bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on multiple bending using laser forming of mild steel plate and its bend angle prediction
Authors: Ahemad Mohd Washique , Palani Iyamperumal Anand , Joshi Suhas S.
Published: January 2025

In manufacturing industries like shipbuilding, automotive, microelectronics, and aerospace, laser forming is a potential new technology. Laser forming is an intricate thermo-mechanical process in which the process mechanisms are determined by the temperature profile across the sheet thickness, which is influenced by laser power, scan speed, number of passes, laser beam diameter, and workpiece geometry. During the process, the material deforms because of compressive stress generated in the underneath region due to the thermal expansion of the irradiated region. This study focuses on the multiple bending and the effect of different process parameters on the laser bending of the sheet. Experiments were performed on 4 mm and 8 mm thick sheets of mild steel sheet of grade IS 2062 E250 using a 2-kW fiber laser with various influencing parameters such as power, scan speed, and laser spot diameter. Hardness and grain size measurements of laser-formed surfaces at different combinations of influencing parameters were performed and the features formed due to laser irradiation were analyzed. An artificial neural network (ANN) model is proposed to predict the bend angle value.
Epidemiology of Thyroid Diseases in Patients of Heart Failure in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Eastern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Biswas Soham , Sarkar Pinaki , Patra Tushar Kanti
Published: January 2025

Background

Thyroid diseases are common in India. Both insufficient and excess thyroid hormones cause adverse cardiovascular events. Subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism while undiagnosed can lead to derangement of cardiac functions. This study aimed to explore thyroid function abnormalities among heart failure patients of different severity (NYHA class).

Methodology

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was undertaken on 492 heart failure patients (246 males and 246 females) of age greater than 18 years. Patients were classified according to NYHA. Serum TSH and FT4 were investigated. Data were analyzed by standard statistical software.

Results

The mean age of participants was 54.2 ± 13.1 years. Mean FT4 and TSH were 1.36 ± 0.39 ng/dL and 2.89 ± 1.15 mIU/L, respectively. Patients belonged to NYHA class II (35.4%), III (52.4%) and IV (12.2%). Comorbidities included Hypertension (38%), Diabetes Mellitus (29%) and Dyslipidemia (52%). Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were present in 27% and 5% patients respectively in overt or subclinical forms. The prevalence of thyroid disorders among NYHA class II, III and IV patients were 17%, 37%, and 50%, respectively.

Conclusion

Thyroid disorders were present in about one-third of the patients with heart failure. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was almost five times that of hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of thyroid disorders increased with the severity of heart failure.
Investigating orbital foreign device-associated malignancies: a scoping review
Authors: Ha Jeong Hyun , Arora Jagmeet S. , Sayadi Jamasb J. , Khattab Nada R. , Francis Shannon D. , Johnstone Thomas M. , Jang Yeonji , Lee Gordon K.
Published: January 2025

Background

While prosthesis-associated malignancies have been acknowledged, awareness among surgeons and patients in the ophthalmologic field remains limited, despite the frequent occurrence of prosthesis-related surgeries. We aim to address this gap through a scoping review of malignancies following ophthalmologic surgeries involving various foreign device/prosthesis/implants.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a review using PubMed and Embase for studies on cancer and ophthalmic prostheses/implants. The final selection of articles for the ophthalmology aspect underwent rigorous investigation.

Results

We analyzed 30 studies, identifying 41 cases of malignancies following interventions involving orbital foreign devices. Foreign devices linked to malignancies included scleral shells, orbital implants, scleral buckles, encircling bands, and gold plates. Ocular surface squamous neoplasm was most common, with 29 cases. Other malignancies observed were pleomorphic sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, sebaceous carcinoma, malignant melanoma, adenocarcinoma, and metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. These malignancies varied in characteristics and demographics, with some showing metastasis or local invasion. The median time to tumor development was 40 years.

Conclusions

This study highlights a spectrum of malignancies following orbital foreign device procedures and suggests a potential association between different types of orbital foreign devices and malignancies. Future studies, including well-designed epidemiologic studies and scientific experiments, are warranted to elucidate the causal relationship.
Barriers and facilitators to engagement with between-session work for low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based interventions: a qualitative exploration of practitioner perceptions
Authors: Bennion Mia , Blakemore Amy , Lovell Karina , Bee Penny
Published: January 2025

Background

To address the growing demand for psychological treatment, healthcare providers are increasingly utilising low-intensity interventions, characterised by reduced practitioner contact and emphasis on independent patient engagement with therapeutic materials through between-session work (BSW). While BSW is critical for maximising treatment outcomes, patients and practitioners report challenges with its completion. Research identifying factors influencing between-session engagement in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has largely focused on high-intensity CBT, limiting understanding within low-intensity contexts.

