bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linfoma não Hodgkin da Zona Marginal Extranodal Tipo MALT com Acometimento da Coluna Torácica: revisão Sistemática da Literatura e Relato de Caso em um Hospital Universitário no Brasil
Authors: Moraes Giovanna Lopes Ventura , Frigotto Katia Gleicielly , Ferreira Mellissa Navarro , Avila Maurício Garcia Ferreira , Magalhães Marilza Campos de , Valviesse Vitor Ribeiro Gomes de Almeida
Published: October 2024

Background: Primary bone lymphomas are rare, accounting for less than 1% of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). Extranodal marginal zone non-Hodgkin lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) arising in the vertebral spine is extremely rare, with only seven cases reported. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted on cases from 2012 to 2022 of extranodal marginal zone MALT lymphoma involving the vertebral spine and associated with spinal cord compression. Additionally, a case report from a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro is described. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (approval number: 5.818.416). Searches were performed in SciELO, PubMed, and LILACS databases, using the Health Sciences Descriptors: ("Vertebral Body" OR Spine) AND ("Lymphoma B-Cell Marginal Zone" OR "MALT Lymphoma" OR "Lymphoma of Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue" OR "Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma"). Articles with full texts available in English or Portuguese were selected. Case Description: A 56-year-old female presented with right-sided back pain, progressing to right flank irradiation, lower limb weakness (LLLL), and constitutional symptoms. MRI revealed a solid extradural mass occupying two-thirds of the vertebral canal's diameter, displacing and compressing the dorsal cord to the left. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed infiltration. Laminectomy was performed, and histopathology identified stage IVB extranodal marginal zone MALT lymphoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy led to complete remission. Results and Discussion: The literature review uncovered two relevant case reports. The thoracic spine was the most commonly affected region, and LLLL weakness was the most frequent symptom, with normal laboratory results. Treatment typically involved surgical tumor removal combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Recurrence occurred in both cases, but follow-up showed no evidence of disease. The clinical presentation and exam findings of the current patient were similar to those in the literature, though with bone marrow infiltration. Treatment was consistent with cases in the review, with no recurrence to date. Conclusion: This case represents an uncommon manifestation of primary extranodal marginal zone MALT lymphoma with spinal cord compression, distinguished by bone marrow infiltration—a feature not previously reported in the two cases found in the literature. The case may be considered within the same group of cases reviewed.
Narrativas oficiais em Moçambique: entre manuais escolares e trajetórias desafiadoras
Authors: Fiorotti Silas
Published: October 2024

The paper analyzes the official narratives of the Mozambican government present in school textbooks and seeks to reflect on the role of some individual trajectories that challenge official narratives. On the one hand, excerpts from school textbooks are presented as examples of the efforts of the Liberation Front of Mozambique (Frelimo) government to control the past and control memories. On the other hand, some aspects of the trajectories of people considered critical or traitors of the Frelimo government project and the Mozambican national unity are presented. The hypothesis defended is that the trajectories challenge the binary logic of official narratives which, in turn, present recent political histories divided between revolutionaries and reactionaries, modernists and traditionalists, friends and enemies, victims and executioners.
Bibliografia decolonial contra ementas hegemônicas: estratégia da negritude ante violências acadêmicas
Authors: Anjos Monique dos
Published: October 2024

From decades-old works like The Mis-Education of the Negro (Woodson, 1933) to contemporary texts by Black thinkers such as bell hooks and Grada Kilomba, there is repeated evidence that there is no neutrality in science, nor in academic environments. Given the mechanisms that maintain the university as a white, racist, and elitist space, Black female students are required to make extra efforts to obtain a master's degree, as we are forced to remain vigilant against intersectional oppressions. In order to reflect on the presence of non-white bodies in stricto sensu programs, I offer a phenomenological interpretation of racist episodes experienced during my master's studies. If Blackness was never reflected in the official curricula, it was through a decolonial framework and the formation of alliances that I found ways to combat racism that allowed me not only to enter but also to remain in good company.
The Spread of Street Basketball in Russia
Authors: Jinlong Han Andrew
Published: October 2024

