost-effective, boosting life quality and reducing health problems. Telerehabilitation has shown to expand access to rehab services, especially aiding elderly patients who struggle to attend on-site programs. This study also asseses the improvement in quality of life, namely the physical and psychological health, such as the augmentation/improvement of patients’ exercise tolerance, participation in social activities or even the increased desire of taking care of themselves. The research highlights the significance of including risk understanding, precise nursing activities, and diverse physical exercises to enhance involvement and commitment, improving results and patient happiness. These findings support the ongoing creation and execution of patient-focused cardiac rehab strategies to better the overall health and well-being of elderly heart failure patients.
Physical Rehabilitation in Multiple Myeloma - A Retrospective Analysis and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bancoș Mădălina Daiana , Dogaru Gabriela Bombonica , Țîpcu Alexandru , Sălăgean Alex-Sergiu , Orășan Olga-Hilda , Milaciu Mircea Vasile , Hirișcău Elisabeta Ioana , Ciumărnean Lorena
Published: October 2024

Multiple Myeloma is a malignancy characterized by multisystem involvement, including multiple osteolytic lesions, anemia, and renal insufficiency. The debilitating course of this disease highlights the importance of exploring the therapeutic potential of physical rehabilitation in improving patients' quality of life and providing meaningful clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of physical rehabilitation programs for patients with multiple myeloma, analyzing the evolution and characteristics of multiple myeloma cases in a medical clinic in Romania. Through this, we seek to contribute to the development of new approaches and protocols in physical rehabilitation, which may improve the therapeutic management and quality of life for patients with this complex condition. A retrospective analysis was conducted on newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients over a 7-year period (2017-2023) at a clinic in Romania. The collected data included the time of initial diagnosis, patient age, residence (rural or urban), multiple myeloma subtype,treatments initiated, hematological parameters, presence of bone lesions, and comorbidities. We reviewed the existing literature on physical rehabilitation in multiple myeloma and assessed the associated advantages and challenges. Statistical analysis was performed to identify trends and correlations within our cohort. Out of a total of 255 patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma at a medical center in Romania, the majority were men from urban areas. It was observed that the average age at diagnosis was lower among patients from urban areas. Additionally, 69.8% of patients presented with bone lesions, while pancytopenias were rarely encountered at the time of diagnosis. Personalization of physical exercises is essential to maximize rehabilitation benefits for patients with multiple myeloma. Complications such as pancytopenias and frequently encountered bone lesions should not discourage the recommendation of rehabilitation. Decisions must be individually tailored and coordinated by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the rehabilitation program's safety and efficacy.
The relationship between myotonometry parameters and spinal mobility in ankylosing spondylitis patients included in a physical exercise program
Authors: Seres Ioana Gabriela , Bolovan Andrei Daniel , Dragomir Daniela , Duse Adina Octavia , Popa Daniel , Sinmarghitan Georgeta Mioara , Amaricai Elena
Published: October 2024

Studies showed that the mechanical properties of spinal muscles in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) differ from healthy controls; the continued disease duration alters elasticity and stiffness. Our research focused on analyzing the myotonometry parameters of the longissimus capitis and lumbar erector spinae muscles and spinal mobility in AS patients who followed an 8-week physical exercise program. 34 AS patients were evaluatedevaluated at the beginning of the physical exercise program and after 8 weeks by MyotonPRO (the device measures frequency, stiffness, decrement, relaxation time, and creep) and cervical and lumbar spine assessments. Significantly higher frequency was noted for right and left longissimus capitis muscle after rehabilitation. We recorded statistically significant decreasedstiffness and higher decrement for the right lumbar erector spinae muscle at the second assessment. After the physical exercise program, the cervical spine range of motionmotion improved significantly for all the tested movements. The Schober test had significantly increased values, while the finger-to-floor test decreased significantly. Significant correlations were noted between stiffness and right lumbar rotation and right lumbar lateral flexion at both baseline and 8-week assessments. Improvements in cervical and lumbar spinal motions can be analyzed in relation to mechanical muscles properties in AS pa-tients who have followed a physical exercise program.