bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction superior to the standard technique? An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Zhang Yunsong , Xiao Xiangyu , Deng Wei , Wang Jianyu , Gao Hongwei , Han Jicheng
Published: November 2023

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is a common knee joint injury. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a common surgical treatment to treat anterior cruciate ligament injury. It may have certain advantages to retain the ligament stump during the operation, but the results of systematic evaluation on whether to retain the ligament stump are different. The conclusion is still controversial, and the quality needs to be strictly evaluated.

Objective

To evaluate the methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality and evidence quality of the systematic review of remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and to provide reference for clinical work.

Methods

We systematically searched the system evaluations in 8 electronic databases, the languages were limited to Chinese and English, and the time limit was from the establishment of the database to June 2023. Two reviewers independently screened literature and extracted data. The methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality and quality of evidence were evaluated by AMSTAR-2, ROBIS, PRISMA and GRADE tools.

Results

A total of 14 systematic reviews were included. The evaluation of results showed that the methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was relatively low, of which 5 were low quality and 9 were critically low quality. A small number of systematic reviews were low risk of bias. The system evaluation reports are relatively complete, but the lack of program registration is a common problem. A total of 111 pieces of clinical evidence were extracted from the included 14 systematic reviews. The quality of evidence was generally low, with only 7 pieces of high-quality evidence, 45 pieces of medium-quality evidence, and the rest were low and very low-quality evidence. Among the reasons for relegation, imprecision is the most common, followed by inconsistency and indirectness. The existing evidence shows that patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with remnant preservation have certain advantages in knee joint function, joint stability and proprioception recovery, which may be a more effective surgical method. However, it may also increase the incidence of postoperative complications and adverse reactions.

Conclusion

Compared with Standard Technique, Remnant Preservation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction has more advantages in restoring joint function and stability and proprioception. But the potential risks should also be considered by surgeons. At present, the quality of evidence is generally low, and the reliability of the conclusion is insufficient. It still needs to be verified and further in-depth research is needed.
Comparison of pain intensity and impacts on oral health-related quality of life between orthodontic patients treated with clear aligners and fixed appliances: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Qiuying , Du Yugui , Yang Kai
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to compare the pain intensity and impacts on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between orthodontic patients treated with clear aligners (CAs) and fixed appliances (FAs).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted up to December 2022 using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective non-randomized controlled trials (non-RCTs) comparing pain intensity or OHRQoL between patients treated with CAs and FAs were included. The risk of bias (RoB) of individual studies was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB tool 2.0 and ROBINS-I tool for RCTs and non-RCTs, respectively. Further, meta-analyses were separately conducted for each included study using the total oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 and visual analog scale (VAS) scores to evaluate OHRQoL and pain intensity, respectively.

Results

Overall, 12 studies (5 RCTs and 7 non-RCTs) were included in the study. Subgroup analyses conducted according to the total OHIP-14 scores revealed that patients treated with CAs had higher OHRQoL at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months of the treatment. Meanwhile, subgroup analyses conducted according to the VAS scores revealed that pain levels were lower in the CA group only at 3 and 4 days of the treatment.

Conclusions

Patients treated with clear aligners had higher OHRQoL than those treated with fixed appliances during orthodontic treatment. However, OHRQoL appeared to be similar between the two groups at the end of the treatment. Moreover, patients treated with clear aligners experienced lesser pain than those treated with fixed appliances on the third and fourth day after the initial treatment. The difference in pain intensity between the two treatment modalities was not noted at other time points.
The impacts of patient mistreatment on healthcare workers’ role behaviors: a study in Chinese Fangcang shelter hospitals
Authors: Yan Wei , Bao Na , Zheng Shuangjiang , Wang Huan , Yue Dongmei , Chen Li
Published: November 2023

Background

Fangcang shelter hospitals have played an important role in the battle against the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Patients’ verbal and physical attacks on medical workforce are prone to occur in such hospitals. This study explored the impacts of patient mistreatment on healthcare workers’ role behaviors (service performance and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior).

Methods

We examined the influence of patient mistreatment on service performance and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior, as well as the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and the moderating effect of displaced aggression by patients, using hierarchical linear regression and conditional process analysis.

Results

Patient mistreatment was positively associated with emotional exhaustion among healthcare workers, while emotional exhaustion was negatively associated with service performance and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior. Mediation analysis revealed that emotional exhaustion mediated the association between patient mistreatment and both types of role behaviors. Moderated mediation analysis found that the mediation effect was weaker when the displaced aggression by patients was high.

Conclusions

The findings clarified the relationship among patient mistreatment, emotional exhaustion, service performance, and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior. Additional assistance should be provided to healthcare workers dealing with patient mistreatment. Displaced aggression by patients attenuates the positive effects of patient mistreatment on the emotional exhaustion of healthcare workers. Our findings reveal the mechanism and boundary conditions of patient mistreatment affecting healthcare workers' service performance and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior.
Incorporation of L-Carnitine in the OvSynch protocol enhances the morphometrical and hemodynamic parameters of the ovarian structures and uterus in ewes under summer climatic conditions
Authors: Samir Haney , Swelum Ayman A. , Abdelnaby Elshymaa A. , El-Sherbiny Hossam R.
Published: November 2023

