bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutational landscape of inflammatory breast cancer
Authors: Bertucci François , Lerebours Florence , Ceccarelli Michele , Guille Arnaud , Syed Najeeb , Finetti Pascal , Adélaïde José , Van Laere Steven , Goncalves Anthony , Viens Patrice , Birnbaum Daniel , Mamessier Emilie , Callens Céline , Bedognetti Davide
Published: April 2024

Background

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most pro-metastatic form of BC. Better understanding of its enigmatic pathophysiology is crucial. We report here the largest whole-exome sequencing (WES) study of clinical IBC samples.

Methods

We retrospectively applied WES to 54 untreated IBC primary tumor samples and matched normal DNA. The comparator samples were 102 stage-matched non-IBC samples from TCGA. We compared the somatic mutational profiles, spectra and signatures, copy number alterations (CNAs), HRD and heterogeneity scores, and frequencies of actionable genomic alterations (AGAs) between IBCs and non-IBCs. The comparisons were adjusted for the molecular subtypes.

Results

The number of somatic mutations, TMB, and mutational spectra were not different between IBCs and non-IBCs, and no gene was differentially mutated or showed differential frequency of CNAs. Among the COSMIC signatures, only the age-related signature was more frequent in non-IBCs than in IBCs. We also identified in IBCs two new mutational signatures not associated with any environmental exposure, one of them having been previously related to HIF pathway activation. Overall, the HRD score was not different between both groups, but was higher in TN IBCs than TN non-IBCs. IBCs were less frequently classified as heterogeneous according to heterogeneity H-index than non-IBCs (21% vs 33%), and clonal mutations were more frequent and subclonal mutations less frequent in IBCs. More than 50% of patients with IBC harbored at least one high-level of evidence (LOE) AGA (OncoKB LOE 1–2, ESCAT LOE I–II), similarly to patients with non-IBC.

Conclusions

We provide the largest mutational landscape of IBC. Only a few subtle differences were identified with non-IBCs. The most clinically relevant one was the higher HRD score in TN IBCs than in TN non-IBCs, whereas the most intriguing one was the smaller intratumor heterogeneity of IBCs.
Reconstruction method for massive lateral chest wall sarcoma using titanium plates and mesh: a case report
Authors: Tanaka Shin , Nakata Eiji , Ozaki Toshifumi , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: April 2024

Background

Very large chest wall resections can lead to acute thoracic insufficiency syndrome due to the interdependence of lung expansion and thoracic volume. Chest wall tumor surgeries often encounter complications, with the size of the chest wall defect being a significant predictor. Several methods for large chest wall reconstruction have been described, aiming to provide stability, prevent flail chest, and ensure airtight closure. However, no single method fulfills all requirements. Composite chest wall reconstruction using titanium plates and Gore-Tex patches has shown the potential to minimize physiologic abnormalities caused by extensive defects.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old man with myxofibrosarcoma underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapies, and radiation therapies due to repeated local recurrences. After right arm amputation and resection of the right third to fifth ribs, a local recurrence was detected. A 30 × 40 cm chest wall defect was resected en bloc, and a titanium plate was used for three-dimensional formability, preventing flail chest and volume loss. The Gore-Tex patch was then reconstructed into an arch shape, allowing lateral thoracic mobility. The patient recovered well and did not experience respiratory dysfunction or local recurrence but later succumbed to distant metastasis.

Conclusions

In this case, the combination of a titanium plate and a Gore-Tex patch proved effective for reconstructing massive lateral chest wall defects. The approach provided stability, preserved thoracic volume, and allowed for lateral mobility. While the patient achieved a successful outcome in terms of local recurrence and respiratory function, distant metastasis remained a challenge for myxofibrosarcoma patients, and its impact on long-term prognosis requires further investigation. Nevertheless, the described procedure offers promise for managing extensive chest wall defects.
Complete resection of a giant intrapericardial cardiac synovial sarcoma
Authors: Wang Binyue , Liu Ligang
Published: April 2024

Synovial sarcoma of the heart is a rare tumor. Herein we would like to report a case of giant intrapericardial cardiac synovial sarcoma that originated from the right ventricle and grew outward near the diaphragm. After making adequate preoperative preparation, we performed the surgery as quickly as possible and resected the tumor completely. Based on the identification of the translocation on chromosome 18 rearrangement, the tumor can be diagnosed as a primary cardiac synovial sarcoma. Through this study, we aim to afford more information about cardiac synovial sarcomas as well as a reference for similar cases.
Antithrombotic drug removal with hemoadsorption during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Mair Helmut , Ulrich Stephanie , Rosenzweig Dow , Goeppl Johannes , Jurma Christopher , Vogt Ferdinand , Baumer Benedikt , Vogel Frank , Lamm Peter
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are often loaded with antithrombotic drugs (AT) and are at an increased risk for perioperative bleeding complications. Active AT removal by a hemoadsorption cartridge integrated in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit is increasingly used in this setting to reduce bleeding, and herein we describe the extension of this application in patients on AT undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB).

Methods

Ten patients (80% male; mean age: 67.4 ± 9.2years) were treated with ticagrelor (eight patients), rivaroxaban and ticagrelor (one patient), and rivaroxaban (one patient) prior to OPCAB surgery. AT’s were discontinued one day before surgery in nine patients and on the day of surgery in one patient, and all patients were also on aspirin. The cohort mean EuroSCORE-II was 2.9 ± 1.5%. A hemoadsorption cartridge was integrated into a dialysis device (n=4) or a stand-alone apheresis pump (n=6) periprocedural, for a treatment time of 145 ± 33 min. Outcome measures included bleeding according to Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC)-4 and 24-hour chest-tube-drainage (CTD).

