bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green HPLC method with time programming for the determination of the co-formulated eye drops of tafluprost and timolol in their challengeable ratio
Authors: Abd-AlGhafar Walaa Nabil , Aly Fatma Ahmed , Sheribah Zeinab Awad , Saad Samar
Published: April 2022

A new, simple and selective HPLC method was implemented for the simultaneous estimation of tafluprost (TFL) and timolol (TIM) in their new anti-glaucoma combination in the challengeable ratio of 3 and 1000 for TFL and TIM, respectively. Separation was achieved using a BDS Hypersil phenyl column and a mobile phase made up of acetonitrile: 0.015 M phosphate buffer (50:50 v/v, pH 3.5) delivered at 1 mL min−1 and the separation was completed in less than 6 min. UV detection was time programmed at 220 nm for the first 4.5 min and later at 254 nm. Mebeverine (MEB) was used as an internal standard (I.S.). The linearity was observed in the ranges of 0.6–45 and 50–2000 µg mL−1 with limits of detection (LOD) of 0.18, 16.48 µg mL−1 and limits of quantification (LOQ) of 0.55, 49.94 µg mL−1 for TFL and TIM, respectively. The method satisfied International Council for Harmonization (ICH) validation guidelines. The study was extended to the estimation of the studied drugs in their co-formulated eye drops as well as in their single dosage forms with acceptable percentage recoveries. Moreover, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and analytical Eco-scale were investigated to confirm the greenness of the proposed HPLC method.
Association between densities of adult and immature stages of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in space and time: implications for vector surveillance
Authors: Parra Maisa Carla Pereira , Lorenz Camila , Dibo Margareth Regina , de Aguiar Milhim Bruno Henrique Gonçalves , Guirado Marluci Monteiro , Nogueira Mauricio Lacerda , Chiaravalloti-Neto Francisco
Published: April 2022

Background

Mosquito control is currently the main tool available to contain the spread of several arboviruses in Brazil. We have evaluated the association between entomological surveys of female adult Aedes aegypti and the Breteau index (BI) in space and time in a hyperendemic area, and compared the human resources costs required to measure each of these indicators.

Methods

Entomological surveys were conducted between 2016 and 2019 in Vila Toninho, a neighborhood in the city of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil. Monthly records of collected mosquito specimens were made and then grouped by season.

Results

Our findings showed that adult and immature mosquitoes are more related in time than in space, possibly due to differences in their habitats or in climate variables. Bayesian temporal modeling revealed that an increase in 1 standard deviation in the BI was associated with a 27% increase in the number of adult female mosquitoes when adjusted for climatic conditions. The cost of entomological surveys of adult mosquitoes was found to be 83% lower than the cost of determining the BI when covering the same geographic area.

Conclusions

For fine-scale assessments, a simple measure of adult Ae. aegypti abundance may be more realistic than aquatic indicators, but the adult indices are not necessarily the only reliable measure. Surveying adult female mosquitoes has significant potential for optimizing vector control strategies because, unlike the BI, this tool provides an effective indicator for micro-areas within an urban region. It should be noted that the results of the present study may be due to specific features of of the study area, and future studies should analyze whether the patterns found in the study neighborhood are also found in other regions.

Graphical Abstract
Meaningful benefits: a framework to assess disease-modifying therapies in preclinical and early Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Assunção Sheila Seleri , Sperling Reisa A. , Ritchie Craig , Kerwin Diana R. , Aisen Paul S. , Lansdall Claire , Atri Alireza , Cummings Jeffrey
Published: April 2022

Background

The need for preventive therapies that interrupt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) before the onset of symptoms or when symptoms are emerging is urgent and has spurred the ongoing development of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in preclinical and early AD (mild cognitive impairment [MCI] to mild dementia). Assessing the meaningfulness of what are likely small initial treatment effects in these earlier stages of the AD patho-clinical disease continuum is a major challenge and warrants further consideration.

Body

To accommodate a shift towards earlier intervention in AD, we propose meaningful benefits as a new umbrella concept that encapsulates the spectrum of potentially desirable outcomes that may be demonstrated in clinical trials and other studies across the AD continuum, with an emphasis on preclinical AD and early AD (i.e., MCI due to AD and mild AD dementia). The meaningful benefits framework applies to data collection, assessment, and communication across three dimensions: (1) multidimensional clinical outcome assessments (COAs) including not only core disease outcomes related to cognition and function but also patient- and caregiver-reported outcomes, health and economic outcomes, and neuropsychiatric symptoms; (2) complementary analyses that help contextualize and expand the understanding of COA-based assessments, such as number-needed-to-treat or time-to-event analyses; and (3) assessment of both cumulative benefit and predictive benefit, where early changes on cognitive, functional, or biomarker assessments predict longer-term clinical benefit.

