bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Somebody Did Some Work in Your Life”
Authors: Botha Michelle , Watermeyer Brian
Published: February 2024

The article presents some personal reflections on being claimed and commodified as a product of rehabilitation. It focuses, in particular, on the experience of working as a public relations spokesperson and fundraiser for an organization that provides rehabilitation and development services to visually impaired adults. This experience involved a relentless demand to perform, and to collude with a narrative that positioned the author as a creation of rehabilitation services and a poster child. Through sharing these personal experiences, the author explores the performances that may be demanded of disabled people, and the silences with which we may be compelled to collude, both in the context of rehabilitation and in society more broadly. The article also highlights the restoration narrative that supports the rehabilitative project in the public imagination and the ways in which this may limit possibilities for blind persons to share authentic and complicated stories about vision loss and blindness.
The AGORA High-resolution Galaxy Simulations Comparison Project. VI. Similarities and Differences in the Circumgalactic Medium
Authors: Strawn Clayton , Roca-Fàbrega Santi , Primack Joel R. , Kim Ji-hoon , Genina Anna , Hausammann Loic , Kim Hyeonyong , Lupi Alessandro , Nagamine Kentaro , Powell Johnny W. , Revaz Yves , Shimizu Ikkoh , Velázquez Héctor , Abel Tom , Ceverino Daniel , Dong Bili , Jung Minyong , Quinn Thomas R. , Shin Eun-jin , Barrow Kirk S. S. , Dekel Avishai , Oh Boon Kiat , Mandelker Nir , Teyssier Romain , Hummels Cameron , Maji Soumily , Man Antonio , Mayerhofer Paul ,   the AGORA Collaboration
Published: February 2024

We analyze the circumgalactic medium (CGM) for eight commonly-used cosmological codes in the AGORA collaboration. The codes are calibrated to use identical initial conditions, cosmology, heating and cooling, and star formation thresholds, but each evolves with its own unique code architecture and stellar feedback implementation. Here, we analyze the results of these simulations in terms of the structure, composition, and phase dynamics of the CGM. We show properties such as metal distribution, ionization levels, and kinematics are effective tracers of the effects of the different code feedback and implementation methods, and as such they can be highly divergent between simulations. This is merely a fiducial set of models, against which we will in the future compare multiple feedback recipes for each code. Nevertheless, we find that the large parameter space these simulations establish can help disentangle the different variables that affect observable quantities in the CGM, e.g., showing that abundances for ions with higher ionization energy are more strongly determined by the simulation’s metallicity, while abundances for ions with lower ionization energy are more strongly determined by the gas density and temperature.
Simulating the Photospheric to Coronal Plasma Using Magnetohydrodynamic Characteristics. I. Data-driven Boundary Conditions
Authors: Tarr Lucas A. , Kee N. Dylan , Linton Mark G. , Schuck Peter W. , Leake James E.
Published: February 2024

We develop a general description of how information propagates through a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) system based on the method of characteristics and use that to formulate numerical boundary conditions that are intrinsically consistent with the MHD equations. Our formulation includes two major advances for simulations of the Sun. First, we derive data-driven boundary conditions that optimally match the state of the plasma inferred from a time series of observations of a boundary (e.g., the solar photosphere). Second, our method directly handles random noise and systematic bias in the observations, and finds a solution for the boundary evolution that is strictly consistent with MHD and maximally consistent with the observations. We validate the method against a Ground Truth (GT) simulation of an expanding spheromak. The data-driven simulation can reproduce the GT simulation above the photosphere with high fidelity when driven at high cadence. Errors progressively increase for lower driving cadence until a threshold cadence is reached and the driven simulation can no longer accurately reproduce the GT simulation. However, our characteristic formulation of the boundary conditions still requires adherence of the boundary evolution to the MHD equations even when the driven solution departs from the true solution in the driving layer. That increasing departure clearly indicates when additional information at the boundary is needed to fully specify the correct evolution of the system. The method functions even when no information about the evolution of some variables on the lower boundary is available, albeit with a further decrease in fidelity.
Hydrangea xinfeniae (Hydrangeaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China
Authors: Ru Jian , Ju Wen-Bin , Deng Heng-Ning , Xu Bo , Zhou Xiang , Liu Chuan-Jiong , Huang Wei
Published: February 2024

