bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of MicroRNA Expression Pattern (miR-28, miR-181a, miR-34a, and miR-31) in Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to ICU and Diabetic COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Khatami AliReza , Taghizadieh Mohammad , Sadri Nahand Javid , Karimzadeh Mohammad , Kiani Seyed Jalal , Khanaliha Khadijeh , Kalantari Saeed , Chavoshpour Sara , Mirzaei Hamed , Donyavi Tahereh , Bokharaei-Salim Farah
Published: March 2023

Introduction: MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, with regulatory performance in inflammatory responses and infection are the prevalent manifestations of severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate whether PBMC miRNAs are diagnostic biomarkers to screen the ICU COVID-19 and diabetic COVID-19 subjects. Methods: Candidate miRNAs were selected through previous studies, and then the PBMC levels of selected miRNAs (miR-28, miR-31, miR-34a, and miR-181a) were measured via quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The diagnostic value of miRNAs was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The bioinformatics analysis was utilized to predict the DEM genes and relevant bio-functions. Results: The COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU had significantly greater levels of selected miRNAs compared to non-hospitalized COVID-19 and healthy people. Besides, the mean miR-28 and miR-34a expression levels in the diabetic COVID-19 group were significantly upregulated when compared with the non-diabetic COVID-19 group. ROC analyses demonstrated the role of miR-28, miR-34a, and miR-181a as new biomarkers to discriminate the non-hospitalized COVID-19 group from the COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU samples, and also miR-34a can probably act as a useful biomarker for screening diabetic COVID-19 patients. Using bioinformatics analyses, we found the performance of target transcripts in many bioprocesses and diverse metabolic routes such as the regulation of multiple inflammatory parameters. Discussion: The difference in miRNA expression patterns between the studied groups suggested that miR-28, miR-34a, and miR-181a could be helpful as potent biomarkers for diagnosing and controlling COVID-19.
The Impact of Paratracheal Lymphadenectomy on Lymph Node Yield and Short-Term Outcomes in Esophagectomy for Cancer: A Nation-Wide Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Kingma B. Feike , Hagens Eliza R.C. , Van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Borggreve Alicia S. , Ruurda Jelle P. , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , van Hillegersberg Richard
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The balance between potential oncological merits and surgical risks is unclear for the additional step of performing paratracheal lymphadenectomy during esophagectomy for cancer. This study aimed to investigate the impact of paratracheal lymphadenectomy on lymph node yield and short-term outcomes in patients who underwent this procedure in the Netherlands. Methods: Patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by transthoracic esophagectomy were included from the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA). After propensity score matching Ivor Lewis and McKeown approaches separately, lymph node yield and short-term outcomes were compared between patients who underwent paratracheal lymphadenectomy versus patients who did not. Results: Between 2011 and 2017, 2,128 patients were included. Some 770 patients (n = 385 vs. n = 385) and 516 patients (n = 258 vs. n = 258) were matched for the Ivor Lewis and McKeown approaches, respectively. Paratracheal lymphadenectomy was associated with a higher lymph node yield in Ivor Lewis (23 vs. 19 nodes, p < 0.001) and McKeown (21 vs. 19 nodes, p = 0.015) esophagectomy. There were no significant differences in complications or mortality. After Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, paratracheal lymphadenectomy was associated with longer length of stay (12 vs. 11 days, p < 0.048). After McKeown esophagectomy, paratracheal lymphadenectomy was associated with more re-interventions (30% vs. 18%, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Paratracheal lymphadenectomy resulted in a higher lymph node yield but also in longer length of stay after Ivor Lewis and more re-interventions following McKeown esophagectomy.
O ensino coletivo de percussão
Authors: Schmidt Beatriz Woeltje
Published: March 2023

O ensino coletivo de percussão envolve muitas questões a serem debatidas, como a diversidade de instrumentos, técnicas, ritmos, bem como o resgate e/ou valorização da cultura popular de um contexto específico. Este artigo teve como objetivo apresentar um escopo teórico sobre o ensino coletivo de percussão, tendo como foco a discussão de metodologias, da complexidade multi-instrumental e de questões socioculturais que podem estar vinculadas a este ensino. Para isto, foi necessário investigar de que maneira ocorre o ensino-aprendizagem de percussão em contextos de ensino formal e não formal, com o intuito de relatar a criação dos primeiros cursos e docentes que são referência hoje no Brasil. Dentro do ensino coletivo, observou-se que a percussão apresenta grandes possibilidades para o desenvolvimento de uma prática intimamente conectada aos saberes da cultura popular. A partir da contextualização e vivência coletiva de ritmos amalgamados à identidade afro-brasileira, é possível enxergar uma ação pedagógica com abordagem sociocultural, que vai além de questões restritas à técnica e linguagem musical.
A pesquisa-ação aplicada em um estudo sobre o desenvolvimento musical de bebês na Educação Infantil
Authors: Mião Cícero Rodarte
Published: March 2023

