bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revalidation of Phalangomyia Dyar & Knab as a subgenus of Culex L. (Diptera: Culicidae) based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: GONZÁLEZ CHRISTIAN R. , REYES-VALENZUELA CAROLINA , ROSSI GUSTAVO C. , LAURITO MAGDALENA
Published: March 2023

Culex apicinus Philippi, 1865 and its synonyms, Phalangomyia debilis Dyar & Knab, 1914, Cx. escomeli Brèthes, 1920 and Cx. alticola Martini, 1931, were re-examined employing molecular and morphological phylogenetic methods. Archival and fresh specimens were used for morphological diagnosis and to generate fragments of two single-copy nuclear genes (CAD, HB) and one mitochondrial gene (COI). Additional sequences of Cx. apicinus and species of the subgenus Culex of Culex Linnaeus, 1758 and other subgenera of the genus were obtained from GenBank for molecular analysis. Diagnostic morphological characteristics of Cx. apicinus and other species of the subgenus Culex were contrasted. Phylogenetic relationships were generated using DNA sequences of protein coding genes under both Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Culex apicinus showed unique morphological traits that allow its classification in a separate subgenus. The subspecific status is supported by its recovery as a monophyletic clade within the genus Culex based on morphological and molecular characters. The synonymous Phalangomyia debilis provides an available subgeneric name. Consequently, Phalangomyia Dyar & Knab, 1914 is resurrected from synonymy with Culex Linnaeus, 1758 as a monobasic subgenus of Culex.
Diurnal Cycle Dependence of ENSO Influence on the Winter Surface Air Temperature in Southeastern China
Authors: Geng Xin , Noh Kyung-Min , Kug Jong-Seong , Zhang Wenjun
Published: March 2023

It is well known that El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) can influence the East Asian winter climate by modifying the atmospheric circulation over the western North Pacific (WNP). While the impact on precipitation in southeastern China has been extensively studied, the ENSO signal in surface air temperature (SAT) remains overlooked. In this paper, we identify robust ENSO footprints in the winter daily minimum SAT in southeastern China, with El Niño winters generally accompanied by warmer-than-normal minimum SAT anomalies. In contrast, the responses of maximum SAT are weak and negligible, suggesting a diurnal cycle–dependent ENSO influence. Further analysis indicates that this diurnal cycle dependence stems primarily from the disparate surface radiative heating between day and night induced by ENSO-related local total cloud cover (TCC) change. The warmer minimum SAT occurring in the early morning of El Niño winters is mainly caused by the enhanced surface downward longwave radiative heating as a result of the TCC increase. However, in the afternoon of El Niño winters, although the anomalous horizontal advection of warm air plays a role, there is surface radiative cooling as the weakening of solar radiation due to TCC reflection overwhelms the increase in downward longwave radiation, which leads to a weakened sensible heat flux and thus has a cooling effect on the SAT. Ultimately, these two processes effectively cancel each other out and together produce insignificant maximum SAT responses. Our conclusions carry important implications for the seasonal to interannual winter climate prediction in southeastern China.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to better understand how ENSO influences winter surface air temperature in southeastern China. Despite insignificant responses of winter daily maximum temperature to ENSO, we find here a robust ENSO influence on the daily minimum temperature, with warm anomalies tending to occur during El Niño events. Further evidence suggests that this diurnal cycle–dependent ENSO influence is mainly caused by ENSO-induced change in local cloudiness, which has a different radiative heating effect between day and night. Our findings are of great importance for improving regional climate prediction, which will benefit social and economic activities.
“Dalle due sponde: Fascisms in Italy and the USA”: Then and now
Authors: Ward David
Published: March 2023

This is an introduction to the articles that form the special issue on fascism in Italy and the USA in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s.
Evaluative thinking
Authors: Cole Michael J
Published: March 2023

Evaluative thinking is a core skill used by evaluators. It brings evaluation practice to a higher level of sophistication and utility and helps to ensure that evaluation findings, interpretations and recommendations are contextualised, evidence-based and practical. This article draws upon decades of the work of evaluators who have published on thinking critically and evaluatively. It identifies and explores the five primary elements of evaluative thinking – critical, contextual, creative, practical thinking and reflective practice – and offers a practical framework for examining and applying these elements of evaluative thinking. It also distinguishes evaluative thinking from evaluation planning and implementation, which it precedes and guides. Finally, it proposes that evaluative thinking should be examined and learned intentionally as a core evaluation skill just as, for example, various methodologies or methods of analysis are taught.
Carpal Tunnel Anthropometrics Using Acrylic Casts: A Cadaveric Study With Implications for Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Carmo José D. , Cardoso Rui C. , Silva Helder V. , Jesus Rui F.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Abundant literature exists on the morphology of the carpal tunnel. Despite this, the shape of the carpal tunnel has been reported erratically, and most studies did not attempt to correlate findings with measurements taken from cadavers. The objective of this study was to perform a morphological analysis, determine the shape and mean dimensions of the carpal tunnel, determine the level of the narrowest area of the tunnel, and establish a set of values capable of serving as a reference for carpal tunnel release.

Methods:

The carpal tunnels of 20 fresh cadaveric hands were dissected, and acrylic casts were created and measured using industrial computed tomography.

