bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging large language models for data analysis automation
Authors: Jansen Jacqueline A. , Manukyan Artür , Al Khoury Nour , Akalin Altuna
Published: February 2025

Data analysis is constrained by a shortage of skilled experts, particularly in biology, where detailed data analysis and subsequent interpretation is vital for understanding complex biological processes and developing new treatments and diagnostics. One possible solution to this shortage in experts would be making use of Large Language Models (LLMs) for generating data analysis pipelines. However, although LLMs have shown great potential when used for code generation tasks, questions regarding the accuracy of LLMs when prompted with domain expert questions such as omics related data analysis questions, remain unanswered. To address this, we developed mergen, an R package that leverages LLMs for data analysis code generation and execution. We evaluated the performance of this data analysis system using various data analysis tasks for genomics. Our primary goal is to enable researchers to conduct data analysis by simply describing their objectives and the desired analyses for specific datasets through clear text. Our approach improves code generation via specialized prompt engineering and error feedback mechanisms. In addition, our system can execute the data analysis workflows prescribed by the LLM providing the results of the data analysis workflow for human review. Our evaluation of this system reveals that while LLMs effectively generate code for some data analysis tasks, challenges remain in executable code generation, especially for complex data analysis tasks. The best performance was seen with the self-correction mechanism, in which self-correct was able to increase the percentage of executable code when compared to the simple strategy by 22.5% for tasks of complexity 2. For tasks for complexity 3, 4 and 5, this increase was 52.5%, 27.5% and 15% respectively. Using a chi-squared test, it was shown that significant differences could be found using the different prompting strategies. Our study contributes to a better understanding of LLM capabilities and limitations, providing software infrastructure and practical insights for their effective integration into data analysis workflows.
Post-exercise differential response of central and brachial blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Marôco João Luís , Angarten Vitor , Pinto Rita , Santos Vanessa , Fernhall Bo , Santa-Clara Helena , Melo Xavier
Published: February 2025

The post-exercise hypotension response is controversial among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Factors behind this disparity may include post-exercise differential effects on central and brachial blood pressure (BP), exercise intensity and inter-individual variability. Thus, we investigate group and individual central and brachial BP responses 5, 15 and 30-min after combined exercise of different intensities in participants with and without CAD. Seventeen participants with stable CAD and eighteen aged-matched controls (52–81 years) completed an acute bout of high and moderate-intensity combined exercise. Brachial and central systolic (cSBP) pressures were assessed via oscillometry and carotid tonometry, respectively. Central pulse wave velocity was also measured. Group mean changes were examined with linear mixed models, and bSBP and cSBP post-exercise individual responsiveness quantified via the region of practical equivalence and highest density interval, a Bayesian decision rule. Regardless of exercise intensity, cSBP was persistently increased during recovery in participants with CAD (difference 30 –baseline (d30-bas) = 10, 95% CI: 4 to 17 mmHg, p = 0.001) but reduced in controls (d30-bas = -13, 95% CI: -19 to -7 mmHg, p = 0.003). bSBP was unchanged in both groups (CAD: d30-bas = 1, 95% CI: -3 to 6 mmHg, p = 0.995, control: d30-bas = -4, 95% CI: -2 to 8 mmHg, p = 0.999). Most participants with CAD exhibited sustained elevations in cSBP (n = 10), while most controls were post-exercise hypertensive responders (n = 11) with changes >|5| mmHg. We found differential post-exercise effects on central and brachial BP independent from combined exercise intensity but not clinical population.

Clinical trials.gov registration ID: NCT06617117
Prediction of Poisson’s ratio for a petroleum engineering application: Machine learning methods
Authors: Alakbari Fahd Saeed , Mahmood Syed Mohammad , Ayoub Mohammed Abdalla , Khan Muhammad Jawad , Afolabi Funsho , Mohyaldinn Mysara Eissa , Muhsan Ali Samer
Published: February 2025

Static Poisson’s ratio (νs) is an essential property used in petroleum calculations, namely fracture pressure (FP). The νs is often determined in the laboratory; however, due to time and cost constraints, quicker and cheaper alternatives are sought, such as data-driven models. However, existing methods lack the accuracy needed for critical applications, necessitating the need to explore more accurate methods. In addition, the previous studies used limited datasets and they do not show the relationships between the inputs and output. Therefore, this study developed a reliable model to predict the νs accurately using the nineteen most common learning methods. The proposed models were created based on a large data of 1691 datasets from different countries. The best-performing model of the nineteen models was selected and further enhanced using various approaches such as trend analysis to improve the model’s performance and robustness as some models show high accuracy but show incorrect relationships between the inputs and output because the machine learning model only built based on the data and do not consider the physical behavior of the model. The proposed Gaussian process regression (GPR) model was also compared with published models. After the proposed GPR model was developed, the FP was determined based on the proposed GPR νs model and the previous νs models to evaluate their accuracy on the FP determinations. The best approach out of the published and proposed methods was GPR with a coefficient of determination (R2) and average-absolute-percentage-relative-error (AAPRE) of 0.95 and 2.73%. The GPR model showed proper trends for all inputs. The cross-plotting and group error analyses also confirmed that the proposed GPR approach had high precision and surpassed other methods within all practical ranges. The GPR model decreased the residual error of FP from 87% to 26%. It is believed that such a significant improvement in the accuracy of the GPR model will have a significant effect on realistic FP determination.
Does integration matter? an international cross-sectional study on the relationship between perceived public health and primary care integration and COVID-19 vaccination rates
Authors: Sodhi Sumeet , Chamali Rifka , Praveen Devarsetty , Sharma Manushi , Garcia Dieguez Marcelo , Mash Robert , Goodyear-Smith Felicity , Ponka David
Published: February 2025