Hydrangea xinfeniae W.B.Ju & J.Ru, a new species of Hydrangeaceae from Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to Hydrangea sect. Dichroa (Lour.) Y.De Smet & Samain, with its distinctive characteristic being the nearly superior ovary. It shares morphological similarities with H. yaoshanensis (Y.C.Wu) Y.De Smet & C.Granados, but can be distinguished by its hirsute trichomes densely covered on the branchlets, leaves, peduncles and pedicels, broadly elliptic to rectangular-elliptic leaf blade with nearly rounded base, coarse teeth leaf margins, 3–4 pairs of lateral veins, corymbose cyme with few and loose branches, lanceolate bract, the calyx tube and lobes margin with sparsely hirsute trichomes, adaxially glabrous and abaxially sparsely hirsute petal, outer whorl filaments are linear, inner ones are awl-shaped, glabrous styles, and the nearly superior ovary. H. xinfeniaesp. nov. currently known from only three relatively small populations of the type locality, and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).
Management of Acute Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Shamayeva Sabina , Morocco Perry
Published: February 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited autosomal recessive disorders that affect hemoglobin structure. The presence of this mutated form of hemoglobin, hemoglobin S, results in the abnormally (“sickle”) shaped cells. These sickle-shaped red blood cells lead to the disruption of blood flow in small vessels and result in a myriad of complications. Pain, excruciating and unpredictable, is the hallmark of the disease. In addition, many organs are affected, including but not limited to brain, kidneys, bones, and lungs. This leads to varied acute and chronic complications for patients with SCD. Here, we review some of the acute complications of SCD with focus on diagnosis and management.

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Pediatr Ann
. 2024;53(2):e47–e51.]
Disease-Modifying Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease—An Overview
Authors: Peddinti Radhika
Published: February 2024

Sickle cell disease refers to a group of inherited blood disorders in which hemoglobin polymerization leads to hemolysis and vaso-occlusion. This causes a myriad of complications during a patient's life span, ranging from anemia, infections, and acute and chronic pain to stroke and multiorgan dysfunction. Although there have been dramatic improvements in childhood survival thanks to improved supportive care with penicillin prophylaxis, immunizations, and improved transfusion practices, there was a dearth of disease-modifying therapies, with hydroxyurea being the only medication for >20 years. Here, we discuss the newer therapies for sickle cell disease that have emerged in recent years.

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Pediatr Ann
. 2024;53(2):e52–e55.]
Curative Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Kaviany Saara , Barnawi Zhour , LaBelle James
Published: February 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy that affects individuals worldwide. The mutation in the beta-globin gene leads to abnormal hemoglobin production, sickle hemoglobin, which polymerizes under stress leading to, among other end-organ manifestations, chronic hemolytic anemia, debilitating vaso-occlusive crises, and stroke. Unfortunately, chronic stress on end-organs impacts the life expectancy of patients with SCD, which in the United States averages 43 years, approximately 36 years less than people without the disease. Here, we review the progress made in curative interventions for those with SCD, namely allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and gene therapy. These interventions continue to evolve as we better understand SCD pathophysiology, use new graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis regimens, expand stem cell donor options, and understand the genetic control of hemoglobin production. Although significant progress has been made, many gaps remain in the successful implementation of these interventions globally and for all patients.

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Pediatr Ann
. 2024;53(2):e56–e61.]
Influence of laser marking parameters on data matrix code quality on polybutylene terephthalate/glass fiber composite surface using microscopy and spectroscopy techniques
Authors: Sales-Contini R.C.M. , Costa J.P. , Silva F.J.G. , Pinto A.G. , Campilho R.D.S.G. , Pinto I.M. , Sousa V.F.C. , Martinho R.P.
Published: February 2024

Laser marking on polymer composite surfaces can be difficult to read and cause readability problems for electronic decoding equipment on production lines due to poor interaction between the laser and the fibers used to reinforce these materials. This problem can be solved with the right choice of marking parameters, resulting in savings for companies by avoiding production problems such as rejection, scrap and customer complaints. The present work uses the polybutylene terephthalate/glass fiber (PBT/GF) composite used in the manufacture of instrument panels for motorcycles. The tests were carried out with different laser marking parameters using a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Subsequently, the laser-marked data matrix codes (DMC) were analyzed using a microscope verifier to evaluate the quality according to the ISO/IEC 29158:2020 standard. A detailed analysis of these surfaces was also carried out to observe some physical and chemical changes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The optical analysis showed that lower radiation power and pulse frequency and higher marking speed corresponded to weaker laser marking and therefore poorer DMC code quality, which was confirmed by the SEM. EDS showed that the laser marking process did not cause the chemical changes on the sample surface.
Sulcal pits of the superior temporal sulcus in schizophrenia patients with auditory verbal hallucinations
Authors: Lerosier Baptiste , Simon Gregory , Takerkart Sylvain , Auzias Guillaume , Dollfus Sonia
Published: February 2024

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are among the most common and disabling symptoms of schizophrenia. They involve the superior temporal sulcus (STS), which is associated with language processing; specific STS patterns may reflect vulnerability to auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. STS sulcal pits are the deepest points of the folds in this region and were investigated here as an anatomical landmark of AVHs. This study included 53 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and past or present AVHs, as well as 100 healthy control volunteers. All participants underwent a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging T1 brain scan, and sulcal pit differences were compared between the two groups. Compared with controls, patients with AVHs had a significantly different distributions for the number of sulcal pits in the left STS, indicating a less complex morphological pattern. The association of STS sulcal morphology with AVH suggests an early neurodevelopmental process in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia with AVHs.
From Communist Ideology to the Idea of Communism
Authors: Stagnell Alexander
Published: February 2024

