bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF PRE-TREATMENT ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CAPSICUM ANNUM L. WHEN DRYING BY VACUUM TRAY DRYER AND STORAGE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
Authors: Othman Norzalina , Mohd Ropi Nur Amalina , Mohamad Azam Zaheda , Rosli Mohammad Azzuan , Abd Rashid Siti Nor Azlina , Sarobo Zulaikha , Sarmidi Mohamad Roji , Cheng Kian Kai , Zolkopli Noor Aziela Hanim
Published: December 2022

Currently, the physicochemical quality of dried chillies is becoming a characteristic of consumer choice. A study was conducted to investigate the quality of physicochemical properties of dried chillies drying by vacuum tray dryer (VTD) when compared with sun drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD). The highest capsaicin content with the lowest moisture content was achieved when drying by the VTD technique. However, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity are highest in dried chillies drying by FD followed by VTD. Furthermore, the physiochemical properties of dried chillies that dry under VTD technique in combination with different pre-treatment techniques were investigated to study the quality of the dried red chillies during processing and storage. The fresh chillies pretreated by hot blanching(B) gave a higher capsaicin content almost 102.9% when compared with the non-treated sample. The blanched chillies samples either by B followed by soaking in citric acid solution(B+CA) showed the lowest L* indicating richness of dark red colour of dried chillies after drying by VTD. Soaking fresh chillies in citric acid solution (CA) showed an increase of a* value (redness) to 29.00 near fresh chillies' red colour. The highest retention of capsaicin content was only for 3 months of storage when chillies were soaked in CA solution and then start to deteriorate. The combination of different pretreatment techniques of fresh chillies drying by VTD is a potential drying method due to the retention of high-bioactive contents.
ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF THE USER-PERCEIVED LEVEL OF SERVICE FOR FOOT OVER BRIDGE STAIRWAYS INSIDE INTERCITY RAILWAY STATIONS
Authors: Eswar Sala , Seelam Srikanth , Shankar KVR Ravi
Published: December 2022

Rail transportation being the economic means of transportation, the majority of pedestrians rely on them in countries like India. Unlike metro stations, in intercity railway stations exists a wide degree of heterogeneity in pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians walking speed on stairways depends on various factors grouped under pedestrian, infrastructure, and environmental characteristics. Understating pedestrian perception of quality of service on existing facilities provides the planners to incorporate pedestrian bothered factors for comfortable access in the design. In this research work, pedestrian perceived level of service on six different stairways in intercity railway stations was analyzed. The questionnaire survey was adopted to understand the individual pedestrian perception towards the level of service on each stairway. Pedestrian characteristics such as age, education qualification, preference of usage between stairway and escalator, and stairway characteristics such as width, inclination, and side friction significantly affect individual’s perception of the serviceability of a stairway. A regression model was also developed by considering the significant factors affecting the pedestrian's perceived level of service of the stairway. Results of this study help in evaluating a stairway facility and arrive at better planning, design, and management to increase its efficiency. This study also helps in making design policies and guidelines for new stairways for better accessibility.
HAEMOLYTIC OF NEWBORN DISEASE-RELATED RED BLOOD CELL ALLOANTIBODIES
Authors: Nahendran Prasanthini , Budin Siti Balkis , Mohd Saat Nur Zakiah , Yusop Mohd Faeiz , Tengku Yazid Tengku Norita , Mohamad Anuar Nur Najmi
Published: December 2022

Red cell alloimmunisation in pregnancy may result in haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDN). During pregnancy, there are possibilities of the foetal antigen being exposed to the mother’s circulation, thereby leading to the production of antibodies. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies from the mother pass through the maternal surface placenta, which is then sensitised and obstructs the formation of foetal red blood cells (RBCs). This review discusses the presence of variance alloantibodies during pregnancy, as well as the consequences of HDN and its management. This review revealed that ABO incompatibility is the most common cause of alloimmunisation in pregnancy. The Rh system (anti-D and -E) are the most common alloantibodies found in pregnant women, followed by other alloantibodies such as Kell, Duffy, Kidd and MNSs. Hyperbilirunemia (increased bilirubin levels) is commonly seen in neonatal jaundice due to HDN and it is usually manageable using the phototherapy method. Nevertheless, the clinical significance of alloantibodies can cause complications such as anaemia, and in some extreme cases, kernicterus might require a blood exchange transfusion.
THE SIMULATION OF INTERMOLECULAR INTERACTIONS OF CARBOXYLIC AND AMINE GROUPS WITH CALCIUM CARBONATE
Authors: Che Azimi Abu Zar , Abdullah Norhayati , Adam Fatmawati , Hassan Zulkafli , Abdul Rahman Sunarti , Mohd Noor Mohd Zulhaizan
Published: December 2022

