bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycemic Effect of the N‐Butanol Fraction of Torreya grandis Leaves on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Rats through the Amelioration of Oxidative Stress and Enhancement of β‐Cell Function
Authors: Li Xue-Qin , Jia Shan-Shan , Yuan Ke , Jin Song-Heng
Published: December 2022

Content. The water and ethanol extracts of Torreya grandis (T. grandis) have antioxidant, antibacterial, and hypolipidemic effects. Objective. The hypoglycemic effect and mechanism of the n‐butanol fraction of the 75% ethanol extract of T. grandis leaves (BFTL) on rats with streptozotocin‐ and high‐fat diet‐induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were investigated. Materials and Methods. Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, T2DM, metformin, high‐dose BFTL (800 mg/kg), middle‐dose BFTL (400 mg/kg), and low‐dose BFTL (200 mg/kg). After 4 weeks of BFTL treatment, the correlations of serum indicators with protein expression in tissue were determined, and pathological changes in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas were analyzed. Results. Compared with the results in the T2DM group, serum fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly decreased ( p < 0.05), whereas superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly increased ( p < 0.05) in the high‐, middle‐, and low‐dose BFTL groups. The treatment also improved oral glucose tolerance. In addition, the pathological changes of the liver, kidney, and pancreas were improved by BFTL treatment. Cytochrome and caspase‐3 expression in pancreatic was significantly decreased ( p < 0.05) by BFTL treatment, whereas the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio was significantly increased ( p < 0.05). Discussion and Conclusion. BFTL exerted significant hypoglycemic effect on T2DM model rats, and its mechanism involved the suppression of blood glucose levels and oxidative stress by improving the metabolism of blood lipids and antioxidant capacity, boosting β‐cell function, and inhibiting β‐cell apoptosis.
Diagnostic Delay in Coeliac Disease: A Survey among Danish Patients
Authors: Kårhus Line Lund , Hansen Susanne , Rumessen Jüri J. , Linneberg Allan
Published: December 2022

Background. Coeliac disease affects around 1% of the population, although many cases remain undiagnosed. Underdiagnosis and diagnostic delay in coeliac disease may cause health complications and be a burden for both the patient and society. Casuistic reports indicate that the diagnostic delay may be significant in Danish patients. Aim. To investigate the diagnostic delay among Danish patients with coeliac disease. Methods. We performed a survey among coeliac disease patients to investigate the diagnostic delay. A web-based questionnaire was sent to all members of The Danish Coeliac Society. Results. The questionnaire was completed by 1,392 individuals with a diagnosis of coeliac disease (78.1% women; mean age: 42.8 years). The mean delay was 1.8 (SD 5.0) years from the first symptom to the first health care contact and 5.8 (SD 9.5) years from the first symptom to diagnosis; 18.6% of the participants reported a total diagnostic delay of more than 10 years. Among the patient-reported reasons for delay were misunderstandings, unspecific symptoms, and a lack of knowledge or focus on coeliac disease among the doctors. In total, 52.7% rated the time to diagnosis to have been “too long,” and 20.1% were not satisfied with the diagnostic process. However, the majority were “to some extent” or “very” satisfied with the diagnostic process. Conclusion. We found evidence of a significant diagnostic delay among Danish patients with coeliac disease. This was primarily due to the delay from the time of first health care contact to the time of diagnosis. This study highlights the importance of raising awareness of coeliac disease among health care professionals.
Identification of the Immune Cell Infiltration Landscape in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSC) for the Exploration of Immunotherapy and Prognosis
Authors: Huang Chunli , Liu Jifeng
Published: December 2022

It is generally believed that the majority of head and neck cancers develop in the mucosal epithelial cells of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx, which is collectively known as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). As a complex pathological process, HNSC develops through a variety of cellular and molecular events. Cancerous cells and immune cells infiltrating tumors are the main components of the tumor microenvironment. However, infiltration of HNSCs by the immune system has not been determined to date. In this work, we proposed computational algorithms to identify different immune subtypes. An analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed gene expression profiles and corresponding clinical information. In HNSC patients, two immune-related genes (ZAP70 and IGKV2D-40) may be targets for immunotherapy, and these genes appear to be closely related to the prognosis. Several immunological subtypes were associated with immune function, immune checkpoints, and prognostic factors in HNSCs. Furthermore, ZAP70 is closely related to the overall survival (OS), progress-free interval (PFI), and disease-specific survival (DSS) of HNSC patients. The potential pathways that are associated with ZAP70 were found to have included adaptive immune response, response to oxidative stress, DNA replication, and lipid binding. This study provides a theoretical foundation for developing immunotherapy drugs for HNSC patients. By evaluating larger cohorts, we can gain a deeper understanding of immunotherapy and provide direction for current research on immunotherapy strategies in HNSCs.
Zinc Deficiency-Associated Dysgeusia Preventing the Improvement of Severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Authors: Tanabe Shohei , Sugino Sachiyo , Ichida Kotaro , Niiya Kiyoshi , Morishima Syuji
Published: December 2022