The article presents a brief history of the spread of street basketball in Russia. It is shown that the popularity of street basketball is growing every year and unites more and more people in Russia, especially in large cities of the country, such as Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Novosibirsk, Tyumen, etc. The purpose of this study is to briefly study the history of the origin of streetball in Russia, and to show the spread of street basketball in the country. Methods: In my study, I used questionnaires and interviews that took place in an anonymous form among schoolchildren from different cities of Russia. In a total sample of 186 schoolchildren (Moscow: n=73, 17 girls, 53 boys; age 14.8+0.4 years; Rostov-on-Don: n=62, 21 girls, 41 boys; age 14.1+0.3 years and Gorno-Altaisk: n=51, 12 girls, 39 boys; age 14.3+0.2 years) I conducted a survey of schoolchildren, which touched upon the topics of direct participation of schoolchildren in streetball, the interest of schoolchildren in the development of streetball at school, the impact of the game on health, well-being and the level of aggressiveness. Result. The survey showed that schoolchildren in large cities of Russia are more interested in the spread and development of basketball than their peers in regional cities and towns. However, despite this, streetball is becoming more and more popular in the country every year. Conclusion: Thus, streetball has turned from a simple street game into a giant sports industry in Russia. Sports organizations have been established in Russia (the Street Basketball Association and the Russian Basketball Federation), which actively organize annual championships in the country. Moreover, street basketball is now being actively introduced into the system of physical culture of school education in Russia. However, streetball has a different development on the territory of Russia. In large cities, it has received great development. In small towns and villages, streetball is less developed. At the same time, the popularity of street basketball in Russia is growing and is explained by its accessibility to all segments of the population, entertainment and simple rules of the game.
Dual Narrative Progression and Metaphors for Noise in Julian Barnes’s The Noise of Time
Authors: Zhao Shengjie
Published: October 2024

In The Noise of Time, Julian Barnes once again turns to the writing of biography after Arthur & George (2005), and this time he experiments by tactfully setting dual narrative progression which is the combination of the overt plot and the covert progression. Also, the word “noise” in the title The Noise of Time has double metaphorical meanings, which correspond to the theme and characterization in the dual narrative progression. So, the present article aims to probe into the relationship between the dual narrative progression and the respective metaphorical connotation of the word “noise” in the title. In the overt plot centering on Shostakovich’s three Conversations with Power, for the sake of his friends and associates, in the struggle between life and death, the protagonist Shostakovich is depicted as a coward disciplined by the multiple mechanisms of “incarceration”, such as arrest, being taken to the concentration camps, forbidding his music, and banning his opera performed, in the service of the former Soviet government; and the word "noise" is a metaphor for the totalitarian society of the former Soviet Union which influences Shostakovich's musical composition. However, in the covert progression, by mainly adopting indirect satire (irony), verbal defence, perfunctory behaviors and physical absence, the author characterizes the composer Shostakovich as a hero who follows the inner voice of his ego, and expresses his ridicule, resistance and intransigence in different ways, thus becoming an outsider or a stranger rebelling against the absurdity of the totalitarian society, and the metaphor for “noise” refers to the composer Shostakovich himself who strives to compose an artistic noise that is not compatible with the totalitarian society. Therefore, the overt plot and the covert progression form a striking contrast, and by so doing, Barnes creates an artistic paradoxical image of both a coward and a hero.
Investigating Barriers to Effective Reporting of Sustainable Development Goals by Government Institutions in Kenya
Authors: Peter Mwangi Kibe , Mogute Mary , Yugi Philemon
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to effective reporting of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Kenya, with the primary focus being environmental reporting using the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) as a reference point. The objectives were to determine challenges when reporting environmental statistics, and propose recommendations to enhance effective reporting of environmental statistics by NEMA. The study was anchored on accountability and sustainability theories. Descriptive design was adopted, and the study population was drawn from NEMA, State Department of Planning in Kenya, and the United Nations Environment Programme. The study sampled 98 respondents using purposive sampling strategy where 91 filled and returned self-administered questionnaires that were subjected to analysis. The generated data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25. The results showed that there was a positive significant moderate linear relationship between effective reporting of SDGs and NEMA’s institutional capacity, M&E Framework, and enabling environment. However, environmental governance was not a significant predictor. The study concluded that organizations need enhanced technology for data acquisition, clear M&E structures, and continuous institutional capacity building to address changing reporting environment and policy needs. The study recommends bridging of existing knowledge gaps in the sector through research and partnership, organizational and individual capacity building, establishment of innovation/science centers, data driven governance, policy coherence, and environmental advocacy.
Primary care provider beliefs and knowledge of prescribing gender-affirming hormone therapy to transgender and gender diverse patients
Authors: Yip Allison T. , Charat Stacy , Silva Jordan , Blumenthal Jill
Published: October 2024

Background

Transgender patients often cannot access a provider who is knowledgeable about providing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). This study evaluated primary care provider (PCP) comfort and experience with, opinions about, and knowledge of prescribing GAHT to adults.

Methods

An anonymous Qualtrics survey was distributed to PCPs in San Diego County. Fisher’s exact test assessed any association between age, years in practice, or practice setting and 1) comfort in prescribing GAHT and 2) favorable statements about learning about, providing, and benefitting from training in GAHT. T-tests determined relationship between age, years in practice, or practice type setting with number of correctly answered multiple choice knowledge-based questions out of 4.

