bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erdheim Chester Disease – Unusual Presentation with Isolated Skeletal Lytic Lesions
Authors: Yalamanchi Amulya , Asirvatham Adlyne Reena , Balachandran Karthik , Mahadevan Shriram , Sundaram Sandhya , Rajendiran S
Published: July 2023

Introduction:Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) of unknown origin that was first described in 1930. Since then, almost 600 cases have been reported worldwide. Even though this disease primarily affects the bone, it has a varied clinical spectrum of presentation ranging from asymptomatic bone lesions to multisystem involvement. Owing to its protean manifestations ECD is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late. Case Report:We present a 48-year-old female with a long long-standing history of recurrent bone lesion of the tibia and multiple trivial trauma fractures of long bones. Recently, she also developed a persistent headache and painful swelling of the right shoulder and left hip joint. Radiographs revealed multiple lytic and lytic sclerotic lesions. With the probable diagnosis of LCH, she underwent biopsy which revealed features characteristic of ECD. Conclusion:This case highlights the fact that histopathological confirmation is the key to distinguish various types of histiocytic neoplasms. Overlapping clinical and radiological features with atypical manifestations can occur in both LCH and ECD and does not rule out either of them. Keywords: Osteolytic lesions, osteosclerotic lesion, histiocytic neoplasm, erdheim chester disease, langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Osteoid Osteoma of Lumbar Vertebra Presenting as Low Back Ache and Scoliosis in a Young Child – A Case Report
Authors: Gaike Chandrashekhar , Lalwani Kapil , Panat Mangesh
Published: July 2023

Introduction:Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor. It characteristically presents with pain which increases in severity at night. Low back ache is a very common complaint which is relatively less common in the pediatric population. The patients are initially treated for a prolonged period of time by primary physicians with analgesics only after which they are referred to tertiary centers. These young patients can also develop secondary scoliosis which may become the primary concern of the parents and treating primary physician. Case Report:An 8-year-old girl presented to us with chief complaints of low back ache for 1 year and back deformity for 3–4 months. She was treated initially by a primary physician with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There was a significant reduction in her back pain with medications. The patient was further radiologically evaluated once she developed a back deformity which reported a lesion involving the posterior elements of the L3 vertebra (? Osteoid osteoma). For this, open excision with curettage was preferred over radiofrequency ablation due to its location. The patient subsequently had good pain relief and the deformity got corrected for 3 months. Conclusion:Radiofrequency ablation or surgical excision with curettage of osteoid osteoma is required as prolonged analgesic medication has its own side effects. Once the pain subsides, the paraspinal muscle spasm reduces and the scoliosis gradually corrects. Keywords: Osteoid osteoma, lumbar spine, spinal tumor, excision, scoliosis.
Fourth-Generation Ceramic Head Fracture in Dual Mobility Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report
Authors: Patetta Michael J. , Kayupov Erdan , Karam Joseph A. , Chmell Samuel J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Rare cases of Biolox® delta ceramic head fractures in ceramic-on-polyethylene bearings have been reported in the literature. Virtually none of these catastrophic injuries have been documented in dual mobility constructs. Case Report:We report a case of fourth-generation delta ceramic head fracture 4.5 years after implantation in a dual mobility total hip replacement constructs as a result of a ground-level fall. The patient underwent revision arthroplasty with another delta ceramic dual mobility construct and was able to return to work in custodial services 2 weeks after the revision procedure. Conclusion:In summary, we presented an extremely uncommon case of a fractured fourth generation, Biolox® delta ceramic head in a dual mobility total hip arthroplasty (THA), as a result of a ground-level fall. The patient underwent successful revision surgery to another dual mobility delta ceramic THA. Despite substantial advances in ceramic materials, catastrophic failure of 4th generation ceramic head components can still occur even in dual mobility constructs and require revision arthroplasty surgery. Keywords:Total hip arthroplasty, revision total hip arthroplasty, ceramic femoral head, dual mobility cup.
What is the problem? Representations of gender and violence towards politicians in UK parliamentary debates
Authors: Phillips Hannah
Published: July 2023

Recent research demonstrates that there are important gendered dimensions in politicians’ experiences of violence. Less scholarship has examined the phenomenon’s political impacts, including how violence is represented as a policy problem by political actors themselves. This article applies feminist frame analysis to theories of gender and political violence to explore how UK members of Parliament frame their experiences of violence (including abuse, harassment and intimidation) in the eight House of Commons debates specifically on the topic between 2010 and 2021. Violence towards politicians, including an increasing focus on the experiences of women and social media abuse, has been politicised over time as a normative policy problem, being framed as an attack on the public good of democracy. This article develops theories of gender and political violence by demonstrating that the problem of gendered political violence can and should be conceptualised not only as a unique phenomenon but also as a policy problem.
High-performance dual-tunable terahertz absorber based on strontium titanate and bulk Dirac semimetal for temperature sensing and switching function
Authors: Zhang Yong Gang , Feng Zhen Wei , Liang Lan Ju , Yao Hai Yun , Wang Ya Ru , Xu Liang , Yan Xin , Liu Wei
Published: July 2023

