bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CPD: Blur sensitivity 2
Authors: Mallen Edward
Published: November 2024

In the second of two articles discussing blur sensitivity, Professor Edward Mallen considers the implications of the concept upon clinical practice and the outcomes of subjective refraction. (C 103691, suitable for logging as one provider-led distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Tutto bene – ESCRS Milano
Authors: Jones Nabila , O'Donnell Clare
Published: November 2024

Dr Nabila Jones and Dr Clare O'Donnell report from this year's ESCRS annual congress, now back to full capacity
Insulin-induced severe thyrotoxic periodic paralysis: A case report
Authors: Wang Yan-Li , Li Jian
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is an endocrine emergency caused by thyrotoxicosis, manifesting mainly as periodic myasthenia and hypokalemia, and posing a serious threat to the patient's health. Fatigue, strenuous exercise, alcohol abuse, high carbohydrate intake and insulin injections are common triggers of paralysis. This article reports a case of severe TPP induced by insulin injection, elucidates the characteristics and pathogenesis of the disease, analyses the risk factors for triggering TPP, and hopefully provides more clinical data for TPP patients.

CASE SUMMARY

A 38-year-old Asian man presented to the emergency department with a one-week history of limb weakness and worsening half-day. His medical history included poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and he had been switched to Aspart50 a week earlier. He was alert and oriented with upper extremity strength grade 3 and lower extremity strength grade 1. Emergency department tests showed hypokalemia of 1.6 mmol/L. The paramedics administered 1.5 g of potassium intravenously, followed by 4.0 g orally. Weakness in the arms and legs improved. He was referred to endocrinology where he was diagnosed with Graves' disease, with suboptimal control and insulin injections possibly causing TPP. We stopped his insulin and he was discharged with a potassium level of 4.0 mmol/L.

CONCLUSION

Insulin is a trigger for TPP and should be avoided in patients with hyperthyroidism. Early recognition and treatment of TPP is crucial, especially in patients presenting with hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
Mesenteric ischemia with intrasplenic gas: A case report
Authors: Tsang Hsiang-Yu , Yong Chee-Chien , Wang Hao-Ping
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening disease. Intrasplenic gas is an extremely rare finding in such cases.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of a 79-year-old woman with a history of end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis for approximately 20 years, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and atrial fibrillation who presented with two days of epigastric pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed intraperitoneal free air and significant intrasplenic gas. Laparoscopy revealed diffuse intestinal gangrene, and acute superior mesenteric ischemia was diagnosed. The patient died within 24 hours owing to profound shock.

CONCLUSION

Intrasplenic gas is an extremely rare finding on computed tomography imaging in cases of acute mesenteric ischemia.
Internal hernia as a rare cause of small bowel obstruction: An insight from 13 years of experience
Authors: Kaw Payal , Behari Anu , Sharma Supriya , Kumar Ashok , Singh Rajneesh K
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Internal hernia (IH) is a rare culprit of small bowel obstruction (SBO) with an incidence of < 1%. It poses a considerable diagnostic challenge requiring a high index of suspicion to prevent misdiagnosis, improper treatment, and subsequent morbidity and mortality.

AIM

To determine the clinico-demographic profile, radiological and operative findings, and postoperative course of patients with IH and its association with SBO.

METHODS

Medical records of 586 patients with features of SBO presenting at a tertiary care centre at Lucknow, India between September 2010 and August 2023 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Out of 586 patients, 7 (1.2%) were diagnosed with IH. Among these, 4 had congenital IH and 3 had acquired IH. The male-to-female ratio was 4:3. The median age at presentation was 32 years. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) was the most reliable investigation for preoperative identification, demonstrating mesenteric whirling and clumped-up bowel loops. Left paraduodenal hernia and transmesenteric hernia occurred with an equal frequency (approximately 43% each). Intraoperatively, one patient was found to have bowel ischemia and one had associated malrotation of gut. During follow-up, no recurrences were reported.

CONCLUSION

IH, being a rare cause, must be considered as a differential diagnosis for SBO, especially in young patients in their 30s or with unexplained abdominal pain or discomfort post-surgery. A rapid imaging evaluation, preferably with CECT, is necessary to aid in an early diagnosis and prompt intervention, thereby reducing financial burden related to unnecessary investigations and preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with closed-loop obstruction and strangulation of the bowel.
Impact of time between meniscal injury and isolated meniscus repair on post-operative outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Javid Kashif , Akins Xavier , Lemaster Nicole G , Ahmad Amer , Stone Austin V
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries. After the diagnosis of a meniscal tear has been made, there are several factors physicians use to guide clinical decision-making. The influence of time between injury and isolated meniscus repair on patient outcomes is not well described. Assessing this relationship is important as it may influence clinical decision-making and can add to the preoperative patient education process. We hypothesized that increasing the time from injury to meniscus surgery would worsen postoperative outcomes.

