bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture Improved the Function of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter and Esophageal Motility in Chinese Patients with Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Yuming Tang , Yuping Zhao , Yihan Lin , Ying Zhu , Jia Huang , Hanbing Shen , Duowu Zou , Weiyan Yao
Published: May 2023

Objectives. Acupuncture is therapeutic for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease by an unclear mechanism. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of acupuncture on esophageal motility in patients with symptoms of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods. Sixty-eight patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were prospectively enrolled from August 2014 to December 2018 and randomized into acupuncture and control groups (

n
=
33

and 35, respectively). The acupuncture group received acupuncture, and the control group received sham acupuncture. Pre- and post-acupuncture high-resolution manometry was performed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on esophageal motility. The GerdQ questionnaire was used to evaluate the pre- and post-intervention symptoms. Results. After acupuncture, there was a significant increase in the length of lower esophageal sphincter (

3.10
±
1.08

 cm vs.

3.78
±
1.01

 cm), length of intra-abdominal lower esophageal sphincter (

2.14
±
1.05

 cm vs.

2.75
±
1.16

 cm), and mean basal pressure of lower esophageal sphincter (

22.02
±
10.03

 mmHg vs.

25.06
±
11.48

 mmHg) in the acupuncture group (

P
=
0.014

); moreover, the numbers of fragmented contraction and ineffective contraction decreased from 36 to 12 (

P
<
0.001

) and 43 to 18 (

P
=
0.001

), respectively, in the acupuncture group. However, no significant difference was observed in the control group. The GerdQ score decreased significantly from

9.45
±
2.44

to

7.82
±
2.21

points in the first week after acupuncture (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusions. Acupuncture, which improves esophageal motility, has short-term efficacy in patients with symptoms of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. This trial is registered with Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800019646).
Prediction of Ship Traffic Flow and Congestion Based on Extreme Learning Machine with Whale Optimization Algorithm and Fuzzy c-Means Clustering
Authors: Chen Yongjun , Huang Ming , Song Kaixuan , Wang Tengfei
Published: May 2023

Accurately predicting short-term congestions in ship traffic flow is important for water traffic safety and intelligent shipping. We propose a method for predicting the traffic flow of ships by applying the whale optimization algorithm to an extreme learning machine. The method considers external environmental uncertainty and complexity of ships navigating in traffic-intensive waters. First, the parameters of ship traffic flow are divided into multiple modal components using variational mode decomposition and extreme learning machine. The machine and the whale optimization algorithm constitute a hybrid modelling approach for predicting individual modal components and integrating the results of individual components. Considering a map between ship traffic flow parameters and congestion, fuzzy c-means clustering is used to predict the level of ship traffic congestion. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, ship traffic flow data of the Yangtze River estuary were selected for evaluation. Results from the proposed method for predicting ship traffic flow parameters are consistent with measurements. Specifically, the prediction accuracy of the ship traffic congestion reaches 76.04%, which is reasonable and practical for predicting ship traffic congestion.
Melatonin Promotes BMSCs Osteoblastic Differentiation and Relieves Inflammation by Suppressing the NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Hu Yiqiang , Xiong Yuan , Zha Kangkang , Tao Rangyang , Chen Lang , Xue Hang , Yan Chenchen , Lin Ze , Endo Yori , Cao Faqi , Zhou Wu , Liu Guohui
Published: May 2023

Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) play an important role in maintaining the dynamic balance of bone metabolism. Recent studies have reported that a decrease in the osteogenic function of MSCs is strongly associated with osteoporosis. Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone produced in the pineal gland and is essential in the physiological regulation. This study is aimed at exploring the effect of melatonin on MSCs osteoblastic differentiation and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We isolated BMSCs from rat bone marrow and demonstrated that melatonin improved osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by the alizarin red staining and ALP staining. We then showed that melatonin enhanced osteogenic gene expression in BMSCs, including ALP, Col 1, OCN, OPN, and RUNX2. We further revealed that melatonin inhibited the inflammatory response of BMSCs by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathways. In light of this, we found that the NF-κB pathway-specific activator TNF-α activated the NF-κB pathway, inhibited osteogenic differentiation, and induced inflammatory response in BMSCs. Melatonin was found to reverse the inhibitory effect of TNF-α on osteogenic differentiation and inflammation in BMSCs. Taken together, these findings indicated that melatonin may have therapeutic potential to be used for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Perception of the Use of the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills in Occupational Therapy Postgraduate Year Training in Taiwan: Survey of the Perspectives of Trainees and Supervisors
Authors: Liu Yi-chia , Lee Yi-chen , Huang Pai-chuan , Lee I-Hui , Lin Keh-chung
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Assessment of clinical competence is a significant part of the training for young occupational therapists (OTs). Objective and systematic assessment allows both supervisors and trainees to be aware of the training objectives and monitor the progress. The direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) is a work-based assessment to evaluate professional knowledge, skills, and attitude in clinical training. This study investigated the perspectives of OT educators and trainees on using DOPS and their discrepancy for OT postgraduate year (PGY) training. Methods. This study used a quantitative online survey. Eighty-six supervisors and 41 trainees of OT PGY training programs from 95 hospitals returned the questionnaire (a 90.5% return rate), and 64 supervisors and 30 trainees who used DOPS were analyzed. Outcomes included the practicality in using the DOPS in clinical settings, the ease of rating the DOPS, and advantages and the disadvantages of the DOPS. Results. Most respondents reported that completing one DOPS required at least 11 minutes for direct observation (11-40 minutes: teacher 92.2%; trainee 80.6%). Most respondents (teacher 96.9%, trainee 96.8%) had feedback after direct observation of DOPS, and about half of the feedback assessments took 5 to 10 minutes (teacher 53.1%, trainee 48.4%). Most OT educators and trainees agreed that clinical resources were sufficient and that DOPS matched with OT training goals, benefited OT competence training, and had a fair, objective, and consistent scoring system. Significantly higher percentages of OT trainees felt stressed in and satisfied with the DOPS assessment than trainers. Differences between teachers and trainees regarding easiness of rating DOPS items were not significant. Conclusion. Most OT educators and trainees agreed that DOPS was a practical and appropriate assessment for OT PGY training.
ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized using Aerial Extract of Ranunculus multifidus Plant: Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Yilma Terfo , Kassaw Mikyas , Murthy H. C. Ananda , Dekebo Aman
Published: May 2023