Results

Out of 220 responses, median age was 41, 60% had practiced for ≤ 10 years, and 19% had practiced in an academic setting. Forty-two percent did not receive any education about transgender healthcare during medical training. The most commonly reported barrier to providing GAHT was lack of training (74%). PCPs age ≤ 41 (67% vs 49%, p = 0.009), PCPs practicing for ≤ 10 years (65% vs 51%, p = 0.037), and PCPs in non-academic settings (64% vs. 41%, p = 0.013) were more likely to report being comfortable with prescribing GAHT. PCPs age ≤ 41 (89% vs 62%, p < 0.001) and PCPs practicing for ≤ 10 years (86% vs 66%, p < 0.001) were more likely to show interest in learning about GAHT. PCPs age ≤ 41 (74% vs 46%, p < 0.001) and PCPs practicing for ≤ 10 years (70% vs 50%, p = 0.003) were more likely to show interest in prescribing GAHT. Knowledge scores were higher for PCPs age  ≥42 (mean 1.7 vs 1.4, p = 0.033) and PCPs working in academic centers (mean 2.0 vs 1.4, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Younger (age ≤ 41) and early career (practicing for ≤ 10 years) PCPs reported being more comfortable with prescribing GAHT and had more favorable opinions in learning about, providing, and benefitting from training in GAHT. They are interested in providing GAHT; however, few prescribe GAHT with most reporting lack of training as a major barrier. This was evident with overall low knowledge scores regardless of age, experience, or clinical setting and underscores the need for increased educational efforts in transgender care throughout medical training.
Artificial intelligence and predictive models for early detection of acute kidney injury: transforming clinical practice
Authors: Tran Tu T. , Yun Giae , Kim Sejoong
Published: October 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) presents a significant clinical challenge due to its rapid progression to kidney failure, resulting in serious complications such as electrolyte imbalances, fluid overload, and the potential need for renal replacement therapy. Early detection and prediction of AKI can improve patient outcomes through timely interventions. This review was conducted as a narrative literature review, aiming to explore state-of-the-art models for early detection and prediction of AKI. We conducted a comprehensive review of findings from various studies, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and practical considerations for implementation in healthcare settings. We highlight the potential benefits and challenges of their integration into routine clinical care and emphasize the importance of establishing robust early-detection systems before the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted prediction models. Advances in AI for AKI detection and prediction are examined, addressing their clinical applicability, challenges, and opportunities for routine implementation.
The activity of hydrolytic enzymes and antibiotics against biofilms of bacteria isolated from industrial-scale cooling towers
Authors: Dias-Souza Marcus Vinícius , Alves Andrea Lima , Pagnin Sérgio , Veiga Andrea Azevedo , Haq Ihtisham Ul , Alonazi Wadi B. , dos Santos Vera Lúcia
Published: October 2024

Background

Cooling towers (CTs) are crucial to myriad industrial processes, supporting thermal exchange between fluids in heat exchangers using water from lakes and rivers as coolant. However, CT water can sometimes introduce microbial contaminants that adhere to and colonize various surfaces within the CT system. These microorganisms can form biofilms, significantly hindering the system’s thermal exchange efficiency. Current treatment strategies employ oxidizing biocides to prevent microbial growth. However, despite their affordability, they do not eliminate biofilms effectively and can lead to corrosive damage within the system. Herein, we aim to devise an anti-biofilm strategy utilizing hydrolytic enzymes (such as α-amylase, glucoamylase, pectin-lyase, cellulase, protease, and DNase) alongside antibiotics (including meropenem, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and ceftriaxone) to combat microbial growth and biofilm formation in cooling systems.

Results

All enzymes reduced the development of the biofilms significantly compared to controls (p < 0.05). The polysaccharidases exhibited biomass reduction of 90%, except for pectin-lyase (80%), followed by DNAse and protease at 43% and 49%, respectively. The antibiotics reduced the biofilms of 70% of isolates in concentration of > 2 mg/mL. The minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) lower than 1 mg/mL was detected for some 7-day-old sessile isolates. The enzymes and antibiotics were also used in combination against biofilms using the modified Chequerboard method. We found six synergistic combinations, with Fractional inhibitory concentrations (FIC) < 0.5, out of the ten tested. In the presence of the enzymatic mixture, MBECs presented a significant decrease (p < 0.05), at least 4-fold for antibiotics and 32-fold for enzymes. Moreover, we characterized high molecular weight (> 12 kDa) exopolysaccharides (EPS) from biofilms of ten isolates, and glycosyl composition analysis indicated a high frequency of glucose, mannose, erythrose, arabinose, and idose across isolates EPS contrasting with rhamnose, allose, and those carbohydrates, which were detected in only one isolate.