Surface facilities including tubing and valves at the oilfield have been plagued by mineral scale deposits, which are constitute of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Penta-potassium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid salt (DTPA-K5) has a higher affinity for the metal cations complexes during the chelation process. The eight complexing sites (five carboxylate and three amines) empower the metal ion interactions. This work investigated the molecular dynamics simulations between the DTPA-K5 with the calcium carbonate, CaCO3 scale. The interaction was performed through molecular dynamic (MD) simulation using condensed phase optimised molecular potentials for atomistic simulation studies (COMPASS) force field and the Ewald summation method in Material Studio. The simulation trajectory files examined the intermolecular interactions for radial distribution function (RDF). The simulation shows strong DTPA-K5 with calcium interactions, which revealed the metal ion complexes contributing to the chelation process through the reactive carboxylic and amine functional groups, which were O7 == Ca at radius, r, 2.25 Å with g(r) of 10.09 and N1 -- Ca at radius, r, 2.25 Å with g(r) 2.51.
Pemerolehan Bahasa Kedua (B2) Murid Sekolah Rendah Luar Bandar di Perlis
Authors: Abd. Nasir Siti Noridayu , Abdul Halim Hazlina
Published: December 2022

This research aims to identify the level of second languags acquisition (B2) of rural primary school students in the state of Perlis. Then, applying the Theory of Behaviorisme B.F. Skinner who applied positive and negative reinforcement in language learning. Next, the research items used are five posters related to food and kitchen equipment. The findings of the study show that rural students quite weak mastery B2 vocabulary in the language acquisition test conducted. Nevertheless, the use of posters has helped them acquire B2 to be better. Therefore, B2, learning for rural student requires the use of interesting teaching aids such as picture posters.
Patient-Friendly Information Giving in HIV Counselling through the Use of Metaphors
Authors: Haladin Nur’ain Balqis , Ibrahim Noor Aireen , Hanafi Zaid Yasmin
Published: December 2022

HIV counselling is a method of communication between patients and certified HIV nurse counsellors to discuss and help patients deal with HIV-related issues. Despite the training received by these nurses, communicating HIV-related issues remains a difficult task in Malaysia. Due to lack of research examining information giving in HIV counselling in Malaysia, this study investigated both the challenges and the strategies in providing information to HIV patients. Twenty-four audio recordings of actual HIV counselling sessions were gathered and six focus group discussions with HIV nurse counsellors from three government hospitals in Malaysia were recorded. The discourse analysis of revealed a prominent use of metaphors as part of information giving strategies to overcome the challenges faced by HIV nurse counsellors when communicating with HIV patients. The metaphors were embedded in HIV nurse counsellors’ information giving to HIV patients and their spouse/family as a way to represent some medical jargons pertaining to HIV. Since the HIV patients came from different educational background, it would be much easier for them to understand HIV-related information giving through the use of metaphors. Therefore, the acknowledgement and integration of metaphors can be an amazingly valuable tool for HIV nurse counsellors especially in managing the communication challenges during HIV counselling. It is hoped that the findings provided in this study will serve as a basis for integrating metaphors into counselling practices.
The Potential Contribution of General and Specialized Corpora to Research on Malay and Malaysian English
Authors: Mohd Don Zuraidah , Knowles Gerry
Published: December 2022

Today’s linguists are increasingly concerned with high-level properties of texts, and tend to work top-down in some branch of discourse analysis, while corpus linguists are concerned with low-level properties such as grammatical class, syntactic constructions and different kinds of text annotation, and tend to work bottom-up. This paper seeks to close the gap, using a general corpus and a specialised corpus. The point of departure is the assumption that a corpus is compiled to study the language of texts in some language for some special purpose beyond the existence of the corpus itself. The particular languages in mind are Malay and Malaysian English. The introduction deals with matters that have to be considered when a corpus project is planned, and with the problems that can arise, some of which have been reported. The methodology section concentrates on the groundwork that has to be done for just about any corpus-based project, and starts with a project undertaken long before computers were invented, and describes the role of computational expertise in modern corpus-based projects. The results section reports some preliminary work on a specialised corpus containing the speeches of Tun Mahathir Mohamed, which attempts to go beyond the groundwork to ascertain objectively what the speeches are about. The paper ends with a combined discussion and conclusion that summarises the content of the paper.
The Aronsson equation for absolute minimizers of supremal functionals in Carnot–Carathéodory spaces
Authors: Pinamonti Andrea , Verzellesi Simone , Wang Changyou
Published: December 2022

Given a family of vector fields which induces a continuous Carnot–Carathéodory distance, we show that any absolute minimizer of a supremal functional defined by a quasiconvex Hamiltonian , allowing ‐variable dependence, is a viscosity solution to the Aronsson equation
Functional basis for calmodulation of the TRPV5 calcium channel
Authors: Zuidscherwoude Malou , van Goor Mark K. , Roig Sara R. , Thijssen Niky , van Erp Merijn , Fransen Jack , van der Wijst Jenny , Hoenderop Joost G.
Published: December 2022

