bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Henriqueta Chamberlain: a tradução de Inocência (1946) e suas experiências no Brasil
Authors: Morinaka Eliza Mitiyo , Santos Luciana Vitória Cupertino
Published: October 2023

A tradução de Inocência (1946), de Visconde de Taunay, para o inglês, assim como a tradução de outras obras brasileiras, foi ganhando espaço nas livrarias estadunidenses na década de 1940 com o subsídio do Departamento de Estado dos Estados Unidos para o Office of the Coordinator of Interamerican Affairs (OCIAA), agência criada com a missão de estreitar as relações interamericanas. Os projetos do OCIAA visavam traduzir as obras latino-americanas e apresentar de forma didática a cultura dos vizinhos americanos para o público estadunidense. Artigos e críticas sobre os romances brasileiros circularam em jornais e revistas especializadas à época e destacaram a necessidade de conhecer melhor os escritores latino-americanos e sua produção literária. No entanto, até hoje, pouco ou nada se sabe sobre os tradutores e tradutoras que realizaram o trabalho de tornar esses romances acessíveis ao público de língua inglesa. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar o cotejo de Inocência, de Visconde de Taunay (1872), e sua tradução com o título homônimo Inocência, feita por Henriqueta Chamberlain (1946), analisando as escolhas feitas pela tradutora para que o romance fosse acomodado ao projeto pedagógico do OCIAA e ao sistema literário receptor estadunidense. Concomitantemente, para destacar o trabalho da tradutora, faremos a recomposição de parte de sua biografia, pois sua história e vivência no Brasil foram fatores fundamentais em seu trabalho. Demonstraremos como seu conhecimento dos aspectos culturais brasileiros contribuiu para que eles fossem incorporados ao texto traduzido proporcionando maior acessibilidade aos leitores de língua inglesa.
O sexo do cérebro: entre ciência e ideologia
Authors: Vidal Catherine , Ramos Viviane
Published: October 2023

Apesar dos avanços no conhecimento em neurociências, percebemos que os preconceitos e estereótipos sobre as diferenças de atitudes e comportamentos entre os sexos estão ainda presentes no espaço público. A mídia e a internet nos inundam de velhos clichês que consideram as mulheres naturalmente dotadas para a empatia, mas incapazes de ler um mapa rodoviário, enquanto os homens seriam essencialmente bons em matemática e competitivos. Estes discursos fazem crer que nossas aptidões e personalidades são programadas em nossos cérebros e imutáveis. As pesquisas recentes mostram o contrário. Graças a suas formidáveis propriedades de “plasticidade”, o cérebro fabrica constantemente novos circuitos neurais, dependendo das aprendizagens e experiências de vida. O conceito de plasticidade cerebral é primordial para abordar a questão da origem das diferenças e semelhanças entre ossexos. Ele traz uma explicação neurobiológica fundamental para entender os mecanismos que participam da construção das nossas identidades de mulheres e homens, reforçando e enriquecendo as pesquisas em ciências humanas sobre o gênero.
Circulating Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Cancer Therapeutics‐Related Cardiotoxicity: Review of Critical Challenges, Solutions, and Future Directions
Authors: Murtagh Gillian , Januzzi James L. , Scherrer‐Crosbie Marielle , Neilan Tomas G. , Dent Susan , Ho Jennifer E. , Appadurai Vinesh , McDermott Ray , Akhter Nausheen
Published: October 2023

Cardiotoxicity is a growing concern in the oncology population. Transthoracic echocardiography and multigated acquisition scans have been used for surveillance but are relatively insensitive and resource intensive. Innovative imaging techniques are constrained by cost and availability. More sensitive, cost‐effective cardiotoxicity surveillance strategies are needed. Circulating cardiovascular biomarkers could provide a sensitive, low‐cost solution. Biomarkers such as troponins, natriuretic peptides (NPs), novel upstream signals of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis as well as panomic technologies have shown substantial promise, and guidelines recommend baseline measurement of troponins and NPs in all patients receiving potential cardiotoxins. Nonetheless, supporting evidence has been hampered by several limitations. Previous reviews have provided valuable perspectives on biomarkers in cancer populations, but important analytic aspects remain to be examined in depth. This review provides comprehensive assessment of critical challenges and solutions in this field, with focus on analytical issues relating to biomarker measurement and interpretation. Examination of evidence pertaining to common and serious forms of cardiotoxicity reveals that improved study designs incorporating larger, more diverse populations, registry‐based approaches, and refinement of current definitions are key. Further efforts to harmonize biomarker methodologies including centralized biobanking and analyses, novel decision limits, and head‐to‐head comparisons are needed. Multimarker algorithms incorporating machine learning may allow rapid, personalized risk assessment. These improvements will not only augment the predictive value of circulating biomarkers in cardiotoxicity but may elucidate both direct and indirect relationships between cardiovascular disease and cancer, allowing biomarkers a greater role in the development and success of novel anticancer therapies.
Relationship of Race With Functional and Clinical Outcomes With the REHAB‐HF Multidomain Physical Rehabilitation Intervention for Older Patients With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Gilbert Olivia N. , Mentz Robert J. , Bertoni Alain G. , Kitzman Dalane W. , Whellan David J. , Reeves Gordon R. , Duncan Pamela W. , Nelson Michael Benjamin , Blumer Vanessa , Chen Haiying , Reed Shelby D. , Upadhya Bharathi , O'Connor Christopher M. , Pastva Amy M.
Published: October 2023

