bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral deviations: healthcare-seeking behavior of chronic disease patients with intention to visit primary health care institutions
Authors: Wu Shiyin , Du Shanshan , Feng Ruimei , Liu Wenbin , Ye Weimin
Published: May 2023

Background

Although primary health care (PHC) has been proven to be effective in preventing and treating chronic diseases, the visits rate of PHC institutions is still not ideal. Some patients initially express a willingness to visit PHC institutions but end up seeking health services at non-PHC institutions, and the reasons for this behavior remain unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the factors that contribute to behavioral deviations among chronic disease patients who originally intended to visit PHC institutions.

Methods

Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey among chronic disease patients with original intention to visit PHC institutions in Fuqing City, China. The analysis framework was guided by Andersen’s behavioral model. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the factors affecting the behavioral deviations among chronic disease patients with a willingness to visit PHC institutions.

Results

A total of 1,048 individuals were finally included and about 40% of the participants with the original willingness to seek care from PHC institutions finally chose non-PHC institutions in their subsequent visits. The results of logistic regression analyses indicated that at the predisposition factor level, older participants (aOR60-69 = 0.602, P < 0.01; aOR70-75 = 0.475, P < 0.01) were less likely to have behavioral deviations. At the enabling factor level, compared to those covered by Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and not reimbursed, those covered by Urban–Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) (aOR = 0.297, P < 0.01), and those answering that reimbursement from medical institutions was convenient (aOR = 0.501, P < 0.01) or very convenient (aOR = 0.358, P < 0.001) were less likely to have behavioral deviations. At the need factor level, participants who visited PHC institutions due to illness last year (aOR = 0.348, P < 0.001) and with polypharmacy (aOR = 0.546, P < 0.01) were less likely to have behavioral deviations compared to those without the visit of PHC institutions and not taking polypharmacy, respectively.

Conclusions

The deviations between the original willingness of PHC institution visits and subsequent behavior among chronic disease patients were associated with a number of predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Developing the health insurance system, strengthening the technical capacity of PHC institutions, and steadily developing a new concept of orderly healthcare-seeking behavior among chronic disease patients, will help promote their access to PHC institutions as well as improve the effectiveness of the tiered medical system for chronic disease care.
Retinoblastoma gene expression profiling based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Mao Jun , Lu Mingzhi , Lu Siduo , Xing Yiqiao , Xu Xuejiao , Chen Ying , Xu Huirong , Zuo Wei , Zhou Jingwen , Du Wei
Published: May 2023

Background

Retinoblastoma (RB) is frequently occurring malignant tumors that originate in the retina, and their exact cause and development mechanisms are yet to be fully comprehended. In this study, we identified possible biomarkers for RB and delved into the molecular mechanics linked with such markers.

Methods

In this study GSE110811 and GSE24673 were analyzed. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to screen modules and genes associated with RB. By overlapping RB-related module genes with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RB and control samples, differentially expressed retinoblastoma genes (DERBGs) were acquired. A gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and a kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were conducted to explore the functions of these DERBGs. To study the protein interactions of DERBGs, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Hub DERBGs were screened using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, as well as the random forest (RF) algorithm. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of RF and LASSO methods was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and single-gene gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved with these Hub DERBGs. In addition, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network of Hub DERBGs was constructed.

Result

About 133 DERBGs were found to be associated with RB. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the important pathways of these DERBGs. Furthermore, the PPI network revealed 82 DERBGs interacting with each other. By RF and LASSO methods, PDE8B, ESRRB, and SPRY2 were identified as Hub DERBGs in patients with RB. From the expression assessment of Hub DERBGs, it was found that the levels of expression of PDE8B, ESRRB, and SPRY2 were significantly decreased in the tissues of RB tumors. Secondly, single-gene GSEA revealed a connection between these 3 Hub DERBGs and oocyte meiosis, cell cycle, and spliceosome. Finally, the ceRNA regulatory network revealed that hsa-miR-342-3p, hsa-miR-146b-5p, hsa-miR-665, and hsa-miR-188-5p may play a central role in the disease.

Conclusion

Hub DERBGs may provide new insight into RB diagnosis and treatment based on the understanding of disease pathogenesis.
Gender differences in vision health-seeking behavior and vision health outcomes among rural Chinese schoolchildren by birth order and family size
Authors: Zhang Yunyun , Guan Hongyu , Ding Yuxiu , Xue Jing
Published: May 2023

Background

The gender gap remains a major impediment in the path toward equality, and it is especially wide in low-income countries. Gender differences in health-seeking behaviors may be a factor. Family size and childbirth order are two critical factors affecting family resource allocation. This study examines gender differences in healthcare-seeking behaviors among children with visual impairment in rural China across different family structures (birth order and family size).

Methods

We draw on a dataset containing 19,934 observations constructed by combining data from 252 different school-level surveys spanning two provinces. The surveys were all conducted in 2012 using uniform survey instruments and data collection protocols in randomly selected schools across western provinces in rural China. The sample children range in grades from 4 to 5. Our analysis compares rural girls with rural boys regarding vision health outcome and behavior (vision examination and correction).