Within the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily of ion channels, TRPV5 is a highly Ca2+‐selective channel important for active reabsorption of Ca2+ in the kidney. Its channel activity is controlled by a negative feedback mechanism involving calmodulin (CaM) binding. Combining advanced microscopy techniques and biochemical assays, this study characterized the dynamic lobe‐specific CaM regulation. We demonstrate for the first time that functional (full‐length) TRPV5 interacts with CaM in the absence of Ca2+, and this interaction is intensified at increasing Ca2+ concentrations sensed by the CaM C‐lobe that achieves channel pore blocking. Channel inactivation occurs without requiring CaM N‐lobe calcification. Moreover, we show a Ca2+‐dependent binding stoichiometry at the single channel level. In conclusion, our study proposes a new model for CaM‐dependent regulation – calmodulation – of this uniquely Ca2+‐selective TRP channel TRPV5 that involves apoCaM interaction and lobe‐specific actions, which may be of significant physiological relevance given its role as gatekeeper of Ca2+ transport in the kidney.

image

Key points

The renal Ca2+ channel TRPV5 is an important player in maintenance of the body's Ca2+ homeostasis.

Activity of TRPV5 is controlled by a negative feedback loop that involves calmodulin (CaM), a protein with two Ca2+‐binding lobes.

We investigated the dynamics of the interaction between TRPV5 and CaM with advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques.

Our data support a new model for CaM‐dependent regulation of TRPV5 channel activity with CaM lobe‐specific actions and demonstrates Ca2+‐dependent binding stoichiometries.

This study improves our understanding of the mechanism underlying fast channel inactivation, which is physiologically relevant given the gatekeeper function of TRPV5 in Ca2+ reabsorption in the kidney.
Simulations of cortical networks using spatially extended conductance‐based neuronal models
Authors: Haufler Darrell , Ito Shinya , Koch Christof , Arkhipov Anton
Published: December 2022

The Hodgkin–Huxley model of action potential generation and propagation, published in the Journal of Physiology in 1952, initiated the field of biophysically detailed computational modelling in neuroscience, which has expanded to encompass a variety of species and components of the nervous system. Here we review the developments in this area with a focus on efforts in the community towards modelling the mammalian neocortex using spatially extended conductance‐based neuronal models. The Hodgkin–Huxley formalism and related foundational contributions, such as Rall's cable theory, remain widely used in these efforts to the current day. We argue that at present the field is undergoing a qualitative change due to new very rich datasets describing the composition, connectivity and functional activity of cortical circuits, which are being integrated systematically into large‐scale network models. This trend, combined with the accelerating development of convenient software tools supporting such complex modelling projects, is giving rise to highly detailed models of the cortex that are extensively constrained by the data, enabling computational investigation of a multitude of questions about cortical structure and function.

image
Improving paediatric antimicrobial stewardship in remote and regional Queensland hospitals: development and qualitative evaluation of a tailored intervention for intravenous-to-oral antibiotic switching
Authors: Sharman Leah S , Avent Minyon L , Lyall Vivian , Fejzic Jasmina , Clark Julia E , Irwin Adam , Graham Nicolette , van Driel Mieke L
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Timely intravenous-to-oral antibiotic switching for children is important for paediatric antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). However, low decision-making confidence and fragmentation of patient care can hamper implementation, with difficulties heightened regionally where AMS programmes for children are lacking. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate user-led creation and implementation of an intervention package for early intravenous-to-oral switching at regional hospitals in Queensland, Australia.

Design

Guided by theory, a four-phase approach was used to: (1) develop multifaceted intervention materials; (2) review materials and their usage through stakeholders; (3) adapt materials based on user-feedback and (4) qualitatively evaluate health workers experiences at 6 months postintervention.

Setting

Seven regional hospitals in Queensland, Australia.

Participants

Phase 2 included 15 stakeholders; health workers and patient representatives (patient-guardians and Indigenous liaison officers). Phase 4 included 20 health workers across the seven intervention sites.

Results

Content analysis of health worker and parent/guardian reviews identified the ‘perceived utility of materials’ and ‘possible barriers to use’. ‘Recommendations and strategies for improvement’ provided adjustments for the materials that were able to be tailored to individual practice. Postintervention interviews generated three overarching themes that combined facilitators and barriers to switching: (1) application of materials, (2) education and support, and (3) team dynamics. Overall, despite difficulties with turnover and problems with the medical hierarchy, interventions aided and empowered antibiotic therapy decision-making and enhanced education and self-reflection.

Conclusions

Despite structural barriers to AMS for switching from intravenous-to-oral antibiotics in paediatric patients, offering a tailored multifaceted intervention was reported to provide support and confidence to adjust practice across a diverse set of health workers in regional areas. Future AMS activities should be guided by users and provide opportunities for tailoring tools to practice setting and patients’ requirements.
Hospital-based patient navigation programs for patients who experience injury-related trauma and their caregivers: a scoping review
Authors: Doucet Shelley , Luke Alison , Anthonisen Grailing
Published: December 2022

Objective

This review’s objective is to map the literature on the characteristics, impact, barriers and facilitators of hospital-based patient navigation programmes that support patients who experience injury-related trauma and their caregivers. Patients who experience injury-related trauma frequently require support from multiple care teams and face many challenges to care, both in hospital and when transitioning across settings and services. Patient navigation can improve their care.

