bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodic Trends in the Incidence of Cleft Palate in a Cohort of Sri Lankan Cleft Palate Patients
Authors: Ilayperuma I. , Prabodha L. B. L. , Nanayakkara B. C. I. J. , Nanayakkara B. G.
Published: January 2025

Background: Over the last few decades the incidence of cleft palate has been increasing across the world. There are several genetic and environmental factors are reported to be among the causative agents of cleft palate. Theres scarcity of data with regards to the seasonality and the occurance of cleft palate among sri Lankans. Hence, the purpose of this study was to identify periodic changes in the incidence of cleft palate in a cohort of Sri Lankan population.Material & methods: Subjects (n=323) with cleft palate registered at the Regional Cleft Centre & Maxillo-Facial Department, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Galle, from the 1st of January 2001 to 31st of December 2020 were included in the study. Structured interviewer based questionnaire was used to collect the information after obtaining the informed written consent.Results: Significantly higher number of cleft palate cases in this study were born in March (p = 0.008) compared with the national birth incidence while significantly lower numbers were born in October (p = 0.01). The sex ratio in the study sample was 0.71.Conclusions: The periodic trends in the incidence of cleft palate found in this preliminary study reinstated that environmental factors may have accounted for the reported seasonal variations observed in the incidence of cleft palate. Future studies are warranted to investigate the putative harmful seasonal factors that can influence the occurance of cleft palate.
Knowledge and Practices on the Usage of Pesticides among Farmers in Sevanagala, Sri Lanka
Authors: Roshini N. , Jayarathna S. L. , Madushani N. , Wickramasinghe C. U. , Ekanayake K. B. , Fernando D. M. G.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: In Sri Lanka, pesticides are widely used in agriculture, and they have both beneficial effects and health hazards.Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Sevanagala Grama Niladhari Division in south-eastern Sri Lanka, to assess the knowledge and practices on usage of pesticides, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, among farmers who were aged more than 30 years and selected by systematic random sampling.Results and Discussion: In the sample of 210 male farmers, 204 (97%) had received formal school education and only 21 (10%) had received formal training on pesticide use. Many subjects were aware of the health effects of pesticides including renal failure (204, 97%), dizziness (180, 86%), headache (172, 82%) and cancers (166, 79%). Regarding knowledge of pesticide use, 147 (70%) had scored “good” and above, while 62 (30%) had a “moderate” score. The majority of farmers use some kind of protective equipment including protective clothing (149, 71%) and head coverings (129, 61%). The majority of subjects removed contaminated clothes (188, 90%), bathed using soap (181, 86%) and washed hands with soap and water (144, 69%) after spraying. Empty containers were thrown away by 144 (69%). Regarding the storage of empty containers, 203 (97%) subjects store them away from children while 174 (83%) use a storage room for this purpose. However, 3 (1%) subjects store them inside bedrooms. Regarding healthy practices of pesticide use, only 38 (18%) scored “good” or above, while 170 (81%) of the sample were ranked “moderate”. Knowledge of pesticide use and healthy practices showed a weak positive linear correlation (r=0.354, p<0.001).Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight that the farmers in Sevanagala possess a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding the health effects and safe usage of pesticides, but their practices reveal gaps that need attention.
Dysphagia Turns Out to Be Ossification of the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament of The Cervical Spine: A Case Report
Authors: Danushka P. G. N. , Osudhihansi A. G. M. , Jayasinghe R. , Punsara R. G. N. , Attanayake D.
Published: January 2025

Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL) is a rare cause of dysphagia that can mimic esophageal malignancies, particularly in elderly patients. We present the case of a 61-year-old male with progressively worsening dysphagia, primarily for solids. Examination revealed a midline bulge in the posterior oropharyngeal wall. After esophageal malignancy was ruled out via endoscopy, computed tomography identified OALL extending from the C1-C2 spinal segments. The patient underwent anterior osteophytectomy at C1-C2, leading to significant symptom improvement without postoperative complications. Surgical intervention is a simple and effective procedure that provides immediate relief by decompressing the pharynx. In patients with symptomatic OALL severely affecting their quality of life, early surgical management yields favorable outcomes.
Adherence, perceptions and knowledge of an HIV PMTCT programme: A mother-baby pair study
Authors: Mabuka Sthembiso , Lowane Mygirl P. , Nesengani Tintswalo V. , Simbeni Thembi V.
Published: January 2025

Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes are designed to prevent HIV transmission to infants and children. Despite efforts to achieve this goal, several factors continue to pose challenges.Objectives: To investigate the level of adherence, perceptions, knowledge, and factors associated with adherence to the PMTCT programme in primary healthcare facilities.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study design and quantitative research approach was used, and clinical records were reviewed to determine the prevalence of seroconverted babies of mothers enrolled in a PMTCT programme for the past 2 years in the community healthcare centres. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.Results: A total of 341 mother-baby pairs were recruited and took part in the study. Most women (263; 77%), perceived that a pregnant woman living with HIV can transmit the virus to her unborn baby. The following factors were independently associated with non-adherence: being unmarried, the period of maternal HIV diagnosis and initiation on antiretroviral therapy, unsuppressed viral load results, missed clinic appointments, side effects, and getting tired of taking HIV medication.Conclusion: This study investigated adherence to and perceptions of all components of the PMTCT programme by pregnant and breastfeeding women in primary healthcare facilities. Despite the significant progress made, maternal and paediatric HIV pandemic pose a challenge to the PMTCT services. There is a need for follow-up research to monitor the ongoing adherence to the PMTCT programme and its long-term impact in reducing the rate of transmission of HIV in mothers.
Corrigendum: The neoliberal turn in higher education: Pitfalls, challenges, possibilities in the global South
Authors: Hlatshwayo Mlamuli N. , Moloi Tshepo M.
Published: January 2025