Results

The findings revealed that girls have worse vision than boys. Regarding vision health behaviors, girls have a lower overall vision examination rate than boys. There is no gender difference when the sample student is the only child or the youngest child in the family, but there is still a gender difference when the sample student is the oldest child in the family or the middle child in the birth order. When it comes to vision correction behavior, boys are more likely to own eyeglasses than girls are for groups of students with mild visual impairment, even when the sample student is the only child in the family. However, when the sample student has another brother or sister (the sample student is the youngest, the oldest child in the family, or the middle child in the birth order), the gender difference disappears.

Conclusions

Gender differences in vision health outcomes are correlated with gender differences in vision health-seeking behaviors among rural children. Depending on the birth order and family size, gender disparities in visual health practices vary. In the future, consideration should be given to providing medical subsidies to reduce the cost of vision health behaviors and to provide information interventions to change gender inequality in households and promote equality in children’s vision health behaviors.

Trial registration

The trial was approved by the Stanford University Institutional Review Board (Protocol No. ISRCTN03252665). Permission was received from local Boards of Education in each region and the principals of all schools. The principles of the Declaration of Helsinki were followed throughout. Written informed consent was obtained from at least one parent for all child participants.
Behavioral determinants of arsenic-safe water use among Great Plains Indian Nation private well users: results from the Community-Led Strong Heart Water Study Arsenic Mitigation Program
Authors: Endres Kelly , Zacher Tracy , Richards Francine , Bear Robe Lisa , Powers Martha , Yracheta Joseph , Harvey David , Best Lyle G. , Red Cloud Reno , Black Bear Annabelle , Ristau Steve , Aurand Dean , Skinner Leslie , Perin Jamie , Cuny Christa , Gross Marie , Thomas Elizabeth D. , Rule Ana , Schwab Kellogg , Moulton Lawrence H. , O’Leary Marcia , Navas-Acien Ana , George Christine Marie
Published: May 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavioral determinants associated with exclusive use of arsenic-safe water in the community-led Strong Heart Water Study (SHWS) arsenic mitigation program.

Methods

The SHWS is a randomized controlled trial of a community-led arsenic mitigation program designed to reduce arsenic exposure among private well users in American Indian Great Plains communities. All households received point-of-use (POU) arsenic filters installed at baseline and were followed for 2 years. Behavioral determinants selected were those targeted during the development of the SHWS program, and were assessed at baseline and follow-up.

Results

Among participants, exclusive use of arsenic-safe water for drinking and cooking at follow-up was associated with higher self-efficacy for accessing local resources to learn about arsenic (OR: 5.19, 95% CI: 1.48–18.21) and higher self-efficacy to resolve challenges related to arsenic in water using local resources (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.11–8.71). Higher commitment to use the POU arsenic filter faucet at baseline was also a significant predictor of exclusive arsenic-safe water use for drinking (OR: 32.57, 95% CI: 1.42–746.70) and cooking (OR: 15.90, 95% CI: 1.33–189.52) at follow-up. From baseline to follow-up, the SHWS program significantly increased perceived vulnerability to arsenic exposure, self-efficacy, descriptive norms, and injunctive norms. Changing one’s arsenic filter cartridge after installation was associated with higher self-efficacy to obtain arsenic-safe water for drinking (OR: 6.22, 95% CI: 1.33–29.07) and cooking (OR: 10.65, 95% CI: 2.48–45.68) and higher perceived vulnerability of personal health effects (OR: 7.79, 95% CI: 1.17–51.98) from drinking arsenic-unsafe water.

Conclusions

The community-led SHWS program conducted a theory-driven approach for intervention development and evaluation that allowed for behavioral determinants to be identified that were associated with the use of arsenic safe water and changing one’s arsenic filter cartridge. These results demonstrate that theory-driven, context-specific formative research can influence behavior change interventions to reduce water arsenic exposure. The SHWS can serve as a model for the design of theory-driven intervention approaches that engage communities to reduce arsenic exposure.

Trial registration

The SHWS is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03725592).
WSES consensus guidelines on sigmoid volvulus management
Authors: Tian Brian W. C. A. , Vigutto Gabriele , Tan Edward , van Goor Harry , Bendinelli Cino , Abu-Zidan Fikri , Ivatury Rao , Sakakushev Boris , Di Carlo Isidoro , Sganga Gabriele , Maier Ronald V. , Coimbra Raul , Leppäniemi Ari , Litvin Andrey , Damaskos Dimitrios , Broek Richard Ten , Biffl Walter , Di Saverio Salomone , De Simone Belinda , Ceresoli Marco , Picetti Edoardo , Galante Joseph , Tebala Giovanni D. , Beka Solomon Gurmu , Bonavina Luigi , Cui Yunfeng , Khan Jim , Cicuttin Enrico , Amico Francesco , Kenji Inaba , Hecker Andreas , Ansaloni Luca , Sartelli Massimo , Moore Ernest E. , Kluger Yoram , Testini Mario , Weber Dieter , Agnoletti Vanni , Angelis Nicola De’ , Coccolini Federico , Sall Ibrahima , Catena Fausto
Published: May 2023