A 23-year-old primigravida visited the hospital frequently since the early phase of her pregnancy because of severe hyperemesis gravidarum. She was hospitalized for the same at 14 weeks and 1 day of pregnancy. After admission, peripheral intravenous nutrition was started; however, her symptoms did not improve. At 17 weeks and 1 day of gestation, a blood sample was collected to determine the presence of trace element deficiencies, and a zinc deficiency was revealed. We examined the patient’s symptoms and found that she had developed dysgeusia. After receiving a zinc preparation, her taste disorder gradually improved, and her oral intake increased. Her hyperemesis gravidarum resolved, and she was discharged from the hospital at 18 weeks and 2 days of gestation. The findings from this case suggest that prolonged peripheral intravenous nutrition in patients with severe hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to zinc deficiency and impede the successful treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Outcomes among Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma Post-Covalent BTK Inhibitor Therapy in the United States: A Real-World Electronic Medical Records Study
Authors: Hess Lisa M. , Chen Yongmei , Abada Paolo B. , Konig Heiko , Walgren Richard A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose. There remains a lack of consensus among experts regarding the optimal therapeutic approach for Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) after failure of covalent Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (cBTKi)-based therapy. This study was designed to examine patient characteristics, current treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes using a real-world database to evaluate how MCL is currently managed post-cBTKi therapy in the U.S. Methods. A large, deidentified U.S. electronic medical record (EMR) oncology database (ConcertAI) with data from January 2011 to July 2021 was utilized for this study. Eligible patients were adults with MCL who had received at least one cBTKi. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate patient characteristics and treatment patterns. Time-to-event real-world outcomes of duration of therapy, time to next treatment discontinuation, and overall survival was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results. A total of 946 patients met eligibility criteria. Of these, 739 (78.1%) discontinued cBTKi treatment before the end of the follow-up period, while the remaining 207 (21.9%) were still receiving cBTKi therapy at the end of the follow-up period. Among those who had discontinued the cBTKi, 352 (47.6%, 352/739) received at least one subsequent (post-cBTKi) treatment. The median duration of the immediate post-cBTKi therapy was 2.6 months (n = 352). Among the 739 patients who discontinued cBTKi treatment, the median time from cBTKi discontinuation to next treatment discontinuation or death was 3.9 months and the median overall survival was 10.3 months. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the poor outcomes experienced by patients after cBTKi therapy. There is an urgent need for safe and effective treatments for patients with recurrent or progressive MCL.
Intraspecific Morphological Variations among the Populations of Milicia excelsa, Pouteria adolfi-friedericii, and Prunus africana in Different Natural Forests of Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Mohammed Adefa , Mulatu Mengesha Yigardu
Published: December 2022

Plants have the ability to change their morphological and physiological traits in response to environmental variations. The objective of this study was to determine the intraspecific morphological variations among the populations of M. excelsa, P. adolfi-friedericii, and P. africana in southwest Ethiopia. Representative forests were systematically selected, and a total of ten transects of 160 m length were randomly laid at 100 m intervals, and 30 quadrats (20 m by 20 m) were laid along each transect line at 50 m intervals. Stem height, DBH, and bole length of trees for each species were measured in each quadrat. The intraspecific morphological variations among populations of each species were computed using hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) with R.4.1.3. A total of 55 trees for M. excelsa in four forests, 232 trees for P. adolfi-friedericii in eight forests, and 184 trees for P. africana in five forests were measured. Accordingly, three, five, and three population clusters were identified for M. excelsa, P. adolfi-friedericii, and P. africana, respectively. The analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) indicated the presence of considerable dissimilarity among population clusters for M. excelsa and P. africana but was not significant at

p
≤
0.05

(R = 0.9,

p
=
0.17

). However, ANOSIM indicated the presence of considerable dissimilarity among population clusters of P. adolfi-freidericii, which was significant at

p
≤
0.05

(R = 0.9,

p
=
0.03

). Overall, there was a visible morphological variability among the populations of M. excelsa, P. adolfi-friedericii, and P. africana each at the different sites. Therefore, it is important to look for conservation strategies, such as domestication, to maintain and improve the variability and genetic quality among the populations in a wider scale of the ecological and social environment.
A Ubiquitination Cascade Regulating the Integrated Stress Response and Survival in Carcinomas
Authors: Cervia Lisa D. , Shibue Tsukasa , Borah Ashir A. , Gaeta Benjamin , He Linh , Leung Lisa , Li Naomi , Moyer Sydney M. , Shim Brian H. , Dumont Nancy , Gonzalez Alfredo , Bick Nolan R. , Kazachkova Mariya , Dempster Joshua M. , Krill-Burger John Michael , Piccioni Federica , Udeshi Namrata D. , Olive Meagan E. , Carr Steven A. , Root David E. , McFarland James M. , Vazquez Francisca , Hahn William C.
Published: December 2022

Systematic identification of signaling pathways required for the fitness of cancer cells will facilitate the development of new cancer therapies. We used gene essentiality measurements in 1,086 cancer cell lines to identify selective coessentiality modules and found that a ubiquitin ligase complex composed of UBA6, BIRC6, KCMF1, and UBR4 is required for the survival of a subset of epithelial tumors that exhibit a high degree of aneuploidy. Suppressing BIRC6 in cell lines that are dependent on this complex led to a substantial reduction in cell fitness in vitro and potent tumor regression in vivo. Mechanistically, BIRC6 suppression resulted in selective activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) by stabilization of the heme-regulated inhibitor, a direct ubiquitination target of the UBA6/BIRC6/KCMF1/UBR4 complex. These observations uncover a novel ubiquitination cascade that regulates ISR and highlight the potential of ISR activation as a new therapeutic strategy.