AIM

To investigate the current literature for data on the relationship between time between meniscus injury and repair on patient outcomes.

METHODS

PubMed, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus were searched for studies published between January 1, 1995 and July 13, 2023 on isolated meniscus repair. Exclusion criteria included concomitant ligament surgery, incomplete outcomes or time to surgery data, and meniscectomies. Patient demographics, time to injury, and postoperative outcomes from each study were abstracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Five studies met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 204 (121 male, 83 female) patients included. Three of five (60%) studies determined that time between injury and surgery was not statistically significant for postoperative Lysholm scores (P = 0.62), Tegner scores (P = 0.46), failure rate (P = 0.45, P = 0.86), and International Knee Documentation Committee scores (P = 0.65). Two of five (40%) studies found a statistically significant increase in Lysholm scores with shorter time to surgery (P = 0.03) and a statistically significant association between progression of medial meniscus extrusion ratio (P = 0.01) and increasing time to surgery.

CONCLUSION

Our results do not support the hypothesis that increased time from injury to isolated meniscus surgery worsens postoperative outcomes. Decision-making primarily based on injury interval is thus not recommended.
Prognostic impact of hypernatremia for septic shock patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Shi Mai-Qing , Chen Jun , Ji Fu-Hai , Zhou Hao , Peng Ke , Wang Jun , Fan Chun-Lei , Wang Xu , Wang Yang
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Hypernatremia represents a significant electrolyte imbalance associated with numerous adverse outcomes, particularly in cases of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired hypernatremia (IAH). Nevertheless, its relevance in patients with septic shock remains uncertain.

AIM

To identify independent risk factors and their predictive efficacy for IAH to improve outcomes in patients with septic shock.

METHODS

In the present retrospective single-center study, a cohort of 157 septic shock patients with concurrent hypernatremia in the ICU at The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, between August 1, 2018, and May 31, 2023, were analyzed. Patients were categorized based on the timing of hypernatremia occurrence into the IAH group (n = 62), the non-IAH group (n = 41), and the normonatremia group (n = 54).

RESULTS

In the present study, there was a significant association between the high serum sodium concentrations, excessive persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome and chronic critical illness, while rapid recovery had an apparent association with normonatremia. Moreover, multivariable analyses revealed the following independent risk factors for IAH: Total urinary output over the preceding three days [odds ratio (OR) = 1.09; 95%CI: 1.02–1.17; P = 0.014], enteral nutrition (EN) sodium content of 500 mg (OR = 2.93; 95%CI: 1.13–7.60; P = 0.027), and EN sodium content of 670 mg (OR = 6.19; 95%CI: 1.75–21.98; P = 0.005) were positively correlated with the development of IAH. Notably, the area under the curve for total urinary output over the preceding three days was 0.800 (95%CI: 0.678–0.922, P = 0.001). Furthermore, maximum serum sodium levels, the duration of hypernatremia, and varying sodium correction rates were significantly associated with 28-day in-hospital mortality in septic shock patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present findings illustrate that elevated serum sodium level was significantly associated with a poor prognosis in septic shock patients in the ICU. It is highly recommended that hypernatremia be considered a potentially important prognostic indicator for the outcome of septic shock.
Foot reflexology in autoimmune diseases: Effectiveness and mechanisms
Authors: de Carvalho Jozélio Freire , Lerner Aaron , Benzvi Carina
Published: November 2024

Foot reflexology (FR) is a Chinese-originated and non-invasive complementary therapy increasingly used by functional, alternative and para-medical professionals. Enhance attempts are made to study FR in non-functional organic conditions. The present invited Editorial discusses the application of FR in autoimmune diseases (AD), highlighting a few successful studies demonstrating symptomatic relief and objective improvements. Despite promising results, the FR domain remains under-investigated and an urgent need to confirm and understand the effect of FR in chronic diseases, including AD, is highly recommended.
Physical rehabilitation for sensorineural hearing loss in childhood: Progress and challenges
Authors: Zhang Lu , Huang Pu-Jue , Deng Xue , Tang Jiao , Zhai Yang , Wang Tao
Published: November 2024

Early intervention for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in childhood is crucial for auditory and language development. In recent years, innovative auditory stimulation techniques and speech therapy strategies, such as middle ear implants, cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants, and midbrain implants, have provided new avenues for improving patient outcomes. Additionally, basic research advancements in cell reprogramming and regeneration, stem cell therapy, and targeted drug delivery offer promising approaches to meet the individualized needs of children with SNHL. However, many challenges and unresolved issues remain in the treatment of SNHL. This article comments on the case report, which describes a female pediatric patient with SNHL who underwent foot reflexology which led to the normalization of hearing thresholds. Reflexology is considered to have potential benefits in physical rehabilitation, but its efficacy in hearing restoration requires further scientific validation through rigorous clinical trials and large-scale prospective studies.
Intersection of two rare conditions: Clinical reflection on tuberous sclerosis combined with primary lymphedema
Authors: Wu Xiao , Min Xiao-Hui , Xu Hai-Feng , Ud Din M Jalal , Zhang Gang
Published: November 2024

