bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma leitura de O Evangelho Segundo Jesus Cristo, de José Saramago, à luz da alegoria do anjo da história, de Walter Benjamin
Authors: Silva Júnior Antônio Martins da , Dias Ellen Mariany da Silva
Published: January 2024

Há muito se conhece a potência narrativa, imagética e alegórica que marca a obra de José Saramago. Nesse sentido, este artigo se debruça sobre O Evangelho Segundo Jesus Cristo (1991) e busca traçar caminhos de leitura que lancem luz sobre a nossa hipótese de que há, neste romance, a consolidação de uma poética dessacralizadora via intertextualidade, ironia e paródia (HUTCHEON: 1985, 1991). Estes elementos são articulados na hermenêutica pós-moderna dos discursos históricos, artísticos e religiosos que compõem o rol de referências desta narrativa. Para isto lançaremos mão de uma abordagem de cunho formalista, conforme Chklóvski (2013) e Todorov (2013), na análise de alguns de seus trechos representativos, bem como dos conceitos de História e de alegoria, de Walter Benjamin (2018, 1987), encarando o romance como uma obra aberta (ECO, 2013) e em sintonia com o ethos da Literatura e das Artes do século XX.
Memória, identidade e alteridade em a máquina de fazer espanhóis, de Valter Hugo Mãe
Authors: Lourenção Cristiane Corsini
Published: January 2024

O artigo investiga as relações dialógicas entre memória, identidade e alteridade na poética do romance a máquina de fazer espanhóis (2016), de Valter Hugo Mãe, à luz dos conceitos elaborados por Mikhail Bakhtin (1895-1975). O dialogismo, como eixo de análise do texto literário, examina como as relações históricas e a memória são constitutivas fundamentais na elaboração das personagens. As interações dialógicas, além disso, operam como zonas de tensão e conflito, capazes de produzir o sentido do texto.
Sentimentos de D. Pedro e D. Inês de Castro e o seu contexto codicológico e bibliográfico
Authors: Zuccaro Leonardo
Published: January 2024

O presente artigo pretende apresentar o poema Sentimentos de D. Pedro e de D. Inês de Castro, cuja autoria mais divulgada é atribuída a Manuel de Azevedo Morato, poeta português que vicejou durante a segunda metade do século XVII. Para tal objetivo, expôs-se aspectos estruturais e retóricos do poema, bem como a concordância com o modelo imitativo no Canto III d’Os Lusíadas, entre as estrofes 118 e 137, no qual Camões narra o mesmo episódio. Em seguida, o poema é vinculado a um conjunto genérico de poemas compostos no mesmo período, e cuja temática principal é o sentimento da saudade. Tal classificação dá-se de duas formas: uma a partir de elementos textuais que todos esses poemas compartilham; a outra de acordo com a análise da materialidade, ou seja, dos aspectos bibliográficos e codicológicos. Na conclusão, permite-se apontar um outro aspecto ainda subdesenvolvido de todo o conjunto aqui analisado.
As lutas contra opressão como propulsoras das epistemologias do Sul: pela promoção da justiça cognitiva
Authors: Amaro Flávia Ribeiro
Published: January 2024

The article reflects about the formulations around the "southern epistemologies", elaborated by sociologist Portuguese Boaventura de Sousa Santos. The objective is to clarify the key concepts of his current thinking, such as: "abyssal line", "sociology of absences", "sociology of emergencies", "ecology of knowledge", "intercultural translation" and "artesian of practices". The author advocates for a "cognitive justice" and argues that, to achieve it, it is essential that there be a reformulation of westernocentric epistemological perspectives, with a view to including other ontologies and other forms of knowledge construction, non-extractivists, anticapitalisms and antipatriarchal. This strategy aims to build new ways of doing science and circumventing the epistemicide carried out by the conventional model. To this end, a literature review was carried out on the author's last works published in Brazil. With emphasis on the contributions of the book, "The end of the cognitive empire: The affirmation of southern epistemologies" (2022a).
O melhor amigo do camelô: uma análise sobre a relação entre o comércio ambulante e a agiotagem
Authors: Silva Thiago José Aguiar da
Published: January 2024

A presente pesquisa descreve, a partir de uma investigação etnográfica, a relação estabelecida entre o comércio ambulante e o mercado ilegal de agiotagem e seus impactos em virtude do processo de formalização dessa primeira atividade econômica. Percebe-se, por meio da observação participante, que os laços construídos entre camelôs e agiotas se mantém à revelia dos estatutos jurídicos desses interlocutores, o qual a lógica que move essa relação se dá por meio da pessoalidade desses sujeitos e da postura dos ambulantes em assimilar o dinheiro emprestado pela agiotagem como um recurso específico para “girar a mercadoria”. Essas caracterizações feitas pelos interlocutores geram garantias específicas na dinâmica desse mercado, na qual a relação entre legal e ilegal se retroalimenta. Conclui-se portanto, o processo de formalização, ao contrário das expectativas governamentais, gera uma maior demanda pelo mercado ilegal de agiotagem.
Mapas do crime: a territorialização das facções criminosas em Juazeiro do Norte – CE
Authors: Barbosa Wendell de Freitas , Limeira Maria Eduarda da Silva , Rocha Daniel de Souza , Cunha Glacithane Lins da , Sampaio Felipe Alencar da Silva
Published: January 2024

