bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome Classified by Severity and Causes Including the Autoimmune and Non-autoimmune Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study in Thailand
Authors: Towiwat Patapong , Tantichariyangkul Phattharaphong , Dilokthornsakul Piyameth , Khotcharrat Rossukon , Sawatdiwithayayong Jeerawat , Bhoopat Taniya , Upakdee Nilawan
Published: November 2024

Background:

The common causes of Dry eye syndrome (DES) were autoimmune or non-autoimmune disorders. DES is common but lack of data in quality of life (QoL) of DES patients in Thailand. The primary outcome of this study was to determine QoL and health utility in patients of DES by EuroQol 5-domain (EQ-5D) of the 5-level version (5L) instrument. The secondary outcome was comparison of the utility in the patients of DES classified by severity and causes including the autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases.

Methods:

The study was a cross-sectional study at a hospital in the northern part of Thailand. The inclusions DES patients were followed by Tear Film and Ocular surface Society the Dry Eye WorkShop II definition. The EQ-5D-5L (Thai version) descriptive system and the EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) was instrument for QoL evaluation.

Results:

Total patients of DES were fifty-six. The most patients were female. The mean age was 57.7(± 13.9) years. Most patients (94.6%) were female. The mean age was 59.7 (± 13.9) years old. The median time from diagnosis of DES was 4.7 years (IQR = 2.2 to 6.8 years). The common cause of DES associated was autoimmune disease. Primary Sjogren syndrome and idiopathic causes were the most common causes in autoimmune diseases and non- autoimmune diseases, respectively. In autoimmune disease, Primary Sjogren syndrome, was 41.18%. The most common causes of non-autoimmune diseases were idiopathic. The mean of EQ-5D-utility and EQ-VAS of DES were 0.76 (± 0.18) and 72.86 (± 15.19), respectively. The mean of EQ-5D-utility and EQ-VAS in these patients who were classified by severity including mild, moderate and severe were 0.84 (± 0.16) and 67.31(± 15.76), 0.78 (± 0.14) and 74.47 (± 15.71), 0.71 (± 0.22) and 74.58 (± 14.36), respectively. The mean of EQ-5D-utility and EQ-VAS in these patients who were classified by autoimmune or non-autoimmune disorders were 0.75 (± 0.21) and 75.78 (± 14.21), 0.78 (± 0.15) and 68.96 (± 15.88), respectively. There is no statistic significant in the EQ-5D-utility and EQ-VAS among severity and the causes including autoimmune or non-autoimmune disorders of these patients.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated the importance of assessing QoL in DES. Primary Sjogren syndrome and idiopathic causes were the most common causes in autoimmune diseases and non-autoimmune diseases, respectively. The EQ-5D-utility was accorded with the severity of DES. However, no statistic significant was showed in the mean of EQ-5D-utility and EQ-VAS between the severity and between the causes including the autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases of these patients.
Audit on Skin and Quality of Life Assessment of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: De Silva Suren William , Chathraikkal Shanoj , Cheung Annie , Brockbank John
Published: November 2024

Background

Skin involvement in PsA is associated with worsened overall health related quality of life, increased health care utilisation. Skin disease is assessed objectively through PASI score. As per BSR guidelines for treatment of PsA, skin and quality of life (QOL) assessment is an important domain in deciding escalation of treatment for biologics. Assessment of skin aids in selection of the type of biologic.

Methods

20 patients with psoriatic arthritis were assessed in rheumatology outpatient clinics of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS trust, UK. The last letter to GP of each patient was reviewed. Data on objective assessment (PASI Score) and subjective assessment (mild, moderate or severe) or no assessment of skin disease along with QOL assessment was recorded. Staff were educated to assess PASI score, using mobile application “GRAPPA”, calculate and document. All patients with psoriatic arthritis were given the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. BSR 2022 guidance on PsA was considered as the standard reference.

 After 3 months of intervention, data were analysed the effectiveness of the intervention.

Results

Pre intervention results showed a subjective assessment of 10 (50%), Objective assessment of skin disease 0(0%), and DLQI assessment of 0 (0%). Post intervention results showed an improvement of objective assessment of skin via PASI score to 10 (50%). Another 8 (40%) of patients had subjective assessment of skin. DLQI assessment improved to 4(20%).

Conclusion

Introduction of convenient mobile application to assess skin involvement of PsA had shown remarkable improvement of PASI score. DQOLI patient questionnaire improved QOL assessment in PsA patients.

 Change of practice through objective skin assessment through PASI score and assessment of DQOLI lead to escalation of treatment to biologics. In addition, PASI score helped in selection of most appropriate biologic that targets both skin and joints.
SD-Meta: The Software-Defined Network of Human-Centric Metaverse for Multi-Lead or Multi-Media Data in Spread Spectrum Communications
Authors: Zhou Yuxuan , Mingyang Li , Jingze Tong , Linlin Li , Zhiwei Yang
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the novel adjacent two-end link or network multi-end link concept of software-defined network is presented to support the data transmission of electroencephalogram, audio and video streaming in spread spectrum communications. Instead of solving the problem of software-defined prioritization scheme in networking calculation and communication, the southbound-northbound structure of existing neural or information network is found in control and perceptual interactions. The proposed framework of multi-lead and multi-media structures allow the human-centric Metaverse to execute different operations for local and global planning schemes with the high-speed lead or media data transmission of spread spectrum streaming, depending on the kind of brain-computer interaction, and similar to the system of multi-modal perception in the routing or switching. Firstly, this research designed the filed programmable gate array for conventional routing nodes in the computation of different neural networks. Secondly, this study demonstrates its enhanced applicability with software core for multiple routers in the computing power network of the Internet of brains in different brain-computer smart terminals. Experiment results also show the benefits of proposed model and structure, and exposing the different running indicators in the simulation.
Progress Toward Genetic Rescue of the Northern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni)
Authors: Korody Marisa L. , Hildebrandt Thomas B.
Published: November 2024