O texto que se segue traz o relato de uma pesquisa-ação realizada com bebês de uma rede de escolas públicas municipais, situadas na cidade de São Sebastião do Paraíso-MG. Ao descrever esta pesquisa, buscou-se refletir em que medida a pesquisa-ação pode ser empregada nos estudos focando o ensino musical e o conhecimento musical em geral, qual sua viabilidade e desafios que podem estar presentes em uma pesquisa-ação voltada para a área musical. A fundamentação teórica concentrou-se mais intensamente nos estudos de Morin (2004) e de Albino & Lima (2009).
Uso e Funções do Saxofone – Apontamentos iniciais de Dualismo, Subliminaridade e Hibridação de Culturas: do Jazz ao Forró Pós-Gonzaga
Authors: Oliveira José de Carvalho
Published: March 2023

Este estudo aborda o saxofone sob a perspectiva da utilização erepresentatividade do instrumento como figura de narrativa nas temáticas de amor, paixão e sensualidade na música das regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil. Como resultado, a partir dos trabalhos de Lago (2015) e Segell (2005), o texto apresenta apontamentos iniciais sobre dualismo e subliminaridade, como também, a hipotética origem das relações imagéticas entre saxofone e sensualidade. Para análise das imagens, utilizamos como base os princípios de Peirce (2005). Em relação à hibridação de culturas e as influências afrolatino-caribenhas na música regional amazônica, como base, os trabalhos de Teixeira (2018) e Caraveo (2019). No tocante ao Forró Pós-Gonzaga, como referência, os estudos de Albuquerque Júnior (2006), Madeira (2002) e Cordeiro (2002).
Identidade Um olhar sobre o músico negro paulistano na pós modernidade
Authors: Graciano Igor Damião
Published: March 2023

Este artigo busca trazer uma discussão sobre a construção da identidade dos músicos populares pretos paulistanos na atualidade, sejam eles instrumentistas, cantores, compositores e produtores musicais. Buscamos discutir o racismo estrutural naturalizado pelas escolas de música e pelo mercado musical, assim como delinear um possível panorama sobre o estado de vulnerabilidade social a que esses indivíduos estão sujeitos.
Educação e criatividade na formação docente
Authors: Pfutzenreuter Edson , Prado Guilherme do Val Toledo , Costas Ana Maria Rodriguez
Published: March 2023

Com a intenção de oferecer visões diversificadas sobre as relações entre processos educacionais e criativos, apresentamos entrevistas com duas pessoas que trabalham na Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp) no âmbito da formação docente, sendo que o professor Guilherme do Val Toledo Prado trabalha com as disciplinas de prática de ensino e estágio supervisionado no curso de Licenciatura em Pedagogia e a professora Ana Maria Rodriguez Costas trabalha com disciplinas que abordam a mesma questão no curso de Licenciatura em Dança.
Formação transversal na área dos Processos de Criação: práticas educacionais entrelaçadas na Pós-Graduação em Processos de Criação da Universidade do Algarve
Authors: Dourado Patrícia , Santos Ana Clara , Soares Ana Isabel , Tavares Mirian , Salles Cecilia
Published: March 2023

Entrevista realizada por Patrícia Dourado, em janeiro de 2023, às professoras Ana Clara Santos, Ana Isabel Soares, Mirian Tavares & Cecilia Salles, sobre a nova Pós-Graduação em Processos de Criação da Universidade do Algarve, em parceria com o Grupo de Pesquisa em Processos de Criação da PUC-SP.
El archivo como espacio topológico: aportes críticos de una categoría para pensar un archivo digital literario
Authors: Gómez Susana , Alí María Alejandra
Published: March 2023

El Archivo Digital Julio Cortázar, constituido en el CRLA-Archivos (Universidad de Poitiers, Francia) genera una necesidad de reflexión conceptual para su descripción y organización, dadas las nuevas opciones de acceso y de consulta en el formato digital.
La recepción en 2019 de una gran donación de materiales por parte de Gladis Anchieri-Yurkievich, quien fuera la primera conformadora del Fondo Julio Cortázar, implicó un desafío teórico, ya que se constituye en un conjunto o serie que se radica “en paralelo” y en conexión con el universo temático vinculado a Cortázar, por lo cual nos interesa interrogar los “lugares de lectura” y de integración entre acervos. Para ello, definiremos el “espacio topológico” como una categoría reflexiva que permite describir estos diálogos, ya que su noción básica atiende al análisis de las propiedades de las figuras en un espacio como lo es el archivo. Esta noción nace del aporte de la matemática y fue utilizada por autores como Michel Foucault, Iuri Lotman, Fredric Jameson y Boris Groys.
Nos decidimos por demostrar en qué sentido la adoptamos como una clave epistemológica que incluye incorporar las nociones de convergencia y de conexidad topológica en tanto son descriptivas de la relación entre los documentos que un usuario encuentra en su búsqueda. Pensamos que se podrían describir desplazamientos de lectura, búsquedas multidimensionales, en un entramado que forma figuras nuevas, potenciado por las posibilidades que otorga la virtualidad informática.
Práticas educacionais e estudo dos processos de criação no âmbito do Grupo de Pesquisa em Processos de Criação da PUC-SP: interações possíveis
Authors: Dourado Patrícia , Salles Cecilia , Santos Ana Bárbara dos , Silva Isabela Caroline , Paiva Flávia , Lemes Karen , Cheida Samir
Published: March 2023