O presente trabalho versa sobre a territorialização das facções criminosas no município de Juazeiro do Norte – CE. Buscando compreender a dinâmica criminal da cidade, as zonas de conflito e os bairros mais afetados por esse domínio territorial. A área mapeada concentrou-se no município de Juazeiro do Norte, foram registrados 26 bairros e 95 endereços com intuito de compreender as correlações entre bairros, endereços e facções. Com o estudo foi possível observar os bairros mais afetados por essa disputa territorial e as principais facções presentes na região. Os resultados evidenciaram a falta de um mecanismo eficaz de segurança pública adequado de políticas preventivas capaz de estimular uma diminuição da violência e do crescimento das facções a nível local. Observou-se que as áreas mais afetadas centralizaram-se nos bairros Pio XII, Pirajá, Franciscanos e Centro. Efetivamente, tal fato tem colaborado significativamente para a formação e segregação desses espaços urbanos.
Apresentação: afetividades marginais, grupos armados e mercados ilegais
Authors: Trevas Juliana Torres Y Plá , Santos Nido Farias dos , Siqueira Ítalo Barbosa Lima
Published: January 2024

Apresentação do Dossiê "Afetividades marginais, grupos armados e mercados ilegais" feita pelos organizadores.
Deficiency of Transcription Factor Sp1 Contributes to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Fulei , Zhou Huixing , Xue Jinfeng , Zhang Yuemei , Zhou Liping , Leng Junwei , Fang Guojian , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Yan , Liu Hongyu , Wu Yahan , Qi Lingbin , Duan Ran , He Xiaoyu , Wang Yan , Liu Yi , Li Li , Yang Jian , Liang Dandan , Chen Yi-Han
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent monogenic heart disorder. However, the pathogenesis of HCM, especially its nongenetic mechanisms, remains largely unclear. Transcription factors are known to be involved in various biological processes including cell growth. We hypothesized that SP1 (specificity protein 1), the first purified TF in mammals, plays a role in the cardiomyocyte growth and cardiac hypertrophy of HCM.

METHODS:

Cardiac-specific conditional knockout of
Sp1
mice were constructed to investigate the role of SP1 in the heart. The echocardiography, histochemical experiment, and transmission electron microscope were performed to analyze the cardiac phenotypes of cardiac-specific conditional knockout of
Sp1
mice. RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, and adeno-associated virus experiments in vivo were performed to explore the downstream molecules of SP1. To examine the therapeutic effect of SP1 on HCM, an SP1 overexpression vector was constructed and injected into the mutant allele of Myh6 R404Q/+ (
Myh6
c. 1211C>T) HCM mice. The human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) from a patient with HCM were used to detect the potential therapeutic effects of SP1 in human HCM.

RESULTS:

The cardiac-specific conditional knockout of
Sp1
mice developed a typical HCM phenotype, displaying overt myocardial hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and disordered myofilament. In addition,
Sp1
knockdown dramatically increased the cell area of hiPSC-CMs and caused intracellular myofibrillar disorganization, which was similar to the hypertrophic cardiomyocytes of HCM. Mechanistically,
Tuft1
was identified as the key target gene of SP1. The hypertrophic phenotypes induced by
Sp1
knockdown in both hiPSC-CMs and mice could be rescued by TUFT1 (tuftelin 1) overexpression. Furthermore, SP1 overexpression suppressed the development of HCM in the mutant allele of Myh6 R404Q/+ mice and also reversed the hypertrophic phenotype of HCM hiPSC-CMs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study demonstrates that SP1 deficiency leads to HCM. SP1 overexpression exhibits significant therapeutic effects on both HCM mice and HCM hiPSC-CMs, suggesting that SP1 could be a potential intervention target for HCM.
The Proposal for a Directive on Defective Products: A Game Changer for Innovative Medicinal Products
Authors: Guerriaud Mathieu , Siranyan Valérie
Published: January 2024

At the end of 2022, the European Commission published a proposal for a directive to revise the strict liability regime introduced in 1985. Although the main goal of this new proposal is to adapt the regulations to information technologies such as artificial intelligence, it has multiple impacts on other economic sectors, including the pharmaceutical market. Therefore, this proposal could change the deal in terms of liability in this specific market. Indeed, the proposal modifies the burden of proof, which can be quite challenging to establish in the case of adverse effects of medicinal products. It introduces a possible presumption of liability for a manufacturer who fails to communicate, to a court, the information they required, which might jeopardise the protection of trade secrets and commercial confidentiality. In addition, the proposal also extends the limitation period, and more importantly, it mandates the application of the ‘development risk defence.’
Critically-Ill Children and the International Human Rights System: Assessing the Status and Role of the UNCRPD in the Case of Archie Battersbee
Authors: Nyamutata Conrad
Published: January 2024

