bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of nasal polyps and inverted papillomas using CT-based radiomics
Authors: Guo Mengqi , Zang Xuefeng , Fu Wenting , Yan Haoyi , Bao Xiangyuan , Li Tong , Qiao Jianping
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Nasal polyp (NP) and inverted papilloma (IP) are two common types of nasal masses. And their differentiation is essential for determining optimal surgical strategies and predicting outcomes. Thus, we aimed to develop several radiomic models to differentiate them based on computed tomography (CT)-extracted radiomic features.

Methods

A total of 296 patients with nasal polyps or papillomas were enrolled in our study. Radiomics features were extracted from non-contrast CT images. For feature selection, three methods including Boruta, random forest, and correlation coefficient were used. We choose three models, namely SVM, naive Bayes, and XGBoost, to perform binary classification on the selected features. And the data was validated with tenfold cross-validation. Then, the performance was assessed by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and related parameters.

Results

In this study, the performance ability of the models was in the following order: XGBoost > SVM > Naive Bayes. And the XGBoost model showed excellent AUC performance at 0.922, 0.9078, 0.9184, and 0.9141 under four conditions (no feature selection, Boruta, random forest, and correlation coefficient).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that CT-based radiomics plays a crucial role in distinguishing IP from NP. It can provide added diagnostic value by distinguishing benign nasal lesions and reducing the need for invasive diagnostic procedures and may play a vital role in guiding personalized treatment strategies and developing optimal therapies.

Critical relevance statement

Based on the extraction of radiomic features of tumor regions from non-contrast CT, optimized by radiomics to achieve non-invasive classification of IP and NP which provide support for respective therapy of IP and NP.

Key points

• CT images are commonly used to diagnose IP and NP.

• Radiomics excels in feature extraction and analysis.

• CT-based radiomics can be applied to distinguish IP from NP.

• Use multiple feature selection methods and classifier models.

• Derived from real clinical cases with abundant data.

Graphical Abstract
Infection with Carbapenem-resistant Hypervirulent Klebsiella Pneumoniae: clinical, virulence and molecular epidemiological characteristics
Authors: Li Linlin , Li Shan , Wei Xianzhen , Lu Zhaolu , Qin Xue , Li Meng
Published: November 2023

Background

Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) is gradually becoming the dominant nosocomial pathogens in the healthcare setting.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients with CR-KP from July 2021 to May 2022 in a teaching hospital. We identified bacterial isolates, collected the clinical data, and performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing, hypermucoviscosity string test, antimicrobial and virulence-associated genotype, as well as multi-locus sequence typing. CR-hvKP was defined as the presence of some combination of rmpA and/or rmpA2 with iucA, iroB, or peg-344. SPSS was used for data analysis. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used for risk factor and all statistically significant variables were included in the multivariate model. Statistical significance was taken to be P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 69 non-duplicated CR-KP isolates were collected, 27 of which were CR-hvKP. Out of the 69 CR-KP strains under investigation, they were distributed across 14 distinct sequence types (STs), wherein ST11 exhibited the highest prevalence, constituting 65.2% (45/69) of the overall isolates. The principal carbapenemase genes identified encompassed blakpc−2, blaNDM−1, and blaOXA−48, with blakpc−2 prevailing as the predominant type, accounting for 73.9% (51/69). A total of 69 CR-KP strains showed high resistance to common clinical antibiotics, with the exception of ceftazidime/avibactam. The ST11 (P = 0.040), ST65 (P = 0.030) and blakpc−2 ST11 clones (P = 0.010) were found to be highly related to hvKp. Regarding the host, tracheal intubation (P = 0.008), intracranial infection (P = 0.020) and neutrophil count (P = 0.049) were significantly higher in the patients with CR-hvKP. Multivariate analysis showed tracheal intubation to be an independent risk factor for CR-hvKP infection (P = 0.030, OR = 4.131). According to the clinical data we collected, tracheal intubation was performed mainly in the elderly with severe underlying diseases, which implied that CR-hvKP has become prevalent among elderly patients with comorbidities.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CR-hvKP may be higher than expected in the healthcare setting. CR-hvKP is gradually becoming the dominant nosocomial pathogen, and its prevalence and treatment will be a major challenge. It is essential to enhance clinical awareness and management of CR-hvKP infection.
Genetic evidence for the causal association between type 1 diabetes and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Chen Shuwen , Guo Zaixin , Yu Qi
Published: November 2023

Background

Accumulating observational studies have identified associations between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Still, the evidence about the causal effect of this association is uncertain.

Methods

We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to test for the causal association between T1D and PCOS using data from a large-scale biopsy-confirmed genome-wide association study (GWAS) in European ancestries. We innovatively divided T1D into nine subgroups to be analyzed separately, including: type1 diabetes wide definition, type1 diabetes early onset, type 1 diabetes with coma, type 1 diabetes with ketoacidosis, type 1 diabetes with neurological complications, type 1 diabetes with ophthalmic complications, type 1 diabetes with peripheral circulatory complications, type 1 diabetes with renal complications, and type 1 diabetes with other specified/multiple/unspecified complications. GWAS data for PCOS were obtained from a large-scale GWAS (10,074 cases and 103,164 controls) for primary analysis and the IEU consortium for replication and meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy.