Results

Mean operation time was 184 ± 35 min. All patients received a left internal thoracic artery with a mean of 2.3 ± 0.9 total grafts. One patient had a BARC-4 bleeding event and there were no surgical re-explorations for bleeding. Mean 24-hours CTD was 680 ± 307mL. During follow-up of 19.5 ± 17.0 months, none of the patients died or required further reinterventions. No device-related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Hemoadsorption via a stand-alone apheresis pump during OPCAB surgery was feasible and safe. This innovative and new approach showed favorable bleeding rates in patients on antithrombotic drugs requiring bypass surgery.
ALKBH5 modulates macrophages polarization in tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer
Authors: An Yuanyuan , Duan Hua
Published: April 2024

Background

Macrophages play an essential role in regulating ovarian cancer immune microenvironment. Studies have shown that m6A methylation could influence immune microenvironment in cancer. In this study, we investigated the roles of m6A demethylase ALKBH5 and m6A recognition protein IGF2BP2 played in regulating macrophages polarization in ovarian cancer.

Methods

In this study, we first explored the differentially expressed m6A methylation enzymes in M0 and M2 macrophages according to two independent GEO datasets. TIMER2.0 and GSCA database were used to explore the immune analysis of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 in ovarian cancer. K-M plotter and TIMER2.0 databases were used to evaluate the prognostic role of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 in ovarian cancer. For CNV mutation analysis of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2, cBioPortal and GSCA databases were used. For single-cell analysis, sc-TIME and HPA softwares were used to analyze the roles of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 played in immune cells in ovarian cancer. To identify the role of ALKBH5 played in macrophage polarization, RT-PCR was used to verify the macrophage polarization related markers in vitro study. The function of ALKBH5 played in ovarian cancer was further analyzed through GO and KEGG analysis.

Findings

In this study, we found that ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 were up-regulated in M2 macrophages, which showed closely correlation with immune cells expressions in ovarian cancer, especially with macrophages. Ovarian cancer patients with higher expression of ALKBH5 and IGF2BP2 showed worse prognosis, possibly because of their close correlation with immune response. ALKBH5 also correlated with macrophage phenotypes in single-cell levels analysis. However, the expression level of IGF2BP2 in ovarian cancer immune microenvironment was very low. The results of RT-PCR indicated the potential role of ALKBH5 in M2 polarization of macrophages.

Interpretation

ALKBH5 participated in regulating macrophage M2 polarization in ovarian cancer immune microenvironment.
Library size confounds biology in spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Bhuva Dharmesh D. , Tan Chin Wee , Salim Agus , Marceaux Claire , Pickering Marie A. , Chen Jinjin , Kharbanda Malvika , Jin Xinyi , Liu Ning , Feher Kristen , Putri Givanna , Tilley Wayne D. , Hickey Theresa E. , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Phipson Belinda , Davis Melissa J.
Published: April 2024

Spatial molecular data has transformed the study of disease microenvironments, though, larger datasets pose an analytics challenge prompting the direct adoption of single-cell RNA-sequencing tools including normalization methods. Here, we demonstrate that library size is associated with tissue structure and that normalizing these effects out using commonly applied scRNA-seq normalization methods will negatively affect spatial domain identification. Spatial data should not be specifically corrected for library size prior to analysis, and algorithms designed for scRNA-seq data should be adopted with caution.
A survey of severe asthma in Canada: results from the CASCADE practice reflective program
Authors: Godbout Krystelle , Kim Harold , Mayers Irvin , Paterson James , Chan Charles K. N.
Published: April 2024

Background

Since the last guidance was published by the Canadian Thoracic Society, there have been several advances in the clinical management of severe asthma. To gain a better understanding of the current standards of care and treatment patterns of patients, the CASCADE practice reflective program was established to conduct a real-world analysis of severe asthma management among specialists in Canada with a goal of identifying areas of opportunity to enhance patient management and outcomes.

Methods

The CASCADE program was a two-part practice reflective and assessment program delivered through an on-line portal for selected specialists (Respirologists and Allergists) in Canada. The program consisted of a one-time overview survey of physician practice to establish overall practice parameters, followed by a review of at least 5 severe asthma patients to establish the current landscape of severe asthma management.

Results

The program collected practice overview surveys from 78 specialists (52 Respirologists, 24 Allergists, and 2 General practice physicians with an interest in respiratory disease) in 8 provinces. Practices included a variety of types in both large metropolitan centres and smaller regional settings. There were 503 patients reviewed and included in the program. Most (65%) patients were currently using a biologic treatment, 30% were biologic naive, and 5% had used a biologic treatment in the past. Most patients (53%) were reported to have mixed allergic and eosinophilic phenotypes, despite a perception that allergic, eosinophilic and mixed phenotypes were evenly balanced in the physician practice. Overall, patients currently treated with biologic agents had parameters suggesting higher control and were more satisfied with treatment. However, there was less than optimal treatment satisfaction for more than half of all patients, particularly for those patients not treated with a biologic agent.