This article approaches a potential tension in the work of Slavoj Žižek between his critique of communist ideology and his endorsement of the communist idea. The aim is to show how this endorsement, in effect, emerged out of Žižek’s sustained engagement with communist ideology. The article captures this transformation by focusing on his understanding of the notion of the idea and the ways in which ideology can be transgressed. The conclusion drawn is that in moving from a Kantian to a Hegelian notion of the idea, Žižek also leaves behind his initial Beckettian Leninism in favor of an understanding of revolution that no longer depends on the heroic act of a subject, but on the immanent logic of the communist idea.
Global Refuse, Planetary Remainder
Authors: Tadiar Neferti X. M.
Published: February 2024

The line separating the “good life” and the savagery that the “good life” requires, or, perhaps what might be articulated as the line between the space of biopolitics and the space of necropolitics, is maintained in the present through both practices of global policing and imperial war. These practices of policing and war produce the very global refuse that constantly threatens the “good life”—actively wasting the lives and livelihoods of people and non-human lifeworlds Western colonialism established as the raw materials, instruments, and objects of its civilizational goal—against which violence acts to protect a fundamentally human life worth living. At the same time, through capital-intensive projects of “saving” the very targeted populations it destroys, permanent war also produces the subordinated life that will come to serve as the means of maintaining and upholding that “good life.” Beyond this mode of colonial inhabitation, however, subsist other ecologies of life-making practices on the part of those deemed disposable, a planetary remainder which might well be our only hope for a possible future.
Emancipating from (Colonial) Genealogies of the Techno-social Networks or Reversing Power Relations by Turning the Predator into Prey in Jordan Peele’s Nope
Authors: Cvar Nina
Published: February 2024

The article aims to map the contemporary techno-social networks, together with delineation of the algorithmic governmentality, computational unconscious, the epistemic structure of the Eurocentric matrix of power haunted by its own repetition of the constant abyss of horrors, only to search for gestures of resistance. Gestures of resistance, contrary to the false conviction of capitalist realism, can be found everywhere, including in Jordan Peele's Nope (2022). Through a variety of motifs, themes, and cultural and cinematic references, Peele creates a resistance image, i.e., an image that resists the historical trajectory of the violence of the digital colonial matrix of knowledge. In particular with Nope, in which the history of racial violence is disentangled by evoking the relation between the entanglement of capital and epistemic violence embodied in an all-devouring predator UFO. But Nope is also about visualizing silenced histories. Indeed, to strive to capture UFO with the camera is to break away from modernity as a totalizing onto-epistemology and in this register generating a false universal subject of a Man.
Oscillation of Contemporary Bodies between Biopolitics and Necropolitics
Authors: Paramana Katerina
Published: February 2024

The article examines Tania Bruguera’s works 10,148,451 (2019, Tate Modern, UK) and the three versions of Tatlin’s Whisper #6 (2009 and 2014, Havana; 2015, Tate Modern). Thinking with Achille Mbembe’s work on necropolitics, Lauren Berlant’s on “slow death,” and Michel Foucault’s on biopolitics, Paramana suggests that 10,148,451 addresses the collective subject and critiques contemporary necropolitics, while the versions of Tatlin’s Whisper #6 address individuals as political subjects, and comment on the panoptic gaze and contemporary biopolitics. Through her analysis of these works, Paramana shows how Bruguera’s work is created to comment on the specific political economies in which it is presented, how the perception of the work’s politics differs when presented in different political economies, and the insights therefore the work might offer to them. Paramana argues that Bruguera’s work has often achieved more than local and national governments and that her “symbolic work with activist parameters” is surprisingly more efficacious than her activist work. The article concludes with the insights Bruguera’s work offers for the future of bodies in the 21st century.
Experiencing Biopolitics
Authors: Yoshioka Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

I examine the tension between biopolitics and necropolitics through three themes that I have perceived and that are related to my life in Japan. First, I examine the transformation of hospitals and medical care, particularly for the elderly, through my experience of sharing the end of my mother’s life. Modern medicine has made great achievements in treating diseases that used to be fatal, but it has become institutionalized in the context of Big Pharma interests, with no insight into the natural ageing and death of human beings. Second, I discuss how the ecological worldview on parasitism and symbiosis has been distorted by industrial logic, drawing on the work of my esteemed friend and parasitologist Professor Koichiro Fujita, who passed away in 2021. Finally, with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic, I would argue that it is not a sudden phenomenon triggered by a new virus, but in a sense a disaster that has been prepared for decades and must be seen as a war using bioengineering and epidemiology as weapons, rather than tanks and bombs.
Conversation with Jill H. Casid and Anna Campbell
Authors: Casid Jill H. , Campbell Anna , Gržinić Marina , Pristovšek Jovita , Liponik Vesna
Published: February 2024

