bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A detailed statistical analysis of the performance of CO-RADS and CT-severity score in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia compared to RT-PCR test: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hadad Zeina , Afzelius Pia
Published: September 2023

Background

Reports from international studies regarding the role of CT scan and RT-PCR test in the diagnosis of coronavirus disease has been a subject of controversy. The purpose of this study was to statistically compare the performance of CT in reporting chest CT scans of coronavirus disease according to Coronavirus Disease Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) and CT severity score (CTSS) with the performance of RT-PCR test.

Results

The analyzed CT scans of 144 participants were consistent with CO-RADS 1 (n = 38), CO-RADS 2 (n = 11), CO-RADS 3 (n = 35), CO-RADS 4 (n = 23), and CO-RADS 5 (n = 37). CTSS in CO-RADS 1 was (0.9 ± 4), CO-RADS 2 (4 ± 2), CO-RADS 3 (10.2 ± 2), CO-RADS 4 (14 ± 6) and CO-RADS 5 (19 ± 7). There was direct correlation between CO-RADS groups and CTSS (p < 0.001). The mean total CTSS was 10 ± 9 for the whole study population. Ninety-five CT scans were compatible with CO-RADS 3, 4 or 5 and 49 CT scans were compatible with CO-RADS 1 or 2, with a positive rate of 66% (95% CI 49%, 65%), PPV (55.41%), NPV (45.18%), accuracy (86.8%) and the overall sensitivity (93.18%) and specificity (76.8%) of CT in detecting COVID-19 pneumonia when categorized and analyzed according to CO-RADS and CTSS. Sixty-four patients had positive initial RT-PCR tests and 80 patients had negative initial RT-PCR test, with a positive rate of 44.4% (95% CI 35%, 51%), PPV (41.13%), NPV (59.51%), accuracy (74.3%), sensitivity (64.2%) and specificity (93.9%). The Kappa (κ) value of average inter-reader agreement was 88% (95% CI 80%, 96%).

Conclusions

RT-PCR test showed higher specificity and NPV compared to CT in detecting COVID-19 pneumonia, while CT showed higher sensitivity, PPV, accuracy and positive rate, respectively. CT was superior to RT-PCR test in detecting COVID-19 pneumonia especially at early stages of the disease.
Dysphagia therapy for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy by speech-language pathologists in Malaysia
Authors: Hussain Husmeela , Ahmad Kartini , Yahaya Zakinah , Puteh Sharifa Ezat Wan , Ibrahim Hasherah Mohd
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the current practices and challenges faced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in managing dysphagia among head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) in Malaysia.

Method

A sequential, mixed-method study design was utilized in this research. Quantitative data were collected using a survey among 65 SLPs from 34 government hospitals throughout Malaysia. Additionally, 10 SLPs were selected using maximum variation sampling and interviewed for this study.

Results

The survey showed that only 7.8% of SLPs conducted therapy on all patients before RT. Moreover, the frequency of therapy during and after RT has significant relationships with the variable of time to provide intervention [χ2 (3, 63) = 13.93, p = 0.004; χ2 (3, 64) = 12.58, p = 0.007]. This study also revealed varying responses from SLPs regarding the frequency and intensity of performing home therapy programs for patients undergoing RT. Furthermore, SLP practices were divided based on the type of treatments for patients who did not experience dysphagia or mild dysphagia upon the completion of RT. Nevertheless, this study had a high agreement on the type of treatment given to patients who had completed the RT. Qualitative results showed that SLPs faced challenges in terms of a lack of awareness of their role, the establishment of multidisciplinary teams, insufficient SLPs, and inadequate equipment for assessment.

Conclusion

The study findings indicated a low standard of care in managing dysphagia among head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT and urgently call for improvements toward evidence-based practices.
Falls and fear of falling: an underestimated sequelae in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Kamal Doaa E. , Hassan Rofaida A. , AbdAllah Amany M. , Mostafa Dalia I.
Published: September 2023

Background

Behçet’s disease (BD) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Balance is a multifactorial process that is ultimately affected in BD leading to frequent falls. Fear of falling (FOF) is a significant risk factor for falls. The study aimed to evaluate the risk of falls and FOF in BD and their relations to disease activity and damage.

Results

In BD patients, the history of falls and FOF was 65.6% and 48.4%, respectively. The Berg Balance Scale was low in BD patients (P = 0.003). Falls and fear of falling showed significant relations with the disease activity and disease damage (P < 0.001). There were significant relations between fallers with arthritis (P = 0.003) and active neurological affection (P = 0.004) than non-fallers. A higher balance scale significantly independently decreases the risk of falls (AOR = 0.79, P = 0.005) and FOF (AOR = 0.904, P = 0.039); however, high BD damage and disease duration increase the risk with AOR = 2.364, P = 0.009 and AOR = 0.769, P = 0.088, respectively.

Conclusion

Arthritis and active neurological affection are significantly related to falls and FOF; also, FOF is significantly related to active uveitis. Impaired balance, long disease duration, and high disease damage score are significant risk factors for falls and FOF in BD.
Quality of life and its relation to pediatric asthma severity
Authors: Ali Heba A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Bronchial asthma is a global health problem that negatively affects the quality of life (QOL) of both children and their caregivers. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the impact of QOL on asthma severity in the pediatric population. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of health-related QOL of children with asthma and their caregivers on the level of asthma control and the degree of asthma severity.

