bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of female sex hormones on the human cornea across a woman’s life cycle
Authors: Kelly Donel S. , Sabharwal Sabhyta , Ramsey David J. , Morkin Melina I.
Published: August 2023

The cornea is a hormone-responsive tissue that responds to changing levels of female sex hormones. This review focuses on the structural and functional changes in the human cornea associated with the hormonal milestones of menarche, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as consequences stemming from the use of exogenous sex hormones for fertility control and replacement. Articles were identified by searching PubMed without language or region restrictions. The primary outcomes evaluated were changes in central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and quality of the ocular tear film. The potential impact of hormone-associated changes on the diagnosis and surgical management of common eye diseases, as well as the potential use of sex hormones as therapeutic agents is also considered. Understanding the physiological effects of female sex hormones on the cornea is important because that knowledge can shape the management decisions physicians and women face about ocular health across their life stages.
Retrospective analysis of factors associated with outcome in veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Orthmann Thomas , Ltaief Zied , Bonnemain Jean , Kirsch Matthias , Piquilloud Lise , Liaudet Lucas
Published: August 2023

Background

The outcome of Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in acute respiratory failure may be influenced by patient-related factors, center expertise and modalities of mechanical ventilation (MV) during ECMO. We determined, in a medium-size ECMO center in Switzerland, possible factors associated with mortality during VV-ECMO for acute respiratory failure of various etiologies.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients treated with VV-ECMO in our University Hospital from 2012 to 2019 (pre-COVID era). Demographic variables, severity scores, MV duration before ECMO, pre and on-ECMO arterial blood gases and respiratory variables were collected. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. Data were compared between survivors and non-survivors, and factors associated with mortality were assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Fifty-one patients (33 ARDS, 18 non-ARDS) were included. ICU survival was 49% (ARDS, 39%; non-ARDS 67%). In univariate analyses, a higher driving pressure (DP) at 24h and 48h on ECMO (whole population), longer MV duration before ECMO and higher DP at 24h on ECMO (ARDS patients), were associated with mortality. In multivariate analyses, ECMO indication, higher DP at 24h on ECMO and, in ARDS, longer MV duration before ECMO, were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusions

DP on ECMO and longer MV duration before ECMO (in ARDS) are major, and potentially modifiable, factors influencing outcome during VV-ECMO.
Dentists’ knowledge and preference regarding gingival displacement methods
Authors: Alraheam Islam Abd , Hattar Susan , Al-Asmar Aya , Alhadidi Abeer , Hamour Saif Abu , Aldroubi Amira , Sawair Faleh A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

An accurate impression is an essential procedure for fabricating indirect fixed restorations. To achieve a precise final impression, the management of gingival tissue is without doubt a crucial.

Aim

To evaluate the use of different gingival displacement techniques among dental clinicians and to assess their associated knowledge and technique preferences.

Methods

A self-designed survey was created electronically and sent to a list of dentists. The survey was composed of multiple sections. Participants who stated that they do not use GD methods were asked to answer the survey questions based on their knowledge. Descriptive statistics were generated, andChi-square test was used to examine the association between the different variables.

Results

A total of 188 dentists participated in this study. The majority 144 (76.6%) use GD in their practice. When asked which technique yields a more accurate impression with lower incidence of repeating the impression, 93 (64.6%) reported retraction cord technique with a hemostatic agent results in a higher impression accuracy, while only 14 (9.7%) declared the retraction paste technique as being more accurate.

Conclusion

The cordless GD technique is believed to be easier, faster, and less traumatic to the gingival tissues, nevertheless, the outcome of dental impressions is believed to be more predictable with the use of conventional retraction cords and hemostatic medicaments.
Evaluation of the implementation of hospital hygiene components in 30 health-care facilities in the autonomous district of Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) with the WHO Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF)
Authors: Cissé Doumbia Mariamou , Laure Essis Esme Marie , Blaise Koné Atioumounan , Jean Paul N’gbesso N’gbesso , Gbonon Mbengue Valérie , Mayaka Cissé Raïssa Adja , Eugénie Gagne Doh , Simplice Dagnan N’cho , Philippe Kouadio Luc , Mamadou Samba
Published: August 2023

Introduction

As part of the implementation of its mission “to integrate hygiene activities into healthcare”, the general directorate of health conducted in 2018 with its technical structures, an evaluation of the implementation of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) using the WHO IPCAF tool in 30 health-care facilities in the autonomous district of Abidjan.

Materials and methods

This were a cross-sectional survey with a conceptualized component considering the issue of injection safety and sanitary waste management, which was conducted in the named health-care facilities from March 20 to 28, 2018. The scores of the essential components of the IPC made it possible to assess the IPC level of each health-care facility evaluated and the overall IPCAF score of all facilities.

