bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of research trends in the healthcare field utilizing extended-reality-based converged contents
Authors: Im Ji-Eun , Lee Ju-Hee , Lim Soon-Ryun , Lee Won-Jae
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Extended reality technology offers an innovative opportunity to enhance self-directed learning through interactive processes in healthcare education. This study aims to analyze research trends in the application of extended reality technologybased educational content in the field of healthcare. Methods: Through literature search, selection, and exclusion processes based on predefined criteria, we conducted an analysis of domestic healthcare studies employing extended reality technology, ultimately selecting and examining 39 relevant publications. Results: The analysis reveals diverse applications of extended reality across various fields such as medicine, dentistry, and nursing. Positive effects, including increased academic satisfaction, immersion, and interest, are observed, alongside challenges like media usage difficulties and cybersickness. Conclusions: Future research should focus on the development and application of extended reality-based educational content in diverse healthcare curricula, emphasizing both educational approaches and continuous technological advancements.
Factors influencing oral health according to life cycle characteristics of patients with diabetes
Authors: Choi Hye-Sook
Published: June 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the relationship between diabetes and oral health in Korean adults. Methods: We analyzed 5,319 adults who were included in the 9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The data were analyzed for demographic characteristics, daily health care, and oral health care according to diabetic conditions using a complex sample analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors influencing the oral health of patients with diabetes. Results: The factors influencing the oral health of patients with diabetes varied according to life cycle. In late middle-aged adults, statistically significant differences were observed in sex (p<0.001), educational level (p=0.030), economic activity (p=0.018), aerobic exercise (p=0.034), smoking (p=0.004), periodontal therapy (p=0.011), and prosthesis production/repair (p=0.025). In younger elderly individuals, statistically significant differences were found in terms of whether they lived together (p=0.027) and educational level (p=0.032). Conversely, no statistically significant differences were observed in the older elderly group. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the level of oral health of patients with diabetes is already determined in middle and old age; therefore, a system should be prepared to ensure that health care can be systematically performed in late middle-aged adults.
Characterizing the Use of Botanical Resources from Pollen Loads from Apis mellifera, and Stingless Bees’ Pot-pollen Palynology: An Approach Using Network Analysis and Generalized Linear Models
Authors: Breda Lendra Schuastz , Melo Nascimento José Elton de , Toledo Vagner de Alencar Arnaut de , De Lima Vanderlei Aparecido , Felsner Maria Lurdes
Published: June 2024

Pollen loads gathered by honeybees and pot-pollen stored by stingless bees are functional foods with commercial potential. The botanical origin influences the physicochemical composition of the corbicular pollen, Apis mellifera’s bee bread, and the stingless bees’ pot-pollen processed in their nests. Thus, it is vital to determine the factors affecting the botanical composition of these apicultural products. As no prior research on the subject has been conducted, this study examines seasonality and bee species’ impact on the phytogeographic source of honeybee pollen loads and stingless bees’ pot-pollen through the use of palynological analysis, Network Analysis, and Generalized Linear Models (GLM). Due to seasonal variations and abiotic factors, Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata, Melipona marginata, and Scaptotrigona bipunctata stingless bees produced monofloral pot-pollen from plant species within the Myrtaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Fabaceae families. In contrast, A. mellifera and Tetragona clavipes bees exhibited a more generalist pollen foraging behavior, resulting in heterofloral pollen loads or pot-pollen in most seasons studied. The GLM results indicate that factors including ‘bee species’ and ‘season’ impacted the volume and varieties of pollen gathered by honeybees and stingless bees. It is vital to acknowledge the production area’s characteristics, such as climatic conditions, bee-friendly plants, flower types and quantity, and the behavioral patterns of the bee species regarding pollen foraging. These results highlight the significance of establishing best practices for producing monofloral and heterofloral pollen loads, or pot-pollen. This information may be utilized for commercial applications of A. mellifera pollen loads and stingless bee pot-pollen.
Determinants of Energy Intensity in Emerging Economies: A Comprehensive Review of the Last Three Decades
Authors: Haider Zaidi Syed Anees , Dessoulavy-Śliwiński Bartłomiej , Ashraf Rana Umair , ul Haq Muhammad Ahtisham
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This review article delves into the determinants of energy intensity in emerging economies, spanning the past 30 years of research accessed from Web of Science. The review employ data visualization techniques to present a bird's-eye view of the research landscape, showcasing the geographical distribution of studies, prominent authors, and key journals in the field.

Material and methods

This bibliometric study utilized the March 2023 edition of the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database for its papers. The literature review covers the years 1993 to 2023 and includes all studies on the subject of energy intensity in the pursuit of emerging economic goals. Journal articles are isolated from the other document types using an additional filter. The WoS Core Collection database had a total of 3,918 articles.

Results

Through a systematic assessment of methodological approaches, we evaluate the robustness of the existing literature, pinpointing areas where methodological improvements and novel data sources can enhance future research. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners striving to develop effective strategies for reducing energy intensity and promoting green growth.