Sigmoid volvulus is a common surgical emergency, especially in elderly patients. Patients can present with a wide range of clinical states: from asymptomatic, to frank peritonitis secondary to colonic perforation. These patients generally need urgent treatment, be it endoscopic decompression of the colon or an upfront colectomy. The World Society of Emergency Surgery united a worldwide group of international experts to review the current evidence and propose a consensus guidelines on the management of sigmoid volvulus.
Identification and validation of m5c-related lncRNA risk model for ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Chong , Zhang Chunxiao , Yang Shimin , Xiang Jiangdong , Zhou Dongmei , Xi Xiaowei
Published: May 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the common malignant tumors that seriously threaten women's health, and there is a lack of clinical prognostic predictors, while m5c and lncRNA have been shown to be predictive of multiple cancers, including OC. Therefore, our goal was to construct a risk model for OC based on m5c-related lncRNA.340 m5c-related lncRNA were identified and a novel risk model of OC ground on nine m5C-related lncRNA was constructed using LASSO-COX regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed there was a significant difference in prognosis between risk groups. We established a nomogram which was a good predictor of overall survival. In addition, GSEA was enriched in multiple pathways and immune function analysis suggested that immune infiltration varies depending on the risk group. In vitro experiments show that AC005562.1, a key lncRNA of the risk model, is highly expressed in OC cells and promotes OC cell proliferation. Finally, we further explored the potential biological markers of m5c-related lncRNA in OC with WGCNA analysis and established a ceRNA network. In conclusion,we have developed a reliable m5c-related prediction model and performed systematic validation and exploration of various aspects. These results can be used for the assessment of OC prognosis and the discovery of novel biomarkers.
Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among public servants in Ejisu-Juaben municipality, Ghana
Authors: Agyemang-Pambour Bernice , Osei Isaac , Boateng-Osei Estella Antoinette , Kwarteng Alexander , Dzomeku Veronica
Published: May 2023

Objectives

We determined the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among public servants of Ejisu Juaben municipality.

Results

The overall prevalence of hypertension was 29.3% (95%CI:22.5–36.1%) and only 8.6% of the participants were aware of their hypertensive status. Respondents who were > 40 years were twice as likely to develop hypertension compared to those who were ≤ 40 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–5.32]. Those who were married were 2.54 times more likely to be hypertensive compared with those unmarried [AOR = 2.54, 95%CI: 1.06–6.08]. Compared to health workers, Judicial and Security service workers were almost five times more likely to be hypertensive [AOR = 4.77, 95%CI: 1.20–18.96]. Being overweight [AOR = 2.25, 95%CI: 1.06–6.41] and obese [AOR = 4.80, 95%CI: 1.82–12.91] was associated with increased odds of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension among the participants in this study is high. Employee wellness programs are needed at workplaces and the Ghana Health Service must adopt targeted intervention programs such as regular screening for non-communicable diseases and promotion of physical activities at the workplace.
Metastasis of spine from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland: two case reports
Authors: Safaei Saeid , Azimi Parisa , Yazdanian Taravat
Published: May 2023

Background

Spinal metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland is extremely rare. We present two interesting cases of spinal metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland.

Case summary

A 29-year-old Persian male and a 48-year-old Persian female presented with parotid gland mass. The two patients received parotidectomy and radiotherapy. The pathological examination result was adenoid cystic carcinoma. Because of intractable back pain, patients were referred to the hospital after 7 years and 9 months, respectively. Both cases underwent spinal surgery. Histopathology confirmed spinal metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland (case 1: T6, T12, and L1; case 2: T12). Anterior corpectomy of T12 and lateral screw fixation at T11 and L1 were done in case 2. Posterior spinal fusions from T2 to L3 and from T10 to L2 were performed in case 1 and case 2, respectively. Both patients showed good clinical improvement. The last follow-up (case 1: 24 months; case 2: 6 months after surgery), plain radiographs and computed tomography scan showed good fusion without instrumental failure and magnetic resonance imaging revealed good decompression of the spinal cord of both cases.

Conclusion

Although spinal metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid gland is extremely rare, it is necessary to be careful in the differential diagnosis.
Expression of microRNAs in leukocytes and serum of asbestosis patients
Authors: Kauschke Vivien , Philipp-Gehlhaar Monika , Schneider Joachim
Published: May 2023

Background

Although asbestos use is banned in many countries, long latency of asbestos-related diseases like pleural plaques or asbestosis mean it is still a public health issue. People suffering from these diseases have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer, which can progress quickly and aggressively. MicroRNAs were suggested as potential biomarkers in several diseases. However, in asbestosis, blood microRNAs are less explored. Since miR-32-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-204-5p and miR-451a are involved in fibrotic processes and in cancer, expression of these microRNAs was analyzed in leukocytes and serum of asbestosis patients.

Methods

MicroRNA expression was analyzed in leukocytes and serum of 36 patients (26 affected by pleural plaques and 10 by asbestosis) and 15 healthy controls by real-time RT-PCR. Additionally, data analyses were performed regarding disease severity based on ILO classification.

