bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Câncer de mama em mulheres idosas: revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Silva Karina Borges da , Malato Adriana Maria Pantoja , Pinheiro Hellem Cristina da Silva , Serrão Ianca da Silva , Lima Chrisla Brena Malheiro
Published: April 2023

Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar na literatura informações científicas e relevantes acerca do câncer de mama em mulheres idosas, e como vem contribuindo para a melhoria da prática de enfermagem e do autocuidado do público em questão. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma Revisão de Integrativa da Literatura (RIL), de caráter exploratório acerca do câncer de mama em mulheres idosas no âmbito da enfermagem nos últimos cinco anos. Escolheu-se os artigos por meio da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), e bases eletrônicas de dados da BDENF, LILACS, Medline e (DeCS). Resultado: Os artigos analisados apontam uma variedade de relatos e vivências por partes dos autores com relação ao tema: Câncer de mama na pessoa idosa. Os anos que mais evidenciou a publicação desses artigos em revistas científicas foram, 2022 e 2021. Dos nove (9) artigos achados: cinco (5) artigos selecionados a partir da base de dados LILACS; três (3) artigos na BVS; e um (1) artigo na base de dados da BDENF. Conclusão: Conclui-se que é extremamente importante as diversas escritas analisadas, e essencial a constante fala sobre o tema. Este estudo pode contribuir para indicar aos enfermeiros em processo de formação e aos já formados interesse, onde, como acessar e como utilizar das ferramentas de buscas.
Effect of polymerization activation mode and accelerated aging in the degree of conversion of self-adhesive resin cements
Authors: Massola Filho Francisco Fernando , Zaniboni Joissi Ferrari , Brianezzi Leticia Ferreira de Freitas , Silva Marcus Vinicyus Manoel da , Campos Edson Alves de , Franco Amanda Gonçalves , Pegoraro Thiago Amadei
Published: April 2023

Indirect adhesive restorations are increasingly being part of the oral rehabilitation procedures. With the purpose to reduce and minimize the difficulties and simplify the cementing technique with conventional adhesive resin cements, it was introduced a resin cement called self-adhesive for presenting chemical adhesion to dental tissues, ceramic and metal surfaces without the need for etching and adhesive systems aplications. Some studies point out to the problems of degradation of cement during storage. The inhibitors and peroxides presented in the cement composition are organic chemical compounds and, therefore, are susceptible to degradation phenomena under storage. For all of these factors, the resin cements have limited storage period and changes in the mechanism of polymerization may occur during this period. The present study has been prepared containing some variables to research. All these variables are seeking to investigate the consequences of different activation protocols of polymerization and the accelerated aging of self-adhesive dual cured resin cements on the degree of conversion. As well as test the null hypothesis that the activation protocol of polymerization and the accelerated aging do not cause alteration in the degree of conversion of the material to be tested.
Effect of global warming on Western Mediterranean seagrasses: a preliminary agent-based modelling approach
Authors: Llabrés E , Blanco-Magadán A , Sales M , Sintes T
Published: April 2023

The Mediterranean Sea is warming more rapidly than the global average, leading to dire consequences for its inhabiting organisms. Seagrasses are key structural elements in coastal ecosystems, and studying how temperature affects these species is crucial to anticipate the implications of global warming. In this work, we use an empirically based numerical model to study the combined dynamics ofPosidonia oceanicaandCymodocea nodosaand their resilience to sea warming. The model is parametrised using seagrass growth rates measured in the Western Mediterranean Sea. Under favourable growth conditions, our simulations predict the emergence of a coexistence region at the front between monospecific meadows. This region can be characterised by its width and local shoot densities, which depend on the coupling parameter betweenP. oceanicaandC. nodosa. Such regions have been empirically observed in Ses Olles de Son Saura (Balearic Islands). A comparison between the field measurements at the study site with the model predictions was used to fit the value of the coupling parameter. Field data also relate the width of the coexistence region to the average length ofP. oceanicaleaves at the front. Remarkably, a linear relationship was found between the coupling parameter and leaf length. In the presence of sea warming, the model predicts an exponential decay in the population ofP. oceanica, which is highly sensitive to temperature. This behaviour is a direct consequence of the clonal nature of the plant and can be characterised by the model parameters. Considering a scenario of high greenhouse emissions, our model forecasts thatP. oceanicameadows will experience a 70% population decline by the year 2050.C. nodosa, with higher thermal resilience, acts as an opportunistic species and will colonise the space left by the degradedP. oceanica.
CATEGORY OF GENRE STYLE IN THE CONCEPTUAL SYSTEM OF MODERN MUSICOLOGY
Authors: OSTROUKHOVA NATALIA , ZHU YIYU , QUN YUE , ZHOU FENG , XIANG WENJING
Published: April 2023

