bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjunctive corticosteroids therapy for Pneumocystis pneumonia with ARDS in non-HIV immunocompromised patients：a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xu-Yan , Guan Lujia , Tang Xiao , Wang Rui , Li Ying , Tong Zhao-Hui , Sun Bing , Wang Chen
Published: June 2024

Background Adjuvant corticosteroids are effective in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) patients, but the effectiveness of adjuvant corticosteroids in non-HIV PCP remained controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of steroids in non-HIV PCP patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Methods This retrospective observational study included non-HIV PCP patients with ARDS admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from 2015 to 2022 were included. We compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes between patients who received a 21-day course of standard-dose steroids and those who received low-dose steroids. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were performed to compare the survival time between standard-dose steroid and low-dose steroid patients. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for 28- and 60-day mortality.
Results A total of 105 non-HIV PCP with ARDS were identified, 48 in the 21-day course of standard-dose steroid group (66.7% male, 50.5±12.6 years) and 57 in the low-dose steroid group(61.4% male, 55.5±14.2 years). 60-day mortality was significantly different between the two groups (63.2% vs 48.3%, p=0.04), but 28-day mortality was not (50.8% vs 35.4%, p=0.11). After adjustment for confounders, 60-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.415, 95% confidence interval: 0.227-0.760) was lower in the 21-day standard-dose steroid group compared with those in the low-dose steroid group. 21-day standard-dose steroids were associated with lower 60-day mortality in patients aged<65 years, no smokers, requiring mechanical ventilation, lactic dehydrogenase≥ 495U/L, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio<150mmHg. There were no differences in co-infections and gastrointestinal bleeding between the two groups.
Conclusions In conclusion, the 21-day standard-dose steroids therapy significantly reduced 60-day mortality without major complications in the non-HIV immunocompromised population with severe PCP with ARDS.
The impact of Telephone-based Telemedicine on unplanned hospital visits and mortality risk during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study from a middle-income country
Authors: Sura-amonrattana Unchana , Kertkiatkachorn Kasemsan , Sainimnuan Supawadee , Preechitkul Rinrada , Petchthai Ponnapa , Leelahavarong Pattara , Jantaraprapan Jeeranan , Pitiyarn Sutisa , Siriussawakul Arunotai , Srinonpras Varalak , Permpikul Chairat
Published: June 2024

Background:Providing care via telemedicine has been suggested worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new care model and service flow using telephone-based telemedicine (2T SAVE-COVID project) was established to provide care for patients at the Department of Medicine during the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients after receiving care through telemedicine in the project.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare clinical outcomes of patients receiving telemedicine compared to routine care at the outpatient clinics from April 2020 to November 2021. All-cause mortality was obtained from the hospital database and the civil registration. The outcomes were the incidence of unplanned visits and mortality rate compared between groups.
Findings: 16,395 patients received telemedicine under the 2T SAVE-COVID project and 32,380 patients were matched in the routine care group. The 2T group had higher age, the number of medications used and dementia diagnosis. The 2T group demonstrated a significantly lower risk of experiencing unplanned hospital visits with adjusted HR 0.22 (95%CI 0.21-0.23, p value <0.001). The patients in the geriatric clinic receiving telemedicine also had lower risk of unplanned hospital visits with adjusted HR 0.23 (95%CI 0.20-0.27).
Interpretation:The use of telemedicine showed benefits in reducing unplanned hospital visits for older patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This successful strategy of implementing telephone-based telemedicine for carefully chosen groups of patients could potentially expand to other service areas in resource-limited settings.
Funding:Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Grant Number (IO) R016531029.
Blood molybdenum level as a marker of cancer risk among BRCA1 carriers
Authors: Matuszczak Milena , Kiljańczyk Adam , Marciniak Wojciech , Derkacz Róża , Stempa Klaudia , Baszuk Piotr , Bryśkiewicz Marta , Cybulski Cezary , Dębniak Tadeusz , Gronwald Jacek , Huzarski Tomasz , Lener Marcin , Jakubowska Anna , Pietrzak Sandra , Szwiec Marek , Stawicka-Niełacna Małgorzata , Godlewski Dariusz , Prusaczyk Artur , Jasiewicz Andrzej , Kluz Tomasz , Tomiczek-Szwiec Joanna , Kobierzycka Ewa Kilar- , Siołek Monika , Wiśniowski Rafał , Posmyk Renata , Jarkiewicz-Tretyn Joanna , Sun Ping , Cheriyan Angela , Scott Rodney , Narod Steven , Lubinski Jan
Published: June 2024