Results

MicroRNA miR-146b-5p was significantly down-regulated in leukocytes of patients suffering from pleural plaques with a large effect indicated by η2p = 0.150 and Cohen’s f = 0.42, a value of difference of 0.725 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.070–1.381. In patients suffering from asbestosis miR-146b-5p was not significantly regulated. However, data analyses considering disease severity only, revealed that miR-146b-5p was significantly down-regulated in leukocytes of mildly diseased patients compared to controls with a large effect indicated by η2p = 0.178 and Cohen’s f = 0.465, a value of difference of 0.848 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.097–1.599. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and an area under the ROC curve value of 0.757 for miR-146b-5p indicated acceptable discrimination ability between patients suffering from pleural plaques and healthy controls. Less microRNAs were detectable in serum than in leukocytes, showing no significant expression differences in all participants of this study. Moreover, miR-145-5p was regulated significantly differently in leukocytes and serum. An R2 value of 0.004 for miR-145-5p indicated no correlation in microRNA expression between leukocytes and serum.

Conclusion

Leukocytes seem more suitable than serum for microRNA analyses regarding disease and potentially cancer risk assessment of patients suffering from asbestos-related pleural plaques or asbestosis. Long-term studies may reveal whether down-regulation of miR-146b-5p in leukocytes might be an early indicator for an increased cancer risk.
Antibiotic therapy by intrathecal or intraventricular approach for postsurgical meningitis or ventriculitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Florez-Perdomo William A. , Escobar-Cardona Daniela , Janjua Tariq , Agrawal Amit , Vasquez Harold , Lozada-Martinez Iván David , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael
Published: May 2023

Objective

To systematically review the evidence for intrathecal or intraventricular plus intravenous administration of antibiotics compared with standard management for postsurgical meningitis or ventriculitis.

Methods

The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, the Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed, EMBASE; and reference list of articles.

Results

Administration of intrathecal/intraventricular antibiotics was associated with decreased mortality (OR 0.27 [95% CI 0.15–0.49] p =  < 0.00001), increased cure rate (OR 3.4 [95% CI 1.6–7.22] p = 0.001). There was no difference in the occurrence of reinfection rate, and in poor functional outcome (OR 0.57 [95% CI 0.21–1.60] p = 1.6 p = 0.29; OR 0.43 [95% CI 0.11–1.68] p = 0.22).

Conclusions

Intrathecal/intraventricular plus intravenous administration of antibiotics improves survival and cure rate in patients with postoperative meningitis or ventriculitis. More high-quality studies are needed.
The role of physiotherapy in recovery from generalized tetanus: two case reports
Authors: Fafolahan Abiola O. , Sodipo Oladunni P. , Adeoye Kafayat K. , Musa Badiru O. , Jegede Erioluwa , Musari Titilope , Adeyemi Blessing O.
Published: May 2023

Background

A toxin produced by Clostridium tetani causes an acute illness called tetanus. Although there are still isolated incidences of the disease in emerging nations with social and economic squalor, the number of cases has dropped as a result of vaccination. This case report intends to describe the physical therapy treatments given to two patients at the Federal Medical Center in Abeokuta who were diagnosed with generalized tetanus.

Case presentations

A 14-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy were admitted to the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta (FMCA) with symptoms of tetanus including an inability to open their mouths and muscle stiffness, and they were treated by pediatric physiotherapists with a combination of soft tissue massage, passive stretching, and passive movements to improve their muscle function. The patient in case 1 showed improvement in all clinical outcomes, such as muscle spasm, hypertonicity, muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs, and overall functional status, after undergoing therapy for 14 days. Similarly, the patient in case 2 also showed improvement in the same clinical outcomes after undergoing therapy for 8 days. Specifically, both patients showed Oxford muscle grading of 4/5 on both left and right limbs, and case 1 showed a functional independence measure score of 66/126 while case 2 showed a score of 56/126.

Conclusions

These case reports provide evidence that physical therapy interventions are effective in improving clinical outcomes and functional status in patients with generalized tetanus, and highlight the importance of incorporating physiotherapy in the management of this condition.
Evaluation of anti-atherosclerotic potential of Tinospora cordifolia in high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis with associated changes in histological and biochemical parameters on Wistar rats
Authors: Nipate S. S. , Koradkar K. , Gojare S. A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Atherosclerosis starts with fatty streak which is an accumulation of lipid-laden foam cells in the intimal layer of the artery. Atherosclerosis is a major cause of vascular disease globally. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia stem possesses hypolipidemic and thrombolytic activity that might be effective in Atherosclerosis. Hence the present study is to determine the anti-atherosclerotic effect of ethyl acetate fraction of stem of Tinospora cordifolia (EATC) in the high-fat diet-induced atherosclerotic model on Wistar rats. Atherosclerosis was induced in male Wistar rats by high-fat diet (cholesterol, cholic acid, Propylthiouracil and salad oil) for 60 days. After completion of induction oral administration of EATC (100, 200 mg/kg) and Atorvastatin (10 mg/ kg) were given to animals for next 20 days. The success of the model was determined by histological and biochemical parameters at 80 days.