Background

Immunisation against COVID-19 is crucial for controlling the pandemic, yet global challenges persist in vaccine coverage and equitable distribution. A well-integrated primary health care approach can enhance vaccination programmes.

Aim

To explore the relationship between perceived PC (primary care)-PH (public health) integration, as well as other vaccination program implementation factors, and national COVID-19 vaccination coverage.

Design and setting

A convenience sample of self-identified primary care professionals completed an online survey on COVID-19 vaccination programme implementation and their perceptions of PC-PH integration.

Methods

Countries with ≥5 responses were included in the data analysis. COVID-19 vaccination implementation approach and perceived PC-PH integration against COVID-19 vaccination coverage was investigated using bivariate and subgroup analyses, Spearman correlation, and linear regression.

Results

A total of 394 responses from 32 countries were analysed. Participants included primary care providers, academics, and researchers. The median national COVID-19 vaccination coverage was 28.41% at time of study. Perceived barriers included patient hesitancy and vaccine supply shortages, while facilitators included vaccine product choices, equity, and community engagement. The study revealed a positive relationship between perceptions of PC-PH integration and national vaccination coverage in upper-middle and lower-middle income countries.

Conclusion

Perceived PC-PH integration increased with decreasing economic quartiles and this perception was linked to actual national vaccination coverage. Integration may be especially important for countries with lesser vaccine supply. High-income countries may benefit from increased collaboration between PC and PH to enhance vaccination efficiency. The findings contribute to understanding the role of PC-PH integration in vaccination programmes in different settings.
Ghana’s National Health Insurance enrollment: Does the intersection of educational and residential status matter?
Authors: Antabe Roger , Anfaara Florence W. , Sano Yujiro , Amoak Daniel
Published: February 2025

Background

Since its inception in 2003, Ghana’s Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has received considerable scholarly attention on the determinants of enrollment. While most of these studies highlight the role of some socioeconomic and geographical factors, no study has explored the intersection of educational attainment and residence on NHIS enrollment. We aim to contribute to the literature and health policy in Ghana by examining the intersection of educational attainment and rural-urban residence on NHIS enrollment among women and men.

Methods

We used nationally representative data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). Using STATA 17, we applied multivariable logistic regression to our analytical sample comprising women (n = 14997) and men (n = 7040).

Results

Overall, we found that more women (90%) than men (73%) enrolled on the NHIS. Adjusting for a range of control variables, we found that women and men with secondary (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.28–2.02; OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.16–1.82) and higher education (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.24–2.64; OR: 2.85, 95% CI: 2.03–3.99) were more likely to have enrolled into the NHIS compared to those with no formal education. This difference was particularly heightened among women and men with no education. Rural women (96%) and men (90%) with higher education had higher enrollment rates compared to their urban counterparts.

Conclusion

We recommend revising the NHIS equity and pro-poor policy to include vulnerability at the intersection of low educational attainment and rural residence.
O esfôrço do homem na bacia do Mondego: Ensaio Geográfico
Authors: Martins Alfredo Fernandes
Published: February 2025

O esfôrço do homem na bacia do Mondego. Ensaio Geográfico, Coimbra, 1940.
Prognostic consequence of hyperglycemia points in oral glucose intolerance test for the course and outcomes of pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bunak I. V. , Sviridova M. I. , Startseva N. M. , Hamoeva Yu. A.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND: The level of glycemia at different points of the glucose tolerance test measure different phases of insulin secretion, accordingly the groups of pregnant women with GDM diagnosed at different points of the test have differences.

AIM: to evaluate the impact of oral glucose tolerance test results for frequency of insulin treatment, incidence of preeclampsia and pregnancy outcomes in women with GDM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 200 maternal medical cards and hospital cards of birth in women with GDM for the period 2021–2022. The patients were divided into two groups according the results of OGTT: 1st group — 102 pregnant women with fasting hyperglycemia, 2nd group — 98 pregnant women with hyperglycemia in 1 and 2 hours after glucose intake. Differences in age, body weight, BMI, weight gain during pregnancy, therapy of GDM were studied, and the incidence of preeclampsia and pregnancy outcomes were assessed in both groups.

RESULTS: women of the 1st group had significantly higher weight and initial BMI. Pregnant women of both groups with a BMI over 25 kg/m2 more often required insulin treatment. The incidence of preeclampsia, newborn weight and the incidence of macrosomia were higher in 1st group.

