bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ultramarathon Trail Running at Sea Level and Altitude on Alveolar–Capillary Function and Lung Diffusion
Authors: STEWART GLENN M. , FERMOYLE CAITLIN C. , WHEATLEY-GUY COURTNEY M. , ROBACH PAUL , TILLER NICHOLAS B. , TAYLOR BRYAN J. , ZIEGLER BRIANA , SCHWARTZ JESSE , GAVET ALICE , CHABRIDON LOÏC , MURDOCK ROBERT W. , CONSTANTINI KEREN , JOHNSON BRUCE D.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Endurance exercise at altitude can increase cardiac output and pulmonary vascular pressure to levels that may exceed the stress tolerability of the alveolar–capillary unit. This study examined the effect of ultramarathon trail racing at different altitudes (ranging from <1000 m to between 1500 and 2700 m) on alveolar–capillary recruitment and lung diffusion.

Methods

Cardiac and lung function were examined before and after an ultramarathon in 67 runners (age: 41 ± 9 yr, body mass index: 23 ± 2 kg·m−2, 10 females), and following 12–24 h of recovery in a subset (n = 27). Cardiac biomarkers (cTnI and BNP) were assessed from whole blood, whereas lung fluid accumulation (comet tails), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (Q) were quantified via echocardiography. Lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and its components, alveolar membrane conductance (Dm) and capillary blood volume (Vc), were determined via a single-breath method at rest and during three stages of submaximal semirecumbent cycling (20, 30, and 40 W).

Results

Average race time was 25 ± 12 h. From pre- to post-race, there was an increase in cardiac biomarkers (cTnI: 0.04 ± 0.02 vs 0.13 ± 0.03 ng·mL−1, BNP: 20 ± 2 vs 112 ± 21 pg·mL−1; P < 0.01) and lung comet tails (2 ± 1 vs 7 ± 6, P < 0.01), a decrease in resting and exercise SV (76 ± 2 vs 69 ± 2 mL, 40 W: 93 ± 2 vs 88 ± 2 mL; P < 0.01), and an elevation in Q at rest (4.1 ± 0.1 vs 4.6 ± 0.2 L·min−1, P < 0.01; 40 W: 7.3 ± 0.2 vs 7.4 ± 0.3 L·min−1, P = 0.899). Resting DLco and Vc decreased after the race (P < 0.01), whereas Dm was unchanged (P = 0.465); however, during the three stages of exercise, DLco, Vc, and Dm were all reduced from pre- to post-race (40 W: 36.3 ± 0.9 vs 33.0 ± 0.8 mL·min−1·mm Hg−1, 83 ± 3 vs 73 ± 2 mL, 186 ± 6 vs 170 ± 7 mL·min−1·mm Hg−1, respectively; P < 0.01). When corrected for alveolar volume and Q, DLco decreased from pre- to post-race (P < 0.01), and changes in DLco were similar for all ultramarathon events (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Competing in an ultramarathon leads to a transient increase in cardiac injury biomarkers, mild lung-fluid accumulation, and impairments in lung diffusion. Reductions in DLco are predominantly caused by a reduced Vc and possible pulmonary capillary de-recruitment at rest. However, impairments in alveolar–capillary recruitment and Dm both contribute to a fall in exertional DLco following an ultramarathon. Perturbations in lung diffusion were evident across a range of event distances and varying environmental exposures.
Developing ACTIVE SCHOOL—The Design Process for Two School-Based Physical Activity Interventions
Authors: Jeppesen Lise Sohl , Bugge Anna , Smedegaard Søren , Wienecke Jacob , Melcher Jesper Sandfeld
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) interventions in schools can improve children’s overall PA levels and positively affect academic performance. However, implementing PA during the school day can be challenging in the complex school setting. Many school-based PA studies do not present their interventions’ design processes, although this knowledge is important to replicate the intervention.

Purpose

This article aims to provide insights into the collaborative design process of the two PA interventions for third-grade pupils of the ACTIVE SCHOOL project. The evidence-based interventions focus on PA integrated into academic content (Move & Learn intervention) as embodied learning or PA as moderate to vigorous activity performed during the school day (Run, Jump & Fun intervention). The study’s objective was to engage teachers and pedagogues early in the design process to ensure the design was tailored to practice.

Methods

A team consisting of researchers, school staff, and experts were involved in the design process. The process lasted one school year and comprised three phases: exploration and analysis, construction and design, and reflection and evaluation. Multiple methods were used, including focus group interviews, a design workshop, and observations of iterative in-school testing.

Results

The result of the analysis and exploration phase was a set of learning points based on information about school culture, school staff competences, and needs. The design and construction phase produced a set of intervention skeletons, which were the actual elements of the interventions. The evaluation and reflection phase created the main results, which are specific principles and multifaceted implementation strategies for Move & Learn and Run, Jump & Fun, respectively. Finally, dose and timing of the interventions were specified.

