bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining ALS: reformed PCA and random forest for effective detection of ALS
Authors: Alqahtani Abdullah , Alsubai Shtwai , Sha Mohemmed , Dutta Ashit Kumar
Published: July 2024

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of the human motor system. It is a group of progressive diseases that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control the muscle movement of the body hence, detection and classification of ALS at the right time is considered to be one of the vital aspects that can save the life of humans. Therefore, in various studies, different AI techniques are used for the detection of ALS, however, these methods are considered to be ineffectual in terms of identifying the disease due to the employment of ineffective algorithms. Hence, the proposed model utilizes Modified Principal Component Analysis (MPCA) and Modified Random Forest (MRF) for performing dimensionality reduction of all the potential features considered for effective classification of the ALS presence and absence of ALS causing mutation in the corresponding gene. The MPCA is adapted for capturing all the Low-Importance Data transformation. Furthermore, The MPCA is objected to performing three various approaches: Covariance Matrix Correlation, Eigen Vector- Eigenvalue decomposition, and selecting the desired principal components. This is done in aspects of implying the LI (Lower-Importance) Data Transformation. By choosing these potential components without any loss of features ensures better viability of selecting the attributes for ALS-causing gene classification. This is followed by the classification of the proposed model by using Modified RF by updating the clump detector technique. The clump detector is proceeded by clustering approach using K-means, and the data reduced by their dimension are grouped accordingly. These clustered data are analyzed either for ALS causing or devoid of causing ALS. Finally, the model’s performance is assessed using different evaluation metrics like accuracy, recall, F1 score, and precision, and the proposed model is further compared with the existing models to assess the efficacy of the proposed model.
Emotion AWARE: an artificial intelligence framework for adaptable, robust, explainable, and multi-granular emotion analysis
Authors: Gamage Gihan , De Silva Daswin , Mills Nishan , Alahakoon Damminda , Manic Milos
Published: July 2024

Emotions are fundamental to human behaviour. How we feel, individually and collectively, determines how humanity evolves and advances into our shared future. The rapid digitalisation of our personal, social and professional lives means we are frequently using digital media to express, understand and respond to emotions. Although recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are able to analyse sentiment and detect emotions, they are not effective at comprehending the complexity and ambiguity of digital emotion expressions in knowledge-focused activities of customers, people, and organizations. In this paper, we address this challenge by proposing a novel AI framework for the adaptable, robust, and explainable detection of multi-granular assembles of emotions. This framework consolidates lexicon generation and finetuned Large Language Model (LLM) approaches to formulate multi-granular assembles of two, eight and fourteen emotions. The framework is robust to ambiguous emotion expressions that are implied in conversation, adaptable to domain-specific emotion semantics, and the assembles are explainable using constituent terms and intensity. We conducted nine empirical studies using datasets representing diverse human emotion behaviours. The results of these studies comprehensively demonstrate and evaluate the core capabilities of the framework, and consistently outperforms state-of-the-art approaches in adaptable, robust, and explainable multi-granular emotion detection.
Development of a prognostic risk model of uveal melanoma based on N7-methylguanosine-related regulators
Authors: Wu Pingfan , Zhang Qian , Zhong Peng , Chai Li , Luo Qiong , Jia Chengyou
Published: July 2024

Background

Uveal melanoma (UVM) stands as the predominant type of primary intraocular malignancy among adults. The clinical significance of N7-methylguanosine (m7G), a prevalent RNA modifications, in UVM remains unclear.

Methods

Primary information from 80 UVM patients were analyzed as the training set, incorporating clinical information, mutation annotations and mRNA expression obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) website. The validation set was carried out using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database GSE22138 and GSE84976. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression of univariate analyses were subjected to identify m7G-related regulators as prognostic genes.

Result

A prognostic risk model comprising EIF4E2, NUDT16, SNUPN and WDR4 was established through Cox regression of LASSO. Evaluation of the model’s predictability for UVM patients’ prognosis by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves in the training set, demonstrated excellent performance Area Under the Curve (AUC) > 0.75. The high-risk prognosis within the TCGA cohort exhibit a notable worse outcome. Additionally, an independent correlation between the risk score and overall survival (OS) among UVM patients were identified. External validation of this model was carried out using the validation sets (GSE22138 and GSE84976). Immune-related analysis revealed that patients with high score of m7G-related risk model exhibited elevated level of immune infiltration and immune checkpoint gene expression.

Conclusion

We have developed a risk prediction model based on four m7G-related regulators, facilitating effective estimate UVM patients’ survival by clinicians. Our findings shed novel light on essential role of m7G-related regulators in UVM and suggest potential novel targets for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of UVM.
2023 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology guidelines for the treatment of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Kayser Cristiane , de Oliveira Delgado Sandra Maximiano , Zimmermann Adriana Fontes , Horimoto Alex Magno Coelho , Del Rio Ana Paula Toledo , de Souza Müller Carolina , Camargo Cintia Zumstein , Lupo Cristiano Michelini , de Moraes Daniela Aparecida , Do Rosário E Souza Eduardo José , Santos Flávia Patrícia Sena Teixeira , Sekiyama Juliana Yuri , Lonzetti Lilian Scussel , de Oliveira Martins Lucas Victória , Bezerra Mailze Campos , Bredemeier Markus , Oliveira Maria Carolina , da Fonseca Salgado Maria Cecília , Miossi Renata , de Araújo Fontenele Sheila Márcia , Hax Vanessa , Dantas Andrea Tavares , Sampaio-Barros Percival Degrava
Published: July 2024

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous manifestations. In the last decade, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate new treatment options for SSc. The purpose of this work is to update the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology in light of the new evidence available for the pharmacological management of SSc.