Background

The REHAB‐HF (Rehabilitation Therapy in Older Acute Heart Failure Patients) randomized trial demonstrated that a 3‐month transitional, tailored, progressive, multidomain physical rehabilitation intervention improves physical function, frailty, depression, and health‐related quality of life among older adults with acute decompensated heart failure. Whether there is differential intervention efficacy by race is unknown.

Methods and Results

In this prespecified analysis, differential intervention effects by race were explored at 3 months for physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery [primary outcome], 6‐Minute Walk Distance), cognition, depression, frailty, health‐related quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, EuroQoL 5‐Dimension‐5‐Level Questionnaire) and at 6 months for hospitalizations and death. Significance level for interactions was
P
≤0.1. Participants (N=337, 97% of trial population) self‐identified in near equal proportions as either Black (48%) or White (52%). The Short Physical Performance Battery intervention effect size was large, with values of 1.3 (95% CI, 0.4–2.1;
P
=0.003]) and 1.6 (95% CI, 0.8–2.4;
P
<0.001) in Black and White participants, respectively, and without significant interaction by race (
P
=0.56). Beneficial effects were also demonstrated in 6‐Minute Walk Distance, gait speed, and health‐related quality of life scores without significant interactions by race. There was an association between intervention and reduced all‐cause rehospitalizations in White participants (rate ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55–0.98];
P
=0.034) that appears attenuated in Black participants (rate ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.81–1.41];
P
=0.66; interaction
P
=0.067).

Conclusions

The intervention produced similarly large improvements in physical function and health‐related quality of life in both older Black and White patients with acute decompensated heart failure. A future study powered to determine how the intervention impacts clinical events is required.

REGISTRATION

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Identifier: NCT02196038.
Genome‐Wide Association Study of Pericardial Fat Area in 28 161 UK Biobank Participants
Authors: Salih Ahmed , Ardissino Maddalena , Wagen Aaron Z. , Bard Andrew , Szabo Liliana , Ryten Mina , Petersen Steffen E. , Altmann André , Raisi‐Estabragh Zahra
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) is the visceral adipose tissue compartment surrounding the heart. Experimental and observational research has suggested that greater PAT deposition might mediate cardiovascular disease, independent of general or subcutaneous adiposity. We characterize the genetic architecture of adiposity‐adjusted PAT and identify causal associations between PAT and adverse cardiac magnetic resonance imaging measures of cardiac structure and function in 28 161 UK Biobank participants.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The PAT phenotype was extracted from cardiac magnetic resonance images using an automated image analysis tool previously developed and validated in this cohort. A genome‐wide association study was performed with PAT area set as the phenotype, adjusting for age, sex, and other measures of obesity. Functional mapping and Bayesian colocalization were used to understand the biologic role of identified variants. Mendelian randomization analysis was used to examine potential causal links between genetically determined PAT and cardiac magnetic resonance–derived measures of left ventricular structure and function. We discovered 12 genome‐wide significant variants, with 2 independent sentinel variants (rs6428792,
P
=4.20×10
−9
and rs11992444,
P
=1.30×10
−12
) at 2 distinct genomic loci, that were mapped to 3 potentially causal genes: T‐box transcription factor 15 (
TBX15
), tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase 2, mitochondrial (
WARS2
) and early B‐cell factor‐2 (
EBF2
) through functional annotation. Bayesian colocalization additionally suggested a role of RP4‐712E4.1. Genetically predicted differences in adiposity‐adjusted PAT were causally associated with adverse left ventricular remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insights into the genetic architecture determining differential PAT deposition, identifies causal links with left structural and functional parameters, and provides novel data about the pathophysiological importance of adiposity distribution.
Acute Heart Failure Is a Malignant Process: But We Can Induce Remission
Authors: Cotter Gad , Davison Beth A. , Lam Carolyn S. P. , Metra Marco , Ponikowski Piotr , Teerlink John R. , Mebazaa Alexandre
Published: October 2023

Acute heart failure is a common and increasingly prevalent condition, affecting >10 million people annually. For those patients who survive to discharge, early readmissions and death rates are >30% everywhere on the planet, making it a malignant condition. Beyond these adverse outcomes, it represents one of the largest drivers of health care costs globally. Studies in the past 2 years have demonstrated that we can induce remissions in this malignant process if therapy is instituted rapidly, at the first acute heart failure episode, using full doses of all available effective medications. Multiple studies have demonstrated that this goal can be achieved safely and effectively. Now the urgent call is for all stakeholders, patients, physicians, payers, politicians, and the public at large to come together to address the gaps in implementation and enable health care providers to induce durable remissions in patients with acute heart failure.
‘I Dance, I Revolt’
Authors: Silverstein Shayna M.
Published: October 2023