Conclusion

The synergistic approach of combining enzymes with antibiotics emerges as a highly effective and innovative strategy for anti-biofilm intervention, highlighting its potential to enhance biofilm management practices.
Effect of Sinetrol® Xpur on metabolic health and adiposity by interactions with gut microbiota: a randomized, open label, dose–response clinical trial
Authors: Muralidharan Jananee , Romain Cindy , Chung Linda , Alcaraz Pedro , Martínez-Noguera Francisco Javier , Keophiphath Mayoura , Lelouvier Benjamin , Ancel Patricia , Gaborit Benedicte , Cases Julien
Published: October 2024

Background

Sinetrol® Xpur is a polyphenolic ingredient rich in citrus flavonoids that has shown weight loss effects in previous studies. The dose dependent nature, gut microbial actions of this product has not been explored previously, thus presented in this study.

Methods

In this open label study, we evaluated the effect of Sinetrol® Xpur supplementation on healthy but overweight/obese adults (20–50 yrs) for 16 weeks. Participants (n = 20) were randomly allocated to a high dose group (HD, 1800 mg/day) or low dose group (LD, 900 mg/day) of the product for 16 weeks. Fat composition, gut microbial composition, were evaluated using MRI and 16S rDNA sequencing respectively at week 1 and 16.

Results

We observed HDL, HbA1C, LDL and leptin improved significantly over 16 weeks, irrespective of the dosage. There was a trend for decrease in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), BMI over time and body weight displayed a trend for dose dependent decrease. Eubacterium xylanophilum, Ruminococcacea UCG-004 genus which increased in HD and LD respectively were negatively associated to VAT. Both doses increased butyrate producers such as Eubacterium ruminantium and Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 genus.

Conclusions

Overall chronic supplementation of Sinetrol® Xpur, irrespective of their dose improved HDL, HbA1c, LDL and leptin and tended to decrease visceral adipose tissue via changes in gut microbiota.

Trial registration number NCT03823196.
Epigenetic frontiers: miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and nanomaterials are pioneering to cancer therapy
Authors: Prabhakaran Rajkumar , Thamarai Rajkumar , Sivasamy Sivabalan , Dhandayuthapani Sivanesan , Batra Jyoti , Kamaraj Chinnaperumal , Karthik Krishnasamy , Shah Mohd Asif , Mallik Saurav
Published: October 2024

Cancer has arisen from both genetic mutations and epigenetic changes, making epigenetics a crucial area of research for innovative cancer prevention and treatment strategies. This dual perspective has propelled epigenetics into the forefront of cancer research. This review highlights the important roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs, which are key regulators of cancer-related gene expression. It explores the potential of epigenetic-based therapies to revolutionize patient outcomes by selectively modulating specific epigenetic markers involved in tumorigenesis. The review examines promising epigenetic biomarkers for early cancer detection and prognosis. It also highlights recent progress in oligonucleotide-based therapies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and antimiRs, to precisely modulate epigenetic processes. Furthermore, the concept of epigenetic editing is discussed, providing insight into the future role of precision medicine for cancer patients. The integration of nanomedicine into cancer therapy has been explored and offers innovative approaches to improve therapeutic efficacy. This comprehensive review of recent advances in epigenetic-based cancer therapy seeks to advance the field of precision oncology, ultimately culminating in improved patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.
Knowledge behind the scenes of a peer-reviewed journal helps in publishing your manuscript
Authors: Cappitelli Francesca , Villa Federica
Published: October 2024

This paper provides insights into the paper submission and review processes and the possible reasons behind paper acceptance or rejection. The main target of this paper is emerging researchers who are writing their first scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. This manuscript gives clues on how to select a journal and what a preprint is, introduces authorship and the roles of editors, reviewers, and publishers, sheds light on the editorial process, and briefly introduces some ethical issues arising in scholarly publishing. The content is based on a course offered annually to doctoral students at the University of Milan and keeps into account frequently asked questions. The authors of this paper are an editor-in-chief and an associated editor of scientific journals, respectively.
The relationship between personal-collaborative motivation profiles and students’ performance in collaborative problem solving
Authors: He Jinming , Ren Shixiu , Zhang Danhui
Published: October 2024