Este é um artigo elaborado em grupo, que se ergue das trocas e interações dos membros do Grupo de Pesquisa em Processos de Criação da PUC-SP, diante de suas práticas educacionais, e que nos leva a perceber como a teoria crítica dos processos de criação alimenta e é alimentada por essas experiências. São trazidos relatos críticos em diferentes áreas de atuação da educação formal (Escolas, Secretarias de Educação e Universidades) e da educação não formal (núcleos educativos em exposições de artes, cursos e oficinas livres em instituições culturais). O principal valor deste mapeamento de práticas educacionais na interseção com o grande campo dos processos de criação está na sua pluralidade e nos pontos de entrelaçamentos que estabelece (nós da rede de criação enquanto Grupo), que são trazidos como resultado ao fim do artigo. Pretende-se iluminar, com ele, novas reflexões nos campos da educação e dos processos de criação, que sempre estiveram entrelaçados, mas que, diante dos desafios da contemporaneidade, podem ter nesta confluência ainda mais uma chave para a construção de práticas educacionais mais humanas, plurais e abundantes em recursos e possibilidades.
Cinema as Cultural Diplomacy and the Cold War: U.S. Participation in International Film Festivals behind the Iron Curtain, 1959–1971
Authors: Frost Jennifer
Published: March 2023

During the Cold War, international film festivals proliferated on both sides of the Iron Curtain. The United States and the Soviet Union recognized these festivals as important venues for “cinematic diplomacy” and the pursuit of broader foreign policy goals. This article explores how the U.S. government, together with the U.S. motion picture industry, made use of its participation in the Moscow and Karlovy Vary International Film Festivals in the 1950s and 1960s. It confirms many of the findings of earlier studies of Cold War cultural diplomacy but also expands our historical understanding of this phenomenon. Specifically, it reveals the extent of cooperation and conflict—as well as an interchangeability of roles—among public officials in Washington and private citizens in Hollywood, with implications for both the formulation at home and reception abroad of U.S. cinematic diplomacy.
Smoking History and the Development of Incisional Umbilical Hernia After Laparoscopic and Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Cholecystectomy
Authors: Sardzinski Emily E. , Roberts Addison P. , Malat Jaclyn P. , King Natalie E. , Oulton Zachary W. , Janta-Lipinska Joanna , Kalathia Chris A. , Hamilton Jakob S. , Brown Zachary G. , Dornas Hannah B. , Toomey Paul G.
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze umbilical hernia occurrences in patients who underwent laparoscopic or laparoendoscopic single-sight (LESS) cholecystectomy. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2020 were surveyed. Data are presented as median (mean +/− standard deviation). Two hundred and fifty-three patients were sent the survey and 130 (51%) patients responded. The overall age was 57 (31 +/− 18) and the overall BMI was 30 (31 +/− 7). Twelve (9%) patients developed an umbilical hernia. Seventeen patients were active smokers and four (24%) developed an umbilical hernia. One hundred and thirteen patients were inactive smokers and eight (7%) developed an umbilical hernia. There was a statistical significance between umbilical hernia occurrence and smoking history ( P < .05). Active smokers have a higher risk of developing an umbilical hernia following a minimally invasive cholecystectomy, regardless of operative approach. Elective cholecystectomy should be reconsidered for current smokers.
Expert Team in Your Back Pocket: Recommendations From a Pediatric Mental Health Access Program
Authors: Harris Kari , Aguila Gonzalez Amanda I. , Vuong Ngoc X. , Singh Nikita , Brown Rachel , Ciccolari Micaldi Susanna
Published: March 2023

Nationwide challenges with the lack of access to mental health care for youth have prompted efforts to integrate mental health into pediatric primary care. Kansas Kids Mental Health Access Program (KSKidsMAP) was developed to promote mental health workforce development through primary-care practitioners (PCPs) by offering free access to consultations, training, and care coordination. Kansas Kids Mental Health Access Program, a federally funded pediatric mental health care access program (PMHCA), is highly interprofessional in nature, and recommendations reflect the team composition and collaboration efforts. Therefore, a mixed-methods study was conducted to assess the type of recommendations provided to PCPs who requested case consultation services. Seven themes were identified: (1) psychotherapy; (2) diagnostic evaluation; (3) community resources; (4) pharmacotherapy; (5) patient resources and toolkits; (6) education; and (7) other health recommendations. This study highlights the multifaceted approach of KSKidsMAP in addressing PCPs’ pediatric mental health concerns.
Competition and the Regulation of Fictitious Pricing
Authors: Staelin Richard , Urbany Joel E. , Ngwe Donald
Published: March 2023

