bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of accelerated high-fluence riboflavin and rose bengal-mediated corneal cross-linking on resistance to enzymatic digestion
Authors: Hafezi Nikki L. , Aydemir M. Enes , Lu Nan-Ji , Torres-Netto Emilio A. , Hillen Mark , Koppen Carina
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study evaluated the effect of high-fluence accelerated corneal cross-linking on the resistance to enzymatic digestion, assessing two chromophore/light combinations: riboflavin/UV-A light (RF/UV-A) and rose bengal/green light (RB/green).

Methods

Freshly prepared ex-vivo porcine corneas (n = 189) were divided into 8 groups groups. Group A corneas were unirradiated controls without chromophore soaking (A0), or soaked with riboflavin (A1) or rose bengal (A2). Group B corneas underwent accelerated epi-off RF/UV-A CXL at fluences of 5.4 J/cm² (B1), 10 J/cm² (B2), or 15 J/cm² (B3). Group C corneas underwent accelerated epi-off RB/green CXL at fluences of either 10 J/cm² (C1) or 15 J/cm² (C2). Following CXL, all corneas were digested in 0.3% collagenase-A solution, and the time until complete dissolution was measured.

Results

Non-irradiated controls exposed to RF and RB enhanced corneal resistance to collagenase digestion, with RB having a stronger effect than RF. RF/UV-A-treated corneas showed significantly increased digestion resistance with increasing fluence levels. RB/green-treated corneas displayed enhanced digestion resistance with each increase in fluence up to 10 J/cm²; a 15 J/cm² fluence yielded similar digestion resistance times to a 10 J/cm² fluence, suggesting a plateau effect in accelerated RB/green CXL protocols.

Conclusions

When compared to standard-fluence treatments, high-fluence accelerated epi-off CXL using both riboflavin and rose bengal significantly increases resistance to enzymatic digestion. The optimal settings for clinical protocols might be 15 J/cm² (30 mW/cm² for 8 min 20 s) for RF/UV-A and 10 J/cm² (15 mW/cm² for 11 min 7 s) for RB/Green Light.
SOCS5, targeted by miR-155-5p, plays a negative regulatory role in pulmonary hypertension through inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Lili , Liu Lihua , Liang Dongxue , Liu Linlin
Published: January 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic pulmonary vascular disease and causes massive deaths. Here, we intended to investigate the function and mechanism of SOCS5 in PH. We engineered a hypoxia-induced PH model in mice. HE staining were implemented to evaluate pathological alterations in the lung tissues. The potential mechanism of SOCS5 in regulating hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) function was explored in vitro. RT-qPCR and western blot revealed that the level of SOCS5 was decreased both in PH mice and hypoxia-induced HPASMCs. Functional assays were performed for confirming the role of SOCS5 in modulating the cell phenotype and JAK2/STAT3 pathway in HPASMCs. Results revealed that overexpression of SOCS5 suppressed proliferation, migration and contraction of HPASMCs and negatively regulated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in HPASMCs under hypoxia in vitro, while knockdown of SOCS5 accelerated it. As evidenced by mechanism studies, SOCS5 was targeted and regulated by miR-155-5p, hence affecting on HPASMC proliferation, migration and contraction. These outcomes indicated that the decreased level of SOCS5 in hypoxia-induced HPASMCs promoted the cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell contraction through activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Moreover, SOCS5 was targeted by miR-155-5p. All in all, our work hinted that miR-155-5p/SOCS5/JAK2/STAT3 axis played a crucial part in PH.
Infantile hemangioma in a subadult Chinese pangolin: a case report
Authors: Wang Xianghe , Xu Xuelin , An Fuyu , Ren Zhengyu , Li Yongzheng , Wang Kai , Hua Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Hemangiomas are a relatively common type of tumor in humans and animals. Various subtypes of hemangiomas have been described in the literature. The classification methods for hemangiomas differ between human and veterinary medicine, and the basis for tumor classification can be found in the literature.

Case presentation

This study describes a tumor in the subcutaneous tissue of the right dorsum of an artificially rescued juvenile Chinese pangolin. Computed tomography (CT) examination yielded the preliminary diagnosis of a vascular malformation, and surgery was performed to resect the tumor. Histopathological examination showed that the tumor mainly was consisted of adipose tissue, capillaries, and spindle cells in the fibrous stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed the positive expression of CD31, CD34, α-SMA, GLUT1 and WT-1 in the tumor tissue, and the tumor was eventually diagnosed as an infantile haemangioma.

