bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metamorphosis of Humanities Education in the Aftermath of the Pandemic: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Authors: Eslit Edgar R.
Published: August 2023

The post-pandemic landscape has ushered in a transformative phase in education, compelling a profound reexamination of the humanities' role. This study navigates the multifaceted dimensions of humanities education, including its response to digital transformation, interdisciplinary methodologies, emotional intelligence cultivation, inclusivity efforts, and its forward trajectory. Employing qualitative methods, including innovative approaches such as advanced data analysis techniques, intensive in-depth literature reviews, maximum purposeful sampling, informal interviews among thirty (30) participants from SMC, observation, and thematic analysis, this research captures diverse perspectives. Leveraging evolving research methodologies, the study resonates implications for educators and institutions, envisioning a humanities education poised for resilience and responsiveness, sculpted by the pandemic's challenges and the potential it has unveiled.
Contribution to the Knowledge of Cetacean Strandings in Chile Between Years 2015 and 2020
Authors: Ulloa Mauricio
Published: August 2023

Strandings are one of the most worrying issues in relation to the conservation of cetacean species, and in the case of Chile, due to its geography and large extension of the coastline, monitoring and access to these events is difficult, making their study more complex. Chile has a shortage of specialized scientific forensic research facilities for cetacean; however, for this study it was able to collect data recorded from official institutions and sporadic scientific biological sampling oriented to investigate the causes of death or stranding. According to the Chilean government official database, we described that the main causes of unusual mortality events (UME) and mass strandings from year 2015 and 2016 were acute poisoning by biotoxin and trauma to the auditory complex, respectively, while individual strandings would have their causes in anthropogenic activities such as entanglements in fishing an aquaculture gear and collisions with vessels. The predominant species in mass strandings was the sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis). The geographical area of greatest prominence in mass strandings was the Aysén Region in the Central Patagonia of Chile, while the species mostly involved in individual strandings along the south-central, central, and northern coast of Chile was the small porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis). The most common gross pathological findings were advance decay of the carcasses and nonspecific wounds of different nature, difficult to associate with possible causes of death without further histopathological studies.
Covariant Integral Quantization of the Semi-Discrete SO(3)-Hypercylinder
Authors: Gazeau Jean-Pierre , Murenzi Romain
Published: August 2023

Covariant integral quantization with rotational symmetry SO(3) is established for the quantum motion on this group manifold, or, alternatively, for Gabor signal analysis on this group. We revisit the action of the related (non-unitary) Weyl-Gabor operator on the Hilbert space of square integrable functions on SO(3) and disclose a set of various properties. By selecting weight functions on the corresponding discrete-continuous phase space, one derives related coherent states and Wigner transform.
Cytokine Profile in Lung Cancer Patients: Anti-tumor and Oncogenic Cytokines
Authors: Freddy Elad Essogmo , Angelina V. Zhilenkova , Owoicho Abah Moses , Yvan Sinclair Ngaha Tchawe , S. Rusanov Alexander , Boroda Alexander , N. Pirogova Yuliya , D. Sangadzhieva Zaiana , D. Sanikovich Varvara , N. Bagmet Nikolay , I. Sekacheva Marina
Published: August 2023

Lung cancer accounts for the majority of cancer cases. In recent years, checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy (ICI) has emerged as a new treatment. A better understanding of the tumor microenvironment, or TMJ, or the immune system surrounding the tumor is needed. Cytokines are small proteins that carry messages between cells and are known to play an important role in the body's response to inflammation and infection. Cytokines are important for immunity in lung cancer. It promotes tumor growth (oncogenic cytokines) or inhibits tumor growth (anti-tumor cytokines) by controlling signaling pathways for growth, proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. The immune system relies heavily on cytokines. They can also be produced in the laboratory for therapeutic use. Cytokine therapy helps the immune system stop the growth or kill cancer cells. Interleukins and interferons are two types of cytokines used to treat cancer. This article begins by addressing the role of the tumor microenvironment (TMJ) and its components in lung cancer. This review also highlights the functions of various cytokines such as IL, TGF and TNF.
Exploring the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Unraveling Signaling Complexity and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Park Hyunjung , Lee Sang Jik , Lee Jae Hun , Moon Hyuk , Ro Simon Weonsang
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) continues to pose a substantial global health challenge due to its high incidence and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, the Janus Kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway has emerged as a critical signaling cascade in HCC pathogenesis. The review commences with an overview of the JAK/STAT pathway, delving into the dynamic interplay between the JAK/STAT pathway and its numerous upstream activators, such as cytokines and growth factors enriched in pathogenic livers afflicted with chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. This paper also elucidates how the persistent activation of JAK/STAT signaling leads to diverse oncogenic processes during hepatocarcinogenesis, including uncontrolled cell proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, and immune escape. In the context of therapeutic implications, this review summarizes recent advancements in targeting the JAK/STAT pathway for HCC treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies investigating inhibitors and modulators of JAK/STAT signaling are discussed, highlighting their potential in suppressing the deadly disease. The insights presented herein underscore the necessity for continued research into targeting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for HCC therapy.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Epidemiology study on Multimorbidity
Authors: Delanerolle Gayathri , Bouchareb Yassine , Jagadeesan Priyanka , Li Guanpeng , Yang Xiaojie , Cavalini Heitor , Kazali Shaheen , Zemokoho Alain , Benfield David , Shetty Ashish , Phiri Peter , Shi Jian qing
Published: August 2023

