bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linné et Buffon : deux visions différentes de la nature et de l'histoire naturelle
Authors: Barsanti Giulio
Published: December 2023

It is argued that, of the three distinct approaches usually adhered to in discussions of this controversy, none will produce an adequate reconstruction of the episode. The philosophical-methodological type of approach leads to a glossing over of the intricacies of deductive and inductive procedures inhering in the writings of both antagonists (§ 1). The metaphysical approach leads to oversimplification as to the thinking of either scientist on the problem of the continuous or discontinuous character of Nature(§ 2). The epistemological (theory of knowledge) type of approach, finally, leads authors to posit a Linnaean realism vs. a Buffonian nominalism, whereas the true position was much more complex than what transpires(§ 3).

The paper proceeds, therefore, to provide a novel reconstruction of this wellknown controversy (§ 4-5), concentrating on the differing choices made by the two naturalists in their work of botanical or zoological classification : thus seeking to show that the clash came about because Buffon rejected the rigid principle of character subordination put forward by Linnaeus, and, on a more general level, because the two protagonists were proceeding from deeply diverging views of what natural history, and what the naturalist's function, should be.
La philosophie de la physiologie d’Albrecht von Haller
Authors: Neubauer John
Published: December 2023

The scientific and literary achievements of Albrecht von Haller were never questioned, but there has been much disagreement on the issue whether he was able to bring his scientific, philosophical, and religious beliefs into a harmonius synthesis. The recent and most comprehensive book on Haller by Richard Toellner (1971) suggests that Haller's thought possessed such a unity, and this judgment has remained unchallenged. This article reopens the question by painting out discrepancies between the Cartesian, Lockean, and Newtonian strands in Haller's philosophy of science, as evidenced particularly by his pivotal essay on irritability and sensibility. In opposition to vitalism Haller postulated forces innate to matter, but out of religious concerns he feared materialism and was anxious to limit the power of such innate forces.
Arachniodes breviaristata (Dryopteridaceae): a new species from Jiangxi, China
Authors: WEI HONG-JIN , LE XIN-GUI , CHEN BIN
Published: December 2023

Arachniodes breviaristata, a new species of Dryopteridaceae from Jiangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is most similar to A. exilis in terms of pinnule shape and serrature form, but can be easily recognized by its lamina shape, degree of shrinkage of the lamina apex and relative length of basiscopically basal pinnules of the lowest pinnae. The new species is suggested to be classified as Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN Red List Criteria.
Description of a new species of Pleciobates Esaki, 1930 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) from Hainan Island, China
Authors: LENG ZHAOQI , YE ZHEN
Published: December 2023

This paper provides the description of a new species, Pleciobates herczeki sp. nov., from Hainan Island, China. Photographs of the male and female habitus are provided, accompanied by line drawings of female structures, male genitalic structures, in situ habitus and a distributional map for the newly described species.
A new species of Brontostoma Kirkaldy, description of the male of Brontostoma bahiensis Gil-Santana, Costa & Marques and notes on Brontostoma doughertyae Gil-Santana et al. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae)
Authors: GIL-SANTANA HÉLCIO R.
Published: December 2023

Brontostoma herczeki sp. nov. is described based on two males from southeastern Brazil (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae). The male of Brontostoma bahiensis Gil-Santana, Costa & Marques, 2004 is described based on a specimen from Bahia state, Brazil. Taxonomical notes on Brontostoma doughertyae Gil-Santana, Lopes, Marques & Jurberg, 2005 are provided. Photographs of the holotypes of Brontostoma bahiensis, Brontostoma diringshofeni Gil-Santana & Baena, 2009 and Brontostoma doughertyae are presented.
Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Applicant and Matching Trends in the United States: An Analysis of National Resident Matching Program Data
Authors: Sohail Amir H. , Ye Ivan B. , Martinez Kevin A. , Campos Marco A. , Sohail Sachal , Williams Caroline E. , Khan Muhammad Salman , Bhatti Umar , Hakmi Hazim , Akhtar Aisha , Quazi Mohammed A. , Sheikh Abu Baker , Goyal Aman , Khan Aimal
Published: December 2023

Background

Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowships are training programs that aim to train surgeons in the management of small bowel, colon, rectal, and anal pathologies.

Objective

We investigated trends in Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship match to help applicants anticipate future fellowship application cycles.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study of applicants in the Colon and Rectal Surgery match from 2009 to 2023. Proportion of positions filled, match rates, and rank-order lists were collected. The impact of US-MD, non-US-MD, and DO status on match rate was assessed. We used the Mann Kendall trend test to obtain tau statistic and P-value for temporal trends over time, while associations between categorical variables were investigated by a chi-square test.