Fifty years ago, the Federal Trade Commission stopped enforcing its fictitious reference pricing guidelines, emphasizing the search qualities of price and the belief that competition would drive out deceptive behavior. Yet this practice of posting false, inflated comparison prices alongside sale prices has proliferated. Building on prior analytic work and the documented effects of reference pricing on search behavior and consumer choice, the authors develop a descriptive model explaining why fictitious reference pricing has spread instead of being extinguished by competition. After summarizing the model with a series of generalizations, the authors consider potential regulatory solutions to the problem. They propose that disclosure of the true normal price charged may be the only solution that could plausibly influence both consumer and firm behavior. Then, based on the existing literature, interviews with practitioners and regulators, an analysis of other nations’ approaches, and the results of a laboratory study of 900 consumers to examine how they integrate “true normal price” information into deal evaluations, the authors develop a set of propositions about the likely effects of requiring firms to disclose recent selling prices for goods, identifying both potential benefits and challenges associated with such a requirement.
A Technology Report of Padlet
Authors: Oh Hye Min
Published: March 2023

This article is about how language teachers can use Padlet to facilitate discussions and learning through research and collaboration.
Effect of Critical Factors Influencing Longitudinal Track Resistance Leveraging Laboratory Track Panel Pull Test Experimentation
Authors: Dersch Marcus S. , Potvin Max , Lima Arthur de O. , Edwards J. Riley
Published: March 2023

There are, on average, 12.5 Federal Railroad Administration reportable derailments per year on U.S. mainlines and sidings caused by “defective or missing spikes or rail fasteners.” Because fastener failures are most commonly caused by a combination of vertical, lateral, and longitudinal loads, it is important to quantify all loads placed on the fasteners to reduce the number of failed fasteners and increase rail safety. Multiple researchers have developed analytical models that leverage longitudinal track resistance and stiffness to quantify the fastener demands. Therefore, to support the refinement of these analytical models that leverage longitudinal track resistance and stiffness, track panel pull tests (TPPTs) were executed in the laboratory to expand on the values within the available literature. These TPPTs quantified the effect of sleeper type (i.e., timber versus concrete), given that 88% of previous studies have focused on concrete. Further, these novel tests quantified the effect of the fastening system, crib ballast height, shoulder width, and ballast condition on the panel’s longitudinal resistance and stiffness. From these experiments and the resulting analysis of data, multiple conclusions were drawn. For example, concrete sleeper panels exhibit 20% higher resistance than timber sleeper panels, disturbing ballast reduced the longitudinal resistance by 13% and stiffness by approximately 80%, and the crib, shoulder, and bottom ballast provide approximately 65%, 5%, and 30% of the total longitudinal resistance, respectively.
Effects of Different Training Datasets on Machine Learning Models for Pavement Performance Prediction
Authors: Aranha Ana Luisa , Bernucci Liedi Légi Bariani , Vasconcelos Kamilla L.
Published: March 2023

With improvements in data collection, storage, and processing, machine learning (ML) is gaining momentum as a behavior prediction method in the field of engineering. Several studies have evaluated these algorithms’ potential to predict pavement serviceability, however some challenges limit its use. Training data preprocessing has a great impact on the model’s predictive performance, is highly dependent on the modeler’s experience, and is not typically reported in engineering-related literature. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of data preprocessing, hyperparameter selection, and time series size on the model’s evaluation metrics. Therefore, this paper analyzes the performance of three ML algorithms on maximum deflection (D0) and international roughness index (IRI) prediction: support vector machine, random forest (RF), and artificial neural network (ANN). An R2 and mean square error (MSE) analysis was conducted on 12 training datasets, with two sizes of historical data and five stages of data preprocessing. The results indicated that ANN was the most accurate technique with an R2 of 0.99 and MSE of 20 ×10−3 mm on the D0 prediction and an R2 of 0.91 and MSE of 0.03 m/km on the IRI prediction. RF was also identified as an effective technique, generating similar results with less data preprocessing. The addition of structural and traffic categorical features to the training dataset resulted in the most significant improvement of the support vector regression and ANN performance metrics; the hyperparameter selection was effective only on IRI prediction, especially with the ANN algorithm.
Vortex structure and pressure fluctuation of a pump-turbine in pump mode using large Eddy simulation
Authors: Zhang Yang , Jiang Wei , Wang Yuchuan , Li Ye , Chen Diyi
Published: March 2023

Pump-turbines are usually used to ensure the stability of power system frequency and make up for the shortcomings of the intermittent nature of new energy such as wind energy. They are an important part of modern power systems. The Large Eddy Simulation (LES) method is used to study the vortex characteristics and pressure fluctuation intensity of the model pump-turbine working in pump mode. Results show that the wake vortex of the impeller has a great influence on the internal flow field of the pump-turbine, which is developed from the vortex structure near the suction surface of the blade. The distribution of trailing edge shedding vortex of guide vanes and shock vortex around tongue is closely related to the wake vortex of impeller. The wake vortex is divided into α and β according to the distribution range along the blade height. Their motion law and dissipation rate are different, and the influence of the α vortex on the flow field is greater. The distribution of pressure fluctuation intensity near the wall corresponds to the vortex structure, which indicated that the vortex is an important factor in pressure fluctuation. It is of great significance to improve the vortex structure inside the pump-turbine for safe and stable operation. The research in this paper can provide reference for the stable operation of the pump-turbine.
A Systematic Review of Family Stress Theory in Mental Health Research (2010–2020)
Authors: Casaburo Gianna , Yzaguirre Melissa , Subramaniam Sailaja , Holtrop Kendal
Published: March 2023