With enhanced life expectancy and ageing global populations, the prevalence of multimorbidity continues to increase. However, there is a dearth of evidence linked to multimorbidity diagnoses, treatments and health outcomes which remains a concern for future proofing optimal healthcare services. Generating evidence is critical to managing multimorbidity, promoting public health and minimizing health inequalities via effective healthcare policies that improve quality of life for vulnerable populations. This study assessed meta-epidemiology of multimorbidity to report the gaps in scientific knowledge and clinical practice. A systematic methodology was designed and published in PROSPERO (CRD42022347308) to report meta-epidemiology analyses using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE for studies published between the 1st of January 1980 - 31st December 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of multimorbidity in adults. Forest plots, pooled odds ratios and statistical heterogeneity metrics were used to assess the association between multimorbidity and investigated factors. Funnel plots and Egger’s regression were used to detect and correct for publication bias. Our findings identified women to be 0.32 times more likely to have multimorbidity in comparison to males. In regard to ethnicity, white people were 0.47 times less likely to develop comorbidities than black people. People who identified as a drinker or unmarried were more likely to develop comorbidities than those who are non-drinkers or married, respectively. Regardless of smoking status, people were equally likely to have comorbidity. In terms of environmental influences, people in rural areas were found to be 0.2 times less likely to have comorbidity in comparison to those living in urban areas. Interestingly, people with a higher education level were 0.57 times more likely to develop comorbidities than those with only a high school education. It is evident that multimorbidity has a significant burden globally and impacts the provision of care necessitated across populations given its association with several social determinants of health. Robust research and healthcare policies are required to better manage multimorbidity in patients. An example of such intervention includes employing prevention programs to reduce risk and incidence of multimorbidity within at-risk populations.
Radionuclides in Italian Drinking Water and Regulations: Data Collection to Improve Risk Assessment
Authors: Manna Francesco , Pugliese Mariagabriella , Ambrosino Fabrizio , Trifuoggi Marco , Giarra Antonella , Verde Giuseppe La
Published: August 2023

Drinking water, in addition to the best-known chemical and biological agents, contains radionuclides of both natural and artificial origin, which can contribute significantly to the overall effective dose received by the population. The Italian Decree Law 28/2016, implementing 2013/51/EURATOM Directive, establishes the activities for risk management and the parameter values for different radionuclides activity concentrations. In addition to the institutions involved, annually the National Inspectorate for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ISIN), publishes the monitoring reports of environmental radioactivity in Italy, including radioactivity in drinking water. The purpose of the study was to integrate ISIN reports with 2018 to 2020 data by collecting measurements performed by institutional laboratories to obtain a more complete information and adding, for the Campania region, some data not yet published. This new updated report was not significantly different from ISIN’s one, meaning that those publications are nevertheless extremely representative of the radioactivity in Italian drinking water. However, the study allowed to obtain a more detailed data also including measurements not considered in ISIN reports, for instance, radon-222 activity concentrations. This may be of great usefulness for all radiation protection stakeholders in order to ensure environmental protection, pollution prevention and the population safety.
Avaliação da composição de menu de restaurantes populares de um município do interior paulista
Authors:   Complexo Hospitalar da Universidade Federal do Ceará - Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares, Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio, Unidade de Produção e Distribuição de Refeições – UPDR, de Souza Santana Moema , Maia Mota Débora ,   Faculdade Adventista da Bahia, Emílio Barretos Santos José ,   Faculdade Adventista da Bahia, Sobral Neiva Gabriely ,   Faculdade Adventista da Bahia, Fernanda de Oliveira Paula ,   Prefeitura Municipal de Araraquara, Coordenadoria de Segurança alimentar, Silva Silvani ,   Prefeitura Municipal de Araraquara, Coordenadoria de Segurança alimentar
Published: August 2023