Conclusion

Collaboration with schools and an iterative approach were determinants for designing interventions appropriate to the Danish school context and school staff practice.
Comunicação de incidentes de segurança: prazo, regulatory enforcement e a competência da Autoridade Nacional de Proteção de Dados
Authors: Divino Sthéfano Bruno Santos
Published: April 2024

A Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados determina a comunicação de incidentes de segurança à Autoridade Nacional de Proteção de Dados (ANDP), contudo, não estabelece prazo e forma para tanto. O problema de pesquisa é: como e qual a forma mais adequada de regulamentar o prazo e as sanções pelo descumprimento da comunicação de incidentes de segurança? Objetiva-se analisar a competência regulamentar sob a ótica das Leis das Agências, da Lei da Liberdade Econômica, bem como do Decreto nº 10.411/2020. Posteriormente, identifica-se a natureza do problema regulatório e apresentam-se contribuições para elaboração da Análise de Impacto Regulatório (AIR). Por fim, demonstram-se as consequências jurídicas pelo seu descumprimento, bem como críticas sobre o art. 21 do Decreto nº 10.411/2020. A pesquisa adota o método integrado e a técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica.
Empresas com participação estatal e o controle de contas
Authors: Sundfeld Carlos Ari , Tristão Conrado
Published: April 2024

O artigo reconstrói a evolução da legislação administrativa e da legislação e jurisprudência de contas no Brasil relativamente ao conceito de administração pública, com o objetivo de entender quais têm sido, ao longo do tempo, as dificuldades, polêmicas e opções sobre os critérios para, por um lado, considerar empresas com diferentes níveis de capital estatal (minoritário, igualitário, majoritário ou exclusivo; com direito a voto ou sem direito a voto) como integradas à administração pública indireta e, por outro lado, como submetidas ao controle de contas. A constatação da pesquisa é que, a despeito das insuficiências e divergências havidas no decorrer dos anos, bem como de alguma flutuação retórica, tem prevalecido, na legislação e na jurisprudência de contas, o critério de considerar excluídas, tanto da administração pública indireta como do controle de contas, as empresas em cujo capital ou controle haja participação estatal não majoritária, as quais se configuram juridicamente como empresas do setor privado.
A sobreposição de órgãos de controle e seus desafios à coordenação dos acordos substitutivos no Brasil
Authors: Araújo Valter Shuenquener de , Dionisio Pedro de Hollanda
Published: April 2024

O texto se propõe a debater as causas da descoordenação entre órgãos de controle na celebração de acordos substitutivos e propor possíveis soluções para o problema. O trabalho demonstra que a descoordenação entre instituições públicas na celebração de acordos substitutivos é produto de dois recentes e relevantes fenômenos: a difusão de instituições autônomas de controle e a propagação de instrumentos consensuais. O texto analisa o surgimento de instituições autônomas de controle e o giro teórico no sistema punitivo estatal decorrente da profusão de instrumentos consensuais. Em seguida, aponta instrumentos que prometem promover coordenação institucional. A metodologia utilizada no trabalho é a análise bibliográfica, por meio do exame e cruzamento da literatura pertinente ao tema. O objetivo central da pesquisa é o de propor soluções para os problemas decorrentes da ausência de coordenação entre os órgãos públicos de controle na celebração de acordos substitutivos.
Identification of asymmetries between longitudinal parameters and anthropometric proportionality ratios in children aged between 7 - 10 years
Authors: Moraru Liviu , Badau Adela , Mereuta Claudiu , Gheorghe Carmen , Badau Dana
Published: April 2024

(The present study pursued the investigation of anthropometric asymmetries regarding the length of the upper and lower limbs and the indices of body proportionality and had the following ob-jectives: identifying the differences between the female and male groups, in the 4 age categories (7, 8, 9 and 10 years old), regarding anthropometric parameters and proportionality indicators; also tried to identify the differences in anthropometric parameters and proportionality indicators between the 4 age categories (7 - 10 years old) for each gender (female, respectively male). The study included 727 subjects with the age between 7-10 years, of which 383 (52.7%) female and 344 (47.3%) male, the subjects being divided into four groups according to age (7, 8, 9 and 10 years old groups). The measurements aimed at the following longitudinal anthropometric parameters and the calculation of proportionality ratios: height (cm); the length of the right upper limb (cm – LUL Right); the length of the left upper limb (cm – LUL Left); the length of the right lower limb (cm - LLL Right); the length of the left lower limb (cm - LLL Left); ratio of LUL Right X 100 / LLL Right; ratio of LUL Left x 100 / LLL Left; ratio of LUL Right x 100 / height; ratio of LUL Left x 100 / height; ratio of LLL Right x 100 / height; ratio of LLL_Left x 100/ height. Analyzing ccompara-tively the results recorded between the upper and lower right and left segments, we find asym-metry in all samples according to age and gender. The differences between the groups of girls and boys, in all age categories, were statistically significant. The ANOVA analysis reflects statis-tically significant differences between the 4 age groups (7 - 10 years) in all anthropometric evalu-ations. The largest asymmetries between the right and left upper limb were recorded in the age category of 7 years old group; respectively, the largest asymmetries between the lower limbs were recorded in the 10 year old groups depending on gender.
Conflictos en plataformas digitales: precariedad laboral y acción colectiva de los trabajadores de Rappi en Colombia
Authors: Valencia Orozco Carlos Hernán , Bedoya Bedoya María Rocío , Ocampo parias Brahiam Santiago
Published: April 2024