The problem of musical style is interdisciplinary in nature and requires a new approach. Therefore, in this study, an attempt is made to extrapolate the evolutionary-synergetic approach to the analysis of the phenomenon of musical style as an open non-equilibrium non-linear system, which allows detecting specific patterns and trends inherent in its historical development, and developing new theoretical and methodological foundations for further comprehension of the style concept. Such an approach will help, to some extent, eliminate contradictions in understanding style’ essence, and present the history of musical art and musical style as a synergistic process based on the specific interaction of chaos and order.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Transperitoneal Adrenalectomy: Outcomes of Initial Five Patients
Authors: Canda Abdullah Erdem , Ener Kemal , Fuat Atmaca Ali , Alkan Erdal , Tunc Ozdemir Ahmet , Altinova Serkan , Derya Balbay Mevlana
Published: April 2023

Objective: To report the outcomes of transperitoneal robotic adrenalectomy (RA) procedures in five initial cases performed at two institutions. Methods: Between March 2012 and November 2014, five patients underwent RA. A transperitoneal approach was taken by using the da Vinci-S four-arm surgical robot. Outcomes were assessed retrospectively. Results: Mean patient age was 42.6±5.1 (range: 34-47) years. Mean body mass index was 30.5±4.5 (range: 23.2-35.2) kg/m². Median tumour size detected on radiological imaging was 3.1±1.7 (range: 1.2-6.0) cm. Mean operation time was 129.0±12.4 (range: 120-150) minutes and median estimated blood loss was 100.0±119.3 (range: 50-350) ml. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred according to the modified Clavien complication scale. Median duration of hospital stay was 2.0±1.7 (range: 2-6) days. The fourth robotic arm was used in two patients. Histopathology results demonstrated: metastasis of renal cell carcinoma occurred in 1 case, adrenal cortical adenoma in 2 cases, pheochromocytoma in 1 case, and hyperplasia in 1 case. After a median follow-up of 17.0±15.0 (range: 3-40) months, no local recurrence was detected. Conclusion: RA is a safe minimally invasive surgical approach that has excellent surgical and oncological outcomes in the treatment of adrenal masses <7 cm in size.
Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Adrenal Tumours: Experience with 54 Patients
Authors: Balci Melih , Tuncel Altug , Aslan Yilmaz , Guzel Ozer , Erkan Anil , Koseoglu Ersin , Atun Ali
Published: April 2023

Objective: To present our laparoscopic surgery experience in the treatment of adrenal masses. Methods: Between January 2008 and March 2015, a total of 58 adrenal glands in 54 patients (39 females, 15 males) underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (TLA) to remove an adrenal mass. The patients underwent hormonal evaluation, triphasic magnetic resonance imaging, and/or abdominal computed tomography. Thirty-one patients (57.4%) had a hormonally active adrenal mass. Results: Twenty-nine right, 21 left, and 4 bilateral TLA were performed. The mean age and body mass index of the patients were 49.5±11.2 years and 27.2±4.3 kg/m2, respectively. The mean adrenal mass size, operation time, estimated blood loss, and hospitalisation duration were 35.9±15.0 mm, 92.7±29.6 minutes, 50.8±33.1 ml, and 3.7±2.5 days, respectively. No minor or major complications were observed postoperatively. In pathological examinations, 38 (70.3%) patients had adenoma or adrenal hyperplasia, 8 (14.7%) had pheochromocytoma, 2 (3.7%) had periadrenal paraganglioma, 2 (3.7%) had adrenal cysts, 1 (1.9%) had schwannoma, 1 (1.9%) had myelolipoma, 1 (1.9%) had myeloid metaplasia, and 1 (1.9%) had adrenal cortical carcinoma. Conclusion: TLA is a safe and efficient minimally invasive treatment option with a low morbidity rate in the surgical treatment of adrenal masses.
Outcomes of Robotic Radical Prostatectomy in High-risk Prostate Cancer Patients: Experience in 60 Patients with Oncological and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Erdem Canda Abdullah , Fuat Atmaca Ali , Urer Emre , Ural Çakıcı Özer , Altinova Serkan , Akbulut Ziya , Derya Balbay Mevlana
Published: April 2023

Introduction: In this retrospective study, we report outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) in high-risk prostate cancer (HRPC), classified according to the D’Amico risk criteria and with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Methods: A total of 60 patients who had at least one preoperative HRPC feature and underwent RARP were included. Mean patient age and preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level were 66.4±7.5 years and 13.4±11.0 ng/ml, respectively. Preoperatively, 3 (5.0%), 4 (6.7%), 17 (28.3%), 3 (5.0%), and 33 (55.0%) patients had prostate biopsy-proven Gleason scores of 5+4, 4+5, 4+4, 3+5, and <8, respectively. Bilateral neurovascular bundle (NVB)-sparing, unilateral NVB-sparing, and non-NVB-sparing surgery were performed in 44 (73.3%), 3 (5.0%), and 13 (21.7%) patients, respectively. Results: Mean console time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and urethral catheter removal time were 159.7±62.4 minutes, 210±201.9 ml, 3.9±1.9 days, and 10.9±5.3 days, respectively. During the perioperative period (Days 0-30), 7 minor and 5 major complications occurred as categorised using the modified Clavien classification. No complications were detected during postoperative Days 31-90. Postoperative pathological stages included pT0, pT2a, pT2b, pT2c, pT3a, and pT3b disease in 2 (3.3%), 8 (13.3%), 4 (6.7%), 14 (23.3%), 18 (30.0%), and 14 (23.3%) patients, respectively. The positive surgical margin rate was 26.7% and mean lymph node yield was 11.8±8.3 (range: 3-37). Mean follow-up was 27.8±11.1 months. Biochemical recurrence was detected in 13 (21.7%) patients. Of the total 60 patients, 26 (43.3%) were fully continent (0 pad/day), 15 (25.0%) wore a safety pad/day, 10 (16.7%) wore 1 pad/day, 5 (8.3%) wore 2 pads/day, and 4 (6.7%) wore >2 pads/day. Of the 27 patients with no preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED), 17 (63.0%) had no ED at a mean follow-up of 1 year. Trifecta and pentafecta rates were 43.2% and 28.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Based on our experience, RARP in HRPC is a relatively safe procedure with satisfactory oncological and functional outcomes.
Evolving Techniques for Surgical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Tubaro Andrea , De Nunzio Cosimo
Published: April 2023