No abstract available.
Tardive Syndromes: A Challenging Multitude of Maladies
Authors: Kaur Ranjot , Patil Vaibhav , Agarwal Ayush , Srivastava Achal K , Garg Divyani
Published: January 2025

“Tardive syndrome” is an umbrella term for a group of drug-induced movement disorders associated with the prolonged use of mainly dopamine receptor blockers and also other medications. Early recognition followed by gradual withdrawal of the incriminating drug may lead to reversal, although not in all patients. Tardive syndromes are usually mixed movement disorders, with specific phenotypes, which may lead to severe disability. The pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Treatment ranges from medical options, particularly dopamine-depleting agents and chemodenervation (botulinum toxin), to surgical options (deep brain stimulation and lesioning surgeries). Most studies that focused on treatment are limited by small patient numbers. Unfortunately, tardive syndromes often remain under-recognized in clinical practice. This article reviews the historical aspects, epidemiology and risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, clinical phenotypes, and management of tardive syndromes.
Post-Obstructive Pulmonary Edema: A Different Type of Pulmonary Edema
Authors: Malegaonkar Srikant K.
Published: January 2025

Post-obstructive pulmonary edema (POPE) or negative pressure pulmonary edema is a unique clinical entity occurring in the context of airway obstruction. Two distinct subclasses of POPE have been described in literature: type I occurring in the setting of acute airway obstruction and type II occurring after relief of chronic partial airway obstruction. We report the case of a 40-year-old gentleman who developed POPE during rigid bronchoscopy soon after the central airway obstruction was relieved. Patient improved rapidly over the next 24 h with positive pressure ventilation.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction in Post-Surgical Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Samuel Sanju , Kishore Purushothaman , Mathew Jimmy , Iyer Subramania
Published: January 2025

Background:

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment have a huge impact on all aspects of patients’ quality of life (QOL) and their life satisfaction. QOL involves an individual’s subjective assessment of the impact of an illness or treatment on his/her physical, psychological, social, and somatic functioning and general wellbeing. Life satisfaction is defined as the global assessment of a person’s QOL according to his/her chosen criteria.

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate and correlate the QOL and life satisfaction in HNC patients who had undergone surgical treatment.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 60 HNC patients with a follow-up duration of 6 months to 1 year after surgery took part in our prospective study. The patients’ answers pertaining to QOL given in the questionnaire were collected for the EORTC Head and Neck questionnaire (QOL-H & N35), and then all the points were added to a value ranging between 30 and 240. The questionnaire was translated using validated methods. Clinical stage and mode of surgical treatment applied, with or without post-operative radiation therapy, were chosen to evaluate their effect on the QOL. Certain social factors were also chosen to evaluate their effect on QOL and life satisfaction. Moreover, the effects of age and gender were also studied.

Results:

The statistical analysis of the findings showed a strong correlation between their QOL and life satisfaction (r = − 0.831, P = < 0.001). Spearman’s Rho formula indicates a strong relationship between QOL and life satisfaction.

Conclusion:

After evaluation, this study proposes that there is a strong correlation between the QOL and life satisfaction in HNC patients who were treated surgically.
Routine Preoperative Urine Culture Study in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Multicentric Follow-up Study for 2 Years in Indian Patients
Authors: George Melvin J. , Dhanasekararaja Palanisami , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan
Published: January 2025

Background:

Infection is a major complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Various factors have been identified as risk factors for early prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The urinary tract is a common pathogenic shed, which can lead to subsequent surgical site infection. However, the need for routine screening of urine culture before elective surgery, the incidence of urine culture positivity, and subsequent risk of PJI are poorly understood in our population.

Aims:

The aims of this study are as follows: (1) incidence of urine culture positivity in patients undergoing TKA, (2) incidence of postoperative urinary catheterization, and (3) incidence of early PJI secondary to urinary tract infection (UTI).

Materials and Methods:

Patients undergoing primary TKA from November 2018 to October 2021 at two tertiary orthopedic care centers were followed up for 2 years. Complete preoperative investigations including urine culture, serum albumin, blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin (Hb) A1c were recorded. Symptomatic UTIs and those patients with significant growth in culture (>1 lakh colony counts/mL) were treated with sensitive antibiotics for 5 days. Follow-up was done for 2 years for PJI.

Results:

A total of 2198 patients were included in the study. In 987 patients (44.9%), a urine routine study was positive for pus cells (>10 pus cells/mL) and out of them, 77 (3.5%) patients were positive for urine culture. The most common organism was Escherichia coli (70.12%) followed by Klebsiella (19.48%). About 43.54% of the patients were diabetic (957), and 64.14% (1410) were anemic (Hb = 13.5–17.5 g/dL in females and 12–15.5 g/dL in males). Around 55.78% of the patients were malnourished (serum albumin <3.5 g/dL). A total of 353 patients were catheterized for postoperative urinary retention (16.06%). About one patient (90.045%) developed early PJI, which was not statistically significant for the correlation with any of the study variables.