In this study, a perfect metamaterial absorber based on strontium titanate and bulk Dirac semimetals is proposed. When the temperature of strontium titanate was 300K, the dual-band absorptions were 99.74% and 99.99% at 1.227 and 1.552 THz, respectively. The sensitivities based on a transverse magnetic (TM) wave were 0.95 and 1.22 GHz/K; the sensitivity based on a transverse electric (TE) wave was 0.76 GHz/K. The TE and TM waves were modulated by inserting a bulk Dirac semimetal between the concave and convex devices. The modulation depth of the TE wave was 97.9% at 1.1 THz; the extinction ratio was 16.9 dB. The modulation depth of the TE wave at 1.435 THz was 95.9%; the extinction ratio was 13.89 dB. The TM wave modulation depth at 1.552 THz was 95.9%; the extinction ratio was 13.98 dB. Irrespective of a TE or TM wave, the terahertz absorber has good switching and temperature-sensing performance based on strontium titanate and bulk Dirac semimetals as well as broad application prospects in temperature sensing and switching devices.
Nonlinear processes and laser damage induced by a temporally modulated nanosecond UV laser beam. Part I: stimulated Brillouin scattering
Authors: Nuter Rachel , Bouyer Charles , Gleyze Jean-François , Roquin Nadja , Lamaignère Laurent
Published: July 2023

Phase modulation is currently applied on pump laser beams propagating in thick optical elements to avoid optical damage induced by Brillouin backscattering. The experimental measurements show that adding a 2 GHz amplitude modulation to such a phase-modulated laser beam can compromise this optical preservation by increasing the Brillouin backscattering signal. These results are confirmed and explained with a theoretical analysis, developed in the perturbative regime, and with the numerical results obtained by solving three-wave coupling equations. Particularly, we show that when the frequency of the amplitude modulation is a harmonic of the phase modulation frequency, the Brillouin gain value is increased and can exceed the one obtained without amplitude modulation.
Entanglement – a Resolution of the Riddle
Authors: Barak Shlomo
Published: July 2023

Our resolution of the entanglement riddle dispels the need to attribute non-locality in spacetime to Quantum Mechanics.
This resolution is based on the contention that, in contrast to current understanding, the going of an “individual” photon through a polarizer’s port is pre-determined.
PKA regulatory subunit Bcy1 couples growth, lipid metabolism, and fermentation during anaerobic xylose growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wagner Ellen R. , Nightingale Nicole M. , Jen Annie , Overmyer Katherine A. , McGee Mick , Coon Joshua J. , Gasch Audrey P.
Published: July 2023

Organisms have evolved elaborate physiological pathways that regulate growth, proliferation, metabolism, and stress response. These pathways must be properly coordinated to elicit the appropriate response to an ever-changing environment. While individual pathways have been well studied in a variety of model systems, there remains much to uncover about how pathways are integrated to produce systemic changes in a cell, especially in dynamic conditions. We previously showed that deletion of Protein Kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunitBCY1can decouple growth and metabolism inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeengineered for anaerobic xylose fermentation, allowing for robust fermentation in the absence of division. This provides an opportunity to understand how PKA signaling normally coordinates these processes. Here, we integrated transcriptomic, lipidomic, and phospho-proteomic responses upon a glucose to xylose shift across a series of strains with different genetic mutations promoting either coupled or decoupled xylose-dependent growth and metabolism. Together, results suggested that defects in lipid homeostasis limit growth in thebcy1Δstrain despite robust metabolism. To further understand this mechanism, we performed adaptive laboratory evolutions to re-evolve coupled growth and metabolism in thebcy1Δparental strain. The evolved strain harbored mutations in PKA subunitTPK1and lipid regulatorOPI1, among other genes, and evolved changes in lipid profiles and gene expression. Deletion of the evolvedopi1gene partially reverted the strain’s phenotype to thebcy1Δparent, with reduced growth and robust xylose fermentation. We suggest several models for how cells coordinate growth, metabolism, and other responses in budding yeast and how restructuring these processes enables anaerobic xylose utilization.
Tissue-specific reprogramming of glutamine metabolism maintains tolerance to sepsis
Authors: Leitner Brooks P. , Lee Won D. , Zhu Wanling , Zhang Xinyi , Gaspar Rafael C. , Li Zongyu , Rabinowitz Joshua D. , Perry Rachel J.
Published: July 2023

Reprogramming metabolism is of great therapeutic interest for reducing morbidity and mortality during sepsis-induced critical illness. Disappointing results from randomized controlled trials targeting glutamine and antioxidant metabolism in patients with sepsis have begged a deeper understanding of the tissue-specific metabolic response to sepsis. The current study sought to fill this gap. We analyzed skeletal muscle transcriptomics of critically ill patients, versus elective surgical controls, which revealed reduced expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism and electron transport, with increases in glutathione cycling, glutamine, branched chain, and aromatic amino acid transport. We then performed untargeted metabolomics and 13C isotope tracing to analyze systemic and tissue specific metabolic phenotyping in a murine polymicrobial sepsis model. We found an increased number of correlations between the metabolomes of liver, kidney, and spleen, with loss of correlations between the heart and quadriceps and all other organs, pointing to a shared metabolic signature within vital abdominal organs, and unique metabolic signatures for muscles during sepsis. A lowered GSH:GSSG and elevated AMP:ATP ratio in the liver underlie the significant upregulation of isotopically labeled glutamine’s contribution to TCA cycle anaplerosis and glutamine-derived glutathione biosynthesis; meanwhile, the skeletal muscle and spleen were the only organs where glutamine’s contribution to the TCA cycle was significantly suppressed. These results highlight tissue-specific mitochondrial reprogramming to support liver energetic demands and antioxidant synthesis, rather than global mitochondrial dysfunction, as a metabolic consequence of sepsis.
Fish assemblage structure, diversity and controls on reefs of South Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
Authors: Fukunaga Atsuko , Asner Gregory P. , Grady Bryant W. , Vaughn Nicholas R.
Published: July 2023