During the intensification of migration and border politics throughout Europe in the mid-2010s, displaced Syrians fleeing war to seek asylum and a livable life were simultaneously welcomed as vulnerable strangers who could contribute to European economies and societies and perceived as threats to the imaginaries of a homogenous Europe. This essay critiques the logic embedded in this narrative, namely that migrants are a social factor external and destabilizing to Europe, through a critical interpretation of Syrian choreographer Mithkal Alzghair’s work, Displacement (2016). This provocative dance work pivots on Alzghair’s reimagining of dabke, Syria’s celebrated folk dance, in which he deconstructs the social relations and embodied aesthetics of popular dabke practices to forge a political critique of Syrian authoritarianism and forced migration. By crafting a repertoire of movement that critiques the aesthetic and political ideologies on which it is based, Displacement arguably disrupts the postcolonial imaginaries of national identity and place that have historically ensconced folk dance in Syria and in Europe, respectively, and transforms the possibilities of what cultural heritage connotes, represents and signifies for Syrians and Europeans. Instead, the destabilizing work of embodied performance reveals how instability is endemic to European spaces and society. Through the convergence of performance theory and praxis, this essay demonstrates how Displacement stages live, perpetual, repetitive, and embodied motion in ways that open a space for artists and audiences to collectively engage with a fractious period and reconfigure the complex relations of power and representation situated between Syria and Europe.
The Characteristics of Rituals and Their Imprint on Chinese Culture
Authors: Hu Xinsheng
Published: October 2023

The concept of li (rites) in ancient China encompasses three levels of meaning, namely: the rituals and ceremonies themselves, moral ethics, and a system of political hierarchy. While these three levels are related to each other, they each carry specific characteristics. When people today discuss issues such as the origins of rites, they rarely analyze the concept of rites according to these different levels, thus causing the topic at hand to be vague, ambiguous, and inchoate. In most research, both “rites” and the “rituals” refer specifically to the level of the ritual per se. “Rites” include both folk rituals and state rituals, the latter of which refers to what is commonly termed the “rituals,” that is, the part of rites with state background and political coercion. The fundamental difference between the rituals and other statutes and institutions lies in rituals’ performative, symbolic, and standardized nature. Their performative and symbolic nature bestowed upon the rites a special significance and publicity function which transcend everyday life. At the same time, their standardized and formulaic nature made these rites highly organized and institutionalized, while allowing them to reinforce the social and political hierarchy. The highly mature rituals in ancient China allowed both characteristics of these rituals to be developed to their fullest, thus giving rise to Chinese culture’s emphasis on performance and form.
Rediscovery of Lagenandra erosa from Sri Lanka: update of description and conservation status
Authors: MADOLA INDRAKHEELA , KARUNARATHNA PESHALA PASAN , YAKANDAWALA DEEPTHI , YAKANDAWALA KAPILA
Published: October 2023

Lagenandra erosa, considered to be extinct from its original locality, Sri Lanka, is rediscovered nearly half a century after its original description. The species was first described in 1978 based on specimens imported from Sri Lanka to Europe at the beginning of the nineteen seventies as aquarium plant, with no information on locality. The present rediscovery of L. erosa enabled us to update the original description from its natural populations with its locality. The conservation status of L. erosa is downgraded from Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) CR (PE) to Critically Endangered category under Criterion B1ab (ii) + B2ab (ii).
On the correct lectotype for Marmessoidea unicolor Redtenbacher, 1908 (Insecta: Phasmatodea)
Authors: SEOW-CHOEN FRANCIS , NG PETER K. L.
Published: October 2023

Hennemann, F.H., Conle, O.V. & Brock, P.D. (2023) The types of Phasmatodea (= Phasmida) deposited in the Eidgenössisches Technisches Hochschulzentrum, Zürich, Switzerland (ETHZ). Zootaxa, 5278 (1), 176–188. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5278.1.10Hovinga, H. (2010) The Sumatra Railroad: Final destination Pakan Baroe, 1943–1945. Brill, Leiden, 391 pp. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004253711ICZN [International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature] (1999) International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature. 4th Edition. Adopted by the XXI General Assembly of the International Union of Biological Sciences. International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature, in association with the British Museum (Natural History), London, 338 pp.Redtenbacher, J. (1908) Die Insektenfamilie der Phasmiden. III. Phasmidae Anareolatae (Phibalosomini, Acrophyllini, Necrosciini). Wilhelm Engelmann, Leipzig, pp. 341–589, pls. 16–27.Seow-Choen, F. (2021) A Taxonomic Guide to Stick Insects of Peninsular Malaysia. Vol. 1. Natural History Publications, Borneo, Kota Kinabalu, 944 pp.Weidmann, W. (1936) ‘Der Schweizer als Pionier und Kolonist in Sumatra’. In: Der Schweizer Verein Deli-Sumatra (Ed.), Der Schweizer Verein Deli-Sumatra: Zum fünfzigjährigen Bestehen, 1886–1936. Buchdruckerei der Neuen Zürcher Zeitung, Zürich, pp. 33–48.
Perturbing Parameters to Understand Cloud Contributions to Climate Change
Authors: Duffy Margaret L. , Medeiros Brian , Gettelman Andrew , Eidhammer Trude
Published: October 2023

