bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical and Scientific Considerations Concerning the Interpretation, Replicability, and Transportability of Research Findings
Authors: Cook Richard J. , Lawless Jerald F.
Published: November 2023

To advance scientific understanding of disease processes and related intervention effects, study results should be free from bias and replicable. More broadly, investigators seek results that are transportable, that is, applicable to a perceived study population as well as in other environments and populations. We review fundamental statistical issues that arise in the analysis of observational data from disease cohorts and other sources and discuss how these issues affect the transportability and replicability of research results. Much of the literature focuses on estimating average exposure or intervention effects at the population level, but we argue for more nuanced analyses of conditional effects that reflect the complexity of disease processes.
Can Smartphone Notifications Help With Gout Management? A Feasibility Study
Authors: Emad Yasaman , Dalbeth Nicola , Weinman John , Chalder Trudie , Petrie Keith J.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This feasibility study aimed to assess the acceptability of using smartphone notifications to modify the medication beliefs of people with gout. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a smartphone application using the Technology Acceptance Model. We explored adherence rate differences and outcomes between the intervention and control groups.

Methods

Fifty-two patients with gout who were prescribed allopurinol were randomly assigned to either active control (n = 24) or intervention group (n = 28). Over 3 months, both groups used the study app on their smartphones. The active control group received notifications about general health advice, whereas the intervention group received adherence-targeted notifications. The feasibility and acceptability of the smartphone app was measured through semistructured interviews. Adherence rate was assessed through serum urate levels and missed doses at 3 timepoints: baseline, 3 months (post intervention), and 6 months (follow-up).

Results

The smartphone app demonstrated high feasibility, with strong participant retention and compliance. The participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the app’s user-friendliness and content, highlighting its acceptability. Both groups showed a significant reduction in missed doses over time (P< 0.05), but no significant differences in serum urate levels were found between the groups. Patients who received adherence-targeted notifications reported finding it more convenient to take allopurinol and expressed higher overall treatment satisfaction throughout the study.

Conclusion

Adherence-targeted notifications have the potential to be an effective and scalable approach to supporting medication adherence in patients with gout. Further research is needed with larger samples to refine the components of the intervention and explore its optimal implementation.
Sur quelques mythes et fantômes de la science espagnole
Authors: Pimentel Juan , Mandressi Rafael
Published: November 2023

L’histoire des sciences espagnoles est remplie de morts-vivants : des présences intermittentes et fugaces, des cadavres sans sépulture ou méconnus. Ce sont les spectres ou les fantômes des sciences espagnoles. Dans cette contribution, nous nous concentrons sur le musée du Prado, un espace habité par ces fantômes, puisque les musées, après tout, sont des lieux de mémoire autant que d’oubli. Nous accorderons une attention particulière à deux portraits mélancoliques : celui de Jovellanos par Goya et l’autoportrait de Ramón y Cajal, le grand histologiste du tissu nerveux.
Contre le piège de l’évidence. La controverse des neiges du Kilimandjaro (1848-1862)
Authors: Froment Delphine
Published: November 2023

En 1848, le missionnaire Johannes Rebmann devient le premier Européen à observer et décrire le Kilimandjaro, en Afrique de l’Est. Dans son récit de voyage, il affirme que le sommet de la montagne est recouvert de « neiges éternelles ». En Europe, dans les sociétés de géographie, de nombreux savants restent dubitatifs devant un tel phénomène. S’ensuit une importante controverse géographique, qui dure plus d’une décennie. Cet article revient sur les différents ressorts de cette dispute savante, longtemps occultée dans l’historiographie, pour analyser au plus près les logiques savantes et socioprofessionnelles qui président à la négociation de l’autorité scientifique sur la scène géographique européenne du xix e  siècle.
Science pour tous ou science par tous ? Mythes et contre-mythes de la science au xix e siècle
Authors: Fages Volny
Published: November 2023

Le second xix e  siècle est un moment crucial dans la construction, en France, de l’image de la science la présentant comme difficile d’accès et réservée à une élite savante de plus en plus professionnalisée. Progressivement s’impose le mythe d’une séparation nette, dans la production de connaissances, entre des praticiens experts d’un côté et un public curieux mais passif de l’autre. Les vulgarisateurs français contribuent activement à affirmer cette séparation, en défendant l’idée d’une science pour tous plutôt que celle d’une science par tous. Ce mythe rencontre néanmoins de multiples résistances, des mythes concurrents émergent, en particulier celui d’une science démocratique, ouverte et accessible à tous, et dans la pratique, de multiples contre-cultures savantes se développent dans les interstices des représentations dominantes de la science.
Retour sur dix ans d’expérimentation artistique : La Bulle Bleue de Montpellier
Authors: Maurel Delphine
Published: November 2023