Conclusion

The concept of meaningful benefits emphasizes the importance of multidimensional reporting of clinical trial data while, conceptually, it advances our understanding of treatment effects in preclinical AD and mild cognitive impairment due to AD. We propose that such an approach will help bridge the gap between the emergence of DMTs and their clinical use, particularly now that a DMT is available for patients diagnosed with MCI due to AD and mild AD dementia.
Standards of conduct and reporting in evidence syntheses that could inform environmental policy and management decisions
Authors: Pullin Andrew S. , Cheng Samantha H. , Jackson Josephine D’Urban , Eales Jacqualyn , Envall Ida , Fada Salamatu J. , Frampton Geoff K. , Harper Meagan , Kadykalo Andrew N. , Kohl Christian , Konno Ko , Livoreil Barbara , Ouédraogo Dakis-Yaoba , O’Leary Bethan C. , Pullin George , Randall Nicola , Rees Rebecca , Smith Adrienne , Sordello Romain , Sterling Eleanor J. , Twardek Will M. , Woodcock Paul
Published: April 2022

Accurate, unbiased and concise synthesis of available evidence following clear methodology and transparent reporting is necessary to support effective environmental policy and management decisions. Without this, less reliable and/or less objective reviews of evidence could inform decision making, leading to ineffective, resource wasteful interventions with potential for unintended consequences. We evaluated the reliability of over 1000 evidence syntheses (reviews and overviews) published between 2018 and 2020 that provide evidence on the impacts of human activities or effectiveness of interventions relevant to environmental management. The syntheses are drawn from the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence Database of Evidence Reviews (CEEDER), an online, freely available evidence service for evidence users that assesses the reliability of evidence syntheses using a series of published criteria. We found that the majority of syntheses have problems with transparency, replicability and potential for bias. Overall, our results suggest that most recently published evidence syntheses are of low reliability to inform decision making. Reviews that followed guidance and reporting standards for evidence synthesis had improved assessment ratings, but there remains substantial variation in the standard of reviews amongst even these. Furthermore, the term ‘systematic review’, which implies conformity with a methodological standard, was frequently misused. A major objective of the CEEDER project is to improve the reliability of the global body of environmental evidence reviews. To this end we outline freely available online resources to help improve review conduct and reporting. We call on authors, editors and peer reviewers to use these resources to ensure more reliable syntheses in the future.
Scheimpflug lidar range profiling of bee activity patterns and spatial distributions
Authors: Rydhmer Klas , Prangsma Jord , Brydegaard Mikkel , Smith Henrik G. , Kirkeby Carsten , Kappel Schmidt Inger , Boelt Birte
Published: April 2022

Background

Recent declines of honeybees and simplifications of wild bee communities, at least partly attributed to changes of agricultural landscapes, have worried both the public and the scientific community. To understand how wild and managed bees respond to landscape structure it is essential to investigate their spatial use of foraging habitats. However, such studies are challenging since the foraging behaviour of bees differs between species and can be highly dynamic. Consequently, the necessary data collection is laborious using conventional methods and there is a need for novel methods that allow for automated and continuous monitoring of bees. In this work, we deployed an entomological lidar in a homogenous white clover seed crop and profiled the activity of honeybees and other ambient insects in relation to a cluster of beehives.

Results

In total, 566,609 insect observations were recorded by the lidar. The total measured range distribution was separated into three groups, out of which two were centered around the beehives and considered to be honeybees, while the remaining group was considered to be wild insects. The validity of this model in separating honeybees from wild insects was verified by the average wing modulation frequency spectra in the dominating range interval for each group. The temporal variation in measured activity of the assumed honeybee observations was well correlated with honeybee activity indirectly estimated using hive scales as well as directly observed using transect counts.

Additional insight regarding the three-dimensional distribution of bees close to the hive was provided by alternating the beam between two heights, revealing a “funnel like” distribution around the beehives, widening with height.

Conclusions

We demonstrate how lidar can record very high numbers of insects during a short time period. In this work, a spatial model, derived from the detection limit of the lidar and two Gaussian distributions of honeybees centered around their hives was sufficient to reproduce the observations of honeybees and background insects. This methodology can in the future provide valuable new information on how external factors influence pollination services and foraging habitat selection and range of both managed bees and wild pollinators.
An open invitation to productive conversations about feminism and the spectrum of eating disorders (part 2): Potential contributions to the science of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Authors: LaMarre Andrea , Levine Michael P. , Holmes Su , Malson Helen
Published: April 2022

The role of feminism in eating disorders research, treatment, and advocacy continues to be debated, with little agreement in sight about the role—or lack thereof—of feminist eating disorders work. In these debates, the opportunity to open fruitful conversations about eating disorders that generate new possibilities for researching, treating, and preventing them is missed. This article is the second in a series of two papers that invite such a discussion. In this article, we focus on five key contributions that feminist eating disorder work has made and can make moving forward. These are contextualizing treatment, attending to lived experiences, expanding the meanings of “sociocultural influences,” diversifying methodologies, and situating recoveries. We do not propose to offer a “final word” on feminisms and eating disorders, but instead to start conversations about how we understand, research, and treat eating disorders.
Circus is a performance but it is also a building—memory of circus buildings in Europe
Authors: Divac Marija , Krklješ Milena , Milošević Sara
Published: April 2022