Conclusions

In conclusion, emerging economies' energy intensity levels are shaped by a complex interplay of determinants that were highlighted by the analysis of factors influencing energy intensity on economic growth. In order to achieve a more sustainable and resilient energy future, emerging economies must first address these determinants through research, collaboration, and policy actions.
Climate risk in banks – the case of Polish banking sector
Authors: Nocoń Aleksandra
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The issues of environmental protection, including stopping the degrading climate change, are currently a subject of particular interest of the scientific community, policymakers, practitioners, but also all people around the world. Banking institutions, as a giver of capital, play a special role in financing climate protection activities. On the other hand, they are particularly exposed to climate risk. The main purpose of the paper is climate risk exegesis and to analyze the degree of climate risk inclusion in the bank risk management process in the case of the Polish banking sector. The conducted empirical research verified the research hypothesis stating that the Polish banking sector is becoming more and more oriented towards the climate risk among the bank risk management systems.

Material and methods

The following research methods were used in the paper: survey questionnaire method, case study analysis, observation method and synthesis method. The research procedure included two stages of questionnaire research, followed by the analysis and evaluation of the obtained results.

Results

It has been shown that the Polish banking sector defines its climate goals and is increasingly sensitive to the climate risk management, including them in its risk management systems. It also assesses exposure to climate risk in terms of physical and transitional risk.

Conclusions

The research and results presented in this study are important in building political awareness as well as public, social and economic activities in the field of counteracting climate threats. However, banks’ awareness is very important for financing projects that reduce degrading impact on climate.
Principle of equality and prohibition of discrimination in the Czech and Polish work environment
Authors: Ziółkowska Krystyna
Published: June 2024

The subject of this study is a comparative law analysis of the issue concerning the principle of equality and the prohibition of discrimination in the Czech and Polish legal systems. The subject is still topical because of the phenomenon of discrimination occurring in a workplace among employees. This phenomenon is of multidimensional character and its complexity causes numerous problems for entities interpreting the provisions within this field. The aspects related to discrimination are not and will not be an easy subject, especially because they concern delicate and sensitive aspects related to human dignity, including the right to privacy. In employment, employees should most of all be treated equally in terms of the way of establishing and terminating their work relationships, the conditions of employment, qualifications and most importantly, aspects related to political beliefs, trade union membership or religion practiced. The first part will issues of a general nature, primarily those relating to international and European regulations regarding the principle of equality and the prohibition of discrimination will be presented. In the further part of the article, the topic of anti-discrimination provisions under Polish and Czech law will be discussed and legal solutions in this matter will be presented.
The influence of digital marketing and social media marketing on consumer buying behavior
Authors: Antczak Barbara Olga
Published: June 2024

Digital marketing and social media marketing play an essential role in shaping consumer buying behaviour. The spread of technology has created new opportunities for consumer-business interactions across various digital platforms such as social media networks, e-commerce websites, and mobile applications. These platforms provide consumers with access to product information, reviews and price comparisons that influence their purchasing decisions. This article aims to explore the relationship between digital marketing, social media marketing and consumers' online purchasing behaviour. The research will examine how marketing activities in digital and social media such as product reviews, social media advertising, e-mail marketing and influencer marketing affect consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions. It will also examine how social media networks influence the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies and how consumers interact with social media advertising. Results from this study will provide insights into the use and effectiveness of digital and social media marketing strategies. It will help companies better understand consumer behaviour in the digital age and inform their online marketing efforts to increase sales and profitability. The study will also contribute to the literature on consumer online purchasing behaviour and increase knowledge of the impact of digital marketing and social media marketing on consumer decision-making.
The procedure of naming streets and squares
in the practice of functioning municipalities in Poland. Selected issues
Authors: Lewandowski Krzysztof Henryk
Published: June 2024

Cel pracy

Celem pracy jest omówienie wybranych problemów dotyczących czynności administracyjnoprawnej nadawania nazw ulic i placów w praktyce funkcjonowania podstawowych jednostek samorządu terytorialnego. W pracy omówiono podstawowe pojęcia zarówno w ujęciu ustawowym, dorobku doktryny i judykatury. Omówiono podstawy prawne nadawania nazw ulic i placów, stosowane przez jest formy procedury w tym zakresie.

Materiał i metody

Do opracowania publikacji posłużyły treści aktów prawnych, publikacji naukowych oraz tez orzeczeń sądownictwa administracyjnego. Wykorzystano głównie metodę prawno-porównawczą.

Wyniki

W wyniku przeprowadzonej kwerendy ustalono, że materia stanowiące przedmiot opracowania jawi się niejednorodnie, pełna jest pojęć nieostrych. Stosowane procedury nadawania nazw ulic i placów przez gminy nie są jednorodne i często organizowane w rożny sposób.