Significance:

We describe the identification of a heretofore unrecognized ubiquitin ligase complex that prevents the aberrant activation of the ISR in a subset of cancer cells. This provides a novel insight on the regulation of ISR and exposes a therapeutic opportunity to selectively eliminate these cancer cells.

See related commentary Leli and Koumenis, p. 535.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 517
Successful Treatment of Bronchopulmonary Sequestration by Radiofrequency Ablation of Feeding Artery
Authors: Dadhwal Vatsla , Sharma K. Aparna , Sahay Neha , Rana Anubhuti , Chitkara Arti
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Most cases of bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) regress. Prenatal intervention is needed in cases of fetal hydrothorax or hydrops. Laser is commonly used to ablate the feeding artery. Case Presentation: In a fetus with BPS, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was used to ablate the feeding artery arising from descending aorta at 29 weeks gestation. There was an extralobar BPS and significant pleural effusion causing mediastinal shift and collapse of lung. The effusion and tumor started decreasing from day 3 after procedure, and by the time patient delivered at 36 weeks gestation, the lesion had almost resolved. Conclusion: With proper technique, RFA can be safely used to ablate feeding artery in BPS.
Different Clinical Features of Pediatric Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in Patients with or without IL36RN Variants
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Xiang Xin , Chen Yunliu , Qi Zhan , Miao Chaoyang , Liu Yuanxiang , Zhao Xinrong , Zhang Yimeng , Zhang Zhenhua , Li Wei , Xu Zigang , Ma Lin
Published: December 2022

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and life-threatening autoinflammatory dermatological disease. IL36RN was reported to be the main pathogenetic basis for GPP. Only a few studies have reported on the correlation analysis of IL36RN variants and the phenotype of pediatric-onset GPP. Methods: IL36RN was screened in 60 children diagnosed with GPP from January 2013 to January 2020, and their detailed clinical profiles were obtained. Results: Forty-six out of 60 (76.67%) patients harbored IL36RN variants, and six IL36RN variants were found, of which two were novel variants that were reported for the first time. The frequency of IL36RN variants was significantly different among the subtypes of GPP (GPP with acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau group (ACH), 100%; GPP without plaque psoriasis (PV) and ACH, 78.05%; GPP with PV group, 44.44%) (p = 0.018), while the percentage of IL36RN variants in the GPP with ACH group was higher than that in the GPP with PV group (p < 0.05). IL36RN variants were associated with a lower percentage of PV, longer length of hospitalization, and longer time to reach normal body temperature after treatment (p < 0.05). After treatment, marked responses, moderate responses, and no responses were recorded in 75.00%, 8.33%, and 16.67% of patients, respectively. No significant difference was observed during efficacy assessment in patients with or without IL36RN variants (χ2 = 1.122, p > 0.05). Conclusions: IL36RN variants are associated with GPP with ACH subtypes, an absence of concurrent PV, and a greater extent of severe inflammation. Acitretin was an effective treatment for patients in our study and mostly resulted in a marked response in our cohort.
A Taiwan Nationwide Population-Based Study of Socio-Demographic Factors and Comorbid Conditions Associated with Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Jan Ren-Long , Ho Chung-Han , Wang Jhi-Joung , Chang Yuh-Shin
Published: December 2022

Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the socio-demographic factors and systemic conditions associated with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods: This was a nationwide population-based retrospective case-controlled study that recruited 9,261 NAION patients selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The control group consisted of 9,261 age-, sex-, and index date-matched non-NAION patients recruited from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, 2000. NAION was designated in the database by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) as “code 377.41: ischaemic optic neuropathy without ICD-9-CM code 446.5: giant cell arteritis.” Associated socio-demographic factors and systemic medical conditions were analysed using the McNemar’s test, and continuous variables were analysed using the paired t test. The odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR of developing NAION were compared using univariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses, respectively. Results: Patients with systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, chronic kidney disease, and hypotension were more likely to develop NAION than controls (adjusted OR = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.67–1.97, p < 0.0001; adjusted OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.36–1.57, p < 0.0001; adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.33–1.57, p < 0.0001; adjusted OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 2.65–4.01, p < 0.0001; adjusted OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.31–4.10, p = 0.0039, respectively). Conclusions: NAION is strongly associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, chronic kidney disease, and hypotension.
Hydrogen Sulfide Modulates Endothelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Heart Failure
Authors: Li Zhen , Xia Huijing , Sharp Thomas E. , LaPenna Kyle B. , Katsouda Antonia , Elrod John W. , Pfeilschifter Josef , Beck Karl-Friedrich , Xu Shi , Xian Ming , Goodchild Traci T. , Papapetropoulos Andreas , Lefer David J.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Hydrogen sulfide is a critical endogenous signaling molecule that exerts protective effects in the setting of heart failure. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), 1 of 3 hydrogen-sulfide–producing enzyme, is predominantly localized in the vascular endothelium. The interaction between the endothelial CSE–hydrogen sulfide axis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition, an important pathological process contributing to the formation of fibrosis, has yet to be investigated.