To better assist families experiencing stress, providers must understand the translation of family stress theory to their clinical application. The present study synthesized knowledge by performing a systematic review of journal articles published from 2010 to 2020. Studies were systematically screened, and 23 empirical articles met final inclusion. We reviewed how family stress theory was used in previous studies and what recommendations were suggested for mental health providers. Our findings revealed that family stress theory has primarily been used as a theoretical framework to measure stress variables. To advance the application of family stress theory in clinical work, we suggest a number of implications for providers based on our findings to better meet the needs of families.
Education and Revolutions: Why do Revolutionary Uprisings Take Violent or Nonviolent Forms?
Authors: Ustyuzhanin Vadim , Korotayev Andrey
Published: March 2023

Is there a relationship between education and the type of revolutionary action – violent or nonviolent? Past studies found a positive relationship between the education and nonviolence, but the influence that education produces on the form that revolution takes has not yet been explored. We show several possible mechanisms that push the educated population to choose nonviolent tactic: (1) education changes people’s preferences toward peaceful solutions and increases support for civil liberties; (2) it enhances human capital that makes it feasible to use unarmed tactics successfully and (3) it increases the relative costs of engaging in armed action. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that the higher education in a country, the higher the probability that revolution will be nonviolent. This paper examines it at a cross-national level with an analysis of 470 NAVCO ‘maximalist campaigns’ and 265 revolutionary events recorded between 1950 and 2020. Overall, we find robust evidence that the higher the level of education in a country, the lower chance that the revolution there would take a violent/armed form.
Preparation and nutritional characterisation of protein concentrate prepared from foxtail millet (Setaria italica)
Authors: Sachdev Niharika , Goomer Sangeeta , Singh Laishram Rajender Kumar , Chowhan Rimpy Kaur
Published: March 2023

Plant-based protein sources as a sustainable alternative to animal sources are highly relevant for food and dietary supplements industries. Plant proteins are becoming popular as an eco-friendly source for meeting global protein requirements due to their importance in nutrition, management of metabolic diseases, biological activities, functionality in processed food products and their low carbon footprints. We applied biochemical protein extraction protocol and prepared protein concentrate from an underutilised cereal, foxtail millet, with plausible applications in foods and supplements. Herein efforts were utilised to obtain foxtail millet protein (FMP) concentrate by means of standardisation of processes of extraction cum isolation. The conditions including flour to solvent ratio, extraction-precipitation pH, dissolution time, etc. were optimised to significantly improve protein yield and recovery. The FMP concentrate prepared was also analysed for nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, amino acid content and digestion properties in comparison to packaged brown rice protein concentrate. The protein concentrate prepared was found to have high digestibility, rich in essential amino acids with good phenolic and flavonoid content, thereby making it a potential sensory and antioxidant additive for food/pharmaceutical applications.
ADHD Symptoms Increased During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rogers Maria A. , MacLean Jaidon
Published: March 2023

Objective:

Emerging research suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately and adversely affected children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to consolidate the findings from studies that examined changes in ADHD symptoms from before to during the pandemic.

Method:

Database searches of PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, and ProQuest were used to identify relevant studies, theses, and dissertations.

Results:

A total of 18 studies met specific inclusion criteria and were coded based on various study characteristics. Twelve studies examined ADHD symptoms longitudinally and six studies assessed ADHD symptoms retroactively and during the pandemic. Data from 6,491 participants from 10 countries were included. Results indicated that many children and/or their caregivers reported an increase in child ADHD symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

This review points to a global increase in ADHD symptoms and has implications for the prevalence and management of ADHD during the post-pandemic recovery.
Comparison of two protocols of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory glaucoma
Authors: Koronis Spyridon , Matsou Artemis , Tzamalis Argyrios , Dermenoudi Maria , Ziakas Nikolaos , Anastasopoulos Eleftherios
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (DLTSCPC) remains the most commonly used cyclodestructive procedure. Nonetheless, there is no common consensus on a standardized technique.

Methods

In this prospective randomized pilot study we compare the “pop”-titrated and “slow-burn” DLTSCPC techniques for a follow-up period of 3 months. The major outcomes of this study were intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after the procedure and the incidence of adverse events. Furthermore, postoperative pain, postoperative intraocular inflammation and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were evaluated.

Results

Mean baseline IOP decreased from 37.9 ± 12.7 mmHg in the pop group and 41.2 ± 9.6 mmHg in the slow-burn group to 20.3 ± 13.9 mmHg and 21.3 ± 13.4 mmHg at the final follow-up visit, corresponding to a 45.8 ± 31.7% and 46.3 ± 32.6% reduction respectively. 64.3% and 57.1% of patients had IOP ≥6 and≤ 21 mmHg in the pop and slow-burn groups respectively. The occurrence of adverse events was similar in both groups, with 1 case of hyphema in the pop group and 2 cases in the slow-burn group, and 1 case of hypotony in each group. Mean CDVA remained unchanged until the end of follow-up from 2.05 ± 0.84 to 2.04 ± 0.8 logMAR in the pop group and from 1.93 ± 0.78 to 1.89 ± 0.7 logMAR in the slow-burn group. Nonetheless, 4 eyes in each group encountered CDVA loss. Postoperative pain and inflammation were also similar between groups.