Results:

Of the 20 casts, 19 were shaped like elliptic cylinders, with little variation in their measurements along the length. The location of the narrowest section of the carpal tunnel is very different among casts, and the length of the roof of the carpal tunnel ranged from 21.26 to 29.86 mm.

Conclusions:

The most common shape of the carpal tunnel is an elliptic cylinder. Because of the unpredictability of the location of the narrowest area of the carpal tunnel, carpal tunnel release must continue through all extension of its roof. We advise that the release should rarely be extended distally more than 30 mm from the distal palmar wrist crease, which corresponds, in most cases, to the middle of the pisiform.
Characteristics of rib fracture patients who require chest computed tomography in the emergency department
Authors: Kim Woosik , Song Juhyun , Moon Sungwoo , Kim Jooyeong , Cho Hanjin , Park Jonghak , Kim Sungjin , Ahn Sejoong
Published: March 2023

Background

The disadvantages and complications of computed tomography (CT) can be minimized if CT is performed in rib fracture patients with high probability of intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries and CT is omitted in rib fracture patients with low probability of intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the factors that can identify patients with rib fractures with intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries in the emergency department among patients with rib fracture.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) diagnosed with rib fracture on chest radiography prior to chest CT due to blunt chest trauma in the emergency department who underwent chest CT from January 2016 to February 2021. The primary outcomes were intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries that could be identified on a chest CT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Among the characteristics of rib fractures, the number of rib fractures was greater (5.0 [3.0–7.0] vs. 2.0 [1.0–3.0], p < 0.001), bilateral rib fractures were frequent (56 [20.1%] vs. 12 [9.8%], p = 0.018), and lateral and posterior rib fracture was more frequent (lateral rib fracture: 160 [57.3%] vs. 25 [20.5%], p < 0.001; posterior rib fracture: 129 [46.2%] vs. 21 [17.2%], p < 0.001), and displacement was more frequent (99 [35.5%] vs. 6 [6.6%], p < 0.001) in the group with intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries than in the group with no injury. The number of rib fractures (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.78; p = 0.001), lateral rib fracture (aOR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.32–5.95; p = 0.008), and posterior rib fracture (aOR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.45–6.94; p = 0.004) were independently associated with intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries. The optimal cut-off for the number of rib fractures on the outcome was three. The number of rib fractures ≥ 3 (aOR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.35–6.71; p = 0.007) was independently associated with intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries.

Conclusion

In patients with rib fractures due to blunt trauma, those with lateral or posterior rib fractures, those with ≥ 3 rib fractures, and those requiring O2 supplementation require chest CT to identify significant intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries in the emergency department.
The efficacy and safety of temperature controlled dual-mode radiofrequency in women with vaginal laxity
Authors: FU Lixia , Long Senyang , LI Qin , XU Hainan , Guo Ling , Wang Huarong , Zheng Zhongyan , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2023

Objective

Vaginal laxity could negatively influence women’s sexual function. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of temperature controlled dual-mode (monopolar and bipolar) radiofrequency (RF) in women with vaginal laxity.

Methods

A total of 102 patients with vaginal laxity were treated with temperature-controlled RF. The present study implemented Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ) on all patients at baseline and after treatment. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) system was applied to physical examination, and vaginal manometer to examine the strength of voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles.

Results

The VLQ score was gradually increased after RF treatment at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, accompanying by the significant improvement in total FSFI scores and the six domains (sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain). The increased sexual satisfaction based on the SSQ score was found after temperature-controlled RF. The result of POP-Q stage showed significant difference in women after treatment, with the women having Stage I of 45.10% at baseline, 36.27% at 1 month, 28.43% at 3 months, 19.61% at 6 months and 10.78% at 12 months. The mean pressure and mean duration of pelvic contractions were increased gradually at the 1-, 3-, 6- and 12- month follow-up.

Conclusion

Temperature controlled dual-mode (monopolar and bipolar) radiofrequency may be associated with improvement of vaginal laxity, and contribute to enhancement to female sexual function and pelvic floor muscles.
Use of health services one year before primary colorectal cancer
Authors: Hermiö Elina , Seppä Karri , Ryynänen Heidi , Hirvonen Elli , Pylkkänen Liisa , Järvelin Jutta , Malila Nea , Pitkäniemi Janne
Published: March 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patient pathways focus typically on periods after confirmed diagnosis and only limited data are available on pathways prior to cancer diagnosis. The aim of the study was to describe the use of health services (HS) one year before diagnosis among CRC patients in Finland. We also studied the role of sex, age, stage, and university hospital district in relation to the use of HS during the pre-diagnostic phase. This information is expected to bring light on the question why CRC is often not found in its early stages.

Methods

Incident CRC cases (N = 3115) concerning year 2015 were retrieved from the Finnish Cancer Registry and linked with data from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare on primary or specialised care outpatient visits or inpatient episodes over one year prior to CRC diagnosis. We modelled the average number of HS events per patient using Poisson regression model with log-link. Change points for monthly HS event rates and 95% CIs one year before diagnosis were evaluated using Poisson broken line regression models.

