bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPANSÃO DA LINGUAGEM NA POESIA DE ALBERTO PUCHEU
Authors: Macedo Taise Teles Santana , Hoisel Evelina de Carvalho Sá
Published: February 2023

Em tempos coevos, a poesia brasileira contemporânea mostra-se em plena produtividade, ampliando tanto o corpus de escritores e escritoras que desejam deixar suas intervenções no/para nosso tempo quanto a inclusão de novos meios e suportes que permitem a circulação e a disseminação dos textos poéticos. Um desses poetas em atividade é o professor Alberto Pucheu. No conjunto de suas obras – de 1993 até o presente instante – Pucheu tem se preocupado, principalmente, em mostrar a potência do pensamento da poesia e a sua dimensão filosófico-política. Pela leitura dos escritos de Pucheu, compreende-se que o poeta é o sujeito que mantém relação com o outro - seres, objetos, pessoas – no intuito de convocá-los para estabelecer contatos, esbarros, alianças. Parte-se do seguinte entendimento: a linguagem poética  abre-se, nesse vir a ser, para o impróprio, para a possibilidade de novos sensíveis, novas proposições do existir. Para tal análise, o presente estudo toma como ponto de partida textos poéticos-literários, direcionados pelo eixo temático proposto. Nessa perspectiva, este trabalho problematiza, a partir de poemas de Pucheu, a linguagem enquanto instauradora de vidas que são planejadas para serem extintas, esquecidas, apagadas. Cabe, ainda, destacar que o estímulo que movimenta o desenvolvimento desta investigação se deve à oportunidade de percorrer escolhas, estratégias poéticas e procedimentos de escrita da poesia, bem como da apreensão de que a poesia sempre está em processo de feitura. Nesse bojo, a poesia condiciona-se a negar-se, recusar-se ou suprimir-se para se situar como tal.  Sendo assim, a própria noção de poesia se pluraliza.
MARIA VILANI
Authors: Albuquerque Adenilson Barros
Published: February 2023

Este artigo está dedicado à parte da produção literária de uma escritora nascida no Ceará e há muitos anos residente no extremo sul de São Paulo. Apresentamos, inicialmente, as obras Cinco contos sem desconto e de quebra dois poemas (1991) e O Reino de Roselândia (1998), publicadas por Vitória Régia, então pseudônimo de Maria Vilani – ativista, apreciada por sua atuação frente ao CAPS e presença consistente no meio literário – que, nos últimos anos, publicou os livros de poemas Varal (2012) – base da última seção do presente estudo –, Penteando a vida (2016), A lágrima e o riso (2017) e Abscesso (2019), além do romance Memórias de Maria e um pouquinho de mim (2022). Nossa leitura tem o objetivo de lançar apontamentos e trazer a público alguns dos traços temáticos e formais da escrita dessa artista brasileira.
ARÍETE
Authors: Lima Bruno
Published: February 2023

O texto é uma resenha do livro de poemas Aríete: poemas escolhidos 1990-2020.
Surface hydroxylation process of YAG crystal in aqueous solution
Authors: Han Xiaolong , Jin Zhuji , Mu Qing , Niu Lin , Zhou Ping
Published: February 2023

Surface hydroxylation is the basis for material removal in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of monocrystalline silicon, diamond, and YAG crystals. Existing studies use experimental observations to investigate surface hydroxylation, but lack in-depth understanding of the hydroxylation process. In this paper, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, we analyze the surface hydroxylation process of YAG crystals in an aqueous solution using first-principle calculations. The presence of surface hydroxylation was verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) detections. This study complements the existing research on the material removal mechanism of the CMP process of YAG crystals and provides theoretical support for the future improvement of the CMP technology.
Ultracompact metalens-based beam-focusing fiber-optic device with a large numerical aperture
Authors: Liu Yin , Liao Qiming , Wang Yongtian , Li Xiaowei , Huang Lingling
Published: February 2023

Conventional optical fibers have good light conduction and transmission properties, and have been widely used in the fields of long-distance fiber-optic communication and sensing. However, due to the dielectric properties of the fiber core and cladding materials, the spot size of the transmitted light is dispersive, which greatly limits the application areas of optical fiber. The emergence of metalenses based on artificial periodic micro-nanostructures is opening the door to a variety of fiber innovations. We demonstrate an ultracompact beam-focusing fiber-optic device based on a composite structure of a single-mode fiber (SMF), a multimode fiber (MMF), and a metalens consisting of periodic micro-nano silicon column structures. Convergent beams with numerical apertures (NAs) of up to 0.64@air and a focal length of 63.6 μm are produced by the metalens on the MMF end face. The metalens-based fiber-optic beam-focusing device could find new applications in optical imaging, particle capture and manipulation, sensing, and fiber lasers.
OAM mode generation in helically twisted hollow-core antiresonant fiber
Authors: Tu Jiajing , Wu Jingbiao , Huang Chuangrong , Zhang Jie , Gao Shecheng , Liu Weiping , Li Zhaohui
Published: February 2023