Wnioski

Zebrane wyniki pozwalają postawić wniosek o podjęcie prac o dokonanie pełnej i jasnej regulacji zagadnienia przez ustawodawcę w przyszłości, gdyż pozostawienie tej materii w dużej swobodzie organizacyjno-prawnej, przy zwiększającej się świadomości prawnej wraz ze wzrostem społecznej roszczeniowości, będzie generować dalsze problemy w przyszłości. Proponowane zmiany powinny przewidywać głównie wypracowanie delegacji ustawowej dla rady gminy do nadawania nazw ulic i placów nie tylko w przepisach ustrojowych, ale także w prawie materialnym. Ponadto winny nakładać na radę gminy obowiązek uchwalenia przez organ wykonawczy podstawowej jednostki samorządu terytorialnego zasad i trybu nadawania nazw ulic i placów, uwzględniając daleko idącą pluralizację społeczną w tym zakresie
From Plácido to Cándido: The Reception of a Mixed-Race Poet in Nineteenth-Century Spain
Authors: Mateos Ana
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: Although much has been written about the renowned poet Plácido's significance in Cuban history, the lack of scholarship on his reception in Spain might suggest that his prestige as a poet, his role in one of the most important antislavery revolts in nineteenth-century Cuba, and his subsequent tragic ending, never crossed the Atlantic. In this article, I show that the figure of Plácido persisted in the Spanish cultural imaginary in the decades following his death and retained the power to provoke, offend, inspire, and mobilize. I explore his reception and transformation first in press articles and then in two literary works: Rogelia León's poem "Al negro Plácido" (1857) and Manuel de los Santos Barrios's play La cadena del esclavo (Madrid, 1867). Through different emphases on Plácido's victimization or agency, in both press articles and literary works, Plácido embodies the promise for, and the limitations of, racial inclusivity for the Afrodescendant population in the Spanish overseas territories, as he is appreciated for his capacity both to stand for the racial other and to represent what is reassuringly similar. RESUMEN: Aunque mucho se ha escrito sobre el significado del famoso poeta Plácido para la historia de Cuba, apenas hay nada sobre su recepción en España, sugiriendo de esta manera que su prestigio como poeta, y su papel como líder de una de las rebeliones más importantes contra la esclavitud del siglo XIX nunca cruzaron el Atlántico. En este ensayo muestro como la figura de Plácido persistió en el imaginario cultural español después de su muerte, y retuvo el poder para provocar, ofender, inspirar y movilizar. Exploro en particular su recepción y transformación en los artículos de prensa y en dos obras literarias: el poema de Rogelia León "Al negro Plácido" (1857) y la obra de teatro de Manuel de los Santos Barrios La cadena del esclavo (Madrid, 1867). Mediante diferentes énfasis en su victimización o agencia, Plácido personifica para los españoles tanto la promesa como las limitaciones de la inclusividad racial para los Afro-descendientes en los territorios de ultramar, al ser valorado tanto por evocar al otro racial como por representar lo tranquilizadoramente similar.
Cuba's Aboriginal Population: A Demographic Recounting
Authors: Díaz-Briquets Sergio
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: Much scholarship has focused on the indigenous cultures the Spaniards encountered upon arriving in Cuba in the late fifteenth century, including some characteristics of the population, but only limited efforts have been devoted to exploring the dynamics underlying their demographic evolution, such as reproductive behavior or disease profiles determining mortality patterns. This is not surprising given limitations of the archaeological record and paucity of statistical sources. This article reviews the existing evidence from a narrow demographic perspective while offering observations regarding how demographic variables may have shaped the pre-1492 indigenous population. RESUMEN: A pesar de la mucha atención asignada al estudio de las culturas indígenas halladas por los españoles a su llegada a Cuba a fines del siglo XV, inclusive acerca de algunas de sus características poblacionales, solo unos pocos esfuerzos han sido orientados a explorar su dinámica demográfica, tales como el comportamiento reproductivo o los esquemas de morbilidad responsables de los patrones de mortalidad. Esto no es sorprendente dada las limitaciones de la evidencia arqueológica y la falta de fuentes estadísticas. El objetivo de este artículo es reseñar la evidencia existente desde una óptica demográfica, a la par que ofrece especulaciones selectas del como variables demográficas podrían haber influenciado la evolución de la población indígena antes de 1492.
Fernando Palenzuela: "Escrito para mi sombra y el olvido"
Authors: Mirabal Elizabeth , Velazco Carlos
Published: June 2024