The conversation with Jill H. Casid and Anna Campbell is a reconceptualization of several themes to develop an aesthetic that incorporates notions of the necropolitical and redefines the concept of the Anthropocene as the Necrocene. The Necrocene implies an era marked by death, decay, and the consequences of human impact on the environment, as well as a critical reflection on the choices individuals and societies make that contribute to the transition from the Anthropocene to the Necrocene. These reflections serve as cautionary tales or reflections on the unsustainable path of the Anthropocene. An important reflection in the interview is how queer and transgender people are using art and assemblages to refuse the terms of the current tensions of the culture wars.
Extended Review of Political Choreographies, Decolonial Theories, Trans Bodies
Authors: Cvar Nina
Published: February 2024

This article offers a comprehensive review of Political Choreographies, Decolonial Theo-ries, Trans Bodies, the latest book, a volume edited by Marina Gržinić and Jovita Pristovšek in intensive collaboration with Nomusa Makhubu and Tjaša Kancler, published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing in 2023. This volume takes as its starting point the body as a structural signifier, which is conceptualized in seven chapters. Each of them addresses the question of movement, politics, revolt, action, etc., in a variety of ways to de-link ourselves (especially us Whites) from colonial modernity as the organizing principle not only of capitalism but of a whole range of processes that emanate from modernity, i.e., forms of domination and oppression such as racism, sexism, Eurocentrism, and environmental destruction. What makes this book special, however, is not only the positions presented but also the way in which they are presented. Each conversation begins with a carefully selected starting point, linked to the interlocutor’s* work and accompanied by a rich citation system of references and additional information. This opens up the formation of epistemic counter-narratives that confront the violent history of capitalism and form possibilities for yet unidentified bodies, movements, politics, and political action as future potentialities.
À propos de la loi pour contrôler l'immigration, améliorer l'intégration, entretien avec Cyril Wolmark, Professeur de droit privé à l’Université Paris Nanterre et codirecteur de l’IRERP
Authors: Wolmark Cyril
Published: February 2024

Le présent entretien poursuit la série consacrée, depuis le début de l'année 2024, à la loi sur l'immigration. Au lendemain de la décision du Conseil constitutionnel rendue 25 janvier 2024 (Décision n° 2023-863 DC) et de la promulgation du texte, Cyril Wolmark revient sur les dispositions concernant la régularisation des travailleurs sans papiers.
Enhancing Cloud Security
Authors: Vashishth Tarun Kumar , Sharma Vikas , Sharma Kewal Krishan , Kumar Bhupendra , Chaudhary Sachin , Panwar Rajneesh
Published: February 2024

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way organizations store, process, and manage data, offering flexibility and scalability. However, the rise in cyber threats poses significant challenges to maintaining robust cloud security. This chapter delves into the pivotal role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) play in enhancing cloud security. By harnessing the capabilities of AI and ML, organizations can proactively detect, mitigate, and respond to evolving cyber threats, ultimately fortifying their cloud infrastructure.AI-driven techniques empower security systems to recognize patterns, anomalies, and potential threats within vast datasets. ML algorithms can learn from historical attack data, enabling the prediction of future threats and the development of more effective defense mechanisms. Moreover, AI-enhanced authentication and access control mechanisms bolster identity management, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Accountable Malicious Entity Detection Using Re-Encryption Mechanism to Share Data
Authors: Veena S. T. , Somnath Babu N. R. , Santosh P.
Published: February 2024

Recently data sharing through the cloud is widely used and becoming a trend. But protecting data confidentiality and integrity is essential. Data confidentiality and integrity are maintained using cryptography. However, since it cannot ensure that the data hasn't been altered, there is still a trust issue. The proxy re-encryption (PRE) technique was presented as a solution to this. It includes encrypting the data twice, allowing one to determine whether or not it has been altered. The PRE system is also prone to attacks that forge re-encryption keys. Here the data is encrypted twice so that the data can be checked whether it is modified or not. But the PRE system is prone to the abuse of re-encryption keys. Therefore, accountable proxy re-encryption (APRE) is proposed. Here, if the data is altered by proxy, the system will detect whether proxy is malicious or the delegator is trying to frame proxy as malicious. Also, the authors extend the algorithm and implemented base64 encoding and decoding. This prevents many passive cyber attacks.
Detectable immunological response in Brucella abortus s 19 vaccinated herds of cattle in vilachchiya veterinary range, north central province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Herath K. H. M. S. M. , Fernando P. S. , Weerasooriya K. G. S. G. , Cooray N. C. M. , Samarakoon N. G. N. , De Alwis P. S. , Wijemuni M. I. , Dissanayake D. M. S. N. B. , Liyanagunawardena N. , Gamage C. D. , Priyantha M. A. R.
Published: February 2024