L’auteure revient sur la création de La Bulle Bleue, lieu de Fabrique artistique et culturelle à Montpellier (France), animé par des comédiens et comédiennes, des techniciens et techniciennes du spectacle vivant, des paysagistes et des cuisiniers et cuisinières en situation de handicap. L’auteure, directrice de l’établissement organisé en ESAT, revient sur la manière dont au fil des années s’est élaboré le projet et la manière dont il suscite parmi les équipes de nombreux questionnements, en particulier sur la notion du travail et, par ricochet, la professionnalisation. Questionnement multiple, amplifié par la spécificité artistique du projet et la dimension du handicap. Quel est le travail de professionnels en situation de handicap en ESAT ? Quelle est la reconnaissance professionnelle des personnes qui n’ont pas un statut de salarié ? Un comédien non intermittent du spectacle peut-il être considéré comme professionnel ? Qu’est-ce qu’être professionnel pour un artiste ? Les acteurs permanents d’une troupe structurée en ESAT artistique peuvent-ils être considérés comme professionnels ? L’auteure propose une réflexion sur les dimensions de travail et d’inclusion enrichie d’une perspective européenne sur ces questions.
La publicisation du handicap
Authors: Blanc Alain
Published: November 2023

Comment est-on parvenu au fil du vingtième siècle à constituer un « capital de visibilité » (Heinich 2012) pour les personnes handicapées et faire du handicap un objet public digne d’interventions et d’actions publiques ? Pour répondre à cette question, l’article expose, dans un premier temps, la manière dont s’élabore progressivement la publicisation du handicap. L’auteur revient ensuite sur les trois temps qui ont contribué à cette publicisation : les prises de parole par les personnes handicapées, les canaux de diffusion et le contexte favorable à leur réception. Le concept de « valeur d’exposition », emprunté à Walter Benjamin, en rapprochant les notions de marchandisation et de spectacularisation, permet d’expliciter dans un dernier temps les conditions sociales favorisant la croissance du capital de visibilité des personnes handicapées.
Professionnalisation des artistes en situation de handicap dans le champ du spectacle vivant : quelques réflexions à la suite de rencontres de compagnies européennes
Authors: Fraisse Jacques
Published: November 2023

De 2021 à 2023, la compagnie de théâtre La Bulle Bleue de Montpellier porte le projet européen de mobilités PERFORMHAND (Erasmus +). L’objectif de ces mobilités, effectuées auprès de cinq structures en Allemagne, en Belgique, en Espagne et aux Pays-Bas, est de saisir les différentes modalités de mise en œuvre de la professionnalisation des personnes en situation de handicap dans les métiers du spectacle vivant. Quels enseignements peut-on retirer de la comparaison à l’issue de ces cinq rencontres ? Comment la professionnalisation des artistes en situation de handicap se réalise-t-elle selon les pays ? Comment les processus d’inclusion sont-ils mis en œuvre ? Voici quelques-unes des questions traitées dans cet article.
La bigamie de droit ou de fait constitue un obstacle à l’acquisition de la nationalité française par mariage
Authors: Ralser Elise
Published: November 2023

Selon [l’article 21-2 du code civil], l’étranger ou l’apatride qui contracte mariage avec un conjoint de nationalité française peut, après un délai de quatre ans à compter du mariage, acquérir la nationalité française par déclaration à condition qu’à la date de cette déclaration, la communauté de vie tant affective que matérielle n’ait pas cessé entre les époux depuis le mariage. (1 er et 2 e arrêts) La situation de bigamie d’un des époux à la date de souscription de la déclaration, qui est exclusive de toute communauté de vie affective, fait obstacle à l’acquisition de la nationalité française par le conjoint étranger. (1 er arrêt) Ayant souverainement retenu […] que [le conjoint étranger] était, au jour de sa déclaration de nationalité française, engagé dans une relation durable avec une tierce personne, exclusive d’une communauté de vie tant matérielle qu’affective avec son conjoint, la cour d’appel a, par une décision motivée, légalement justifié sa décision. (2 e arrêt)
Un contrat de coopération commerciale ne peut être régi par les Principes Unidroit choisis par les parties
Authors: Bureau Dominique , Muir Watt Horatia
Published: November 2023

Il résulte de l’article 3, paragraphe 1, de la Convention de Rome du 19 juin 1980 sur la loi applicable aux obligations contractuelles, que les principes généraux applicables aux contrats internationaux, tels que ceux qui ont été élaborés par l’Institut international pour l’unification du droit privé (Unidroit), ne constituent pas une loi pouvant être choisie par les parties au sens de cette disposition. S’agissant de contrats de coopération commerciale distincts des contrats « fournisseur », il résulte notamment de leur objet, qui porte sur la promotion commerciale, par le biais de publicités ou de catalogues mis à la disposition des clients ou sur internet, et la visibilité des produits en magasin, qu’ils avaient les liens les plus étroits avec la France. Dès lors que la prestation caractéristique devait être fournie par le distributeur, ayant son siège en France, et que le contrat ne présentait pas de liens plus étroits avec un pays autre, le droit français s’applique aux contrats de coopération commerciale litigieux.
Advances in large language models: ChatGPT expands the horizons of neuroscience
Authors: Perera Molligoda Arachchige Arosh S. , Chebaro Kamel , Jelmoni Alice J. M.
Published: November 2023