Purpose:A large proportion of ovarian and breast cancer cases are due to genetic predisposition. Women with a mutation in the BRCA1 gene have an up to an 80% chance of developing breast cancer and 40% chance of developing ovarian cancer. No studies to date assess exposure to molybdenum and cancer risk. The purpose of our study was to see if exposure to molybdenum modifies cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers.
Material and Methods: The study included 989 initially unaffected women with a BRCA1 mutation. The mean follow-up time was 6.8 years. During this time, 172 cancers occurred including 121 breast, 29 ovarian and 22 cancers at other sites. The cohort was stratified into three categories (tertiles) based on the blood level of molybdenum (<0.54 µg/L, 0.54-0.70 µg/L and >0.70 µg/L) with the lowest tertile forming the reference group. Cox proportional hazards models were used to model the association between blood molybdenum levels and cancer incidence.
Results:A high blood molybdenum level (>0.70 µg/L) was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer (HR = 5.55; 95%CI: 1.59-19.4; p = 0.007) and of any cancer (HR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.17-2.61; p = 0.007) but not of breast cancer (HR = 1.46, CI= 0.91-2.33; p = 0.12).
Conclusion:It is possible that lowering molybdenum levels may reduce the risk of cancer among women with a pathogenic germline variant in BRCA1.
Influence of the type of antiretroviral treatment on the time to reach high pharmacotherapy complexity in people living with HIV
Authors: Macías Enrique Contreras , Cortés María de las Aguas Robustillo , Ramos José Ramón Blanco , Verdugo Ramón Morillo
Published: June 2024

Background: The primary objective was to assess the impact of antiretroviral treatment (ARV) on the duration required to achieve a high medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) in people living with HIV (PLWH).
Methods: A single-centre observational analytical research study was conducted, including adult PLWH on ARV from January 2010 to December 2022, who were treated in the hospital pharmacy. An analysis of the time to reach the MRCI value ≥11.25 was performed, followed by a Cox regression model to determine the influence of ARV on high pharmacotherapeutic complexity.
Results: A total of 789 PLWH were included, with a medium age of 52 years (interquartile range: 45-58 years). Overall, 195 patients had an MRCI value ≥11.25 with a mean time to reach it of 181.86 months (95%CI: 176.24 - 187.49 months). Significant differences were observed in sex, advanced age, AIDS stage, presence of comorbidities, polypharmacy, and ARV-related variables. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that INSTI-containing regimens (HR: 1.83; 95CI: 1.08-3.10) and NNRTI-based regimens (HR: 0.72; 95CI: 0.52-0.98) influenced the time until high pharmacotherapeutic complexity was reached.
Conclusions: In summary, regimens composed of 2 NRTI + NNRTI showed a protective effect in the development of high pharmacotherapeutic complexity compared to 2 NRTI + INSTI, which is identified as a risk factor. These conclusions were derived from the patient profile that included advanced age and high prevalence of both comorbidities and polypharmacy. Therefore, identifying high complexity allows us to implement pharmacotherapeutic optimization strategies to improve your health outcomes.
Cathepsins Influence Metastatic Liver Cancer via Plasma Proteins: a Mendelian randomization Study
Authors: Yi Taijun , Lin Zejin , Zhong Chengrui , Mai Ziyan , Liang Yongling , Chen Zhiping , Wu Jiayan , Lin Zeyu , Yu Jiandong , Lin Zhu , Jin Huilin , Wan Yunle , Li Guolin
Published: June 2024

Background: Cathepsins (CTSs), lysosomal cysteine proteases, have been reported to play roles in the initiation, infiltration, and dissemination of tumors in previous researches. However, the precise causal relationship between CTSs and metastatic liver cancer (MLC) remains undetermined. This study aimed to investigate the potential causal relationship between CTSs and MLC, as well as to examine the mediating effect of plasma proteins in this relationship, ultimately establishing a causal network among them.
Methods: Data were obtained from genome-wide association analysis (GWAS). Inverse variance weighting (IVW), Bayesian weighting (BW), MR-Egger regression, Weighted median (WM) and MR-conmix methods were employed for Mendelian randomization (MR) Analysis. Sensitivity analysis included Cochran's Q test, Mr-Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO test and leave-one-out validation.
Results: Univariable MR revealed that an increase in CTSF (cathepsin F), CTSD (cathepsin D), and CSTV (cathepsin V) was associated with a reduced risk of MLC among 11 CTSs. While reverse MR did not yield significant findings. And total of 42 plasma proteins were identified to have a causal relationship with MLC, among which 13 types were found to mediate the association between the 3 CTSs and MLC.
Conclusions: Our study suggests a potential causal relationship involving 3 CTSs, 13 plasma proteins, and MLC. These results provide valuable references for disease prediction, targeted therapy and mechanistic research of MLC.
Gene expression profile comparison of primary and pulmonary metastatic lesions in a dog with appendicular osteosarcoma and hypertrophic osteopathy
Authors: Kitagawa Keita , Dryfhout Jessica , Engleberg Alexander I. , Yang Ya-Ting , Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan Vilma , Saavedra Paulo Vilar
Published: June 2024

Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a paraneoplastic syndrome, and the most notable cause in dogs is pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma (OSA). Although many molecular factors in canine OSA have been shown in metastasis, little is known about the gene expression profile of HO secondary to metastatic OSA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the gene expression profiles between primary and metastatic OSA lesions from the same dog and to look for gene expression changes that can elucidate the molecular mechanism of metastases and HO. Tumoral samples were obtained from a 2-year-old, intact male, Labrador retriever. At the first visit, the patient presented with an appendicular OSA as the primary lesion. About 10 months later, the dog developed HO due to a single pulmonary metastasis. Using these primary and metastatic samples from the same dog, as well as normal canine osteoblasts, we investigated the gene expression profiling using the NanoString nCounter® Canine IO panel. A total of 180 differentially expressed genes were identified between malignant OSA cells and non-malignant canine osteoblasts. Furthermore, 5 genes (CCL17, VEGFC, C3, C4BPA, and FOS) were differentially expressed in comparison between primary and metastatic OSA samples. CCL17 and VEGFC were upregulated in the primary lesion compared to the metastatic lesion, while C3, C4BPA, and FOS were downregulated in the primary lesion relative to the metastatic lesion. Given that the metastatic lesion was relevant to the development of HO, the different gene expression profiles may be relevant to understanding the pathophysiology of HO.
Analyze of children who has laser photocoagulation treatment due to retinopathy of prematurity by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Oruç Selin Deniz , Mayalı Hüseyin
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Our aim is to compare the long-term retinal structural changes between children treated for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), children with ROP that spontaneously regressed, and healthy children by using optic coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).
Methods
Our study is a retrospective cross-sectional comparative study. The study included four groups: 35 eyes of 20 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation, 35 eyes of 20 patients who regressed without treatment, 38 eyes of 20 premature babies without ROP and 37 eyes of 21 healthy term-born children as control group. Superficial capillary plexus vessel density (SCP-VD), deep capillary plexus vessel density (DCP-VD), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), central macular thickness (CMT), foveal diameter and depth were analyzed by OCTA.
Results
Children with ROP were shown to have significantly higher fovea SCP-VD, fovea DCP-VD, and CMT, and decreased FAZ area. The mean foveal diameter and foveal pit depth were found to be smallest in laser treated group. Low gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) were associated with increased foveal SCP and DCP vessel density and decreased whole SCP and DCP vessel density. Reduced FAZ area was correlated to smaller foveal size and higher CMT, foveal SCP and DCP vessel density.
Conclusion
ROP causes an impairment of microvascular features such as the macular capillary plexus density and FAZ area. It's possible that some of these modifications are secondary to laser therapy.
High prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions in selected health care facilities in Uganda
Authors: Nuwematsiko Rebecca , Kitutu Freddy Eric , Wafula Solomon T. , Nabbanja Carol , Ssempera Hassard , Nambatya Winnie , Buregyeya Esther
Published: June 2024

Background
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health challenge affecting low- and middle-income countries such as Uganda. The link between inappropriate use of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic resistance is well known. We characterized antibiotic prescriptions and determined factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions among outpatient cases in selected health facilities in Central Uganda.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in twelve selected health facilities in the Luwero and Mukono districts of Uganda from February to March 2022. Data were extracted from the records of patients of all ages who presented to outpatient departments with i) acute fever, ii) acute watery diarrhea with no blood, iii) cough or iv) fever. Data on socio-demographics, presenting health conditions and antibiotics prescribed were collected. Multivariate analysis was performed using modified Poisson regression modelling to determine factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions among outpatient cases. Prevalence risk ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were determined.
Findings
A total of 350 records of outpatient cases were extracted. Almost half (42.0%, 147/350) of the patient cases were aged 0–5 years, and more than half (55.7%, 195/350) were females. Majority, 79.7% (279/350) of the patient cases received an antibiotic. On average, each patient received 1.25 antibiotics. Three-quarters (75.7%, 265/350) of the participants had an inappropriate antibiotic prescription. A prescriber being a clinical officer was 1.18 times more likely to inappropriately prescribe an antibiotic compared to a medical officer (adjusted PR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.38). Compared to public health facilities, private-not-for-profit (PNFP) health facilities were more likely to have inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions (adjusted PR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.35).
Conclusion
Our study found a high proportion of inappropriate antibiotic prescription with patients visiting private (PNFP) health facilities more likely to have inappropriate antibiotic prescription. Our findings call for the urgent implementation of antimicrobial stewardship interventions in health facilities in Uganda.
Magnetic Properties of Iron Ores from Two Ordovician Deposits in Northern Portugal: Marão and Moncorvo
Authors: Dias Joana Mafalda Lopes , Vianez Ricardo , Cruz Cláudia , Font Eric , Sant'Ovaia Helena , Ferreira Joana , Guedes Alexandra
Published: June 2024

The Vila Cova do Marão Mining Field (VCMF) and the Moncorvo Iron Complex (MIC) in northern Portugal are important geo-resources of iron. Here we provide a detailed characterisation of their mineralogy through petrographic observations and magnetic properties. Petrographic observations show the VCMF ore primarily consists of quartz, magnetite, and chlorite, while the MIC ore of hematite and quartz, with rare magnetite occurrences. The magnetic susceptibility (χ) of the VCMF host rock is 2.4×10⁻5 m3/kg, while the VCMF ore deposits have χ of ~ 20×10⁻5 m3/kg. MIC ores show lower χ values of 0.5–0.7×10⁻5 m3/kg. Isothermal Remanent Magnetisation (IRM) component unmixing of the VCMF host rock indicates that the magnetic population is represented by a single component with B1/2 of 45–55 mT and DP values 0.30–0.35 mT, respectively, typical of magnetite. The VCMF ore is characterised by a single component with B1/2 of 32–44 mT and DP of 0.30–0.35, typical of magnetite. The MIC ore shows two components: component 1 with B1/2 of 50 mT and DP values of 0.31–0.37 mT, typical of magnetite, and component 2 with B1/2 of 500 mT and DP of 0.19–0.26, typical of hematite. IRM at saturation (SIRM) of component 1 is 116–248 A/m for the host rock, 1100–2400 A/m for the VCMF samples, and 209–335 A/m for the MIC samples, providing an approximation of magnetite concentration. The Cisowski test shows the presence of strongly interacting single-domain particles (0.16 < R < 0.24) in all samples. Our data provides useful information for future iron ore resource exploration in the area.
Bruçó granite (NE Portugal): a two-mica granite yet to be unveiled.
Authors: Mota Alexandra Ribeiro da , Sant’Ovaia Helena , Noronha Fernando
Published: June 2024