Results

Fellowship programs increased from 43 to 67, positions increased from 78 to 110, and number of applicants rose from 113 to 135. Nearly all positions were filled from 2009 to 2023 (range: 96.3%-100%). The overall match rate fluctuated between 67.3% and 80.7%. The match rate over the past 5 years was 72.0%. The match rate for US-MDs was 80.0%, while non-US-MDs had a 56.2% match rate. The percentage matching at each rank were first choice 28.0%, second choice 10.4%, third choice 6.9%, and fourth choice or lower 23.5%.

Conclusion

Despite an increase in Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship positions, the overall match rate has not changed significantly over the years, mainly as a result of increased applicants.
Correlates of Toddlers’ Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behavior During Unstructured Outdoor Play in Early Childhood Education and Daycare Settings
Authors: Vega-Perona Herminia , Estevan Isaac , Bernabé-Villodre María del Mar , Segura-Martínez Patricia , Martínez-Bello Daniel Adyro , Martínez-Bello Vladimir E.
Published: December 2023

Despite recent research showing that early childhood education and daycare settings (ECEC) have an important role in promoting toddlers’ physical activity (PA), crucial information gaps remain regarding toddlers' PA and sedentary behavior (SB) in these outdoor settings. We aimed in this study to: (a) analyze PA patterns and SB during unstructured outdoor play time in preschool and daycare environments using accelerometry and systematic observation; (b) provide concurrent accelerometry and observational data to help validate the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children-Preschool Version (OSRAC-P); and (c) examine individual, social and environmental correlates of PA and SB during toddlers’ unstructured outdoor play time. We found that: (a) toddlers displayed high amounts of PA with no sex, BMI, and/or age differences in PA and SB levels,; (b) environmental variables (e.g., fixed equipment and playground density) were not associated with PA levels or SB intensity; (c) the OSRAC-P was a reliable and valid means of observing and analyzing toddlers’ PA patterns during unstructured outdoor play time; and (e) different social patterns between boys and girls did not impact PA levels or patterns. Combining different measurement methods permitted an improved understanding of unstructured outdoor play in preschool and daycare settings.
Integration of digital shearography and FEM for non-destructive evaluation of internal cracks in GRE pipes
Authors: Farshi Sina Sabbaghi , Akbari Davood
Published: December 2023

Pipes made of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (GRE) are often exposed to complex environmental conditions, which can make them prone to internal cracking. Quantitative, non-destructive evaluation of cracks can reduce unintended failures and improve system reliability. The use of digital shearography, a modern non-destructive method based on laser interferometry, in the diagnosis of composite materials has drawn attention in recent years. In this paper, a model for the quantitative evaluation of subsurface cracks in various locations on GRE pipes was developed by integrating the finite element method and shearography with thermal stimulation. The response surface method was used to design the simulations, and the effect of crack dimensions and location on the phase map and out-of-plane surface strain component was investigated. The results demonstrated that the crack placement angle relative to the shearography device is effective on crack detectability due to the change in the actual shearing size. A model was then presented to estimate the length and depth of the crack based on the displacement derivative graph by using analysis of variance and regression techniques. By determining the out-of-plane displacement derivative, the proposed model enables precise estimation of the dimensions and location of subsurface cracks.
The saga of James Lucett and the process for curing insanity, Part 2 (1814–38): ‘Insanity cured’
Authors: Smith Leonard
Published: December 2023

Following the collapse of the Delahoyde and Lucett joint enterprise, James Lucett resumed practice on his own account. He continued to implement his ‘process’, promoting it as a unique cure for intractable cases of insanity. For two decades he pursued his activities, with varying success, at different locations in the London area. He maintained his public profile by extensive advertising, letters to newspapers and published pamphlets, extolling his unique ‘discovery’ and recounting claims of successful cures achieved. Accusations of quackery persisted along with other hostile criticism, particularly from medical men, which Lucett strongly challenged. Periodically he faced more serious difficulties due to legal infractions or financial hardships, but somehow Lucett survived most of these and persevered with his endeavours.
Social Infrastructures in Times of Corona: Exploring the Ambiguities of Sociality, Practices, and Materiality
Authors: Tuitjer Leonie , Müller Anna-Lisa , Tuitjer Gesine
Published: December 2023

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated public health measures continuously alter our everyday lives and routines. Here, we focus on social infrastructures of local provisions and the role they perform within cities under shutdown. Social infrastructures of local provisions such as supermarkets remained functional in Germany even during repeated shutdowns as they were perceived as essential for everyday life. Supermarkets hence turned from mundane sites of provision to sites where we could witness how infrastructures are deeply entangled with the microfoundations of urban social life. Based on auto-ethnographic accounts covering the period from March 2020 until May 2020, we explore how these spaces became primary sites through which to experience the changes caused by the pandemic. Writing from inner-city neighborhoods, we highlight the need to attend to the ambiguous role of design, objects, and materiality to adjust collective social practices and urban conviviality in the times of COVID-19.
A psychological-semiotic approach to cultural translation: A case study of translational performance text and translated cultural identity
Authors: Liang Shuying
Published: December 2023