Conclusions

Phenotyping is hampered by poor availability for several assessments, and the full range of treatments are not currently fully utilized, partly due to physician familiarity with the agents and partly due to prescribing restrictions. Even when treated with biologic agents, patient satisfaction can still be improved.
Enhancing the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Lodderomyces elongisporus
Authors: Abaza Amera A. , Shetaia Yousseria M. , Sorour Noha M. , El-Sayed Ashraf S. A. , El-Baz Ashraf F.
Published: April 2024

Single-cell oils (SCO) produced by oleaginous yeast hold promise as a sustainable alternative for producing nutritionally and pharmaceutically valuable lipids. However, the accumulation of oils varies substantially between yeast spp. Consequently, identifying well-suited producers with a high innate capacity for lipids biosynthesis is paramount. Equally important is optimizing culturing and processing conditions to realize the total lipids production potential of selected strains. The marine Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Lodderomyces elongisporus yeast were investigated to explore their potential for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) production on high glucose media (HGM) using two-stage culture mode. Both strains accumulated > 20% (w/w) of their dry cell weight as lipids when grown on HGM using a two-stage culture system. Both yeast isolates exhibited a maximal lipid/biomass coefficient (YL/X) of 0.58–0.66 mg/mg at 7 °C and 0.49–0.53 mg/mg at 26 °C when grown on 8% glucose and produced monounsaturated and PUFAs similar to that of Menhaden and Salmon marine oils. For the first time, significant amounts of Eicosapentaenoic acid (19%) and Eicosadienoic acid (19.6%) were produced by L. elongisporus and R. mucilaginosa, respectively. Thus, the SCO derived from these wild strains possesses significant potential as a substitute source for the industrial-scale production of long-chain PUFAs, making them a promising contender in the market.

Graphical Abstract
Contributing factors related to abnormal uterine bleeding in perimenopausal women: a case–control study
Authors: Tian Yuan , Bai Bin , Wang Li , Zhou Zongchang , Tang Jiahui
Published: April 2024

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) during the menopausal transition results in reproductive endocrine disorders and both physiological and pathological changes, substantially impacting women’s health. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing AUB in perimenopausal women. Between April 2021 and June 2022, 120 perimenopausal women with AUB in the menopausal transition, diagnosed and treated at the Gynaecology Department of Kunming Tongren Hospital, were included in the case group. Concurrently, women undergoing routine health examinations at the same hospital were randomly selected as the control group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors related to AUB. The univariate analysis revealed significant associations (P < 0.05) between AUB and several factors, including age, body mass index (BMI), age at menarche, gravidity, and intrauterine device (IUD) placement in perimenopausal women. The multivariate regression analysis indicated that the independent risk factors for AUB include benign endometrial lesions (odds ratio [OR] 5.243, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.082–9.458, P < 0.001), endometrial thickness ≥ 10 mm (OR 1.573, 95% CI 0.984–3.287, P < 0.001), age ≥ 50 years (OR 2.045, 95% CI 1.035–4.762, P = 0.001), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 2.436, 95% CI 1.43–4.86, P = 0.002), and IUD placement (OR 2.458, 95% CI 1.253–4.406, P < 0.001). Abnormal uterine bleeding during the menopausal transition is associated with several factors, including age, BMI, and IUD placement, highlighting the importance of early screening for these risk factors in the diagnosis and treatment of AUB.
Exogenous application of bio-stimulants and growth retardants improve nutrient absorption and fiber quality in upland cotton
Authors: Al-Khayri Jameel M. , Arif Muhammad , Kareem Shadia Hama Salih , Anwar Adeel , Dehghanisanij Hossein , Emami Somayeh , Yasmeen Azra , Aftab Komal , Negm Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Background

Natural and synthetic plant growth regulators are essential for plant health, likewise these regulators also play a role in increasing organic production productivity and improving quality and yield stability. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of foliar applied plant growth regulators, i.e., moringa leaf extract (MLE) and mepiquat chloride (MC) alone and in combination MC and MLE on the conventional cotton cultivar (CIM 573) and transgenic one (CIM 598). The growth regulators were applied at the start of bloom, 45 and 90 days after blooming.

Results

The application of MC and MLE at 90 days after blooming significantly improved the relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, the number of bolls per plant, and seed cotton yield. Likewise, the combined application of MLE and MC at 90 days after blooming significantly boosted the nitrogen uptake in locules, as well as the phosphorus and potassium uptake in the leaves of both cotton cultivars. The application of MLE alone has considerably improved the nitrogen uptake in leaves, and phosphorus and potassium contents in locules of Bt and conventional cotton cultivars. Similarly, Bt cotton treated with MLE at 90 days after blooming produced significantly higher ginning out turn and oil contents. Treatment in combination (MLE + MC) at 90 days after blooming produced considerably higher micronaire value, fiber strength, and staple length in conventional cultivar.

Conclusion

The natural growth enhancer, MLE is a rich source of minerals and zeatin, improving the nutrient absorption and quality of cotton fiber in both conventional and Bt cotton cultivars.
Investigating the effectiveness of using a telemental health approach to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Karbasi Zahra , Eslami Parisa , Sabahi Azam , Zahmatkeshan Maryam
Published: April 2024

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disorder that leads to impairment in various cognitive functions. Telemental health is applied in providing several telemental health and psychiatric services. It can provide health and psychological care, such as counseling, diagnosis, and treatment. Therefore, this study systematically examines the effectiveness of using a telemental health approach to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using the keywords telepsychiatry, telemental health, telemedicine, telehealth, videoconferencing, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and OCD up to November 2023. In addition to searching the mentioned databases, references to related articles were also examined.

Results

In this study, based on the search strategy, we identified 130 articles, 4 duplicate articles were removed, and the title and abstract of 126 articles were reviewed. Considering the selection criteria, 104 articles were excluded and 22 articles were included in the study. In 77.27% of the articles, videoconference telecommunication methods were used for communication. In 8 articles, the participants were children and adolescents. Reviewing these studies indicates mentions concerning the effectiveness of this method in most of them.