The northern white rhinoceros (NWR) is functionally extinct, with only two nonreproductive females remaining. However, because of the foresight of scientists, cryopreserved cells and reproductive tissues may aid in the recovery of this species. An ambitious program of natural and artificial gametes and in vitro embryo generation was first outlined in 2015, and many of the proposed steps have been achieved. Multiple induced pluripotent stem cell lines have been established, primordial germ cell–like cells have been generated, oocytes have been collected from the remaining females, blastocysts have been cryopreserved, and the closely related southern white rhinoceros (SWR) is being established as a surrogate. Recently, the first successful embryo transfer in SWR demonstrated that embryos can be generated by in vitro fertilization and cryopreserved. We explore progress to date in using advanced cellular technologies to save the NWR and highlight the necessary next steps to ensure a viable population for reintroduction. We roll out a holistic rescue approach for a charismatic megavertebrate that includes the most advanced cellular technologies, which can provide a blueprint for other critically endangered mammals. We also provide a detailed discussion of the remaining questions in such an upgraded conservation program.
Evolution of 3D Chromatin Folding
Authors: Álvarez-González Lucía , Ruiz-Herrera Aurora
Published: November 2024

Studies examining the evolution of genomes have focused mainly on sequence conservation. However, the inner working of a cell implies tightly regulated crosstalk between complex gene networks controlled by small dispersed regulatory elements of physically contacting DNA regions. How these different levels of chromatin organization crosstalk in different species underpins the potential for genome evolutionary plasticity. We review the evolution of chromatin organization across the Animal Tree of Life. We introduce general aspects of the mode and tempo of genome evolution to later explore the multiple layers of genome organization. We argue that both genome and chromosome size modulate patterns of chromatin folding and that chromatin interactions facilitate the formation of lineage-specific chromosomal reorganizations, especially in germ cells. Overall, analyzing the mechanistic forces involved in the maintenance of chromatin structure and function of the germ line is critical for understanding genome evolution, maintenance, and inheritance.
The Effect of Acclimation Length on the Metabolic Profile of Tea Plants
Authors: Shilei Zhao , Han Lv , Mengjie Zhao , Xuewen Hua , Litao Sun , Jiazhi Shen , Yu Wang , Qingping Ma , Zhaotang Ding
Published: November 2024

Acclimation refers to the process by which plants adapt to the environment. This study was to illustrate the effect of acclimation length on the metabolic profile of tea leaves. In this study, 32 long‐acclimated tea varieties in Shandong Province and 61 ST varieties were used as materials, and the metabolites of tea plants were detected by using UPLC‐MS/MS method. The results showed that the accumulation of flavonoids, organic acids, and alkaloids in long‐acclimated tea plants was higher than that in ST plants. In contrast, the accumulation of phenolic acids, lipids, and amino acids showed an opposite trend. In long‐acclimated tea varieties, Camellia sinensis cv. Lucha11 (LC11), LC24, and LC30 showed high flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic acids, and alkaloids, which were important metabolites and related to tea quality. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the effect of environment on metabolism of tea plants and guides the breeding of new tea varieties with high quality or special flavor.
S‐J‐Ideals: A Study in Commutative and Noncommutative Rings
Authors: Abouhalaka Alaa , Çay Hatice , Ersoy Bayram Ali
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we introduce the concept of S‐‐ideals in both commutative and noncommutative rings. For a commutative ring R and a multiplicatively closed subset S, we show that many properties of ‐ideals apply to S‐‐ideals and examine their characteristics in various ring constructions, such as homomorphic image rings, quotient rings, cartesian product rings, polynomial rings, power series rings, idealization rings, and amalgamation rings. In noncommutative rings, where S is an m‐system, we define right S‐‐ideals. We demonstrate the equivalence of S‐‐ideals and right S‐‐ideals in commutative rings with identity and provide examples to illustrate the connections between right S‐prime ideals and ‐ideals.
Effect of Slice Thickness and Pretreatments on the Quality of Dried Apple Slices (Golden Delicious)
Authors: Thakur Abhishek , Sharma Ritika , Vaidya Devina , Sharma Nilakshi , Thakur Dhruv , Suhag Rajat
Published: November 2024

Apple is a perishable fruit due to its higher moisture content, which leads to spoilage and also reduces its shelf life. To improve the storage stability of apples, drying is the most effective and oldest method as it leads to the reduction of water activity. In the present study, dried apple slices were developed from “Golden Delicious” apples. The suggested methodology involves the use of dried apple slices with skin and a thickness of 4.5 mm, pretreated with 1% salt solution for 15 min. The drying process takes place at a temperature of 50°C for 3 h, followed by a temperature of 90°C for 2 h. The water activity of salt‐ and KMS‐pretreated dried apple slices was 0.422 ± 0.00 and 0.438 ± 0.01, respectively, whereas a higher value 0.473 ± 0.01 of water activity was observed in untreated dried apple slices, demonstrating better stability. Also, compared to the control sample, the pretreated slices showed 13% lesser shrinkage due to drying, thereby retaining its shape. The total phenolic content was the lowest in the control sample (101.52 ± 0.37 mg GAE/100 g), while a significant increase was observed in KMS‐pretreated (115.44 ± 4.08 mg/100 g) and salt‐pretreated (131.55 ± 0.58 mg/100 g) dried apple slices. Moreover, antioxidant activity also was higher in salt‐pretreated dried apple slices. Texture profile analysis revealed that the developed apple slices had better crispiness than nonpretreated ones. Thus, pretreatment before drying is of great significance to improve the appearance and quality of products.
Risk Factors of In‐Hospital Venous Thromboembolism and Prognosis After Emergent Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Yang Wei , Ling Jie , Zhou Yun , Yang Pengcheng , Chen Jiejing
Published: November 2024

Background: The risk factors and association of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following emergent ventral hernia repair (EVHR) remains uncertain. This aim of the study aims was to establish the predictors of VTE after EVHR and its influence on the long‐term outcomes.