Cultural translation promotes cross-cultural synthetization and hybridization. Against the backdrop of cultural assimilation and inherent conceptual contestation of different languages, the cultural meaning of the source performance text is interpreted and reconstructed by specific cultural translator who intentionally creates the aesthetic value and significance for a specific target readership/audience. Drawing on Valsiner’s cultural psychology and Marais’ notion of representamen translation, this paper focuses on an exemplary example of a cross-cultural stardom-fandom exchange regarding the Korean artist Lee Joon Gi, who produces his translational performance texts of the source Chinese performance texts for his target Chinese audience. The psychological-semiotic approach to Translation Studies also explores the issue of translated cultural identity within cultural translation. Thus, the concept of translational performance text is proposed as Lee is deemed as both cultural translator and translated cultural product simultaneously. On the one hand, by incorporating non-linguistic semiotic process-phenomena into the conventional linguistic-biased Translation Studies, Translation Studies could be nurtured promisingly with cultural psychology and semiotics for interdisciplinary progress. On the other hand, a translational perspective enhances the understanding of the profound psychological-semiotic aspect of cultural translation pertaining to the production of entertainment jouissance within cultural translation.
Parent inferential questions and child responses during shared reading predict DLLs’ receptive vocabulary development
Authors: Rydland Veslemøy , Grøver Vibeke
Published: December 2023

The present study investigated whether parent–child interactions during shared reading in a diverse sample of 91 three- to five-year-old dual language learners (DLLs) in Norway supported the development of the children’s first (L1) and second language (L2) vocabulary skills. The dyads spoke 11 different L1s (i.e., Arabic, Polish, Somali, and Urdu). The analysis of shared reading was based on predefined story elements in the book, and differentiated between whether central story elements were introduced as parent inferential questions and child responses, or as parent and child narrative statements. The children’s L1 and L2 receptive vocabulary skills were assessed prior to the reading as well as 8 months later. Regression analyses revealed that parent inferential questions predicted children’s L1 vocabulary development across the time-period. Child responses to adult inferential questions predicted their L1 and L2 vocabulary development. These findings support the growing research base that emphasizes the importance of eliciting child reasoning during shared reading.
Educational leadership in early childhood education: Participant vulnerability and a ‘rule of care’
Authors: Henderson Linda , Nuttall Joce , Wood Elizabeth , Martin Jenny
Published: December 2023

There is considerable literature describing the use of Change Laboratory as a simultaneous research and intervention methodology in workplace settings. However, there is limited literature describing Change Laboratory from the researcher-facilitator perspective. This paper examines the ethical dimensions of Change Laboratory from this perspective and specifically how a ‘rule of care’ became a conscious rule. The context is a series of Change Laboratories implemented with Centre Directors and Educational Leaders from early childhood education and care centres in Darwin and Melbourne, Australia. Based on our analysis we attribute the emergence of this rule to a particular vulnerability of the participants: that they were all recruited from centres that had been publicly designated as Working Towards National Quality Standard requirements for quality early childhood education and care practices. We present evidence of this ‘rule of care’ in our work as researcher-facilitators from our data. We conclude that attention to a ‘rule of care’ is necessary to support transformation, particularly for vulnerable participants such as Educational Leaders.
University and democratization: A training project in action research with social movements
Authors: Gorostidi Izaro , Ormazabal Andere , Ahedo Igor
Published: December 2023

Current challenges call for a university that assumes a proactive role in the search for a fairer, more egalitarian and democratic world. This study puts action and transformation at the center of academic work, as training students in epistemologies and research methodologies in addition to providing them with new skills allows them to immerse themselves in the social fabric that can accompany the stabilization of community processes. In this text, we present a project within a master’s in community participation and development, in which the students have supported a process of participation by irruption. The internship is a Participatory Action Research project within the framework of a process of consolidating and recognizing a social center occupied by squatters, and it shows two potentials; it means the university students can be trained in a transformational way, and it allows the students to be the protagonists of dynamics which transcend hegemonic academic methodologies and, through teaching and action, support processes of community coordination and the stabilization of democratizing irruption dynamics.
Strategies and Interventions Used to Prevent Violence Against Sex Workers in the United States: A Scoping Review Using the Social-Ecological Model
Authors: Carr Cary , King Lindsey M , Maizel Jennifer , Scaglione Nichole M , Stetten Nichole E , Varnes Julia R , Tomko Catherine
Published: December 2023