RESUMEN: Fernando Palenzuela (Güira de Melena, Cuba, 1938) publicó sus primeros poemas y ensayos en el suplemento Lunes de Revolución en 1960 bajo el nom de plume de Fernando Pazos. Esta entrevista recorre aspectos de su vida como su adhesión al surrealismo en la década del 50; los distintos desplazamientos de su exilio: España, Francia, Alemania, Estados Unidos; la fundación en Miami de la revista cultural Alacrán azul (1970–1971); su amistad con los escritores José Álvarez Baragaño, José Antonio Arcocha, Lydia Cabrera y Lorenzo García Vega; y su visita a la isla durante el éxodo del Mariel en 1980 para reunificarse con su hijo mayor. Las reflexiones de Palenzuela sobre la creación poética contribuyen al análisis de su obra en el contexto literario cubano y a los futuros acercamientos críticos a sus libros Amuletos del sueño (1972), La voz por enterrar (2005), Esfera inacabada (2009) — Sphère Inachevèe (2010), en su versión al francés— y la edición bilingüe Un sans un/Uno sin uno (2016). ABSTRACT: Fernando Palenzuela (Güira de Melena, Cuba, 1938) published his first poems and essays in the supplement Lunes de Revolución in 1960 under the nom de plume Fernando Pazos. This interview explores aspects of his life such as his adherence to surrealism in the 1950s; the displacements of his exile in Spain, France, Germany, and the United States; the foundation in Miami of the cultural review Alacrán azul (1970–1971); his friendship with writers José Álvarez Baragaño, José Antonio Arcocha, Lydia Cabrera, and Lorenzo García Vega; and his visit to the Island during the Mariel boatlift in 1980 to reunite with his eldest son. Palenzuela's reflections on poetic creation contribute to the analysis of his work in the Cuban literary context and to future critical approaches to his books Amuletos del sueño (1972), La voz por enterrar (2005), Esfera inacabada (2009)— Sphère inachevèe (2010), in its French version—and the bilingual edition Un sans un/Uno sin uno (2016).
Una entrevista etnográfica con el profesor Tomás Fernández Robaina sobre la diversidad sexual en Cuba
Authors: Pettway Matthew
Published: June 2024

RESUMEN: La pesquisa para mi estudio monográfico Cuban Literature in the Age of Black Insurrection me había llevado a La Habana en varias ocasiones desde el año 2004. Pero sucedió algo insospechado en el sofocante verano de 2011. Tomás Fernández Robaina —docente e investigador de la Biblioteca Nacional José Martí— conversó de su vida y trayectoria en esmerado detalle. Tomasito, como se le conoce cariñosamente en todo el mundo, había sido mi amigo y maestro durante muchos años, pero nunca el tema de mi investigación. Tomasito habló de su vida privada, de sus triunfos y de las vicisitudes de su carrera como intelectual negro gay en los años posteriores a la Revolución cubana. Con un aire de calma y contemplación, se sentó en su sala de estar al mando de la historia que había construido. Tomasito reflexionó sobre la discriminación del Estado contra los hombres homosexuales y contó cómo estuvo a punto de ser sentenciado a campos laborales (conocidos como UMAP) diseñados para convertirlo en un hombre de verdad . Esta entrevista etnográfica en español es un autorretrato de un innovador de los estudios gay cubanos quien trabajó incansablemente para ampliar el campo de los estudios negros en la isla. ABSTRACT: Research on my book Cuban Literature in the Age of Black Insurrection had taken me to Havana several times since 2004. But in the sweltering summer of 2011, something unforeseen transpired. Tomás Fernández Robaina—professor and researcher at the National Library José Martí—spoke with me about his life and career at length. Tomasito, as he is affectionately known the world over, had been my friend and mentor of many years but never the subject of my research. He discussed the intimacies of his private life, his personal triumphs and the vicissitudes of his career as a black gay intellectual in the years immediately following the Cuban Revolution. With an air of calm and contemplation he sat in his living room clearly in command of the narrative he had constructed. Tomasito reflected on state-sponsored discrimination against gay men and how he was nearly sentenced to labor camps (known as UMAP) that were designed to make a man of out him. This ethnographic interview in Spanish is a self-portrait of an innovator in gay Cuban studies who worked tirelessly to expand the field of black studies on the island.
Superresolution imaging of two incoherent optical sources with unequal brightnesses
Authors: Zhang Jian-Dong , Fu Yiwen , Hou Lili , Wang Shuai
Published: June 2024

Resolving the separation between two incoherent optical sources with high precision is of great significance for fluorescence imaging and astronomical observations. In this paper, we focus on a more general scenario where two sources have unequal brightnesses. We give the ultimate precision limit with respect to separation by using the quantum Fisher information. Through the calculation of the classical Fisher information, we analyze and compare several specific measurement schemes including direct measurement, Gaussian mode measurement and zero-photon measurement. The results indicate that Gaussian mode measurement is the nearly optimal for a small separation. On this basis, the effects of relative brightness fluctuation are addressed. Our work provides a positive complement to the aspect of superresolution imaging of incoherent sources.
Vanadium dioxide-assisted switching of a half-wave and quarter-wave plate to a dual-band absorber for the terahertz wave
Authors: Jalal Abdul , Li Nannan , Li Hui
Published: June 2024