The management of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most topical areas in urology. Although most patients are adequately managed conservatively, many still require surgery to reduce bladder outlet obstruction or relieve symptoms by removing the inflamed adenomatous tissue. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard treatment in all national and international guidelines, with open prostatectomy and laser enucleation reserved for patients with a prostate >80 ml. The current trend in the surgical management of BPH is threefold: replacing open prostatectomy with transurethral enucleation of the adenoma, managing high-risk patients by photoselective vaporisation of the prostate thus minimising blood loss, and moving BPH surgery to ambulatory day surgery and one-day surgery units in selected patients. Laser enucleation has been pioneered using the Holmium laser, although the GreenLightTM laser has been recently proposed as an alternative approach. The absence of any bleeding in photovaporisation of the prostate allows surgery to be performed in a growing population of patients on anti-aggregant and anticoagulant medications. Randomised trials of the GreenLight XPSTM laser with the MoXy™ fibre versus TURP proved the effectiveness of photovaporisation in the surgical management of BPH and suggested that 50% of patients could be discharged within 24 hours. The demand for BPH surgery remains high and urologists have rapidly adapted to the increasing demand for minimally invasive surgery. Prostate surgery evolved from a heroic procedure that remained in the memories of the entire patient family for life into a day-case procedure, and the future hopefully holds ejaculation-sparing surgery.
Urinary Tract Infection: How It Happens?
Authors: Altarac Silvio
Published: April 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), including cystitis and pyelonephritis, affect a large proportion of the world population and account for substantial morbidity and medical costs. Classification of the UTIs is based on the anatomical level of infection, the grade of severity of infection, the underlying risk factors, and the microbiological findings. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli is the causative agent in 70-95% of community-acquired uroinfections and about 50% of all cases of nosocomial uroinfections. Virulence factors associated with uropathogenic strains of E. coli contain toxins such as haemolysin and cytotoxic necrotising factor, capsules, lipopolysaccharide, the siderophore aerobactin, and adhesive organelles. The ability to attach to urothelial cells is the most important determinant of pathogenicity. An adherence is followed by inflammation involving the urothelial cells’ cytokine response. Whereas interleukin (IL)-6 can cause the fever and systemic response of the UTIs, IL-8 can function as a neutrophil chemoattractant. Cytokines released by T cells and monocytes modify initiative urothelial cells’ cytokine response to bacteria. Nevertheless, antibiotic treatments can effectively sterilise the urine, but bacteria can survive and persist in the bladder tissue, serving as a reservoir for the recurrent UTIs. The severity of UTI reflects the quality and magnitude of the host response. While strong local and systemic innate immune activation occurs in patients with acute pyelonephritis, the response to asymptomatic bacteriuria is low. It should be reasonable to ‘individualise’ diagnosis and therapy by interconnecting information on uropathogenic bacterial virulence and the host response.
Learning Curve of Robotic Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Ersagun Arslan Muhammed , Erdem Canda Abdullah , Fuat Atmaca Ali , Derya Balbay Mevlana , Akbulut Ziya , Altinova Serkan , Tunc Ozdemir Ahmet
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PrC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the second most common malignancy in men. Currently, robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become a popular treatment for localised PrC treatment worldwide. We aimed to assess the learning curve of RARP in our institution. Methods: A total of 391 patients who underwent RARP in our clinic between February 2009 and April 2013 were included in the study. We retrospectively evaluated patient data that were recorded prospectively. The demographic, perioperative, postoperative functional, and oncological results of six surgeons’ patient groups (n=72, n=110, n=103, n=38, n=36, and n=32) and three consecutive series formed by dividing the patient groups of the three surgeons with the highest volume of cases were analysed. Results: There was no significant difference between patient groups with regard to age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score, number of previously performed operations, prostate-specific antigen levels, clinical stage, biopsy pathology, pathological stage, positive surgical margin (PSM) rate, biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate, potency, and continence rate at postoperative Month 12. When we assessed the three consecutive series of the three highest-volume surgeons we found that, over time, operation time (OT) decreased significantly (p<0.001), blood transfusion rate decreased significantly (p=0.015), estimated blood loss (EBL) decreased (p>0.05), and median IIEF score at 12 months improved significantly (p<0.001) in the series of Surgeon 1; OT decreased significantly (p<0.001), EBL decreased (p>0.05), and median IIEF score at 12 months improved significantly (p=0.01) in the series of Surgeon 2; OT decreased significantly (p<0.001), EBL decreased significantly (p<0.001), and PSM rate decreased and median IIEF scores at 12 months improved (p>0.05 for both) in the series of Surgeon 3. The overall complication rate was 11.7% and 34% of these complications were major ones. The overall blood transfusion rate was 2%. The overall PSM rate was 20.4% (9.3% for pT2 tumours and 44% for pT3 tumours). The overall rate of BCR was 9.4%. Conclusion: In our clinical experience, OT, EBL, and blood transfusion rate seem to decrease during the learning curve of RARP.
An Overview of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Celik Huseyin , Tasdemir Cemal , Altintas Ramazan
Published: April 2023