Results

At enrollment, thirty asthmatic children and their caregivers completed the study. The standardized Arabic versions of the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ) and the Pediatric Asthma Caregiver’s Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) were fulfilled by the asthmatic patients and their caregivers, respectively. Asthma control and severity were assessed using Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines and asthma severity scores. The relations between QOL and the other study parameters including asthma severity were examined which revealed that poor QOL of both asthmatic children and their caregivers was associated with frequent asthma-related hospital admissions (p = 0.046, 0.011). In addition, significant associations were found between symptoms, activity domains of PAQLQ score, and asthma control test score (p = 0.019,0.039). Furthermore, both QOL questionnaires’ total scores correlated strongly with asthma severity scores (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

In this study, QOL appears to be strongly related to the level of asthma control and asthma severity in children. Therefore, improving QOL is recommended for proper management of patients with severe asthma. Moreover, QOL questionnaires can be used as useful tools for monitoring asthma severity in children.
Preparation of anti-canine interleukin-31 receptor alpha polyclonal antibody and evaluation of its therapeutic effect in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Li Qiuhua , Qu Yanyan , Yao Li , Ma Ning , Ding Mingxing , Ding Yi
Published: September 2023

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a prevalent genetically susceptible inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin condition affecting not only the health of dogs but also the quality of life of their owners. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) and interleukin-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) are essential for the development of pruritus in primates and mice. Hence, it is expected that inhibiting IL-31RA will be an effective approach to alleviate pruritus. The purpose of the study was to produce anti-canine IL-31RA polyclonal antibodies (anti-IL-31RA pAbs) and evaluate their efficacy in inhibiting house dust mite (HDM)-evoked pruritic responses. Dogs were immunized with antigens formed by IL-31RA recombinant short peptides coupled to BSA to produce anti-IL-31RA pAbs. The CAD model was developed by using HDM allergen stimulation, and the effects of IL-31RA pAbs on the reduction of pruritus in CAD model dogs were examined. The Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)-4 and pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) were utilized to evaluate pruritic responses, and skin tissue samples were collected from the inguinal area for pathological assessment of skin inflammatory cell infiltration. The results showed that anti-IL-31RA pAbs with high titers (1:128,000) and specificity were effectively produced. In the CAD model group, the severity of skin damage, pruritus score, inflammatory cell infiltration and level of inflammatory factors were considerably elevated. Anti-IL-31RA pAbs relieved pruritic behavior and dermatitis in dogs compared to placebo-treated dogs. In conclusion, anti-IL-31RA pAbs effectively suppressed CAD in vivo and are anticipated to be an effective novel treatment for pruritic skin disorders such as CAD.
Barriers and facilitators to patient-to-provider messaging using the COM-B model and theoretical domains framework: a rapid umbrella review
Authors: MacPherson Megan M. , Kapadia Shabana
Published: September 2023

Background

Virtual patient-to-provider messaging systems such as text messaging have the potential to improve healthcare access; however, little research has used theory to understand the barriers and facilitators impacting uptake of these systems by patients and healthcare providers. This review uses the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore barriers and facilitators of patient-to-provider messaging.

Methods

A rapid umbrella review method was followed. Medline and CINAHL were searched for review articles that examined patient-to-provider implementation barriers and facilitators by patients or healthcare providers. Two coders extracted implementation barriers and facilitators, and one coder mapped these barriers and facilitators on to the COM-B and TDF.

Results

Fifty-nine unique barriers and facilitators were extracted. Regarding healthcare provider oriented barriers and facilitators, the most frequently identified COM-B components included Reflective Motivation (identified in 42% of provider barriers and facilitators), Psychological Capability (19%) and Physical Opportunity (19%) and TDF domains included Beliefs about Consequences (identified in 28% of provider barriers and facilitators), Environmental Context and Resources (19%), and Social Influences (17%). Regarding patient oriented barriers and facilitators, the most frequently identified COM-B components included Reflective Motivation (identified in 55% of patient barriers and facilitators), Psychological Capability (16%), and Physical Opportunity (16%) and TDF domains included Beliefs about Consequences (identified in 30% of patient barriers and facilitators), Environmental Context and Resources (16%), and Beliefs about Capabilities (11%).

Conclusions

Both patients and healthcare providers experience barriers to implementing patient-to-provider messaging systems. By conducting a COM-B and TDF-based analysis of the implementation barriers and facilitators, this review highlights several theoretical domains for researchers, healthcare systems, and policy-makers to focus on when designing interventions that can effectively target these issues and enhance the impact and reach of virtual messaging systems in the future.
Attempted Suicide: Its Social Significance and Effects by Erwin Stengel and Nancy Cook, with Irving Kreeger
Authors: Millard Chris
Published: September 2023

Stengel, Cook and Kreeger's Attempted Suicide is the most sustained early attempt to draw out the social setting of an attempt at suicide. It is part of a real flourishing of social psychiatry in the UK and reinforces a productive model for collaboration between research psychiatrists and psychiatric social workers in the 1950s and 1960s. The sheer amount of work required for a robust social setting, charting the social repercussions for an attempt at suicide, is laid bare in this text.
Clozapine and Sweet's syndrome: case report
Authors: Bunting Apphia , Silman Daniel , Karia Minesh , Johnson Sophie
Published: September 2023

A patient developed fever, raised inflammatory markers and a maculopapular rash following commencement of clozapine for treatment of his schizoaffective disorder. Skin biopsy confirmed Sweet's syndrome. Identification of the cause was challenging, with a number of possible considerations including infection, malignancy and various potential drug triggers.