In this study, we present a broadband, multi-functional, and switchable metamaterial for terahertz (THz) waves. The metamaterial design achieves high polarization conversion efficiency and can seamlessly transition between a polarization converter (PC) and a dual-band absorber through the phase transition behavior of vanadium dioxide (VO2). Our design facilitates linear to-cross (Half-wave plate) and linear to-circular (Quarter-wave plate) polarization conversion across a bandwidth extending from 0.58 THz to 0.88 THz, and 0.35 THz to 0.50 THz respectively. Near-perfect absorption at 0.35 THz and 0.99 THz was observed when VO2 changed its phase from an insulator to a conductor. These broadband features are realized through a straightforward metamaterial design incorporating only a reflector, a dielectric spacer, and an antenna (meta-atom resonator). Our designed structure demonstrates impressive angular stability for incident angles ranging from 0° to 45°. The proposed switchable metamaterial holds promise for advancing the development of tunable polarization rotating devices and on/off switching LPC devices, offering broad applications in THz detection, sensing, and communications.
Illumination diversity in multi-wavelength extreme ultraviolet ptychography
Authors: Witte Stefan , Pelekanidis Antonios , Zhang Fengling , Gouder Matthias , Seifert Jacob , Du Mengqi , Eikema Kjeld
Published: June 2024

With the development of high harmonic generation (HHG), lensless extreme-ultraviolet (XUV) imaging at nanoscale resolution has become possible with table-top systems. Specifically, ptychographic phase retrieval using monochromatic XUV illumination exhibits extraordinary robustness and accuracy to computationally reconstruct both the object and the illumination beam profile. In ptychography, using structured illumination has been shown to improve reconstruction robustness and image resolution by enhancing high-spatial-frequency diffraction. However, broadband imaging has remained challenging, as the required multi-wavelength algorithms become increasingly demanding. One major aspect is the ability to separate the available information into different physically meaningful states, such as different spectral components. Here we show that introducing spatial diversity between spectral components of a HHG beam can significantly improve multi-wavelength XUV ptychography. We quantify the diversity in the polychromatic illumination by analyzing the diffraction patterns using established geometry- and information theory-based dissimilarity metrics. We experimentally verify the major influence of diversity by comparing ptychography measurements using HHG beams with Gaussian and binary structured profiles, as well as with beams carrying wavelength-dependent orbital angular momentum. Our results demonstrate how structured illumination acts in a twofold way, by both separating the spectral information in a single diffraction pattern while providing maximized added information with every new scan position. We anticipate our work to be a starting point for high-fidelity polychromatic imaging of next-generation nanostructured devices at XUV and soft-X-ray wavelengths.
Public health implications of increasing trends in the burden of road traffic accidents in Ho and Hohoe Municipalities in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Afrane Pious , Alhassan Robert Kaba , Afetor Maxwell , Alhassan Martin Adjuik , Amuna Paul , Owusu-Agyei Seth
Published: June 2024

Road traffic accidents account for 1.35 million deaths and up to 50 million injuries each year globally, mostly among persons aged 5–29 years. The existing road safety measures in Ghana are grossly inadequate, leading to occurrence of unprecedented Road Traffic Accidents (RTA). This study sought to document the epidemiological indices and determine the public health implications of Road Traffic Accidents and the socio-economic effect on lives of RTA victims in Ho and Hohoe Municipalities of the Volta Region in Ghana. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 198 road traffic accident victims who reported to three health facilities in the Volta Region of Ghana. The victims were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Principal component analysis was done to categorize RTA victims into various economic status. The results show that out of the 198 road traffic accident victims who were interviewed, 50% were breadwinners of their families. Approximately 40% of the accident cases happened between 12 mid-day and 6 o’clock in the evening. Among the RTA cases recorded, 35% involved four-wheeler vehicles. Majority (88%) of those with injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents sustained a head injury; 70% of the respondents who sustained a disability from RTA were unable to perform activity of daily living (i.e. bathing, oral care, and toileting). The average cost of care on RTA victims from formal and informal health care facilities, at the time of this study, was GHC 902 (US$150) and GHC 724 (US$120) respectively. In conclusion, the increase in usage of motorcycles as a means of transport has contributed significantly to the incidence of RTAs in the Ho and Hohoe municipalities posing a public health concern. Majority of RTAs resulted in head injuries and other disabilities which affected their ability to perform activities of daily living and posed significant economic cost to victims and their families who are mostly already in lower wealth quintiles.
Inter-provincial embodied carbon emission space and industrial transfer paths in China
Authors: Zhang Wenying , Yang Mengqi , Ge Jianhua , Wang Gangzhen
Published: June 2024

