bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual and refractive outcomes after implantation of two models of trifocal intraocular lenses in eyes with previous corneal ablation to treat hyperopia
Authors: Mayordomo-Cerdá Fernando , Ortega-Usobiaga Julio , Baviera-Sabater Julio , Bilbao-Calabuig Rafael , Llovet-Osuna Fernando , Druchkiv Vasyl , Cobo-Soriano Rosario
Published: December 2023

Background

To assess whether a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with neutral spherical aberration (SA) provides better visual and refractive outcomes than a trifocal IOL with negative SA after hyperopic corneal laser ablation.

Methods

This is a retrospective comparative study. Patients were classified according to the IOL implanted after cataract or clear lens phacoemulsification [group 1, PhysIOL FineVision Pod-F (negative SA); group 2, Rayner RayOne Trifocal (neutral SA)]. We evaluated uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), predictability, safety, efficacy, and satisfaction.

Results

198 eyes of 119 patients met the inclusion criteria. Group 1 comprised 120 eyes and group 2 comprised 78 eyes. At completion, the refractive and predictability results were significantly better in group 1 than in group 2 for manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) (P < 0.001). Differences were not significant for UDVA (P = 0.647), CDVA (P = 0.343), UIVA (P = 0.059), UNVA (P = 0.382), binocular UIVA (P = 0.157), or binocular UNVA (P = 0.527). Safety and efficacy indices in refractive lens exchange (RLE) eyes were 0.96 and 0.91, and 0.89 and 0.93 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.254 and 0.168). Patient satisfaction was similar in both groups (P > 0.05, all items).

Conclusion

In eyes previously treated with hyperopic corneal ablation, implantation of a trifocal IOL with neutral SA provided better efficacy and safety outcomes but worse predictability outcomes than those obtained with a trifocal model with negative SA.
What's next for the Sustainable Development Goals? Synergy and trade-offs in affordable and clean energy (SDG 7)
Authors: Ramasubramanian Brindha , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: December 2023

This Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) analysis addresses critical challenges through three questions, backed by literature and evidence. Environmental, social, and governance concerns were discussed. A notable SDG target shortfall was observed from International Renewable Energy Agency, International Energy Agency, and United Nation’s publications. Urgent actions include refining greenhouse gas emission equivalent estimations and establishing unified life cycle assessment standards. While prioritizing renewables, minimizing dependence on non-renewables for a lower carbon footprint is vital. Balancing energy production with per capita consumption reduction, especially with a growing population, is key to achieving net-zero emissions. This solution demands a thoughtful evaluation of challenges tied to specific renewable technologies and their socio-economic impact. Balancing economic growth, crisis response, and resource management is crucial for acheiving SDG 7 targets.
Analysis of radiographic factors affecting the significant differences in knee alignment between hip-to-talus and hip-to-calcaneus radiographs after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Park Hyung Jun , Boo Joon Hyeok , Suh Dong Hun , Kim Jae Gyoon
Published: December 2023

Background

Optimal alignment after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is crucial for obtaining good clinical results. A hip-to-calcaneus radiograph (HCR) appears to reflect the true mechanical axis. However, no study has been reported using the HCR in patients who underwent OWHTO. We aimed to analyze the radiographic factors affecting the significant difference in the weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio between two radiographs after opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO).

Methods

This retrospective study included 51 patients who underwent both hip-to-talus radiographs (HTR) and HCR after OWHTO. The patients were divided into two groups; a consistent group (WBL ratio difference between postoperative HTR and HCR < 5%; N = 35) and an inconsistent group (> 5%; N = 16). Radiographic variables for lower extremity alignment, knee and ankle joints, and clinical scores were evaluated. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the threshold of radiographic variables that induced inconsistencies between the two radiographs.

Results

The mean postoperative WBL ratio in the HCR of the inconsistent group was significantly higher than that of the consistent group (57.7 ± 13.2% and 49.1 ± 11.6%, respectively) (P = 0.02). The preoperative and postoperative ankle joint line obliquity (AJLO) and preoperative lateral distal tibia ground surface angle (LDTGA) were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The preoperative AJLO (odds ratio 0.784, confidence interval 0.655–0.939, P = 0.008) significantly affected WBL ratio inconsistency. The cutoff value of the preoperative AJLO was 3.16°. However, clinical scores did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

The pre-and postoperative AJLO and the preoperative LDTGA were significantly different between the two groups. Among these variables, only preoperative AJLO negatively affected the inconsistency in WBL ratios between the two radiographs (HTT and HTC). Therefore, it should be considered to prevent postoperative overcorrection of the true mechanical axis after OWHTO, even though we corrected it properly.