Circus spectacle, its architectural concept and its content, has changed throughout the centuries, following social events and cultural frameworks of time periods. In this research paper, we investigate the history of circus in Europe which occurred in between the eighteenth century and today’s twenty-first century. The evolution of circus gradually took place and could be followed through the modifications in forms of the buildings in different cities of the continent. Firstly, we research their stationary architecture which establishment is just over in this period. Even though the performance is still changing and modifying, it is questionable if the stationary circuses achieved in adjusting and transform for the purposes of modern society or, on the other hand, they are reorganized in their function and are becoming something completely different.
Dissociation, trauma, and borderline personality disorder
Authors: Krause-Utz Annegret
Published: April 2022

Dissociation is a complex phenomenon, which occurs in various clinical conditions, including dissociative disorders, (complex) post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD, PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Traumatic stress is considered an important risk factor, while the etiology of dissociation is still debated. Next to traumatic experiences, temperamental and neurobiological vulnerabilities seem to contribute to the development of dissociation. Stress-related dissociation is a prevalent symptom of BPD, which may interfere with psychosocial functioning and treatment outcome. More research in the field is strongly needed to improve the understanding and management of this complex phenomenon. This article collection brings together research on dissociation and trauma, with a special focus on BPD or sub-clinical expressions of BPD. In this editorial, recent conceptualizations of dissociation and relevant previous research are introduced in order to provide a framework for this novel research.
Ethanol-sensing properties of cobalt porphyrin-functionalized titanium dioxide nanoparticles as chemiresistive materials that are integrated into a low power microheater
Authors: Kim Kwanhun , Kang Yunsung , Bae Kyubin , Kim Jongbaeg
Published: April 2022

Gaseous ethanol detection has attracted significant interest owing to its practical applications such as in breath analysis, chemical process monitoring, and safety evaluations of food packaging. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles functionalized with cobalt porphyrin (CoPP) are utilized as resistive ethanol-sensing materials, and are integrated with a suspended micro-heater for low power consumption. The micro-heater with the suspended structure inhibits substrate heat transfer, resulting in power consumption as low as 18 mW when the operating temperature is approximately 300 °C. CoPP functionalization allows an enhanced response (197.8%) to 10 ppm ethanol compared to that of pristine TiO2 nanoparticles. It is confirmed that the sensor response is reliable upon exposure to 10 ppm ethanol for three cycles. In addition, responses of different magnitude are obtained under exposure to ethanol at various concentrations from 9 to 1 ppm, indicating that the resistance change originates from a charge transfer between the sensing materials and target gas. The sensing mechanism of CoPP-functionalized TiO2 in relation to charge transfer is analyzed, and the performance of the proposed sensor with previously reported TiO2-based ethanol sensors is compared. Considering that it is processed by batch fabrication, consumes low power, and offers high sensitivity, the proposed sensor is promising for use as a portable sensor in the distributed monitoring of gaseous ethanol.
The lightfastness of early synthetic organic dyes
Authors: Hagan Eric , Castro-Soto Itxel , Breault Marianne , Poulin Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Synthetic organic colourants are extremely prominent in heritage collections, particularly throughout textiles. They are often generalized as highly light-sensitive; although, a broad distribution of lightfastness exists. This is evident in various fastness ratings published in late nineteenth century literature, the work of Schultz and Julius, and the Colour Index. In heritage conservation, much of the research related to light-sensitivity of dyed textiles has focused on natural colourants. This is likely due to a general interest in the dyes present on older objects, and the overwhelming selection of modern synthetic materials. To address this gap, a shortlist of targeted synthetic dyes was recently developed using census data for dye production and imports in the United States, and information gathered from the Colour Index. Our present work provides a follow up to the prior literature review, where a subset of samples from the published target list was used to evaluate lightfastness. To begin the study, a collection of dyed textiles from the last quarter of the nineteenth century was gathered from trade publications of the period, and those matching the target criteria were reserved for analysis. The lightfastness of more than 100 early synthetic dyes was then investigated using the historic materials. Test specimens were illuminated with a custom-built fadometer containing an LED light source that is characteristic of modern gallery lighting. Four batches of samples were exposed at 20 klx for approximately 6 months each, and diffuse reflectance was periodically measured with a portable spectrophotometer over white and black backgrounds. Measurements were taken at increasing light dose values to reach at least 85 Mlx·h per batch. Visible reflectance spectra were recorded in a dataset to document the colours as a function of light exposure, and foster future colorimetry research. Colour change was also calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula to assess lightfastness, and results were summarized as a resource to further develop risk analysis tools for exhibit lighting. In this paper, a detailed description of the test apparatus is presented with an overview of the lightfastness results and the resulting dataset. Comparisons are given with nineteenth century lightfastness data, and ISO values available in the Colour Index. It is hoped that the associated dataset will provide a foundation to be expanded over time with interest in further materials and test methods.
Molecular characterization of a novel Conyza canadensis-infecting begomovirus in China
Authors: Li Pengbai , Li Ke , Jing Chenchen , Wu Rui , Wu Gentu , Li Mingjun , Qing Ling
Published: April 2022