Conclusion

The final diagnosis of infantile hemangioma was depended on the histopathological immunohistochemical and CT examination of the neoplastic tissue. This is the first report of infantile hemangioma in a critically endangered species Chinese pangolin.
Demodicosis in a Kunekune pig and molecular characterisation of porcine demodectic mites involved: a case report
Authors: Schwarz Lukas , Herb Verena , Dürlinger Sophie , Martin Vera , Poláková Nina , Horvath-Ungerböck Christa , Brunthaler Rene , Knecht Christian , Dippel Maximiliane , Pikalo Jutta , Ladinig Andrea , Joachim Anja , Fuehrer Hans-Peter
Published: January 2024

Background

In January 2021, a female 1-year-old Kunekune was presented at the University Clinic for Swine with severe reduction of the field of vision resulting in prolonged reaction time when targeting barriers, due to moderate to severe thickening of the skin around both orbits also affecting the eyelids.

Methods

Clinical examination revealed skin hyperplasia, nodular enlargement of the skin pores of the axillar and inguinal region. Ophthalmologists decided to remove parts of the thickened periocular skin, followed by histopathological examination.

Results

Once large amounts of demodectic mites were detected by histopathology, demodicosis could be diagnosed and treatment of the pig was started using sarolaner. Morphological and molecular analyses were performed. Histopathological and parasitological exams led to the aetiological diagnosis of demodicosis in the affected Kunekune pig. Severe skin lesions were revealed to be the consequence of an infestation with Demodex sp. Morphological analyses confirmed the involvement of D. phylloides. Molecular characterization indicated a Demodex species closely related to mites documented in wild boar - most probably D. phylloides for which no explicit sequences are available in GenBank yet. Treatment with sarolaner (2.6 mg/kg) resulted in a substantial regression of skin lesions, already detectable 1 month after first treatment.

Conclusions

Demodicosis is a very rare disease in pigs that is most probably related to an impaired immune response to the mites. Demodectic mange should be included in the list of differential diagnoses in cases of periocular alterations of the skin of pigs.

Graphical Abstract
The predicament of social sciences in the 20th century: a dialogue with Clifford Geertz’s essay “Thick description: toward an interpretive theory of culture” (Part I)
Authors: Cai Hua
Published: January 2024

The theorization of social sciences in the 20th century walked forward with difficulty. Clifford Geertz’s essay, “Thick description: Toward an interpretive theory of culture”, which comprehensively explored the fundamental problems in the process, is an essential document in the history of thoughts in the social sciences in the twentieth century. In response to Geertz’s reflection, this paper tries to reveal the predicament of interpretive anthropology and the entire social sciences and its methodological roots through an epistemological analysis of social science.
Contribution of neuroimaging in late-life depression
Authors: Desmidt T.
Published: January 2024

Late-life depression (LLD) is currently a hot topic for neuroimaging studies, while an increasing number of imaging modalities are now available for the characterization of brain structure and function. Changes in brain volumes, including hippocampal volume, have been observed in LLD, although results are inconsistent. Vascular lesions are more consistently associated with LLD and may constitute factors of poor prognosis. More recent MRI modalities, including fMRI and DTI, also show interesting results, notably to assess treatment response in LLD. Molecular Imaging also has the potential to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of LLD, using imaging such as PET-FDG and Amyloid PET. Finally, there are emerging studies with novel neuroimaging modalities such as Ultrasound to measure subtle mechanical properties in the brain of patients with LLD. Finally, we contend that neuroimaging has the potential to provide markers for the identification of subcategories of LLD (vascular depression, amyloid depression, etc.) as well as prognostic values and markers for treatment response.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF GASTRONOMIC AUSTRICISMS IN A LITERARY TEXT
Authors: Akasheva Tatiana V. , Rakhimova Nuriya M. , Zharkova Alexandra D.
Published: January 2024

Background. The Austrian Reading Room Organized, which was founded on the basis of MSTU named after G.I. Nosov more than 10 years ago, has become a platform for the implementation of educational, career guidance, cultural and scientific projects, providing university students with the opportunity to read both classical and modern Austrian literature.

However, when reading, students often experience difficulties as texts normally contain typical Austrian lexemes and expressions due to the pluricentric nature of the German language. In this regard, there is a need for a linguistic analysis of the territorial functioning of the German language in Austria from the standpoint of an adequate understanding and interpretation of a literary text, which explains the relevance of addressing this topic.

Purpose. To identify and typologize austricisms that express gastronomic names being relevant for understanding and interpreting a literary text, as well as to analyze their functional load in the space of a literary text.

Materials and methods. The main research methods are the analysis of scientific literature by Russian and foreign scientists on the problem of the pluricentricity German language, continuous sampling, functional analysis of text fragments, and contextual analysis.

Research results. During the study, texts of classical and modern Austrian literature were analyzed, gastronomic austricisms were identified and typologized, and their functional load in a literary text was described.

Practical implications. The results obtained can be used when reading Austrian fiction for a deeper interpretation, as well as when teaching students German as a foreign language.
FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OF COMPOSITIONAL CONJUNCTIONS USE IN A SCIENTIFIC MEDICAL TEXT
Authors: Tkacheva Raisa A. , Kuznetsova Anzhelika A. , Axenova Ekaterina D. , Mihailova Natalya D.
Published: January 2024

Background. The article is devoted to the use of means of compositional conjunctions in the field of scientific communication on the example of the a in a simple sentence. The authors refer to the semantic and functional features of the compositional conjunction a in the scientific medical text, where it is presented quite widely. The comparative meaning of the conjunction a, the specifics and rules of verbalization of this meaning are focused on the most accurate and specific characterization of the facts occurring in a living organism or in any part of it.