Level of evidence Level IV.
Effect of oxidative stress-related genetic variants: “Explicating the role of reactive oxygen species influenced antioxidant gene polymorphism,” a risk stratification of type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated nephropathy: a systematic review
Authors: Begum Farhana , Lakshmanan Karpagavel
Published: December 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is believed to be associated with microvascular complications which include diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Oxidative stress plays a predominant role in the pathogenesis of DN and also influences metabolic endeavor and its hemodynamic pathways to possess various associations with renal complications, and one such is diabetic nephropathy which is the insignificant cause of end-stage renal disease. Renal injury in DN is predominantly related to the inclined oxidative stress, with influential metabolic endeavor and its hemodynamic pathways. Hyperglycemia, an hallmark feature of diabetes, promotes conditions of the diabetic patients responsible for higher reactive oxygen species production, which ultimately leads to increased oxidative stress, and this is considered to be the important event in the initiation of DN. Pertaining to oxidative stress, ROS is generated mostly by the variety of important pathways, in which this paves the way for antioxidant therapeutic approach preventing the initiation and progression/aggravation of tubular injury in DN. The most salient antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase are considered as prime elements involved in the assembly and discharge of reactive metabolites. Therefore, this review highlights that antioxidant gene polymorphisms also postulate that this in these antioxidant genes may be a major cause for the pathogenesis of DN. Hence, it could also answer many questions put forth by researchers, and clinicians detecting the single-nucleotide polymorphism of these antioxidant genes and targeting therapeutic approach can enhance the genetic changes and help to reduce severity at the early stages of DN. Additionally, this literature review also shows the importance of regional population studies on detecting the SNPs of antioxidant gene which in turn reflects the status of oxidative stress involved in the pathogenesis of DN associated with T2D.
Assessment of hepatic steatosis of potential living donor before liver transplantation using liver/spleen CT attenuation ratio compared to liver biopsy
Authors: Atef Hesham Mohamed , Korayem Enas Mohamed , Ahmed Naglaa Allam , Houseni Mohamed Mohamed , El-Refaie Ahmed Mohamed , Gomaa Manal Ibrahim
Published: December 2023

Background

Hepatic steatosis has become a major worldwide health problem, so assessment of hepatic steatosis in potential living donors is crucial prior to liver transplantation. Until now liver biopsy (LB) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing steatosis before transplantation, however steatosis assessment using imaging modalities, such as computerized tomography (CT), would be better for the donor, due its non-invasiveness. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of CT as a semiquantitaive tool for liver steatosis assessment in liver donors in comparison to liver biopsy results.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 53 potential liver graft donors. All patients were subjected to non-contrast CT of the abdomen, tru-cut liver biopsy, and histopathological evaluation. The CT liver attenuation (CTL), the hepatic/splenic CT attenuation ratio (CTL/S) and difference between hepatic attenuation value and splenic attenuation values (CTL–S) were determined as well as the correlations of these indices and the findings of Liver biopsy (LB) were compared.

Results

According to the hepatosteatosis grades in the pathology results, the patients were divided into two groups: group A: 38 patients with grade 0 hepatosteatosis and group B: 15 patients with grade 1 and 2 hepatosteatosis. CTL, CTL–S, CTL/S, ratio of mean right hepatic lobe and splenic attenuation (RT/S) and ratio of mean left hepatic lobe and splenic attenuation (LT/S) were found to be effective in the diagnosis of hepatosteatosis grades at cutoff values ≤ 55.4, ≤ 8.7, ≤ 1.17, ≤ 1.1548 and ≤ 1.2971 with 80%, 80%, 73.3%, 86.7% and 86.7% sensitivity and 71.1%, 56.8%, 73.7% 71.1% and 50.0% specificity respectively. Also, CTL/S was found to be very effective in the diagnosis of grade II hepatosteatosis at cutoff values ≤ 0.9 with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. There was significant negative correlations between the CT indexes and degree of hepatosteatosis.

Conclusions

Compared to biopsy results, CT noninvasive indices strongly predicted the presence of hepatosteatosis, which can help in avoiding the necessity for this invasive technique.
UK adult ADHD services in crisis
Authors: Smith Michael C. F. , Mukherjee Raja A. S. , Müller-Sedgwick Ulrich , Hank Dietmar , Carpenter Peter , Adamou Marios
Published: December 2023

The UK's services for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are in crisis, with demand outstripping capacity and waiting times reaching unprecedented lengths. Recognition of and treatments for ADHD have expanded over the past two decades, increasing clinical demand. This issue has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite an increase in specialist services, resource allocation has not kept pace, leading to extended waiting times. Underfunding has encouraged growth in independent providers, leading to fragmentation of service provision. Treatment delays carry a human and financial cost, imposing a burden on health, social care and the criminal justice system. A rethink of service procurement and delivery is needed, with multiple solutions on the table, including increasing funding, improving system efficiency, altering the service provision model and clinical prioritisation. However, the success of these solutions hinges on fiscal capacity and workforce issues.
Prospective External Validation of the Esbenshade Vanderbilt Models Accurately Predicts Bloodstream Infection Risk in Febrile Non-Neutropenic Children With Cancer
Authors: Zhao Zhiguo , Patel Pratik A. , Slatnick Leonora , Sitthi-Amorn Anna , Bielamowicz Kevin J. , Nunez Farranaz A. , Walsh Alexandra M. , Hess Jennifer , Rossoff Jenna , Elgarten Caitlin , Myers Regina , Saab Raya , Basbous Maya , Mccormick Meghan , Aftandilian Catherine , Richards Rebecca , Nessle C. Nathan , Tribble Alison C. , Sheth Bhutada Jessica K. , Coven Scott L. , Runco Daniel , Wilkes Jennifer , Gurunathan Arun , Guinipero Terri , Belsky Jennifer A. , Lee Karen , Wong Victor , Malhotra Megha , Armstrong Amy , Jerkins Lauren P. , Cross Shane J. , Fisher Lyndsay , Stein Madison T. , Wu Natalie L. , Yi Troy , Orgel Etan , Haeusler Gabrielle M. , Wolf Joshua , Demedis Jenna M. , Miller Tamara P. , Esbenshade Adam J.
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

The optimal management of fever without severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] ≥500/µL) in pediatric patients with cancer is undefined. The previously proposed Esbenshade Vanderbilt (EsVan) models accurately predict bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) in this population and provide risk stratification to aid management, but have lacked prospective external validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Episodes of fever with a central venous catheter and ANC ≥500/µL occurring in pediatric patients with cancer were prospectively collected from 18 academic medical centers. Variables included in the EsVan models and 7-day clinical outcomes were collected. Five versions of the EsVan models were applied to the data with calculation of C-statistics for both overall BSI rate and high-risk organism BSI (gram-negative and
Staphylococcus aureus
BSI), as well as model calibration.