Methods

This study explored practitioner perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of BSW engagement within low-intensity CBT-based interventions. Using interpretive description methodology, 22 Psychological Well-being Practitioners (PWPs) from UK National Health Service (NHS) Talking Therapies services were interviewed. Inductive and deductive framework analysis was used to crossmatch data to an existing conceptual model of predictors for CBT BSW engagement.

Results

Practitioners identified patient-level barriers including passive treatment expectations, comorbid health conditions, social stressors, and reduced mental health literacy, particularly among ethnic minority populations. Practitioner-level facilitators involved clear task planning and personalised BSW tailored to patients’ sociocultural environments. Organisational recommendations emphasised the need for diverse workforces and adequate training in culturally sensitive care.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the importance of practitioner behaviours in optimising patient engagement between-sessions, offering clear directions to enhance treatment outcomes in globally adopted low-intensity interventions.
A survey study of physical activity participation in different organisational forms among groups of immigrants and descendants in Denmark
Authors: Schmidt Eva Berthelsen , Elmose-Østerlund Karsten , Ibsen Bjarne
Published: January 2025

Background

Several studies have found that immigrants and descendants are less physically active than the majority population, particularly within sports clubs. However, most studies do not provide breakdowns by specific ethnic groups or organisational forms. Therefore, our paper analyses the influence of ethnicity, immigrant status, and sociodemographic and -economic characteristics on the physical activity participation of immigrants and descendants in sports clubs, commercial centres and self-organised activities in Denmark.

Methods

Data were collected through a survey study conducted in 2020, with responses from approximately 163,000 adults, of whom eight percent had an immigrant or descendant background. We conducted both a descriptive analysis of the dependent and independent variables and multiple logistic regression analyses, one including the entire sample (including citizens of Danish origin) and one including only citizens with an immigrant or descendant background.

Results

Our analysis revealed that immigrants and descendants, particularly those of non-Western origin, were significantly less likely than ethnic Danes to be active within the three organisational forms, with the smallest differences observed regarding participation in commercial centres. The analysis also revealed that besides ethnicity, immigrant status and sociodemographic and -economic characteristics were relevant in explaining differences in physical activity participation.

Conclusion

Our study makes a significant contribution to the literature on physical activity participation among immigrants and descendants from various backgrounds. By utilising a robust sample size and employing statistical analysis, we offer novel insights into participation patterns that have traditionally been explored more qualitatively. Besides the need to study physical activity participation in different organisational forms among different ethnic backgrounds, we also highlight the importance of considering immigrant status and sociodemographic and -economic characteristics in understanding participation behaviours. These findings imply the importance of adopting a holistic and nuanced approach to promoting physical activity participation among immigrant and descendant populations, considering the multifaceted nature of the barriers and facilitators influencing engagement within different organisational settings.
Heterogeneity of treatment effect: the case for individualising oxygen therapy in critically ill patients
Authors: Martin Daniel S. , Grocott Michael P. W.
Published: January 2025

Oxygen therapy is ubiquitous in critical illness but oxygenation targets to guide therapy remain controversial despite several large randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Findings from RCTs evaluating different approaches to oxygen therapy in critical illness present a confused picture for several reasons. Differences in both oxygen target measures (e.g. oxygen saturation or partial pressure) and the numerical thresholds used to define lower and higher targets complicate comparisons between trials. The duration of and adherence to oxygenation targets is also variable with consequent substantial variation in both the dose and the dose separation. Finally, heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) may also be a significant factor. HTE is defined as non-random variation in the benefit or harm of a treatment, in which the variation is associated with or attributable to patient characteristics. This narrative review aims to make the case that such heterogeneity is likely in relation to oxygen therapy for critically ill patients and that this has significant implications for the design and interpretation of trials of oxygen therapy in this context. HTE for oxygen therapy amongst critically ill patients may explain the contrasting results from different clinical trials of oxygen therapy. Individualised oxygen therapy may overcome this challenge, and future studies should incorporate ways to evaluate this approach.

Graphical Abstract
An efficient binary spider wasp optimizer for multi-dimensional knapsack instances: experimental validation and analysis
Authors: Abdel-Basset Mohamed , Mohamed Reda , Sallam Karam M. , Alrashdi Ibrahim , Hameed Ibrahim A.
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a binary variant of the recently proposed spider wasp optimizer (SWO), namely BSWO, for accurately tackling the multidimensional knapsack problem (MKP), which is classified as an NP-hard optimization problem. The classical methods could not achieve acceptable results for this problem in a reasonable amount of time. Therefore, the researchers have recently turned their focus to metaheuristic algorithms to address this problem more accurately and in an acceptable amount of time. However, the majority of metaheuristic algorithms proposed for MKP suffer from slow convergence speed and low quality of final results, especially as the number of dimensions increases. This motivates us to present BSWO discretized using nine well-known transfer functions belonging to three categories—X-shaped, S-shaped, and V-shaped families—for effectively and efficiently tackling this problem. In addition, it is integrated with the improved repair operator 4 (RO4) to present a hybrid variant, namely BSWO-RO4, which could effectively repair and improve infeasible solutions for achieving better performance. Several small, medium, and large-scale MKP instances are used to assess both BSWO and BSWO-RO4. The usefulness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms are also demonstrated by comparing both of them to several metaheuristic optimizers in terms of some performance criteria. The experimental findings demonstrate that BSWO-RO4 can achieve exceptional results for the small and medium-scale instances, while the genetic algorithm integrated with RO4 can be superior for the large-scale instances. Additionally, the results of the experiments demonstrate that BSWO integrated with RO4 is more efficient than BSWO integrated with RO2.
In silico analysis of SNPs and miRNAs of KCTD13, CSDE1, SLC6A1 genes associated with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Çoruh Kınalı Kübra , Özkan Oktay Ebru , Karahan Mesut
Published: January 2025

