bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triglyceride-glucose index as a marker in cardiovascular diseases: landscape and limitations
Authors: Tao Li-Chan , Xu Jia-ni , Wang Ting-ting , Hua Fei , Li Jian-Jun
Published: May 2022

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been identified as a reliable alternative biomarker of insulin resistance (IR). Recently, a considerable number of studies have provided robust statistical evidence suggesting that the TyG index is associated with the development and prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nevertheless, the application of the TyG index as a marker of CVD has not systemically been evaluated, and even less information exists regarding the underlying mechanisms associated with CVD. To this end, in this review, we summarize the history of the use of the TyG index as a surrogate marker for IR. We aimed to highlight the application value of the TyG index for a variety of CVD types and to explore the potential limitations of using this index as a predictor for cardiovascular events to improve its application value for CVD and provide more extensive and precise supporting evidence.
Case series of three malaria patients from Thailand infected with the simian parasite, Plasmodium cynomolgi
Authors: Sai-ngam Piyaporn , Pidtana Kingkan , Suida Preeyaporn , Poramathikul Kamonporn , Lertsethtakarn Paphavee , Kuntawunginn Worachet , Tadsaichol Sarayut , Arsanok Montri , Sornsakrin Siriporn , Chaisatit Chaiyaporn , Mathavarat Chaiyawat , Thaloengsok Sasikanya , Boonyarangka Parat , Thongpiam Chadin , Demons Samandra , Vesely Brian , Waters Norman C. , Saejeng Aungkana , Wojnarski Mariusz , Tabprasit Sutchana , Kwanpichit Chokchai , Griesenbeck John S. , Spring Michele
Published: May 2022

Background

While human cases of Plasmodium knowlesi are now regularly recognized in Southeast Asia, infections with other simian malaria species, such as Plasmodium cynomolgi, are still rare. There has been a handful of clinical cases described, all from Malaysia, and retrospective studies of archived blood samples in Thailand and Cambodia have discovered the presence P. cynomolgi in isolates using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.

Case presentation

In Thailand, an ongoing malaria surveillance study enrolled two patients from Yala Province diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax by blood smear, but who were subsequently found to be negative by PCR. Expanded PCR testing of these isolates detected mono-infection with P. cynomolgi, the first time this has been reported in Thailand. Upon re-testing of 60 isolates collected from Yala, one other case was identified, a co-infection of P. cynomolgi and P. vivax. The clinical course for all three was relatively mild, with symptoms commonly seen in malaria: fever, chills and headaches. All infections were cured with a course of chloroquine and primaquine.

Conclusion

In malaria-endemic areas with macaque populations, cases of simian malaria in humans are being reported at an increasing rate, although still comprise a very small percentage of total cases. Plasmodium cynomolgi and P. vivax are challenging to distinguish by blood smear; therefore, PCR can be employed when infections are suspected or as part of systematic malaria surveillance. As Thai MoPH policy schedules regular follow-up visits after each malaria infection, identifying those with P. cynomolgi will allow for monitoring of treatment efficacy, although at this time P. cynomolgi appears to have an uncomplicated clinical course and good response to commonly used anti-malarials.
Conducting molybdenum sulfide/graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite hydrogel for repairing spinal cord injury
Authors: Chen Lingling , Wang Wanshun , Lin Zefeng , Lu Yao , Chen Hu , Li Binglin , Li Zhan , Xia Hong , Li Lihua , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2022

A sort of composite hydrogel with good biocompatibility, suppleness, high conductivity, and anti-inflammatory activity based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and molybdenum sulfide/graphene oxide (MoS2/GO) nanomaterial has been developed for spinal cord injury (SCI) restoration. The developed (MoS2/GO/PVA) hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical properties, outstanding electronic conductivity, and inflammation attenuation activity. It can promote neural stem cells into neurons differentiation as well as inhibit the astrocytes development in vitro. In addition, the composite hydrogel shows a high anti-inflammatory effect. After implantation of the composite hydrogel in mice, it could activate the endogenous regeneration of the spinal cord and inhibit the activation of glial cells in the injured area, thus resulting in the recovery of locomotor function. Overall, our work provides a new sort of hydrogels for SCI reparation, which shows great promise for improving the dilemma in SCI therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Simultaneous glutamine metabolism and PD-L1 inhibition to enhance suppression of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Tang Yuxia , Wang Siqi , Li Yang , Yuan Chen , Zhang Jie , Xu Ziqing , Hu Yongzhi , Shi Haibin , Wang Shouju
Published: May 2022