This editorial discusses a case report recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases . The report describes the clinical presentation, imaging, diagnosis, and treatment of a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) combined with primary lymphedema (PLE). Additionally, it retrospectively analyzes the data of 16 previously reported cases of children with TSC combined with PLE to summarize the epidemiology, genetic diagnosis, and current main treatments of these patients. The report also speculates on the pathological and physiological mechanisms underlying TSC combined with PLE. TSC combined with PLE is rare; therefore, the report provides a theoretical basis for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment options for patients with TSC and PLE. Comprehensive clinical management of TSC is essential due to the diverse and multiorgan nature of its manifestations, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach for newly diagnosed cases.
Identification of SQL Injection Security Vulnerabilities in Web applications Based on Binary Code Similarity
Authors: Wang Jianhua
Published: November 2024

The existing SQL injection security vulnerability identification technology for Web applications has inherent flaws, which are relatively passive in defense methods, and cannot deal with increasingly changeable attack methods. In order to improve the accuracy of SQL injection security vulnerability identification of Web applications, this paper uses an improved skip-gram model to realize unsupervised learning of the embedding process, converts the information related to program functions contained in the vertices of the basic block into feature vectors to obtain the ACFG vector of the basic block, and measures the similarity of binary functions by evaluating the similarity of feature vectors. The experimental results show that the technical processing route proposed in this paper can effectively compare binary functions with different architectures and optimization levels, and use the advantages of neural networks to obtain higher accuracy and better analysis efficiency, thereby effectively improving the identification effect of SQL injection security vulnerabilities in Web applications. Therefore, it can play a certain role in the security management of subsequent Web applications.
Addressing The Concern of Malicious Drone in The Internet of Drone Sixth Generation Mobile System Powered by WSNs Using Three Security Levels
Authors: Lehmoud Ahssan Ahmed Mohammed , Slman Fadhil Mohammed , Mohamed Mohamed Q. , Joda Fanar Ali , Aldulaimi Mohammed Hasan
Published: November 2024

Securing communications in drone networks is an essential aspect of ensuring good network performance. Data transferred over the Internet of Drones (IoD) Communications, which is rapidly growing, holds crucial information for navigation, coordination, data sharing, and control, and enables the creation of smart services in many sectors. Sixth-generation (6G) mobile systems are anticipated to be impacted by the plethora of IoD. The possibility of malevolent drones intercepting or altering data before it reaches its target is a serious worry. Operations on IoD networks may be hampered by this, and safety issues may arise. Utilizing three security levels, the suggested method solves the issue of malicious drones in the IoD network. The suggested system’s first level allocates a trust value to IoD drones based on behaviors including prior drone behavioral histories, packet losses, and processing delays. This can be accomplished by choosing drones as investigators to monitor the actions of neighboring drones and assess the level of trust value. The second level involves communication protection, which is accomplished by historical communication behavior. The purpose of the final security level is to safeguard the reliability of the data used to calculate trust values. The fundamental topical of our proposed system is to propose and explore a novel tactic for detecting malicious UAVs within the internet of drone framework, using theoretical and simulations models. Because that 6G networks are still now in the developmental stage, the results presented are based on predictive analyses and simulations rather than real-world applications.
K-means Optimized Network Security Management in the Internet Context
Authors: Liu Cuijuan , Song Liya
Published: November 2024

The rapid development of the Internet has had a broad and profound impact on humanity, making information acquisition and dissemination more convenient. It has also brought significant opportunities and benefits to business and the economy. However, there are some issues, such as personal factors and data security concerns. In order to solve the above problems, the K-means algorithm is optimized from the perspectives of K-value validity index, feature weighting and three-branch decision making. First, the optimal clustering results are determined according to K-value validity index, and the influence of different dimensional features on clustering is considered for feature weighting, and the uncertain objects in the three-branch decision deadlock class are divided into the boundary domain. The delay decision of the boundary domain data is carried out, and the K-means clustering optimization algorithm is improved by combining the above three aspects, and the intelligent network security management system is developed on this basis. The results showed that the K-means optimization algorithm achieved the highest average accuracy rate, adjusted Morandi index, and adjusted mutual information across various datasets, with values of 96.01%, 0.866, and 0.869, respectively. In practical network attack scenarios, the K-means optimization algorithm attained an attack threat recognition accuracy of 94.38%. Under unknown network attack types, its detection rate and false alarm rate were 94.63% and 1.32%, respectively. Surveys conducted post-implementation of the intelligent network security management system indicated that over 90% of users were satisfied with their experience of the system. In summary, the proposed method accurately identifies potential network threats in network data, fulfilling performance requirements for network security management systems and ensuring the security of network resources.
Research on Security Situation Assessment and Prediction Model of Network System in Deep Learning Environment
Authors: Xiao Li , Pan Tianheng , Wu Xiaoling , Zhu Youkang
Published: November 2024