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is called changes in a single base sequence in DNA between individuals. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules that control gene expression after transcription. Today, SNPs and miRNAs are associated with many diseases, and one of them is autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition identified by symptoms that reduce the quality of life such as stereotypical movements, lack of social interaction and communication skills, cognitive and language disorders. The objective of this study is to utilize in silico tools to predict the possible damaging impacts of SNPs (missense) in ASD-related KCTD13, CSDE1, and SLC6A1 genes that cause amino acid substitution on protein function, stability, structure, and miRNA target binding sites.

Methods

The SNPs and protein amino acid sequences were obtained from the NCBI dbSNP and UniProt databases. This data served as input for predictions, which were carried out using different computational tools like SIFT, PolyPhen-2, SNPs&GO, PROVEAN, MutationAssessor, PhD-SNP, PANTHER, SNAP-2, Meta-SNP, I-Mutant 2.0, MUpro, and Project HOPE. For miRNA analysis, the miRSNP and PolymiRTS tools were utilized. GeneMANIA and STRING were also employed to explore gene–gene and protein–protein interactions.

Results

A total of 16 variants in these three genes were estimated to be potentially harmful via in silico analysis. As a result of the miRSNP and PolymiRTS analyses, it was found that 407 miRNAs could affect the regulation of target genes through the identified SNP variations. Furthermore, the predictive impact of those SNPs on protein stabilization was examined and three-dimensional protein models were created.

Conclusion

This study revealed the potential effects of genetic variations on three genes associated with ASD. The findings suggest that computational analysis of miRNA and SNPs on these ASD-related genes could provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying ASD. In addition, it is suggested to investigate through experimental research whether the findings can be utilized as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and treating autism.
Right-sided superior vena cava draining into the left atrium in a patient with persistent left-sided superior vena cava emptying into the right atrium: a case report
Authors: Jamjoom Lamia
Published: January 2025

Background

A wide range of congenital and acquired abnormalities can impact the superior vena cava (SVC), with some remaining asymptomatic. The most common anomaly is the persistent left SVC draining into the coronary sinus or right atrium, while the right SVC draining into the left atrium is rarely found. These two conditions may coexist, which is an extremely rare phenomenon.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old man with a history of resected astrocytoma presented with seizures and cardiac arrest. Laboratory investigations revealed leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, severe acidosis, and elevated cardiac enzymes. Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and was unremarkable. However, a bubble study was not performed at the time. Brain imaging confirmed a diagnosis of brain micro-abscesses/embolic infarctions, while cardiac computed tomography revealed a right-sided superior vena cava draining into the left atrium with a right-to-left shunt and a persistent left superior vena cava draining into the coronary sinus. Following the discovery of right-to-left shunt on cardiac CT, a transesophageal echocardiogram and a cardiac MRI were booked. However, the patient left against medical advice to go back to his home country and seek medical care there.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the coexistence of dual drainage of the superior vena cava, with the right SVC draining into the left atrium and the persistent left SVC draining into the right atrium, is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. The right-to-left shunt may result in significant cerebrovascular complications requiring surgical correction, while the persistent left SVC draining into the coronary sinus may require ablation if resulted in arrhythmias.
Performance characteristics of shell and tube heat exchanger using sectoral baffle
Authors: Adebayo Jacob Kolawole , Dare Ademola Adebukola , Petinrin Moses Omolayo
Published: January 2025