The sensitivity of cloud feedbacks to atmospheric model parameters is evaluated using a CAM6 perturbed parameter ensemble (PPE). The CAM6 PPE perturbs 45 parameters across 262 simulations, 206 of which are used here. The spread in the total cloud feedback and its six components across the CAM6 PPE are comparable to the spread across the CMIP6 and AMIP ensembles, indicating that parametric uncertainty mirrors structural uncertainty. However, the high-cloud altitude feedback is generally larger in the CAM6 PPE than WCRP assessment, CMIP6, and AMIP values. We evaluate the influence of each of the 45 parameters on the total cloud feedback and each of the six cloud feedback components. We also explore whether the CAM6 PPE can be used to constrain the total cloud feedback, with inconclusive results. Further, we find that despite the large parametric sensitivity of cloud feedbacks in CAM6, a substantial increase in cloud feedbacks from CAM5 to CAM6 is not a result of changes in parameter values. Notably, the CAM6 PPE is run with a more recent version of CAM6 (CAM6.3) than was used for AMIP (CAM6.0) and has a smaller total cloud feedback (0.56 W m−2 K−1) as compared to CAM6.0 (0.81 W m−2 K−1) owing primarily to reductions in low clouds over the tropics and midlatitudes. The work highlights the large sensitivity of cloud feedbacks to both parameter values and structural details in CAM6.
Age at diagnosis and diagnostic delay across attention-deficit hyperactivity and autism spectrums
Authors: Knott Rachael , Mellahn Olivia J , Tiego Jeggan , Kallady Kathryn , Brown Louise E , Coghill David , Williams Katrina , Bellgrove Mark A , Johnson Beth P
Published: October 2023

Background:

Despite the known benefits of accurate and timely diagnosis for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders (autism), for some children this goal is not always achieved. Existing research has explored diagnostic delay for autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder only, and when attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism co-occur, autism has been the focus. No study has directly compared age at diagnosis and diagnostic delay for males and females across attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and specifically, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism.

Methods:

Australian caregivers ( N = 677) of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism were recruited via social media ( n = 594) and the Monash Autism and ADHD Genetics and Neurodevelopment Project ( n = 83). Caregivers reported on their child’s diagnostic process. Diagnostic delay was the mean difference between general initial developmental concerns and the child’s attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism diagnosis.

Results:

Children with autism were significantly younger at autism diagnosis than the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism group (ηp2 = 0.06), whereas children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder were significantly older at attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis than the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism group (ηp2 = 0.01). Delay to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism diagnosis was significantly longer in the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism group compared to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ηp2 = 0.02) and autism (η2 = 0.04) only. Delay to autism diagnosis for females with autism (η2 = 0.06) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism (η2 = 0.04) was longer compared to males.

Conclusions:

Having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder + autism and being female were associated with longer delays to diagnosis. The reasons for these delays and possible adverse effects on outcomes require further study.
Addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: An Examination of Sustainability Offerings in Marketing Curriculum and a Framework for Advancement
Authors: Langan Ryan J. , Onel Naz , Weidner Kelly
Published: October 2023

With the adoption of sustainability continuing to gain momentum, there has never been a better time for business schools to understand the extent to which they are preparing students to contribute to sustainable organizations and society. The current research seeks to help schools advance this aim by examining the extent to which sustainability is being integrated within business school curricula. We accomplish this through a systematic analysis of 529 websites from undergraduate marketing programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). To further our understanding of how sustainability can be integrated into curricula, we draw upon prior research and the United Nations’ Blueprint for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Integration to propose a new sustainability curriculum framework. This research fills a gap in the literature by offering a comprehensive look at the state of sustainability in marketing education and offers direction for programs seeking to meet market demands, advance SDG goals, and fulfill current AACSB standards.
Assessment of Different Spatial Interpolation Techniques for Generating Synthetic Soil Boring Data
Authors: Abu-Farsakh Murad Y. , Rahman Md Habibur , Jafari Navid
Published: October 2023