Brucellosis a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative, intracellular, coccobacillus. Brucellosis, an economically important disease in livestock with zoonotic implications has been reported worldwide. It is transmitted via contaminated animals and their products. Clinical signs of animal brucellosis are abortions, reduced fertility, retention of fetal membranes, endometritis, and substantial decline in milk production over an animal’s lifespan. Orchitis, epididymitis and chronic hygroma had been reported in bulls. The current study focused on to studying the detectable immunological responses to Brucella S 19 live attenuated vaccine using serological tests in cattle of dry zone farms. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in selected farms with and without a previous history of abortion respectively. Animals that were in 1st to 5th lactation in the 18 farms were selected for screening by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positives were confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Three farms each with and without history of abortion were selected for Brucella S19 vaccination from the RBPT and CFT negative farms. Sixty non pregnant heifers over 6 months were selected, and 1ml each of S19 vaccine was given subcutaneously to 30 animals while 30 animals were kept as controls. The serum samples were collected and screened for Brucellosis by RBPT and CFT at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks of post vaccination. The second week after the vaccination, 71.42% of the animals showed over 1:4 CFT levels while 28.57% of them did not show any antibody titres for Brucellosis in the Brucella endemic farms. In Brucella non-endemic farms, 68.75% of animals showed over 1:4 CFT titre at 2 weeks after the vaccination. However, 31.25% of animals did not show any CFT titre. No persistent and detectable antibody responses were found 10 weeks post vaccination in heifers of endemic and non-endemic herds. The titers of CFT indicate IgG or IgM humeral response, cell mediated immune response of live attenuated vaccine has not been monitored in the study. Thus, seropositivity after the 10 weeks post vaccination may indicate an infection of Brucellosis since no antibodies from vaccination were found. Further investigation with highly sensitive tests such as ELISA is recommended to have a better insight into this aspect in the future.
IL-15 Complex–Induced IL-10 Enhances Plasmodium-specific CD4+ T Follicular Helper Differentiation and Antibody Production
Authors: Bravo Morgan , Dileepan Thamotharampillai , Dolan Molly , Hildebrand Jacob , Wolford Jordan , Hanson Isabelle D , Hamilton Sara E , Frosch Anne E , Burrack Kristina S
Published: February 2024

Malaria, which results from infection with Plasmodium parasites, remains a major public health problem. Although humans do not develop long-lived, sterilizing immunity, protection against symptomatic disease develops after repeated exposure to Plasmodium parasites and correlates with the acquisition of humoral immunity. Despite the established role Abs play in protection from malaria disease, dysregulated inflammation is thought to contribute to the suboptimal immune response to Plasmodium infection. Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) infection results in a fatal severe malaria disease in mice. We previously demonstrated that treatment of mice with IL-15 complex (IL-15C; IL-15 bound to an IL-15Rα–Fc fusion protein) induces IL-10 expression in NK cells, which protects mice from PbA-induced death. Using a novel MHC class II tetramer to identify PbA-specific CD4+ T cells, in this study we demonstrate that IL-15C treatment enhances T follicular helper (Tfh) differentiation and modulates cytokine production by CD4+ T cells. Moreover, genetic deletion of NK cell–derived IL-10 or IL-10R expression on T cells prevents IL-15C–induced Tfh differentiation. Additionally, IL-15C treatment results in increased anti-PbA IgG Ab levels and improves survival following reinfection. Overall, these data demonstrate that IL-15C treatment, via its induction of IL-10 from NK cells, modulates the dysregulated inflammation during Plasmodium infection to promote Tfh differentiation and Ab generation, correlating with improved survival from reinfection. These findings will facilitate improved control of malaria infection and protection from disease by informing therapeutic strategies and vaccine design.
A microRNA focus on acne
Authors: Gordon Sarah , Layton Alison M. , Fawcett Sandra , Ross Kehinde
Published: February 2024

Acne (syn. acne vulgaris) is a common inflammatory skin disorder associated with puberty and adolescence. Driven by complex interactions between the pilosebaceous unit and Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria, the disease is characterised by comedonal lesions, papules, pustules and nodules that appear predominantly on the face. Acne and sequelae such as scarring and pigment changes affect health-related quality of life negatively. Approvals for nucleic acid therapies (NATs) such as short-interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have surged in recent years, for rare disorders with little or no effective treatments. These advances, along with clinical trials for microRNA (miRNA) modulation in skin contexts, raise the possibility that NATs may have potential for future acne treatment regimens. In this review, we highlight potential miRNA targets for anti-acne therapy. We provide a brief overview of acne pathophysiology and highlight roles of C. acnes. We then focus on recently discovered differential effects of planktonic and biofilm C. acnes on a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) axis spanning miR-146a-5p. We appraise miR-146a-5p in sebocytes before addressing the putative contributions of miR-21-5p, miR-233-3p and miR-150-5p to inflammatory axes in acne. We conclude with translational perspectives and considerations of patient involvement in miRNA-related research for acne.
Comparative study of recording intraocular pressure in adults by three different tonometers Goldmann applanation tonometer, noncontact tonometer, and tonopen
Authors: Manade Varsha V. , Kotecha Megha R. , Chodvadiya Surbhi A. , Ta Jhimli , Paranjpe Radhika R.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To compare and correlate the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement obtained by Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), noncontact tonometer (NCT), and tonopen in normal and glaucomatous patients.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional, observational, and comparative study was carried out. Two hundred eyes of 100 patients were screened, detailed history was taken, and thorough ocular examination was done. IOP was recorded using NCT (Keeler Pulsair), Tonopen (Tonopen XL), and GAT. Gonioscopy, optic disc examination, central corneal thickness, and visual field testing were done.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 53.25 years. Mean IOP by NCT was 19.20 mmHg, by GAT was 22.44 mmHg, and by tonopen was 19.33 mmHg. There was statistically significant difference between mean IOP with respect to method used (P<0.001). Forty-eight percent of eyes, 40% eyes, and 49% eyes had IOP less than 18 mmHg by NCT, GAT, and tonopen, respectively. In total, 35.5% eyes, 19.5% eyes, and 35.5% eyes had IOP ranging between 18 and 25 mmHg by NCT, GAT, and tonopen, respectively. In total, 16.5% eyes, 40.5% eyes, and 15.5% eyes had IOP more than 25 mmHg by NCT, GAT, and tonopen, respectively.