Results

Following rigorous instrument selection steps, the number of SNPs finally used for T1D nine subgroups varying from 6 to 36 was retained in MR estimation. However, we did not observe evidence of causal association between type 1 diabetes nine subgroups and PCOS using the IVW analysis, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median approaches, and all P values were > 0.05 with ORs near 1. Subsequent replicates and meta-analyses also yielded consistent results. A number of sensitivity analyses also did not reveal heterogeneity and pleiotropy, including Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plot analysis.

Conclusion

This is the first MR study to investigate the causal relationship between type 1 diabetes and PCOS. Our findings failed to find substantial causal effect of type 1 diabetes on risk of PCOS. Further randomized controlled studies and MR studies are necessary.
Time flies, but you’re in control: the mediating effect of self-control between time attitude and academic procrastination
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Sun Yi
Published: November 2023

Background

Academic procrastination has become an increasing concern in the educational sector. Prior studies identified various correlations among academic procrastination, time attitude and self-control. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the past time attitude and the mechanism underlying those relationships, and the existing studies have been implemented during regular school time. To fill those gaps, the present study includes all three dimensions of time attitude (past-oriented, present-oriented and future-oriented in both positive and negative perspectives), and proposes self-control as a mediator between academic procrastination and time attitude. The study was carried out during an extraordinary winter holiday in China, with final exams waiting at the end of the holiday.

Methods

A total of 323 middle school students in China (178 girls and 145 boys, 12–19 years old) completed an online survey with questions on their academic procrastination, time attitude and self-control. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and Hayes SPSS macro PROCESS (Model 4).

Results

The results showed that academic procrastination was negatively associated with all three positive time attitudes and positively correlated with the present negative time attitude. Moreover, self-control significantly mediates the relationship between academic procrastination and all three positive time attitudes.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, self-control could be the underlying mechanism in the relationship between academic procrastination and time attitude. This study broadens the scope of relevant empirical research to the past time attitude, and determines the mechanism that underlies the association between academic procrastination and time attitude under a novel context. Further implications for teaching regulation and intervention are discussed.
A disproportionality analysis of adverse events associated to pertuzumab in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)
Authors: Zou Shu-peng , Yang Hai-yun , Ouyang Meng-ling , Cheng Qian , Shi Xuan , Sun Ming-hui
Published: November 2023

Background

Pertuzumab is widely used for the treatment of HER2 + breast cancer. But its safety in the real world should be continuously monitored. So, we evaluated the safety of pertuzumab by pharmacovigilance analyze based on related adverse events (AEs) from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and find whether potential or uncertain adverse events were present.

Methods

In disproportionality analysis, four algorithms were employed to detect the signals of pertuzumab from the FAERS between 2012 and 2022. In addition, we also used MYSQL 8.0, Navicat Premium 15, and Microsoft EXCEL 2019 to analyze the potential and high-ROR (reporting odds ratio) signals of pertuzumab. We also collected the onset times of pertuzumab-associated AEs.

Results

From January 2012 to December 2022, there are 39,190,598 AEs reported from the FAERS database, of which 14,707 AEs listed pertuzumab as the ‘primary suspected (PS)’ drug. A total of 115 (46 potential) significant disproportionality preferred terms (PTs) conforming to the four algorithms were retained. Finally, we detected that the pertuzumab-induced AEs occurred in 12 organ systems. For pertuzumab, unexpected and significant PTs of AEs were found, including but not limited to below PTs: haematotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve incompetence, tachycardia, intestinal perforation, hemorrhoids, erysipelas, dehydration, pneumonitis, skin toxicity, onychomadesis, cyanosis, and circulatory collapse. We found there were 9 strong signals (5 potential safety signals) and 68 medium intensity signals (21 potential safety signals) according to IC025 (information component). The potential strong signals (IC025 > 3.0) were myelosuppression, cardiotoxicity, cardiac dysfunction, ejection fraction decreased, interstitial lung disease, and onychomadesis. Excluding unreported or unreasonable onset time reports, a total of 2016 AEs reported onset time and the median onset time was 117 days (4, 96), as median (Q1, Q3). Notably, most of the all AEs (n = 1133, 56%) and cardiac-related events (n = 405, 53%) all occurred within one month after pertuzumab therapy.

Conclusion

Analysis of FAERS data identified pertuzumab-associated AEs, and our findings supported continuous clinical monitoring, pharmacovigilance, and further studies of pertuzumab. A significant association was detected between pertuzumab and some potential adverse events which should be regarded with some care. We have to pay attention to the first month after pertuzumab therapy and prepare emergency measures, especially for the elderly and patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Legacy oceanic plastic pollution must be addressed to mitigate possible long-term ecological impacts
Authors: Richon Camille , Kvale Karin , Lebreton Laurent , Egger Matthias
Published: November 2023