Blockade of programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) has been used to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and various strategies are under investigation to improve the treatment response rate. Inhibition of glutamine metabolism can reduce the massive consumption of glutamine by tumor cells and meet the demand for glutamine by lymphocytes in tumors, thereby improving the anti-tumor effect on the PD-L1 blockade therapy. Here, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was employed to simultaneously deliver anti-PDL1 antibody (aPDL1) and V9302 to boost the anti-tumor immune response in TNBC cells. The characterization results show that MoS2 has a dispersed lamellar structure with a size of about 181 nm and a size of 232 nm after poly (l-lysine) (PLL) modification, with high stability and biocompatibility. The loading capacity of aPDL1 and V9302 are 3.84% and 24.76%, respectively. V9302 loaded MoS2 (MoS2-V9302) can effectively kill 4T1 cells and significantly reduce glutamine uptake of tumor cells. It slightly increases CD8+ cells in the tumor and promotes CD8+ cells from the tumor edge into the tumor core. In vivo studies demonstrate that the combination of aPDL1 and V9302 (MoS2-aPDL1-V9302) can strongly inhibit the growth of TNBC 4T1 tumors. Interestingly, after the treatment of MoS2-aPDL1-V9302, glutamine levels in tumor interstitial fluid increased. Subsequently, subtypes of cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) in the tumors were analyzed according to two markers of T cell activation, CD69, and CD25, and the results reveal a marked increase in the proportion of activated T cells. The levels of cytokines in the corresponding tumor interstitial fluid are also significantly increased. Additionally, during the treatment, the body weights of the mice remain stable, the main indicators of liver and kidney function in the blood do not increase significantly, and there are no obvious lesions in the main organs, indicating low systemic toxicity. In conclusion, our study provides new insights into glutamine metabolism in the tumor microenvironment affects immune checkpoint blockade therapy in TNBC, and highlights the potential clinical implications of combining glutamine metabolism inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade in the treatment of TNBC.

Graphical Abstract
Quantitative proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid reveals CD163, A2M and full-length APP as potential diagnostic biomarkers of paediatric bacterial meningitis
Authors: Luo Ting , Yang Sai , Chen Yan , Liu Shulei , Yang Liming , Hu Nanfei , Ma Ye , Qiu Jun , Wang Kewei , Li Liping , Tan Lihong
Published: May 2022

Background

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a life-threatening infectious disease of the central nervous system in infants and children. To date, no diagnostic methods for the early and precise diagnosis of paediatric BM have been developed.

Methods

A label-free cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) quantitative proteomic analysis of 8 patients with confirmed or suspected BM, 9 patients with confirmed or suspected viral meningitis (VM) and 6 non-CNS-infected hospital patients was performed via high-resolution LC–MS/MS.

Results

Our CSF proteomic analysis allowed the identification of critical differences between the BM and non-BM groups. Compared to the proteomes of the non-BM groups, the proteome of the paediatric BM group was characterized by upregulation of complement and coagulation cascades, regulation of IGF transport, uptake by IGF-binding proteins and acute inflammatory response, downregulation of developmental growth, and metabolism of carbohydrates. Moreover, the levels of CD163, A2M and full-length APP in CSF showed excellent diagnostic performance for paediatric BM, with AUC values of 0.911 (95% CI: 0.839–0.984), 0.908 (95% CI: 0.816–1.000) and 0.944 (95% CI: 0.86, 1.000), respectively. Among them, A2M and full-length APP are reported here for the first time as potential diagnostic biomarkers of BM. The findings imply that peptidase regulator activity plays an important role in BM and provide potential novel targets for precision medicine in paediatric BM.

Conclusions

CD163, A2M and full-length APP are validated as potential diagnostic biomarkers of paediatric BM.
The role of systemic immuno-inflammatory factors in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a cohort retrospective study
Authors: Schlanger D. , Popa C. , Pașca S. , Seicean A. , Al Hajjar N.
Published: May 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy, surgery being the only potentially curative treatment. The systemic inflammatory response is an important factor in the development of cancer. There is still controversy regarding its role in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Our study is a retrospective observational cohort study. We included patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), who underwent surgical resection in our hospital, between January 2012 and December 2019. We gathered information from preoperative and postoperative blood tests. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were determined.

Results

We included 312 patients. All the immune-inflammatory scores assessed significantly changed after the surgery. The impact on overall survival of these markers showed that only some of the postoperative scores predicted survival: high PLR had a negative prognostic impact, while high lymphocyte and PNI values had a positive effect on overall survival.

Discussion

The circulating immune cells and their values integrated in the assessed prognostic scores suffer statistically significant changes after curative pancreatic surgery. Only the postoperative values of lymphocyte count, PLR, and PNI seem to influence the overall survival in PDAC.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov–identifier NCT05025371.
Growth differentiation factor 11 induces skeletal muscle atrophy via a STAT3-dependent mechanism in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Xiang Guiling , Ying Kelu , Jiang Pan , Jia Mengping , Sun Yipeng , Li Shanqun , Wu Xiaodan , Hao Shengyu
Published: May 2022