Design

This review is conducted according to JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The initial database search took place on 6 June 2021 and the grey literature search took place between September and October 2021. The results are presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Scoping Reviews flow diagram.

Setting

This review considered materials where the patient navigation programmes were delivered in hospital settings. There was no geographical limit to this study.

Participants

This review focused on hospital-based patient navigation programmes for patients who experience injury-related trauma and/or their caregivers.

Results

This review captured 11 records that describe 10 programmes. All programmes were based in the USA. Most programmes provided education, care coordination, discharge planning, and referrals to resources, services, and programmes to assist patients and/or their families in the hospital or the community. Half the programmes were based in level 1 trauma centres. Common impacts included decreases in readmission rates and increases in satisfaction rates. Barriers included difficulty recruiting or enrolling patients with short hospital stays and hospital administrators’ and healthcare providers’ lack of understanding of the navigator role. Navigator background, either professional or experiential, was identified as a facilitator, as was flexibility in programme delivery and communication methods.

Conclusions

Eleven records show a small but distinct sample. Reported characteristics, impact, barriers and facilitators were consistent with findings from other patient navigation studies. The results can inform the development and implementation of similar programmes in trauma centres and support changes in policy to improve the delivery of care.
Incidence and characteristics of adverse events in paediatric inpatient care: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dillner Pernilla , Eggenschwiler Luisa C , Rutjes Anne W S , Berg Lena , Musy Sarah N , Simon Michael , Moffa Giusi , Förberg Ulrika , Unbeck Maria
Published: December 2022

Background

Adverse events (AEs) cause suffering for hospitalised children, a fragile patient group where the delivery of adequate timely care is of great importance.

Objective

To report the incidence and characteristics of AEs, in paediatric inpatient care, as detected with the Global Trigger Tool (GTT), the Trigger Tool (TT) or the Harvard Medical Practice Study (HMPS) method.

Method

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched from inception to June 2021, without language restrictions. Studies using manual record review were included if paediatric data were reported separately. We excluded studies reporting: AEs for a specific disease/diagnosis/treatment/procedure, or deceased patients; study protocols with no AE outcomes; conference abstracts, editorials and systematic reviews; clinical incident reports as the primary data source; and studies focusing on specific AEs only. Methodological risk of bias was assessed using a tool based on the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Primary outcome was the percentage of admissions with ≥1 AEs. All statistical analyses were stratified by record review methodology (GTT/TT or HMPS) and by type of population. Meta-analyses, applying random-effects models, were carried out. The variability of the pooled estimates was characterised by 95% prediction intervals (PIs).

Results

We included 32 studies from 44 publications, conducted in 15 countries totalling 33 873 paediatric admissions. The total number of AEs identified was 8577. The most common types of AEs were nosocomial infections (range, 6.8%–59.6%) for the general care population and pulmonary-related (10.5%–36.7%) for intensive care. The reported incidence rates were highly heterogeneous. The PIs for the primary outcome were 3.8%–53.8% and 6.9%–91.6% for GTT/TT studies (general and intensive care population). The equivalent PI was 0.3%–33.7% for HMPS studies (general care). The PIs for preventable AEs were 7.4%–96.2% and 4.5%–98.9% for GTT/TT studies (general and intensive care population) and 10.4%–91.8% for HMPS studies (general care). The quality assessment indicated several methodological concerns regarding the included studies.

Conclusion

The reported incidence of AEs is highly variable in paediatric inpatient care research, and it is not possible to estimate a reliable single rate. Poor reporting standards and methodological differences hinder the comparison of study results.
Shouting from far away: three poems about living with speechlessness
Authors: Barnes Rory JQ , Warren Jason D
Published: December 2022

We present three poems written from personal experience of living with primary progressive non-fluent aphasia (primary progressive apraxia of speech). The poems provide a window on this illness ‘from the inside’, and vividly illustrate how intellect and inner life may survive strikingly intact, even after speech is lost.
Screening combinatorial perturbations via a bifurcation-based method
Authors: Liu Lulu , Chen Qingxi , Wang Ruiqi
Published: December 2022

Compared with monotherapy, combination therapy is the first choice and the most promising method for the treatment of many complex diseases. Due to the wide variety of drugs, it is often difficult to choose desirable combination drugs with synergy and low risk. Additional research should always be done before combining drugs because the combinatorial effects can be synergistic, additive, or even antagonistic. Synergistic drugs work together to cause an effect greater than the sum of its parts. Some studies propose different approaches to detect synergism between two or more drugs. Based on the framework of bifurcation-based method, we propose an approach to screen another potential synergistic drug for a given drug. Different from other methods, the approach can help us screen and detect drugs which have a synergistic effect with a known drug, thus playing critical roles in combination therapy. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, we apply it to three models, i.e. the zeroth-order reaction model, the galactose model, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition network. The approach provides a theoretical basis for rational design of combination drugs and new use of old drugs.
Vehicle type-dependent heterogeneous car-following modeling and road capacity analysis
Authors: Liu Qiaobin , Yang Lu , Wang Jianqiang , Li Keqiang
Published: December 2022