INTRODUÇÃO: Os menus são ferramentas de promoção de educação alimentar, fundamentais para suprir as necessidades nutricionais dos indivíduos. Os Restaurantes Populares, por sua vez, são estabelecimentos de promoção do Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada, principalmente, para populações socialmente vulneráveis. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a composição do menu de 2 (dois) Restaurantes Populares de um município do interior de São Paulo, Brasil, pelo método de Avaliação Qualitativa das Preparações do Cardápio. METODOLOGIA: Utilizou-se o método de Avaliação Qualitativa das Preparações do Cardápio para avaliação do menu de 24 dias decorridos entre final de agosto e setembro de 2022. Analisou-se monotonia de cores (três ou mais alimentos de cores iguais), presença de vegetais folhosos crus (um ou mais) e frutas (uma ou mais), tipos de carnes (carnes gordurosas), teor de enxofre (dois ou mais alimentos), presença de frituras, de doces e associação simultânea de frituras com doces. Calculou-se a frequência relativa de cada critério do método de Avaliação Qualitativa das Preparações do Cardápio, classificando os “aspetos negativos” (cores iguais, preparações ricas em enxofre, carnes gordurosas, doce, fritura e concomitância de doce e fritura) como “ótimo” (<25,0%), “bom” (11,0 a 25,0%), “regular” (26,0 a 50,0%), “ruim” (51,0 a 75,0%) ou “péssimo” (>75,0%) e os “aspetos positivos” (oferta de frutas e folhosos) como “ótimo” (≥90,0%), “bom” (75,0 a 89,0%), “regular” (50,0 a 74,0%), “ruim” (25,0 a 49,0%) ou “péssimo” (<25,0%). RESULTADOS: Verificou-se 70,0% de ocorrência de monotonia de cores. A oferta de folhosos e frutas ocorreu em 66,0% e 58,0% dos dias, respetivamente. A presença de carnes gordurosas ocorreu em 16,0% dos dias, assim como a de preparações ricas em enxofres. A presença de doces foi verificada em 41,7% dos dias. O menu não apresentou ocorrência de frituras e, consequentemente, apresentou ausência de associação de frituras com doces (0,0%). CONCLUSÕES: O menu apresenta necessidade de ajustes, principalmente, no critério monotonia de cores, porém nota-se grande potencial de oferta de nutrientes, diante da ocorrência “regular” de frutas e folhosos e ausência de frituras e de frituras associadas com doces.
As necessidades energéticas basais medidas por calorimetria indireta versus equações preditivas. A avaliação da população portuguesa justifica-se?
Authors:   Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Mustra Carla , Helena Vieira Soares Loureiro Maria ,   Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra
Published: August 2023

INTRODUÇÃO: O gasto de energia em repouso ou necessidade energética basal é o maior componente da necessidade energética total de um indivíduo, usada no desenvolvimento de um plano nutricional adequado e pode ser medido aplicando o método de calorimetria indireta, considerado o gold standard desta determinação. Na sua ausência esta componente pode ser estimada recorrendo a equações preditivas, cuja aplicação é prática, económica e de fácil utilização, mas com limitações e questões relacionadas com a sua precisão. OBJETIVOS: Pretende-se avaliar quais as equações mais utilizadas para cálculo da necessidade energética basal, identificar os estudos desenvolvidos em populações Portuguesas e nos estudos realizados em populações adultas sem patologias conhecidas, aferir qual a diferença de resultados entre métodos. METODOLOGIA: Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa da literatura desde 2011 procurando publicações que comparam resultados de necessidade energética basal obtidos por calorimetria indireta e por diferentes equações preditivas, recorrendo às bases de dados Web of Science e PubMed. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionadas 311 publicações e após leitura dos resumos, 201 cumpriram os critérios de inclusão. Destas, 4 aplicam-se à população Portuguesa. Nos 201 artigos incluidos, a equação centenária de Harris-Benedict foi a mais aplicada (74%), seguida pela Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization/United Nations University (49%) e em terceiro lugar surge a de Mifflin-St. Jeor (45%). Nos estudos que incluiam populações adultas sem patologias conhecidas (n=37), 49% reportaram desvios significativos dos resultados das equações preditivas mais comuns face à calorimetria indireta e 64% apresentaram diferenças menores quando utilizam equações preditivas desenvolvidas especificamente para essa população. CONCLUSÕES: Metade dos estudos realizados em populações adultas sem patologias conhecidas, incluidos nesta revisão, referem diferenças significativas entre os resultados das necessidades energéticas basais aplicando as equações preditivas mais comuns e as medições por calorimetria indireta. Facto que conduz ao crescente desenvolvimento de novas equações preditivas adaptadas a essas populações e a aplicação de novas soluções no seu desenvolvimento, como é exemplo a inteligência artificial. O constante aumento de estudos sobre este tema propondo novas equações preditivas, torna crucial a sistematização desta informação e a criação de guidelines que conduzam à seleção do método mais adequado e adaptado às diferentes populações, nomeadamente à população Portuguesa sobre a qual existe escassez de resultados.
The Principles of Knee Joint Preservation: Operative Treatment Strategies
Authors: Kraeutler Matthew J. , McCulloch Patrick C. , Sherman Seth L. , Vidal Armando F.
Published: August 2023

➤ Joint alignment, meniscal status, and ligament stability are codependent factors involved in knee joint preservation, and any injury or imbalance can impact the knee articular cartilage status and can result in adverse clinical outcomes.