We investigate the orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode-generating process of a long-period onefold chiral fiber grating (L-1-CFG) based on a helically twisted hollow-core antiresonant fiber (HC-ARF). Taking the right-handed L-1-CFG for an example, we theoretically and experimentally prove that the first-order OAM+1 mode can be generated by only inputting a Gaussian beam. We fabricated three right-handed L-1-CFG samples based on the helically twisted HC-ARF with twist rates (α) of −0.42, −0.50, and −0.60 rad/mm, where the twisted HC-ARF with α of −0.42 rad/mm can achieve high OAM+1 mode purity of 94%. Subsequently, we present simulated and experimental transmission spectra at the C-band, and sufficient modulation depths were obtained at wavelengths of 1550 nm and 1561.5 nm in the experiment.
Bistable Deformable Mirror Device
Authors: Hornbeck Larry J. , Nelson William E.
Published: February 2023

The bistable DMD is the digital version of a class of reflective, micromechanical spatial light modulators (SLMs) known as deformable mirror devices (DMDs). In its earliest form the DMD was a hybrid SLM consisting of a metalized polymer mirror bonded to an underlying silicon address circuit[1,2].
Picosecond Time-Resolved Polarized Emission Spectroscopy of Biliproteins (Influence of Temperature and Aggregation)
Authors: Schneider S. , Hefferle P. , Geiselhart P. , Mindl T. , Dörr F. , John W. , Scheer H.
Published: February 2023

Phycobiliproteins are photosynthetic light-harvesting pigments in blue-green and red algae. They consist of 2-3 polypeptide subunits, each bearing up to 4 covalently bound linear tetrapyrrolic chromophores. In vivo the biliproteins are organized into complex structures, the phycobilisomes, which are attached to the outer thylakoid surface. Within the phycobilisome the excitation energy is transfered from the "outer" biliproteins with higher excitation energy to "inner" lying ones with lower excitation energy. In the intact alga the last step in the ener gy transfer chain leads to the reaction center. It is generally assumed that the energy transfer is based upon dipole-dipoleinteraction (Forster mechanism), but details are yet insufficiently understood. In an approach complementary to the study of energy transfer in functionally intact phycobilisomes or large fractions thereof /1/ we are currently investigating by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy C-Phycocyanin (PC) isolated fromMastigocladus laminosusand its subunits, which are prepared according to procedures described earlier /2,3/. All samples are dissolved in potassium phosphate buffer (80 mM, pH 6.0).
Ultrafast Isomerization Dynamics of 11-cis-Iocked 8-membered Rhodopsin
Authors: Kandori Hideki , Sasabe Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Koji , Yoshizawa Tôru , Mizukami Taku , Shichida Yoshinori
Published: February 2023

Femtosecond fluorescence spectroscopy of a rhodopsin analog revealed its extremely short lifetime (60 fs), suggesting coherent isomerization processes along C11-02 rotation.
Femtosecond IR Studies of Solvation by Directly Probing the Solvent
Authors: Lian T. , Yang H. , Asplund M. , Bromberg S. E. , Harris C. B.
Published: February 2023

The response of solvent to the change of charge or dipole of solute molecules has been intensely studied in recent years1. In previous solvation experiments, time dependent fluorescence Stokes shift of dye molecules in different solvents were measured, from which the solvation time for the solvents were determined1, 2. Various theories, from the simple dielectric continuum model to instantaneous solvent normal mode analysis, have been used to relate solvent motions to solvation time3,4. MD simulations have also been carried out to understand the nature of these solvent motions in the solvation process5. However, these time dependent Stokes shift experiments, which measure the solute fluorescence, can only provide an indirect microscopic picture of the relevant solvent motions during the solvation process.
Preliminary Modeling of Human Crystalline Lens Deformation During Accommodation as a Function of Age
Authors: Koretz Jane F. , Cook Christopher A. , Handelman George H.
Published: February 2023

Accommodation, the mechanism by which the eye focuses on near objects, and the age-related loss of this function leading to presbyopia are inextricably linked to the development and aging of the anterior segment. Steady lens growth primarily in the sagittal direction throughout life and the concomitant shallowing of the anterior chamber are both highly correlated to reduced accommodative range (p≪0.001; Koretz et al., 1989), and other changes in the lens with age (e.g., increased scatter of light at high angles; Cook et al., 1994) are also observed. In addition to age-related changes in lens thickness, mass, and placement relative to the cornea and retina, the non-accommodated shape of the lens is itself age-dependent, becoming more sharply curved on both the anterior and posterior surfaces with increased age. This phenomenon was first characterized by Brown (1974), who noted that the human eye should lose far, not near, vision with aging based on these observations; this "lens paradox" can, of course, be resolved by assuming an overall reduction in lens refractive power with age (Koretz and Handelman, 1986; Cook and Koretz, 1995) without or with (Smith et al., 1992) a fundamental change in the shape of the refractive index gradient.
Uniqueness of Corneal Shape From Placido Ring Images
Authors: Klein Stanley A.
Published: February 2023