Methods

A systematic review including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for predefined questions that were elaborated according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) strategy was conducted. The rating of the available evidence was performed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. To become a recommendation, at least 75% agreement of the voting panel was needed.

Results

Six recommendations were elaborated regarding the pharmacological treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon, the treatment (healing) and prevention of digital ulcers, skin involvement, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and gastrointestinal involvement in SSc patients based on results available from RCTs. New drugs, such as rituximab, were included as therapeutic options for skin involvement, and rituximab, tocilizumab and nintedanib were included as therapeutic options for ILD. Recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of scleroderma renal crisis and musculoskeletal involvement were elaborated based on the expert opinion of the voting panel, as no placebo-controlled RCTs were found.

Conclusion

These guidelines updated and incorporated new treatment options for the management of SSc based on evidence from the literature and expert opinion regarding SSc, providing support for decision-making in clinical practice.
Boll weevils in dry bolls: is there a performance disadvantage?
Authors: Coelho Beatriz S. , Leite Suzany A. , dos Santos Mateus P. , de Mates Eloito C. , de Moraes Beatriz M. L. , Bastos Cristina S. , Guedes Raul N. C. , Moreira Aldenise A. , Castellani Maria A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Anthonomus grandis grandis is the main cotton pest in the Americas, with the potential to become a pest in other continents. The insect uses the plant’s reproductive organs for feeding, oviposition, and survival strategies in the off-season, sheltering in dry bolls. This study aimed to know the reproductive potential, feeding, longevity, and morphometric characteristics of boll weevils from dry bolls, squares, and traps. Adults were obtained from infested squares, dry bolls, and traps installed in cotton fields and the Caatinga area. Thirty weevil pairs were maintained in the laboratory to assess the oviposition, feeding holes, longevity, and morphometric measurements of the parental and F1 generations.

Results

In the parental generation, boll weevils from traps (the Caatinga area and cotton cultivation) showed greater reproductive potential. Boll weevils from squares and the Caatinga area showed greater feeding activity compared with those from cotton cultivation. Greater rostrum length, thorax + abdomen length, and abdomen width were observed in boll weevils from cotton cultivation and dry bolls. The origin of boll weevils parental generation did not affect progeny emergence time. The F1 generation of boll weevils showed significant differences in average longevity depending on the origin of different microhabitats. Furthermore, differences in rostrum lengths were observed, with the boll weevils coming from traps installed in cotton cultivation, the Caatinga area, and dry bolls being the largest. Regarding thorax + abdomen length and abdomen width, the highest values were observed in those from the Caatinga area and cotton cultivation.

Conclusion

It was proven that dry bolls did not affect the reproductive, feeding, and longevity performance of boll weevils, enabling better insect fitness (reproduction and size) in relation to those coming from squares. The use of dry bolls as off-season shelter is an important survival strategy for the boll weevil.
Solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems of nimodipine: development and evaluation
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Chawla Pooja A. , Faruk Abdul , Chawla Viney
Published: July 2024

Background

This study aimed to formulate solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for nimodipine (NIM). The selection of Cremophor RH 40, Lipoxol 300, and PEG 400 as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant was based on solubility and self-emulsification assessments. A ternary phase diagram determined the optimal oil to Smix (surfactant/co-surfactant) ratio (40:60). By utilizing liquid SNEDDS (NIM-SNEDDS) as an adsorbate and chitosan EDTA microparticles, developed through spray drying (SD-CHEM) and solvent evaporation (SE-CHEM) as adsorbents, the solid SNEDDS were created (NIM-SD-SSNEDDS and NIM-SE-SSNEDDS, respectively).

Results

Both solid formulations exhibited favourable drug loading (NIM-SD-SSNEDDS = 79.67 ± 2.97%, NIM-SE-SSNEDDS = 77.76 ± 4.29%), excellent flowability, and drug amorphization as per XRD and DSC analysis. Scanning electron microscopy revealed smoothening and filling of adsorbent surfaces by adsorbate (with size range NIM-SD-SSNEDDS = 10–15 μm, NIM-SE-SSNEDDS = 20–25 μm). FTIR confirmed no interaction of drug and excipients. Stability studies demonstrated the physical and thermodynamic stability of reconstituted nanoemulsions with droplet size, PDI, zeta potential, emulsification time, % transmittance and cloud temperature for NIM-SD-SSNEDDS as 247.1 nm, PDI 0.620, 1.353 mV, 38–41 s, 94.64%, 54 °C and for NIM-SE-SSNEDDS as 399.6 nm, PDI 0.821, 1.351 mV, 40–48 s, 92.96%, 49 °C, respectively. FE-SEM images showed globules formed with small sizes, and there was no coalescence evidence, implying the reconstituted nanoemulsions' stability. In vitro dissolution studies revealed a fourfold increase in drug dissolution for NIM-SD-SSNEDDS (84.43%) and NIM-SE-SSNEDDS (76.68%) compared to pure drug (28%). Ex vivo permeation studies indicated almost similar profiles for NIM-SD-SSNEDDS (22.61%) and NIM-SE-SSNEDDS (21.93%) compared to NIM-SNEDDS (25.02%).