The present work reports the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by applying an aqueous aerial extract of Ranunculus multifidus plant. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the prepared ZnO NPs are stable from 480 to 800°C. The diffraction study confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure for the synthesized ZnO NPs with the typical crystallite sizes of 47.92, 22.70, and 15.35 nm the volume ratios (extract to precursor) of 1 : 1, 3 : 2, and 2 : 3, respectively. The experimentally deduced Eg values are 1.82, 3.1, and 2.57 eV for 1 : 1, 3 : 2, and 2 : 3 ZnO NPs, respectively. The spherical and rod-like morphologies were confirmed for the NPs by the images taken using electron microscopy. The reducing agents in the aqueous extracts of R. multifidus converted the ionic zinc to zinc nanoparticles, and these NPs exhibit credible antibacterial effects against tested bacterial species. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs revealed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The order of the antibacterial potential of the NPs was found to follow the order: S. aureus (17.10 ± 0.45 mm) > B. subtilis (16.10 ± 0.15 mm) > E. coli (14.5 ± 0.32 mm) > P. aeruginosa (13 ± 0.0 mm). The antioxidant activities of the produced ZnO NPs in various ratios showed the potentiality of phytochemicals to scavenge the free radicals, which is encouraging for the discovery of novel compounds for the treatment of cancer diseases.
Attitudes about Cigarette Smoking, Perceived Consequences of Smoking, and Seeking Assistance with Cessation among Black and White Cigarette Smokers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shevorykin Alina , Ruglass Lesia M. , Freitas-Lemos Roberta , Bauer Alexandria G. , Baez Shannyl , Sheffer Christine E. , Mohamed Haniki
Published: May 2023