Subsurface soil conditions usually involve special site variability that cannot be ignored for design and analysis. Therefore, the effect of site variability on associated soil properties should be assessed using gathered field data, such as soil boring data collected from discrete locations. In this study, six spatial interpolation techniques, the ordinary kriging (OK), simple kriging (SK), universal kriging (UK), inverse distance weight (IDW), spline, and natural neighbor (NaN) were evaluated to assess the best prediction strategy for considering site variability. The efficacy of these methods was tested at four soil boring sites. Boring profiles were generated using the different techniques at specified locations for each site, and the created data were compared with the measured soil boring profiles. For each location, the best-fit line of measured versus predicted undrained shear strength (Su) or standard penetration test (SPT) number, mean bias factor (λ), coefficient of effectiveness (COE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of variation (COV), were calculated and used to assess the various interpolation methods. The findings of this study demonstrated the ability of these spatial interpolations to produce precise soil boring data. The slope of best-fit line of measured/generated Su and SPT ranged from 0.89 to 0.99. The best-performing interpolation methods (in order) are: IDW, OK/UK, and SK methods. The results show that the COVs between the measured and synthetic soil boring data at the selected points are significantly lower than the COVs between the measured soil boring profiles for the entire site.
Congenital versus acquired optic disc pit maculopathy: An OCT based study
Authors: Prabhu Vishma , Venkatesh Ramesh , Kathare Rupal , Acharya Isha , Mangla Rubble , Handa Ashit , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe and compare the demographic, ocular, and imaging characteristics of a cohort of patients with congenital and acquired optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM).

Methods

This retrospective case series included patients diagnosed with ODPM between June 2017 and April 2023. These patients’ baseline demographics, ocular characteristics, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging characteristics and follow up changes were analyzed.

Results

A total of 14 eyes with ODPM were identified (9 congenital and 5 acquired). Eyes with congenital ODP developed maculopathy at a younger age, presented commonly with visual symptoms, and exhibited an obvious pit at the temporal foveal margin as well as a high cup: disc ratio ( p < 0.05). Primary open-angle glaucoma was identified in all five eyes with acquired ODPM. On OCT, eyes with acquired ODPM lacked the characteristic nerve fibre layer schisis, outer retinal layer hole, and foveal serous macular detachment ( p < 0.05) unlike congenital ODPM. At the final follow-up visit, two cases from the congenital ODPM group and one case from the acquired ODPM group displayed complete resolution of maculopathy. The two cases of congenital ODPM were treated with pars plana vitrectomy and laser barrage to the optic disc margin, while the solitary case of acquired ODPM was treated with trabeculectomy surgery alone.

Conclusion

Clinical examination and baseline OCT imaging reveal distinct differences between congenital and acquired ODPM eyes. These characteristics may help with accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for these two distinct clinical entities.
Crafting difference: artefacts and the politics of distinction at a South Indian well
Authors: Johal Mannat
Published: October 2023

This essay examines the relationship between artefact variability and social difference through an analysis of ceramic vessels recovered from the vicinity of a shared well used during the 12th–14th centuries CE at Maski (South India). Defined by minor yet perceptible differences in their appearance and morphology, ceramic vessels that were used and discarded in this space were more variable than contemporary assemblages excavated elsewhere at Maski, and in the region. Rather than attribute the particularities of this assemblage to the production process and its organization alone, I suggest that the distinctiveness of these containers was expedient for navigating the communal, yet fraught, space of the well. I consider historical and epigraphical material alongside the ceramic dataset at hand to propose that variability may not express or embody social difference, but be used to enact it.
Risk Factors Associated with Failure of Toe Amputation in Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Víquez-Molina Gerardo , Aragón-Sánchez Javier , Villalobos-Vargas Mariana , Alvarado-Prado Rebeca , Romero-Zuñiga Juan José
Published: October 2023

We aim to identify the factors associated with the failure of amputation of one to three toes (index toe amputation) in patients with diabetes and foot infection. We conducted a retrospective cohort of 175 patients with diabetes who were hospitalized for moderate to severe foot infection and underwent amputation of one to three toes. A Poisson regression model was used to determine the prevalence ratio (PR) as a measure of association. The mean age was 63.3 ± 11.4 years. Fifty-three patients presented failure after undergoing toe amputation (30.3%). Multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex, showed the following significant variables: severe infection (PR: 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–2.78; P = 0.011), infection by Escherichia coli (PR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.42–3.43; P < 0.001), infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.29-3.43; P = 0.003) and prothrombin time (PR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05–1.21; P = 0.001), obesity (PR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.37–0.93; P = 0.024), and haemoglobin value (PR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86–0.99; P = 0.023). About one-third of patients who underwent amputation of one to three toes for diabetic foot infection presented a failure and required a more proximal surgery. Severe infections, isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and prolonged prothrombin time were associated with a higher prevalence of failure. However, obesity and an elevated haemoglobin level were associated with a lower prevalence of failure.
Nonpharmacological Interventions for Preventing Rehospitalization Among Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alnomasy Nader , Still Carolyn Harmon
Published: October 2023

Background

Heart failure (HF) is the most common condition for rehospitalization among people aged ≥65 years in the United States, with 35,197,725 hospitalizations between 2014 and 2017. Hospitalized patients with HF have the highest 30-day readmission rate (25%). Overall, HF management, despite its progress, remains a challenge. Although several studies have evaluated interventions designed to reduce HF-related hospital readmissions, research comparing their effectiveness remains insufficient.