Collaborative problem solving (CPS), as a twenty-first century skill, is critically important for both living and life-long learning. Motivation in CPS equates to students’ needs to recognize their efforts in collaboration. Given the complexity of CPS contexts, the intertwined relationship among different types of motivations was investigated using a person-centred approach to identify different configural profiles of collaborators based on PSI ($$\psi$$
ψ
) theory. A total of 9398 Chinese students in 264 schools were included in this study. Latent profile analysis was used to identify four profiles of students with different CPS motivations: “Achievement-oriented cooperator” (n = 773), “Instrument-oriented Cooperator” (n = 1539), “Achievement-oriented nonteam player” (n = 1202), and “Instrument-oriented nonteam player” (n = 5884). Their psychological attributes and CPS behaviours were further analysed, with the following results: (1) achievement-oriented cooperators performed the best, while instrument-oriented nonteam players performed the worst; and (2) students who are achievement-oriented and value collaboration with others are more likely to engage in CPS tasks. These findings provide insights into how different motivational configurations influence CPS behaviours, offering practical implications for enhancing collaboration in educational settings.
Estimating the individual stillborn rate from easy-to-collect sow data on farm: an application of the bayesian network model
Authors: Teixeira Costa Charlotte , Boulbria Gwenaël , Dutertre Christophe , Chevance Céline , Nicolazo Théo , Normand Valérie , Jeusselin Justine , Lebret Arnaud
Published: October 2024

Background

A high number of stillborn piglets has a negative impact on production and animal welfare. It is an important contributor to piglet mortality around farrowing and continues to rise with the increase of prolificacy. The objective of this study was to build a predictive model of the stillborn rate.

Results

This study was performed on two farrow-to-finish farms and one farrow-to-wean farm located in Brittany, France. At each farm, the number of total born (TB), born alive (BA), stillborn piglets (S), the same data at the previous farrowing (TBn− 1, BAn− 1 and Sn− 1), backfat thickness just before farrowing and at previous weaning and parity rank were recorded in our dataset of 3686 farrowings. Bayesian networks were used as an integrated modelling approach to investigate risk factors associated with stillbirth using BayesiaLab® software. Our results suggest the validity of a hybrid model to predict the percentage of stillborn piglets. Three significant risk factors were identified by the model: parity rank (percentage of total mutual information: MI = 64%), Sn− 1 (MI = 25%) and TBn− 1 (MI = 11%). Additionally, backfat thickness just before farrowing was also identified for sows of parity five or more (MI = 0.4%). In practice, under optimal conditions (i.e., low parity rank, less than 8% of stillborn piglets, and a prolificacy lower than 14 piglets at the previous farrowing), our model predicted a stillborn rate almost halved, from 6.5% (mean risk of our dataset) to 3.5% for a sow at the next farrowing. In contrast, in older sows with a backfat thickness less than 15 mm, more than 15% of stillborn and a prolificacy greater than 18 piglets at the previous farrowing, the risk is multiplied by 2.5 from 6.5 to 15.7%.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the impact of parity, previous prolificacy and stillborn rate on the probability of stillborn. Moreover, the importance of backfat thickness, especially in old sows, must be considered. This information can help farmers classify and manage sows according to their risk of giving birth to stillborn piglets.
Daily exercises uptake and associated factors among Social Security and National Insurance Trust pensioners in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Ongoh Myles , Abekah-Carter Kwamina , A-iyeh Edmond , Agyemang-Duah Williams
Published: October 2024

Background

With a growing body of evidence highlighting the positive impact of regular physical activity or exercise on achieving healthy aging, it is important to gain insight into the factors influencing daily exercises uptake. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been focused on factors predicting daily exercises uptake among pensioners, who form a substantial portion of Ghana’s aging population. The goal of this preliminary study was to estimate the factors associated with daily exercises uptake among Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) pensioners in Ghana.

Methods

Data for this study came from a cross-sectional study on survival strategies and quality of life among SSNIT pensioners in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Cluster and stratified sampling techniques were used to recruit the study participants. The analytic sample was 410 participants. Multivariable binary logistic regressions were used to estimate factors associated with daily exercises uptake among the participants. The significance of the test was pegged at a p-value of 0.05 or less.