Introduction. Research has identified significant racial differences in cigarette smoking behavior, associated disease risk, likelihood of cessation, and mortality from smoking-related diseases. The current study assessed, via qualitative narrative analysis, racial differences in participants’ motivations for smoking, perceived consequences of smoking, and how participants deal with cravings/withdrawal, as well as thoughts and feelings about quitting, seeking assistance with quitting, and the importance of social support in quitting. Methods. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 Black and 11 White cigarette smokers. Data were analyzed using the Thematic Networks Analysis process, which entailed coding the data and constructing thematic networks by identifying basic and organizing themes. Results. While there were no descriptive racial differences identified in participants’ motivation for smoking or perceived consequences of smoking, differences existed between Blacks and Whites in terms of approaches in dealing with smoking cravings and withdrawal, perceived self-efficacy in controlling cravings, preferred methods of learning about and receiving smoking cessation assistance, and overall preference for receiving cessation-related support. Conclusions. Further investigation is needed into racial differences in methods to deal with cigarette cravings and withdrawal, preferences for receiving cessation information, and social support for cessation. This research will further develop our understanding of and ability to address factors underlying racial disparities in smoking behavior and cessation, as well as inform the development of future smoking cessation interventions.
Supplementary Table S4-S10 from Circulating Sex Hormone Levels and Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yingfan , Lagergren Jesper , Li Shanshan , Li Jingru , Zhou Zhixian , Hu Zhijian , Xie Shao-Hua
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table S4 shows associations with prediagnostic circulating sex hormones levels for esophageal cancer, Supplementary Table S5 for gastric cancer, Supplementary Table S6 for liver cancer, Supplementary Table S7 for pancreatic cancer, Supplementary Table S8 for colorectal cancer, Supplementary Table S9 for colon cancer, and Supplementary Table S10 shows associations for rectal cancer, all in subgroup analyses.
Supplementary Table 8 from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance among Individuals with Cirrhosis: Trends by Payer, Etiology, and Calendar Year, from a Statewide, Multi-Payer Dataset, 2010–2018
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Henderson Louise M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Funk Michele Jonsson , Olshan Andrew F. , Gupta Parul , Barritt A. Sidney , Sanoff Hanna K. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Moon Andrew M. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table 8 includes one-year cumulative incidences for HCC surveillance overall and by insurance type, by calendar year of cirrhosis diagnosis (% and 95% confidence intervals).
Supplementary Figure S7 from Circulating Sex Hormone Levels and Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yingfan , Lagergren Jesper , Li Shanshan , Li Jingru , Zhou Zhixian , Hu Zhijian , Xie Shao-Hua
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Figure S7 shows forest plots (1), sensitivity analysis (2) and funnel plots (3) of the associations between prediagnostic circulating sex hormone levels and rectal cancer risk.
Supplementary Figure S5 from Circulating Sex Hormone Levels and Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yingfan , Lagergren Jesper , Li Shanshan , Li Jingru , Zhou Zhixian , Hu Zhijian , Xie Shao-Hua
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Figure S5 shows forest plots (1), sensitivity analysis (2) and funnel plots (3) of the associations between prediagnostic circulating sex hormone levels and colorectal cancer risk.
Supplementary Table 17 from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance among Individuals with Cirrhosis: Trends by Payer, Etiology, and Calendar Year, from a Statewide, Multi-Payer Dataset, 2010–2018
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Henderson Louise M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Funk Michele Jonsson , Olshan Andrew F. , Gupta Parul , Barritt A. Sidney , Sanoff Hanna K. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Moon Andrew M. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table 17 includes two-year cumulative incidences by cirrhosis etiology and by insurance, without imputing deaths for individuals insured through private insurance (% and 95% confidence intervals) (% and 95% confidence intervals).
Supplementary Table 16 from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance among Individuals with Cirrhosis: Trends by Payer, Etiology, and Calendar Year, from a Statewide, Multi-Payer Dataset, 2010–2018
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Henderson Louise M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Funk Michele Jonsson , Olshan Andrew F. , Gupta Parul , Barritt A. Sidney , Sanoff Hanna K. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Moon Andrew M. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Table 16 includes two-year cumulative incidences for HCC surveillance overall and by insurance type, by calendar year of cirrhosis diagnosis, without imputing deaths for individuals insured through private insurance (% and 95% confidence intervals).
Supplementary Figure S1 from Circulating Sex Hormone Levels and Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yingfan , Lagergren Jesper , Li Shanshan , Li Jingru , Zhou Zhixian , Hu Zhijian , Xie Shao-Hua
Published: May 2023

Supplementary Figure S1 shows forest plots (1), sensitivity analysis (2) and funnel plots (3) of the associations between prediagnostic circulating sex hormone levels and esophageal cancer risk.
Table S5 from Incidence Trends and Survival in Early-Onset Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma: A Swedish Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Radkiewicz Cecilia , Asplund Johannes , Lagergren Jesper
Published: May 2023

Sex distribution, numbers (n) and percentages (%) in early- (age 20-54 years) and later-onset (age 55-84 years) esophagogastric adenocarcinoma patients diagnosed in years 2007-2019.
Supplementary Methods from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance among Individuals with Cirrhosis: Trends by Payer, Etiology, and Calendar Year, from a Statewide, Multi-Payer Dataset, 2010–2018
Authors: Hsu Christine D. , Henderson Louise M. , Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Christopher D. , Funk Michele Jonsson , Olshan Andrew F. , Gupta Parul , Barritt A. Sidney , Sanoff Hanna K. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Moon Andrew M. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

The Supplementary Methods includes detailed descriptions for calculating the Proportion of Time Covered measures.
Figure S2 from Incidence Trends and Survival in Early-Onset Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma: A Swedish Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Radkiewicz Cecilia , Asplund Johannes , Lagergren Jesper
Published: May 2023

Early- (age 20-54 years) and later-onset (55-99 years) esophagogastric adenocarcinoma incidence rate (IR) per 100,000 person-years over years 1993-2019, comparing empirical estimates (dots), modeled linear predictions with no breakpoint (blue solid line), together with linear predictions including one breakpoint year (red solid line) identified using piecewise linear regression.
Figure S1 from Incidence Trends and Survival in Early-Onset Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma: A Swedish Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Radkiewicz Cecilia , Asplund Johannes , Lagergren Jesper
Published: May 2023