CONCLUSION: Fasting hyperglycemia in OGTT is associated with overweight and obesity, and these women are more likely to require insulin therapy. Women with GDM diagnosed by fasting hyperglycemia are at grate risk of developing preeclampsia and macrosomia.
Surgical approaches to maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with type 2 diabetes and long-term persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Khamnagadaev I. A. , Zotov A. S. , Shelest O. O. , Bulavina I. A. , Glupak A. A. , Zotova Z. A. , Sakharov E. R. , Bondarenko I. Z. , Shatskaya O. A. , Habazov R. I. , Troitsky A. V. , Mokrysheva N. G.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and a long-term persistent form of atrial fibrillation (AF) is an unsolved problem of the healthcare system due to a high risk of disability and mortality. Considering low effectiveness of drug treatment for AF, surgical technologies have been introduced into clinical practice in most countries, but their effectiveness has not been validated for patients with DM. According to various researches isolated interventional treatment of patients with AF and DM is associated with a high rate of recurrence compared to patients without disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. The feasibility of using other surgical approaches (the isolated thoracoscopic procedure or the isolated thoracoscopic procedure in combination with intracardiac intervention) for the treatment of AF for patients with DM has not been determined yet.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a staged surgical approach to release patients with DM from AF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 19 patients aged 53–73 with DM and long persistent AF. Among them there were 4 (21,4%) women and 15 (78,9%) men. To maintain sinus rhythm all patients were undergone with thoracoscopic epicardial ablation. In three mounts, later the invasive electrophysiological studies and radiofrequency ablation were carried out due to reconnection of left atrium (LA).

RESULTS: At the end of the blinded period sinus rhythm was maintained for 17 (89,5%) patients during the observation period. Two patients (10.5%) had AF recurrence. In both cases, the second stage of treatment wasperformed (electrophysiology study and endocardial ablation). Amid normal sinus rhythm after thoracoscopic epicardial ablation the volume of the LA (p=0,013) and the N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (p=0,014) significant decreased. No adverse events were recorded in the perioperative or long-term periods.

CONCLUSION: Аccording to our pilot study, the staged approach to surgical maintenance of sinus rhythm for patients with diabetes and persistent form of atrial fibrillation can be an optimal strategy. The endocardial stage could be performed for this category of patients in case of recurrence of tachysystolic cardiac arrhythmias.
The presence of truth in thought and practice
Authors: Bettineschi Paolo
Published: February 2025

In this article, we discuss the presence of truth within human thought, through a theoretical and critical comparison with hermeneutics, analytical philosophy and neo-idealism. The thesis that is supported is that of pure realism, according to which truth is not foreign to human thought, but it is not a product of such thought either. The practical implications that derive from this position are extremely relevant: human practice asks and demands to operate with the truth or on the basis of the truth, especially with reference to the most important things. But human practice always develops in thought and on the basis of it. Therefore, if human thought were not capable of knowing the truth, all our practical actions would lose their meaning, their importance and their dignity.
Yo soy la verdad. La interpretación de Michel Henry
Authors: Santasilia Stefano
Published: February 2025

La cuestión de la verdad resulta algo sencillo sólo en apariencia y, sobre todo, sólo en el momento en que se asume que el único criterio de verdad pueda consistir en el criterio de la adaequatio. Sin embargo, la afirmación de Cristo en los evangelios, mediante la cual él mismo se presenta como la verdad, genera una problemática puesta en cuestión del mismo criterio de reconocimiento de la verdad imponiendo la necesidad de pensar en “otra posibilidad”. En este sentido, la propuesta de Michel Henry se presenta como una interesante posibilidad de detectar otra modalidad, más originaria de la verdad, capaz de estar en sintonía con la presentación que el Cristo hace de sí mismo. En este ensayo se tratará precisamente de mostrar en qué manera se desarrolla esta propuesta tratando de indicar sintéticamente sus puntos problemáticos y sus posibles ventajas.
La verdad en Søren Aabye Kierkegaard y Agustín de Hipona: una nueva perspectiva filosófica
Authors: Morales Rojas Arturo
Published: February 2025

La verdad ha sido, sin duda, una de las grandes preocupaciones de los filósofos, en toda la historia. Por tal motivo, este trabajo tiene como objetivo fundamental llevar a cabo un rastreo hermenéutico aplicado a las percepciones de Agustín de Hipona y Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, quienes, mediante sus disquisiciones filosóficas, emiten una nueva perspectiva acerca de la verdad. Por ello, la novedad estriba en la consideración de la relación, como lugar ontológico y antropológico de la verdad, focalizando la atención en cuestiones relevantes como la interioridad, la elección de sí mismo y el existir-en-la-verdad, como categoría temática clave de sus planteamientos. Asimismo, este trabajo propicia un espacio de diálogo, en el sentido socrático, entre ambos autores, provocando una inserción al lector del artículo en dicha conversación. Agustín, el filósofo de la interioridad en la Antigüedad tardía, y Kierkegaard, el filósofo de la singularidad existencial, exponen sus puntos de vista sobre la noción de verdad, haciendo énfasis, como punto en común, en la relación del yo ante Dios, como lugar para comprenderse como verdad singular.
Book review of: Norman, Barbara (2022): Urban planning for climate change
Authors: Davids Peter R. , Ataç-Studt B. Ayça
Published: February 2025