Structural factors in the United States, such as criminalization, contribute to disproportionate rates of violence against sex workers and subsequent risk of adverse health outcomes. There is a clear need for systemic interventions and risk reduction strategies to reduce violence in this population. To inform next steps in prevention, this scoping review provides an overview of the literature on violence prevention efforts targeting sex workers in the United States, mapped out according to the social-ecological model (SEM). A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature across five databases with no limit on publication date yielded 2,372 documents. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they focused on the U.S. population of sex workers and had a clearly defined aim or purpose of exploring, describing, or evaluating sex work violence prevention interventions or risk reduction strategies. Twelve studies met all eligibility criteria and were selected. Only two of the studies evaluated sexual violence prevention interventions, while the remaining 10 explored strategies sex workers use to minimize the risk of violence. Most research focused on female sex workers, violence from paying clients, and prevention at the individual level of the SEM. Our findings suggest a need for additional violence prevention interventions tailored for diverse groups of sex workers and cognizant of the overlapping forms of violence they face. This scoping review contributes to the limited body of research on the prevention of violence against sex workers in the United States by providing future directions for research and program development that span across the SEM.
Tailor Made: A Pilot Virtual Weight Loss Intervention Individually Tailored for African American Men
Authors: Griffith Derek M. , Jaeger Emily C. , Pennings Jacquelyn S. , Semlow Andrea R. , Ellison Jennifer M. , Alexander Leah R.
Published: December 2023

This study tests the acceptability and feasibility of the first virtual weight loss study individually tailored for middle-aged African American men. Tailor Made is a 3-month randomized controlled pilot of a weight loss intervention that included 58 overweight or obese African American men (mean age of 50.4; SD = 7.9). Control group participants received a Fitbit activity tracker and Bluetooth-enabled scale and copies of the self-led Tailor Made curriculum. Intervention group participants received the same Fitbit, Bluetooth-enabled scale, and curriculum and also participated in weekly, 45-minute virtual small group, professional-led education sessions using the Tailor Made curriculum and received three SMS text messages weekly: (a) a message individually tailored on African American Manhood that links men’s values, goals, and motivation to health-promoting behavior; (b) a goal-tracking message to monitor physical activity, healthier eating, and lifestyle changes; and (c) a reminder 24 hours before their session. Participation rates in weekly small group sessions, randomization, and attendance at the assessments suggest that Tailor Made was feasible and acceptable. Only among intervention group participants, we found a small and significant decrease in BMI between baseline and final. In addition, active minutes of physical activity decreased for the control group while active minutes for the intervention group remained steady throughout the intervention. In sum, we demonstrated that a virtual, individually tailored weight loss intervention is feasible and acceptable to African American men. Participants valued the convenience of a virtual intervention, but there were a number of ways we may be able to enhance the potential benefits of this approach.
The Seven-Step Learning Journey: A Learning Cycle Supporting Design, Facilitation, and Assessment of Transformative Learning
Authors: De Witt Annick , Bootsma Margien , Dermody Brian J. , Rebel Karin
Published: December 2023

In a world in need of profound change, the importance of transformative education is increasingly recognized. However, barriers abound in our Higher Education Institutions, including that educators often have little notion of how to make their teaching more transformative in practice. This paper builds on our experience of developing a transformative learning intervention in the context of our sustainability education at Utrecht University. For this project, we designed a learning cycle consisting of seven steps, summarized as excavate, absorb, experience, observe, deepen, exchange, and consolidate. We tested this seven-step learning journey in two Bachelor courses, using qualitative student evaluations ( n = 305), and then substantiated it by drawing on the learning sciences literature. We conclude this cycle can help educators structure their teaching; include reflective, experiential, and interactive learning methodologies; and invite learners to systematically reflect on their change in meaning making, thereby supporting (transformative) education design in different contexts.
Game sides technical-tactical differences between professional male padel players
Authors: Ampuero Rodrigo , Mellado-Arbelo Oscar , Fuentes-García Juan Pedro , Baiget Ernest
Published: December 2023