Conclusion:

Preoperative urine culture positivity, urinary catheterization, and patient profile do not show a statistically significant correlation with the incidence of early PJI. The need for regular screening of all the patients undergoing TKA for urine culture positivity may not be warranted, however, longer follow-up and larger multicentric studies are recommended in this regard.
Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Somalia: A Pathway to SDG 3
Authors: Bashir Ahmed Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant public health challenge in Somalia, impacting the population’s health and hindering socioeconomic development. This article analyzes the NCD landscape in Somalia, including the current situation, existing strategies, progress made, remaining challenges, and the pathway to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Somalia has undertaken various interventions to comprehensively address NCDs, despite facing challenges such as limited healthcare infrastructure, financial constraints, and sociocultural factors. Strategies to combat NCDs include government initiatives, international support, community engagement, and integration into primary healthcare systems. Success stories demonstrate progress in reducing mortality rates, improving health awareness, and empowering communities to take control of their health as a result of these efforts. Sustained commitment, investment, and collaboration among stakeholders are imperative due to significant challenges that persist. In Somalia, limited healthcare infrastructure and human resources, financial constraints, stigma surrounding NCDs, and gaps in prevention strategies are barriers to effective NCD management. NCDs must be prioritized as a public health priority and efforts aligned with SDG 3 to advance the NCD agenda and overcome challenges. Somalia can build a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous future for its population by doing so. To strengthen healthcare systems, promote health equity, and foster sustainable development, continued advocacy, resource mobilization, capacity building, and multi-sectoral collaboration are necessary. This article advocates for sustained efforts to address NCDs in Somalia, contributing to achieving SDG 3 and improving the health of Somalis.
Betadine versus saline in swapping of subcutaneous tissue to prevent surgical site infection after cesarean section
Authors: El Hameed Ahmed Saleh Ahmed A. , El Ashmawy Ayman El Sayed A. , Mohamed Asmaa G.
Published: January 2025

Background and aim

The frequency of abdominal wound infection following cesarean delivery ranges from 2 to 10% based on risk factors, so this study aimed to compare betadine (10%) and saline (0.9%) in swapping of subcutaneous tissue for prevention of surgical site infection after primary elective cesarean section.

Patients and methods

This controlled randomized prospective study was done on 300 patients admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Lsis Specialized Hospital Luxor and Al-Azhar University hospitals of Assiut. Patients were divided into three groups.

Results

Hospital stay was significantly lower in the povidone–iodine group and saline group in contrast to the control group. No statistically significant variance was noticed among three groups concerning postoperative pyrexia, the need for additional doses of antibiotics, and secondary sutures (P>0.05). No significant variance among the three groups as regards discharge of pus at first, second, and third visits (P>0.05). No significant variance among the three groups as regards infection score at the first, second, and third visits (P=0.880, 1.00, 1.00, respectively).

Conclusion

The infection rate and infection score remained stable across visits and showed no significant variances among the examined groups. The choice between betadine and saline for subcutaneous tissue irrigation in cesarean sections may influence specific outcomes, including hematological parameters, hospital stay, and signs of infection.
Role of sclerotherapy in treatment of non-neoplastic ovarian cysts
Authors: Sayed Ahmed Asmaa Ahmed , Ahmed Teleb Ahmed Abdelrady , Abdallah Khaled Mohamed Ahmed M. , Mohamed Sara Adel
Published: January 2025

Background and aim

Ovarian cysts, fluid-filled sacs, are common, benign, and typically go away on their own. Ovarian cysts can be diverse, including theca-lutein, follicular, polycystic, peritoneal inclusion, and hemorrhagic cysts. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of sclerotherapy in the treatment of recurrent or persisting non-neoplastic ovarian cysts.

Patients and methods

A cohort study enrolled 52 patients who presented with non-neoplastic ovarian cysts based on ultrasound findings and Tumor markers analysis, underwent sclerotherapy (injection of 1 ampule of Polidocanol 20 ml amount (AMOUN)), to detect its effect in the rate of cyst recurrence, all patients were followed-up with ultrasound and Color Doppler sonography at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure. In some cases of cyst persistence, a second aspiration and re-injection with Polidocanol were attempted (n=9), while the rest refused repeated aspiration and needed medical management or surgery. The main outcome measure was the disappearance of the cyst and the avoidance of surgery. The cyst was considered resolved if follow‑up revealed either no cystic lesion or only a follicle‑like cyst no more than 30 mm in diameter. This study was conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospital, Assiut, from September 2022 to January 2024.

Results

As regards the total recurrence of studied cases, there were 35 (67.3%) cases with resolved cysts and 17 (32.7%) cases with recurrent or persistent cysts. High statistically significant relation between recurrence and cyst size (P<0.001). It was found that the larger the cyst, the greater the recurrence rate.

Conclusion

Sclerotherapy emerges as an effective therapeutic option for the management of non-neoplastic ovarian cysts.
Internal jugular distensibility index as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in adult patients undergoing elective surgery – A prospective accuracy study
Authors: Aditianingsih Dita , Heriwardito Aldy , Agusta Laksmi Senja , Leonard El Nissi , Annabelle Chrisella
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims:

Assessing the intravascular volume is necessary in patients undergoing surgery, but predicting how the body will respond to fluid can be challenging. Evaluation of the internal jugular vein distensibility index (IJV-DI) is an alternative method to determine intravascular volume status. This study aims to determine the suitability of measuring stroke volume by using IJV-DI measurement compared with transthoracic echocardiography in assessing the fluid responsiveness in elective surgery patients.