Las plataformas digitales de reparto son expresión de los nuevos desarrollos tecnológicos y de las comunicaciones y un nuevo modelo de negocio que creció exponencialmente durante la pandemia del Covid-19 y que ha visto una ventana de oportunidad para los dueños de las aplicaciones y quienes deciden invertir en el negocio. Este escrito se propone explorar los conflictos discursivos y materiales en las plataformas, así como las condiciones laborales y la acción colectiva de los trabajadores de Rappi en Colombia. Para ello se adopta una estrategia teórico-metodológica que combina investigación documental y trabajo empírico desde la perspectiva del capitalismo de plataformas.
¿Equidad en la protección familiar? Un análisis de la pensión de sobrevivientes y su acceso para las familias de crianza en el contexto colombiano
Authors: Padilla Carvajal Manuel Santiago , Guachetá Torres Julián David
Published: April 2024

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar el acceso de la familia de crianza a la pensión de sobrevivientes en Colombia desde 1991 al 2022. Se adoptó una metodología bajo un enfoque mixto. Primero, cualitativa a través de las técnicas de análisis documental y la entrevista; segundo, cuantitativa, con la instrumentalización de técnicas como el análisis de datos agregados de entidades oficiales y el muestreo no probabilístico. Se encontró que el ordenamiento jurídico colombiano ha reconocido la figura de la familia de crianza jurisprudencialmente, así como su derecho a la pensión de sobreviviente; sin embargo, desde las entidades administradoras de pensiones se continúa impidiendo el acceso a esta prestación a los integrantes de las familias de crianza en el procedimiento pensional.
Relaciones de legalidad-informalidad-ilegalidad en Latinoamérica: estado del arte
Authors: Puerta Olaya María Alejandra , Flórez Barrios Melissa
Published: April 2024

La literatura académica sigue revelando que existen varias definiciones para comprender “lo legal”, “lo ilegal”, “lo informal” y las interrelaciones de estos fenómenos, al igual que diversas metodologías para su estudio. Este capítulo presenta un estado del arte sobre ¿cómo se ha entendido recientemente la asociación entre ilegalidad, legalidad e informalidad en las investigaciones sobre estos fenómenos dentro de los países latinoamericanos? Para contestar esta pregunta se analizaron 65 artículos publicados en revistas indexadas de economía, negocios y ciencias sociales, entre 2018 y 2022. Las investigaciones consultadas señalan que la ilegalidad, la informalidad y la ilegalidad se relacionan de cinco siguientes formas: 1) se coproducen a partir de la iniciativa estatal y los actores sociales que coalimentan y legitiman al ordenamiento jurídico; 2) se movilizan “desde abajo” por parte de los diferentes actores sociales; 3) presentan porosidades entre sí que hacen indistinguibles sus fronteras, principalmente en escenarios de violencia y en espacios de mercado; 4) fluyen a través del intercambio del mercado, y 5) se resignifican a partir de la moralidad de las comunidades, que negocian constantemente su entendimiento sobre la legitimidad y la legalidad. Se concluye que, para el caso de Latinoamérica, los estudios publicados asumen que es la misma complejidad de las relaciones sociales, la que constantemente cuestiona y resignifica los campos de la legalidad y de la legitimidad, la ilegalidad y la ilegitimidad y de la informalidad y su tolerancia.
Proyecto Autonomía Económica de las Mujeres en Medellín (2008-2021): un análisis de implementación a través del equilibrio puntuado
Authors: Echeverri Suescún María Camila , Flórez Barrios Melissa , Ramírez González Lida Liney , Puerta Olaya María Alejandra
Published: April 2024

El papel relegado de la mujer, a lo largo de la historia, en la vida pública y las problemáticas acentuadas para el género femenino por la pandemia de covid-19 hacen necesario evaluar la ejecución de los proyectos guiados a través de las políticas públicas para mujeres en Medellín (Colombia). Este capítulo expone el análisis de implementación realizado mediante la teoría del equilibrio puntuado al proyecto de Autonomía Económica de Mujeres en la ciudad entre 2008 y 2021. Por medio de una revisión documental de los planes de acción del municipio, un análisis presupuestal, el acercamiento a algunos de los actores y población objetivo, se identificaron las puntuaciones pre y pospandemia, y se encontró como principal falencia que los esfuerzos realizados desde la administración no desarrollan una verdadera autonomía económica. La falta de integración de la población objetivo a la evaluación del proyecto hacen que este no responda adecuadamente al ciclo de las políticas públicas conforme como lo escribe el enfoque del equilibrio puntuado.
Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction as an adjuvant treatment for mild/moderately severe hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Hai-Fu , Su Ze-Xuan , Feng Yong-Hang , Li Shuo-Jun , Xie Bi-Yun
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Hypertriglyceridemia is the third leading cause of acute pancreatitis (AP), and its incidence is increasing. Due to its relatively insidious etiology, it is easy to be ignored in the early stages. In China, Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction (CQCQD) has long been employed for treating AP.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of CQCQD in patients diagnosed with mild/ moderately severe hypertriglyceridemic AP (HTG-AP).