Heat stress negatively impacts the reproductive performance of sheep including the efficiency of estrous synchronization regimens. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of L-Carnitine (LC) administration on the efficacy of the OvSynch protocol in ewes under summer climatic conditions. Ewes were synchronized for estrus using the OvSynch protocol and a dose of LC (20 mg/kg body weight) was intravenously (IV) administered on the same day of PGF2α injection to one group (n = 8; LC group), while other ewes (n = 8; control group) received the same protocol without LC. Ultrasonographic evaluation (including B-mode, color, and pulsed Doppler) was used to assess the morphometrical and hemodynamic parameters of ovarian structures [number, size, and blood flow of follicles (GFs) and corpora lutea (CLs)] and uterus during the estrous phase (Day 0), and on Day 8 post ovulation (luteal phase). Uterine artery blood flow (MUA) was assessed by measuring the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) at both stages. The serum samples were collected to measure the concentrations of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using commercial kits. Results revealed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the colored pixel area of GFs and uterus in the LC group (392.84 ± 31.86 and 712.50 ± 46.88, respectively) compared to the control one (226.25 ± 17.74 and 322 ± 18.78, respectively) during Day 0. Circulating E2 and TAC levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the LC-treated ewes (31.45 ± 1.53 pg/ml and 1.80 ± 0.13 mM/L, respectively) compared to those in the control ewes (21.20 ± 1.30 pg/ml and 0.98 ± 0.09 mM/L, respectively) during Day 0. Moreover, LC improved the colored pixel area of CLs (2038.14 ± 102.94 versus 1098 ± 82.39) and uterus (256.38 ± 39.28 versus 121.75 ± 11.36) and circulating P4 (2.99 ± 0.26 ng/ml versus1.67 ± 0.15 ng/ml) on Day 8. Values of RI of MUA were significantly lower in the LC group compared to the control one on Day 0 and Day 8 (0.48 ± 0.03 versus 0.72 ± 0.03 and 0.58 ± 0.03 versus 0.78 ± 0.02, respectively). In conclusion, LC incorporation in the OvSynch protocol enhanced the morphometrical and hemodynamic parameters of the ovarian structures and the uterus concomitantly with improvements in the TAC, E2, and P4 concentrations in ewes under hot summer conditions.
Neutralization of extracellular histones by sodium-Β-O-methyl cellobioside sulfate in septic shock
Authors: Garcia Bruno , Su Fuhong , Dewachter Laurence , Wang Yong , Li Ning , Remmelink Myriam , Eycken Marie Van , Khaldi Amina , Favory Raphaël , Herpain Antoine , Moreau Anthony , Moiroux-Sahraoui Alexander , Manicone Francesca , Annoni Filippo , Shi Lin , Vincent Jean-Louis , Creteur Jacques , Taccone Fabio S.
Published: November 2023

Background

Extracellular histones have been associated with severity and outcome in sepsis. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of sodium-β-O-Methyl cellobioside sulfate (mCBS), a histone-neutralizing polyanion, on the severity and outcome of sepsis in an experimental model.

Methods

This randomized placebo-controlled experimental study was performed in 24 mechanically ventilated female sheep. Sepsis was induced by fecal peritonitis. Animals were randomized to three groups: control, early treatment, and late treatment (n = 8 each). mCBS was given as a bolus (1 mg/kg) followed by a continuous infusion (1 mg/kg/h) just after sepsis induction in the early treatment group, and 4 h later in the late treatment group. Fluid administration and antimicrobial therapy were initiated 4 h T4 after feces injection, peritoneal lavage performed, and a norepinephrine infusion titrated to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) between 65–75 mmHg. The experiment was blinded and lasted maximum 24 h.

Results

During the first 4 h, MAP remained > 65 mmHg in the early treatment group but decreased significantly in the others (p < 0.01 for interaction, median value at T4: (79 [70–90] mmHg for early treatment, 57 [70–90] mmHg for late treatment, and 55 [49–60] mmHg for the control group). mCBS-treated animals required significantly less norepinephrine to maintain MAP than controls (p < 0.01 for interaction) and had lower creatinine (p < 0.01), lactate (p < 0.01), and interleukin-6 (p < 0.01) levels, associated with reduced changes in H3.1 nucleosome levels (p = 0.02). Early treatment was associated with lower norepinephrine requirements than later treatment. Two control animals died; all the mCBS-treated animals survived.

Conclusions

Neutralization of extracellular histones with mCBS was associated with reduced norepinephrine requirements, improved tissue perfusion, less renal dysfunction, and lower circulating IL-6 in experimental septic shock and may represent a new therapeutic approach to be tested in clinical trials.
Does listening to audiobooks affect gait behavior?
Authors: Atakanova Aisuluu , Laurentius Thea , Bollheimer Cornelius , Hildebrand Frank , Siebers Hannah Lena
Published: November 2023

Background

The effect of listening to audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio files while walking on gait performance has not been well studied. Although the number of audio users is growing annually. Evidence suggests that a posture-first strategy contributes to gait stability in healthy individuals during dual-task conditions, but this effect may be diminished when the cognitive task is consciously prioritized. Objectives: To study the effect of listening to an audiobook while walking, as a daily life-like dual-task, on spatiotemporal gait parameters.

Methods

Forty young healthy (24.05 ± 3.66) subjects participated in the study. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured for 5 min on a treadmill once without (single-task) and once while listening to an audiobook through over-ear headphones (dual-task). Measured parameters included spatiotemporal parameters, gait phases, maximum pressure, and dual-task cost. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

There were no significant differences in any of the studied parameters between the single- and dual-task conditions, even though the subjective cognitive load of listening to audiobooks while walking was high. However, participants with different habits had significant differences in gait phases and maximum pressure. Rare listeners had a shorter stance phase, a longer swing phase, and a higher maximum pressure on the dominant heel. They also had significant differences in dual-task costs.

Conclusion

No differences in the spatiotemporal gait parameters for walking with and without listening to audiobooks, as a daily life-like dual-task, were observed. However, the difference between participants who listened rarely and participants who listened often may confirm the “posture first” strategy in young healthy people.