The purpose of the study is to present a variety of options for the characteristics of the objects of comparison, a detailed examination of the functioning of various words-allied analogues used together with the conjunction a, i.e., a vmeste s tem (and at the same time), a sledovatel'no, a znachit (and therefore), which means and others, among which special attention is paid to sentences with a combination and also.

Materials and methods. Textbooks served as the material for the study are as follows: N.V. Chebyshev Biology (2016), Human Physiology, ed. V.M. Smirnov (2019), G.V. Poriadin et al. Pathophysiology. General and Clinical Pathophysiology (2022). The article used methods of scientific description, observation and statistical analysis, which allowed us to obtain reliable information about the functioning of the composition conjunction a in a scientific text of a medical profile.

Results. The article concludes that the compositional conjunction a is capable of creating diverse semantic relations in a scientific text of a medical profile and performing specific communicative tasks of text formation. The functioning of the conjunction a in a simple sentence is associated with the accentuation of one of the connected fragments, which, as a rule, finds expression in the more frequent connection of concertizers to the conjunction a. The informative and communicative status of adjunctive sentences with a-relations in scientific speech is aimed at a more accurate and adequate presentation of scientific information.

Practical implications. The results may be used not only for following research of scientific (medical) text but are also important in the pedagogical practice of teaching foreign medical students.
PEDAGOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SECURITY CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Sidorkin Vladimir
Published: January 2024

Socio-pedagogical problems of ensuring safety and healthy lifestyle of children are considered. The views of individual scientists on the age peculiarities of children are described. Modern statistics of emergency situations in Russia, positive experience of pedagogical aspects in research activities and normative legal acts in the field of child safety are presented. Domestic risks of death and injury of chil-dren and some problematic components of safety of the younger generation are shown, confirming the importance of forming a culture of safe behaviour of children. The attention of citizens, society and the state in modern conditions, in connection with emerging threats to reality, is particularly focused on the issues of children's safety. The author considers the peculiarities of the educational process with the par-ticipation of the parental community, mentors and involvement of mass media. The problem in communi-cation processes between children in social networks and messengers, which often lead to certain inter-personal conflicts, is described separately. Some concepts of the model of forming a safe environment for children, taking into account their physical and psycho-physiological characteristics, and involving troubled teenagers in social activities are proposed. Sports influence is reflected as an important point. The importance of interaction between the services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, the Min-istry of Emergency Situations of Russia, providing security of citizens and the state is emphasised.
Análisis del nivel de pensamiento computacional de los futuros maestros: una propuesta diagnóstica para el diseño de acciones formativas
Authors: Villalustre Martínez Lourdes
Published: January 2024

El pensamiento computacional supone una forma de alfabetización emergente que busca fomentar el aprendizaje de la programación de forma progresiva utilizando principios básicos de codificación informática. En este estudio se evaluó el pensamiento computacional de 164 estudiantes universitarios de los grados de maestro/a en educación infantil y primaria. Se examinaron las diferencias según el género y la experiencia previa en programación robótica. Para ello, se empleó el Test de Pensamiento Computacional (TPC). Los resultados revelan que los hombres obtuvieron mejores resultados y que la experiencia previa en programación influyó en el nivel de desarrollo del pensamiento computacional. Además, se identificaron tres perfiles de estudiantes mediante un análisis de clúster. Las mujeres con experiencia previa en programación robótica y el uso de lenguajes de programación mostraron los mejores resultados en el TPC. Estos hallazgos resaltan la importancia de realizar evaluaciones diagnósticas para conocer el nivel de competencia de los estudiantes en este ámbito, ya que puede ayudar a identificar áreas de mejora y adaptar las acciones formativas de acuerdo a las necesidades de cada grupo de estudiantes.
La percepción de las familias acerca de las tareas digitales
Authors: Hernández Prados Mª Ángeles , Álvarez Muñoz José Santiago , Gil Noguera Juan Antonio
Published: January 2024

La temática de los deberes escolares resulta un tópico controvertido, más aún cuando estos son de índole digital ante el nuevo escenario de educación virtual. Este estudio pretende conocer la inferencia de la frecuencia de uso de las TIC en las tareas académicas respecto a la percepción que los padres tienen. Una investigación descriptiva-inferencial con un tratamiento cuantitativo de los datos en la que participaron 1787 familias cumplimentando un cuestionario ad hoc. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que las familias que encuentran más beneficiosos, pero que experimentan un mayor desgaste emocional, son aquellas que sus hijos realizan más tareas escolares digitales. Además, hay una relación de significación de la frecuencia de uso de las TIC en las tareas académicas con la percepción familiar acerca de los beneficios, el desarrollo de competencias y el desgaste emocional experimentado, en todos los casos a favor de aquellas familias con una alta frecuencia de uso. De esta forma, ante los hallazgos obtenidos se declara la necesidad de educar a las familias respecto al uso de los recursos digitales en las tareas escolares para saber extraer el potencial pedagógico de los mismos y que no suponga un obstáculo familiar.
Parlament europejski: w awangardzie politycznego równouprawnienia kobiet?
Authors: Polak Aleksandra
Published: January 2024