Buchrezension
Disclosure of the mechanisms of the medical preventional effect of fucoidan in the composition of food systems
Authors:   South Ural State University, Anjum Varisha , Kadi Ammar ,   South Ural State University, Bagale Uday ,   South Ural State University, Potoroko Irina ,   South Ural State University
Published: February 2025

It is very promising to study the molecular mechanism and basis of the action of fucoidan in food systems for the prevention of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) using network pharmacology as a new paradigm for drug design and molecular docking technology. Our results offer a theoretical framework for future clinical investigations. The GeneCards and OMIM network databases were used to seek and screen the targets for IBD activity in the treat-ment of gastric cancer lesions. The string data platform was used to create the protein interoper-ability network of fucoidan for the treatment of IBD, whereas Cytoscape 3.9.1 was used to create the compound-target network. Topological analysis was used to identify the main target. Finally, the drug-disease intersection target was analysed using enrichment and biological pathways. A total of 81 component targets were gathered, and using network topology and protein interoperability network analysis, 6758 targets for IBD were found, along with another 301 essential core targets. The key targets were evaluated to include STAT3, ESR1, BCL2, and AKT1, among others. 173 signaling pathways, including pathway in cancer, metabolic pathway, Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were screened from KEGG and GO functional enrichment analysis. Best binding of –6.5 kcal/mol with AKT1 was obtained from additional docking studies with fucoidan. Fucoidan acts on targets such as AKT1, ESR1, STAT3, and BCL2, as well as important inflammatory, immunological, and gastric cancer pathways, and can be utilised to prevent and manage IBD.
The use of natural antioxidants in the technology of hunting fats
Authors:   Kemerovo State University, Vechtomova Elena , Kozlova Oksana ,   Kemerovo State University, Sukhikh Andrey ,   Kemerovo State University, Orlova Maria ,   JSC “Azot”
Published: February 2025

Studies have been conducted aimed at studying the process of prolonged storage of animal fats using natural antioxidants. The work used derivatives obtained from animals as a result of hunting in the territory of the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass in the period 2021–2022. Among such derivatives, the fats of winter-sleeping mammals, such as the brown bear (Latin Ursus arctos), the common badger (Latin. Meles meles), steppe marmot (Latin Marmota bobak). In alternative medicine, the adipose tissue of these mammals is used in melted form. The unique composition of the fatty acid complex of these derivatives is subject to significant destructive changes under the influence of a wide range of factors. Therefore, the issue of increasing the shelf life of ghee remains relevant. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to select the parameters of prolonged storage of animal fats using antioxidants of natural origin.. As an antioxidant, oak bark extract was used in the work, which was added to melted fat before being stored in an amount from 0.05 to 1 % by weight of the sample, controlling the oxidative damage of lipids during storage – acid and peroxide numbers by standard methods before storage, after 1, 2, 6, 12 and 18 months. As a result of research, it has been shown that the addition of oak bark extract, as a source of a complex of natural antioxidants, has a positive effect on the indicators of oxidative spoilage of lipids, allowing to increase the shelf life of melted fats of winter-sleeping animals to 18 months while reducing the growth of “acid number” by 18–37 %, “peroxide number” by 15–58 %, depending on the species fat content compared to the corresponding control samples.
Normalized solutions for nonlinear Schrödinger systems with critical exponents
Authors: Hu Jiaqing , Mao Anmin
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we consider the following nonlocal Schrödinger system

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$$\begin{cases}-\left(a+b{\int }_{{\mathbb{R}}^{3}}\vert \nabla {u}_{1}{\vert }^{2}\mathrm{d}x\right){\Delta}{u}_{1}={\lambda }_{1}{u}_{1}+{\mu }_{1}\vert {u}_{1}{\vert }^{{p}_{1}-2}{u}_{1}+\beta {r}_{1}\vert {u}_{1}{\vert }^{{r}_{1}-2}{u}_{1}\vert {u}_{2}{\vert }^{{r}_{2}},\quad \hfill \\ -\left(a+b{\int }_{{\mathbb{R}}^{3}}\vert \nabla {u}_{2}{\vert }^{2}\mathrm{d}x\right){\Delta}{u}_{2}={\lambda }_{2}{u}_{2}+{\mu }_{2}\vert {u}_{2}{\vert }^{{p}_{2}-2}{u}_{2}+\beta {r}_{2}\vert {u}_{1}{\vert }^{{r}_{1}}\vert {u}_{2}{\vert }^{{r}_{2}-2}{u}_{2},\quad \hfill \\ {\int }_{{\mathbb{R}}^{3}}\vert {u}_{1}{\vert }^{2}\mathrm{d}x={c}_{1}, {\int }_{{\mathbb{R}}^{3}}\vert {u}_{2}{\vert }^{2}\mathrm{d}x={c}_{2}.\quad \hfill \end{cases}$$

In the case of b = 0, 2 < p
1, p
2 < 2*, the existence of a Mountain Pass solution and a global minimizer to the above problem was obtained (see T. Bartsch, L. Jeanjean [Proc. R. Soc. Edinburgh, Sect. A, 148 (2018), pp. 225–242.]). However, in the case of b > 0, p
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are the L
2-critical exponent for the system when b = 0 and b > 0 respectively. Here we focus on these unknown case. We investigate the existence of positive normalized solutions under different assumptions on β > 0. Figure 1, Tables 1 and 2 will illustrate our main results and the relationship between our work and some related works in the literature.
Copy number variation sequencing detection technology for identifying fetuses with abnormal soft indicators: a comprehensive study
Authors: Lu Guangting , Liu Weiwu
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aims to assess the value of copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) in prenatal diagnosis of abnormal ultrasound markers to reduce fetal birth defects.