Conclusions

In general, telemental health interventions increase access to treatment and can be promising for patients with certain conditions. This systematic review contributes to the expanding literature indicating that delivering CBT through telemental health methods, particularly videoconference-based approaches, is a feasible substitute for in-person treatments.
Habitat suitability modeling of mosquito species in Faiyum Governorate, Egypt, using GIS
Authors: El-Ela Adel. Abdel Hakeem Abo , Mostafa Azza , Ahmed Eman Ali , Nasser Mohamed Gamal ElDin , Al-Ashaal Sara Ahmed , Khalil Abdelwahab
Published: April 2024

Background

The life cycle and geographic range of mosquitoes are profoundly influenced by weather conditions. In Faiyum Governorate, Egypt, researchers looked at over 42 different mosquito breeding areas in the wild. Culex pipiens, Culex antennatus, Culex perexiguus, Culex theileri, Anopheles multicolor, Anopheles sergentii, Ochlerotatus caspius, Culiseta longiareolata, and Uranotaenia unguiculata, were all represented among the collected mosquito larvae. Using Maxent, we identified the most important bioclimatic factors affecting habitat appropriateness for each species. In order to determine the link between a species’ habitat appropriateness and bioclimatic factors, the computer builds response curves for each bioclimatic factor. All species risk maps, species richness maps, and individual species maps were generated with a Software that build interactive web maps (ArcGIS 10.3).

Results

Each mosquito species’ range was impacted by four bioclimatic factors. The most influential factors were those linked to temperature and precipitation. Culex antennatus, Culex perexiguus, Culex pipiens, and Ochlerotatus caspius responded best to temperature-related factors. Precipitation of wettest month (bio 13) was effective in four species (Anopheles multicolor, Culex antennatus, Culex perexiguus, and Culex pipiens).

Conclusion

Areas in the north and west of El-Fayoum district (Zawyat El-Karadsah, Beni-Saleh, and Monshat Abd-Allah), in Tamiya in Kafr Mahfouz, in the south of Abshway, especially in Tobhar, in the north of Atssa, in the south and center of Sinnuris have been identified as high-risk areas and more susceptible to mosquito-borne diseases.
Expression of Bile Acid Receptors and Transporters Along the Intestine of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Controls
Authors: Nerild Henriette H , Gilliam-Vigh Hannah , Ellegaard Anne-Marie , Forman Julie L , Vilsbøll Tina , Sonne David P , Brønden Andreas , Knop Filip K
Published: April 2024

Context

The enterohepatic circulation of bile acids depends on intestinal absorption by bile acid transporters and activation of bile acid receptors, which stimulates secretion of hormones regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and appetite. Distribution of bile acid transporters and receptors in the human gut and their potential involvement in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathophysiology remain unknown.

Objective

We explored the expression of genes involved in bile acid metabolism throughout the intestines of patients with T2D and matched healthy controls.

Methods

Intestinal mucosa biopsies sampled along the intestinal tract in 12 individuals with T2D and 12 healthy controls underwent messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing. We report expression profiles of apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), organic solute transporter (OST) α/β, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), Takeda G receptor 5 (TGR5), fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), and FGF receptor 4 (FGFR4).

Results

Expression of ASBT and OSTα/β was evident in the duodenum of both groups with increasing levels through the small intestine, and no (ASBT) or decreasing levels (OSTα/β) through the large intestine. The FXR expression pattern followed that of OSTα/β whereas FGFR4 was evenly expressed through the intestines. Negligible levels of TGR5 and FGF19 were evident. Patients with T2D exhibited lower levels of FGF19, FXR, ASBT, and OSTα/β mRNAs compared with healthy controls, although the differences were not statistically significant after adjusting for multiple testing.

Conclusion

We demonstrate distinct expression patterns of bile acid transporters and receptors through the intestinal tract with signs of reduced ASBT, OSTα/β, FXR, and FGF19 mRNAs in T2D.
Captivity affects mitochondrial aerobic respiration and carotenoid metabolism in the house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Authors: Koch Rebecca E. , Okegbe Chidimma , Ramanathan Chidambaram , Zhu Xinyu , Hare Ethan , Toomey Matthew B. , Hill Geoffrey E. , Zhang Yufeng
Published: April 2024

In many species of animals, red carotenoid-based coloration is produced by metabolizing yellow dietary pigments, and this red ornamentation can be an honest signal of individual quality. However, the physiological basis for associations between organism function and the metabolism of red ornamental carotenoids from yellow dietary carotenoids remains uncertain. A recent hypothesis posits that carotenoid metabolism depends on mitochondrial performance, with diminished red coloration resulting from altered mitochondrial aerobic respiration. To test for an association between mitochondrial respiration and red carotenoids, we held wild-caught, molting male house finches in either small bird cages or large flight cages to create environmental challenges during the period when red ornamental coloration is produced. We predicted that small cages would present a less favorable environment than large flight cages and that captivity itself would decrease both mitochondrial performance and the abundance of red carotenoids compared with free-living birds. We found that captive-held birds circulated fewer red carotenoids, showed increased mitochondrial respiratory rates, and had lower complex II respiratory control ratios – a metric associated with mitochondrial efficiency – compared with free-living birds, though we did not detect a difference in the effects of small cages versus large cages. Among captive individuals, the birds that circulated the highest concentrations of red carotenoids had the highest mitochondrial respiratory control ratio for complex II substrate. These data support the hypothesis that the metabolism of red carotenoid pigments is linked to mitochondrial aerobic respiration in the house finch, but the mechanisms for this association remain to be established.
Οικειοποιήσεις και αναστοχασμοί στον τουρισμό
Authors: Γιωλτζόγλου Πωλίνα-Παρθένα
Published: April 2024

Στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας ανθρωπολογικής έρευνας εξετάζονται σε μικρο-/μακρο-επίπεδο οι διαδικασίες εκείνες που διαμορφώνουν και επηρεάζουν τον τρόπο με τον οποίο συγκροτείται η σύγχρονη εμπειρία του τουρισμού, μέσα στις πολιτικές του καθημερινού βίου (De Certeau: [1980] 1984). Σκοπός της διατριβής είναι να διερευνήσει πτυχές του τουριστικού φαινομένου στο Εθνικό Πάρκο Πρεσπών, όπως αυτές εκφράζονται από τις ρευστές και υπό συνεχή διαπραγμάτευση αντιλήψεις και από τις καθημερινές πρακτικές των κατοίκων της περιοχής. Από την ανακήρυξή του έως σήμερα, το νομοθετικό και κανονιστικό πλαίσιο που διέπει το Εθνικό Πάρκο ορίζει και οριοθετεί την ανθρώπινη δραστηριότητα και ταυτόχρονα υποδεικνύει τι αξίζει να προστατεύεται εντός της περιφέρειάς του. Στο επίκεντρο της έρευνας βρίσκεται καταρχήν η ανάλυση των λόγων, κυρίαρχων και μη, για τη διαχείριση της εμπειρίας του τουρισμού μέσα σε μία προστατευόμενη περιοχή. Αναζητούνται οι τρόποι, με τους οποίους οι λόγοι αυτοί καταναλώνουν, ανακατασκευάζουν, οικειοποιούνται και νοηματοδοτούν αφηγήματα για (i) την εικόνα του εαυτού και της κοινότητας, (ii) τη σχέση του ανθρώπου με τη φύση και (iii) το ατομικό και συλλογικό όραμα για οικονομική ευημερία της περιοχής. Παράλληλα, γίνεται προσπάθεια ερμηνείας της συνεχούς διαπραγμάτευσής τους από τους ίδιους τους κατοίκους, μέσα από το πρίσμα του χρόνου, του χώρου και της ενδημικότητας. Η παρούσα έρευνα τοποθετείται στο ευρύτερο πλαίσιο της κοινωνικής ανθρωπολογίας, δανειζόμενη όμως τόσο από την ανθρωπολογία του περιβάλλοντος όσο και από συγγενικά της πεδία, όπως εκείνο του υλικού πολιτισμού. Τόσο η έρευνα όσο και η μεθοδολογία και συγγραφή της παρούσας διατριβής είναι αυτοαναφορική/αυτοβιογραφική, σε μεγάλο βαθμό. Συνομιλούν με προσωπικά βιώματα, όπως η εργασία μου στον τουρισμό αλλά και η μακροχρόνια διαμονή σε τόπους - τουριστικούς προορισμούς. Το εννοιολογικό και θεωρητικό πλαίσιο, από το οποίο αντλεί η έρευνα, εκκινεί αφετηριακά από έννοιες, όπως εκείνη των «λανθασμένων εμπορευμάτων» του Polanyi (2007) και από την ανάλυση για «τις αντιλήψεις του ανθρώπου για το περιβάλλον» του Ingold (2016). Θεωρήσεις που ασκούν κριτική στις κλασικές ερμηνείες της κατανάλωσης, της εμπορευματοποίησης και της οικονομίας της αγοράς και που με έναν τρόπο αμφισβητούν τη μετάβαση στη «νεωτερικότητα». Με βασικό μεθοδολογικό εργαλείο την εθνογραφική έρευνα, με συμμετοχική παρατήρηση, στόχος της διατριβής είναι να προσφέρει ένα αναλυτικό πλαίσιο, μέσα από το οποίο η εμπειρία του τουρισμού στο Εθνικό Πάρκο Πρεσπών προσεγγίζεται σε σχέση με τα κυρίαρχα αφηγήματα του τουρισμού στην Ελλάδα και τις νέες «τουριστικές» ταυτότητες που αναδύονται. Παράλληλα συνδιαλέγεται με ζητήματα βιώσιμης ανάπτυξης, περιφερειακών ανισοτήτων, οικολογίας και προστασίας περιοχών υψηλού πολιτισμικού και οικολογικού ενδιαφέροντος.
Analysis of urban rail transport networks in case of disruption
Authors: Κοψιδάς Αθανάσιος
Published: April 2024