The field of neuroscience has been significantly impacted by the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly language models like ChatGPT. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a powerful conversational AI tool with the ability to communicate in multiple languages and process vast amounts of data. The commentary explores the significant impact of ChatGPT on the field of neuroscience, emphasizing its potential contributions, challenges, and ethical considerations. ChatGPT has shown promise in various aspects of neuroscience research, including hypothesis generation, data analysis, literature review, collaboration, and education. However, it is not without limitations, particularly in terms of accuracy, potential bias, and ethical concerns. The commentary highlights the potential applications of ChatGPT in the context of child and adolescent mental health, where it could revolutionize assessment and treatment processes. By analyzing text from young patients, ChatGPT can identify patterns related to mental health issues, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. It can also improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals, offering real-time insights and educational resources. While ChatGPT presents exciting opportunities, the commentary acknowledges the need for careful oversight and control to address privacy concerns, biases, and potential misuse. Ethical considerations surrounding the model's impact on emotions, behavior, and biases require ongoing scrutiny and safeguards. In conclusion, ChatGPT offers transformative potential in neuroscience and mental health, but it must be harnessed responsibly, with a focus on ethical considerations and scientific rigor to ensure its positive impact on research and clinical practice.
Effect of Ni on microstructure and wear behaviour of 13Cr-W-Mo-2C white cast iron
Authors: Teker Tanju , Osman Yılmaz S.
Published: November 2023

The effect of Ni concentration on the microstructure and wear performance of 13Cr-(0.5-7.0)Ni-W-Mo-Mn-2C white cast iron subjected to homogenization heat treatment was examined. Concentration of Ni was altered in the range 0.5-7.0 wt.% to obtain a stable microstructure against for dry sliding wear resistance as long sliding distance. The effect of Ni on the microstructure was analysed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping and hardness. The wear performances were tested under the loads of 40, 90 and 140 N. Differential thermal analysis of samples with dissimilar Ni values was performed. The increase of Ni concentration decreased the secondary arm spacing of dendrites, refined the dendritic structure and raised the eutectic carbide ratio. The greatest wear performance was obtained for the sample having Ni over 6 wt.%.
Design and Implementation of Experiment Online Teaching Platform for Oil and Gas Storage and Transportation Based on WeChat Mini-Program
Authors: Wang Yulong , Qi Hongyuan
Published: November 2023

With the emergence of “Internet + higher education,” online teaching platforms have become increasingly important, particularly for practical teaching courses. The study of oil and gas storage and transportation is a fundamental and essential course for students in this major. In light of the issues related to limited space, lack of openness, and low student enthusiasm for traditional experimental teaching methods, an online experimental teaching platform for oil and gas storage and transportation was developed. This platform is based on the WeChat mini-program and follows the principles of cross-platform computability, user friendliness, and low investment. Its aim is to explore effective learning models for mobile devices. This study compares and analyzes the differences in classroom effects before and after the implementation of the WeChat learning platform. The study examines the design of the platform, teaching session cases, and the analysis of application effects. The research utilizes questionnaires and statistical data as research methods. The results indicate that the WeChat online teaching platform has significantly improved the enthusiasm and learning outcomes of students in the independent learning of experimental courses. It has received high recognition from both teachers and students and has greatly enhanced the quality of teaching. This has considerable potential for further promotion.
Reliable Multi-Path Communication for IoT Based Solar Automated Monitoring as Motivation Towards Multi-Farming Hydroponic
Authors: Yoon Khang Adam Wong , Jamil Alsayaydeh Jamil Abedalrahim , Bin Mohamat Gani Johar Akbar , Bin Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Feisal Ismail Albert Feisal Muhd , Geok Tan Kim
Published: November 2023

The current reliance on single-path communication presents limitations for effectively monitoring and controlling critical parameters that are essential for hydroponic success. This hampers the achievement of optimal plant growth and overall system performance in multi-farming hydroponic setups. The issue lies in the inherent vulnerabilities of single-path communication, which can result in data loss and transmission errors. Therefore, reliable multi-path communication is essential for Internet of Things (IoT)-based automated monitoring systems. The research aims to enhance monitoring and control capabilities in multi-farming hydroponic environments by integrating advanced communication technologies. Utilizing the ESP microcontroller in conjunction with the Painless Mesh library enables seamless communication among nodes, facilitating real-time data exchange and control. Additionally, app-based dashboard monitoring offers a user-friendly interface for remote monitoring. The findings demonstrate that reliable multi-path communication, combined with app-based dashboard monitoring, promotes optimal plant growth, efficient resource allocation, and sustainable multi-farming practices. In summary, this research contributes to a deliberate efficiency increase of 30% in pH level, 25% in humidity level, and 35% in temperature level. This paves the way for adopting efficient multi-farming hydroponic solutions that are based on resource-efficient energy usage.
L’urbanisme rural sous contrainte de croissance. Les périphéries rurales de Genève et Luxembourg sur le territoire français
Authors: Idt Joël , Le Bivic Camille , Pauchon Antoine
Published: November 2023