With the development of the Internet, the network environment is increasingly complex, and the problem of network security is increasingly serious. Traditional passive network security technology has been unable to meet people’s current security needs, in this context, network security situation awareness arises at the historic moment. NSSA technology makes the traditional passive security into active security, from the analysis of unilateral elements to the analysis of the overall security. As key technology of situation perception, security situation assessment and prediction can evaluate and predict the network security situation at the overall level, help network security managers understand the overall network security changes and take protective measures in advance when predicting the dangerous state, which has important research significance. This paper mainly studies the situation assessment and prediction technology of network security, and puts forward the improved model and algorithm, which improves accuracy of situation assessment and prediction results. Prediction accuracy reaches 97.86%, and the efficiency of the situation assessment reaches 98.22%.
Research on the Quality Assessment and Protection of Network Security Body Based on Intelligent Induction and Deep Learning
Authors: Shen Yubin , Sun Hanqing , Li Miaoxin
Published: November 2024

This mechanism mainly saves the induction information in the distributed cloud storage node, and saves the message summary of the induction information in the block chain node, and then the corresponding relationship between the cloud storage node and the block chain node is saved in the induction information management machine. When the user reads the data, the identity authentication is first completed at the induction information management machine, and the induction information is obtained through the key, and finally the data verification is completed at the block chain node. The main advantages of this mechanism are: using block chain to store intelligent sensing information, and using chain storage to reduce the cost of storage, thus enhancing the scalability of block chain storage. This mechanism uses new hash chains to transmit inductive information, thus improving the security of transmission. Through this study proposes an access control strategy for intelligent sensing information. In this way, the user with the key can quickly complete the work certificate and complete the access, while the illegal intruder who does not hold the key cannot calculate the work certificate of the next block based on the existing block, so he cannot access the intelligence. Under the network topology set in this paper, the model with step 2 is significantly better than step 1 and 3, with 18.30% and 75.01% reduction on MAPE and 15.66% and 87.79% reduction on RMSE. Through hidden Markov, the security situation of the information system under the time series is determined. Through SSIPN, the security event is not used as a single situation assessment index, but the network topology and node vulnerability are included in the assessment scope to enhance the correlation between the security event and each node in the information system. Based on SSIPN, the weight allocation algorithm of the corresponding nodes is proposed, which accurately reflects the impact of the level of the nodes on the network on the overall situation, and realizes the security situation assessment of the overall network.
Optimization of Network Intrusion Detection Model Based on Big Data Analysis
Authors: Shan Jizhou , Ma Hong
Published: November 2024

As user usage grows, so do security threats to networks, the Internet, websites, and organizations. Detecting intrusions in such a big data situation is complex. A feature-optimized network intrusion detection model based on extensive data analysis is designed to overcome the limitations of current network intrusion detection models and obtain more ideal results. Firstly, the current modeling status of network intrusion detection is studied, and the influence of features on the results of network intrusion detection is analyzed. Then, the feature optimization mathematical model of network intrusion detection is established. The solution of the feature optimization mathematical model is searched by an adaptive genetic algorithm simulating natural biological evolution. The optimal feature subset of intrusion detection is obtained by back coding the optimal solution. Finally, according to the optimal feature subset, the learning sample of network intrusion detection is modeled, and the optimal network intrusion detection model is designed. Using the standard data set of network intrusion detection for simulation and comparison tests, the average accuracy of this paper’s network intrusion detection model is about 95%, while other current network intrusion detection models are below 95%. Meanwhile, the time of training and the detection of intrusion detection modeling in this model is significantly reduced, and better efficiency of network intrusion detection can be obtained.
Research on Optimization of UAV Communication Network Security Protection Strategy Based on Advanced Encryption Technology
Authors: Zhang Yue
Published: November 2024