The Bruçó granite outcropping in the NE of Portugal, is a porphyritic two-mica granite having associated, near the border of the massif, some pegmatites with tourmaline and quartz veins with W mineralization. Composed mainly of quartz, plagioclase, potassium feldspar, muscovite, biotite, and accessory minerals such apatite, chlorite, sericite, zircon, ilmenite, monazite, rutile, and tourmaline. Its paramagnetic behavior is primarily attributed to the presence of biotite and ilmenite, categorizing it as an "ilmenite type" granite. Variations in its biotite content and tourmaline, influence its magnetic properties and ellipsoid shape. The granite's AMS fabric aligns with the Moncorvo-Bemposta shear zone, indicating its emplacement during active tectonic activity. Geochemical analysis classifies it as a peraluminous granite. Despite its spatial association with tungsten mineralization, the Bruçó granite does not exhibit specialization in tungsten. Analysis of REE spectra reveals consistent behavior, influenced by accessory minerals like zircon, leading to fractionated spectra. Comparisons with other two-mica granites from Central Iberian Zone highlight its unique titanium content and mineral composition, aiding in understanding granitic patterns and classifications.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Triggered by COVID-19 Infection in a Pediatric Patient with CD46 Mutation
Authors: Dana Parisa Maleki , Lorestani Parsa , Tohidi Mohamad Reza
Published: June 2024

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare form of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) which is considered life-threatening and caused by dysregulation of the complement system. Here, we report a previously healthy 8-year-old boy who presented with clinical and laboratory features of aHUS one week after viral symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to symptoms of viral infection, fever, pallor, edema, and changes in urine color. Meanwhile, initial laboratory findings showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Despite fluid and electrolyte management, the patient developed symptomatic volume overloud and pulmonary edema which led to the necessity of receiving hemodialysis and plasmapheresis. Following genetic tests, a homozygous pathogenic variant in the CD46 gene, encoding membrane cofactor protein (MCP), has been revealed. The patient initially responded to plasmapheresis but experienced a relapse requiring hemodialysis, additional plasmapheresis, and ultimately eculizumab therapy to inhibit terminal complement activation. Therefore, this case highlights that COVID-19 may trigger complement-mediated TMA and emphasizes on the importance of prompt diagnosis, genetic evaluation, and targeted complement inhibition in aHUS.
A novel genome-wide association approach reveals wheat pathogen genes involved in host specialization
Authors: Lorrain Cecile , Feurtey Alice , Alassimone Julien , McDonald Bruce
Published: June 2024

Plant-pathogenic microbes, including the wheat fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, adapt to their host environment. In plants, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been extensively used to uncover the complexity of local adaptation and disease resistance. However, the application of GWAS to decipher the mechanisms underlying fungal pathogenicity and host adaptation trails far behind. Here, we established a genome-host association (GHA) approach to infer statistical associations between pathogen allele frequencies and host of origin for 832 fungal strains isolated from twelve different host cultivars during a natural field epidemic. We identified from two to twenty genes associated with specialization to the different wheat cultivars, including one known effector gene that provided a proof-of-concept for our GHA approach, as well as two new virulence-related genes that we validated with targeted gene knockouts. Our study highlights the polygenic genetic architecture of host adaptation and provides a novel application of GWAS in plant pathogens that transcends the limitations imposed by traditional phenotyping methods.
Novel sequence of PHKG2 mutation associated with first case of glycogen storage disease type IXc in Syria: a case report
Authors: Herh Seba , Shahoud Shaza , Daher Shady , Alasmar Diana
Published: June 2024

BackgroundGlycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are group of inherited metabolic disorders that affect the body's ability to break down and/or store glycogen. Type IX GSD is caused by the deficiency of hepatic phosphorylase, which lead to various symptoms .Case PresentationWe report a case of 6_month_old Syrian male presented by development delay, enlarged abdomen and recurrent vomiting. This is the first case of GSD IX reported in Syria .DiscussionGSD IXc is caused by a mutation in the PHKG2 gene, which causes several manifestations. Most patients present with hypoglycemia, hepatomegaly, and growth retardation. Changes in blood and fasting tests are not specific and overlap with other disorders, so laboratory tests are not very useful. Liver biopsy guides to GSD IX due to glycogenosis, peripheral fibrosis, and other changes. Therefore, genetic study is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of GSD IXc. Genetic counseling is also very important to follow the mutation in future generations .ConclusionIt's very important to raise awareness about genetic disorders in Syria because of the high prevalence of consanguineous marriages .
Strategies for Advancing Biodiversity Conservation: A case of Human-Elephant Conflict in Yunnan, China
Authors: An Xufeng , Zhou Jinhua , Zhang Kai
Published: June 2024