Methods: A total of 2093 patients from the MIMIC‐IV database who underwent EVHR were recruited. Multivariate logistic regression and nomogram models were developed to predict in‐hospital VTE and mortality. Calibration and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to assess the model’s effectiveness and reliability. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the net clinical benefits of the model.

Results: The rate of in‐hospital VTE was 1.6% (33/2093) after EVHR. Four independent potential factors were established after multivariate analysis, and the abovementioned risk factors fit into the nomogram. The prediction model presented good performance metrics (C‐index: 0.857), the calibration and ROC curves demonstrated the accurate prediction power, and DCA indicated the superior net benefit of the established model. In‐hospital and 1‐year mortality rates were 0.8% (17/2093) and 4.1% (86/2076) after EVHR. The potential factors were included in the mortality prediction nomogram. The prediction model presented good performance metrics (C‐index of 0.957 and 0.828, respectively), the calibration and ROC curves were consistent with the actual results, and DCA indicated the superior net benefit of the established model.

Conclusion: The nomogram, derived from the logistic regression model, demonstrated excellent predictive performance for VTE occurrence and prognosis in patients following EVHR. This model could serve as a valuable reference for clinical decision‐making regarding VTE prevention and for enhancing post‐EVHR prognosis.
Estimation of Road Service Quality Using the Two‐Fluid Model Considering the Resilience of Traffic Flow
Authors: Song Mingyang , Wang Jianjun , Li Rui , Ochieng Washington Y.
Published: November 2024

In an urban road network, the ability of the traffic flow itself to alleviate congestion caused by external disruptions is overlooked. This study applied the two‐fluid model to simulate mesoscopic traffic flow, focusing on the resilience of urban road networks under normal disturbances. Three resilience indices—plasticity, transition of elasticity, and elasticity—were introduced based on the failure deformation process of rigid materials. These indices were used to modify the two‐fluid model’s parameters, considering the effects of bus operations and temporary roadblocks on traffic flow and service quality. A hidden Markov model (HMM) was employed to predict service quality transitions (distinction, merit, and pass), with validation using dynamic bayonet traffic data from Xuancheng and video recordings from Xi’an, China. The results confirmed that resilience varies significantly across different times and locations, with peak hours and dense urban areas exhibiting lower resilience and higher susceptibility to disruptions. Bus queuing was found to degrade service quality, and rainstorms had a more severe impact than construction zones. The study can aid in the development of management efficiency of urban road networks.
Numerical Simulation of Plasma Plume With an Insulated Wall in Sheath Region Using a DSMC‐PIC Parallel Algorithm
Authors: Yang Fuxiang , Li Jie , Liu Wei , Chen Houling
Published: November 2024

The spatiotemporal evolution of plasma plumes is accompanied by various phenomena such as chemical reactions, sheath layer formation, and secondary electron emission, which have a crucial impact on the working characteristics and performance improvement of plasma devices. This study uses a direct simulation Monte Carlo/particle‐in‐cell (DSMC/PIC) parallel coupling algorithm for numerical simulations, with the PIC method using full particle simulations. The main focus of the study is to explore, through numerical simulations, the effects of the initial injection density, electron temperature, and charge exchange reactions. Two energy spectrum models are used for secondary electron emission, namely, the Furman model and the vertical model. The modified Mozorov coefficient model simulates two types of insulation wall materials: boron nitride and silicon carbide. The spatiotemporal evolution of H2, H, X, H2+, H+, and e in the flow field is demonstrated by simulating a double cylindrical axisymmetric calculation example. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the structural characteristics of number‐density cloud images under different initial conditions. Increasing the injection density enhances the radial electric field and results in a low‐density region of ion distributions. Furthermore, the electron temperature increases the deposition of wall charges. Lastly, the charge exchange reaction has a weak effect on the specific distribution of particles in the convection field.
Finding the Best Station in Canada for Using Residential Scale Solar Heating: A Multicriteria Decision‐Making Analysis
Authors: Abdollahiarpanahi Sajedeh , Jahangiri Mehdi , Shahgholian Sepehr , Taheri Mahdi
Published: November 2024