This case highlights the difficulties in the diagnosis of Sweet's syndrome, as well as in identifying the original trigger, which can have significant consequences for management. Withdrawal of potentially causative drugs must be balanced with their benefits, and decisions must be made in the best interests of the patient. Following two courses of prednisolone and withdrawal of clozapine, the patient's rash and systemic symptoms resolved. This confirmed the diagnosis of drug-induced Sweet's syndrome, with clozapine as the offending agent. His mental state stabilised on an alternative antipsychotic.
Perturbative aspects of mass dimension one fermions non-minimally coupled to electromagnetic field
Authors: Carvalho Willian , Dias M. , Lehum A. C. , Hoff da Silva J. M.
Published: September 2023

This paper addresses perturbative aspects of the renormalization of a fermion with mass dimension one non-minimally coupled to the electromagnetic field. Specifically, we calculate the one-loop corrections to the propagators and vertex functions of the model and determine the one-loop beta function of the non-minimal electromagnetic coupling. Additionally, we perform calculations of the two-loop corrections to the gauge field propagator, demonstrating that it remains massless and transverse up to this order. We also find that the non-minimal electromagnetic coupling can exhibit asymptotic freedom if a certain condition is satisfied. As a potential dark matter candidate, these findings suggest that the field may decouple at high energies. This aspect holds significance for calculating the relic abundance and freeze-out temperature of the field, particularly in relation to processes involving the ordinary particles of the Standard Model.
Clinically Driven Alpha/Beta Ratios for Melanoma Brain Metastases and Investigation of Biologically Effective Dose as a Predictor for Local Control After Radiosurgery: A Proof of Concept in a Retrospective Longitudinal Series of 274 Consecutive Lesions
Authors: Zubatkina Irina , Toma-Dasu Iuliana , Dasu Alexandru , Levivier Marc , Tuleasca Constantin , Ivanov Pavel
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Brain metastases (BM) develop in nearly half of the patients with advanced melanoma. The aim of this retrospective historical cohort study was to analyze radiological response of melanoma BM to single-fraction Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), in relation to biologically effective dose (BED) for various alpha/beta ratios.

METHODS:

Included in the study were 274 lesions. Primary outcome was local control (LC). Mean marginal dose was 21.6 Gy (median 22, range 15-25). Biologically effective dose was calculated for an alpha/beta ratio of 3 (Gy3), 5 (Gy10), 10 (Gy10), and 15 (Gy15).

RESULTS:

Receiver operating characteristic value for LC and BED was 85% (most statistically significant odds ratio 1.14 for BED Gy15, P = .006), while for LC and physical dose was 79% (P = .02). When comparing equality of 2 receiver operating characteristic areas, this was statistically significant (P = .02 and .03). Fractional polynomial regression revealed BED (Gy10 and Gy15) as statistically significant (P = .05) with BED of more than 63 Gy10 or 49 Gy15 as relevant, also for higher probability of quick decrease in volume first month after GKRS and lower probability of radiation necrosis. Shorter irradiation time was associated with better LC (P = .001), particularly less than 40 minutes (LC below 90%, P = .05).

CONCLUSION:

BED Gy10 and particularly Gy15 were more statistically significant than physical dose for LC after GKRS for radioresistant melanoma BM. Irradiation time (per lesion) longer than 40 minutes was predictive for lower rates of LC. Such results need to be validated in larger cohorts.
Early Treatment of Ruptured Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: Analysis of Neurological Outcomes and Health Care Costs
Authors: Baranoski Jacob F. , Koester Stefan W. , Catapano Joshua S. , Garcia Joseph H. , Pacult Mark A. , Hoglund Brandon K. , Dabrowski Stephen J. , Benner Dimitri , Winkler Ethan A. , Cole Tyler S. , Rutledge Caleb , Srinivasan Visish M. , Graffeo Christopher S. , Ducruet Andrew F. , Albuquerque Felipe C. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

The timing of surgical resection is controversial when managing ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and varies considerably among centers.

OBJECTIVE:

To retrospectively analyze clinical outcomes and hospital costs associated with delayed treatment in a ruptured cerebral AVM patient cohort.

METHODS:

Patients undergoing surgical treatment for a ruptured cerebral AVM (January 1, 2015–December 31, 2020) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent emergent treatment of a ruptured AVM because of acute herniation were excluded, as were those treated >180 days after rupture. Patients were stratified by the timing of surgical intervention relative to AVM rupture into early (postbleed days 1-20) and delayed (postbleed days 21-180) treatment cohorts.

RESULTS:

Eighty-seven patients were identified. The early treatment cohort comprised 75 (86%) patients. The mean (SD) length of time between AVM rupture and surgical resection was 5 (5) days in the early cohort and 73 (60) days in the delayed cohort (P < .001). The cohorts did not differ with respect to patient demographics, AVM size, Spetzler-Martin grade, frequency of preoperative embolization, or severity of clinical presentation (P ≥ .15). Follow-up neurological status was equivalent between the cohorts (P = .65). The associated mean health care costs were higher in the delayed treatment cohort ($241 597 [$99 363]) than in the early treatment cohort ($133 989 [$110 947]) (P = .02). After adjustment for length of stay, each day of delayed treatment increased cost by a mean of $2465 (95% CI = $967–$3964, P = .002).