Results

Around 10% of patients diagnosed in 2015 had no events prior to cancer leaving 2816 CRCs in the study. Of all pre-diagnostic events (N = 23268), 86% were outpatient events and 14% inpatient episodes. More than half of the inpatient episodes (65%) started as urgent admissions. The use of HS started to increase 3–4 months before diagnosis. The average number of pre-diagnostic HS events per patient varied by sex, age, stage and university hospital district. Overall, men had more events per patient than women and older patients had more events than younger patients.

Conclusions

The amount of inpatient episodes starting as urgent admissions indicate potential bottlenecks in the access to health services. An increase in service use only 3–4 months prior to diagnosis reflects a need for advice both for health care professionals and the general population in recognising symptoms of CRC.
Ultrasound-guided phlebotomy in primary care for people who inject drugs
Authors: Huyck Michael , Mayer Stockton , Messmer Sarah , Yingling Charles , Stephenson Shirley
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Persons who inject drugs (PWID) commonly experience venous degradation as a complication of prolonged injection, which makes routine phlebotomy difficult. Clients may decline care due to the perceived lack of skilled phlebotomy services, and this contributes to significant delays in infectious disease screening and treatment. In this study, we investigated ultrasound-guided phlebotomy in clients with difficult venous access receiving care at two low-threshold buprenorphine clinics. Our objectives were to increase the accuracy of vascular access, expedite infectious disease treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and increase client satisfaction with phlebotomy services.

Methods

PWID who declined routine phlebotomy at two clinic sites were offered ultrasound-guided vascular access by a trained clinician. Participants completed a survey to collect data regarding acceptability of the intervention.

Results

Throughout a 14-month period, 17 participants were enrolled. Of the total 30 procedures, 41.2% of clients returned for more than one phlebotomy visit, and 88.2% of clients achieved vascular access within 1 attempt. Of participating clients, 52.9% described themselves as having difficult venous access and at conclusion of the study, 58.8% expressed more willingness to have phlebotomy performed with an ultrasound device.

Conclusions

Offering ultrasound-guided phlebotomy for PWID with difficult venous access resulted in decreased access attempts, increased patient satisfaction, and expedited screening and treatment for HIV and HCV point-of-care ultrasound technology is an effective approach to improving care for persons who inject drugs.
The healing effects of thymoquinone on experimentally induced traumatic tendinopathy in rabbits
Authors: Soltanfar Alireza , Meimandi Parizi Abdolhamid , Foad-Noorbakhsh Mohammad , Sayyari Mansour , Iraji Aida
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Thymoquinone is a major bioactive compound present in the black seeds of the Nigella sativa. Tendon injuries are almost 50% of all musculoskeletal injuries. The recovery of tendon after surgery has become a significant challenge in orthopedics.

Design

The purpose of this study was to investigate the healing effect of thymoquinone injections in 40 New Zealand rabbits tendon traumatic models.

Materials and methods

Tendinopathy was induced by trauma using surgical forceps on the Achilles tendon. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1) normal saline injection (control), (2) DMSO injection, (3) thymoquinone 5% w/w injection, and (4) thymoquinone 10% w/w injection. Forty-two days after surgery, biochemical and histopathological evaluations were done, and biomechanical evaluation was conducted 70 days after surgery.

Results

Breakpoint and yield points in treatment groups were significantly higher compared to control and DMSO groups. Hydroxyproline content in the 10% thymoquinone receiving group was higher than all groups. Edema and hemorrhage in the histopathological evaluation were significantly lower in the thymoquinone 10% and thymoquinone 5% receiving groups compared to control and DMSO groups. Collagen fibers, collagen fibers with fibrocytes, and collagen fibers with fibroblasts were significantly higher in the thymoquinone 10% and thymoquinone 5% receiving groups compared to control groups.

Conclusions

Thymoquinone injection in the tendon in the concentration of 10% w/w is a simple and low-cost healing agent that could enhance mechanical and collagen synthesis in traumatic tendinopathy models in rabbit.
Trajectories of child mental health, physical activity and screen-time during the COVID-19 pandemic considering different family situations: results from a longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Kurz Deborah , Braig Stefanie , Genuneit Jon , Rothenbacher Dietrich
Published: March 2023

Background

Many authors have described a significant mental health burden on children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly moderated by social disparities. This analysis explores whether pre-pandemic family circumstances might be related to different aspects of child health during the pandemic.

Methods

We analyzed trajectories of health-related outcomes in children aged 5 to 9 years (T7 to T11) using the Ulm SPATZ Health study, a population based birth cohort study (baseline 04/2012–05/2013) conducted in the South of Germany. Outcomes were children’s mental health, quality of life, and lifestyle, such as screen time and physical activity. We conducted descriptive statistics of maternal and child characteristics before and throughout the pandemic. We defined three different groups of pre-pandemic family situations and used adjusted mixed models to estimate differences in means associated with the time during the pandemic vs. before the pandemic in (a) all children and in (b) children belonging to specific pre-pandemic family situations.