METHODS

In this study, the clinical data of 39 patients with HTG-AP admitted from January 2019 to November 2022 were collected. The changes of blood lipids, gastrointestinal symptoms, and abdominal pain before and after treatment were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were treated with the conventional HTG-AP regimen, and 19 patients were additionally treated with CQCQD. After receiving treatment, the triglycerides (TG) level of the CQCQD group was lower than that of the CQCQD group (3.14 ± 0.25 mmol/L vs 4.96 ± 0.47 mmol/L, P < 0.01). After 3 d of treatment, the patients in the CQCQD group had more bowel movements than the control group (2.51 ± 0.25 times vs 1.00 ± 0.17 times, P = 0.01). The gastrointestinal function of most patients returned to normal, and the acute gastrointestinal injury score was significantly lower than that of the control group (0.11 ± 0.07 vs 0.42 ± 0.11, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In patients with HTG-AP, CQCQD can significantly reduce the TG level, shorten the recovery time of defecation, significantly improve the gastrointestinal function.
Tricuspid mass-curious case of Li-Fraumeni syndrome: A case report
Authors: Huffaker Tyler , Pak Stella , Asif Anum , Otchere Prince
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal dominant cancer-predisposing syndrome, which can manifest as a polymorphic spectrum of malignancies. LFS is associated with an early onset in life, with the majority of cases occurring prior to the age of 46. Notwithstanding the infrequency of primary cardiac tumors, it behooves clinicians to remain vigilant in considering the differential diagnosis of such tumors in LFS patients who present with a cardiac mass. This is due to the markedly elevated risk for malignancy in this particular population, far surpassing that of the general populace.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein, we present a case of a 30-year-old female with LFS who was found to have a tricuspid valve leaflet mass.

CONCLUSION

This case exemplifies valuable learning points in the diagnostic approach for this exceptionally rare patient population.
Endovascular treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula resulting from rupture of intracavernous carotid aneurysm: A case report
Authors: Ouyang Guang , Zheng Kai-Li , Luo Kuan , Qiao Mu , Zhu Yuan , Pan De-Rui
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Direct carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are typically the result of a severe traumatic brain injury. High-flow arteriovenous shunts secondary to rupture of an intracavernous aneurysm, resulting in direct CCFs, are rare. The use of a pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coils and Onyx glue for treatment of direct high-flow CCF resulting from ruptured cavernous carotid artery aneurysm in a clinical setting is not well documented.

CASE SUMMARY

A 58-year-old woman presented to our department with symptoms of blepharoptosis and intracranial bruits for 1 wk. During physical examination, there was right eye exophthalmos and ocular motor palsy. The rest of the neurological examination was clear. Notably, the patient had no history of head injury. The patient was treated with a pipeline embolization device in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery across the fistula. Coils and Onyx were placed through the femoral venous route, followed by placement of the pipeline embolization device with assistance from a balloon-coiling technique. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. Preoperative symptoms of bulbar hyperemia and bruits subsided immediately after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coiling and Onyx may be a safe and effective approach for direct CCFs.
Safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney patients with gross hematuria: Six case reports
Authors: Sui Wei-Fan , Duan Yun-Xin , Li Jian-Yun , Shao Wei-Bin , Fu Jian-Hua
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

To retrospectively report the safety and efficacy of renal transcatheter arterial embolization for treating autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with gross hematuria.

CASE SUMMARY

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively report the safety and efficacy of renal transcatheter arterial embolization for treating ADPKD patients with gross hematuria. Materials and methods: During the period from January 2018 to December 2019, renal transcatheter arterial embolization was carried out on 6 patients with polycystic kidneys and gross hematuria. Renal arteriography was performed first, and then we determined the location of the hemorrhage and performed embolization under digital subtraction angiography monitoring. Improvements in routine blood test results, routine urine test results, urine color and postoperative reactions were observed and analyzed. Results: Renal transcatheter arterial embolization was successfully conducted in 6 patients. The indices of 5 patients and the color of gross hematuria improved after surgery compared with before surgery. No severe complication reactions occurred.

CONCLUSION

For autosomal dominant polycystic kidney syndrome patients with gross hematuria, transcatheter arterial embolization was safe and effective.
Neurosyphilis complicated by anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor encephalitis: A case report
Authors: Fang Ya-Xiu , Zhou Xiao-Ming , Zheng Dong , Liu Guang-Hui , Gao Peng-Bo , Huang Xiao-Zhen , Chen Zhi-Cheng , Zhang Hui , Chen Lin , Hu Ya-Fang
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum that can invade the central nervous system, causing encephalitis. Few cases of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor autoimmune encephalitis (AE) secondary to neurosyphilis have been reported. We report a neurosyphilis patient with anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptor (GABABR) AE.