Over the past few years, some parents and clinicians in the UK have argued about decisions on the fate of critically-ill children, with the cases ending in protracted and emotionally-sapping legal disputes. The long-running legal conflicts have played out in the public eye, eliciting conflicting opinions. At the core of the disputes is whether parents or clinicians should determine the appropriate course of action. In the event of the disagreements, the domestic court intervenes guided by the ‘best interests’ principle. A corpus of scholarship, falling on either side of the debate, has captured the contradictions. Until recently, the discourse had focused on the common recourses to domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights. However, in the recent case of incapacitated 12-year-old Archie Battersbee, his parents sought redress from the international human rights system through the Committee on the Rights of People with Disabilities to stop termination of his life support. The courts barred the involvement of the Committee on the basis that the UK had not incorporated the treaty which birthed the Committee. The case brought into sharp focus the relationship between international law and domestic law. First, this paper asserts that the weight (not) given to international law by the domestic courts was inconsistent with its treatment of international obligations in other cases. Secondly, the position that unincorporated treaties do not have legal effect in domestic proceedings is ambiguous. Finally, the treaty body appeared ill-suited to handle a case of a critically-ill child in the face of the impatient demands of local justice.
Two new species of Promonhystera Wieser, 1956 (Nematoda: Monhysterida: Xyalidae) from the South China Sea
Authors: HUANG MIAN , XU KUIDONG
Published: January 2024

Two new species of free-living marine nematodes from the littoral sediment of the South China Sea are described as Promonhystera papilla sp. nov. and Promonhystera fluctispicula sp. nov. Both new species are characterized by striated cuticle; circular amphideal fovea; anterior sensilla in two circles, inner labial sensilla setiform; funnel-shaped buccal cavity; elongated spicules and conico-cylindrical tail. P. papilla sp. nov. is different from all known species of the genus by longer body length (more than 2.1mm versus less than 1.5 mm in other species), longer spicules (sp/a.b.d. = 4.1–4.6 versus ≤ 2.7) and males with three papilliform precloacal supplements and one small postcloacal papilla (versus absence) and gubernaculum boot-shaped. P. fluctispicula sp. nov. is similar to P. tricuspidata Wieser, 1956 in having similar waved spicules but differs from the latter species by tail conico-cylindrical (versus conical) and simple plate-like gubernaculum without tooth (versus gubernaculum with four distal teeth).
Advertisement calls from species of the Limnonectes hascheanus-limborgi complex (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: ZOU BEI , ANUAR M.S. SHAHRUL , LOW TEK JOO , HONG ZIJIA , GRISMER L. LEE , QUAH EVAN S. H.
Published: January 2024

Limnonectes hascheanus and Limnonectes limborgi are two very similar-looking and closely related species and are sometimes referred to as the Limnonectes hascheanus-limborgi complex (Inger & Stuart 2010). Inger & Stuart (2010) tackled the systematics of the complex and confirmed the status of L. limborgi as a distinct species and not a junior synonym to L. hascheanus by providing molecular data and morphological characters of its distinctiveness. The geographic ranges of the two species were also reported to be distinct where L. hascheanus is mainly restricted to the southern part of the Thai-Malay Peninsula while L. limborgi is distributed from southern Myanmar north into northern Thailand and Laos before curving around into central Laos, northeastern Thailand, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam (Inger & Stuart 2010).
Turcinoemacheilus inexpectatus, a new nemacheilid loach from the Tigris drainage (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: FREYHOF JÖRG , JOULADEH-ROUDBAR ARASH
Published: January 2024

Turcinoemacheilus inexpectatus, new species, is described from the Greater Zab, Lesser Zab, and Sirvan drainages, all tributaries of the middle Tigris. It belongs to the T. kosswigi species group. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by an indistinct or prominent midlateral stripe broader than the eye diameter often overlaid by a row of dark-brown blotches, greater pre-pelvic distance, deeper caudal peduncle, and wider interorbital distance.
Description of a rock-dwelling cichlid that re-invaded the sand substrate in Lake Malaŵi, Africa
Authors: KONINGS ADRIANUS F. , MILLER TORIN A. , JR. JAY R. STAUFFER
Published: January 2024

Pseudotropheus Regan had been a catch-all genus for many of the rock-dwelling cichlids of Lake Malaŵi, known as mbuna, for over half a century. Although many of the species previously assigned to this genus have since been allocated to other genera there are still about a dozen species in the genus that do not appear to be closely related to its type species, P. williamsi, but for which no better placement could be found. Pseudotropheus livingstonii (Boulenger) is one such species and the new species described herein appears to be closely related and has for that reason been temporarily assigned to Pseudotropheus. Pseudotropheus likomae n. sp. from Likoma Island can be diagnosed from all other Pseudotropheus spp., by having five or fewer distinct vertical bars below the dorsal fin and two horizontal stripes in mature individuals.
A new species of the genus Dendarus Dejean, 1821 from Southwest Iran (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Dendarini)
Authors: MOFRAD FARHAD ESHRAGHI
Published: January 2024

A new tenebrionid species of the genus Dendarus Dejean, 1821, Dendarus (Pandarinus) nabozhenkoi sp. n. is described from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. Dendarus nabozhenkoi sp. n. is most similar to Dendarus matthewsi Nabozhenko, 2022 and Dendarus simplex Seidlitz, 1893 differing in the shape of the pronotum, the structure of the male pro- and metatibiae, the reduced goldish hair brush on the sole surface of mesotarsomere 2 and the structure of the aedeagus and spiculum gastrale.
Vientos—A New Satellite Mission Concept for 3D Wind Measurements by Combining Passive Water Vapor Sounders with Doppler Wind Lidar
Authors: Zeng Xubin , Su Hui , Hristova-Veleva Svetla , Posselt Derek J. , Atlas Robert , Brown Shannon T. , Dixon Ross D. , Fetzer Eric , Galarneau Thomas J. , Hardesty Michael , Jiang Jonathan H. , Kangaslahti Pekka P. , Ouyed Amir , Pagano Thomas S. , Reitebuch Oliver , Roca Remy , Stoffelen Ad , Tucker Sara , Wilson Anna , Wu Longtao , Yanovsky Igor
Published: January 2024