Results

We analyzed data from n = 588 children from whom at least one questionnaire was completed between T7 and T11. When not considering the pre-pandemic family situation, adjusted mixed models showed statistically significant lower mean scores of health-related quality of life among girls during vs. before the COVID-19 pandemic (difference in means (b): − 3.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): − 6.4, − 1.4). There were no substantial differences in mental health, screen time, or physical activity in boys or girls. When considering pre-pandemic family situations, boys with mothers having symptoms of depression or anxiety showed a substantial loss of health-related quality of life on the subscale of friends (b: − 10.5 (95% CI: − 19.7, − 1.4)). Among girls in this group, 60% of the 15 assessed outcomes were negatively associated with a remarkable loss in health-related quality of life (e.g., KINDL-physical well-being difference in means: − 12.2 (95% CI: − 18.9, − 5.4)). Furthermore, a substantial increase in screen time was found (+ 2.9 h (95% CI: 0.3, 5.6)).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the health (and behavior) of primary school-aged children is possibly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with adverse consequences differing by gender and very likely by the pre-pandemic family situation. Especially in girls having a mother with depression or anxiety symptoms, the adverse consequences of the pandemic on mental health seem to be aggregated. Boys showed fewer adverse trajectories, and it needs to be further assessed which factors exactly are behind the (socio-economic) factors, such as maternal working habits and limited living space, when analyzing the effect of the pandemic on children’s health.
Evidence for the role of transcription factors in the co-transcriptional regulation of intron retention
Authors: Ullah Fahad , Jabeen Saira , Salton Maayan , Reddy Anireddy S. N. , Ben-Hur Asa
Published: March 2023

Background

Alternative splicing is a widespread regulatory phenomenon that enables a single gene to produce multiple transcripts. Among the different types of alternative splicing, intron retention is one of the least explored despite its high prevalence in both plants and animals. The recent discovery that the majority of splicing is co-transcriptional has led to the finding that chromatin state affects alternative splicing. Therefore, it is plausible that transcription factors can regulate splicing outcomes.

Results

We provide evidence for the hypothesis that transcription factors are involved in the regulation of intron retention by studying regions of open chromatin in retained and excised introns. Using deep learning models designed to distinguish between regions of open chromatin in retained introns and non-retained introns, we identified motifs enriched in IR events with significant hits to known human transcription factors. Our model predicts that the majority of transcription factors that affect intron retention come from the zinc finger family. We demonstrate the validity of these predictions using ChIP-seq data for multiple zinc finger transcription factors and find strong over-representation for their peaks in intron retention events.

Conclusions

This work opens up opportunities for further studies that elucidate the mechanisms by which transcription factors affect intron retention and other forms of splicing.

Availability

Source code available at https://github.com/fahadahaf/chromir
The determinants of innovation performance: an income-based cross-country comparative analysis using the Global Innovation Index (GII)
Authors: Bate Adisu Fanta , Wachira Esther Wanjiru , Danka Sándor
Published: March 2023

Despite the dearth of research on innovation, the key determinants of innovation performance still need to be clarified. Besides, a comparative analysis of the determinants of innovation performance across countries at different income levels has yet to be found. This study, therefore, aims to bridge this research gap by considering the innovation performance of 63 countries. Participating countries were purposefully selected from the Global Innovation Index (GII) dataset. Multistage and multimodal analyses were conducted, including multiple linear regressions, hierarchical regression, and ANOVA, to examine the variation in innovation performance and pinpoint critical determinants in each category of countries. The result reveals that human capital, research, infrastructure, and business sophistication are the key pillars determining countries’ innovation performance. In a variable-level analysis, innovation linkage and knowledge absorption (both of business sophistication), research and development (R&D), and infrastructure (inculcating both physical and digital) are the best predicting variables. The shortage of human capital to promote R&D is the biggest bottleneck hampering innovation in the lower-middle-income category. Also, both human capital for R&D activities and innovation linkage equally affect the upper-middle-income, and the latter one, innovation linkage, remains the main challenge even for the high-income category. The study implies that innovation performance predicts a country’s economic growth. The level of innovation performance and the determinants of innovation vary per the countries’ income levels. Accordingly, countries and firms in various income categories should prioritize tackling their respective bottlenecks hindering innovation performance in their policy directions. The study claims to have extended the horizon of understanding determinants of innovation across countries and revealed the most crucial factors in each category of countries. Further empirical comparative research can be done by incorporating an informal institution, national culture, as an additional determinant and specifying sectors across income categories.
Bestattet oder entsorgt?
Authors: Schaer Nathalie , Stopp Barbara
Published: March 2023

Die Publikation widmet sich einem spektakulären Befund, der anlässlich einer Ausgrabung im Jahr 1975 in der spätlatènezeitlichen Siedlung Basel-Gasfabrik zum Vorschein kam. Die Ausgräber waren damals beim Ausgraben einer mit Abfall verfüllten Grube auf das Skelett einer auf dem Bauch liegenden, jungen Frau gestossen. Allerdings fehlte der Schädel. Unter Berücksichtigung kleinster Details des Befunds und mit kriminalistischem Spürsinn gelingt es der Archäologin Nathalie Schaer in Zusammenarbeit mit der Archäozoologin Barbara Stopp Licht in die komplexen Bestattungssitten der Kelten vor 2100 Jahren zu bringen und eine Antwort auf die von der Forschung seit längerem gestellten Frage «Bestattet oder entsorgt?» zu finden.
Socialismo, República y revolución en Andalucía (1931-1936)
Authors: Macarro Vera José Manuel
Published: March 2023