Methods:

Endothelial-cell–specific CSE knockout and Endothelial cell-CSE overexpressing mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction to induce heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Cardiac function, vascular reactivity, and treadmill exercise capacity were measured to determine the severity of heart failure. Histological and gene expression analyses were performed to investigate changes in cardiac fibrosis and the activation of endothelial–mesenchymal transition.

Results:

Endothelial-cell–specific CSE knockout mice exhibited increased endothelial–mesenchymal transition and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability in the myocardium, which was associated with increased cardiac fibrosis, impaired cardiac and vascular function, and worsened exercise performance. In contrast, genetic overexpression of CSE in endothelial cells led to increased myocardial nitric oxide, decreased endothelial–mesenchymal transition and cardiac fibrosis, preserved cardiac and endothelial function, and improved exercise capacity.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that endothelial CSE modulates endothelial–mesenchymal transition and ameliorate the severity of pressure-overload–induced heart failure, in part, through nitric oxide-related mechanisms. These data further suggest that endothelium-derived hydrogen sulfide is a potential therapeutic for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
The Epistemological Relevance of Conceptual Change
Authors: Liptow Jasper
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this article is to show that the customary understanding of epistemic progress as a kind of belief change is incomplete and that conceptual change has to be acknowledged as a crucial driving force in epistemic progress. The author’s argument for the epistemological relevance of conceptual change proceeds as follows. First, he develops an account of conceptual change that clearly distinguishes conceptual change from belief change. He then takes a closer look at two kinds of conceptual change that are of special interest from an epistemological point of view. He calls them “disclosing” conceptual change and “revisionary” conceptual change. He then shows that the idea of epistemic value that demarcates the realm of epistemological inquiry applies to concepts and conceptual change.
“Dann ich auch der gůten Gesellen einer bin die man die freyen Knaben nennet.”
Authors: Wirth Luca Lil
Published: December 2022

This article reinterprets the alleged self-portrayal of the early modern author Michael Lindener (* between 1520 and 1530, † 1562) in his Schwanksammlung Katzipori (1558) by revealing its fictional character. Scholars read the text as the autobiography of a morally despicable bon vivant. Against this line of interpretation, this article proposes a radical distinction between author and narrator, showing how Lindener ironically undermines the well-established canon of poetical rules of his time while portraying himself as the mischievous libertine Compan.
Desanka Maksimović’s Engaged Medical Novel “The Open Window” (1954): Tuberculosis as a Social(ist) Issue
Authors: Barać Stanislava
Published: December 2022

Desanka Maksimović’s Engaged Medical Novel The Open Window (1954): Tuberculosis as a Social(ist) Issue The Open Window (1954) is a novel written by the critically acclaimed and renowned poet Desanka Maksimović and continues in the same vein as her pre-war socially engaged short stories. It shows a possible new form of engagement not only in the author’s own work but also in Yugoslav literature in general. The initial hypothesis of this paper is that Maksimović – by intentionally choosing the genre of thethesis novel, and by shaping (consciously or unconsciously) the genre ofder Arztroman or the medical novel – takes part in a tradition of popular genres which hybridizes enlightenment with entertainment. The aims of this paper are a) to define the given genres and place The Open Window within the traditions mentioned above; b) to define and analyze the novel’s representation of tuberculosis; c) to explain how the author placed the subject of this contagious disease and its epidemic spread throughout the Kingdom of Yugoslavia into the frame of the debate between conservative and emancipatory social movements.Zaangażowana powieść medyczna Desanki Maksimović Otwarte okno (1954). Gruźlica jako problem socjal(istycz)nyOtwarte okno (1954) to powieść cenionej przez krytykę poetki Desanki Maksimović, która wpisuje się w nurt pisanych przez nią przed wojną zaangażowanych społecznie opowiadań. Powieść wyznacza nie tylko nowy kierunek zaangażowania autorki w obrębie jej własnej twórczości, lecz także w literaturze jugosłowiańskiej w ogóle. Wstępna hipoteza artykułu jest taka, że Maksimović – wybierając gatunek powieści z tezą i (świadomie lub nie) kształtując gatunek der Arztroman czy też powieści medycznej – wpisuje się w tradycję gatunków popularnych, które łączą naukę z rozrywką. Celem artykułu jest: a) zdefiniowanie danych gatunków i umiejscowienie Otwartego okna w ramach wymienionych tradycji; b) zdefiniowanie i przeanalizowanie obrazu gruźlicy w powieści; c) wyjaśnienie, w jaki sposób autorka wpisała temat tej zakaźnej choroby i jej epidemii w Królestwie Jugosławii w ramy debaty między konserwatywnymi i emancypacyjnymi ruchami społecznymi.
Violence and Sex and Violence Again: The Sexual Revolution in the Films of the Yugoslav Black Wave
Authors: Pająk Patrycjusz
Published: December 2022