It is challenging to accurately characterize the three-dimensional distribution of horizontal wind vectors (known as 3D winds). Feature-matching satellite cloud top or water vapor fields have been used for decades to retrieve atmospheric motion vectors, but this approach is mostly limited to a single and uncertain pressure level at a given time. Satellite wind lidar measurements are expected to provide more accurate data and capture the line-of-sight wind for clear skies, within cirrus clouds, and above thick clouds, but only along a curtain parallel to the satellite track. Here we propose Vientos—a new satellite mission concept that combines two or more passive water vapor sounders with Doppler wind lidar to measure 3D winds. The need for 3D wind observations is highlighted by inconsistencies in reanalysis estimates, particularly under precipitating conditions. Recent studies have shown that 3D winds can be retrieved using water vapor observations from two polar-orbiting satellites separated by 50 min, with the help of advanced optical flow algorithms. These winds can be improved through the incorporation of a small number of collocated higher-accuracy measurements via machine learning. The Vientos concept would enable simultaneous measurements of 3D winds, temperature, and humidity, and is expected to have a significant impact on scientific research, weather prediction, and other applications. For example, it can help better understand and predict the preconditions for organized convection. This article summarizes recent results, presents the Vientos mission architecture, and discusses implementation scenarios for a 3D wind mission under current budget constraints.
Resuscitation and Evaluation With Intraosseous Access: A Review of the Literature in Trauma and Non-Trauma Patients
Authors: Chiang Taylor , Teichman Amanda L.
Published: January 2024

According to trauma resuscitation guidelines, intraosseous (IO) access is appropriate when failure to gain intravenous (IV) access is present in trauma, burn, shock, or resuscitation settings for adults or when two failed attempts have been made in the resuscitation of a pediatric patient. However, their effectiveness and use have been debated due to concerns on flow rates, extravasation, compartment syndrome, and osteomyelitis. The objective of this review is to examine the current literature regarding intraosseous access in trauma resuscitation, focusing on interventions and complication rates.
Partial Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Aids in the Successful Non-Operative Management of a Life-Threatening Penetrating Liver Injury
Authors: Campbell Brandi , Meyer Courtney H. , Novack Joseph C. , Kokabi Nima , Sciarretta Jason , Nguyen Jonathan
Published: January 2024

In recent years, isolated non-operative management of penetrating liver injuries has become the standard of care for the hemodynamically stable patient. However, when the patient becomes hemodynamically unstable, adjuncts such as resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) deployed in Zone 1 can be used to achieve complete aortic occlusion from the celiac axis down. Unfortunately, hemorrhage control through REBOA comes at the risk of deadly intra-abdominal ischemia. Partial REBOA (pREBOA) introduces the opportunity to make targeted changes in volume and thus titrate the amount of aortic occlusion in real-time to adequately manage hemorrhage while allowing some distal blood flow. This is a novel approach and one which may give providers more time to gain definitive hemorrhage control while minimizing the morbidity of ischemia. Here, we present a case of life-threatening penetrating liver injury that was successfully managed non-operatively with the assistance of p-REBOA.
A Large Cohort Analysis of Epiglottic Phenotypes and Pharyngeal Residue
Authors: Kravietz Adam , Crosby Tyler , Yang Jackie , Balou Stamatela , Dion Gregory R. , Logan Ashley , Amin Milan R.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To describe the phenotypic characteristics of the epiglottis at rest and their impact on vallecular residue.

Methods:

Videofluoroscopic studies (VFSS) were pooled from 2 Laryngology practices, and Image J was used to measure epiglottic anatomic features at rest. Studies were rated by the MBSImp and presence of vallecular residue following swallow of thin and puree boluses. A conditional inference tree analysis was performed to isolate which epiglottic parameters were risk factors for presence of vallecular reside followed by logistic regression.

Results:

The majority of patients had a normal shaped epiglottis, followed by omega shape. The mean angle of the epiglottis from the hyoid was approximately 90°. Only abnormal epiglottic movement was associated with increased risk of residue for thin boluses (OR 35.09, CI 10.93-158.66, P < .001). However, in those with normal epiglottic movement, age >70 years old was associated with increased risk of residue (OR 3.98, CI 1.73-9.23, P = .001). For puree boluses, a normal or omega shaped epiglottis was associated with residue (OR 5.19, CI 2.41-11.51, P < .001), and this relationship was further modulated by increased distance of the epiglottic tip from the posterior pharyngeal wall. No other anatomic features of the resting epiglottis were associated with residue. Comorbidities potentially affecting swallow were infrequent in the cohort and were not associated with residue.