Results

The overall median IPCAF score of the health-care facilities was 242.5/800 and corresponded to an inadequate level overall. No facility reached the “advanced” level of performance, 5 facilities (17%) reached the “intermediate” level, 10 (33%) fell into the “basic” level, and 15 (50%) were at the “inadequate” level. Baseline institutions had much higher scores than first contact institutions.

Conclusion

IPC component activities were inadequate and fragmented in the under-resourced health facilities at the time of the assessment. It would be appropriate to provide adequate resources and develop expertise in IPC through strong political will and leadership. This will contribute to the achievement of universal health insurance objectives with safe health services for patients.
The use of the CNIC-Polypill in real-life clinical practice: opportunities and challenges in patients at very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – expert panel meeting report
Authors: Grigorian-Shamagian Lilian , Coca Antonio , Morais Joao , Perez-Martinez Pablo ,   the Multinational Discussion Group, Barragan Adriana , Barrientos Ana Isabel , e Silva Alexandre Amaral , Sugraliyev Akhmetzhan , Parkhomenko Alexander , Liprandi Álvaro Sosa , Parapid Biljana , Olivares Carlos , Negretti Carlos Ignacio Ponte , Quesada Daniel , Kosevic Dragana , Gastelum Edith Ruiz , López Emilio Samael Peralta , Araujo Francisco , Padilla Padilla Francisco Gerardo , Krzesinski François , Alhaddad Imad , Fernandez Jose Alejandro Chavez , Gonzalez-Juanatey Jose R. , Arnaout M. Samir , Castellanos Mar , Mendez Maxima , Acevedo Monica , Koval Olena , Jorge Pablo , Zelveian Parounak , Kreutz Reinhold , Tseluyko Vira
Published: August 2023

Although the cardiovascular (CV) polypill concept is not new and several guidelines state that a CV polypill should be considered an integral part of a comprehensive CV disease (CVD) prevention strategy, there are still some barriers to its implementation in the real-world setting, mainly in secondary CV prevention. As the CNIC-polypill is the only one approved for secondary CV prevention in patients with atherosclerotic CVD in 27 countries worldwide, a panel of four discussants and 30 participants from 18 countries conveyed in a virtual meeting on April 21, 2022, to discuss key clinical questions regarding the practical use of the CNIC-Polypill and barriers to its implementation.

Data presented showed that, although the use of the CV polypill is not explicitly mentioned in the current 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on CVD prevention, it may be used in any patient for secondary CVD prevention tolerating all their components to improve outcomes through different aspects. The favourable results of the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly (SECURE) trial now reinforce this recommendation. The panellists presented algorithms on how to switch from any baseline regimen when starting treatment with the CNIC-polypill in different situations, including patients with hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and a previous CV event; at discharge after a cardiovascular event; in chronic ischemic conditions; and in cases of polypharmacy. The panellists and expert discussants did agree that available studies conducted so far with the CNIC-polypill demonstrate that it is as efficacious as the monocomponents, equipotent drugs, or other therapies; reduces the risk of experiencing recurrent major CV events; improves medication adherence; reduces health care costs and resources compared to patients treated with loose drugs; and the patients prefer it over the multipill strategy.

In conclusion, the data presented by the participants provided the evidence behind the use of the CNIC-polypill to help fulfil the goal of encouraging its adoption by physicians.
A novel quinoline derivative, DFIQ, sensitizes NSCLC cells to ferroptosis by promoting oxidative stress accompanied by autophagic dysfunction and mitochondrial damage
Authors: Bow Yung-Ding , Ko Ching-Chung , Chang Wen-Tsan , Chou Sih-Yan , Hung Chun-Tzu , Huang Jau-Ling , Tseng Chih-Hua , Chen Yeh-Long , Li Ruei-Nian , Chiu Chien-Chih
Published: August 2023

Background

The development of nonapoptotic programmed cell death inducers as anticancer agents has emerged as a cancer therapy field. Ferroptosis, ferrous ion-driven programmed cell death that is induced by redox imbalance and dysfunctional reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance, is triggered during sorafenib and PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. DFIQ, a quinoline derivative, promotes apoptosis by disrupting autophagic flux and promoting ROS accumulation. Our pilot experiments suggest that DFIQ participates in ferroptosis sensitization. Thus, in this study, we aimed to reveal the mechanisms of DFIQ in ferroptosis sensitization and evaluate the clinical potential of DFIQ.

Methods

We treated the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines H1299, A549, and H460 with the ferroptosis inducer (FI) DFIQ and analyzed viability, protein expression, ROS generation, and fluorescence staining at different time points. Colocalization analysis was performed with ImageJ.