De nombreux espaces ruraux sont travaillés par des phénomènes de croissance de l’urbanisation. Cet article s’intéresse plus spécifiquement aux espaces ruraux soumis à une forte croissance démographique et à une pression foncière du fait de l'influence d'une métropole frontalière. Nous avons choisi d’étudier les espaces ruraux français en périphérie de Genève et Luxembourg. Nous analysons leurs transformations à l’aune de l’action collective et des pratiques des acteurs de l'urbanisme.Nous qualifions les problématiques d’urbanisme auxquelles les acteurs sont confrontés dans ces espaces ruraux, ainsi que les modalités d’intervention en la matière : comment se caractérisent les formes d’action collectives en urbanisme dans les espaces ruraux sous contrainte de croissance d’une métropole frontalière ? Que font les acteurs de l’urbanisme lorsqu’ils cherchent à contrôler la pression de l’urbanisation qui s’exerce sur ces espaces ?Nous montrons que la situation de croissance de l’urbanisation transfrontalière pose des problèmes particuliers de régulation auxquels sont confrontés les acteurs publics, aussi bien locaux qu’étatiques. Les réponses dépendent fortement des contextes. Cependant, nous mettons en évidence quelques spécificités des situations d’urbanisme rural qui se jouent dans ces espaces : la difficulté d’intervenir sur les causes premières, essentiellement économiques et fiscales, des dynamiques de croissance qui pèsent sur le territoire du fait de la frontière ; la situation de fragmentation institutionnelle particulièrement forte à laquelle se trouvent confrontés les acteurs ; la mobilisation et la combinaison d’instruments d’urbanisme génériques et ad-hoc dans l’optique de contrôler la croissance et ses effets non souhaités.
GRASPING FORCE ESTIMATION FROM TWO-CHANNEL ELECTROMYOGRAPHY SIGNALS USING EXTREME LEARNING MACHINE
Authors: Pibul Supornpit Na , Phukpattaranont Pornchai
Published: November 2023

This research presents a method to select the best parameters of an extreme learning machine (ELM) for estimating grasping force from two-channel surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. Its advantages compared to the use of multi-channel sEMG signals include faster computing, lower electrode costs, and easier usage. The proposed method is appropriate for certain applications where time is very important but accuracy can be slightly compromised. The study recorded sEMG signals from 20 healthy volunteers, 10 males and 10 females, aged 22-52 years. The recorded sEMG signals were used in testing the proposed optimization method for grasping force estimation. It was found that the proposed method for optimizing the number of nodes, gain, and factor values would make the force estimation more efficient. The results show that the optimum number of nodes, gain, and factor values is 4, 0.05, and 1.0045, respectively. The resulting root mean square error and correlation coefficient values in force estimation from the ELM optimization method were 2.5642 and 0.9287, respectively, when the computing time was only 0.0038 s. These results show the feasibility of the proposed method for estimating force using only two-channel sEMG signals. As a result, real-time implementation, such as force estimation in robotic hand control for rehabilitation using sEMG signals, can be achieved efficiently.
Localization Algorithm Based on a Spring Particle Model (LASPM) for Large-Scale Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarm (UAVs)
Authors: Chen Sanfeng , Lin Guangming , Hu Tao , Wang Hui , Lai Zhouyi
Published: November 2023

A new localization algorithm based on large scale unmanned aerial vehicle swarm (UAVs) is proposed in the paper. The localization algorithm is based on a spring particle model (LASPM). It simulates the dynamic process of physical spring particle system. The UAVs form a special mobile wireless sensor network. Each UAV works as a highly-dynamic mobile sensor node. Only a few mobile sensor nodes are equipped with GPS localization devices, which are anchor nodes, and the other nodes are blind nodes. The mobile sensor nodes are set as particles with masses and connected with neighbor nodes by virtual springs. The virtual springs will force the particles to move to the original positions. The blind nodes' position can be inferred with the LASPM algorithm. The computational and communication complexity doesn't increase with the network scale size. The proposed algorithm can not only reduce the computational complexity, but also maintain the localization accuracy. The simulation results show the algorithm is effective.
Deep Semantic-Level Cross-Domain Recommendation Model Based on DSV-CDRM
Authors: Lai Xuewei , Jie Qingqing
Published: November 2023

A deep semantic-level cross-domain recommendation model based on DSV-CDRM is proposed to address the problems of existing methods such as single modeling approach. First, review information is converted into word vectors using a TinyBERT pre-trained language model, and then two global deep semantic viewpoint matrices are used in conjunction with a gating mechanism to guide queries. An additional convolutional layer is added on top of the improved text convolution to construct auxiliary documents using similar but non-overlapping user comments. Finally, correlations between deep semantic viewpoints between different domains are learned by constructing a correlation matrix and performing semantic matching. Experiments on the Amazon public dataset demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing models in both MAE and MSE, and it can effectively improve the performance of cross-domain recommendation system.
Perceiving Bhumi
Authors: Fernando Shervanthi
Published: November 2023