Conclusion:

Abnormal epiglottic movement is associated with aspiration, and in this study we find that abnormal epiglottic movement increases the risk of vallecular residue and that older age is a risk factor for residue. The resting properties of the epiglottis do not appear to be associated with abnormal epiglottic movement or residue.
The development of a Chinese vocabulary proficiency test (CVPT) for learners of Chinese as a second/foreign language
Authors: Zhang Haiwei , Sun Peng , Bianglae Yaowaluk , Widiawati Winda
Published: January 2024

In order to address the needs of the continually growing number of Chinese language learners, the present study developed and presented initial validation of a 100-item Chinese vocabulary proficiency test (CVPT) for learners of Chinese as a second/foreign language (CS/FL) using Item Response Theory among 170 CS/FL learners from Indonesia and 354 CS/FL learners from Thailand. Participants were required to translate or explain the meanings of the Chinese words using Indonesian or Thai. The results provided preliminary evidence for the construct validity of the CVPT for measuring CS/FL learners’ receptive Chinese vocabulary knowledge in terms of content, substantive, structural, generalizability, and external aspects. The translation-based CVPT was an attempt to measure CS/FL learners’ vocabulary proficiency by exploring their performance in a vocabulary translation task, potentially revealing test-takers’ high-degree vocabulary knowledge. Such a CVPT could be useful for Chinese vocabulary instruction and designing future Chinese vocabulary measurement tools.
Expanding Knowledge About Music and Well-Being in Carceral Settings: A Methodological Review
Authors: Im Vitalis , Pinto Rogério M.
Published: January 2024

This methodological review includes literature (1987–2022) concerning the role and influence of musical practices—including music therapy and participatory music interventions—on well-being in carceral settings such as jails, prisons, and immigration detention centers. We provide a thorough description of key methodological procedures used in 55 studies: (1) Key Elements of Research Questions; (2) Types of Musical Practices; (3) Musical Genres; (4) Methodologies and Designs; (5) Locations; (6) Theoretical Frameworks; and (7) Samples. Our review indicates that there is difficulty in conducting research in prisons due to limitations imposed on researchers, a paucity of randomized-control trials, and limited generalizability of results due to the heterogeneity of methodological approaches. We suggest that the literature base would benefit from increased attention to issues related to sampling procedures, research questions related to race and gender identity, as well as the delineation between the types of musical practices utilized by music interventions.
Quand une partie tierce est une troisième chance : l’impact de la médiation sur la qualité de la relation avec l’entreprise dans la phase post-gestion de la réclamation
Authors: Mardumyan Anna , Sabadie William
Published: January 2024

La demande de médiation, dans laquelle une tierce personne neutre offre des conseils pour résoudre un conflit entre un client et une entreprise, continue d’augmenter régulièrement en Europe. Cet article est le premier à considérer le recours à la médiation comme une étape du parcours de gestion de la réclamation et à examiner empiriquement comment l’intervention d’un médiateur impacte la qualité de la relation client. Les résultats indiquent que la décision du médiateur influence les intentions de fidélité des clients via l’effet médiateur de la justice distributive. Considérant la neutralité comme l’élément fondamental du processus de médiation, cette recherche révèle un impact modérateur du type de médiation (interne vs externe) sur la relation entre la décision du médiateur et les intentions de fidélité des clients. Les résultats soulignent l’efficacité de la médiation interne par rapport à la médiation externe après une décision favorable au client. La médiation peut ainsi être utilisée par les entreprises afin de conserver les clients à la suite d’une double déviation.
Long-Term Mortality and Health-Related Quality of Life After Continuous Versus Intermittent Renal Replacement Therapy in ICU Survivors: A Secondary Analysis of the Quality of Life After ICU Study
Authors: Siqueira Santos Mariana Martins , Sganzerla Daniel , Pereira Isabel Jesus , Rosa Regis Goulart , Granja Cristina , Teixeira Cassiano , Azevedo Luís
Published: January 2024

Purpose: We assessed long-term outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors with acute kidney injury (AKI) submitted to intermittent or continuous renal replacement therapy (RRT) for comparisons between groups. Methods: The multicenter prospective cohort study included 195 adult ICU survivors with an ICU stay >72 h in 10 ICUs that had at least one episode of AKI treated with intermittent RRT (IRRT) or continuous RRT (CRRT) during ICU stay. The main outcomes were mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Hospital readmissions and physical dependence were also assessed. Results: Regarding RRT, 83 (42.6%) patients received IRRT and 112 (57.4%) received CRRT. Despite the similarity regarding sociodemographic characteristics, pre-ICU state of health and type of admission between groups, the risk of death (23.5% vs 42.7%; P < .001), the prevalence of sepsis (60.7%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (17%) were higher at ICU admission among CRRT patients. The severity of critical illness was higher among CRRT patients, regarding the need for mechanical ventilation (75.0% vs 50.6%, P = .002) and vasopressors (91.1% vs 63.9%, P < .001). One year after ICU discharge, 67 of 195 ICU survivors died (34.4%) and, after adjustment for confounders, there were no significant differences in mortality when comparing IRRT and CRTT patients (34.9% vs 33.9%; P = .590), on HRQoL in both physical (41.9% vs 42.2%; P = .926) and mental dimensions (57.6% vs 56.6%; P = .340), and on the number of hospital readmissions and physical dependence. Conclusions: Our study suggests that among ICU survivors RRT modality (IRRT vs CRRT) in the ICU does not impact long-term outcomes after ICU discharge.
Managing the power of images: Environmental NGOs, networked public screens, and ‘interactive’ image events in China
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Huang Vincent Guangsheng
Published: January 2024