Shell and tube heat exchangers (STHX) play a vital role in a wide range of industrial processes and daily applications. The finite element method was used to solve continuity, momentum, energy, and k-ε turbulent equations that govern STHX. The simulation procedure (SP) was applied to STHX with a single segmental baffle (SB) and 90º, 120º, and 150º sectoral baffles (STB). The baffles were arranged along the tube at 0º, 60º, 120º, 180º, 240º, and 300º orientations. The SP was run at 323.15 and 278.15 K inlet temperatures for shell and tube, respectively, using water as shell-side fluid at a flow rate ranging from 0.5 to 2.50 kg/s. Velocities, temperatures, and pressure obtained from SP were used to evaluate the Relative Performance Index of all the STBs against SB as control. The numerical values of heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and pressure drops (PD) over the shell side along the length of STHX were compared with those obtained from Kern’s method, HTC of STBs was enhanced by 45%, 50%, 55%, 50%, 61%, and 50% with PD of 40%, 25%, 11%, 22%, − 21%, and 22% and performance evaluation coefficient (Q/ΔP) of 63%, 60%, 56%, 59%, 47%, and 59% with field synergy number of 41%, 47%, 53%, 46%, 59%, and 46% for STB90°, RSTB90°, STB120°, RSTB120°, STB150°, and RSTB150° respectively. From the analysis, it was evident that both the 90º and 120º sectoral baffles outperformed the SB, with the 90º sectoral baffle emerging as the most efficient configuration among all those evaluated. This study underscores the importance of baffle design in optimizing heat transfer performance in shell and tube heat exchangers.
Glycemia, Insulin Sensitivity, and Secretion Improve 3 Months Post-sleeve Gastrectomy in Youth With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Dobbs Tyler J , Cree Melanie G , Bailey Alex J , Baumgartner Amy D , Garrish Justin , Diniz-Behn Cecelia , Pyle Laura , Kelsey Megan M , Shah Amy S , Inge Thomas H , Bjornstad Petter , Nadeau Kristen J
Published: January 2025

Context

Metabolic bariatric surgery reduces weight in youth with severe obesity; however, its impacts on youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) are unclear.

Objective

We evaluated short-term outcomes in youth with T2D 3 months after vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).

Design

Longitudinal, observational study in the Impact of Metabolic surgery on Pancreatic, Renal, and cardiOVascular hEalth in youth with T2D study (IMPROVE-T2D).

Setting

Academic medical university and children's hospital.

Participants

Fourteen youth with T2D [mean age ± SD 16.8 ± 1.4 years; 50% female, pre-VSG hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 6.6 ± 0.2%; diabetes duration 17.6 ± 13.8 months; age at diabetes diagnosis 15.9 ± 1.4 years; body mass index (BMI) 46.7 ± 2 kg/m2].

Interventions

Participants underwent a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT), body composition, and indirect calorimetry before and 3 months after VSG.

Main Outcomes

Glycemic control (HbA1c, diabetes medications), insulin sensitivity (Matsuda Index, Homeostasis Model of Insulin Sensitivity, oral minimal model), and secretion (C-peptide model).

Results

After VSG, weight and BMI decreased (25.2 ± 5.6 kg [19%], −8.7 ± 2 kg/m2 [18%], respectively, P < .001). Body fat decreased (4.5%, P = .012), with reductions of 14.1 ± 5.4 kg of fat mass (P = .005) and 4.5 kg of fat-free mass (P = .034). HbA1c decreased from 6.6 ± 0.2% to 5.7 ± 0.2% (P = .003), with 86% of participants no longer requiring diabetes medications. Glucose was lower throughout the MMTT, with insulin, C-peptide, free fatty acids, glucagon-like peptide-1, and peptide-YY significantly changing postsurgery (P < .05 for all). Insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion rate during the MMTT significantly improved.

Conclusion

Three months post-VSG, youth showed significant improvements in weight, body composition, insulin sensitivity and secretion, and glycemic control, with most no longer requiring diabetes medications.
Practical tips for teaching the undifferentiated medical student in the emergency department
Authors: Winger Allan D. , Papanagnou Dimitrios
Published: January 2025

Emergency medicine clerkships have become more prevalent in the third year of medical school, a time when students are immersed in the core clinical training of their undergraduate medical education. There is little guidance for clinician educators, however, on how to effectively scaffold learning for third-year medical students when rotating in the emergency department (ED) during core clerkships. The authors sought to provide best practices in teaching to leverage the rich learning environment of the ED – regardless of their specialty selections. Based on an extensive review of the literature spanning on-shift teaching, feedback, clinical medicine, and bedside teaching, the following twelve tips are offered to guide the instruction of the undifferentiated third-year medical student in the ED.
Vegetarian diet - how does it affect our body?
Authors: Tekiela Natalia , Papachristoforu Natalie , Michałka Daria , Gałuszka Zuzanna , Makar Monika , Bartuś Tomasz , Bąk Emilia , Głowacka Justyna , Aleksandra Kocjan  , Chmiel Radosław
Published: January 2025

Introduction and Purpose of Research:
 Vegetarianism, characterized by the exclusion of meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and their derivatives, has gained popularity as studies continue to highlight its positive impact on health. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the health and lifestyle impacts of vegetarian diets by examining both the benefits and potential risks.
Review Methods:
  The review is grounded in findings from 40 recent studies sourced through a systematic search of open-access databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on literature published between 2000 and 2024.
Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge:
 Vegetarian diets are associated with significant health benefits, including reduced risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, largely due to their high content of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Additionally, vegetarians tend to have lower BMI and improved cholesterol and blood pressure levels. However, unbalanced vegetarian diets may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can impact overall health.
Conclusion:
 Properly planned vegetarian diets are healthy, nutritionally correct and can be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Careful selection of meal ingredients and adequate supplementation are key to maximising the benefits and counteracting the potential risks associated with such diets.
Astrologia e osservazione del cosmo attraverso la visione delle streghe in Età Moderna. Con uno stato dell’arte.
Authors: Spiga Massimiliano
Published: January 2025