La República fue entendia por los socialistas como una revolución, más que como una democracia. En ella el control de las relaciones laborales por la U.G.T. fue el termometro de la salud del régimen, de tal manera, que si el sindicato perdía su control, la República estaría muerta. El reformismo agrario partió de ideas tópicas sobre el campo, y acarreó la desarticulación de la economía agraria en vez de la liberación de los jornaleros.
CONHECIMENTO PODEROSO E IDEIAS FUNDAMENTAIS: UMA PROPOSTA DE CURRÍCULO EM ESPIRAL PARA A FÍSICA ESCOLAR
Authors: Gomes de Lima Luís
Published: March 2023

O presente trabalho investiga a proposição de um currículo de física em espiral baseado no conhecimento poderoso e nas ideias  fundamentais. Busca-se a construção de um currículo de física que garanta o acesso dos estudantes, especialmente das escolas  públicas, ao conhecimento clássico, ao saber sistematizado, para que possam, de fato, se emancipar por meio do chamado  conhecimento poderoso. Nessa proposta, rejeitamos a extinção da disciplina de física, e o esvaziamento curricular na atual Base Nacional Comum Curricular e no Novo Ensino Médio. A investigação aponta para a possibilidade de um currículo de física amplo, que supera o pragmatismo e a diminuição dos saberes da física nas propostas curriculares atuais. Como resultados, o currículo de física em espiral, formado por meio das ideias fundamentais, promove o conhecimento poderoso e potencializa a  compreensão dos estudantes sobre novos saberes.
MÉTODO EXPERIMENTAL PARA ESTIMAR O FATOR DE ATRITO DE DARCY-WEISBACH
Authors: De Carvalho Neto Manoel José , Barros de Oliveira Glaydson Francisco , Dantas da Cunha Sharon
Published: March 2023

Em sistemas reais, como o escoamento de líquidos em tubulações, a perda de carga possui grande importância no dimensionamento de projetos hidráulicos. A perda de carga nesses sistemas é regida pela equação de Darcy-Weisbach, onde o fator de atrito é um número adimensional que depende do número de Reynolds e da rugosidade relativa da tubulação. Na prática, esse fator é obtido por meio da equação iterativa direta de Colebrook-White. Algumas instituições não possuem kits experimentais de hidráulica devido ao seu alto custo. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o desenvolvimento e a aplicação de um aparato experimental de baixo custo para estimar o fator de atrito a partir da perda de carga distribuída de trechos retos de tubos de PVC (Policloreto de Vinila). O experimento foi realizado em regime permanente, cuja vazão de água foi fornecida por um reservatório de grande capacidade. A partir da regressão linear da perda de carga, obtida por meio de um piezômetro, versus comprimento do tubo, obtém-se o fator de atrito a partir da relação entre o coeficiente angular e a equação de Darcy-Weisback. O valor obtido foi bastante satisfatório quando comparado ao valor da literatura, considerando que o experimento foi realizado em ambiente aberto, para reaproveitar a água utilizada no experimento na agricultura.
ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS ATRAVÉS DA MOSTRA BRASILEIRA DE FOGUETES (MOBFOG)
Authors: Freire Teodosio Lucas , Henrique Siqueira Pedro , de Melo Neto João Dionízio , Moreira Rodrigues Ednardo , Barolli Elisabeth , Costa Campos Mucio , Cavalcante Romeu Mairton
Published: March 2023

Este artigo aborda a Mostra Brasileira de Foguetes (MOBFOG) como uma ferramenta para o ensino de ciências e, para tal abordagem, é feita uma breve revisão bibliográfica sobre o ensino de ciências assim como acerca da MOBFOG em tal âmbito. Além disso, para entender as potencialidades das práticas com foguetes, são analisadas as respostas de um formulário eletrônico aplicado a estudantes que participaram da competição.
traducció a Catalunya (2020-2021)
Authors: Comellas Casanova Pere
Published: March 2023

La traducció ha seguit tenint un paper força rellevant en el món editorial a Catalunya durant els anys 2020 i 2021. Malgrat la pandèmia, no hi ha hagut davallades significatives en la producció i aquesta ha estat similar a la del bienni previ a la Covid-19. A partir de l'anàlisi de les dades de l'ISBN, el percentatge de traduccions respecte de l’edició total a Catalunya segueix sent molt alt, per sobre de la mitjana de l’Estat espanyol. Unes poques llengües europees i el japonès acaparen el gruix de traduccions publicades a Catalunya (anglès, de manera molt destacada, seguit de francès, castellà, italià, alemany i català). El japonès segueix sent prominent per les traduccions de manga, sobretot al castellà. En les traduccions entre català i castellà, hi ha un fort desequilibri: és molt més important la del castellà cap al català que a l'inrevés, i el gruix de traducció del castellà correspon a llibre infantil. Pel que fa a les matèries, la literatura i els llibres infantils són les traduccions més habituals. Durant el període analitzat es destaca la importància d’alguns títols literaris traduïts i la seva rellevància i qualitat. Els premis a la traducció han continuat centrats en aquesta traducció literària, classificats per llengües font i gèneres, i atorgats per institucions, de manera destacada les universitats públiques. Les trobades i reunions científiques al voltant de la traducció es van haver d'adaptar a la situació sanitària excepcional. Algunes es van suspendre, però moltes d'altres van tenir un format digital, la qual cosa permet en alguns casos recuperar-ne ara les sessions enregistrades.
The temporal structure of male freestyle wrestling bouts in 65, 86 and 125 kg categories
Authors: Gutiérrez-Santiago Alfonso , Vázquez-Estévez Christopher , Paramés-González Adrián , Argibay-González Juan Carlos , Reguera-López-de-la-Osa Xoana , Vila-Fernández Nerea , González-Sabajanes Ana , Prieto-Lage Iván
Published: March 2023