Conclusion

NIM-SD-SSNEDDS exhibited superior performance compared to NIM-SE-SSNEDDS, highlighting the efficacy of microparticles developed by the spray drying method (SD-CHEM) as adsorbents for solidification. These results suggest enhanced dissolution and permeation for nimodipine in both the solid SNEDDS.
User-centered design of a mobile app for physical activity advice in cancer care: preliminary study in Morocco at the National Institute of Oncology
Authors: Azemmour Youness , Boutayeb Saber , Elkhalloufi Fahd , Chamlal Hamid , Beddaa Hassan , Bouzekraoui Alaoui Ismail , Daikal Jaouad , Errihani Hassan
Published: July 2024

Context

Utilizing mobile apps to increase physical activity levels is now standard practice in cancer care. The study’s objective was to provide patients with precise physical activity recommendations and/or initiate self-directed exercise programs.

Methods

A multidisciplinary group directed the design procedure. We adhered to the self-determination approach,and accompanying behavior modification strategies, as well as international guidelines in the field of physical activity in cancer care. The design process was user-centered and involved three steps: Understanding the user and the context, conceptualization, and evaluation of the prototype. The testing was carried out by the beneficiaries, healthcare professionals, and two experts. Three criteria were evaluated in the designed solution: usability, quality, and potential for behavior change.

Results

The evaluation results of the designed solution showed good perception by both beneficiaries and healthcare professionals. The average system usability scale score was 90,6 (SD: 7.33) for beneficiaries, and 92.75 (SD: 3.83) for healthcare professionals. The first expert received a mean overall quality score of 4.51 on the mobile app rating scale, while the second received a score of 4.27. The results of the app behavior change scale gave the first expert a score of 17/21 and the second a score of 15/21.

Conclusion

Based on the criteria of usability, quality, and potential for behavior change, the designed app demonstrated positive results. This is a preliminary evaluation, which will be followed by additional, in-depth evaluations with larger sample sizes.
The Suffix -ster in Present-day English: A Usage-based and Network Model Account
Authors: Smith K. Aaron , Dukic Zachary
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we provide an analysis of the present-day distribution of the -ster suffix in English and account for that distribution through the diachronic forces that shaped it. Taking a constructional approach (Bybee 2010), we show that words with the -ster suffix in Middle English constituted a semantically coherent set in so far as the items in that set mostly referred to professions. In the latter part of the first half of the Modern English period, we find a renaissance of -ster usage, albeit with a semantic shift toward the identification of a human agent (usually male) involved in activities that were subversive, illicit or even criminal, e.g. gangster. We sketch out a model in which certain of the constructions stand as central members, or exemplars, which then serve as analogical bases to which other constructions with -ster are extended. We argue that the cumulative effect of the central exemplars of this set strengthens the representation of -ster as formally independent and imbues it with the emergent meaning of subversion, illicitness, or criminality. The result of these diachronic process is a very healthy productivity of -ster in later modern English and a distribution across several domains.
This construction needs understood: An experimental study of the Alternative Embedded Passive (AEP)
Authors: Blanchette Frances , Dubinsky Stanley , Harman Amanda , Sim Rok
Published: July 2024

The Alternative Embedded Passive (AEP) occurs in the Midland region in variation with the infinitival passive. AEPs may occur with the verbs need, want, and like: The baby needs/wants/likes fed. Murray & Simon (2002) observe a hierarchy of acceptability and usage across the three AEP verbs, with need as the most acceptable and like as the least. Building on an idea in Edelstein (2014), this paper presents evidence that the hierarchy results from lexical semantic properties of need, want, and like. Experiment results reveal that the hierarchy is alive in the judgments of young Pennsylvania speakers, and also emerges partially in the judgments of speakers from New England unfamiliar with the construction. The hierarchy only fully emerges with Pennsylvania speakers when the subject of the sentence is sentient (e.g., the baby). With non-sentient subjects (e.g., the computer), want and like are similar and less acceptable than need. We attribute this to a property of the verb need, which can be either a deontic modal (which does not take a thematic subject) or a thematic subject-taking verb. We discuss how our results support the hypothesis that speakers adapt to novel dialectal constructions by forming analogies to constructions already in their grammars.
Polymorphisms and expressions of long non coding RNAs in esophageal cancer
Authors: Μπαΐλη Ευστρατία
Published: July 2024