Solar energy‐based heating systems, which are capable of providing space heating as well as domestic hot water heating, are a promising alternative to conventional systems to achieve the status of reducing fossil energy consumption in residential buildings. Determining how suitable such systems are performing in Canada and which station is the most suitable in terms of energy‐economic‐environmental parameters are issues that have not been investigated so far. Considering that such results are very important for energy decision‐makers and investors, therefore, in the present work, the provision of space heating and hot water heating on a residential scale in 10 Canadian provinces was done by Valentin TSOL v2021 R3 software. Then nine software output parameters along with three parameters of land price, the population of each station, and the natural disaster index were weighted using the AHP method. Finally, the results of the stations were ranked using five MCDM methods including AHP, TOPSIS, WASPAS, CRITIC, and GRA. The results of numerical simulations showed that the CO2 emissions avoided parameter has the most weight, and the parameters solar contribution to DHW and boiler energy to DHW has the least weight. Also, the final ranking of each station showed that the most suitable station is Regina and the most unsuitable station is Victoria. By examining and analyzing the results, it was found that only based on the outputs of the Valentin TSOL v2021 R3 software, it is not possible to comment on finding appropriate and inappropriate stations, and the necessity of using ranking methods was observed more than before.
An Autophagy-Targeting Chimera Induces Degradation of Androgen Receptor Mutants and AR-v7 in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bae Tae Hyun , Sung Ki Woon , Pham Tri M. , Najy Abdo J. , Zamiri Alaleh , Jang Hyejeong , Mun Su Ran , Kim Seongho , Kwon Ha Kyoung , Son Yeon Sung , Shi Dongping , Kregel Steven , Heath Elisabeth I. , Cher Michael L. , Kwon Yong Tae , Kim Hyeong-Reh Choi
Published: November 2024

Genetic alterations play a pivotal role in various human diseases, particularly cancer. The androgen receptor (AR) is a crucial transcription factor driving prostate cancer progression across all stages. Current AR-targeting therapies utilize competitive AR antagonists or pathway suppressors. However, therapy resistance often emerges due to AR mutations and AR splice variants, such as AR-v7. To overcome this, we developed ATC-324, an AR degrader using the innovative protein degradation technology platform AUTOphagy-TArgeting Chimera (AUTOTAC). ATC-324 was designed to comprise enzalutamide, an AR inhibitor, as a target-binding ligand and YT 6-2, a ligand of the autophagy receptor p62/SQSTM1, as an autophagy-targeting ligand. ATC-324 induces the formation of the AR/p62 complex, leading to autophagy–lysosomal degradation of AR. Importantly, ATC-324 effectively degrades AR mutants frequently detected in prostate cancer and codegrades AR-v7 as a heterodimer with full-length AR. ATC-324 reduces nuclear AR levels and downregulates the target gene expression of AR and AR-v7, leading to cytotoxicity in AR-positive prostate cancer cells. We also provide evidence of the therapeutic potential of ATC-324 in vivo as well as ex vivo bone organ culture. Moreover, ATC-324 remains potent in enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells. These results demonstrate the potential of the AUTOTAC platform to target previously considered undruggable proteins and overcome certain drug resistance mechanisms.

Significance: The characterization of an AUTOTAC-based degrader capable of inducing autophagic degradation of wild-type and mutated androgen receptors demonstrates the potential of this approach for targeting castration-resistant prostate cancer and overcoming drug resistance.
Supplementary Table S8 from Region-Based Analyses of Existing Genome-Wide Association Studies Identifies Novel Potential Genetic Susceptibility Regions for Glioma
Authors: Alpen Karen , Maclnnis Robert J. , Vajdic Claire M. , Lai John , Dowty James G. , Koh Eng-Siew , Hovey Elizabeth , Harrup Rosemary , Nguyen Tuong L. , Li Shuai , Joseph David , Benke Geza , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Nowak Anna K. , Drummond Katharine J. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Hopper John L. , Kapuscinski Miroslaw K. , Makalic Enes
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Table S8 summarizes the supporting evidence for the potential novel glioma susceptibility regions.
Supplementary Table S1 from Region-Based Analyses of Existing Genome-Wide Association Studies Identifies Novel Potential Genetic Susceptibility Regions for Glioma
Authors: Alpen Karen , Maclnnis Robert J. , Vajdic Claire M. , Lai John , Dowty James G. , Koh Eng-Siew , Hovey Elizabeth , Harrup Rosemary , Nguyen Tuong L. , Li Shuai , Joseph David , Benke Geza , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Nowak Anna K. , Drummond Katharine J. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Hopper John L. , Kapuscinski Miroslaw K. , Makalic Enes
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Table S1 shows the age characteristics of the UCSF/Mayo data (validation data).
Interferon gamma kinetics associated with immunodiagnostic techniques in experimental goats infected with biofilm producer and non-biofilm producer strains of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Sa Maria da Conceição Aquino de , Raynal José Tadeu , Alcantara Maria Emília , Lima Gilvan Anésio Ribeiro , Santos Ramon Mendes dos , Ribeiro Marcos Borges , Trindade Soraya Castro , Costa Mateus Matiuzii , Meyer Roberto
Published: November 2024

Caseous lymphadenitis can be diagnosed using serological tests, mainly the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this work, we evaluated interferon-gamma production in goats infected and not infected with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, correlating it with the ELISA diagnostic test and analyzing the cellular and humoral responses, respectively. Eighteen Canindé goats experimentally infected with biofilm-producing and non-biofilm-producing strains were used. The sensitivity of the antigens was above 80%, with seroconversion observed from 14 days post-infection. A significant band between 64 and 70 kDa was shown in Western blotting. The production of IFN-y shows a tendency towards greater production in goats infected with the biofilm-producing strain stimulated by the TPP antigen of the same strain. The results help better understand the cellular and humoral response and antigenicity of the strains under study, correlated with the production of IFN-y, which plays a vital role in infection.
Entre autorretrato e selfie: um estudo da performance em fotografias de si
Authors: Maia Ravena Sena
Published: November 2024