Conclusion

NCT and tonopen readings correlate well with GAT readings in physiologic IOP range up to 20 mmHg, but at higher IOP range they tend to underestimate IOP readings as compared with GAT. However, NCT and tonopen can be used for screening purpose as they are portable and easy to use.
Assessment of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in diabetic patients in comparison to normal age-matched individuals
Authors: Farag Christina S.I. , El-Saied Heba M.A. , El-Mofty Hala M. , El-Mofty Randa M.A.M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes, leading to vision impairment and blindness worldwide. As early detection is crucial, our study investigated the potential of radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness as biomarkers for retinal assessment in diabetic patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 48 participants, categorized into three groups: healthy controls, diabetic patients without DR (No DR), and patients with mild to moderate nonproliferative DR (NPDR). Vascular density (VD) and RNFL thickness were evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT-Angiography (OCT-A).

Results

The study showed a significant difference in VD among the three groups. The mean whole image VD% in the control group was 51.28%, while the No DR and NPDR groups had mean percentages of 49.27% and 49.46%, respectively (P=0.015). These differences were also significant for peripapillary VD (P=0.003), superior-hemi VD (P=0.035), and inferior-hemi VD percentage (P=0.002). Conversely, there were no significant differences in RNFL thickness among the groups (P=0.138). In the NPDR group, positive correlations were found between RNFL thickness and VD percentages, including superior-hemi RNFL thickness and superior-hemi VD% (r=0.724, P<0.001), average whole RNFL thickness and whole image VD% (r=0.655, P<0.001), and average whole RNFL thickness and peripapillary VD% (r=0.647, P<0.001).

Conclusion

This research emphasizes the value of assessment of retinal VD thickness of the radial peripapillary plexus as an early indicator for preclinical diabetic retinal changes in diabetic patients.
Clinicodemographic Parameters and Outcomes in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection during the Third Wave in India: Is it the End of the Pandemic?
Authors: Malhotra Nipun , Gothi Dipti , Patro Mahismita , Kumar Rahul , Anand Shweta , Jain Anshul , Agarwal Sunil Kumar , Agarwal Mohit , Gupta Utkarsh
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The patient data from the third wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in New Delhi caused by the Omicron variant in terms of severity of disease, incidental diagnosis, outcome, and effect of vaccination are relatively lacking. We set out to investigate the demographic and clinical parameters and outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, the differences between incidentally and symptomatically diagnosed patients, and the impact of vaccination on clinical manifestations and outcomes.

Methods:

The study was conducted at a non-COVID-19 dedicated tertiary care institute in India. The data with regard to presentation, vaccination, and outcome were collected prospectively.

Results:

A total of 101 patients were analyzed for the study. The mean age was 50.63 years with 46.53% women. No patient was of pediatric age. Respiratory failure was present in 26.73%. COVID-19 pneumonia was present in only 13.86%. There were 17 deaths. Only 4 deaths were caused by COVID-19 pneumonia. 60.4% of the patients were incidentally detected and 39.6% were symptomatically diagnosed. No incidentally detected patient had respiratory failure or COVID-19 pneumonia. Out of 101 patients, 66.34% were vaccinated and 33.66% were unvaccinated. Death occurred in 8.96% of vaccinated and 32.5% of unvaccinated patients. No vaccinated patient died due to COVID-19 pneumonia compared to 11.76% of unvaccinated patients.

Conclusion:

The Omicron wave had more patients admitted with incidentally detected COVID-19 than symptomatic individuals. These patients required in-hospital management of coexisting illnesses rather than for COVID-19. There were more deaths with non-COVID-19 causes. Vaccination appeared to be protective against severe COVID-19. Mortality was found to be lower in vaccinated individuals.
An Entropy Based Observational Study to Assess the Dosage of Propofol Required for Induction of Anaesthesia by Varying the Time Intervals between Fentanyl and Propofol Administration
Authors: Shivaram Chetan , Bhat Suresh , Santha Neeta
Published: February 2024

Background:

Propofol is the preferred drug for the induction of anesthesia in many centers. However, its ubiquitous use is hampered by adverse effects. The rationale behind our study is to prove that whether the administration of an opioid drug before propofol induction, lowers the amount of propofol requirement for balanced anesthesia, and enhances hemodynamic stability.