Skeletal muscle wasting is a clinically remarkable phenotypic feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) that increases the risk of mortality. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), centrally involved in PAH pathogenesis, has an inhibitory effect on skeletal muscle growth in other conditions. However, whether GDF11 is involved in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle wasting in PAH remains unknown. We showed that serum GDF11 levels in patients were increased following PAH. Skeletal muscle wasting in the MCT-treated PAH model is accompanied by an increase in circulating GDF11 levels and local catabolic markers (Fbx32, Trim63, Foxo1, and protease activity). In vitro GDF11 activated phosphorylation of STAT3. Antagonizing STAT3, with Stattic, in vitro and in vivo, could partially reverse proteolytic pathways including STAT3/socs3 and iNOS/NO in GDF11-meditated muscle wasting. Our findings demonstrate that GDF11 contributes to muscle wasting and the inhibition of its downstream molecule STAT3 shows promise as a therapeutic intervention by which muscle atrophy may be directly prevented in PAH.
Whole genome sequencing and analysis of fenvalerate degrading bacteria Citrobacter freundii CD-9
Authors: Zhou Xuerui , Lei Dan , Tang Jie , Wu Min , Ye Hong , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2022

Citrobacter freundii CD-9 is a Gram-negative bacteria sourced from factory sludge that can use fenvalerate as its sole carbon source and has a broad degradation spectrum for pyrethroid pesticides. The whole genome of CD-9 sequenced using Illumina HiSeq PE150 was reported in this study. The CD-9 genome size was 5.33 Mb and the G + C content was 51.55%. A total of 5291 coding genes, 9 5s-rRNA, and 79 tRNA were predicted bioinformatically. 3586 genes annotated to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database that can be involved in 173 metabolic pathways, including various microbial metabolic pathways that degrade exogenous chemicals, especially those that degrade aromatic compounds, and also produce a variety of bioactive substances. Fifty genes related to pyrethroid degradation were identified in the C. freundii CD-9 genome, including 9 dioxygenase, 25 hydrolase, and 16 esterase genes. Notably, RT-qPCR results showed that from the predicted 13 genes related to fenvalerate degradation, the expression of six genes, including esterase, HAD family hydrolase, lipolytic enzyme, and gentisic acid dioxygenase, was induced in the presence of fenvalerate. In this study, the key genes and degradation mechanism of C. freundii CD-9 were analyzed and the results provide scientific evidence to support its application in environmental bioremediation. It can establish application models for different environmental pollution management by constructing genetically engineered bacteria for efficient fenvalerate or developing enzyme formulations that can be industrially produced.
How to avoid unjust energy transitions: insights from the Ruhr region
Authors: Arora Anmol , Schroeder Heike
Published: May 2022

Background

The transition of the Ruhr region in Germany from a hard coal belt into a knowledge-based economy with a dynamic service sector and state of the art universities over the past 60–80 years has been widely touted as a successful example of how just and fair low carbon energy transitions can unfold.

Methods

This paper leverages documentary analysis of data across a wide array of sources to test these claims and identify lessons by creating a novel just energy transition framework.

Results

The study finds economic motivation, mindset and reorientation—not environmental concerns—to be the defining features for at least the first two decades of this shift. The lack of willingness to acknowledge environmental impacts and market realities has delayed the transition and led to wasteful allocation of resources towards supporting the hard coal mining industry. The prominence given to distributional justice cushions the victims of this transition financially, but does not allow a broad based coalition to advance the transition process. It is in the second phase (mid-1980s onwards that we see procedural aspects of justice come forth and support greater ownership and sustainability of the transition to emerge, while the evidence of recognition justice continues to be scant.

Conclusions

There are many nuanced successes in the Ruhr’s example, along with some failures worth highlighting. It is in the breakdown of this transition into two distinct phases and their nuances (particularly in the domain of justice) that fresh insights emerge and allow for a better understanding of what constitutes a suitable energy transition in a particular socio-economic and political context. As the international community embarks on ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, it can maximise the benefits and minimise the damages and costs by considering these realities on the ground.
Antimicrobial resistance in Antarctica: is it still a pristine environment?
Authors: Hwengwere K. , Paramel Nair H. , Hughes K. A. , Peck L. S. , Clark M. S. , Walker C. A.
Published: May 2022

Although the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in relation to clinical settings, is causing concern in many regions of the globe, remote, extreme environments, such as Antarctica, are thought to be relatively free from the negative impact of human activities. In fact, Antarctica is often perceived as the last pristine continent on Earth. Such remote regions, which are assumed to have very low levels of AMR due to limited human activity, represent potential model environments to understand the mechanisms and interactions underpinning the early stages of evolution, de novo development, acquisition and transmission of AMR. Antarctica, with its defined zones of human colonisation (centred around scientific research stations) and large populations of migratory birds and animals, also has great potential with regard to mapping and understanding the spread of early-stage zoonotic interactions. However, to date, studies of AMR in Antarctica are limited. Here, we survey the current literature focussing on the following:

Dissection of human-introduced AMR versus naturally occurring AMR, based on the premise that multiple drug resistance and resistance to synthetic antibiotics not yet found in nature are the results of human contamination