RESULTS

In 2,565 evaluable episodes, the BSI rate was 4.7% (N = 120). Complications for the whole cohort were rare, with 1.1% (N = 27) needing intensive care unit (ICU) care by 7 days, and the all-cause mortality rate was 0.2% (N = 5), with only one potential infection-related death. C-statistics ranged from 0.775 to 0.789 for predicting overall BSI, with improved accuracy in predicting high-risk organism BSI (C-statistic 0.800-0.819). Initial empiric antibiotics were withheld in 14.9% of episodes, with no deaths or ICU admissions attributable to not receiving empiric antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

The EsVan models, especially EsVan2b, perform very well prospectively across multiple academic medical centers and accurately stratify risk of BSI in episodes of non-neutropenic fever in pediatric patients with cancer. Implementation of routine screening with risk-stratified management for non-neutropenic fever in pediatric patients with cancer could safely reduce unnecessary antibiotic use.
A Healthy, Low-Carbohydrate Diet During Pregnancy Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Yuhao , Lin Lixia , Huang Li , Zhong Chunrong , Li Qian , Tan Tianqi , Wang Weiming , Zhang Huaqi , Liu Jin , Sun Guoqiang , Yi Nianhua , Yang Xuefeng , Hao Liping , Yang Hongying , Yang Nianhong
Published: December 2023

Context

Evidence on the associations of low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) during pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been limited and inconsistent.

Objective

We aimed to prospectively evaluate the risk of GDM associated with the LCD considering the quality of macronutrients.

Methods

All participants were from a prospective cohort in Wuhan, China. The overall, healthy LCD (emphasizing low-quality carbohydrates, plant protein, and unsaturated fat), and unhealthy LCD (emphasizing high-quality carbohydrates, animal protein, and saturated fat) scores were calculated according to the percentage of energy intake from carbohydrates, protein, and fat. GDM was screened by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks. Poisson regression models were used to calculate relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

Of 2337 pregnant women, 257 (11.0%) were diagnosed with GDM. Overall LCD score was not associated with risk of GDM, but the healthy and unhealthy LCD scores were associated with the risk of GDM. The multivariable-adjusted RRs (95% CI) were 0.68 (0.49-0.94) and 1.52 (1.11-2.08) for healthy and unhealthy LCD scores comparing the highest with the lowest quartile. Substituting high-quality carbohydrates for low-quality carbohydrates and animal protein, and substituting unsaturated fat for saturated fat, were associated with a 13% to 29% lower risk of GDM.

Conclusion

A healthy LCD during pregnancy characterized by high-quality carbohydrates, plant protein, and unsaturated fat was associated with a lower risk of GDM, whereas an unhealthy LCD consisting of low-quality carbohydrates, animal protein, and saturated fat was associated with a higher risk of GDM.
Sex-Specific Perturbation of Systemic Lipidomic Profile in Newborn Lambs Impacted by Prenatal Testosterone Excess
Authors: Saadat Nadia , Ciarelli Joseph , Pallas Brooke , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Vyas Arpita Kalla
Published: December 2023

Gestational hyperandrogenism adversely impacts offspring health. Using an ovine model, we found that prenatal testosterone (T) excess adversely affects growth and cardiometabolic outcomes in female offspring and produces sex-specific effects on fetal myocardium. Since lipids are essential to cardiometabolic function, we hypothesized that prenatal T excess leads to sex-specific disruptions in lipid metabolism at birth. Shotgun lipidomics was performed on the plasma samples collected 48 hours after birth from female (F) and male (M) lambs of control (C) and (T) sheep (CF = 4, TF = 7, CM = 5, TM = 10) and data were analyzed by univariate analysis, multivariate dimensionality reduction modeling followed by functional enrichment, and pathway analyses. Biosynthesis of phosphatidylserine was the major pathway responsible for sex differences in controls. Unsupervised and supervised models showed separation between C and T in both sexes with glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids classes being responsible for the sex differences between C and T. T excess increased cholesterol in females while decreasing phosphatidylcholine levels in male lambs. Specifically, T excess: 1) suppressed the phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) phosphatidylcholine synthesis pathway overall and in TM lambs as opposed to suppression of carnitine levels overall and TF lambs; and 2) activated biosynthesis of ether-linked (O-)phosphatidylethanolamine and O-phosphatidylcholine from O-diacylglycerol overall and in TF lambs. Higher cholesterol levels could underlie adverse cardiometabolic outcomes in TF lambs, whereas suppressed PEMT pathway in TM lambs could lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress and defective lipid transport. These novel findings point to sex-specific effects of prenatal T excess on lipid metabolism in newborn lambs, a precocial ovine model of translational relevance.
A Case of Ovarian Hyperthecosis in a Postmenopausal Woman
Authors: Yousaf Saira , Nizar Ryizan , John Lawrence , Simpson Aaron
Published: December 2023