The main objective of this study was to analyze how professional male padel players technically-tactically behave and to whether determine if there are any differences between one game side and the other (left game side, LGS; right game side, RGS). The sample included 12.851 shots corresponding to 8 matches from the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals of the Premier Padel circuit held in 2022 where 16 different professional right-handed padel male players participated. All matches were analyzed through systematic observation using an ad-hoc instrument. Variables such as, type of strokes, outcomes, hitting zones and switching displacements, were taken into account. Significant differences ( p < 0.05) were found on forehands, backhands, backhand volleys, forehand lobs, backhand lobs, counter wall forehand, counter-lateral wall forehand and backhand, and wall descent stroke backhand. Also, significant differences were found regarding the stroke outcomes: into play (RGS 46.4%; p < 0.05); winners (LGS 2.3%; p < 0.01). Finally, significant differences were noticed between switching displacements in which the LGS players switched considerably more times than the RGS (66.7%; p < 0.001). The reported results proved that there exist differences between both game sides regarding their strokes, stroke outcomes, and switching displacements.
Perceived impact of digital health technology on health professionals and their work: A qualitative study in Southern Ghana
Authors: Mensah Nathan Kumasenu , Adzakpah Godwin , Kissi Jonathan , Boadu Richard Okyere , Acheampongmaa Queensly Kyerewaa , Taylor-Abdulai Hannah , Chatio Samuel Tamti
Published: December 2023

Background

Digital health technology (DHT) has become an essential part of an effective and efficient healthcare information system. Although DHT promises great potential it does not always meet the expectation of users. Often, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the implemented DHT does not function as intended and impacts negatively on health professionals and their work. Therefore, this study explored the views of participants about the impact of DHTs on the work of health professionals after it has been introduced in Ghana.

Methodology

The study used a qualitative research approach where in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with study participants across three health facilities in Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded into themes using QSR Nvivo 12 software before thematic content analysis.

Results

Our findings revealed that DHT reduced the workload on the healthcare providers and also ensures continuity of care. Participants perceived that DHT was fast, and ensures quality and accurate information, which could be easily accessed by health professionals for better decision making. However, poor internet connectivity and erratic power supplies were reported as the main impediments causing delays and frustrations to the staff at the study health facilities.

Conclusion

The study found that DHT has a positive effect on the work of health professionals. However, poor internet connectivity and unstable power supply caused delays in the provision of care and disruptions in the work process affecting the smooth operation of the DHT and threatening to erode the potential benefits to the health system and users.
Chronic pelvic pain: An underrecognised perioperative consideration
Authors: Lam Antoinette , Zhang Ruyi , Oxenham Adrienne , Stretton Brandon , Aujayeb Nidhi , West Sam , Trewen Tim , Bacchi Stephen , Kovoor Joshua G , Gupta Aashray K
Published: December 2023

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a prevalent disorder amongst women. The physiology of CPP is attributed to various neurophysiological mechanisms and endometriosis, adenomyosis, chronic infection and functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or interstitial cystitis are all diseases which fall under the umbrella term of CPP. CPP and its associated multitude of causes can affect perioperative care through several mechanisms. Patients with CPP may be more likely to experience significant pain in the perioperative setting and preoperative pain can be a predictor of post-operative pain. Thus, optimisation of CPP prior to the perioperative period is an important consideration. Currently limited and conflicting evidence exists regarding the peri-operative pharmacological analgesia. The various aetiologies of CPP and patient medical history result in the inability to generalise one analgesic regime. Areas of further research includes neuromodulation techniques, genomic and proteomic biomarker studies and the applicability of artificial intelligence.
Book review: Kishalay Bhattacharjee, Where the Madness Lies: Citizen Accounts of Identity and Nationalism
Authors: Sogarwal Jigyasa
Published: December 2023

Kishalay Bhattacharjee, Where the Madness Lies: Citizen Accounts of Identity and Nationalism. New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2023, 287 pages, ₹950.
Overcoming structural barriers to diffusion of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Magnus Manya , Yellin Hannah , Langlands Kayley , Balachandran Madhu , Turner Melissa , Jordan Jeanne , Ramin Daniel , Kuo Irene , Siegel Marc
Published: December 2023

HIV prevention with antiretroviral medication in the form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers a critical tool to halt the HIV pandemic. Barriers to PrEP access across drug types, formulations, and delivery systems share remarkable commonalities and are likely to be generalizable to future novel PrEP strategies. Appreciation of these barriers allows for planning earlier in the drug-development pathway rather than waiting for the demonstration of efficacy. The purpose of this article is to propose a core set of considerations that should be included in the drug-development process for future PrEP interventions. A literature synthesis of key barriers to PrEP uptake in the United States was conducted to elucidate commonalities across PrEP agents and delivery methods. Based on the published literature, we divided challenges into three main categories of structural barriers: (1) provider and clinic characteristics; (2) cost considerations; and (3) disparities and social constructs, with potential solutions provided for each. Pragmatic strategies for examining and overcoming these barriers before future PrEP regulatory approval are recommended. If these strategies are considered well before the time of commercial availability, the potential for PrEP to interrupt the HIV pandemic will be greatly enhanced.
Nine controversial questions about augmentation therapy for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: a viewpoint
Authors: Miravitlles Marc , Anzueto Antonio , Barrecheguren Miriam
Published: December 2023