Εισαγωγή: Τα μακρά μη κωδικοποιητικά RNAs και οι πολυμορφισμοί τους HOTAIR rs920778, LINC00951 rs11752942, POLR2E rs3787016 και HULC rs7763881 φαίνεται ότι έχουν στενή γενετική συγγένεια με τη γένεση οισοφαγικού καρκίνου στην Ανατολή. Ωστόσο, η συχνότητα εμφάνισης και το κακόηθες δυναμικό τους έχει σπάνια ερευνηθεί στη Δύση, όπως επίσης και η συσχέτισή τους με μεταβλητές που θεωρούνται σημαντικοί προγνωστικοί παράγοντες όσον αφορά τη σταδιοποίηση, καθοδήγηση της θεραπείας και την πρόβλεψη της υποτροπής, μετάστασης και επιβίωσης. Σκοπός: Η διερεύνηση πιθανής συμβολής τους στον οισοφαγικό καρκίνο, καθώς και της προγνωστικής τους αξίας μέσω συσχέτισης με κλινικοπαθολογικούς και εργαστηριακούς προγνωστικούς δείκτες. Υλικό/Μέθοδος: Δείγματα ιστού έγκλειστου σε παραφίνη από 95 διαδοχικούς ασθενείς που χειρουργήθηκαν για καρκίνωμα οισοφάγου/οισοφαγογαστρικής συμβολής κατά την περίοδο 25/03/2014-25/09/2018 συγκρίθηκαν με 121 υγιούς μάρτυρες κοινότητας. Και οι δύο πληθυσμοί ήταν ευρωπαϊκής/ελληνικής καταγωγής. Αποτελέσματα: Το HULC rs7763881 δεν ανιχνεύθηκε διαφορετικά σε καμία από τις προγνωστικές υποομάδες καρκίνου. Ο LINC00951 rs11752942 GG γονότυπος βρέθηκε στατιστικώς σημαντικά χαμηλός στην αυξημένη Ca19.9 υποομάδα. Στατιστικώς σημαντικά υψηλότερη παρουσία του ΤΤ γονότυπου του HOTAIR rs920778 αναδείχθη στο αδενοκαρκίνωμα Siewert I/II οισοφαγογαστρικής συμβολής, ενώ οι γονότυποι TT και T συσχετίστηκαν στατιστικώς σημαντικά με προγνωστικούς παράγοντες όπως ο βαθμός διαφοροποίησης G και το SRC, ενώ οι γονότυποι CT και T με την υποομάδα ασθενών αυξημένου Ca19.9 αντιστοίχως. Οι γονότυποι C και CC του POLR2E rs3787016 είχαν αυξημένη συχνότητα στην ομάδα ελέγχου, ενώ όταν βρέθηκαν σε φορείς καρκίνου συσχετίστηκαν με μικρότερα στάδια της νόσου, καθώς και μικρότερη λεμφαδενική διήθηση και μεταστατικό δυναμικό, αλλά και συσχετίστηκαν επίσης στατιστικώς σημαντικά με ιστολογικούς υπότυπους όπως οι ESCC, EAC, SRC και Diffuse, καθώς και με προγνωστικές μεταβλητές όπως τα PNI, LVI και PVI, ενώ ο γονότυπος CT συσχετίστηκε στατιστικώς σημαντικά με το CEA. Συμπεράσματα: Οι lncRNAs πολυμορφισμοί LINC00951, HOTAIR και POLR2E μπορεί να επηρεάσουν γενετικά και κατά συνέπεια να εξηγήσουν ένα τμήμα του μοριακού υπόβαθρου του οισοφαγικού καρκίνου. Μπορούν επομένως δυνητικά να εξελιχθούν σε μελλοντικούς θεραπευτικούς στόχους αλλά και σε βιοδείκτες προγνωστικής ανάλυσης της κλινικής πορείας και έκβασης του οισοφαγικού καρκίνου. Η εφαρμογή αυτών των γενετικών μοντέλων ως μέρος της κλινικής και τελικής ιστοπαθολογικής διαδικασίας σταδιοποίησης μπορεί να αυξήσει την αποτελεσματικότητα των τρέχοντων χρησιμοποιούμενων προγνωστικών μοντέλων αξιολόγησης και εκτίμησης κινδύνου στον οισοφαγικό καρκίνο. Απαιτούνται προοπτικές πολυκεντρικές μελέτες με μεγαλύτερο μέγεθος δείγματος για την επικύρωση των ευρημάτων της παρούσας αυτής ερευνητικής μελέτης.
Η εταιρική κοινωνική ευθύνη στον κλάδο των αλυσίδων σούπερ μάρκετ στο πλαίσιο της επιχειρηματικής αριστείας
Authors: Μασούτη Ζαφειρία
Published: July 2024