➤ Cartilage preservation procedures in the knee will not result in optimal outcomes if there is joint malalignment, meniscal deficiency, or ligamentous instability.

➤ Lower-extremity varus or valgus malalignment is a risk factor for the failure of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It represents an indication for a high tibial osteotomy or distal femoral osteotomy in the setting of failed ACL reconstruction, and may even be considered in patients who have an initial ACL injury and severe malalignment.

➤ An elevated posterior tibial slope increases the risk of failure of ACL reconstruction, whereas a decreased posterior tibial slope increases the risk of failure of posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Long-Term Follow-up (14 to 25 Years) Following Closed Reduction and Early Movement for Simple Dislocation of the Elbow
Authors: Mackinnon Thomas , Samuel Thomas D. , Hayter Edward , Lee George , Huntley Daniel , Hardman John , Anakwe Raymond E.
Published: August 2023

Background:

We have previously reported on the midterm outcomes after a nonoperative protocol to treat simple dislocations of the elbow that included a short period of splinting followed by early movement. We have now performed extended follow-up of the original patient group from the prior study to determine whether the excellent results that previously had been reported were maintained in the long term and also to determine the rate of and need for any late surgical intervention.

Methods:

We attempted to contact all of the patients from the original study group. We requested that they complete the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) survey, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and a validated patient satisfaction questionnaire. Patients also were requested to attend a face-to-face assessment to have a clinical examination that included neurovascular, range-of-motion, and ligamentous stability assessments.

Results:

Seventy-one patients from the original patient group agreed to participate in the new study. The mean duration of follow-up was 19.3 years. At the time of the final follow-up, patients reported excellent functional outcome scores and a preserved functional range of movement in the injured elbow. The mean OES was 91.6 points, the mean DASH score was 5.22 points, and the mean satisfaction score was 90.9 points. None of the patients had undergone delayed or secondary surgery for instability during the interval period.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that the original excellent outcomes following treatment with a protocol of a short period of splinting and early movement remained excellent and were maintained into the very long term.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Supine Lobenhoffer Approach Optimizes PCL Reconstruction with Tibial Inlay in Knee Dislocations
Authors: Doan Hoi , Holy Tomas , Richter Dustin L. , Campos Tulio , Held Michael , Del Castillo Juan , Schenck Robert C.
Published: August 2023

Case:

A 47-year-old man suffered a knee dislocation while skiing with associated damage to the anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, medial collateral, and medial patellofemoral ligaments. The patient underwent a multiple-ligament knee reconstruction using the supine Lobenhoffer approach, which resulted in remarkable outcomes that persisted throughout the 56-month follow-up period.

Conclusion:

The utilization of this approach can prevent inappropriate graft tension and iatrogenic damage, reduce surgical time, and minimize airway complications by eliminating the need for the prone position. Optimizing these factors enhances the patient's chances for long-term outcomes; thus, surgeons should consider this approach in managing multiple-ligament knee injuries.
Watchful Eye Prevents Catastrophe in Case of Malignant Hyperthermia
Authors: Brenner Joseph , Cage Emily , Andrews Kyle
Published: August 2023

Case:

A 49-year-old woman presented with a displaced left posterior wall acetabular fracture-dislocation and a left comminuted intra-articular distal radius fracture sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Fifteen minutes after anesthesia induction for operative fixation of the fractures, the patient experienced severe hypertension, increased end-tidal carbon dioxide, and fever. A diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia (MH) was made before incision. The patient was medically stabilized, and her acetabular fracture-dislocation was placed in skeletal traction until she was deemed fit for surgery 4 days later.

Conclusion:

This case report highlights the importance of early recognition of MH and perioperative management.
The Value of Computer-Assisted Navigation for Glenoid Baseplate Implantation in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Velasquez Garcia Ausberto , Abdo Glen , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin , Morrey Mark E.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Glenoid baseplate malpositioning during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can contribute to perimeter impingement, dislocation, and loosening. Despite advances in preoperative planning, conventional instrumentation may lead to considerable inaccuracy in implant positioning unless patient-specific guides are used. Optical navigation has the potential to improve accuracy and precision when implanting a reverse shoulder arthroplasty baseplate. This systematic review aimed to analyze the most recent evidence on the accuracy and precision of glenoid baseplate positioning using intraoperative navigation and its potential impact on component selection and surgical time.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. The PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were queried in July 2022 to identify all studies that compared navigation vs. conventional instrumentation for reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Data of deviation from the planned baseplate version and inclination, the use of standard or augmented glenoid components, and surgical time were extracted. Quantitative analysis from the included publications was performed using the inverse-variance approach and Mantel-Haenszel method.