Aim:

The present study intends to know the consequence of the differing time intervals between the administration of fentanyl and propofol on the dosage of propofol required to achieve induction of general anesthesia.

Methods:

In this observational study, 84 patients were included in the study. Patients who received propofol immediately after fentanyl injection were included in Group 1, whereas patients who received propofol at 3 min and 6 min after fentanyl injection, respectively, were grouped as Group 2 and Group 3. The total propofol required, the hemodynamic variations and the entropy values were recorded. SSPS version 25.09 (IBM) was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

In this study, it was observed that there was a significant reduction in propofol requirement in Group 2 and Group 3 compared with Group 1. The incidence of hypotension was seen in about 42.9% of Group 1 when compared to Group 2 and 3, which was 28.6% and 17.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the entropy values in Group 3 were initially higher and later were comparable in all the groups.

Conclusion:

Our study concluded that as the duration between the administration of propofol and fentanyl increases, the hemodynamic stability also increases and there is no variation in the depth of anesthesia attained in the distinct study population.
Anaesthetic considerations and challenges during awake craniotomy
Authors: Tang Leonard , Tan Tong Khee
Published: February 2024

This article summarises the key anaesthetic considerations and challenges surrounding the perioperative management of a patient undergoing awake craniotomy. The main goals include patient comfort, facilitation of patient cooperation during the critical awake phase and maintenance of optimal operating conditions. These are achieved through appropriate patient selection and preparation, familiarity with the complexity of each surgical phase and potential complications that may arise, as well as maintenance of close communication among all team members. Challenges such as loss of patient cooperation, loss of airway, intraoperative nausea and vomiting, seizures, cerebral oedema, hypertension, blood loss and use of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging are discussed. The importance of teamwork, competence, vigilance and clear management strategies for potential complications to maximise patient outcomes is also highlighted.
A comprehensive review on corneal crosslinking
Authors: Naranjo Andrea , Manche Edward E.
Published: February 2024

Corneal crosslinking (CXL) represents a paradigm shift in the management of corneal ectatic disorders. Before CXL was introduced, patients would need specialty contact lenses and possible corneal transplantation. CXL involves a biochemical reaction in which ultraviolet A light is used in conjunction with Riboflavin to form crosslinks in between corneal stromal collagen. This leads to strengthening and stabilizing of the collagen lamellae, resulting in mechanical stiffening of the cornea. Multiple protocols have been proposed including epithelium on versus off and varying light intensity and duration of treatment. All protocols appear to be safe and effective with few reported complications including infection, stromal haze, scarring, and endothelial toxicity. Overall, CXL has demonstrated to halt the progression of the disease clinically and in keratometry readings and improve the quality of life for patients. It is a minimally invasive, cost-effective procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting with a fast recovery time and long-lasting results.
Design and Use of Deep Confidence Network Based on Crayfish Optimization Algorithm in Automatic Assessment Method of Hearing Effectiveness
Authors: Cheng Ying
Published: February 2024

INTRODCTION: Listening strategy analysis and assessment not only need objective and fair sound listening strategy analysis, but also need high-precision and high real-time assessment model, and even more need in-depth analysis and feature extraction of the influencing factors of listening assessment.OBJECTIVES: To address the problems of current automatic assessment methods, such as non-specific application, poor generalization, low assessment accuracy, and poor real-time performance.METHODS: This paper proposes an automatic assessment method based on a deep confidence network based on crawfish optimization algorithm. First, the multi-dimensional listening strategy evaluation system is constructed by analyzing the listening improvement strategy; then, the depth confidence network is improved by the crayfish optimization algorithm to construct the automatic evaluation model; finally, through the analysis of simulation experiments.RESLUTS: The proposed method improves the evaluation accuracy, robustness, and real-time performance. The absolute value of the relative error of the automatic evaluation value of the proposed method is controlled in the range of 0.011, and the evaluation time is less than 0.005 s. The method is based on a deep confidence network based on the crayfish optimization algorithm.CONCLUSION: The problems of non-specific application of automated assessment methods, poor generalization, low assessment accuracy, and poor real-time performance are addressed.
Biological factors driving colorectal cancer metastasis
Authors: An Shuai-Xing , Yu Zhao-Jin , Fu Chen , Wei Min-Jie , Shen Long-Hai
Published: February 2024