Η εταιρική κοινωνική ευθύνη (Ε.Κ.Ε.) έχει καταστεί κρίσιμη συνιστώσα της στρατηγικής του ανταγωνισμού και της επιχειρηματικής αριστείας (Ε.Α.). Η εξισορρόπηση των κοινωνικών και περιβαλλοντικών στόχων με τις οικονομικές επιδόσεις αποτελεί πρόκληση για τις επιχειρήσεις. Η ενσωμάτωση της Ε.Κ.Ε. στις επιχειρηματικές διαδικασίες που απαιτούνται για την επίτευξη της Ε.Α. συνιστά σημαντικό βήμα προκειμένου η επιχείρηση να ενσωματώσει την Ε.Κ.Ε. στη στρατηγική της.Παρά τις μελέτες σχετικά με την επίδραση της ΕΚΕ στην ανταγωνιστικότητα και τη συμβολή της στην Ε.Α., καμία μελέτη δεν έχει ενσωματώσει και τις δύο επιρροές σε ένα μοντέλο, γεγονός που υποδηλώνει ότι οι εταιρείες που ενσωματώνουν τις αρχές της Ε.Κ.Ε. στις τρέχουσες επιχειρηματικές πρακτικές τους για την επίτευξη της αριστείας, θα ενισχύσουν την ανταγωνιστικότητα τους. Τα σουπερμάρκετ (Σ/Μ) ασκούν σημαντική επιρροή στην παγκόσμια αλυσίδα τροφίμων και ποτών, η οποία συμβάλλει καθοριστικά στην παγκόσμια χρήση πόρων, στις εκπομπές αερίων του θερμοκηπίου και στις εκπομπές οξίνισης. Επιπλέον οι προσδοκίες των καταναλωτών για κοινωνικά υπεύθυνη συμπεριφορά ασκούν ολοένα και μεγαλύτερη πίεση στα Σ/Μ να επιδείξουν την κοινωνική και περιβαλλοντολογική τους οντότητα μέσω της υλοποίησης προγραμμάτων Ε.Κ.Ε.Με βάση την υπάρχουσα θεωρία και τα εμπειρικά στοιχεία, δημιουργήθηκε ένα εννοιολογικό πλαίσιο, το οποίο αποτέλεσε τη βάση για την ανάπτυξη ενός ερωτηματολογίου το οποίο διανεμήθηκε στη συνέχεια για τη συλλογή δεδομένων από ένα τυχαία επιλεγμένο δείγμα 311 σουπερμάρκετ. Οι σχέσεις μεταξύ των επικυρωμένων δομημάτων εξετάστηκαν με τη χρήση του μοντέλου δομικών εξισώσεων.Τα ευρήματα έδειξαν ότι η ανταγωνιστικότητα των Σ/Μ μπορεί να ενισχυθεί με την ενσωμάτωση της Ε.Κ.Ε στη διαδικασία επιδίωξης της Ε.Α.. Η ενίσχυση αυτή εξαρτάται από τη προθυμία και η δυνατότητα των επιχειρήσεων να υιοθετήσουν πρακτικές Ε.Κ.Ε καθώς και από την επίγνωση τους για τη σημασία και τον ρόλο της Ε.Κ.Ε.. Ωστόσο, οι πρακτικές Ε.Κ.Ε. μπορεί να απορριφθούν από τους μάνατζερ υπέρ πιο επειγόντων ζητημάτων που σχετίζονται με την επίδοση των Σ/Μ.Τα ευρήματα προτείνουν ότι οι μάνατζερ θα πρέπει να ενσωματώσουν την ΕΚΕ στις πρακτικές Ε.Α. και όχι να την αντιμετωπίζουν ως ένα επικουρικό project και ότι υπάρχει η ανάγκη για πληροφόρηση των Σ/Μ σχετικά με τη σημασία της Ε.Κ.Ε.. Επίσης αναδύεται η ανάγκη για στήριξή των Σ/Μ στο οικονομικό και διαχειριστικό πεδίο ώστε να υιοθετήσουν πρακτικές Ε.Κ.Ε. Η στήριξη μπορεί να προέλθει από μεγάλες επιχειρήσεις Σ/Μ οι οποίες θα καθοδηγούν και θα υποστηρίζουν τα μικρότερα καταστήματα και θα ενθαρρύνουν την ενσωμάτωση της Ε.Κ.Ε μέσω κυβερνητικών πρωτοβουλιών.
Progeria - the old children
Authors: Dziedziński Dawid , Łoś Dawid , Nowak Aleksandra , Janus Anita , Kaptur Agata
Published: July 2024

Introduction and Purpose: Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by accelerated aging in children. This research article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of progeria, including its etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. By synthesizing existing knowledge, this study seeks to enhance understanding and promote effective management strategies for individuals affected by this condition.
 
Description of the State of Knowledge: Progeria is an exceedingly rare genetic disorder, with an estimated incidence of approximately one in every 4 to 8 million births worldwide. It manifests early in childhood, leading to premature aging and a spectrum of associated health complications. The condition is primarily caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene, resulting in the production of a defective form of the protein lamin A. This abnormal protein disrupts the structural integrity of the cell nucleus, contributing to the characteristic features of progeria. Despite advances in medical research, there is currently no cure for progeria, and treatment options focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
 
Summary: This research article provides a comprehensive overview of progeria, highlighting its genetic basis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic interventions. By elucidating the state of knowledge surrounding progeria, this study aims to facilitate early detection, enhance medical care, and foster ongoing research efforts aimed at advancing treatment modalities for affected individuals.
LITERATURAS TRANSETÁRIAS: UMA LEITURA DE RÓTULOS QUE BORRAM FRONTEIRAS NA LITERATURA INFANTIL
Authors: Penzani Renata Caroline
Published: July 2024

Dentre os livros indicados para crianças, há uma bem-vinda parcela de histórias que elastecem delimitações etárias, difundidas pela crítica especializada como livros “crossover”. Aqui, pensaremos em termos de “literaturas transetárias”. Narrativas que nos dão a ler as infâncias não como períodos cronológicos lineares, mas como experiências, articuladas a elaborações sociohistóricas. Essas infâncias alargadas habitam literaturas que vão além de um público previamente calculado, e oferecem a leitores das mais variadas idades uma brecha libertária, a de se encontrar com os livros fora das rotas pré-programadas. Este artigo mapeia parte de produções contemporâneas sobre a crossover fiction, na perspectiva de Beckett (2009 e 2013), e suas derivações em termos de produção acadêmica e de bibliografia teórica, a fim de perceber como vêm sendo utilizadas as diferentes nomeações de literaturas cujas parcelas significativas podem ser potencialmente “transetárias”. Dialogamos com Andruetto (2012 e 2017), no esforço de compreender a relevância de pensar o que ela chama de uma “literatura sem adjetivos”. O objetivo é esmiuçar as possibilidades de livros que são recepcionados para além de idades fixas, que aqui compreendemos como “literatura transetária”, ou seja, obras que borram fronteiras etárias e alcançam leitores diversos. Colocar em cena os múltiplos leitores dessa multifacetada literatura infantil é percebê-la enquanto um campo de fronteiras, transições e subjetividades, como o são os próprios sujeitos que o coabitam, as crianças.
OS PERITEXTOS COMO ESPAÇO INTERATIVO DO LIVRO-OBJETO: UM PASSEIO PELA CIDADE DA DIVERSIDADE DE POPULÁRIO LGBTQIA+ (2023)
Authors: Machado Garcia Jaimeson , Fanfa Mauricio de Souza
Published: July 2024