Οι Αστικές Συγκοινωνίες (ΑΣ) και δη τα Μέσα Σταθερής Τροχιάς (ΜΣΤ) είναι αναπόσπαστο μέρος του σύγχρονου αστικού περιβάλλοντος, με τα δεύτερα να αποτελούν τον πυρήνα των μέσων μαζικής μεταφοράς, διευκολύνοντας τις καθημερινές μετακινήσεις αναρίθμητων πολιτών. Καθώς ενδεχόμενες διαταραχές στην εύρυθμη λειτουργία των ΜΣΤ μπορεί να έχουν σημαντικό αντίκτυπο στις ΑΣ εν συνόλω, η ενδελεχής ανάλυση της τρωτότητάς τους είναι κρίσιμη για την αποτελεσματική διαχείριση των συστημάτων σε καταστάσεις εκτάκτων συνθηκών και τον μετριασμό πιθανών αρνητικών επιπτώσεων. Στην παρούσα Διδακτορική Διατριβή αξιοποιείται η Θεωρία Σύνθετων Δικτύων για την ανάπτυξη ενός μεθοδολογικού πλαισίου με απώτερο στόχο την ανάλυση της ευπάθειας των ΜΣΤ. Το πλαίσιο αυτό βασίζεται στη θεμελιώδη θεώρηση της συνέργειας μεταξύ ΜΣΤ και λοιπών ΑΣ, οι οποίες μπορεί να υποστηρίζουν ή να υποκαθιστούν τα πρώτα σε καταστάσεις εκτάκτων συνθηκών. Το ερευνητικό έργο που πραγματεύεται η παρούσα Διατριβή εστιάζεται σε τρεις βασικούς πυλώνες: α) κρίσιμους σταθμούς, β) επιβατικές ροές, και γ) δυνατότητες υποκατάστασης των ΜΣΤ. Αρχικά, αναπτύσσεται μεθοδολογία εντοπισμού κρίσιμων σταθμών ΜΣΤ μέσω κατάλληλης ανάλυσης δικτύων και στατιστικής ανάλυσης, ενώ επίσης διακρίνονται διαφορετικές πηγές της κρισιμότητάς τους. Μετέπειτα, διερευνάται η συσχέτιση των επιβατικών ροών με χαρακτηριστικά του δικτύου, μέσω της ανάπτυξης οικονομετρικών μοντέλων πρόβλεψης για την κατανομή των ροών αυτών, με χρήση μετρικών του δικτύου ως ανεξάρτητες μεταβλητές. Επιπρόσθετα, αναπτύσσεται πρότυπο των δυνατοτήτων υποκατάστασης των ΜΣΤ ως ένα δίκτυο εναλλακτικών μέσων, με βάση το οποίο μπορεί να επιτευχθεί ο εντοπισμός σημαντικών στοιχείων υποκατάστασης, η αξιολόγηση της ευρωστίας του δικτύου, καθώς και η αναγνώριση αποτελεσματικών στρατηγικών για την ενίσχυση της ευρωστίας αυτής. Τελικώς, το σύνολο των αναπτυχθέντων μεθοδολογιών στο πλαίσιο της Διατριβής εφαρμόζεται σε πραγματικό δίκτυο ΑΣ, για την αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητάς τους και την εξαγωγή χρήσιμων συμπερασμάτων σχετικά με τη λειτουργία των δικτύων αυτών. Τα ευρήματα της Διδακτορικής Διατριβής αναμένεται να παρέχουν πολύτιμη πληροφόρηση στους Φορείς λειτουργίας ΑΣ σχετικά με την ευπάθεια των ΜΣΤ, και ως εκ τούτου, να υποστηρίξουν προληπτικές ενέργειες με στόχο την αποτελεσματική διαχείριση εκτάκτων συνθηκών.
The impact of eating disorders on glaucoma
Authors: Kawka Jakub , Baranowska Alicja , Baranowska Katarzyna , Czyżewski Filip , Filipek Kinga , Muciek Michał , Mrugała Sebastian , Mrugała Waldemar , Skierkowski Bartosz , Zalewska Natalia
Published: April 2024

Glaucoma is a group of progressive neuropathies of the optic nerve leading to the destructionof retinal ganglion cells and their axons. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindnessworldwide, affecting over 70 million people residing in various geographical regions. Thisdisease ranks second among the causes of blindness in patients. Up to 40% of them lose theirvision within the first year of diagnosis.(1) The most common type of glaucoma affectingophthalmic patients is open-angle glaucoma, in which the iridocorneal angle is notpathologically altered, but there is an elevation of intraocular pressure due to abnormal fluidflow within the eye. The main cause of this disease is obstruction of aqueous humor outflowfrom the eye and its excessive production. Although the exact mechanism of glaucoma is notfully understood yet, several risk factors have been identified, including high intraocularpressure (IOP), age, and genetics.
Materials and Methods: Review and summary of research studies available in open-sourceformat on Google Scholar, PubMed.Conclusions: There is ample evidence confirming the impact of food products on the risk ofdeveloping glaucoma or exacerbating its symptoms. However, further research is necessary todetermine the extent of their interference with this disease entity.
Juridificación y penalidad: límites del discurso internacional de los derechos humanos en materia de violencia contra las mujeres
Authors: Tapia Tapia Silvana , Espinoza Álvarez Marianela , Tapia Tapia Genaro
Published: April 2024

Este artículo presenta un análisis crítico de discurso aplicado a dos sistemas internacionales de derechos humanos (DDHH) en el ámbito de la violencia contra las mujeres (VCM). Se analizaron cualitativamente convenciones, jurisprudencia y materiales comunicacionales de organismos europeos e interamericanos. Los resultados sugieren una “juridificación” de las respuestas a la VCM y revelan cómo se constituye una penalidad basada en DDHH. Este modelo le atribuye múltiples virtudes a la respuesta penal, caracterizando su activación como diligencia debida. Tal paradigma tiende a marginar las experiencias de las víctimas/sobrevivientes, soslaya la violencia que ejerce el aparato penal y debilita posibles enfoques redistributivos, basados en derechos económicos y sociales. Se sugiere que estos se profundicen en una futura agenda de investigación.
Cardiac sarcoidosis presenting as sustained ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Cotrim Nuno , Andrade Beatriz Vargas , Antunes Sofia Carralas , Rodrigues Miguel , Rosa Sílvia Aguiar , Peres Marisa , Martins Vítor
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Sarcoidosis has many possible clinical presentations since it can affect any organ, most commonly the lungs. The hallmark of the disease consists of the formation of non-necrotising granulomas. Pathogenesis is thought to rely on the interplay of genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors. This case highlights the importance of a thorough clinical history and physical examination, and the correlation with imaging findings in the diagnostic work-up of the non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Case description: A 57-year-old woman was admitted due to the sudden onset of malaise, dizziness, and chest discomfort. Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was evidenced and the patient rapidly evolved with haemodynamic instability; she underwent successful electrical cardioversion. The electrocardiogram afterwards showed a high-risk electrocardiographic pattern. Invasive coronary angiography excluded obstructive epicardial coronary lesions. Physical examination revealed skin lesions on the lower limbs which raised suspicion for erythema nodosum and therefore a biopsy was performed. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed features consistent with an inflammatory cardiomyopathy, and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed. The histologic examination of the cutaneous lesions showed a non-necrotising granulomatous inflammatory process. Radionuclide imaging was inconclusive. The patient underwent an endomyocardial biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis with cardiac involvement. Conclusions: Systemic sarcoidosis with cardiac involvement is a challenging diagnosis. The role of imaging techniques such as transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide imaging is essential in raising suspicion and diagnosing this pathology. Endomyocardial biopsy is the ‘gold standard’ for its diagnosis; however, it has a low diagnostic yield.
ANÁLISE DE SITUAÇÃO DE SAÚDE DO MUNICÍPIO DE CRICIÚMA/SC UTILIZANDO INDICADORES DO PREVINE BRASIL
Authors: Zaneripe de Souza Nunes Rafael , Gonçalves de Lima João Natan , Oliveira Cardoso Maria Eduarda , Bauer Torriani Marcos , Monteiro Bettiol Leticia , Fernandes Gabriel Filipe , Bisognin Ceretta Luciane , Tuon Lisiane
Published: April 2024