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on studies that investigated the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) on reducing rehospitalization among patients with HF.

Methods

This review conformed to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, used four databases: Cumulative index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Studies were included in the review according to the following criteria: (a) included only randomized control trials (RCTs), (b) included participants with HF who were over 18 years of age, (c) peer-reviewed, (d) written in English, and (e) rehospitalizations occurring within 30-day, 90-day, and 1 year of discharge from the initial hospitalization.

Results

Fourteen studies were included, with a total of 2,035 participants. Meta-analysis showed that rehospitalization was different between the intervention and usual care groups. The odds ratio was 0.54 (95% confidence interval [0.36, 0.82, p < 0.01]).

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

NPIs designed to increase HF knowledge and self-management may effectively reduce rehospitalization among HF patients. NPIs can be delivered at the patient's home through visits, phone calls, or digital platforms and technologies.
Unacknowledged genocide: Coercive sterilization of Indigenous women in Peru
Authors: Ko Ñusta Carranza
Published: October 2023

From 1996 until 2000, under the pretense of upholding women’s rights and expanding access to family planning resources, the Peruvian government launched an aggressive sterilization campaign that disproportionately targeted Indigenous peoples. In total, 272,028 persons were sterilized, the majority of whom were of Indigenous descent and resided in rural and poor areas. Recent studies conclude this to be a case of genocide, with the state systematically subjecting an ethnic minority population—the Indigenous peoples—to a coercive sterilization campaign that sought to eliminate in whole or in part Andean and Amazonian Indigenous communities. Despite the alarming evidence about the genocide committed against Indigenous peoples, victims are yet to be recognized by the state. The denial of victims’ sufferings leaves the work of building and creating humanity after atrocity incomplete. This study focuses on the unacknowledged memories of genocide, engaging in an analysis of the norms of reparations. The denial of the state to grant integral reparations, despite the existence of a modified law on reparations, points to a purposeful silencing of these victims. Furthermore, these practices represent a new layer of genocide against Indigenous peoples that neglects their victimhood and raises questions as to the absence of humanity after atrocity.
Cadmium promotes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting intercellular mitochondrial transfer
Authors: Sun Jian , Chen Yan , Wang Tao , Ali Waseem , Ma Yonggang , Yuan Yan , Gu Jianhong , Bian Jianchun , Liu Zongping , Zou Hui
Published: October 2023

Mitochondrial transfer regulates intercellular communication, and mitochondria regulate cell metabolism and cell survival. However, the role and mechanism of mitochondrial transfer in Cd-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are unclear. The present study shows that mitochondria can be transferred between hepatocytes via microtubule-dependent tunneling nanotubes. After Cd treatment, mitochondria exhibit perinuclear aggregation in hepatocytes and blocked intercellular mitochondrial transfer. The different movement directions of mitochondria depend on their interaction with different motor proteins. The results show that Cd destroys the mitochondria-kinesin interaction, thus inhibiting mitochondrial transfer. Moreover, Cd increases the interaction of P62 with Dynactin1, promotes negative mitochondrial transport, and increases intracellular lipid accumulation. Mitochondria and hepatocyte co-culture significantly reduced Cd damage to hepatocytes and lipid accumulation. Thus, Cd blocks intercellular mitochondrial transfer by disrupting the microtubule system, inhibiting mitochondrial positive transport, and promoting their negative transport, thereby promoting the development of NAFLD.

Graphical Abstract
Mobility-as-a-Service users: insights from a trial in Sydney
Authors: Smith Göran , Hensher David A. , Ho Chinh , Balbontin Camila
Published: October 2023

The positive effects that Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is envisioned to have on transport can only be reaped if people are using MaaS. Yet, the understanding of the user perspective on MaaS is incomplete and primarily based on experiments with non-users. To address this shortcoming, this paper reports user experiences from a trial of a high-level MaaS service in Sydney, Australia. Based on questionnaires and interviews, it analyses who participated in the trial and why, and whether the trial experience satisfied their motives. The contribution to the literature on MaaS is three-fold. Firstly, most of the people that participated in the trial were frequent users of both public transport and private cars. This supports the notion that multi-modal travellers are likely early adopters of MaaS and contradicts the fear that MaaS does not appeal to private car users. Secondly, a desire to contribute to innovation and curiosity about MaaS were the main motives for signing up for the trial, which highlights the important role an inviting setting for experimentation, such as a trial, can play in stimulating MaaS adoption. Thirdly, many participants struggled with making the trialled service work for them and on average they seemed to value the support and feedback functions higher than other service features. This underscores the novelty of MaaS, compared to existing service models, and reiterates the notion that more than an app and a few subscription plans is needed to make MaaS useful for users.
Construction of a high-density genetic linkage map and QTL mapping of growth and cold tolerance traits in Takifugu fasciatus
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Jie , Chu Peng , Shang Ruhua , Yin Shaowu , Wang Tao
Published: October 2023