Urolithiasis is a worldwide problem in the general population, due to its high prevalence and frequency of recurrence. Since the first successful stone extraction through a nephrostomy in 1976, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has become the preferred procedure especially for treatment of large, complex staghorn calculi. Of the minimally invasive treatment strategies, the PCNL procedure is simply based on the creation of a proper percutaneous renal access, through the most appropriate part of the kidney, dilation of this tract, and fragmentation. Most of these complications are related to tract formation and size. During the development of the PCNL technique, the different terminology emerged, mainly according to the tract size such as standard, micro-PCNL, mini-PCNL, and ultra-mini-PCNL. The aim of this study is an overview of the PCNL, including the history, training, procedure and type of PCNL, and possible complications.
A New Approach for the Patient with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Rodríguez de Ledesma Ana
Published: April 2023

This satellite symposium was held in two sessions. The first session was offered in a traditional format where invited experts reviewed and discussed the latest concepts and developments on the management of erectile dysfunction (ED). During the second session, experts discussed clinical cases from their real-life practice in an interactive format, to facilitate discussions with the audience, and to provide participants with the most relevant aspects of ED. The symposium objectives were to review and discuss the current status of the management of ED and treatment needs for patients with ED, and to explore the latest evidence on the use of topical alprostadil cream (Vitaros®, Virirec®, Vytaros®)1 – who benefits the most?
Development of higher order thinking skills based math problems with wetland contexts for junior high school students
Authors: Ajizah Rahmi , Karim Karim , Suryaningsih Yuni
Published: April 2023

Produce the development of HOTS-based math problems with a wetland context for SMP/MTs students that were valid, practical, and effective is the purpose of this research. The Tessmer model and Research and Development method are the methods used in this research. Data collection techniques using expert validation instruments, student response questionnaires, and HOTS questions. Expert validation is filled by 3 validators who produce an average score of 3.783 which is in the valid criteria. The test was conducted on 19 research subjects in class VIIIB SMPN 2 Banjarmasin. The average result of the student's response questionnaire is 3.287 states that the HOTS questions are on practical criteria. In the HOTS test, the average score of 64.895 students who are in the criteria is a quite good criterion which states that the HOTS questions developed are effective. Based on this description, it can be stated that HOTS-based math problems with wetland context for junior high school students are valid, practical, and effective criteria that are feasible to use.
Sirens, Narrative Ethics, and Christina Rosenvinge's ‘Mi vida bajo el agua’
Authors: Ahonen Marika
Published: April 2023

This article examines the historical representation of the Siren myth and how it is employed by Spanish musician Christina Rosenvinge in her song ‘Mi vida bajo el agua’ (2011) (‘My life under water’) and its music video. Rosenvinge criticizes various moral beliefs attached to the myth, and this article's focus is specifically on these beliefs, which are analysed using a narrative ethics approach. This field aims to understand how narratives take shape and are repeated in different forms, thus enabling us to transform our understanding of the previous comprehension of the narrative. The methodological frame of narrative ethics is connected to feminist theories and the field of gender history in this article, which provides an opportunity to examine the changing meanings and beliefs around the Siren myth over time in an ethically significant way. This case study intends to illustrate the value of applying narrative ethics to research in cultural history since it helps us to understand how the narrative can articulate power relations and at the same time shape our understanding of the possible.
Crofts and Crofters: Definitions, Derivations and Consequences
Authors: Mutch Alistair
Published: April 2023