Introdução: A Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) possui como objetivo um atendimento integral, humanizado e de qualidade, sempre atenta às mudanças epidemiológicas e sociodemográficas da população. Diante da importância de conhecer o estado de saúde da população, o presente estudo baseou-se nos indicadores estipulados pelo Programa Previne Brasil, para avaliar a atual situação de saúde nas unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) de um município do extremo sul catarinense. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo e exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa. Para a coleta de dados, foram construídos um conjunto de questionários que abordavam os aspectos presentes no Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ) e no Programa Previne Brasil. Resultados: Foram consideradas elegíveis para a pesquisa 44 unidades básicas de saúde, e participaram da pesquisa 179 usuários e 45 profissionais de saúde. Conclusões: Destaca-se que a maior parte das unidades participantes da pesquisa contemplaram os sete indicadores do programa, no entanto, salienta-se que os serviços de saúde do município ainda estão em processo de adaptação aos novos indicadores de saúde, evidenciado nos percentuais encontrados em relação à vacina Haemophilus Influenzae (HIB), adicionada recentemente ao Programa Previne Brasil.
Bioethics as a Dynamic Issue: Holistic Approaches to
Understanding and Applying Ethics to Study Design
Authors: Winful Taiye
Published: April 2024

Anthropologists have challenged bioethicists to incorporate more holistic approaches to applying ethics
in real-world situations. Where bioethicists tend to use systematic philosophical approaches to moral
dilemmas, anthropologists apply malleable approaches designed to be responsive to variable cultural
contexts. For example, in decision making anthropologists emphasize the importance of community
and the effects of social issues, political economy, and cultural tradition. This difference in approaches
contributes to the contentious relationship between anthropologists and bioethicists. Despite nuanced
perspectives, anthropologists have not enjoyed a durable role in shaping contemporary bioethics. This
lack of nuance becomes problematic when researchers attempt to reconcile ethical issues against a
rigid standard of morality, rather than what Patricia Marshall defines as a “culturally constituted and
continually evolving” process. Reflecting on the institutional review board (IRB) review of the author’s
work with African descendants in the United States and Nigeria, this discussion covers the importance
of conceptualizing bioethics as a dynamic issue, especially when working with communities abroad.
Comparing these review processes reveals the organizational structures, influenced by culture and
society, that impact decision making in respective communities. This contribution to the special issue
suggests that a focus on how IRB reviews are done can also offer insights and contextualization into
community decision making. Within a cross-cultural setting, considerations of the IRB review processes
can lead to more informed conversations on bioethics and can aid researchers in applying more holistic
approaches to study design.
Dimensional Changes in the Skulls of Ancient Children with
Age in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Haijun , Zhou Jing , Zhao Yujie , Chen Feng , Zhang Hailong , Fu Chang , Wang Bo , Xiao Xiaoyong
Published: April 2024