The European Parliament (EP) is often described as a champion of gender equality in Europe, both for its strong support of women’s rights and for the relatively balanced ratio of female and male Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Taking the aggregated average of Member States, the percentage of women in the European Parliament since the first EP elections in 1979 has been significantly higher than the percentage of women parliamentarians in the national lower houses. The chapter analyses the historical and current representation of women in the European Parliament. It focuses on both the descriptive dimension of representation (percentage of female MEPs) and the substantive representation (women in top EP positions such as the EP Presidency and the chairmanship of parliamentary committees). It also discusses the measures taken by the EU institutions to increase and facilitate women’s representation in the EP, as well as good practices proposed by NGOs and women’s organisations. The findings indicate that while the EP is indeed a forerunner in terms of gender quality in parliamentary assemblies, a glass ceiling and various obstacles still exist for women MEPs.
Konstancja Markiewicz, czyli metamorfozy kobiety ikonicznej na tle procesu irlandzkiej emancypacji politycznej
Authors: Konarski Wawrzyniec
Published: January 2024

The objective of the chapter is to examine the cultural and political changes in the life of Constance Markievicz, a heroine of Irish history at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The author tests the hypothesis that certain identity transformations of individuals are a result of the ongoing process of political socialization, taking place under the influence of epochal events. Stated differently, in specific circumstances, socialization takes precedence over an individual’s innate characteristics and their affiliation to a particular social group.
Kobiety w szkockiej polityce
Authors: Radowicz Joanna Aleksandra
Published: January 2024

The presence of women in Scottish politics is constantly growing, although still, as in other parts of the UK, the majority of politicians are men. However, in Scotland over the last hundred years several women have been politically successful and have held important positions influencing major political decisions. There have been significant changes activating women in the public sphere, as well as increasing support for female politicians. The stereotype that only men can hold important positions in the government has been successfully contested. The chapter discusses women’s political activity in Scotland, focusing on series of social and cultural changes that made Scottish politics more inclusive.
Cadernos de caligrafia — nº 1 | nº 2 | nº 3 | nº 4 | nº 5
Authors: Braga L. Hansen
Published: January 2024

O presente ensaio dispõe, lado a lado, repetições caligráficas em que se mostra irrevogável a dimensão imagética da escritura. Nesses exercícios, o corpo é colocado em situações escriturárias contraintuitivas: o uso da mão não dominante (caderno nº 1); a caligrafia cursiva com ligação completa entre as palavras (nº 2); a direção invertida do ato,  ou seja, da direita para esquerda (nº 3); a letra cursiva intercalada com a letra de imprensa (nº 4) e a caminhada (nº 5 ).
Ketogenic: The Science of Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction in Human Health
Authors: Winter George
Published: January 2024

George Winter reviews a new book on the impact of carbohydrate restriction in the human body, and discovers some surprising truths about our diets.
Application and mechanisms of Sanhua Decoction in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Ya-Kuan , Lin Huang , Wang Shu-Rui , Bian Ru-Tao , Tong Yang , Zhang Wen-Tao , Cui Ying-Lin
Published: January 2024

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion is a process in which the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted and subsequently restored. However, it is highly likely to lead to further aggravation of pathological damage to ischemic tissues or the nervous system., and has accordingly been a focus of extensive clinical research. As a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation, Sanhua Decoction has gradually gained importance in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Its main constituents include Citrus aurantium , Magnolia officinalis , rhubarb, and Qiangwu, which are primarily used to regulate qi. In the treatment of neurological diseases, the therapeutic effects of the Sanhua Decoction are mediated via different pathways, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter regulatory pathways, as well as through the protection of nerve cells and a reduction in cerebral edema. Among the studies conducted to date, many have found that the application of Sanhua Decoction in the treatment of neurological diseases has clear therapeutic effects. In addition, as a natural treatment, the Sanhua Decoction has received widespread attention, given that it is safer and more effective than traditional Western medicines. Consequently, research on the mechanisms of action and efficacy of the Sanhua Decoctions in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury is of considerable significance. In this paper, we describe the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and review the current status of its treatment to examine the therapeutic mechanisms of action of the Sanhua Decoction. We hope that the findings of the research presented herein will contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy of this formulation in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, and provide a scientific basis for its application in clinical practice.
Clinical experience sharing on gastric microneuroendocrine tumors: A case report
Authors: Wang You-Jun , Fan Da-Ming , Xu Yu-Shuang , Zhao Qi , Li Zhen-Fang
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

The majority of gastric neuroendocrine tumors (G-NENs) are present in various lesions under endoscopy, and they can be polypoid uplifts, submucosal tumors or papules, erosions, and ulcers. The lesions are mostly confined to the mucosal or submucosal layer, usually less than 2 cm, and exclusively localized to the gastric body or fundus. In type 1 G-NENs, about 22% of cases have no visible lesions under an endoscope, and such lesions can only be detected via biopsies (microcarcinoids).