Augmentation therapy with intravenous alpha-1 antitrypsin is the only specific treatment for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-associated emphysema. This treatment has been available and remained basically unchanged for more than 35 years, but many questions persist regarding its indications, regimen of administration and efficacy. Because AATD is a rare disease, it has not been possible to conduct randomised, placebo-controlled trials that are adequately powered for the usual outcomes analysed in non-AATD-related COPD, such as lung function decline, exacerbations, symptoms or quality of life. New outcomes such as lung densitometry measured by computed tomography are more sensitive for identifying emphysema progression but are not widely accepted by regulatory agencies. In addition, clinical manifestations, severity and the natural history of lung disease associated with AATD are very heterogeneous, which means that individual prediction of prognosis is challenging. Therefore, the indication for augmentation is sometimes a dilemma between initiating treatment in individuals who may not develop significant lung disease or in whom disease will not progress and delaying it in patients who will otherwise rapidly and irreversibly progress.

Other areas of debate are the possible indication for augmentation in patients with severe AATD and respiratory diseases other than emphysema, such as bronchiectasis or asthma, and the use of therapy after lung transplant in AATD patients. All these uncertainties imply that the indication for treatment must be personalised in expert reference centres after in-depth discussion of the pros and cons of augmentation with the patient.
Associations of medicine use and ejection fraction with the coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia in a sample of heart failure outpatients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Valdiviesso Rui , Amaral Teresa F. , Moreira Emília , Sousa-Santos Ana Rita , Fernandes Mário , Aguiar Maria J. V. , Martins Sónia , Azevedo Luís F. , Fernandes Lia , Silva-Cardoso José , Borges Nuno
Published: December 2023

Background

Frailty and sarcopenia have been extensively studied in heart failure (HF) patients, but their coexistence is unknown. The aim of this work is to describe the coexistence of these conditions in a sample of HF outpatients and its association with the use of medication and left-ventricular ejection fraction.

Methods

Participants in this cross-sectional study were recruited from a HF outpatients’ clinic in northern Portugal. Frailty phenotype was assessed according to Fried et al. Sarcopenia was evaluated according to the revised consensus of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People.

Results

A total of 136 HF outpatients (33.8% women, median age 59 years) integrated this study. Frailty and sarcopenia accounted for 15.4% and 18.4% of the sample, respectively. Coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia was found in 8.1% of the participants, while 17.6% had only one of the conditions. In multivariable analysis (n = 132), increasing age (OR = 1.13;95%CI = 1.06,1.20), being a woman (OR = 65.65;95%CI = 13.50, 319.15), having heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (OR = 5.61; 95%CI = 1.22, 25.76), and using antidepressants (OR = 11.05; 95%CI = 2.50, 48.82), anticoagulants (OR = 6.11; 95%CI = 1.69, 22.07), furosemide (OR = 3.95; 95%CI = 1.07, 14.55), and acetylsalicylic acid (OR = 5.01; 95%CI = 1.10, 22.90) were associated with increased likelihood of having coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia, while using statins showed the inverse effect (OR = 0.06; 95%CI = 0.01, 0.30).

Conclusions

The relatively low frequency of coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia signifies that each of these two conditions still deserve individual attention from health professionals in their clinical practice and should be screened separately. Being a woman, older age, having HFpEF, using anticoagulants, antidepressants, loop diuretics and acetylsalicylic acid, and not using statins, were associated with having concomitant frailty and sarcopenia. These patients can potentially benefit from interventions that impact their quality of life such as nutritional and mental health interventions and exercise training.
Does testosterone influence the association between sleep and frailty in men: results from the European Male Aging Study
Authors: Sharma Seema D. , Cook Michael J. , Antonio Leen , Gielen Evelien , Bartfai Gyorgy , Casanueva Felipe F. , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Maggi Mario , Punab Margus , Rastrelli Giulia , Slowikowska-Hilczer Jolanta , Tournoy Jos , Vanderschueren Dirk , Wu Frederick C. , O’Neill Terence W.
Published: December 2023

Background

Previous studies have suggested an association between sleep disturbance and frailty. The mechanism is unknown, although it has been suggested that hormonal factors may play a role.

Methods

The aim was to determine the association between sleep duration, sleep quality and frailty, and to determine whether testosterone influenced this association. Males aged 40–79 years were recruited from eight European centres to the European Male Aging Study (EMAS). Subjects completed an interviewer-assisted questionnaire including questions regarding sleep quality and duration. Sleep quality was scored 0–20 and categorised as 0–4, 5–9, 10–14, and 15–20, with higher scores indicating poorer quality. A 39-component frailty index (FI) was constructed. Total testosterone levels were measured. The association between sleep duration, sleep quality and the FI was assessed using negative binomial regression, with adjustment for putative confounders including testosterone level.