The measurement of corneal shape has become a rapidly growing enterprise in the past few years. Corneal shape is typically measured using the Placido ring technology. A series of concentric rings (the Placido rings) are flashed, the rays reflected off the cornea are captured by a CCD camera, and the data are analyzed to reconstruct the corneal shape. All present commercially available algorithms do the reconstruction one meridian at a time and make the assumption that rays lie in the meridional plane (van Saarloos & Constable, 1991). This assumption is equivalent to assuming the corneal normal lies in the meridional plane. This assumption is not correct for real corneas since astigmatism or other deviations from axial symmetry are typically present. When the normal is allowed to deviate from the meridional plane an ambiguity results since each CCD point could correspond to an infinity of points on the continuous ring. Therefore multiple corneal shapes seem possible (Applegate, 1992). This ambiguity has prompted the suggestion that instead of using rings as the target, checkerboard patterns or rings with gaps should be used to guarantee the uniqueness of the solution (Klein, 1993).
Single Vision Spectacle Lenses For Early Presbyopes
Authors: Fowler Colin
Published: February 2023

Although bifocal and multifocal spectacle lenses are commonly used in presbyopia, their fundamental disadvantages makes the use of alternative technologies1(liquid crystal lenses, gradient index materials and deformable lenses) seem at least superficially attractive. But it is perhaps worth considering what use can be made of existing single vision lenses to delay the need for more sophisticated types of correction.
Infrastructure for bioinformatics applications in Tanzania: Lessons from the Sickle Cell Programme
Authors: Mwita Liberata A. , Mawalla William F. , Mtiiye Frank R. , Kandonga Daniel , Kent Jill , Makani Julie , Sangeda Raphael Z.
Published: February 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common genetic disorder in Africa. Some ongoing work in SCD research includes the analysis and comparisons of variation in phenotypic presentations and disease outcomes with the genotypic signatures. This has contributed to the observed growth of molecular and genetic data in SCD. However, while the “omics” data continues to pile, the capacity to interpret and turn the genetic findings into clinical practice is still underdeveloped, especially in the developing region. Building bioinformatics infrastructure and capacity in the region is key to bridging the gap. This paper seeks to illustrate how the Sickle Cell Programme (SCP) at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Tanzania, modeled the integration of infrastructure for bioinformatics and clinical research while running day-to-day clinical care for SCD in Tanzania.
Disruptions to youth contraceptive use during COVID-19: Mixed-methods results from Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Wood Shannon N. , Milkovich Rachel , Thiongo Mary , Gichangi Peter , Byrne Meagan E. , Devoto Bianca , Anglewicz Philip , Decker Michele R.
Published: February 2023

Ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for adolescents is a global priority, given the detrimental health and economic impact of unintended pregnancies. To examine whether and how COVID-19 affected access to SRH services, we use mixed-methods data from young men and women in Nairobi, Kenya to identify those at greatest risk of contraceptive disruptions during COVID-19 restrictions. Analyses utilize cross-sectional data collected from August to October 2020 from an existing cohort of youth aged 16–26. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression examined sociodemographic, contraceptive, and COVID-19-related correlates of contraceptive disruption among users of contraception. Qualitative data were collected concurrently via focus group discussions (n = 64, 8 groups) and in-depth interviews (n = 20), with matrices synthesizing emergent challenges to obtaining contraception by gender. Among those using contraception, both young men (40.4%) and young women (34.6%) faced difficulties obtaining contraception during COVID-19. Among young men, difficulty was observed particularly for those unable to meet their basic needs (aOR = 1.60; p = 0.05). Among young women, risk centered around those with multiple partners (aOR = 1.91; p = 0.01), or who procured their method from a hospital (aOR = 1.71; p = 0.04) or clinic (aOR = 2.14; p = 0.03). Qualitative data highlight economic barriers to obtaining contraceptives, namely job loss and limited supply of free methods previously available. Universal access to a variety of contraceptive methods during global health emergencies, including long-acting reversible methods, is an essential priority to help youth avert unintended pregnancies and withstand periods of disruptions to services. Non-judgmental, youth-friendly services must remain accessible throughout the pandemic into the post-COVID-19 period.
Why ‘elevating country voice’ is not decolonizing global health: A frame analysis of in-depth interviews
Authors: Kunnuji Michael , Shawar Yusra Ribhi , Neill Rachel , Manoj Malvikha , Shiffman Jeremy
Published: February 2023

Recent calls for global health decolonization suggest that addressing the problems of global health may require more than ‘elevating country voice’. We employed a frame analysis of the diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational framings of both discourses and analyzed the implications of convergence or divergence of these frames for global health practice and scholarship. We used two major sources of data–a review of literature and in-depth interviews with actors in global health practice and shapers of discourse around elevating country voice and decolonizing global health. Using NVivo 12, a deductive analysis approach was applied to the literature and interview transcripts using diagnostic, prognostic and motivational framings as themes. We found that calls for elevating country voice consider suppressed low- and middle-income country (LMIC) voice in global health agenda-setting and lack of country ownership of health initiatives as major problems; advancing better LMIC representation in decision making positions, and local ownership of development initiatives as solutions. The rationale for action is greater aid impact. In contrast, calls for decolonizing global health characterize colonialityas the problem. Its prognostic framing, though still in a formative stage, includes greater acceptance of diversity in approaches to knowledge creation and health systems, and a structural transformation of global health governance. Its motivational framing is justice. Conceptually and in terms of possible outcomes, the frames underlying these discourses differ. Actors’ origin and nature of involvement with global health work are markers of the frames they align with. In response to calls for country voice elevation, global health institutions working in LMICs may prioritize country representation in rooms near or where power resides, but this falls short of expectations of decolonizing global health advocates. Whether governments, organizations, and communities will sufficiently invest in public health to achieve decolonization remains unknown and will determine the future of the call for decolonization and global health practice at large.
Prognostic accuracy of biomarkers of immune and endothelial activation in Mozambican children hospitalized with pneumonia
Authors: Balanza Núria , Erice Clara , Ngai Michelle , McDonald Chloe R. , Weckman Andrea M. , Wright Julie , Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Varo Rosauro , López-Varela Elisa , Sitoe Antonio , Vitorino Pio , Bramugy Justina , Lanaspa Miguel , Acácio Sozinho , Madrid Lola , Baro Bàrbara , Kain Kevin C. , Bassat Quique
Published: February 2023