Methods:

This prospective study involved 79 subjects undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Following anaesthesia induction, IJV-DI and stroke volume measurements were performed before and after fluid administration. Subjects experiencing an increase in stroke volume of more than 10% were categorised as responders. The primary outcome was the suitability of IJV-DI in determining fluid responsiveness compared to transthoracic echocardiography in elective surgery patients. The data were then analysed to assess its diagnostic value using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, the appropriate cut-off point using the Youden index, and the correlation using Spearman’s correlation test.

Results:

A total of 45 subjects were responders. Our analysis revealed an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.871 (95% CI: 0.790, 0.951). The optimal cut-off value was found at an internal jugular vein distensibility index of >12.62% with a sensitivity of 84.4% and a specificity of 79.4%. A moderate positive correlation existed between the index and stroke volume increase (r = 0.535, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

IJV-DI assessment is compatible with transthoracic echocardiography stroke volume measurement for evaluating elective surgery patients’ fluid response.
Urinary electrolyte parameters in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: A prospective observational study
Authors: Ravikumar Rajathadri Hosur , Trikha Anjan , Ramachandran Rashmi , Datta Sudip Kumar , Prasanna Mrudula , Rewari Vimi
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims:

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. Current biomarkers have limitations, necessitating the exploration of alternative indicators. This study aims to evaluate various urinary electrolyte parameters to predict SA-AKI.

Methods:

A prospective observational study included 111 sepsis patients within 24 h of admission. Urinary electrolyte samples were collected, and indices were calculated. Patients were monitored for 7 days to assess for acute kidney injury (AKI) according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definition criteria, mortality rates, and the need for renal replacement therapy. Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-squared test were used to analyse continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine to discriminatory ability of various parameters in predicting AKI.

Results:

Of 111 patients, 42.3% developed AKI, with a mortality rate of 59.5%. When evaluating urinary parameters, the product of urine sodium and urine creatinine exhibited the maximum full form [area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC): 0.66; 95%CI: 0.56, 0.77)], and the parameter of fractional excretion of potassium (FeK) exhibited an AUROC of 0.62 (95%CI: 0.51, 0.72). Furthermore, 2-hour excretion of potassium revealed a statistically significant correlation with 2-hour creatinine clearance (r = 0.62, P < 0.001). Logistic regression models, incorporating Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, FeK, and urine sodium concentration as variables (P = 0.020, 0.044, and 0.033, respectively), achieved an AUROC of 0.751 in predicting AKI.

Conclusion:

Urine sodium levels and fractional potassium excretion moderately effectively predict AKI in sepsis patients. Urine potassium excretion correlates with glomerular filtration rate.
Minimum effective concentration 90 (EC90) of ropivacaine for Femoral nerve block: A biased-coin up-and-down sequential method study
Authors: Taha Ahmed M. , Mohanan Manjusha , Orduna Sebastian , Alalwi Ahmed F. , Badr Mohamed I. , Abd-Elmaksoud Ahmed M.
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims:

The femoral nerve (FN) is commonly blocked using ropivacaine to provide postoperative analgesia after knee surgery. However, the minimal required concentration has not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to estimate the minimal ropivacaine concentration required to achieve adequate analgesic FN block in 90% of cases (EC90).

Methods:

This study included 50 patients who were scheduled for knee ligament reconstruction under combined nerve block and general anaesthesia. The FN block was performed using 15 mL of ropivacaine with varying concentrations and considered adequate when associated with pain-free recovery. The sciatic, obturator, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were blocked to negate other knee pain generators, and their block success was confirmed. We used the biased-coin design up–down sequential method where the adequacy of an FN block altered the ropivacaine concentration used for the next block. The adequacy of the analgesic block or lack of it was analysed to calculate the analgesic EC90. The quadriceps motor power and morphine requirement were also recorded.

Results:

The recommended analgesic ropivacaine EC90 was 0.05% w/v. The associated quadriceps weakness and morphine requirement were minimal.

Conclusion:

FN block using ropivacaine 0.05% w/v may provide adequate analgesia in 90% of patients.
Factors associated with pulmonary complications after hepatectomy and establishment of nomogram: A real-world retrospective study
Authors: Han Kunyu , Liu Hui , Bai Ruiping , Li Jiarui , Zhang Linjuan , An Rui , Peng Di , Zhao Jiamin , Xue Mengwen , Shen Xin
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims:

Hepatectomy is currently the most effective way to treat liver diseases, and its safety has observably improved. However, the incidence of postoperative complications (POCs) remains high. Therefore, exploring the related influencing factors helps identify high-risk groups early and improve patient prognosis.

Methods:

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from a real-world setting. Patients were divided into two groups based on the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Univariate analysis, LASSO regression, and logistic regression were applied to analyse the correlation between PPCs and perioperative indicators. A nomogram prediction model was constructed, whose discrimination, accuracy, and clinical effectiveness were evaluated.