Results

DFIQ sensitized cells to FIs such as erastin and RSL3, resulting in a decrease in IC50 of at least 0.5-fold. Measurement of ROS accumulation to explore the underlying mechanism indicated that DFIQ and FIs treatment promoted ROS accumulation and SOD1/SOD2 switching. Mitochondria, known ROS sources, produced high ROS levels during DFIQ/FI treatment. RSL3 treatment promoted mitochondrial damage and mitophagy, an autophagy-associated mitochondrial recycling system, and cotreatment with DFIQ induced accumulation of mitochondrial proteins, which indicated disruption of mitophagic flux. Thus, autophagic flux was measured in cells cotreated with DFIQ. DFIQ treatment was found to disrupt autophagic flux, leading to accumulation of damaged mitochondria and eventually inducing ferroptosis. Furthermore, the influence of DFIQ on the effects of clinical FIs, such as sorafenib, was evaluated, and DFIQ was discovered to sensitize NSCLC cells to sorafenib and promote ferroptosis.

Conclusions

This study indicates that DFIQ not only promotes NSCLC apoptosis but also sensitizes cells to ferroptosis by disrupting autophagic flux, leading to accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and thus to ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a novel therapeutic target in cancer therapy. DFIQ shows the potential to enhance the effects of FIs in NSCLC and act as a potential therapeutic adjuvant in ferroptosis-mediated therapy.
Comparison of microbial detection rates in microbial culture methods versus next-generation sequencing in patients with prosthetic joint infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kato Hideo , Hagihara Mao , Asai Nobuhiro , Umemura Takumi , Hirai Jun , Yamagishi Yuka , Iwamoto Takuya , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: August 2023

Background

Accurate diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) enables early and effective treatment. However, there is currently no gold standard test for microbial detection of PJI and traditional synovial fluid culture is relatively insensitive. Recently, it has been reported that sonicating fluid culture and next-generation sequencing (NGS) improve microbial detection rates. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare microbial detection rates in microbial culture methods with and without sonication versus NGS.

Methods

We systematically searched EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Ichushi databases and other sources (previous reviews) until August 2022. We evaluated the detection rates of pathogens in NGS and microbial cultures using samples of synovial or sonicated fluid.

Results

Of the 170 citations identified for screening, nine studies were included. Pooled analysis indicated that NGS had the highest detection rate among the microbial detection methods (NGS vs. sonicated, odds ratios [OR] 5.09, 95% confidential interval [CI] 1.67–15.50; NGS vs. synovial, OR 4.52, 95% CI 2.86–7.16). Sonicated fluid culture showed a higher detection rate than synovial fluid culture (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.23–3.62).

Conclusion

NGS might be useful as a screening tool for culture-negative patients. In clinical settings, sonicated fluid culture is a practical method for diagnosing PJI.
Qualitative analysis of a prey–predator model with prey refuge and intraspecific competition among predators
Authors: Surendar Maruthai Selvaraj , Sambath Muniagounder , Balachandran Krishnan , Ma Yong-Ki
Published: August 2023

In this study, we consider a prey–predator model with prey refuge and intraspecific competition between predators using the Crowley–Martin functional response and investigate the dynamic characteristics of spatial and nonspatial prey–predator systems via both analytical and numerical methods. The local stability of nontrivial interior equilibrium, the existence of a Hopf bifurcation, and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions are obtained in the absence of diffusion. For the spatial system, the Turing and non-Turing patterns are evaluated for some set of parametric belief functions, and we obtain some interesting results in terms of prey and predator inhabitants. We present the results of numerical simulations that demonstrate that both prey and predator populations do not converge to a stationary equilibrium state at any foreseeable future time when the parametric values are processed in the Turing domain.
Translating and validating the hoarding rating scale-self report into Arabic
Authors: Hussain Nour Mohammad , AlMansouri Dalal Hasan , AlGhareeb Muneera , Almutawa Yaser Mansoor , Bucheeri Omaima Khaled , Helmy Mai , Trabelsi Khaled , Saif Zahra , Jahrami Haitham
Published: August 2023

Background

Hoarding disorder is characterized by a persistent inability to part with possessions due to a perceived need to keep them, regardless of their actual value. Arabic-speaking populations currently lack a validated tool specifically designed to assess hoarding symptoms.

Objective

This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Hoarding Rating Scale-Self Report (HRS-SR) into the Arabic-language.

Methods

The study employed the gold standard approach to translation, involving forward translation by independent translators and back translation review. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey completed by 500 participants from four Arabic-speaking countries. Psychometric analyses included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity against generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

With a McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha of approximately 0.80, the Arabic translation of the HRS-SR showed acceptable test-retest reliability as well as good internal consistency. The survey also showed strong convergent validity with the 7-item survey for GAD-7. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure, confirming that each item measured the same construct.