Methods

Between June 2021 and December 2022, Yulin Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital examined 295 pregnant women with abnormal ultrasound indicators. We were categorized by the number of abnormalities and age. Karyotype analysis and CNV-seq were conducted, and the CNV-seq detection rate was statistically analyzed.

Results

CNV-seq detected abnormal chromosomes in 43 out of 295 pregnant women with abnormal fetal ultrasound soft indicators, resulting in a detection rate of 14.58 %, compared to 5.76 % with traditional karyotype analysis. CNV-seq identified all aneuploidy abnormalities found by karyotype analysis and an additional 5 abnormalities, increasing the detection rate by 1.69 %. However, CNV-seq missed one case of chromosome equilibrium translocation. The detection rate of CNV-seq in fetuses with Several abnormal soft indexes was 29.41 %, significantly higher than individual soft indexes (p<0.05). The study compared abnormality rates of single and multiple ultrasound soft markers in two age groups. Abnormal detection rates were 12.38 % for the younger group and 13.73 % for the older group, with no significant difference. However, the younger group had a significantly higher detection rate for multiple soft markers compared to the older group (χ2=5.517, p<0.05).

Conclusions

CNV-seq technology is valuable for identifying fetuses with abnormal soft markers, guiding its future use in perinatal diagnosis and aiding clinical genetic counseling.
The positive correlation between amphiregulin and insulin resistance
Authors: Zhao Yun , Lu Ting , Wu Mian , Hu Xingna , Xiang Rong , Feng Min , Lu Honghong
Published: February 2025

Objective: Obesity and insulin resistance carry a high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes mellitus. A lot of evidence has tightly associated insulin resistance with chronic inflammation. Besides, it has been reported the activation of amphiregulin epidermal growth factor receptor pathways is involved in chronic inflammation. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between insulin resistance and amphiregulin.

Methods: Data from 203 volunteers was collected from November 2020 to June 2023 visiting the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China. The serum levels of amphiregulin and diabetes related parameters were measured in all participants. The correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression of amphiregulin and some diabetes indicators were performed in all groups.

Results: The concentrations of amphiregulin were 143.29pg/ml, 163.29pg/ml, 158.92pg/ml, 171.89pg/ml, 155.03pg/ml in the normal, obesity, non-obese diabetes, obese diabetes and obese diabetes after therapy groups (p < 0.01), and the homeostasis model assessment index were 1.6, 4.01, 3.93, 6.67 and 3.4 respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, amphiregulin positively correlated with the homeostasis model assessment index in each separated group and the total sample (r=0.644, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the regression analysis showed a strong, positive association between amphiregulin and the homeostasis model assessment index (p < 0.01). More importantly, this correlation remained after obese diabetes patients treated with drugs to relieve insulin resistance.

Conclusion: Amphiregulin is up-regulated in obese individuals than normal size people whether diabetics or not, and positively correlates with the homeostasis model assessment index, which suggesting early signs of insulin resistance and abnormal glucose metabolism.
Cystectomy in Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Feasibility, Safety and Outcomes
Authors: Hrechko B. , Voylenko O. , Pikul M. , Vitruk U. , Stakhovsky O. , Kononenko O. , Semko S. , KOSHEL D. , TYMOSHENKO A. , BUYVOL O. , STAKHOVSKY E.
Published: February 2025

Background. Potential clinical efficacy of cystectomy in patients with metastatic bladder cancer (mBCa) remains poorly investigated. The clinical data suggest that there could be a benefit from the local treatment in selected patients with mBCa in terms of redeeming local symptoms, increasing quality of life (QoL), and decreasing the number of the potential adverse events of systemic therapy. The aim of our study was to test safety and efficacy of cystectomy in mBCa and its impact on patients’ survival, QoL, and eligibility for systemic therapy. Materials and Methods. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 524 patients treated with cystectomy due to bladder cancer in the National Cancer Institute of Ukraine from 2008 to 2019 is presented. We selected a group of 21 (3.6%) patients with surgically resectable primary tumors and advanced metastatic disease prior to the surgery and proceeded for further analysis. Patients were analyzed in terms of pre- and postoperative performance status, metastatic burden, surgical complexity and complications (Clavien-Dindo grade), clinical benefits of systemic therapy, and cancer specific survival. Results. Six patients underwent preoperative systemic therapy with partial response (n = 4) and stable disease (n = 2) according to RECIST 1.1. There were no severe intraoperative complications, although 2 patients experienced Clavien Grade III events that needed surgical correction in the postoperative period. During the analysis, no 30-day mortality events were found, and 11 of 21 patients were alive 1 year after surgery. Most patients (n = 19) were eligible for standard first-line chemotherapy after surgery, with 13 proceeding to second-line chemotherapy due to further progression with no AE higher than grade II during systemic therapy. An increase in QoL was found out by comparing the questionnaire data before and 3 months after surgery. Conclusion. The benefits of cystectomy in mBCa setting are mainly hidden by QoL improvement and the decreasing number of the potential contraindications to the systemic therapy. Potential effects that reduce adverse events during chemotherapy should prompt to estimate oncological preferences of cystectomy in advanced bladder cancer.
Management of Cardiac Rhythm Disorders in Cardio-oncology
Authors: Romano Letizia Rosa , Polimeni Alberto , Indolfi Ciro , Curcio Antonio
Published: February 2025