CASE SUMMARY

A 67-year-old female patient with appetite loss for more than half a year and personal history of hyperthyroidism was admitted to our hospital. After admission, a random multi-point biopsy was performed on the gastric body, fundus, angle, and antrum through gastroscopy. Pathological examination showed chronic severe atrophic gastritis in the fundus and body of the stomach. The small curvature of the gastric body, the anterior wall of the gastric body, and the posterior wall of the gastric body displayed proliferation of intestinal chromaffin cells. The curvature of the gastric body showed neuroendocrine tumor G1 (carcinoid), while the antrum and angle of the stomach showed mild atrophic gastritis with mild intestinal metaplasia. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the greater curvature of the gastric body was Syn (+), CgA (+), and Ki-67 (+, approximately 1%), which is consistent with neuroendocrine tumors (grade 1). Regular gastroscopy and biopsy should be performed every one to two years to monitor G-NENs.

CONCLUSION

In the case under study, the patient did not have any visible raised lesions under a gastroscope, and the lesions were found only after a random biopsy. This article combines the endoscopic manifestations and clinical features of the lesions in this case to improve the diagnosis of G-NENs.
Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis treatment for periappendiceal abscess: A case report
Authors: Li Qiao-Mei , Ye Bin , Liu Jun-Wei , Yang Shang-Wen
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency. At present, the main treatments for periappendiceal abscess include antibiotics and surgery. However, the complications and mortality of emergency surgery are high. The preferred therapy is conservative treatment with antibiotics first, ultrasound-guided puncture drainage or surgical treatment is followed when necessary. Endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) for acute uncomplicated appendicitis have been proved clinically effective, but it is rarely used in periappendiceal abscess.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a patient admitted to hospital because of “right lower abdominal pain for six days”. The computerized tomography (CT) of patient showed that appendicitis with fecaliths and abscess in the pelvis. The patient was treated by CT-guided puncture and drainage of abdominal abscess combined with ERAT to remove appendiceal fecaliths, irrigation and stent placement.

CONCLUSION

The patient did not receive surgery because of impoverished family. Abdominal pain did not recur during the follow-up period. This case confirms the value of ERAT in the treatment of periappendiceal abscess.
Supplemental information for "Experimental Study on Two-Phase (Solid-Liquid) Flows of Ground Wheat Straw in Inclined Pipes"
Authors: Javed Kashif , Kurian Vinoj , Kumar Amit
Published: January 2024

Long-distance pipeline hydro-transport of lignocellulosic biomass for industrial-scale biofuel production at levels comparable to conventional oil refineries presents an economically and logistically viable alternative to fossil fuels. There is very limited understanding on the behavior of the transportation of agricultural biomass slurries in an inclined pipeline. This research is focused on a laboratory-scale investigation of 6.4 mm nominal particle length ( = 4.85 mm) knife-milled wheat straw-water suspensions' uphill and downhill flows for a range of pipe inclination and saturated mass concentrations. The range of pipe inclination and saturated mass concentration was -7 degrees to +21 degrees and 5%-30%, respectively. The inclined test section was 29 m long with a 50 mm inside diameter of a closed pipeline loop. The accuracy of the measurements was verified by calibrating the inclined pipe section with fine sand-aqueous slurries and comparing the results with established correlations. Most wheat straw-aqueous suspensions in the inclined flows showed the characteristics of the plug flow and the transition flow regions together for saturated mass concentration of 5%-30% and the entire flow range (0.5-4.7 m/s) with a clear dependence of both onset velocity of drag reduction and drag reduction (%DR) on the pipe inclination as well as slurry concentration and the critical concentration of maximum drag reduction on a specific range of suspension velocity. Because of the accelerating effect of gravity, downhill slurry flows had the lowest onset velocity of drag reduction and the highest %DR at every and pipe inclination. Uphill flows demonstrated some nonmonotonic changes in onset velocity of drag reduction and %DR, which need more experimental data for us to reach a firm conclusion. The research outcomes could help design and operate a long-distance integrated pipeline network for biomass transportation to produce biofuels on large scale.
Generalized Estimator of Population Mean Using Auxiliary Information in Presence of Measurement Errors
Authors: Misra Peeyush
Published: January 2024