Results

The results showed that 62% of the participants self-identified as male, 47.6% were aged between 60 and 64 years, 52.7% were employed in the public sector and 44.4% performed daily exercises. The results showed that those who were aged 60–64 years (AOR: 1.197, 95% CI: 1.019–1.405), aged 65–69 years (AOR:1.254, 95% CI: 1.071–1.468), who do not incur expenditure on their household in a month (AOR: 1.519, 95% CI: 1.127–2.046), earned less than GH¢260 (AOR: 1.221, 95% CI: 1.018–1.465), accessed/utilized herbalist medical services (AOR: 1.252, 95% CI: 1.129–1.388), very dissatisfied (AOR: 1.637, 95% CI: 1.242–2.157) and dissatisfied (AOR: 1.516, 95% CI: 1.212–1.896) with their sex life were more likely to undertake daily exercises and this was statistically significant. The results again demonstrated that participants who joined fitness club (AOR: 0.685, 95% CI: 0.614-0.764) and those who were very dissatisfied with their health services access/use (AOR: 0.598, 95% CI: 0.363-0.984) were less likely to undertake daily exercises and this was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Findings of this study have provided important insights for policy makers and thus constitute a useful framework to help plan and shape future policies and programs on daily exercises uptake among pensioners in Ghana and other geographical contexts with similar cultural, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics.
Genetic underpinnings of neonatal diabetes: a review of current research
Authors: Golshan-Tafti Mohammad , Dastgheib Seyed Alireza , Bahrami Reza , Yeganegi Maryam , Aghasipour Maryam , Marzbanrad Zahra , Saeida-Ardekani Maryam , Shahbazi Amirhossein , Omidi Amirhossein , Lookzadeh Mohamad Hosein , Mirjalili Seyed Reza , Noorishadkam Mahmood , Neamatzadeh Hossein
Published: October 2024

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare, insulin-dependent diabetes that manifests within the first month of life and requires insulin therapy for management. NDM is categorized into two primary types: transient NDM (TNDM), which typically resolves during infancy or early childhood, and permanent NDM (PNDM), necessitating lifelong insulin treatment. TNDM has an incidence of approximately 1 in 90,000 to 160,000 live births and is characterized by insulin-dependent hyperglycemia that usually resolves within 12 weeks but may relapse in later adolescence or early adulthood. Congenital manifestations often include intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), macroglossia, and umbilical hernia, with its etiology linked to epigenetic alterations on chromosome 6q24 that affect the transcription factor PLAGL1. In contrast, PNDM occurs with an incidence ranging from 1 in 108,999 to 1 in 1,029,999 live births and presents with persistent hyperglycemia requiring lifelong insulin therapy. It is primarily associated with mutations in over 49 genes, particularly KCNJ11 and ABCC8, which disrupt ATP-sensitive potassium channels, while some cases involve mutations in the insulin gene that affect β-cell function. Treatment mainly consists of insulin therapy, although some patients may transition to oral sulfonylureas. Long-term follow-up by a multidisciplinary pediatric team is crucial, as individuals with NDM may experience recurrent diabetes and neurological or neuropsychological issues. Insulin therapy is an effective approach for managing NDM, necessitating meticulous monitoring of blood glucose levels to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Genetic testing is essential for diagnosing both types of NDM and informing treatment strategies, including the potential use of oral sulfonylureas for PNDM. Ongoing research into the genetic mechanisms and long-term management approaches is vital for enhancing clinical outcomes and monitoring complications in affected individuals.
Parastatal Sexarchy / Sexarquia Parastatal
Authors: Blanchette Thaddeus Gregory , Silva Ana Paula da
Published: October 2024

The commercial sale of sex is not legal in Rio de Janeiro. It is rather better to say that it’s not necessarily illegal. This chapter delves into the history and sociology of prostitution in Rio de Janeiro, exploring how the city has constructed a system that one of its major critics once labeled “mitigated regulation.” Prostitution is simultaneously regulated, prohibited, and tolerated in Rio—confusing and undermining the typical social-scientific and legal understandings of sex work as operating under abolitionist, prohibitionist, regulatory, or decriminalized regimes. Based upon in-depth historiographic and ethnographic research, the chapter analyzes how prostitution might best be described as parastatally regulated, with state security forces (extra)officially regulating and profiting from the city’s main sex work venues. The chapter concludes with an overview of how sex work has changed throughout twenty-first-century Rio and how security forces have adapted.
Kaleidoscopic Arabness / Arabitude Caleidoscópica
Authors: Pinto Paulo G.
Published: October 2024

This chapter analyzes Arab identities, which are defined here as a range of related identities (Arab, Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian-Lebanese). It shows how Arab/Syrian-Lebanese ethnicity has been negotiated, transmitted, and reinvented in Brazil. Discrete ethnic/national codifications of the linguistic and cultural heritage of Arabic-speaking immigrants emerged in the period from 1890 to 1930. From 1915 to 1960, various ethnic and religious urban social institutions were created to transmit these codifications. The numerous ethnic and national identities that circulated created the fact that, despite the coming together of Arabic-speaking immigrants and their descendants as a community, there was no consensus about their identity. This created what the author calls kaleidoscopic identities. The data analyzed here was collected during ethnographic fieldwork with the Arab/Syrian-Lebanese community and archival research in its institutions in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, since 2009.
Puta Politics / Putapolítica
Authors: Murray Laura Rebecca
Published: October 2024