This study analyses self-portraits and selfies to understand the space-time issues in Mauricio Lissovsky’s thought, which involve constructing self-images. By the lens of performance, it seeks to comprehend the historicity of self-portraits up to the phenomenon of selfies and to point out several ways in which bodies compose accounts of oneself, with their own intentions and meanings that shapin various modes of perceiving space and time in photographic experiences. Despite showing the matrices of the genre, selfies bring specificities in their performance: gestures as establishing the photographic space-time.
Imagens de mães: uma tomada da máquina de esperar lissovskiana por mulheres fotógrafas
Authors: Veiga Roberta , Siqueira Juliana Salles de
Published: November 2024

By observing images by Rineke Dijkstra and Nan Goldin, we revisit Mauricio Lissovsky’s (2008) notion of waiting machine, thinking relationships between the waiting of photographers and the portrayed mothers. This study aims to address, by the works New Mother (1994) and From here to motherhood (1986-2000), the way in which the photographers, in portraying the maternal experience, imbue the image with its quality and re-establish the power of indeterminacy of the Lyssovskian machine in the face of an anti-machine of female expectation.
Revisiting the Personalism and Economic Performance Debate: Do All Personalist Dictators Produce Worse Economic Outcomes?
Authors: Timoneda Joan C
Published: November 2024

I revisit the debate around personalism and economic performance in dictatorships and the stylized fact that personalist regimes produce poor economic outcomes. Conceiving of and measuring personalism as a time-varying trait of autocratic rule as opposed to a regime typology, I find that many regimes with high personalism scores perform quite well in terms of both gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and growth. Only regimes at the highest levels of personalism have significantly worse performance. These results are based on quantitative analysis of cross-national data from 101 countries between 1960 and 2010 to probe the hypothesis. These early findings are relevant to the growing literature on personalism in dictatorship and raise new questions regarding the conditions under which personalism leads to poor economic outcomes.
Highlights from the Respiratory Failure and Mechanical Ventilation Conference 2024
Authors: Bianquis Clara , De Leo Giancarlo , Morana Giorgio , Duarte-Silva Marta , Nolasco Santi , Vilde Rūdolfs , Tripipitsiriwat Athiwat , Viegas Pedro , Purenkovs Martins , Duiverman Marieke , Karagiannids Christian , Fisser Christoph
Published: November 2024

The Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly of the European Respiratory Society gathered in Berlin to organise the third Respiratory Failure and Mechanical Ventilation Conference in February 2024. The conference covered key points of acute and chronic respiratory failure in adults. During the 3-day conference ventilatory strategies, patient selection, diagnostic approaches, treatment and health-related quality of life topics were addressed by a panel of international experts. In this article, lectures delivered during the event have been summarised by early career members of the Assembly and take-home messages highlighted.
Type 2 inflammation in COPD: is it just asthma?
Authors: Beech Augusta , Higham Andrew , Booth Sophie , Tejwani Vickram , Trinkmann Frederik , Singh Dave
Published: November 2024

COPD is a heterogeneous condition, with tobacco smoking being the main environmental risk factor. The presence of type 2 (T2) inflammation is a well-recognised feature of asthma; however, it is now apparent that a subset of COPD patients also displays evidence of T2 inflammation with respect to elevated eosinophil counts and altered gene and protein expression of several T2 inflammatory mediators. T2 inflammatory mediators represent an attractive therapeutic target in both COPD and asthma; however, the efficacy of pharmaceutical interventions varies between diseases. Furthermore, the nature of some shared clinical features also differs. We provide a narrative review of differences in the nature of T2 inflammation between COPD and asthma, which may partly explain phenotypic differences between diseases. We focus on evidence from studies of pulmonary histopathology, sputum and epithelial gene and protein expression, and response to pharmacological interventions targeted at T2 inflammation.
University students who were men who had sex with men (MSM) in Sichuan, China had a higher prevalence of insomnia and probable depression than their non-MSM counterparts: mediation via emotional dysregulations
Authors: Yu Yanqiu , Ng Joyce Hoi-Yuk , Wang Zixin , Tian Xiaobing , Lau Joseph T. F.
Published: November 2024

Background

Men who have sex with men studying in universities (MSM-US) frequently face multiple sexual minority stressors that potentially lead to maladaptive emotional regulations and mental problems. This study compared the prevalence of depression/insomnia between MSM-US and non-MSM male university students (NUS) and hypothesized that the potential differences would be mediated via emotional dysregulation styles (rumination and catastrophizing).

Methods

The study design was a cross-sectional study. NUS were recruited from a university-based survey using cluster sampling in three universities in China from June to October 2018, while MSM-US from the same university-based survey and the other community-based survey using convenience sampling. The effective samples size was 2,531 (292 MSM-US and 2,239 NUS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed.

Results

MSM-US had significantly higher prevalence of both probable depression (55.1% versus 35.7%; OR = 4.85, 95% CI: 3.38–6.94) and moderate-to-severe clinical insomnia (17.3% versus 4.1%; OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.73–2.83) than NUS. MSM-US were also more likely than NUS to use emotional dysregulation styles (rumination/catastrophizing), which were correlated with probable depression/insomnia (r = 0.17 to 0.31). In the SEM, the differences in depression/insomnia between MSM-US and NUS were partially mediated by the latent variable of emotional dysregulation (rumination and catastrophizing), with effect sizes of 55.0% for probable depression and 33.6% for insomnia, respectively.