To bolster the dual-circulation development model and green economy, this study delves into the spatiotemporal dynamics of implied carbon transfer in China’s inter-provincial and inter-industrial trade, emphasizing its significance for the "dual carbon" objectives. Utilizing multi-regional input-output data from 2012, 2015, and 2017, we employed the multi-region input-output model to gauge embodied carbon transfers across 31 provinces and 28 industries. The Structural Decomposition Analysis (SDA) model further decomposed the growth of trade-related carbon emissions. Key findings include: (1) The electricity and thermal power sectors dominate carbon transfers, with secondary industries seeing rapid growth; (2) Northern provinces significantly outweigh southern ones in carbon transfers and the main direction of it is towards affluent southern coastal regions; (3) Scale effect plays a pivotal role in these transfers. Conclusively, it is crucial for regulatory authorities to rationally formulate region-specific emission policies for inter-regional coordination, and future studies can focus on industrial and spatial clustering effects.
Prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index/albumin ratio for immunotherapy-treated patients receiving opioids
Authors: Yan Lei , Kang Pan , Cao Chengsong , Jinhui Bu , Yong Liu
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of the systemic immune-inflammation index/albumin ratio (SII/ALB) on the prognosis of immunotherapy-treated patients receiving opioids.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 185 immunotherapy-treated patients who received opioids at Xuzhou Central Hospital from 01/09/2021 to 01/09/2023. The results of related clinical data were collected during the week before the cancer patients received immunotherapy. The SII/ALB cut-off value was determined, and the relationship between the SII/ALB and clinical pathological parameters was analyzed using the chi-square test. The effect of the SII/ALB on progression-free survival (PFS) was examined using Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox proportional hazard model.

Result

The SII/ALB cut-off value was 20.86, and patients were divided into low (SII/ALB ≤ 20.86) and high (SII/ALB > 20.86) SII/ALB groups. Adverse reactions (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.108; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.061–0.192, P < 0.001) and the SII/ALB (HR = 0.093; 95% CI: 0.057–0.151, P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for PFS. Compared with the high SII/ALB group, the low SII/ALB group had longer PFS after opioid treatment (12.2 vs. 5.2 months, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The SII/ALB is a potentially important prognostic parameter in immunotherapy-treated patients receiving opioids.
Healing responses at the angle after micro-invasive glaucoma surgery-an AS-OCT study
Authors: Rao Aparna , Mukherjee Sujoy
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To evaluate structural alterations and healing responses in the trabecular meshwork region with optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) following after gonioscopy assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT).

Methods

73 eyes of 67 patients (M:F = 45:22) with ≥6 months of follow-up after MIT (n = 41) or GATT (n = 32) with or without combined cataract surgery were included for this prospective study. The angle as seen on AS-OCT at 1, 3, 6 months after surgery were evaluated for structural alterations like peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), hyphema, and hyperreflective scarring responses. The scarring was graded according to the linear extent measured from the centre of the trabecular meshwork (TM) gutter to the sclera/cornea as mild (<250μ), moderate (250–500μ), and severe(˃500μ), while the pattern of scarring was graded as open saucer/gutter, closed gutter, and trench pattern. The association of the need for medication or surgical outcome and clinical variables and AS-OCT parameters including the pattern and severity of scarring were analysed using multivariate regression.

Results

All eyes achieved significant reduction of IOP and number of medications with a final IOP of 15±3.2mm Hg at a mean follow-up of 8±32. months. While mild scarring was seen more common in MIT, severe scarring was seen in >65% of GATT eyes compared to 31% of MIT eye, p<0.001. An open saucer was equally seen in MIT and GATT while the trench pattern was more commonly seen in GATT eyes (>50%). Severe scarring in a trench pattern seemed to predict the need for medications for IOP control, though they independently did not seem to influence the final IOP or surgical outcome.

Conclusion

A severe form of scarring in a trench pattern on AS-OCT predicted the need for glaucoma medications after MIGS surgery. Regular monitoring of the scarring responses by AS-OCT and clinical examination are necessary to identify those at need for medications after MIGS.
Effect of forward and backward sloped support surfaces on postural equilibrium and ankle muscles activity
Authors: Atsawakaewmongkhon Siripatra , Couillandre Annabelle , Hamaoui Alain
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Although sloped surfaces are common in daily living, most studies of body balance are carried out on flat surfaces, and few data are available for sloping angles below 14°.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of forward and backward sloping surfaces at 7° and 15° on postural equilibrium and the activity of flexor/extensor ankle muscles.

Methods

Fifteen healthy subjects (8 males and 7 females) (27.67 ± 3.9 years) underwent a posturographic examination associated with a surface electromyogram (EMG) of tibialis anterior (TA), soleus (Sol) and gastrocnemius medialis (GasM) under five conditions of support inclination: 0° (H0), backward inclination at 7° and 15° (DF7 and DF15), forward inclination at 7° and 15° (PF7 and PF15).