A novel monopartite begomovirus was found in naturally infected Conyza canadensis plants exhibiting typical begomovirus-induced yellow vein symptoms in Yunnan Province of China. Analysis of two obtained full-length viral genome sequences showed that they shared 99.8% nucleotide (nt) sequence similarity, and both consisted of 2733 nts (GenBank accession no. OK120264 and OK120266, respectively). Further analysis showed that these two sequences shared the highest nt sequence similarity (78.9%) with tomato yellow leaf curl Vietnam virus (TYLCVV) (EU189150). In the assayed C. canadensis plants, a betasatellite of 1,341 nts (Accession no. OK120265 and OK120267, respectively) was also found, and it shared 98.1% sequence similarity with malvastrum yellow vein betasatellite (MaYVB) (JX679254). Based on the current classification criteria for begomoviruses, we consider that the two obtained viral isolates are a novel begomovirus, and named it as conyza yellow vein virus (CoYVV). Our further analysis result showed that CoYVV is likely originated from a recombination event between tomato yellow leaf curl Yunnan virus (TYLCYnV) and tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV). To investigate the effect of CoYVV infection in plant, we constructed two infectious clones (i.e., pCoYVV and pMaYVB), and inoculated them individually or together to Nicotiana benthamiana plants through agro-infiltration. The result showed that the plants co-inoculated with CoYVV and MaYVB developed yellow vein and downward leaf-curling symptoms, whereas the plants inoculated with CoYVV alone showed no clear virus-like symptoms. Virus infection in the inoculated N. benthamiana plants was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The result of quantitative PCR (qPCR) showed that in the presence of MaYVB, the accumulation level of CoYVV DNA was significantly increased compared to that in the plants infected with CoYVV alone.
Prevalence of anxiety disorders and its co-occurrence with substance use disorder: a clinical study
Authors: Soraya Shiva , Mahdavi Mehri , Saeidi Mahdieh , Seddigh Ruohollah , Nooraeen Sara , Sadri Mehrdad , Najafabadi Amir Jahanian
Published: April 2022

Background

Epidemiological studies are necessary to develop diagnostic standards for mental disorders. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of anxiety disorders, and its correlation with different substances used by patients diagnosed with substance use disorder referred to the Iran Psychiatric Hospital located in Tehran, Iran. Two hundred ninety-two male patients aged 18–65 (Meanage = 36.11, SD = 10.55) were recruited according to the available participant pool. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V Axis I Disorders was used to investigate their simultaneous anxiety disorders, and then the correlations with the different substances used during the past year before our study were considered. Based on clinical evaluation and structured psychiatric interviews, we investigated panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Results

Results revealed that generalized anxiety disorder was the most common type of anxiety disorder among subjects of the current study. Further investigations revealed that panic disorder was significantly correlated with the abuse of cannabis (r = 0.116, p value = 0.047), tramadol (r = 0.205, p value < 0.001), and LSD (r = 0.197, p value = 0.001). Moreover, social anxiety disorder was correlated with cannabis (r = 0.124, p value = 0.035), opium (r = 0.186, p value = 0.001), methadone (r = 0.152, p value = 0.010), tramadol (r = 0.258, p value < 0.001), alcohol (r = 0.133, p value = 0.023), LSD (r = 0.123, p value = 0.036), and benzodiazepines (r = 0.168, p value = 0.004). The results indicated that none of the substances was correlated with generalized anxiety disorder as well as agoraphobia. However, agoraphobia had correlations with the intravenous injection as the main route of administration (r = 0.174, p value = 0.004).

Conclusions

Here this study supports the notion that co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders is relatively common and must be taken into consideration when assessing a patient and following up the treatment.
Cephalic arch stenosis in autologous hemodialysis fistula; to stent or not to stent? Long-term follow up
Authors: Abdelsalam Hassan
Published: April 2022

Background

A retrospective study of 44 patients with autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) presenting with cephalic arch stenosis was carried out. The aim is to assess the effectiveness of angioplasty and stenting in cephalic arch stenosis in autologous AVF in hemodialysis patients and also to assess the outcome of metal stents at this distinctive anatomical site. All patients were subjected to Doppler examination, where the stenotic lesion and the AVF flow volume were assessed prior to intervention. The follow-up period reached up to 57 months in some patients. All patients were under surveillance and were assessed for patency and flow volume. The primary and secondary stenosis-free rates were calculated. Re-intervention during the follow-up period was recorded.

Results

The technical success rate was 100%. Twenty-six patients had balloon angioplasty. Eighteen patients had primary and/or secondary stents inserted. The primary patency rate at 6 and 12 months for the balloon angioplasty group was 80% and 60% and for the stent group was 86% and 71%, respectively. The mean primary patency rate in balloon angioplasty patients was 12.9 months, while in the primary stented patients was 19.9 months. Twenty-six patients had secondary intervention. The average secondary patency rate for patients with balloon angioplasty was 25.5 months, while it was 33.6 months in the stented patients.