Conclusions

Depression and insomnia were prevalent among male university students in Sichuan, China. Furthermore, MSM-US were at increased risk than NUS for both mental problems; emotional dysregulation partially explained such differences. Future studies are warranted to confirm the findings, develop tailored interventions to address general and MSM-specific stressors and reduce rumination and catastrophizing, and examine whether similar patterns exist in other sexual minority groups.
Health matters: a statistical approach to understand childhood illnesses in the North-East States of India, 2019–2021
Authors: Ranjan Mukesh , Lalrotlinga  , Singh Ashutosh , Brajesh  , Vanlalhriatsaka
Published: November 2024

The present study explores the prevalence and socio-economic demographic factors affecting childhood illnesses. Diarrhoea, fever and ARI among under-five children in the North -East states of India using NFHS-5 data Kids file. Results showed that diarrhoea, ARI, and fever among the northeastern states were highest in Meghalaya.For diarrhoea Sikkim has the highest prevalence for children within 6 months while Meghalaya has the highest prevalence in the age groups 6- 12 months and 1- 2 years old children and Arunachal Pradesh has the highest rate in the age group 2- 5 years old children. Meghalaya stands out with the highest prevalence of fever and ARI in all age groups. Compared to Sikkim, the state of Meghalaya had more diarrhoea, ARI and fever, and it was statistically highly significant. However, Tripura and Assam had significantly higher odds of having fever and ARI than Sikkim. There is an association between diarrhoea, fever, and ARI and factors such as the age of the child and caregiver, the wealth status of the household, the quality of sanitation facilities, methods of stool disposal, and the caregiver's educational level.
Plasmodial slime moulds (myxomycetes) in Swedish and Nordic folk biology
Authors: Svanberg Ingvar , Ståhlberg Sabira
Published: November 2024

Background

Folk biology commonly contains knowledge of many more taxa than those of immediate economic importance. Species with little or no practical use are, however, often overlooked by ethnobiological research. An example are a few Myxomycetes taxa which played an important role in the folk biology and beliefs of pre-industrial Sweden and adjacent Nordic countries, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Such organisms are not of less interest for the understanding of human-biota relationships; local knowledge about the entire biota in a given environment should therefore be studied to comprehend the full range of folk biology.

Methodology

This qualitative study analyses and reviews historical data available in archives and published ethnographic collections as well as scattered and fragmentary notes in the literature using a historical ethnobiological approach.

Results

Peasants in the Nordic countries recognized three taxa of myxomycetes. Scrambled egg slime, Fuligo septica (L.) F.H.Wigg., in particular attracted interest and is known by many local folk names. This slime had no practical value or use, yet it was well known in folk biology and associated with a supernatural malevolent being which in the shape of a hare or cat stole milk or butter on behalf of a witch. The belief in evil origins of slime became the cause of violent actions such as whipping and burning of the organism. Two other taxa, Lycogala epidendron (L.) Fr. and Mucilago crustacea F.H.Wigg., have also been observed in folk biology, but data on how they were perceived and treated is sparse.

Conclusions

The sudden appearance of strange shapes and clear colours of myxomycetes in damp weather created both fear and curiosity; these odd organisms required explanations, interpretations and actions. Our example of the economically irrelevant myxomycetes in Sweden and nearby Nordic countries indicates that interpretations in pre-industrial societies of natural phenomena and various organisms, connections with beliefs and perceptions about the surrounding environment and the possible consequent actions should be studied alongside economic plants and animals in ethnobiological research, for a deeper understanding about folk biology and the multilayered and multidimensional relationships between humans and biota.
Numerical models and interplay of intrabeam scattering with incoherent effects for high brightness circular accelerators
Authors: Ζαμπετάκης Μιχαήλ
Published: November 2024

Οι κυκλικοί επιταχυντές απαιτούν δέσμες υψηλής φωτεινότητας, η οποία περιορίζεται από συλλογικά φαινόμενα όπως το χωρικό φορτίο και οι ενδοδεσμικές σκεδάσεις, που μπορούν να υποβαθμίσουν την ποιότητα της δέσμης. Για τη βελτίωση της απόδοσης σε τέτοιους δακτυλίους, είναι απαραίτητο να μελετηθεί η αλληλεπίδραση αυτών των φαινομένων μέσω προσομοιώσεων μακροσωματιδίων, συμπεριλαμβάνοντας και τις μη γραμμικότητες του πλέγματος του επιταχυντή. Προς αυτόν τον σκοπό, αναπτύχθηκαν μοντέλα στον κώδικα PyORBIT για τις ενδοδεσμικές σκεδάσεις και την ακτινοβολία σύγχροτρου, τα οποία επιβεβαιώθηκαν με βάση αναλυτικές προβλέψεις. Η διατριβή αυτή εξετάζει την αλληλεπίδραση των σχετικών φαινομένων σε δύο είδη δακτυλίων: τους τους Αποσβετικούς Δακτυλίους του Συμπαγούς Γραμμικού Συγκρουστήρα (CLIC DRs) που χρησιμοποιούν ηλεκτρόνια, και τους επιταχυντές ιόντων του CERN (SPS και LEIR) που λειτουργούν με ιόντα μολύβδου. Στα CLIC DRs, αναλύεται η επίδραση του χωρικού φορτίου, των ενδοδεσμικών σκεδάσεων και της ακτινοβολίας σύγχροτρου σε διεγερμένους συντονισμούς, καταλήγοντας στο ότι η ακτινοβολία βοηθά στη μείωση των αρνητικών επιδράσεων των σκεδάσεων. Προσομοιώσεις έδειξαν ότι η επιλογή του σημείου λειτουργίας είναι κρίσιμη για την αποφυγή υπερβολικών απωλειών και αύξησης της εκπεμπτικότητας. Στον LEIR και στον SPS, πειραματικές παρατηρήσεις δεν μπορούσαν να εξηγηθούν πλήρως με προσομοιώσεις που περιλάμβαναν μόνο το χωρικό φορτίο ή τις ενδοδεσμικές σκεδάσεις. Συνδυαστικές προσομοιώσεις για τον LEIR κοντά σε διεγερμένο συντονισμό και τον SPS προσέφεραν συμφωνία με τις μετρήσεις, εξηγώντας επιτυχώς για πρώτη φορά τις παρατηρήσεις δέσμης. Αυτά τα ευρήματα υπογραμμίζουν τη σημασία μιας συνδυασμένης προσέγγισης για την ακριβή μοντελοποίηση της δυναμικής της δέσμης σε επιταχυντές υψηλών επιδόσεων.
Τέχνη, νοημοσύνη, τεχνητή νοημοσύνη
Authors: Κωστελέτος Γεώργιος
Published: November 2024