Trial registration

DRKS00025837, retrospectively registered on 23.11.2021.
Diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric ultrasound in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Yun , Li Xingsheng , Jiang Qing , Zhai Lingyun
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Ultrasound (US) technology has recently made advances that have led to the development of modalities including elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The use of different US modalities in combination may increase the accuracy of PCa diagnosis. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) in the PCa diagnosis.

Methods

Through September 2023, we searched through Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrial.gov, and Google Scholar for relevant studies. We used standard methods recommended for meta-analyses of diagnostic evaluation. We plot the SROC curve, which stands for summary receiver operating characteristic. To determine how confounding factors affected the results, meta-regression analysis was used.

Results

Finally, 1004 patients from 8 studies that were included in this research were examined. The diagnostic odds ratio for PCa was 20 (95% confidence interval (CI), 8–49) and the pooled estimates of mpUS for diagnosis were as follows: sensitivity, 0.88 (95% CI, 0.81–0.93); specificity, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.59–0.83); positive predictive value, 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63–0.87); and negative predictive value, 0.82 (95% CI, 0.71–0.93). The area under the SROC curve was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86–0.92). There was a significant heterogeneity among the studies (p < 0.01). According to meta-regression, both the sensitivity and specificity of mpUS in the diagnosis of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) were inferior to any PCa.

Conclusion

The diagnostic accuracy of mpUS in the diagnosis of PCa is moderate, but the accuracy in the diagnosis of csPCa is significantly lower than any PCa. More relevant research is needed in the future.

Critical relevance statement

This study provides urologists and sonographers with useful data by summarizing the accuracy of multiparametric ultrasound in the detection of prostate cancer.

Key points

• Recent studies focused on the role of multiparametric ultrasound in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

• This meta-analysis revealed that multiparametric ultrasound has moderate diagnostic accuracy for prostate cancer.

• The diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric ultrasound in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer is significantly lower than any prostate cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Intensive antibiotic treatment of sows with parenteral crystalline ceftiofur and tulathromycin alters the composition of the nasal microbiota of their offspring
Authors: Bonillo-Lopez Laura , Obregon-Gutierrez Pau , Huerta Eva , Correa-Fiz Florencia , Sibila Marina , Aragon Virginia
Published: November 2023

The nasal microbiota plays an important role in animal health and the use of antibiotics is a major factor that influences its composition. Here, we studied the consequences of an intensive antibiotic treatment, applied to sows and/or their offspring, on the piglets’ nasal microbiota. Four pregnant sows were treated with crystalline ceftiofur and tulathromycin (CTsows) while two other sows received only crystalline ceftiofur (Csows). Sow treatments were performed at D-4 (four days pre-farrowing), D3, D10 and D17 for ceftiofur and D-3, D4 and D11 for tulathromycin. Half of the piglets born to CTsows were treated at D1 with ceftiofur. Nasal swabs were taken from piglets at 22–24 days of age and bacterial load and nasal microbiota composition were defined by 16 s rRNA gene qPCR and amplicon sequencing. Antibiotic treatment of sows reduced their nasal bacterial load, as well as in their offspring, indicating a reduced bacterial transmission from the dams. In addition, nasal microbiota composition of the piglets exhibited signs of dysbiosis, showing unusual taxa. The addition of tulathromycin to the ceftiofur treatment seemed to enhance the deleterious effect on the microbiota diversity by diminishing some bacteria commonly found in the piglets’ nasal cavity, such as Glaesserella, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Staphylococcus and several members of the Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae families. On the other hand, the additional treatment of piglets with ceftiofur resulted in no further effect beyond the treatment of the sows. Altogether, these results suggest that intensive antibiotic treatments of sows, especially the double antibiotic treatment, disrupt the nasal microbiota of their offspring and highlight the importance of sow-to-piglet microbiota transmission.
The effect of using virtual reality technology on anxiety and vital signs before surgery in patients undergoing open heart surgery
Authors: Amiri Ameneh , Jalali Rostam , Salari Nader
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Preoperative anxiety is one of the most common psychological problems in open-heart surgery patients. Not controlling this problem can negatively the operation outcome and the patient’s physical condition. Among various training methods and tools introduced to deal with this issue, the ideal method still remains unknown. Therefore, the present study was to determine the effect of using virtual reality technology on preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

Materials and methods

The participants of this interventional-educational study included 60 patients who were candidates for open heart surgery. The samples were randomly divided into two groups virtual reality(n = 30)and ordinary video (n = 30). For the virtual reality group, a virtual reality film and for the ordinary video group, an ordinary video of the physical space and operating room staff were displayed the day before the operation. Patients’ anxiety in both groups was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 25.

Results

The mean anxiety score before the intervention was 55.8 and 58.33 in the virtual reality group and the ordinary video group, respectively. After the intervention, it reached 38.60 in the virtual reality group and 45.13 in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the anxiety scores of the subjects in the virtual reality and ordinary video groups before the intervention (p > 0.05). However, the difference between the anxiety scores of the subjects in the virtual reality and ordinary video groups after the intervention was significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although virtual reality and ordinary video interventions effectively reduce anxiety in heart surgery patients, virtual reality seems to lower anxiety in heart surgery patients by diverting attention from external stimuli and immersing the person in the virtual world more than ordinary video.
Distribution of helminth eggs in environmental and stool samples of farming households along Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gurmassa Bethlhem kinfu , Gari Sirak Robele , Solomon Ephrem Tefera , Goodson Michaela L. , Walsh Claire L. , Dessie Bitew K. , Alemu Bezatu Mengistie
Published: November 2023

Background

Helminth infections are a public health issue in countries with poor sanitation facilities. However, there little information on the epidemiological association between helminths in wastewater and soil samples and rates of helminth infection among farming households along the Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and February 2022. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select farming households. The sample size for each district was determined by a proportionate allocation to the number of households. From wastewater-irrigated farms, 70 wastewater samples, 28 soil samples, and 86 farmers' stool samples were collected and analyzed for helminths. A questionnaire was used to gather ethnographic data, about farming households, whereas wastewater and soil sample analysis was used to generate quantitative data on helminth loads. The data were systematically analysed by developing themes, and bias evaluated using triangulation validation methodologies. Potential pathways to helminth infection were evaluated by measuring. Total number of helminth eggs in wastewater, soil samples and farmer's stools was investigated using Poisson regression.