CONCLUSION:

Early treatment of ruptured AVMs was associated with significantly lower health care costs than delayed treatment, but surgical and neurological outcomes were equivalent.
Covariation between wrist bone morphology and maximal range of motion during ulnar deviation and supination in extant nonhuman primate taxa
Authors: Vanhoof Marie J. M. , Galletta Lorenzo , De Groote Isabelle , Vereecke Evie E.
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the maximal range of motion (ROM) during wrist deviation and forearm rotation for five different primate genera and the possible correlation with the shape of the distal ulna, triquetrum and hamate. A two-block phylogenetic partial least square analysis was performed to test this covariation in a phylogenetic context, using shape coordinates and a matrix of maximal ROM data as input data. The results show that gibbons have the highest ROM for both ulnar deviation and supination, whereas Macaca exhibited the lowest ROM for supination, and Pan had the lowest ROM for ulnar deviation. These results can be attributed to differences in locomotor behaviour, as gibbons need a large wrist mobility in all directions for their highly arboreal lifestyle, whereas Macaca and Pan need a stable wrist during terrestrial locomotion. However, we found no correlation between distal ulna/triquetrum/hamate shape and maximal ROM during ulnar deviation and supination in the different primate taxa. A larger dataset, in combination with behavioural and biomechanical studies, is needed to establish form–function relationships of the primate hand, which will aid the functional interpretation of primate fossil remains.
Propagation-based phase-contrast imaging of the breast: image quality and the effect of X-ray energy and radiation dose
Authors: Gunaseelan Indusaa , Amin Zadeh Alaleh , Arhatari Benedicta , Maksimenko Anton , Hall Christopher , Hausermann Daniel , Kumar Beena , Fox Jane , Quiney Harry , Lockie Darren , Lewis Sarah , Brennan Patrick , Gureyev Timur , Tavakoli Taba Seyedamir
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

Propagation-based phase-contrast computed tomography (PB-CT) is a new imaging technique that exploits refractive and absorption properties of X-rays to enhance soft tissue contrast and improve image quality. This study compares image quality of PB-CT and absorption-based CT (AB-CT) for breast imaging while exploring X-ray energy and radiation dose.

Methods:

Thirty-nine mastectomy samples were scanned at energy levels of 28-34keV using a flat panel detector at radiation dose levels of 4mGy and 2mGy. Image quality was assessed using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), spatial resolution (res) and visibility (vis). Statistical analysis was performed to compare PB-CT images against their corresponding AB-CT images scanned at 32keV and 4mGy.

Results:

The PB-CT images at 4mGy, across nearly all energy levels, demonstrated superior image quality than AB-CT images at the same dose. At some energy levels, the 2mGy PB-CT images also showed better image quality in terms of CNR/Res and vis compared to the 4mGy AB-CT images. At both investigated doses, SNR and SNR/res were found to have a statistically significant difference across all energy levels. The difference in vis was statistically significant at some energy levels.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates superior image quality of PB-CT over AB-CT, with X-ray energy playing a crucial role in determining image quality parameters.

Advances in knowledge:

Our findings reveal that standard dose PB-CT outperforms standard dose AB-CT across all image quality metrics. Additionally, we demonstrate that low dose PB-CT can produce superior images compared to standard dose AB-CT in terms of CNR/Res and vis.
Filtered back projection vs. iterative reconstruction for CBCT: effects on image noise and processing time
Authors: Ramage Amanda , Lopez Gutierrez Bryan , Fischer Kathleen , Sekula Michael , Santaella Gustavo Machado , Scarfe William , Brasil Danieli Moura , de Oliveira-Santos Christiano
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To assess the effect of standard filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR) methods on CBCT image noise and processing time (PT), acquired with various acquisition parameters with and without metal artefact reduction (MAR).

Methods:

CBCT scans using the Midmark EIOS unit of a human mandible embedded in soft tissue equivalent material with and without the presence of an implant at mandibular first molar region were acquired at various acquisition settings (milliamperages [4mA-14mA], FOV [5 × 5, 6 × 8, 9 × 10 cm], and resolutions [low, standard, high] and reconstructed using standard FBP and IR, and with and without MAR. The processing time was recorded for each reconstruction. ImageJ was used to analyze specific axial images. Radial transaxial fiducial lines were created relative to the implant site. Standard deviations of the gray density values (image noise) were calculated at fixed distances on the fiducial lines on the buccal and lingual aspects at specific axial levels, and mean values for FBP and IR were compared using paired t-tests. Significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Results:

The overall mean for image noise (± SD) for FBP was 198.65 ± 55.58 and 99.84 ± 16.28 for IR. IR significantly decreased image noise compared to FBP at all acquisition parameters (p < 0.05). Noise reduction among different scanning protocols ranged between 29.7% (5 × 5 cm FOV) and 58.1% (5mA). IR increased processing time by an average of 35.1 s.

Conclusions:

IR significantly reduces CBCT image noise compared to standard FBP without substantially increasing processing time.
Applications of artificial intelligence in the analysis of dental panoramic radiographs: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Turosz Natalia , Chęcińska Kamila , Chęciński Maciej , Brzozowska Anita , Nowak Zuzanna , Sikora Maciej
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

This overview of systematic reviews aimed to establish the current state of knowledge on the suitability of artificial intelligence (AI) in dental panoramic radiograph analysis and illustrate its changes over time.