Ο ερευνητικός κλάδος που αποκαλούμε «Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη» (Τ.Ν.) αφορά στην προσπάθεια αναπαραγωγής της νοήμονος συμπεριφοράς με τεχνητά μέσα και αποτελεί τόσο μια έρευνα αιχμής στο πεδίο ανάπτυξης νέων τεχνολογιών όσο και ένα ‘πειραματικό εργαστήρι’ για τους στοχαστές και ερευνητές της Γνωστικής Επιστήμης. Με την ανάπτυξη νέων υπολογιστικών συστημάτων από την Τ.Ν. φαίνεται, κάθε φορά, να δοκιμάζονται οι διάφορες θεωρίες σχετικά με το ανθρώπινο νοείν • θεωρίες που κρατούν από την αρχαιότητα, από τον Μεσαίωνα και την Αναγέννηση αλλά και θεωρίες σύγχρονες που προκύπτουν μέσα από το φάσμα μιας διεπιστημονικής προσέγγισης μεταξύ των λεγόμενων ανθρωπιστικών επιστημών και του νεοσύστατου κλάδου που ονομάζουμε «Νευρο-επιστήμη».Όμως μπορεί πράγματι η Τ.Ν., ακόμα και με την αρωγή του φαινομενικά ασφαλούς κριτηρίου της καλλιτεχνικής-και δη μουσικής-δημιουργίας, να αποτελέσει ένα ‘εργαστήρι’ επαλήθευσης ή διάψευσης των όποιων θεωρήσεων ως προς το νοείν; Μπορεί να μας οδηγήσει, σύμφωνα με τα επιστημονικά πρότυπα, σε μια εμπειρική επαλήθευση ή μήπως η ίδια η αποτυχία της να κατορθώσει κάτι τέτοιο αποτελεί και το βασικότερο εύρημα που η Τ.Ν. μπορεί να μας προσφέρει σχετικά με τον ανθρώπινο Νου; Υπό μια τέτοια υπερβατολογκού τύπου αντιμετώπιση, το ζητούμενο δεν είναι οι ίδιες οι θεωρίες που οι φιλόσοφοι του Νου, οι ψυχολόγοι και οι επιστήμονες των υπολογιστών θέτουν σε δοκιμασία μέσω της Τ.Ν. αλλά τα αδιέξοδα, οι αποτυχίες ολοκλήρωσης της δοκιμασίας αυτής.
The relationship between the BMI value of children and the financial situation of families, as well as the age of children
Authors: Waksmańska Wioletta , Kupczak-Wiśniowska Bousława
Published: November 2024

Aim:
The research aimed to establish whether the family’s financial situation had an impact on the BMI values of the children studied, to determine the link between the family’s financial situation, the child’s age and the frequency children were given selected foodstuffs, as well as to verify whether the frequency of consumption of selected foodstuffs has an impact on children’s BMI values.
Methods:
BMI values were calculated for each child. Dietary habits were studied using a developed proprietary questionnaire. The questionnaire contained a list of products from 12 food groups, wherein vegetables and fruit were analysed separately, but without a division into those rich in vitamin C and carotene.
Results:
Analysis of the study group according to financial situation showed, to name a few, that the median consumption of fish, cold meats and potatoes among children from families declaring their financial situation as average was lower than that in the remaining groups.
Children with a good financial situation consumed eggs and poultry statistically significantly more often than those with an average financial situation, and significantly less often - cakes and biscuits. Children over 11 years old consumed ready sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise) more often than younger children.
Conclusion:
The consumption of particular foodstuffs was affected by the families’ financial situation and the age of children. Children from families with an average financial situation consumed vegetables less often than the remaining children. Despite there being no effect of the frequency of particular foodstuffs consumption on BMI, one in five people were overweight. It is crucial that the healthy lifestyles and proper diet programmes are implemented in educational establishments.
Institucionalidad en el sur del Tolima: la perspectiva de los actores locales
Authors: Uribe Sarmiento John Jairo , Salamanca Santos María del Pilar
Published: November 2024

El presente capítulo brinda un panorama del proceso de construcción del Estado en el sur del Tolima (específicamente en el municipio de Planadas), a partir de las voces de líderes y organizaciones. Estas voces permiten señalar varios aspectos problemáticos de dicho proceso relacionados con las oportunidades, los conflictos y las restricciones que el Acuerdo de Paz ha creado en dicho territorio.
Finerenone and diabetic renal disease: a narrative review
Authors: Venkatesan Kirthika , Cheryeth Mabel , Verghese Anna Tintu , Mathews Arpita , Ravisankar Nikitha , Unnikrishnan Parvathy , Prakash Vishakh , Harimohan Hridaya , James Sandra , Cherian Somy , Haroon Nisha Nigil
Published: November 2024