Takifugu fasciatus is an aquaculture species with high economic value. In recent years, problems such as environmental pollution and inbreeding have caused a serious decline in T. fasciatus germplasm resources. In this study, a high-density genetic linkage map was constructed by whole-genome resequencing. The map consists of 4891 bin markers distributed across 22 linkage groups (LGs), with a total genetic coverage of 2381.353 cM and a mean density of 0.535 cM. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) localization analysis showed that a total of 19 QTLs associated with growth traits of T. fasciatus in the genome-wide significance threshold range, distributed on 11 LGs. In addition, 11 QTLs associated with cold tolerance traits were identified, each scattered on a different LG. Furthermore, we used QTL localization analysis to screen out three candidate genes (IGF1, IGF2, ADGRB) related to growth in T. fasciatus. Meanwhile, we screened three candidate genes (HSP90, HSP70, and HMGB1) related to T. fasciatus cold tolerance. Our study can provide a theoretical basis for the selection and breeding of cold-tolerant or fast-growing T. fasciatus.
Depression, anxiety, and quality of life as predictors of rehospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Veskovic Jovan , Cvetkovic Mina , Tahirovic Elvis , Zdravkovic Marija , Apostolovic Svetlana , Kosevic Dragana , Loncar Goran , Obradovic Danilo , Matic Dragan , Ignjatovic Aleksandra , Cvetkovic Tatjana , Posch Maximilian G. , Radenovic Sara , Ristić Arsen D. , Dokic Danilo , Milošević Nenad , Panic Natasa , Düngen Hans-Dirk
Published: October 2023

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a severe condition, often co-occurring with depression and anxiety, that strongly affects the quality of life (QoL) in some patients. Conversely, depressive and anxiety symptoms are associated with a 2–3 fold increase in mortality risk and were shown to act independently of typical risk factors in CHF progression. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of depression, anxiety, and QoL on the occurrence of rehospitalization within one year after discharge in CHF patients.

Methods

148 CHF patients were enrolled in a 10-center, prospective, observational study. All patients completed two questionnaires, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Questionnaire Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) at discharge timepoint.

Results

It was found that demographic and clinical characteristics are not associated with rehospitalization. Still, the levels of depression correlated with gender (p ≤ 0.027) and marital status (p ≤ 0.001), while the anxiety values ​​were dependent on the occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, levels of depression (HADS-Depression) and anxiety (HADS-Anxiety) did not correlate with the risk of rehospitalization. Univariate logistic regression analysis results showed that rehospitalized patients had significantly lower levels of Bodily pain (BP, p = 0.014), Vitality (VT, p = 0.005), Social Functioning (SF, p = 0.007), and General Health (GH, p = 0.002). In the multivariate model, poor GH (OR 0.966, p = 0.005) remained a significant risk factor for rehospitalization, and poor General Health is singled out as the most reliable prognostic parameter for rehospitalization (AUC = 0.665, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Taken together, our results suggest that QoL assessment complements clinical prognostic markers to identify CHF patients at high risk for adverse events. Clinical Trial Registration: The study is registered under http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01501981, first posted on 30/12/2011), sponsored by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Testicular cancer mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean: trend analysis from 1997 to 2019
Authors: Crispin-Rios Yuleizy , Faura-Gonzales Mariafe , Torres-Roman J. Smith , Quispe-Vicuña Carlos , Franco-Jimenez Uriel S. , Valcarcel Bryan , Stang Andreas , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: October 2023

Background

In the last decades, an increasing incidence of testicular cancer has been observed in several countries worldwide. Although mortality rates have been variable in many countries, little information is available from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Therefore, we examined mortality trends of testicular cancer in the last two decades.

Methods

Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) of testicular cancer per 100,000 men-years were estimated using the World Health Organization mortality database from 1997 to 2019. We examined the mortality trends and computed annual percent change (APC) for all ages and the following age groups, 15–29, 30–44, 15–44, and ≥ 45 years.

Results

Ten countries had mortality rates greater than 0.43 per 100,000 men, with the highest rates for Chile, Mexico, and Argentina. Significant increases in mortality rates were observed in Argentina, Brazil Colombia, and Mexico in all ages, and < 45 years, while Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru reported significant downward trends in males aged ≥ 45 years. Only Chile showed significant decreases for all ages and age groups studied.

Conclusion

Mortality by testicular cancer increased among LAC countries in males of all ages and across age groups. A reduction in mortality rates was observed only in Chilean males of all ages and in men ≥ 45 years in several countries. Strengthening of early detection among symptomatic males may decrease the mortality by this neoplasm.
Association between the location of social medical insurance and social integration among China’s elderly rural migrants: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Ma Xiaojie , Feng Wenjia , Shi Chaojun , Wang Yifan , Gao Qianqian , Cai Weiqin , An Hongqing , Jing Qi , Gao Runguo , Ma Anning
Published: October 2023

Background

Universal social medical insurance coverage is viewed as a major factor in promoting social integration, but insufficient evidence exists on the integration of elderly rural migrants (ERM), generally aged 60 years and above, in low- and middle-income countries. To address this problem, we explore the relationship between the location of social medical insurance (SMI), such as a host city, and social integration in the context of Chinese ERM.