Pneumonia is a leading cause of child mortality. However, currently we lack simple, objective, and accurate risk-stratification tools for pediatric pneumonia. Here we test the hypothesis that measuring biomarkers of immune and endothelial activation in children with pneumonia may facilitate the identification of those at risk of death. We recruited children <10 years old fulfilling WHO criteria for pneumonia and admitted to the Manhiça District Hospital (Mozambique) from 2010 to 2014. We measured plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, Angpt-2, sTREM-1, sFlt-1, sTNFR1, PCT, and CRP at admission, and assessed their prognostic accuracy for in-hospital, 28-day, and 90-day mortality. Healthy community controls, within same age strata and location, were also assessed. All biomarkers were significantly elevated in 472 pneumonia cases versus 80 controls (p<0.001). IL-8, sFlt-1, and sTREM-1 were associated with in-hospital mortality (p<0.001) and showed the best discrimination with AUROCs of 0.877 (95% CI: 0.782 to 0.972), 0.832 (95% CI: 0.729 to 0.935) and 0.822 (95% CI: 0.735 to 0.908), respectively. Their performance was superior to CRP, PCT, oxygen saturation, and clinical severity scores. IL-8, sFlt-1, and sTREM-1 remained good predictors of 28-day and 90-day mortality. These findings suggest that measuring IL-8, sFlt-1, or sTREM-1 at hospital presentation can guide risk-stratification of children with pneumonia, which could enable prioritized care to improve survival and resource allocation.
Community purchases of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda: An increased risk for antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Kiragga Agnes N. , Najjemba Leticia , Galiwango Ronald , Banturaki Grace , Munyiwra Grace , Iwumbwe Idd , Atwine James , Ssendiwala Cedric , Natif Anthony , Nakanjako Damalie
Published: February 2023

Self-Medication (SM) involves the utilization of medicines to treat self-recognized symptoms or diseases without consultation and the irrational use of over-the-counter drugs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of definitive treatment led to increased SM. We aimed to estimate the extent of SM for drugs used to treat COVID-19 symptoms by collecting data from pharmacy sale records. The study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda, where we extracted data from community pharmacies with functional Electronic Health Records between January 2018 and October 2021 to enable a comparison of pre-and post-COVID-19. The data included the number of clients purchasing the following drugs used to treat COVID-19 and its symptoms: Antibiotics included Azithromycin, Erythromycin, and Ciprofloxacin; Supplements included Zinc and vitamin C, while Corticosteroids included dexamethasone. A negative binomial model was used to estimate the incident rate ratios for each drug to compare the effect of COVID-19 on SM. In the pre- COVID-19 period (1st January 2018 to 11th March 2020), 19,285 customers purchased antibiotics which included; Azithromycin (n = 6077), Ciprofloxacin (n = 6066) and Erythromycin (n = 997); health supplements including Vitamin C (430) and Zinc (n = 138); and Corticosteroid including Dexamethasone (n = 5577). During the COVID-19 pandemic (from 15th March 2020 to the data extraction date in October 2021), we observed a 99% increase in clients purchasing the same drugs. The number of clients purchasing Azithromycin increased by 19.7% to 279, Ciprofloxacin reduced by 58.8% to 96 clients, and those buying Erythromycin similarly reduced by 35.8% to 492 clients. In comparison, there were increases of 170%, 181%, and 377% for Vitamin C, Zinc, and Dexamethasone, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the extent of SM in Uganda. We recommend future studies with a representation of data from pharmacies located in rural and urban areas to further study pandemics’ effect on antimicrobials prescriptions, including obtaining pharmacists’ perspectives using mixed methods approaches.
Modelling Neanderthals’ dispersal routes from Caucasus towards east
Authors: Ghasidian Elham , Kafash Anooshe , Kehl Martin , Yousefi Masoud , Heydari-Guran Saman
Published: February 2023