No abstract available
Recent Advances in Adjuvant Therapy for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kim Mi-Hyun , Kim Soo Han , Lee Min Ki , Eom Jung Seop
Published: November 2023

After the successful development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), these innovative treatment options are rapidly being applied in the adjuvant setting for early-stage NSCLC. Some adjuvants that have recently been approved include osimertinib for epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated tumors and atezolizumab and pembrolizumab for selected patients with resectable NSCLC. Numerous studies on various targeted therapies and immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy are currently ongoing in the adjuvant setting. However, several questions regarding optimal strategies for adjuvant treatment remain unanswered. The present review summarizes the available literature, focusing on recent advances and ongoing trials with targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of early-stage NSCLC.
The Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib Induces p53-Dependent Apoptosis in Activated B Cells
Authors: Ochoa Trini A , Rossi Amy , Woodle E Steve , Hildeman David , Allman David
Published: November 2023

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) is proposed to deplete activated B cells and plasma cells. However, a complete picture of the mechanisms underlying BTZ-induced apoptosis in B lineage cells remains to be established. In this study, using a direct in vitro approach, we show that deletion of the tumor suppressor and cell cycle regulator p53 rescues recently activated mouse B cells from BTZ-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, BTZ treatment elevated intracellular p53 levels, and p53 deletion constrained apoptosis, as recently stimulated cells first transitioned from the G1 to S phase of the cell cycle. Moreover, combined inhibition of the p53-associated cell cycle regulators and E3 ligases MDM2 and anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome induced cell death in postdivision B cells. Our results reveal that efficient cell cycle progression of activated B cells requires proteasome-driven inhibition of p53. Consequently, BTZ-mediated interference of proteostasis unleashes a p53-dependent cell cycle–associated death mechanism in recently activated B cells.
Development of green approaches based on solvent-free nanoparticles and in vitro models for the management of metastatic melanoma
Authors: Mattioda C. , Mattu C. , Ciardelli G.
Published: November 2023

Not available.
Comparison of the median and intermediate approaches to the ultrasound-guided sacral erector spinae plane block: a cadaveric and radiologic study
Authors: Keleş Bilge Olgun , Salman Necati , Yılmaz Elvan Tekir , Birinci Habip Resul , Apan Alparslan , İnce Selami , Özyaşar Ali Faruk , Uz Aysun
Published: November 2023

Background: Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a well-established method for managing postoperative and chronic pain. ESPB applications for the sacral area procedures are called sacral ESPBs (SESPBs). This cadaveric study aimed to determine the distribution of local anesthesia using the median and intermediate approaches to the SESPB.Methods: Four cadavers were categorized into the median and intermediate approach groups. Ultrasound-guided SESPBs were performed using a mixture of radiopaque agents and dye. Following confirmation of the solution distribution through computed tomography (CT), the cadavers were dissected to observe the solution distribution.Results: CT images of the median group demonstrated subcutaneous pooling of the radiopaque solution between the S1 and S5 horizontal planes. Radiopaque solution also passed from the sacral foramina to the anterior sacrum via the spinal nerves between S2 and S5. In the intermediate group, the solution distribution was observed along the bilateral erector spinae muscle between the L2 and S3 horizontal planes; no anterior transition was detected. Dissection in the median group revealed blue solution distribution in subcutaneous tissue between horizontal planes S1 and S5, but no distribution in superficial fascia or muscle. In the intermediate group, red solution was detected in the erector spinae muscle between the L2 and S3 intervertebral levels.Conclusions: Radiologic and anatomic findings revealed the presence of radiopaque dye in the superficial and erector spinae compartments in both the median and intermediate groups. However, anterior transition of the radiopaque dye was detected only in the median group.
A Cross-sectional Study of Correlation of Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Jain Pankaj Kumar , Seval Manoj , Labana Rohit , Sarla
Published: November 2023

Background:

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) result in significant morbidity and mortality. As COPD progresses, patients develop more frequent and severe exacerbations. Several scores have been tested in AECOPD, but none of them is yet widely accepted or recommended to be used in practice due to a lack of data and evidence.

Aim and Objectives:

(1) To compare neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between stable COPD patients and patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and (2) correlation of NLR with severity of acute exacerbation of disease as per clinical, spirometric, and arterial blood gas criteria.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 100 patients, 50 with acute exacerbation of COPD and 50 stable patients attending the casualty and Outpatient Department of Government Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Kota, were included in the study.

Results:

The level of NLR was raised in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (35.28 ± 34.66) as compared to stable COPD patients (2.23 ± 0.63) (P = 0.0001). Levels of this inflammatory marker (NLR) were also positively correlated with the duration of hospitalization (8.14 ± 5.99 days) (P = 0.0010). High NLR was found to be significantly associated with the need for mechanical ventilation (nine patients) and mortality (nine patients), and significantly associated with low forced expiratory volume 1/forced-vital capacity (0.49 ± 0.07) in cases with acute exacerbation of COPD.