The structure of coral-reef fish assemblages is affected by natural and anthropogenic factors such as the architectural complexity, benthic composition and physical characteristics of the habitat, fishing pressure and land-based input. The coral-reef ecosystem of South Kona, Hawai‘i hosts diverse reef habitats with a relatively high live coral cover, but a limited number of studies have focused on the ecosystem or the fish assemblages. Here, we surveyed fish assemblages at 119 sites in South Kona in 2020 and 2021 and investigated the associations between the fish assemblages and environmental variables obtained from published Geographic Information System (GIS) layers, including depth, latitude, reef rugosity, housing density and benthic cover. The fish assemblages in South Kona were dominated by a relatively small number of widely occurring species. Multivariate analyses indicated that fish assemblage structure strongly correlated with depth, reefscape-level rugosity and sand cover individually, while the final parsimonious model included latitude, depth, housing density within 3-km of shore, chlorophyll-aconcentration and sand cover. Univariate analysis revealed negative associations between housing density and fish species richness and abundance. Effects of environmental factors specific to fish trophic groups were also found. Reefscape-level rugosity had strong positive influences on the distributions of all herbivores (browsers, grazers and scrapers), while housing density had strong negative influences only on the abundance of browsers. Positive associations were also found between live coral cover and the presence of scrapers, as well as the abundance of corallivorous fish. This study intensively surveyed shallow coral reefs along the coastline of South Kona and was the most complete spatial survey on the reef fish assemblages to date. As it utilized GIS layers to assess large-scale patterns in the fish assemblages, future studies including in-situ environmental data may further reveal local-scale patterns and insights into factors affecting the structure of fish assemblages in Hawai‘i.
Socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural determinants of delivery by caesarian section in Ethiopia: Evidence from Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019
Authors: Faruk Mohammad Omar , Arafat Md. Eyasin , Shanta Sabbir Hussain
Published: July 2023

Delivery by cesarean section is a surgical procedure of delivery to a newborn baby, and the process is applied when vaginal delivery is unsafe. This study aims to identify the socioeconomic, demographic, and cultural factors that significantly impact the delivery by caesarean section. The 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (2019 EMDHS) data were used to conduct this research, and this study considered 2872 ever-married women all over the country who delivered in the clinical setting. Firstly, a frequency distribution table has been constructed to understand the characteristics of the selected explanatory and study variables. Then Chi-square test identifies the association between various socioeconomic and demographic factors and delivery by the caesarian section. Finally, the Binary Logistic Regression was used to determine the factors that substantially impact the caesarian section among women in Ethiopia. The Chi-square test of association showed that mother’s age, type of residence, highest education level, religion, socioeconomic status, total children ever born, use of contraception, age of mothers at first birth, and preceding birth interval were significantly associated with the caesarian section. The multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the mother’s current age (Age Group: 31–40; Odds Ratio: 2.487, p<0.05) and religion (Muslim; Odds Ratio: 0.599, p<0.05) substantially influenced the study feature. Moreover, the highest educational level (Secondary and higher; Odds Ratio: 1.581, p<0.05), and the preceding birth interval (>40 months; Odds Ratio: 0.682, p<0.05) were also found to have considerable impacts on the caesarian section. Furthermore, the total number of children ever born (>5; Odds Ratio: 0.498, p<0.05) significantly impacts the delivery by caesarean section in Ethiopia. This study’s results would be useful to policymakers to take necessary steps to reduce unnecessary delivery by caesarian section and ensure a safer newborn delivery process.
Exploring Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors from a medical social work perspective: A qualitative study of medical social workers in South Korea
Authors: Bae Ka Ryeong , Ahn Yeojin , Park Joung Won , Kim Seok-Joo
Published: July 2023

Background

Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors has been insufficiently addressed despite its imperativeness in cancer journey. Although several studies have investigated healthcare professionals’ experience with FCR in cancer survivors, a medical social work perspective has rarely been reflected. This study aimed to explore Korean medical social workers’ experience with intervening FCR in cancer survivors.

Methods

Snowball sampling recruited 12 experienced medical social workers intervening with cancer survivors at tertiary or university cancer hospitals in South Korea. Individual and focus-group interviews (FGI) were conducted with the medical social workers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by using an inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results

Content analysis of the interviews extracted the following major themes regarding FCR in cancer survivors. First, when and how FCR among cancer survivors emerged at the early stage of medical social work interventions was identified. Second, how medical social workers dealt with FCR in cancer survivors was illustrated. Third, the responses of cancer survivors to medical social work interventions for FCR were assessed. Finally, the internal and external issues underlying the medical social work interventions for FCR among cancer survivors were revealed and discussed.