Arrhythmias and cancer are two pathological conditions that often coexist due to a patient’s pre-existing comorbidities, or toxicity linked to anti-neoplastic drugs, and both are often characterised by poor prognosis. Cardio-oncology is a new interdisciplinary field that focuses on the cardiovascular health of cancer patients, especially those undergoing cancer treatment. Furthermore, cardiotoxicity can cause arrhythmias through primary and secondary mechanisms. Chemotherapy drugs have been shown to directly affect molecular pathways associated with arrhythmia development, as well as indirectly through mechanisms involving ischaemia or inflammatory injury to the heart. Understanding how to prevent and to treat these electrophysiological issues in cancer is an important challenge for cardio-oncologists. This review explores the intersection between cardio-oncology and electrophysiology, the various cardiac cell types implicated in the development of arrhythmias during cancer, the interplay between arrhythmias and cancer pathogenesis, and the need for the implantation of electronic devices along with their associated risks.
Manejo da dor em neonatos hospitalizados: recomendações para alcançar os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável
Authors: Souza Danton Matheus de , Monteiro Caroline Knoner , Rossato Lisabelle Mariano
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o manejo da dor de neonatos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN) e discutir sua articulação com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, com enfoque na promoção do bem-estar neonatal. Método: estudo documental, de caráter retrospectivo e abordagem quantitativa, conduzido em uma UTIN de hospital público no Paraná, Brasil, entre janeiro e julho de 2022, com 386 prontuário de neonatos, hospitalizados por mais de 24 horas, entre 2019 e 2021. Os dados foram submetidos à análise descritiva e inferencial, considerando o valor de p<0,05 como diferença estatística. Respeitaram-se as diretrizes éticas nacionais. Resultados: todos os neonatos foram submetidos a, no mínimo, um procedimento doloroso, mas apenas 13,7% tiveram dor documentada. Houve uso de intervenções farmacológicas, como fentanil (25,9%), e não farmacológicas, como estímulo à amamentação (86%). Apenas 2,8% foram reavaliados. Conclusão: observou-se uma desvalorização do manejo da dor neonatal que pode perpetuar no bem-estar neonatal e desenvolvimento sustentável.
Brazil-Portugal Comparison: Education, Health and Social Development in light of the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Amadigi Felipa Rafaela , Lino Monica Motta , Machado Rosani Ramos , Celuppi Ianka Cristina , Fernandes Carla Sílvia , Martins Maria Manuela , Pires Denise Elvira Pires de
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT Objective: to comparatively analyze the health, education and social development systems of Brazil and Portugal, their relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development averages. Method: exploratory and descriptive qualitative research, through documentary analysis. The indicators address health, education and social development, considering life expectancy, mortality, prevalence of chronic diseases, literacy, educational performance and poverty rates. Results: indicate significant differences between countries. Portugal presents better indicators in life expectancy, educational quality and poverty rates, whereas Brazil faces greater challenges in chronic diseases and equity in access to healthcare services. Final considerations: the importance of public policies adapted to local realities and the need for a strategic vision for healthcare systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, in addition to the need for continuous investments and integration of digital health for efficient and equitable systems, stand out.
Comparação Brasil-Portugal: Educação, Saúde e Desenvolvimento Social à luz dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável
Authors: Amadigi Felipa Rafaela , Lino Monica Motta , Machado Rosani Ramos , Celuppi Ianka Cristina , Fernandes Carla Sílvia , Martins Maria Manuela , Pires Denise Elvira Pires de
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar comparativamente o sistema de saúde, educação e desenvolvimento social de Brasil e Portugal, sua relação com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável e as médias da Organização para Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico. Método: pesquisa qualitativa exploratória e descritiva, através de análise documental. Os indicadores abordam saúde, educação e desenvolvimento social, considerando expectativa de vida, mortalidade, prevalência de doenças crônicas, alfabetização, desempenho educacional e taxas de pobreza. Resultados: indicam diferenças significativas entre os países. Portugal apresenta melhores indicadores em expectativa de vida, qualidade educacional e taxas de pobreza, enquanto que Brasil enfrenta maiores desafios em doenças crônicas e equidade no acesso aos serviços de saúde. Considerações finais: ressaltam-se a importância de políticas públicas adaptadas às realidades locais e a necessidade de uma visão estratégica para sistemas de saúde alinhados aos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, além da necessidade de investimentos contínuos e integração da saúde digital para sistemas eficientes e equitativos.
Prevalence and exposure variables of latent infection by mycobacterium tuberculosis in healthcare workers
Authors: Santos Raphael Sampaio dos , Santos Katerine Moraes dos , Abreu Angela Maria Mendes , Paula Cristiane Cardoso de , Zeitoune Regina Célia Gollner
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify in the scientific literature the prevalence, diagnostic methods, and exposure variables of latent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in healthcare workers. Methods: An integrative review of the scientific literature based on the following review question: What are the available scientific evidence in the literature that address the prevalence of latent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in healthcare workers and its association with possible risk factors among these workers? Results: Being a physician or nurse, being older, and being male were generally associated with higher prevalences. The study also showed that interferon-gamma release assays were more commonly used as a diagnostic method compared to skin tests. Conclusions: More studies are needed regarding the epidemiology of latent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the context of healthcare workers, aiming for higher impact actions that contribute to the reduction of tuberculosis worldwide.
Saúde da criança quilombola como desafio para os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável: revisão de escopo
Authors: Lacerda Emanuella Pereira de , Lima Sara Fiterman , Oliveira Bruno Luciano Carneiro Alves de
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Objetivo: mapear a literatura sobre a saúde de crianças quilombolas e a relação com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Método: revisão de escopo seguiu o protocolo do JBI e o Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. As buscas foram nas bases LILACS, BDENF, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE e na plataforma Google Acadêmico. O protocolo de pesquisa foi registrado no Open Science Framework. Resultados: foram selecionados como relevantes para este estudo 18 artigos de 2.055 estudos. Os artigos foram agrupados em quatro eixos: Acesso aos serviços de saúde; Aspectos nutricionais da criança quilombola; Agravos à saúde da criança quilombola; e Cuidado à criança quilombola. Observou-se a relação desses com Objetivos 1, 3, 4, 6 e 10. Considerações finais: o estudo proporcionou um mapeamento de suma importância sobre a temática da saúde de crianças quilombolas e as temáticas relacionadas aos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável.
DETERMINANTES DO COMPORTAMENTO DE COMPRA DE PRODUTOS FAIR TRADE POR GRUPOS DE RESIDENTES NOS ESTADOS UNIDOS
Authors: Santos Enmily Bhárbara Martins dos , Cezar Layon Carlos
Published: February 2025