Conclusion:

NLR can be used as a marker of acute exacerbation of COPD, as it was found to be significantly elevated in acute exacerbation patients and found within normal limits in stable patients.
Techniques of staged laparoscopic orchidopexy for high intra-abdominal testes in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Borkar Nitinkumar Bhajandas , Tiwari Charu , Mohanty Debajyoti , Vepakomma Deepti , Nagdeve Nilesh
Published: November 2023

Background:

Laparoscopic exploration is currently considered the gold standard for managing nonpalpable intraabdominal testes. The problem of short vascular pedicle is addressed in Fowler-Stephen (FS) technique by the division of testicular vessels and in Shehata technique (ST) by traction on testicular vessels. There is a lack of the consensus among pediatric surgeons on the choice of one technique over other. This analysis compares the reported outcomes of staged laparoscopic orchidopexy by ST with the time tested FS technique in managing high intraabdominal undescended testis.

Materials and Methods:

The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted as per the preferred reporting items for the systematic review and meta-analyses guidelines. Only randomized controlled trials and comparative studies were included. The primary outcomes compared were the incidence of testicular atrophy, testicular retraction/ascent rate, and operative time of Stage I and Stage II orchidopexy.

Results:

The present analysis was based on three randomized studies with a total of 119 undescended testes in 117 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria. The operative time was less in Stage I FS technique; however, there was no statistically significant difference in operative time of both procedures during the Stage II laparoscopic orchidopexy. Pooled analysis of postintervention testicular atrophy, testicular retraction rate, and duration of postoperative hospitalization showed no difference between both procedures.

Conclusion:

Both FS and STs are comparable in terms of postintervention testicular atrophy, testicular retraction/ascent; however, the mean operative time is significantly less with FS technique in Stage I laparoscopic orchidopexy.
Low-dimensional solenoidal manifolds
Authors: Verjovsky Alberto
Published: November 2023

In this paper we survey

n

-dimensional solenoidal manifolds for

n=1,2

and 3, and present new results about them. Solenoidal manifolds of dimension

n

are metric spaces locally modeled on the product of a Cantor set and an open

n

-dimensional disk. Therefore, they can be “laminated” (or “foliated”) by

n

-dimensional leaves. By a theorem of A. Clark and S. Hurder, topologically homogeneous, compact solenoidal manifolds are McCord solenoids, i.e., are obtained as the inverse limit of an increasing tower of finite, regular covering spaces of a compact manifold with an infinite and residually finite fundamental group. In this case, their structure is very rich since they are principal Cantor-group bundles over a compact manifold and behave like “laminated” versions of compact manifolds, thus they share many of their properties.
String topology in three flavors
Authors: Naef Florian , Rivera Manuel , Wahl Nathalie
Published: November 2023

We describe two major string topology operations, the Chas–Sullivan product and the Goresky–Hingston coproduct, from geometric and algebraic perspectives. The geometric construction uses Thom–Pontrjagin intersection theory while the algebraic construction is phrased in terms of Hochschild homology. We give computations of products and coproducts on lens spaces via geometric intersection, and deduce that the coproduct distinguishes

3

-dimensional lens spaces. Algebraically, we describe the structure these operations define together on the Tate–Hochschild complex. We use rational homotopy theory methods to sketch the equivalence between the geometric and algebraic definitions for simply-connected manifolds and real coefficients, emphasizing the role of configuration spaces. Finally, we study invariance properties of the operations, both algebraically and geometrically.
Music of moduli spaces
Authors: Penner Robert C.
Published: November 2023

A musical instrument, the plastic hormonica, is defined here as a birthday present for Dennis Sullivan, who pioneered and helped popularize the hyperbolic geometry underlying its construction. This plastic hormonica is based upon the Farey tessellation of the Poincaré disk decorated by its standard osculating horocycles centered at the rationals. In effect, one taps or holds points of another tessellation

\tau

with the same decorating horocycles to produce sounds depending on the fact that the lambda length of

e\in\tau

with this decoration is always an integer. Explicitly, tapping a decorated edge

e\in\tau

with lambda length

\lambda

produces a tone of frequency

440\, \xi^{\lambda-12N}

, where

\xi^{12}=2

and

N

is some fixed positive integer shift of octave. Another type of tap on edges of

\tau

is employed to apply flips, which may be equivariant for a Fuchsian group preserving

\tau

. Sounding the frequency for the edge after an equivariant flip, one can thereby audibly experience paths in Riemann moduli spaces and listen to mapping classes. The resulting chords, which arise from an ideal triangle complementary to

\tau

by sounding the frequencies of its frontier edges, correspond to a generalization of the classical Markoff triples, which are precisely the chords that arise from the once-punctured torus. In the other direction, one can query the genera of specified musical pieces.
Conditional survival probability of distant-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma: A population-based study
Authors: Yang Yong-Ping , Guo Cheng-Jun , Gu Zhao-Xuan , Hua Jun-Jie , Zhang Jia-Xuan , Shi Jian
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of many patients with distant metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improved after they survived for several months. Compared with traditional survival analysis, conditional survival (CS) which takes into account changes in survival risk could be used to describe dynamic survival probabilities.