Conclusion

Based on the results, this study suggested the implications on dealing with FCR in cancer survivors in the realm of medial social work profession. Furthermore, it expanded the discussion about FCR in cancer survivors from cancer hospitals to community.
Multimorbidity and food insecurity in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kantilafti Maria , Giannakou Konstantinos , Chrysostomou Stavri
Published: July 2023

Food insecurity is one of the main factors affecting multimorbidity. Previous studies have shown that food insecurity may lead to multimorbidity due to person’s inability to consume nutritious diet. However, considering that multimorbidity may cause work-related disabilities and an unstable income, others support the possible effect that multimorbidity has on food insecurity. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the relationship between food insecurity and multimorbidity in adults. A systematic literature review of studies was performed using the PubMed, EBSCO and SCOPUS for all articles including adults ≥ 18-year-old with multimorbidity living in developed countries published from August 5th until December 7th 2022. Meta-analysis was performed considering results from the fully adjusted model. The methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. This systematic review was not registered. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency. Four cross-sectional studies involving 45,404 participants were included in order to investigate the possible impact that food insecurity has on multimorbidity. The study findings showed an increased probability of multimorbidity 1.55 (95% CI:1.31–1.79, p<0.001, I2 = 44.1%) among people with food insecurity. Conversely, three of the included studies, involving 81,080 participants concluded that people with multimorbidity, have 2.58 (95% CI: 1.66–3.49, p<0.001, I2 = 89.7%) times higher odds to present food insecurity. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence of a reverse association between food insecurity and multimorbidity. Further cross-sectional studies must be conducted in order to elucidate the association between multimorbidity and food insecurity across age groups and between the two genders.
RT-DOb, a switch gene for the gene pair {Csf1r, Milr1}, can influence the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by regulating communication between mast cell and microglia
Authors: Khayer Nasibeh , Motamed Nasrin , Marashi Sayed-Amir , Goshadrou Fatemeh
Published: July 2023

In biology, homeostasis is a central cellular phenomenon that plays a crucial role in survival. The central nervous system (CNS) is controlled by exquisitely sensitive homeostatic mechanisms when facing inflammatory or pathological insults. Mast cells and microglia play a crucial role in CNS homeostasis by eliminating damaged or unnecessary neurons and synapses. Therefore, decoding molecular circuits that regulate CNS homeostasis may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies that specifically target particular subsets for better therapy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Based on a computational analysis of a microarray dataset related to AD, theH2-Obgene was previously identified as a potential modulator of the homeostatic balance between mast cells and microglia. Specifically, it plays such a role in the presence of a three-way gene interaction in which theH2-Obgene acts as a switch in the co-expression relationship of two genes,Csf1randMilr1. Therefore, the importance of theH2-Obgene as a potential therapeutic target for AD has led us to experimentally validate this relationship using the quantitative real-time PCR technique. In the experimental investigation, we confirmed that a change in the expression levels of theRT1-DObgene (the rat ortholog of murineH2-Ob) can switch the co-expression relationship betweenCsf1randMilr1. Furthermore, since theRT1-DObgene is up-regulated in AD, the mentioned triplets might be related to triggering AD.
Alfabetización mediática crítica desde la metodología empírico-filosófico-periodística: el enfoque estructural para la educomunicación
Authors: Nogales-Bocio Antonia-Isabel
Published: July 2023

A partir del trabajo plasmado en obras como Educación para el mercado. Un análisis crítico de mensajes audiovisuales destinados a menores y jóvenes (Reig, 2013), miembros de la escuela sevillana de Estructura de la Información (Grupo GREHCCO) pusieron en marcha el estudio de las dinámicas que condicionan la construcción del individuo en la sociedad contemporánea. Uno de los factores que incide en ello es el discurso mediático de masas; entendido este, desde la óptica de la Economía Política de la Comunicación, como un macrodiscurso transversal que va más allá de los mensajes aislados y comporta una línea discursiva común y de proyección poderosa, tamizada a su vez por las interrelaciones con el poder político y económico-empresarial. En el presente artículo se aborda el potencial de las investigaciones acerca de la construcción de la identidad del individuo a partir de planteamientos filosóficos críticos y su aplicación a los estudios en comunicación. Consideramos pues que esta aportación, incorporable a las técnicas de análisis crítico del discurso, plantea el carácter transdisciplinar de la EPC y supone un avance metodológico con notables posibilidades. Así, podemos proponer un método de análisis (la hemerografía estructural) que permite una alfabetización mediática más crítica y consciente, pues arroja luz sobre las interconexiones de los medios con los núcleos de poder. Lo haremos planteando el aprendizaje mediático en clave crítica y reflexiva con los discursos mainstream, mediante una metodología de creación propia que parte de una revisión transdisciplinar del estado del arte.
Canal Sur como motor de la producción de cine en Andalucía: evolución hasta la era de las plataformas de vídeo bajo demanda
Authors: Castro-Higueras Antonio , Pérez-Rufí José-Patricio
Published: July 2023