Discussion

At the 3rd postoperative month, safety and efficacy was similar in the two techniques. The relative ease of the slow-burn technique may make its application more appealing to ophthalmic surgeons beyond glaucoma specialists.
Hippocampal vulnerability to hyperhomocysteinemia worsens pathological outcomes of mild traumatic brain injury in rats
Authors: Tchantchou Flaubert , Hsia Ru-ching , Puche Adam , Fiskum Gary
Published: March 2023

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) generally resolves within weeks. However, 15-30% of patients present persistent pathological and neurobehavioral sequelae that negatively affect their quality of life. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) is a neurotoxic condition derived from homocysteine accumulation above 15 μM. HHCY can occur in diverse stressful situations, including those sustained by U.S. active-duty service members on the battlefield or during routine combat practice. Mild-TBI accounts for more than 80% of all TBI cases, and HHCY exists in 5-7% of the general population. We recently reported that moderate HHCY exacerbates mTBI-induced cortical injury pathophysiology, including increased oxidative stress. Several studies have demonstrated hippocampus vulnerability to oxidative stress and its downstream effects on inflammation and cell death.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the deleterious impact of HHCY on mTBI-associated hippocampal pathological changes. We tested the hypothesis that moderate HHCY aggravates mTBI-induced hippocampal pathological changes.

Methods

HHCY was induced in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with a high methionine dose. Rats were then subjected to mTBI by controlled cortical impact under sustained HHCY. Blood plasma was assessed for homocysteine levels and brain tissue for markers of oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier integrity, and cell death. Endothelial cell ultrastructure was assessed by Electron Microscopy and working memory performance using the Y maze test.

Results

HHCY increased the hippocampal expression of nitrotyrosine in astroglial cells and decreased tight junction protein occludin levels associated with the enlargement of the endothelial cell nucleus. Furthermore, HHCY altered the expression of apoptosis-regulating proteins α-ii spectrin hydrolysis, ERK1/2, and AKT phosphorylation, mirrored by exacerbated mTBI-related hippocampal neuronal loss and working memory deficits.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that HHCY is an epigenetic factor that modulates mTBI pathological progression in the hippocampus and represents a putative therapeutic target for mitigating such physiological stressors that increase severity.
Passive mitigation of overheating in Finnish apartments under current and future climates
Authors: Sukanen Heidi , Taylor Jonathon , Castaño-Rosa Raúl , Pelsmakers Sofie , Lehtinen Taru , Kaasalainen Tapio
Published: March 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions are causing global average temperatures to rise, and Finland will experience an increase in the frequency and severity of hot weather and heatwaves in the future. Finnish buildings are built for the cold, and there is a need to adapt housing to protect against heat. This study examines how individual and combinations of passive adaptations can reduce overheating in three modern structural timber case study apartments in Jyväskylä, central Finland. The modelling tool IDA Indoor Climate and Energy is used to simulate indoor temperatures and energy consumption under current and predicted typical future (2030, 2050 and 2100) climates. Results show increasing overheating risks in the future, with the effectiveness of passive mitigation strategies varying by type and climate scenario. The most effective individual adaptation is daytime natural ventilation, while the most effective combined solution is natural ventilation and external shutters, which eliminate overheating in Jyväskylä until the 2100s. The effectiveness of occupant-controlled passive measures supports their use to reduce cooling demand, increasing passive survivability and enabling occupant adaptive comfort. Changes to building regulations and overheating modelling standards in Finland may be required to exploit the full potential of passive overheating measures and reduce reliance on active systems.
Approximate solutions of the fractional damped nonlinear oscillator subject to Van der Pol system
Authors: Zhang Yanni , Zhao Zhen , Pang Jing
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with fractal Van der Pol damped nonlinear oscillators equation having nonlinearity. By combining the techniques of the Laplace transform and the variational iteration method, we establish approximate periodic solutions for the fractal damped nonlinear systems. In this simple way, nonlinear differential equations can be easily converted into linear differential equations. Illustrative examples including the Van der Pol damped nonlinear oscillator reveal that this method is very effective and convenient for solving fractal nonlinear differential equations. Finally, comparison of the obtained results with those of the other achieved method, also reveals that this coupling method not only suggests an easier method due to the Lagrange multiplier but also can be easily extended to other nonlinear systems.
Exploring relationships between soundscape and lightscape perception: A case study around the Colosseum and Fori Imperiali in Rome
Authors: Flores-Villa L , Oberman T , Guattari C , Asdrubali F , Frascarolo M , Puglisi GE , Astolfi A , Aletta F
Published: March 2023

Recently, there has been a growing interest to implement a holistic approach to study perception in urban settings with historic value, in which environmental factors such as acoustics and lighting play an important role. However, little research has addressed sound and light in combination. In this exploratory field study, a soundscape and lightscape protocol was implemented to gather both objective and subjective data. In all, 46 people joined a group walk around the historical sites of Colosseum and Fori Imperiali in Rome. Participants assessed the soundscape and lightscape quality via questionnaire at four locations, immediately before and after the sunset in April 2021. Acoustic parameters (A-weighted equivalent sound level, loudness, sharpness, roughness) and lighting parameters (luminance, colour rendering index and correlated colour temperature) were measured at each location while participants filled in the questionnaire. While there was little variation in the acoustic parameters measured before and after the sunset walks, changes were observed in perceptual data about the soundscape. These outcomes reveal a potential effect of lighting conditions on soundscape perception.
A subject’s autonomy: Undidactic mediation in Georg Lukács and John Dewey
Authors: Baldacchino John
Published: March 2023