Due to the lack of natural driving databases containing heterogeneous traffic in the existing heterogeneous car-following modeling research, there is an urgent need for the support of a large amount of measured trajectory data for modeling. To this end, four different car-following modes of heterogeneous traffic under the influence of different vehicle types are extracted from the HighD data set, with which the statistical characteristics of the following car speed, speed difference, gap, time headway and acceleration in each mode are studied separately. Moreover, the correlation analysis of two parameters in speed-gap and speed difference-gap is carried out. On this basis, the intelligent driver model (IDM) and the full velocity difference (FVD) model are, respectively, employed to model the car-following characteristics in each mode. The results show that the existence of the truck in the following vehicle pair makes the following vehicle tend to maintain a larger gap and a smaller following speed, that is, larger time headway and gap. With the increase of trucks’ ratio, the capacity of traffic decreases. The research can lay the foundation for more accurate mixed traffic flow modeling of heterogeneous human driving vehicles, and even subsequent research on heterogeneous traffic characteristics under a mixture of human driving vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
A NEW FRACTAL TRANSFORM FOR THE APPROXIMATE SOLUTION OF DRINFELD–SOKOLOV–WILSON MODEL WITH FRACTAL DERIVATIVES
Authors: LIU FENGLIAN , YANG LEI , NADEEM MUHAMMAD
Published: December 2022

This study examines the development of a novel approach known as the fractal Elzaki transform method (F[Formula: see text]TM) to investigate the approximation solution of the nonlinear fractal Drinfeld–Sokolov–Wilson (NFDSW) model. We adopt He’s fractal derivative to change the fractal model into its differential parts and then apply the Elzaki transform to obtain the recurrence relation. We utilize the framework of homotopy perturbation method to handle the nonlinear components of this recurrence relation and thus we can obtain the successive iterations very easily. The derived findings are performed in the form of series and the rate of convergence shows the remarkable solutions due to its fast convergence. The numerical example illustrates that F[Formula: see text]TM is very easy to implement and a fascinating tool for fractal models.
Operationalizing Urban Climate Justice: A Case Study of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York City
Authors: Nguyen Khai Hoan , Leichenko Robin
Published: December 2022

Cities are increasingly incorporating climate resiliency goals into planning, development, and sustainability efforts. Such efforts are often touted as opportunities to promote climate justice that will not only support adaptation and mitigation efforts but also improve local environmental quality and bring higher paying, green jobs to frontline communities. Yet many local community leaders and residents remain skeptical of the promised benefits of climate-resilient development in their neighborhoods, fearing that new investments will attract higher income earners, intensify real estate pressures, and contribute to green gentrification. This study investigates the synergies and tensions that are emerging as cities develop policy responses to address climate change, implement resiliency projects, and meet economic, equity and social justice goals. Through a case study of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, a low-income working waterfront community in New York City, the paper explores community efforts to exert influence over two large-scale, climate resiliency-focused development projects. Data sources for the study include interviews with city officials, private sector representatives, community leaders and residents, participation in community events and workshops, and analysis of planning and policy documents. The study finds that an extensive legacy of community-led planning, the presence of proactive community champions, and grassroots mobilizations were critical factors that strengthened local influence over urban resiliency planning processes. It offers lessons and strategies for empowering local voices in community-based adaptation and resiliency efforts and for achieving climate justice objectives.
Oligodontia and Facial Phenotype Associated with a Rare Syndrome
Authors: Zidane Fatima Ezzahra , El Alloussi Mustapha
Published: December 2022

Introduction. Oligodontia is a dental abnormality in which the patient is missing teeth. It is a hereditary disorder characterized by agenesis of more than six primary or permanent teeth, excluding the wisdom teeth. Oligodontia is often related with an abnormal size of teeth, conical shape, taurodontism, frequent enamel abnormalities, and delayed eruption. Oligodontia may be clinically isolated or associated with ectodermal dysplasia, a large group of rare diseases, and other syndromes. Patient Information. Dental characteristics of a six-and-a-half-year-old Moroccan boy with oligodontia and in apparent good health were described. Clinical Findings. Three syndromes associated with oligodontia have been discussed. Above all, based on the facial phenotype, Dubowitz syndrome has been retained as the most likely diagnostic hypothesis. This case could be the first reported case described in Morocco, but a thorough examination with genetic analysis must be carried out. Conclusion. Oligodontia could clinically be isolated or associated with ectodermal dysplasia, a large group of rare diseases, and other syndromes.
Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in Adults in Ecuador in the Period 2010–2020
Authors: Sánchez Xavier , Moreno Roca Andrés , Jimbo-Sotomayor Ruth , Armijos Acurio Luciana , Viloria Cestari Alfredo
Published: December 2022