The historical derivation, development and diffusion of the terms ‘croft’ and ‘crofter’ are explored in the light of the argument that their translation into Gaelic casts doubt on the existence of a ‘crofting community’ in the late nineteenth century. Tracing the use of the terms indicates transmission of the terms ‘croft’ and ‘toft’ into Lowland Scotland from England in the medieval period. Translated into the farming practices of Lowland Scotland, this saw the term ‘croft’ widely applied to the infield of the fermtouns. The early eighteenth century saw the rise of the term ‘crofter’ in the north-east of the country. The association with high-quality land and the place of the croft in the graduated farming system that emerged gave both terms a degree of status, with crofters in particular being part of a rich set of cultural practices. As Highland tenurial practices changed, so the terms ‘croft’ and ‘crofter’ were imported through the agency of those influenced by Lowland practices of agricultural improvement. However, the terms entered a very different material and cultural context. The association of both ‘croft’ and ‘crofter’ with the gulf between small tenant and sheep farmer and with terms which when translated into Gaelic might have less than favourable connotations suggests that they might not have provided to-hand resources for the construction of collective identity. Tracing the origins of the terms helps correct an imbalance in the historical account which tends to downplay the rich material and cultural practices of the crofters of north-east Scotland.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ECUADOR
Authors: José Álvarez-García  , Ronny Correa-Quezada  , Tania Paola Torres-Gutiérrez  , María de la Cruz del Río-Rama
Published: April 2023

In the literature on growth, infrastructure, in addition to other factors, is identified as a determining element in the growth of regions from a long-term perspective. However, there are few studies where the unit of analysis is disaggregated down to the regional level. Therefore, this research aims to explore the importance of infrastructure (social and economic) in the economic growth of Ecuador´s provinces. The methodology used leads to the calculation of a Global Productive Infrastructure Index (GPII) composed of two categories: Social Productive Infrastructure (SIP), and Economic Productive Infrastructure (EPI) (Hansen, 1965). In addition, econometric estimates are made of the relationship between infrastructure and economic growth, the latter measured by the Gross Added Value of each province. The results of the empirical models used indicate that the economic productive infrastructure is essential for the economic growth of Ecuador´s provinces. It is made up of energy infrastructure, transport infrastructure and communications infrastructure, of which the last two are the most representative and affect growth directly. In terms of the disaggregation of indices, it is observed that, in general, the provinces with the highest economic and global index and, therefore, the highest growth are the provinces of Pichincha, Azuay and Guayas.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES MANAGEMENT
Authors: Abdul Rahman Abdul Latip  , Nor Hayati Sa’at  , Norfatiha Othman  , Nazli Aziz  , Rosyidah Muhamad
Published: April 2023

In ensuring an effective implementation and maximum impact of regional development projects and programmes, the element of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) should also be considered. East Coast Economic Region (ECER) is one of five regional economic corridors established in Malaysia to facilitate the socioeconomic transformation of this region towards becoming a high-income nation by 2025. East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) was established in 2008 as a statutory body under the East Coast Economic Region Development Council Act (Act 688) to drive the implementation of ECER Master Plan.  ECERDC also came out with a list of CSFs that serves as a guidance to achieve all the expected goals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ownership at all levels, creation of ECER Development Council, complementation among ECER states, complementation of ECER towards other regional developments, and private and public sector partnerships in the implementation of various regional development programmes and projects by ECERDC. This study used qualitative method which utilized in-depth interviews with 10 key informants. The obtained findings demonstrated that ECERDC has practiced all five CSFs effectively and as a return, the implementation of various regional development programmes has brought positive outcomes to the organisation. The result should help understand which factors must be given priority by the stakeholders, especially in maximising the impact of the government development projects that benefit the local community.
Spotlight on Film Festivals in Ukraine Today
Authors: Loist Skadi , De Valck Marijke
Published: April 2023

This roundtable begins with each festival organizer explaining how the outbreak of the current war in Ukraine affected the planning and organizing of their respective film festivals. The discussion that unfolds conveys that the festival organizers stand quite united in their responses to the situation, despite differences in geographic proximity to ongoing hostilities on the ground and opportunities available for drafting up alternative scenarios. They engage in cultural diplomacy and collaborate with international colleagues to create visibility for Ukrainian culture and people. Moreover, there is a shared belief in the need for a boycott of Russian culture. The edited transcript presents detailed argumentation in favor of the Russian cultural boycott as well as responses to concrete issues that had media coverage. Other themes discussed concern the role cinema and film festivals can play in the face of war. The participants acknowledge the trauma that is being inflicted on the Ukrainian people and express hope that safety will be restored quickly, for this is a basic condition necessary to start thinking about and giving substance to the role of cinema and film festivals in dealing with the trauma of war.
Co-simulation of human digital twins and wearable inertial sensors to analyse gait event estimation
Authors: Uhlenberg Lena , Derungs Adrian , Amft Oliver
Published: April 2023