Results

In this study, 82.9% of wastewater samples, 57.1% of soil samples, and 18.6% of farmers' stool samples contained helminth eggs. The most prevalent helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides in all samples (wastewater 67%, soil 25%, and stool 10.5%), followed by hookworm (wastewater 10%, soil 21.4%, and stool 6.9%) and Trichuris trichiura eggs (wastewater 5.7%, soil 10.7%, and stool 1.2%). There was a positive association between the total number of helminth eggs in wastewater and soil samples with counts in farmers’ stool. The Poisson regression coefficients for wastewater and soil were, 1.63 (95% CI = 1.34–1.92) and 1.70 (95% CI = 1.39–2.01), (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This research has shown a clear association between the total helminth eggs in wastewater and soil samples and farmer stools along the Akaki River. Therefore, an integrated approach is essential to address the issue in this area and prevent the spread of further helminth infections.
Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus Is Characterized by C-peptide Loss and Pancreatic Atrophy
Authors: Wu Linda , Carlino Matteo Salvatore , Brown David Alexander , Long Georgina Venetia , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Mellor Rhiannon , Moore Krystal , Sasson Sarah Christina , Menzies Alexander Maxwell , Tsang Venessa , Gunton Jenny Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Objective

To conduct a multicenter case series characterizing the clinical characteristics at presentation and pancreatic volume changes of patients with checkpoint inhibitor-associated autoimmune diabetes (CIADM).

Research Design and Methods

Electronic medical records were reviewed with 36 consecutive patients identified with CIADM, as defined by (1) previous immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, (2) new-onset hyperglycemia (blood glucose level ≥ 11.1 mmol/L and/or glycosylated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5%), and (3) insulin deficiency [C-peptide <0.4 nmol/L or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)] within 1 month of presentation. Pancreatic volume was available and measured using computed tomography volumetry for 17 patients with CIADM and 3 sets of control patients: 7 with ICI-related pancreatitis, 13 with asymptomatic ICI-related lipase elevation, and 11 ICI-treated controls for comparison.

Results

All patients had either anti-programmed cell death protein 1 or anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 therapy. Median time from ICI commencement to CIADM diagnosis was 15 weeks. At presentation, 25 (69%) had DKA, 27 (84%) had low C-peptide, and, by 1 month, 100% had low C-peptide. Traditional type 1 diabetes autoantibodies were positive in 15/35 (43%). Lipase was elevated in 13/27 (48%) at presentation. In 4 patients with longitudinal lipase testing, elevated levels peaked 1 month prior to CIADM diagnosis. Pancreatic volume was lower pre-ICI in CIADM patients compared with controls and demonstrated a mean decline of 41% from pretreatment to 6 months post-CIADM diagnosis.

Conclusion

Pronounced biochemical and radiologic changes occur during CIADM pathogenesis. Rapid loss of C-peptide is a distinct characteristic that can be used to aid diagnosis as autoantibodies are often negative.
Wizerunek energetyki wiatrowej i jej oddziaływania na społeczeństwo w świetle doniesień mediów regionalnych i lokalnych w Polsce
Authors: Bednarek-Szczepańska Maria
Published: November 2023

The development of onshore wind energy in Poland has been accompanied by controversy over the location of specific power plants. This issue has become a frequent topic in local/regional media. The purpose of this article is to determine how wind energy was portrayed in these media and, more importantly, what kinds of social impacts were the subject of media reports. The framework for the study is the concept of social impact assessment – SIA (Vanclay, 1999, 2002). The analysis covers the period 2010–2022. Articles for the analysis were obtained from online editions of the local/regional press from seven provinces in northern and central Poland, characterised by the highest level of wind energy development in 2020. A total of 321 articles were obtained from 19 titles of regional/local media. The research showed that wind energy was presented most often as a source of conflict around investment locations, and economic impacts were the most frequently described group of impacts. Two main portrayals of wind energy clashed in the regional/local media: a source of economic benefits for local communities on the one hand and a source of noise and health problems on the other. The debate on wind energy has varied over time. During the period when the anti-wind movement was most active in Poland, negative effects were most strongly emphasised in the media, while after the adoption of the Wind Power Investment Act, the debate on wind power almost quietened down and the share of articles presenting a positive image of wind power increased.
Η πτολεμαϊκή παρουσία στο Αιγαίο
Authors: Παπιομίτογλου Απόστολος
Published: November 2023