Results

Two thousand three hundred ninety-three participants contributed data to the analysis. The mean age was 63.3 years and mean sleep duration was 7.01 h. The mean frailty index was 0.15. Mean testosterone levels declined with decreasing sleep quality. After adjustment, compared to those with a sleep score of 0–4, the FI was 57% (95% CI 38%, 78%) higher among those with a sleep score of 15–20. After adjustment compared to those with normal sleep duration (6–9 h), those with a short (< 6 h) and long (≥ 9 h) sleep duration had a 16% (95% CI 6%, 28%) and 11% (95% CI 0%, 23%) higher FI, respectively. Adjustment for testosterone did not influence the strength of either association.

Conclusion

Frailty is associated with impaired sleep quality and sleep duration. The association cannot, however, be explained by variation in testosterone levels.
Radiofrequency ablation for pediatric recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center experience
Authors: Long Haiyi , Wu Wenxin , Zhou Luyao , Shen Hui , Xie Xiaoyan , Liu Baoxian
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To summarize our single-center experience with percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for pediatric recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC).

Methods

From September 2007 to September 2021, patients under 18 who underwent percutaneous US-guided RFA for RHCC were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Local effectiveness, complications, local tumor progression (LTP), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results

A total of 10 patients (9 male and 1 female; mean age, 11.7 ± 4 years ; age range, 6–17 years) with 15 intrahepatic RHCC lesions were enrolled in this study. Complete ablation (CA) was achieved in 14 out of 15 lesions (93.3%) after the first RFA. During the follow-up (mean, 63.1 ± 18 months; range, 5.3-123.3 months), LTP did not occur. Five patients died including three with tumor progression and one with liver failure. The accumulative one- and three-year PFS rates were 30% and 10%, respectively. The accumulative one- and three-year OS rates were 77.8% and 44.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our single-center experience suggests the safety and feasibility of percutaneous US-guided RFA for pediatric RHCC.
IL-33/ST2L signaling alleviates diabetic nephropathy by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Teng , Jin Yu-qing , Wang Qi , Jia Cong-hui , Ren Wei-yan , Liu Jia-yi , Yang Lei , Luo Hong-min
Published: December 2023

Objective

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an important factor in the regulation of pathological processes in DN, and excessive ER stress can lead to apoptosis. Although the IL-33/ST2 axis is known to be involved in diabetic kidney disease or related nephropathy, its role and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood in terms of DN. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of IL-33/ST2 signaling on DN and to characterize the roles that ER stress and apoptosis play in DN.

Methods

To investigate this study, mice were randomly assigned into DN (induced by 0.1% STZ) and Control groups. Biochemical indices (FBG, BUN, UPR, UCE) were measured in serum and urine samples to reflect blood glucose and kidney damage. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to assess gene and protein expression of the IL-33/ST2 axis and ER stress relative signaling molecule. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

IL-33 levels are significantly increased in the kidneys of patients and mice with DN. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that IL-33 colocalized with CD31-positive endothelial cells. Treatment with IL-33 attenuated kidney injury in Streptozotocin (STZ)-treated mice. In vitro, we showed that IL-33 attenuated ER stress and apoptosis in glomerular endothelial cells. However, sST2 treatment significantly reversed these effects of IL-33.

Conclusion

Together, these data suggest that IL-33/ST2 signaling mitigates STZ-induced renal damage, partly at least, by suppressing ER stress and apoptosis. Therefore, IL-33 may be an effective therapeutic target in DN.
Patient and physician perspectives on treatments for low-risk prostate cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Guan Alice , Santiago-Rodríguez Eduardo J. , Chung Benjamin I. , Shim Janet K. , Allen Laura , Kuo Mei-Chin , Lau Kathie , Loya Zinnia , Brooks James D. , Cheng Iona , DeRouen Mindy C. , Frosch Dominick L. , Golden Todd , Leppert John T. , Lichtensztajn Daphne Y. , Lu Qian , Oh Debora , Sieh Weiva , Wadhwa Michelle , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Carroll Peter R. , Gomez Scarlett L. , Shariff-Marco Salma
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) are confronted with a difficult decision regarding whether to undergo definitive treatment or to pursue an active surveillance protocol. This is potentially further complicated by the possibility that patients and physicians may place different value on factors that influence this decision. We conducted a qualitative investigation to better understand patient and physician perceptions of factors influencing treatment decisions for low-risk PCa.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 43 racially and ethnically diverse patients diagnosed with low-risk PCa, who were identified through a population-based cancer registry, and 15 physicians who were selected to represent a variety of practice settings in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Results