Esta investigación tiene como objeto de estudio la producción cinematográfica andaluza participada por Canal Sur Televisión, la televisión pública autonómica de Andalucía. El objetivo principal es cuantificar y valorar la evolución y la posible dependencia del sector de la producción de cine andaluz respecto al operador público. Como objetivo secundario, se investiga la distribución de una muestra de títulos producidos en 2020 y 2021 en salas de cine y plataformas de cine. Se propone la hipótesis de que Canal Sur se ha convertido en sus 35 años de historia en el principal motor de la producción de cine andaluz. Se aplica una metodología cuantitativa y descriptiva, con una perspectiva basada en la Economía Política de la Comunicación. No se ha tenido acceso a los datos de inversión del operador público en producción de cine. Los resultados muestran un importante crecimiento de la producción de cine andaluz con el cambio de siglo y un mayor relieve en el conjunto del cine español. Canal Sur Televisión también incrementó su participación en número de títulos, aunque en unos niveles inferiores. Con el cambio de Gobierno en la Junta de Andalucía en 2019 se reduce el número de títulos producidos por la televisión pública. Esta investigación concluye que Canal Sur Televisión fue un agente fundamental en la producción de cine en Andalucía en los años 90, aunque no lo es actualmente. El sector cinematográfico en Andalucía no es, por lo tanto, un sector subsidiario de la televisión pública autonómica.
Alfabetización crítica mediática [Editorial]
Authors: Osuna-Acedo Sara , Michael Hoechsmann  , Nolan Higdon
Published: July 2023

(No procede)
Fray Antonio González de Acuña: Procuraduría de un dominico limeño en Europa
Authors: Ojeda Corzo Ramón
Published: July 2023

El presente artículo se construye sobre la figura del procurador religioso en la Edad Moderna, como pieza central para comprender las dinámicas de movilidad y agencia religiosa, en concreto, de aquellos sujetos de ultramar presentes en Europa procedentes de las Indias Occidentales. El caso del dominico limeño fray Antonio González de Acuña (1620-1682) se entiende expresivo para esta finalidad. Su estancia en Europa como procurador del proceso apostólico de Rosa de Lima, se convierte en el objeto de estudio, indagando en sus estrategias de mediación político-cultural a través de su actividad escrituraria. El análisis comparado de sus cinco obras impresas, junto a la fluida correspondencia que mantuvo entre Lima, Madrid y Roma, y los vestigios artísticos materiales de sus negocios, aportará las claves propagandísticas de una exitosa labor de procuraduría que condujo al dominico limeño a alcanzar el obispado de Caracas en 1671.
¿Por qué y para qué enseñar Historia Moderna? Reflexiones epistemológicas y propuestas internacionales
Authors: Gómez Carrasco  Cosme J.
Published: July 2023

El artículo presenta el informe sobre «Enseñanza de la Edad Moderna» a través de tres elementos clave. En primer lugar, aborda las polémicas y debates en torno al nuevo currículo de Historia, partiendo de la compleja relación entre Historia, nacionalismo e identidad, y de los vaivenes y evolución del currículo español desde 1970. En una segunda parte, analiza las bases epistemológicas de la Historia como disciplina en torno a cuatro elementos que se consideran claves para su presencia en las aulas: el objeto de estudio de la Historia, el tiempo histórico, el análisis de fuentes históricas, y la naturaleza discursiva de la Historia. Finalmente, el artículo analiza algunas de las temáticas internacionales sobre Edad Moderna en la investigación y en los currículos, para contextualizar la última propuesta curricular. Se concluye con una reflexión sobre la necesidad de significar la relevancia de la Edad Moderna en la formación histórica y ciudadana del alumnado de Educación Secundaria.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION ON NESTING ECOLOGY OF ENDANGERED BROWN-CHEEKED BULBUL (ALOPHOIXUS BRES) IN JATIMULYO AGROFORESTRY
Authors: Nurrofik Agus , Arifianto Adityas , Aninnas Afina , Suparno Kelik , Kurnianto Agung S. , Septiadi Luhur , Kurniawan Nia
Published: July 2023

We found an active nest of endangered Brown-cheeked Bulbul (Alophoixus bres) with two chicks in nest-adoption program at Jatimulyo village, Yogyakarta province, Indonesia on 19 December 2021. It was placed on the lateral branch of apus bamboo (Gigantochloa apus) 1.5 m high. The nest was cup-shaped, with outer diameter of ± 8 cm, inner diameter of ± 6 cm, and depth of ± 3 cm. It was made of living non-vascular plants and plant fragments. Our observation revealed that the food of the chicks was primarily comprised of insects (in the morning) and fruits (at midday). The insect preys include caterpillars, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera and Diptera. The fruits were mangir, lempeni, and senggani.
Critical Assessment of Polyaniline-based Biocomposites for
Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Aqueous Media
Authors: Palimkar Supriya , Galgali Padmaja , Jape Anuradha A. , Singh Shammi Kumar , Adhikari Arindam , Patel Rajkumar , Routh Joyanto
Published: July 2023