Many scholars have conducted research on the growth patterns of children’s skulls in terms of skull
size, head circumference, cranial cavity volume, and so forth. This study compared and analyzed 20
skull measurement indexes of different ages from skulls of 38 children (aged 2–15 years) and 87 adult
females (20–40 years) at the Zaghunluq cemetery in Xinjiang, China, to determine how the size of ancient
children’s skulls changed with age. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences between
the six age groups (2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–11, 12–15 years, and adults [20–40 years]) in terms of metrical cranial
traits, cranial area, and cranial cavity volume. Results indicate that the skull kept growing from ages 3–5,
12–15, and adults, implying that the skull sizes of ancient children in Xinjiang continued to increase with
age. In addition, the study revealed that children aged 12–15 had skulls that were significantly smaller
than those of adults. This finding showed that the skulls of ancient children in Xinjiang were not fully
developed at the age of 15. Notably, differences existed between age groups in both developmental traits
of the cranium and the rates at which the skull changed.
The Interaction of Domestic Politics with the Foreign Relations of Chad: A Geopolitically Important State on the Periphery of the Middle East–North Africa Region
Authors: Bishku Michael B.
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Chad is a very poor country due to historical and geographic circumstances as well as excessive corruption. Yet, despite these problems, it has been considered to be strategically important since the Cold War to the big powers as well as countries close by in the Middle East. Chad's leaders have faced continued internal opposition as well as periodic external interventions from Libya and Sudan, have even used those neighbouring countries as bases and/or sources of support to achieve power or to hold on to it. Events that affected Libya and Sudan have raised security concerns for Egypt. Unlike other states in the Sahel region Chad has not faced severe security threats from jihadi groups; nevertheless, since the 1990s Chad's leadership has made use of those situations in neighbouring countries to solicit aid from outside powers such as France and the United States, despite the fact that historically internal opposition has been due to regional, ethnic or interpersonal rivalries.
The Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics in the Middle East: Qatar's Strategic Moment
Authors: Monshipouri Mahmood , Motameni Ahmad
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Accustomed to making tough strategic choices, Qatari leaders find themselves in the middle of yet another strategic moment, as the region has seen a new round of Israel–Hamas conflict following Hamas's attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. As a close US ally, as well as home to senior Hamas leaders in exile, such as Ismail Haniyeh and Khalid Mashaal, Qatar is best positioned both to act as leverage on Hamas and to play a mediating role with Israel with regard to the release of hostages [and detainees] held in both Gaza and Israel. At the regional level, the real question swirling around Doha is: will Qatar explore further strategic cooperation with Beijing to the detriment of its extensive security ties with Washington in the face of dormant or dwindling US economic and political power in the Middle East and North Africa? The answer to this question is a resounding 'No'. Taking a two-track approach, Qatar continues to seek an equilibrium between the future of its economy, which is largely oriented towards China, and the country's security and stability, which is rooted upon its strategic dependence on the US. This essay's key takeaway is that contrary to the prevailing view that the US–Qatari relationship is likely to encounter setbacks, this strategic partnership has indeed been strengthened and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.
Voiceprint and position information detection of non-cooperative ship with Φ-OTDR and suspended sensitized optical cable
Authors: Liu Yifan , Li Chao , Chen Yici , Wang Zhaoyong , Wu Bingyan , Wu Jinyi , Chen Boqi , Yang Huayong , Gao Kan , Ye Qing , Qu Ronghui
Published: April 2024

Target detection is significant in many fields, including oceanic security, marine ecology, etc. In this paper, phase sensitive optical time domain reflectometry (Φ-OTDR) is introduced for the non-cooperative ship detection, with large-scale diversity technology and suspended sensitized optical cable. In outfield experiments, the ship’s voiceprint information is obtained in high fidelity, the ship’s power spectrum is analyzed, and the over-top detection is achieved. Moreover, an array orientation method based on adaptive phase difference correction (APDC) is proposed to track the ship, suppressing the delay jitter influence of acoustic transmission underwater. This is the first time that voiceprint information of the non-cooperative ship is high-fidelity acquired and deeply analyzed with Φ-OTDR and suspended sensitized optical cable, which is conducive to the detection and identification of marine targets, and proves the potential of Φ-OTDR in hydroacoustic detection applications.
Effects of system parameters on a single-beam synthetic gradiometer with a dual-cell structure
Authors: Wu Zinan , Zhang Jialong , Wei Chen , Ou Zhonghua , Yue Huimin , Cheng Chunyue , Liu Yong
Published: April 2024

We report a single-beam synthetic gradiometer operated in the spin-exchange-relaxation free (SERF) regime, using the structure of two separate atomic vapor cells spaced 2 cm apart. To improve the capability of the gradiometer in suppressing the common-mode magnetic field noise, we are aiming at investigating the effects of the system parameters on the gradiometer common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR). The mathematical expression for the relationship between the gradiometer CMRR and the two variables including the linewidth ratio and the pumping factor ratio is constructed for the first time, to our knowledge. This means that the CMRR can be optimized by controlling the linewidth and the pumping factor, which is easy to implement in the operation process. As a result, a CMRR of 246 is achieved and a gradiometer sensitivity of 4.5 fT/cm/Hz1/2 is also measured. This method provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the automated operation of gradiometers, and the gradiometer system performance can be tuned to a desired state by simply controlling the linewidth and the incident light intensity.
Research on the Modeling Technique of Infrared Radiation Scaling Law for Rocket Engine Exhaust Plumes
Authors: Sun Yiqiang , Niu Qinglin , Zhu Tanxiao , Zhang Guanglu , He Zhi-Hong , Dong Shi-Kui
Published: April 2024

The complexity of the rocket motor exhaust plume radiation phenomenon, along with the influence of numerous parameters and implicit propagation, makes the theoretical simulation calculations expensive. This hinders design optimization, parameter identification, and other studies. Hence, it is crucial to establish the direct correlation between thrust, velocity, altitude, detection angle, and plume radiation in engineering.
The paper proposes a scaling law modeling approach for predicting plume infrared radiation from liquid oxygen (LOX)/kerosene rocket engines to solve the difficulties of quick prediction and lack of explicit models. An explicit scaling law model with four parameters is developed by utilizing the e-exponential scaling law to relate plume radiance to flight velocity, the power scaling law to relate plume radiance to vacuum thrust, and the sinusoidal scaling law to relate plume radiance to detection angle. This model employs a decoupled modeling approach for plume radiance, flight altitude, flight velocity, vacuum thrust, and detection angle. A fast prediction method for the LOX/kerosene rocket engine plume in the altitude range of 11~61 km is achieved. The theoretical simulation test shows the relative error of the velocity-scaling law in predicting the radiance of the RD-180 template engine during the Atlas III flight trajectory is less than 20%. The radiance of the RD-170 and RD-191 rocket engines is predicted using the thrust-scaling law based on the radiance of the RD-180 template engine exhaust plume. The radiance of the exhaust plume from the RD-170 and RD-191 rocket motors is estimated using the thrust-scaling law with an accuracy of under 15%. Subsequently, the radiance of these two motors at detection angles between 10° and 170° is predicted using the angle-scaling with a relative error of less than 35%.