Violence and Sex and Violence again: The Sexual Revolution in the Films of the Yugoslav Black WaveThe sexual revolution, regarded as one of the main hallmarks of the 1968 revolution, left a distinct mark in four Serbian films of the Yugoslav Black Wave: Early Works (Rani radovi, 1969) by Želimir Žilnik, Plastic Jesus (Plastični Isus, 1971) by Lazar Stojanović, W.R.: Mysteries of the Organism (WR – misterije organizma, 1971) by Dušan Makavejev and Young and Healthy As a Rose (Mlad i zdrav kao ruža, 1971) by Jovan Jovanović. These films tackle the issue of the relationship between violence and sexuality, which was crucial for the course of the revolution. Sexual freedom was recognised by the revolutionaries of 1968 as a fundamental manifestation of the individual freedom for which they fought, resisting the violence resulting from the current political and cultural tradition. The directors of these films ironically illustrate how the implementation of the revolutionary demand that sex replace violence as a force shaping social life leads to a paradoxical effect: the revelation of sexuality’s organic entanglement in violence, rooted in human nature.Przemoc i seks, i znów przemoc. Rewolucja seksualna w filmach jugosłowiańskiej czarnej faliRewolucja seksualna, traktowana jako jeden z głównych wyróżników rewolucji ’68, zostawiła wyraźny ślad w czterech serbskich filmach należących do jugosłowiańskiej czarnej fali. Młode lata (Rani radovi, 1969) Želimira Žilnika, Plastikowy Jezus (Plastični Isus, 1971) Lazara Stojanovcia, WR – tajemnice organizmu (WR – misterije organizma, 1971) Dušana Makavejeva oraz Młody i zdrowy jak róża (Mlad i zdrav kao ruža, 1971) Jovana Jovanovicia podejmują kluczowy dla przebiegu tej rewolucji problem relacji między przemocą a seksualnością. Wolność seksualną rewolucjoniści roku 1968 uznawali za podstawowy przejaw wolności indywidualnej, o którą walczyli, stawiając opór przemocy wypływającej z aktualnej polityki i tradycji kulturowej. Reżyserzy wymienionych filmów ironicznie obrazują, jak realizacja rewolucyjnego postulatu, by seks zastąpił przemoc w roli siły kształtującej życie społeczne, prowadzi do efektu paradoksalnego – do ujawnienia się organicznego, zakorzenionego w ludzkiej naturze, uwikłania seksualności w przemoc.
Epidemic and Social Isolation: Research on the Tuberculosis Epidemic until the Middle of the 20th Century and Patients’ Social Problems, Treatment and Adaptation
Authors: Azmanova-Rudarska Elena
Published: December 2022

Epidemic and Social Isolation: Research on the Tuberculosis Epidemic until the Middle of the 20th Century and Patients’ Social Problems, Treatment and AdaptationThis article is a review of a study entitled Социалната болест. Туберкулозата в България през първата половина на ХХ век [The Social Disease – Tuberculosis in Bulgaria in the First Half of the 20th Century], authored by Milena Angelova (Blagoevgrad, 2021, 346 pp.).Izolacja epidemiologiczna i społeczna. Badania nad epidemią gruźlicy do połowy XX wieku oraz problemami społecznymi pacjentów, ich leczeniem i adaptacją Artykuł jest recenzją książki zatytułowanej Социалната болест. Туберкулозата в България през първата половина на ХХ век [Choroba społeczna – gruźlica w Bułgarii w pierwszej połowie XX wieku] autorstwa Mileny Angelovej (Blagoevgrad 2021, 346 ss.).
The Dead Female Body and Necropolitics. The Topos of a Walled-up Woman in Bulgarian Modernist Plays
Authors: Szwat-Gyłybowa Grażyna
Published: December 2022

The Dead Female Body and Necropolitics. The Topos of a Walled-up Woman in Bulgarian Modernist PlaysIn Bulgarian folk tradition, the topos of a woman entombed in a wall is a remnant of a dead myth that is still commemorated in the canon of that culture. In the 19th and 20th centuries, it became the subject of creative recycling in literature and visual arts. The article presents the results of my research on the topos of a walled-up woman in four plays written in the first four decades of the 20th century by Petko Todorov (Зидари), Anton Strashimirov (На безкръстните гробове), Ana Karima (Яниният извор), and Stilyan Chilingirov (Мост на река Струма). The analysis focuses on the issue of the protagonists assigning meaning (determined by cultural gender) to women’s remains “acquired” through the ritual of immurement. It also discusses the ways in which authors employed this “remnant” of national/folk archaic material, which continued to raise moral concern throughout the 20th century and in the 21st century may prove an interesting topic for post-humanist reflection.Martwe kobiece ciało i nekropolityka. Topos wmurowanej kobiety w bułgarskich sztukach modernistycznychW bułgarskiej tradycji ludowej topos wmurowanej kobiety jest pozostałością martwego mitu, który nadal jest upamiętniany w kanonie tej kultury. W XIX i XX wieku stał się on przedmiotem twórczego recyklingu w literaturze i sztukach wizualnych. Artykuł prezentuje wyniki moich badań nad toposem wmurowanej kobiety w czterech sztukach napisanych w pierwszych czterech dekadach XX wieku przez Petko Todorova (Зидари), Antona Strashimirowa (На безкръстните гробове), Any Karimy (Яниният извор) oraz Stilyana Chilingirova (Мост на река Струма). W centrum uwagi stawiam kwestię zdeterminowanego przez płeć kulturową znaczenia, jakie bohaterowie nadają szczątkom kobiecym pozyskanym w wyniku rytuału wmurowania. Omawiam także sposoby, jakimi autorzy wykorzystali tę „pozostałość” narodowej/ludowej archaiczności, która przez cały XX wiek budziła moralny niepokój, a w XXI wieku może okazać się ważnym tematem refleksji post-humanistycznej.
I Think, I Feel, I Decide: The Polish Struggle for Reproductive Rights
Authors: Pupavac Milica
Published: December 2022