Results

EATC was able to significant decreased the raised serum level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, Low Density Lipoprotein, V Low Density Lipoprotein and significant increased the serum High Density Lipoprotein level as compared to the diseased control group. EATC exhibited less damage to the endothelial lining of the aorta and showed significant protective effect by lowering the deposition of cholesterol thereby increasing the lumen size compared to the diseased control group.

Conclusion

The present study reveals that Tinospora cordifolia could be a potential source of drug in treatment of Atherosclerosis.
Hydrogel as an alternative to agar for laboratory rearing of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae
Authors: Silva Ana Paula Nascimento , Chagas Camila Faria , de Andrade Alves Emanuel Lucas , de Castro Carvalho Vinícius , Haddi Khalid
Published: May 2023

Background

Rearing methodologies are critical for successful insect production. In this context, standard laboratory rearing of aphid species, like the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, uses plant leaf disks floating on an agar layer. However, agar is costly and its use in insect rearing is not always cost-effective. Here, the synthetic polymer hydrogel was tested as an affordable alternative for laboratory rearing of the green peach aphid.

Methods

Initially, the effects of three concentrations of hydrogel (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 g per 100 ml) and agar (1 g per 100 ml) on the ability of aphids to complete their life cycle were compared. Then, using age-stage, two-sex life tables, the suitability of the hydrogel (0.6 g) as a substrate for two different host plants (e.i; Brassica oleraceae and Nicandra physalodes) under two different temperatures in aphids’ production was assessed. Subsequently, the response of the produced aphids in toxicological bioassays was tested.

Results

The hydrogel concentration of 0.6 g allowed the production of aphids in high numbers, similarly to the agar (1 g), without affecting their life cycle parameters or their reproductive outputs. Furthermore, the most significant differences between the evaluated treatments resulted mostly from the combined effects of the host plants and the temperatures. Therefore, colonies of M. persicae can be maintained over time producing sufficient offspring using N. physalodes leaves on a layer of hydrogel (0.6 g) at 20 °C. Moreover, in toxicological bioassays, the use of higher hydrogel concentrations (0.9 g) is recommended.

Conclusions

The hydrogel can be adopted as a viable alternative to replacing the widely used agar-based methodology for the green peach aphid rearing.
The impact of increased flooding caused by climate change on heritage in England and North Wales, and possible preventative measures: what could/should be done?
Authors: Anderson Kelly
Published: May 2023

Despite 30 years of discussion, adaptation work is not routinely being carried out at heritage sites to minimise future impacts of climate change, particularly increased flooding risks. To understand barriers to essential work being carried out, interviews were carried out with six heritage sites that have already experienced river flooding to understand levels of preparation both before and after the flooding occurred. The results prove that despite funding, or lack of, being an important contributor, it is not the sole barrier to adaptation. Previously flooded sites still do not have a flood plan in place, outside agencies are preventing work being carried out, measures which have been put in place through listing status are prohibiting necessary work and delays in decision making about what is acceptable are all delaying adaptation while allowing more damage to be caused from weather impacts. While responsibility for adaptation lies locally this situation will not improve; responsibility needs to lie more centrally. While the principle of replacing like for like is a sound one with the best of intentions behind it, this is also contributing to losses in heritage and must be reconsidered when big decisions are finally made about what will be acceptable if impacts to heritage from future climate change are to be minimised.
Impact of legislative precision in the management of the Casbah
Authors: Hadji Farah , Aslan Zaki , Bougherira Quenza , Mushtaha Emad
Published: May 2023

The historic centre of Algiers (Casbah) presents a state of severe decay. Laws and legislative measures have been promulgated in the past three decades to provide an adequate framework for the conservation of the old city.

This paper investigates the law and subsequent legal instruments used in heritage management and the impact of legislative provisions on the management of the living historic centre of the Casbah of Algiers.

Before the issuance of Algerian Law n°98–04 relating to the protection of cultural heritage, the role of the various entities managing the Casbah was rather unclear. This law provides more details about the structure of urban heritage management. Additionally, a new heritage protection tool came into existence (the PPSMVSS, i.e., the Permanent Plan for Safeguarding and Enhancement of the Safeguarded Sector).

Difficulties encountered in the field concerning the application of legislative tools caused considerable delays in preservation actions on the ground. This paper provides an analysis of the contradictions between text enforcement and conservation plans to understand the main reasons that led to the degradation of the historic area. Accordingly, the paper proposes a number of solutions to be implemented by the Algerian authorities.
CCNet-5D: 5D convolutional neural network for seismic data interpolation
Authors: Fang Wenqian , Fu Lihua , Xu Wanting , Bian Aifei , Li Hongwei
Published: May 2023