This paper looks at autonomy through the dynamic relationship between particularity, experience, and subjectivism in the works of Georg Lukács and John Dewey. While the focus on autonomy appears to be initially focused on the relationship between universality and particularity, the ultimate goal is to then situate the discussion on the horizon of education. Given Dewey’s and Lukács’s common Hegelian lineage, this paper looks at whether they retain elements of commonality, especially in terms of the arts, and whether forms of mediation in art and education could avoid becoming didactic. To explore these questions, this paper revisits subjectivity in two forms: (a) as a form of mediation, and (b) as immediate experience. Some play on the subject as being ( qua subjectivity) and a subject (like art) in the curriculum might enter the discussion. However, the former sense of subject tends to be more central than the latter. While immediate subjectivity is critiqued by Lukács as being open to a fragmentation of reality that leads to forms of oppression, the Deweyan perspective proposes a way out of the cycle that traps subjectivism between didactic and fragmentary forms of being. Can the subject mediate without proposing a form of learning that presumes reality as a fixed ground? And could we predicate subjectivist immediacy by what Dewey, in Experience and Nature calls “the recognition of ‘subjects’ as centres of experience” that are, in effect, “equivalent to the emergence of agencies equipped with special powers of observation and experiment”? The binding horizon for both questions will be that of what Lukács calls the speciality of the artwork’s own “world” [ eigenen “Welt”] and the dilemmas that this could raise when contextualized in education.
A Review of The Synergistic Effects of Curcumin with Proteasome Inhibitors in Multiple Myeloma Preclinical Models
Authors: Pandya Shaunak K. , Pandya Arati , Larsen Ashley , Gowin Krisstina
Published: March 2023

Proteasome inhibitors are the cornerstone of multiple myeloma treatment, but challenges still remain despite the increased survival rates. We conducted a review on the role of curcumin, a natural product, as an adjunct to bortezomib and carfilzomib in preclinical multiple myeloma models. Four studies reviewed showed enhanced anticancer effects when curcumin was combined with bortezomib compared to either treatment alone. Two additional studies showed similar results with carfilzomib. Synergistic mechanisms include inhibition of NF-kB, IL-6-induced signaling pathways, JNK pathway modulation, and increased cell cycle arrest.
Highly selective lanthanide-doped ion sieves for lithium recovery from aqueous solutions
Authors: Zheng Lu , Chen Jin , Sun Jianke , Liu Min , Gao Yuyu , Guo Zhifeng
Published: March 2023

The increased global demand for lithium is rapidly depleting the lithium ore reserves. Therefore, attention has turned to the recovery of lithium from aqueous solutions, such as lithium-containing brine. Compared with other methods of lithium recovery, adsorption is energy efficient and simple to implement, increasing demand for selective lithium adsorbents. In this study, a selective lithium-ion adsorbent, H4Ti5– xLa xO12, was synthesized via the sol–gel method, followed by heat treatment and acid washing. The effects of the temperature and degree of lanthanum doping ( x) on the crystalline phase, morphology, lithium-ion adsorption capacity, and lithium-ion selectivity of the ion sieve were investigated, and the optimal synthetic conditions were determined. We found that doping with La3+ cations ( x = 0.01) increased the lithium-ion adsorption capacity (23.96 mg g−1 at 25 °C at pH = 12; 8.2% higher than before doping), rate, and selectivity. In addition, the ion sieve could be used over multiple adsorption–desorption cycles with only a minor reduction in the lithium-ion adsorption capacity (22.88 mg g−1). Overall, these results suggest that doping with La3+ cations stabilized the H4Ti5– xLa xO12 crystal structure, alleviated particle agglomeration, expanded the lithium-ion channels, and decreased the resistance to lithium-ion migration, thus improving adsorption performance. The findings suggest that the proposed ion sieve has practical applications in the selective recovery of lithium from aqueous solutions containing a mixture of metal ions.
Acceleration spikes and attenuation response in the trunk in amateur tennis players during real game actions
Authors: Delgado-García Gabriel , Vanrenterghem Jos , Molina-Molina Alejandro , Soto-Hermoso Víctor Manuel
Published: March 2023