In freestyle wrestling, how regulatory breaks and micro pauses affect the efforts during combat has been studied very little. The objective of the study was to determine the temporal structure of fights in male freestyle wrestling in the 65, 86 and 125 kg categories. All wrestlers from the categories (n = 115) who competed in the 2019 senior wrestling world championship (Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan) participated. Using observational methodology, we analyzed all fights (n = 127). We used different statistical techniques: descriptive, normality tests, Kruskall-Wallis, one-way ANOVA and chi-square. The significance level was ρ<0.05. The results show that most fights finish in the last minute (73.5% in 65 kg, 74.5% in 86 kg and 80.6% in 125 kg) and the total fight time is consumed (67.3% in 65 kg, 70.2% in 86 kg and 77.4% in 125 kg). Differences in 18 variables were found when comparing the three weights were found in the temporal and sequential parameters of the combat. When we compare these parameters to the different fight minutes, we find that there are differences in 17 variables in 65 kg, 20 variables in 86 kg and 10 variables in 125 kg. The results define a temporal structure of male freestyle wrestling bouts in the three categories, and therefore, it will be possible to prepare adequate trainings for these athletes. We conclude that in the three weight categories, they wrestle longer standing than while on the ground. There are clear differences between the three categories. In the 125 kg category, the temporal and sequential parameters are more stable throughout the different minutes of the fight, and in 65 and 86 kg, there is an instability. In the three weights, the regulatory break modulates the duration of the pauses and the actions performed by the wrestlers in different fight minutes.
Innovative temporary edge protection system in trench works for the construction industry and rescue operations
Authors: Ortiz García-Minguillán Luis Miguel , Manzanares José Tejero , Hidalgo Fernández Rafael Enrique , Zhang Xiaoxin
Published: March 2023

This study assessed an innovative temporary edge protection system (TEPS) designed and developed to improve the ergonomics, health and safety at trench works in the construction industry, which ranks as one of the most hazardous worldwide. A wooden prototype of this innovative TEPS was built, and its mechanical resistance was compared to a conventional one. Thereafter, field tests were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of this pioneering TEPS. Both in analytical studies and field tests, the mechanical resistance to static loads of the TEPS complied with EU standards, and outperformed the conventional TEPS. The novel TEPS is effective as fall protection for different trench shoring systems and in buildings without edge protection systems. Moreover, this novel lightweight TEPS is easy to transport, with simple and safe on-site installation.
Bayesian spatial modelling of tuberculosis-HIV co-infection in Ethiopia
Authors: Gemechu Leta Lencha , Debusho Legesse Kassa
Published: March 2023

An in-depth analysis of the epidemiological patterns of TB/HIV co-infection is essential since it helps to target high-risk areas with effective control measures. The main objective of this study was to assess the spatial clustering of TB/HIV co-infection prevalence in Ethiopia for the year 2018 using district-level aggregated TB and HIV data obtained from the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health. The global Moran’s index, Getis-Ord G i * local statistic, and Bayesian spatial modeling techniques were applied to analyse the data. The result of the study shows that TB among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV among TB patients prevalence were geographically heterogeneous. The highest prevalence of TB among PLHIV in 2018 was reported in the Gambella region (1.44%). The overall prevalence of TB among PLHIV in Ethiopia in the same year was 0.38% while the prevalence of HIV among TB patients was 6.88%. Both district-level prevalences of HIV among TB patients and TB among PLHIV were positively spatially autocorrelated, but the latter was not statistically significant. The local indicators of spatial analysis using the Getis-Ord statistic also identified hot-spots districts for both types of TB/HIV co-infection data. The results of Bayesian spatial logistic regression with spatially structured and unstructured random effects using the Besag, York, and Mollié prior showed that not all the heterogeneities in the prevalence of HIV among TB patients and TB among PLHIV were explained by the spatially structured random effects. This study expanded knowledge about the spatial clustering of TB among PLHIV and HIV among TB patients in Ethiopia at the district level in 2018. The findings provide information to health policymakers in the country to plan geographically targeted and integrated interventions to jointly control TB and HIV.
The effect of menopause on cardiovascular risk factors according to body mass index in middle-aged Korean women
Authors: Song Do Kyeong , Hong Young Sun , Sung Yeon-Ah , Lee Hyejin
Published: March 2023

Background

Menopausal status and obesity are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. However, there are few studies on the effect of menopause on cardiovascular risk factors according to the degree of obesity during the menopausal transition. We aimed to evaluate the effect of menopause on cardiovascular risk factors according to body mass index (BMI) in middle-aged Korean women.