The potential role of endemic wildlife in AMR spread

There is clear evidence for greater concentrations of AMR around research stations, and although data show reverse zoonosis of the characteristic human gut bacteria to endemic wildlife, AMR within birds and seals appears to be very low, albeit on limited samplings. Furthermore, areas where there is little, to no, human activity still appear to be free from anthropogenically introduced AMR. However, a comprehensive assessment of AMR levels in Antarctica is virtually impossible on current data due to the wide variation in reporting standards and methodologies used and poor geographical coverage. Thus, future studies should engage directly with policymakers to promote the implementation of continent-wide AMR reporting standards. The development of such standards alongside a centralised reporting system would provide baseline data to feedback directly into wastewater treatment policies for the Antarctic Treaty Area to help preserve this relatively pristine environment.
Does maxillomandibular fixation affect skeletal stability following mandibular advancement? A single-blind clinical trial
Authors: Tabrizi Reza , Sarrafzadeh Arash , Shafiei Shervin , Moslemi Hamidreza , Dastgir Ramtin
Published: May 2022

Background

The stability of the results remains a significant concern in orthognathic surgeries. This study aimed to assess the amount of relapse following mandibular advancement with/without maxillomandibular fixation (MMF).

Materials and methods

A single-blind clinical trial was conducted on patients with mandibular retrognathism who underwent BSSO for mandibular advancement and Lefort I maxillary superior repositioning. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of treatment (MMF) and control (no MMF). In the treatment group, MMF was performed for 2 weeks; meanwhile, MMF was not performed in the control group, and only guiding elastics were applied postoperatively. Lateral cephalograms were obtained preoperatively (T1), immediately after surgery (T2), and at 1 year postoperatively (T3). The distance from points A and B to the X and Y plane were measured to identify the amount of vertical and horizontal relapse in 1 year as a primary outcome. An independent t-test was applied in order to find differences in outcomes between the control and treatment groups.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were evaluated in two groups (28 patients in the MMF group and 30 in the no-MMF group). The magnitude of mandibular advancement following BSSO was 7.68±1.39 mm and 7.53±1.28, respectively, without significant difference among the groups (p= 0.68). The mean sagittal and vertical changes (relapse) at point B were significantly different between the two groups at 1-year follow-up after the osteotomy (p=0.001 and p=0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, patients with short-term MMF following BSSO for mandibular advancement benefit from significantly greater skeletal stability in the sagittal and vertical dimensions.
IVF-conceived children outcome from birth to 3 years at a single IVF center in Indonesia: frozen versus fresh embryo transfer
Authors: Muharam R. , Umami Erda Ayu , Gunardi Hartono
Published: May 2022

Background

Frozen embryo transfer procedure is becoming more common in assisted reproduction technology. The effect of this technology is still not yet well studied in developing countries with limited resources, including Indonesia. This study explores the clinical outcomes between frozen and fresh embryo transfer-conceived children aged 0–3 years in Indonesia.

Results

The participants were divided into frozen embryo (n = 30) and fresh embryo (n = 30) transfer groups. There were no differences in growth and development. However, in vitro fertilization (IVF) children with frozen embryo transfer had a lower risk of developing low birth weight compared to the fresh embryo group with an OR of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.03–0.85). All children, both in the fresh and frozen embryos, have normal development.

Conclusions

Frozen versus fresh embryo transfer does not affect child growth and development.
Should asymptomatic small anteriorly located midline prostatic cyst in young adults be treated surgically or conservatively? A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Elsorougy Ali , Farg Hashim , Abdelhamid Abdalla , Zakaria Mostafa , El-Ghar Mohamed Abou
Published: May 2022

Background

Prostatic cysts are uncommon, typically asymptomatic and discovered by chance during imaging. Prostatic cysts in the midline are less prevalent and primarily seen in the posterior aspect of the prostate.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a 32-year-old man with a complaint of left loin pain and a little sensation of pelvic discomfort. Ultrasound was done revealing small pelvic cystic structure related to urinary bladder base and neck with possibility to be prostatic in origin. Transrectal ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging were done and showed an anteriorly located midline prostatic cyst protruding into the bladder lumen, with no communication with the urethra on conventional ascending urethrogram.

Conclusion

The rare relationship between the cyst, bladder neck, and prostate make this case to some extent unique and further interesting. To our best knowledge, this is the eighth documented case in the literature to describe an anteriorly located midline intraprostatic cyst projecting at the bladder neck and base with illustration of different plans of treatment.
FDG-PET/CT tumor to liver SUV ratio (TLR), tumor SUVmax, and tumor size: can this help in differentiating squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma of the lung?
Authors: Salem Amr Muhammad Abdo , Hussein Laila Hosny , Osman Ahmed M.
Published: May 2022

Background

PET/CT plays an essential role in the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of lung cancer. We aimed to assess the ability of PET/CT to differentiate between adenocarcinomas (AC) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the lung using tumor size, tumor maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), lymph nodes SUVmax, and tumor to liver SUV ratio (TLR).

Results

A total of 60 patients pathologically proved to have non-small cell lung cancer either AC or SCC were retrospectively evaluated. The mean tumor size, SUVmax of the tumor, and TLR were significantly higher in SCC lesions compared to AC lesions. The mean SCC tumoral size was 7.96 ± 2.18 cm compared to 5.66 ± 2.57 cm in AC lesions (P = 0.008). The mean tumor SUVmax in SCC lesions was 18.95 ± 8.3 compared to 12.4 ± 7.55 in AC lesions (P = 0.04). While the mean TLR of SCC lesions was 10.32 ± 4.03 compared to 7.36 ± 4.61 in AC lesions (P = 0.028). All three parameters showed the same sensitivity (75%), while TLR showed the highest specificity (77.78%) followed by tumor size (76.47%) and then SUVmax of the tumor (72.22%).