Methods:

Medical databases covered by the Association for Computing Machinery, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Google Scholar, and PubMed engines were searched. The risk of bias was assessed using ROBIS tool. Ultimately, 12 articles were qualified for the qualitative synthesis. The results were visualized with timelines, tables, and charts.

Results:

In the years 1988–2023, a significant development of information technologies for the analysis of DPRs was observed. The latest analyzed AI models achieve high accuracy in detecting caries (91.5%), osteoporosis (89.29%), maxillary sinusitis (87.5%), periodontal bone loss (93.09%), and teeth identification and numbering (93.67%). The detection of periapical lesions is also characterized by high sensitivity (99.95%) and specificity (92%). However, due to the small number of heterogeneous source studies synthesized in systematic reviews, the results of this overview should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusion:

Currently, AI applications can significantly support dentists in dental panoramic radiograph analysis. As systematic reviews on AI become outdated quickly, their regular updating is recommended. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023416048.
Developing and testing a protocol using a common data model for federated collection and analysis of national perinatal health indicators in Europe
Authors: Zeitlin Jennifer , Philibert Marianne , Estupiñán-Romero Francisco , Loghi Marzia , Sakkeus Luule , Draušnik Željka , Alcaide Adela Recio , Durox Mélanie , Cap Jan , Dimnjakovic Jelena , Misins Janis , Bernal Delgado Enrique , Thissen Martin , Gissler Mika ,   Euro-Peristat Research Group
Published: September 2023

Context: International comparisons of the health of mothers and babies provide essential benchmarks for guiding health practice and policy, but statistics are not routinely compiled in a comparable way. These data are especially critical during health emergencies, such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) project aimed to promote the exchange of population data in Europe and included a Use Case on perinatal health.

Objective: To develop and test a protocol for federated analysis of population birth data in Europe.

Methods: The Euro-Peristat network with participants from 31 countries developed a Common Data Model (CDM) and R scripts to exchange and analyse aggregated data on perinatal indicators. Building on recommended Euro-Peristat indicators, complemented by a three-round consensus process, the network specified variables for a CDM and common outputs. The protocol was tested using routine birth data for 2015 to 2020; a survey was conducted assessing data provider experiences and opinions.

Results: The CDM included 17 core data items for the testing phase and 18 for a future expanded phase. 28 countries and the four UK nations created individual person-level databases and ran R scripts to produce anonymous aggregate tables. Seven had all core items, 17 had 13-16, while eight had ≤12. Limitations were not having all items in the same database, required for this protocol. Infant death and mode of birth were most frequently missing. Countries took from under a day to several weeks to set up the CDM, after which the protocol was easy and quick to use.

Conclusion:  This open-source protocol enables rapid production and analysis of perinatal indicators and constitutes a roadmap for a sustainable European information system. It also provides minimum standards for improving national data systems and can be used in other countries to facilitate comparison of perinatal indicators.
Assessment of neonatal referral infrastructure and clinical characteristics of referred neonates in three first referral hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Wainaina John , Irimu Grace , English Mike , Mbaire Emily , Waiyego Mary , Manyasi Christine , Kimutai David , Emadau Caren , Muturi Celia , Aluvaala Jalemba
Published: September 2023

Background

One in five newborns in Nairobi County, Kenya, may require inpatient neonatal care. We sought to examine referrals to and from three busy first-level referral public hospitals in Nairobi and what infrastructure and systems are available to support neonatal transport from these first-referral level hospitals to the main tertiary care center.

Methods

Patient-level data of newborns over 12 months were retrospectively extracted from routinely collected patient data and examined to characterize those referred into and out of three newborn units in the study hospitals. Structural assessments using a checklist completed during hospital visits were used to describe hospitals’ readiness to support newborn referral and transport.

Results

Five percent (398/7720) of the cohort studied were either referrals into study hospitals (68%, 272/398) or referrals out (32%, 126/398). Among 397 (99%) and 268 (67%) with sex and gestation documented respectively,  63% (251) were male and 44% (118) were preterm infants (<37 weeks). Among those referred in, 26% (69/272) died and 2.6% (7/272) were further referred to a tertiary-care newborn unit. Prematurity (39%) and birth asphyxia (29%) were the main in-referral reasons from 38 different health facilities, with specialist reviews (34%) predominant for out-referrals to a tertiary center. Diverse transport methods were used for referrals to study hospitals including private and public ambulances, vehicles, and on guardian’s arms while onward referrals to the tertiary center were done by hospital ambulances. Drugs and medical supplies required for stabilization were well available at the study sites, however, only oxygen nasal cannula, nasal prongs, and face masks were available in the ambulance of hospital 3.

Conclusion

There is a need to develop, equip, and maintain a high-quality referral and newborn transport system that can support the continuum of newborn care across referral care pathways into and from first-referral level hospitals.
The spatial representation of the Blessed Mary in Italian poetry at the time of the Second Vatican Council
Authors: Kubas Magdalena Maria
Published: September 2023