AIM

To evaluate CS of distant metastatic HCC patients.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with distant metastatic HCC between 2010 and 2015 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for overall survival (OS), while competing risk model was used to identify risk factors for cancer-specific survival (CSS). Six-month CS was used to calculate the probability of survival for an additional 6 mo at a specific time after initial diagnosis, and standardized difference (d) was used to evaluate the survival differences between subgroups. Nomograms were constructed to predict CS.

RESULTS

Positive -fetoprotein expression, higher T stage (T3 and T4), N1 stage, non-primary site surgery, non-chemotherapy, non-radiotherapy, and lung metastasis were independent risk factors for actual OS and CSS through univariate and multivariate analysis. Actual survival rates decreased over time, while CS rates gradually increased. As for the 6-month CS, the survival difference caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy gradually disappeared over time, and the survival difference caused by lung metastasis reversed. Moreover, the influence of age and gender on survival gradually appeared. Nomograms were fitted for patients who have lived for 2, 4 and 6 mo to predict 6-month conditional OS and CSS, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of nomograms for conditional OS decreased as time passed, and the AUC for conditional CSS gradually increased.

CONCLUSION

CS for distant metastatic HCC patients substantially increased over time. With dynamic risk factors, nomograms constructed at a specific time could predict more accurate survival rates.
Mitomycin C and capecitabine: An additional option as an advanced line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Mullin Gil , Sternschuss Michal , Landman Yosef , Sulkes Aaron , Brenner Baruch
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

In recent years survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), though still limited, has improved significantly; clearly, when the disease becomes refractory to standard regimens, additional treatment options are needed. Studies have shown that mitomycin C (MMC), an antitumor antibiotic, and capecitabine, a precursor of 5-fluorouracil, may act synergistically in combination. The efficacy of MMC/capecitabine has been demonstrated in the first-line setting, but only a few small studies have tested it in the advanced-line setting, with contradictory results.

AIM

To summarize our experience using MMC/capecitabine as an advanced line treatment for mCRC.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary medical center including all patients with histologically proven mCRC who were treated with MMC/capecitabine after at least two previous lines of standard chemotherapy in 2006-2020. Data on patient demographics and past medical history, laboratory, pathological, and radiological factors, and treatment and survival were collected from the files. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The association of patient and tumor characteristics with treatment effectiveness and toxicity was evaluated with univariate and multivariate proportional hazard Cox regression analyses. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 119 patients of median age 64 years (range 37-85). Patients received a median of 2 MMC/capecitabine cycles (range 0.5-9.0). Thirty-four patients (28.6%) experienced grade ≥ 3 toxicity, including 2 (1.7%) with grade 4; there was no drug-related mortality. The objective response rate was 0.8%, and the disease control rate, 24.4%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.1 mo (range 0.2-20.3), and median overall survival, 4.8 mo (range 0.2-27.5). The 6-month overall survival rate was 44%; 8.7% of patients remained progression-free. Factors associated with longer PFS were lower gamma-glutamyl transferase level (P = 0.030) and primary tumor location in the left colon (P = 0.017). Factors associated with longer overall survival were lower gamma-glutamyl transferase level (P = 0.022), left-colon tumor location (P = 0.044), low-to-moderate histological grade (P = 0.012), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1 (P = 0.036), and normal bilirubin level (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

MMC/capecitabine is an active, available, and relatively safe regimen for use beyond standard lines of therapy in mCRC. Several clinical and laboratory parameters can identify patients more likely to benefit.
Role of routine lymph node dissection alongside resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Atif Mo , Borakati Aditya , Mavroeidis Vasileios K
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The global incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) is soaring. Due to often delayed presentation, only a narrow spectrum of the disease is usually surgically resectable. To more accurately stage the disease, reduce recurrence, and improve overall survival, surgical teams are increasingly performing intraoperative lymph node dissection (LND) as well. This procedure has its associated morbidity, while there is no consensus or formal guidelines on its role in this setting. Hence, there is a need to better delineate the evidence for performing LND alongside surgical resection of the ICCA.

AIM

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the role of LND in improving prognostication and survival post-resection of ICCA.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search using Pubmed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, for all studies involving LND, ICCA, and surgical resection using several keywords, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) tags, and appropriate synonyms. All clinical studies comparing curative intent resection of ICCA with LND vs resection without LND were included, while single-arm case series, studies with insufficient data, and duplicates were excluded. We included all English-language studies from the different academic databases up till early December 2022. The primary outcome measures were set for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 15 studies that fulfilled the selection criteria comprising 11413 patients with surgically-resectable ICCA, of whom 6424 (56.3%) underwent hepatectomy with LND while the remainder underwent hepatectomy only. In patients who underwent LND, on average, 27.7% of the resected lymph nodes were positive for metastatic disease. Overall, the results showed that performing LND did not significantly improve OS or DFS. However, the effect of LND on OS showed a degree of variability by geographical region, in Eastern and Western countries. As LND is increasingly being performed, further time-based analysis was undertaken to identify time-dependent changes in the role of LND. An increasing adoption of LND was not associated with improved OS. Furthermore, no roles were identified for neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy or increasing lymph node retrieval in improving OS either.