Scholars have researched the ‘wildness’ or ‘tameness’ of public screens for staging image events. This study argues that in non-democratic contexts, public screens are not totally wild or tame but are constrained by institutional limits, straddling the tame and the wild. In networked public screens, activists should keep a careful balance between tameness and wildness, staging ‘interactive’ image events to conduct bottom–up social mobilization to pressure the local state while avoiding being perceived as a threat. Through a case study of environmental activism in China, we identified two interactive strategies that were organized around image events. One was a visible interaction through which activists manipulated the mediated visibility of environmental problems by constructing image events. The other was an invisible interplay through which states and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in closed-door negotiations to solve the problems exposed, without relinquishing the potential for social mobilization by constructing image events. These two forms of interactions, visible and invisible, form a circuit and are interconvertible in specific situations. With the shrinking of institutional space, invisible interaction is becoming the dominant mode of interaction with the state. The formation of such an interactive circuit has largely constrained the power of environmental images in social mobilization.
Effective regeneration of deactivated Raney-Ni catalyst during multiphase hydrogenation of vegetable oil
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Shafiq Iqrash , Hussain Murid , Akhter Parveen , Jamil Farrukh , Park Young-Kwon
Published: January 2024

Raney nickel is extensively used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils. However, it deactivates over time and is known as a spent nickel catalyst, which is potentially hazardous to the environment. By contrasting different approaches, a straightforward and original strategy for regenerating spent nickel catalyst was developed by comparing various methods. The fresh, spent nickel catalyst, and treated catalyst samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, atomic absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and color scheme analyses. The results showed that the catalyst deactivation was primarily due to oil deposition over the active sites, agglomeration of catalyst, and entrainment of nickel during hydrogenation. Using n-hexane as the solvent with a spent nickel catalyst-to-solvent ratio of 1:12 (g/mL), a 65 °C temperature, and a two-hour extraction time, ultrasonication-assisted solvent extraction of spent nickel catalyst proved to be the most effective and efficient process for regeneration.
Improving Early Initiation of Breastfeeding in Healthy Late Preterm Neonates Through Reformed Lactation Support Program: A Before and After Study
Authors: Singh Ishita , Chandran Rabindran , B Umamaheswari , Amboiram Prakash
Published: January 2024

Background

Early Initiation of Breastfeeding (EIBF) reduces neonatal mortality up to three times, particularly in preterm and low-birth weight infants. Existing Lactation Support Program (LSP) of the institute tackles breastfeeding-related issues to achieve EIBF as early as possible for all delivered healthy infants. LSP was reformed by introducing new policy in February 2021 to achieve EIBF <1 hour in all healthy delivered neonates.

Aim

The aim of the study was to study the efficacy of new lactation policy of LSP on rates of EIBF and time to attain the first breastfeeding in late preterm neonates of gestational age 35+0 weeks -36+6 weeks.

Method

A ‘before-and-after’ design was used to study the effect of the new policy on EIBF at a tertiary care institute in India from January 2018 to March 2023. Impact was assessed by comparing baseline data in pre-policy (group A) with that of new policy (group B).

Result

Among 417 babies included, 336 and 81 belonged to group A and B, respectively. EIBF rates were 42% and 99% in group A and group B, respectively ( p < .0001). Median time to initiate EIBF was 100 min IQR [85–117] in group A compared to 26 minutes IQR [19–37] in group B ( p < .0001).

Conclusion

Lactation support program is an invaluable key practice for attainment of EIBF. Through simple measures, significant improvement in EIBF was possible in healthy late preterm population. This LSP can be considered as ideal model to be adapted at national level to improvise EIBF.
Diagnostic Utility of the CAN Score and Proportionality Indices and Variations in Neutrophil—and Platelet—Lymphocyte Ratios in Fetal Malnutrition
Authors: Priyanka Olety , Sindgikar Seema Pavaman
Published: January 2024

Background

Nutritional status of neonates is best assessed using clinical assessment of nutrition (CAN) score and proportionality indices. The onset of malnutrition that begins in utero, termed fetal malnutrition (FM), can induce a state of inflammation. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of FM in different classes of births along with analysis of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in cord blood as markers of inflammation.

Materials and Methods

It was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The proportionality indices—body mass index (BMI), ponderal index (PI), and CAN score—were calculated. PI <2.2, BMI<11.2 kg/m2, and CAN score <25 were indicators of FM. The Chi-square test was used to test the sensitivity and specificity of CAN score against PI and BMI.

Results

A total of 100 term neonates were included, divided into 3 groups: small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). Fetal malnutrition was present in 16% of total neonates. The sensitivity and specificity of the CAN score was more than 85% with significant p-value {χ 2 = 33 (PI), χ 2 = 58.8 (BMI)}. Median NLR in FM was 1.63 ± 0.65, significantly ( P < .001) higher than well-nourished neonates. Platelet lymphocyte ratio did not have a significant difference. Clinical assessment of nutrition score showed a positive correlation with maternal ( r = 0.806, P < .001) and neonatal BMI ( r = 0.368, P < .001).