I Think, I Feel, I Decide: The Polish Struggle for Reproductive RightsIn the monograph Gender, Voice, and Violence in Poland: Women’s Protests during the Pandemic, editors Adrianna Zabrzewska and Joshua K. Dubrow have compiled a variety of voices to create a snapshot of a tumultuous time in Polish society, when, in autumn of 2020, the Constitutional Tribunal limited the already heavily restricted abortion access, and unprecedented street protests ensued in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the voices of activists, politicians and academics, the editors provide the wider context of the ruling, the protests, and the struggles of the pro-choice and adjacent movements in Poland. Besides documenting these events, the monograph represents an expansive resource for researchers, teachers, and activists alike.Myślę, czuję, decyduję. Polska walka o prawa reprodukcyjneW monografii Gender, Voice, and Violence in Poland: Women’s Protests during the Pandemic redaktorzy Adrianna Zabrzewska i Joshua K. Dubrow zebrali różnorodne głosy, aby stworzyć migawkę burzliwych czasów w społeczeństwie polskim, kiedy to wskutek radykalnego ograniczenia dostępu do aborcji przez Trybunał Konstytucyjny jesienią 2020 roku w warunkach pandemii COVID-19 doszło do niespotykanych dotąd protestów społecznych. Za pośrednictwem głosów aktywistów, polityków i naukowców redaktorzy przedstawiają szerszy kontekst władzy, protestów i walk ruchów pro-choice i podobnych w Polsce. Monografia nie tylko dokumentuje same wydarzenia, lecz stanowi także bogate źródło informacji zarówno dla badaczy, nauczycieli, jak i aktywistów.
Numerical Simulations of the Thermal Effect on Flow and Dispersion around an Isolated Building
Authors: Huang Xiaohui , Wang Hongtao , Gao Lizhen
Published: December 2022

The effect of temperature on flow and pollutant dispersion around an isolated building was investigated by computational fluid dynamics. First, the accuracy of the standard k–ε turbulence model in simulating the thermal effect on the flow and dispersion was assessed. The results showed that the reattachment of the numerical simulation behind the building was longer than that in the experiment because it could not reproduce the periodic fluctuations in the wake region and that the momentum transfer in the lateral direction was underestimated. Despite this, the temperature and concentration of the numerical simulation were in good agreement with the experimental results. Then, the standard k–ε turbulence model was adopted to investigate the effect of the ground temperature on flow and dispersion. The result indicated that, with the increase in temperature, the reattachment length behind the building significantly decreased and the vertical upward velocity increased, suggesting that rising temperature changed the flow. As the flow changed, the pollutant dispersion also changed. The pollutant plume depth increased while its width decreased with increasing ground temperature. It can be seen from the pollutant flux analysis that both convective transport and turbulent transport play important roles in vertical dispersion. The influence of ground temperature on convective motion was more obvious than that on turbulent motion because of the changed airflow.

Significance Statement

(i) The accuracy of the standard k–ε turbulence model in simulating the thermal effect on the flow and dispersion was assessed. The results showed that the reattachment of the numerical simulation behind the building was longer than that in the experiment because it could not reproduce the periodic fluctuations in the wake region and that the momentum transfer in the lateral direction was underestimated. Despite this, the temperature and concentration of the numerical simulation were in good agreement with the experimental results. (ii) Rising temperature not only increases turbulent motion but also alters airflow and pollutant plume morphology.
A Radar-Based Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Algorithm to Overcome the Impact of Vertical Gradients of Warm-Rain Precipitation: The Flood in Western Germany on 14 July 2021
Authors: Chen Ju-Yu , Reinoso-Rondinel Ricardo , Trömel Silke , Simmer Clemens , Ryzhkov Alexander
Published: December 2022