Early- (age 20-54 years) and later-onset (age 55-99 years) esophagogastric adenocarcinoma age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) per 100,000 person-years in men (blue) and women (red), presented as mean ASIR by calendar period, empirical estimates, and modeled linear predictions over years 1993-2019.
Data from Estimated Ovulatory Years Prior to Menopause and Postmenopausal Endogenous Hormone Levels
Authors: Cramer Daniel W. , Vitonis Allison F. , Huang Tianyi , Shafrir Amy L. , Eliassen A. Heather , Barbieri Robert L. , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground:
Lifetime ovulatory years (LOY) is estimated by the difference between ages at menopause and menarche subtracting time for events interrupting ovulation. We tested whether LOY influences sex hormone levels in postmenopausal women with at least one intact ovary not using hormones.
Methods:
Estradiol, estrone, estrone sulfate, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrostendione sulfate, prolactin, and sex hormone binding globulin were measured in 1,976 postmenopausal women from the Nurses’ Health Study. Associations of age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol use, and other factors on hormones were assessed by t tests and ANOVA. Linear regression was used to assess multivariable adjusted associations between LOY and hormones and trends in hormone levels per 5-year increases in LOY were estimated.
Results:
Women averaged 61.4 years old, 11.0 years since menopause, with BMI of 25.8 kg/m2. A total of 13.6% had irregular cycles, 17.5% hysterectomy, 6.4% unilateral oophorectomy, and 13.8% were current smokers. Variables associated with one or more hormone levels were included as covariates. Each 5-year increase in LOY was significantly associated with a 5.2% increase in testosterone in women with BMI < 25 kg/m2 and a 7.4% increase in testosterone and 7.3% increase in estradiol in women with above-average BMI.
Conclusions:
This is the first study to show that greater LOY is associated with higher testosterone in postmenopausal women and higher estradiol in those with elevated BMI, suggesting accumulation of functioning stromal and thecal cells from repeated ovulations and peripheral conversion of testosterone.
Impact:
A possible explanation for why greater LOY increases risk for breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer is offered.
Supplementary Figure 2 from Desmoglein 2 Functions as a Receptor for Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in Breast Cancer Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chen Dongmei , Wirth Keith M. , Kizy Scott , Muretta Joseph M. , Markowski Todd W. , Yong Peter , Sheka Adam , Abdelwahab Hisham , Hertzel Ann V. , Ikramuddin Sayeed , Yamamoto Masato , Bernlohr David A.
Published: May 2023

S2. Predicted orientation of the F57 side chain in the apoFABP4 form.
Cost-effectiveness of p16/Ki-67 Dual-Stained Cytology Reflex Following Co-testing with hrHPV Genotyping for Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Harper Diane M. , Anderson Rye J. , Baker Ed , Yu Tiffany M.
Published: May 2023

The first biomarker-based cervical cancer screening test, p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology (DS), has been clinically validated and approved in the United States for triage of women being screened for cervical cancer who test positive for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV). The primary aim of this work is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DS triage after co-testing findings of positive non-16/18 HPV types and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions cytology. A payer-perspective Markov microsimulation model was developed to assess the impact of DS reflex testing. Each comparison simulated 12,250 screening-eligible women through health states defined by hrHPV status and genotype, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 1–3, invasive cervical cancer (ICC) by stage, and cancer-related or non-cancer death. Screening test performance data were from the IMPACT clinical validation trial. Transition probabilities were from population and natural history studies. Costs of baseline medical care, screening visits, tests, procedures, and ICC were included. DS reflex after co-testing was cost-effective with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per quality-adjusted life-year gained of $15,231 [95% confidence interval (CI), $10,717–$25,400] compared with co-testing with hrHPV pooled primary and genotyped reflex testing, and $23,487 (95% CI, $15,745–$46,175) compared with co-testing with hrHPV genotyping with no reflex test. Screening and medical costs and life-years increased, while ICC costs and risk of ICC death decreased. Incorporating DS reflex into co-testing cervical cancer screening algorithms is projected to be cost-effective.

Prevention Relevance:

The p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology (DS) test was recently approved in the United States as a reflex test for cervical cancer screening following positive high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) test results. Adding DS reflex to hrHPV and cervical cytology co-testing strategies in the United States is expected to be cost-effective per life-year or quality-adjusted life-year gained.
TABLE 1 from A Very Long-acting Exatecan and Its Synergism with DNA Damage Response Inhibitors
Authors: Fontaine Shaun D. , Carreras Christopher W. , Reid Ralph R. , Ashley Gary W. , Santi Daniel V.
Published: May 2023

Pharmacokinetic parameters of 3A and 3B in the mousea
Supplementary Table S2 from A Very Long-acting Exatecan and Its Synergism with DNA Damage Response Inhibitors
Authors: Fontaine Shaun D. , Carreras Christopher W. , Reid Ralph R. , Ashley Gary W. , Santi Daniel V.
Published: May 2023

Pharmacokinetic parameters of 3A after 40 μmol/kg IP administration in mice.
Supplementary Figure S1 from A Very Long-acting Exatecan and Its Synergism with DNA Damage Response Inhibitors
Authors: Fontaine Shaun D. , Carreras Christopher W. , Reid Ralph R. , Ashley Gary W. , Santi Daniel V.
Published: May 2023