With the wide application of UAVs in various applications, the security, spectrum, and energy efficiency of their communication networks have become increasingly prominent. This paper proposes a joint optimization strategy based on deep reinforcement learning for drone swarm communication networks. First, a model is constructed that takes into account security threats, spectrum sharing, and energy consumption. Intelligent agents are then trained through deep reinforcement learning to dynamically select the best spectrum allocation and energy strategy to improve spectrum and energy efficiency while maintaining network security. Based on encryption technology, this paper studies resource optimization strategies for UAV security communication in different scenarios. Aiming at the incomplete certainty of multiple eavesdropping positions and the problem of the no-fly zone during UAV flight, a joint optimization algorithm is proposed to optimize UAV trajectory, interference power, and transmission power of ground base stations so as to maximize the minimum average security capacity of the system in the worst case. To solve the problem of the LoS link of UAV being quickly blocked in the city and secondary users easily causing excessive interference to primary users, intelligent reflectors are introduced to assist the UAV in secure communication. IRS can be used to reconfigure channel parameters to control the propagation direction of UAV communication links, enhance the channel quality of the primary link, and weaken the channel quality of eavesdropping links and interference links. Simulation results show that the optimization scheme improves the channel quality of UAV in crowded scenarios, inhibits the eavesdropping effect of eavesdroppers on secondary security users, and reduces the spectrum multiplexing interference of primary users, thus significantly enhancing the security capacity of the system. When the interference power of UAVs is increased, the value and growth rate of the security capacity of security users are significantly increased. The increase is 20%. Through a large number of simulation experiments, it has been proved that this method has excellent performance in improving communication security, spectrum utilization, and energy efficiency and has obvious advantages over the traditional baseline and average allocation DQN-wrap method.
The Application of National Security Algorithm in Wireless Networks for Industrial Automation Process Automation (WIA-PA) Network Data Security Transmission
Authors: Bai Ganghua
Published: November 2024

Industrial wireless communication technology is the key to promoting the development of factory intelligence and automation. However, wireless network data security has hindered the development of industrial intelligence. Therefore, to solve the security issues of industrial wireless networks, a network data secure transmission technology based on the national security algorithm is proposed based on industrial wireless network standard protocols. Firstly, to address the vulnerability of network node identity authentication to attacks, the national security algorithm is used to construct a node authentication model. Secondly, a data security transmission model is constructed based on the improved national security algorithm, which can securely transmit industrial wireless networks by encrypting network application layer data. In network node identity authentication, when the step size was 50, the identity authentication average accuracy of the research mode reached over 98.95%, which was better than other models. When the step size was 50, the average accuracy of identity authentication in the research model was over 98.95%, showing the best performance among similar models. In the attack test of illegal client C, when the interaction history data was within 500, the node identity authentication was higher than 99.56%. However, when the interaction history data exceeded 500, the overall performance of the research model was still the best. In the comparison of node code storage and content usage overhead, when the code quantity was 15000, the storage overhead of the research model was 87356 bytes, with more node code storage and lower memory usage. The overall performance of the research model is better. From this, the research method performs the best in both identity recognition accuracy and security in network data security. The research content will provide technical support for the security management and data transmission of industrial wireless technology.
Separable additive quadratic residue codes over $Z_2Z_4$ and their applications
Authors: Karbaski Arezoo , Taher Abualrub , Guenda Kenza , Gulliver T. Aaron
Published: November 2024

This paper examines separable additive quadratic residue codes (QRCs) over $\mathbb{Z}_{2}\mathbb{Z}_{4}$ and their applications. The idempotent generators of these codes are obtained. Further, the properties of separable additive QRCs over $\mathbb{Z}_{2}\mathbb{Z}_{4}$ are studied including their idempotent generators. As applications, these codes are used to construct self-dual, self-orthogonal, additive complementary pair (ACP) codes, additive complementary dual (ACD) codes, and additive $l$-intersection pairs of codes over $\mathbb{Z}_{2}\mathbb{Z}_{4}$.
Trapped in the Middle: Tracing the Invention of Mizrahi Jews as Mediators
Authors: Evri Yuval
Published: November 2024

Abstract: The essay traces the history of Mizrahim becoming mediators who operated on the borderlines that emerged between Arabs and Jews and Hebrew and Arabic languages. From this liminal position on the national borderlines emerged a new role for the Mizrahi Jews—as translators, interpreters, and go-betweens bridging the two cultures and national identities while simultaneously maintaining the clear separation lines between them. The essay expands the scope of cultural and social activities that could be considered mediation, from actions that aim to bring people closer or reconcile them to other roles, such as a platform for spying, collaboration, and propaganda. A key “mediation zone” discussed in the essay is the Voice of Israel in Arabic.
Doña Gracia Nasi: Between Diplomacy and Private Interests
Authors: Palladini Alberto
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This article presents six new letters and documents recently found in the State Archive of Modena concerning the relationship between the wealthy conversa Doña Gracia Nasi and Ercole II d’Este, Duke of Ferrara. This discovery, which includes four letters signed by Doña Gracia herself, reveals the extent of the relationship between the Este family and the Nasi family, beginning with Doña Gracia’s time in Ferrara and continuing after her move to Constantinople. The letters and documents concern the Portuguese New Christian population of Ferrara, the needs of Ercole II, and, finally, Doña Gracia’s own family business. This article gives new insights into the financial support that Doña Gracia gave to the Duke of Ferrara over a number of years, as well as a possible direct business agreement between them, revealing the extent of the Nasi’s commercial power. Furthermore, in addition to the Nasi’s economic power, the letters also demonstrate their diplomatic influence on the foreign diplomats in Constantinople on behalf of the Este. The letters and documents are significant in that they show how a strong relationship was established and maintained between the two families throughout the life of Duke Ercole II as “father of justice and kindness,” while adding to our existing documentary knowledge of Doña Gracia Nasi, one of the wealthiest women of Renaissance Europe.
Women’s Perceptions of the Medicalization of Pregnancy and Their Preferred Models of Care: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Tyebally Fang Mirriam , Kunz Ladina , Spitale Giovanni , Wäscher Sebastian , Germani Federico , Biller-Andorno Nikola
Published: November 2024