Methods

We analyzed 361 postmenopausal women and 758 premenopausal women (age: 45–55 years) without diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or dyslipidemia, using a cohort database released by the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016–2018. Subjects were divided into two groups based on BMI. Women who underwent a hysterectomy or were pregnant were excluded from this study. Differences between groups adjusted for age and BMI were assessed.

Results

Postmenopausal women (52 ± 2 years) were older than premenopausal women (48 ± 2 years), and BMI did not differ between the two groups (22.8 ± 2.9 vs. 23.0 ± 3.1 kg/m2). After adjustment for age and BMI in total and non-obese subjects (not obese subjects), postmenopausal women exhibited higher hemoglobin A1c and total cholesterol levels than premenopausal women. Subgroup analysis for 138 postmenopausal and 138 age- and BMI-matched premenopausal women showed that postmenopausal women had higher total cholesterol levels than premenopausal women with marginal significance (201 ± 25 vs. 196 ± 27 mg/dL).

Conclusion

Menopausal status was associated with increased glucose and cholesterol levels independent of age and BMI in middle-aged Korean women. Menopausal status showed a significant relationship with increased total cholesterol levels even after adjusting for age and BMI in non-obese women but not obese women. Therefore, intensive monitoring and treating of lipid status is necessary to prevent cardiovascular events during the menopausal transition, especially in non-obese subjects.
Long-term effects of early/late-onset visual deprivation on macular and retinal nerve fibers layer structure: A pilot study
Authors: Magli Adriano , Esposito Veneruso Paolo , Rinaldi Michele , Caputo Roberto , Tranfa Fausto , Costagliola Ciro
Published: March 2023

Background/aims

Tomographic analysis of macular and peripapillary retinal nerve fibers layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with history of congenital (CC) and developmental cataract (DC).

Methods

Analysis of macular and RNFL thickness using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was performed. Retinal layers thickness was measured using the internal segmentation software. Measurements of affected (unilateral and bilateral), contralateral eyes and control eyes were compared.

Results

Patients with history of CC or DC (n = 13 and 11 respectively) and 35 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Thicker inner and outer nuclear layers (INL, ONL) and thicker ONL were found when CC and DC group when compared to controls respectively. Bilateral CC showed the most relevant differences. Slight thickening of CC inner retinal layers were found when compared to DC. Increased superonasal RNFL thickness was found in CC group when compared to DC and controls. Thickening of RNFL of contralateral unaffected eyes of unilateral CC were found when compared to controls.

Conclusion

Significant macular and RNFL thickness changes between CC, DC patients and controls that partially involve also contralateral unaffected eyes of unilateral congenital cataract were found. CC and DC groups show significant differences only in inner retinal layers thickness. Our data suggest that early visual deprivation may influence retinal arrangements occurring during development involving predominantly the outer nuclear layer and para/perifoveal inner retinal layers, and confirm that early treatment of CC allow to achieve better long-term visual outcome. Moreover functional and structural data support the hypothesis that unilateral amblyopia is not exclusively an unilateral issue.
Ongoing increasing trends in central precocious puberty incidence among Korean boys and girls from 2008 to 2020
Authors: Kang Sinyoung , Park Mi Jung , Kim Jung Min , Yuk Jin-Sung , Kim Shin-Hye
Published: March 2023

Background

Over the last few decades, there has been growing evidence of earlier onset and progression of puberty worldwide. This population-based longitudinal cohort study aimed to analyze the change in the annual incidence rate of central precocious puberty (CPP) among Korean children over the most recent decade, using the national registry data.

Method

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) and insurance claims for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment were used to identify CPP patients who were using the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) database between 2008 and 2020. Patients who began GnRHa therapy before the age of 9 and 10 for girls and boys, respectively, were included in the study.

Results

A total of 6,906 boys and 126,377 girls were diagnosed with CPP between 2008 and 2020. The annual incidence of CPP increased by 83.3 times in boys (from 1.2 to 100 per 100,000 persons) and by 15.9 times in girls (from 88.9 to 1414.7 per 100,000 persons). The age-specific annual incidence of CPP increased remarkably more in older children than in younger ones; the 2020 CPP incidence among 9-year-old boys and 8-year-old girls reached 705.2 and 7,967.3 per 100,000 persons, respectively. The annual prevalence of CPP in boys and girls increased from 2.7 to 206.5 (76.5 times) and from 141.8 to 3439.9 (24.3 times) per 100,000 persons, respectively.

Conclusion

Based on GnRHa treatment insurance claims, our study suggests that the annual incidence of CPP has substantially increased in Korea during the past 13 years. These findings highlight the importance of meticulous judgment by doctors in determining GnRHa treatment.
The effect of tablet tilt angles and time on posture, muscle activity, and discomfort at the neck and shoulder in healthy young adults
Authors: Rungkitlertsakul Siriyaphorn , Bhuanantanondh Petcharatana , Buchholz Bryan
Published: March 2023

Background

Although young adults regularly perform tablet writing, biomechanics during the tablet writing with different tilt angles has not been studied. The objective of this study was to compare posture, muscle activity, and discomfort at the neck and shoulder between tablet writing with 0° (horizontal) and 30° tablet tilt angles over 40 minutes in healthy young adults.