Conclusions

SCC of the lung has a higher mean tumor size, SUVmax of the tumor, and TLR as compared to AC which can be helpful tools in differentiation between them using PET/CT.
Introducing Checkpoint Inhibitors Into the Curative Setting of Head and Neck Cancers: Lessons Learned, Future Considerations
Authors: Nenclares Pablo , Rullan Antonio , Tam Kenric , Dunn Lara A. , St. John Maie , Harrington Kevin J.
Published: May 2022

The emergence of immunotherapy, in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitors, has irrevocably altered the paradigm of cancer treatment over the past decade. Multiple characteristics of the immune landscape in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma suggest a strong rationale for the use of immunotherapies in this disease. Data from studies with both single-agent immunotherapies and chemotherapy and immunotherapy combinations in patients with incurable, relapsed disease have confirmed the potential for immune checkpoint inhibitors to be translated into settings in which patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are treated with curative intent. Indeed, a number of single-arm and randomized studies, including trials of immunotherapy with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, have already been completed or are ongoing. In this review, we present promising data from studies in which immunotherapy has been used in conjunction with curative-intent surgery, both as neoadjuvant/induction treatment and as an adjuvant approach. In addition, we discuss the fact that immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is, once again, allowing oncologists to revisit the potential role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy as part of definitive treatment regimens for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we address the increasing interest in exploiting synergistic interactions between radiotherapy and immunotherapy in the context of radical radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy regimens. As a consequence of these new areas of research, we are optimistic that the next decade may see immunotherapy embedded within recommended standard-of-care curative regimens for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Expansion, Compression, Neither, Both? Divergent Patterns in Healthy, Disability-Free, and Morbidity-Free Life Expectancy Across U.S. Birth Cohorts, 1998–2016
Authors: Payne Collin F.
Published: May 2022

This article explores how patterns of health, morbidity, and disability have changed across successive generations of older adults in the United States. Using a novel method for comparing state-specific partial life expectancies—that is, total life expectancy (LE), and health expectancies (HEs) in different health states, bounded between two ages—I explore changes in healthy life expectancy across successive birth cohorts of the U.S. population. Results show that little compression of disability is occurring across cohorts, LE with chronic morbidities has expanded considerably, and self-rated health is improving across cohorts, but only at ages 70+. These findings suggest that successive cohorts in the U.S. population may be on divergent paths in terms of late-life health and well-being. Exploring heterogeneity in these patterns, I find that less educated individuals have substantially lower partial LE and disability-free LE than those with more schooling, and that disability-free life is declining among those with less than a high school diploma. Differences in HEs are pervasive across racial and ethnic groups, and both disabled LE and unhealthy LE are expanding in some disadvantaged subgroups. The continued increases in partial LE with morbidities across successive cohorts, and the broad stagnation of disability-free and healthy LE, present a broad view of a U.S. population in which successive generations are not living healthier lives.
“Common Informality”
Authors: Law Christopher
Published: May 2022

This article explores how two key problems of philosophical aesthetics, temporality and form, are rethought in Fred Moten's consent not to be a single being trilogy. The article proposes that Moten's work is notable for its refusal to affirm a link between aesthetic experience, or aesthesis, and the future-bound possibility of political community. This refusal distinguishes Moten's work both from the political philosophy underlying Immanuel Kant's aesthetics and from the dialectical critique of Kant found in contemporary theoretical work prioritizing formal experimentation. The article contends instead that Moten's work is shaped by a sustained attention to “informal” patterns of aesthetic experience, for which the graphic materiality of writing functions as a privileged index. The article then explores the political and temporal implications of writing's materiality in two essays from Moten's Black and Blur. To pursue this task, it draws on Walter Benjamin's understanding of philological interpolation and argues that Moten's work, particularly in its insistence on “renomination” rather than conceptual creation, can likewise be understood as philological. The article concludes, however, by showing how the idea of linguistic freedom advanced in recent philological work is complicated by Moten's recognition of a link between predication and blackness.
Aesthetics of (Black) Breathing
Authors: Cox Jessie , Jean-François Isaac
Published: May 2022