Αντικείμενο της μελέτης αποτέλεσε ο εντοπισμός και η διερεύνηση του χαρακτήρα των επαφών ανάμεσα στην πτολεμαϊκή Αίγυπτο και τα νησιά του Αιγαίου στο πλαίσιο της υπερπόντιας εξάπλωσης του πτολεμαϊκού βασιλείου στην ανατολική Μεσόγειο. Το Αιγαίο πάντοτε διαδραμάτιζε βασικούς ρόλους στον ελληνικό κόσμο και σίγουρα δεν έχασε τη σημασία του μετά την επέκταση του ελληνισμού πέρα από την Αχαιμενιδική Αυτοκρατορία, μέχρι την κοιλάδα του Ινδού και την έρημο της Νουβίας. Η διατριβή, αξιοποιώντας το σύνολο του διαθέσιμου επιγραφικού, αρχαιολογικού, νομισματικού και παπυρολογικού υλικού, διερευνά τα τεκμήρια που προέρχονται από τα νησιωτικά συμπλέγματα των Κυκλάδων, των Δωδεκανήσων, των νησιών του Βορειοανατολικού Αιγαίου, της Εύβοιας και της Κρήτης. Ειδικότερα, σκιαγραφείται η πτολεμαϊκή παρεμβατική πολιτική στο Αιγαίο, και σχολιάζεται η ορολογία που χρησιμοποιείται στη βιβλιογραφία, προκειμένου να περιγραφεί η αποκαλούμενη πτολεμαϊκή εξωτερική πολιτική. Επιπλέον παρουσιάζονται οι τρόποι, με τους οποίους οι Πτολεμαίοι ανέπτυξαν την εξωτερική τους πολιτική στους νησιωτικούς χώρους, η δυναμική του πτολεμαϊκού στόλου ως του κυριότερου οχήματος για την επίτευξη των πτολεμαϊκών βλέψεων, ενώ επιχειρείται και η χωροθέτηση των πτολεμαϊκών κτήσεων στον χάρτη της Μεσογείου. Διερευνώνται, επίσης, οι λόγοι για τους οποίους ο αιγαιακός χώρος αποτέλεσε ζωτική περιοχή για τις απόπειρες των διαδοχικών ηγεμόνων της Αιγύπτου να οικοδομήσουν μία στέρεη και σταθερή εξάπλωση στην ανατολική Μεσόγειο. Περιλαμβάνονται παρατηρήσεις για τα πρόσωπα, τους τίτλους και τα αξιώματα της πτολεμαϊκής βασιλικής υπαλληλίας στο Αιγαίο, αλλά και σχόλια για τη γλώσσα και την ορολογία των πτολεμαϊκών τιμητικών ψηφισμάτων, που σμιλεύουν εναργέστερα τον χαρακτήρα των πτολεμαϊκών αξιωματούχων. Απώτερος στόχος της διατριβής είναι αφενός ο εντοπισμός όσο το δυνατόν περισσοτέρων ιχνών της πτολεμαϊκής παρουσίας στο Αιγαίο, αφετέρου η κατανόηση και η διεξοδική ανάλυση της δομής της.
Η Παγκόσμια Εκκλησία του Θεού
Authors: Χαλκιάς Γεώργιος
Published: November 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αποτελεί μία προσπάθεια συστηματικής έρευνας της αίρεσης της Παγκόσμιας Εκκλησίας του Θεού (Worldwide Church of God, αρχικώς Radio Church of God και σήμερα Grace Communion International) και περιλαμβάνει την ιστορία και διδασκαλία της. Εκπονήθηκε στο Τμήμα Κοινωνικής Θεολογίας και Χριστιανικού Πολιτισμού της Θεολογικής Σχολής του Αριστοτέλειου Πανεπιστημίου Θεσσαλονίκης. Η αίρεση της Παγκόσμιας Εκκλησίας του Θεού, παρά το μικρό σχετικά με άλλες αιρέσεις αριθμό των μελών της, είχε μία σημαντική παρουσία στον κόσμο των μέσων μαζικής επικοινωνίας. Η διάδοση των μηνυμάτων της υπήρξε ευρεία μέσω του ραδιοφώνου και έπειτα της τηλεοράσεως. Συγχρόνως η οικονομική δυνατότητά της ήταν ιδιαίτερα μεγάλη. Ο ιδρυτής της, Herbert Armstrong, υπήρξε ένας πολύ γνωστός θρησκευτικός κήρυκας ("τηλευαγγελιστής") και συνάμα γνωστός αιρετικός στους προτεσταντικούς κύκλους των ΗΠΑ. Η διδασκαλία του επιβιώνει μέχρι σήμερα μέσα από διάφορες ομάδες, ένα φαινόμενο γνωστό ως αρμστρονγκισμός (armstrongism). Η παρούσα διατριβή αποτελεί την πρώτη προσπάθεια έρευνας της αίρεσης με βάση την ορθόδοξη θεολογία, και υπό το φως των ολοένα νέων ερευνητικών υποθέσεων και διαπιστώσεων για τη συγκεκριμένη αίρεση. Το περιεχόμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής αφορά σε μία αιρετική κίνηση για την οποία η ελληνική θεολογική βιβλιογραφία είναι ανύπαρκτη, ιδιαιτέρως μετά την μεταρρύθμιση της αίρεσης που θεωρήθηκε από αρκετούς ερευνητές του προτεσταντικού χώρου ως εντυπωσιακή.
Η εφαρμογή διοικητικών μεταρρυθμίσεων στην εποχή των μνημονίων
Authors: Γιαννούκου Μαρία
Published: November 2023