CASE SUMMARY

A young man in his 30s who presented with acute epileptic status was admitted to a local hospital. He was diagnosed with neurosyphilis, according to serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests for syphilis. After 14 d of antiepileptic treatment and anti-Treponema pallidum therapy with penicillin, epilepsy was controlled but serious cognitive impairment, behavioral, and serious psychiatric symptoms were observed. He was then transferred to our hospital. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) crude test results showed only 2 points. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant cerebral atrophy and multiple fluid-attenuated inversion recovery high signals in the white matter surrounding both lateral ventricles, left amygdala and bilateral thalami. Anti-GABABR antibodies were discovered in CSF (1:3.2) and serum (1:100). The patient was diagnosed with neurosyphilis complicated by anti-GABABR AE, and received methylprednisolone and penicillin. Following treatment, his mental symptoms were alleviated. Cognitive impairment was significantly improved, with a MMSE of 8 points. Serum anti-GABABR antibody titer decreased to 1:32. The patient received methylprednisolone and penicillin after discharge. Three months later, the patient’s condition was stable, but the serum anti-GABABR antibody titer was 1:100.

CONCLUSION

This patient with neurosyphilis combined with anti-GABABR encephalitis benefited from immunotherapy.
Influencia de la agenda de investigación educativa en el diseño de las políticas educativas en Perú: una revisión sistemática de literatura
Authors: Barrutia Barreto Israel , Mamani Cahuata Luz Dominga , Mercado Mamani Sively Luz , Mercado Portal Jorge Luis
Published: April 2024

El objetivo fue conocer la agenda de investigación educativa en Perú y comprender su influencia en las políticas públicas educativas y formativas. Se empleó una revisión sistemática siguiendo los lineamientos PRISMA, con la temática de educación en dos bases de datos: Scopus y Web of Science durante el periodo 2020-2021. Se identificó que la agenda de investigación en el Perú se establece en torno al impacto de la pandemia en competencias formativas, educación remota de emergencia, oportunidades de la educación pospandemia y educación antes y durante la pandemia. Estas líneas temáticas influyeron en la medida que se instauró protocolos de autocuidado, reformulación del rol docente, prioridad en el bienestar psicológico en la niñez y mitigación del impacto de la pandemia en la educación. Este manuscrito permite visibilizar y redirigir la agenda de investigación educativa para lograr una mayor comprensión de la realidad educativa a finales del quinquenio e instigar a los investigadores en el seguimiento de variables poco exploradas en el medio peruano.
Traducción de la Ley 21.091 de Educación Superior de Chile en las prácticas inclusivas de dos universidades regionales: Un análisis Bourdesiano
Authors: Díaz Araya Mauricio
Published: April 2024

El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la traducción de la Ley 21.091 de Educación Superior (ES) de Chile en las prácticas de inclusión dirigida a estudiantes de primera generación de dos universidades regionales. Se realizó un estudio de caso múltiple, considerando documentos globales y locales como fuente de información. Se aplicó un análisis cualitativo de contenido. Los resultados evidencian la producción de tres categorías: a) prescripciones de prácticas inclusivas en la universidad, b) autoridad pedagógica y dominación jurídica-económica y c) lo invisibilizado: prácticas arbitrarias excluyentes. Se concluye que la Ley 21.091 de ES de Chile, produce prescripciones objetivas que se sustentan en un habitus jurídico, siendo este habitus reproducido en los documentos locales como prácticas para regular la relación entre agentes desde una perspectiva de distinción de clase.
Silencio administrativo: el laberinto burocrático para personas con discapacidad y en situaciones de exclusión
Authors: Bueno Armijo Antonio , Magaldi Nuria
Published: April 2024

El presente trabajo describe la puesta en marcha de un proyecto de innovación docente desarrollado durante los cursos 2021/2022 y 2022/2023 para estudiantes de Derecho. Dicho proyecto tenía como objetivo concienciar al alumnado sobre las dificultades que determinados colectivos experimentan cuando deben relacionarse con la Administración. Para lograr dicha concienciación se recurrió a la técnica del escape room, simulando un procedimiento administrativo real en el que los participantes (que asesoraban a una persona en riesgo de exclusión social) debían ir superando con éxito distintos trámites para poder obtener, finalmente, una ayuda social. El resultado final, sin embargo, era que no había salida para el escape room: se trataba, de hecho, de un non-escape room cuya verdadera finalidad era enfrentarlos a la situación de frustración a la que, en la práctica, pueden llevar ciertos procedimientos administrativos cuya finalización puede devenir imposible.
El feedback entre iguales como mecanismo para la promoción de la competencia de aprendizaje y responsabilidad del estudiantado en gestión y administración pública
Authors: Cano García María Elena , Solé Català Marina
Published: April 2024