We propose a co-simulation framework comprising biomechanical human body models and wearable inertial sensor models to analyse gait events dynamically, depending on inertial sensor type, sensor positioning, and processing algorithms. A total of 960 inertial sensors were virtually attached to the lower extremities of a validated biomechanical model and shoe model. Walking of hemiparetic patients was simulated using motion capture data (kinematic simulation). Accelerations and angular velocities were synthesised according to the inertial sensor models. A comprehensive error analysis of detected gait events versus reference gait events of each simulated sensor position across all segments was performed. For gait event detection, we considered 1-, 2-, and 4-phase gait models. Results of hemiparetic patients showed superior gait event estimation performance for a sensor fusion of angular velocity and acceleration data with lower nMAEs (9%) across all sensor positions compared to error estimation with acceleration data only. Depending on algorithm choice and parameterisation, gait event detection performance increased up to 65%. Our results suggest that user personalisation of IMU placement should be pursued as a first priority for gait phase detection, while sensor position variation may be a secondary adaptation target. When comparing rotatory and translatory error components per body segment, larger interquartile ranges of rotatory errors were observed for all phase models i.e., repositioning the sensor around the body segment axis was more harmful than along the limb axis for gait phase detection. The proposed co-simulation framework is suitable for evaluating different sensor modalities, as well as gait event detection algorithms for different gait phase models. The results of our analysis open a new path for utilising biomechanical human digital twins in wearable system design and performance estimation before physical device prototypes are deployed.
Insights into oral microbiome and colorectal cancer – on the way of searching new perspectives
Authors: Kudra Anna , Muszyński Damian , Sobocki Bartosz Kamil , Atzeni Alessandro , Carbone Ludovico , Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka Karolina , Połom Karol , Kalinowski Leszek
Published: April 2023

Microbiome is a keystone polymicrobial community that coexist with human body in a beneficial relationship. These microorganisms enable the human body to maintain homeostasis and take part in mechanisms of defense against infection and in the absorption of nutrients. Even though microbiome is involved in physiologic processes that are beneficial to host health, it may also cause serious detrimental issues. Additionally, it has been proven that bacteria can migrate to other human body compartments and colonize them even although significant structural differences with the area of origin exist. Such migrations have been clearly observed when the causes of genesis and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) have been investigated. It has been demonstrated that the oral microbiome is capable of penetrating into the large intestine and cause impairments leading to dysbiosis and stimulation of cancerogenic processes. The main actors of such events seem to be oral pathogenic bacteria belonging to the red and orange complex (regarding classification of bacteria in the context of periodontal diseases), such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum respectively, which are characterized by significant amount of cancerogenic virulence factors. Further examination of oral microbiome and its impact on CRC may be crucial on early detection of this disease and would allow its use as a precise non-invasive biomarker.
Compatibility assessment of a temperature-controlled radiofrequency catheter with a novel electroanatomical mapping system
Authors: Pannone Luigi , Eltsov Ivan , Ramak Robbert , Cabrita David , De Letter Paul , Chierchia Gian-Battista , de Asmundis Carlo
Published: April 2023

Background

The novel DiamondTemp ablation system (DTA) and EnSiteX mapping System (EAM) are both CE-Marked and FDA approved medical devices. The DTA has been validated by its manufacturer only in combination with previous version of EnSite System—EnSite Precision. The aim of this study was to evaluate compatibility of DTA with EnSite X with a previously developed protocol.

Methods

Three configurations were tested: 3.1. Medtronic Generator connection Box (GCB) and AmpereConnect cable; 3.2. the Medtronic GCB-E and electrogram out cable from GCB to EAM; 3.3. Direct connection of DTA to EAM using intracardiac out cable with no GCB.

Results

The previously developed universal method for compatibility assessment of ablation catheters and navigation systems was used with success for assessing DTA and EnSite X EAM compatibility, with reproducible results. Accuracy of DTA visualization with different setups was evaluated with a phantom model measuring distances between DTA and reference points. DTA is compatible with EnSiteX EAM with a safety and reliability profile guaranteed, if within the described specifications. In particular, careful setup is mandatory to achieve good clinical outcomes as only setup 3.2 is viable for both NavX and Voxel Mode and demonstrated satisfactory results and accuracy. Setup 3.3 showed a significant shift immediately after catheter insertion. Catheter position was away from baseline points and the dislocation increased during the radiofrequency delivery.

Conclusions

Previously developed method for compatibility assessment of ablation catheters and navigation systems has been used for a new EAM. DTA is compatible with EnSiteX EAM with proper configuration.
An assessment of potential causal links between deglaciation and eruption rates at arc volcanoes
Authors: Conway Chris E. , Pure Leo R. , Ishizuka Osamu
Published: April 2023