The study of the cultural materials associated with the Neanderthal physical remains from the sites in the Caucasus, Central Asia and Siberian Altai and adjacent areas documents two distinct techno-complexes of Micoquian and Mousterian. These findings potentially outline two dispersal routes for the Neanderthals out of Europe. Using data on topography and Palaeoclimate, we generated computer-based least-cost-path modelling for the Neanderthal dispersal routes from Caucasus towards the east. In this regard, two dispersal routes have been identified: A northern route from Greater Caucasus associated with Micoquian techno-complex towards Siberian Altai and a southern route from Lesser Caucasus associated with Mousterian towards Siberian Altai via the Southern Caspian Corridor. Based on archaeological, bio- and physio-geographical data, our model hypothesises that during climatic deterioration phases (e.g. MIS 4) the connection between Greater and Lesser Caucasus was limited. This issue perhaps resulted in the separate development and spread of two cultural groups of Micoquian and Mousterian with an input from two different population sources of Neanderthal influxes: eastern and southern Europe refugia for these two northern and southern dispersal routes respectively. Of these two, we focus on the southern dispersal route, for it comprises a ‘rapid dispersal route’ towards east. The significant location of the Southern Caspian corridor between high mountains of Alborz and the Caspian Sea, provided a special biogeographical zone and a refugium. This exceptional physio-geographic condition brings forward the Southern Caspian corridor as a potential place of admixture of different hominin species including Neanderthals and homo sapiens.
Spectral-conversion film potential for greenhouses: Utility of green-to-red photons conversion and far-red filtration for plant growth
Authors: Park Yujin , Runkle Erik S.
Published: February 2023

Although green (G, 500 to 600 nm) and far-red (FR, 700 to 800 nm) light play important roles in regulating plant growth and development, they are often considered less useful at stimulating photosynthesis than red (R, 600 to 700 nm) and blue (B, 400 to 500 nm) light. Based on this perception, approaches to modifying the transmission of greenhouse glazing materials include (1) conversion of G photons from sunlight into R photons and (2) exclusion of the near-infrared (>700 nm) fraction of sunlight. We evaluated these approaches using simulated scenarios with light-emitting diodes to determine how partial and complete substitution of G with R light and exclusion of FR light affected the growth of lettuce and tomato grown indoors. The substitution of G with R light had little or no effect on fresh and dry mass of tomato. However, with the presence of FR light, fresh and dry mass of lettuce increased by 22–26% as G light was increasingly substituted with R light. In tomato, excluding FR inhibited plant height, leaf area, and dry mass by 60–71%, 10–37%, and 20–44%, respectively. Similarly, in lettuce, excluding FR inhibited plant diameter, leaf length, and dry mass by 15–23%, 23–33%, or 28–48%, respectively. We conclude that the spectral conversion of G-to-R photons can promote plant growth in at least some crop species, such as lettuce, while the exclusion of FR decreases crop growth and yield.
Implementation of postpartum navigation for low-income individuals at an urban academic medical center
Authors: Green Hannah M. , Carmona-Barrera Viridiana , Diaz Laura , Yeh Chen , Williams Brittney , Davis Ka’Derricka , Kominiarek Michelle A. , Feinglass Joe , Grobman William A. , Zera Chloe , Yee Lynn M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Patient navigation, a patient-centered intervention to promote comprehensive health care, is an emerging innovation in obstetrics to optimize postpartum care. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of a novel postpartum patient navigation program at an urban academic medical center.

Methods

This mixed-methods study analyzed the implementation of a postpartum patient navigation program within an ongoing randomized control trial. This study analyzed three navigators’ logs of interactions with 50 patients, care team members, and community organizations throughout patients’ first year postpartum. We categorized and quantified interactions by topic addressed, care team member interacted with, and communication mode used. We also conducted semi-structured interviews with each navigator every three months (5 interviews per navigator), emphasizing navigation experiences, relationships with patients and care teams, integration in the care team, and healthcare system gaps. Interview data were analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify themes using the constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Analysis of navigator logs revealed a high patient need level, especially in the first 3 months postpartum. CFIR-guided analysis of intervention characteristics revealed positive perceptions of navigation’s utility due to its adaptability. Navigation’s complexity, however, posed an early obstacle to implementation that diminished over time. Outer setting analysis indicated navigators addressed patient needs through interactions with multiple systems. Despite clinicians’ initial unfamiliarity with navigation, inner setting analysis suggested ongoing communication and electronic medical record use facilitated integration into the care team. Regarding individual and process characteristics, findings emphasized how navigator self-efficacy and confidence increased with experience (individual) and was facilitated by comprehensive training and reflection (process). Overall, barriers to implementation included unfamiliarity, varied patient engagement, and innovation complexity. Facilitators included high patient need, communication with outside organizations, medical record usage, navigator characteristics (self-efficacy, communication skills, and personal growth), a comprehensive training period, consistent reflection, high relative advantage, and high adaptability to patient need.