The demand of accurate, near-real-time radar-based quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), which is key to feed hydrological models and enable reliable flash flood predictions, was highlighted again by the disastrous floods following after an intense stratiform precipitation field passing western Germany on 14 July 2021. Three state-of-the-art rainfall algorithms based on reflectivity Z, specific differential phase KDP, and specific attenuation A were applied to observations of four polarimetric C-band radars operated by the German Meteorological Service [DWD (Deutscher Wetterdienst)]. Due to the large vertical gradients of precipitation below the melting layer suggesting warm-rain processes, all QPE products significantly underestimate surface precipitation. We propose two mitigation approaches: (i) vertical profile (VP) corrections for Z and KDP and (ii) gap filling using observations of a local X-band radar, JuXPol. We also derive rainfall retrievals from vertically pointing Micro Rain Radar (MRR) profiles, which indirectly take precipitation gradients in the lower few hundreds of meters into account. When evaluated with DWD rain gauge measurements, those retrievals result in pronounced improvements, especially for the A-based retrieval partly due to its lower sensitivity to the variability of raindrop size distributions. The VP correction further improves QPE by reducing the normalized root-mean-square error by 23% and the normalized mean bias by 20%. With the use of gap-filling JuXPol data, the A-based retrieval gives the lowest errors followed by the Z-based retrievals in combination with VP corrections. The presented algorithms demonstrate the increased value of radar-based QPE application for warm-rain events and related potential flash flooding warnings.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques to Ocean Mooring Time Series Data
Authors: Sloyan Bernadette M. , Chapman Christopher C. , Cowley Rebecca , Charantonis Anastase A.
Published: December 2022

In situ observations are vital to improving our understanding of the variability and dynamics of the ocean. A critical component of the ocean circulation is the strong, narrow, and highly variable western boundary currents. Ocean moorings that extend from the seafloor to the surface remain the most effective and efficient method to fully observe these currents. For various reasons, mooring instruments may not provide continuous records. Here we assess the application of the Iterative Completion Self-Organizing Maps (ITCOMPSOM) machine learning technique to fill observational data gaps in a 7.5 yr time series of the East Australian Current. The method was validated by withholding parts of fully known profiles, and reconstructing them. For 20% random withholding of known velocity data, validation statistics of the u- and υ-velocity components are R2 coefficients of 0.70 and 0.88 and root-mean-square errors of 0.038 and 0.064 m s−1, respectively. Withholding 100 days of known velocity profiles over a depth range between 60 and 700 m has mean profile residual differences between true and predicted u and υ velocity of 0.009 and 0.02 m s−1, respectively. The ITCOMPSOM also reproduces the known velocity variability. For 20% withholding of salinity and temperature data, root-mean-square errors of 0.04 and 0.38°C, respectively, are obtained. The ITCOMPSOM validation statistics are significantly better than those obtained when standard data filling methods are used. We suggest that machine learning techniques can be an appropriate method to fill missing data and enable production of observational-derived data products.

Significance Statement

Moored observational time series of ocean boundary currents monitor the full-depth variability and change of these dynamic currents and are used to understand their influence on large-scale ocean climate, regional shelf–coastal processes, extreme weather, and seasonal climate. In this study we apply a machine learning technique, Iterative Completion Self-Organizing Maps (ITCOMPSOM), to fill data gaps in a boundary current moored observational data record. The ITCOMPSOM provides an improved method to fill data gaps in the mooring record and if applied to other observational data records may improve the reconstruction of missing data. The derived gridded data product should improve the accessibility and potentially increase the use of these data.
How Much Is Enough? The Relationship Between Prosocial Effort and Moral Character Judgments
Authors: Berry Zachariah , Lucas Brian J.
Published: December 2022

The amount of effort required to bring about a prosocial outcome can vary from low—handing a stranger the wallet she just dropped—to high—spending days tracking down the owner of a lost wallet. The goal of the current research is to characterize the relationship between prosocial effort and moral character judgments. Does more prosocial effort always lead to rosier moral character judgments? Across four studies ( N = 1,658), we find that moral character judgments increase with prosocial effort to a point and then plateau. We find evidence that this pattern is produced, in part, by descriptive and prescriptive norms: exceeding descriptive norms increases moral character judgments, but exceeding prescriptive norms has the opposite effect, which leads to a tapering off of moral character judgments at higher levels of effort.
The virtual family conference in stroke rehabilitation: Education, preparation, and transition planning
Authors: Ritsma Benjamin R , Gariscsak Peter J , Vyas Aarti , Chan-Nguyen Sophy , Appireddy Ramana
Published: December 2022

Objective

To examine the virtual family conference as an educational, preparatory, and transition planning intervention in stroke rehabilitation.

Design

Observational–cross-sectional study.

Setting

Inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

Subjects

Eighty-seven carers, participating in 48 conferences, were evaluated.

Interventions

The virtual family conference, involving the patient, carer(s), and interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, completed prior to community transition. The conference protocol and framework, consisting of nine primary themes and additional sub-themes, are outlined. Teleconferencing was the utilized virtual modality.

Main measures

Carers were assessed via questionnaires regarding pre- and post-conference rated: (1) stroke-related knowledge, (2) satisfaction with information provision, and (3) confidence, preparedness, and stress associated with community transition; by use of the Stroke Knowledge and Community Transition Preparedness Questionnaire, Mant et al. Information Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale.