A meditation on (Black) breathing, this essay reflects on blackness and breathing as motile (un)representable practices. Black subjects are able to resist by breathing in spite of modernity's impulse to cut off black motion at the throat. Though deeply interested in the sounds and inner motions cohered at the head and neck, this essay understands breathing to affect matter and explores how breathing disarticulates wholeness as a practice of radically dissolving sovereign sound and form. The parentheses around (Black) attend to that which is founded on the erasure of Black liveness alongside such erasure, while also listening to those composers and aesthetes that are erased when we do not listen for their breathing. (Black) breathing is channeled into/through instruments, making it musical, and through these sonic transmutations of states of matter, possible futures are opened. The essay deploys an iterative play with punctuation and grammar to intensify the act and experience of writing alongside a chorus of voices both silenced and sounded. The entanglement of breathing, from past into future spaces, is what shifts a musical opening to a place of altered destiny. With black life cornered into visible places of antiblack state violence, in this piece we attempt to listen for, and breathe, another articulation of the world.
The forgotten lacrimal gland and lacrimal drainage apparatus: pictorial review of CT and MRI findings and differential diagnosis
Authors: Nair Jaykumar Raghavan , Syed Raza , Chan Ian Y M , Gorelik Natalia , Chankowsky Jeffrey , del Carpio-O'Donovan Raquel
Published: May 2022

The lacrimal gland is a bilobed serous gland located in the superolateral aspect of the orbit. Lacrimal system pathologies can be broadly divided into pathologies of the lacrimal gland and those of the nasolacrimal drainage apparatus. These include distinct congenital, infectious, inflammatory, and benign, indeterminate, and malignant neoplastic lesions. Trauma and resultant fractures affecting lacrimal drainage apparatus is not part of this review; only non-traumatic diseases will be discussed. CT is the initial modality of choice because of its ability to delineate lacrimal system anatomy and demonstrate most lacrimal drainage system abnormalities and their extent. It also assesses bony architecture and characterizes any osseous changes. MRI is helpful in further characterizing these lesions and better assessing involvement of the surrounding soft tissue structures. In this pictorial review, we will review the anatomy of the lacrimal system, describe CT/MRI findings of the common and uncommon lacrimal system abnormalities and discuss relevance of imaging with regards to patient management.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension imaging approaches and the implications in patient management
Authors: Sarrami Amir Hossein , Bass David I. , Rutman Aaron M , Alexander Matthew D , Aksakal Mehmet , Zhu Chengcheng , Levitt Michael R , Mossa-Basha Mahmud
Published: May 2022

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) represents a clinical disease entity without a clear etiology, that if left untreated, can result in severe outcomes, including permanent vision loss. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Historically, the role of cross-sectional imaging has been to rule out secondary or emergent causes of increased intracranial pressure, including tumor, infection, hydrocephalus, or venous thrombosis. MRI and MRV, however, can serve as valuable imaging tools to not only rule out causes for secondary intracranial hypertension but can also detect indirect signs of IIH resultant from increased intracranial pressure, and demonstrate potentially treatable sinus venous stenosis. Digital subtraction venographic imaging also plays a central role in both diagnosis and treatment, providing enhanced anatomic delineation and temporal flow evaluation, quantitative assessment of the pressure gradient across a venous stenosis, treatment guidance, and immediate opportunity for endovascular therapy. In this review, we discuss the multiple modalities for imaging IIH, their limitations, and their contributions to the management of IIH.
Εγχειρίδιο του Όσλο 2018: Κατευθυντήριες γραμμές για τη συλλογή, την παρουσίαση και τη χρήση στατιστικών δεδομένων για την καινοτομία
Authors:   OECD,   Eurostat
Published: May 2022

Τι είναι καινοτομία και πως πρέπει να μετριέται; Η κατανόηση του εύρους των καινοτομικών δραστηριοτήτων, των χαρακτηριστικών των καινοτόμων επιχειρήσεων, καθώς και των εσωτερικών και εξωτερικών-συστημικών παραγόντων που μπορεί να επηρεάζουν την καινοτομία αποτελεί προϋπόθεση για την επιδίωξη και την ανάλυση των δημόσιων πολιτικών που στοχεύουν στην προώθηση της καινοτομίας. Το Εγχειρίδιο του Όσλο εκδόθηκε για πρώτη φορά το 1992 και αποτελεί τον διεθνή οδηγό αναφοράς για τη συλλογή και τη χρήση στατιστικών δεδομένων για την καινοτομία. Σε αυτήν την τέταρτη έκδοση, το εγχειρίδιο έχει επικαιροποιηθεί με στόχο να συμπεριλάβει ένα ευρύτερο φάσμα φαινομένων που συνδέονται με την καινοτομία, αλλά και την εμπειρία που αποκτήθηκε από τους πρόσφατους κύκλους στατιστικών ερευνών για την καινοτομία στις χώρες-μέλη του ΟΟΣΑ και τις συνδεδεμένες με αυτόν οικονομίες και οργανισμούς.
Determinants of patient behavioural loyalty on primary health centres: Evidence from a cross-sectional study in Indonesia
Authors: Mardaleta Mardaleta , Lubis Abdul Rahman , Diantimala Yossi , Fahlevi Heru
Published: May 2022

Background: Patients’ loyalty to visit and use the services provided by the primary health centers (PHCs) is an important requirement of a patient referral system in many countries. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of internal service factors (service provider, service process, and service environment) on service quality and behavioural loyalty of patients in Indonesian PHCs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 districts in Aceh Province, Indonesia between September and December 2020. Data were collected in 102 PHCs that were selected randomly from 137 PHCs that have an Inpatient Unit in the province. A proportional number of patients were recruited from each PHC and 389 patients were included. The demographic data, three components of internal service factors (service provider, service process, and service environment), the service quality and behavioural loyalty were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Hypothesis testing was conducted by using the structural equation model (SEM).