Scientific research over the past decade has demonstrated that plastic in our oceans has detrimental consequences for marine life at all trophic levels. As countries negotiate an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, the focus is on eliminating plastic emissions to the environment. Here, we argue that, while this endeavour is urgently needed to limit the negative impacts of plastic on ocean ecosystems, the reduction of the plastic flow to the environment should not be the sole purpose of the negotiations. Legacy oceanic plastic pollution is also a major concern that needs to be addressed in the coming Treaty. Plastic is ubiquitous and persistent in the environment, and its slow degradation produces uncountable amounts of potentially even more impactful micro- and nanoparticles. Thus, plastic that is already present in the oceans may continue to affect ecosystems for centuries. Recent global assessments reveal that microplastics could have a significant impact on biogeochemical cycles and microbial food chains within ocean ecosystems that may be equivalent to those of climate change. Therefore, we argue that cleanup initiatives are essential to avoid further longterm impacts of legacy oceanic pollution. The upcoming international negotiations to develop a new Global Plastics Treaty should aim at urgently reducing the flow of plastic to the marine environment while supporting innovative solutions towards efficient monitoring and cleanup of the legacy oceanic plastic pollution.
Biochemical and molecular changes in peach fruit exposed to cold stress conditions
Authors: Franzoni Giulia , Spadafora Natasha Damiana , Sirangelo Tiziana Maria , Ferrante Antonio , Rogers Hilary J.
Published: November 2023

Storage or transportation temperature is very important for preserving the quality of fruit. However, low temperature in sensitive fruit such as peach can induce loss of quality. Fruit exposed to a specific range of temperatures and for a longer period can show chilling injury (CI) symptoms. The susceptibility to CI at low temperature varies among cultivars and genetic backgrounds. Along with agronomic management, appropriate postharvest management can limit quality losses. The importance of correct temperature management during postharvest handling has been widely demonstrated. Nowadays, due to long-distance markets and complex logistics that require multiple actors, the management of storage/transportation conditions is crucial for the quality of products reaching the consumer.

Peach fruit exposed to low temperatures activate a suite of physiological, metabolomic, and molecular changes that attempt to counteract the negative effects of chilling stress. In this review an overview of the factors involved, and plant responses is presented and critically discussed. Physiological disorders associated with CI generally only appear after the storage/transportation, hence early detection methods are needed to monitor quality and detect internal changes which will lead to CI development. CI detection tools are assessed: they need to be easy to use, and preferably non-destructive to avoid loss of products.

Graphical Abstract
Puff and Pull: Rickshaw Pullers through the Lens of Human Capital
Authors: Mathew Johan
Published: November 2023

This article examines the lives of rickshaw pullers around the Indian Ocean Rim in the first half of the twentieth century, with a particular focus on the cities of Singapore and Durban. It analyzes the rickshaw puller as a species of “human capital.” This unorthodox approach highlights how human beings were treated like capital goods: machines for the production of profit. Their costs of living could be understood as investments in more productive bodies. A focus on the consumption of food, shelter, and narcotics also reveals how capitalists sought to profit from the making of more productive human bodies. It finally suggests that economic theories of human capital have neglected the profound yet dehumanizing effects that this economic paradigm imposes on those who have no financial capital to invest in themselves.
Field-realistic exposure to neonicotinoid and sulfoximine insecticides impairs visual and olfactory learning and memory in Polistes paper wasps
Authors: Corcoran Fiona E. , Tibbetts Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2023

Exposure to insecticides may contribute to global insect declines due to sublethal insecticide effects on non-target species. Thus far, much research on non-target insecticide effects has focused on neonicotinoids in a few bee species. Much less is known about effects on other insect taxa or newer insecticides, such as sulfoxaflor. Here, we studied the effects of an acute insecticide exposure on both olfactory and visual learning in free-moving Polistes fuscatus paper wasps. Wasps were exposed to a single, field-realistic oral dose of low-dose imidacloprid, high-dose imidacloprid or sulfoxaflor. Then, visual and olfactory learning and short-term memory were assessed. We found that acute insecticide exposure influenced performance, as sulfoxaflor- and high-dose imidacloprid-exposed wasps made fewer correct choices than control wasps. Notably, both visual and olfactory performance were similarly impaired. Wasps treated with high-dose imidacloprid were also less likely to complete the learning assay than wasps from the other treatment groups. Instead, wasps remained stationary and unmoving in the testing area, consistent with imidacloprid interfering with motor control. Finally, wasps treated with sulfoxaflor were more likely to die in the week after treatment than wasps in the other treatment groups. Our findings demonstrate that sublethal, field-realistic dosages of both neonicotinoid- and sulfoximine-based insecticides impair wasp learning and short-term memory, which may have additional effects on survival and motor functioning. Insecticides have broadly detrimental effects on diverse non-target insects that may influence foraging effectiveness, pollination services and ecosystem function.
Optimal sizing toolbox for energy generation and storage for a nuclear hybrid microgrid
Authors: Chandra Nathan , Ross Molly , Bindra Hitesh
Published: November 2023