Conclusion

The HRS-SR is a trustworthy and valid tool for evaluating hoarding symptoms in Arabic-speaking people. This survey could be helpful for both clinical and academic research. Future research should examine cultural variations in hoarding behavior in Arabic-speaking populations and validate the questionnaire in clinical populations.
Hypertension and cystatin C account for sex differences in serum homocysteine levels in acute coronary syndrome subjects with normal serum creatinine
Authors: Shang Kun , Ning Xiang , Kuang Jiangying , Xue Aiying , Yan Xiao , Chen Huiqiang
Published: August 2023

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia is one of cardiovascular disease risk factors and fasting homocysteine levels are significantly elevated in male compared to female acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with normal renal function. However, it is not known the sex related determinants of plasma homocysteine levels in ACS subjects without renal dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 165 ACS participants with normal plasma creatinine who underwent coronary angiography were included in the present study. Clinical parameters, homocysteine, fasting glucose and lipid profile, hemoglobin, white blood cell, platelets, creatinine, cystatin C, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid (UA), and albumin were measured. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to recognize the predictive factors for homocysteine.

Results

The levels of plasma homocysteine were significantly higher in men than in women (P < 0.0001). In males, homocysteine (log10) was positively associated with hypertension (r = 0.569, P < 0.001), creatinine (r = 0.367, P < 0.001) and cystatin C (log10) (r = 0.333, P = 0.001). In females, homocysteine (log10) was positively correlated with age (r = 0.307, P = 0.107), hypertension (r = 0.456, P < 0.001), creatinine (r = 0.341, P = 0.008), cystatin C (log10) (r = 0.429, P = 0.001) and UA (r = 0.569, P < 0.001) whereas was negatively associated with LDL-C (r =  − 0.298, P = 0.021) and ApoB (r =  − 0.273, P = 0.033). Parameters up to statistical significance in males or females were incorporated into the stepwise linear regression models. In men, hypertension (P < 0.001) and creatinine (P = 0.031) were independently related to homocysteine. Most of the variability of homocysteine levels in males were only determined by hypertension. In women, cystatin C (log10) (P = 0.004) and hypertension (P = 0.005) were independently related to homocysteine (log10). Plasma cystatin C had a higher explanatory value than hypertension in females.

Conclusions

Hypertension and cystatin C could explain most of the sex differences in serum homocysteine levels in ACS subjects with normal serum creatinine. This finding suggested the importance of making different strategies in males and females to manage hyperhomocysteinemia effectively in ACS subjects without renal dysfunction.
Chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer: phase III randomized Intergroup study 0099.
Authors: Al-Sarraf M , LeBlanc M , Giri P G , Fu K K , Cooper J , Vuong T , Forastiere A A , Adams G , Sakr W A , Schuller D E , Ensley J F
Published: August 2023

PURPOSE

The Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) coordinated an Intergroup study with the participation of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). This randomized phase III trial compared chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone in patients with nasopharyngeal cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radiotherapy was administered in both arms: 1.8- to 2.0-Gy/d fractions Monday to Friday for 35 to 39 fractions for a total dose of 70 Gy. The investigational arm received chemotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 22, and 43 during radiotherapy; postradiotherapy, chemotherapy with cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1 and fluorouracil 1,000 mg/m2/d on days 1 to 4 was administered every 4 weeks for three courses. Patients were stratified by tumor stage, nodal stage, performance status, and histology.

RESULTS

Of 193 patients registered, 147 (69 radiotherapy and 78 chemoradiotherapy) were eligible for primary analysis for survival and toxicity. The median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 15 months for eligible patients on the radiotherapy arm and was not reached for the chemo-radiotherapy group. The 3-year PFS rate was 24% versus 69%, respectively (P < .001). The median survival time was 34 months for the radiotherapy group and not reached for the chemo-radiotherapy group, and the 3-year survival rate was 47% versus 78%, respectively (P = .005). One hundred eighty-five patients were included in a secondary analysis for survival. The 3-year survival rate for patients randomized to radiotherapy was 46%, and for the chemoradiotherapy group was 76% (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that chemoradiotherapy is superior to radiotherapy alone for patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancers with respect to PFS and overall survival.
Approach to the Patient: Youth-Onset Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hitt Talia A , Hannon Tamara S , Magge Sheela N
Published: August 2023