It is assumed in survey research that the respondent’s reported response is precise. More often, due to prestige bias, the data provided by respondents frequently include estimates that are significantly different from the genuine values. As a consequence, measurement error is present in the sample estimates that may affect the results. Therefore, this study illustrates an improved generalized estimator that utilizes auxiliary data under measurement error. A numerical study to establish its effectiveness is also conducted.
Primary Hyperparathyroidism Mimicking Skeletal Metastasis – A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Private Limited, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India., Sivakumar Singanallur Palanivelayutham , Vasudeva Nagashree ,   Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Private Limited, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India., Perumal Ramesh ,   Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Private Limited, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India., Dheenadhayalan Jayaramaraju ,   Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Private Limited, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India., Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan ,   Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Private Limited, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an intrinsic abnormality of the parathyroid glands in which there is an inappropriate secretion of parathormone (PTH), resulting in skeletal resorption and bone loss. The characteristic bony changes of fibrotic cystic lesions are called Brown’s tumors. Clinical dilemmas exist due to the varied clinical presentation of hypercalcemia with multiple lytic lesions mimicking metastatic bone disease. 99 mTc sestamibi scanning is the imaging modality of choice used for the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas. Surgery provides a definitive treatment, and the bony lesions resolve completely over a period of time. Case Report: We present four cases of PHPT where they presented with multiple lytic lesions and were evaluated for metastatic deposits. The diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy. They were successfully treated by excision of the parathyroid gland. A high index of suspicion will avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Conclusion: PHPT must be considered as a differential diagnosis for multiple osteolytic bone lesions. Diagnosis can be aided by a thorough clinical examination, including an assessment for neck swelling and laboratory testing of serum calcium levels and PTH levels. Surgical excision of the hyperactive gland serves as the definitive treatment for this condition, with bony lesions regressing gradually over time. Keywords: Brown tumors, bone scan, hyperparathyroidism, primary, osteitis fibrosa cystica.
Developmental Perspectives on Transitions at Age 60: Individuals Navigating Across the Lifespan (TRAILS) – latest data collection in a longitudinal JYLS study
Authors: Kokko Katja , Fadjukoff Päivi , Reinilä Emmi , Ahola Johanna , Kinnunen Marja-Liisa , Kroger Jane , Laakkonen Eija K. , Pitkänen Tuuli , Pulkkinen Lea , Rantanen Taina , Staudinger Ursula M. , Taipale Sakari , Törmäkangas Timo , Kekäläinen Tiia , Saajanaho Milla
Published: January 2024

At around age 60, people are approaching late adulthood and are typically going through or anticipating life transitions such as grandparenthood, retirement, or changes in health and functioning. The timing and perception of transitions are individual and based on current circumstances and earlier life history and may link to well-being. The TRAILS (Developmental Psychological Perspectives on Transitions at Age 60: Individuals Navigating Across the Lifespan) study, which is presented in the current article, examines the diversity and underlying factors of different transitions at around age 60 and how they associate with mental well-being. It also investigates whether these transitions link to personality characteristics, contextual resources, and/or societal challenges. The role of earlier life history in the studied associations requires a prospective multiwave design where the same participants are followed over time. Only a few longitudinal studies have examined the developmental pathways from childhood to the beginning of late adulthood.

The TRAILS study continues the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS). The JYLS was initiated in 1968 and includes earlier data collected from ages 8 to 50. At age 61, in 2020–21, 206 of the JYLS participants (of the initial 369 children) took part in TRAILS. The data collection included a Life Situation Questionnaire, a psychological interview, self-report inventories, a health examination and physical activity surveillance covering major areas of adult life. TRAILS extends the JYLS study to over 52 years of follow-up time and provides unique opportunities for studying individual development throughout the lifespan.
PONGA UN POBRE A SU MESA: PLÁCIDO (BERLANGA, 1961) VS. EL NO-DO
Authors: CAÑAS PELAYO MARCOS RAFAEL
Published: January 2024

Conocidas fueron las campañas solidarias propugnadas en el pasado siglo por el régimen franquista. Particularmente, las fechas navideñas constituían una fase clave. Comparando las noticias recogidas en el NO-DO, contrastaremos en el presente artículo dicha imagen con uno de los filmes que más denunció la hipocresía de estos movimientos: Plácido (1961) de Luis García Berlanga. Metodológicamente, haremos un rastreo a través del rico fondo de la Filmoteca Española y otras fuentes sobre ese periodo histórico. Confiamos que el presente texto incida en el rico abanico de posibilidades que ofrecen las filmotecas y el cine para permitir la reconstrucción social del pasado.
VIOTA CABRERO, Paulino, El genio de Eisenstein, Sevilla, Editorial Athenaica, 2023.
Authors: Jiménez González Xavier
Published: January 2024

Reseña del libro El genio de Eisenstein
La comunidad gitana ante la orientación sexual. Una aproximación a las actitudes de la población gitana hacia las relaciones sexoafectivas homosexuales.
Authors: Arquer Cuenca Elena , Amaro Agudo Ana
Published: January 2024