Patients and physicians both described several key individual (e.g., clinical) and interpersonal (e.g., healthcare communications) factors as important for treatment decision-making. Overall, physicians’ perceptions largely mirrored patients’ perceptions. First, we observed differences in treatment preferences by age and stage of life. At older ages, there was a preference for less invasive options. However, at younger ages, we found varying opinions among both patients and physicians. Second, patients and physicians both described concerns about side effects including physical functioning and non-physical considerations. Third, we observed differences in expectations and the level of difficulty for clinical conversations based on information needs and resources between patients and physicians. Finally, we discovered that patients and physicians perceived patients’ prior knowledge and the support of family/friends as facilitators of clinical conversations.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the gap between patient and physician perceptions on the influence of clinical and communication factors on treatment decision-making is not large. The consensus we observed points to the importance of developing relevant clinical communication roadmaps as well as high quality and accessible patient education materials.
Prognostic value of Hematoxylin and eosin staining tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (H&E-TILs) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zheng Jifang , Zhang Hejun , Li Siya , Kang Zhaoxin , Zheng Fei , Yao Qiwei , Zhang Xueqing , Wu Ziyi , Wang Jiezhong , Fang Weimin , Li Jiancheng , Chen Gang , Chen Yuangui , Chen Mingqiu
Published: December 2023

Background

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) by routine hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E-TILs) are a robust prognostic biomarker in various cancers. However, the role of H&E-TILs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of H&E-TILs in ESCC treated with CCRT.

Methods

The clinical data of 160 patients with ESCC treated with CCRT in our center between Jan. 2014 and Dec. 2021 were collected and retrospectively reviewed, and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were performed. The H&E-TILs sections before CCRT were reassessed by two experienced pathologists independently. The H&E-TILs sections were classified into a positive group (+, > 10%) and a negative group (-, ≤ 10%) using 10% as the cutoff. The effects of H&E-TILs on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were explored using the Kaplan‒Meier method, and the log-rank test was used to test the differences. Multivariable analysis was performed using the Cox proportion hazards model.

Results

The short-term response to CCRT and the OS (P < 0.001), DMFS (P = 0.001), and LRFS (P < 0.001) rates were significantly different between the H&E-TILs (+) and H&E-TILs (-) groups. Subgroup analysis showed that H&E-TILs(+) with CR + PR group had a longer survival than H&E-TILs(-) with CR + PR, H&E-TILs(+) with SD + PD and H&E-TILs(-) with SD + PD group, respectively(P < 0.001). Furthermore, based on TCGA data, patients in the high TILs group had a better prognosis than those in the low TILs group. Multivariate analyses indicated that H&E-TILs and the short-term response to CCRT were the only two independent factors affecting OS, PFS, DMFS, and LRFS simultaneously, and H&E-TILs expression was associated with an even better prognosis for those patients with CR + PR.

Conclusions

H&E-TILs may be an effective and beneficial prognostic biomarker for ESCC patients treated with CCRT. Patients with H&E-TILs (+) with PR + CR would achieve excellent survival. Further prospective studies are required to validate the conclusions.
Working hours, social engagement, and depressive symptoms: an extended work-life balance for older adults
Authors: Kim Young-Mee , Jang Soong-nang , Cho Sung-il
Published: December 2023

Background

In recent years, researchers have been examining the impact of work-life balance (WLB) on mental health, considering it as a potential risk factor. However, it remains unclear whether the traditional understanding of WLB applies to older adults who worked for fewer hours before full retirement and whose children are likely to be independent adults. Therefore, this study aims to propose a modified form of WLB specifically for older adults. Within this context, we hypothesize that an optimum balance between working hours and social engagement protects against depressive symptoms among older adults.

Method

We conducted an analysis using data on 5,751 Korean adults older than 55 years from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships among working hours, social engagement, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Older adults who worked fewer than 35 h per week were less likely to experience depressive symptoms than were non-working older adults and those working 35 h or more per week. Additionally, older adults with a high level of informal social participation, thus occurring almost every day or two to three times per week, were less likely to experience depressive symptoms than were those with a low level of such participation (once a month or less). Furthermore, depressive symptoms were less frequent among those who worked fewer than 35 h per week and engaged in a high level of informal social participation compared to non-working older individuals and those with a low level of informal social participation.

Conclusions

Maintaining an optimal number of working hours and degree of social engagement are necessary to minimize the risk of depressive symptoms in older adults. Based on these findings, we suggest that fulfillment for work and life and their balance are important for older adults and propose work–life fulfillment balance.