Este estudo analisa os peritextos do Populário LGBTQIA+ (2023) enquanto livro-objeto, visando compreender como tais elementos são capazes de criar uma experiência imersiva ao simular um passeio por uma cidade ficcional criada para agrupar o conteúdo ontológico da obra. Para atingir esse propósito, inicialmente contextualizamos as concepções teóricas relacionadas aos paratextos, visando uma compreensão subsequente da maneira como esses elementos são empregados como espaços narrativos e interativos. Num segundo momento, elucidamos o contexto de origem do Populário LGBTQIA+ (2023) uma vez que as razões para sua criação estão intrinsicamente vinculadas à narrativa paratextual que a obra busca estabelecer. A partir disso, evidenciamos a interconexão entre os elementos peritextuais e a experiência proporcionada pelo livro-objeto, destacando sua relevância na construção de significados e na interação do leitor.
RASTROS POÉTICOS NA CONVERSA ENTRE LIVROS E VOZES AUTORAIS NO LABIRINTO BORGEANO
Authors: Alfeld Elisabete
Published: July 2024

Há uma ressonância de Jorge Luis Borges – personagem – nos contos de sua autoria e da autoria de diversos escritores. Essa presença instaura uma conversa entre livros realizada com a pluralidade de vozes autorais. Na obra Nos labirintos de Borges: contos inspirados em Jorge Luis Borges – escrito por João Anzanello Carrascosza, José Eduardo Agualusa, Leo Cunha, Luiz Antonio Aguiar e ilustrado por Salmo Dansa – a conversa realiza-se por meio da apropriação, da paródia e da intertextualidade. Tais procedimentos promovem uma experiência de leitura voltada para públicos diversos; a obra não faz referência a uma classificação etária sendo uma feliz oportunidade para iniciar o jovem leitor no universo borgeano e, ao mesmo tempo, aprimorar sua competência da leitura literária apresentando modos de narrar organizados em complexas estruturas narrativas. Tais aspectos característicos da literatura crossover rompe com fronteiras etárias e dialoga com vários leitores. A proposta do desenvolvimento do artigo priorizou: apresentar uma síntese da poética borgeana destacando alguns de seus traços definidores, analisar a conversa entre livros e as vozes autorais para compreender, por meio da conversa, os rastros poéticos presentes nos contos e na ilustração e, por último, a partir dessas considerações contribuir para a formação da leitura literária.
O LIVRO COMO OBJETO POÉTICO: O CARA, DE PHILIPPE BARBEAU E FABIENNE CINQUIN
Authors: Michelli Regina , Dos Santos Feres Beatriz
Published: July 2024

A literatura infantil e juvenil, na atualidade, assume nuances diferenciadas quanto à materialidade do suporte em que a obra se expressa. Nesse sentido, este artigo tem por intenção refletir sobre a configuração de um livro como objeto poético com base na participação de seu suporte na composição da materialidade do texto e na construção de seus múltiplos sentidos, atuando efetivamente, portanto, no processo de significação e na poeticidade da obra. Para a consecução desse objetivo, além de analisar aspectos constitutivos do livro multimodal O cara, de Philippe Barbeau e Fabienne Cinquin (2009), discorre-se acerca não só das noções de livro-objeto, livro de artista e livro ilustrado, com base em Navas (2019); Junqueira (2019); Linden (2011); Hunt (2011); Derdyk (2013), como também sobre a relação entre forma e sentido na multimodalidade textual, apoiando-se em Charaudeau (2008) e em Kress (2010).
Children's charities on issues the next government must prioritise
Authors: Virdi Amrit
Published: July 2024

Improved special educational needs support, expansion of social prescribing to boost youth mental health a and investment in health visiting services are key policy asks sought by children's charities, finds Amrit Virdi
Baby deaths reveal culture of poor practice
Authors: Crown Hannah
Published: July 2024

High-profile deaths of two babies in preventable incidents in nurseries have raised wider issues over safeguarding procedures
Recognising the NYA at 60
Authors: Middleton Leigh
Published: July 2024

Leigh Middleton, chief executive of the National Youth Agency, reflects on the youth organisation's achievements since being founded in 1964 and the role it can play in shaping the future of youth work
The hits and misses of a ‘patchy’ parliament for children's services
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: July 2024

The past five years saw a pandemic, Brexit fallout, the cost-of-living crisis and regular political upheaval. For children's services, there was progress and missed opportunities. Experts pick the key developments
Lean Opportunities for SMEs
Authors: Patel Paresh
Published: July 2024

Automation as part of a lean manufacturing set-up offers a range of benefits. Here, Paresh Patel, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Bison Gear and Engineering, details his company’s experience.
Importance of risk assessment, endoscopic hemostasis, and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Maity Rick , Dhali Arkadeep , Biswas Jyotirmoy
Published: July 2024

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB) is a common medical emergency in clinical practice. While the incidence has significantly reduced, the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades, thus presenting a significant challenge. This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis. Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population, the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes. A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly. Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality. Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC (age, blood tests, co-morbidities) score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions. While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches, novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives, particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities. By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities, clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.
Application value of machine learning models in predicting intraoperative hypothermia in laparoscopic surgery for polytrauma patients
Authors: Zhu Kun , Zhang Zi-Xuan , Zhang Miao
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Hypothermia during laparoscopic surgery in patients with multiple trauma is a significant concern owing to its potential complications. Machine learning models offer a promising approach to predict the occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia.