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic with a rising incidence worldwide. Although the pathogenesis and diagnosis of youth-onset type 2 diabetes are similar to adult-onset type 2 diabetes, youth-onset type 2 diabetes is unique, with greater insulin resistance, insulin hypersecretion, and faster progression of pancreatic beta cell function decline. Individuals with youth-onset type 2 diabetes also develop complications at higher rates within short periods of time compared to adults with type 2 diabetes or youth with type 1 diabetes. The highest prevalence and incidence of youth-onset type 2 diabetes in the United States is among youth from minoritized racial and ethnic groups. Risk factors include obesity, family history of type 2 diabetes, comorbid conditions and use of medications associated with insulin resistance and rapid weight gain, socioeconomic and environmental stressors, and birth history of small-for-gestational-age or pregnancy associated with gestational or pregestational diabetes. Patients with youth-onset type 2 diabetes should be treated using a multidisciplinary model with frequent clinic visits and emphasis on addressing of social and psychological barriers to care and glycemic control, as well as close monitoring for comorbidities and complications. Intensive health behavior therapy is an important component of treatment, in addition to medical management, both of which should be initiated at the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are limited but growing pharmacologic treatment options, including metformin, insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Although long-term outcomes are not fully known, metabolic/bariatric surgery in youth with type 2 diabetes has led to improved cardiometabolic outcomes.
Effect of Physical Exercise-Based Rehabilitation on Long COVID: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Chen , Chen Xiang-Ke , Sit Cindy Hui-Ping , Liang Xiao , Ming-Hui LI , Ma Alvin Chun-Hang , Wong Stephen Heung-Sang
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The number of persons living with post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) conditions or long COVID continues to rise worldwide; however, the etiology and treatment of long COVID remain nebulous. Therefore, efficient, feasible, and cost-effective therapeutic strategies for a large population with long COVID remain warranted. Physical exercise-based rehabilitation is a promising strategy for long COVID, although its therapeutic effects remain to be determined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of physical exercise-based rehabilitation on long COVID.

Methods

The electronic databases Medline, Embase, Global Health (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, WHO Global Research Database on COVID-19, LitCovid, and Google Scholar were searched from their inception to November 2022. The identified articles were independently screened by three reviewers, and a random-effects model was utilized to determine the mean differences in the meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty-three studies involving 1,579 individuals who had COVID-19 (752 women) were included. Physical exercise-based rehabilitation showed beneficial effects on long COVID-related symptoms characterized by dyspnea, fatigue, and depression, as well as on the 6-minute walk test, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity, and quality of life in people who had COVID-19.

Conclusions

Physical exercise-based rehabilitation is a potential therapeutic strategy against long COVID and can be applied as a routine clinical practice in people who have recovered from COVID-19. However, customized physical exercise-based rehabilitation programs and their effects on specific types of long COVID require future large-scale studies.
Excessos e parcimônia: uma análise comparativa entre Rabelais e Joyce
Authors: Savino Dener Nascimento
Published: August 2023

Este artigo propõe fazer um estudo comparado da obra de dois autores, sendo eles o francês François Rabelais (1494-1553) e o irlandês James Joyce (1882-1941). Partindo de um delineamento de parte de um livro selecionado de cada autor, A Vida Muito Horrífica do Grande Gargantua, Pai de Pantagruel de Rabelais acerca da genealogia do gigante Gargântua e do capítulo VIII (Os lestrígones) de Ulisses que faz uma paródia sobre os lestrígones da Odisseia de Homero. Analisando esses recortes pretende-se estudar os excessos relacionados ao ventre e à comida na obra rabelaisiana e a parcimônia na obra joyceana, traçando um distanciamento e paralelo entre as duas obras, bem como as implicações do método paródico e satírico empregado por ambos os autores, derivados de fontes eruditas e populares.
O atravessamento de linguagens nas obras de Eliane Brum
Authors: Lutz Dora
Published: August 2023

Neste artigo, analisaremos o trabalho de Eliane Brum a partir de suas três principais vertentes - literatura, cinema e jornalismo -, estabelecendo comparações e relações entre as áreas e utilizando exemplos de seus livros, filmes e reportagens para fundamentar o entendimento de seu processo e resultados artísticos. Além disso, perceberemos como a autora utilizou os diferentes tipos de linguagem para apresentar as histórias e para construir as palavras-imagens.
Do conto ao curta: uma análise intermidial de “Natal na Barca”, de Lygia Fagundes Telles, para “A Barca” (2019), de Nilton Resende
Authors: Machado Garcia Jaimeson , Lehmen Heinen Alana , Bandeira Santana Andressa
Published: August 2023

A partir da perspectiva dos Estudos de Intermidialidade (ELLESTRÖM, 2021), o presente artigo tem por objetivo cotejar as aproximações e distanciamentos entre o conto Natal na Barca (2018), de autoria de Lygia Fagundes Telles, e o curta-metragem A Barca (2019), de roteiro e direção de Nilton Resende. Para isso, apresentamos em um primeiro momento os principais simbolismos que envolvem o conto para, posteriormente, expormos os elementos cinematográficos necessários para a comparação com o curta-metragem. Após a análise, podemos averiguar que, enquanto no conto o narrador é a protagonista, no curta o narrador passa a ser a câmera. Com isso, há uma permanência não-racionalizada dos acontecimentos da história na construção de uma realidade construída e representada por meio da sincronia entre as imagens em movimento e dos sons em um contexto ribeirinho.
Juliana em O Primo Basílio: o erótico como jogo de cifras e deslocamentos
Authors: Ferreira Vera Lucia Pian
Published: August 2023