Background In recent years, renewable energy sources, such as wind, have contributed to a decrease in grid stability. This has created the need for flexible and reliable back-up energy generation. Currently this role is fulfilled by natural gas-fired power plants that are able to quickly adjust power output based on present needs. Nuclear power presents an option for a clean and reliable alternative to these natural gas-fired power plants. However, nuclear power alone is unable to provide flexible enough power generation to fill this role. Instead, nuclear power plants must be combined with strategically sized energy storage systems to effectively complement the renewable power generation. Grids such as these are generally simulated using deterministic models which are unable to account for quickly fluctuating wind power generation. This in turn creates unsafe ramp rates for the nuclear power plant. Methods The approach taken in this paper utilizes a continuous-time stochastic model to simulate a grid with wind generation, nuclear power, and an energy storage system as the only energy sources. This paper focuses on this model and a development of a GUI to form a grid sizing toolbox. This toolbox was then demonstrated with an isolated microgrid using year-long wind and load data. Wind penetration, nuclear ramp rate limitations, and storage types were all varied to observe different scenarios and determine optimal storage sizing. Results There were several outcomes from this study that can inform grid planning. Nuclear power plant size trends downwards with greater wind power generation. However, high variability of wind power limits the size reduction. Nuclear capacity factor is between 41% to 57%, dropping further as wind penetration was increased. This highlights the difficulty of maintaining high utilization in these scenarios. Conclusions All storage types had similar performance in all categories except size, in which pumped hydroelectric and compressed air storage required smaller storage sizes.
Obrazy mniejszościowych grup etnicznych w Polsce w egzaminach doniosłych – przykład arkuszy maturalnych z wiedzy o społeczeństwie z lat 2005–2022
Authors: Załęski Piotr
Published: November 2023

W artykule – na podstawie arkuszy maturalnych przeprowadzanych w sesji głównej przez 18 lat – wykazano, że problematyka etnicznych grup mniejszościowych w Polsce była nadreprezentowna w egzaminie maturalnym z WoS-u. Analizując zadania dotyczące rozpoznawania mniejszości, ich praw i procesów etnicznych, którym podlegają, udowodniono, że obecność ta bywała wieloaspektowa. Zauważone uchybienia w zadaniach i materiałach do nich nie służyły budowie negatywnego obrazu tych grup, a bywało, że „podnosiły” ich pozycję.
Bez chęci podróże – tułaczka jako motor pracy mitotwórczej w działalności Zoriana Dołęgi Chodakowskiego
Authors: Leśniewska Anna
Published: November 2023

Zorian Dołęga Chodakowski (wcześniej: Adam Czarnocki, 1784–1825) znany jest polskiej nauce jako zbieracz słowiańskich starożytności i autor O Sławiańszczyźnie przed chrześcijaństwem, tekstu zaznaczającego potrzebę pochylenia się nad warstwą chłopską w celu wydobycia z jej wytworów pozostałości dawnej „sławiańskości”. W pierwszych relacjach o badaczu wyraźnie podkreślany jest wątek częstych przeprowadzek i naukowych eskapad Chodakowskiego – ów tułaczy tryb życia został zinterpretowany jako doświadczenie konstytuujące specyficzny typ osobowościowy niepokornego romantyka, co znacznie zaważyło na dalszej recepcji jego działalności. Poprzez analizę konstrukcji owych biografii oraz wybranych tekstów badacza, autorka ukazuje elementy, które mogły przyczynić się do stworzenia obrazu Chodakowskiego jako romantycznego tułacza-indywidualisty.
Dimensioni teologiche dell’approccio panpsichista quantistico-informazionale sulla natura: un confronto tra la visione di Federico Faggin e la teologia cristiana
Authors: Amendola Giovanni
Published: November 2023

L’articolo si propone di esaminare le dimensioni teologiche dell’approccio panpsichista quantistico-informazionale sulla natura, ideato da Giacomo Mauro D’Ariano e da Federico Faggin e basato sull’interpretazione informazionale della fisica quantistica. In particolare, vengono evidenziate le somiglianze e le differenze tra l’Uno di Faggin e il Dio della teologia cristiana e tra la seity umana e l’antropologia teologica cristiana.
Czy teologia jest nauką formalną?
Authors: Jaworski Krzysztof
Published: November 2023

Spór o status metodologiczny teologii jest próbą odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy teologia jest nauką. W wyniku tego sporu ukształtowały się trzy główne stanowiska. Zgodnie z pierwszym z nich, teologia nie jest nauką, ponieważ nie spełnia rygorystycznych kryteriów demarkacji. Drugie stanowisko głosi, że teologia jest taką samą nauką, jak każda inna. Za naukowym statusem teologii opowiadają się przede wszystkim sami teologowie. Trzecie stanowisko traktuje teologię jak naukę, ale naukę swoistą (sui generis). Obok tych stanowisk pojawił się głos, że teologię można by z powodzeniem uznać za naukę formalną. Na rzecz takiej koncepcji przemawiają następujące argumenty: wyrażenia dyskursu teologicznego nie mają sensu ejdetycznego, a wyłącznie sens operacyjny; teologia stosuje metody polegające na przyjmowaniu pewnych założeń i wyprowadzaniu z tych założeń wniosków; teologia zajmuje się wyłącznie tekstem; w teologii stosuje się koherencyjną koncepcją prawy. Niniejsza praca jest dyskusją z przedstawioną argumentacją i próbą wykazania braku jej poprawności. Stanowisko sytuujące teologię pośród nauk formalnych ma na celu obronę naukowego statusu teologii w oczach uczonych prezentujących światopogląd ateistyczny lub antyteologiczny. Cena tego „ocalenia” jest jednak bardzo wysoka, ponieważ wiąże się z pozbawieniem teologii tego, do czego ona aspiruje, czyli do formułowania wypowiedzi na temat rzeczywistości.
Aquinas and the Multiverse. An Approach
Authors: Prieto Lucas
Published: November 2023