Background. Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare tumors; they represent 1% of all tumors in adults. There are new diagnostic techniques to differentiate tumor types, and surgery continues to be the most important treatment for STS. Methods. This cross-sectional study analyzed the morbidity and mortality caused by STS in adults between 2010 and 2020 using national databases. Results. A total of 8,393 patients hospitalized due to STS were reported. The total number of deaths in Ecuador due to STS was 7,088 over the last decade, the provinces of Pichincha and Guayas registered the highest number of cases, and the mortality rate was 1.2 to 2.0 per 100,000 people. It is noteworthy that the lowest point of registered cases was in 2012. Conclusion. Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare tumors in Ecuador. The morbidity and mortality caused by these tumors have not changed in the last decade. National studies are needed to determine the prevalence of this illness and study intervention to lower mortality.
Identification of a Novel Myc-Regulated Gene Signature for Patients with Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fu Shengqiang , Liu Yifu , Zhang Zhicheng , Mei Ming , Chen Qiang , Wang Siyuan , Yang Xiaorong , Sun Ting , Ma Ming , Xie Wenjie
Published: December 2022

Given that myc was known to be a cancer-causing gene in several cancers including kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). We aimed to construct myc-regulated genes (MRGs)-based prognostic signature. We obtained the mRNA expression and clinical data of KIRC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and MRGs from the Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB). Then, a prognostic signature consisting of 8 MRGs (IRF9, UBE2C, YBX3, CDKN2B, CKAP2L, CYFIP2, FBLN5, and PDLIM7) was developed by differential expression analysis, cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) analysis. Patients with KIRC were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on risk scores of MRGs-based signatures. Patients in the high-risk group showed inferior clinical characteristics and survival. In addition, the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for KIRC, and the risk score=based nomogram displayed satisfactory performance to predict the survival of KIRC. The MRGs-based signature is also correlated with immune cell infiltration and the mRNA expression of important immune checkpoints (IDO2, PDCD1, LAG3, FOXP3, and TIGIT). The tumor mutation burden (TMB) landscape between the high- and low-risk groups showed higher levels of TMB in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group and that higher levels of TMB predicted a poorer prognosis in KIRC. Furthermore, patients with KIRC in the high-risk group are more likely to experience immune escape. At last, we found patients with KIRC in the high-risk group were more sensitive to several chemotherapy drugs such as sunitinib, gefitinib, nilotinib, and rapamycin than patients with KIRC in the low-risk group. Our study successfully constructed and validated an MRGs-based signature that can predict clinical characteristics, prognosis, level of immune infiltration, and responsiveness to immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs in patients with KIRC.
Effects of PCSK9 Inhibition on Coronary Atherosclerosis Regression of Nontarget Lesions after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Li Yongjun , Yang Mingming , Chen Xi , Zhang Rui , Li Jing , Zhang Xiaoguo , Zuo Pengfei , Ma Genshan
Published: December 2022

Aims. To evaluate the regression of coronary atherosclerosis with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods and Result. We examined 40 nontarget lesions in 17 ACS patients who underwent PPCI and were treated with PCSK9 inhibitors. At 1 year, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and atherogenic index (AI) decreased significantly by 2.5 mmol/L, 2.01 mmol/L, and 1.86, respectively. On quantitative coronary angiography, treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors reduced significantly the atherosclerotic area stenosis in nontarget lesions (61.18 ± 14.55 at baseline vs. 52.85 ± 15.51 at 1 year,

P

 < 0.001). Conclusions. After 1 year of PCSK9 inhibition treatment for ACS patients, the area stenosis of non-TLR was considerably reduced.
Características associadas a padrões alimentares em crianças brasileiras menores de dois anos
Authors: Carvalho Rumão Batista Nunes de , Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Rauber Fernanda , Levy Renata Bertazzi
Published: December 2022

OBJETIVO: Analisar padrões alimentares de crianças brasileiras menores de dois anos e verificar a sua associação com características sociodemográficas e de utilização de serviços de saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) de 2013. A identificação dos padrões foi realizada em dois grupos etários por meio da análise fatorial por componentes principais e a correlação às características de interesse, testada por meio de modelos de regressão linear. RESULTADOS: Em ambos os grupos foram identificados dois padrões alimentares: o primeiro foi caracterizado pelo consumo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processado e o segundo marcado somente pelo consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados. A maior adesão das crianças entre seis e 11 meses ao primeiro padrão foi associada à maior renda familiar per capita, residência em área urbana e nas regiões mais desenvolvidas do país. Com 12 meses ou mais, a adesão foi relacionada com a raça/cor branca, maior renda familiar per capita, residência nas regiões mais desenvolvidas e realizar consultas de puericultura em serviços privados. No segundo padrão, a aderência entre os menores de um ano foi inversamente associada com raça/cor amarela ou indígena, residência na região Nordeste e realização de puericultura nos serviços públicos especializados ou nos privados. A partir dos 12 meses, a adesão foi diretamente associada com raça/cor preta ou parda e residência nas regiões mais desenvolvidas, e inversamente associada com residência na região Nordeste. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo identificou dois padrões alimentares opostos em crianças brasileiras menores de dois anos, sendo que diferentes determinantes sociais modificam a chance de adesão a esses padrões.
Self-assessed masticatory function and frailty in Brazilian older adults: the FIBRA Study
Authors: Milagres Clarice Santana , Tôrres Luísa Helena do Nascimento , Almeida Talita Bonato de , Neri Anita Liberalesso , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira , Sousa Maria da Luz Rosário de
Published: December 2022