We report a case of a 55-year-old postmenopausal woman who presented with symptoms of fatigue, male pattern hair loss, and hirsutism over 3 years. Investigations showed elevated total testosterone levels of 5.0 nmol/L (1.44 ng/mL; range, 0.3-3.1 nmol/L) using Beckman-Unicel-DXI-800 immunoassay. Testosterone levels were repeated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and were found to be elevated at 7.3 nmol/L (2.10 ng/mL). Estradiol was detectable and free androgen index was elevated. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels and androstenedione were within normal range, suggesting a nonadrenal source. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed no evidence of adrenal or adnexal tumor. GnRH analog stimulation test led to reduction of gonadotrophins and normalization of testosterone within 4 weeks. She had a biopsy of a cranial hair follicle, which showed androgenic alopecia. These investigations confirmed an ovarian source of androgens. Subsequently, she underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histological study of gonadal tissue confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian hyperthecosis. Four weeks after oophorectomy, her testosterone levels normalized and clinical symptoms improved. Ovarian hyperthecosis is a rare cause of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal women and can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Careful history and physical examination along with critical analysis of biochemistry and imaging studies is crucial for correct diagnosis.
Modulation of tooth regeneration through opposing responses to Wnt and BMP signals in teleosts
Authors: Square Tyler A. , Mackey Emma J. , Sundaram Shivani , Weksler Naama C. , Chen Zoe Z. , Narayanan Sujanya N. , Miller Craig T.
Published: December 2023

Most vertebrate species undergo tooth replacement throughout adult life. This process is marked by the shedding of existing teeth and the regeneration of tooth organs. However, little is known about the genetic circuitry regulating tooth replacement. Here, we tested whether fish orthologs of genes known to regulate mammalian hair regeneration have effects on tooth replacement. Using two fish species that demonstrate distinct modes of tooth regeneration, threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and zebrafish (Danio rerio), we found that transgenic overexpression of four different genes changed tooth replacement rates in the direction predicted by a hair regeneration model: Wnt10a and Grem2a increased tooth replacement rate, whereas Bmp6 and Dkk2 strongly inhibited tooth formation. Thus, similar to known roles in hair regeneration, Wnt and BMP signals promote and inhibit regeneration, respectively. Regulation of total tooth number was separable from regulation of replacement rates. RNA sequencing of stickleback dental tissue showed that Bmp6 overexpression resulted in an upregulation of Wnt inhibitors. Together, these data support a model in which different epithelial organs, such as teeth and hair, share genetic circuitry driving organ regeneration.
BOSC 2023, the 24th annual Bioinformatics Open Source Conference
Authors: Harris Nomi L. , Fields Christopher J. , Hokamp Karsten , Just Jérémy , Khetani Radhika , Maia Jessica , Ménager Hervé , Munoz-Torres Monica C. , Unni Deepak , Williams Jason
Published: December 2023

The 24th annual Bioinformatics Open Source Conference (BOSC 2023) was part of the 2023i conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology and the European Conference on Computational Biology (ISMB/ECCB 2023). Launched in 2000 and held yearly since, BOSC is the premier meeting covering open-source bioinformatics and open science. Like ISMB 2022, the 2023 meeting was a hybrid conference, with the in-person component hosted in Lyon, France. ISMB/ECCB attracted a near-record number of attendees, with over 2100 in person and about 900 more online. Approximately 200 people participated in BOSC sessions. In addition to 43 talks and 49 posters, BOSC featured two keynotes: Sara El-Gebali, who spoke about “A New Odyssey: Pioneering the Future of Scientific Progress Through Open Collaboration”, and Joseph Yracheta, who spoke about “The Dissonance between Scientific Altruism & Capitalist Extraction: The Zero Trust and Federated Data Sovereignty Solution.” Once again, a joint session brought together BOSC and the Bio-Ontologies COSI. The conference ended with a panel on Open and Ethical Data Sharing. As in prior years, BOSC was preceded by a CollaborationFest, a collaborative work event that brought together about 40 participants interested in synergistically combining ideas, shaping project plans, developing software, and more.
Uzależnienie od Internetu i fonoholizm wśród adolescentów
Authors: Buksa Łukasz
Published: December 2023

The youngest generation (called Generation Z) is no longer separated from the previous one by differences, but by a gulf. This generation has been living since its childhood in the environment which is ‘always plugged-in’ to digital networks and ‘always-on’, participating in perpetual communication; in an environment which is increasingly dependent on mobile technologies and the dynamically developed market of mobile devices. This situation influences the lifestyle of youth, hierarchy of values, needs or expectations. The purpose of this article is to indicate new behavioural addictions – to the internet and smartphones – as characteristic for Generation Z. These are increasingly widespread and strong, becoming a source of worry for families, educators, psychologists, sociologists and employers. The psychologists’ offices are visited most often by youth whose emotional disorders are already intense. They need strong therapy, sometimes psychiatric care. Therefore, vigilance of parents on the behaviours and reactions of an adolescent is extremely important. The sooner problems are noticed, the faster a specialist can help an adolescent to deal with problems of difficult everyday life.
Medida do equilíbrio de decisões para redução do peso corporal entre pessoas com sobrepeso ou obesidade: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Santos Thanise Sabrina Souza , Carvalho Maria Cecília Ramos de , Duarte Camila Kümmel , Jaime Patrícia Constante , Lopes Aline Cristine Souza
Published: December 2023