Results:

The incidence of PPCs was 36.33% among the 1244 patients in this study. The total length of hospital stay and perioperative mortality in the PPCs group were markedly higher (P < 0.001) than in the non-PPCs group. Logistic regression showed that surgical method [odds ratio (OR) =2.469 (95% CI: 1.665, 3.748); P < 0.001], duration of surgery [OR = 1.003 (95% CI: 1.002, 1.005); P < 0.001], postoperative patient destination [OR = 1.453 (95% CI: 1.115, 1.893); P = 0.006], and postoperative international normalised ratio (INR) [OR = 2.245 (95% CI: 1.287, 4.120); P = 0.007] were independent risk factors of PPCs; the number of clamping [OR = 0.988 (95% CI: 0.980, 0.995); P = 0.001] was an independent protective factor of PPCs. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.675 (95% CI: 0.638, 0.703), the consistency index of the calibration curve was 0.675 (95% CI: 0.641, 0.703), and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test yielded P = 0.327.

Conclusions:

In this study, the incidence of PPCs after hepatectomy was the highest. Our nomogram model can predict the probability of PPCs after hepatectomy.
Chondrosarcoma of the Pelvis: An Intricate Encounter with the Urinary Bladder – Understanding the Rarity, Challenges, and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Prasad Vishnu , Nuthalapati Mounish , Agrawal Shashank , Menon Arun , Mohan Thadi , Vijayaraghavan Sundeep , Radhakrishnan Abirami , Pooleri Ginil Kumar
Published: January 2025

Chondrosarcomas are the second-most common bone tumors and are known to occur in the pelvis. However, invasion into the urinary bladder is rare. We report a rare case of a primary chondrosarcoma invading the urinary bladder and the prostate requiring wide excision with cystoprostatectomy and reconstruction. On initial evaluation, a 48-year-old male patient presented with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms and was suspected to have a prostate mass. He underwent a transurethral resection biopsy of the mass at an outside hospital which showed features of a chondrosarcoma. Further imaging by magnetic resonance imaging scan at our hospital showed a large 9.5 cm × 8.3 cm mass arising from the right pubic bone, infiltrating the urinary bladder and the prostate. Metastatic workup was negative. He underwent wide local excision of the mass, cystoprostatectomy, and diversion with an ileal conduit. The orthopedic team and plastic surgery teams were involved. Reconstruction was done using recon plates and prolene mesh placement to fill the empty cavity. He had a surgical site infection in the postoperative period which required multiple debridements and gracilis flap interposition. He recovered well and was discharged on the postoperative day 20. Final histopathology showed a well-differentiated chondrosarcoma with negative surgical margins. Primary chondrosarcomas are rare and infiltration into the urinary bladder is uncommon. Surgical treatment with negative margins is the mainstay of treatment. These tumors are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Nickel-Iron Alloy, Magnetic, Sheet and Strip 50Ni - 50Fe Stamping Quality, Half-Hard Temper
Authors:   AMS E Carbon and Low Alloy Steels Committee
Published: January 2025

This specification covers a magnetic nickel-iron alloy in the form of sheet and strip.
Quantitative Equality in Substructural Logic via Lipschitz Doctrines
Authors: Dagnino Francesco , Pasquali Fabio
Published: January 2025

Substructural logics naturally support a quantitative interpretation of formulas, as they are seen as consumable resources. Distances are the quantitative counterpart of equivalence relations: they measure how much two objects are similar, rather than just saying whether they are equivalent or not. Hence, they provide the natural choice for modelling equality in a substructural setting. In this paper, we develop this idea, using the categorical language of Lawvere's doctrines. We work in a minimal fragment of Linear Logic enriched by graded modalities, which are needed to write a resource sensitive substitution rule for equality, enabling its quantitative interpretation as a distance. We introduce both a deductive calculus and the notion of Lipschitz doctrine to give it a sound and complete categorical semantics. The study of 2-categorical properties of Lipschitz doctrines provides us with a universal construction, which generates examples based for instance on metric spaces and quantitative realisability. Finally, we show how to smoothly extend our results to richer substructural logics, up to full Linear Logic with quantifiers.
Hegels Pöbel: Eine Untersuchung der »Grundlinien der Philosophie des Rechts«
Authors: Ruda Frank
Published: January 2025

Hegels Staatstheorie scheitert am »Pöbel-Problem«.

Frank Ruda wendet sich einer scheinbaren Marginalie der so genannten »politischen Philosophie« Hegels zu, die in dessen »Grundlinien der Philosophie des Rechts« im Kontext der dialektischen Herleitung der Notwendigkeit des Staats aus der widersprüchlichen Verfasstheit der bürgerlichen Gesellschaft aufscheint. Dass jedoch diese Marginalie keine ist, sondern auf vielschichtige Weise zu Irritationen und Problemen innerhalb der Hegel´schen Staatsphilosophie führt, zu Problemen, die diese nicht aufzuheben vermag, bezeichnet dabei den zentralen Einsatz.
Was hier als das Problem der Hegel´schen Rechtsphilosophie und als Grund ihres Scheiterns ausgewiesen wird, hat Hegel selbst unter dem Namen des »Pöbels« eingeführt. Wenn Hegel antritt, um das Wesen des modernen Staats so - und das meint in aller Vernünftigkeit - zu schildern, wie es ist, dann folgt ihm der Autor methodisch auf diesem Weg, um die Bedingungen der Möglichkeit des Pöbelproblems, d.h. die Voraussetzungen seiner Emergenz nachzuzeichnen. Dies leitet zum Begriff der Armut und ihrer strukturellen Verankerung in der bürgerlichen Gesellschaft über. Vor diesem Hintergrund führt Ruda erste Bestimmungen des Pöbels, seiner Gesinnung sowie seiner unterschiedlichen Typen (namentlich des Armuts- und Luxus-Pöbels) ein. Im Anschluss zeichnet er diese Bestimmungen in ihrem Problemcharakter und in ihren Konsequenzen nach, um letztlich den strukturellen Ort, den der »Pöbel« als unlösbares Problem in Hegels »politischer Philosophie« einnimmt, als die entscheidende Stelle vorzuschlagen, von der aus sich der viel diskutierte Übergang von Hegel zu Marx auf eine neue Weise denken lässt.
Das Buch bietet eine Einführung in alle relevanten Begriffe des politischen Denkens Hegels und zeigt zugleich deren Verbindungen zu zeitgenössischen Debatten um emanzipatorische Politik auf, die u.a. von Alain Badiou und Slavoj Žižek geführt werden.
Die Erfahrung der Anderen: Konfliktstoff im palästinensisch-israelischen Dialog
Authors: Berlowitz Shelley
Published: January 2025