Nel presente contributo si intenderà, tramite
fonti d’archivio e attraverso l’aggiornata
bibliografia in merito, costruire la percezione
del cosmo, delle stelle e del loro influsso
attraverso una specifica visione stregonesca.
Le donne definite streghe, nella misura in cui
talvolta non fossero nemmeno interessate a
pratiche popolari o erboristiche, attraverso
l’interpretazione e l’osservazione del cielo,
dei suoi fenomeni, interpretavano la vita e i
loro accadimenti. Concentrandosi per ordine
e prassi metodologica all’Italia dei secoli XVI e
XVII, si intende quindi descrivere, attraverso
una visione particolare, mediata da antichi
saperi, i pensieri attorno ai quali le “streghe”
si muovevano. Interessante in particolare
è osservare il pensiero proto-scientifico,
spesso privo di qualsiasi formazione e in anni
talvolta ancora antecedenti alle rivoluzioni
relative alla percezione astronomica. La
commistione di saperi implica ancora
una volta, doverosamente, un approccio
metodologico interdisciplinare, tra filologia,
storiografia, storia culturale e antropologia.
L’osservazione della realtà, della natura,
con una propensione sperimentale e fisicosperimentale, permetteva loro di astrarre
problemi, e filtrarli attraverso saperi antichi
e folklorici. Analizzare questo pensiero con
la lente delle così definite streghe porterebbe
un ulteriore spunto di riflessione in dialoghi
e contributi volti ad analizzare il pensiero
delle donne nella storia, tra corpo e cielo. Si
procederà a una doverosa analisi dei concetti,
stilemi e discipline fondative per il pensiero
stregonesco, con particolare attenzione
all’astrologia.
Teatro de aula y empoderamiento femenino.
Authors: Montero Pérez Elisa
Published: January 2025

El teatro, entendido como expresión oral del
patrimonio literario, artístico y filosófico, ha
vehiculado pensamiento e idearios a lo largo de toda la historia de la humanidad. Los
contenidos del presente artículo delinean los
distintos tipos y funcionalidades atribuidas a
la formulación teatral, desde sus orígenes grecolatinos inspirándose en imaginarios fundacionales mitológicos constitutivos del teatro
en Occidente. En estas páginas se describen
nociones generales acerca del teatro para educar, el teatro para la catarsis, la parresia y el
valor añadido que hoy día se le atribuye en la
inversión del canon pedagógico tradicional.
Dicha inversión, foco esencial de este artículo,
destaca por ser de enorme potencial creativo
en la generación de contenidos coeducativos
para la proyección de un renovado imaginario más igualitario con espacio en la formación idiomática tomando como contexto la
escuela pública española específicamente, las
EEOOII (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas). Se incluye un ejemplo ilustrativo de teatro de aula
destinado al estudio del italiano LE que está
construido sobre un guion original coeducativo con música, canto e interpretación actoral,
herramienta glotodidáctica útil a la formación
del alumnado adulto. La referida obra se titula
Presepe vivente al Femminile y ha sido llevada a escena desde 2014 por distintas EEOOII.
O Vale do Paraíba Fluminense oitocentista sob a perspectiva da presença médica
Authors: De Almeida Proença Anne Thereza
Published: January 2025

O presente artigo utilizará as memórias do médico Joaquim Eloy dos Santos Andrade, registradas no livro “O Vale do Paraíba” (1989), para analisar aspectos da presença médica no interior da Província do Rio de Janeiro da segunda metade do século XIX. Ao aprofundar o olhar sobre os espaços ocupados por este grupo profissional na região denominada Vale do Paraíba Fluminense foi possível construir também um panorama sobre a formação social do local. A introdução dos médicos no funcionamento das cidades não deve ser naturalizada, tal como estamos acostumados atualmente. Por isso, estes homens precisavam se adaptar à realidade que encontravam no interior fluminense e criar demandas para que os seus serviços fossem preferidos frente a qualquer outra opção de práticas de cura disponíveis. Uma vez incorporados à sociedade local, passavam a participar da intimidade de importantes atores à época, principalmente dos grandes fazendeiros. Por isso, acompanhar os modos de inserção tanto profissional quanto pessoal dos médicos nos fornece uma área peculiar de observação histórica, através da qual compreendemos as dinâmicas internas e externas deste grupo.
“Amoitado em meu corpo”: Batendo pasto, de Maria Lúcia Alvim: as poéticas do erotismo
Authors: Da Silva Sandro Adriano
Published: January 2025