The concept of women-centered care during pregnancy and childbirth has received increasing attention. It addresses the question of the right degree of medical care during pregnancy. Consequently, it further opens a debate about the medicalization of pregnancy, which puts pregnancy into the realm of medicine and treats it as a medical problem. The experience of pregnancy and childbirth plays an essential role in the well-being of both the mother and the future child and is influenced by women’s autonomy and freedom of choice.
The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions and perspectives of women on the medicalization of pregnancy and childbirth. The study illuminates the women’s belief about whether pregnancy and childbirth should be a medicalized process to a greater or lesser degree, focusing on their preferred models of care and the implications for healthcare providers. In-depth interviews with 37 women of various backgrounds and experiences were conducted as part of a national qualitative study in Switzerland. A thematic analysis identified key themes and patterns. Two important aspects related to women’s autonomy emerged: the possibility of defining and positioning pregnancy and childbirth according to their own beliefs and life practices, and the freedom to choose the preferred model of care for their pregnancy. The findings suggest that healthcare providers should offer personalized models of care and support women’s specific needs, ensuring genuine choice and integrating authentic informed consent into the decision-making process.
Healing the Healers: Exploring Grief in Medicine
Authors: Walsh Heidi A.
Published: November 2024

Abstract: In healthcare, grieving on the job is common and often goes unaddressed, leading to prolonged and compounded emotional distress among healthcare professionals. Reflecting on personal narratives written by healthcare providers and trainees working in emergency medicine, pediatrics, and other medical specialties, I highlight how grief can be prolonged when anticipated, chronic, delayed, or inhibited and how it may be influenced by the closeness of the patient-provider relationship, relatable circumstances in the patient or family's life, and the level of support provided by colleagues, peers, and institutions. The NIB narratives emphasize the need for better support systems, particularly for early career-stage workers, and stress the importance of addressing grief to foster well-being and job satisfaction. Fewer narratives by more experienced professionals were included in the narrative symposium, hinting that as a coping strategy, healthcare professionals may eventually develop enhanced compartmentalization skills to deal with emotionally difficult cases. Finally, I highlight how, for many of the authors, their experiences with grief have been professionally formative, and I briefly reflect upon my own personal experience with grieving on the job while working in the emergency department at a level-one trauma center.
Much Ado about a Thing: A Materialist Reading of Nella Larsen’s Quicksand
Authors: Nemmers Adam
Published: November 2024

Abstract: “Much Ado about a Thing” conducts a materialist reading of Nella Larsen’s Quicksand , tracing the devolution of Helga Crane as she travels from Naxos to Copenhagen to Alabama. While she begins the novel as a sovereign subject amid her treasured possessions, Helga becomes sexualized, exoticized, and objectified, and eventually succumbs to the fate of a worn-out, used-up thing as a wife and mother. As I argue, Helga’s materialist devolution is inextricably intertwined with her racial and gender identity as a Black woman living in the United States, yet is complicated by her own zealous desire for things, which critiques her status as an aesthete and materialist. Further, through the tragic example of Helga, Larsen critiques the facile and artificial subject/object system of classification that has engendered the oppression of marginalized people, yet overlooked the significance of work-a-day things that surround us. In transitioning between material states, Helga demonstrates the importance of both personal and narrative perspective, highlighting her own instability as she attempts to construct an identity independent of those and that which surround her.
Jornadas de Ciências da Comunicação: Debates em Língua Portuguesa
Authors: Freitas Gustavo , Magalhães Catarina
Published: November 2024

Esta obra resulta da compilação de parte dos trabalhos apresentados nas III Jornadas de Ciências da Comunicação organizadas pelos estudantes do Doutoramento em Ciências da Comunicação da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Coimbra. Estão aqui reunidos textos que analisam a atividade jornalística, os produtos mediáticos, a presença das mulheres nas redações e na produção noticiosa, as representações mediáticas, os usos de novas tecnologias na distribuição de conteúdo informativo, bem como a análise de projetos desenvolvidos com recurso a novas tecnologias em plena popularização pós-pandémica dessas ferramentas.
desafio da inclusão de neurodivergentes em planetários
Authors: Gomes Alessandro
Published: November 2024