RESUMO O consumo é influenciado por vários comportamentos que explicam as escolhas dos consumidores. A busca por produtos ligados a causas sociais ou ambientais tem crescido entre os consumidores conscientes. A certificação Fair Trade exemplifica essa tendência, especialmente difundida em países mais ricos, como os EUA. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo objetiva compreender e analisar os fatores determinantes do consumo de produtos Fair Trade por grupos de consumidores residentes nos Estados Unidos. A pesquisa, de caráter explicativo e quantitativo, utilizou uma survey aplicada a 176 consumidores de 24 estados norte-americanos. A Análise Fatorial Exploratória revelou quatro fatores principais que explicam o consumo de produtos Fair Trade: i) conhecimento e disponibilidade dos produtos; ii) estilo de vida e identidade dos consumidores; iii) valores éticos e preocupações socioambientais; e iv) preço e qualidade. Além disso, as variáveis foram agrupadas em seis clusters distintos, com características semelhantes quanto ao consumo de produtos Fair Trade, mas diferentes em relação às intenções de compra futura. O estudo avança em duas dimensões: apresenta um framework teórico que sintetiza estudos sobre consumo Fair Trade e propõe um framework analítico que desafia a compreensão tradicional dos fatores que determinam o comportamento dos consumidores de produtos Fair Trade, sugerindo novas investigações.
ANTECEDENTES E CONSEQUÊNCIAS DA GOVERNANÇA RELACIONAL NA CADEIA DE SUPRIMENTOS DO AGRONEGÓCIO
Authors: Oliveira Juliana Froner de , Dolci Décio Bittencourt
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Os relacionamentos interorganizacionais surgiram como estratégia para ampliar os ganhos mútuos das empresas na cadeia de suprimentos. Examina-se essa questão no agronegócio, considerando a relevância econômica e social dessa cadeia. Objetiva-se compreender a influência da tecnologia da informação e da confiança interorganizacional na governança relacional e a influência da governança nos resultados dos membros da díade cliente-fornecedor. Realizou-se uma pesquisa survey aplicada a empresas de máquinas e implementos agrícolas associadas ao Sindicato das Indústrias de Máquinas e Implementos Agrícolas do Rio Grande do Sul (SIMERS). Analisaram-se respostas de 47 casos, utilizando-se técnicas estatísticas de análise fatorial e de modelagem de equações estruturais. Os resultados das análises fatoriais sugeriram examinar as variáveis flexibilidade e mecanismos informais de cooperação para medir governança relacional; e as variáveis performance relacional, custo do conflito e esforço de parceria para examinar as consequências da governança relacional. Complementarmente, a análise estrutural indica que apenas a confiança interorganizacional causa efeito positivo na cooperação, enquanto a flexibilidade também recebe efeito positivo e significante da integração da tecnologia da informação. Apresentam-se, ainda, como significantes, as seguintes consequências da governança relacional: da flexibilidade, positivamente na performance; da flexibilidade, negativamente no esforço de parceria; da cooperação, negativamente no esforço de parceria; da cooperação, positivamente na performance e no custo do conflito. Esse resultado aponta que uma estrutura de relacionamento com forte cooperação demanda um esforço maior à organização do trabalho e à solução de problemas personalizados, contestando a hipótese de que a influência da cooperação no custo de transação seja sempre negativa. Assim, por meio da governança relacional e dos custos de transação, demonstram-se potenciais caminhos para a redução de custos e superior performance relacional da díade cliente-fornecedor. O modelo teórico desenvolvido pode contribuir na investigação científica de outras cadeias de suprimentos.
DECOLONIZANDO O CONHECIMENTO: PERSPECTIVAS DAS EPISTEMOLOGIAS DO SUL NO CAMPO DAS POLÍTICAS DE AÇÕES AFIRMATIVAS
Authors: Marcelino Karina Francine , Moraes Mário César Barreto
Published: February 2025