Convolutional neural network (CNN)-based seismic interpolation methods recover missing traces by feeding corrupted data to a trained neural network, whose parameters are obtained by training pairs of corrupted data and their complete labels. Compared with traditional reconstruction approaches, these methods require less human-computer interaction and computation time; therefore, CNN approaches have been popular for 2D/3D seismic interpolation. Five-dimensional seismic data interpolation methods recover missing traces simultaneously in five dimensions, considering all the physical coordinates with high accuracy. Unfortunately, existing deep-learning frameworks (such as TensorFlow and PyTorch) only provide low-dimensional convolution operators (no more than three dimensions), which makes it difficult to generalize to 5D seismic reconstruction directly. To this end, we develop an effective 5D-CNN by cascading low-dimensional convolution to deal with 5D seismic interpolation, referred to as the CCNet-5D. First, based on the definition of convolution and the theory of tensor decomposition, the 5D convolution operator is approximated by the sum of multiple cascading of low-dimensional convolution operators. Then, we determine the CNN architecture for the 5D convolutional operators by cascading the 3D and 2D convolutional layers, called the CC-3D2D module. The final CCNet-5D is constructed by stacking the four resulting CC-3D2D modules. In our setup, 5D-CNN outperforms the existing 5D traditional method and 3D CNN-based method.
Finite-difference modeling with topography using 3D viscoelastic parameter-modified free-surface condition
Authors: Dong Shu-Li , Zhou Xu-Hui , Chen Jing-Bo
Published: May 2023

The free-surface boundary condition is a crucial aspect in the numerical modeling of (visco)elastic wave equations, especially when using a finite-difference (FD) method in the presence of surface topography. The parameter-modified method is a widely used approach to solve this problem. In this regard, the adaptive Poisson’s ratio parameter-modified method has proven to be effective in accurately simulating seismic surface waves within the FD discretization framework. Based on the equivalent medium theory, vacuum approximation, and mathematical limit, we develop a viscoelastic parameter-modified (VPM) method for the implementation of the free-surface boundary condition in the 3D viscoelastic wave equation. Our approach modifies the viscoelastic constitutive relation and density at the free surface and provides a formulation in terms of displacement and stress. We determine that our VPM method is more general than the viscoelastic stress-image method as it includes the latter as a limit case when the Poisson’s ratio equals zero. The presented free-surface method is represented implicitly within the FD grid, and we provide implementation details when simulating surface waves with topography in the standard staggered-grid FD scheme. We support our theory’s feasibility and accuracy through numerical examples.
Bayesian inversion for rapid multiwell interpretation of well logs and core data: Applications to unconventional organic-shale formations
Authors: Deng Tianqi , Ambía Joaquín , Torres-Verdín Carlos
Published: May 2023

Multimineral analysis is widely used to calculate in situ porosity, fluid saturation, and mineralogy of rocks penetrated by a well. It delivers weight/volumetric concentrations of rock solid/fluid constituents by combining multiple borehole geophysical measurements and often is referred to as petrophysical joint inversion. Recently, a probabilistic method was developed for improved petrophysical estimation of rock constituents and their uncertainty from well logs. This method mitigates borehole and instrument-related environmental effects present in the measurements and efficiently propagates the uncertainty from measurement noise and rock-physics models (RPMs) to compositional/petrophysical estimations. The probabilistic estimation method is extended to the challenging conditions of multiple neighboring wells penetrating similar rock formations where borehole/drilling environmental conditions, borehole instruments, and measurement noise may vary from well to well. A calibration step is performed in a few key wells with core data and/or advanced borehole measurements; it enables the same RPMs and prior models to be implemented in nearby wells but with limited measurements. In addition, a precomputed surrogate model constructed with radial basis function interpolation is implemented for accurate and efficient nuclear-property calculations. The multiwell interpretation method is verified using synthetic and field examples of organic-rich shale formations. Results find that the probabilistic method (1) improves rock petrophysical/compositional estimations by mitigating borehole environmental effects and incorporating a priori knowledge, (2) yields regionally consistent compositions among wells, and (3) quantifies the uncertainty of the estimations. As a result, the probabilistic approach is especially suitable for assessing petrophysical/compositional properties in multiwell settings with complex rock constituents and/or limited borehole measurements.
New Insights in the Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, and Response to Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures
Authors: Skjødt Michael Kriegbaum , Abrahamsen Bo
Published: May 2023

Context

Vertebral fractures (VFs) make up an important but challenging group of fractures often caused by osteoporosis. Osteoporotic fractures pose unique diagnostic challenges in generally requiring imaging for diagnosis. The objective of this narrative mini-review is to provide an overview of these recent advances in our knowledge of VF pathophysiology and epidemiology with particular focus on endocrine diseases, prevention, and treatment.

Evidence Acquisition

We searched PubMed on May 23, 2022, for studies of VFs in humans. Results were limited to papers available as full-text publications in English, published from 2020 and onward. This yielded 3457 citations. This was supplemented by earlier publications selected to add context to the recent findings.

Evidence Synthesis

Studies addressed VF risk in hyperthyreosis, hyperparathyroidism, acromegaly, Cushing syndrome, primary aldosteronism, and diabetes. For pharmaceutical treatment, new studies or analyses were identified for romosozumab and for weekly teriparatide. Several studies, including studies in the immediate pipeline, were intervention studies with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, including combination with stem cells or pharmaceuticals.