Este artigo analisa e interpreta alguns poemas da obra Batendo pasto, de Maria Lúcia Alvim, publicada em 2020. A fundamentação teórica centra-se, especialmente, nos estudos do erotismo de Bataille (2021) e em suas relações com a poesia (Paz, 1984). Além disso, a análise buscar desvendar os elementos poético-formais e estilísticos, sobretudo a construção da metáfora e seus efeitos de sentido, em torno da temática do erotismo.
Entre correntes e laços: a tragicidade da escravidão feminina em "A ama" (1884), de Délia e "A escrava" (1887), de Maria Firmina dos Reis
Authors: Pereira Vieira Joyce
Published: January 2025

A escravidão no Brasil ganhou contornos de uma verdadeira tragédia brasileira de grandes proporções, haja vista o cotidiano de opressões a que eram submetidos os escravizados. O presente estudo objetiva demonstrar, por meio de uma análise comparativa dos contos “A ama” e “A escrava”, como a escravidão feminina é retratada como trágica pelas lentes de Délia (1853-1895) e Maria Firmina dos Reis (1825-1917). A análise visa destacar a trajetória das protagonistas, a fim de entrelaçar temas como escravidão, opressão, relações humanas e tragicidade, de modo a evidenciar como esses elementos moldaram a vida e o destino dessas personagens escravizadas. Para as mulheres, a escravidão foi sentida de muitas formas que diferem da experiência masculina — portanto, faz-se necessário destacar o lócus dessas escravizadas entre correntes e laços.
ANÁLISIS DE SISTEMAS
Authors: Rodrigues de Morais Alexandre , Dias Lelacher Carolina , Vinicius Akita Vitorio Cleber , Ribeiro de Almeida Josimar , Cardoso Ferreira Letícia , do Couto Pereira Raphael
Published: January 2025

El análisis de sistemas permite evaluar las interacciones entre las actividades humanas y sus efectos en la naturaleza, los aspectos sociales y económicos. Para evaluar los impactos de una terminal petroquímica se utiliza un modelo de situación ambiental que considera la región como un sistema compuesto por varios subsistemas interconectados. Este enfoque simplifica y abstrae la realidad, identificando elementos clave. Se utiliza una matriz para identificar y clasificar los impactos ambientales de cada sector del proyecto, dividiéndolos en positivos y negativos. El estudio incluyó las consecuencias en una tabla, separando las positivas y negativas, y analizando la relación entre cada sector y sus consecuencias. El análisis verifica la importancia de dos impactos, tanto positivos como negativos, y calcula el índice de interacción para cada subsistema, clasificando los impactos y recomendando alternativas o medidas. De esta manera, la evaluación de impacto ambiental de una terminal petroquímica identifica los posibles efectos del proyecto y propone medidas mitigantes y alternativas para minimizar los impactos ambientales y promover el desarrollo sostenible.
Palabras clave: Análisis de sistemas; impactos ambientales; desarrollo sostenible;
Double chiral resonances in a quasi-BIC metasurface with both strong circular dichroism and high quality factor
Authors: Cao Shichen , Sun Peiyu , Yu Jiachen , Wulan Qiqige , Xing Li , Liu Yue , Liu Zhijun
Published: January 2025

Chiral metamaterials with high quality factor resonance present an attractive platform for manipulating light–matter interactions for both fundamental and applied explorations. As limited by the nonintuitive design paradigm, it is challenging to obtain multiple chiral resonances with strong circular dichroism in one metamaterial structure, which could be useful for sensing applications with unprecedented performance. In this work, we propose a dielectric metasurface, which exhibits two quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) with both high quality (Q) factor and strong circular dichroism. In our designed metasurface made of asymmetric silicon ellipse pairs, two quasi-BICs are excited at 50.48 and 51.82 THz. Their chiral resonant responses lead to circular dichroism values of −0.87 and 0.91 and Q factors of 3873 and 7196, respectively. The two chiral resonances exhibit high sensitivities of 17.87 and 9.14 THz/RIU and figures of merit (FOMs) of 1371 and 1269RIU−1 when they are used separately in refractive index sensing. For the case of using them jointly by tracking their frequency interval, a slightly smaller sensitivity of 8.73 THz/RIU is revealed in simulation. In addition, frequency shifts of the two chiral resonances are also suitable for distinguishing enantiomers in chiral sensing. These findings suggest that quasi-BIC-based metasurfaces offer a route to obtain multiple high-Q chiral resonant modes, which could boost the performance of metamaterial applications in sensing, light polarization control, spectroscopy, etc.
Ten simple rules to complete successfully a computational MSc thesis project
Authors: Saccenti Edoardo , Furlan Cristina
Published: January 2025