C vs t plot of 3A following 40 μmol/kg IP administration in mice.
Data from A Very Long-acting Exatecan and Its Synergism with DNA Damage Response Inhibitors
Authors: Fontaine Shaun D. , Carreras Christopher W. , Reid Ralph R. , Ashley Gary W. , Santi Daniel V.
Published: May 2023

Exatecan (Exa) is a very potent inhibitor of topoisomerase I and anticancer agent. It has been intensively studied as a single agent, a large macromolecular conjugate and as the payload component of antigen-dependent antibody–drug conjugates. The current work describes an antigen-independent conjugate of Exa with polyethylene glycol (PEG) that slowly releases free Exa. Exa was conjugated to a 4-arm 40 kDa PEG through a β-eliminative cleavable linker. Pharmacokinetic studies in mice showed that the conjugate has an apparent circulating half-life of 12 hours, which reflects a composite of both the rate of renal elimination (half-life ∼18 hours) and release of Exa (half-life ∼40 hours). Remarkably, a single low dose of 10 μmol/kg PEG-Exa—only approximately 0.2 μmol/mouse—caused complete suppression of tumor growth of BRCA1-deficient MX-1 xenografts lasting over 40 days. A single low dose of 2.5 μmol/kg PEG-Exa administered with low but efficacious doses of the PARP inhibitor talazoparib showed strong synergy and caused significant tumor regression. Furthermore, the same low, single dose of PEG-Exa administered with the ATR inhibitor VX970 at doses of the DNA damage response inhibitor that do not affect tumor growth show high tumor regression, strong synergy, and synthetic lethality.
Significance:
A circulating conjugate that slowly releases Exa is described. It is efficacious after a single dose and synergistic with ATR and PARP inhibitors.
Difusão de inovações nos circuitos comunicativos do metrô de São Paulo: a experiência da Linha 4 e ressonâncias na rede
Authors: Caiafa Janice
Published: May 2023

Este artigo apresenta alguns resultados de minha pesquisa etnográfica sobre as linhas 4-Amarela e 5-Lilás do metrô de São Paulo. A Linha 4 é a primeira com condução totalmente automática (sem condutor humano) e com operação privada. A Linha 5 foi recentemente concedida e será possivelmente automatizada. Na Linha 4, a implementação da inovação tecnológica associou-se a uma recomposição do trabalho metroviário, que se tornou polivalente. Como ocorre em casos de automação na indústria, a inovação tecnológica carreou a inovação organizacional. Procuro compreender as associações entre inovações em seu processo de difusão no contexto da Linha 4, observando repercussões na Linha 5 e no conjunto da rede. Considero a difusão de inovações, a partir de Rogers (2003), como processo comunicacional. O meio sociotécnico do metrô funciona como um canal de comunicação, com seus circuitos comunicativos em que maquinismos e ação humana não cessam de se imbricar.
A tribute to Professor Walter Traunspurger
Authors: Majdi Nabil , Füser Hendrik , Rauchschwalbe Marie-Theres , Gansfort Birgit , Uthoff Jana , Kreuzinger-Janik Bianca , Ptatscheck Christoph , Schenk Janina , Gehner Stefanie , Spieth Hubert , Wilden Benjamin , Höss Sebastian
Published: May 2023

With this tribute, we want to highlight Professor Walter Traunspurger’s achievements and contributions to education and research in the fields of nematology and ecology. Walter started to teach in 1998 in the Department of Animal Ecology at Bielefeld University (Germany) and completed his tenure in September 2022, a milestone in his career for which he deserves appreciation, although he is surely going to stay as enthusiastic and busy for many years to come. Over his 30 years of an outstanding academic career, he has supervised 22 Ph.D., 49 M.Sc. and 139 B.Sc. students. He has published over 200 research articles in leading zoological, ecological and ecotoxicological journals. Walter is one of the few living nematologists capable of identifying free-living freshwater nematodes to species level. However, his expertise and research interests are much broader with his biota-inclusive and trans-disciplinary approaches. For his students and colleagues, he has been an inexhaustible source of idealism, knowledge and lively experiences. The book, Ecology of freshwater nematodes, edited by Walter in 2021, provides a good overview of his recent research topics. Here, by summarising and sharing his main scientific accomplishments in this article, we hope that his story will inspire the next generation of nematologists and ecologists to continue his legacy and explore the promising avenues of research that he opened up during his productive scientific career.
For a Negative Hermeneutics: Adorno, Gadamer and Critical Consciousness
Authors: Giannakakis Vangelis
Published: May 2023