Conclusion

Cephalic arch angioplasty and stenting is an effective intervention increasing the longevity of the AVF that is crucial for hemodialysis patients. The use of metal stents whether bare metal stents or covered stents is safe and adds significant increase in patency rates.
Abnormal origin of the vertebral arteries with Bicarotid trunk: a case report
Authors: Topaloğlu Ömer Faruk , Cebeci Hakan , Kılınçer Abidin , Özer Halil
Published: April 2022

Background

Aortic arch and vertebral artery anomalies are vascular variations that occur as a result of embryological developmental defects. Bicarotid trunk anomaly is a rare aortic arch anomaly and refers to a common single trunk origin of common carotid arteries. VA origin anomalies are mostly unilateral and the most common is the LVA originating from the aortic arch. Abnormal origin of the RVA from the RCCA is a rare vascular anomaly. In this case, we presented ARSA and bicarotid trunk anomaly with abnormal origin of the vertebral arteries.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old male was admitted to our center with complaints of chronic headache and dizziness. In addition to ARSA and bicarotid trunk anomaly, RVA originating from RCCA and LVA originating from aortic arch were observed in CT angiography. The origin of LVA was between the bicarotid trunk and LSCA. Both VA were entering the transverse foramen at the level of the C6 vertebra. These anomalies were also revealed in detail by MR angiography of head/neck.

Conclusion

Aortic arch anomalies are a group with different subtypes. Awareness of VA origin anomalies is important for planning surgical and endovascular interventional procedures.
Disadvantaged Subgroups Within the Global Head and Neck Cancer Population: How Can We Optimize Care?
Authors: Corry June , Ng Wai Tong , Ma Sung Jun , Singh Anurag K. , de Graeff Pauline , Oosting Sjoukje F.
Published: April 2022

Within the global head and neck cancer population, there are subgroups of patients with poorer cancer outcomes independent from tumor characteristics. In this article, we review three such groups. The first group comprises patients with nasopharyngeal cancer in low- and middle-income countries where access to high-volume, well-resourced radiotherapy centers is limited. We discuss a recent study that is aiming to improve outcomes through the instigation of a comprehensive radiotherapy quality assurance program. The second group comprises patients with low socioeconomic status in a high-income country who experience substantial financial toxicity, defined as financial hardship for patients due to health care costs. We review causes and consequences of financial toxicity and discuss how it can be mitigated. The third group comprises older patients who may poorly tolerate and not benefit from intensive standard-of-care treatment. We discuss the role of geriatric assessment, particularly in relation to the use of chemotherapy. Through better recognition and understanding of disadvantaged groups within the global head and neck cancer population, we will be better placed to instigate the necessary changes to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer.
Phase Ib Study of Navicixizumab Plus Paclitaxel in Patients With Platinum-Resistant Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer
Authors: Fu Siqing , Corr Bradley R. , Culm-Merdek Kerry , Mockbee Colleen , Youssoufian Hagop , Stagg Robert , Naumann R. Wendel , Wenham Robert M. , Rosengarten Rafael D. , Benjamin Laura , Hamilton Erika Paige , Moore Kathleen N.
Published: April 2022

PURPOSE

This phase Ib study evaluated the safety and efficacy of paclitaxel plus navicixizumab, a bispecific antiangiogenic antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor and delta-like ligand 4, against platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This open-label, nonrandomized, dose-escalation and -expansion study included 44 patients with previously treated, recurrent, platinum-resistant grade 2/3 ovarian cancer. Treatment was intravenous navicixizumab (3 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg once every 2 weeks) plus paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 intravenously on days 0, 7, and 14 of 28-day cycles). The primary and secondary objectives were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of navicixizumab plus paclitaxel. An RNA-based diagnostic panel was retrospectively used to test the hypothesis that tumors with high angiogenesis or immune-suppressed tumor microenvironment (TME) subtypes (biomarker-positive) are more likely to respond to navicixizumab than those with immune-active/-desert TME subtypes (biomarker-negative). RNA expression was analyzed in available pretreatment tumor tissue to classify 33 patients' TME subtypes, and TME panel findings were correlated with tumor response.

RESULTS

The dose-escalation cohorts enrolled patients at navicixizumab doses of 3 mg/kg once every 2 weeks (n = 3) and 4 mg/kg once every 2 weeks (n = 2); 3 mg/kg was selected for expansion (n = 39). No dose-limiting toxicities occurred. The most common grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events were hypertension (40.9%), neutropenia (6.8%), and thrombocytopenia (4.5%). Pulmonary hypertension occurred in 18.2% (grade 1-2). The overall objective response rate was 43.2% (95% CI, 28.3 to 59.0): 33.3% (95% CI, 17.3 to 52.8) in patients previously treated with bevacizumab, 64.3% (95% CI, 35.1 to 87.2) in bevacizumab-naive patients, and 62% (95% CI, 31.6 to 86.1) in biomarker-positive patients. The median duration of response was 6 months (95% CI, 5.4 months to not estimable).