Results:

Of the 2,048 records identified in the initial query, only 10 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, comprising 667 shoulders that underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The pooled mean difference (MD) of the deviation from the planned baseplate position for the clinical studies was −0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], −3.26; p = 0.76; I2 = 36%) for version and −8.75 (95% CI, −16.83 to −0.68; p = 0.02; I2 = 83%) for inclination, both in favor of navigation. The odds ratio of selecting an augmented glenoid component after preoperative planning and navigation-assisted surgery was 8.09 (95% CI, 3.82-17.14; p < 0.00001; I2 = 60%). The average surgical time was 12 minutes longer in the navigation group (MD 12.46, 95% CI, 5.20-19.72; p = 0.0008; I2 = 71%).

Conclusions:

Preoperative planning integrated with computer-assisted navigation surgery seems to increase the accuracy and precision of glenoid baseplate inclination compared with the preoperatively planned placement during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The surgical time and proportion of augmented glenoid components significantly increase when using navigation. However, the clinical impact of these findings on improving prosthesis longevity, complications, and patient functional outcomes is still unknown.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, systematic review and meta-analysis. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Allograft-Prosthetic Composite Reconstruction for Proximal Humerus Bone Loss
Authors: Hones Keegan M. , Gutowski Caroline T. , Srinivasan Ramesh C. , Wright Jonathan O. , King Joseph J. , Wright Thomas W. , Fedorka Catherine J. , Marigi Erick M. , Schoch Bradley S. , Hao Kevin A.
Published: August 2023

Background:

In smaller studies, allograft-prosthetic composite (APC) has been used for proximal humerus bone loss with some success, although with notable complication risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to describe outcomes and complications after proximal humerus APC and how major APC complications are defined in the literature.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane were queried for articles on APC for proximal humeral bone loss secondary to tumor, fracture, or failed arthroplasty. Primary outcomes included postoperative range of motion, outcome scores (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society [MSTS], Simple Shoulder Test [SST], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], Constant, visual analog scale [VAS], and subjective shoulder value [SSV]), and complication incidence. We also described individual study definitions of APC malunion/nonunion, methods of postoperative evaluation, malunion/nonunion rates, allograft fracture/fragmentation rates, and mean union time, when available. Secondarily, we compared hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Results:

Sixteen articles including 375 shoulders were evaluated (average age: 49 years, follow-up: 54 months). Fifty-seven percent of procedures were performed for tumors, 1% for proximal humerus trauma sequelae, and 42% for revision arthroplasty. Average postoperative forward elevation was 82° (69-94°), abduction 60° (30-90°), and external rotation 23° (17-28°). Average MSTS score was 82% (77%-87%), SST score 5.3 (4.5-6.1), ASES score 64 (54-74), Constant score 44 (38-50), VAS score 2.2 (1.7-2.7), and SSV 51 (45-58). There was a 51% complication rate with an 18% nonallograft surgical complication rate, 26% APC nonunion/malunion/resorption rate, and 10% APC fracture/fragmentation rate. Fifteen percent of nonunited APCs underwent secondary bone grafting; 3% required a new allograft; and overall revision rate was 12%. APC nonunion/malunion was defined in 2 of 16, malunion/nonunion rates in 14 of 16, fracture/fragmentation rates in 6 of 16, and mean union time (7 months) in 4 of 16 studies.

Conclusion:

APC reconstruction of the proximal humerus remains a treatment option, albeit with substantial complication rates. In addition, there is a need for APC literature to report institutional definitions of nonunion/malunion, postoperative evaluation, and time to union for a more standardized evaluation.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV; systematic review. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Resection in the coexistence of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: INAN Kubilay , YILDIZ Özgur Ömer
Published: August 2023

Aim of study:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical perspective on the coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.
Materials and Methods:
Lung cancer and COPD are two diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. In the present study, we present our experience with a total of 63 patients with both COPD and lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment in our center. This retrospective study included 63 patients with COPD and lung cancer who underwent preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation between March 2019 and June 2020 in our center. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 15 package program.
Results:
This study included a total of 63 patients. The disease duration for patients diagnosed with COPD was 2–9 years. Positive correlations were noted between time since COPD diagnosis and intensive and nonintensive care hospitalization durations (p<0.05). A positive correlation was noted between preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation period and clinic stay (p=0.05).
Conclusion:
Meticulous preoperative evaluation in patients with both COPD and lung cancer is crucial to avoid negative outcomes. Furthermore, preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation increases the chance of resection for patients with COPD and should be considered.
7295 elderly hospitalized patients with catheter-associated urinary tract infection: a case control study
Authors: Shen Li , Fu Ting , Huang Luguang , Sun Huiying , Wang Yu , Sun Lili , Lu Xiaoyun , Zhang Jing , Yang Zhaoxu , Ni Chunping
Published: August 2023