One of the fundamental questions that underpins studies of the interactions between the cryosphere and volcanism is: do causal relationships exist between the ice volume on a volcano and its eruption rate? In particular, it is critical to determine whether the decompression of crustal magma systems via deglaciation has resulted in enhanced eruption rates along volcanic arcs in the middle to high latitudes. Evidence for such a feedback mechanism would indicate that ongoing glacier retreat could lead to future increases in eruptive activity. Archives of eruption frequency, size, and style, which can be used to test whether magma generation and eruption dynamics have been affected by local ice volume fluctuations, exist in the preserved eruptive products of Pleistocene-Holocene volcanoes. For this contribution, we have reviewed time-volume-composition trends for 33 volcanoes and volcanic groups in arc settings affected by glaciation, based on published radiometric ages and erupted volumes and/or compositions of edifice-forming products. Of the 33 volcanic systems examined that have geochronological and volumetric data of sufficient resolution to compare to climatic changes since ∼250 ka, increases in apparent eruption rates during post-glacial periods were identified for 4, with unclear trends identified for a further 12. Limitations in the geochronological and eruption volume datasets of the case studies make it difficult to test whether apparent eruption rates are correlated with ice coverage. Major caveats are: 1) the potential for biased preservation and exposure of eruptive materials within certain periods of a volcano’s lifespan; 2) the relative imprecision of geochronological constraints for volcanic products when compared with high-resolution climate proxy records; 3) the reliance on data only from immediately before and after the Last Glacial Termination (∼18 ka), which are rarely compared with trends throughout the Pleistocene to test the reproducibility of eruptive patterns; and 4) the lack of consideration that eruption rates and magma compositions may be influenced by mantle and crustal processes that operate independently of glacial advance/retreat. Addressing these limitations will lead to improvements in the fields of geochronology, paleoclimatology, and eruption forecasting, which could make valuable contributions to the endeavours of mitigating future climate change and volcanic hazards.
Growth hormone secretagogues modulate inflammation and fibrosis in mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Boccanegra Brigida , Cappellari Ornella , Mantuano Paola , Trisciuzzi Daniela , Mele Antonietta , Tulimiero Lisamaura , De Bellis Michela , Cirmi Santa , Sanarica Francesca , Cerchiara Alessandro Giovanni , Conte Elena , Meanti Ramona , Rizzi Laura , Bresciani Elena , Denoyelle Severine , Fehrentz Jean-Alain , Cruciani Gabriele , Nicolotti Orazio , Liantonio Antonella , Torsello Antonio , De Luca Annamaria
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) exert multiple actions, being able to activate GHS-receptor 1a, control inflammation and metabolism, to enhance GH/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-mediated myogenesis, and to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme. These mechanisms are of interest for potentially targeting multiple steps of pathogenic cascade in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Methods

Here, we aimed to provide preclinical evidence for potential benefits of GHSs in DMD, via a multidisciplinary in vivo and ex vivo comparison in mdx mice, of two ad hoc synthesized compounds (EP80317 and JMV2894), with a wide but different profile. 4-week-old mdx mice were treated for 8 weeks with EP80317 or JMV2894 (320 µg/kg/d, s.c.).

Results

In vivo, both GHSs increased mice forelimb force (recovery score, RS towards WT: 20% for EP80317 and 32% for JMV2894 at week 8). In parallel, GHSs also reduced diaphragm (DIA) and gastrocnemius (GC) ultrasound echodensity, a fibrosis-related parameter (RS: ranging between 26% and 75%). Ex vivo, both drugs ameliorated DIA isometric force and calcium-related indices (e.g., RS: 40% for tetanic force). Histological analysis highlighted a relevant reduction of fibrosis in GC and DIA muscles of treated mice, paralleled by a decrease in gene expression of TGF-β1 and Col1a1. Also, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-6, CD68), accompanied by an increment in Sirt-1, PGC-1α and MEF2c expression, were observed in response to treatments, suggesting an overall improvement of myofiber metabolism. No detectable transcript levels of GHS receptor-1a, nor an increase of circulating IGF-1 were found, suggesting the presence of a novel receptor-independent mechanism in skeletal muscle. Preliminary docking studies revealed a potential binding capability of JMV2894 on metalloproteases involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and cytokine production, such as ADAMTS-5 and MMP-9, overactivated in DMD.

Discussion

Our results support the interest of GHSs as modulators of pathology progression in mdx mice, disclosing a direct anti-fibrotic action that may prove beneficial to contrast pathological remodeling.
Role of exosomes in non-small cell lung cancer and EGFR-mutated lung cancer
Authors: Rao Ding-Yu , Huang De-Fa , Si Mao-Yan , Lu Hua , Tang Zhi-Xian , Zhang Zu-Xiong
Published: April 2023

As an important mediator of information transfer between cells, exosomes play a unique role in regulating tumor growth, supporting vascular proliferation, tumor invasion, and metastasis. Exosomes are widely present in various body fluids, and therefore they can be used as a potential tool for non-invasive liquid biopsy. The present study reviews the role of exosomes in liquid biopsy, tumor microenvironment formation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy as a first-line treatment for patients with NSCLC, this study also briefly describes the occurrence of EGRF+ exosomes and the role of exosomes and their contents in non-invasive detection and potential therapeutic targets in EGFR-mutated lung cancer.
Tumor-secreted lactate contributes to an immunosuppressive microenvironment and affects CD8 T-cell infiltration in glioblastoma
Authors: Wang Zeyu , Dai Ziyu , Zhang Hao , Liang Xisong , Zhang Xun , Wen Zhipeng , Luo Peng , Zhang Jian , Liu Zaoqu , Zhang Mingyu , Cheng Quan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis. Lactate is the main product of tumor cells, and its secretion may relate to immunocytes’ activation. However, its role in glioblastoma is poorly understood.

Methods

This work performed bulk RNA-seq analysis and single cell RNA-seq analysis to explore the role of lactate in glioblastoma progression. Over 1400 glioblastoma samples were grouped into different clusters according to their expression and the results were validated with our own data, the xiangya cohort. Immunocytes infiltration analysis, immunogram and the map of immune checkpoint genes’ expression were applied to analyze the potential connection between the lactate level with tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms and cell-cell interaction algorithm were introduced to reveal the connection of tumor cells with immunocytes. By co-culturing CD8 T cells with tumor cells, and performing immunohistochemistry on Xiangya cohort samples further validated results from previous analysis.