Gradually, the multiverse hypothesis has been gaining popularity, not only in the scientific and academic sphere, but also in popular culture. This hypothesis, however, is not recent; Thomas Aquinas himself had to respond to a version of it. Although the problem is broad and must be approached in an interdisciplinary dialogue, the Thomistic approach is very interesting, since he accepts the plurality of worlds as something possible but denies that it is a possibility made real. His answer, which is the subject of this article, is an opportunity to think about our representation of God and his causal activity.
Beta-alanine supplementation and improvement of performance in swimming and water polo: a systematic review
Authors: Pedro Salvadori  , Matheus Caputo  , Vitor Mansur  , Luciana Pietro
Published: November 2023

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is naturally produced by the human body and used by many athletes and practitioners of physical activity to reduce muscle fatigue and to increase performance in high performance exercises. As a precursor of intramuscular carnosine, it has been shown to reduce the hydrogen ions that cause muscle fatigue during exercise in sports such as swimming and water polo. Objective: To evaluate various beta-alanine supplementation protocols in swimmers and water polo players and their effects on performance. Materials and methods: This study is a systematic review of various beta-alanine supplementation protocols used in exercises involving water polo and high-performance swimming, from searches on the Pubmed, SCIELO and RBNE platforms. Articles in English and Portuguese were included, which were evaluated on the basis of methods and parameters specific to swimming and water polo. Results: The review found that beta-alanine supplementation protocols varied according to the studies and their objectives. However, beta-alanine supplementation was shown to be effective in improving times, reducing blood lactate and increasing strength. Conclusion: Supplementation with beta-alanine generates a possible beneficial effect on swimmers and water polo players by fostering improvements in time, reduction of blood lactate and strength, all of which can positively influence the results of competitions and championships. The best protocols are those that administered a dose greater than or equal to 4.8g per day for, at least, four weeks.
Des-clasificar a Pinocho
Authors: Charabati Esther
Published: November 2023

ResumenLas aventuras de Pinocho es uno de esos pocos cuentos que no solo ha resistido al paso del tiempo, sino que se incorporó a la cultura y 139 años después, sigue recreándose en versiones literarias, cinematográficas, teatrales, plásticas, incluso pedagógicas. En este artículo tratamos de levantar algunos de los velos con los que Disney cubrió una parte importante de la historia dejando fuera, por ejemplo, el tema de la pobreza. Hoy nos preguntamos si un producto cultural como Las aventuras de Pinocho puede detonar conversaciones y reflexiones con niños de hoy, y si la escuela puede apropiarse de este material para filosofar con los alumnos e incluso con los adultos. ¿Por qué en un mundo de malhechores que roban, engañan, cocinan, venden  o cuelgan a los niños, la mirada reprobatoria está fija en un niño que dice mentiras? ¿Qué experiencias tiene que vivir un niño para verse a sí mismo como “malo”? ¿Cuáles son los riesgos de la clasificación, por otro lado, tan necesaria en el conocimiento? Si bien partimos de una experiencia realizada en una escuela de la Ciudad de México, el análisis que se presenta se ocupa principalmente del vínculo entre la(s) lectura(s) y la reflexión filosófica en este cuento.Palabras claveFilosofia con niños Pinocho Educación no formal  Pinocchio is one of those few stories that has not only stood the test of time, but continues to be recreated in literary, cinematographic and theatrical versions... Pinocchio is no longer just the story written by Carlo Collodi at the end of the 19th century; over the course of 130 years, the social imaginary has incorporated numerous interpretations.  In this article we ask ourselves whether a cultural product such as The Adventures of Pinocchio can trigger conversations and reflections with today's children, and whether the school can appropriate this material to philosophize with students and even with adults. Although we start from an experience carried out in Mexico City, the analysis presented here is mainly concerned with the link between reading and philosophical reflection in this story.Key wordsPhilosophy with children Pinocchio Non-formal education  Pinóquio é um dos poucos contos de fadas que não apenas resistiu ao teste do tempo, mas continua a ser recriado em versões literárias, cinematográficas e teatrais... Pinóquio não é mais apenas a história escrita por Carlo Collodi no final do século XIX; ao longo de 130 anos, o imaginário social incorporou inúmeras interpretações.  Neste artigo, nos perguntamos se um produto cultural como As Aventuras de Pinóquio pode desencadear conversas e reflexões com as crianças de hoje, e se a escola pode se apropriar desse material para filosofar com os alunos e até mesmo com os adultos. Embora partamos de uma experiência realizada na Cidade do México, a análise apresentada aqui se preocupa principalmente com o vínculo entre a leitura e a reflexão filosófica nessa história.Palavras-chaveFilosofia com crianças Pinóquio Educação não formal
Questionário Sobre o Jeitinho Brasileiro: Proposta de uma Versão Infantil (QJB-INF)
Authors: Sousa Marília , Santos Walberto , Gusmão Estefânea , Sousa Sophia
Published: November 2023