AIM

To investigate the value of machine learning model to predict hypothermia during laparoscopic surgery in patients with multiple trauma.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 220 patients who were admitted with multiple injuries between June 2018 and December 2023. Of these, 154 patients were allocated to a training set and the remaining 66 were allocated to a validation set in a 7:3 ratio. In the training set, 53 cases experienced intraoperative hypothermia and 101 did not. Logistic regression analysis was used to construct a predictive model of intraoperative hypothermia in patients with polytrauma undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.

RESULTS

Comparison of the hypothermia and non-hypothermia groups found significant differences in sex, age, baseline temperature, intraoperative temperature, duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery, intraoperative fluid infusion, crystalloid infusion, colloid infusion, and pneumoperitoneum volume (P < 0.05). Differences between other characteristics were not significant (P > 0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that age, baseline temperature, intraoperative temperature, duration of anesthesia, and duration of surgery were independent influencing factors for intraoperative hypothermia during laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.05). Calibration curve analysis showed good consistency between the predicted occurrence of intraoperative hypothermia and the actual occurrence (P > 0.05). The predictive model had AUCs of 0.850 and 0.829 for the training and validation sets, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning effectively predicted intraoperative hypothermia in polytrauma patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, which improved surgical safety and patient recovery.
Information-motivation-behavioral guided nursing for stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Peng Xia , Ni Hui-Qin , Liu Yong-Mei , Zhu Jin-Ling , Bai Yu-Ting
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Patients with stroke frequently experience pulmonary dysfunction.

AIM

To explore the effects of information-motivation-behavioral (IMB) skills model-based nursing care on pulmonary function, blood gas indices, complication rates, and quality of life (QoL) in stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction.

METHODS

We conducted a controlled study involving 120 stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction. The control group received routine care, whereas the intervention group received IMB-model-based nursing care. Various parameters including pulmonary function, blood gas indices, complication rates, and QoL were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Baseline data of the control and intervention groups were comparable. Post-intervention, the IMB model-based care group showed significant improvements in pulmonary function indicators, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow compared with the control group. Blood gas indices, such as arterial oxygen pressure and arterial oxygen saturation, increased significantly, and arterial carbon dioxide partial. pressure decreased significantly in the IMB model-based care group compared with the control group. The intervention group also had a lower complication rate (6.67% vs 23.33%) and higher QoL scores across all domains than the control group.

CONCLUSION

IMB model-based nursing care significantly enhanced pulmonary function, improved blood gas indices, reduced complication rates, and improved the QoL of stroke patients with pulmonary dysfunction. Further research is needed to validate these results and to assess the long-term efficacy and broader applicability of the model.
Endometrial carcinoma with cervical stromal invasion: Three case reports
Authors: Liu Ming-Ming , Liang Yu-Ting , Jin Er-Hu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Endometrial cancer is a kind of well-known tumors of female genitourinary system. Cervical stromal invasion is an adverse factor for poor prognosis of endometrial cancer. There is still controversy regarding the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of cervical stromal invasion of endometrial cancer. The diagnosis of cervical stromal invasion varies significantly between different observers and institutions. We present a limited case series of the particular pattern of endometrial cancer, which infiltrates the cervical stroma and is often overlooked.

CASE SUMMARY

We present three cases of endometrial carcinoma with cervical stromal invasion with cancer-free uterine cavity. One patient, a reproductive-aged woman, exhibited irregular menstruation and was diagnosed with endometrial polyps by hysteroscopy and segmental curettage. A MRI scan revealed polypoid nodules within the internal cervical orifice. The other two cases were postmenopausal women who presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Hysteroscopy and segmental curettage suggested atypical hyperplasia of the endometrium. MRI scans did not detect any malignant signs in the endometrium. In one case, a non-thickened endometrium was observed, while in another, hyperplasia of the endometrium was seen. Notably, none of these patients had malignant tumors identified in the uterine cavity via MRI scans. However, postoperative pathological results following hysterectomy consistently indicated cervical stromal invasion.

CONCLUSION

Cervical stromal invasion is easily missed if no cancer is found in the uterine body on MRI. Immunohistochemistry of endoscopic curettage specimens should be conducted to avoid underestimation of the disease.
Are all primary omental infarcts truly idiopathic? Five case reports
Authors: Kar Haldun , Khabbazazar Danial , Acar Nihan , Karasu Şebnem , Bağ Halis , Cengiz Fevzi , Dilek Osman Nuri
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic omental infarction (IOI) is challenging to diagnose due to its low incidence and vague symptoms. Its differential diagnosis also poses difficulties because it can mimic many intra-abdominal organ pathologies. Although hypercoagulability and thrombosis are among the causes of omental infarction, venous thromboembolism scanning is rarely performed as an etiological investigation.

CASE SUMMARY

The medical records of the 5 cases, who had the diagnosis of IOI by computed tomography, were examined. The majority of the patients were male (n = 4, 80%) and the mean age was 31 years (range: 21-38). The patients had no previous abdominal surgery or a history of any chronic disease. The main complaint of all patients was persistent abdominal pain. Omental infarction was detected in all patients with contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Conservative treatment was initially preferred in all patients, but it failed in 1 patient (20%). After discharge, all patients were referred to the hematology department for thrombophilia screening. Only 1 patient applied for thrombophilia screening and was homozygous for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (A1298C mutation) and heterozygous for a factor V Leiden mutation.