The core of biodiversity conservation is to rebuild the harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife, ensure sustainable development and protect the safety of humans and wildlife. The collective northward movement of wild elephants in Yunnan, China, which attracted worldwide attention in 2021, caused damage to crops, destroyed houses in the wild Asian elephants throughout the region, and put forward new challenges to biodiversity protection. We should think about how to balance the relationship between human beings and wild animals. Based on this incident and through field interviews, this paper dialogues with the staff and villagers involved in this incident and profoundly understands the problems faced in the conflict between human beings and wild Asian elephants. The research shows that the main problems are weak financial capacity, weak emergency culture, shortage of emergency personnel, lack of emergency facilities, lack of mass participation, and poor tolerance for wild elephants. It is found that these problems challenge the construction of ecological civilization. This study reveals how to explore the path of biodiversity construction through macro, meso, and micro levels, to put biodiversity protection on the right track.
Behavioral biases and personal indebtedness: a systematic literature review
Authors: Silva Emmanuel Marques , Costa Daniel Fonseca , Bortolon Patricia Maria
Published: June 2024

Objective
The level of indebtedness of individuals has increased significantly in recent decades. The objective of this study was to analyze the scientific literature that evaluates the interrelationships between behavioral biases and personal indebtedness, with a view to investigating the intellectual structure of publications on the influence of behavioral biases on the level of personal indebtedness.
Methodology
Bibliometric analysis of scientific publications carried out until October 2023 in the "Web of Science" and "Scopus" databases and which analyze determinants of personal indebtedness from the perspective of behavioral sciences was used.
Results
The results reveal works with global and local relevance, how indebtedness has been discussed from a behavioral perspective and the main cognitive biases associated with it, research clusters that can serve as a reference for researchers, trends and research gaps in this field of knowledge, and that combining constructs from the field of behavioral sciences with other areas of knowledge, especially education/knowledge and psychology/behavior, tends to expand the literature related to personal indebtedness.
Originality
Based on the content analysis of the articles, an innovative scheme illustrating the possible definitions of indebtedness from an economic and psychological perspective is presented, which is an important contribution to the literature.
Kasur's Silent Threat: Heavy Metal Intrusion in Meat Supplies
Authors: Zahara Iram , Aizaz Muhammad , Abbas Arshad , Abbas Farrakh Ali , Ehsan Iqra Noor , Ali Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Determining the concentration of heavy metals present in meat samples collected from different localities is a major goal. The concentrations of Cr and Ni were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the readings were compared with international standard values of these metals. The results indicated the distribution of heavy metals in all the samples. The results were compared with threshold permissible limits established by the WHO. A significant increase in the concentrations of Cr and NI was observed in all the samples. Heavy metals have become a major health issue in Pakistan, which makes it important to determine the contamination level of soil, water and food sources.
Em direção a aprendizagem da docência digital na perspectiva do blended learning em um Instituto Federal de Educação
Authors: Da Roza Jiani Cardoso , Da Roza Marcelo Pedroso , Veiga Adriana Moreira da Rocha
Published: June 2024

O blended learning propõe a convergência entre práticas pedagógicas voltadas à educação presencial e a educação on-line. Com o objetivo de investigar como se configuram as trajetórias de aprendizagem da docência digital e analisar a percepção dos professores sobre a formação docente em tecnologias digitais e sobre o blended learning, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa caracterizada como estudo de caso. Os dados foram produzidos através de questionário exploratório e entrevistas narrativas e interpretados mediante análise de dados e análise de narrativas, com auxílio da ferramenta NVIVO. O cenário investigativo foi um Instituto Federal de Educação e os sujeitos foram os professores dessa instuição. A análise dos dados evidenciou que a aprendizagem da docência digital se dá a partir de cursos de TIC padronizadas, em boa parte voltadas à atuação na EAD e em formações que não atendem plenamente as expectativas dos docentes. Além disso, a maioria dos professores desconhece o blended learning, mas demonstra interesse em experimentar novas formas de ensinar/aprender por meio das tecnologias, uma vez que elas têm sido abordadas de modo insuficiente nas formações. Concluiu-se que a criação de um framework para adoção e implementação do blended learning é um caminho viável para promover a docência digital.
Ensino jurídico e hermenêutica: Compreensão docente acerca das humanidades
Authors: Alves Marcos Alexandre , Ausani Paulo César
Published: June 2024

Este artigo apresenta, a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa, a influência das humanidades e a compreensão dos impactos das disciplinas de cunho hermenêutico, no ensino jurídico, a partir da percepção, da experiência na trajetória formativa e na prática docente. Os participantes foram escolhidos a partir da consulta ao site das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES), constituindo-se um corpus de seis docentes, sendo dois de cada de IES, um que ministra disciplinas técnicas e outro humanísticas. A interpretação das respostas ao questionário, ocorreu por meio de análise de conteúdo, em que se procedeu-se à interpretação das categorias: 1) Influência das disciplinas humanísticas na formação jurídica; 2) Participação das disciplinas humanísticas na matriz curricular dos cursos; 3) Receptividade discente das disciplinas humanísticas. Constatou-se que as disciplinas humanísticas, em especial, as de caráter hermenêutico, além de ser um contraponto ao positivismo normativista, vislumbra a possibilidade de ensino jurídico critico-reflexivo, que promove as condições de compreensão do Direito e do mundo da vida.
A Rare Case of Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue Base: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Hong Jin , Oh HwaEun , Oh Kyung Ho , Kwon Soon Young
Published: June 2024