The present social-historical moment is marked by a sharp divide, a harrowing ‘communication breakdown’ between subject and object, between humanity and nature, between humanity and itself. This state of affairs pleads for the (re-)elaboration of a consciousness that resonates critically with the social, political and cultural realities of its time. This paper studies the lessons that can be drawn in this regard from the intersection between, on the one hand, Theodor W. Adorno’s ‘philosophical interpretation’ and his idea of an historically adequate consciousness, and, on the other, Hans-Georg Gadamer’s ‘philosophical hermeneutics’ and his conception of the historically effected consciousness. The paper opens with a concise reconstruction of Adorno’s ‘philosophical interpretation’ as a critical response to instrumental rationality that borrows insights from radical historicism. The focus then shifts to Gadamer’s ‘philosophical hermeneutics’ which is read as a similar type of protest against instrumental reason that privileges dialogical forms of enculturation. Finally, the paper closes with some suggestive yet inconclusive reflections on some important elements of convergence/divergence between the two thinkers, notably, their theorisations of immanent and transcended critique, the role they ascribe to tradition and language vis- à-vis experience, and the special place of ‘mimesis’ in it. Overall, the argument is made that a ‘negative hermeneutics’ may be what is needed to fashion new interpretations of the world, to foster alternative ways of thinking about and being in it, which, pace Marx, go hand in hand with its transformation – or, perhaps more aptly nowadays, the mere feat of sparing it.
Do Childcare Teachers Evaluate Children’s Weight Status More Accurately Than Parents? A Brief Report
Authors: Gomes Ana I. , Lemos Rosa , Miočević Milica , Pereira Ana I. , Barros Luísa
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Parents’ underestimation of young children’s weight can reduce their engagement and readiness to implement changes in children’s diet and physical activity. Childcare teachers can support parents’ identification of children at risk for being overweight only if they can accurately do this themselves.

Design

Quantitative, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Fifteen kindergartens near Lisbon, Portugal.

Subjects

319 parents, 32 teachers (47.5% and 100% response rate, respectively), and 319 children.

Measures

Caregivers classified the children’s weight, considering their height and age as underweight, healthy weight, or overweight; children’s body mass index (BMI) status for age and sex was assessed.

Analysis

Differences in caregivers’ accuracy of children’s weight perception were assessed. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the predictors of the accuracy of teachers’ and parents’ weight perception as a binary outcome.

Results

The proportion of children with overweight correctly assessed differed significantly ( P = 0.004) between teachers (31.1%) and parents (17.5%). The child’s BMI percentile was the only significant positive predictor for both caregivers’ weight perception accuracy ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, for parents and teachers, respectively), holding the child’s age and sex constant.

Conclusion

Although childcare teachers were better raters than parents when evaluating children’s weight status, the percentage of children with overweight that childcare teachers misclassified was still relatively high.
Fatigue Resistance of Two Different Materials Used as Retentive Attachments in Implant Supported Overdenture after Immersion in Denture Cleansing Solution: An In Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Shinde Akanksha , Bulbule Nilesh , Bhatt Varun , Gayathri B. , Jagtap Amit
Published: May 2023

Aim:

This in vitro study compared the fatigue resistance of two polymeric materials (Nylon and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) used as retentive attachments in implant-retained overdentures after immersion in denture cleansing solution.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 24 samples (N=24), of which 12 capsule-shaped samples of commercially available nylon material from ADIN dental implants, India, and similar sized and shaped 12 PTFE (medical grade) capsules custom fabricated from AAA Industries, Mumbai was obtained. Six samples of each material were immersed in distilled water and six samples in Clinsodent denture cleanser, simulating an 8–h daily immersion of the denture for a period of 2 years. After completion of the immersion protocol, samples were subjected to 2900 fatigue cycles using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM), simulating 4 cycles per day of removal and insertion of the overdenture for a duration of 2 years. Before and after immersion, the wear of the samples was assessed for internal and external diameter changes using the Sipcon Inspection System. The statistical analysis of the obtained results was tested by applying the paired-t test, Fisher analysis of variance, and Tukey’s honest significant difference test, with a probability value less than 0.05 used as statistically significant.

Results:

Statistically significant differences were observed after immersion in denture cleanser for nylon and PTFE. The greatest fatigue for ID, IHL, and IVL was demonstrated in nylon immersed in Clinsodent at p = .000. ED and EHL of PTFE in distilled water showed greater deformation than others ( p = .000).

Conclusion:

PTFE attachments have shown better fatigue resistance after immersion in Clinsodent denture cleanser. Nylon material immersed in distilled water as well as in Clinsodent cleanser showed greater deformation after fatigue cycles.
Rad1 attenuates DNA double-strand breaks and cell cycle arrest in type II alveolar epithelial cells of rats with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Tong Xin , Li Danni , Liu Na , Huang Wanjie , Zhao Xinyi , Zhang Dan , Xue Xindong , Fu Jianhua
Published: May 2023

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common and serious chronic lung disease in preterm infants with pathological characteristics of arrested lung development. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are a serious manifestation of oxidative stress damage, but little is known about the role of DSBs in BPD. The current study set out to detect DSB accumulation and cell cycle arrest in BPD and study the expression of genes related to DNA damage and repair in BPD through DNA damage signaling pathway-based PCR array to determine a suitable target to improve arrested lung development associated with BPD.