RESUMO Este ensaio teórico apresenta as perspectivas epistemológicas da ciência, tendo como enfoque as epistemologias do Sul, e realiza uma aproximação com as pesquisas do campo das políticas públicas de ações afirmativas. Evidencia-se que a ciência demarcou durante anos o que é válido como conhecimento e excluiu o que fica além do mainstream das ciências sociais. Ou seja, qualquer produção científica fora dos padrões considerados verdadeiros e que reaja à forma tradicional de fazer ciência torna-se inválida. Sob essa perspectiva, a obra “Epistemologias do Sul”, de Boaventura de Sousa Santos e Maria Paula Meneses, destaca que o modus operandi do colonialismo provocou a dominação epistemológica de nações/povos, além de outras dominações, promovendo o extermínio de culturas e saberes por meio de uma relação extremamente desigual de saber-poder-ser. Por meio deste ensaio teórico, apresentamos as contribuições das epistemologias do Sul para as pesquisas do campo das políticas públicas de ações afirmativas, as quais podem inspirar outros pesquisadores a construir um conhecimento que promova o diálogo entre vários saberes e a efetiva inclusão social, de modo que as ciências sociais, especialmente as aplicadas, reforcem as lutas pela emancipação social a partir de um processo coletivo de produção de conhecimentos.
Self-reported carbohydrate supercompensation and supplementation strategies adopted by Olympic triathlon athletes
Authors: Mendes M.P. , Marinho A.H. , Moura F.A. , Bádue G.S. , Ferreira G.A. , Araujo G.G. de , Lima-Silva A.E. , Ataide-Silva T.
Published: February 2025

The aim of the present study was to describe the use of tapering, carbohydrate (CHO) supercompensation, and supplementation strategies self-reported by athletes in the Olympic triathlon category. A total of 72 triathletes (61 males and 11 females) answered an online questionnaire about their training and performance, supercompensation strategies, carbohydrate supplementation, and use of supplements and other ergogenic substances. The information was summarized and subjected to descriptive analysis. Shapiro-Wilk test was applied to check data normality. The t-test was used to investigate differences in the analyzed variables between sexes. Almost all triathletes reported to have performed tapering (93.05%) and approximately half of them adopted a CHO supercompensation strategy (48.61%); updated CHO supercompensation was the most used strategy (27.77%). Most participants (86.11%) used CHO supplementation during competitions, but in amounts below the 60 g/h recommended for most athletes (96.77%). Thus, since few triathletes performed supercompensation, in addition to the insufficient amount of supplemented carbohydrate taken by them, it could be concluded that triathletes were not sufficiently aware of nutritional recommendations or did not adopt them.
Aneurysm of the arch of the great saphenous vein: therapeutic challenge and review of the literature
Authors: El Kassimi Badr , Kharroubi Abdelkarim
Published: February 2025

Abstract Venous aneurysms are uncommon and can involve the entire venous system and occur at any age. The presence of these aneurysmal formations at the level of the saphenous vein junction is rarely reported, given the small number of cases described in the literature. We report the case of a 41-year-old patient with an aneurysm in the saphenofemoral junction of the right great saphenous vein, discovered incidentally during a consultation for varicose veins of the right lower limb.
One Health approach to an incidental surgical finding of Dioctophyme renale in a dog in the city of Seropédica, RJ, Brazil: case report
Authors: Correia C.A. , Cardinot T.M. , Albuquerque D.D.A. , Sobrado-Silva M.P.S. , Alonso L.S. , Brandolini S.V.P.B.
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT Zoonotic diseases pose a significant challenge to global healthcare systems, particularly in underdeveloped nations. The concept of One Health emerges as an essential approach in controlling and preventing these zoonoses. This study documents the incidental surgical finding of a Dioctophyme renale specimen found in the abdominal cavity of a dog in the city of Seropédica, RJ, Brazil. We suspect that the actual prevalence in the region to be underestimated. Its geographical and socioeconomic characteristics indicate its potential to be an endemic zone, thus raising concerns for both animal and human health, as humans can also be subject to accidental infection. This report endeavors to reinforce the evidence that supports the assessment of Seropédica as being a potentially endemic region for dioctophymosis.