Methods

This study is based on data from the 2017 National Internal Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey in China. The study participants were Chinese ERM. An integration index was constructed to measure the degree of social integration in a multi-dimensional manner using a factor analysis method. This study used descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance to explore the differences in social integration between ERM with SMI from host cities and hometowns. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the correlation between SMI location and social integration level in the overall sample. Finally, the results were verified by propensity score matching.

Results

It was found that 606 (18.2%) of the insured ERM chose host city SMI, while 2727 (81.8%) chose hometown SMI. The level of social integration was lower among ERM with hometown SMI (-1.438 ± 32.795, F = 28.311, p ≤ 0.01) than those with host city SMI (6.649 ± 34.383). Among the dimensions of social integration, social participation contributed more than other factors, with a contribution rate of 45.42%. Host city SMI increased the probability of the social integration index by 647% among ERM (k-nearest neighbor caliper matched (n = 4, caliper = 0.02), with a full sample ATT value of 6.47 (T = 5.32, SE = 1.48, p < 0.05)).

Conclusions

ERM with host city SMI have a higher social integration level than those with hometowns SMI. That is, host city SMI positively affects social integration. Policymakers should focus on the access of host city SMI for ERM. Removing the threshold of host city SMI coverage for ERM can promote social integration.
A quantitative assessment of the consistency of projections from five mathematical models of the HIV epidemic in South Africa: a model comparison study
Authors: Moolla Haroon , Phillips Andrew , ten Brink Debra , Mudimu Edinah , Stover John , Bansi-Matharu Loveleen , Martin-Hughes Rowan , Wulan Nisaa , Cambiano Valentina , Smith Jennifer , Bershteyn Anna , Meyer-Rath Gesine , Jamieson Lise , Johnson Leigh F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Mathematical models are increasingly used to inform HIV policy and planning. Comparing estimates obtained using different mathematical models can test the robustness of estimates and highlight research gaps. As part of a larger project aiming to determine the optimal allocation of funding for HIV services, in this study we compare projections from five mathematical models of the HIV epidemic in South Africa: EMOD-HIV, Goals, HIV-Synthesis, Optima, and Thembisa.

Methods

The five modelling groups produced estimates of the total population, HIV incidence, HIV prevalence, proportion of people living with HIV who are diagnosed, ART coverage, proportion of those on ART who are virally suppressed, AIDS-related deaths, total deaths, and the proportion of adult males who are circumcised. Estimates were made under a “status quo” scenario for the period 1990 to 2040. For each output variable we assessed the consistency of model estimates by calculating the coefficient of variation and examining the trend over time.

Results

For most outputs there was significant inter-model variability between 1990 and 2005, when limited data was available for calibration, good consistency from 2005 to 2025, and increasing variability towards the end of the projection period. Estimates of HIV incidence, deaths in people living with HIV, and total deaths displayed the largest long-term variability, with standard deviations between 35 and 65% of the cross-model means. Despite this variability, all models predicted a gradual decline in HIV incidence in the long-term. Projections related to the UNAIDS 95–95-95 targets were more consistent, with the coefficients of variation below 0.1 for all groups except children.

Conclusions

While models produced consistent estimates for several outputs, there are areas of variability that should be investigated. This is important if projections are to be used in subsequent cost-effectiveness studies.
The role of income and frequency of dental visits in the relationship between dental sealant use and resin fillings after extended coverage: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Han Dong-Hun , Kang Hee-Yeon , Ryu Jae-In
Published: October 2023

Background

Prevention and treatment services use is closely associated with socioeconomic factors, such as income. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between implementing the sealant program and resin fillings restoration and to explore the role of income and frequency of dental visits in this relationship.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used the cohort database from the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance Service. The study population comprised 494,731 children born in 2007. A logistic regression model for the experience of resin fillings and a linear regression model for weighted utilization of them were used to identify the independent effects of dental sealants, income, and frequency of dental visits. All analyses were conducted using the SAS Enterprise Guide version 7.1 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

Results

The ratio based on income level was almost proportional in all groups except the medical aid group, which had a rate as high as that of the wealthier group. Children without sealants were 1.05 times more likely to have resin fillings than others after adjusting for income level and frequency of visiting dental clinics in the final model. However, an opposite relationship between sealant experiences and resin fillings was observed in the previous model without dental visits. The gap in the weighted resin filling scores according to socioeconomic variables showed a similar tendency.

Conclusions

Income and frequency of dental visits might be confounding factors for the relationship between dental sealant and resin fillings. It is necessary to consider the complex relationship between socioeconomic indicators and service use while studying oral health inequality.