Methods

DSB accumulation and cell cycle arrest were detected in a BPD animal model and primary cells, then a DNA damage signaling pathway-based PCR array was used to identify the target of DSB repair in BPD.

Results

DSB accumulation and cell cycle arrest were shown in BPD animal model, primary type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) and cultured cells after exposure to hyperoxia. Of the 84 genes in the DNA damage-signaling pathway PCR array, eight genes were overexpressed and 11 genes were repressed. Rad1, an important protein for DSB repair, was repressed in the model group. Real-time PCR and western blots were used to verify the microarray results. Next, we confirmed that silencing Rad1 expression aggravated the accumulation of DSBs and cell cycle arrest in AECII cells, whereas its overexpression alleviated DSB accumulation and cell cycle arrest.

Conclusions

The accumulation of DSBs in AECII might be an important cause of alveolar growth arrest associated with BPD. Rad1 could be an effective target for intervention to improve this arrest in lung development associated with BPD.
Epidemiology of severe trauma in Navarra for 10 years: out-of-hospital/ in-hospital deaths and survivors
Authors: Arbizu-Fernández Eider , Echarri-Sucunza Alfredo , Galbete Arkaitz , Fortún-Moral Mariano , Belzunegui-Otano Tomas
Published: May 2023

Background

Major trauma is a leading cause of death. Due to the difficulties to keep a registry of these cases, few studies include all subjects, because they exclude out-of-hospital deaths. The purpose of this work was to compare the epidemiological profiles of out-of-hospital deaths, in-hospital deaths, and survivors over a 10-year period (2010–2019) of patients who had been treated by Navarre´s Health Service (Spain).

Methods

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study using data of patients injured by an external physical force of any intentionality and with a New Injury Severity Score above 15. Hangings, drownings, burns, and chokings were excluded. Intergroup differences of demographic and clinical variables were analysed using the Kruskal Wallis test, chi-squared test, or Fisher´s exact test.

Results

Data from 2,610 patients were analysed; 624 died out-of-hospital, 439 in-hospital, and 1,547 survived. Trauma incidences remained moderately stable over the 10-year period analysed, with a slight decrease in out-of-hospital deaths and a slight increase in in-hospital deaths. Patients of the out-of-hospital deaths group were younger (50.9 years) in comparison to in-hospital deaths and survivors. Death victims were predominantly male in all study groups. Intergroup differences regarding prior comorbidities and predominant type of injury were observed.

Conclusions

There are significant differences among the three study groups. More than half of the deaths occur out-of-hospital and the causative mechanisms differ in each of them. Thus, when designing strategies, preventive measures were considered for each group on a case-by-case basis.
NLRP3 inflammasome in peripheral blood monocytes as a risk factor for early -onset preeclampsia
Authors: Yang Hong , Ai Mo , Guo Yanqiu , Li Bingfen , Liu Cong , Qu Dongying
Published: May 2023

Introduction

As a leading cause of pregnancy and fetal mortality, pre-eclampsia impacts about 5–8% of pregnancies globally. To date, few studies have focused on the role played by (NOD)-like receptors protein 3 (NLRP3) in peripheral blood in early-onset pre-eclampsia (PE). In this study, we investigated whether NLRP3 expression in monocytes before 20 weeks of gestation was associated with an increased risk of early-onset PE.

Methodology

During the study period from 2019 to 2021, women with singleton pregnancies were enrolled in this prospective study at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command. A generalized additive model (GAM) and logistic regression models were applied to determine any association between NLRP3 and the risk of early-onset PE.

Results

In total, 571 and 48 subjects were included in the control and pre-eclampsia groups, respectively. The GAM and logistic regression models showed that NLRP3 was a significant factor for PE occurrence. The area under the curve, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.86, 0.82, 0.95, 0.72, 15.17, 0.29, and 52.0, respectively.

Conclusion

The monitoring for NLRP3 in peripheral blood may be a potential, prospectively identifying risk factor for preeclampsia.
A case of APMPPE-like panuveitis presenting with extensive outer retinal layer impairment following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Ogino Yo , Namba Kenichi , Iwata Daiju , Suzuki Kayo , Mizuuchi Kazuomi , Hiraoka Miki , Kitaichi Nobuyoshi , Ishida Susumu
Published: May 2023