CONCLUSION

LND might aid in staging, prognosticating, and deciding further management of resected ICCA, but does not improve OS and DFS and is unsuitable for high-risk patients unlikely to benefit from further treatments.
Response of cholangiocarcinoma with epigastric metastasis to lenvatinib plus sintilimab: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Luo Wen-Hui , Li Shao-Jun , Wang Xue-Feng
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its low radical resection rate and a propensity for high postoperative recurrence, resulting in a poor dismal. Although the combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has demonstrated notable efficacy in several solid tumors recently, however, its application in CCA remains underexplored and poorly documented.

CASE SUMMARY

This case report describes a patient diagnosed with stage IV CCA, accompanied by liver and abdominal wall metastases, who underwent palliative surgery. Subsequently, the patient received two cycles of treatment combining lenvatinib with sintilimab, which resulted in a reduction in abdominal wall metastasis, while intrahepatic metastasis displayed progression. This unexpected observation illustrates different responses of intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases to the same therapy.

CONCLUSION

Lenvatinib combined with sintilimab shows promise as a potential treatment strategy for advanced CCA. Genetic testing for related driver and/or passenger mutations, as well as an analysis of tumor immune microenvironment analysis, is crucial for optimizing drug combinations and eventually addressing the issue of non-response in specific metastatic sites.
Peri-urban wildlife as sentinels for antimicrobial resistance: Insights from owlets (Tyoto alba) in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Kabantiyok D. , Logyan L.E. , Ogundeji A.O. , Budaye J. , Adonyikwu I. , Agada G.O.A. , Moses G.D. , Masooq A.A.
Published: November 2023

There is a growing concern for exploring the animal-human interface through surveillance of peri-urban animals.  Wildlife at this interface has been reported to pick up and redistribute antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and other  infectious diseases. Samples from two stray Owl fledglings found at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Nigeria  were used for this study. Corynebacterium amycolatum, Mammalicoccus siuri, and Escherichia coli were isolated and  identified from cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs collected from the birds. Almost all (4/5) of the isolates had multidrug  resistance. Also, three species of Leptospira (L. enterohaemorrhagica. L grippotyphosa, and L. mini) were identified by  the microscopic agglutination technique (MAT). Our findings emphasised the growing One Health concerns for  antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread in the environment and the importance of Wildlife in periurban centres as  sentinels for potential zoonotic transmission.
Method of Calculating the Forces on the 2D/3D Truss: A Review
Authors: Oktaviani Mega , Sari Delima Yanti , Fernanda Yolli , Arafat Andril
Published: November 2023

The truss system is the most efficient structural system, and is widely used in various forms of building contruction. In analyzing a structure there are various methods that have been used, including the stiffness matrix method and the classical mechanics method. To facilitate structure analysis can be done with the help of existing structure analysis software, such as SAP2000, Etabs, and Opensess, or by developing the Matlab programming language with a GUI.  The purpose of this study is to provide a review of several calculation methods that have been used, to calculate the forces on 2D/3D truss. The research method used is a review literature that is descriptive analysis by collecting several relevant sources. In this paper, a literature review of the 2D/3D truss calculation method was carried out in terms of the calculation method and the software used. The results obtained are the stiffness matrix method which is the most popular method and has been widely used to date, because the calculation process is carried out in a systematic and patterned manner. And the application that is commonly used is Matlab, with the program validation process using SAP2000, the results of the analysis between programs show no different results.

Sistem rangka batang (truss) adalah sistem struktur yang paling efisien, dan banyak digunakan dalam berbagai bentuk kontruksi bangunan. Dalam menganalisis suatu struktur terdapat bermacam-macam metode yang telah digunakan, diantaranya metode matriks kekakuan dan metode mekanika klasik. Untuk memudahkan analisis struktur dapat dilakukan dengan bantuan software analisis struktur yang telah ada, seperti SAP2000, Etabs, dan Opensess, atau dengan mengembangkan bahasa pemograman Matlab dengan GUI. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah memberikan tinjauan (review) tentang beberapa metode perhitungan yang telah digunakan, untuk menghitung gaya-gaya pada truss 2D/3D. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah literatur review yang bersifat analisis deskriptif dengan mengumpulkan beberapa sumber yang relevan. Dalam paper ini dilakukan kajian literatur tentang metode perhitungan truss 2D/3D dari segi metode perhitungan dan software yang digunakan. Hasil yang didapatkan yaitu Metode matriks kekakuan merupakan metode yang paling populer dan telah banyak digunakan hingga saat ini, dikarenakan proese perhitungan dilakukan secara sistematis dan terpola. Dan aplikasi yang umum digunakan adalah Matlab, dengan proses validasi program menggunakan SAP2000, hasil analisis antara program menunjukan hasil yang tidak berbeda.