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) ranks second among nosocomial infections in elderly patients after lung infections. Improper treatment can lead to death. This study analysed the risk factors, pathogen distribution, clinical characteristics and outcomes of CAUTI in elderly inpatients with a large sample size to provide evidence for clinical prevention and control.
Methods: Based on the HIS and LIS, a case‒control study was conducted on all hospitalized patients with indwelling urinary catheters ≥60 years old from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022, and the patients were divided into the CAUTI group and the non-CAUTI group.
Results: CAUTI occurred in 182 of 7295 patients, and the infection rate was 3.4/per 1000 catheter days. Urine pH ≥6.5, moderate dependence or severe dependence in the classification of self-care ability, age ≥74 years, male sex, hospitalization ≥14 days, indwelling urinary catheter ≥10 days, diabetes and malnutrition were independent risk factors for CAUTI (P<0.05). A total of 276 strains of pathogenic bacteria were detected in urine samples of 182 CAUTI patients at different times during hospitalization. The main pathogens were gram-negative bacteria (n=132, 47.83%), followed by gram-positive bacteria (n=91, 32.97%) and fungi (n=53, 19.20%). Fever, abnormal procalcitonin, positive urinary nitrite and abnormal urination function were the clinical characteristics of elderly CAUTI patients (P<0.001). Once CAUTI occurred in elderly patients, the hospitalization days were increased by 18 days, the total hospitalization cost increased by￥18,000, and discharge all-cause mortality increased by 2.314 times (P＜0.001).
Conclusion: The situation of CAUTI in the elderly is not optimistic，it is easy to have a one-person multi-bacterial infection, and the proportion of fungal infection is not low. Urine pH ≥ 6.5, moderate or severe dependence on others and malnutrition were rare risk factors for elderly CAUTI in previous studies. Our study analysed the clinical characteristics of CAUTI in the elderly through a large sample size, which provided a reliable basis for its diagnosis and identified the adverse outcome of CAUTI.
Development of a hydrophobic TFME combined with DLLME in the extraction of PAHs from personal care products before GC-FID determination
Authors: Mogaddam Mohammad Reza Afshar , Baghaei Pariya Ali Mohammadzadeh , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Nemati Mahboob , Khosrowshahi Elnaz Marzi
Published: August 2023

In this research, a thin film microextraction method was developed for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from personal care products prior to their quantification by gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. Firstly, a thin mesh was immersed in a mixture of stearic acid solution in ethanol and hydrochloric acid to obtain a hydrophobic surface and then it was used in the microextraction of the target analytes. The stair-like hierarchical and hydrophobic structure of the mesh provided large contact area and high tendency towards the analytes. After desorption of the analytes from the surface of the mesh, the obtained eluent was used in the following preconcentration step e.g., dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. The effective factors were studied and the method was validated under optimal conditions. Calibration curves were linear in the ranges of 0.3–1000, 0.1–1000, 0.1–1000, 0.1–1000, and 0.5–1000 µg/L and detection limits were 0.10, 0.04, 0.04, 0.04, and 0.20 µg/L for acenaphthene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene and benzo[a] pyrene, respectively. The repeatability of the method (for 5 thin mesh made under the same conditions) was obtained in a range of 3.2–6.5%. This method was successfully used in the extraction and analysis of the personal care products as real samples and anthracene was found in one sample.
The impact of sex on gene expression in the brain of schizophrenic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of transcriptomic studies
Authors: Garcia Francisco Garcia , Carceller Hector , Hidalgo Marta R. , Escarti Maria Jose , Nacher Juan , Iglesia-Vayá Maria de la
Published: August 2023