Introdução: Abordagens comportamentais têm contribuído para a efetividade do tratamento da obesidade. A avaliação do equilíbrio de decisões (ED) para redução de peso, isto é, o equilíbrio entre prós e contras da mudança de comportamento, é estratégica no tratamento, contribuindo para a pactuação de estratégias para o enfrentamento dos desafios. É necessário, porém, utilizar instrumentos válidos para mensurar o ED. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de instrumentos de avaliação do ED para redução do peso corporal visando qualificar o cuidado da pessoa com obesidade no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: Realizou-se revisão sistemática da literatura sobre o desenvolvimento e a validação de instrumentos em sete bases de dados seguindo a metodologia Cosmin. Variações dos termos psicometria, obesidade e ED foram combinadas com operadores booleanos. Em duplicada e independentemente, duas pesquisadoras realizaram: extração de dados, avaliação da qualidade e síntese de evidências, sendo as divergências solucionadas por consenso. Esta revisão foi registrada na base internacional Prospero (CRD42020197797). Resultados: Identificaram-se cinco estudos, sendo que três realizaram a tradução e adaptação transcultural do mesmo instrumento. Todos os estudos apresentaram ED em duas dimensões (prós e contras), mas usaram métodos duvidosos ou inadequados, e a maioria apresentou evidências científicas de muito baixa qualidade. Conclusões: Os resultados não sustentaram o uso dos instrumentos existentes nem sua tradução e adaptação transcultural, sendo necessário o desenvolvimento de um novo instrumento. Este estudo, ao disponibilizar um instrumento válido para uso no SUS, poderá contribuir para qualificar o cuidado da pessoa com obesidade e deter o crescimento da obesidade no país.
Presença de desertos alimentares em um distrito sanitário de uma capital brasileira: um estudo descritivo e exploratório sobre a distribuição espacial de estabelecimentos comerciais de alimentos
Authors: Pazzinato Kelly da Silva , Corrêa Elizabeth Nappi , Bricarello Liliana Paula , De Souza Lidiamara Dornelles , Vaz Sara Cavalcanti Mendes , Da Silva Maria Beatriz Carolina , De Vasconcelos Francisco de Assis Guedes
Published: December 2023

Introdução: O ambiente alimentar que a comunidade está inserida pode influenciar, positiva ou negativamente no acesso à alimentação de qualidade e consequentemente na sua saúde. Objetivo: Identificar a presença de desertos alimentares em um distrito sanitário de uma capital brasileira. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal e exploratório, utilizando dados secundários de diferentes fontes institucionais para mapear a distribuição espacial de estabelecimentos de comercialização de alimentos: restaurantes, padarias, supermercados, minimercados/mercearias, hortifrutigranjeiros, vendedores ambulantes e lanchonetes/fastfood. Os estabelecimentos foram agrupados nas categorias in natura, ultraprocessados e mistos, de acordo com a predominância do tipo de alimentos comercializados. Para a análise, a densidade de estabelecimentos in natura juntamente com os mistos por mil habitantes (usuários cadastrados nos centros de saúde) foram calculadas.  Resultados: Foram investigados 111 estabelecimentos, sendo 20% que comercializavam alimentos in natura (saudáveis), 27% alimentos ultraprocessados (não saudáveis) e 53% considerados mistos. Conclusões: Foram observadas áreas que podem ser consideradas desertos alimentares, locais onde há pouca (ou ausência) de oferta de alimentos in natura, e por consequência dificultando o acesso a alimentos saudáveis.
O comer e as práticas alimentares de profissionais da educação superior na primeira onda da pandemia pela Covid-19: rearranjos e ressignificados
Authors: Silva Brenda Ramos , Penaforte Fernanda Rodrigues de Oliveira , Micali Flávia Gonçalves , Barbosa Marina Rodrigues
Published: December 2023

Introdução: O período pandêmico provocou inúmeras alterações, sendo a alimentação um dos contextos afetados. Objetivo: Compreender os novos arranjos e significados das práticas alimentares vivenciados durante a primeira onda da pandemia pela Covid-19 por profissionais da educação superior. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e de caráter exploratório. Foram entrevistados, individualmente e de forma remota, dez profissionais do setor da educação superior de duas universidades federais do interior de Minas Gerais. As entrevistas foram analisadas por meio da Análise Temática de Bardin em conjunto com a Análise de Similitude via IRAMUTEQ. Resultados: As entrevistas permitiram a identificação de três eixos temáticos: (1) “Manejos da comida e do corpo: prazer, culpa e medo do ganho de peso”, explorando os embates que se intensificaram no que tange ao corpo e às escolhas alimentares; (2) “Re-arranjos sociais, comensalidade e práticas alimentares”; e (3) “O exercício do cozinhar no confinamento: polissemias, temporalidades e gênero”, discorrendo sobre o dinamismo da alimentação ao vivenciar alterações na composição domiciliar, rotina e obrigações de trabalho. Discussão: Foi possível identificar relações entre o distanciamento social, o confinamento domiciliar e as práticas alimentares individuais e coletivas. Em razão dos diferentes rearranjos sociais, estruturados pelos participantes para lidar com as restrições impostas pela pandemia, comportamentos dicotômicos emergiram, refletindo conflitos frente aos ajustes nas práticas alimentares. A relação nutriente-alimento (nutricionismo) esteve muito presente nas narrativas, influenciando pensamentos e comportamentos sobre o corpo e o bem-estar. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o contexto pandêmico gerou alterações em relação aos arranjos, representações e significados do comer e da alimentação.
Efeitos bioquímicos do óleo de bacuri (platonia insignis) em camundongos machos
Authors: Boeira Silvana Peterini , De Gomes Marcelo Gomes , Severo Luana Oliveira , Backes Lucas , Madalosso Luiggi Muller , Balok Franciele Romero Machado
Published: December 2023