A inclusão de pessoas neurodivergentes em atividades de divulgação científica é um desafio para a área de pesquisa em Educação em Ciências. Este trabalho apresenta o relato de experiência de uma ação extensionista destinada à inclusão desse público. Foram realizadas duas sessões de cúpula no planetário da instituição as quais foram adaptadas para que 32 neurodivergentes pudessem se sentir acolhidos. Após as sessões, os participantes foram convidados a responder a perguntas sobre o que gostaram e aprenderam, sendo incentivados a fazer um desenho sobre o que viram na sessão de cúpula. Os resultados indicam que os neurodivergentes gostaram das sessões e que conseguiram demonstrar, por meio da verbalização e dos desenhos, o que gostaram e/ou o que aprenderam. São discutidas as implicações educacionais da atividade, os desdobramentos e as propostas de novas possibilidades de pesquisa na área.
Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation–Facilitated Large-Bore Catheter Embolectomy in the Treatment of Acute Pulmonary Embolism Complicated by Shock
Authors: Glazier Hugh A , Kaki Amir
Published: November 2024

This article reports the case of a 42-year-old man who presented with a saddle pulmonary embolus complicated by normotensive cardiogenic shock. The patient was first stabilized with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Then, while the patient was still on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, thrombectomy with a large-bore catheter device was performed that resulted in a large decrease in pulmonary artery pressures and a clinically significant increase in cardiac index, with rapid clinical improvement. Complete recovery of the patient's cardiopulmonary status has been maintained at intermediate-term follow-up. This treatment strategy should be considered favorably in the treatment of patients presenting with pulmonary embolism complicated by cardiogenic shock.
Synthesis of Styrofoam Waste-Derived Activated Carbon as an Electron Extractor for Modifying Cu/P-CuSCN/N-Cu₂O/ITO Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Laily Dheani , Fitriani Aisyah Wahyu , Hanantya Endar Aldi , Nuryanto Rahmad
Published: November 2024

Activated carbon synthesized from styrofoam waste was applied as an electron extractor to enhance the performance of Cu/p-CuSCN/n-Cu2O/ITO-based photovoltaic cells. The widespread use of plastic products, particularly styrofoam, has led to severe environmental pollution due to its long decomposition time. Styrofoam waste-derived activated carbon utilizes polystyrene, which is rich in carbon, to produce high-surface-area materials. In this study, the activated carbon enhances the efficiency of photogenerated electron separation and extraction in photovoltaic cells. Characterization results indicate that the activated carbon has a surface area of 1,865.04 m2/g, a pore volume of 1.25 cm3/g, and a pore diameter of 2.53–2.68 nm, with a direct band gap energy of 4.33 eV. Voltage testing on the photovoltaic cells demonstrated a significant increase, with the highest voltage reaching 209.67 mV in the 5 mg activated carbon variation, representing a 34.84% improvement. The application of activated carbon in Cu/p-CuSCN/n-Cu2O/ITO-based photovoltaic cells provided a notable voltage increase, confirming its effectiveness as an electron extractor.
Evaluation of Sealing Strength in Multilayer LLDPE Packaging for Impact-Resistant Rice Pouches
Authors: Krisnamurti Bayu , Irawati Henny , Hafizah Mas Ayu Elita , Manaf Azwar
Published: November 2024

In this study, we evaluate the mechanical integrity, thermal stability, and impact resilience of three different laminated polymer materials—PA/LLDPE, MDO-PE/LLDPE, and BOPE/LLDPE—to assess their suitability for rice packaging applications. Our experiments include tests to determine the temperature at which sealing begins, evaluations of thermal durability, assessments of seal integrity, and impact resistance tests. PA/LLDPE exhibited excellent sealing ability, displaying the highest seal strength of 6,411 gr/15 mm at 150°C, and maintained structural integrity up to 200°C, making it particularly suitable for high-temperature applications. MDO-PE/LLDPE also performed well, especially at lower temperatures, with a seal strength of 5,327 gr/15 mm at 130°C. The addition of a plastomer significantly improved its low-temperature effectiveness. Conversely, BOPE/LLDPE reached its peak seal strength at 3,825 gr/15 mm at 140°C but showed lower stability at higher temperatures. During drop tests, PA/LLDPE and MDO-PE/LLDPE demonstrated good impact resistance, absorbing up to 245.250 Joules, while BOPE/LLDPE absorbed only up to 196.240 Joules, indicating its limited ability to withstand impact. These results suggest that PA/LLDPE and MDO-PE/LLDPE are more effective in preventing environmental ingress, even under stress at temperatures up to 200°C. This research underscores the critical role of polymer composition and structure in enhancing the mechanical performance and durability of packaging materials. The practical applications of these findings are substantial, offering packaging developers insights into selecting appropriate materials that meet industry standards for safety and environmental responsibility, particularly in the food sector. These insights could lead to the development of more sustainable, high-performance packaging solutions, aligning with global trends toward sustainability and safety in food packaging.
Effects of Borneol and Thymoquinone on TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Juhás Š. , Čikoš Š. , Czikková S. , Veselá J. , Iľková G. , Hájek T. , Domaracká K. , Domaracký M. , Bujňáková D. , Rehák P. , Koppel Juraj
Published: November 2024