Se presenta el diseño y aplicación de una secuencia didáctica en Moodle que permita la adquisición de los contenidos de gestión y administración pública y que, a la vez, fomente la autorregulación del aprendizaje y el aprender a aprender. Para lograrlo se emplea la evaluación de iguales mediante la herramienta Taller de Moodle empleando criterios de especial relevancia en el campo de la gestión y administración pública. Se recogen los datos acerca del rendimiento y de la percepción de aprendizaje asociada a los roles de evaluador y evaluado. La intervención arroja como resultados una tasa de satisfacción alta/moderada, así como la percepción de aprendizaje vinculada al desarrollo del pensamiento crítico, la responsabilidad y la mejora en la comunicación, competencias transversales, todas ellas, asociadas al perfil de egreso en el campo de la gestión y administración pública.
Valeria Luiselli's Desierto sonoro and the Sonic Registers of the Novel
Authors: Birkenmaier Anke
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Desierto sonoro (2019), Valeria Luiselli's first novel written in English and published both in English and Spanish translation, has been read by critics as an anglophone novel of "sentimental activism" (David James), with focus on the literary representation of an ongoing refugee crisis of children migrating across the southern border of the United States. This essay argues that the multiple archival registers of the novel—listening and recording devices as well as books, notes, photographs—suggest a hemispheric dimension, enabling a reading of the novel situated both in the Latin American tradition of archival fictions as well as the Anglo-American modernist tradition. As a modernist novel written in a densely poetic style, Desierto sonoro is concerned with inhabiting a past always already mediated by other texts, music, and images; as a Latin American novel, its concern is with the critique and retelling of foundational myths, embodied in storytelling and the realist tradition of Latin American writing. As such, through a deployment of different registers of experience, this novel challenges readers to think of archives as depositories of both written history and oral storytelling.
Exploring atmospheric optical turbulence: observations across zenith angles
Authors: Beesley L. F. , Osborn J. , Wilson R. , Farley O. J. D. , Griffiths R. , Love G. D.
Published: April 2024

We present measurements of the atmospheric optical turbulence as a function of zenith angle using two identical instruments, Shack-Hartmann Image Motion Monitors (SHIMMs), to measure atmospheric parameters concurrently. One instrument was pointed near zenith, while the other collected data by tracking a single star until it set and thus sampling zenith angles continuously to the horizon. By comparing these measurements, we can attribute changes in the atmospheric parameters to the changing zenith angle rather than variations in local turbulence conditions. The primary purpose of this experiment is to make comparisons between the measurements of the scintillation index, σ
I
2, and Fried parameter, r0, with current theories. In this demonstration, we find that there is a strong agreement between the models and the instrument up until zenith angles of 70∘, above which model and measurements begin to deviate. We discuss various ways in which limitations in models and our instrument may cause these deviations.
Spectral characterization of a blue light-emitting micro-LED platform on skin-associated microbial chromophores
Authors: Serrage Hannah J. , Eling Charlotte J. , Alves Pedro U. , Xie Enyuan , McBain Andrew J. , Dawson Martin D. , O’Neill Catherine , Laurand Nicolas
Published: April 2024

The therapeutic application of blue light (380 – 500nm) has garnered considerable attention in recent years as it offers a non-invasive approach for the management of prevalent skin conditions including acne vulgaris and atopic dermatitis. These conditions are often characterised by an imbalance in the microbial communities that colonise our skin, termed the skin microbiome. In conditions including acne vulgaris, blue light is thought to address this imbalance through the selective photoexcitation of microbial species expressing wavelength-specific chromophores, differentially affecting skin commensals and thus altering the relative species composition. However, the abundance and diversity of these chromophores across the skin microbiota remains poorly understood. Similarly, devices utilised for studies are often bulky and poorly characterised which if translated to therapy could result in reduced patient compliance. Here, we present a clinically viable micro-LED illumination platform with peak emission 450 nm (17 nm FWHM) and adjustable irradiance output to a maximum 0.55 ± 0.01 W/cm2, dependent upon the concentration of titanium dioxide nanoparticles applied to an accompanying flexible light extraction substrate. Utilising spectrometry approaches, we characterised the abundance of prospective blue light chromophores across skin commensal bacteria isolated from healthy volunteers. Of the strains surveyed 62.5% exhibited absorption peaks within the blue light spectrum, evidencing expression of carotenoid pigments (18.8%, 420–483 nm; Micrococcus luteus, Kocuria spp.), porphyrins (12.5%, 402–413 nm; Cutibacterium spp.) and potential flavins (31.2%, 420–425 nm; Staphylococcus and Dermacoccus spp.). We also present evidence of the capacity of these species to diminish irradiance output when combined with the micro-LED platform and in turn how exposure to low-dose blue light causes shifts in observed absorbance spectra peaks. Collectively these findings highlight a crucial deficit in understanding how microbial chromophores might shape response to blue light and in turn evidence of a micro-LED illumination platform with potential for clinical applications.
Benchmarking multi-ancestry prostate cancer polygenic risk scores in a real-world cohort
Authors: Shah Yajas , Kulm Scott , Nauseef Jones T. , Chen Zhengming , Elemento Olivier , Kensler Kevin H. , Sharaf Ravi N.
Published: April 2024