The thesis project is an essential step to obtain an MSc degree. Within STEM and Life Sciences disciplines, computational theses have specific characteristics that differentiate them from wet laboratory ones. In this article, we present Ten simple rules to direct and support Master students who are about to start a computational research project for their Master thesis. We begin by recommending defining the personal learning goals for the project; we then highlight specific pitfalls that computational students might encounter during their work, such as procrastination by computation or wasting time while attempting to reinvent computational tools. We provide the students a series of suggestions on how to work following FAIR principles, learn new computing languages, and think ahead for computational challenges. We hope that these 10 simple rules will provide Master students with a framework for the successful completion of their computational thesis.
Comparative efficacy of robot-assisted therapy associated with other different interventions on upper limb rehabilitation after stroke: A protocol for a network meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Qian , Liu Zuoyan , Xu Yang , Liu Li , Wang Fang , Zhao Fanyu , Cheng Hong , Hu Xiuying
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Post-stroke movement disorders are common, especially upper limb dysfunction, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of stroke patients. With the continuous development of intelligent technology, robot-assisted therapy has become a research hotspot in the upper limb rehabilitation of stroke patients in recent years. Many scholars have also integrated robot-assisted therapy with other interventions to improve rehabilitation outcomes. However, there is a lack of research to determine which auxiliary intervention is the best. Therefore, this protocol aims to guide the development of a network meta-analysis, which helps determine the most suitable auxiliary interventions for robot-assisted therapy.

Methods and analysis

Published randomized controlled trials will be included if robot-assisted therapy or robot-assisted therapy associated with other different interventions was applied in stroke patients with upper limb dysfunction in the experimental group and usual rehabilitation treatment and care was applied in the control group. CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, CNKI, and Wanfang electronic databases will be searched. Studies should be published between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2023. Two reviewers will independently select studies and extra data, and assess the quality of the included studies. The risk of bias will be evaluated based on the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. The evidence quality will be measured according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. A network meta-analysis will be conducted by using STATA version 15.0 and R version 4.1.3. The probabilities of rehabilitation interventions will be ranked according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not needed for reviewing published studies. The results will be submitted to a journal.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023486570.
The importance of method selection when estimating diet composition with quantitative fatty acid signature analysis
Authors: Bromaghin Jeffrey F. , Atwood Todd C. , Rode Karyn D.
Published: January 2025

Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) is a common method of estimating the composition of prey species in the diets of consumers from polar and temperate ecosystems in which lipids are an important source of energy. A key characteristic of QFASA is that the large number of fatty acids that typically comprise lipids permits the dietary contributions of a correspondingly large number of prey types to be estimated. Several modifications to the original QFASA methods have been suggested in the literature and a significant extension of the original model published in 2017 allows simultaneous estimation of both diet proportions and calibration coefficients, which are metabolic constants in the model whose values must otherwise be estimated in independent feeding experiments. However, comparisons of diet estimates obtained using different estimation options have been limited. QFASA has been used to estimate the diet composition of several polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulations, including the Southern Beaufort Sea (SBS) subpopulation. Prior QFASA estimates of SBS polar bear diet composition have most often been obtained using variations of the original QFASA model. We investigated the influence of variations in QFASA analytical methods on diet estimates by re-estimating the diet composition of polar bears from the Alaska portion of the SBS using three different methods and found that differences among the three sets of estimates were substantial. Our results illustrate how important the careful and deliberate selection of QFASA methods can be and we provide some guidance on techniques one might use to evaluate options.
CT scan-derived pectoralis muscle parameters are closely associated with COVID-19 outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Zhang , Wang Tao , Luo Sha , Liu Yiwen
Published: January 2025

Background

The relationships between pectoralis muscle parameters and outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain uncertain.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library from 1 January 2019 to 1 May 2024 to identify non-overlapping studies evaluating pectoralis muscle-associated index on chest CT scan with clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients. Random-effects and fixed-effects meta-analyses were performed, and heterogeneity between studies was quantified using the I2 statistic. The risk of study bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Funnel plots for detecting small-study effects.

Results

A total of 9 studies with 4109 COVID-19 patients were included. The meta-analysis findings revealed a correlation between pectoralis muscle parameters and COVID-19 prognosis. Specifically, patients with higher pectoralis muscle density (PMD) exhibited a lower mortality risk, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.99). The rate of intubation was lower in COVID-19 patients with a high pectoralis muscle index (PMI) (OR =  0.96, 95% CI: 0.92–1.00).

Conclusion

In summary, a low PMD is associated with a marginally elevated risk of mortality, whereas a decreased PMI represents a risk factor for intubation in COVID-19 patients. These findings suggest that pectoralis muscle parameters on chest CT may be a useful prognostic tool for COVID-19 patients.
Dapagliflozin inhibits ferroptosis to improve chronic heart failure by regulating Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Xuefeng , Lv Shilin , Hao Qingqing
Published: January 2025

Objective

To study the effect of Dapagliflozin on ferroptosis in rabbits with chronic heart failure and to reveal its possible mechanism.