Results: Our data suggested that two elements of internal service factors (service provider and service environment) had a positive and significant influence on service quality of the PHCs with p<0.001 and p=0.021, respectively. Service quality had a positive and significant influence of behavioural loyalty of patients to the PHCs (p=0.003). Service quality however did not serve as an intervening variable between internal service factors (service provider, service process, and service environment) and behavioural loyalty of patients, with p=0.091, p=0.230 and p=0.260, respectively. 

Conclusions: Service provider and service environment are two main factors that influence the service quality and the service quality directly influence the behavioural loyalty on PHC users. Therefore, to increase the patients’ loyalty to use the PHC services, the quality of the services should be improved by levelling up the quality of providers and both physical and social environments in the PHCs.
Protocol for an exploratory, longitudinal single case study of a novel palliative care rehabilitative service
Authors: Ní Chéileachair Fódhla N. , Johnston Bridget M. , Payne Cathy , Cahill Fiona , Mannion Lisa , McGirr Lisa , Ryan Karen
Published: May 2022

Background: Early access to rehabilitation can improve quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses and is highlighted as a core component of the Adult Palliative Care Services Model of Care for Ireland. Despite this, palliative rehabilitation remains under-utilised and under-developed. In 2020, the Sláintecare Integration Fund provided opportunity to pilot a novel rehabilitative palliative care service, “Palliat Rehab”. This protocol proposes a case study, which aims to advance understanding of the form, content, and delivery of the pilot service.

Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, mixed-methods, case study design will be used to describe the service and to explore the experiences of patients, informal carers and clinicians. Additionally, data collection instruments will be tested and the utility of outcome measures will be examined. Data will be collected from documentary, survey, and interview sources.

Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, including chi-square tests for categorical variables, Mann-Whitney U tests for ordinal data, and t-tests/ ANOVA for continuous data. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis.

Conclusions: New pathways are required to advance service provision to ensure that patients receive the ‘right care, in the right place, at the right time’. This protocol outlines a case study which will aim to develop current understanding of the implementation and delivery of a novel rehabilitative palliative care service in Ireland and will consider its potential contribution to the achievement of Sláintecare goals. Investigating the service within its environmental context will lead to a better understanding of ‘how’ and ‘why’ things happen. Findings will be used to inform efforts to further develop and tailor the intervention.
Preventing cardiovascular disease in at-risk patients: Protocol for a feasibility study in general practice (‘High-Risk Prevention Programme’)
Authors: Broughan John , Treanor JT , Morrissey Janis , Damery Marese , Collins Tim , Casey Mary , Doyle Orla , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Freeley Sarah , McCombe Geoff , Mills Gerald , Cullen Walter
Published: May 2022

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death globally. Whilst initiatives such as Ireland’s ‘Chronic Disease Management Programme’ have helped in the fight against CVD, a more intensive approach may be required to meet high risk patients’ needs. The High-Risk Prevention Programme (HRPP), led by the Irish Heart Foundation, University College Dublin (UCD), and Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) aims to design, deliver, and evaluate an intensive, six-week behaviour change programme among people at high risk of CVD living in Irish communities. In this paper, we aim to describe the HRPP intervention and the approach that will be used to evaluate it.

Methods: The HRPP has been informed by an inclusive co-design process involving health provider and patient input, has been operating since February 2021 and will run until February 2023. Six general practices have agreed to take part in the project, and it is planned that 400 patients at high risk of CVD will participate. Participating patients attend either a practice nurse or health promotion coordinator-led six-week one-to-one consultation programme focusing on self-management of health issues. Feasibility, acceptability, and likely effectiveness will be assessed by means of a process evaluation involving quantitative survey (patient health and health behaviours assessments) at baseline and 12 months, and in-depth qualitative interviews with patients, practice nurses and general practitioners.

Conclusions: Project findings will inform whether a general practice-based intervention to prevent CVD among at-risk patients is feasible, acceptable in practice, has a positive impact, and what outcome measures might form the focus of future research.
The proliferation markers in patients with different forms of hyperplastic endometrial processes
Authors: Krut Yuri , Zemlyana Nataly , Gaidai Natalie , Pavliuchenko Mykhailo , Amro Iryna
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Endometrial hyperplastic processes (EHP) are characterized by recurrent course, high risk of malignancy, difficulties in diagnosing and predicting the course, which determines their great medical and social significance

Objective: To evaluate the levels of proliferation markers Ki-67 and APRIL in serum of women with various forms of endometrial hyperplastic processes (EHP) and their correlation with clinical and anamnestic features.