Prostate cancer is a heritable disease with ancestry-biased incidence and mortality. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) offer promising advancements in predicting disease risk, including prostate cancer. While their accuracy continues to improve, research aimed at enhancing their effectiveness within African and Asian populations remains key for equitable use. Recent algorithmic developments for PRS derivation have resulted in improved pan-ancestral risk prediction for several diseases. In this study, we benchmark the predictive power of six widely used PRS derivation algorithms, including four of which adjust for ancestry, against prostate cancer cases and controls from the UK Biobank and All of Us cohorts. We find modest improvement in discriminatory ability when compared with a simple method that prioritizes variants, clumping, and published polygenic risk scores. Our findings underscore the importance of improving upon risk prediction algorithms and the sampling of diverse cohorts.
Comparison of two approaches to measuring clean faces as part of the facial cleanliness component of the SAFE trachoma elimination strategy
Authors: West Sheila K. , Munoz Beatriz , Mkocha Harran , Lynch Matthew C. , Gracewello Catherine , Kasubi Mabula , Wolle Meraf A.
Published: April 2024

Background

The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma (GET) endorses the full SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma; Surgery (for trichiasis), Antibiotics (to reduce the community pool of infection, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (to decrease transmission). There is no accepted measure of facial cleanliness. This study compared two possible metrics for facial cleanliness.

Method/Findings

Metric one: Clean face was defined as observed absence of ocular and nasal discharge on the face. Metric two: observing a grade of dirtiness (scale 10 = lightest to 0 = darkest) on a standard facial wipe. The reliability of grading a child’s face or grading a facial wipe was determined in children in Kongwa Tanzania. We also observed both measurements in a cohort of 202 children ages 1 to <7years prior to face cleaning, immediately afterwards, and 4 hours afterwards. Fifty of the children did not have face cleaning and were controls. Intra-and interobserver reliability was similar for both measures, the latter = 0.53 for observing a clean face and 0.52 for grading a facial wipe. There was no correlation between the two. Both measures detected facial cleaning, compared to control children who were not cleaned, immediately after cleaning; control children with 53% clean faces and wipe score of 6.7 compared to cleaned children with 88% clean faces and wipe score of 8 (p = .0001, p = < .0001, respectively). Both measures also detected face washing 4 hours previously compared to controls.

Conclusions

The two metrics were equally reliable, and both measured the behavior of face washing. They measure different aspects of a clean face; one measures the amount of dirt on wiped area and the other measures ocular and nasal discharge. Both measurements appear to capture the behavior of facial cleaning, and the choice of metric would appear to rest on the measurement that captures the stated objective of the behavior, consideration of costs, training, logistics, and implementation.
Determinants of adolescents’ depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms in Northwest Ethiopia: A non-recursive structural equation modeling
Authors: Gebreegziabher Zenebe Abebe , Eristu Rediet , Molla Ayenew
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In low and middle-income countries, adolescent mental health is not only a major public health challenge but also a development concern. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders and somatic symptoms often co-exist with them. Adolescents with common mental health problems are associated with an increased risk of suicide, future unemployment, and poor quality of life. However, little is known about the mental health of adolescents in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the determinants of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms among adolescents in Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 8 to 24, 2022. Two-stage stratified random sampling was used to select 1407 adolescents in Northwest Ethiopia. Structured and standardized self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. Non-recursive structural equation modeling was employed to assess the direct, indirect, and total effects of predictors. Adjusted regression coefficients and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to interpret the strength of the association.

Results

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms were 28.21% (95% CI: 25.8, 31%), 25.05% (95%CI: 22.8, 27.5), and 25.24(95% CI: 23, 27.6%) respectively. Alcohol use had a significant positive effect on depression [β = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.073, 0.201], anxiety [β = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.041, 0.188], and somatic symptoms [β = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.062, 0.211]. Stress had a significant positive effect on depression [β = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.642, 0.900], anxiety [β = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.955, 1.264], and somatic symptoms [β = 086, 95% C: 0.700, 1.025]. Depression had a direct positive effect on anxiety [β = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.508, 1.010].

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms was moderate. Alcohol use and stress were significantly related to depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. The bidirectional relationship between anxiety and depression was significant. Therefore, public health interventions should focus on the bidirectional relationship between depression and anxiety, as well as on identified factors to reduce the burden of mental illness in adolescents.
From explanation to intervention: Interactive knowledge extraction from Convolutional Neural Networks used in radiology
Authors: Ngan Kwun Ho , Mansouri-Benssassi Esma , Phelan James , Townsend Joseph , Garcez Artur d’Avila
Published: April 2024

Deep Learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are very effective at extracting complex image features from medical X-rays. However, the limited interpretability of CNNs has hampered their deployment in medical settings as they failed to gain trust among clinicians. In this work, we propose an interactive framework to allow clinicians to ask what-if questions and intervene in the decisions of a CNN, with the aim of increasing trust in the system. The framework translates a layer of a trained CNN into a measurable and compact set of symbolic rules. Expert interactions with visualizations of the rules promote the use of clinically-relevant CNN kernels and attach meaning to the rules. The definition and relevance of the kernels are supported by radiomics analyses and permutation evaluations, respectively. CNN kernels that do not have a clinically-meaningful interpretation are removed without affecting model performance. By allowing clinicians to evaluate the impact of adding or removing kernels from the rule set, our approach produces an interpretable refinement of the data-driven CNN in alignment with medical best practice.
The race-based stress reduction intervention (RiSE) study on African American women in NYC and Chicago: Design and methods for complex genomic analysis
Authors: Taylor Jacquelyn Y. , Jones-Patten Alexandria , Prescott Laura , Potts-Thompson Stephanie , Joyce Cara , Tayo Bamidele , Saban Karen
Published: April 2024