Although there are numerous locomotion studies analyzing the degree of attenuation of the acceleration spikes in the lower limbs and the trunk, few of these studies relate to tennis, where a high percentage of injuries occur in these body segments. The aim of this study was to describe the acceleration spikes and the attenuation response along the trunk, in real game actions. For this purpose, accelerometers were placed on the lower trunk, the upper trunk, and the head on a sample of 19 players while playing tennis matches. An average of 530 ± 146 acceleration spikes per match were selected in the upper trunk and a clear attenuation response between the upper trunk and the head was found (acceleration spike magnitude was approximately 25 m/s2 in the upper trunk and approximately 20 m/s2 in the head; p < 0.05; with attenuation percentages above 15%). In all players acceleration spikes of the head were below lower and upper trunk acceleration ( p < 0.05 in all repeated measures ANOVAs and effect sizes were above 0.8, or large effect sizes). However, between the lower trunk and upper trunk no clear attenuation was found and although in some players the impact peaks were higher in the lower trunk ( p < 0.05) the effect sizes were negligible or medium (Cohen d < 0.5). In other players the upper trunk peaks were higher than the lower trunk peaks ( p < 0.05) and in a few players there was no significant difference ( p > 0.05). The attenuation in the upper trunk, probably serves as a head protection/stabilization mechanism and more studies are needed to analyze the biomechanics actions underlying this attenuation response.
Questioning Resilience: An Examination of the Effects of and Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Peripheries of Brazil
Authors: Maschietto Roberta Holanda , Tomesani Ana Maura
Published: March 2023

In this article, we assess the effects of and responses to the Covid-19 pandemic in the Brazilian peripheries by relying on resilience theory and the experiences of peripheral actors during the first year of the pandemic. We consider these experiences to examine whether the initial responses to the crisis had the potential to bring about long-term positive change. We rely on thematic analysis of 80 interviews with leaders of grassroots organizations of different nature all over the country between October 2020 and January 2021. We argue that we cannot speak of resilience and system change unless we engage with the voices of those most affected by adversity. While in its first year the pandemic brought important traces of structural violence to the surface, providing an opportunity for structural change, peripheral views at that moment cast doubts about the extent to which those changes could lead to long-term structural changes.
Potential of the omnidirectional walking platform with virtual reality as a rehabilitation tool
Authors: Soon Benjamin , Lee Nicholas , Lau Jilene , Tan Nicodemus , Cai Congcong
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The combination of virtual reality (VR) with an omnidirectional walking platform (ODWP) may have potential in rehabilitation settings. However, its use, acceptance, safety, and effectiveness are unclear. This preliminary study aims to understand the feasibility, safety, and user experience (including investigating the onset of cybersickness) while walking on the ODWP with fully immersive VR.

Methods

Participants engaged with eight immersive VR walking scenarios. The scenarios were created using 360-degree videos and were programmed to run with the ODWP. Safety modifications for the ODWP were made, with the addition of parallel bars. Quantitative feedback on the perceived safety and acceptance of using VR with an ODWP for rehabilitation was collected. Cybersickness was evaluated using the Simulation Symptoms Questionnaire (SSQ).

Results

Thirty-five participants ( n = 8 physiotherapists, n = 27 healthy adults) were recruited for this study. The mean perceived safety score was 78.9/100 and acceptance was 64.5/100. Seventy-one percent of participants experienced mild to moderate symptoms of cybersickness as reported on the SSQ. The SSQ scores were not correlated to participant age or simulation exposure time.

Conclusion

VR while using ODWP has the potential for rehabilitation, however, more consideration is needed to address acceptance and cybersickness.
The Emotional and Financial Impact of De-Platforming on Creators at the Margins
Authors: Are Carolina , Briggs Pam
Published: March 2023

This study provides one of the first examples of de-platforming’s direct emotional and financial impact on Instagram and TikTok content creators at the margins. Both platforms provide significant opportunities toward creative and flexible work, allowing creators to maintain networks, promote work, express themselves and earn a living. However, their governance can severely disrupt certain forms of content creation, particularly for users who post online sex work and nude content. Through a qualitative survey, we gathered the experiences of 123 de-platformed Instagram and TikTok users who posted nude or sex work-related content. Our study provides crucial testimonies showing that the precarity of creator labor and platforms’ reliance on automated content moderation have negatively impacted creators’ well-being. Participants faced adverse psychological impacts resulting from job and income uncertainty, associated feelings of powerlessness, a loss of digital identity, and enforced isolation from a previously established social network. We conclude by providing platform governance recommendations based on these experiences.
Playful Activism: Memetic Performances of Palestinian Resistance in TikTok #Challenges
Authors: Cervi Laura , Divon Tom
Published: March 2023

Palestinians have long been using social media as a tool for activism. Each platform provides unique socio-technological affordances that shape users’ communicative practices as networked publics. Focusing on the video-sharing platform TikTok, which has taken a “serious turn” in recent years, this article examines how Palestinian users performed playful acts of resistance during the escalation of violence between Palestinians and Israelis in May 2021. Applying a multimodal analysis to 500 TikTok videos posted during the conflict under #gazaunderattack, we identify three memetic templates (#challenge)—(1) lip-syncing, (2) duets, and (3) point-of-view—that unfold the ways TikTok’s design and its play-based affordances ignite affective streams of audiovisual content that render playful activism in times of conflict. Driven by TikTok’s culture of imitation and competition, playful activism enables the participation of ordinary users in political emerging events with the help of looping meme videos composed of collaborative, dialogic, and communal socio-technical functions. Playful activism transforms users’ ritualized performances into powerful political instruments on TikTok and makes democratic participation more relatable, tangible, and accessible to various audiences.