O jeitinho brasileiro é uma estratégia social que visa a resolução de problemas por negociações. Não obstante a relevância do desenvolvimento dessa habilidade desde a infância, há carência de instrumentos de avaliação para crianças. O objetivo deste estudo foi adaptar o Questionário sobre o jeitinho brasileiro - Versão individual para o âmbito infantil, apresentando evidências de validade e precisão. Inicialmente, contou-se com uma amostra de 131 participantes. Contudo, procurando acessar predominantemente crianças, excluíram-se, por apresentarem idades superiores a 13 anos, oito participantes. Assim, o estudo contemplou uma amostra de 123 crianças, maioria menina (61,2%), com idade média de 10,5 anos (DP = 1.78), distribuídas do 1º ao 7º ano do Ensino Fundamental, sendo: 7,4% do 1º e do 2º ano; 39,9%, do 3º e do 4º ano; 37,4%, do 5º e do 6º ano; e 15,4% do 7º ano. Após a realização de análises fatoriais exploratórias, os resultados indicaram ser coerente uma estrutura composta por dois fatores, cujos itens representam conteúdos relacionados à compreensão do jeitinho por comportamentos antissociais (11 itens) e criatividade (5 itens). Conjuntamente, esses fatores explicaram 37,5% da variância e apresentaram consistência interna considerada satisfatória, promovendo uma medida útil para pesquisas e avaliação do construto com amostras infantis.
A Vivência do Adoecimento e Tratamento para Pacientes com Câncer Hematológico: uma Abordagem Psicanalítica
Authors: Nardino Fernanda , Swinerd Monica
Published: November 2023

O trabalho clínico de acompanhamento de pacientes, vinculados a um Serviço de Hematologia, originou a presente pesquisa. A escuta, enquanto psicóloga residente em uma enfermaria de onco-hematologia, possibilitou o encontro com a singularidade da clínica hematológica, a qual é responsável pelo tratamento de doenças ligadas ao sangue, à medula óssea e ao sistema linfático, muitas vezes invisíveis ao olhar. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar como pacientes diagnosticados com câncer hematológico vivenciam o processo de adoecimento e tratamento oncológico. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória, utilizando o método clínico-qualitativo. Os participantes foram oito pacientes adultos, com diagnóstico de câncer hematológico. A coleta de dados foi feita através de entrevistas semidirigidas e de um questionário sociodemográfico. Os dados foram analisados através da análise de conteúdo, ancorando-se no referencial teórico da obra psicanalítica freudiana. Os resultados destacaram os fatores subjetivos envolvidos na vivência do adoecimento e do tratamento do câncer hematológico, os quais não coincidem e demonstraram a importância do dispositivo analítico que oferece aos sujeitos, que assim desejarem, a possibilidade de falar de seu sofrimento, apostando que o que é devastado pela doença pode ser reconstruído pela palavra.
The effect of the surgical helmet system on intraoperative contamination in arthroplasty surgery
Authors: Chen Hongtai , Chan Vincent W. K. , Yan Chun H. , Fu Henry , Chan Ping-Keung , Chiu KwongYuen
Published: November 2023

Aims

The surgical helmet system (SHS) was developed to reduce the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), but the evidence is contradictory, with some studies suggesting an increased risk of PJI due to potential leakage through the glove-gown interface (GGI) caused by its positive pressure. We assumed that SHS and glove exchange had an impact on the leakage via GGI.

Methods

There were 404 arthroplasty simulations with fluorescent gel, in which SHS was used (H+) or not (H-), and GGI was sealed (S+) or not (S-), divided into four groups: H+S+, H+S-, H-S+, and H-S-, varying by exposure duration (15 to 60 minutes) and frequency of glove exchanges (0 to 6 times). The intensity of fluorescent leakage through GGI was quantified automatically with an image analysis software. The effect of the above factors on fluorescent leakage via GGI were compared and analyzed.

Results

The leakage intensity increased with exposure duration and frequency of glove exchanges in all groups. When SHS was used and GGI was not sealed (H+S-), the leakage intensity via GGI had the fastest increase, consistently higher than other groups (H+S+, H-S+ and H-S-) after 30 minutes (p < 0.05) and when there were more than four instances of glove exchange (p < 0.05). Additionally, the leakage was strongly correlated with the duration of exposure (rs = 0.8379; p < 0.050) and the frequency of glove exchange (rs = 0.8198; p < 0.050) in H+S-. The correlations with duration and frequency turned weak when SHS was not used (H-) or GGI was sealed off (S+).