Polyaniline (PANI) is useful for the adsorption of hazardous substances because of its multiple
N-containing functional groups, high adsorption capacity, superior selectivity and chemical durability.
Although it is cheap and easy to synthesize, PANI has low processability and mechanical strength,
which can be overcome by preparing composites of PANI with biomass waste. Biomass waste is a
rich source of useful biopolymers, judicious use of which can also solve the problem of biomass-waste
management. Furthermore, biomass waste provides excellent support and possesses functional groups,
which help to synergistically remove potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from wastewaters. Composites
of PANI have shown tremendous potential in the removal of PTEs from wastewaters. More recently,
the focus of studies have been on PANI-based inorganic composites. Considering the environmental
impact of these materials, use of PANI-based biosorbents would be more economical, environmentally
friendly and promising. This review discusses the mechanisms of removal of PTEs by PANI
biocomposites, factors affecting adsorption, characteristics and role of different biomass materials in
the removal of PTEs, their advantages and limitations. This article also discusses the potential use of
waste microbial biomass-polyaniline composites, which has not been fully explored thoroughly. The
vast potential for future research has also been acknowledged, though much more study is needed
before this method can be used to its full potential.
Serum transforming growth factor-beta levels and severity of retinoblastoma in children
Authors: Huzein M Farid , Ridha Nadirah Rasyid , Daud Dasril
Published: July 2023

Background Transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) expression contributes to the growth of retinoblastoma. TGF-? is produced or released by infiltrating cells such as lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages. TGF-? levels are a potential marker of disease severity.

Objective To assess the difference in serum TGF-? levels before chemotherapy in patients with retinoblastoma grades III and IV. 

Methods This cross-sectional observational study was done at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia from January to November 2019. Subjects were pediatric patients with grade III and IV retinoblastoma who had not undergone chemotherapy. Patients who met the inclusion criteria provided blood specimens for TGF-? testing. We analyzed the difference in serum TGF-? level between grade III and grade IV patients.

Results We obtained 38 subjects, consisting of 13 grade III and 25 grade IV retinoblastoma patients. Mean TGF-? levels were in 1,061 ng/L in grade III and 988 ng/L in grade IV patients. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between the levels of TGF-?, retinoblastoma grade III and IV (P=0.655). However, TGF-? levels in both groups were markedly above the normal value (100 ng/L).

Conclusion TGF-? levels are markedly increased in grade III and IV retinoblastoma patients. There was no significant difference in TGF-? level between grade III and IV patients. Our findings suggest that TGF-? plays an important role in tumor cell development. Further research on differences in TGF-? levels between late stages (grades III and IV) and early stages (grades I and II) of retinoblastoma to elucidate the role of TGF-? as a  marker of retinoblastoma severity.
Risk factors of immature retina on the first screening for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Kartamihardja Wedi Iskandar , Mutiara Gilang , Harun Yanuar Zulkifli , Listrianti Maulya , Yuniah Bestari , Kuntoyo Mayasari
Published: July 2023

Background Immature retina is characterized by peripheral retinal avascularity. Retinal development is influenced by risk factors that affect retinal maturity.

Objective To identify risk factors for immature retina on the first retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening at the Neonatology Care Unit, Al-Islam Hospital, Bandung, in 2013-2021.

Methods This case-control, retrospective, observational study was performed by evaluating medical records of preterm infants screened for ROP. The subjects were divided into two groups, immature retina and mature retina. We recorded potential risk factors including gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), birth weight for gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), oxygen therapy >7 days, asphyxia, sepsis, multiple transfusion, apnea of prematurity (AOP), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and analyzed them for potential associations with retinal development.

Results On the first ROP screening of 203 premature infants, 5 (2.5%) had ROP, 90 (44.6%) had immature retinas, and 107 (53.0%) had mature retinas. Bivariate logistic regression analysis  showed significant relationships between immature retina (P<0.05), GA (OR=0.575; P=0.000), BW (OR=0.997; P=<0.001), gestational age maturity (OR=2.639; P=0.006), RDS (OR=1.809; P=0.042), oxygen therapy of >7 days (OR=4.494; P=0.002), sepsis (OR=2.028; P=0.034), multiple transfusions (OR=4.656; P=0.000), AOP (OR=2.553; P=0.002), PDA (OR=2.119; P=0.030).  Multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant simultaneous relationship between all the risk factors and immature retina, with a Nägelkerke R2 value of  0.421.

Conclusion GA, BW, gestational age maturity, oxygen therapy of >7 days, sepsis, multiple transfusions, AOP, and PDA are significant risk factors of immature retina, be it independently or simultaneously.
Pathoetiology of Levator Ani Syndrome and Its Treatment With Translumbosacral Neuromodulation Therapy
Authors: Yan Yun , Erdogan Askin , Adame Enrique Coss , Rao Satish S.C.
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION:

The pathoetiology and treatment of levator ani syndrome (LAS) remain unclear.

METHODS:

We evaluated pathophysiology using translumbosacral motor-evoked potentials and anorectal manometry in patients with LAS and compared with healthy controls. A cohort underwent translumbosacral neuromodulation therapy (TNT).

RESULTS:

Lumbar and sacral motor-evoked potential latencies were prolonged in 32 patients with LAS compared with 31 controls (P < 0.013), with higher prevalence of anal neuropathy (P = 0.026). TNT improved anorectal pain (P = 0.003) and neuropathy (P < 0.02) in 13 patients with LAS.

DISCUSSION:

Patients with LAS demonstrate significant lumbosacral neuropathy that may cause anorectal pain. TNT improved anorectal pain and neuropathy, providing a novel therapeutic option.
Evaluation of the Potential Utility of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Management
Authors: Henson Jacqueline B. , Glissen Brown Jeremy R. , Lee Joshua P. , Patel Amit , Leiman David A.
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Artificial intelligence chatbots could serve as an information resource for patients and a tool for clinicians. Their ability to respond appropriately to questions regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease is unknown.