Background

Vaccination against the worldwide pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is underway; however, some cases of new onset uveitis after vaccination have been reported. We report a case of bilateral acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy-like (AMPPE-like) panuveitis after COVID-19 vaccination in which the patient’s pathological condition was evaluated using multimodal imaging.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old woman experienced bilateral hyperemia and blurred vision starting 6 days after her second inoculation of the COVID-19 vaccination. At her first visit, her visual acuity was decreased bilaterally, and severe bilateral anterior chamber inflammation and bilateral scattering of cream-white placoid lesions on the fundus were detected. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed serous retinal detachment (SRD) and choroidal thickening in both eyes (OU). Fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed hypofluorescence in the early phase and hyperfluorescence in the late phase corresponding to the placoid legions. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) showed sharply marginated hypofluorescent dots of various sizes throughout the mid-venous and late phases OU. The patient was diagnosed with APMPPE and was observed without any medications. Three days later, her SRD disappeared spontaneously. However, her anterior chamber inflammation continued, and oral prednisolone (PSL) was given to her. Seven days after the patient’s first visit, the hyperfluorescent lesions on FA and hypofluorescent dots on ICGA partially improved; however, the patient’s best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) recovered only to 0.7 OD and 0.6 OS, and the impairment of the outer retinal layer was broadly detected as hyperautofluorescent lesions on fundus autofluorescence (FAF) examination and as irregularity in or disappearance of the ellipsoid and interdigitation zones on OCT, which were quite atypical for the findings of APMPPE. Steroid pulse therapy was performed. Five days later, the hyperfluorescence on FAF had disappeared, and the outer retinal layer improved on OCT. Moreover, the patient’s BCVA recovered to 1.0 OU. Twelve months after the end of treatment, the patient did not show any recurrences.

Conclusions

We observed a case of APMPPE-like panuveitis after COVID-19 vaccination featuring some atypical findings for APMPPE. COVID-19 vaccination may induce not only known uveitis but also atypical uveitis, and appropriate treatment is required for each case.
Prevalence and clinical profile of abnormal glucose in first-episode and drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder with comorbid abnormal thyroid function: a large-scale cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Xiao , Sun Yuan , Wu Anshi , Zhang Xiang-Yang
Published: May 2023

Background

The associated factors of abnormal glucose in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with comorbid abnormal thyroid function (ATF) remain unclear. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study with a large sample size that examines the risk factors of abnormal glucose in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) MDD patients comorbid with ATF and includes clinical correlates and thyroid hormone levels.

Methods

A total of 1718 FEDN MDD patients were recruited. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive subscale were used to evaluate the symptoms of patients. Fasting blood glucose concentration and thyroid hormone levels were measured.

Results

The prevalence of abnormal glucose in MDD patients with comorbid ATF was 47.3%, which was 4.25 times higher than that in MDD patients without ATF (17.4%). Compared to those ATF patients without abnormal glucose, ATF patients with abnormal glucose scored higher on HAMD, HAMA and PANSS positive subscale, had a higher rate of suicide attempts, severe anxiety and psychotic symptoms, and had higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid peroxidases antibody (TPOAb) which were also correlated with abnormal glucose in MDD patients comorbid ATF (all P < 0.05). The combination of HAMD score and TSH could differentiate abnormal glucose from ATF. Further, TSH was independence-related with the concentration of fasting blood glucose in MDD patients with comorbid ATF.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a high prevalence of abnormal glucose in MDD patients with comorbid ATF. Some clinical and thyroid function-related variables may be associated with abnormal glucose in MDD patients with comorbid ATF.
Comparison of the effect of hostility on the level of depression of drug addicts and non-addicts and the mediating role of sense of life meaning between them
Authors: Li Jiaoyang , Wang Rufang , He Jingzhen , Wang Linghui , Li Lin
Published: May 2023

Background

The level of depression among drug addicts is generally higher than normal. Hostility and sense of life meaning may influence depression and become risk factors for depression. This study has three research purposes. First, to analyze whether drug use can aggravate hostility and depression levels. Second, to assess whether the hostility has different effects on depression among drug addicts and non-addicts. Third, to examine whether the sense of life meaning has a mediating role between different groups (drug addicts and non-addicts).

Methods

This study was conducted from March to June 2022. 415 drug addicts (233 males and 182 females) and 411 non-addicts (174 males and 237 females) were recruited in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. After signing informed consent, their psychometric data were obtained using the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale (CMI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) questionnaires. Linear regression models were used to assess the impact of hostility and depression among drug addicts and non-addicts. Bootstrap mediation effect tests were used to further test the mediation effect of sense of life meaning between hostility and depression.

Results

The results showed four main outcomes. First, compared with non-addicts, drug addicts had higher levels of depression. Second, hostility exacerbated depression in both drug addicts and non-addicts. Compared with non-addicts, hostile affect had a greater effect on depression in drug addicts. Third, the sense of life meaning among females was higher than males. Fourth, for drug addicts, the sense of life meaning showed a mediating effect between social aversion and depression, while for non-addicts, the sense of life meaning showed a mediating effect between cynicism and depression.

Conclusions

Depression is more severe in drug addicts. More attention should be paid to the mental health of drug addicts, because the elimination of negative emotions is conducive to reintegration into society. Our results provide a theoretical basis for reducing depression among drug addicts and non-addicts. As a protective factor, we can reduce their hostility and depression by improving the sense of life meaning.