RiSE study aims to evaluate a race-based stress-reduction intervention as an effective strategy to improve coping and decrease stress-related symptoms, inflammatory burden, and modify DNA methylation of stress response-related genes in older AA women. This article will describe genomic analytic methods to be utilized in this longitudinal, randomized clinical trial of older adult AA women in Chicago and NYC that examines the effect of the RiSE intervention on DNAm pre- and post-intervention, and its overall influence on inflammatory burden. Salivary DNAm will be measured at baseline and 6 months following the intervention, using the Oragene-DNA kit. Measures of perceived stress, depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleep, inflammatory burden, and coping strategies will be assessed at 4 time points including at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months. Genomic data analysis will include the use of pre-processed and quality-controlled methylation data expressed as beta (β) values. Association analyses will be performed to detect differentially methylated sites on the targeted candidate genes between the intervention and non-intervention groups using the Δβ(changes in methylation) with adjustment for age, health behaviors, early life adversity, hybridization batch, and top principal components of the probes as covariates. To account for multiple testing, we will use FDR adjustment with a corrected p-value of <0.05 regarded as statistically significant. To assess the relationship between inflammatory burden and Δβamong the study samples, we will repeat association analyses with the inclusion of individual inflammation protein measures. ANCOVA will be used because it is more statistically powerful to detect differences.
Effectiveness of trained religious leaders’ engagement in maternal health education on improving maternal health service utilizations: Protocol of cluster randomized controlled trial in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Arega Sadore Abinet , Kebede Yohannes , Birhanu Zewdie
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite the many supply- and demand-side interventions aimed at increasing uptake of maternal health service utilizations, the maternal and new-born health service utilizations remains low. Religious leaders have the power to inhibit or facilitate effective adoption of maternal health service utilizations to promote maternal health. However, evidence on the roles of religious leaders in promoting maternal health in developing world is not fully known. Therefore this cluster-randomized trial is designed to evaluate the effects of trained religious leaders’ engagement in maternal health education in improving maternal health service utilization and knowledge of obstetric danger signs.

Methods

A community based cluster randomized control trial in which the study kebeles are randomly assigned into intervention and control groups will be conducted. The sample size is calculated using stata software. Three hundred six pregnant mothers will be enrolled in each group. A baseline study will be conducted before the intervention and post-intervention evaluation will be conducted after four months of intervention. Religious leaders will be selected and trained to lead participatory sessions on maternal health. Data on maternal health service utilizations, knowledge about obstetric danger signs, attitude towards skilled delivery service utilization and perception of pregnancy risk will be collected from a repeated cross sectional household survey. Effect of intervention will be assessed using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equation model. Data will be analyzed using STATA software. For qualitative study, coded transcripts will be further analyzed and summarized in narratives for each theme and sub-themes.

Discussion

This is one of the first trials to evaluate the effectiveness of trained religious leaders’ engagement in maternal health education and will provide much needed evidence to policy makers about aspects of functionality and the religious leaders engagement required as they scale-up this programme in Ethiopia.
Exploring the multi-level impacts of a youth-led comprehensive sexuality education model in Madagascar using Human-centered Design methods
Authors: Baumann Sara E. , Leeson Laura , Raonivololona Mihaja , Burke Jessica G.
Published: April 2024

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is recognized as a critical tool for addressing sexuality and reproductive health challenges among adolescents. However, little is known about the broader impacts of CSE on populations beyond adolescents, such as schools, families, and communities. This study explores multi-level impacts of an innovative CSE program in Madagascar, which employs young adult CSE educators to teach a three-year curriculum in government middle schools across the country. The two-phased study embraced a participatory approach and qualitative Human-centered Design (HCD) methods. In phase 1, 90 school principals and administrators representing 45 schools participated in HCD workshops, which were held in six regional cities. Phase 2 took place one year later, which included 50 principals from partner schools, and focused on expanding and validating findings from phase 1. From the perspective of school principals and administrators, the results indicate several areas in which CSE programming is having spill-over effects, beyond direct adolescent student sexuality knowledge and behaviors. In the case of this youth-led model in Madagascar, the program has impacted the lives of students (e.g., increased academic motivation and confidence), their parents (e.g., strengthened family relationships and increased parental involvement in schools), their schools (e.g., increased perceived value of schools and teacher effectiveness), their communities (e.g., increased community connections), and impacted broader structural issues (e.g., improved equity and access to resources such as menstrual pads). While not all impacts of the CSE program were perceived as positive, the findings uncovered opportunities for targeting investments and refining CSE programming to maximize positive impacts at family, school, and community levels.