Palästinensisch-israelische Dialoge auf der zivilgesellschaftlichen Ebene sind bisher wenig bekannt. Ihre Untersuchung ermöglicht aber wesentliche Erkenntnisse über die Chancen und Schwierigkeiten der Zusammenarbeit im Nahostkonflikt, über Hoffnungen und Erfahrungen, Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede, Geschichtsverständnis und die Bedeutung des kollektiven Gedächtnisses.

Shelley Berlowitz hat zwei dialogische Schauplätze untersucht, die in der Zivilgesellschaft entstanden sind und über längere Zeit aufrechterhalten wurden: die Dialoggruppe von Beit Sahour (1988–2000) und die feministische Plattform Jerusalem Link (1994–2010). Ein historischer Abriss der dialogischen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Israel und Palästina seit 1967 und die Analyse eines 1993 publizierten Dialogs zwischen einem PLO-Repräsentanten und einem ehemaligen israelischen Militärgouverneur helfen, die Zusammenarbeit in Beit Sahour und im Jerusalem Link historisch und inhaltlich einzuordnen. Der Schlüssel der Zusammenarbeit lag damals in der gegenseitigen Anerkennung der historischen Leidenserfahrung der Anderen in ihrem jeweiligen Kontext. An die Stelle des Dialogs ist heute die politische Solidarität weniger, aber engagierter Israelis mit Palästinenserinnen und Palästinensern getreten. Die früheren Dialoge sind dennoch nicht folgenlos geblieben: Die Tatsache, dass sie einmal möglich waren und real wurden, ist nicht mehr wegzudenken; sie trotzt jeglicher Beweisführung, die behauptet, auf Augenhöhe miteinander zu reden und unter Anerkennung beider Narrative gemeinsam zu agieren, sei nicht möglich. Die Autorin rekonstruiert die Zusammensetzung der dialogischen Kooperationen eingehend, interpretiert die Aussagen der Teilnehmenden behutsam und bezieht die historischen und politischen Kontexte kenntnisreich mit ein. Dabei entsteht eine Darstellung der Interaktionen und Beziehungen, die zeigt, wo die Wurzel des gegenseitigen Nicht-Verstehens und zugleich der Schlüssel für ein Miteinander liegen.
Verrückte Sprache: Psychiater und Dichter in der Anstalt des 19. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Wübben Yvonne
Published: January 2025

Eine Studie über die Austauschbeziehungen von Wahnsinn und Literatur.
Dichter und Psychiater ähneln sich in ihren Verfahrensweisen: Sie schreiben auf, streichen durch, überarbeiten und fixieren, was zum gedruckten Text werden soll. So entstehen wesentliche Aspekte der psychischen Krankheit auch unter den besonderen Bedingungen von Schriftlichkeit, d. h. in einem konkreten Schreib- und Aufzeichnungsraum.

Aus einer wissensgeschichtlichen Perspektive untersucht Yvonne Wübben, wie literarische Werke und briefliche Zeugnisse im 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhundert für die Diagnose von psychischen Krankheiten herangezogen werden. Die Anfänge einer solchen Sprachdiagnostik liegen bei dem vergleichsweise unbekannten Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum, der die Sprache seiner Patienten unter formalen und linguistischen Aspekten analysiert. In seiner Heidelberger Klinik erweitert und systematisiert Emil Kraepelin dieses Verfahren. Seine diagnostische Praxis bietet Aufschlüsse über die ästhetischen und zunehmend auch linguistischen Sprachnormen der Psychiatrie des späten 19. Jahrhunderts. Der Schweizer Psychiater Eugen Bleuler, der erstmals die Krankheitskategorie »Schizophrenie« einführt, setzt diese Ansätze fort. Dabei wird Literatur konstitutiv für die psychiatrische Diagnostik: Denn literarische Texte machen in einer spezifischen Konstellation etwas evident, das vorher nicht wahrgenommen wurde. Zugleich gerät die Diagnostik in ein Spannungsverhältnis zur literarischen Moderne, die ihrerseits vom allgemeinen psychiatrischen Interesse der Zeit profitiert.