Materials and Methods: The study examined 95 women with endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial adenocarcinoma who underwent treatment in the gynecology department "City Clinical Hospital №7» in Zaporizhzhya and "Zaporozhye Regional Clinical Oncology Center". The first group consisted of 32 women with simple endometrial hyperplasia. The second group included 43 patients with complex endometrial hyperplasia. The third group consisted of 22 women with endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Results: The analysis of Ki-67 level revealed an increasing in the patients with simple hyperplasia (p <0.05) and complex hyperplasia of endometrium (p <0.05) compare with control group. The level of the APRIL in serum is increased in group of complex hyperplasia compared with the control group (p <0,05) and simple hyperplasia (p <0,05). 

Conclusions: Level of APRIL in serum increased in patients with complex endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial adenocarcinoma. Level of Ki-67 in serum was highest in patients with complex endometrial hyperplasia.  We found a significant positive association between Ki-67 levels in serum and thickness of M-echo in endometrium, duration of hyperplastic endometrial processes anamnesis, between APRIL in serum and age of patients, duration of hyperplastic endometrial processes anamnesis.
Niedobór czynnika XI jako problem kliniczny podczas porodu – opis przypadku
Authors: Adamczyk-Gruszka Olga , Zwierzyńska Anna , Płusajska Justyna , Gruszka Jakub
Published: May 2022

Dziedziczny niedobór czynnika XI jest zagadką od jego odkrycia w 1953 roku. Najczęściej występujące łagodne objawy u pacjentów z najcięższą postacią nie pasują do nieprawidłowości w standardowych testach krzepnięcia. Udział czynnika XI w hemostazie nie jest odpowiednio oceniany w nowoczesnych laboratoriach klinicznych.

W jaki sposób niedobór czynnika XI przyczynia się do zmian w modelach krzepnięcia krwi, jaka jest genetyka w tym schorzeniu, związek jego niedoboru z krwawieniem? Nowe podejście ginekologów do porodu u pacjentek z niedoborem czynnika XI. Artykuł przedstawia opis przypadku ciężarnej z hemofilią C.
Applying the employee value proposition to emergency medicine
Authors: Matthews Jonathan
Published: May 2022

Jonathan Matthews explains how the employee value proposition can improve staff engagement in NHS emergency departments.
The mental health safety improvement programme: a national quality improvement collaborative to reduce restrictive practice in England
Authors: Shah Amar , Ayers Tom , Cannon Emily , Akhtar Saiqa , Lorrimer Kate , Milarski Matthew , Arundell Laura-Louise
Published: May 2022

In 2018, 38 mental health inpatient wards belonging to NHS trusts across England took part in the national reducing restrictive practice collaborative project, which aimed to reduce the use of rapid tranquillisation, restraint and seclusion of patients by 33%. Teams were supported to use quality improvement tools by skilled coaches as part of a national collaborative learning system. At the end of the programme, the overall use of restrictive practice had reduced by 15%. Of the teams that achieved improvements, the average reduction in restrictive practice was 61%. Across the collaborative there were improvements in the mean monthly use of restraints and rapid tranquillisation, and in the total use of all three measures of restrictive practice combined. Support from quality improvement coaches allowed ideas to be tested across the collaborative, enabling the creation of a theory of change for reducing restrictive practice based on areas with a high degree of belief to inform future improvement work in this area.
DIC measurement for large-scale structures based on adaptive warping image stitching
Authors: Sun Long , Tang Chen , Xu Min , Lei Zhenkun
Published: May 2022

As a representative method of optical non-interference measurement, digital image correlation (DIC) technology is a non-contact optical mechanics method that can measure the displacement and deformation of the whole field. However, when the measurement range of the field is too large, the existing DIC method cannot measure the full-field strain accurately, which limits the application of the DIC measurement in the case of a large size and wide-field view. To address this issue, a DIC measurement method for large-scale structures based on adaptive warping image stitching is proposed in this paper. First, multiple adjacent high-resolution images are collected at different locations of large-scale structures. Secondly, the collected images are stitched by applying the adaptive warping image stitching algorithm to obtain a panoramic image. Finally, the DIC algorithm is applied to solve the whole deformation field. In the experiments, we first verify the feasibility of the proposed method for image matching and fusion through the numerical simulation of a rigid body translation experiment. Then the accuracy and robustness of the proposed method in practical application are verified by rigid body translation and a three-point bending experiment. The experimental results demonstrate that the measurement range of DIC is improved significantly with the adaptive warping image stitching algorithm.
Analysis of an inverse weak-value tiltmeter in the kilohertz regime
Authors: Baldwin Benjamin A. , Josemans Garrett K. , Gray John E.
Published: May 2022

We present a follow-on experiment to the recent study from The
University of Rochester [Opt. Lett. 42, 2479
(2017)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.42.002479], which reported a new
architecture for an inverse weak-value tiltmeter. We recreate the
Rochester tiltmeter and specifically investigate mirror oscillations
in the low-kilohertz frequency regime, which is relevant to certain
potential applications, such as Coriolis vibratory gyroscopes. We find
that the inverse weak-value amplification effect persists in this
regime, although our measured noise floors are higher than those
obtained in the Rochester experiment—approximately

2

p
r
a
d

/

H
z

for mirror oscillation frequencies
between 1 and 25 kHz.