Η πρόσφατη κρίση χρέους ανέδειξε ακόμη πιο έντονα το πρόβλημα της μεταρρυθμιστικής υστέρησης της ελληνικής δημόσιας διοίκησης. Την περίοδο υπαγωγής της χώρας μας σε προγράμματα οικονομικής προσαρμογής (Μνημόνια), ένα εσωτερικό πρόβλημα της διοικητικής λειτουργίας του κράτους μας αποτέλεσε αντικείμενο εξωτερικής πίεσης. Οι ελληνικές κυβερνήσεις κλήθηκαν να υλοποιήσουν ένα μεγάλο πλήθος μεταρρυθμίσεων, μέσα σε ασφυκτικά χρονικά πλαίσια, υπό τεράστια δημοσιονομική πίεση και με την αρχή της αιρεσιμότητας των Μνημονίων να επικρατεί στη μεταρρυθμιστική ατζέντα. Στο θεωρητικό μέρος της διατριβής, επιχειρήθηκε η αποτύπωση των κυριότερων θεσμικών παρεμβάσεων που συνέθεσαν το εγχείρημα της διοικητικής μεταρρύθμισης την εποχή της δημοσιονομικής προσαρμογής (2010 – 2018). Εξαιτίας του πλήθους και τους εύρους τους, έγινε προσπάθεια ομαδοποίησης των μεταρρυθμιστικών δράσεων και υιοθετήθηκε η οριζόντια προσέγγιση της δημόσιας διοίκησης, σε βασικά πεδία της διοικητικής της λειτουργίας, τα οποία αποτέλεσαν πεδίο των μεταρρυθμίσεων (οργανωτικές δομές, ανθρώπινο δυναμικό, διαφάνεια και λογοδοσία, κανονιστική διαδικασία, ηλεκτρονική διακυβέρνηση, δημοσιονομική διαχείριση). Στο ερευνητικό μέρος της αυτής, επιχειρήθηκε η διερεύνηση της στάσης και των αντιλήψεων των δημοσίων υπαλλήλων, μεταξύ αυτών και των υπαλλήλων του Γενικού Λογιστηρίου του Κράτους, ενός φορέα που είχε σημαντικό ρόλο στη διαμόρφωση της μεταρρυθμιστικής ατζέντας, σχετικά με τις μνημονιακές μεταρρυθμίσεις και την προστιθέμενη αξία τους στη δημόσια διοίκηση. Για τον σκοπό αυτό πραγματοποιήθηκαν δύο ποσοτικές έρευνες με τη χρήση δομημένου ερωτηματολογίου και ζητήθηκαν οι απόψεις των ερωτηθέντων: α) για την κατάσταση της ελληνικής δημόσιας διοίκησης και της αποτελεσματικότητας της πριν το 2010, β) για τη γνώση τους και τον βαθμό στον οποίο εκτιμούν ότι εφαρμόστηκαν οι μεταρρυθμίσεις σε επιμέρους πεδία της λειτουργίας του διοικητικού μας μηχανισμού στο πλαίσιο των προγραμμάτων οικονομικής προσαρμογής, γ) για τον βαθμό στον οποίο εκτιμούν ότι επήλθαν βελτιώσεις σε επιμέρους τομείς της δημόσιας διοίκησης και δ) για τους παράγοντες και τον βαθμό στον οποίο θεωρούν ότι λειτούργησαν ως εμπόδια στην πορεία εφαρμογής των μεταρρυθμίσεων. Περαιτέρω, στη διατριβή αναφέρονται βασικές δράσεις που αποτέλεσαν τη συνέχεια του μεταρρυθμιστικού εγχειρήματος μετά την έξοδο της χώρας μας από τα Μνημόνια. Επιπλέον, γίνεται αναφορά στις εξαιρετικές περιστάσεις που δημιούργησε η υγειονομική κρίση λόγω της πανδημίας covid-19 και στις μεταρρυθμίσεις που προωθήθηκαν για την αντιμετώπιση αυτών, ενώ παράλληλα επισημαίνεται η ανάγκη να συνεχιστούν οι μεταρρυθμιστικές προσπάθειες και στη μετα-πανδημική εποχή. Όπως φαίνεται και από τις διεθνείς εξελίξεις των τελευταίων ετών, το στοίχημα για τα διοικητικά συστήματα των κρατών στο άμεσο μέλλον θα είναι η διαχείριση κρίσεων (δημόσια υγεία, εθνική ασφάλεια, μεταναστευτικές ροές, κλιματική αλλαγή, φυσικές καταστροφές κ.α.). Κλειδί για τη δημιουργία μιας ισχυρής και συνάμα ευέλικτης δημόσιας διοίκησης είναι η διοικητική μεταρρύθμιση.
Φοιτώντας-υπηρετώντας σε σχολείο δεύτερης ευκαιρίας
Authors: Μωυσιάδης Λάζαρος
Published: November 2023

Η συγκεκριμένη διατριβή έχει ως αντικείμενο τη μελέτη ιστοριών ζωής από εκπαιδευόμενους και εκπαιδευτές σε ΣΔΕ της Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας, με σκοπό την ανάδειξη περιπτώσεων ατόμων που έχουν κάνει συνειδητή εκπαιδευτική ή επαγγελματική επιλογή, αλλά και τη διερεύνηση της διαλεκτικής που αναπτύσσεται στο πλαίσιο της αλληλεπίδρασης μεταξύ τους. Επιπλέον, επιδίωξη της διατριβής είναι να διερευνήσει τον τρόπο με τον οποίο νοηματοδοτούνται οι εμπειρίες των συμμετεχόντων και τον τρόπο με τον οποίο κατασκευάζουν αναπαραστάσεις του εαυτού ως μέρους ενός πλέγματος σχέσεων. Με βάση τους παραπάνω στόχους, η μελέτη των ιστοριών ζωής στην έρευνα αυτή εστιάζει στις πτυχές της φοίτησης ή υπηρέτησης που επιλέγουν οι αφηγητές (εκπαιδευόμενοι ή εκπαιδευτές αντίστοιχα) να αναδείξουν και στον τρόπο με τον οποίο νοηματοδοτούν καθεμία από αυτές. Ταυτόχρονα, επιχειρείται η ανάδειξη της διαλεκτικής σχέσης μεταξύ των λόγων που αρθρώνουν οι εκπαιδευόμενοι και αυτού που αρθρώνουν οι εκπαιδευτές σε σχέση με τα ΣΔΕ. Η εργασία χωρίζεται σε δύο μέρη: στο θεωρητικό περιλαμβάνεται προσδιορισμός του πεδίου και ανασκόπηση της σχετικής βιβλιογραφίας, καθώς και ένας σύντομος εννοιολογικός προσδιορισμός, που περιλαμβάνει τις έννοιες της βιογραφικής συγκρότησης, της υποκειμενοποίησης και της διατομικότητας. Στο ερευνητικό μέρος παρουσιάζεται η μεθοδολογία συλλογής του υλικού, η βιογραφική αφηγηματική συνέντευξη, καθώς και η μεθοδολογία ανάλυσής της, που αποτελεί ένα υβρίδιο κοινωνικής σημειωτικής και θεματικής ανάλυσης, που αξιοποιεί στοιχεία της ανάλυσης λόγου. Το κεντρικό συμπέρασμα στο οποίο καταλήγει η έρευνα είναι ότι τα ΣΔΕ αλλάζουν τη ζωή των ανθρώπων οι οποίοι εμπλέκονται με αυτά. Εκπαιδευόμενοι και εκπαιδευτές βρίσκονται σε μια διαρκή σχέση αλληλεπίδρασης μεταξύ τους, πολύ πιο ουσιαστική και πολύ πιο βαθιά από ό,τι η σχέση μεταξύ των μαθητών και εκπαιδευτικών των σχολείων αναφοράς, όχι, όμως, λόγω του πλαισίου εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων αλλά λόγω του προγράμματος σπουδών και των προδιαγραφών λειτουργίας των ΣΔΕ, oi οποίες προτείνεται να ενσωματωθούν και στο πλαίσιο των σχολείων αναφοράς.
Influence of obesity and overweight on the incidence of gastrointestinal tumors - a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Grad Sylwia , Jaremek Anna , Kępa Joanna , Kandefer Norbert , Wyszkowski Michał , Grabarczyk Aleksandra , Pawlak Anna , Gregorek Małgorzata , Gregorek Paweł
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The percentage of the population struggling with the problem of obesity has been steadily increasing in recent years, both among adults and children. Obesity is a chronic disease resulting from a positive energy balance, which does not tend to disappear spontaneously. The etiology of obesity is multidimensional, it is caused by genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. As a result, excessive amounts of adipose tissue are deposited in the body, which leads to an increased risk of various systemic diseases, including cancers of the digestive system.