Components of plant essential oils have been reported to have health benefit properties, including antioxidative, anti-tumour, antimicrobial, anti-stress, and immunomodulative activities. We examined the anti-inflammatory effects of thymoquinone, the active ingredient in the volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, and borneol, the active component of Salvia officinalis essential oil, on TNBS-induced colitis in mice. Thymoquinone was added to the commercial diet at a concentration of 0.05 % and borneol at two concentrations (0.09% and 0.18%) and fed to ICR mice 5 days before induction of TNBS colitis. Seven days after TNBS administration the mice were killed and macroscopic and histological scores were evaluated. Cytokine mRNA expression in colonic tissue was assessed using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. We did not detect any significant changes in macroscopic and histological scores between experimental and control groups, but we observed a significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β and IL-6) mRNA expression in colon tissue in the 0.09% and 0.18% borneol-treated groups of mice in comparison to the control group. Surprisingly, we were not able to confirm anti-inflammatory effects of thymoquinone in TNBS colitis. In conclusion, our data show that borneol is able to significantly suppress proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression in colonic inflammation, although no significant morphological changes are visible.
Photooxidative Action in Cancer and Normal Cells Induced by the Use of Photofrin® in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Saczko Jolanta , Chwiłkowska A. , Kulbacka J. , Berdowska I. , Zieliński B. , Drąg-Zalesińska M. , Wysocka T. , Ługowski M. , Banaś T.
Published: November 2024

Photofrin-mediated PDT was applied to malignant (A549 and MCF-7) and normal (HUV-EC-C) cells. The cells were incubated for different lengths of time after PDT. The cell responses to the therapy were examined by changes in SOD activity, phototoxicity, and mode of the cell death. PDT induced dynamic changes in SOD activity. Initially, an increase in SOD activity was observed, and after 6 hours of culture it decreased to the control level. Results obtained from MTT and the comet assay indicate that PDT caused immediate cell death via apoptosis in the A549, MCF-7, and HUV-EC-C cell lines. Our studies confirm that SOD is involved in the response of both cancer and normal cells to PDT.
Inflammatory Changes in Small Blood Vessels in the Endomyocardium of Cardiac Syndrome X in Female Patients with Increased C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Zorc-Pleskovič R. , Vraspir-Porenta O. , Zorc M. , Milutinović A. , Petrovič Daniel
Published: November 2024

The pathogenesis and pathohistological changes of CSX, a syndrome characterized by anginal chest pain and normal coronary arteries on coronary angiography, is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to analyse morphological changes in small blood vessels of the CSX patients with increased CRP levels (above 5 mg/l). EMB was performed for diagnostic purposes in 31 female patients with CSX, and EMB specimens were histologically and immunohistochemically analysed. Increased CRP was found in 18 (58.1%) female patients with CSX. Signs of inflammation in the walls of small blood vessels were demonstrated in 13 (76%) and TUNEL-positive endothelial cells in 3 (17%) women with increased CRP. Morphological analysis of small blood vessels in EMB in CSX female patients with increased CRP levels revealed signs of inflammation and apoptosis of endothelial cells, indicating the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of CSX.
Dzieciństwo w doświadczeniu życia. Szkic autobiograficzny
Authors: Zamojska Eva
Published: November 2024

Tekst jest próbą autoanalizy. Analizuję w nim własne wspomnienia z wczesnego dzieciństwa, wykorzystując swoją obecną wiedzę. Odwołując się do jakościowych metod badawczych, takich jak autoetnografia i autobiografia, staram się opisać specyficzne warunki społeczne i kulturowe dorastania w latach 60. XX wieku w małym przygranicznym miasteczku na południu Czechosłowacji. Podejmuję refleksję nad kilkoma pytaniami: Jakie ukryte przesłania dotyczące podziałów i relacji między dorosłymi a dziećmi wyłaniają się z moich wspomnień? Jakie podziały klasowe leżały u podstaw sposobów, w jakie dorośli traktowali dzieci? Jak wyglądała dynamika płci w szkołach i rodzinach?
Algorithms for using dictionaries in foreign language classes
Authors: Chernysh Oksana , Verhun Тetiana , Levkivska Krystyna
Published: November 2024

Dictionaries are an invaluable resource for foreign language learners. They provide insight into the meaning of new words, their grammatical properties and usage, thereby enhancing students’ vocabulary and literacy. The ability to work with a dictionary is beneficial for both reading and writing. While guessing the meaning of unfamiliar terms based on context is a useful strategy, it is not always reliable, especially for infrequent or specialized vocabulary. In addition, students may not always have the opportunity to seek assistance from teachers or peers. Therefore, proficiency in using dictionaries plays an important role in fostering independent learners who rely on their own decisions, efforts, and learning styles.