Methods

Nine healthy adult male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into Sham group (only thorax opening was performed in Sham group, no ascending aorta circumferential ligation was performed), Heart failure group (HF group, ascending aorta circumferential ligation was performed in HF group to establish the animal model of heart failure), and Dapagliflozin group (DAPA group, after the rabbit chronic heart failure model was successfully made in DAPA group). Dapagliflozin was given by force-feeding method. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function, HE staining to evaluate pathological changes in the heart, Prussia blue staining to observe iron ions in myocardial tissue, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine serum levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at the end of week 12 and/or the end of week 16. The oxidative stress related indexes of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and superoxide dismutase (GSH-Px) in serum were quantitatively analyzed by colorimetry. Protein expression levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 4(Gpx4) were detected by Western blot.

Results

In animals with chronic heart failure, Dapagliflozin improved cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, degeneration and necrosis. Dapagliflozin increased serum GSH-Px and SOD levels and decreased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MDA levels (P < 0.05) in a rabbit model of heart failure. Dapagliflozin also decreased cardiac iron ion levels and increased Nrf2, HO-1 and GPX4 protein expression.

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin can improve heart failure by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
Association between chiropractic spinal manipulation for sciatica and opioid-related adverse events: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Trager Robert J. , Cupler Zachary A. , Srinivasan Roshini , Harper Elleson G. , Perez Jaime A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Patients receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation (CSM) for spinal pain are less likely to be prescribed opioids, and some evidence suggests that these patients have a lower risk of any type of adverse drug event. We hypothesize that adults receiving CSM for sciatica will have a reduced risk of opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs) over a one-year follow-up compared to matched controls not receiving CSM.

Methods

We searched a United States (US) claims-based data resource (Diamond Network, TriNetX, Inc.) of more than 216 million patients, yielding data ranging from 2009 to 2024. We included patients aged ≥18 years with sciatica, excluding those post-spine surgery, prior anesthesia, serious pathology, high risk of ORADEs, and an ORADE ≤ 1-year prior. Patients were divided into two cohorts: (1) CSM and (2) usual medical care. We used propensity score matching to control for confounding variables associated with ORADEs. Comparative outcomes were analyzed by calculating risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the incidence of ORADEs and oral opioid prescription between cohorts.

Results

372,471 patients per cohort remained after matching. The incidence of ORADEs over 1-year follow-up was less in the CSM cohort compared to the usual medical care cohort (CSM: 0.09%; usual medical care: 0.30%), yielding an RR of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.25–0.32; P < .00001). CSM patients had a lower risk of receiving an oral opioid prescription (RR of 0.68 [95% CI: 0.68–0.69; P < .00001]).

Conclusions

This study found that adults with sciatica who initially received CSM had a lower risk of an ORADE compared to matched controls not initially receiving CSM, likely explained by a lower probability of opioid prescription. These findings corroborate existing practice guidelines which recommend adding CSM to the management of sciatica when appropriately indicated.
Translation and cultural adaption of MacLeod Clark professional identity scale among Chinese therapy students
Authors: Shu Xiaoyi , Feng Chun , Ip Chak-Lam , Zhang Xin , Yang Nan , Li Shibo , Han Jia , Wu Weibing , Knight Alec
Published: January 2025

Background

Fostering a strong professional identity (PI) enhances career fulfillment. In China, therapy education is undergoing development, integrating both Western and traditional health concepts, causing inconsistent PI among therapy students. To date, no validated tools exist to measure and monitor PI of Chinese therapy students. This study aimed to translate and validate the 9-item MacLeod Clark Professional Identity Scale (MCPIS-9) for this purpose.

Design

This study involved translation and cultural adaptation of the MCPIS-9, followed by a rigorous assessment of its model fit and psychometric properties using data collected via an online questionnaire.

Methods

A forward- and backward- translation process was conducted. Content validity was evaluated using item-level content validity index (I-CVI) and scale level content validity index average method (S-CVI/Ave). Therapy students across all grades at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in China were eligible. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) examined the underlying factor structure. Model fit was evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) and Root Mean Square of Error of Approximation (RMSEA). Convergent validity was assessed through Pearson’s correlations coefficient (r) with the Professional Identity Scale for Health Students and Professionals (PISHSP). Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s Alpha (Cα) and McDonald’s Omega (ω).

Results

A total of 1054 students participated. Content validity was excellent (I-CVI = 0.86–1.0, S-CVI/Ave = 0.98). EFA indicated a two-factor structure with acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.978; TLI = 0.968; SRMR = 0.033; RMSEA = 0.063). Reliability was strong (Cα = 0.835; ω = 0.817). Convergent validity demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.75) with the PISHSP.

Conclusions

The Chinese MCPIS-9 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing PI among therapy students. Future research could focus on refining item 4 of this tool, potentially through further exploration of therapy students’ perceptions of PI within the unique context of the Chinese healthcare system.