Introdução: A utilização das plantas medicinais como fonte de pr odutos terapêuticos acompanha a história da humanidade. A Platoniainsignis é uma espécie frutífera nativa da Amazônia oriental, popularmente conhecida como bacuri. O óleo extraído das sementes do bacuri proporciona uma composição química com alto teor de substâncias ativas com efeitos cicatrizantes, antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórios. Objetivo: Este estudo visa caracterizar os efeitos bioquímicos do óleo de bacuri como possível alternativa terapêutica preventiva. Método: Foram utilizados 15 camundongos Swiss adultos divididos em 3 grupos. O óleo de bacuri nas doses de 10 e 100 mg/Kg e o veículo (óleo de oliva – 10 ml/Kg) foram administrados via oral por 30 dias consecutivos. Após 24 horas da administração do composto natural e do veículo, procedeu-se a eutanásia dos animais; sangue coletado por punção cardíaca e o plasma utilizado para realizar as análises bioquímicas. Foram avaliados os parâmetros bioquímicos: glicose, colesterol total, colesterol LDL (LowDensityLipoprotein) e HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), triglicerídeos, transaminase glutâmica oxalacética (TGO), transaminase glutâmica pirúvica (TGP), gama glutamil transferase (GGT), ureia, creatinina e proteínas totais. Resultados: O pré-tratamento com o óleo de bacuri promoveu efeitos benéficos nos parâmetros bioquímicos analisados. Conclusões: Desta forma, o fruto pode ser utilizado como uma alternativa terapêutica na prevenção de doenças.
Culinary recipes adaptation to a cooking skills intervention program for individuals with type 2 diabetes: a feasibility study
Authors: Tiecher Camila Vieira , Fernandes Ana Carolina , Bernardo Greyce Luci , Silva Fharlley Lohann de Medeiros Rodrigues da , Geraldo Ana Paula Gines , Scapin Tailane , Rodrigues Vanessa Mello , Rieger Débora Kurrle , Uggioni Paula Lazzarin , Proença Rossana Pacheco da Costa
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Healthy eating habits and cooking skills can contribute to the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective: This study aimed to adapt, test, and qualitatively evaluate the sensory characteristics of food recipes for their application in a culinary intervention program for individuals with type 2 diabetes, called Nutrition and Culinary in the Kitchen. Methods: Nutrition and Culinary in the Kitchen is an intervention program with hands-on cooking classes focused on promoting cooking skills. Recipes’ modifications were based on the glycemic index of ingredients, then tested and discussed by nutrition experts in consensus workshops. Individuals with type 2 diabetes assessed and discussed the sensory characteristics of recipes in focus groups. Results: Recipes adaptations to suit type 2 diabetes population included replacement of rice by cauliflower and pasta by zucchini, and the use of fruits and spices in sweet recipes instead of using added sugar ingredients and/or non-caloric sweeteners. Those changes were positively accepted by the individuals with type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: The adapted culinary recipes can be used in dietary guidelines and in cooking interventions to promote eating habits that contribute to glycemic control.
Improving care for cardiac patients with heart arrhythmias
Authors: Armstrong Sue
Published: December 2023

Sue Armstrong, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust ( suzanne.armstrong@uhl-tr.nhs.uk ), won a Bronze Award in the Cardiovascular Nurse of the Year Category in the BJN Awards 2023
Assessing and documenting dark skin tones in stoma care
Authors: Vernon Emma , White Pamela
Published: December 2023

The stoma care nurse (SCN) assesses peristomal skin during each patient intervention. Living in a diverse multicultural society, the SCN needs to consider dark skin tones and how these are documented. This article looks at how the literature on peristomal skin assessment and available tools discuss skin colour, and compare this with the tissue viability literature. Stoma care and peristomal skin literature features very little about skin colour. Registered nurses are often unaware of the differences when assessing light skin tones versus dark skin tones. The article discusses how to assess for, identify and document problems around peristomal skin with patients who have dark skin tones. The differences in skin breakdown between light skin tones and dark skin tones are highlighted. There needs to be further research and development of tools to assist clinicians in identification and documentation relating to skin tone, thus providing consistency in assessment.
How to be slow …: with meals
Authors: Clark Alison
Published: December 2023

Adopting an unhurried approach to sharing food can help practitioners make the most of this social time. By Alison Clark
Let's go to…: The Scottish maritime museum
Authors: Munro Claire
Published: December 2023

Children can play in the historic harbourside setting of this industrial museum. By Claire Munro, learning and access manager
Beating the blues
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: December 2023

How can early years settings support staff's mental health and wellbeing? Karen Hart speaks to some managers about the methods they use to look after their teams
safer practices part 6: In the wash
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: December 2023