METHODS:

Twenty-three prompts regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease management were submitted to ChatGPT, and responses were rated by 3 gastroenterologists and 8 patients.

RESULTS:

ChatGPT provided largely appropriate responses (91.3%), although with some inappropriateness (8.7%) and inconsistency. Most responses (78.3%) contained at least some specific guidance. Patients considered this a useful tool (100%).

DISCUSSION:

ChatGPT's performance demonstrates the potential for this technology in health care, although also its limitations in its current state.
Mechanical and hydraulic performance of pervious concrete pavements: experimental evaluation
Authors: Anjos Viana Ester , Andrade Mota Liliam Jessica , Barreto Sandoval Gersson Fernando , Bello de Souza Risson Kathleen Dalll
Published: July 2023

Pervious pavements emerge as an alternative for good management of surface runoff, providing the opportunity to quickly and efficiently reduce the potential for flooding and reuse rainwater. However, the mechanical and hydraulic performance of the material have been extensively evaluated at the laboratory level, leaving aside how the material will behave in the field and how its exposure will accelerate the loss of its hydraulic properties (clogging). In this sense, this research evaluated the mechanical and hydraulic performance of permeable concrete pavements in an experimental field that simulates the working conditions of the material, where properties such as compressive strength, tensile strength, porosity, and permeability were evaluated, as well as the loss of hydraulic efficiency due to clogging. This is to increase the knowledge of the material to provide construction and quality control guidelines that guarantee the correct functioning of this type of pavement, considering its great contribution to sustainability.
Hydrometallurgical valorization of spent Ni-Cd batteries using organic acids as selective leaching agents
Authors: Moccia Paradisi Alberto , Hernández Pardo Diego , Ardila Santamaria Nadia , Delvasto Pedro
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose a hydrometallur-gical procedure to treat spent Ni-Cd batte-ries using organic acids as leaching agents. The electrode materials of the batteries were extracted and leached using a combi-nation of acetic, citric, and sulfuric acids and their mixtures in a two-stage selective scheme. This procedure aimed to recover metal-bearing solid products. The leachates were treated by evaporation/crystallization or chemical precipitation to obtain the so-lid products. These products were charac-terized using scanning electron microsco-py, chemical analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy, mineralogical phases by x-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. In the first leaching step, 15 % m/m citric acid was used to recover 85±5 wt.% of the cad-mium present as a carboxylate salt. In the second leaching stage (5 % m/m acetic acid mixed with 3 % m/m sulfuric acid), 50±3 wt.% of nickel was recovered, in the form of a product consisting of a mixture of hy-droxides and salts. The remaining solid from the second leaching stage was a valua-ble metal product containing nickel (96±4 wt.%). The analysis of the results allowed us to depict a conceptual process flow diagram for the selective leaching of the spent Ni-Cd batteries, and the possible industrial use of the solid products obtained.
Sistema de fusión de datos para la clasificación de gases licuados del petróleo a través de técnicas de aprendizaje de máquina
Authors: Quintero Bernal Daniel Fernando , Jaramillo Bedoya Miguel Ángel , Quintero Vallejo Hernán Alberto , Prado Martínez William
Published: July 2023

La fusión de datos (FD) es un proceso que permite la combinación de información de diversas fuentes con un propósito determinado. En este documento se presenta el diseño y construcción de un sistema FD, particularmente una nariz electrónica (NE), para un dispositivo como el descrito en la patente “Equipo portátil para evitar la contaminación vehicular en las estaciones de servicio” con resolución número 23016. Dicho equipo es un instrumento para clasificación de gases licuados derivados del petróleo (GLP), cuya aplicación se encuentra dirigida a reconocer ACPM (Aceite Combustible Para Motores) o gasolina, en el proceso de abastecimiento vehicular. Estos gases están almacenados en el depósito de combustible de los automóviles, y mediante su identificación es posible tomar las acciones requeridas para evitar la contaminación de un vehículo con un carburante diferente al que éste utiliza. Se implementó un experimento que evaluó el funcionamiento de la NE mediante técnicas de clasificación. En el procesamiento de la información entregada por los sensores del prototipo fueron utilizadas dos metodologías de aprendizaje de máquina supervisadas, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) y Naive Bayes, para diferenciación de GLP. A través de una prueba de validez, se determinó que la exactitud de las técnicas implementadas fue de 1, por lo tanto, el equipo está en capacidad de discriminar adecuadamente los gases de gasolina y ACPM en condiciones ambientales dinámicas.
Raumordnungspolitischer Orientierungsrahmen des Bundes
Authors: Heide Hans-Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Im Einvernehmen mit den Ländern hat das Bundesministerium für Raumordnung, Bauwesen und Städtebau Anfang des Jahres den Raumordnungspolitischen Orientierungsrahmen veröffentlicht, der für die zukünftige räumliche Entwicklung in ganz Deutschland die Positionen bestimmen soll. Er hat für die zukünftige räumliche Entwicklung in Deutschland und darüber hinaus in Europa zentrale Bedeutung. Er ist die seit langem wichtigste raumordnungspolitische Entscheidung. Der Beitrag schildert die Entstehungsgeschichte und belegt die raumordnungspolitische Bedeutung des Orientierungsrahmens. Er setzt sich mit seiner rechtlichen Einordnung auseinander und kommentiert seinen wesentlichen Inhalt.
„Europa 2000“: Raumordnung als Appendix der Binnenmarktstrategie?
Authors: Knapp Wolfgang
Published: July 2023