The representation of the Holy Virgin has long constituted one of the most important thematic lines in Italian poetry, both sacred and profane. In terms of the representation of space, the Blessed Mary was traditionally placed in faraway, celestial hierarchies. In more recent periods, this figure is often placed in the space of earthly life, with which the lyrical subject (the enunciator) is more familiar. Juri Lotman’s perspective on the space of the typological description of culture shows that divinities belong mainly to the exterior (E) space of culture. Building on these considerations, the purpose of this article is to analyse recent Marian representations – both poetic and theological – in Italian culture. I will demonstrate that, during the 20th century in Italy, Marian sacrum was moved closer to or even inside interior space (I), as the Blessed Virgin started to appear mostly in scenes of daily life and her divine traits gradually lost importance. This kind of spatiality is also found in the ecumenical dialogue. The Second Vatican Council normalized both Marian theology and the faithful’s practices, which influenced textual production and brought about further changes in the spatial placement of Mary. While the general social trend towards secularization has been increasing the distance between the human and the divine, Mary’s sanctity was transferred to the interior space (I) of everyday life – and this could be one of the factors that relaunched Marian poetry.
Considerations about the ‘right to a biography’: Saints and intellectuals in contemporary culture
Authors: Ponzo Jenny
Published: September 2023

Taking its cue from Juri Lotman’s essay “Pravo na biografiyu”, this paper re-formulates the categories proposed by Lotman in relation to the two models of the saint and the modern intellectual, the former exemplifying the perfect realization of the norm and the latter the rejection of the norm in the name of an individual rule. These two models are considered with reference to two case studies from contemporary culture, respectively provided by the Catholic saints and by intellectuals – especially semioticians. The argument in the former case, which also takes into consideration other fundamental essays by Lotman, shows that contemporary Catholic culture challenges the identification of sanctity with the ideal of perfect adhesion to the norm. This notion is apparently applicable only to hagiographies seen as part of a mechanism of stabilization by which the dominating religious culture tames the explosive potential of the saintly figure. In the latter case, reflection on the theoretical and autobiographical production of several authors related to the field of semiotics shows that a third model can be added to the two identified by Lotman. This third model consists in acquiring the right to biography and carrying out autobiography not in contrast with the norm, as the modern writers studied by Lotman did, nor by dissolving oneself into the norm, but rather by dissolving oneself into the Other, that is, by opening one’s mind so as to allow the Other to become an integral part of oneself. This model is exemplified by the work by Julia Kristeva, in particular Teresa, My Love (2008), in that it overcomes the distinction between biography and autobiography and describes an intellectual and a saint who become “roommates”.
80 years of limnologic research at the Institute of Limnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Authors: Anokhin Vladimir , Golosov Sergei , Guzeva Alina , Guzivaty Vadim , Dudakova Dina , Zverev Ilya , Ivanova Ekaterina , Ignatieva Natalya , Izmailova Anna , Karetnikov Sergey , Kondratiev Sergey , Korneenkova Natalya , Krylova Yulia , Kurashov Evgeniy , Naumenko Mikhail , Mityukov Alexey , Pavlova Oksana , Pozdnyakov Shamil , Rasulova Anna , Rybakin Vladimir , Sapelko Tatyana , Stanislavskaya Elena , Tikhonova Daria , Trifonova Irina
Published: September 2023

This monograph is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Institute of Limnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The most important stages of development of the Institute are described. The main directions of research conducted at present are presented, as well as the most important scientific and applied results obtained during the last decades. They include the assessment of modern water resources of Russia and the world, advances in the study of hydrological, hydrochemical, hydrobiological and geological-geomorphological processes in the largest freshwater body of water in Europe - Lake Ladoga as well as in small lakes of the Northwest and the Arctic zone of Russia, successes of paleolimnological research. In addition, the results of studies on metabolomics of aquatic organisms, causes of toxic "blooming" of water and development of ways to combat it, evaluation of water pollution by microplastics and development of methods for mathematical modeling of heat and mass transfer processes in the "watershed-watercourse-water body" system are presented. Materials contained in the book can be of interest for the general scientific community engaged in the issues of study, protection and rational use of water bodies.
Ponowne doświadczanie kompozycji. Rozważania nad naukową edycją cyfrową z „Melville Electronic Library”
Authors: Ohge Christopher
Published: September 2023

This essay returns to some fundamental notions in computing history to argue for a creative and dynamic form of scholarly editing in the digital space as a form of creative-critical practice. Constituted as a complementary method to the tradition of critical editing, which attempts to provide the most correct description and single representation of the text, the editor attuned to creative-critical methods seeks to brings readers of the edition closer to the energies of writing – composition, revision, text-making, and the context of texts and their relational contexts. These ideas are demonstrated by three examples from the Melville Electronic Library’s work on Moby-Dick, Billy Budd, Sailor, and the forthcoming digital edition of Hawthorne and His Mosses.
Długie trwanie edycji cyfrowej. Przypadek „Korpusu Tekstów i Korespondencji Jana Dantyszka”
Authors: Skolimowska Anna , Turska Magdalena
Published: September 2023

Artykuł został poświęcony pracom nad korpusem, jaki stanowią korespondencja (ponad 6000 zachowanych listów, głównie w języku łacińskim i niemieckim) oraz inne teksty Jana Dantyszka (1485–1548), humanisty i poety nowołacińskiego, dyplomaty w służbie władców polskich, biskupa chełmińskiego i warmińskiego. Od lat osiemdziesiątych XX wieku prace są prowadzone na Uniwersytecie Warszawskim w ramach projektu Rejestracja i Publikacja Korespondencji Jana Dantyszka (1485–1548), który obejmuje publikację internetową całości materiału w wersji pełnotekstowej w postaci Corpus of Ioannes Dantiscus’ Texts & Correspondence / Korpus Tekstów i Korespondencji Jana Dantyszka (CIDTC) oraz publikację pełnego inwentarza korespondencji i wyboru listów w ukazującej się od 2004 roku serii drukowanej „Corpus Epistularum Ioannis Dantisci” (CEID). W artykule omówiono przede wszystkim zagadnienia związane z tworzeniem, utrzymaniem i niezbędnymi migracjami systemów informatycznych wykorzystywanych w projekcie (od Fox Pro, przez Access i MySQL do TEI/XML).
Otwarte, minimalne i promujące równe szanse. Jak uczy się tworzenia naukowych edycji cyfrowych na Globalnej Północy i Globalnym Południu
Authors: Viglianti Raffaele , Del Rio Riande Gimena , Hernández Nidia , De Léon Romina
Published: September 2023