RESUMO:  O presente ensaio enseja lançar luz sobre a complexa personagem Juliana do livro O Primo Basílio de Eça de Queiroz sob a perspectiva dos deslocamentos do seu erotismo e de como o desejo, diante da hipócrita moralidade do século XIX, encontra brechas inusitadas para a sua satisfação. A vilania de Juliana tem motivações mais profundas em seus recalques e suas ações revelam, a partir da genialidade da escrita de Eça, a busca do prazer sexual travestido de ressentimento e maldade. Juliana tem um corpo invisível que goza no prazer invertido que encontra no corpo da sua rival.
A experiência literária como um campo expandido: entrevista com Maria Cristina Cardoso Ribas
Authors: Ribas Maria Cristina Cardoso , Azevedo Marcela A. , Oliveira Carla , Leão Débora
Published: August 2023

Entrevista com a Professora Doutora Maria Cristina Cardo Ribas acerca dos caminhos de sua carreira, sobre o seu trabalho impecável em divulgar os estudos das Intermidialidades no Brasil, bem como seus campos diletos de estudo – as autorias de Machado de Assis, as transposições midiáticas e adaptações literárias para filmes e cinema, o cenário brasileiro da pesquisa intermedial, a corporeidade e o estado da Literatura na vida cotidiana do século 21.
Management of cardiovascular disease risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Murphy Louise
Published: August 2023

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis along with a risk of developing cardiovascular disease are complex cases for nurses to manage. Louise Murphy details the challenges associated

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic destructive autoimmune disease, characterised by symmetric synovitis. The aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis is complex and largely unknown. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) are frequently observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis due to a combination of disease and genetic factors. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in people with rheumatoid arthritis ( Aletaha and Smolen 2018 ) with a 45-60% increased mortality rate due to cardiovascular related events compared to the general population. General practice nurses are in a unique position to be able to provide guidance, advice and support to patients with rheumatoid arthritis who need to make lifestyle changes to reduce CVD risk. General practice nurses can also screen for traditional CVD risk factors and undertake cardiovascular disease risk assessment safely and effectively to identify those patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.
Effect of surface matching mismatch of focal knee articular prosthetic on tibiofemoral contact stress using finite element analysis
Authors: Lee Jin-Ah , Koh Yong-Gon , Kim Paul S. , Park Joon-Hee , Kang Kyoung-Tak
Published: August 2023

Aims

Focal knee arthroplasty is an attractive alternative to knee arthroplasty for young patients because it allows preservation of a large amount of bone for potential revisions. However, the mechanical behaviour of cartilage has not yet been investigated because it is challenging to evaluate in vivo contact areas, pressure, and deformations from metal implants. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the contact pressure in the tibiofemoral joint with a focal knee arthroplasty using a finite element model.

Methods

The mechanical behaviour of the cartilage surrounding a metal implant was evaluated using finite element analysis. We modelled focal knee arthroplasty with placement flush, 0.5 mm deep, or protruding 0.5 mm with regard to the level of the surrounding cartilage. We compared contact stress and pressure for bone, implant, and cartilage under static loading conditions.

Results

Contact stress on medial and lateral femoral and tibial cartilages increased and decreased, respectively, the most and the least in the protruding model compared to the intact model. The deep model exhibited the closest tibiofemoral contact stress to the intact model. In addition, the deep model demonstrated load sharing between the bone and the implant, while the protruding and flush model showed stress shielding. The data revealed that resurfacing with a focal knee arthroplasty does not cause increased contact pressure with deep implantation. However, protruding implantation leads to increased contact pressure, decreased bone stress, and biomechanical disadvantage in an in vivo application.

Conclusion

These results show that it is preferable to leave an edge slightly deep rather than flush and protruding.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(8):497–503.
Post-operative outcomes in Indigenous patients in North America and Oceania: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Livergant Rachel J. , Stefanyk Kelsey , Binda Catherine , Fraulin Georgia , Maleki Sasha , Sibbeston Sarah , Joharifard Shahrzad , Hillier Tracey , Joos Emilie
Published: August 2023

Indigenous Peoples across North America and Oceania experience worse health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous people, including increased post-operative mortality. Several gaps in data exist regarding global differences in surgical morbidity and mortality for Indigenous populations based on geographic locations and across surgical specialties. The aim of this study is to evaluate disparities in post-operative outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Eight electronic databases were searched with no language restriction. Studies reporting on Indigenous populations outside of Canada, the USA, New Zealand, or Australia, or on interventional procedures were excluded. Primary outcomes were post-operative morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included reoperations, readmission rates, and length of hospital stay. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. Eighty-four unique observational studies were included in this review. Of these, 67 studies were included in the meta-analysis (Oceania n = 31, North America n = 36). Extensive heterogeneity existed among studies and 50% were of poor quality. Indigenous patients had 1.26 times odds of post-operative morbidity (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10–1.44, p<0.01) and 1.34 times odds of post-operative infection (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.12–1.59, p<0.01) than non-Indigenous patients. Indigenous patients also had 1.33 times odds of reoperation (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.02–1.74, p = 0.04). In conclusion, we found that Indigenous patients in North American and Oceania experience significantly poorer surgical outcomes than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Additionally, there is a low proportion of high-quality research focusing on assessing surgical equity for Indigenous patients in these regions, despite multiple international and national calls to action for reconciliation and decolonization to improve quality surgical care for Indigenous populations.
Diabetic control and compliance using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) testing guidelines in public healthcare facilities of Gauteng province, South Africa
Authors: Kone Ngalulawa , Cassim Naseem , Maposa Innocent , George Jaya Anna
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed at evaluating diabetic control and compliance with testing guidelines, across healthcare facilities of Gauteng Province, South Africa, as well as factors associated with time to achieve control. South Africa’s estimated total unmet need for care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is 80%.