OBJETIVE: To investigate the relationship between the masticatory function and the frailty of older people. METHODS: Exploratory cross-sectional study using secondary data from the FIBRA Project on the frailty conditions of older people living in urban areas of six Brazilian municipalities, from 2008 to 2009. The population consisted of older adults aged 65 and over with no cognitive impairment. A single session identification questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were applied, followed by collecting sociodemographic data and data on the participants’ self-assessment of masticatory function, general health, and oral health. RESULTS: 2,341 older people (164 frail older adults), of whom 63.2% reported not having seen a dentist in the last year, and approximately 26% of them had three or more functional feeding problems. Older participants (OR = 2.88; 95%CI: 2.01–4.13), who are retired (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.18–5.53), those who were depressed (OR = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.58–3.38), and those who self-assessed their general health as worse compared to others of the same age (OR = 3.91; 95%CI: 2.39-–6.40) were at higher risk of frailty. Three or more problems related to the functional aspects of mastication were associated with a greater chance of frailty (OR = 2.06; 95%CI: 1.25–3.41). CONCLUSION: This study found an association between masticatory function and a greater chance of frailty among the studied population.
Distorções das emendas parlamentares à alocação equitativa de recursos federais ao PAB
Authors: Vieira Fabiola Sulpino , Lima Luciana Dias de
Published: December 2022

OBJETIVO: Analisar as implicações das emendas parlamentares (EP) para o modelo de alocação equitativa de recursos do Piso da Atenção Básica Fixo (PAB-Fixo) aos municípios no período de 2015 a 2019. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo e exploratório da alocação de recursos federais para o PAB-Fixo e para incremento ao PAB por emenda parlamentar. Os municípios foram classificados em quatro grupos, segundo graus de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica definidos pelo Ministério da Saúde para destinação de recursos do PAB-Fixo. Os repasses do ministério por emenda parlamentar foram identificados, analisando-se as proporções de municípios beneficiados em cada grupo por recursos alocados do PAB-Fixo e do incremento ao piso por EP. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se redução dos recursos alocados ao PAB-Fixo (de R$ 6,04 bilhões para R$ 5,51 bilhões, -8,8%) e aumento do incremento ao PAB por emenda parlamentar (de R$ 95,06 milhões para R$ 5,58 bilhões, 5.767%) entre 2015 e 2019. A participação dos municípios por grupo dos que foram favorecidos por EP foi semelhante à dos municípios do PAB-Fixo. Na proporção de recursos por emendas, os municípios do grupo I (mais vulneráveis) tiveram maior participação e os do grupo IV, menor participação, se comparada à alocação do PAB-Fixo. A distribuição de recursos por emenda parlamentar não contemplou todos os municípios, mesmo aqueles mais vulneráveis, pertencentes aos grupos I e II. Houve grande desigualdade de recursos per capita segundo os grupos de municípios. CONCLUSÃO: As emendas parlamentares distorceram o modelo de alocação equitativa de recursos proposto pelo Ministério da Saúde para o PAB-Fixo, ao destinar recursos em proporção muito maior para os municípios do grupo I e muito menor para os do grupo IV, o que está em desacordo com esse modelo, além disso essa distribuição por emendas não beneficia a todos os municípios, nem mesmo aos mais vulneráveis.
Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization to Treat Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Rudy Robert F. , Catapano Joshua S. , Jadhav Ashutosh P. , Albuquerque Felipe C. , Ducruet Andrew F.
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma is associated with high rates of perioperative complications and recurrence.

Methods

The classic treatments are observation or surgical evacuation. Middle meningeal artery embolization is a recently emerging procedure that has evolved as the neuroendovascular community has gained collective experience. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma, reviews the classic treatment strategies, discusses the advent and use of middle meningeal artery embolization, and describes the contemporary technical approach to middle meningeal artery embolization.

Results

Embolization has the advantages of targeting the vascular supply of the neomembranes implicated in chronic subdural hematoma pathophysiology and avoiding surgical or bedside drainage in a population associated with significant comorbidities.