Clear cell carcinoma is a rare variant of salivary gland carcinoma, and its occurrence in the tongue base is even rarer. We present a case of a 55-year-old female patient with clear cell carcinoma of the tongue base. The patient initially presented with a 3-month history of palpable tongue mass, leading to her visit to the otolaryngology outpatient clinic. The patient underwent a complete resection of the tumor under general anesthesia. Postoperative follow-up imaging studies showed no evidence of recurrence.This case report highlights the diagnostic and management challenges associated with clear cell carcinoma of tongue base and demonstrates that a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose clear cell caricnoma, given its rarity and overlapping features with other clear cell neoplasms.
A Case of Parotid Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma with Mixture of Malignant Subtypes
Authors: Cho Youn Jin , Jo Young Rok , Lee Sang-Yeop , Lee Hye Ran
Published: June 2024

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma is an uncommon malignant salivary gland tumor that arises from a longstanding pleomorphic adenoma. The carcinomatous component of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma can possess virtually any histologic subtype of salivary gland cancer. We experienced a case of a 61-year-old patient who presented with a right parotid mass that was initially palpated 20 years ago, with a sudden increase in size in the last few months. Radiological and cytological findings from fine needle aspiration biopsy could not exclude malignancy. Total parotidectomy and selective neck dissection were performed for treatment, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma with mixed carcinoma components of salivary duct carcinoma and myoepithelial carcinoma was diagnosed. After receiving postoperative radiation of 6000 cGy over 6 weeks, there has been no recurrence up to the 18-month follow-up. We report this rare case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma with mixed malignancy subtypes, accompanied by a review of literature.
A Case of Giant Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of Neck
Authors: Han Choonghun , Park Hanaro
Published: June 2024

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is an extremely rare sarcoma of soft tissue. It is locally invasive, frequently recurred and metastasizes distantly, therefore has a very poor prognosis. the most involved sites are human body and extremities, and MPNST occurs and involved very rarely in the parapharynx of neck. MPNST does not react to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, therefore complete surgical resection is the most important treatment. Since immunohistochemical staining is essential for the final diagnosis, it is common to be confirmed after surgery. We report a case of giant MPNST without symptom in the head and neck involving the right parapharynx with multiple distant metastases in a 74-year-old patient on a review of the literature.
Identification of antibiotic-resistant, gram-negative bacteria in sewage and bioaerosols from a wastewater treatment plant: A genotypic and phenotypic study
Authors: da Silva Luiz Vitor , Medeiros Sandra Helena Westrupp , Schneider Andréa Lima Dos Santos , dos Santos-Silva Jéssica Caroline , Fachini Souza André Luis , Rhoden Sandro Augusto
Published: June 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health concern. This study aimed to investigate the presence of bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in the environment, more specifically in sewage and bioaerosol samples collected at a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Bacterial species were identified and tested for antibiotic sensitivity. In addition, bla CTX-M, bla SHV, bla TEM and bla KPC genotypes, including those related to resistance to carbapenems, were detected by PCR. The results of this research are extremely important for understanding the mechanisms involved in antimicrobial resistance and for preventing the dissemination of these antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. This study contributes to the identification of sources of antibiotic resistance in the environment and implementation of AMR control and prevention strategies while preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and public health.
Quantitative evaluation of runoff drivers based on the MLLR-Budyko framework
Authors: Wang Gaozhen , Wang Hongxiang , Huang Lintong , He Ning , Wang Bing , Hong Fengtian , Li Yanhua , Ye Handong , Lan Jiaqi , Guo Wenxian
Published: June 2024