Conclusions

Endocrinologists should be aware of the high likelihood of osteoporotic VFs in patients with endocrine diseases. Though licensed treatments are able to substantially reduce the occurrence of VFs in patients with osteoporosis, the vast majority of recent or ongoing randomized controlled trials in the VF area focus on advanced invasive therapy of the fracture itself.
Remnant Cholesterol Independently Predicts the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Huang Hangkai , Xie Jiarong , Zeng Yan , Liu Zhening , Miao Min , Xu Lei , Xu Chengfu
Published: May 2023

Context

Serum levels of remnant cholesterol have been reported to predict the prognosis of cardiovascular disease, independent of traditional lipid profiles.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the association between serum remnant cholesterol and the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

A total of 9184 adults who underwent physical examination annually were included in this study. The association between serum remnant cholesterol and incident NAFLD was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression. We evaluated the relative risk of NAFLD in the groups with discordant remnant cholesterol vs traditional lipid profiles using clinically relevant treatment targets.

Results

During a total of 31 662 person-years of follow-up, 1339 incident NAFLD cases were identified. In the multivariable-adjusted model, the fourth quartile of remnant cholesterol was positively associated with NAFLD risks compared with the first quartile (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.824; 95% CI, 2.268-3.517; P < .001). This association remained significant among individuals with normal levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (HR: 1.929; 95% CI, 1.291-2.882; P < .001). In individuals achieving the different treatment targets of LDL-C and non-HDL-C for risk stratification according to clinical guidelines, the association between remnant cholesterol and incident NAFLD was still significant.

Conclusion

Serum levels of remnant cholesterol have predictive value for the development of NAFLD beyond traditional lipid profiles.
Cosmopolitanism from Below: Union Film's Adaptation of World Classics
Authors: Ng Kenny K. K.
Published: May 2023

Cosmopolitanism promises to go beyond national thinking and tradition-bound parochialism by reemphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals, communities, and cultures. This article probes the politics of adaptation of the left-leaning Cantonese Union Film Enterprise (Zhonglian 中聯, 1952 – 1967) in colonial Hong Kong, and scrutinizes how it embraced world literary classics to enhance the prestige of Cantonese films. It focuses on three 1955 adaptations: An Orphan's Tragedy (Guxing xuelei 孤星血淚; from Great Expectations), Anna (Chuncan mengduan 春殘夢斷; from Anna Karenina), and Eternal Love (Tianchang dijiu 天長地久; from Sister Carrie). The founding of Union was a conscientious response of Cantonese film workers to the call of the Cantonese Film Clean-up Campaign (Yueyu dianying qingjie yundong 粵語電影清潔運動) in the 1940s, launched by leftist filmmakers from Shanghai (Cai Chusheng 蔡楚生, Situ Huimin司徒慧敏) and supported by Cantonese film leaders Ng Cho-fan 吳楚帆 and Lo Duen 盧敦. The study interrogates the predicaments and vicissitudes of Union's cosmopolitan stances as it wrestled with the cultural politics of Chinese cinema during the Cold War. It elucidates the ethnically rooted and culturally cosmopolitan Cantonese progressive cinema. The social realism represented by Union is not local or passé. The Union artists envisioned from below a humane and cosmopolitan community inhabited by workers and intellectuals, locals and diasporic Chinese subjects, which connects people beyond their parochialism and nationhood.
A exposição Memória das Cataratas e a produção de memórias no Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
Authors: Soraia Backx Sanabria Isabela
Published: May 2023

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de analisar o modo como a exposição Memória das Cataratas, disponibilizada no Centro de Visitantes do Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, influencia a produção das memórias e intervém na produção de relações sociais no oeste do Paraná. Para isso, em um primeiro momento, desenvolve-se a análise expográfica desse espaço, de modo a observar como os diferentes elementos expositivos se articulam, produzindo um discurso específico sobre as memórias da região. Em seguida, o artigo aborda a operatividade simbólica dessa exposição, demonstrando que o discurso comunicado por essa tem efeitos sociais e simbólicos, os quais separam e diferenciam os grupos sociais e influenciam o modo como as comunidades locais se relacionam entre si.
Meta-análise da avaliação do IPEA sobre efeitos da Filosofia e Sociologia no Ensino Médio
Authors: Caldeira de Alvarenga Lames Borges Rodrigo
Published: May 2023

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi propor uma meta-análise da avaliação realizada pelos pesquisadores Thais Waideman Niquito e Adolfo Sachsida, então no Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (IPEA), em 2018. Esses autores concluíram, com base nos dados do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio - ENEM, que a Filosofia e Sociologia obrigatórias no Ensino Médio impactou negativamente os rendimentos dos discentes nas outras áreas de conhecimento, principalmente em Matemática. A nossa análise foi baseada na perspectiva analítica da Sociologia política e pela crítica de pesquisadores do Campo Contra Hegemônico, além de outros citados neste artigo. Evidenciou-se os pressupostos político-ideológicos da avaliação, e que o uso dos dados do ENEM não permitiria conclusões como as da pesquisa em questão.
Ethé de comandos femininos de torcidas organizadas com base em imagens de Facebook
Authors: Madureira Alvarenga Thiago
Published: May 2023