Conclusions

Middle meningeal artery embolization is increasingly used both as an adjunct treatment to surgical evacuation and as a stand‐alone method for managing this challenging entity.
DISTANCE EDUCATION AND ITS EFFECT ON STUDENT SATISFACTION
Authors: ARSLAN Neslihan , YILMAZ Yasin
Published: December 2022

Covid-19 pandemic globally affected many sectors including health, economy and transportation. Distance education practice was widely preferred in many stages during this period. Non-stop distance education also continued in universities within the education sector. The subject of this study was to measure the student satisfaction from education within the course of distance education during pandemic period. The aim of the study on Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University graduate and postgraduate students was to understand whether distance education process had a positive effect on the satisfaction of the students from education. Survey technique among quantative research methods was used in the study. The results of the study showed a significant effect of "instructor support", "personal relevance and authentic learning" and "student autonomy and active learning" among the sub-dimensions of distance education on student satisfaction. Permanence of distance education in higher education institutions at certain rates may provide successful results.
EUROPEAN UNION-UKRAINE RELATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY
Authors: MARAL SARIBAY Bahar , DOĞAN Seyhun
Published: December 2022

As a result of the enlargement policy of the European Union, the European Neighbourhood Policy was established in order to secure the borders and entered into force in 2004. However, changes were made in the European Neighbourhood Policy due to the failure to achieve the expected results over time. In this context, the policy was divided into two parts, known as the Union for the Mediterranean (2008) and the Eastern Partnership (2009). Thus, a step was taken toward regionalizing the European Neighbourhood Policy to make it more effective. The aim of this study is to analyze the function of the European Neighbourhood Policy, one of the foreign policy instruments of the European Union, within the framework of European Union-Ukraine relations. In this context, the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership are primarily discussed, then the European Union-Ukraine relations are analyzed. The study concludes that the European Neighbourhood Policy’s contribution to relations between European Union and Ukraine is insufficient and the policy should be revised urgently to increase this contribution over time.
Artemidorus, Dream Exegesis, and the Case of the Interpolating Expert Dreamer
Authors: Hall Claire
Published: December 2022

This article makes the following case: according to Artemidorus of Daldis’ Oneirocriticon one main task of the dream interpreter is to identify, through knowledge of the dreamer, which components of a dream are internal in order to assess—as far as possible—the external components of a dream. I argue that very similar hermeneutic issues were being extensively theorised in Artemidorus’ period by Jewish and Christian writers who were concerned with the problem of prophetic interpolation: in particular, cases in the Bible in which prophecies do not come true. In making this comparison, I hope to clarify a number of features of Artemidorus’ hermeneutic, including the relationship between the origin and structure of dreams and the exegetical practice of the dream-interpreter.
Dis/Ability: A Discussion on Creating More Accessible Employment for Assistance Dog Instructors with Disabilities
Authors: Warda Tiamat
Published: December 2022

Disabled individuals can and do lead successful careers as assistance dog instructors. However, the international percentage of professional disabled instructors is significantly lower than their able-bodied colleagues. This paper takes an initial step in questioning the benefits and challenges of creating more accessible and inclusive career paths for disabled assistance dog instructors, hopefully acting as a springboard for future research, and initiating conversation within the assistance dog sector itself, as well. Some disabled individuals may have a disability, or combinations of more than one, which could challenge the welfare and wellbeing of the dogs they educate. Others may have a greater aptitude for educating assistance dogs and offering deeper empathy at times. This paper was inspired by the author’s six years working as a guide dog instructor. It questions what the implications of a disabled trainer’s career might be for the disabled individual, assistance dog, employer, and client.
How to Make the Moment Last?
Authors: Plaetzer Niklas
Published: December 2022

Massimiliano Tomba’s Insurgent Universality traces a global history of revolutionary institution-building as ‘theory in action’, pushing radical democracy beyond an ontology of the political. This contribution aims to clarify the place of ‘insurgent institutions’ in Tomba’s work and suggests that an unresolved tension persists between insurgent universality as popular institutions on the one hand, and as a negative dis-ordering on the other. Exploring the promise and limitations of ‘insurgent institutions’ in light of their durability, its first part reads Insurgent Universality alongside Santi Romano, the legal pluralist whose concept of the institution Tomba adopts. Secondly, the article turns to Hannah Arendt’s understanding of authority and Miguel Abensour’s discussion of ‘insurgent institutions’ as two potentially helpful accounts of democratic practice within durational time. Where Tomba remains focused on constellations between moments of rupture, Arendt and Abensour offer a politically generative understanding of durability specific to radical-democratic institutions.
K.H. Miskotte’s Efforts toward a Renewed Relationship with Judaism
Authors: Reeling Brouwer Rinse H.
Published: December 2022

K.H. Miskotte’s dissertation on The Essence of Judaism (1932) at once involved constructing a phenomenological Wesensschau, preparation for Jewish-Christian encounter, and engagements in intra-Protestant disputes. Around the Second World War, Miskotte’s writings simultaneously showed unconditional solidarity with the persecuted Jewish people and warned against Jewish influences on Protestantism. At the end of his life, Miskotte reflected with distress on the book of Rabbi Ignaz Maybaum, The Face of God after Auschwitz, and he returned to his initial judgment on liberal Judaism.