Results

Results showed that the center of pressure (CP) was shifted according to the surface slope, with a forward move in PF7 (p <0.001) and PF15 (p <0.001) and a backward move in DF7 (p <0.01) and in DF15 (p <0.001). The mean displacement of the CP along the anterior-posterior axis (Xm) was increased in DF15 (p <0.01) relative to the H0 condition but reduced in PF7 (p <0.01). The normalized EMG revealed higher values when the muscles were in a shortened position (PF7 for Sol, p <0.05; PF15 for GasM, p <0.01; DF15 for TA, p<0.01) and lower values of GasM and Sol when lengthened (DF15, p <0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that standing on a backward sloped surface impairs body balance, while low-angle forward sloped surfaces might improve postural stability. Muscular activity variations of the ankle flexors/extensors, which are stretched or shortened, also seem to be related to the length-tension relationship of skeletal muscles.
The impact of offspring and maternal obesogenic diets on adult offspring oocyte mitochondrial morphology in primordial and preantral follicles
Authors: Xhonneux Inne , Marei Waleed F. A. , Meulders Ben , Slootmans Jens , Pintelon Isabel , Leroy Jo L. M. R.
Published: June 2024

Diet-induced obesity reduces oocyte quality mainly by impacting oocyte mitochondrial functions. Moreover, maternal obesity is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes of their adult offspring. However, these effects were reported only in fully grown oocytes, mainly in the form of abnormal mitochondrial ultrastructure. It is unknown if obesogenic (OB) diets or maternal obesity already impact the primordial and preantral follicles. Considering the long duration and dynamics of folliculogenesis, determining the stage at which oocytes are affected and the extent of the damage is crucial for optimal reproductive management of obese patients and their daughters. Potential interaction between maternal and offspring diet effects are also not described, yet pivotal in our contemporary society. Therefore, here we examined the impact of OB diets on oocyte mitochondrial ultrastructure in primordial and activated preantral follicles in offspring from diet-induced obese or lean mothers. We used an outbred Swiss mouse model to increase the pathophysiological relevance to humans. Female mice were fed control or OB diets for 7 weeks, then mated with control males. Their female offspring were fed control or OB diets after weaning for 7 weeks (2-by-2 factorial design). Adult offspring ovarian sections were examined using transmission electron microscopy. We characterised and classified unique features of oocyte mitochondrial ultrastructure in the preantral follicles. An increase in mitochondrial matrix density was the most predominant change during follicle activation in secondary follicles, a feature that is linked with a higher mitochondrial activity. Maternal obesity increased mitochondrial density already in the primordial follicles suggesting an earlier increase in bioenergetic capacity. Maternal obesity did not induce abberant ultrastructure (abnormalities and defects) in primordial or preantral follicles. In contrast, offspring OB diet increased mitochondrial abnormalities in the primordial follicles. Further investigation of the consequences of these changes on oocyte metabolic regulation and stress levels during folliculogenesis is needed.
Utilization of expert opinion in infectious diseases clinical guidelines—A meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Nagavci Blin , Schwingshackl Lukas , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Lakatos Botond
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Expert opinion is widely used in clinical guidelines. No research has ever been conducted investigating the use of expert opinion in international infectious disease guidelines. This study aimed to create an analytical map by describing the prevalence and utilization of expert opinion in infectious disease guidelines and analyzing the methodological aspects of these guidelines.

Methods

In this meta-epidemiological study, systematic searches in PubMed and Trip Medical Database were performed to identify clinical guidelines on infectious diseases, published between January 2018 and May 2023 in English, by international organizations. Data extracted included guideline characteristics, expert opinion utilization, and methodological details. Prevalence and rationale of expert opinion use were analyzed descriptively. Methodological differences between groups were analyzed with Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U Test.

Results

The analysis covered 66 guidelines with 2296 recommendations, published/endorsed by 136 organizations. Most guidelines (79%) used systematic literature searches, 42% provided search strategies, and 38% presented screening flow diagrams and conducted risk of bias assessments. 48.5% of the guidelines allowed expert opinion, most of which included expert opinion as part of the evidence hierarchy within the grading system. Guidelines allowing expert opinion, compared to those which do not, issued more recommendations per guideline (48.82 vs.19.13, p<0.001), and reported fewer screening flow diagrams (25% vs. 65%, p = 0.002), and less risk of bias assessments (19% vs.78%, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Expert opinion is utilized in half of assessed guidelines, often integrated into the evidence hierarchy within the grading system. Its utilization varies considerably in methodology, form, and terminology between guidelines. These findings highlight a pressing need for additional research and guidance, to improve and advance the standardization of infectious disease guidelines.
Molecular characterization of HAMP rs10421768 gene and phenotypic expression of hepcidin; a case-control study among sickle cell anaemia patients in Ghana
Authors: Appiah Samuel Kwasi , Nkansah Charles , Abbam Gabriel , Osei-Boakye Felix , Mensah Kofi , Bani Simon Bannison , Chemogo Solomon , Sarpong Lydia , Addae Takyi Godfred , Sefa Daniel Boamah , Croffien Richard Adu , Adom Larry , Rauf Rekhiatu Oboirien Abdul , Boadu Farrid , Amoah Godfred Appiah , Chukwurah Ejike Felix
Published: June 2024

Background

The sporadic nature of blood transfusion therapy coupled with the alteration of HAMP genes may exacerbate the risk of iron burden in sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients. The study determined the polymorphic distribution of the HAMP promoter gene rs10421768 and hepcidin levels in SCA patients.