Overactivation of mineralocorticoid receptors occurs in cardiorenal diseases. Many patients with type 2 diabetes often progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and require dialysis. Finerenone is the first oral non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist used in patients with diabetic kidney disease and heart failure. Finerenone (Kerendia®) is more potent than spironolactone in reducing inflammation and fibrosis in CKD and exerts its effect equally on the heart and kidneys, improving cardiovascular outcomes. Research demonstrates that finerenone improves proteinuria and glomerular filtration rate if taken alone or in combination with sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors. Finerenone has been found to decrease mortality in patients with diabetic renal disease and improve quality of life. Its side effects, unlike those of spironolactone, do not include gynecomastia. However, it can result in hyperkalemia, which needs to be monitored. In this review, we aim to investigate the mechanisms of action of finerenone and its implications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Translation and adaptation of the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 to the Croatian language
Authors: Husnjak Dunja , Gudlin Hrvoje , Novak-Pavlic Monika
Published: November 2024

The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) is a standardized observational instrument measuring gross motor function forchildren with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Clinicians in Croatia have been showing a growing interest in GMFM-88. However,only the English version of the measure was available, which possessed a barrier for its use in Croatia. The aim of this study was totranslate the GMFM-88 test from English into Croatian and adapt it for use in clinical practice in Croatia. In this study, we followedthe first five steps of the Sousa & Rojjanasrirat (2010) guideline for translation and adaptation. First, two authors independently did“forward” translation; a translation of the score sheet from English into Croatian. Then, the third author performed “backward” translation, which was checked and revised by the measure’s author. The pre-final version of the translated measure was tested throughcognitive debriefing with seven clinicians. Participants pointed out the importance of the consistent use of terms and provided suggestions for improvement, such as changed word order or shortening of the translated items. Seventy two of 88 items were changed.With this study, we have initiated the adaptation of the GMFM-88 to Croatian. The next steps for fully validated GMFM-88 in theCroatian language is to do psychometric testing with children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome in Croatia.
Učestalost ozljeda djece liječene u Zavodu za hitnu medicinu Splitsko-dalmatinske županije
Authors: Podrug Mario , Aranza Diana , Marendić Mario , Buljubašić Ante , Orlandini Rahela , Dolić Matea , Krželj Vjekoslav
Published: November 2024

Ozljede djece veliki su javnozdravstveni problem koji je prepoznala i Svjetska zdravstvena organizacija te je 2006. godine donijeladesetogodišnji plan aktivnosti djelovanja za prevenciju ozljeda djece. Cilj rada je utvrditi demografske podatke, učestalost, težinu i tipozljeda u djece koja su u petogodišnjem razdoblju liječena u Zavodu za hitnu medicinu Splitsko-dalmatinske županije (ZHM SDŽ).Ova presječna studija obradila je uzorak od 25 037-ero ispitanika u dobi do 18 godina za razdoblje od siječnja 2015. do siječnja 2020.U promatranom petogodišnjem razdoblju od ukupnog broja ozlijeđene djece 16 158-ero (64,54% su dječaci i 8 879 (35,46%) djevojčice. Najveći broj ozljeda 8 409 (33,59%) zabilježen je u dobnoj kategoriji od šest do 12 godina, dok je najmanje ozljeđivanja u prvojgodini života 1 077 (4,30%). Najčešće su ozljede glave 9 670 (38,62%), zatim lakta, podlaktice, ručnog zgloba i šake 5 384 ( 21,50%)te ozljede koljena, potkoljenice, nožnog zgloba i stopala 5 146 (20,55%). Od ukupnog broja ozlijeđene djece broj umrlih na mjestudogađaja ozljede iznosio je ukupno 24 (0,09%), i to 16 dječaka i osam djevojčica. Daljnja obrada i liječenje u Kliničkom bolničkomcentru Split bilo je potrebno u 7,88% ozlijeđene djece.
Mogućnosti lokalnih zajednica u ostvarivanju dječjih prava iz perspektive djece
Authors: Borić Ivana
Published: November 2024

Lokalne zajednice važan su čimbenik u pozitivnom razvoju djece, pa tako i u zaštiti njihovih prava. U suvremeno vrijeme lokalnezajednice poimaju se sve više i kao mjesta za aktivnu građansku participaciju, pa tako i za participaciju djece. Djeca su prepoznatakao društvena skupina i resurs zajednice, odnosno kao dionici koji svojim prijedlozima i inicijativama mogu unaprijediti život zajednice. Stoga je aktivno uključivanje djece, barem na razini konzultacija, postalo nova praksa u mnogim zajednicama. U radu se prikazuje istraživanje provedeno s djecom stanovnicima triju gradova/ općina u Hrvatskoj. Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi kako djeca uodređenim lokalnim zajednicama vide njihove kapacitete u zadovoljavanju svojih potreba. Primijenjen je kvalitativni istraživačkipristup. Rezultati pokazuju da djeca visoko vrjednuju uređen i lijep okoliš, osjećaj sigurnosti te dostupnost usluga, pa im se suprotnotome ne sviđa kad ovi aspekti nisu zadovoljeni u dovoljnoj mjeri. Djeca posebno ističu socijalni aspekt života u svojim zajednicama:dobre odnose, solidarnost te u tom smislu misle da bi njihovi gradovi i općine trebali biti bolji. U odnosu na vlastitu participaciju usvojoj lokalnoj zajednici djeca misle kako nisu prepoznata kao važni sudionici te kako ne utječu na donošenje odluka.