CONCLUSION

IOI should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with progressive and/or persistent right side abdominal pain. Investigating risk factors such as hypercoagulability in patients with IOI is also important in preventing future conditions related to venous thromboembolism.
Treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and prevention of non-alcoholic Wernicke’s disease: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Ma Yu-Yang , He Xiao-Chan , Gao Yu , Ma Tian-Tian , Cheng Gong , Yue Chang-Wu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Wernicke encephalopathy is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, commonly seen in alcoholic populations but also involving other circumstances that may lead to thiamine deficiency. The recognition of Wernicke encephalopathy often depends on clinicians’ keen ability to detect its typical triad of features; however, most cases do not present with the full constellation of signs, which complicates the timely identification of Wernicke encephalopathy.

CASE SUMMARY

This case report describes a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who developed abnormal ocular function and ataxia following concurrent chemoradiotherapy, without a history of alcohol abuse. With the aid of radiological examinations, he received a timely diagnosis and treatment; however, his symptoms did not fully resolve during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

For patients with malignant tumors exhibiting neurological symptoms, clinicians should consider the possibility of Wernicke encephalopathy and provide prophylactic thiamine therapy.
Social Media and Mob Violence
Authors: Yamin Tughral
Published: July 2024

Despite its immense potential for bringing about positive changes in personal and social lives, social media has frequently been used to incite people to violence in recent times. This trend is extremely harmful to national stability, and in turn, peace and harmony. It disrupts daily life and interrupts economic activity. It may cause doom and depression among the citizens, drive away foreign investors, and cripple national growth. The link between social media and mob violence can be best explained through the ‘networked riot theory.’ According to this theory, social media can accelerate violence. For the sake of domestic stability, the dangerous trend of societal polarization needs to be discouraged. The states have increasingly been compelled to develop policies to curb harmful activities through social media. This paper suggests a social media policy guideline to reduce societal polarization.
Is There Brawn in Gilead? The Figure of Esau in the East
Authors: Elliott Spencer J.
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Characters in the ancestor narratives of Genesis, and especially in the Jacob cycle, are often modeled on the places and peoples that are thought to descend from them. Both Esau and Jacob, as national progenitors of Edom and Israel, occupy similar spaces to their later polities, and behave in similar ways. Yet, strangely, Jacob encounters a threatening Esau at the Jabbok River, far from where the Edomites would have reasonably interacted with the kingdom of Israel. In this article, I look at the literary history and narrative description of Esau and his relationship with the lands east of the Jordan. Before he was made the father of Edom, the character of Esau reflected monarchic-period projections of the broad networks of mobile groups involved in movement throughout the eastern highlands, and which were presented as threatening to inhabitants east of the Jordan.
Daubing, Materiality, and Prophecy in Ezekiel 13: 10–16
Authors: Virnelson Leslie
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Ezekiel 13:10–16 has long been understood by translating the word [inline-graphic 01i] as “whitewash” or some kind of building material, on the assumption that v. 10 metaphorizes censured prophecy as building something in a shoddy and deceptive way. It is preferable to read [inline-graphic 02i] in this passage as [inline-graphic 03i] I, meaning something insipid, as a censorious reference to an underlying practice of inscribing prophecy. There are multiple examples of West Semitic inscriptions of divinatory messages, including most notably the Deir ‘Alla and Amman Citadel inscriptions. This suggestion aligns the usage of [inline-graphic 04i] clearly with related passages in Ezek 22:28 and Lam 2:14, and with the discussion of censured prophets ([inline-graphic 05i]) and their various activities throughout Ezekiel 13. Theories of space and materiality enrich the discussion of the purpose and meaning of inscriptions of prophecy and how they might have functioned in an ancient context underlying Ezekiel 13.
The Shifting Scope of the Public Use of Reason: On Kant's Conflict of the Faculties
Authors: Pasquarè Roberta
Published: July 2024

Abstract: In What Is Enlightenment ? and What Does It Mean to Orient Oneself in Thinking ? Kant champions the right of all citizens to make public use of their reason and condemns any form of state censorship. However, according to the prevalent reading, in The Conflict of the Faculties , Kant seems to adjust to absolutism by reserving the public use of reason for university teachers and subjecting all other citizens to state censorship. In contrast to this reading, I argue that the concessions to absolutism that Kant makes are aimed at defying absolutism on its own ground and that the public use of reason is fully reaffirmed in its scope, requirements, and function.
Sonic Boom: A Song to David , Periodization, and the Enchantment of Rhythm
Authors: Hawes Clement
Published: July 2024

Abstract: "Sonic Boom" emphasizes the sonic virtuosity of A Song to David and explores the relation between its heightened musicality and its peculiar route to placement in literary history. We should not let one of Smart's masterpieces, the anticipatory Jubilate Agno , supplant all discussion of the very different but equally masterly Song . Whether we position Smart between Pope and Wordsworth or between the Quakers and the Beats, his achievement necessarily alters our understanding of poetic possibilities in the middle of the eighteenth century. As a formally achieved religious ecstasy, the poem alters our sense of what the affordances of eighteenth-century poetry were.
Aversions
Authors: Rothman Colleen
Published: July 2024

Abstract: “But in the soup, she could taste his sincerity, that he didn’t see her hunger as something to deny. He would feed her, gently, patiently, until she asked him to stop.”
Canciones de amor en otros idiomas / Love Songs in Other Languages
Authors: Iyer Geetha
Published: July 2024

Abstract: “While living in Panama City, a writer who has ties to many countries labors through the nuances of fluency and translates music into modes of belonging.”