Die Autorin fragt nicht nur nach den literarischen Strategien psychiatrischer Erzähltexte und psychiatrischen Gattungen, sondern nach den Schnittflächen zwischen Psychiatrie und Literatur, etwa nach dem Wechselverhältnis von narrativer Struktur und Nosologie oder von Philologie und Pathographie.
Zerrissene Moderne: Descartes bei den Neukantianern, Husserl und Heidegger
Authors: Kellerer Sidonie
Published: January 2025

Wie ist die Moderne zu begreifen? Konnte die Philosophie, die gegen Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts zum Anachronismus zu werden drohte, diese Frage noch beantworten?
Die hier untersuchten Deutungen und Umdeutungen von René Descartes als Galionsfigur des neuzeitlichen Denkens gelten den Herausforderungen und Widersprüchen der Moderne. Sie bleiben über ihre Verstrickung in den Totalitarismus hinaus bedeutsam.
Wortgewalt: Peter Weiss und die deutsche Sprache
Authors: Willner Jenny
Published: January 2025

Wortgewalt ist Teil einer beginnenden, aktualisierenden Weiss-Rezeption, ein Beitrag zur Aufarbeitung der nachkriegsdeutschen Literaturgeschichte und eine Studie über die deutsche Sprache.

Jenny Willner kombiniert die Analyse bislang kaum bekannter Archivmaterialien aus dem Nachlass von Weiss mit einer dezidiert literaturtheoretischen Herangehensweise: Vergleichende Lektüren mit Sprachdenkern wie Victor Klemperer, Jacques Derrida, Judith Butler und Georges-Arthur Goldschmidt machen Weiss´ besonderen Umgang mit Fragen sprachlicher Gewalt und Gegengewalt, sprachlicher Verletzbarkeit und Strategien der Immunisierung erkennbar. Sein Schreiben wird hier als ebenso grundlegende wie konsequente Auseinandersetzung mit der sprachlichen Dimension nationalsozialistischer Herrschaft, mit ihren Auswirkungen und Spätfolgen greifbar.
Ein Spannungsverhältnis prägt so Weiss´ Beschreibungen der Sprache: Worte erscheinen als Werkzeug und Waffe, und zugleich als Material prekärer Konstruktionen, hinter denen sich ein verletzlicher Körper verbirgt. Sein Kampf mit, um und gegen die deutsche Sprache berührt Probleme, die längst nicht überwunden sind. Quer zur Kampfrhetorik um West und Ost, quer zu den Debatten der Linken um ’68 verläuft eine ganz andere Konfliktlinie: zwischen dem im Exil Gebliebenen, dessen Lebenslauf von der nationalsozialistischen Verfolgung durchkreuzt wurde, und den Deutschen und ihrer Sprache. Die Studie behandelt Text, Sprache und Körper als drei Aspekte einer allgemeinen Symptomatologie, die auf die historische Situation des Entkommenen, des Exilautors und des öffentlichen Intellektuellen bezogen wird. Die Kehrseite des Ideals von der Sprache als Werkzeug offenbart sich, wenn die sprachliche Verhärtung, die der Abwehr dienen sollte, zur Quelle einer neuen Gefahr wird. Gelesen mit Franz Kafkas Erzählfragment »Der Bau« eröffnet sich eine andere Dimension der Ästhetik des Widerstands: Der Roman ist ein Bau aus Worten, aber was aus der Ferne aussieht wie ein glatter Schrift-Block, wird aus der Nähe, mit mikro-skopischem Blick betrachtet, zu etwas Ausgehöhltem, in dem es wispert, brodelt und pulsiert.
Die Zeit der Demokratie: Politische Freiheit nach Carl Schmitt und Hannah Arendt
Authors: Raimondi Francesca
Published: January 2025

Wir befinden uns im Zeitalter der »Postdemokratie«, heißt es immer wieder. Was wir brauchen, sind aber weniger Reformvorschläge, sondern zunächst einmal eine »Kritik« der Demokratie, die den Sinn politischer Freiheit unter Bedingungen der späten Moderne neu durchleuchtet.

Betrachtet man Demokratie mit Francesca Raimondi genealogisch, so zeigt sich, dass die Forderung nach Freiheit und Gleichheit aller nicht als Dauerzustand einlösbar ist. Das bedeutet nichts anderes, als dass sich Freiheit und Gleichheit nur im Medium konkreter Praktiken verwirklichen lassen und Demokratie wesentlich verzeitlicht ist.

Die gegenwärtige Rede vom Zeitalter der »Postdemokratie« und ähnliche politische Verfallsdiagnosen fordern neue Konzeptionen demokratischer Selbstbestimmung. Das Buch entfaltet einen Begriff politischer Freiheit jenseits der überkommenen Dichotomie von absoluter Souveränität und bloßer Deliberation. Francesca Raimondi zeigt, inwiefern die Konzeptualisierung von Demokratie als eine kollektive Tätigkeitsform Kernfragen der Demokratietheorie berührt. In dieser praktischen Perspektive auf demokratische Politik argumentiert die Autorin für die Nicht-Identität von Demokratie und Staat und entwickelt eine Perspektive, nach der sich rechtliche und politische Verfahren für den prozessualen Charakter von Demokratie öffnen können. Demokratische Freiheit verwirklicht sich aber auch in Praktiken widerständiger Subjektivierung. Das Buch beschreibt diese demokratische Subjektivierung als einen besonderen Prozess der Umgewöhnung, der sich über die kollektive Erschließung neuer Handlungskontexte und -möglichkeiten vollzieht.
La comunicación digital efectiva a partir de la media training y su incidencia en la reputación corporativa de empresas públicas de Cuenca
Authors: Ochoa Vera Vania Dolores , Erazo Álvarez Cristian Andrés
Published: January 2025