Methods

Twenty participants wrote continuously for 40 minutes on a tablet with both tilt angles in a randomized order. Between conditions, there was a 5-minute activity break. Differences in neck and shoulder posture, muscle activity, and discomfort between both tablet tilt angles and changes in the outcomes every 10 minutes over 40 minutes were investigated.

Results

With the tilted tablet, there were lower neck flexion (Z = -4.637, P<0.001), lower shoulder extension (Z = -3.734, P<0.001), and lower neck Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (left; Z = -4.699, P<0.001 and right; Z = -3.874, P<0.001) as compared to the no tilt condition. However, the right upper trapezius muscle activity was higher in the tilted condition as compared to the no tilt one.

Over 40 minutes, the neck VAS (left; χ2(4) = 30.235, P<0.001 and right; χ2(4) = 32.560, P<0.001) and heart rate variability (χ2(4) = 12.906, P = 0.012) showed notable increases after 20 minutes compared to baseline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adjusting the tablet tilt to 30° and limiting time spent to 20 minutes are recommended for young adults during the tablet writing to prevent neck problems.
A comprehensive study of Ecuadorian adult patients with a mild and moderate presentation of COViD-19
Authors: González-Andrade Fabricio , Carrero Yenddy
Published: March 2023

Aim

To characterize non-hospitalized patients with mild and moderate clinical presentation.

Methods

We performed an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study carried out in Ecuador, with 1,447 participants between 18 and 66 years, non-hospitalized, with a molecular RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV2. We analyzed demographic characteristics according to sex, age group, clinical findings, behavior after diagnosis, family and social behavior, sequelae, clinical evolution, type of exposure, and personal history.

Results

The sample analyzed had a mean age of 37 years (95% CI 18–66), women 713 individuals (49.27%), men 733 individuals (50.66%). Age group distribution was 18–30 years, 524 individuals (36.29%), 31–45, 538 individuals (37.26), and more of 45 years, 382 individuals (26.46%). 1416 individuals were mestizos (97.99%). According to the province of residence from Pichincha were 1019 patients (70.52%), followed by Imbabura, 93 patients (6.44%), and the others 335 (23.15%) patients come from all over the country. In women, the most common findings were fever >38°C (54.40%), sputum (27.43%) and hypoxia (16.32%); HTN (5.75%) and hypercholesterolemia (3.69%). Men were more prevalent in all other findings. Comorbidities were more prevalent in all those over 45 years of age. COVID-19 antibodies test was positive in 416 patients (28.85%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, depressed mood, and chronic fatigue were more prevalent in men than women. Still, generalized anxiety disorder and chronic fatigue were more common in individuals of 31 to 45 years. 868 patients (60.07%) were in contact with a known infected person, 318 patients (22.02%) were health workers, and 782 patients (57.63%) were informed about work exposure. 545 patients (37.72%) were overweight, primarily women 310 (42.29%). 609 patients (42.65%) showed symptoms after the acute period, and 331 individuals (23.49%) reported some sequelae.

Conclusion

The epidemiological and clinical behavior of hospitalized and critical patients differs greatly from ambulatory or mild or moderate symptoms. It is essential to highlight those non-hospitalized patients constitute the predominant population of patients, hence the importance of adequate management that would directly affect the development of complicated forms and, consequently, the collapse of healthcare centers. It is vitally important to open more investigations that compare hospitalized and outpatient patients to have a clearer picture of the epidemic.
Hemosuccus Pancreaticus: Diagnostic Pitfalls of a Rare Condition
Authors: Busebee Bradley , AT Kurdi , BR Stultz , LN Sayegh , Coelho-Prabhu Nayantara
Published: March 2023

The combination of cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis is rare and poses increased risk of hemorrhage requiring close clinical monitoring. We present a patient with history of alcohol-associated cirrhosis and chronic pancreatitis who was admitted to the intensive care unit with clinical hemorrhage believed secondary to epistaxis. After initial delay, esophagogastroduodenoscopy ultimately found blood and clots evacuating through the ampulla consistent with hemosuccus pancreaticus confirmed with computed tomography angiography. The patient ultimately improved with coil and gel foam vascular embolization. This case highlights the dangers of early diagnostic closure and presents a rare finding of hemosuccus without pseudoaneurysm formation.
Aproximación al estudio de los significados y sentidos del trabajo en jóvenes
Authors: Obispo Salazar Kelly Johana , Rentería Pérez Erico
Published: March 2023

El artículo buscó analizar la forma en que las publicaciones especializadas abordan estudios y cuáles son las temáticas asociadas al estudio de los significados y sentidos del trabajo en jóvenes. Se realizó una revisión sistemática desde el año 2000 hasta el 2018. Para identificar las características generales de la producción se usó la estadística descriptiva, y el análisis temático. La búsqueda arrojó que la producción científica sobre el tema ha aumentado, priman artículos sobre modalidades de trabajo, las primeras experiencias laborales, la identidad, inserción laboral, educación, capacidades mentales, perfiles laborales y la búsqueda de empleo. Los cambios en el mundo del trabajo generan la necesidad de estudiar los significados y sentidos sobre esta actividad en jóvenes.