La comunidad gitana ha sido maltratada y rechazada desde su llegada a la Península Ibérica en el siglo XV. En la actualidad, a pesar de ser la minoría étnica más numerosa de España y de las diferentes iniciativas legales y sociales en favor de la igualdad, continúa sufriendo discriminación por parte de la sociedad mayoritaria. Ello ha fomentado un fortalecimiento del endogrupo acompañado de un conservadurismo cultural como forma de autoprotección. Por otro lado, pese a la tendencia actual de normalización de la diversidad sexual en las sociedades contemporáneas, las personas lesbianas, gays y bisexuales siguen sufriendo situaciones de discriminación, especialmente en entornos o comunidades más tradicionales. Este rechazo por razón de orientación sexual en el seno de la familia o la comunidad puede dificultar el libre desarrollo de la persona, así como comprometer la convivencia pacífica. Este trabajo, de carácter exploratorio, tiene como objetivo realizar un acercamiento inicial a las actitudes de la población gitana hacia la orientación sexual no heterosexual, con la finalidad de conocer la apreciación que tiene dicha población sobre las relaciones sexoafectivas homosexuales, y valorar si éstas tienen algún impacto en la convivencia familiar y comunitaria. Para ello se ha usado la técnica de la entrevista semiestructurada, cuyos resultados sugieren que las actitudes de la población gitana hacia las relaciones homosexuales variarán dependiendo de los contextos de socialización.
Aportes para pensar la investigación en Trabajo Social y salud mental.
Authors: Bru Gabriela Silvina
Published: January 2024

El objetivo del trabajo es reflexionar sobre los problemas y abordajes actuales en la investigación desde Trabajo Social en el ámbito de la salud mental en Argentina. A partir del análisis bibliográfico pudimos observar que se han abordado reflexiones sobre la actuación profesional en salud mental mediante la técnica de sistematización y también se han explorado temas y problemas específicos desde estrategias de investigación social. En relación a los tópicos más recurrentes, los trabajos sistematizan los procesos de intervención en escenarios específicos, analizan el punto de vista de profesionales y las experiencias de usuarios/as en el sistema de salud y problematizan los avances en materia de Derechos. Consideramos que fortalecer los espacios de investigación, análisis y escritura permite atesorar el exhaustivo desarrollo territorial de la profesión en materia de salud mental, abonar a la construcción de futuras investigaciones y propiciar la producción de conocimiento en Trabajo Social.
Detrás del estigma. Un análisis cualitativo del impacto en las familias de personas con trastorno mental grave.
Authors: Delgado-Bordas Laura , Carbonell Ángela
Published: January 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es investigar el impacto del estigma asociado a las familias de personas con Trastorno Mental Grave. Se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo descriptivo exploratorio con el objetivo de profundizar en las opiniones, pensamientos y experiencias de las familias. Participaron un total de ocho familiares mediante las técnicas de la entrevista y el grupo focal. Los resultados muestran la existencia de un estigma todavía presente en la sociedad actual, cuyos efectos repercuten gravemente en las familias que conviven o han convivido con la enfermedad mental dentro de sus hogares. Se identificaron consecuencias psicosociales, como miedo, sobreprotección y culpa, especialmente en mujeres. La falta de conocimiento generalizado, la carencia de capacitación profesional y las dificultades de acceso al sistema de salud mental también perpetúan los estereotipos existentes. Los hallazgos sugieren la necesidad de implementar estrategias para reducir el estigma, mejorar el acceso a la atención en salud mental y brindar un mayor apoyo familiar para crear un entorno más comprensivo y empático hacia las personas usuarias y sus familias. Es fundamental promover la igualdad en el cuidado y apoyo a las personas con TMG, abordando las diferencias de género en la percepción del estigma. En este sentido, el Trabajo Social desempeña un papel esencial para abogar por la justicia social, promoviendo la investigación, educación y concienciación sobre salud mental, con el fin de reducir el estigma y mejorar el apoyo a las familias.
Supervisión: hacia un modelo colaborativo y transdisciplinar.
Authors: Cuenca Silvestre Mercedes
Published: January 2024

Berasaluze, A., Ariño, M., Ovejas, R. y Epelde, M. (Coords.) (2023). Supervisión: hacia un modelo colaborativo y transdisciplinar. Aranzadi.
The First Smart Pill: Digital Revolution or Last Gasp?
Authors: Swartz Anna K. , Friesen Phoebe
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT: Abilify MyCite was granted regulatory approval in 2017, becoming the world’s first “smart pill” that could digitally track whether patients had taken their medication. The new technology was introduced as one that had gained the support of patients and ethicists alike, and could contribute to solving the widespread and costly problem of patient nonadherence. Here, we offer an in-depth exploration of this narrative, through an examination of the origins and development of Abilify, the drug that would later become MyCite. This history illuminates how an antipsychotic can become a top-selling drug and maintain its blockbuster status for more than a decade. It also provides a detailed case study for how knowledge is constructed within the logic of biomedical capitalism, providing impetus to reexamine claims regarding how MyCite addresses patient nonadherence, engenders patient support, and is ethicist-approved.
Making St Brigit real in the early middle ages
Authors: Johnston Elva
Published: January 2024