CONCLUSION

Navicixizumab plus paclitaxel demonstrated promising clinical activity in bevacizumab-treated and -naive patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, with manageable toxicity.
Assessing the anticancer effects of metformin
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Zaher Amr , Hussain Sajid , Alawami Karam Ali , Alfaraj Dhiyaa Jaber , Alqatari Ahmed Mohammed , Alsalim Morteda Jasim , Almissri Murtaja Zaki , Junaid Mohammed Abdul Lateef
Published: April 2022

Background: Metformin is an antihyperglycemic biguanide that is used as the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin use helps control T2DM which is one of the many risk factors for cancer and is proposed to have multiple antagonistic actions against cancer cells. Metformin induces adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-driven cascades, involving two pathways, a direct and an indirect one. This leads to a decrease in the mechanistic activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), folate level, c-MYC (a family of regulator genes and proto-oncogenes), NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa of B cell), and also increases tumor suppressor P53 phosphorylation. These cascades will also decrease cyclin D1, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increase mTOR complex1 (mTORC1) concentrations, apoptosis, and autophagy. Metformin also exerts anti-inflammatory effects through reducing interleukins 6 (IL6) and 8 (IL8), inhibition of protein translation via LKB1 (liver kinase B1), increasing expression of GPD1 (glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1) which suppresses cancer by inhibiting mitochondria, inducing cell apoptosis, and inhibiting leptin while increasing adiponectin production.   

We would like to assess the anticancer effect of metformin on various types of malignancies. 

Methods:  The 266 cancer patients diagnosed in 2018–2019 in King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) were divided into non-diabetic and diabetic cancer patients (with or without metformin).  The data includes age, gender, body mass index (BMI), type of cancer with grades and stages, T2DM, with or without metformin, complications, and fate etc. of each case. 

Results: Out of 300, 266 were selected for the analysis. The results showed the statistical significance (p value 0.022) of metformin use on the cancer grade at diagnosis that favorably influences the morbidity/mortality.  

Conclusions: Metformin might have an anti-cancer effect on the grade of cancer at the time of diagnosis regardless of its dosage, and this might improve the prognosis of malignancy.
Cytotoxicity of Peruvian propolis and Psidium guajava on human gingival fibroblasts, PBMCs and HeLa cells
Authors: Millones-Gómez Pablo Alejandro , De la Garza-Ramos Myriam Angélica , Urrutia-Baca Victor Hugo , Hernandez-Martinez Humberto Carlos , Hernández Marín David Alejandro , Minchón Medina Carlos Alberto
Published: April 2022

It is indisputable that every day it is demonstrated that natural products present diverse therapeutic benefits, which has boosted their incorporation within various products for clinical use. However, this must be accompanied by knowledge of their effect on cell lines to ensure their use is safe. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of two ethanolic extracts based on Peruvian natural products, on three human cell lines. Cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa), human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1 - ATCC CRL-2014) (HGF-1) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were cultured and subsequently treated with preparations of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) and Psidium guajava (EEG) from a concentration of 50 mg/mL to 0.024 mg/mL, by the 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazole bromide reduction assay. At a concentration of 0.24 mg/mL EEG, viability of 99.7±1.24%, 99.8±2.2% and 99.7±2.7% was observed in HeLa, HGF-1 and PBMCs, respectively; >90% cell viability values were observed with EPP at 0.024 mg/mL, with HGF-1 showing the highest viability (96.9±1.15%). A dose-dependent effect was observed for both extracts with a decrease in cell viability as concentrations increased (up to 50 mg/mL). EEP and EEG extracts at low concentrations do not show cytotoxicity in human cell lines, these findings are an advance in the preclinical evaluation on their safety and open a continuity to further studies for their potential applications in dentistry and medicine.
La apuesta por la ficción en Onda Cero (2016-2021): análisis de sus producciones en la emisión radiofónica actual.
Authors: Díaz de Mera Enrique Marchán , Galletero Campos Belén
Published: April 2022

Desaparecida de la emisión durante décadas, la ficción radiofónica vuelve a hacerse un hueco en las principales emisoras españolas en los últimos años, recuperando una creatividad y una dimensión artística que fue clave en los inicios de la radiodifusión. El presente estudio analiza las ficciones radiofónicas realizadas por Onda Cero entre los años 2016 y 2021, definiendo tanto sus características individuales como comunes. Para ello aplica una metodología mixta en la que se combina el análisis de contenido a una muestra de quince producciones con entrevistas en profundidad a dos profesionales que participan en distintas facetas de su ejecución. Los resultados aluden a una vuelta de los géneros de ficción a la radio española gracias a las nuevas tendencias de distribución y consumo como el formato pódcast, si bien su estabilidad en la parrilla de la programación generalista queda todavía lejos.
Periodismo y criminalidad, relación que se estrecha bajo dinámicas neoliberales y de dominación.
Authors: Vázquez Valdez Jorge Alejandro
Published: April 2022