How can staff limit the spread of infection through good personal hygiene practices? By Nicole Weinstein
1930-1950 YILLARI ARASI DÖNEMDE TÜRKİYE SİYASİ VE İKTİSADİ DEVLET POLİTİKALARININ ÂŞIK VEYSEL ŞİİRİNE YANSIMALARI
Authors: KOÇAK Aynur , GÜNDOĞDU Sümeyye Kübra
Published: December 2023

19. yüzyıldan itibaren halk ozanlarının devlet ideolojisini desteklemesinin ve yaygınlaştırmasının önemi fark edilmiştir. II. Mahmut dönemi ve sonrasında Tavuk Pazarı bölgesinde âşıkların yetiştiği kahvehanelerin iktidar kontrolünde olduğu bilinir. Cumhuriyet dönemine gelindiğinde de âşıkların ideolojik desteğini alma geleneğinin izleri sürmektedir. Âşık Veysel’in oldukça üretken olduğu yıllarda Köy Enstitüleri ile kurduğu yakın ilişki şiirine yansımış ve şiirinin bilimsel gelişmelere, güncel ideolojik söylemlere ve yeni yurttaş modeline açılmasını sağlamıştır. Bu bağlamda Aşık Veysel’i birçok şiirinde yurttaşa seslenirken görürüz. Bu çalışmada Âşık Veysel şiirinde yer alan öğreti, eleştiri ve tüm bunların sonucu olan umut ve endişelerin dönem olayları ve politikalarıyla ne derece uyuştuğu araştırılmıştır. Araştırma, Âşık Veysel’in şiir metinleri ile dönem politikalarının karşılaştırılmasına dayanmaktadır. Bu karşılaştırma için dönem siyasetini konu alan bilimsel çalışmalar, söz konusu dönemin gazete ilanları ve siyasilerin basın açıklamaları gibi tarihi verilerden yararlanılmıştır. Yapılan karşılaştırmalı inceleme sonucunda yurttaşa yönelik çalışkanlık öğretisi, çiftçiliğe ve sanayiye teşvik, Avrupa’da yaşanan bilimsel gelişmenin takip edilmesi ve feyz alınması, eğitim oranının yükseltilmesi, tasarruf öğretisi gibi yönlendirmelerin dönem politikalarından izler taşıdığı görülmüştür. Âşık Veysel, yurttaşı devlet için sürekli hareket halinde olmaya ve devlet için tasarrufa heyecanla ve umutla çağırmıştır. Çalışmanın en büyük kazanımı sanatçıyı yaşadığı dönem içinde tanımaya çalışarak vatanı için çabalayan, heyecanlanan, halkı için endişelenen “Vatandaş Âşık Veysel” portresine yaklaşmış olmaktır. Bu çalışmada Âşık Veysel şiiri Türkiye için oldukça zorlu geçen bir dönemi sanat dahilinde halkın gözüyle görmek için bir fırsat oluşturmuştur.
The Role of Housing Costs in Central Banks’ Inflation Targeting Regimes: The Cases of the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Bank of England
Authors: Stephens Mark
Published: December 2023

Since the 1990s it has become common for central banks to be charged with using interest rates to meet consumer price inflation (CPI) targets. This article examines the cases of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Bank of England (BoE) and finds that whereas the RBA’s CPI target includes a housing cost element, the BoE’s does not. Moreover, it finds that contrasting treatments of housing costs produce different results, depending on whether the index includes mortgage interest as a housing cost. Whilst central banks dislike CPIs that include an element of mortgage interest because of the apparently perverse outcome of increasing interest rates, they also lack credibility by excluding such an important element of the cost of living. Credibility demands that the 30-year consensus on inflation targeting by monetary policy be replaced by a broader set of tools – including fiscal policy – to control inflation.
Polemical poetry in Late Antiquity: the rise of a eunuch consul in Book 1 of Claudian’s In Eutropium
Authors: Charles Michael B. , Anagnostou-Laoutides Eva
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: The article examines Claudian’s use of Stoic and Epicurean ideas to mount a vitriolic attack against Eutropius, the eunuch consul serving under the Eastern emperor Arcadius. Employed by Stilicho, the pre-eminent military commander of the Western emperor Honorius, Claudian, in Book 1 of the In Eutropium , synthesizes Stoic and Epicurean tropes about bodily afflictions that reveal one’s moral character. Claiming that Eutropius, a eunuch who had spent many years as a slave, is a monstrous proof of an offence committed against nature/God, Claudian’s polemic plays on the fears of his largely Christian audience about an imminent divine punishment, which the split of the Empire between Theodosius’ sons confirms.
Low-latency partial resource offloading in cloud-edge elastic optical networks
Authors: Chen Bowen , Liu Ling , Fan Yuexuan , Shao Weidong , Gao Mingyi , Chen Hong , Ju Weiguo , Ho Pin-Han , Jue Jason P. , Shen Gangxiang
Published: December 2023