Conclusion

Due to personal protection, SHS is recommended in arthroplasties. Meanwhile, it is strongly recommended to seal the GGI of the inner gloves and exchange the outer gloves hourly to reduce the risk of contamination from SHS.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(11):859–864.
Adaptive vessel tracing and segmentation in OCT enables the robust detection of wall-to-lumen ratio abnormalities in 5xFAD mice
Authors: Adejumo Tobiloba , Ma Guangying , Son Taeyoon , Kim Tae-Hoon , Le David , Dadzie Albert K , Ahmed Shaiban , Yao Xincheng
Published: November 2023

The wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR) of retinal blood vessels promises a sensitive marker for the physiological assessment of eye conditions. However, in vivo measurement of vessel wall thickness and lumen diameter is still technically challenging, hindering the wide application of WLR in research and clinical settings. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of using optical coherence tomography (OCT) as one practical method for in vivo quantification of WLR in the retina. Based on three-dimensional vessel tracing, lateral en face and axial B-scan profiles of individual vessels were constructed. By employing adaptive depth segmentation that adjusts to the individual positions of each blood vessel for en face OCT projection, the vessel wall thickness and lumen diameter could be reliably quantified. A comparative study of control and 5xFAD mice confirmed WLR as a sensitive marker of the eye condition.
Capturing the pulse: a state-of-the-art review on camera-based jugular vein assessment
Authors: Arrow Coen , Ward Max , Eshraghian Jason , Dwivedi Girish
Published: November 2023

Heart failure is associated with a rehospitalisation rate of up to 50% within six months. Elevated central venous pressure may serve as an early warning sign. While invasive procedures are used to measure central venous pressure for guiding treatment in hospital, this becomes impractical upon discharge. A non-invasive estimation technique exists, where the clinician visually inspects the pulsation of the jugular veins in the neck, but it is less reliable due to human limitations. Video and signal processing technologies may offer a high-fidelity alternative. This state-of-the-art review analyses existing literature on camera-based methods for jugular vein assessment. We summarize key design considerations and suggest avenues for future research. Our review highlights the neck as a rich imaging target beyond the jugular veins, capturing comprehensive cardiac signals, and outlines factors affecting signal quality and measurement accuracy. Addressing an often quoted limitation in the field, we also propose minimum reporting standards for future studies.
Modelling seasonality of Lassa fever incidences and vector dynamics in Nigeria
Authors: McKendrick James Q. , Tennant Warren S. D. , Tildesley Michael J.
Published: November 2023

Lassa fever (Lf) is a viral haemorrhagic disease endemic to West Africa and is caused by theLassa mammarenavirus. The rodentMastomys natalensisserves as the primary reservoir and its ecology and behaviour have been linked to the distinct spatial and temporal patterns in the incidence of Lf. Nigeria has experienced an unprecedented epidemic that lasted from January until April of 2018, which has been followed by subsequent epidemics of Lf in the same period every year since. While previous research has modelled the case seasonality within Nigeria, this did not capture the seasonal variation in the reproduction of the zoonotic reservoir and its effect on case numbers. To this end, we introduce an approximate Bayesian computation scheme to fit our model to the case data from 2018–2020 supplied by the NCDC. In this study we used a periodically forced seasonal nonautonomous system of ordinary differential equations as a vector model to demonstrate that the population dynamics of the rodent reservoir may be responsible for the spikes in the number of observed cases in humans. The results show that in December through to March, spillover from the zoonotic reservoir drastically increases and spreads the virus to the people of Nigeria. Therefore to effectively combat Lf, attention and efforts should be concentrated during this period.
An instant messaging mobile phone application for promoting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among Chinese gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: A mixed methods feasibility and piloting randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Li Chunyan , Xiong Yuan , Maman Suzanne , Matthews Derrick D. , Fisher Edwin B. , Tang Weiming , Huang Haojie , Mu Tong , Tong Xiaokai , Yu Jianxiong , Yang Zeyu , Sherer Renslow , Hazra Aniruddha , Lio Jonathan , Li Linghua , Tucker Joseph D. , Muessig Kathryn E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) is a promising intervention mode for HIV prevention, but little is known about its feasibility and effects in promoting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among Chinese gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

Methods

We evaluated an instant messaging application using a WeChat-based mini-app to promote PrEP uptake among GBMSM via a mixed-methods design that includes a 12-week, two-arm randomized controlled pilot trial and in-depth progress interviews in Guangzhou, China. Primary outcomes include the number of PrEP initiations, individual-level psychosocial variables related to PrEP initiation, and usability of the PrEP mini-app.

Results

Between November 2020 and April 2021, 70 GBMSM were successfully enrolled and randomized into two arms at 2:1 ratio (46 to the intervention arm, 24 to the control arm). By the end of 12-week follow-up, 22 (31.4%) participants completed the initial consultation and lab tests for PrEP, and 13 (18.6%) filled their initial PrEP prescription. We observed modest but non-significant improvements in participants’ intention to use PrEP, actual PrEP initiation, PrEP-related self-efficacy, stigma, and attitudes over 12 weeks when comparing the mini-app and the control arms. Qualitative interviews revealed the key barriers to PrEP uptake include anticipated stigma and discrimination in clinical settings, burden of PrEP care, and limited operating hours of the PrEP clinic. In-person clinic navigation support was highly valued.