El mutismo de los medios de comunicación sobre actividades de los principales grupos de narcotraficantes mexicanos parte de un amago hacia el gremio periodístico nacional que abarca desde la coerción hasta el homicidio, lo que contribuye a que México sea uno de los países más peligrosos para ejercer la profesión. Ese enfoque de agresiones ha sido el más explorado por la academia y los medios que se han interesado en el fenómeno, pero existen otros ángulos poco estudiados y reveladores. Uno de ellos se expone en este artículo desde la premisa de que ese silencio termina por coadyuvar a la valorización del capital criminal, y hay una instrumentalización progresiva de los medios de comunicación que es guiada por el agente criminal para el incremento de sus ganancias. Con el objetivo de identificar las causas histórico-estructurales que han afectado al periodismo mexicano y lo han colocado en una posición de vulnerabilidad frente a dicho embate, se realizó un análisis mixto entre el análisis cualitativo basado en perspectivas teóricas críticas para reflejar las relaciones de dominación y dependencia gestadas bajo dinámicas neoliberales, y un análisis de datos y cifras para dimensionar la precariedad laboral, los saldos de la violencia y el control de la información. Sobre dicha base se formuló un modelo analítico basado en tres ejes apoyados en enfoques como el del Peace Journalism.
Rare health conditions 57: Lassa fever, Laband syndrome, limbic encephalitis, HIV
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this series is to highlight a range of rare health conditions. Rare health conditions are those that affect no more and usually fewer than one person in every 2000 and many HCAs and nurses will encounter some of these conditions, given the high number of them. This 57th article will briefly explore four of these conditions: Lassa fever, Laband syndrome, limbic encephalitis and HIV.
The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0: a new instrument for assessing peristomal skin changes
Authors: Martins Lina , Down Gillian , Andersen Birgitte Dissing , Nielsen Lene Feldskov , Hansen Anne Steen , Herschend Nana Overgaard , Størling Zenia
Published: April 2022

Background:

Peristomal skin complications (PSCs) are frequently reported postoperative complications. PSCs can present visibly or as symptoms such as pain, itching or burning sensations.

Aim:

To develop a new tool that can capture a range of sensation symptoms together with visible complications and an objective assessment of discolouration in the peristomal area.

Method:

Consensus from qualitative interviews with health professionals and people with an ostomy, and input from expert panels, formed the basis of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire. A decision tree model was used to define a combined score including PRO and objectively assessed discolouration area.

Findings:

Six elements were included in the PRO questionnaire and four health states representing different severity levels of the peristomal skin were defined.

Conclusion:

The Ostomy Skin Tool 2.0 is a sensitive tool that can be used to follow changes in the peristomal skin on a regular basis and thereby help prevent severe PSCs.
Journal scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: April 2022

A brief overview of recently published articles on gastroenterology, hepatology and stoma care
Clostridioides difficile: a review of relevant topics for nursing practice and infection prevention and control
Authors: Furtado Luís Carlos do Rego
Published: April 2022

Clostridioides difficile infection is a serious medical and epidemiological problem, with severe consequences. It can divert essential resources and thus represent a considerable burden for healthcare systems, impacting their normal functioning and the provision of safe and effective care. Prevention, proper diagnosis, adequate treatment and effective control measures are the core elements required to reduce the risk of this disease, prevent the infection from spreading and diminish probability of recurrence. This update on disease management is focused on epidemiology, pathophysiology and risk factors, as well as diagnosis, treatment, prevention and infection control measures. This review draws on a great diversity of sources to enabled the integration of the best available evidence regarding Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) prevention and control, reflecting recommendations and guidelines from regional, national and international entities and specialised bodies. Nurses play a paramount role in prevention and management of CDI. They take part in all stages of care, by identifying high-risk patients and the disease's first signs and symptoms, monitoring its evolution, implementing effective infection-control measures and providing patient and family education.
Impact of inflammatory bowel disease on partners: a qualitative study
Authors: Thapwong Parichat , Norton Christine , Terry Helen , Czuber-Dochan Wladyslawa
Published: April 2022

Background:

Extensive studies have documented the impacts of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on patient quality of life, but this study addresses the gap concerning IBD outcomes for the family members of adult IBD patients.

Aims:

To explore the lived experience of IBD patients and their family members regarding impacts of IBD on family members and their coping strategies.

Methods:

Semi-structured, in-depth, online interviews were held via Skype, Microsoft Teams and Zoom from February to June 2020, with 12 purposively selected participants, comprising six IBD patients with their six partners. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, for inductive thematic data analysis.

Results:

Four main themes emerged during the analysis under the central theme ‘our relationship with IBD, for better or worse’. The theme ‘our relationship’ revealed the impact of IBD on intimate relationships, family planning, role change as partner and carer, and the importance of honest communication. IBD also affected wider relationships with family, children and social life, but teamwork could mediate negative impacts on relationships. Living in constant fear and guilt impacted on emotional wellbeing. Humour and knowledge of IBD reduced negative impacts. IBD had impacts on everyday life (diet, finances and travel) for both patients and partners. Planning for uncertain situations was helpful to reduce restrictions.