Approximately 20% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients present with metastasis at diagnosis. Among Stage I-III CRC patients who undergo surgical resection, 18% typically suffer from distal metastasis within the first three years following initial treatment. The median survival duration after the diagnosis of metastatic CRC (mCRC) is only 9 mo. mCRC is traditionally considered to be an advanced stage malignancy or is thought to be caused by incomplete resection of tumor tissue, allowing cancer cells to spread from primary to distant organs; however, increasing evidence suggests that the mCRC process can begin early in tumor development. CRC patients present with high heterogeneity and diverse cancer phenotypes that are classified on the basis of molecular and morphological alterations. Different genomic and nongenomic events can induce subclone diversity, which leads to cancer and metastasis. Throughout the course of mCRC, metastatic cascades are associated with invasive cancer cell migration through the circulatory system, extravasation, distal seeding, dormancy, and reactivation, with each step requiring specific molecular functions. However, cancer cells presenting neoantigens can be recognized and eliminated by the immune system. In this review, we explain the biological factors that drive CRC metastasis, namely, genomic instability, epigenetic instability, the metastatic cascade, the cancer-immunity cycle, and external lifestyle factors. Despite remarkable progress in CRC research, the role of molecular classification in therapeutic intervention remains unclear. This review shows the driving factors of mCRC which may help in identifying potential candidate biomarkers that can improve the diagnosis and early detection of mCRC cases.
Tumour response following preoperative chemotherapy is affected by body mass index in patients with colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Song Hua-Chuan , Zhou Hang-Cheng , Gu Ping , Bao Bing , Sun Quan , Mei Tian-Ming , Cui Wei , Yao Kang , Yao Huan-Zhang , Zhang Shen-Yu , Wang Yong-Shuai , Song Rui-Peng , Wang Ji-Zhou
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent malignancy globally and ranks second in cancer-related mortality, with the liver being the primary organ of metastasis. Preoperative chemotherapy is widely recommended for initially or potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Tumour pathological response serves as the most important and intuitive indicator for assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy. However, the postoperative pathological results reveal that a considerable number of patients exhibit a poor response to preoperative chemotherapy. Body mass index (BMI) is one of the factors affecting the tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal cancer as well as prognosis after various antitumour therapies. Several studies have indicated that overweight and obese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer experience worse prognoses than those with normal weight, particularly when receiving first-line chemotherapy regimens in combination with bevacizumab.

AIM

To explore the predictive value of BMI regarding the pathologic response following preoperative chemotherapy for CRLMs.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 126 consecutive patients with CRLM who underwent hepatectomy following preoperative chemotherapy at four different hospitals from October 2019 to July 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to analyse potential predictors of tumour pathological response. The Kaplan-Meier method with log rank test was used to compare progression-free survival (PFS) between patients with high and low BMI. BMI < 24.0 kg/m2 was defined as low BMI, and tumour regression grade 1-2 was defined as complete tumour response.

RESULTS

Low BMI was observed in 74 (58.7%) patients and complete tumour response was found in 27 (21.4%) patients. The rate of complete tumour response was significantly higher in patients with low BMI (29.7% vs 9.6%, P = 0.007). Multivariate analysis revealed that low BMI [odds ratio (OR) = 4.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42-14.63, P = 0.011], targeted therapy with bevacizumab (OR = 3.02, 95%CI: 1.10-8.33, P = 0.033), preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level < 10 ng/mL (OR = 3.84, 95%CI: 1.19-12.44, P = 0.025) and severe sinusoidal dilatation (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.03-0.90, P = 0.037) were independent predictive factors for complete tumour response. The low BMI group exhibited a significantly longer median PFS than the high BMI group (10.7 mo vs 4.7 mo, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

In CRLM patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy, a low BMI may be associated with better tumour response and longer PFS.
Comprehensive analysis of the potential pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection and liver cancer
Authors: Rong Yao , Tang Ming-Zheng , Liu Song-Hua , Li Xiao-Feng , Cai Hui
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

A growing number of clinical examples suggest that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to have an impact on the treatment of patients with liver cancer compared to the normal population, and the prevalence of COVID-19 is significantly higher in patients with liver cancer. However, this mechanism of action has not been clarified.

AIM

To investigate the disease relevance of COVID-19 in liver cancer.

METHODS

Gene sets for COVID-19 (GSE180226) and liver cancer (GSE87630) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. After identifying the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of COVID-19 and liver cancer, functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network construction and screening and analysis of hub genes were performed. Subsequently, the validation of the differential expression of hub genes in the disease was performed and the regulatory network of transcription factors and hub genes was constructed.

RESULTS

Of 518 common DEGs were obtained by screening for functional analysis. Fifteen hub genes including aurora kinase B, cyclin B2, cell division cycle 20, cell division cycle associated 8, nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1, etc. , were further identified from DEGs using the “cytoHubba” plugin. Functional enrichment analysis of hub genes showed that these hub genes are associated with P53 signalling pathway regulation, cell cycle and other functions, and they may serve as potential molecular markers for COVID-19 and liver cancer. Finally, we selected 10 of the hub genes for in vitro expression validation in liver cancer cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals a common pathogenesis of liver cancer and COVID-19. These common pathways and key genes may provide new ideas for further mechanistic studies.