Conclusion

Proportionality indices and CAN score can be interchangeably used to diagnose FM. The presence of higher NLR values in neonates with FM suggesting an underlying inflammatory process requires closer follow-up.
Breast-feeding: A Dual Perspective from a Primi Mother and Paediatrician
Authors: Mandula Phani Priya
Published: January 2024

In this deeply personal narrative, I share my journey as both a primi mother and a pediatrician, offering a dual perspective on the intricate world of breastfeeding. This exploration intertwines my own lived experiences with the professional insights I’ve gained through years of medical practice.
Systemic Family Dynamics and Well-Being in Highly Educated Adults During the COVID-19 in China: A Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Xu Jia , Lu Lin , Zhao Xudong
Published: January 2024

Crisis and stress are threats to family relationships and well-being in highly educated adults. This longitudinal survey evaluated well-being and systemic family dynamics during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and 8-month follow-up in highly educated Chinese adults who are more likely to seek and enter psychotherapy. Self-designed sociodemographic characteristic questionnaire, index of well-being and index of general affect, Self-rating Scale of Systemic Family Dynamics at two timepoints (8-month follow-up) during the COVID-19 pandemic were used. Structural equation modeling and analyses of variances were applied. Results indicated a modified model fits well for both data in the early months of COVID-19 and 8-months later. The relationship between systemic family dynamics and well-being ( β = 0.61 vs. 0.57) and the relationship between systemic family dynamics and its subscale individuation ( β = 0.88 vs. 0.80) were moderated by the pandemic ( C.R. = 2.09 vs. 2.48, p < .05). Some subscales of well-being and systemic family dynamics significantly increased overtime during the pandemic ( p <.001). The results suggest that well-being and systemic family dynamics and their associations are changed and influenced by the different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic for highly educated adults. Systemic family dynamics could be a potential protective factor against adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on well-being.
Exploring Parent-Child Traits and Relationship Quality: A Network Study
Authors: Tommasi Marco , Arnò Simone , Saggino Aristide , Sergi Maria Rita
Published: January 2024

Big five and dark triad personality traits are likely to influence the perceived quality of the parent-child relationship, as they can impact the behavior of family members and parenting styles. The main objective of this study was to analyze how adult children's and parents' personality traits affect the perceived quality of the parent-child relationship within dyadic interactions. The results revealed that parents' agreeableness and psychopathy had positive or negative effects on children's positive behaviors and feelings toward their parents, respectively. Moreover, mothers' and fathers' positive behaviors and feelings toward their children were positively or negatively associated, respectively, with children's conscientiousness and psychopathy. Furthermore, network analyses demonstrated that the impact of parents' emotional stability and psychopathy on children's perceived quality of the parent-child relationship varied depending on the gender of the parents. Thus, the relationship between personality traits and the perceived quality of the parent-child relationship is influenced by family roles, revealing a complex and variable structure in different dyadic family relationships.
Restoring Sanity and Remembering Spirit in Psychology: Reclaiming Our Pre-Colonial Worldview
Authors: Four Arrows Wahinkpe Topa
Published: January 2024

This article focuses on rebalancing our colonial worldview assumptions about psychological healing with our pre-colonial, “Indigenous” worldview. It argues that uninvestigated dominant worldview precepts are why most approaches to psychology have not adequately addressed mental health problems. As a solution, the author offers ways to use metacognitive worldview reflection with the aid of a worldview chart with 40 contrasting but potentially complementary worldview precepts. Proposing that ceremonies and trance-based healing and learning have long been used by Indigenous peoples for living in balance, he shows how self-hypnosis (Concentration-Activated Transformation) can be used to achieve the transformations desired. Using first-person narrative, the author explains how he came to understand the importance of worldview precepts as related to human behavior and how psychology can be decolonized and transformed by addressing them.
Comparison of procedural time with two different ultrasound-guided approaches for dorsalis pedis artery cannulation in adult patients: A randomized trial
Authors: Karan Priyabrat , Sharma Ankur , Mukesh Arun , Goyal Shilpa , Rathod Darshna , Kumari Kamlesh , Meshram Tanvi , Kothari Nikhil , Bhatia Pradeep
Published: January 2024

Background:

In adult patients, there has never been an evaluation of short-axis out-of-plane versus long-axis in-plane approaches of ultrasound-guided dorsalis pedis artery cannulation. This research was conducted to compare these two techniques to cannulate the dorsal pedis artery.

Methods:

In this trial, 128 adult patients undergoing surgery and necessitating arterial cannulation were examined. Dorsalis pedis artery cannulation was performed utilizing an ultrasound by long-axis in-plane approach (group L) or short-axis out-of-plane (group S) techniques.

Results:

Group S had a higher first attempt success rate than group L (46.9% vs 28.6%, p = 0.039). The S group had a lower assessment time than the L group (11.48 ± 3.07 vs 19.68 ± 2.79 s; p = 0.000). Cannulation time was higher in the S group (18.91 ± 1.92 s) compared to the L group (12.48 ± 1.61 s; p = 0.000). Nevertheless, the total procedure time was comparable between the L group and the S group (32.16 ± 2.95 vs 30.42 ± 4.07 s; p = 0.107).