Conclusions:

There are wide-ranging implications for healthcare providers (gastroenterologists, GPs and IBD nurses), social care professionals (psychologists and social workers), family therapists and researchers who could incorporate a bio-psycho-social approach to working with patients with IBD to improve services for individuals who have IBD and their partners and families.
Sleep hygiene in hospital
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: April 2022

Penny Harrison explores how nurses can help gastrointestinal inpatients get the amount of good quality sleep that they need for recovery and wellbeing
The Flattening and Stiffening Effect of Centrifugal Stress on Circular Saw Blades in Different States
Authors: Li Bo , An Yuan
Published: April 2022

Circular saw blades have many states, before and during the sawing process, depending on the different residual stresses and flatness of the circular saw blades. Based on the different states of circular saw blades, the effect of rotating centrifugal stress on the dynamic stability of circular saw blades is different, mainly reflected in flattening and stiffening effects. In this article, three representative states of circular saw blades were chosen and studied. The finite element method was chosen to simulate the deformation behavior of circular saw blades in the three states. The flattening and stiffening effects of centrifugal stress on circular saw blades in the three states were systematically studied. The axial stiffness of the outer edge of circular saw blades is increased with rotating speed. The rotating speed has a flattening effect on the circular saw blade, as a result of a centrifugal stress field. When the circular saw blade is in a different state, there are some differences in the flattening and stiffening effect of centrifugal stress.
Entrevista com Amara Moira: com a legitimação que a comunidade trans tem conquistado, começa-se a fazer uma releitura dessas obras magnas pelo nosso ponto de vista.
Authors: Ferrão Ana Carolina Schmidt , Machado Bruna Farias
Published: April 2022

Entrevista com Amara Moira: com a legitimação que a comunidade trans tem conquistado, começa-se a fazer uma releitura dessas obras magnas pelo nosso ponto de vista.
Entrevista com Jeferson Tenório: Criar uma história se aproxima da imprevisibilidade da vida. A vida acontece, não avisa
Authors: Dos Santos Aline Costa , Clos Ariane Borba
Published: April 2022

Entrevista com Jeferson Tenório: Criar uma história se aproxima da imprevisibilidade da vida. A vida acontece, não avisa.
O reino dos homens-narrativas nos contos de Alexandre e outros heróis de Graciliano Ramos
Authors: Vasconcelos Francisco Fábio Pinheiro de
Published: April 2022

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar os quatorze contos do livro Alexandre e outros heróis (1970) de Graciliano Ramos, buscando demonstrar como eles se afastam da tradição realista e do biografismo que marcou sua obra e se aproximam dos motivos da cultura popular e do folclore do Nordeste, pode-se até afirmar que os contos bebem na tradição da linguagem oral e se avizinham do fantástico e do maravilhoso. Assim, averiguamos como esses contos, embora independentes, se comunicam e se referenciam uns com os outros, convergindo para um todo harmônico e se tornam histórias encaixadas como bem definiu Todorov (2003). O objetivo geral é demonstrar que Alexandre é um “Homem-narrativa” que, segundo Todorov, é um tipo de narrador que dá vida às inúmeras vozes condenadas a narrar a própria solidão. A metodologia utilizada foi uma pesquisa bibliográfica em que o texto teórico de Todorov (2003) ilumina o texto literário. Procuramos evidenciar ainda como nesses contos a palavra assume uma força mágica numa simbiose perfeita entre o real e o fabulado, amparado na lógica aristotélica: “não é ofício do poeta narrar o que aconteceu e, sim, o de representar o que podia acontecer, quer dizer, o que é possível dizer segundo a verossimilhança e a necessidade” (ARISTÓTELES, 1969, p. 171). Isto posto, notamos que esse narrador de casos mantém viva a tradição da cultura, principalmente, se pensarmos de acordo com Walter Benjamim que estamos cada vez “mais pobres de experiências comunicáveis” (1987, p. 198).
O encanto da literatura como um rio que invade uma cidade: a Festa Literária de Santo Estevão
Authors: Trinchão Gláucia , Souza Suely Santos , Nascimento Edésio Conceição
Published: April 2022

O presente trabalho compartilha a experiência da I Festa Literária de Santo Estevão-BA, FLISE, que teve como tema: Literatura e Memória: um rio que nos contempla e nunca seca e discute como uma pequena cidade do semi-árido baiano reagiu a esse evento de fomento a leitura. Enfatiza-se o importante papel da educação em proporcionar uma experiência cultural rica, não somente para os estudantes, mas para a população em geral, uma vez que englobou literatura, arte e outras discussões acadêmicas, tendo a difusão do conhecimento como ponto central, na medida em que se utiliza da literatura como instrumento de disseminação de conhecimentos e assim tendo grande impacto na cidade nos aspectos educacional, social, econômico e político. O evento se destacou por envolver toda a rede municipal de ensino e por ter, não somente como anfitriãos, mas, principalmente como protagonistas, os alunos das escolas municipais. Dessa forma, na perspectiva de Freire (1981; 1987; 1989), destaca-se aqui a importância de uma educação emancipatória, que promova ações que incentivem, e mobilizem toda a comunidade em direção ao conhecimento e, especialmente, à literatura como forma de trabalhar a formação de cidadãos conscientes e atuantes em seu lugar de pertença. Como principais resultados observou-se que esse tipo de fomento pode criar importantes espaços de diálogos e emancipação de cidadãos, com enfoque na construção identitária a partir de processos históricos, políticos e culturais da constituição da população local.