Conclusion

Patient navigation is a promising innovation to improve postpartum care coordination and support care team efforts. The successful implementation of navigation in this study indicates that, if shown to improve patient outcomes, obstetric navigation could be a component of patient-centered postpartum care.
Novel Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor TAS5315 suppresses the progression of inflammation and joint destruction in rodent collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Akasaka Daichi , Iguchi Satoru , Kaneko Ryusuke , Yoshiga Yohei , Kajiwara Daisuke , Nakachi Yoshinori , Noma Naruto , Tanaka Kenji , Shimizu Atsushi , Hosoi Fumihito
Published: February 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterized by autoantibody production, synovial inflammation, and joint destruction. Its pathogenesis is due to environmental factors and genetic backgrounds. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase is a cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinase, expressed in most hematopoietic cell lineages, except T cells and plasma cells, and regulates various immune-related signaling pathways, thereby playing a crucial role in pathogenesis. Thus, inhibiting Bruton’s tyrosine kinase may prove beneficial in treating autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we characterized Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor, TAS5315, in vitro and evaluated its therapeutic effects in experimental arthritis models. TAS5315 markedly inhibited Bruton’s tyrosine kinase enzyme activity and suppressed the B-cell receptor signaling pathway in Ramos cells. Moreover, it suppressed the expression of CD69, CD86, and MHC class II in mouse B lymphocytes and the production of TNF-α and MIP-1α in mouse macrophages and decreased bone resorption activity in mouse osteoclasts. Furthermore, it ameliorated the pathological changes in two rodent models of collagen-induced arthritis in vivo. TAS5315 improved bone mineral density and bone intensity. Thus, these results suggest that TAS5315 could be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Smoke-free status of homes and workplaces among Indian people: Evidence from Global Adult Tobacco SurveyData-2016/2017
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Khatun Most. Farida , Yasmin Tasnuva , Talukder Ashis , Maniruzzaman Md. , Alauddin Sharlene
Published: February 2023

Aims

This study aimed to determine the impact of correlates on tobacco control/smoke-free status of homes and workplace among Indian people. To assess the magnitude of the problem, the relationship between smoke-free status and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure was also explored.

Methods

Data was extracted from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey Data (GATS)-2017. It was a household survey that included people aged 15 years or older and covered all 30 states and 2 Union Territories (UTs) of India. A logistic regression model was used to determine the correlates of smoke-free status of homes and workplaces. Additionally, the Pearson correlation was used to explore the relationship between smoke-free status and the proportion of participants exposed to SHS both at homes and in the workplaces.

Results

The overall prevalence of smoke-free status in the home and workplace was 62.8% and 51.7%, respectively. Results of multivariate analysis (Logistic regression) illustrated that indicators like tobacco smoking status, place of residence, region, education, occupation, wealth quintile, and knowledge status about children’s illness were significantly associated with the respondent’s intention to live in a completely smoke-free environment both at home and in the workplace in India. This study revealed that SHS exposure was significantly negatively associated with a smoke-free status.

Conclusion

This study will help the policymakers to promote efficient policies for improving smoke-free status and to ensure a better environment both at home and in the workplace in India.
Radiation therapists’ perceptions of thermoplastic mask use for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania: A qualitative study
Authors: Yoram Furahini , Dharsee Nazima , Mkoka Dickson Ally , Maunda Khamza , Kisukari Jumaa Dachi
Published: February 2023

Introduction

A thermoplastic mask is the most widely used immobilization device for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The radiation therapist is the staff responsible to prepare these masks and set-up the patients for treatment, a procedure that requires time, patience, and precision. An understanding of Radiation therapists’ perceptions regarding thermoplastic mask use will help design interventions to address challenges encountered in its use. This study explored Radiation therapists’ perceptions of thermoplastic mask use for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania.

Material and methods

An exploratory qualitative study design was used to explore thermoplastic mask use for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, involving fifteen Radiation therapists from Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Tanzania between March and May 2021. A thematic analysis method was used to identify themes from data scripts.

Results

Four themes emerged that reflected radiation therapists’ perceptions of thermoplastic mask use for head and neck cancer immobilization among patients undergoing radiotherapy. Emerged themes were (1) Perceived benefits and limitations of thermoplastic mask use, (2) Refresher training and supervision requirements for effective use, (3) Proper storage for quality maintenance, and (4) Increased financial support and proper budgeting.

Conclusion

Participants perceived better patient immobilization with a thermoplastic mask use. However, too often recycling of thermoplastic masks and the long waiting time between thermoplastic mask preparation and treatment delivery limits their effective use. For efficient use of thermoplastic masks, there is a need for Radiation therapists’ refresher training and proper supervision, improving the storage system and increasing financial support for procuring new thermoplastic masks.
Update on the anatomy of the brachial plexus in dogs: Body weight correlation and contralateral comparison in a cadaveric study
Authors: Lambertini Carlotta , De Silva Margherita , Grandis Annamaria , Martorelli Monia , Romagnoli Noemi
Published: February 2023

A thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the brachial plexus is pivotal for diagnostic, therapeutic and anaesthetic purposes in order to correctly locate the nerve and reduce the incidence of complications when performing surgery or a local anaesthetic block of the brachial plexus. In this study, the anatomy of the brachial plexus in dogs was reviewed; the depth and diameter of each nerve were evaluated, and the contralateral limbs were compared. Eighteen canine cadavers were included and were divided into: small (SB); medium (MB) and large (LB) breed dogs. After dissection, the spinal roots and the suprascapular, subscapular, axillary, radial, ulnar, median, and musculocutaneous nerves were identified. The following evaluations were recorded: the origin of the nerves from the spinal roots, the roots and the nerve diameters, and the distance of the nerves root from the skin at the level of the scapula-humeral joint and from the interscapular region. A total of thirty-six brachial plexuses were evaluated; all originated from the ventral rami of the C6 to T1 spinal nerves. In the LB dogs, the root and the nerve diameters were larger as compared with the other two groups. In this group, also the mean distance of T1 from the skin at the level of the scapula-humeral joint and the average distance of the nerve roots from the skin of the interscapular region were also greater as compared with the other groups. No significant differences were recorded between the contralateral limbs. In the dogs in the present study, the origin of the nerves of the brachial plexus were similar to those previously reported; however, the presence of minor individual variations was confirmed between the right and the left limbs within the same dog between the right and the left limb. This is the first time that the diameters and the depth of the nerves have been described and positively correlated with body weight.
Emergency department experiences of people who use drugs who left or were discharged from hospital against medical advice
Authors: Mayer Samara , Langheimer Verena , Nolan Seonaid , Boyd Jade , Small Will , McNeil Ryan
Published: February 2023