W artykule przedstawiono wstępne refleksje autorów dotyczące tego, czy minimalne przetwarzanie jako praktyka może wykraczać poza „przetwarzanie dokonywane przy pewnych ograniczeniach technologicznych” i służyć jako wspólna płaszczyzna między rozwijającymi się w odmiennym tempie badaniami z zakresu humanistyki cyfrowej na Globalnej Północy i na Globalnym Południu. Opisujemy to zagadnienie, przywołując nasze doświadczenie w tworzeniu i prowadzeniu kursu dla studentów zarówno z Uniwersytetu w Marylandzie, College Park w Stanach Zjednoczonych, jak i Universidad del Salvador w Buenos Aires w Argentynie. Kurs został przeprowadzony po raz pierwszy we wrześniu–listopadzie 2020 roku. Podczas jego trwania starano się wprowadzić studentów w tajniki cyfrowego publikowania i naukowego analizowania tekstów, wykorzystując do tego techniki minimalnego przetwarzania rozumianego jako wspólny zestaw wartości dotyczący stosowania otwartych technologii, posiadania danych i kodu, zmniejszenia infrastruktury obliczeniowej, wreszcie – realnego wpływu na środowisko.
O strukturalizmie w działaniu, czyli TEI i naukowa edycja cyfrowa z perspektywy praktyki edytorskiej
Authors: Niciński Konrad
Published: September 2023

Punktem wyjścia artykułu jest refleksja nad brakiem tekstów w języku polskim będących próbą teorii edycji cyfrowej i nad stanem wiedzy w tej materii w środowisku polskich edytorów. Zasadniczą część tekstu stanowią prolegomena niezbędne, zdaniem autora, do namysłu nad teorią tego rodzaju, spisane z punktu widzenia praktyka zajmującego się tworzeniem naukowych edycji cyfrowych, znającego zagraniczne dyskusje nad edycją cyfrową i wynikające z nich praktyczne rozwiązania. Jednym z wątków jest przedstawienie refleksji teoretycznoliterackiej jako jednej z warstw namysłu nad naukową edycją cyfrową w ramach „studium przypadku” na podstawie możliwości interpretacji standardu oznaczeń TEI (Text Encoding Initiative) jako „strukturalizmu w praktyce”.
„Cyfrowe Archiwum Romana Ingardena” jako naukowa edycja cyfrowa
Authors: Góra Barbara
Published: September 2023

Cyfrowe Archiwum Romana Ingardena na pewno jest publikacją wartościową ze względu na swoje nowatorstwo. Jednakże mimo wielu zalet dostrzeżonych w tej publikacji i pozytywnego wrażenia wizualnego, nie spełnia wszystkich dzisiejszych wymogów naukowej edycji cyfrowej. Po pierwsze, można mieć zastrzeżenia co do naukowej strony tej publikacji – przede wszystkim ze względu na brak noty edytorskiej, wyjaśniającej chociażby podstawowe decyzje twórców, oraz brak aparatu naukowego w postaci komentarzy i przypisów. Po drugie, paradygmat cyfrowy zrealizowano w edycji tylko częściowo i jedynie w mniej istotnych kwestiach. Przede wszystkim nie zastosowano standardu TEI. Brakuje też skojarzenia skanów z transkrypcją oraz możliwości dokonywania operacji na tekście. Odbiorca został również pozbawiony dostępu do danych i funkcji pobierania plików.
ALQUIMIA E ENSINO: REFLEXÕES DE TRABALHOS QUE UTILIZARAM A ALQUIMIA EM SALA DE AULA
Authors: Lombarde Washington
Published: September 2023

A alquimia constitui-se um tema pouco explorado pelos docentes em sala de aula e que desperta a curiosidade dos alunos. Um dos aspectos que dificulta sua explanação é a falta de material didático especializado, pois o livro didático e/ou paradidático, quando traz alguma informação sobre o assunto, o faz de maneira superficial, contribuindo para a construção de visões distorcidas acerca da Alquimia e da natureza do conhecimento científico. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo compreender como as teses e dissertações disponíveis online na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD), vem publicando trabalhos relacionados a Alquimia e sua relação com a sala de aula. O que indica a necessidade de desenvolver pesquisas que abordem a Alquimia atrelada à aspectos históricos e filosóficos da Ciência para que em sala de aula o educando possa ter uma visão mais humanizada de ciência, rompendo com as visões positivistas de ciência.
ENSAIO EPISTEMOLÓGICO DA APRENDIZAGEM BASEADA EM PROBLEMAS
Authors: Holanda Michelle Castro da Silva , Soares Marta Genu
Published: September 2023

A Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas (ABP) tem como princípio colocar o estudante diante de situações que o faz despertar a curiosidade em buscar novos conceitos e informações que se tornam relevantes no aprendizado, favorecendo a autonomia, capacidade de aprender a aprender, aprender a fazer e o aprender a fazer. Tal método tem sido amplamente utilizado nas graduações da área da saúde, como ferramenta de ensino que se acredita capaz de promover a formação de profissionais críticos, reflexivos e humanistas, alinhados com a mudança de paradigma de atenção da saúde, uma vez que a compreensão da Saúde como um direito e um processo de “afirmação da vida” – requer profissionais com um compromisso ético efetivo com os usuários e um modelo de atenção que seja centrado no usuário e nas suas necessidades, por conseguinte, torna-se imperativo que ocorram transformações dos processos de ensino. Diante disso, é relevante nos indagarmos se a mudança paradigmática na saúde está alinhada com as transformações no paradigma da ciência, e em face disto, o presente artigo tem como motivação as seguintes reflexões: o ensino em saúde deixou de ser baseado na perspectiva cartesiana e positivista da ciência? As metodologias ativas de aprendizagem dão conta de prover uma transformação no ensino em saúde? Especificamente, a ABP configura-se como uma estratégia de ensino que favorece uma visão holística da saúde do sujeito? Na tentativa de obter estas respostas, faremos um passeio pela epistemologia, perpassando pela racionalidade clássica e moderna. A partir da presente pesquisa, observamos que apesar das mudanças nas estratégias de ensino-aprendizagem que valorizam o sujeito aluno na construção autônoma do conhecimento, a ABP parece não ser suficiente para modificar o foco do aprendizado, eminentemente científico e até burocrático, e portanto não deixou de ser baseado na perspectiva cartesiana e positivista da ciência, e talvez por isso não dê conta de prover uma transformação no ensino em saúde no sentido da atenção integral e na visão holística da saúde do sujeito, rompendo verdadeiramente do paradigma da saúde.
PERCEPÇÕES DE BOLSISTAS E VOLUNTÁRIOS DO IFMT CAMPUS CONFRESA SOBRE A PESQUISA NA FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE PROFESSORES DE CIÊNCIAS
Authors: Nascimento Dhennife Almeida , Alves Ana Claudia Tasinaffo , Leão Marcelo Franco
Published: September 2023

O estudo objetivou compreender as percepções dos acadêmicos e egressos de cursos de licenciatura que participaram de projetos de pesquisa do IFMT Campus Confresa sobre a importância da pesquisa para sua formação inicial e no preparo para a docência.  O estudo do tipo exploratório e descritivo utilizou um formulário eletrônico para coletar dados de 20 acadêmicos que tiveram vínculo com projetos de pesquisa de 2010 a 2020. A investigação ocorreu no início de 2021, constituído por 12 perguntas, sendo 03 abertas e 09 fechadas. Todos afirmaram que atividades com pesquisa contribuíram em sua formação. A maioria respondeu que a pesquisa é essencial e impacta positivamente na atuação profissional. A participação proporcionou diferentes vivências e para o aperfeiçoamento de competências, como a investigação, sistematização e argumentação, necessárias na atuação profissional.
EDUCAÇÃO SEXUAL ESCOLAR E O MOVIMENTO FEMINISTA: PRODUÇÃO DA REVISTA ESTUDOS FEMINISTAS NA DÉCADA DE ASCENSÃO DA EXTREMA-DIREITA
Authors: De Almeida Gabriel Mendes , Rocha Marcelo Borges
Published: September 2023

No Brasil, a década de 2010 foi marcada pela ascensão de uma extrema-direita conservadora, que promoveu diversos retrocessos e ataques ao movimento feminista, a comunidade LGBTQIA+ e a implementação da educação sexual escolar. O artigo faz um resgate histórico da ascensão dessa extrema-direita bem como da implementação da educação sexual escolar no Brasil. Por meio de uma revisão sistemática do que foi produzido a respeito da educação sexual escolar na Revista Estudos Feministas entre 2010 e 2020, o estudo destaca a importância dos movimentos sociais e da pesquisa acadêmica na resistência contra o retrocesso epistemológico. Ao todo foram encontrados 23 trabalhos que foram analisados por meio de descritores gerais e específicos buscando analisar seus aspectos institucionais e particulares.
ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS POR INVESTIGAÇÃO: A RELEVÂNCIA DA EXPERIMENTAÇÃO NO CONTEÚDO DE MICROBIOLOGIA PARA ALUNOS DO ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Cavalcanti Danilo Ramos , Andrade Maria Lucikelly Beatriz de
Published: September 2023

O Ensino de Ciências por Investigação tem como objetivo a promoção do pensamento crítico, por meio da sala de aula como um ambiente investigativo para trabalhar o conhecimento científico. Por isso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo apresentar aos estudantes a importância da experimentação no processo de ensino-aprendizagem para compreensão da ubiquidade de microrganismos. A pesquisa foi realizada com alunos do 2º ano do Ensino Médio de uma escola estadual, os quais responderam ao questionário pré-teste, realizaram os testes experimentais, fizeram as observações do crescimento de microrganismos por cinco dias e responderam ao questionário pós-teste. Os alunos apresentavam conhecimento prévio sobre o conteúdo, porém desconheciam o termo “meio de cultura”, revelando que as experiências não são uma realidade no cotidiano escolar. Logo, conclui-se que a atividade experimental é uma estratégia indispensável para o aprendizado da Microbiologia no Ensino de Biologia.