Im Zusammenhang mit der voranschreitenden Integration wurden in jüngster Zeit eine Reihe von Untersuchungen vorgelegt, die u. a. auch Baustein sein wollen für die Diskussion um eine gemeinsame Raumordnung in der EG. Hierher gehören auch die unter dem Titel „Europa 2000“ von der EG-Kommission vorgelegten „Perspektiven der künftigen Raumordnung der Gemeinschaft“. Wie sich zeigt, wird damit aber kein europäischer Bezugsrahmen erstellt, der die wahrscheinlichen räumlichen Entwicklungen darstellt und mit dem Willen eines eigenen Gestaltungsanspruchs aus europäischer Perspektive bewertet.
Die Asyl- und Wanderungspolitik in Europa
Authors: Widgren Jonas
Published: July 2023

Das Wachstum der Weltbevölkerung, die Einkommens- und Kaufkraftunterschiede, der hohe Verstädterungsgrad und die schnellen Reise- und Kommunikationsverbindungen werden die globalen Migrationstendenzen verstärken. Um dem Migrationsdruck zu begegnen, bieten sich zwei politische Lösungen an: 1. Eine einwanderungsgünstige Haltung nach dem Muster der nordamerikanischen Staaten,2. Schaffung von besseren Lebensbedingungen in den Herkunftsländern der Einwanderer durch Entwicklungshilfe.Weltweit favorisieren die politisch Verantwortlichen in den betroffenen Staaten die zweite Lösung. Das Problem dabei ist, daß die Entwicklungshilfe den Migrationsdruck nur langfristig vermindert, das Migrationsproblem aber kurzfristige Lösungen verlangt. Eine wirksame Bekämpfung der Ursachen der heutigen Massenimmigration erfordert somit ein innovatives und multidisziplinäres Vorgehen, das gleichzeitig kurz-, mittel- und langfristige Ziele verfolgt.Sowohl innerhalb der EG als auch international wird eine verstärkte Zusammenarbeit und Harmonisierung in Migrations- und Asylfragen angestrebt. Dazu stehen bisher vier wichtige multilaterale Strukturen zur Verfügung: Die EG, die Wiener und die Berliner Verhandlungen und die „informellen Konsultationen“. Diese Strukturen sollten verbessert werden, um das gegenwärtige organisatorische Chaos zu vermeiden. Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland sollte die Initiative ergreifen, die EG-Staaten aufzufordern, sich einer stärkeren Zusammenarbeit in Asylfragen mit Nicht-EG-Mitgliedern zu öffnen. So soll das gegenwärtige, unzulängliche multilaterale System rationalisiert und die beteiligten Foren zu einem starken multilateralen Gremium zusammengeschlossen werden, das für alle Migrations- und Asylfragen im weit gefaßten europäischen Rahmen zuständig wäre.
Deutschland und Bayern als Zielgebiet internationaler Wanderungen seit 1960 und Szenarien der künftigen Zuwanderung über das Jahr 2000 hinaus
Authors: Ochel Wolfgang
Published: July 2023

Seit ihrem Bestehen bilden die Bundesrepublik Deutschland und Bayern wichtige Zielländer für die internationalen Wanderungsbewegungen. Nach dem Anwerbestopp 1973 ebbte die Zuwanderung ab, stieg jedoch gegen Ende der 80er Jahre, bedingt durch den Umbruch in Osteuropa und der ehemaligen Sowjetunion, wieder erheblich an.Die zukünftige Zuwanderung nach Deutschland und Bayern wird mit Hilfe von Szenarien abgebildet. Danach werden zwischen 1991 und 2010 zwischen 1,9 und 2,5 Mio. Aussiedler nach Deutschland kommen, und davon 15 % nach Bayern. Die zukünftige Zuwanderung von Ausländern wird entscheidend von der Anwerbepolitik und der Asylpolitik abhängen. Es werden vier Szenarien unterschieden:Szenario 0: Keine ZuwanderungSzenario I: Gemäßigte Zuwanderung (Beibehaltung des Anwerbestopps, restriktive Asylpolitik)Szenario II: Hohe Zuwanderung (Lockerung des Anwerbestopps, gleichbleibende Asylpolitik)Szenario III: Sehr hohe Zuwanderung (wie II, nur dramatisch verschärfter Einwanderungsdruck).Die Nettozuwanderung von Ausländern nach Bayern wird sich im Zeitraum 1991 bis 2010 zwischen 480 000 (Szenario I) und 1 210 000 (Szenario III) bewegen. (1990 lebten 856 000 Ausländer in Bayern.) Des weiteren wird angenommen, daß der Saldo der Binnenwanderung nach Bayern weiterhin leicht steigen wird.Ohne Zuwanderung würde die Bevölkerung Bayerns bis zum Jahr 2010 um gut 400 000 Personen zurückgehen. Unter Zugrundelegung der Wanderungsszenarien wird die Bevölkerung um 1,3 Mio. (Szenario I), um 1,8 Mio. (Szenario II) bzw. um 2,2 Mio. (Szenario III) zunehmen.