As mulheres tentam ganhar protagonismo dentro das torcidas organizadas de futebol ao participarem dos comandos femininos. Em busca de mais relevância, esses grupos criaram perfis nas redes sociais, mobilizando debates. O que investigamos neste artigo são os ethé projetados pelas imagens de perfis do Facebook de comandos femininos, com base na Gramática do Design Visual. De um grupo de dez torcidas analisadas, encontramos em oito imagens de si de torcedoras bonitas, guerreiras, independentes, fanáticas e agressivas, que reforçam, em especial, dois estereótipos sociais: o da violência ligada aos torcedores organizados e o da objetificação dos corpos das mulheres. Por outro lado, as torcedoras se afastam dos imaginários de "Maria-Chuteira" e desinteressadas por futebol.
Educação do Campo na RDS do Tupé
Authors: Ventura Muller Riulma , Ferreira da Silva Camila
Published: May 2023

O estudo que dá corpo a este artigo analisa a Educação do Campo em um contexto de implementação das políticas públicas educacionais na Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (RDS) do Tupé. É parte de uma pesquisa em andamento no Curso de Doutorado em Educação da Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), que privilegia a combinação entre duas frentes, a saber: a análise teórica em torno dos autores/as que compreendem a Educação do Campo como uma concepção epistemológica, que surge a partir das reivindicações dos povos do Campo, e a exploração dos dispositivos legais e marcos históricos que orientam os diferentes tipos de educações que são desenvolvidos na Comunidade São João do Tupé, no Amazonas.
Os ciclos rituais e rotas do beiju na Semana Santa em Araí, na Amazônia Atlântica
Authors: De Nazaré Brito Picanço Miguel
Published: May 2023

Este texto, de cunho etnográfico, é um recorte de uma pesquisa para o doutorado. Buscou-se analisar e descrever os movimentos operados nos ciclos rituais, rotas e trajetórias do beiju e as implicações na vida coletiva dos católicos romanos durante a festa da Páscoa em Araí, uma comunidade rural da Amazônia Atlântica, no nordeste paraense. Ao longo da Semana Santa, a mandioca é convertida em um bolo sagrado, chamado beiju, que é produzido, trocado, retribuído e coletivizado pelos e entre os católicos daquele lugar. Os dados deste texto resultaram de incursões em campo nos anos de 2016 e 2022, onde, por meio de observações participantes, conversas formais e informais realizaram-se as discussões deste artigo.
Do sertão nordestino para a sala de aula
Authors: Junqueira de Souza Renata , De Araújo Wanderley Naelza
Published: May 2023

Trabalhar com a literatura de cordel é compreender sobre o passado e o presente daqueles que tiveram a infância embalada pelo recitar e pelo ouvir de versos que ainda ecoam na memória. Assim, ao abordar como temática cordéis e sextilhas que contam sobre os animais, enquanto poesia também escrita para o leitor criança e que possibilita o diálogo entre a literatura infantil, a literatura popular e o prazer do texto estético, este artigo tem como objetivo abordar o cordel, definindo sextilhas e perpassando por atividades que motivam leitores a abrirem um folheto e a compreenderem como nossa identidade se mostra cada vez mais atrelada a outros saberes que se contemplam e dialogam entre si, levando o texto poético à escola como forma de conhecer os diversos "brasis" estampados nessa literatura.
Algumas vozes anciãs da Aldeia Severino Tefé/AM
Authors: De Almeida Bruno Poliana , Da Silveira Cristiane
Published: May 2023

Este trabalho é voltado para a tradição da contação de histórias dos/as Apurinã da Aldeia Severino/Tefé, no estado do Amazonas, uma cultura dotada de experiências e ensinamentos por aqueles/as que a praticam, que leva ao aprendizado sobre outras visões de mundo. O tema proposto surgiu do desejo de visibilizar a cultura indígena Apurinã, suas memórias e identidade. A amostragem apresentada no decorrer do trabalho é reduzida a quatro narradores/as, os quais contam histórias e estavam presentes na aldeia, aceitando colaborar com este estudo. Munduruku (2016), Gonçalves (2009), dentre outros, embasam este trabalho. A contação de histórias praticada pelos/as anciãos/ãs do local liga eles/as à sua origem, que traz e perpetua aspectos de sua cultura local entre os membros da aldeia.
Brasil em trânsito
Authors: Fernanda Nunes Ribeiro Elzimar
Published: May 2023

Questionando o discurso nacionalista que vigorava na música brasileira desde o Modernismo, o movimento da Tropicália, buscou na Antropofagia Cultural, de Oswald de Andrade, saídas para a dualidade entre nacional e internacional, que se vivia na década de 1960, em plena expansão da cultura de massa. Caetano Veloso, um dos mais conhecidos e proficientes tropicalistas, tem trazido para sua música toda uma série de processos que intentam repensar a tradição musical brasileira. Este trabalho examina esse esforço do artista, ao se dedicar à análise do LP Transa, obra criada quando Caetano estava no exílio em Londres.