Research design, methods and findings

The data of 511 781 patients were longitudinally evaluated. Results were reported by year, age category, race, sex, facility and test types. HbA1C of ≤7% was reported as normal, >7 - ≤9% as poor control and >9% as very poor control. The chi-squared test was used to assess the association between a first-ever HbA1C status and variables listed above. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess probability of attaining control among those who started with out-of-control HbA1C. The extended Cox regression model assessed the association between time to attaining HbA1C control from date of treatment initiation and several covariates. We reported hazard ratios, 95% confidence intervals and p-values. Data is reported for 511 781 patients with 705 597 laboratory results. Poorly controlled patients constituted 51.5%, with 29.6% classified as very poor control. Most poorly controlled patients had only one test over the entire study period. Amongst those who started with poor control status and had at least two follow-up measurements, the likelihood of achieving good control was higher in males (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) = 1.16; 95% CI:1.12–1.20; p<0.001) and in those attending care at hospitals (aHR = 1.99; 95% CI:1.92–2.06; p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights poor adherence to guidelines for diabetes monitoring.
The lure of siren’s song: Exploring the influence of destination song perception on potential tourists’ travel intentions
Authors: Wei Long , Shao Ting , Shi Xinwei , Ren Keqin , Qian Ying
Published: August 2023

Tourism destinations are the important research objects of tourism geography. And destination songs, as a media of tourism destination image, play a very important role in it. Based on the SOR model, this study constructs a theoretical relationship between destination song perception and tourism intention. A total of 317 valid questionnaires were collected from potential tourists through the Internet and SPSS v.26.0 and AMOS v.24.0 were used for data processing to verify these theories. The study found that destination song perception has a positive effect on travel intention, emotion induced, and destination image perception; Emotion induced has a positive effect on destination image perception and travel intention; Destination image perception has a positive effect on travel intention. Emotion induced and destination image play a mediating role individually and play a chain mediating role together in the effect of destination song perception on travel intention, and there is no significant difference between different mediating effects. This study attempts to explain the influence of destination songs on the travel intentions of potential tourists, and might be used for tourism destination marketing, especially in creation, promotion and management of destination songs.
Enhanced wave overtopping simulation at vertical breakwaters using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Habib M. A. , O’Sullivan J. J. , Abolfathi S. , Salauddin M.
Published: August 2023

Accurate prediction of wave overtopping at sea defences remains central to the protection of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructural assets in coastal zones. In addressing the increased risks of rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges, robust assessment and prediction methods for overtopping prediction are increasingly important. Methods for predicting overtopping have typically relied on empirical relations based on physical modelling and numerical simulation data. In recent years, with advances in computational efficiency, data-driven techniques including advanced Machine Learning (ML) methods have become more readily applicable. However, the methodological appropriateness and performance evaluation of ML techniques for predicting wave overtopping at vertical seawalls has not been extensively studied. This study examines the predictive performance of four ML techniques, namely Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT), Support Vector Machines—Regression (SVR), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for overtopping discharge at vertical seawalls. The ML models are developed using data from the EurOtop (2018) database. Hyperparameter tuning is performed to curtail algorithms to the intrinsic features of the dataset. Feature Transformation and advanced Feature Selection methods are adopted to reduce data redundancy and overfitting. Comprehensive statistical analysis shows superior performance of the RF method, followed in turn by the GBDT, SVR, and ANN models, respectively. In addition to this, Decision Tree (DT) based methods such as GBDT and RF are shown to be more computationally efficient than SVR and ANN, with GBDT performing simulations more rapidly that other methods. This study shows that ML approaches can be adopted as a reliable and computationally effective method for evaluating wave overtopping at vertical seawalls across a wide range of hydrodynamic and structural conditions.
Does globalization matter in the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth, evidence from Asian emerging economies
Authors: Zhang Jinjin , Li Zixuan , Ali Arshad , Wang Jinshu
Published: August 2023