At the request of the authors, the article ‘Quantitative evaluation of runoff drivers based on the MLLR-Budyko framework’ has been withdrawn from Water Supply.
Reconnaissance des caractères sédimentaires et ichnofaciès des grès triasiques de Tighadwine, Haut-Atlas de Marrackech-Maroc
Authors: Konotio Ibrahim , Lagnaoui Abdeouahed , Chellai El Hassane , Fabuel-Perez Ivan , Redfern Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Dans le Haut-Atlas de Marrakech (Maroc), la succession des dépôts triasiques fournit un analogue d'affleurement pour les systèmes continentaux à influence marine au sein d'un bassin de rift avorté, et permet l'étude des faciès et du contrôle de la tectonique et du climat sur les dépôts. Cette étude se focalise sur l'analyse de la formation de grès de Tighadwine qui sont l'équivalent des grès de l'Oukaimeden (F5) sur l'ensemble des Hauts-Plateaux du versant nord du Haut-Atlas de Marrakech. Elle montre une formation dominée par des dépôts fluviatiles à influence de marées. L'analyse sédimentologique permet la description et l'interprétation des faciès en détail.
La formation de grès de l'Oukaimeden est composée de corps gréseux chenalisés alternant avec des dépôts silteux argileux lenticulaires, formant des barres de grès fluviatiles et des faciès de débordement. En alternance avec les faciès fluviatiles, on observe également des grès éoliens, des dépôts de cônes alluviaux et des dépôts à influence de marées.
Cette formation comprend trois membres : le membre inférieur, déposé dans un système fluviatile éphémère ; le membre médian, qui enregistre un changement des conditions fluviatiles en tresses vers des conditions plus humides ; et le membre supérieur, caractérisé par le retour à des conditions éphémères combinées à l'apparition de dunes éoliennes. Ce dernier membre montre l'enregistrement d'une aridité croissante. La partie supérieure de ce membre présente une influence de la marée, suite à une incursion marine dans le bassin. Cette influence se confirme et persiste lors de la mise en place de la formation marine de faible profondeur F6.
L'ensemble de la série triasique est coiffé par un événement volcanique attribué à la CAMP (Central Atlantic Magmatic Province). Quelques mesures pétrophysiques sur les grès de l'Oukaimeden, en relation avec le caractère réservoir de ces formations, seront présentées, ainsi que les ichnofaciès.
Les «Couches rouges» continentales jurassico-crétacées des Atlas marocains (Moyen Atlas, Haut Atlas central et oriental): bilan stratigraphique, paléogéographies successives et cadre géodynamique
Authors: Charrière André , Haddoumi Hamid
Published: June 2024

Un bilan structural, sédimentologique et biostratigraphique de l’enregistrement sédimentaire des séries continentales jurassico-crétacées dans les Atlas marocains (Moyen Atlas, Haut Atlas central et oriental) conduit à subdiviser ces « Couches rouges » en trois ensembles distincts. La nature et la répartition spatiale des dépôts au cours des périodes successives fait apparaître : i) la généralisation d’une épaisse sédimentation syntectonique essentiellement bathonienne à travers le domaine atlasique ; ii) la rareté des dépôts durant le Jurassique supérieur et le Néocomien ; iii) l’existence d’une importante sédimentation détritique barrémienne se diversifiant selon les secteurs au cours de l’Aptien. L’histoire jurassico-crétacée du domaine atlasique marocain comporte trois périodes successives : i) suture du rift atlasique à la fin du Jurassique moyen, dans un cadre structural associant la poursuite du rifting avec un uplift d’ensemble doublé d’un basculement en direction téthysienne vers le NE ; ii) longue période de vacuité sédimentaire (35 à 40 Ma) associée à une relative stabilité tectonique de la voussure émergée ; iii) reprise de la fracturation par une « tectonique extensive barrémienne » disloquant l’aire émergée et entraînant la formation de nouveaux bassins continentaux et marins au Barrémo-Aptien. L’ancien rift téthysien suturé vers la fin du Dogger, exondé durant le Jurassique supérieur et une partie du Crétacé inférieur, se trouve morcelé au Barrémo-Aptien et sa partie occidentale devient intégrée à la marge atlantique.
Modélisation des bassins sur relais de décrochement et témoignage d’une inversion de subsidence au cours du Santonien-Campanien en Tunisie centro-orientale
Authors: Saadi Mohamed , Turki Mohamed Moncef , Rami Abdeslam , Bellouti Fouad
Published: June 2024

L’analyse tectono-sédimentaire des séries méso-cénozoïques permet de dégager les principales lignes structurales qui ont conditionné l’évolution structuro-sédimentaire des bassins de la Tunisie centro-orientale. Il s’agit d’une plate-forme hiérarchisée en un ensemble de bassins sublosangiques, à subsidence différentielle, limités par des accidents en relais de décrochement de direction N140 et des accidents N040 ou NS. L’évolution géodynamique de ces bassins est marquée par deux phases distinctes séparées par une inversion de subsidence durant le passage cénomano-campanien.
Pendant l’intervalle Cénomanien supérieur-Santonien, une tectonique décrochante compressive s’est manifestée par le jeu dextre d’accidents NW-SE agencés en relais gauche de décrochement. Ce sont les bassins localisés à l’extérieur des zones de relais qui ont enregistré le maximum de subsidence. En revanche, les bassins situés à l’intérieur des zones de relais, étaient le siège d’une sédimentation réduite. Au cours du Campanien-Yprésien, les bassins subsidents seront plutôt localisés à l’intérieur des zones de relais. Alors que, à l’extérieur des zones de relais, on note une sédimentation réduite et même partiellement lacuneuse.
Paradoxes and inaccuracies in the geological maps of scale 1/50 000, which show the Upper Cretaceous of the Southern margin of the Basin of Le Beausset (Provence, France)
Authors: Caron Jean-Paul H. , Laville Pierre
Published: June 2024

On the southern side of the Beausset syncline (southwest Provence), lithostratigraphic and structural propositions are divergent. Since 1978, the available geological map at 1/50 000 has revealed these contradictions. During the recent revision of these maps at 1/10 000 scale and with detailed triassic lithostratigraphy, the authors have proposed a new interpretation of the relationship between the Trias and Santonian in diverse structural units of this area. These facts confirm premature tectonic phases (before Santonian), evoked since 1891 by M. Bertrand in this area (Saint-Jean oratory), where the embryonic structures are taken back in the following phases of the Paleogene. Similarly to the other hills around Toulon (Var), this premature genesis of the provençal folds can be attributed to the diapiric behaviour of the Trias, which seems to be the main engine of these local and initial structures.
The Balearic Islands in the Alpine Orogeny
Authors: Bourrouilh Robert
Published: June 2024