Aim of the study: This review aims to show the relationship between overweight and obesity and the increased incidence of gastrointestinal cancers.

Materials and methods: An analysis of previous works present in the PubMed database was performed, using the following keywords: obesity, overweight, obesity and cancer, cancer.

Results: The results of the presented publications show the presence of a positive correlation between overweight and obesity, especially abdominal and the occurrence of gastrointestinal cancers.
¿Hacia un cambio de rumbo en la Universidad española? A propósito de The Slow Professor y varios acontecimientos recientes.
Authors: Jerez Esteban de Manuel
Published: November 2023

A partir de la lectura del libro Slow Professor, Desafiando la cultura de la rapidez en la academia, de las profesoras canadienses Maggie Berg y Barbara K, Seeber, que cuestiona la cultura de la rapidez introducida en la academia por la corporativización o mercantilización de las universidades y de la lectura de recientes acontecimientos y signos de reacción desde las instituciones de Educación Superior, el artículo propone un debate sobre las oportunidades de promover un cambio de rumbo para las universidades, que las alinee con los objetivos de una Universidad Socialmente comprometida con los grandes retos del siglo XXI, como proponía la Conferencia Mundial sobre Educación Superior de París de 1998.
Construyendo con recursos escasos: contra el hambre de vivienda en África.
Authors: López de Asiain Alberich María
Published: November 2023

Esta publicación es el fruto del trabajo desarrollado durante décadas en el marco del Instituto de Cooperación en Habitabilidad Básica por el autor y por el conjunto de sus colaboradores. Los postulados debatidos en los tres congresos mundiales UNCH-HABITAT acontecidos a los que asiste el autor, constituyen la base teórico conceptual desde la que se plantean los trabajos realizados y descritos en esta publicación. Teniendo como meta el “hacer más con menos” como deber ético frente a una sociedad necesitada en el marco del llamado “sector informal”, que representa el 90% de los habitantes del planeta, se plantean cuestiones fundamentales tales como la importancia de la formación de la mano de obra autóctona; la búsqueda de materiales locales apropiados y apropiables; el empleo de equipos de producción locales; la adecuación de procesos constructivos, así como el desarrollo de procesos fundamentalmente participativos. Se presenta una selección de proyectos ejecutados en África durante la década de 2005-2015 que, por los logros conseguidos, se consideran de interés como referencias.
Jaime López de Asiaín: del Seminario de Arquitectura Bioclimática al Equipo Solar Decathlon de la Universidad de Sevilla… a través de una maestría cordial.
Authors: Herrera Limones Rafael
Published: November 2023

En un reciente artículo, publicado en la revista Tiempo y Clima1 , tuvimos la ocasión de glosar la figura del profesor Jaime López de Asiaín, en su condición de principal promotor de los trabajos para el acondicionamiento bioclimático de la Expo92 de Sevilla. En dicho texto (aprovechando la exposición de ciertos materiales del Seminario de Arquitectura Bioclimática en la colección permanente del MCNA Reina Sofía de Madrid) realizábamos una revisión - no exhaustiva - de su trayectoria en la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Sevilla (US), de sus trabajos, investigaciones, proyectos y de sus obras más destacadas2 . En esta ocasión, el acercamiento a la figura de Jaime pretende ser algo más personal y, por tanto, menos objetivo… aunque ligado (como no puede ser de otra manera, dada su condición incansable de docente) a la presencia intermitente que, aún después de jubilado, tuvo ocasión de ejercer en la propia Escuela de Arquitectura.
Timbre and the "Zone of Entanglement" in Electronic Dance Music
Authors: Perevedentseva Maria
Published: November 2023