Results

Significant improvement in post-conference carer-rating was noted for knowledge, pertaining to stroke nature/impairments, stroke management/prevention, functional status, and community services. Significant gains were demonstrated in post-conference satisfaction with information provided regarding stroke and discharge planning, across all assessed topics. There was also a significant increase in carer-reported confidence and preparedness for the community transition as well as a significant reduction in self-perceived stress for elements of the caregiving role. Organization of community follow-up care was consistently enabled within the proposed framework.

Conclusions

The virtual family conference intervention demonstrated efficacy in facilitating carer education and preparation, along with discharge planning prior to community transition from stroke rehabilitation. Thus, illustrating potential benefits of family conferences and feasibility of their virtual application in stroke rehabilitative care.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in the assessment of testicular perfusion in infertile men with clinical varicocele
Authors: Tsili Athina C , Sofikitis Nikolaos , Boukali Ekaterini , Kaltsas Aris , Maliakas Vasileios P , Argyropoulou Maria I
Published: December 2022

Background

Varicocele represents the most common correctable cause of male infertility. The presence of non-invasive imaging parameters providing evidence as to which patients with varicocele are at risk for infertility would be important.

Purpose

To explore the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using semi-quantitative parameters in the assessment of testicular perfusion in infertile men with clinical varicocele.

Material and Methods

The study cohort included 11 infertile men with clinical varicocele and six controls, with prior paternity. Subtraction DCE-MRI was performed after gadolinium administration, using a three-dimensional fast field-echo sequence. Time-signal intensity curves were created and semi-quantitative parameters were calculated. The independent samples t-test was used to compare basic T1 perfusion parameters between infertile testes with clinical varicocele and normal testes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the most significant predictor of the diagnosis of clinical varicocele.

Results

Both testes with clinical varicocele and normal testes enhanced moderately and homogeneously, with a linear increase of enhancement throughout the examination. Higher mean values of maximum enhancement ( P = 0.026), maximum relative enhancement ( P = 0.024), and wash-in rate ( P = 0.013) were detected in the testes of infertile men with clinical varicocele, compared to the normal population. The wash-in rate proved the most significant predictor of the diagnosis of clinical varicocele ( P = 0.013).

Conclusion

DCE-MRI may provide a valuable insight into the testicular perfusion of infertile men with clinical varicocele. The wash-in rate proved a strong and independent predictor of the diagnosis of clinical varicocele.
Effect of the respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules on CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy
Authors: Kim Dasom , Han Ji-Yeon , Baek Jin Wook , Lee Ho Young , Cho Hwa Jin , Heo Young Jin , Shin Gi Won
Published: December 2022

Background

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) is highly affected by respiratory motion; however, respiratory motion of target nodule during the PTNB and its effect on CT-guided lung biopsy have not been studied.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of the respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules on CT-guided PTNB.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the procedural CT scans of 426 pulmonary nodules that underwent PTNB during quiet breathing. Maximal and average respiratory motions were measured using the difference of table position of the targeted nodule between multiple procedural scans. Diagnostic performance, complications, and technical factors of PTNB in nodules with large motion (maximal motion >1 cm) were compared with those in nodules with small motion (≤1 cm).

Results

The mean maximal and average respiratory motions between tidal volume breathing were 5.4 ± 4.4 and 2.7 ± 2.6 mm, respectively. Sensitivity and accuracy were 93.1% and 96.1% in nodules with large motion, compared with 94.7% and 95.9% in nodules with small motion, respectively. Respiratory targeting ( P < 0.001), needle modulation ( P < 0.001), motion artifact of target ( P < 0.001), target disappearance from scans ( P < 0.001), and number of performed CT scans ( P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the large motion group, with no significant difference in radiation dose and complications between the groups.

Conclusion

The respiratory motion of pulmonary nodules during CT-guided PTNB may cause technical difficulties but does not affect diagnostic performance nor complications associated with PTNB.
Influence of melting heat transfer and chemical reaction on the flow of non-Newtonian nanofluid with Brownian motion: Advancement in mechanical engineering
Authors: Majeed Aaqib , Zeeshan Ahmad , Jawad Muhammad , Alhodaly Mohammed Sh.
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present study is to investigate the melting heat and mass transport characteristics on the stagnation point flow of Powell–Eyring nanofluid over a stretchable surface because melting is so important in many processes, such as Permafrost melting, magma solidification, and thawing of frozen grounds, are all examples of soil melting and freezing around the heat exchanger coils of a ground-based pump. The developing mathematical model under the boundary layer flow in terms of differential equations is solved through a numerical algorithm using a boundary value problem solver bvp4c/shooting technique with the help of MATLAB software. The impact of emerging parameters on the velocity profile, temperature profile, and concentration profile is elaborated graphically. The profile and boundary-layer width rate for the value stretching parameter less than one rises when A enhances while the thickness of boundary layer velocity profile for the value stretching parameter greater than one decreases as A. The velocity function shows a decrement response for M, while the opposite behavior is seen against the concentration field. Furthermore, the numeric data for the friction factor and Nusselt number are demonstrated in tabular form, and the result shows a remarkable agreement with the previously published data.