Background

People who use drugs (PWUD) frequent emergency departments at a higher rate than the general population, and experience a greater frequency of soft tissue infections, pneumonia, and chronic conditions such as, HIV/AIDs and hepatitis C. This population has distinct health care considerations (e.g. withdrawal management) and are also more likely to leave or be discharged from hospital against medical advice.

Methods

This study examines the experiences of PWUD who have left or been discharged from hospital against medical advice to understand the structural vulnerabilities that shape experiences with emergency departments. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 PWUD who have left or been discharged from hospital against medical advice within the past two years as part of a larger study on hospital care and drug use in Vancouver, Canada.

Results

Findings characterize the experiences and perceptions of PWUD in emergency department settings, and include: (1) stigmatization of PWUD and compounding experiences of discrimination; (2) perceptions of overall neglect; (3) inadequate pain and withdrawal management; and (4) leaving ED against medical advice and a lack of willingness to engage in future care.

Conclusions

Structural vulnerabilities in ED can negatively impact the care received among PWUD. Findings demonstrate the need to consider how structural factors impact care for PWUD and to leverage existing infrastructure to incorporate harm reduction and a structural competency focused care. Findings also point to the need to consider how withdrawal and pain are managed in emergency department settings.
Revisión sistemática: Beneficios de los juegos de mesa en el ámbito de la educación social con menores de entre 6 y 18 años
Authors: Garrido Sánchez Ana Belén , Crisol Moya Emilio
Published: February 2023

El presente artículo aborda la revisión sistemática de literatura con el objetivo de estudiar -si existen- beneficios que mejoren el desarrollo integral de niños/as y adolescentes (entre 6 y 18 años) cuando se utilizan juegos de mesa ya sean comerciales o diseñados con un fin concreto. Mediante este estudio se da respuesta a interrogantes como: ¿Tienen los juegos de mesa beneficios, más allá de la mera diversión, a nivel educativo y/o social en niños y adolescentes? ¿Cuáles son estos beneficios? ¿En qué ámbitos o niveles son desarrollados? ¿Los juegos utilizados son juegos creados por los propios participantes/investigadores o juegos de mesa comerciales? Se analizaron producciones científicas en el período de 2016 a 2020. Los resultados muestran el creciente interés sobre esta temática en los últimos años. Del mismo modo, se plasman las principales ventajas que tienen la implementación de los juegos de mesa en tres ámbitos de actuación: sanitario, escolar y social. Se concluye que los juegos son recursos y herramientas que se encuentran a disposición de todo aquel que quiera hacer uso de estos, pero no son excluyentes. Es decir, utilizar el juego de mesa como propuesta en nuestros planes socioeducativos (de prevención o intervención) no significa su uso exclusivo y aislado de otros recursos o metodologías. Pueden llegar a utilizarse combinándolos con otros métodos.
Curiosity Cabinets: Revitalizing the Cabinet of Curiosity for the 21st century with the IGWS Learning Lab
Authors: Wollenweber Amanda , Sturgeon Polly , Wilkins Kristen
Published: February 2023

Natural history collections are groups of biologic and geologic objects that provide a physical record of Earth’s lifeforms and processes, both past and present. Natural history specimens can include rocks, minerals, fossils, plants, animals, and sediment. These specimens are scientifically organized, documented, and preserved in museums and universities to reconstruct Earth’s past, understand the present, and forecast the future.
Natural history collections inspire, create wonder, lead us to ask questions, and allow us to connect with science and the world around us.  
The Learning Lab is an experiential learning center that brings our collections out of storage for hands-on discovery. Part museum, part lab, and part classroom, the Learning Lab is where you can discover thousands of authentic rock, mineral, and fossil specimens, observe real-time datasets and geologic wonders, compare crystal shapes and fossil biology with sophisticated microscopes, question the world beneath your feet using scientific evidence, and create art and other connections inspired by our collections.
Comparing the differences of prokaryotic microbial community between pit walls and bottom from Chinese liquor revealed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Fang Shu , Wang Chuanxiang , Yan Juan
Published: February 2023