The study aims to investigate the impact of social, economic and political globalization on the renewable energy-economic growth nexus in a panel of six Asian emerging economies over the period 1975–2020. The results of the CS-ARDL approach show that renewable energy consumption contributes significantly to long run economic growth. Economic and political globalization firmly hold back economic growth, while social globalization directly promotes economic growth. The nonlinear effects of political, social, and economic globalization on economic growth clearly demonstrate the validity of the inverted U-shaped relationship between political globalization, economic globalization, and economic growth, and the U-shaped relationship between social globalization and economic growth. The study also found that economic, social and political globalization moderated the impact of renewable energy on boosting economic growth. Based on the renewable energy consumption model, it is revealed that economic growth significantly promotes long run renewable energy consumption. Economic, social, and political globalization have significantly boosted long run renewable energy consumption. However, the nonlinear effect model reflects a U-shaped relationship between globalization indicators and renewable energy consumption. The interaction of political, economic, and social globalization with economic growth has also witnessed an increase in renewable energy consumption, which supports the scale effect hypothesis. The causality test concludes that there is a two-way causal relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth, thus supporting the feedback hypothesis. The policy implications for Asian emerging economies are discussed based on the empirical analysis of this study.
Mesophotic benthic communities associated with a submerged palaeoshoreline in Western Australia
Authors: Wakeford Mary , Puotinen Marji , Nicholas William , Colquhoun Jamie , Vaughan Brigit I. , Whalan Steve , Parnum Iain , Radford Ben , Case Mark , Galaiduk Ronen , Miller Karen J.
Published: August 2023

Key ecological features (KEFs) are elements of Australia’s Commonwealth marine environment considered to be important for biodiversity or ecosystem function, yet many KEFs are poorly researched, which can impede effective decision-making about future development and conservation. This study investigates a KEF positioned over the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) shoreline on the northwest shelf of Australia (known as the ‘Ancient Coastline at ~125m depth contour’; AC125). Seafloor bathymetry, sedimentology and benthic habitats were characterised within five study areas using multibeam sonar, sediment samples and towed video imagery. Direct evidence for the existence of a palaeoshoreline formed during the LGM was not found, however candidate areas to find palaeoshoreline material at or just below the modern seabed were discovered. Approximately 98% of the seabed surveyed was comprised of unconsolidated soft sediment habitat (mud/sand/silt) supporting negligible epibenthic biota. The prevalence of soft sediment suggests that post-glacial sediments have infilled parts of the palaeoshoreline, with cross-shelf, probably tidal currents in the northern section of the study area responsible for some of the sediment mobilisation and southern study areas more influenced by oceanic conditions. Within study areas, total biotic cover ranged from 0.02% to 1.07%. Of the biota encountered, most comprised filter feeder organisms (including gorgonians, sponges, and whip corals) whose distribution was associated with pockets of consolidated hard substrate. Benthic community composition varied with both study area and position in relation to the predicted AC125. In general, consolidated substrate was proportionally higher in water shallower than the AC125 compared to on the AC125 or deeper than the AC125. Spatially continuous maps of predicted benthic habitat classes (pre-determined benthic communities) in each study area were developed to characterise biodiversity. Spatial modelling corroborated depth and large-scale structural complexity of the seafloor as surrogates for predicting likely habitat class. This study provides an important assessment of the AC125 and shows that if a distinct coastline exists in the areas we surveyed, it is now largely buried and as such does not provide a unique hard substrate habitat. However, much work remains to fully locate and map the ancient coastline within the vast region of the AC125 and additional surveys in shallow waters adjacent to the AC125 may identify whether some sections lie outside the currently defined KEF.
Survival outcomes and quality of life after percutaneous cryoablation for liver metastasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khanmohammadi Shaghayegh , Behnoush Amir Hossein , Akhlaghpoor Shahram
Published: August 2023

Background

Liver metastasis is present in a wide range of malignancies, with colorectal cancer as the most common site. Several minimally invasive treatments have been suggested for managing hepatic metastases, and cryoablation is among them, yet not widely used. In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of percutaneous cryoablation in all types of liver metastases.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, to find relevant studies reporting outcomes for percutaneous cryoablation in liver metastasis patients. In addition to baseline features such as mean age, gender, metastasis origin, and procedure details, procedure outcomes, including overall survival, local recurrence, quality of life (QoL), and complications, were extracted from the studies. Random-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval for comparison of QoL.

Results

We screened 2131 articles. Fifteen studies on 692 patients were included. Mean overall survival ranged from 14.5–29 months. The rate of local recurrence in the included studies ranged from 9.4% to 78%, and local control progression-free survival ranged from 1 to 31 months. The total QoL decreased one week after the cryoablation procedure (-3.08 [95% Confidence interval: -4.65, -1.50], p-value <0.01) but increased one month (5.69 [3.99, 7.39], p-value <0.01) and three months (3.75 [2.25, 5.24], p-value <0.01) after the procedure.

Conclusion

Cryoablation is an effective procedure for the treatment of liver metastases, especially in cases that are poor candidates for liver resection. It could significantly improve QoL with favorable local recurrence.