Background Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by altered perception, mood, and behavior that profoundly impacts patients and society despite its relatively low prevalence. Previous studies have suggested that the dopamine D2 receptor gene and genes involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, and immune function as genetic risk factors. Sex-based differences also exist in schizophrenia epidemiology, symptomatology and outcomes; however, we lack a transcriptomic profile that considers sex and differentiates specific cerebral regions.Methods We performed a systematic review on bulk RNA-sequencing studies of post-mortem brain samples. Then, we fulfilled differential expression analysis on each study and summarized their results with regions-specific meta-analyses (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) and a global all-studies meta-analysis. Finally, we used the consensus transcriptomic profiles to functionally characterize the impact of schizophrenia in males and females by protein-protein interaction networks, enriched biological processes and dysregulated transcription factors.Results We discovered the sex-based dysregulation of 265 genes in the prefrontal, 1.414 genes in the hippocampus and 66 genes in the all-studies meta-analyses. The functional characterization of these gene sets unveiled increased processes related to immune response functions in the prefrontal cortex in male and the hippocampus in female schizophrenia patients and the overexpression of genes related to neurotransmission and synapses in the prefrontal cortex of female schizophrenia patients. Considering a meta-analysis of all brain regions available, we encountered the relative overexpression of genes related to synaptic plasticity and transmission in female and the overexpression of genes involved in organizing genetic information and protein folding in male schizophrenia patients. The protein-protein interaction networks and transcription factors activity analyses supported these sex-based profiles.Conclusions Our results report multiple sex-based transcriptomic alterations in specific brain regions of schizophrenia patients, which provides new insight into the role of sex in schizophrenia. Moreover, we unveil a partial overlapping of inflammatory processes in the prefrontal cortex of males and the hippocampus of females.
Unraveling the Relationship Between Cultural Food Habits and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Men: A Case-Control Study in Kazakhstan
Authors: Turdaliyeva Botagoz , Kulzhanov Maksut , Akhmetov Valikhan , Auyezova Ardak , Yussupova Nargiza , Karibayeva Indira K.
Published: August 2023

Background: Limited research exists on the link between cultural food habits (CFH) COPD risk, in Kazakhstan. Despite a high COPD prevalence in the country, no prior studies have investigated long-term dietary effects on COPD risk [1]. To bridge this gap, the Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan is supporting research via grant OR12165486, titled "National Programme for the Introduction of Personalized and Preventive Medicine in The Republic of Kazakhstan (2021–2023)." This case-control study is part of the funded research.
Aim: We sought to investigate the association between long-term red meat consumption and risk of COPD.
Methods: Conducted in Almaty, our case-control study focused on 609 men aged 30 to 85 years. From 2018 to 2023, participants with an average age of 51.2 years (95% CI 48.1–54.3) were monitored. The evaluation of unprocessed and processed red meat consumption occurred through self-administered surveys in both 2018 and 2023. Notably, the study concentrated solely on non-smokers to ensure robust associations between red meat consumption and COPD.
Results: Among individuals with COPD, key factors associated with the condition included frequent red meat consumption (more than 10 times per month, 84.9%), having a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25 (73.6%), consuming over 100 grams of red meat per serving (62.3%), and having less than 100 grams of fresh fruits per serving (52.8%). Conversely, in the control group, significant factors were past-year alcohol consumption (69.2%), frequent red meat intake (more than 10 times per month, 62.9%), consuming over 100 grams of red meat per serving (55.8%), and infrequent consumption of fresh fruits (less than 30 times per month, 52.0%).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that high consumption of red meat, low consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a preference for fatty foods may increase the risk of COPD among men in Kazakhstan.
Survival impact of fulvestrant-based combination therapies in hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer with liver metastasis: a case-control study
Authors: Chien Christine , Goel Mahima , Gangidi Suma , Raghavendra Akshara S , Tripathy Debasish , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Despite being a standard treatment for hormone receptor (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC), fulvestrant continues to yield a poor prognosis in breast cancer patients with liver metastasis. We sought to characterize the efficacy of specific fulvestrant-based combination treatments, including CDK4/6 inhibitors, everolimus, and alpelisib, in treating HR+/HER2- MBC with liver metastasis.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was performed on adults with HR+/HER2- MBC treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center from 1998–2007. Patients with liver metastasis were matched to patients with no liver metastasis by age and stage at primary breast cancer diagnosis, race, and body mass index. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) from MBC diagnosis.
Results
The matched cohort contained 3,088 patients with HR+/HER2- MBC. Patients with liver metastasis (N = 1414) experienced shorter OS after metastasis than patients with non-liver metastasis (N = 1674), regardless of treatment regimen (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–1.45; P < .001). The median OS in the liver metastasis group was 5.89 (95% CI: 5.68–6.09) years. This was 6.76 (95% CI: 6.49-7.00) years in the no liver metastasis group. In the liver metastasis cohort, patients who received fulvestrant and alpelisib had worse OS than patients on fulvestrant monotherapy (HR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.31-3.94l P = .022). Worse survival associated with alpelisib was not seen in patients without liver metastasis.
Conclusion
While fulvestrant-based combination therapies improve survival over fuvlestrant monotherapy in most advanced breast cancers, they do not offer similar survival benefits in patients with liver metastasis.
Tuning viscoelastic properties of VHB 4910 elastomers for artificial muscles
Authors: Sahu Dhananjay , Sahu Raj Kumar
Published: August 2023