Puta activist Gabriela Leite cites a line from Manuel Bandeira’s poem “Poética” in one of her first writings about politics, published in 1991 in the Brazilian Prostitute Network’s newspaper, Beijo da rua. Reflecting on a failed protest against a rule prohibiting US Navy officers from visiting sex workers at the Praça Maua (and sex workers’ more creative and pragmatic way of dealing with it by simply moving their work to other areas of the city), she calls on the movement to harness fluid, diverse, and complex forms of activism. The chapter draws on more than a decade of activism and ethnographic research on the Brazilian sex worker movements, discussing puta politics as an attempt to capture the innumerable rhythms of puta subjectivity and activism in Brazil. It also traces how whores have mobilized their subjectivities, bodies, allies, and political know-how to draw attention to state abuses and societal stigmas.
Interpretation of Chemical Compositions and Making Techniques for Ancient Glass Beads from Suchonri Tomb Complex in Gongju, Korea
Authors: Yi Jeong Eun , Lee Chan Hee
Published: October 2024

The Suchonri tomb complex in Uidang of Gongju has been excavated several times, and the remains and artifacts from various periods have been unearthed. Tomb No. 8, known as a Baekje Kingdom, collected a large quantity of blue-colored glass beads, quartz bead and gold-gilded glass beads. In this study, we analyzed the occurrences, internal textures and chemical compositions of representative glass beads, and interpreted the making techniques based on the study. As a result, quartz bead, which are different from glass, were confirmed, and the glass beads were classified into potassium, sodium and gold-gilded beads. The internal texture of the glass beads contained a mixture of bubbles and unmelted additives. The additives consisted of fluxes, stabilizers and colorants compositions, and were observed in various crystals and shapes. Based on internal textures, arrangement of bubbles and shape of impurities within the glass beads, it seems that various making techniques such as the winding, the drawing and the molding methods were applied. In this way, the glass beads used in a single location have slightly different characteristics suggests the diversity of the manufacturing site, materials used and producers, as well as the possibility of external introduction. It can also be interpreted that the beads were likely procured and assembled for the funeral rites to serve the purpose of the interred individual.
A Study on the Application of Lining Adhesives to Canvas Reinforcement Treatment(Patching)
Authors: Jee Bong Goo , Bae Su bin , Han Kyeong Soon
Published: October 2024

Canvas patching utilizes various adhesives for localized reinforcement treatment, yet evaluations of their properties remain insufficient. This study presents surface changes and physical properties observed when seven types of lining adhesives, selected from prior research, were applied. Evaluations included contact angles, color changes, surface alterations, and tensile strength. Results indicated that glue paste was highly susceptible to moisture and exhibited decreased flexibility with environmental changes, while Beva film showed the most significant reduction in adhesion. Both glue paste and Beva film were sensitive to color changes, primarily displaying yellowing and browning. Plextol B500 demonstrated the greatest increase in adhesion and flexibility under environmental stress. Welding powder exhibited high adhesion but lower strain rates, causing notable deformations across the canvas. Within the same adhesive composition, higher hydrophilicity correlated with reduced yield stress and maximum strain, suggesting that hydrophilicity affects adhesion and flexibility. Adhesives with lower thermal decomposition and glass transition temperatures experienced greater changes in adhesion and flexibility. Rapid changes in adhesion following localized reinforcement treatment can lead to issues like peeling of reinforcing fabric or deformation of the canvas.
Study on Production Characteristics and Change in Production Location of Pottery Excavated from DongOe-dong Site in Goseong
Authors: Park Yeong A , Han Woo Rim
Published: October 2024

As a result of scientific analysis of 26 pottery excavated from the DongOe-dong site in Goseong, pottery with various firing degrees was confirmed, ranging from low-firing pottery with mica minerals detected to high-firing pottery with high-temperature minerals such as cristobalite and mullite detected. In addition, low-firing pottery has an absorption rate of 9.7∼25.8% and generally shows high saturation value. On the other hand, high-firing pottery has low absorption rate and saturation value, so the physical characteristics of the pottery show a high correlation with the group classified by XRD analysis. Pottery with a low firing degree commonly contains fine-grained mineral particles and has a similar composition of trace elements such as Rb, Ba, and Sr. And they were most abundantly excavated from the No. 1-1 moat. However it was confirmed that there is a difference in the production area because compositions of the rare earth elements are distributed in two areas in the graph. High&intermediate-firing pottery samples are observed to have a vitrified base matrix and relatively less temper minerals. And their contents of Rb, Sr, and Ba are significantly different from low-firing pottery. In the composition of rare earth elements, they are all distributed in same area as one of the separated areas of low-firing pottery, so it is highly likely these pottery were produced in the same or nearby production region regardless of the firing degree. As a result of checking up the composition of rare earth elements according to the archaeological chronology of pottery, it is estimated that there was a change in the production region of the pottery introduced into the DongOe-dong site around 250 AD.
Effects of Pigment Particle Size and Colored Layer Thickness on the Underdrawing Detection in Painted Cultural Heritage Using Near-Infrared Photography
Authors: Jang Yu Jin , Kwon Seo Yun , Lee Sang Hyun
Published: October 2024