En un entorno donde la comunicación digital es un pilar estratégico, el media training se posiciona como una herramienta fundamental para mejorar y potenciar la efectividad de la comunicación. Este tipo de formación y entrenamiento profesional refuerza las competencias y habilidades críticas como la habilidad discursiva, el control del lenguaje corporal y la preparación para entrevistas, elementos esenciales en la interacción con los medios. El presente estudio explora las estrategias para mitigar estos riesgos y comprender como desarrollar las habilidades y competencias avanzadas en los portavoces mediante programas del media training, con el fin de optimizar su capacidad para comunicarse de manera efectiva. El objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar como el media training incide en la comunicación digital y su influencia en la reputación corporativa de empresas públicas en Cuenca, Ecuador. La metodología adoptó un enfoque de investigación mixto, además se analizó la documentación y estudios de caso de organizaciones o campañas que aplicaron el media training en situaciones específicas. Los resultados confirmaron que el media training es un recurso clave para la incursión en la comunicación digital, optimizando la claridad de los mensajes y fortaleciendo la capacidad de los portavoces para enfrentar desafíos de comunicación en entornos digitales.
Influencia de las estrategias de storytelling en campañas de recolección de desechos con participación ciudadana en medios digitales
Authors: Barros Rubio Tania Monserrath , Álvarez Gavilanes Juan Edmundo
Published: January 2025

El storytelling se ha consolidado como una estrategia clave para conectar emocionalmente con las audiencias, pues juega un papel fundamental en la manera en que las organizaciones se enlazan con su público para inspirar a la acción y provocar reflexiones profundas sobre temas de interés social y ambiental. Actualmente la falta de conocimiento sobre cómo utilizar esta herramienta de manera efectiva, limita utilizarla en todo su potencial e influir significativamente en el comportamiento de la audiencia y fomentar su fidelidad; lo que conlleva a investigaciones concretas que permitan optimizar su aplicación en una comunicación estratégica efectiva. En este contexto, el objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar la influencia de las estrategias de storytelling en campañas de recolección de desechos con la participación ciudadana en medios digitales y así aprovechar su capacidad para generar empatía y cambiar comportamientos ciudadanos hacia una gestión más responsable. La metodología aplicada fue de enfoque mixto de tipo causal explicativo con un alcance observacional y diseño transversal, a través de un muestreo finito y de criterio, mediante entrevistas, grupos focales y análisis de contenido, lo que permitió analizar la influencia del storytelling en la conciencia ciudadana. En conclusión, el storytelling resulta ser es una estrategia comunicacional que sensibiliza a la ciudadanía.
Impacto de las redes sociales en el comportamiento de compra en línea en el Ecuador
Authors: Culqui Chuapanta Gabriela Liceth , España Salvador Rommy Andrea
Published: January 2025

Las redes sociales son medios que permiten una comunicación instantánea y una conexión directa con la sociedad. Estas plataformas promueven la interacción social, y, además, han sido clave en el desarrollo del comercio digital, facilitando la compra y venta de bienes y servicios de manera eficiente. Pese a la existencia de estas herramientas, los consumidores aún tienen desconfianza de estos canales al momento de ingresar sus datos para el pago. Por tal motivo, se ha visto la necesidad de analizar el impacto de las redes sociales en el proceso de compra en línea en el Ecuador, enfocándose en conocer si la existencia de plataformas digitales influye directamente en el usuario para la compra de un producto utilizando medios electrónicos. En la metodología se utilizó un enfoque mixto con herramientas cualitativas y cuantitativos; se tomó como base un diseño transversal y no experimental. Por otro lado, la recopilación de datos se obtuvo por medio de encuestas en línea en un tiempo determinado a compradores que han adquirido productos por medios electrónicos en el Ecuador. Se obtuvieron resultados que permitieron identificar que las publicaciones visualizadas por el cliente inciden en la decisión de compra. En conclusión, se determinó que las redes sociales influyen los hábitos de compra en línea en el Ecuador.
Análisis del podcast como estrategia de comunicación educativa y su conexión con la audiencia
Authors: Campoverde Cárdenas Andrés Santiago , Mena Clerque Sandra Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

El podcast es un formato de contenido digital de audio, accesible actualmente a través de múltiples plataformas de streaming, redes sociales y aplicaciones especializadas. Este formato se ha consolidado como una fuente significativa de información y entretenimiento temático, registrando un 44 % de acceso en plataformas digitales en Latinoamérica. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar y evaluar el impacto del podcast como estrategia de comunicación educativa y su conexión e interacción con la audiencia. La metodología adoptó un enfoque mixto de tipo relacional, empleando un muestreo finito basado en encuestas en línea para recopilar datos específicos sobre el uso de podcast en entornos educativos. Los resultados evidenciaron que este formato contribuye y tributa significativamente al fortalecimiento del aprendizaje en el aula. En conclusión, el podcast se establece como una estrategia de comunicación educativa accesible, flexible, funcional y adaptada a las dinámicas de la educación moderna en el contexto de las nuevas audiencias, facilitando una comunicación asertiva, interactiva y efectiva que deriva en aprendizajes significativos.