Discussion

In this work, lactate is proved that contributes to glioblastoma immune suppressive microenvironment. High level of lactate in tumor microenvironment can affect CD8 T cells’ migration and infiltration ratio in glioblastoma. To step further, potential compounds that targets to samples from different groups were also predicted for future exploration.
Total severity score and age predict long-term hospitalization in COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Nasoufidou Athina , Kavelidou Marianthi , Griva Theodora , Melikidou Eleni , Maskalidis Charalampos , Machaira Konstantina , Nikolaidou Barbara
Published: April 2023

Background

Severe COVID-19 pneumonia implies increased oxygen demands and length of hospitalization (LOS). We aimed to assess a possible correlation between LOS and COVID-19 patients' clinical laboratory data of admission, including the total severity score (TSS) from chest computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Data were assessed retrospectively at the General Hospital “Agios Pavlos” in Greece. Clinical laboratory data, TSS, and LOS were recorded.

Results

A total of 317 patients, 136 women and 181 men, with a mean age of 66.58 ± 16.02 years were studied. Significant comorbidities were hypertension (56.5%), dyslipidemia (33.8%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (22.7%), coronary heart disease (12.9%), underlying pulmonary disease (10.1%), and malignancy (4.4%). Inpatient time was related to age (p < 0.001), TSS (p < 0.001), time from symptom onset to hospitalization (p = 0.006), inhaled oxygen fraction (p < 0.001), fibrinogen (p = 0.024), d-dimers (p < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (p = 0.025), as well as a history of hypertension (p < 0.001) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (p < 0.008). The multivariate analysis showed a significant association of the LOS with age (p < 0.001) and TSS (p < 0.001) independent of the above-mentioned factors.

Conclusion

Early identification of disease severity using the TSS and patients' age could be useful for inpatient resource allocation and for maintaining vigilance for those requiring long-term hospitalizations.
Development and characterization of ferret ex vivo tracheal injury and cell engraftment model
Authors: Ievlev Vitaly , Pai Albert C. , Dillon Drew S. , Kuhl Spencer , Lynch Thomas J. , Freischlag Kyle W. , Gries Caitlyn B. , Engelhardt John F. , Parekh Kalpaj R.
Published: April 2023

The field of airway biology research relies primarily on in vitro and in vivo models of disease and injury. The use of ex vivo models to study airway injury and cell-based therapies remains largely unexplored although such models have the potential to overcome certain limitations of working with live animals and may more closely replicate in vivo processes than in vitro models can. Here, we characterized a ferret ex vivo tracheal injury and cell engraftment model. We describe a protocol for whole-mount staining of cleared tracheal explants, and showed that it provides a more comprehensive structural overview of the surface airway epithelium (SAE) and submucosal glands (SMGs) than 2D sections, revealing previously underappreciated structural anatomy of tracheal innervation and vascularization. Using an ex vivo model of tracheal injury, we evaluated the injury responses in the SAE and SMGs that turned out to be consistent with published in vivo work. We used this model to assess factors that influence engraftment of transgenic cells, providing a system for optimizing cell-based therapies. Finally, we developed a novel 3D-printed reusable culture chamber that enables live imaging of tracheal explants and differentiation of engrafted cells at an air-liquid interface. These approaches promise to be useful for modeling pulmonary diseases and testing therapies.

Graphical abstract

1,2. We describe here a method for differential mechanical injury of ferret tracheal explants that can be used to evaluate airway injury responses ex vivo. 3. Injured explants can be cultured at ALI (using the novel tissue-transwell device on the right) and submerged long-term to evaluate tissue-autonomous regeneration responses. 4. Tracheal explants can also be used for low throughput screens of compounds to improve cell engraftment efficiency or can be seeded with particular cells to model a disease phenotype. 5. Lastly, we demonstrate that ex vivo-cultured tracheal explants can be evaluated by various molecular assays and by immunofluorescent imaging that can be performed live using our custom-designed tissue-transwell.
CD73, a significant protein in liver diseases
Authors: Shi Huilian , Dai Heng , Sun Qianqian , Wang Siliang , Chen Yuanyuan
Published: April 2023

Purine adenosine pathway exists widely in the body metabolism, and is involved in regulating various physiological processes. It is one of the important pathways of environmental regulation in human body. CD73 is essentially a protease that catalyzes further dephosphorylation of extracellular adenine nucleotides, hydrolyzing extracellular AMP to adenosine and phosphate. CD73 is an important part of the adenosine signaling pathway. Studies have shown that CD73-mediated adenosine pathway can convert the inflammatory ATP into the immunosuppressant adenosine. This paper aims to summarize the relevant effects of CD73 in the occurrence, development and prognosis of liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, highlight the important role of CD73 in liver diseases, especially in viral hepatitis such as HBV and HCV, and explore new clinical ideas for future treatment targets of liver diseases.