The place of the Balearic Islands in the Alpine orogeny is examined using detailed sedimentology studies, stratigraphical studies from the Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) to modern times and a careful tectonic review of sedimentary formations from the Western Mediterranean. Despite being considered as the ultimate end of the north-eastern termination of the Betic Cordillera, the history of the Balearic archipelago seems to be closer to the tectonic opening of the Gulf of Valencia and to the Corsica-Sardinia rotation, and thus to the tectonic history of the Western Mediterranean Sea, than to the tectonics of the Betic Cordillera which appear as its symmetrical image with respect to this opening.
Sicily in its Mediterranean geological frame
Authors: Broquet Paul
Published: June 2024

The Island of Sicily is generally considered to be the geological link between the North African Fold Belt and the Appennines, in Italy. This comes from a cylindristic meaning and is only partly exact. As a matter of fact, Sicily is essentially Greek; Ionian. Up to Middle Cretaceous time, the Sicilian area was a submerged shoal in the sea or the Panormide area, bordering the Ionian Ocean. This shoal lay between the future North African Fold Belt and the Appennines, forming an intermediate link between the Appenninic, Apulian, Panormian and Tunisian platforms. It was only during the Middle to Upper Cretaceous that the Atlantic and Ligure Oceans merged, making a continuous relationship between the Appenninic, Sicilian and North African sedimentary series. The key time periods are the Permian, Cretaceous and Oligo-Miocene periods leading to the formation of the actual Calabro-Sicilian arc. From the Permian to the present, the Sicilian geological history pertains to three oceanic domains: Ionian, Ligurian and Atlantic, of which the Ionian and Ligurian were under the influence of Tethys (Neo and Paleo-Tethys). The Tethysian identity of Sicily constitutes the major aspect of its geological history. However, the European and African plate tectonic movements complicated its structure. During the Middle Miocene subduction, southern Sicily became African, meanwhile its north-eastern part became, in Pliocene time, Maghrebian by accretion. Sicily is thus a truly geological patchwork, but its main section remains Ionian and now constitutes a link between North Africa and the Appennines. With older data, but also by means of recent results, we will replace Sicily in its Mediterranean frame, giving the mean stages of its paleogeographical and then its tectonic evolution. We will review the calabro-sicilian arc evolution from the Oligocene, developing the actual context and recalling the main fundamental play of the Numidian flysch.
Les études géologiques du naturaliste français Jean-Étienne Guettard en Pologne (1760-1762)
Authors: Tarkowski R.
Published: June 2024

L'article est un essai de synthèse des résultats des recherches géologiques menées en Pologne par J.-É. Guettard de 1760 à 1762. Il a été réalisé à partir des publications polonaises et à partir de celles de Guettard lui-même (Mémoire sur la nature du terrain de la Pologne et des minéraux qu’il renferme et Mémoire sur les mines de sel de Wieliczka en Pologne) ainsi qu’a partir de manuscrits et documents du Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle de Paris et de l’Académie des Sciences de Paris (une liste du XVIIIème siècle de fossiles de coraux provenant du château de Nieswiez ´ , un document concernant la mine de sel de Wieliczka, une collection d’échantillons de sel transmise par Guettard à l’ambassadeur du roi de France, etc..). Cette analyse met en évidence l’importance du voyage de J.-É Guettard pour la géologie de la Pologne.
Efeito de fertilizantes químicos ou orgânicos em substrato remanescente de mineração na produção de forragem e morfogênese do capim marandu
Authors: Passos Cláudio André dos , Carneiro Romero Francisco Vieira , Rodrigues Eduardo de Oliveira , Souza Kamila Rezende Dázio de , Souza Thiago Corrêa de
Published: June 2024

Mining drives economic development, but it frequently alters the fertility of remaining soil or substrates. Increasing organic matter in these substrates has been a critical factor for the successful recovery and establishment of plants. In this study, the development of ‘Marandu’ Urochloa brizantha in a Cambisol substrate, a remnant of bauxite mining, was assessed in the municipality of Poços de Caldas-MG, in response to chemical and organic fertilizers derived from vermicomposting of residues from the production of shimeji mushrooms. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where six treatments, namely: conventional fertilizers (FertConv; FertConv + micro and Cal) and exclusively with the use of vermicompost (20, 40 and 60 t ha-1) were evaluated in a completely randomized design in four replications. Fertilization with vermicompost resulted in significant increases in nutrients. Stem and leaf elongation rates, leaf appearance rate, phyllochron, tiller density and dry matter were influenced by both organic and conventional fertilization. However, the greatest benefits were observed with the application of vermicompost. After 90 days of growth, using conventional fertilization, there were no significant increases in the mentioned variables. The use of vermicompost is effective in improving the fertility conditions of the post-mining substrate, with significant impacts on the development of ‘Marandu’ grass, a fact that can contribute to the recovery of areas impacted by mining. Chemical fertilization based only on chemical fertilizers did not result in increases in TAlC, TAlF, TApF, DPP and DM until 90 days of initial growth of ‘Marandu’ grass.