Conclusions

This pilot trial of a mobile phone-based PrEP mini-app demonstrated feasibility and identified limitations in facilitating PrEP uptake among Chinese GBMSM. Future improvements may include diversifying the content presentation in engaging media formats, adding user engagement features, and providing off-line in-clinic navigation support during initial PrEP visit. More efforts are needed to understand optimal strategies to identify and implement alternative PrEP provision models especially in highly stigmatized settings with diverse needs.

Trial registration

Trial registration: The study was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04426656) on 11 June, 2020.
Delirium in patients with COVID-19 treated in the intensive care unit
Authors: Lee Jae Hoon , Han Won Ho , Chun June Young , Choi Young Ju , Han Mi Ra , Kim Jee Hee
Published: November 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to acute organ dysfunction, and delirium is associated with long-term cognitive impairment and a prolonged hospital stay. This retrospective single-center study aimed to investigate the risk factors for delirium in patients with COVID-19 infection receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 111 patients aged >18 years with COVID-19 pneumonia who required oxygen therapy from February 2021 to April 2022 were included. Data on patient demographics, past medical history, disease severity, delirium, and treatment strategies during hospitalization were obtained from electronic health records. Patient characteristics and risk factors for delirium were analyzed. Old age (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), disease severity (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score) (P < 0.001), mechanical ventilator support (P < 0.001), neuromuscular blocker use (P < 0.001), and length of stay in the ICU (P < 0.001) showed statistically significant differences on the univariable analysis. Multivariable analysis with backward selection revealed that old age (odds ratio, 1.149; 95% confidence interval, 1.037–1.273; P = 0.008), hypertension (odds ratio, 8.651; 95% confidence interval, 1.322–56.163; P = 0.024), mechanical ventilator support (odds ratio, 226.215; 95% confidence interval, 15.780–3243.330; P < 0.001), and length of stay in the ICU (odds ratio, 30.295; 95% confidence interval, 2.539–361.406; P = 0.007) were significant risk factors for delirium. In conclusion, old age, ICU stay, hypertension, mechanical ventilator support, and neuromuscular blocker use were predictive factors for delirium in COVID-19 patients in the ICU. The study findings suggest the need for predicting the occurrence of delirium in advance and preventing and treating delirium.
Association between age people started working and missing teeth in an elderly population in Ecuador: Evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hallon Camila , Barrionuevo-León Camilo , Gallardo-Bastidas Juan Carlos , Robles-Velasco Karla , Cherrez-Ojeda Iván , Faytong-Haro Marco
Published: November 2023

Child labor has significant physical, psychological, and social consequences, which can persist into adulthood. This study investigates the association between the age at which an individual begins working and tooth loss in older adults in Ecuador. We analyzed data from the SABE 2009 survey (Survey of Health, Well-being, and Aging), using binary logistic regression to examine potential relationships. Our analytical sample comprised of 3,899 older adults from mainland Ecuador, with 42.50% having started working between the ages of 5 and 12. Unadjusted logistic regression results indicated that older adults who began working at ages 5–12 had a 42% higher risk of missing more than 4 teeth compared to those who started working at ages 18–25. After adjusting for potential confounders, the resulting risk was 28% higher than for the reference group [OR 1.28 95% CI 1.25–1.30]. Our findings demonstrate that early engagement in labor is a risk factor for tooth loss among older adults, displaying the long-term impacts of child labor on oral health. Health education and benefits should be provided to this vulnerable population for tooth loss prevention.
A study on the promotion effect of government guidance on the construction of a national unified market logistics channel
Authors: Zhang Guangsheng , Xu Junqian , Wang Yanling
Published: November 2023

Logistics channel is the lifeblood to ensure that logistics serves the circulation inside and outside the region, and to realize regional economic integration, it greatly contributes to the implementation of the national unified market strategy. As the government plays an important role in the construction of logistics channels, this paper further clarifies the effect of government participation and support policies by defining the role and functions of the government in the construction of logistics channels. Based on the evolutionary game theory, the paper reveals the equilibrium conditions of logistics channel construction under the market mechanism and government guidance under the assumption of bounded rationality. We construct an evolutionary game model among participating stakeholders, then study the evolutionary stability strategy of logistics channel participation behavior using the stability theorem for the model’s differential equations. In order to explore the dynamic evolution process of both parties’ choices under the two modes, we investigates the influence of the initial intention, cooperative income, cost proportion, penalty coefficient and construction cost of participating enterprises on both parties’ strategic decisions under the market mechanism and government guidance modes through numerical simulation. We find that: (1) under the market mechanism and government guidance modes, there is a game equilibrium in the participation behavior of logistics enterprises in the national unified market, and that the conditions for realizing the equilibrium of cooperation among stakeholders under the guidance of the government are easier to meet; (2) The initial intentions of the two players in the game along the logistics channel influence each other, and government participation can change the effects of cooperative income, the penalty coefficient and construction cost on the system game strategy, which has a positive effect on the channel construction; (3) At the same time the simulation shows that the government’s promotion effect has certain limitations, and the government should provide reasonable guidance to prevent enterprises from hindering the healthy development of logistics channels. This study provides a theoretical reference for the government and logistics enterprises, especially relying on logistics channels to support the regional coordination of national unified market development.