Conclusions:

In adults, both views of ultrasonography can be used to guide DPA cannulation. The cannulation time for the DPA in L group was less than the S group, whereas the assessment time was less in S group. The total procedure time, however, was similar between both the groups.
But is it for us? Rural Chinese elders’ perceptions, concerns, and physical preferences regarding social robots
Authors: Liu Xun “Sunny” , Shen Qi , Hancock Jeffrey
Published: January 2024

Social robots can benefit aging people, especially those with restricted social interactions and health care, but how do resource-poor older adults respond to them? In this study, 5 focus groups with 60 older participants in rural China revealed their perceptions of social robots, concerns about the technology, and the types of social robots they were likely to accept. The participants cited multiple technological, discomfort, privacy, safety, and financial fraud concerns. They struggled to define robots as machines, humans, or something else but preferred small-sized, animal-shaped, or young female-gendered human-like robots. Their interconnected perceptions, concerns, and preferences illuminate a resource-poor group’s struggles, imaginations, hopes, uncertainties, and vulnerabilities when a new social and technological actor is embedded in their social worlds, reflecting how people understand social robots in relation to themselves and themselves in relation to social robots. Our study findings contribute to understanding social robots’ subjectivities and ways to design culturally and socially acceptable robots.
Endovascular Strategies and Outcomes for Aberrant Splenic Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Fang Gang , Lu Yige , Zou Lingwei , Wang Yuning , Fu Weiguo , Dong Zhihui
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Aberrant splenic artery aneurysms (ASAAs) located at the splenomesenteric trunk (SMT) and the celiacomesenteric trunk have a close anatomical relationship with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The aim of this study was to review our institutional experience of endovascular treatment for ASAAs and evaluate the long-term outcomes.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients with ASAAs who underwent endovascular treatment between December 2006 and December 2022 was performed. The demographics of the patients, aneurysm characteristics, treatment strategies, perioperative and long-term outcomes, and complications were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 29 patients with ASAAs were endovascularly treated at our institution. The SMT variant occurred in the majority of the patients. All ASAAs were characterized by eccentric growth and extremely short inflow arteries. Only 1 patient’s inflow artery of the aneurysm exceeded 1 cm in length. Thirteen patients were treated by coil embolization alone. Four patients received bare stent-assisted coil embolization. A combination of coil embolization and covered stent placement across the orifice of the aberrant splenic artery was performed in the remaining 12 cases. Coil migration into the SMA occurred in 2 patients during the operation. Technical success was achieved in all patients. With a median duration of 63 (34–101) months of follow-up, no intestinal ischemia, aneurysm-related death, aneurysm rupture, or sac enlargement occurred. Three cases of aneurysm sac reperfusion were observed, and 1 patient underwent reintervention with secondary embolization. Asymptomatic occlusion of the covered stent was detected in 1 patient at 2 years.

Conclusions:

Endovascular treatment is a safe, effective, and durable option for ASAAs. Inflow embolization might be difficult to achieve in ASAAs and poses a high risk of coil migration into the SMA. Long-term observation indicates that reasonable use of the covered stent could achieve reliable inflow artery exclusion in ASAAs without intestinal complications.

Clinical impact

Aberrant splenic artery aneurysm (ASAA) is an extremely rare entity. This study reported a large sample size of ASAAs treated by endovascular techniques with long-term follow-up. The ASAA was characterized by an extremely short inflow artery and a close anatomical relationship with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Endovascular treatment is a safe, effective, and durable option for ASAAs. Inflow embolization might be difficult to achieve in ASAAs and pose a high risk of coil migration into the SMA. Long-term observation indicates that reasonable use of the covered stent could achieve reliable inflow artery exclusion in ASAAs without intestinal complications.
Artificial Intelligence Assisted Recognition of Anatomical Landmarks and Laparoscopic Instruments in Transabdominal Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Zygomalas Apollon , Kalles Dimitrios , Katsiakis Nikolaos , Anastasopoulos Andreas , Skroubis Georgios
Published: January 2024

Laparoscopic TAPP (Trans-Abdominal PrePeritoneal) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to repair inguinal hernias. Arguably, one important aspect to TAPP hernia repair is the identification of anatomical landmarks and the correct use of various laparoscopic instruments. There are very few studies regarding the use of artificial intelligence in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and more specifically in TAPP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of AI in the recognition of anatomical landmarks and tools in laparoscopic TAPP videos. Imaging data have been exported from 20 Laparoscopic TAPP videos that have been performed by the authors and another 5 high quality TAPP videos from the internet (free access) performed by other surgeons. In total 1095 selected images have been exported for annotation. To accomplish the AI result of computer vision, the YOLOv8 model of deep learning was used. In total 2716 segmented areas of interest have been exported. The AI model was able to detect the various classes with a maximum F1 score of .82 when the confidence threshold was set to .406. The mAP50 was .873 for all classes. The Precision was above 50% when the confidence was over 10%. The Recall rate was above 50% when confidence was less than 70%. These results suggest that the model is effective at balancing precision and recall, capturing both true positives and minimizing false negatives. Artificial Intelligence recognition of anatomical landmarks and laparoscopic instruments in TAPP is feasible with acceptable success rates.