In this study, five types of inorganic pigments were selected, and samples with varying color layer thicknesses were produced following particle size analysis. Hyperspectral imaging was then used to assess the efficiency of underdrawing detection. By comparing infrared images in the near-infrared range(950 to 1700 nm), the study confirmed that particle size and color layer thickness significantly influence underdrawing detection efficiency using infrared photography. Specifically, larger particles within the same color layer thickness demonstrated superior detection efficiency, and the detectable thickness varied according to particle size. The efficiency of underdrawing detection, as measured by the brightness difference(ΔL*) between the base and underdrawing areas, also reflected this pattern. The study successfully established a correlation between pigment particle size, color layer thickness, and underdrawing detection efficiency. These findings are expected to serve as foundational data for detecting underdrawings in painted cultural heritage using Near-Infrared photography, as well as for interpreting pigment application techniques at cultural heritage investigation sites.
A day of shame
Authors: Zaidi Shabih H
Published: October 2024

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10622
How to cite this: Zaidi SH. A day of shame. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2161-2162. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10622
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparison of efficacy of long follicular phase regimen and antagonist regimen on pregnancy outcome of fresh cycle or freeze-thawed cycle embryo transfer
Authors: Li Pengtao , Zhai Jiawei , Liu Ting , Guo Mengyuan , Wang Yuzhen
Published: October 2024

Objective: To compare the pregnancy outcome of the fresh cycle or freeze-thaw cycle embryo transfer of patients treated with a long follicular phase regimen and antagonist regimen, and explore the clinical therapeutic effect of the two regimens.
Methods: This was a retrospective study. The data of a total of 543 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) or frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in Baoding Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed in this study and were divided into four group to analyze the basic conditions, medication, laboratory indicators and clinical outcomes after embryo transfer of patients in each group.
Results: The pregnancy rate and implantation rate in Groups A, B and C were higher than those in Group-D, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The difference in multiple pregnancy rate and abortion rate among groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The influencing factors of clinical pregnancy rate were identified by binary Logistic regression analysis. Advanced age was found to be a risk factor for improving the pregnancy rate, while the increase in the number of oocytes retrieved is a protective factor for improving the pregnancy rate. The differences were statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The antagonist regimen has a low dosage and short medication time and can achieve a high embryo utilization rate and blastula formation rate, saving time and cost for patients.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9050
How to cite this: Li P, Zhai J, Liu T, Guo M, Wang Y. Comparison of efficacy of long follicular phase regimen and antagonist regimen on pregnancy outcome of fresh cycle or freeze-thawed cycle embryo transfer. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2170-2175.   doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9050
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparative study of clinical effects between oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
Authors: Wang YiXiao , Song Yang , Ma Yue , Sun Xinyu , Wang Hua
Published: October 2024

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.
Method: This was a retrospective study. The clinical data of 80 patients with lumbar disc degenerative disease who underwent surgery in Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University from May 2018 to May 2023 were selected. The patients were divided into LLIF group and OLIF group according to surgical methods. Compare the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey(SF-36), Visual Analog Scale(VAS) scores, Oswesterly Disability Index(ODI), Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA) scores, Cobb angle, and intervertebral height changes between two groups of patients pre- and posttreatment, and evaluate the differences in clinical efficacy and surgical complications.
Result: Postsurgery, the SF-36 score, VAS score, ODI index, and JOA score of two groups were significantly better than presurgery(p<0.05); After three months of treatment, the improvement in OLIF group was better than LLIF group(p<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at six months postsurgery(p>0.05). Six months postsurgery, the intervertebral space height and Cobb angle of the two groups were significantly improved compared to presurgery (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups(p>0.05). There was no difference in clinical efficacy and incidence between the two groups(p>0.05).
Conclusion: LLIF and OLIF may be both safe and effective minimally invasive surgical methods for the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9344
How to cite this: Wang Y, Song Y, Ma Y, Sun X, Wang H. Comparative study of clinical effects between oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2238-2242. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9344
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.