This article weaves together relational tendencies in recent scholarship spanning philosophy, mycology, psychopharmacology and timbre studies in order to argue that timbre’s unbounded ontology and cyclical re-use across electronic dance music (EDM) history affords listeners experiential access into radically distributed modes of being. Taking its cue from the biological structure of fungal mycelium, from whose flowers the psychoactive compounds of many psychedelic drugs are derived, this study builds on established models of EDM’s affectivity to propose that timbre in EDM manifests a psychedelic and specifically social form of consciousness. Highlighting the potential for entrainment that EDM’s synthesised timbres make possible, a conception of timbre as a mycelial “zone of entanglement” is put forward, in which the material and cultural, individual and social and spiritual and fleshly dimensions of the listening experience are folded into a reverberant unity, in turn encouraging a negotiation of the ethics that this entanglement entails.
Research Roundup
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: November 2023

In this section, Dr Nikki Welyczko presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles that may be of interest to nurses working in the renal setting. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
PROSTHETIC JOINT INFECTIONS DUE TO CANDIDA SPP.: A MULTICENTRE INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Dinh Aurélien , Chatillon Emma D'anglejan , Ho Rosemary , McNally Martin , Dudareva Maria , Scarborough Matthew , Jesuthasan Gerald , Escolà-Vergé Laura , Lora-Tamayo Jaime , Mancheño-Losa Mikel , Thill Pauline , Giordano Gérard , Fourcade Camille , Duran Clara , Bonnet Eric , Hascoet Julie Lourtet
Published: November 2023

Aim

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) due to Candida spp. is a severe complication of arthroplasty but is little reported. This study describes Candida PJI epidemiology, management, and outcome.

Method

We performed a retrospective, observational multinational study with support of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). Patients diagnosed with PJI due to Candida spp. between 1990 and 2021 were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, medical/surgical treatment, and outcome data were collected within a standardized database. Treatment failure was defined either as a Candida infection recurrence, superinfection, or death due to infection.

Results

Data from 151 patients across 18 centers were analyzed. Mean age was 69.5 ± 13.1yo, 78 (51.7%) patients were male, and 21 (13.9%) were immunosuppressed. Site of infection included hip (55.0%), knee (41.7%), shoulder (2.6%), and femur (0.7%). Twenty-five (16.6%) patients were febrile, and 58 (38.4%) had fistula. Mean number of previous surgeries on the same anatomical site was 3.3±2.3. Surgeries were DAIR (33.8%), one-stage exchange (19.9%), two-stage exchange (39.1%), and implant removal (6.0%). Candida species identified were C. albicans (60.3%), C. parapsilosis (26.5%), C. glabrata (7.3%), and C. tropicalis (5.3%).

Co-infection with bacteria was found in 69 (45.7%) cases. Fluconazole (62.9%) and caspofungin (14.6%) were the main antifungal agents prescribed for 148.6 ± 167.5 days. Favorable outcome was found in 54/144 (37.5%) cases. Failure was associated with the number of previous surgeries (OR 1.249, 95%CI 1.061–1.469; p-value=0.007), while treatment by fluconazole was associated with cure (OR 0.336, 95%CI 0.160–0.707; p-value=0.004).

Conclusions

This study provides epidemiologic and outcome data on Candida PJIs. Although poor overall, the prognosis did not seem associated with immunosuppression, type of surgery, fungal species or treatment duration.
HOSPITALIZATIONS DUE TO PROSTHETIC JOINT INFECTION IN SPAIN DURING THE PERIOD 2000 TO 2015
Authors: Gómez-Junyent Joan , Redó Maria Luisa Sorli , Pelegrín Ivan , Millat-Martínez Pere , Pérez-Prieto Daniel , Alier Albert , Verdié Lluis Puig , Poblet Judith , Pardos Sonia Luque , Montero María Milagro , Horcajada Juan Pablo
Published: November 2023

Aim

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of joint replacement, having an impact on morbimortality but also on national health systems and their budgets. The current situation of PJI-related hospitalizations in Spain and their changes over time are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the hospitalization burden of PJI, including costs and trends in recent decades.

Methods

Retrospective observational study including data from the National Surveillance System for Hospital Data, which includes more than 98% of Spanish hospitals. During the period 2000–2015, hospitalizations due to PJI (ICD-9-CM 996.66) as main diagnosis were included. Epidemiological trends were evaluated during four periods: P1, 2000–2003; P2, 2004–2007; P3, 2008–2011; P4, 2012–2015. Annual hospitalization rates per 100,000 inhabitants and trends were also calculated.

Results

Among 5,721,6725 hospitalizations, 49,835 were PJI related, which represented 8.71/10,000 admissions. We observed a significant increase in the number of PJI-related hospitalizations per 10,000 admissions during the study period: 6.43 P1, 8.53 P2, 9.60 P3, 10.05 P4 (p<0.001). The annual hospitalization rate was 6.9/100,000 inhabitants (95%CI 6.9–7), which also increased over time (p<0.001). The median age was 72 years (IQR 65–78) and 58.12% were women. Hospitalization rates were higher in women (7.95 vs 5.90; p<0.001) and also increased with patients’ age (p<0.001). Whereas the median length of stay was 7 days (IQR 7–8) in the global cohort, it was 18 days (IQR 10–31) in those with PJI-related hospitalization; however, the median length of stay in PJI-related hospitalizations decreased during the study period (P1 20 days, P4 16 days, p<0.001). The total cost for the healthcare system was 366 million euros and the median cost per patient was 6937 euros (IQR 3584–10505), which significantly increased from 4804 euros in P1 to 8534 in P4 (p<0.001). The majority of patients (90.32%) were discharged home and the case-fatality rate was 2.70%, without significant differences during the study (p=0.384).

Conclusions

In Spain, PJI-related hospitalizations have increased in recent decades, with higher costs despite the decrease in length of stay. PJI is a first magnitude healthcare problem, which should be prioritized in health systems and budgets.