Brigit of Kildare is the first Irish saint to be celebrated in detail by Irish writers. Her cult enjoyed great depth and popularity. Nevertheless, Brigit’s very existence has been doubted; she has been recast as a pre-Christian goddess despite an overwhelming disparity in evidence. This paper reframes our approaches to the origins of her cult through examining how the earliest writers understood her and made her real for their audiences, real through shaping her sanctity, her historicity and her family relationships. They placed Brigit along a gender continuum where sanctity intersected biology. Yet, Brigit has been treated differently to Irish male saints, becoming a secondary character in her own biographies, reductively overshadowed by a barely attested goddess. It is time for a revitalised appreciation of Brigit as an actual woman, depicted by her first hagiographers as pushing against the grain of an elitist and patriarchal society.
Predictors of mortality among inpatients in COVID-19 treatment centers in the city of Butembo, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Akilimali Pierre Z. , Kayembe Dynah M. , Muhindo Norbert M. , Tran Nguyen Toan
Published: January 2024

Determining the risk factors for severe disease and death among hospitalized Covid-19 patients is critical to optimize health outcomes and health services efficiency, especially in resource-constrained and humanitarian settings. This study aimed to identify the predictors of mortality of Covid-19 patients in North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 6 Covid-19 treatment centers in the city of Butembo from 1 January to 31 December 2021. The time to event (death), the outcome variable, was visualized by Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test was used to confirm differences in trends. Cox regression was used for all the predictors in the bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis was done using predictors found statistically significant in the bivariate analysis. The following variables were considered for inclusion to the Cox regression model: Age, Sex, Disease length, Treatment site, History of at least one co-morbidity, Body mass index, Stage according to SpO2 and the NEWS-modified score.Among the 303 participants (mean age of 53 years), the fatality rate was 33.8 deaths per 1000 patient-days. Four predictors were independently associated with inpatient death: age category (≥ 60 years) (adjusted HR: 9.90; 95% CI: 2.68–36.27), presence of at least one comorbidity (adjusted HR: 11.39; 95% CI: 3.19–40.71); duration of illness of > 5 days before hospitalization (adjusted HR:1.70, 95% CI: 1.04–2.79) and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 90% (adjusted HR = 14.02, 95% CI: 2.23–88.32). In addition to advanced age, comorbidity, and length of disease before hospitalization, ambient air SpO2 measured by healthcare providers using low-tech, affordable and relatively accessible pulse oximetry could inform the care pathways of Covid-19 inpatients in resource-challenged health systems in humanitarian settings.
Re-testing as a method of implementing external quality assessment program for COVID-19 real time PCR testing in Uganda
Authors: Okek Erick Jacob , Masembe Fredrick Joshua , Kiconco Jocelyn , Kayiwa John , Amwine Esther , Obote Daniel , Alele Stephen , Nahabwe Charles , Were Jackson , Bagaya Bernard , Balinandi Stephen , Lutwama Julius , Kaleebu Pontiano
Published: January 2024

Background

Significant milestones have been made in the development of COVID19 diagnostics Technologies. Government of the republic of Uganda and the line Ministry of Health mandated Uganda Virus Research Institute to ensure quality of COVID19 diagnostics. Re-testing was one of the methods initiated by the UVRI to implement External Quality assessment of COVID19 molecular diagnostics.

Method

participating laboratories were required by UVRI to submit their already tested and archived nasopharyngeal samples and corresponding meta data. These were then re-tested at UVRI using the WHO Berlin protocol, the UVRI results were compared to those of the primary testing laboratories in order to ascertain performance agreement for the qualitative & quantitative results obtained. Ms Excel window 12 and GraphPad prism ver 15 was used in the analysis. Bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs were used to compare performance agreement between the reference Laboratory and primary testing Laboratories.

Results

Eleven (11) Ministry of Health/Uganda Virus Research Institute COVID19 accredited laboratories participated in the re-testing of quality control samples. 5/11 (45%) of the primary testing laboratories had 100% performance agreement with that of the National Reference Laboratory for the final test result. Even where there was concordance in the final test outcome (negative or positive) between UVRI and primary testing laboratories, there were still differences in CT values. The differences in the Cycle Threshold (CT) values were insignificant except for Tenna & Pharma Laboratory and the UVRI(p = 0.0296). The difference in the CT values were not skewed to either the National reference Laboratory(UVRI) or the primary testing laboratory but varied from one laboratory to another. In the remaining 6/11 (55%) laboratories where there were discrepancies in the aggregate test results, only samples initially tested and reported as positive by the primary laboratories were tested and found to be false positives by the UVRI COVID19 National Reference Laboratory.

Conclusion

False positives were detected from public, private not for profit and private testing laboratories in almost equal proportion. There is need for standardization of molecular testing platforms in Uganda. There is also urgent need to improve on the Laboratory quality management systems of the molecular testing laboratories in order to minimize such discrepancies.