This study aims to explore the prokaryotic microbial community structures and diversity in pit mud from different depths, and provide a theoretical basis for the liquor production and further study of pit mud. The fermented pit muds of strong-flavor liquor from Yun distillery were taken as samples. The high-throughput sequencing approach, followed by bioinformatics analyses, was used to compare the differences in the prokaryotic microbial community between pit walls and bottom represented by samples. A total of 31 bacteria phyla and 2 archaea phyla were detected. The dominant phyla in YJ-S, YJ-Z, and YJ-X (sample name) were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, while the dominant genera in them were Acinetobacter, Aminobacterium, and Lactobacillus. YJ-Z and YJ-X were the closest in species diversity. In species richness analysis, YJ-X was the highest, followed by YJ-Z, and YJ-S was the lowest; in species uniformity analysis, YJ-S was the highest, followed by YJ-Z, and YJ-X was the lowest. The function predicted by 16S rRNA genome showed that prokaryotic microbial function in pit mud was mainly concentrated in “Carbohydrate transport and metabolism” and “Amino acid transport and metabolism.” Significant differences in prokaryotic microbial community and gene function prediction between pit walls and bottom were found in YJ-S, YJ-Z, and YJ-X (p < 0.05).
Development and psychometric properties of the HBM-based substance abuse prevention questionnaire (HBM-SAPQA) among Afghanian students
Authors: Mohammadi Kanali , Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat , Tavousi Mahmoud
Published: February 2023

In Afghanistan, adolescents and young people are the most important at risk groups for substance abuse. Considering the importance of model-based interventions in this group, this study aims to design and validate a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) for assessing the beliefs of Afghan students regarding substance abuse prevention behavior. This study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the items of the questionnaire were designed by conducting a combined documentary literature review and qualitative study. In the next step, its psychometric properties were evaluated through qualitative and quantitative face and content validity (CVR & CVR) and structural validity (exploratory factor analysis). Finally, internal consisitency through Cronbach’s alpha as well as reliability was assessed. To above steps, the SPSS version 18 was applied. 57 items were obtained for the questionnaire by performing a qualitative study and using existing scientific sources for literature review. In checking the face validity of the questionnaire items quantitatively (calculating the impact score), the impact score of all items was above 1.5. The CVR of each item was more than 0.8 and their CVI was more than 0.79. In EFA (using the information of 408 students with average age of 23 years old), the final model was confirmed with 38 related to the main HBM constructs in 5 factors, which covered about 40% of the variance. Acceptable values of Cronbach's alpha between 0.71 and 0.81 for all factors confirmed the reliability of the questionnaire. The HBM-SAPQA obtained the acceptable validity/reliability to apply the beliefs of Afghan students regarding substance abuse preventive behavior.
Evaluating the Impact of Data Exclusivity on the Price of Pharmaceutical Imports
Authors: Palmedo Michael
Published: February 2023

Data exclusivity is a form of intellectual property (IP) protection that restricts competition by preventing generic firms from relying on originator test results to win regulatory approval. It is a TRIPS-Plus intellectual property provision often required by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). This study analyses the impact of data exclusivity on aggregated pharmaceutical import prices in a set of 16 countries that enacted data exclusivity as required by FTAs, and six comparator countries that had not introduced this type of IP protection. It uses a difference in differences methodology appropriate for datasets in which treatment occurs at different periods, and in which treatment affects are heterogeneous over time. Between 1996 and 2014, pharmaceutical import prices were 14–20% higher on average in countries that had enacted data exclusivity than those that had not. Since these laws only applied to products entering the market after their enactment, their impact took time to become apparent. It eventually became quite large. The first statistically significant difference in prices occurred seven years after countries introduced data exclusivity. Nine years after these changes, the price differences averaged 175–210%.
Ökumenischer Lagebericht 2022: Catholica
Authors: Bräuer Martin , Lenski Daniel
Published: February 2023

Martin Bräuer analysiert die Kurienreform und ihre bisherigen Auswirkungen. Er gibt einen Überblick über den bisherigen Stand der Reformen, die auf dem Dokument „Praedicate Evangelium“ fußen. Weiter wird ein Blick auf die Initiative #OutInChurch geworfen und deren konkrete Auswirkungen auf das kirchliche Arbeitsrecht – im November 2022 wurde eine neue Grundordnung dazu verabschiedet. Anschließend werden die verschiedenen Formate von Synodalität und vor allem der aktuelle Stand des deutschen Synodalen Weges analysiert. Am Ende gibt Daniel Lenski einen kurzen Überblick über den im Juni 2022 veranstalteten Katholikentag in Stuttgart.
Ökumenischer Lagebericht 2022
Authors: Heller Dagmar
Published: February 2023

Die bereits vor dem Krieg schwierige Situation der Orthodoxie in der Ukraine hat sich seit dem Angriff Russlands verschärft und hat Auswirkungen nicht nur auf die Weltorthodoxie, sondern auch auf die weltweite wie die lokale Ökumene. Der vorliegende Artikel macht deutlich, dass die Legitimation des Krieges durch Patriarch Kyrill von Moskau allerdings nicht die Haltung der gesamten Russischen Orthodoxen Kirche ist. Eine Konsequenz ist die Loslösung der Ukrainischen Orthodoxen Kirche (UOK) vom Moskauer Patriarchat. In der weltweiten Orthodoxie ist das durch die Gründung der Orthodoxen Kirche in der Ukraine (OKU) entstandene Schisma dabei, sich auszuweiten. In der weltweiten Ökumene wird der Umgang mit der Russischen Orthodoxen Kirche diskutiert. Die Gründung ukrainischer Gemeinden durch UOK wie OKU bringt neue Herausforderungen für die lokale Ökumene in Ländern mit einer orthodoxen Diaspora.