Understanding the tunable viscoelastic behavior of dielectric elastomers for artificial muscles is important to regulate the electromechanical actuation, response time, energy density, sensitivity, duty cycle, etc. However, the performance of elastomers is well known to be regulated by varieties of filler particles, crosslinkers and plasticizers, the influences of particulate fillers on the viscoelastic behavior of VHB 4910 elastomer are yet to be recognized. In this work, a new range of particulate-polymer filled VHB elastomers are prepared to study the effects of barium titanate and Ketjenblack particles on the viscoelastic properties. This followed the experimental characterization of stress-relaxation and creep behavior to realize the time-dependent mechanical performance. Also, stress-softening and energy dissipation behavior are considered to find the number of cycles required to reach the equilibrium energy state. Significantly reduced viscoelastic properties including elastic modulus, toughness, energy density and hysteresis are recognized as a result of diminished poroelastic effects owing to the filled polymer. In contrast, the variations in stress/strain values are evidenced to depend on the interfacial free energy and size of the particulates. Theoretical comparison of these results with the mechanism of biomedical materials confirmed the feasibility of the modified elastomers in the field of artificial muscles and soft robotics. This work may help in recognizing the strategies to tune the viscoelastic behavior of VHB dielectric elastomers reliant on sets of applications.
Pertussis seasonal variation in Vietnam: The evidence from a tertiary hospital
Authors: Pham Nhung TH , TT Quyen Bui , Tran Dien M , Larsson Mattias , Pham Mai P , Olson Linus
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Pertussis is a highly contagious and dangerous respiratory disease that threatens children’s health in many countries, including Vietnam, despite vaccine coverage. From 2015 to 2018, Vietnam experienced an increasing number of pertussis cases. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the trend and examine the seasonal variations in North Vietnam.
Methods: Data were collected from medical records of all under-5-year-old inpatients admitted to the National Children’s Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam (VNCH) 2015–2018. A descriptive analysis was performed to describe the distribution of incident cases by year and season. Linear multivariable regression was conducted to investigate the association between the incidence of cases and seasonality adjusted by age and vaccination status.
Results: We identified 1063 laboratory-confirmed cases during 2015-2018, including 247 (23.2%) severe cases. The number of pertussis cases admitted to VNCH per 1000 hospitalizations was 3.2 in 2015, compared to 1.9, 3.1, and 2.1 in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. Outbreaks occurred biennially; however, there was no significant difference in the number of severe cases over this period. Most cases occurred in the hot season (509 cases, or nearly half of the study population). With the adjustment of the vaccination rate and average age, the risk of pertussis-associated hospitalization in the mild season and the hot season was 21% (95% CI [0.12; 0.3]) and 15% (95% CI [0.05; 0.25]) higher than that in the warm season, respectively. The rate of hospitalizations was high in the mild season (28.9%) and the warm season (30.8%), nearly twice as much as that in the hot season; nevertheless, the death rate was only striking high in the mild season, about 5-6 times as much as those in the other seasons.
Conclusion: The pertussis incidence in Northern Vietnam varied between seasons, peaking in the hot season (April-July). However, severe cases and deaths increased in the mild season (December-March). Interventions, for example, communication activities on pertussis and vaccination, are of immense importance in lowering the prevalence of pertussis. In addition, early diagnoses and early warnings performed by health professionals should be encouraged.
Analysis of Perception of Gender Bias among Teaching Hospital Residents by Gender and Specialty: Insight from Medical Education in South Korea
Authors: Kim Eun Key , Lee Jonghwan , Yun Jiyoung
Published: August 2023

Background:
Despite increasing numbers of female medical students, there is still a significant under-representation of women in most surgical specialties. Female doctors often face sexism in various aspects of their professional lives, including selection processes, communication, leadership opportunities and promotion. This study aims to examine the extent of the perceptions of gender bias among medical residents in different specialties, and to identify the components that influence the perception of gender bias.
Methods:
This study surveyed 112 residents in two teaching hospitals in South Korea to assess their perceptions of gender bias within their respective specialties. Responses were collected using a questionnaire designed specifically for this study. Results were analyzed based on several components, including career choices and pathways, professional dynamics, roles and interactions, and work-life disparities.
Results:
The study revealed a significant difference in perceptions of gender bias between male and female residents. In particular, male residents showed significantly higher scores in career choices and pathways, roles and interactions, disparities in work and life compared to their female counterpart. Medical and surgical residents showed a greater discrepancy in the perceptions of gender bias compared to clinical support residents.
Conclusions:
Several components contribute to the perceptions of gender bias between male and female residents and between different specialties. It is crucial to develop targeted strategies for each identified component and specialty. Efforts should be made to integrate gender education throughout the medical education continuum, from undergraduate to professional levels. By addressing these components and implementing comprehensive educational initiatives, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive environment for future physicians.