Method

Sixty participants aged ≥12years [45 SCA patients and 15 controls (HbA)] were recruited from 15th March, 2023 to 20th July, 2023 for a case-control study at Methodist Hospital Wenchi, Ghana. Complete blood count and hepcidin levels assessment were done using haematology analyzer and ELISA, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Qiagen Kit, and HAMP gene rs10421768 (c.-582 A>G) was sequenced using the MassARRAY method. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0.

Results

The frequencies of the HAMP promoter rs10421768 genotypes AA, AG, and GG were 64.4%, 33.3%, and 2.2% in SCA patients, and 86.7%, 13.3%, and 0% in the controls, respectively. Serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher among controls than cases [204.0 (154.1–219.3) vs 150.2 (108.1–195.6)μg/L, p<0.010]. Participants with HAMP rs10421768 homozygous A genotype had higher serum levels of hepcidin compared with those in the wild genotypes (AG/GG) group [(188.7 (130.9–226.9) vs 136.8 (109.7–157.8)μg/L, p<0.016]. Disease severity and blood cell parameters were not associated with the HAMP variants (p>0.05).

Conclusion

The HAMP promoter rs10421768 AA genotype has the highest frequency of distribution and the GG genotype with the least distribution. Participants with HAMP rs10421768 G allele (c.-582A>G) had reduced levels of hepcidin. HAMP rs10421768 genotypes had no association with blood cell parameters and disease severity. The HAMP rs10421768 genotypes may influence serum levels of hepcidin. Further study is required to elucidate the potential effect of the G allele on hepcidin transcription.
A Coat of Many Colours
Authors: Kokkinos Nikos
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this book is twofold. First, it is a biography of a European Jewish family, the Kranzthors, who migrated from Hungary to the USA near the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. A fully-referenced narrative of that family’s history is here presented, accompanied by genealogical trees, charts, photographs, and correspondence – including a reconstruction of an unpublished Holocaust letter. The lives of most of the members – four brothers (Max, Jacob, Alexander, Samuel) and three sisters (Katie, Fanny, Jenni) – and their descendants to the third generation, are examined, in order to reflect interrelations and interactions. Second, this book includes the full text of two historical plays with commentaries. How did they occur? After fascinating adventures through various American states (such as New York, Illinois, and primarily Texas of the silver rush period) and Mexico (of the gold rush period to the time of the 1910 revolution), a senior member of the family, Max Kranzthor (1853-1934), finally settled in Los Angeles just before World War I. There in the 1920s, after a change of direction to his career, from previously being a dry-good businessman to a real estate agent, and in his mid-70s, he wrote two plays. Both seem to have been aimed at the then embryonic ‘sound’ cinema in Hollywood: the first was about the famous gladiator-rebel Spartacus, the second about the famous (or infamous) King Herod. Although privately and fleetingly published, they have never been discussed or produced. They contribute to the long tradition of stage dramas written in Shakespearean style, featuring larger-than-life characters from both Roman history and Biblical history.
Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in C2 Recapping Laminoplasty for the Pathologies in the Upper Cervical Spine
Authors: Kim Dong Hun , Hong Jae Taek , Hur Jung Woo , Kim Il Sup , Lee Ho Jin , Lee Jong Beom
Published: June 2024

Objective: To evaluate C2 muscle preservation effect and the radiological and clinical outcomes after C2 recapping laminoplasty.Methods: Fourteen consecutive patients who underwent C2 recapping laminoplasty around C1–2 level were enrolled. To evaluate muscle preservation effect, the authors conducted a morphological measurement of extensor muscles between the operated and nonoperated side. Two surgeons measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) of obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) and semispinalis cervicis (SSC) muscle before and after surgery to determine atrophy rates (ARs). Additionally, we examined range of motion (ROM), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), neck visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score to assess potential changes in alignment and consequent clinical outcomes following posterior cervical surgery.Results: We measured the CSA of OCI and SSC before surgery, and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Based on these measurements, the AR of the nonoperated SSC was 0.1% ± 8.5%, the AR of the operated OCI was 2.0% ± 7.2%, and the AR of the nonoperated OCI was -0.7% ± 5.1% at the 12 months after surgery. However, the AR of the operated side’s SSC was 11.2% ± 12.5%, which is a relatively higher value than other measurements. Despite the atrophic change of SSC on the operated side, there were no prominent changes observed in SVA, C0–2 ROM, and C2–7 ROM between preoperative and 12 months postoperative measurements, which were 11.8 ± 10.9 mm, 16.3° ± 5.9°, and 48.7° ± 7.7° preoperatively, and 14.1 ± 11.6 mm, 16.1° ± 7.2°, and 44.0° ± 10.3° at 12 months postoperative, respectively. Improvement was also noted in VAS, NDI, and JOA scores after surgery with JOA recovery rate of 77.3% ± 29.6%.Conclusion: C2 recapping laminoplasty could be a useful tool for addressing pathologies around the upper cervical spine, potentially mitigating muscle atrophy and reducing postoperative neck pain, while maintaining sagittal alignment and ROM.