In the context of the rapid deployment of IoT, 5G, and cloud computing, numerous emerging applications demand efficient networked computing capacity for task offloading from mobile and IoT users. This paper focuses on the optimization of network resource allocation and reduction of end-to-end (E2E) latency through the strategic decision of whether and where to offload user requests in a cloud-edge elastic optical network (CE-EON). To address this problem, we first formulate the problem into an integer linear programming (ILP) model as an initial solution. Additionally, we introduce several heuristic approaches that leverage the concept of partial resource offloading, specifically based on proportional segmentation (PRO_PS), partial resource offloading based on average segmentation (PRO_AS), all resource offloading (ARO), and all local processing (ALP). Furthermore, we implement a collaborative cloud-edge (CCE) offloading approach as a baseline for comparison. Our results demonstrate that the PRO_PS approach closely approximates the optimal solutions obtained from the ILP model in static scenarios. Moreover, the PRO_PS approach achieves the lowest E2E latency, blocking probability, and optimized network resource allocation in dynamic scenarios. This highlights the effectiveness of the proposed approach in improving system performance and addressing the challenges of CE-EONs.
Wide angle anapole excitation in stacked resonators
Authors: Vennberg Felix , Angelsten Arvid , Anttu Nicklas , Ravishankar Ajith P. , Anand Srinivasan
Published: December 2023

In the search for resonances with high localized field strengths in all-dielectric nanophotonics, novel states such as anapoles, hybrid anapoles and bound states in the continuum have been realized. Of these, the anapoles are the most readily achievable. Interaction between vertically stacked disks supporting anapole resonances increases the field localization further. When fabricated from materials with high non-linear coefficients, such stacked disk pillars can be used as non-linear antennas. The excitation of such 3D pillars often includes off normal incidence when using focusing optics. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the angular and polarization response of such pillars. In the paper we fabricate pillars with three AlGaAs disks in a stack separated by stems of GaAs. The angular and polarization responses are evaluated experimentally with integrating sphere measurements and numerically through simulation, multipole decomposition and quasi-normal modes. We find that the stacked geometry shows hybridized anapole excitation for a broad span of incidence angles, with tunability of the individual multipolar response up to octupoles, including an electric octupole anapole, and we show how the average enhanced confined energy varies under angled excitation. The results show that the vertical stacked geometry can be used with highly focusing optics for efficient in-coupling to the hybridized anapole.
Spatial self-phase modulation excited by fractional-order linearly polarized vector fields
Authors: Gu Juerui , Wan Yu , Jiang Le , Sun Ran , Wang Liming , Fan Li
Published: December 2023

Compared to the integer-order vector field, the fractional-order vector field has an additional degree of control freedom, which will bring rich photophysical properties and what we believe to be novel nonlinear optical phenomena. In this work, we theoretically and experimentally investigate the focusing, propagation, and spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM) of fractional-order linearly polarized vector fields (FLPVFs). It is shown that the weak focusing field of FLPVF exhibits an asymmetric intensity distribution. Intriguingly, its state of polarization (SoP) has a hybrid polarization distribution. When this focused FLPVF propagates to the far field in free space, its SoP degenerates into a localized linearly polarization distribution. However, after the focused FLPVF passes through an isotropic nonlinear Kerr medium, its SoP exhibits a hybrid polarization distribution. Additionally, unlike the self-diffraction intensity pattern of integer-order linearly polarized vector field (ILPVF) with a concentric multi-ring structure, the SSPM pattern of FLPVF is a symmetry broken self-diffraction intensity pattern. The presented work provides a nonlinear optics approach for manipulating both the SoP and intensity distributions of the light field.
Broadband radar absorbing metamaterial based on Al @SiO2 conductive composite film
Authors: Yang Zaiqing , Liu Xiaoming , Hua Yuchen , Liu Caiyi , Zhang Zhijia , Ren Zhiyu , Yuan Shuang , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2023

Artificially designed metamaterial structures can manipulate electromagnetic waves, endowing them with exotic physical properties that are not found in natural materials, such as negative refractive index, superlens, and inverse Doppler effect. These characteristics are widely applied in various engineering and military applications. Due to increasingly complex application environments and innovation in radar detection technology, the combination of broadband absorption performance under thin thickness and efficient preparation methods at low cost is often the focus of research on new generation stealth materials. Here, we propose Al@SiO2 composite conductive film metamaterial (Al@SiO2 CCFM) to achieve wideband absorption of electromagnetic waves. This metamaterial structure combines two resonant units, resulting in three absorption bands in the absorption curve. The results show that the absorption rate of the metamaterial is above 90% in the frequency range of 10.6 GHz to 26.0 GHz. The resonance mechanism between multiple structures is a prerequisite for achieving wideband absorption. The materials Al and SiO2 used in Al@SiO2 CCFM are inexpensive and abundant, and the fabrication method is simple. Therefore, they hold great potential for large-scale applications in the multispectral stealth and electromagnetic shielding field.
Turn-key Kerr soliton generation and tunable microwave synthesizer in dual-mode Si3N4 microresonators
Authors: Weng Haizhong , McDermott Michael , Afridi Adnan Ali , Tu Huilan , Lu Qiaoyin , Guo Weihua , Donegan John F.
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the thermal compensation mechanism in dual-mode Si3N4 microresonators that demonstrates the ease of generation of single-solitons with nearly octave-wide spectral bandwidth. The deterministic creation of soliton frequency combs is achieved by merely switching the wavelength of a tunable laser or a semiconductor diode laser in a single step. The pump frequency detuning range that can sustain the soliton state is 30 gigahertz (GHz), which is approximately 100 times the resonance linewidth. Interestingly, these dual-mode resonators also support the coexistence of primary combs and solitons, enabling their utilization as functional microwave synthesizers. Furthermore, these resonators readily facilitate the generation of diverse multi-solitons and soliton crystals. This work presents a simplified system to access high-performance and versatile Kerr solitons, with wide-ranging applications in optical metrology, microwave photonics, and LiDAR.